FanSided

USWNT's World Cup winner just gave the Super League a timely boost

One World Cup winner is planning on playing in the rival pro league in the US.

By Daniel Becker

November 11, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; New Jersey/New York Gotham FC midfielder Allie Long (6) and midfielder Maitane Lopez (77) celebrate with the championship trophy after the NWSL Championship match against OL Reign at Snapdragon Stadium.
November 11, 2023; San Diego, California, USA; New Jersey/New York Gotham FC midfielder Allie Long (6) and midfielder Maitane Lopez (77) celebrate with the championship trophy after the NWSL Championship match against OL Reign at Snapdragon Stadium. / Kyle Terada-Imagn Images
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In 2019, she won a World Cup. She then spent several years in the NWSL. She is now returning but in a different pro league. Midfielder Allie Long has decided to sign with Fort Lauderdale FC for the remainder of this season.

She last played a full season in 2023 with Gotham FC. Now she looks to recapture her old ways and return on the field. She gave birth to twins in 2022 and then suffered a torn calf around the same time.

For Long, it could be a return to prominence. For the Super League, it is a huge get since the league was given first-division league status in 2024. It is still hoping to compete with the NWSL.

The NWSL gained popularity early on by featuring US National Team members on its roster. The likes of Tobin Heath and now Trinity Rodman have raised the profile of the NWSL.

Allie Long's signing can hope to raise the profile of the Super League now

While with the National Team, she earned over 50 caps and scored 8 goals during her international career. Being a part of the roster for the World Cup champion in 2019 raised her profile even more.

Fort Lauderdale may now have a piece to climb into a postseason berth in the Super League. They are currently in eighth place. There are only nine teams in the league.

If she can lead Fort Lauderdale to the playoffs or help them push into the mix, it could give the league even more momentum as they continue to find ways to promote themselves and their players.

Possibly, her returning to her National Team form may take some time. She has not played in a professional game since 2024. She was on an injury replacement contract during the NWSL x Liga MX Femenil Summer Cup, playing for the Kansas City Current.

I recall in 2021, I took my daughter to her first NWSL game. It was between Gotham FC and Racing Louisville. During the game, she was able to see a World Cup Champion and National Team player in Long playing for Gotham.

Now as Allie Long prepares to once again take the field many other little girls and fans of women’s soccer will be able to see a former champion perform.

It will be a valuable moment for both Long and the new league.

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