University of North Carolina Athletics
Photo by: Seattle Reign FC
Pro Heels: NWSL Week 16 Roundup
July 22, 2024 | Women's Soccer
After a week away from the pitch, the 2024 National Women's Soccer League season resumed with all 14 teams competing in the inaugural NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup. The NWSL regular season will resume on August 23 as the league pauses for the international break.
The weekend full of matches was highlighted by Emmie Allen and Sam Meza making their professional debuts for Bay FC and Seattle Reign FC, respectively.
Bay FC
» Emmie Allen (2021-23)
» Dorian Bailey (2015-18)
» Savy King (2023)
Bay FC dropped a 3-1 decision to San Diego Wave in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup opener. Allen made her first professional start, starting in cage for what was also her professional debut, and played every minute.
Bailey, the only Bay FC player to play in every match this season, was part of the Starting XI and logged 70 minutes of playing time. King did not play as she was away with the United States U-20 National Team at a training camp in Athens, Georgia.
NJ/NY Gotham FC
» Maycee Bell (2019-23)
» Crystal Dunn (2010-13)
NJ/NY Gotham FC made its NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup debut with a win over Chicago Red Stars. After a 0-0 draw in regulation, Gotham defeated the Red Stars, 5-4, in penalty kicks. Bell started the match and saw 66 minutes of action.
Dunn is currently on international duty and will represent the United States in her third Olympic Games beginning this week in France.
Houston Dash
» Paige Nielsen (2012-15)
» Avery Patterson (2020-23)
Houston Dash fell to Kansas City Current, 3-1, to begin its NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup run. Patterson once again started the match and logged a full game. Nielsen entered the match in the 72nd minute.
North Carolina Courage
» Julia Dorsey (2019-23)
» Brianna Pinto (2018-20)
After a 1-1 draw in regulation, North Carolina Courage outlasted Orlando Pride, 5-4, in penalties during the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup opener. Pinto subbed in during the 69th minute and converted her penalty attempt, going fifth in the lineup.
Portland Thorns
» Meghan Klingenberg (2007-10)
Portland Thorns secured a dominant 5-0 win over Club Tijuana in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup opener. Klingenberg, who joined the Starting XI and logged a full match, had an incredible effort with two assists.
Her first assist came in the 18th minute when she sent the ball to Olivia Wade-Katoa in the middle, who had a point-blank shot. Klingenberg then assisted Marissa Sheva's 72nd-minute goal when she sent a short pass to her teammate.
Seattle Reign FC
» Claudia Dickey (2018-21)
» Sam Meza (2020-23)
Seattle Reign FC began the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup with a 2-1 victory over Utah Royals. Meza made her professional debut, subbing in during the 57th minute. Dickey was available as a sub but was not used.
Utah Royals
» Ally Sentnor (2021-23)
Utah Royals suffered a 2-1 loss to Seattle Reign FC in its NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup opener.
Sentnor did not play as she was away with the United States U-20 National Team at a training camp in Athens, Georgia. Sentnor, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, is in contention for NWSL Rookie of the Year.
Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
The weekend full of matches was highlighted by Emmie Allen and Sam Meza making their professional debuts for Bay FC and Seattle Reign FC, respectively.
Bay FC
» Emmie Allen (2021-23)
» Dorian Bailey (2015-18)
» Savy King (2023)
Bay FC dropped a 3-1 decision to San Diego Wave in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup opener. Allen made her first professional start, starting in cage for what was also her professional debut, and played every minute.
Bailey, the only Bay FC player to play in every match this season, was part of the Starting XI and logged 70 minutes of playing time. King did not play as she was away with the United States U-20 National Team at a training camp in Athens, Georgia.
NJ/NY Gotham FC
» Maycee Bell (2019-23)
» Crystal Dunn (2010-13)
NJ/NY Gotham FC made its NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup debut with a win over Chicago Red Stars. After a 0-0 draw in regulation, Gotham defeated the Red Stars, 5-4, in penalty kicks. Bell started the match and saw 66 minutes of action.
Dunn is currently on international duty and will represent the United States in her third Olympic Games beginning this week in France.
Houston Dash
» Paige Nielsen (2012-15)
» Avery Patterson (2020-23)
Houston Dash fell to Kansas City Current, 3-1, to begin its NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup run. Patterson once again started the match and logged a full game. Nielsen entered the match in the 72nd minute.
North Carolina Courage
» Julia Dorsey (2019-23)
» Brianna Pinto (2018-20)
After a 1-1 draw in regulation, North Carolina Courage outlasted Orlando Pride, 5-4, in penalties during the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup opener. Pinto subbed in during the 69th minute and converted her penalty attempt, going fifth in the lineup.
Portland Thorns
» Meghan Klingenberg (2007-10)
Portland Thorns secured a dominant 5-0 win over Club Tijuana in the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup opener. Klingenberg, who joined the Starting XI and logged a full match, had an incredible effort with two assists.
Her first assist came in the 18th minute when she sent the ball to Olivia Wade-Katoa in the middle, who had a point-blank shot. Klingenberg then assisted Marissa Sheva's 72nd-minute goal when she sent a short pass to her teammate.
Seattle Reign FC
» Claudia Dickey (2018-21)
» Sam Meza (2020-23)
Seattle Reign FC began the NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup with a 2-1 victory over Utah Royals. Meza made her professional debut, subbing in during the 57th minute. Dickey was available as a sub but was not used.
Utah Royals
» Ally Sentnor (2021-23)
Utah Royals suffered a 2-1 loss to Seattle Reign FC in its NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup opener.
Sentnor did not play as she was away with the United States U-20 National Team at a training camp in Athens, Georgia. Sentnor, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft, is in contention for NWSL Rookie of the Year.
Stay up to date with UNC women's soccer by following the Tar Heels on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook.
Players Mentioned
Goalkeeper
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Defender
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Defender
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Defender
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Midfielder
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Forward/Midfielder
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Midfielder/Forward
/ Women's SoccerTuesday, August 04
Thursday, July 30
Thursday, July 30
Tuesday, July 28