3 Things That Went Down in the Footy World This Week

Soccer is driven by the stories that unfold on-field. But every now and then, off-pitch events deserve the sway of the spotlight - because the story itself has a certain level of gravity or at other times simply because of its amusement factor. So we'll start with that in the 3 Things That Went Down in the Footy World This Week then wrap up with some on-field news:

1) Heather Mitts announced her retirement from club and country after 15 years, 137 matches with the USWNT and three Olympic Gold Medals (2004, 08, 12). Mitts will retire from the Boston Breakers where she was allocated as a defender for the new NWSL. A veteran of the two previous leagues she donned the Philadelphia Charge jersey during the WUSA era and played for the Philadelphia Independence, Atlanta Beat and the Breakers in the more recent WPS. Mitts captured the NCAA Championship with the University of Florida Gators in 1998 and shortly thereafter had her first appearance with the USWNT in 1999 against Finland.

On Saturday, the 34-year-old wasted no time jumping into a new career, debuting as a sideline reporter for the Philadelphia Union of the MLS in Saturday's match against the New England Revolution.

According to a tweet by notable sports writer Beau Dure (pictured to the left), Mitts is featured in the upcoming Our Game Magazine quarterly. And, from their twitter chain it looks like it may have gone to print before her she divulged her big news to the public...likely a great tribute to her career nonetheless. (Click here to get your copy.)

 2) Playing soccer the girl's way. Speaking of the Boston Breakers...they've launched a film project aimed to change the way girls are physically and mentally coached to play soccer. "I'm a soccer player. And I'm a girl. Coach me like one. Treat me like one. Teach me like one." The video speaks for itself...! Click here to support the Kickstarter.

3) The Seattle Reign FC took their pre-season to Japan and reveal their home kit during a match against one of the world's best clubs, INAC Kobe. In the first of three matches planned for their Japanese stint, Seattle fell 2-0 in front of 3,563 fans in Okinawa City. Several of SRFC's internationals were unavailable due to Algarve Cup and Cyprus Cup commitments, while Hope Solo is still on the injury list. INAC's line up was highlighted by Homare Sawa, World Champion and 2011 FIFA Player of the Year.

The Nike jerseys, pictured below, are the same style as those revealed by the Washington Spirit, which may indicate that the teams will be sporting generic kits in the NWSL's first season.