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Monday, July 06, 2026
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Barnsley Secure Major Coup with Signing of Nolan
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Barnsley Women's Football Club have completed the signing of prolific Bermudian international forward Aaliyah Nolan from rivals Bradford City.
The experienced striker arrives at Oakwell on the heels of a magnificent, record-breaking campaign with the Bantams, where her ruthless form in front of goal guided the club to promotion into Tier 4 of the women's football pyramid.
Nolan was the undisputed focal point of Bradford's attack last term, racking up an astonishing 26 goals in all competitions to capture both a league winners' medal and her club's coveted Top Goalscorer award. Her addition represents a massive statement of intent for Barnsley as they look to bolster their frontline ahead of the new season.
Speaking after the deal was finalized, Nolan revealed that a long-standing mutual respect with the Barnsley coaching staff was the driving catalyst behind her decision to move across Yorkshire.
"Joining this club felt like the right decision. I’ve had a strong relationship with the coaches for a long time, and that trust played a big part in my decision. I’m excited to get started, help the team, and create new memories together.” said Nolan.
Nolan's pedigree on both the domestic and international stages makes her a marquee addition to the squad. The forward has been a standout presence for the Bermuda women's national team, notably competing in the CONCACAF W Championship qualifiers and representing her country with distinction since her youth international debut.
Her clinical instinct was on full display throughout the 2025/26 campaign. From a stunning opening-day hat-trick against Alnwick Town to high-pressure finishes in the business end of the season, she consistently proved to be the ultimate difference-maker.
Barnsley will be eager to integrate Nolan’s explosive pace and technical versatility into their attacking structures as pre-season preparations get underway later this month.
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Monday, July 06, 2026
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Fishel and Seattle Reign Fall at WakeMed Soccer Park
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Sally Menti's early strike proved in vain as a clinical North Carolina Courage stage a second-half comeback to inflict a 3-1 defeat on Seattle Reign at a sweltering WakeMed Soccer Park.
Despite an opening period defined by calm, patient possession from the visitors, the Courage took full advantage of critical defensive lapses and a controversial VAR intervention to secure all three points.
From the first whistle, Seattle dictated the tempo, shifting the ball across the backline with maturity. They served an immediate warning of their attacking threat in just the second minute when Sam Meza’s sharp midfield distribution found Menti, who quickly released Maddie Dahlien out wide. The speedy forward cut inside aggressively but flashed her effort just wide of the far post.
The Reign continued to mount pressure, registering four more attempts before finally breaking the deadlock in the 19th minute.
Mia Fishel turned her defender brilliantly before picking out an overlapping run from Sofia Huerta. The Seattle captain showcased excellent vision, calmly slotting the ball to the waiting Menti at the top of the box, who unleashed a flawless, clinical strike into the back of the net.
The visitors' celebrations were short-lived, however, as North Carolina found an equalizer just three minutes later.
Seattle carelessly coughed up possession in their own defensive third, allowing Evelyn Ijeh to poke a short pass to Ashley Sanchez. Standing at the top of the 18-yard box, Sanchez unleashed a powerful drive that took a wicked deflection, leaving the goalkeeper stranded as it ricocheted into the net.
Seattle wrestled back control before the break, carving out back-to-back opportunities in the 43rd and 44th minutes. Fishel nearly turned provider to scorer during a chaotic scramble in the box, pulling the ball back sharply to fire toward goal, but Canadian international goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan reacted superbly to preserve the parity.
The Reign started the second half with similar attacking intent, almost reclaiming the lead in the 47th minute when a pinpoint Huerta free-kick found a teammate unmarked in the center of the box, only for Sheridan to produce another vital save.
The definitive turning point arrived on the hour mark. A heavily contested tackle inside the Reign penalty area was sent to a lengthy VAR review, resulting in the referee pointing to the spot. North Carolina's Riley Jackson stepped up under immense pressure, coolly dispatching the penalty into the lower right corner to hand the hosts the lead.
With Seattle forced to chase the game, the Courage struck the killer blow from open play 11 minutes later. Shinomi Koyama carved open the Reign backline with a beautifully threaded pass into the path of a roaring Sanchez, who calmly slotted her second of the evening inside the far post.
Though Seattle threw bodies forward in a desperate bid to claw their way back into the contest before the final whistle, the North Carolina defense stood resolute to deny the traveling side a point on the road.
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Sunday, July 05, 2026
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Armstrong Scores Winner in FC Motown's Big Victory
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Bermuda international Andrew Armstrong set the tone as a rampant FC Motown STA Pre-Professional outfit dismantled local rivals Morris Elite SC 8-0 in a clinical display of attacking football.
Armstrong wasted no time making his mark on the contest, unlocking the Morris Elite defense in just the 11th minute to open the scoring. While the match would soon descend into a total rout, Armstrong’s composed early strike technically proved to be the match-winner, setting the foundation for an absolute goal-fest.
Once the floodgates were opened, the hosts were utterly relentless. Striker Julien Lacher stole the individual headlines by turning in a breathtaking four-goal masterclass, tearing the visitors' backline apart with his movement and clinical finishing.
Morris Elite simply had no answer to Motown's waves of pressure, with Giacomo Zizza, Andrew Porucznik, and Garrett Holman all joining the scoresheet with a goal apiece to complete the 8-0 drubbing.
The dominant performance underlines FC Motown STA's title credentials in the pre-professional ranks, with Armstrong's sharp early form providing a major boost ahead of their upcoming fixtures later this month.
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Tuesday, June 30, 2026
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Nesbeth Departs Chicago Stars FC after Mutual Agreement
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Bermudian international midfielder Leilanni Nesbeth has mutually agreed to part ways with National Women's Soccer League side Chicago Stars FC ahead of the expiration of her contract.
The 24-year-old, whose agreement was due to run until the end of the 2026 season, is now free to negotiate with other clubs as she seeks fresh career opportunities.
Nesbeth leaves an indelible mark on the domestic American game, having arrived in Illinois as a highly rated tenth-overall pick in the 2024 NWSL Draft following a stellar, two-time NCAA championship-winning collegiate career with the Florida State Seminoles.
Upon making her professional debut, she created history by becoming the first-ever Bermudian native to feature in the NWSL. During her two-and-a-half seasons with the Stars, the midfielder accumulated 1,275 minutes on the pitch across 33 first-team appearances, recording one goal and one assist.
In an emotional farewell statement, Nesbeth expressed deep gratitude for her stint in the Windy City:
"Chicago will always hold a special place in my heart. This team brought my biggest dream to life, and I will always be grateful for the lessons, the challenges, the laughs, and the unimaginable growth.
"I want to thank the club for this amazing opportunity, my teammates for pushing me to be my best every day, and the fans for their unwavering support over the years."
Chicago Stars FC club president Karen Leetzow paid tribute to the midfielder's impact both on and off the hardwood: “We're grateful for everything that Leilanni has brought to the club during her seasons in Chicago. She has shown the utmost dedication to our club and the Chicago community and we wish her all the best and continued success in her next opportunity.”
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Monday, June 29, 2026
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Lady Zebras Presented Women's Division Trophy
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The dominant forces of Bermuda’s domestic game were officially recognized as the invincible PHC Lady Zebras lifted the Bermuda Football Association’s Women’s Division League Cup.
The silverware was presented during a celebratory ceremony at the Clyde Best Center of Excellence, putting the golden seal on a flawless domestic campaign.
There was little doubt where the trophy would be heading this year, but the manner of PHC's triumph will live long in the history books. The Lady Zebras marched through the entire league season completely undefeated, blowing away all before them with a ruthless combination of attacking flair and defensive iron.
Their unblemished record cements their status as the undisputed benchmark of women's football on the island, leaving rival clubs searching for answers ahead of next season.
It was only fitting that the presentation took place at the facility named after Bermuda's ultimate footballing pioneer, Clyde Best.
As the players stepped up to hoist the League Cup, the atmosphere reflected a squad that knows it has achieved something truly historic. With a perfect season now locked inside the trophy cabinet, the challenge for this phenomenal Lady Zebras outfit will be maintaining these dizzying standards in the campaigns to come.
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