TEAM OF THE WEEK: COLUMBUS EAGLES FC

It is only fitting that the biggest upset of the early season came in the most iconic stadium in the WPSL when the Columbus Eagles FC ran over, though, and around No. 2 ranked FC Dayton at Historic Crew Stadium in a seismic, 4-1 win on Sunday earning the Columbus Eagles FC GlobalScarves.com Team of the Week Honors.

Two-time Great River All-Division selection and East Region Player of the Week in 2024, Nikki Cox, treated the Columbus faithful with a hat trick in the club’s season opener. Angela Boyce closed out the scoring to seal the shocking victory in the revived rivalry. Entering the match, Columbus was ranked No 8 in the East Region—seven spots behind Dayton—and unranked nationally. 

Audrey Oliver takes a shot on goal for the Columbus Eagles FC in the club's upset 4-0 win over No. 2 ranked Dayton FC on Sunday, May 18. Photo by Ralph Schudel

“It was a great opening game for the Eagles on Sunday,” said head coach, Tony Daniels. " The ladies have bought into what our goal is for the season, and put in the hard work at practice. The cultural piece is the biggest thing with them, and we have set the bar high."

The win moves Columbus Eagles FC to 1-0-0 on the season, and atop the Great River Division standings. 

Columbus looks to build on its impressive win with a pair of games this weekend: Friday versus Corktown WFC (0-1-0) at Fortress Obetz, and Sunday at Beadling Soccer Club (0-1-0). Charlotte’s two opponents this week played to a 0-0 draw last Sunday.