Rafaelle starts her final game for Arsenal against Aston Villa Women in the WSL. The Gunners only need a point, or else to avoid a three point and twelve goal swing in Manchester City’s favour to secure the final UWCL spot in the WSL.
Rafaelle joins Jen Beattie and Lotte Wubben-Moy in a back three with Maritz and Catley as wing-backs. Pelova and Maanum start at the base of Arsenal’s “box” midfield with Taylor and McCabe ahead of them. Stina Blackstenius starts upfront.
Lina Hurtig and Caitlin Foord are not in the squad as both are not being risked ahead of this summer’s World Cup.
14.D’Angelo; 3.Wubben-Moy, 5.Beattie, 2.Rafaelle; 16.Maritz, 21.Pelova, 12.Maanum, 7.Catley; 15.McCabe, 27.Taylor; 25.Blackstenius.
Subs: 1.Zinsberger, 18.Marckese, 20.Gio, 22.Kuhl, 29.Goldie, 50.Doe, 56.Godfrey, 59.Agyemang, 62.Reid.
So Rafaelle is signing with Orlando in the NWSL? Ah, that’s a tough loss. She’s an excellent player–she has noticeably made the Gunners better in the back–and will be sorely missed.