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Welcome to this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip- and if you like your women’s soccer with a side of plot twists, you’re in the right place.

From dominant international friendlies to one eyebrow-raising front office hire, this week brought both calm and chaos. The USWNT cruised past China with Naomi Girma back at the heart of the defense, Lo’eau LaBonta made long-awaited history, and Canada and Venezuela showed up big in their tune-up matches. But just as Washington looked settled, Jonatan Giráldez packed his bags mid-season. Meanwhile in Denver, a GM hire sparked more questions than excitement.

Let’s get into it. 👇

• Int’l: USWNT vs China (3-0) 

• Int’l: New Zealand vs Venezuela (1-3)

• Int’l: Canada vs Haiti (4-1)

• News: Labonta Makes USWNT History

• News: Giráldez Leaves the Spirit In a Surprise Move

• News: Girma Returns Some Stability to a Shaky Lineup

• News: Denver’s New GM Hire Causes Divide

USWNT vs
China (3-0)

The USWNT cruised to a dominant 3-0 win over China in a friendly at Allianz Field, showcasing the team's emerging talent under head coach Emma Hayes. Catarina Macario opened the scoring in the 28th minute, pouncing on a chaotic box scramble, then turned provider seven minutes later with a clever assist to Sam Coffey. The third goal came early in the second half when Michelle Cooper raced down the wing and crossed to Lindsey Heaps, who headed it home. With China playing an unexpectedly high line, the U.S. took full advantage, dictating play throughout.

Hayes leaned on a youthful squad—15 players had 20 or fewer caps—and the gamble paid off. Rising stars like Alyssa Thompson, Lily Yohannes, and Michelle Cooper stood out, while Manchester United standout goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce notched her second clean sheet in two USWNT starts. The team next faces Jamaica as they continue their summer slate of friendlies.

New Zealand vs
Venezuela (1-3)

New Zealand’s Football Ferns fell 3-1 to Venezuela in Marbella in their first match under newly appointed head coach Michael Mayne. Despite fielding a balanced squad of veterans and emerging talent, the Ferns struggled to match Venezuela’s pace and physicality. After conceding in the 24th minute, New Zealand briefly leveled through Katie Kitching’s rebound goal in the 37th, but Venezuela immediately responded with a stunning long-range strike by Romero. The Ferns were unable to capitalize on a few second-half chances, and Venezuela sealed the win late with a brilliant finish from teenager Chirinos.

The match exposed growing pains for the Ferns as they transition into a new era under Mayne, who acknowledged the performance was “nowhere near where the team needs to be.” Venezuela dominated possession (60%) and executed a clear, high-pressure strategy, while New Zealand lacked cohesion, particularly in midfield and defense. The result reflects a tale of two teams: one with momentum and chemistry, the other searching for identity and structure. The Ferns will need a much sharper showing in the second match to avoid a series sweep.

Canada vs
Haiti (4-1)

Canada’s women’s national team cruised to a 4-1 win over Haiti in the first of two friendlies at Princess Auto Stadium. Adriana Leon struck twice within the first nine minutes, quickly putting Canada in control and notching her 43rd and 44th international goals. After dominating possession for the rest of the half, Canada added a third just after the break when Shelina Zadorsky volleyed home at the back post. Haiti managed a brief response through Batcheba Louis, but it was too little, too late.

The match also marked a historic moment for Desiree Scott, who ended her international career with her 188th cap, receiving an emotional sendoff from teammates and fans. Olivia Smith capped the victory with a final-minute goal to seal the scoreline at 4-1. With a strong performance throughout, Canada will look to build on the momentum when the teams face off again on Tuesday night.

Labonta Makes
USWNT History

Lo'eau LaBonta made USWNT history on Saturday by becoming the oldest debutant in team history at 32 years and 74 days, entering as a 70th-minute substitute during the U.S. women’s 3-0 win over China. Emma Hayes praised LaBonta’s perseverance and performance, calling her a testament to players who continue grinding even without national team recognition. LaBonta’s call-up follows a standout NWSL season as captain of the first-place Kansas City Current. Hayes emphasized that her inclusion wasn’t about age, but consistent high-level play and leadership.

The U.S. had already sealed the win before LaBonta’s debut, with goals from Catarina Macario, Sam Coffey, and Lindsey Horan. Macario continued her red-hot international form, while Phallon Tullis-Joyce recorded her second clean sheet in two USWNT starts. After the match, LaBonta reflected emotionally on her long journey, noting that she always kept pushing through setbacks and tried to bring joy to the grind.

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Giráldez Leaves the Spirit
in a Surprise Move

Jonatan Giráldez is reportedly set to leave the Washington Spirit and take over as head coach of OL Lyonnes, shifting between two clubs owned by Michele Kang. The 33-year-old departs after less than a year in the NWSL and without completing a full season, marking a surprising move in an already unpredictable league. Giráldez, who previously led Barcelona Femení to multiple league and Champions League titles, will be replaced by Spirit assistant coach Adrián González — the same coach who guided the team to a strong start as interim before Giráldez officially joined in June 2024.

The timing coincides with OL Lyonnes’ announcement that head coach Joe Montemurro is stepping down, potentially to lead the Australian women’s national team. While Kang has publicly stated she wouldn't transfer players between her clubs, the decision to shift coaches raises new ethical concerns. The Spirit currently sit fourth in the league despite key injuries, including to Trinity Rodman, while OL Lyonnes continues its reign as one of Europe’s elite. Kang also owns the newly promoted London City Lionesses and has hinted at acquiring a fourth club, adding another layer to her growing global influence in women’s soccer.

Some people believe that Kang is jeopardizing the integrity of the sport by poaching from her own teams, other believe that she is entitled to do whatever she wants with her money. Let us know your thoughts on Instagram.

Girma Returns Some
Stability to a Shaky Lineup

Naomi Girma’s return to the USWNT brought immediate stability and composure, helping the U.S. cruise to a 3-0 win over China in St. Paul. Head coach Emma Hayes praised Girma’s calming presence and tactical awareness, noting how her decision-making from deeper spaces helped the team control the tempo. After an injury-disrupted start to her time at Chelsea, Girma returned to international duty for the first time in 2025, logging 138 touches, completing 95% of her passes, and leading the team in clearances. Her performance was so influential that teammate Sam Coffey described playing alongside her as “being wrapped in a security blanket.”

With the U.S. experimenting with lineups and dealing with injuries to key defenders like Tierna Davidson, Girma’s presence restored confidence to a young back line and allowed midfielders to engage more aggressively. Her intelligence off the ball and positional maturity minimized the need for risky tackles, and her leadership continues to shine both on and off the pitch. At just 24 years old, Girma has already earned 46 caps and remains the bedrock of the U.S. defense heading into the next cycle. Hayes’ squad has rotated heavily this year, but Girma’s return may finally provide the consistency and foundation the team has lacked.

Denver’s New GM Hire
Causes Some Divide

Denver’s new NWSL team has hired Curt Johnson as its first general manager, touting his 25 years of soccer executive experience and past success with Sporting Kansas City and the North Carolina Courage. Team owner Rob Cohen praised Johnson’s championship pedigree and collaborative spirit, positioning him as a foundational hire to shape the club’s future. However, the appointment has sparked backlash from fans due to Johnson’s past decision to retain coach Paul Riley, a central figure in the Yates report on abuse in women’s soccer. While Johnson helped build title-winning rosters in North Carolina, many supporters argue he didn’t do enough to vet Riley’s past misconduct, despite some early warnings.

The Yates report detailed how Johnson and Courage leadership were aware of at least one disturbing incident involving Riley but still kept him on as head coach. Though Johnson claims he wasn’t informed of Riley’s prior firing for cause by the Portland Thorns, critics say he failed to dig deeper. Social media users voiced outrage over his hiring, with some vowing to boycott the team as long as Johnson remains GM. While Johnson and Cohen say lessons have been learned and reforms have been made to improve player safety, the decision has left many fans questioning whether Denver NWSL truly reflects the values of transparency and accountability the league has promised to uphold.