Welcome to another edition of Goalside Gossip! ⚽️🔥 This week was packed with excitement and milestones across the NWSL, WSL, and UWCL! The Orlando Pride made history by clinching their first-ever NWSL Championship, while Chelsea continued their unbeaten WSL run with a solid win over Manchester United. In Europe, Arsenal and Lyon impressed in the UWCL, securing crucial victories.

We’re also gearing up for an epic showdown on Saturday at Wembley as the USWNT faces England—we’ll be there live, bringing you real-time updates on Instagram! Plus, the NWSL’s expansion race heats up with Caitlin Clark joining the conversation, and the league announced its top award winners for 2024. Let’s dive in!

What's in store this week:

• 1️⃣ NWSL Final: Orlando Pride vs Washington Spirit (0-1)

• ✨ WSL: Chelsea vs Man United (1-0)

• ⭐ UWCL: Arsenal vs Juventus (1-0)

• ⭐ UWCL: Lyon vs Roma (4-1)

• 🇺🇸 Int’l: USWNT vs England

• 📈 News: Caitlin Clark Leads NWSL Expansion

• 🏆 News: NWSL’s 2024 Award Winners

NWSL Final: Orlando Pride vs
Washington Spirit

The Orlando Pride captured their first-ever NWSL Championship with a 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit, capping off a record-breaking season. Barbra Banda’s decisive goal in the 37th minute secured the win and made history, as she became the first player to score in every match of a single NWSL postseason. Her four playoff goals set a new league record and earned her the Championship MVP honor. For six-time world player of the year Marta, who has spent eight years with the Pride, this victory was especially sweet. “I’ve waited so long for this moment,” she said, celebrating with her mother in attendance for the first time. .

Orlando's journey to the title marks a remarkable turnaround. After finishing last in 2019 and conceding a league-record 53 goals, the Pride set new standards this season with 60 points, 18 wins, and an unbeaten streak through their first 23 games. Their defensive prowess shone through, holding strong against a relentless Washington attack to preserve their lead. 36-year-old Weatherby, England-born Seb Hines became the first black coach to win the NWSL championship, in his second full season as manager of the pride. This championship win not only signals a new era for the Pride but also a milestone in Orlando sports history, with the city planning a downtown parade to honor their triumph.

Chelsea vs
Man United (1-0)

Chelsea extended their perfect start to the season with a 1-0 win over Manchester United, taking a five-point lead at the top of the table. Guro Reiten scored the only goal of the game in the 17th minute, converting a penalty after Mayra Ramirez was fouled. The Blues dominated possession, but despite several chances from Erin Cuthbert and Sjoeke Nüske, they couldn't add another goal. Manchester United struggled to break down Chelsea's defense, registering just one shot on target.

The win marked Chelsea's eighth consecutive league victory and their 12th in all competitions, keeping them the only unbeaten side in the WSL. Manchester United’s best opportunity came late in the match when Melvine Malard hit the post. Chelsea now sit comfortably at the top of the table and will return to action on December 8th against Brighton & Hove Albion after the international break.

WSL Standings

Arsenal vs
Juventus (1-0)

Arsenal secured their place in the UWCL quarter-finals with a 1-0 victory over Juventus at the Emirates. The match remained goalless through a quiet first half, where Arsenal controlled possession but failed to trouble the Juventus goal. Frida Maanum missed a promising chance, while Caitlin Foord's effort was cleared off the line early in the second half.

A crucial save by Daphne van Domselaar kept Arsenal in the game, and in the 75th minute, substitute Lina Hurtig broke the deadlock, scoring against her former club after a loose ball from Stina Blackstenius’ cross. This win lifts Arsenal into the final eight, with upcoming group matches against Vålerenga and Bayern Munich to complete their campaign.

Lyon vs
Roma (4-1)

Lyon staged a dramatic comeback in the final 16 minutes to defeat Roma 4-1 in their UWCL clash. Despite dominating the first half, including a missed chance by Melchie Dumornay, Lyon fell behind in the 74th minute when Giulia Dragoni scored Roma's only shot on target. The goal sparked Lyon into action, with Kadidiatou Diani scoring twice in quick succession (77th and 79th minutes) to take the lead.

Diani then assisted Eugénie Le Sommer for a third goal in the 90th minute, and Wendie Renard headed in a fourth during stoppage time, both from corners. The victory leaves Lyon firmly in control of Group A, moving closer to securing top spot in the group.

USWNT vs England
@ Wembley on Sat

This Saturday, Emma Hayes leads the gold medal-winning USWNT into a highly anticipated Wembley rematch against the reigning European champions, England. The last time these two sides met in October 2022, the U.S. fell 2-1 despite a goal from Sophia Smith.

Both teams face significant changes and challenges this time around. England will be without key players such as Ella Toone, Lauren James, and Lauren Hemp, while the U.S. is missing its dynamic trio of Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson, who collectively scored 10 goals in their gold-medal-winning summer. Hayes, with a focus on developing her roster for the 2027 World Cup, brings a youthful squad where nearly half have fewer than 20 caps.

We’ll be live at Wembley for this clash, providing real-time updates and behind-the-scenes coverage on our Instagram channel.

Don’t miss this fierce showdown between two of the world’s best teams! (Saturday, Nov. 30, 12:20 p.m. ET, TNT, Max, Universo, Peacock).

Caitlin Clark and the High Stakes
NWSL Expansion Race

The NWSL has announced three finalists—Cleveland, Denver, and Cincinnati—to become the league’s 16th team, set to launch in 2026 alongside Boston’s expansion team. Cincinnati, considered a front-runner due to its established infrastructure and 26,000-seat TQL Stadium, gained further momentum with WNBA star Caitlin Clark joining its ownership group. Commissioner Jessica Berman praised Clark’s involvement, highlighting her transformative impact on women’s sports and emphasizing the league’s excitement about attracting influential figures. Cleveland and Denver, if chosen, plan to play in temporary stadiums initially, with Cleveland already securing land for future development.

The NWSL continues to experience significant growth, breaking attendance records with 2 million fans this season and achieving a 47% increase year-over-year. Media viewership has also surged, with 14 million total viewers and 2 million playoff watchers. Berman underscored the importance of creating relatable stars, citing the WNBA’s success with Caitlin Clark as a model for sustained growth. She also reaffirmed the league’s commitment to inclusivity, player welfare, and ongoing collaboration with Liga MX Femenil and Canada’s upcoming Northern Super League, promising a bright future for women’s soccer in the region.

2024 NWSL Award Winners Announced

Temwa Chawinga's debut NWSL season will be remembered as one for the ages. The Kansas City striker not only set a new single-season scoring record with 20 goals but also became the first player to score against every team in a single season. Her efforts earned her both the 2024 MVP and Golden Boot, solidifying her status as a league superstar. KC coach Vlatko Andonovski praised her impact, calling her the “clear MVP” of both the team and the league.

Washington’s Croix Bethune made history of her own, becoming the first player to win both Rookie of the Year and Midfielder of the Year in the same season. Her dynamic play, highlighted by five goals and a record-tying 10 assists, showcased her talent and leadership. Despite a season-ending injury, Bethune’s presence set a high bar for future NWSL rookies. Meanwhile, Orlando Pride's Emily Sams anchored one of the stingiest defenses in league history, earning her the Defender of the Year title.

Full List of 2024 NWSL Award Winners:

• MVP: Temwa Chawinga, KC Current

• Golden Boot: Temwa Chawinga, KC Current

• Rookie of the Year: Croix Bethune, Washington Spirit

• Midfielder of the Year: Croix Bethune, Washington Spirit

• Defender of the Year: Emily Sams, Orlando Pride

• Goalkeeper of the Year: Ann-Katrin Berger, Gotham FC

• Coach of the Year: Seb Hines, Orlando Pride

Don’t be shy, tell your friends!