Also in today’s roundup, FC Barcelona signs Macedonia international Natasa Andonova, UEFA Women’s Champions League qualifying draw released, and North Carolina Courage announce mobile app
Jill Ellis and the USWNT regained the No. 1 position in FIFA World rankings despite finishing in fourth place in the SheBelieves Cup this past March. (MEG LINEHAN/Equalizer Soccer)
The USWNT returned to the top spot of the FIFA World rankings which was previously held by Germany. The newest release sees Germany and France in No. 2 and No. 3 respectively, followed by Canada in the fourth position, that was previously held by England. England is now slotted in at No. 5. Sweden dropped three positions to No. 9, which is their lowest ever ranking.
There was social conversation this morning after rankings were released in regards to the fact that the USWNT did regain the No. 1 ranking despite losing to France and England in the SheBelieves Cup this past March. Due to those results, it’s also interesting to note that England fell in the rankings, despite their result against the USWNT.
NEWS: The #USWNT are back at the summit of the FIFA World rankings, leapfrogging Germany into first place. Canada up to fourth. pic.twitter.com/bLQir1nn9U
— The Equalizer (@EqualizerSoccer) June 23, 2017
Natasa Andonova leaves PSG for FC Barcelona
Today, FC Barcelona announced the signing of Macedonia international Natasa Andonova. She is set to join to club on July 1 for the 2017-2018 season and she signed a contract that would keep her in Barcelona until 2019.
The 23-year old most recently spent time at Paris Saint-Germain earlier this year where she saw action in nine games. Before that, she spent two years with the Swedish club FC Rosengard from 2015-2017. Prior to Rosengard, the forward was playing for Turbine Potsdam in the German League from 2011-2015.
According to FC Barcelona’s official release, Andonova feels her move to FC Barcelona is a positive move forward in her professional career. “I am very happy to be joining FC Barcelona as they are a very good team,” she said. “I like everything about the club. I am very happy and it is a step forward in my career.”
[ÚLTIMA HORA] Natasa Andonova, procedente del @PSG_Feminines, refuerza al Barça Femenino https://t.co/I9LbUeETJa #FCBFemeni pic.twitter.com/wpoplSH7C4
— FCB Femení (@FCBfemeni) June 23, 2017
UEFA Champions League qualifying draw released
After winning last year’s UWCL title, Lyon receives a bye to the round of 32 for the 2017/2018 UWCL season.
The UWCL qualifying round draw took place earlier today in Nyon, Switzerland and 40 teams learned their fate for their qualifying matches that will take place in late August.
The ten group winners and the runners-up with the best record against the teams first and third in their section will join the 21 teams that were given byes to the UWCL round of 32 for draw set to take place on September 1. The round of 32 will begin the two-legged knockout phase in October. Teams holding a bye to the round of 32 include Lyon, Wolfsburg, FC Rosengard, FC Barcelona, Manchester City, Chelsea, and many others.
Full UWCL schedule below.
Qualifying round: August 22-28
Round of 32 draw: September 1
Round of 32: October 4-5, 11-12
Round of 16 draw: October 16
Round of 16: November 8-9, November 15-16
Quarter-final & semi-final draw: November 24
Quarter-finals (2018): March 21-22, 28-29
Semi-finals (2018): April 21-22, 28-29
Final (2018): May 24
The official result of the #UWCL qualifying round draw!
Most competitive group? pic.twitter.com/AY1RlxKVef
— UEFA Women’s CL (@UWCL) June 23, 2017
Courage announce mobile app
The North Carolina Courage announced today that they have a mobile app in market. It’s available for download from the app store on iPhone or the google play store on android devices. The app includes scores, live stats, rosters, highlights, breaking news, and more.
The Courage join the Spirit, Reign, and Dash as teams that have taken to the mobile to find more touch points to connect with fans.
Take us with you wherever you go?
Download our FREE app from the app store or google play for live stats & scores, roster, news and more! pic.twitter.com/Nob9Q1znX0
— NC Courage (@TheNCCourage) June 23, 2017
