Woman's Football Weekend Round up

NWSL Challenge Cup 

The first professional team sport started this weekend as the NWSL Challenge Cup kicked off in Utah.  The opening match between North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns, begin with players taking a knee for 46 seconds prior to kick off.   

The game was played at a good tempo considering the heat and the long wait for players to play competitive games.   NC pressed from the off and Portland keeper Bella Bixby making a number of good saves.  The game was back and forth but lacking in clear cut chances.  

In the 75th minute NC opened the scoring with sub Haley Mace finding space on the right.  Her cross was meet by Dedinha who headed in.  The lead lasted just five minutes, a cross from deep on the Portland right side was met by Lindsey Horan.  Her header stuck the underside of the crossbar but was turned in on the line by Simone Charley.  

Late drama come as in the 94th minute as Samantha Mewis this time, found space on the right hand side and whipped in a cross that was meet by Lynn Williams to head in the winning goal.  

The second game of the day saw Washington Spirit run out 2-1 winners over Chicago Red Stars.  An 8th minute opener form Rose Lavelle and a Ashley Hatch goal just after the restart, gave Washington a two goal lead.  Morgan Brian pulled a goal back for the Red Stars but Washington held on for the win.  

Sweden

AIK Women lead the way in the Elitettan Women after a third win of the new campaign, beating Sandvikens by five goals.  Adelisa Grabus with two and goals from Jenny Danielsson, Sophia Redenstrand and Piyatida Somkumpee completing the rout.  

Moron also made it three wins from three with a 2-1 victory over Alvsjo.  Moron went behind in the 53rd minute from a Maria Poli goal. Forward Hayley Dowd got the equaliser and Christine Tjarnlund got the winner in the 83rd minute.   

Elsewhere there were wins for Hammarby, Jitex, Bollstanas and Alingsas.  AIK top the table on goal difference from Moron.  Jitex (3rd) Mallbacens (4th) IF Brommapojkarna (5th) and Hammarby (6th) all have six points.  Sunnana and Kvarnsvedens sit at the bottom both without a single point.

Denmark

Fortuna Hjorring hosted Brondby in a top of the table clash on Saturday.  The top two played out a 1-1 draw with Fortuna taking an early lead from a Caroline Moller penalty. Her 14th goal of the season.  Nanna Christiasen netted the equaliser on 41 minutes.   

KoldingQ beat Thisted by two goals to nil.  Laura Faurskov and Mathilde Gaarn Hansen with the goals.  VSK Aarhus stormed to a 4-1 half time lead at Farum BK.  Farum managed to pull back two goals in the second half but Aarhus held on for the win.

Fortuna top the championship group on 23 points from second placed Brondby on 21.  

Koge lead the relegation group on 15 points after their victory over second placed Aalborg.  The top two now have a five point lead over the chasing pack.