NWSL National Women's Soccer League

NWSL to Host Welcome Back Weekend to Honor the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Champs

Published on July 10, 2015 under National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) News Release


CHICAGO (July 10, 2015) - The National Women's Soccer League will host a Welcome Back Weekend presented by Coppertone from Bayer HealthCare, to honor the 2015 FIFA Women's World Cup Champion United States at the three NWSL games this weekend. The U.S. Women's National Team players in attendance will be recognized in a special ceremony prior to the start of each game.

Carli Lloyd and the U.S. Women's National Team ended a 16-year drought as they won the FIFA Women's World Cup for an unprecedented third time at the 2015 tournament in Canada.

The Houston Dash midfielder scored in all four matches during the knockout stages of the tournament - including three goals in a 5-2 victory over Japan in the Women's World Cup Final at BC Place Stadium in Vancouver, British Columbia. It was the first time a player scored a hat trick in the final and is the fastest hat trick in the history of the Women's World Cup.

Lloyd finished the tournament with six goals and one assist and was honored as the winner of the adidas Golden Ball, which is awarded to the best player at the competition.

Seattle Reign FC goalkeeper Hope Solo was recognized with the adidas Golden Glove trophy, given to the best goalkeeper at the World Cup. The U.S. international made 15 saves during the competitions and - along with her back line of FC Kansas City defender Becky Sauerbrunn, Chicago Red Stars defender Julie Johnston, Washington Spirit defender Ali Krieger and Houston Dash defender Megan Klingenberg - recorded a streak of 540 consecutive shutout minutes at the tournament to match the World Cup record.

Chicago Red Stars defender Julie Johnston and Seattle Reign FC midfielder Megan Rapinoe were named to the shortlist for the Golden Ball award that was won by Lloyd.

USWNT coach Jill Ellis also received strong performances from FC Kansas City midfielder Lauren Holiday, Portland Thorns FC midfielder Tobin Heath and Houston Dash midfielder Morgan Brian as the United States went 6-0-1 at the tournament to push their all-time record in World Cup play to 34-4-5.

Coppertone supported the U.S. Women's National Team on its journey to the FIFA Women's World Cup this year, in an effort to educate athletes and soccer enthusiasts about sun protection on and off the field. As part of its partnership with U.S. Soccer and the NWSL, the brand teamed up with players Christen Press and Kelley O'Hara to encourage the use of sun protection for their fan bases and beyond, and will continue to support the NWSL and its players throughout the season.

Below is a quick preview of Welcome Back Weekend presented by Coppertone schedule:

Sky Blue FC vs. Portland Thorns FC

July 11 | 7:00 p.m. (ET) | Yurcak Field

Allie Long and Portland Thorns FC travel to face Katy Freels and Sky Blue FC in the second leg of a home-and-home series between the clubs.

Seattle Reign FC vs. Western New York Flash

July 11 | 10:00 p.m. (ET) | Moda Pitch at Memorial Stadium

Lynn Williams and the Western New York Flash face off against Kim Little and Seattle Reign FC on Saturday night as the clubs meet for the second time in eight days.

Houston Dash vs. Chicago Red Stars

July 12 | 8:30 p.m. (ET) | BBVA Compass Stadium

Jen Hoy and the league-leading Chicago Red Stars look to protect their place atop the NWSL standings when they meet the Houston Dash on Sunday.

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National Women's Soccer League Stories from July 10, 2015


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