Arsenal Stunned in UWCL Opener, Vermont Green FC Announces Full-Time Women's Team

Women's soccer delivered a flurry of headlines today as the UEFA Women's Champions League (UWCL) kicked off with both drama and dominant displays. Defending champion Arsenal suffered a surprising defeat to Lyon in their UWCL opener, while Barcelona impressed by thrashing Bayern Munich—sending an early signal of their European ambitions. Juventus also made headlines as Salvai scored twice to guide them past Benfica.

Today's schedule is packed, with Manchester United facing Vaalerenga, Wolfsburg clashing with PSG, FC Twente hosting Chelsea, and Paris FC taking on Oud-Heverlee Leuven. Fans are tuning in worldwide, aided by comprehensive streaming options for every major match.

Off the field, significant moves are reshaping the landscape of North American women's soccer. Vermont Green FC announced that it will launch a full-time women's team competing in the USL W League as a founding member of the new Northeast Division, aiming for participation in the 2026 season and beyond. This commitment signals growing investment in the women's game at every level. Meanwhile, the Women's Super League (WSL) in England revealed new financial rules, including the introduction of a salary floor designed to ensure greater parity and sustainability.

Elsewhere, programs like Monroe and Gorge FC are eyeing national championship ambitions, illustrating the depth and breadth of talent powering women's soccer forward across the globe.