Although pretty much the vast majority of European leagues are now on summer hiatus, there is still plenty happening in the world of women's football.
That includes ongoing matches in Scandinavia, as well as over in the NWSL.
Here's all you need to know ahead of another week of women's football.
NWSL
The 2024 NWSL title race continues to pick up pace with three teams all jostling to seize top spot. Matchday 14 will get underway on Friday, June 28th with Kansas City Current vs Houston Dash. The Current are back on top of the table, but drew their last fixture, so it goes without saying that they will be aiming to pick up all three points on Friday to at least put themselves temporarily three points clear of Orlando Pride.
Meanwhile, the Pride will be in action on Sunday against Angel City. Given that they're playing 48 hours after Kansas City and 24 hours after third-placed Washington Spirit, who face North Carolina Courage on Saturday, the Pride will obviously want to at least match whatever results the other two teams gain from their respective fixtures.
Washington Spirit, for their part, are presently third in the table, but just one point behind Kansas City Current and Orlando Pride. Hence, any slip-ups from the aforementioned two teams could see the Spirit emerge as the new league leader after this round.
While much of the focus will be on Kansas City Current, Orlando Pride, and Washington Spirit, fans will also want to keep an eye on NJ/NY Gotham. They have really found some form recently and will come into their Saturday match against Seattle Reign having won four on the bounce, which has helped them rapidly climb up the table into fourth spot. Given that the Reign have picked up just one point from their last five and have won just two matches so far this season, the Goths certainly will be fancying their chances at making it five wins in five matches and trying to close the gap on the top three teams in the table.
Damallsvenskan and Toppserien
In Scandinavia, the top leagues in women's football are all still in process, with ongoing title races in Sweden's Damallsvenskan and Norway's Toppserien.
Here's where you can catch key games in Sweden and Norway.
Top news in women's football
Emma Hayes makes bold decision and leaves Alex Morgan off Olympic roster
Former Chelsea boss Emma Hayes only just took over as manager of the USWNT, and the English tactician is already making some huge waves.
For starters, Hayes, who recently announced her squad ahead of the 2024 Olympic Games, has made a very bold decision to leave a key player off the list entirely.
That player is none other than veteran striker Alex Morgan, who has been a mainstay of the USWNT for nearly 15 years since making her debut back in 2010. The 34-year-old, who currently plays her club football for San Diego Wave, has scored 123 goals in over 200 appearances for the Stars and Stripes, and despite not having the best season so far at club level, many had nonetheless expected her to be one of the 18 players heading to Paris this summer.
However, for the first time since the 2008 version of the Games, Morgan will not be part of the USWNT. She has featured in three Olympic tournaments (2012, 2016, and 2020). Rather, Hayes has decided to focus on other options such as Portland Thorns striker Sophia Smith and Morgan's San Diego Wave Jaedyn Shaw, who at 19, is nearly half Morgan's age. Meanwhile, Hayes hasn't totally shunned more experienced players, with fellow veteran Crystal Dunn receiving a call-up. All in all, it will be very interesting how the USWNT fares this summer, with pressure on the Stars and Stripes especially high after their disappointing showing during the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup last year.
San Diego Wave opt to sack manager Casey Stoney after turbulent start to the season
Morgan's club team, the San Diego Wave, have not been having the best time so far this season. Despite winning the 2023 NWSL Shield, the Wave, so far, are yet to reach the same heights they enjoyed a year ago. At the moment, they currently find themselves in ninth spot, with just four points earned out of a possible 15 from their last five fixtures.
As is often seen in football, managers are quick to be let go, creating what many call the "managerial merry-go-round" - so abrupt sackings is par for the course. Nonetheless, Casey Stoney's dismissal has generated plenty of buzz. The 42-year-old former midfielder was first hired by the Wave back in July 2021 and took charge of the team in 2022 during its inaugural season. Under her tenure, the Wave not only won the 2023 NWSL Shield, but also clinched the NWSL Challenge Cup at the start of the current season.
Stoney was even reportedly considered as a potential replacement for Emma Hayes after the latter announced her departure from Chelsea earlier this year, as she had not only played for the Blues from 2007 to 2011 but also had briefly served as a player-manager in 2009.
Yet, with the Wave struggling for results lately - they have not won a match since May - it appears that winning two titles with the team was not enough to save Stoney's position. Next up for the Wave, who will be under the guidance of interim boss Paul Buckle, will be Friday evening clash against the Chicago Red Stars.
Didn't find your favorite women's league on this list? No worries, as this is just a highlight of some of the exciting games coming up this week. Make sure to check out our special Women's Football Page here at LiveSoccerTV.com for full broadcast info, match updates, news, and more.