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Welcome to this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip!

Today feels like a special one for our team. After three years of writing and sharing stories from around the world every single week, Goalside Gossip has officially passed 4,000 subscribers. We’re so thankful for everyone who’s read, shared, and celebrated this journey with us. Your support and love for the game are what make this community possible.

A special shoutout to our Matchday Media Reps — the incredible folks who bring the energy from the stadium to your screens each week. You help keep this space connected and alive. And as always, we’d love to hear from you. If you have thoughts, feedback, or just want to say hi, drop us a note anytime at [email protected].

-Roei & Stavan

Now, let’s get into it. Playoff drama is everywhere. Seattle, Orlando, and San Diego grabbed the spotlight with statement wins, while Gotham and Louisville served up a nailbiter. Kansas City’s regular season run is reaching record territory, and the future is bright with the U20s training in town, as names like Pfeiffer, Hutton, and Sentnor draw attention.

Off the field, it is not all celebration. Trinity Rodman’s knee injury means Washington and USWNT will need to adapt, and suddenly every playoff storyline and every health update becomes more important than ever.

Here’s what’s in store this week:

• NWSL:

  • Seattle Reign vs Utah Royals (2-1)

  • Washington Spirit vs Orlando Pride (2-3) | GG Full Match Analysis

  • SD Wave vs Chicago Stars (6-1)

  • Gotham FC vs Racing Louisville (2-2)

• News:

  • KC’s Historic Run Meets Decision Day Drama

  • U-20 Team Gathers Top Youth Talent

  • Rodman’s Injury Shakes Spirit and USWNT

Seattle Reign vs
Utah Royals (2–1)

Seattle clinched their playoff spot at Lumen Field, powered by rookie Ainsley McCammon’s first career header goal in stoppage time. Paige Monaghan pulled Utah level with a left footed strike, but Sofia Huerta calmly converted a penalty in her milestone 200th NWSL appearance. Lauren Barnes anchored the defense in her historic final home regular season game and is the only player to have appeared in 251 matches for a single club, an NWSL record. Seattle’s defense blocked six shots and held Utah to just one shot on target in the final twenty minutes to protect the win.

Washington Spirit vs
Orlando Pride (2–3)

Washington Spirit suffered a tough loss at home after a four month unbeaten streak. An own goal gave them the early lead before Kerry Abello equalized for Orlando with a powerful effort. Marta came off the bench and changed the game, first forcing an own goal and then winning and converting a penalty for the Pride’s dramatic comeback; Marta’s goal marked her eighth of the season as Orlando notched their tenth late game goal, the highest in the league. The Spirit piled on 20 total shots yet could not find a way past Orlando in the closing stages.

Read Brian’s full match analysis and check out Sydney’s photos from the night here.

San Diego Wave vs
Chicago Stars (6–1)

Wow San Diego. The Wave overwhelmed Chicago Stars with a goal filled night in front of nearly 17,000 fans. Delphine Cascarino scored first, Hanna Lundkvist forced an own goal, and Dudinha added two more, helping San Diego clinch their playoff spot. San Diego became just the second team to score six goals in a single match this NWSL season, and Dudinha’s brace gives her four goals since joining the club in July. Wave midfielder Belle Briede finished the night with two assists, a career first.

Gotham FC vs
Racing Louisville (2–2)

Gotham FC and Racing Louisville battled to a tense draw with playoff hopes on the line. Jaelin Howell scored first for Gotham, Janine Sonis and Sarah Weber responded for Racing, but Rose Lavelle curled in a late free kick to secure the tie and Gotham’s playoff berth. Gotham hit the woodwork twice in this match, but still secured a third straight playoff appearance, while Lavelle’s clutch goal delivered her fifth of the season. Racing Louisville’s rookie goalkeeper Chloe Anderson made eight saves to keep her squad in playoff contention through stoppage time. After the match, Howell talked about how" “the job is not done yet”, showing Gotham’s grit and determination.

Current Form Check: The Last Five Weeks
for Every Playoff Contender

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KC Current Sets Records as
NWSL Playoffs Loom

The NWSL’s regular season finale, “Decision Day,” is poised for must-see action as all 14 clubs take the field at the same time in a unique finale that will decide the final playoff bracket. Top billing this year belongs to the Kansas City Current, who have already clinched the NWSL Shield in historic fashion—posting a record 20 wins, the highest points tally (62) in league history, and maintaining an undefeated run at home.

Fans nationwide will enjoy unprecedented access: Kansas City’s matchup against the surging San Diego Wave will be broadcast live on ESPN, while the other five matches stream for free on NWSL+. The Current’s dominance will be tested, as Decision Day is notorious for upsets and playoff chaos. Can Kansas City turn a historic regular season into a championship, or will the drama of the playoffs provide a twist?

We will be hosting live polls on Instagram all weekend so make sure to let us know your thoughts.

U.S. U-20 Camp Showcases
Future NWSL Stars

The U20 USWNT is gathering in Kansas City this week for its first camp under new head coach Vicky Jepson. The squad features a balanced blend of NWSL up-and-comers, top college talent, and just-promoted youth club stars. Seven NWSL players made the roster, including Kansas City Current duo Mary Long and Alex Pfeiffer, both of whom have been regulars on the circuit this year, plus defender Katie Scott who is making her debut at this level.

Standouts to watch include midfielder Claire Hutton, who played the most minutes of any rookie in the NWSL this season, and forward Ally Sentnor, already turning heads with her technical skill and nose for goal. Alex Pfeiffer, at just 17, is considered one of the most promising attacking prospects in the pool, earning her first call-up to the U20s.

The camp will overlap with the senior Women’s National Team’s match in Kansas City, giving these rising stars a first-hand look at the next level. With so much youth and potential on display, this group could shape the future of the program for years to come.

Trinity Rodman Sidelined
with Knee Sprain

Washington Spirit and USWNT forward Trinity Rodman suffered a Grade 1 MCL sprain to her right knee during last week’s Concacaf W Champions Cup match. Forced off the field in clear discomfort and seen later on crutches with her leg in a brace, Rodman will miss the regular season’s final matches as well as the upcoming U.S. friendlies against Portugal and New Zealand. This happened hours after earning her first national team call up since April.

Thankfully, scans revealed Rodman avoided a more serious injury, and the Spirit are hopeful she could return in time for the playoffs if her recovery progresses well. Still, her status remains officially “day-to-day.” After already missing time earlier this year due to a persistent back issue, Rodman’s latest setback is a blow to both Washington’s title hopes and the national team’s depth as Olympic qualification approaches.

The club has described her injury as the “best-case scenario” for an MCL sprain, and most medical timelines suggest a possible playoff return is within reach if all goes well. Her absence will force the Spirit to adjust tactically on the wings since her speed and creativity have set the tone for Washington’s attack whenever she’s healthy. For both fans and teammates, her recovery story adds suspense—whether she can rejoin in time to shift the playoff narrative might be one of the biggest X-factors of the NWSL postseason.