Barça's preparations continued at the Ciutat Esportiva Joan Gamper as they welcomed Montpellier for a game that had a clear blaugrana flavour from the off, with Pere Romeu's side going 2-0 up in just 10 minutes.
First Esmee struck an unstoppable shot past Petiteau, before Ewa Pajor showed her talent with a great piece of individual play to also put past the visiting keeper (2-0, min. 11).
The Polish forward then turned provider - first for Rolfö who made it 3-0 after 35 minutes, before setting up Bruna to score the fourth just before half time (min. 44). Rolfö then returned the favour after the break as Pajor showed her goalscoring prowess to complete her brace (5-0, min. 53).
The rest of the second half saw the blaugranes dominate. Pere Romeu's side had the chance to score another goal, but the ball wouldn't go in. Montpellier had their only shot on goal late in the game and found it difficult throughout to impose their game on the home side. Final score 5-0.
Yesterday it was officially confirmed that Mary Earps (31) had signed a two-year contract to become a Paris Saint-Germain player. Despite becoming the best goalkeeper in the women’s game with a move to France, The Guardian has reported that she rejected a more lucrative offer from Manchester United to secure the move. As she explained, “It’s hard to leave your home country. The last few years in England have been incredible (an FA Cup win last season with Manchester United). I received a lot of messages of thanks after the announcement of my departure. There is a very big community around women’s football in England, the crowds are incredible. I hope the PSG fans will appreciate me as much, even if I will have to earn their respect for that.”
Votíková joined Spurs last summer off the back of a two-year spell with French giants Paris Saint-Germain. The 27-year-old Czechia international went on to make six appearances for Spurs in the Barclays Women’s Super League.
In her short time in North London, Votíková helped Spurs to record a sixth-place finish in last season’s Barclays Women’s Super League while she was a member of the team that reached the Adobe Women’s FA Cup final for the very first time.
New West Ham United women’s team defender Shelina Zadorsky is delighted to be back in Claret and Blue on a permanent basis.
The 31-year-old has penned a one-year contract in east London, having been an influential part of last season’s Barclays Women’s Super League campaign during her six-month loan, and becomes manager Rehanne Skinner’s fifth signing of the summer transfer window following the arrivals of the signings of Kinga Szemik, Shekiera Martinez, Camila Sáez and Inès Belloumou.
Zadorsky has been well travelled throughout her storied career. Having started her professional career in her native Canada with Ottawa Fury, she then headed to Australia to play with Perth Glory, before joining Vittsjö GIK in the Swedish top-flight.
Having returned to North America to sign for Washington Spirit ahead of the 2016 season, where she played alongside fellow Hammer, Kristie Mewis, Zadorsky then switched to Orlando Pride in January 2018.
The defender’s first taste of English football came when she joined Tottenham Hotspur, initially on loan, in August 2020, before making the move permanent in January 2021.
Zadorsky is a stalwart for her country, having made over 100 appearances for Canada and been part of the sides that won Olympic gold and bronze at the Tokyo 2020 and Rio 2016 Games respectively, while also recently appearing for her country as they contested the 2024 Paris Olympic Games.
Our Gunner women defeated the Washington Spirit 2-1, kicking off their USA tour on a positive note. Alessia Russo, who scored twice, dominated the headlines, but newcomer Rosa Kafaji also performed admirably.
At halftime, Arsenal introduced the former BK Hacken star, who immediately looked great, combining with Russo in an insufferable PL offensive tandem. Playing as a 10, she became an important outlet for Arsenal, influencing the game with her passing range.
Canada Women's head coach Bev Priestman has been handed a one-year ban by FIFA, and the team have been docked six points, after their spying scandal.
John Wenham believes Tottenham Women are moving in the right direction and Beth England’s return to form can be a “huge boost” for the club in the second half of the season.