Mikel Arteta's Arsenal scored an early golazo from Gabriel Jesus and overwhelmed the MLS All-Stars in a 5-0 win. Bukayo Saka was named the game's MVP. The Gunners will continue their preseason preparation in the U.S. with a match Saturday against Manchester United at MetLife Stadium. MLS players will jump right back into action as the Leagues Cup kicks off Friday. (photo credit: USA Today Sports)
New Zealand won their first ever World match in the opener of the 2023 Women's World Cup in Auckland, defeating Norway 1-0 in front of over 42,000 fans. Hannah Wilkinson's 48th minute goal was enough for the Football Ferns to upset the 12th ranked Grasshoppers. I picked New Zealand to get out of the group, but thought it might come at Switzerland's expense. How will Norway respond to this?
Per Opta Analyst on Twitter, Norway's chances to advance dropped from nearly 80% to just over 50% with the loss while New Zealand has a 79.3% chance to advance now.
In the second match of the day, Ireland threw everything at Australia in the second half but the hosts held on for a 1-0 win in front of over 75,000 fans in Sydney. Stephanie Catley's penalty early in the second half was the difference for the Matildas.
Sam Kerr will miss the first two games of the tournament for Australia due to a calf injury. (ESPN)
According to Spain manager Jorge Vilda, back-to-back Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas is ready to start on Friday against Costa Rica. She has not played 90 minutes yet since returning from an ACL tear. (ESPN)
Buford HS grad Elexa Bahr will represent Colombia at the Women's World Cup, they debut on Monday against South Korea. Bahr plays for América de Cali. (Gwinnett Daily Post)
Tata Martino not committing to Lionel Messi making his Miami debut on Friday in the Leagues Cup opener against Cruz Azul. (AS)
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