SoccerFest returns to the SteelStacks for the Women’s World Cup this July as the USWNT defend their title as world’s best. Viewing parties for the USWNT’s matches are hosted at PNC Plaza at 9 p.m. on July 21 and July 26. A watch party for the final, which will happen regardless of who is competing, will be on August 20 at 6 a.m. at Frank Banko Alehouse Cinema.
In honor of the long-awaited return of SoccerFest, here are the 9 most memorable goal celebrations in the Women’s World Cup.
9. Maria Bonsegundo (2019 World Cup; Scotland vs Argentina)
Argentina’s Bonsegundo buried a penalty in extra time to tie the game against Scotland for a final score of 3 – 3. Bonsegundo celebrated by sliding across the pitch and pounding her chest before being swarmed by her teammates.
8. Sam Kerr (2019 World Cup; Australia vs Italy)
Even though Australia lost 2 – 1 in an upset to Italy, Australia’s Sam Kerr had a great celebration. After having her first penalty shot blocked, Kerr buried the rebound. She sprinted to the end flag where she pretended to have a boxing match. Her celebration was a shout out to Tim Cahill’s celebration, another Australian soccer player.
7. Kelly Smith (2007 World Cup; Japan vs England)
Smith scored both of England’s goals against Japan. Smith’s goals came late in the game, at minute 83’ and 85’, tying the game and then giving England the lead. For her first goal, Smith took off her cleat and kissed it. For her second goal, Smith’s first shot was deflected but her second found the back of the net. This time she took off both cleats and gave them a smooch.
6. Sydney Leroux (2013 World Cup; Canada vs USA)
Leroux scored a decisive goal against Canada, securing a 3 – 0 victory for the US. Leroux, who has dual citizenship in Canada and the United States, chose to play for the US, angering many Canadian fans. After scoring, Leroux emphasized the United States crest on her jersey before shushing the Canadian crowd – who had been taunting her during warmups.
5. Ellen White (2019 World Cup; Scotland vs England)
White’s goal for England at minute 39’ sealed their 2-1 victory over Scotland. The forward whipped out her trademark celebration, goggles. White explained that the goggles are a symbol of her love for the Bundesliga, the German soccer league, and a shout out to Cologne’s striker Anthony Modeste who celebrates in a similar fashion.
4. Alex Morgan (2019 World Cup; England vs USA)
The semifinal match of the 2019 World Cup between England and the United States was a loaded rivalry of 243 years. Morgan scored a brilliant goal – on her 30th birthday – that gave the United States a 2 –1 lead over England. In celebration Morgan sipped an imaginary cup of tea, infuriating English fans but creating one of the best World Cup celebrations in the history of the tournament.
3. Megan Rapinoe (2019 World Cup; France vs USA)
In the highly anticipated quarterfinal match against France, the host of the 2019 World Cup, the United States delivered a spectacular performance. Rapinoe was the driving force behind the US’s win, scoring their 2 goals. In victory, Rapinoe struck a pose like a statue in the Louvre that said, ‘look at me’, which is exactly what the world was doing as the USWNT advanced to the semi-finals.
2. Marta (2019 World Cup; Italy vs Brazil)
Brazil’s Marta entered the history books with her goal in the 73’ minute against Italy, becoming the all-time top scorer in the World Cup – male or female. For her 17th World Cup goal, Marta gave thanks to the foot that accomplished it all, by giving it a big ole smooch.
1. Brandi Chastain (1999 World Cup; USA vs China)
The only word to describe this celebration is iconic! In the 1999 World Cup Final, China and the United States went to penalties where Chastain scored the winning goal securing a second World Cup Title for the United States. In celebration, Chastain ripped her shirt off and cheered, creating the now iconic image.
