After a brief hiatus due to international friendly fixtures and UEFA Women's EURO 2017 qualification, the action has resumed in women's leagues around the world. A familiar duo lead the way in Sweden, the title race is intensifying in the USA, while Brescia secured a league and cup double in Italy.
USA: Suspense at the summit The Chicago Red Stars drew 1-1 with Portland Thorns, who extended their unbeaten run to eight consecutive games. Christine Sinclair, who turned 33 on 12 June, put the Thorns in front with her 18th goal for the club before Christen Press equalised after the break. The draw reduced Chicago's lead at the top, with Portland just a point behind in third place and Western New York Flash now level with the leaders after a narrow 1-0 victory over Orlando Pride. Newcomer Makenzy Doniak scored the only goal of that game. Washington Spirit missed the chance to move into first place, drawing with Boston Breakers to go fourth on 14 points.
The top three: Chicago Red Stars, Western New York Flash (both on 15 points), Portland Thorns FC (14)
Sweden: No change at the top **After the top-of-the-table clash between FC Rosengard and Linkopings FC in Sweden's Damallsvenskan ended in a 1-1 draw in the previous round of fixtures, both clubs returned to winning ways on Matchday 8. Rosengard earned maximum points thanks to a 3-0 triumph over KIF Orebro in a game in which Emma Berglund, Sara Bjork Gunnarsdottir and Ella Masar found the target. Linkopings recorded a comfortable 4-1 win away to Pitea as Renee Slegers, Stina Blackstenius, Pernille Harder Mosegaard and Kristine Minde each got their name on the scoresheet, with Tempest Norlin grabbing Pitea's consolation.
The top three: FC Rosengard, Linkopings FC (both on 22), Eskilstuna United (16)
Italy: Brescia win the double** ACF Brescia Calcio Femminile had two reasons for celebration, as coach Milena Bertolini's side secured the Coppa Italia to go with their league title after beating Verona 2-1 in the final. Verona, who had pushed Brescia all the way in the championship race, went ahead through striker Tatiana Bonetti. Their lead was short-lived, however, with Barbara Bonansea equalising around 20 minutes later as Brescia's pressure intensified. Elisa Mele made it 2-1 before the break, and there were no further goals in the second half.
Other leagues In Denmark, Fortuna Hjorring are close to replacing Brondby as national champions. The title has been awarded to one of the two sides since 2002, and now Hjorring go into the final matchday of the Champions Round with a two-point advantage. There they will face none other than Brondby, who beat KoldingQ 3-2 at the weekend, while Hjorring swept Skovbakken aside with a 6-1 thrashing. In Switzerland, FC Zurich signed off for the season in style, beating FC Staad 7-0. The capital side had already secured their 20th league title with two matchdays to spare thanks to a 2-2 draw with FC Neunkirch.