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Welcome back to another edition of Goalside Gossip, your ultimate source for all things women's soccer!

What to expect on this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip:

1. NWSL News - Angel City’s New Owners

2. INT’L - Important Dates & Fixtures

3. INT’L - USWNT vs Costa Rica (0-0) 😳 

4. INT’L - Group by Group: Olympics Breakdown and Predictions

5. UWS - A Champion is Crowned

Sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's blend of Goals, Gossip, and Glory from the world of women's soccer. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, there's something here for everyone as we celebrate the passion and skill of these incredible athletes.

P.S. We started a podcast series where you can listen to our newsletter updates, all in a quick 5-7 minute podcast. Posted weekly. Click here to listen.

NWSL

Angel City’s New Owners

Willow Bay, Dean of USC Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism, and Bob Iger, CEO of The Walt Disney Company, are poised to become the new controlling owners of Angel City Football Club (ACFC). Their investment will value the club at $250 million, marking the highest valuation ever for a women’s professional sports team. This significant transaction, which includes an additional $50 million investment for the club's growth, positions ACFC at the forefront of women's sports. Bay will take on a pivotal role, serving on the ACFC Board of Directors and representing the club on the NWSL’s Board of Governors, ensuring ACFC's continued commitment to equity and community-driven initiatives.

The agreement, pending customary closing conditions and NWSL approval, represents a landmark moment for ACFC and the business of women's sports. It was unanimously approved by ACFC’s Board of Directors and is expected to close within the next 30-60 days. Bay and Iger's leadership and additional capital will further elevate ACFC's efforts to be an innovative and successful organization both on and off the pitch. Their extensive experience and dedication to the Los Angeles community make them ideal partners to lead ACFC into this new era, building on the club's strong foundation of fan and community support.

ACFC, founded in 2020 by Natalie Portman, Kara Nortman, and Julie Uhrman, has already made significant strides in women's sports. In 2023, the club achieved the highest revenue of any women's team globally, led the NWSL in attendance, sponsorship revenue, and total revenue, and boasts the largest season ticket membership. ACFC's innovative sponsorship model allocates 10% of sponsorship revenue back into the Los Angeles community. The club's roster includes notable players such as Christen Press, Sydney Leroux, Ali Riley, and local stars Alyssa and Gisele Thompson. The diverse ownership group features prominent figures like Billie Jean King, Candace Parker, and several former USWNT players, all contributing to ACFC's mission of advancing equity for athletes and women-founded businesses.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

(Updated) International Break,
Olympics, Euro Qualifiers

_{Important Dates & Fixtures}

As the NWSL takes a summer break, the spotlight turns to an exciting lineup of international tournaments, including the olympics, and qualifying matches. From the highly anticipated Olympics in France to the inaugural NWSL Summer Cup and Concacaf W Champions Cup, fans have plenty of thrilling football action to look forward to. Let's take a closer look at what's in store:

• Pre-Olympic Friendlies:

  • July 13: United States vs. Mexico (1-0)

  • July 16: United States vs. Costa Rica (0-0)

• Olympics (July 25 - August 10):

  • 12 nations compete in France for the coveted gold medal

  • Tournament kicks off this week on July 25 and concludes with the final on August 10

  • USWNT Olympic Group Stage:

    • Thursday, July 25: USA vs. Zambia, 3 p.m. EST

    • Sunday, July 28: USA vs. Germany, 3 p.m. EST

    • Wednesday, July 31: Australia vs. USA, 1 p.m. EST

  • How to watch Olympic matches in the US:

    • NBC and Peacock will broadcast live Olympic events each morning and afternoon.

    • Soccer fans in the U.S. will be able to watch live throughout the day, with matches starting between 9AM - 3PM EST

• NWSL Summer Cup (July 19 - October 25):

  • All 14 NWSL clubs and 6 teams from Mexico's Liga MX Femenil participate

  • 30 group stage games followed by a semi-final on August 6

  • Final to be played on October 25 in Texas

• Concacaf W Champions Cup (Starts August 15):

  • 11 clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean compete

  • Winners qualify for the FIFA Women's Club World Cup

• Euro 2025 Qualifying:

  • Through to finals: Denmark, England (holders), France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland (hosts)

  • Teams that don't qualify through League A have a second chance via playoffs in Oct/Nov, with 7 spots up for grabs

Get your TV’s ready, mark your calendars and get ready for an action-packed summer!

USWNT vs Costa Rica (0-0)

The USWNT played their final match before the Paris 2024 Olympics against Costa Rica at Audi Field in Washington, DC, resulting in a 0-0 draw. Despite dominating the match with 80% possession and out-attempting Costa Rica 26-2, the USWNT struggled to convert their numerous chances into goals. This match, known as the ‘Send-Off Match,’ was the last opportunity for new head coach Emma Hayes to observe her team in a competitive setting before the Olympics, where the US will face Zambia, Germany, and Australia in the group stage.

Under Hayes, the USWNT has a 3-1-0 record, with wins against South Korea and Mexico. Key players such as Sophia Smith, Crystal Dunn, Mallory Swanson, Tierna Davidson, and Lily Yohannes have scored during her tenure. The team, which has dropped to fifth in the FIFA rankings after years of consistently being in the top two, is looking to regain its former dominance. Significant roster changes include the absence of veterans Megan Rapinoe, Alex Morgan, and Becky Sauerbrunn, while familiar faces like Alyssa Naeher, Lindsey Horan, Rose Lavelle, Crystal Dunn, and Mallory Swanson remain central to the squad.

Olympics Breakdown: Group by Group

Group A: France , Colombia , Canada , New Zealand

Overview: Group A is highly competitive, featuring no debutants, which adds a layer of familiarity and complexity to the matchups.

Teams:

• France 🇫🇷 : Hosts of the tournament, aiming for their first major silverware. Their home advantage and recent success in making the Euro 2022 semifinals make them strong contenders.

• Colombia 🇨🇴 : Demonstrated their strength by reaching the World Cup quarterfinals last summer. Expected to be competitive and possibly secure a place in the knockout rounds.

• Canada 🇨🇦 : Defending champions but without retired legend Christine Sinclair. Still a formidable team with players like Jordyn Huitema.

• New Zealand 🇳🇿 : Historically less competitive but showing promise and could surprise more established teams.

Key Players:

• Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France): PSG's all-time top scorer, known for her clinical finishing and aerial prowess.

• Linda Caicedo (Colombia): 18-year-old sensation who lit up the 2023 World Cup with her dribbling skills and vision.

• Jordyn Huitema (Canada): Towering striker with a knack for crucial goals, stepping up in Sinclair's absence.

• Ali Riley (New Zealand): Versatile fullback with over 150 caps, bringing experience from top leagues in Europe and the US.

Must-see Match: Colombia vs. France is expected to be the most thrilling with both teams having physical and ruthless attacks. Scheduled for July 25 in Lyon.

Group A Prediction: 1) France, 2) Canada, 3) Colombia, 4) New Zealand

Group B: United States, Zambia, Germany, Australia

Overview: A highly unpredictable group with powerhouse teams and potential dark horses.

Teams:

• United States 🇺🇸 : Under new head coach Emma Hayes, aiming to bounce back from their poor World Cup performance. They haven't won gold since 2012 and are in a state of transition.

• Zambia 🇿🇲 : Featuring star forward Barbra Banda, they are a dangerous team capable of surprises.

• Germany 🇩🇪 : 2016 gold medalists, returning to the Olympics after missing the last edition.

• Australia 🇦🇺 : Must cope without star striker Sam Kerr. Finished fourth at the 2021 Olympics and last year's World Cup.

Key Players:

• Lindsey Horan (USA): Lyon midfielder with exceptional vision and set-piece expertise, vital to USA's transition play.

• Barbra Banda (Zambia): NWSL's current top scorer, combining blistering pace with lethal finishing.

• Lena Oberdorf (Germany): Defensive midfield prodigy, renowned for her tackling and game-reading abilities.

• Ellie Carpenter (Australia): Speedy right-back with crossing prowess, key to Australia's attacking transitions.

Must-see Match: USA vs. Australia is set for July 31, this group finale could be crucial for both teams’ advancement.

Prediction: 1) USA, 2) Germany, 3) Zambia, 4) Australia

Group C: Spain, Japan, Nigeria, Brazil

Overview: Group C is packed with talent and experience, making it one of the toughest groups.

Teams:

• Spain 🇪🇸 : World champions and favorites, looking to add Olympic gold to their accolades.

• Japan 🇯🇵 : In good form, potentially a surprise package. Their match against Brazil will be crucial.

• Brazil 🇧🇷 : Seeking success with legends like Marta potentially playing her last tournament.

• Nigeria 🇳🇬 : Africa's most successful women's team, though inconsistent in recent games.

Key Players:

• Aitana Bonmatí (Spain): Current Ballon d'Or holder, maestro of Spain's tiki-taka style with incredible close control.

• Saki Kumagai (Japan): Versatile defender/midfielder with Champions League experience, Japan's tactical lynchpin.

• Marta (Brazil): Six-time FIFA World Player of the Year, looking to cap her legendary career with Olympic gold.

• Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria): Bay FC's explosive new signing, known for her powerful shots and intelligent off-ball movement.

Must-see Match: Spain vs. Japan is a repeat of their 2023 World Cup clash, expected to be a significant indicator of both teams’ tournament prospects. Scheduled for July 25.

Prediction: 1) Spain, 2) Japan, 3) Brazil, 4) Nigeria

UWS

2024 UWS Champs:
SC Blue Heat FC

The 2024 UWS National Championship final between the Santa Clarita Blue Heat and the New England Mutiny was a gripping encounter that showcased the skill and determination of both founding teams. Held at All High Stadium in Buffalo, New York, the match was fiercely contested from the start. The Blue Heat took an early lead in the 12th minute with Emilie Castagna's goal following a free kick by Liz Worden. The Mutiny equalized just before halftime through 15-year-old Mila Dillard, setting the stage for an intense second half.

The second half saw continued physical and fast-paced play, with the Mutiny gaining momentum. The introduction of Chioma Okafor in the 60th minute proved decisive, as she scored ten minutes later to give the Mutiny a 2-1 lead. However, Santa Clarita fought back, with Cameron Valladares heading in a cross from Worden to equalize in the 76th minute. The match remained tied at 2-2 at the end of regulation, leading to a penalty shootout for the second consecutive year.

In the shootout, both teams displayed remarkable composure under pressure. The Blue Heat's Castagna and the Mutiny's Peric converted their kicks, but Worden missed her attempt. Successful penalties from Wynalda and Perez for the Blue Heat, and Klingensmith, Dillard, and Mutton for the Mutiny, kept the score tight. The shootout extended into sudden death, with Raibon and Okafor converting for their teams. Ultimately, Ariana Salvador's goal and a miss from Mutiny’s captain, Rachel Marchini, secured a 6-5 victory for Santa Clarita, crowning them the 2024 UWS National Champions in a dramatic and well-deserved triumph.

Before the game, some of the players sat down and chatted about how they are preparing for the intense match ahead. Take a look at what they had to say HERE.

Missed the game? Watch the replay of the 2024 UWS Championship HERE.

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