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Women’s sports. It’s actually cool now.
Two weeks ago, the undefeated South Carolina faced Iowa State in a dramatic final game for the NCAA National Championship. The game garnered 18.9 million views, peaking at 24.1 million views in the last stretch of the match. It was the most-watched basketball game in five years—beating out records in college, professional, women’s, AND men’s basketball.
Caitlin Clark's Covering Greatness Ad from State Farm
Today, as I sit in the press box watching Angel City Football Club lead against the North Carolina Courage, I wonder if women’s soccer will receive the same treatment. Where’s our Caitlin Clark?
The future of women's soccer. Photo by Jonah Breton @ Tangent Zine
Sure, we had a good run for a bit. The United States Women’s National Team dominated the soccer world for years. But now that our legends have left the game, who’s going to take the charge?
ACFC's teen sensation Alyssa Thompson. Photo by Jonah Breton @ Tangent Zine
For a while, I’ve believed that Angel City is capable of producing the same attention and accumulating the same coverage as the world has seen with the University of Iowa’s Hawkeyes. ACFC has got the location, the support, and the players. What’s missing?
That’s not to say the NWSL isn’t lacking in talent. It’s full of it. What I am saying is that we’re in need of a new face, someone else to carry the torch.
I’m not sure who it will be, but we’re holding out for a hero. The NWSL needs its next superstar if we ever hope to achieve the same kind of public attention.
But for now, it has to start with the already existing community. From the fans to journalists like me in the press box, we have to show up for women’s sports. Take an interest. Watch a game. Go to a match. Buy merch. Scream about your favorite team into the digital ether. Show that we’re here. Show up. Keep making it cool.
