Dog Days of Summer
On Sunday two of the National Women's Soccer League's best midfielders, Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle, will face off in the final group stage game of the NWSL Challenge Cup when the Portland Thorns take on the Washington Spirit. Both Horan and Lavelle are dynamic, talented leaders not only for their clubs, but also for their country, as both star in the midfield for the U.S. Women’s National Team.
While both have shown their dedication to their craft and became fan favorites while helping lead the U.S. to a World Cup title in France last summer, both also have another passion – a passion with four legs and a bark. Sir Fergy Horan, a six-month-old Frenchie and Wilma Jean Wrinkles, a seven-year-old English Bulldog, have a following and fandom of their own on Instagram with 13,300 and 12,600 followers respectively.
So just how much do these fur babies mirror their professional soccer player family? Let’s take a look at their official Instagram accounts to find out.
Lindsey Horan
A player who is known for her box-to-box play, Horan logged nearly 1,200 minutes during the 2019 NWSL season showing her endurance. Does Fergy share that same level of fitness?
Horan has said she wants to be the best player in the world. From forgoing college to sign professionally in France to battling for a starting role in the competitive Thorns and USWNT midfields, practice makes perfect, and you need to put in the time on the pitch. We think Fergy agrees with this mindset, too.
At 5’9", Horan has the height to be a dominant force, known for her aerial game in the midfield that wins possession for her team. Part of that air attack is making sure you are in shape. So how does Fergy compare?
At the end of the day, having a tough game face doesn’t hurt either. We think Fergy edged out his mom on this one, though.
Rose Lavelle
Lavelle’s quick footwork helps her weave through opposing teams and knock goals in, as evidenced by the Washington Spirit’s first game of the NWSL Challenge Cup. Just how talented is Wilma when it comes to fancy footwork?
One of Lavelle’s traits is her unpredictable runs, slicing up opposing defenses as she did during the 2019 World Cup Final against the Netherlands. Does Wilma have this same skill?
Lavelle loves to make a statement when she scores— as she should! During the 2020 USWNT season she scored two goals, added to her four for the National Team in 2019, giving fans several opportunities to see her spirited celebrations. Does Wilma have that same zest for life?
At the end of the day, Wilma is Rose's biggest fan.
Winner? So who has the edge? It’s doggos – they are all winners! Tune in to CBS All Access Sunday at 10 p.m. ET/7 p.m. PT as Portland and Washington close out group play in the NWSL Challenge Cup from Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah.