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      Megan Rapinoe chokes back tears after USA’s shock first loss to Canada in 20 years in Tokyo Olympics semi-final

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      MEGAN RAPINOE fought back tears as she reflected on Canada’s defeat of the United States with Chelsea’s Jessie Fleming netting the winner.   And the USA superstar paid a touching tribute to team-mate Carli Lloyd following the surprise 1-0 result in the Olympics women’s football semis in Japan. 
      Megan Rapinoe and the USA were beaten by Canada who will face Sweden in the Tokyo Olympics Women’s football finalCredit: Rex
      The goal was scored in the 74th minute of the clash at the Kashima Stadium after Tierna Davidson fouled Canada sub, Deanna Rose, in the penalty box. 
      And the result saw the four-time Gold medallists miss out on qualifying for the finals for the second successive Games. 
      The team, who have won four World Cups, were beaten by Sweden in the quarter-final stage of the 2016 Olympics in Rio in Brazil.  
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      Rapinoe, 36, told NBC: “We never want to lose to Canada. I don’t think I’ve ever lost to Canada. 
      “There’s still a lot to compete for. That’s what I told the girls. It’s not the colour we want but there’s still a medal on the line. It sucks.
      “Obviously not our best game. Not our best tournament. We didn’t have it today. 

      “Too many errors from us. I felt like the space was there for us. We just couldn’t get into it.”
      Before the clash, the USA had not lost a football match to Canada in 20 years. 
      The team, managed by Vlatko Andonovski, have won five of their last six encounters against the Canadians going back to the London Olympics in August 2012. 
      We want to send everybody out on the happiest note and we weren’t able to do that todayMegan Rapinoe
      The encounter between the sides at the 2012 Games saw the US seal a dramatic 4-3 win with Rapinoe on the scoresheet.
      And the OL Reign star, who was part of the US team that won Gold at the London Olympics, was seen comforting Carli Lloyd, 39, following the loss to the Canadians in Tokyo.
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      When asked how she felt after what could be the pair’s last Olympics playing alongside each other Rapinoe added: “We’ve been in this a long time together. 
      “We are both closer to the end than the beginning and we’ve both shared moments on the field, not that many sad moments, but a few.
      “It’s tough. She’s one of the greatest players to pull this jersey on. 
      “Who knows, it might not be her last Olympics, but it probably is.
      “We want to send everybody out on the happiest note and we weren’t able to do that today.”
      Rapinoe hopes the Tokyo Games will not be Carli Lloyd’s last Olympics appearance as a USA playerCredit: Rex

      Canada, managed by former England Women’s number two Bev Priestman, will face Sweden in a duel for the Gold medal on Friday. 
      That clash will see Chelsea ace Fleming go up against her Blues team-mate and skipper Magda Eriksson at Tokyo’s Olympic Stadium.   
      And the USA will take on Australia in a battle for Bronze on Thursday at the Kashima Stadium.
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      Arsenal ace McCabe expects Gunners’ fight for silverware after friendly defeat of WSL champs Chelsea

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      KATIE MCCABE reckons Arsenal’s quality can help them in their battle for trophies with the Gunners targeting their first silverware win since 2019. And the midfield ace is expecting big things from the club who face Tottenham in a pre-season clash before a Champions League qualifier against Kazakhstan side Okzhetpes. 
      Katie McCabe believes Arsenal Women has enough quality in their squad to win silverware this seasonCredit: Getty
      The Republic of Ireland international, 25, was speaking to Arsenal’s web site following the team’s 2-1 pre-season win against Chelsea at the Emirates. 
      Goals from the midfielder and rising starlet Freya Jupp, 17, were enough to seal the victory with 16-year-old Reanna Blades netting a solitary effort for the Blues.  
      The Gunners’ last major trophy was back in the 2018-19 season with the club clinching their third Women’s Super League title. 
      McCabe, who joined Arsenal from Shelbourne in 2015,  said: “Last year we didn’t compete for any trophies. 
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      “We secured the Champions League but a club like Arsenal needs to be up for trophies, so we’re progressing to do that this year. 
      “You can see the quality we’ve got in as well, so we mean business this season and we want to start that with the pre-season games moving into the season.
      “There are big things coming to this team.”
      McCabe, who signed a new long-term deal with Arsenal back in May, was among the standout performers for the Gunners alongside Jupp, new signing Frida Mannam and England ace Jordan Nobbs.
      The team were without Vivianne Miedema, Caitlin Foord and summer signings Nikita Parris and Mana Iwabuchi with all four away at the Tokyo Olympics.  
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      The Gunners are currently waiting on the outcome of medical checks on Nobbs, 28, who was stretchered off with an ankle injury after a collision with Chelsea’s Erin Cuthbert. 
      The team were playing their first game under new management with assistant coach Aaron D’Antonio in the dugout and boss Jonas Eidevall, 38, currently undergoing quarantine following his arrival from Sweden.  
      McCabe expects Arsenal to be vying for major honours this season with the club competing in the Champions LeagueCredit: Getty

      However the manager is expected to join his players this week ahead of their trip to Spurs and their clash with Okzhetpes at the Sapsan Arena in Russia. 
      McCabe added: “He was giving us his team talk via Zoom, so that’s a first but it’s COVID times so what’s new? 
      “He’s been great and the staff have been really supportive in making things as easy as possible for us players.”  
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      Former Birmingham manager Marc Skinner becomes Manchester United Women’s boss

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      MANCHESTER UNITED have hired Marc Skinner as head coach of their women’s side ahead of their second term in the WSL. The 38-year-old’s appointment follows Casey Stoney’s departure as Red Devils gaffer at the end of last season following her three-year spell in charge.  
      Marc Skinner has become Manchester United Women’s new head coach
      The Basildon born manager, 39, who led the club to a historic top-flight promotion in 2019, became the new head coach of US women’s club San Diego in July.  
      Skinner’s move will see him take up Man United’s reins after a two-year stint as head coach of National Women’s Soccer League team Orlando Pride. 
      The former Solihull College Academy manager will lead a Red Devils side who narrowly missed out on Champions League qualification after finishing fourth and a point behind Arsenal last term. 
      Skinner said: “I’m looking forward to working closely with the staff and this talented group of players. 
      “Our focus is to build on everything they have already achieved in the women’s game.
      “It’s an exciting opportunity to lead the team into what will be another competitive WSL season; I want us to achieve success together and our aim is to give the fans a team they can continue to be proud of.”
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      Ed Woodward, Man United’s vice chair added: “Marc is a coach with proven pedigree in the WSL and we are delighted he is joining the club and returning to the league after his recent time in the US. 
      “Our commitment to the continued development and success of the Women’s team is total, and we see Marc’s appointment, along with the talented squad and players recruited this summer, as key to that process.”
      Skinner began his career in football coaching at Solihull College in 2013 before taking charge of Birmingham Women’s youth team in the 2015-16 season.
      Prior to his 2019 switch to America Skinner enjoyed a three-year spell in charge of Birmingham City’s senior women’s side where he was credited for revamping their style of play.
      And the former Brum boss earned praise for leading the club to the 2017 Women’s FA Cup final where they were defeated by Manchester City. 
      Since 2019 Skinner had been leading an Orlando side whose players include two-time World Cup winner Alex Morgan and Brazil heroine Marta.  
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      And the club is currently seventh in their division having won four, lost four and drawn four of the 12 games they have played so far in the 2021 NWSL season. 
      Skinner’s United appointment comes in the week during which the side announced the signing of former West Ham striker Martha Thomas.
      The Scotland international joined the club on a two-year deal until the end of the 2022-23 season with an option to extend for a further year.
      Martha Thomas has joined Man United following a two-season spell at West Ham from 2019 to 2021Credit: Getty

      And the forward 25, netted four goals in 16 WSL appearances for the Irons last season.
      Thomas said: “I want to be enjoying my football again and I’m looking forward to challenging myself in this environment and being part of an attacking team where I can express myself. 
      “My focus right now is on settling in and putting in the hard work at training, but I can’t wait for the season to start and to see all the fans back in the stadium.”
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      Lionesses to battle Northern Ireland in front of fans at Wembley in Women’s World Cup qualifier match

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      ENGLAND will take on Northern Ireland at Wembley in October in a qualifying clash for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.  The duel between the sides will be the first competitive game for the Lionesses at the stadium since its reopening in 2007.  The fixture on Saturday 23 October follows two international friendly encounters for England […] More

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      Tokyo 2020: Team GB women’s football team will face Australia in quarter-final after topping group with draw vs Canada

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      TEAM GB will face Australia in the quarter-finals of the women’s Olympic football tournament after topping their group.A 1-1 draw against Canada was enough to finish above their opponents – and Hege Riise’s side could now face world champions USA in the final.
      Manchester City star Caroline Weir, 26, scored Team GB’s equaliserCredit: Getty
      Canadian winger Adriana Leon threatened to snatch top spot off the Brits when she opened the scoring in the second half.
      But a late equaliser from Scottish midfielder Caroline Weir saved Team GB against the 2012 and 2016 bronze medallists.
      Having already progressed, manager Riise made five changes – resting three-goal Ellen White and adding Fran Kirby to the bench after injury.
      Team GB gained the upper hand in the first half, with Georgia Stanway going close before Rachel Daly was denied by an excellent block from Ashley Lawrence.
      The Brits became sloppy after the break and were made to pay when Leon converted a neat ball from Lawrence in the 56th minute.
      Team GB pushed for an equaliser and got their reward five minutes from time when Weir’s 25-year effort deflected on it’s way in.
      On our day I definitely think we put out better performances the better the opposition. Our job is getting ready for the next game, one game at a time, but we absolutely believe we can get on that podium.Beverly Priestman, Canada Manager
      Speaking after the match, Riise said: “I believe strongly in this team, a great team always finds a way to come back and we did.
      “Closer to the finish we started to get some momentum, luckily we were good enough to get the goal.
      “It was an important goal. We top the group, we’re staying here and have a little bit more rest so we are happy.
      “There are always things you want to improve on, we have played three games against three good opponents and have performed better and better.
      “We haven’t been together that long so we’ll improve every game.
      “Overall we looked strong and confident and that will be important going forward.”
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      Previous Olympic winners in the Women’s Football

      Team GB’s draw with Canada means they will face Australia, who finished third in their group, in the quarter-finals.
      The winner of that tie will take on either hosts Japan or Sweden in the next round, with the latter recording a 3-0 victory against the US.
      The Americans are in the other side of the draw and must defeat European champions Holland if they are to face Canada or Brazil in the semi-finals.
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      Fran Kirby OUT of Team GB Olympics clash with Japan but should be back for final group game in Tokyo

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      CHELSEA star Fran Kirby has been ruled out of Team GB’s group clash against Japan today – but SHOULD return for the final match with Canada.Women’s footballer of the year Kirby missed the opening win over Chile with a knock sustained in pre-tournament training at Loughborough.
      Fran Kirby is recovering from a knock sustained by the Tokyo Olympics football tournamentCredit: PA
      Coach Hege Riise is set to make changes on the left side with Demi Stokes replacing Rachel Daly at the back and Nikita Parris coming in for Lauren Hemp.
      Riise said: “Fran is back in training, slowly but we have to be sure we don’t push her.
      “We don’t want to risk her when there are so many games left to play.”
      Scotland’s Kim Little will take the rotating captaincy from Steph Houghton after pulling the midfield strings against Chile.
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      Little, one of just three non-English players in Riise’s 22, said: “It’s just exciting to play with new players and a different team and to see what we’re capable of. 
      “We all bring different qualities and combining them, with our speed or technical ability, will always come together when we’re put in a pressurised environment where we can thrive.
      “As players, whenever you come into a new team you just try to bring your best self as much as possible. 
      “So I wouldn’t say it’s something Caroline Weir and myself spoke about because we’ve both played with a number of the players in different circumstances over the years. It’s just quite natural.”
      Riise believes the empty stands inside the Sapporo Dome will work to GB’s advantage against the hosts, held 1-1 by Canada in their opener.
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      A draw would be enough to guarantee a knock-out place but the Norwegian coach is looking for more.
      She added: “Every time we step on the pitch we aim to win.
      “When you have fans cheering it gives you more energy.

      “Against Canada, they conceded early and struggled to get into the game so maybe their confidence has gone down.
      “We have done a lot of work on and off the pitch on set-pieces because it can be a big thing for us. 
      “But we also have to be more ruthless than we were against Chile.” 
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      Lauren James rejoins Chelsea in transfer from Man Utd and is delighted to ‘come back home’

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      LAUREN JAMES sealed a fairytale return to WSL champions Chelsea having played for the club’s Under-10s and Under-14s sides during her childhood. The ex-Man United starlet, who is the sister of the Blues Prem full-back Reece James, confirmed her move following weeks of speculation.
      Lauren James has joined WSL giants Chelsea on a four-year dealCredit: Getty
      Lauren James’ brother Reece currently plays as a full-back from Chelsea’s Premier League sideCredit: PA
      And the move will see the siblings become the only brother and sister duo to play for Chelsea next season.
      James, 19, who made her senior professional debut at Arsenal at 16, has agreed to a four-year deal with Emma Hayes’ side.  
      Reports claim Man United received an undisclosed fee of £50,000 for the WSL ace.
      And it is thought the payment is the highest the Leigh Park Village side have ever received for a female player. 
      James’ switch to Kingsmeadow comes on a day that saw Chelsea veteran Hannah Blundell unveiled as Manchester United Women’s newest summer signing. 
      The Sussex-born left-back, 27, has switched to the Red Devils on a two-year deal with an option to extend for a further year. 
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      On her Chelsea move, London-born James said: “It’s a great feeling to come back home, to a great club, the club I started at the age of six. 
      “To be able to play for the first team now and come back here to Emma and the rest of the group is a good feeling.
      “I’m excited to get started and I can’t wait to meet all the fans at Kingsmeadow when the new season kicks in.’
      Blues boss Emma Hayes added: “Lauren is an exciting, young talent who we have admired for a while.
      “When the opportunity came up to sign her, we felt now was the right time to bring her back to the club.
      “We’re excited to see how she develops in the coming years and look forward to welcoming her to pre-season training.”
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      James touted as a player to watch by Uefa, netted 22 goals in 45 appearances across all competitions during her three-season United spell from 2018 to 2021. 
      Her strikes include the first-ever goal scored for the Red Devils in  Women’s Super League during their first season in the top-flight. 
      The forward, whose brother won a Champions League trophy with Chelsea’s men’s side last term, received her first senior call-up to an England camp in November 2020.

      However, the club was narrowly pipped to a qualifying spot by Arsenal last season.  
      The unveiling of James as Chelsea’s latest signing comes on the same day as the announcement of next term’s WSL fixtures. 
      The striker is set to wear the club’s number 19 shirt.
      And the Blues face a tantalising season-opening London derby clash with Arsenal with the match taking place from September 3 to September 5.
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      WSL fixtures for 2021-22 season released as defending champions Chelsea begin campaign away at Arsenal

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      CHELSEA mount their bid to retain their Women’s Super League crown with a clash at Arsenal on the first weekend of the 2021-22 season. And WSL newbies Leicester City take on Aston Villa in what will be the Bescot Stadium’s side’s first league game under new boss Carla Ward. 
      Chelsea will take on Arsenal away in their opening game of the new WSL seasonCredit: PA
      The first games of the new WSL term are set to take place from September 3 to 5.
      Season-opening clashes in the Women’s Championship will take place from August 28 to 29. 
      Matches include a duel between Liverpool and London City Lionesses.
      Chelsea, who lost just once in the top-flight last season, face a tricky opening run of games with home and away duels with Everton and Man United following their trip to the Gunners. 
      And Emma Hayes Blues will then take on Hope Powell’s Brighton who were the only team to beat them in the top tier last term.
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      Everton, who harbour hopes of qualifying for the Champions League, will face Manchester City at home in their first game of the season. 
      And Brighton, who have signed former Gunners and Reading striker Danielle Carter, will host West Ham.
      Elsewhere Manchester United and Tottenham will play their first matches of the season at home against Reading and Birmingham City. 
      WSL champs Chelsea and title rivals Manchester City are due to go head-to-head between November 12 and 14. 
      And Carla Ward’s Aston Villa will take on her former club Birmingham in the first Second City derby of the season within that timeframe. 
      A month beforehand Jonathan Morgan and his Leicester City side will travel to Chelsea for their first encounter with title-holders Chelsea. 
      That clash is scheduled around October 8 to 10. 
      And the final day of the 2021-2022 season will see Chelsea, who signed Lauren James, host the striker’s former side Manchester United. 
      It is a match that could see former Blues defender Hannah Blundell – who has switched to United on a two-year deal – go up against her old club.  
      This season will see WSL games broadcast live on the BBC and Sky Sports as part of a landmark three-year broadcast deal reported to be worth £7million to £8million a season. 
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      The BBC is set to air 22 live games with a minimum of 18 shown on BBC One or BBC Two. 
      Meanwhile, Sky Sports are expected to cover up to 44 matches on their Main Event, Premier League and Sky Sports Football Channels. 
      Leicester will take on Aston Villa in their first game in the WSLCredit: Rex

      Kelly Simmons, the FA’s Women’s Game director said: “A lot of work has gone into preparing for this season and I think it is this year people will see just how far the women’s game has come. 
      “This season will see record levels of exposure and audiences as a result of our exciting new partnership with Sky Sports and the BBC.
      “I cannot wait to see our elite athletes showcasing their talent to the nation.”
      Opening Women’s Super League games
      3-5 September

      Arsenal vs Chelsea
      Aston Villa vs Leicester City
      Brighton vs West Ham
      Everton vs Manchester City
      Manchester United vs Reading
      Tottenham vs Birmingham City

      Emma Hayes gets stuck into Chelsea training More