Fútnotes, Volume 3

There was a lot of movement this week with regards to players in Liga MX Femenil, with some familiar names heading abroad and coming into the league. Unfortunately there were a few injuries as well, and hopefully those players are able to come back better than ever once healed.

México

FMF President Yon de Luisa announced changes to the FMF in a press conference on Tuesday. Among the points around women’s soccer, Andrea Rodebaugh was ratified as the director of the Women’s National Team.

Rayadas officially announces the signing of Nigerian international Chinwendu Ihezuo. The transfer was seemingly inadvertently leaked by the Nigerian Football Federation last week when they announced their national team call ups, listing Ihezuo with Monterrey.

Rayadas also announced the release of Barbara Olivieri, who is rumored to be heading to the Houston Dash of the NWSL.

Uchenna Kanu left Tigres for Racing Louisville FC, “becoming (Liga MX Femenil’s) most significant transfer to the NWSL,” according to a press release from Tigres. Kanu was the first African player in Liga MX Femenil and thus had a lot of firsts, being the first African player to score a goal and win a title. She also helped pave the way for other African players, such as the aforementioned Chinwendu Ihezuo (Nigeria), as well as Juárez’ Julitha Singano (Tanzania) and Jermaine Seoposenwe (South Africa).

Tigres also brought in Riley Parker from Racing Louisville. According to the Tigres press release, Parker “scored 17 goals for the (University of Alabama) Crimson Tide last season and was a 2022 semifinalist for the Women’s MAC Hermann Trophy,” which is awarded to the best college soccer player in the United States.

I asked André Carlisle of Diaspora United about Parker, who he said "played mostly as a striker at Alabama." We spoke about Tigres' depth at striker and where Parker could fit, and Carlisle said "I don't see her as a wide player, but maybe they'll try. I could see her at attacking midfielder, but not over many of the players playing now. I wonder if the plan is to make her an 8, she has the physicality and tireless engine you'd expect from a striker who rocks the tucked-in shirt," which would make a lot of sense in the immediate term. Parker however could be viewed as a long-term project, able to learn from Tigres' forwards and midfielders.

Tigres signed Noxolo Cesane from Stade de Reims, where she was a teammate of México National Team goalkeeper Emily Alvarado. Cesane made seven appearances with Reims, and also has nine caps with South Africa.

Amanda Marroquín , Jasmín Reyes, and Kaitlin Fregulia all signed with Tijuana.

Sofía Martínez, formerly Pachuca, signed with Real Oviedo in Spain’s Reto Iberdrola (second division).

Rebeca Bernal suffered a Grade 2 sprain of her left knee against León, and is expected to miss 5-7 days.

Tigres goalkeeper Mariángela Medina is out with a fracture in her right ankle.

Noemí Granados signed with América. Granados was one of the players released by Toluca earlier in the season.

FC Juárez’ Paulina Solís presented with an injury to her right calf muscle against Chivas and is listed as being day-to-day.

Cruz Azul signed forward Cori Sullivan, who played in 2022 with the University of Washington.

León signed Briana Woodall and Sophie Braun. Woodall had been playing in Austria with SPG SCR Altach / FFC Vorderland while Braun played for Gonzaga University from 2018-23 and made an appearance for the Argentina National Team.

Rest of the World

The Athletic is reporting that Visit Saudi will be unveiled as a sponsor of the 2023 Women’s World Cup. This is incredibly disappointing given the Saudi government’s dismal human rights record, especially with regards to women and LGBTQIA+ individuals.

2023 Women’s World Cup hosts Australia and New Zealand said they were “disappointed” at the news, claiming FIFA didn’t consult the nations about the sponsorship.

The Athletic has also started a series following “six players as they work towards a place in the 2023 Women’s World Cup.” This article on Ifeoma Onumonu playing for Nigeria by Courtney Stith is excellent.

After missing most of 2022, Marta returns to the Brazilian National Team in time for the SheBelieves Cup.

The United States Soccer Federation has released a list of 12 recommendations that come as a result of the report by former US Attorney General Sally Q. Yates.

Former Aston Villa coach Jack Peel was “accused of sending inappropriate messages to players aged between 16 and 18” including soliciting naked photos.

Glasgow City signed 16 year old Sophia Martin to a professional contract. It’s believed that Martin is the youngest woman ever to be signed to a pro contract in Scotland.

Washington State Senator T’wina Nobles is having a hearing today (Monday, February 6) about the creation of an OL Reign license plate for drivers in Washington.

Due to overwhelming demand, the opening match of the 2023 Women’s World Cup between Australia and the Republic of Ireland is being moved to Stadium Australia, which seats 83,500 people when configured for soccer.

Don’t ever let them tell you no one pays attention to women’s soccer.

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