WSL Oneshots

The US Tour

The summer sun was just beginning to set over the training ground as Arsenal’s women’s team gathered, their bags packed and spirits high. Katie McCabe, the determined and fiery left-back for the Gunners, felt the excitement in the air as she boarded the team bus. This wasn’t just any pre-season tour—it was the USA tour, a chance to face top American clubs and test themselves in one of the most competitive environments in women’s football.

Katie had been part of Arsenal’s squad for several years now, and while the pre-season trips to the United States weren’t new to her, the anticipation still bubbled inside her. This was the perfect opportunity to get back to top form, have some valuable time with her teammates, and, most importantly, prepare for the challenges of the season ahead. She looked around the bus at her teammates, all buzzing with the same energy. The rivalry with American teams was always intense, and this tour would be no different.

The squad was loaded with talent: Leah Williamson, Vivianne Miedema, Beth Mead, and of course, Katie herself. Each of them had their own goals for the upcoming season, but for now, they were focused on the task at hand—building chemistry, getting match-fit, and showing the American teams just how strong Arsenal was.

Katie had always been someone who thrived under pressure. The USA tour was one of the most important for the team, and though it was technically pre-season, every match felt like a test. The friendly matches against teams like the North Carolina Courage, Portland Thorns, and OL Reign weren’t just about winning—they were about sending a message.

As the plane touched down in the United States, Katie couldn’t help but feel the rush of excitement that came with the foreign atmosphere. The smells, the sounds, the crowds—it was all so different from home, yet the same competitive fire burned in the hearts of every player. Arsenal’s fans in the States were just as passionate as those back in North London, and Katie was determined to make them proud.

Their first match was in Portland against the Thorns, a team that had dominated the NWSL for years. The stadium was packed, and the energy in the air was electric. The Gunners had arrived.

Katie jogged onto the pitch for the warm-up, her boots crunching the fresh turf beneath her feet. Her heart beat a little faster as the stands filled with cheers. The Thorns’ fans were loud, waving banners and singing their team anthem, but Katie wasn’t intimidated. This was the moment she had been waiting for—to showcase Arsenal's strength on foreign soil.

As the match kicked off, it was clear that Portland wasn’t going to make it easy. The Thorns pressed high, their defense aggressive, and their counter-attacks quick. Katie spent much of the first half working tirelessly down the left flank, helping to break down the Portland defense with overlapping runs and precise crosses into the box. Her determination was palpable, her fiery leadership visible even as she rallied her teammates to stay focused.

At halftime, Arsenal were trailing 1-0, and Katie’s mind was already strategizing. She knew they couldn’t leave this game with a loss. The Gunners were better than that, and she believed in the talent around her. She exchanged a few quick words with Leah Williamson and Kim Little, both of them agreeing that they needed to play with more intensity in the second half.

The second half started, and Arsenal immediately looked more threatening. Vivianne Miedema found the equalizer, her calm finish past the Portland goalkeeper drawing the score level. Katie was involved in the buildup, making a darting run down the wing to pull the Thorns' defenders out of position before Miedema’s clinical finish.

The crowd roared, but Arsenal weren’t done yet. In the 75th minute, Katie found herself with the ball near the halfway line. She took a quick glance, noticing a streaking Beth Mead on the right wing. With a sharp pass, she set Mead up for a blistering counter-attack. Beth sprinted toward the box and, with a flick of her foot, sent the ball into the net for the go-ahead goal.

The Arsenal players surrounded Beth in celebration, and Katie pumped her fist in the air, the adrenaline surging through her veins. The 2-1 lead was hard-earned, but the team had their noses in front. As the final whistle blew, Katie couldn’t help but smile, her heart still racing from the competitive energy of the match.

The team boarded the bus afterward, buzzing with excitement and pride. While it was a friendly match, Katie knew that every game was a chance to show the world what Arsenal was capable of. She had come into this tour with the desire to prove herself, to be one of the leaders of the team, and that performance had made a statement.

In the hotel later that evening, as the players sat around talking about the game and their plans for the upcoming matches, Katie shared a laugh with Vivianne Miedema and Jordan Nobbs. “Not bad for a friendly, huh?” she said with a grin.

Vivianne chuckled. “Not bad at all. But the real test is yet to come.”

Katie nodded, eyes bright with determination. “We’ve got a lot more to show. The USA tour is just the start.”

And for Katie McCabe, the journey was only just beginning. The season ahead would be filled with challenges, but she was ready for them. The Gunners were ready.