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Welcome to this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip!

If you thought last weekend was wild, this one said “hold my Gatorade.” From a seven-goal shootout in D.C. to a seismic coaching shake-up in Chicago, the chaos came in waves—and occasionally with sisterly assists. (Looking at you, Thompsons. History made. Records broken. Sibling supremacy confirmed.)

The Spirit-ACFC clash delivered drama, goals, and the NWSL’s first sister-to-sister strike. Over in Seattle, the Reign knocked the wind out of league leaders Kansas City, while Houston and Louisville staged a steamy Texas thriller that ended in a comeback. Across the pond, Chelsea inched closer to an unbeaten season, and the Manchester derby had it all—screamers, red cards, and a Champions League clincher for United.

Oh, and FIFA wants to know if menstrual cycles are behind your ACL tear. Science is on it. Let’s dive in.👇

What's in store this week:

• NWSL: Washington Spirit vs Angel City FC (3-4)

• NWSL: Houston Dash vs Racing Louisville (1-2)

• NWSL: Seattle Reign vs KC Current (1-0)

• WSL: Manchester United 🟥 vs Manchester City (2-2)

• WSL: Tottenham vs Chelsea (1-0)

• News: Thompson Sisters Make History

• News: With Donaldson Out, What’s Next For Chicago?

• News: Do Menstrual Cycles Contribute to Injuries?

Washington Spirit vs
Angel City FC (3-4)

In a thrilling 4–3 loss to Angel City FC, the Washington Spirit battled back from a 2–0 deficit in front of a record weekday crowd at Audi Field. Missing head coach Jonatan Giráldez due to suspension, the Spirit leaned on debut keeper Sandy MacIver and defender Esme Morgan, who scored her first two NWSL goals. Gift Monday also added her second goal of the season to bring the match level at 2–2 before Angel City reclaimed the lead. Though Morgan struck again in the 89th minute to make it 3–3, Angel City sealed the win with Riley Tiernan’s dramatic stoppage-time goal in the 98th minute.

Check out our Media Intern’s (Brian) full-match recap here.

Houston Dash vs
Racing Louisville (1-2)

Racing Louisville pulled off a 2–1 comeback win over the Houston Dash on Friday night at Shell Energy Stadium. Houston struck early with a beautiful team goal in the eighth-minute from Avery Patterson, but after a lightning delay, Kayla Fischer responded with a long-range equalizer in the 20th minute. Emma Sears sealed the win in the 70th minute with a counterattack strike that deflected off Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell and into the net. The victory extends Louisville’s strong road form, giving them seven points from their last three away matches.

Seattle Reign vs
KC Current (1-0)

Seattle Reign FC earned a statement 1–0 win over first-place KC Current on Friday night at Lumen Field, marking their third win of the season and second at home. Lynn Biyendolo scored the game-winner in the 37th minute—her first goal for the Reign and 69th regular season goal overall—off a Jordyn Huitema assist. Despite Kansas City dominating possession in the second half and firing 10 shots, Reign goalkeeper Claudia Dickey and the backline held firm, including a disallowed equalizer in the 71st minute due to offside. The win gives the Reign a big three points against one of the league’s top teams.

Manchester United 🟥 vs
Manchester City (2-2)

Manchester United secured a dramatic 2–2 draw against rivals Manchester City at Old Trafford, earning the point they needed to qualify for next season’s UEFA Women’s Champions League. Despite falling behind 2–0 in the first half to goals from Laia Aleixandri and Rebecca Knaak, United fought back through Grace Clinton and a second-half equalizer from Melvine Malard, who scored just five minutes after coming on. The result marks only the second time United have clinched a European spot, and they’ll look to advance beyond the qualifying rounds next season.

The game had no shortage of chaos—United finished with 10 players after Aoife Mannion was sent off, and City pressed hard for a winner, even pushing goalkeeper Khiara Keating forward in the final minutes. But United held firm, crushing City’s hopes of Champions League qualification and capping a forgettable, trophy-less season for their rivals.

Tottenham vs
Chelsea (0-1)

Chelsea edged Spurs 1–0 in a scrappy London derby that showed the strain of Bompastor’s nine changes to the starting XI, despite the squad clinching the title midweek. With Sjoeke Nüsken at center-back and Guro Reiten at left-back, Chelsea looked disjointed early, allowing Spurs to dominate the opening half-hour. But Cat Macario won and buried a penalty in the 33rd minute, delivering Chelsea’s lone breakthrough. Spurs had their chances—Charli Grant went close and Eveliina Summanen’s free kick just missed—but Lize Kop kept them at bay. Chelsea now sit one game from WSL immortality: an unbeaten 22-match season.

Thanks to our Media Intern (Diana) for reporting live from the match this weekend.

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Thompson Sisters Make History

Angel City's Gisele and Alyssa Thompson made NWSL history Friday night as the first sisters to combine for a goal in league play. In the 22nd minute of a wild 4–3 win over the Washington Spirit, Alyssa delivered a pinpoint cross that Gisele finished for her first professional goal, sparking a celebration the duo had long dreamed of. Gisele later added an assist to Katie Zelem’s go-ahead goal in the second half, capping a breakout performance.

The milestone adds to a growing list of accomplishments for the Thompson sisters, who signed contract extensions with Angel City earlier this year. Already trailblazers as the first high school athletes to land NIL deals with Nike, they also became just the second pair of sisters to start together for the U.S. women’s national team. With Alyssa already capped 13 times and Gisele quickly rising, their shared journey is redefining sibling success in American soccer.

What’s Next For Chicago?

Chicago Stars FC parted ways with head coach Lorne Donaldson just six weeks into the 2025 season following a string of poor results, including just one win in six matches and a league-worst standing. General manager Richard Feuz acknowledged Donaldson’s positive cultural impact but cited a lack of on-field progress—especially in possession and offensive output—as the driving factor behind the decision. With just three goals in six games and nine losses in their last ten matches dating back to 2024, the Stars felt a leadership change was necessary.

What Now?

Assistant coach Masaki Hemmi will serve as interim head coach while the club searches for a permanent replacement, with Feuz emphasizing the need for a candidate who brings both strong character and a clear tactical identity. Despite the early-season struggles, Feuz remains committed to the current roster and long-term vision, insisting the club still aims to compete for the playoffs. But for a franchise still rebuilding under new ownership, results—not rebranding—will be the true test of progress.

FIFA Studying Links Between
Menstrual Cycles and Injuries

FIFA is funding a groundbreaking study at Kingston University to explore whether the menstrual cycle contributes to the high rate of ACL injuries in women’s soccer. The research, led by PhD student Blake Rivers and a team of sports science academics, will analyze hormone levels in female players from elite and grassroots teams—including Chelsea and Fulham—to determine if hormonal fluctuations impact ligament laxity and neuromuscular response times.

ACL injuries are already a major concern in women’s football, affecting stars like Beth Mead, Vivianne Miedema, and Sam Kerr. By understanding potential non-contact injury triggers linked to the menstrual cycle, researchers hope to develop targeted interventions like strength training or technique adjustments to help prevent future injuries. We at Goalside Gossip will continue to update you as this study progresses.