Welcome to this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip!

It feels like every week women’s soccer finds a new way to surprise us. Orlando, last year’s fortress, just leaked five against the league’s bottom side, while Trinity Rodman continues to look like a player who refuses to let the Spirit settle for second place. Gotham’s fightback showed a team coming into its own, and San Diego’s tribute to Alex Morgan was as emotional as it was bittersweet. What really stands out to me though is the shifting center of gravity off the pitch. Alyssa Thompson leaving Angel City for Chelsea and Grace Geyoro breaking the transfer record with London City are not just transactions. They are reminders that the game is moving faster than many imagined, and the real question is who will keep pace.

This week:

• NWSL: Chicago Stars vs Orlando Pride (5-2)

• NWSL: Washington Spirit vs Seattle Reign (2-0)

• NWSL: SD Wave vs Houston Dash (0-3)

• NWSL: Racing Louisville vs Portland Thorns (1-2)

• NWSL: Gotham FC vs Angel City (3-1)

• News: Alex Morgan’s #13 goes into the rafters

• News: Thompson’s Chelsea Move Signals Shift in Women’s Soccer

• News: Grace Geyoro signs with London City Lionesses in world record transfer

Chicago Stars vs
Orlando Pride (5-2)

The Orlando Pride’s fell short with a 5-2 loss to bottom-placed Chicago Stars, extending their winless streak to seven games and putting their playoff hopes in jeopardy just a year after winning the league. Goals from Carson Pickett and Haley McCutcheon ended a four-game scoring drought, but defensive lapses allowed Chicago (winless since April) to score five through Sam Staab, Jameese Joseph, Bea Franklin, Julia Grosso, and Ludmila. Despite even possession and passing stats, the Stars were more clinical in the final third, outshooting Orlando 19-13 with eight on target. Even with record-signing Jacquie Ovalle making her debut, the Pride couldn’t recover, leaving coach Seb Hines to apologize to fans and stress the need to regroup ahead of their clash with Bay FC.

Washington Spirit vs
Seattle Reign (2-0)

The Washington Spirit defeated Seattle Reign 2-0 at Audi Field behind a brace from Trinity Rodman, who struck in the 33rd and 81st minutes. Seattle started brightly with early chances from Jordyn Huitema but spent much of the first half under pressure before Rodman broke the deadlock. The Reign created opportunities to level after the break, including a near miss from Maddie Dahlien and a strong header by Huitema, but goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury stood firm. Despite solid defensive organization and standout work from Sam Meza in midfield, Seattle couldn’t convert their key moments, and Washington sealed the win late to hand the Reign another tough road defeat.

Our Matchday Media Reps Brian and Sydney were there in person. Check out there matchday report here (worth the read we promise).

SD Wave vs
Houston Dash (0-3)

San Diego Wave retired Alex Morgan’s iconic No. 13 jersey in an emotional ceremony on Sunday, but the night ended in disappointment as they fell 3-0 at home to the Houston Dash. Morgan, a two-time World Cup winner who retired in 2024, was honored as the club’s first-ever player, with fans unveiling a banner reading “Endless Impact” before she delivered a heartfelt speech. On the field, Houston spoiled the occasion with goals from Clarissa Larisey, Yazmeen Ryan, and substitute Messiah Bright, despite San Diego dominating possession and outshooting the Dash 19-9. The loss extended the Wave’s poor run of form, with just one win in their last seven, though they remain third in the table, while Houston’s unbeaten streak stretched to six as they climbed to ninth and within striking distance of a playoff spot.

Racing Louisville vs
Portland Thorns (1-2)

The Portland Thorns grabbed a dramatic 2-1 comeback win over Racing Louisville on the road, sealed by an own goal from Ellie Jean in the 90th minute that lifted them into fourth place in the NWSL standings. Louisville struck first through Katie O’Kane’s debut goal in the 22nd minute, but Portland equalized nine minutes later when Julie Dufour headed in after a Reilyn Turner shot was saved. Both teams created chances throughout, with Jordyn Bloomer denying Sam Coffey from the penalty spot and Mackenzie Arnold making key saves, including one on a 2-on-0 breakaway. Despite being outshot 25-15, the Thorns showed resilience and capitalized late, snapping a two-game skid and keeping their push for a playoff home game alive.

Gotham FC vs
Angel City (3-1)

In a clash of coasts, Gotham handed Angel City a 3-1 defeat to extend their unbeaten streak to five and give new head coach Andy Spence his first NWSL win. Angel City struck first through Kennedy Fuller’s early volley from outside the box, but Gotham stormed back after halftime. Gabi Portilho equalized just minutes after the restart, Rose Lavelle followed with her first goal of the season four minutes later, and Jaelin Howell sealed the victory with a thunderous strike that rattled in off the crossbar. Beyond her goal, Howell anchored midfield defensively and showed why she has become a key presence. The win lifts Gotham into sixth place, four points clear of Angel City, and sets them up with confidence as they head to San Diego before returning to Concacaf Champions Cup play.

Where NWSL Stands

KC Current are running away at the top with 49 points, well clear of Washington Spirit on 35. San Diego, Portland, and Orlando are tightly packed just behind, while Gotham, Seattle, and Racing Louisville fight for playoff spots. Houston, Angel City, and North Carolina still have a chance, but Bay FC, Chicago, and bottom-placed Utah look out of the race. The final stretch should bring a fierce battle for the last postseason places.

SD Wave Retire
Alex Morgan’s #13

San Diego Wave honored Alex Morgan’s legendary career by retiring her iconic No. 13 jersey, a rare move in soccer. Snapdragon Stadium was filled with fans wearing her name and number as the club presented her with a framed jersey after their match against Houston Dash. Morgan, holding back tears, reflected on her three transformative years in San Diego, from helping build the team to playoff runs, a Shield win, a Challenge Cup title, and record-setting crowds. She thanked the fans for their unwavering support, noting how they inspired her to keep showing up, and reminded the next generation that dreams once impossible for her are now within reach.

The ceremony featured pink headbands for fans (a nod to Morgan’s signature look) and a massive pink No. 13 structure covered with heartfelt messages. Surrounded by family, friends, and former teammates, Morgan celebrated her impact on the Wave and the game itself. Retired last year after a 15-year career, she left behind 123 international goals, two World Cups, and an Olympic gold. Beyond her on-field legacy, Morgan is now shaping the sport’s future as part-owner of the Wave, cementing her role as both a pioneer and lasting figure in women’s soccer history.

Thompson’s Chelsea Move
Signals Shift in Women’s Soccer

Alyssa Thompson’s transfer from Angel City to Chelsea marks both a record-setting deal and a symbolic loss for the NWSL. The 20-year-old forward, drafted No. 1 in 2023 and one of the league’s brightest young stars, joins Chelsea on a five-year contract for a reported £1 million fee plus add-ons. While it sets a new NWSL outgoing transfer record, it falls short of the new $1.9 million global record. For Angel City, the move is especially painful: Thompson was not only the face of the franchise but also part of a long-term plan alongside her younger sister Gisele, both signed through 2028. Her exit underscores ACFC’s struggles to build consistency despite being the league’s highest-valued club and making significant recent investments in leadership, facilities, and talent.

Thompson’s departure highlights a broader trend of U.S. talent leaving the NWSL for Europe’s increasingly attractive financial and competitive opportunities. Just two years after the 2023 World Cup roster featured only one U.S.-based European player, nine USWNT regulars now play abroad, including Thompson, Naomi Girma, and Catarina Macario at Chelsea. With rising investment in the WSL and other European clubs free from salary-cap constraints, the NWSL faces growing pressure to retain its top American prospects. Still, the league remains a magnet for international stars and saw record representation at the 2025 Euros, a reminder of its global pull. Thompson’s move, however, underscores the shifting balance of power in women’s soccer and presents a major challenge for Angel City as it tries to steady its young project.

London City Lionesses'
Grace Geyoro Signing

In a roaring statement of ambition, London City Lionesses have signed Grace Geyoro from PSG for a record-breaking €1.65 million ($1.9m)—surpassing all previous transfers in women’s football. Backed by Michele Kang, this newly-promoted WSL side is clearly making noise, equipping themselves with star power to compete at the highest level from the get-go.

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