This off season, several NWSL players are on loan to various clubs across the globe. With the Brundesliga and W-League being covered separately, here is an update on the remaining players’ activity.
Scottish Women’s Premier League (Scotland)
Glasgow City FC 0 – 1 The Spartans FC
Glasgow City FC suffered their first league defeat in several years Sunday afternoon as they fell 1-0 to The Spartans FC. Despite the loss, FC Kansas City’s Morgan Marlborough made her debut and was a dominant presence throughout the match. Marlborough thoroughly pressured the opposition’s back line and not only had several opportunities herself, but created several chances for her teammates as well. Marlborough was very versatile in her play, both starting the attack and making herself a dangerous target for her teammates. An excellent performance from The Spartans FC goalkeeper was the difference maker in keeping Glasgow City off the score sheet. Despite the loss, Glasgow City FC still sit atop the standings by a considerable margin.
Danish Elitedivisionen (Denmark)
Fortuna Hjørring 8 – 0 Team Viborg
Houston’s Melissa Henderson and Chicago’s Taryn Hemmings both made their debuts for Fortuna Hjørring in an 8-0 thrashing of Team Viborg Saturday afternoon. Henderson scored two goals in the match and was able to use her speed down the wing to cause problems for Team Viborg’s defense. Hemmings also played a key role in the match, solidifying the back line to help preserve the shutout. The formation and playing style of Fortuna Hjørring allowed for Hemmings to move forward and play more aggressively than she previously has been able to so it will be interesting to see her have those opportunities moving forward.
Damallsvenskan (Sweden)
Kristianstad DFF 1 – 0 Linköping FC
Becky Edwards of the Houston Dash played a full 90 minutes in Kristianstad DFF’s win against Linköping FC. Though not involved in the scoring for this match, Kristianstad DFF’s midfield deserves much of the credit for shutting down the normally strong attacking power of Linköping FC and completely disrupting their possession oriented style of play. While league leaders FC Rosengård could clinch the championship during their next match, the win over Linköping FC theoretically allows for the possibility for Kristiansdad DFF to finish second.
Nadeshiko League (Japan)
While there were no league matches in Japan this week, NWSL players have featured in past matches. Sky Blue FC’s Brittany Cameron recorded a shutout in Vegalta Sendai’s match earlier in the month and Nahomi Kawasumi scored in a match earlier this month for INAC Kobe Leonessa where Beverley Goebel also plays. They were loaned to Seattle Reign FC this past NWSL season. Also of note, Sky Blue FC’s Nanase Kiryu plays for NTV Beleza and Houston’s Tiffany McCarthy will be joining Albirex Niigata.
Cypriot First Division (Cyprus)
Apollon Limassol FC
Though they have not yet suited up for the club, Mollie Pathman (Boston Breakers), Haley Kopmeyer (Seattle Reign FC), Lianne Sanderson (Boston Breakers), Yael Averbuch (Washington Spirit) and Danesha Adams (Portland Thorns, FC) will all be joining Apollon Limassol FC. Sanderson played for the club in the offseason last year too along with Joanna Lohman, Sinead Farrelly, Michelle Betos and Jasmyne Spencer. Not only will the club be playing in the Cypriot First Division, they will also be taking part in the UEFA Women’s Champions League.
Feature Photo courtesy of Jess Madsen – www.fodboldfoto.dk
