Why American fans should care about the 2025 Club World Cup

As USMNT boss, Pochettino opens doors for Latino players, fans

Vinícius Júnior’s imperfect conception

The best players, coaches & teams of the 21st century - ranked

The 25 best USMNT players of the 21st century - ranked

CR7 sends emotional message as Portugal co-host World Cup

Man City's FFP blow: PL could be encouraged by UEFA revelation

Ronaldo & Al-Nassr stars gifted BMW XM cars worth €155k

Oscar bids farewell to China after netting extraordinary sum

Man Utd urged to sign USMNT star capable of 'transforming' team 

'Supporting him is not good for your health!' - Nunez torn apart

CR7 back in EPL? Club backed to make gamble

City savaged after Haaland & three other players miss penalties with NO 'keeper

<p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="footballco-bet-betsense">{"type":"footballco-bet-betsense","data":{}}</script><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><p style="display: none;">Article continues below</p><script type="application/json" data-placement="fcplayer-semantic">{"type":"fcplayer-semantic","data":{"embedCode":"//cdn.fcp.codes/embed-code-template/embed-code-template.js#SEMANTIC_d6e1e5da-7d9a-43d5-97e1-f4350a3cd7e3"}}</script><ul><li>Injuries have limited Macario's game time this season</li><li>USWNT missed Olympics with knee problem</li><li>But finally granted first Chelsea start of 2024-25</li></ul><table><tbody><tr><td><a href="https://www.whatsapp.com/channel/0029Va2ivxLJJhzdzbJdwo0n"><strong>Follow GOAL on WhatsApp!</strong></a> 🟢📱</td></tr></tbody></table>

Huge step for Catarina Macario: USWNT star handed first Chelsea start of the season in Champions League clash with Celtic

Leicester City WFC

Chelsea FC Women

<p>Macario missed <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/uswnt-new-generation-olympics-gold-medal/blt40160fbf2240a0b2" target="_blank">the U.S. women's national team's triumphant Olympic campaign in the summer</a> due to a knee problem, one which came just a few months after she put a two-year injury absence to an end. <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/uswnt-chelsea-catarina-macario-paris-olympics-emma-hayes-injury/blt19e40bb0a392c76f" target="_blank">The 25-year-old was initially included on Emma Hayes' roster, but had to withdraw from the tournament before it began</a>.</p>

WHAT HAPPENED?

<p>New Chelsea boss Sonia Bompastor, who coached the USWNT star at Lyon, has been patient with Macario through the first few weeks of this season, in order to ensure she can get back to full fitness and not endure any setbacks. That finally resulted in the forward being named to the Blues' XI for the first time on Wednesday, ahead of their Champions League group stage clash with Celtic.</p>

THE BIGGER PICTURE

<p>Despite seeing just 87 minutes of action across four appearances in all competitions, Macario has already got on the scoresheet for Chelsea this season. That goal came in the Blues' second match of the new campaign, <a href="https://www.goal.com/en/lists/chelsea-women-player-ratings-crystal-palace-aggie-beever-jones-lionesses-lucy-bronze-lauren-james/bltc2930c6a0de8641a" target="_blank">when the U.S. star made a great impact off the bench in a 7-0 thrashing of newly-promoted Women's Super League side Crystal Palace</a>.</p>

DID YOU KNOW?

<p>Macario will hope this is a positive step towards more game time before 2024 comes to a close. The Blues have a big fixture next up, as they welcome Manchester United to London on Sunday, and the forward would surely love to be involved there, too.</p>

WHAT NEXT FOR MACARIO AND CHELSEA?

Huge step for Catarina Macario: USWNT star handed first Chelsea start of the season in Champions League clash with Celtic | Goal.com US

USWNT forward Catarina Macario was finally granted her first start of the season for Chelsea on Wednesday, after some frustrating injuries.