Scores, States & Glory

SheBelieves Cup

It has been an exciting start with standout performances right from the first whistle. On February 20th, Japan came out strong against Australia, dominating the match with a commanding 4-0 victory. They scored two in each half while the first goal was scored in the first 6 minutes. Their precision and attacking prowess were on full display. Setting the tone and not allowing Australia to have one shot on goal. With this win Japan is in 1st place in the table. Later that night the USA played against Colombia and came out on top with a 2-0. The first goal was by Macario her first goal for the US since her MVP run in the 2022 SheBelieves Cup. A quick recap of her, she is coming back from a torn ACL and this has sparked a confidence boost. It was quite a sight to see her back in US colors. The second goal was by new comer Ally Sentnor and what a banger of a goal for just her second cap. Colombia’s goalkeeper was unable to react to how the balls trajectory changed. This puts the USA in 2nd place due to goal differential. The next match ups will be February 23rd, Japan vs Colombia and USA vs Australia. This will be a test for sure for both Colombia and Australia since they are in the bottom of the board.

February 23rd was the second round of games: Japan vs Colombia and USA vs Australia. Japan came in with a fiery attack with scoring two goals in less than 10 minutes. Right before the half, Caicedo gives Colombia a fighting chance by scoring from a fabulous build up play. After the half, it took Japan 12 minutes to score the 3rd goal and finally put it away after given a penalty. With this win, Japan is on top of the table. For USA vs Australia, while it ended 2-1 there were multiple opportunities for both sides. Right off the bat, Biyendolo ( formerly known as Lynn Williams) scores in the 1st minute of play. After, it was scoreless until the second half. There were some scares from both sides, but after Cooper being subbed in scored to secure a good deficit. At the point Australia is hoping to score and was able to do so in the 80th minute. With 10 minutes left and 4 minutes of extra time Australia was unable to equalize. Next game, which is technically the final, is on February 26th. Colombia vs Australia, and USA vs Japan. Both games will determine the final spots on the table. While Japan is winning due to a goal difference, can USA come together to beat this high scoring team? For Colombia vs Australia, it is a fight to not be in last place.

Unrivaled Match ups

What a turnout this league has been. With a 1v1 tournament that had so much intensity and passion that these women have shown out. On February 21st, Rose beat the Lunar owls 72-63 and Vinyl beat Mist 72-65. On February 22nd Lunar Owls beat Laces 88-60 and Phantom beat Vinyl 79-72. With playoffs happening March 16th and finals the 17th the season has been a nail bitter. This leaves with 3 weeks left for the teams to show that they are the best. As of right now, in 1st place is the Lunar Owls, 2nd Laces and 3rd Rose. Lunar Owls have only lost one game that occurred on February 22nd. Laces have lost 4 and Rose also has 4 loses. It is no surprise because the top 3 players on the team is from Lunar Owls and Laces. In 1st, the 1v1 champion, Napheesa Collier (Lunar Owls), 2nd place Kayla McBride (Laces), and Betnijah Laney-Hamilton (Laces). The upcoming matches for this week is on Monday, Friday, and Saturday. February 24th match ups is Phantom vs Rose, Laces vs Mist. February 28th, Vinyl vs Laces, Mist vs Phantom. March 1st Lunar Owls vs Vinyl, Mist vs Rose. The teams that are in 4th-6th place will need to find the strength to win a couple games in order to give themselves a good spot in the playoffs. Previously stated, these women are one of the best in the WNBA. It has been amazing to watch, especially with this being the 1st season ever. The hope is to continue this season for many years to come.