Welcome to this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip!

The international window brought plenty of drama both on and off the pitch. The USWNT split results with Portugal, England stumbled against Brazil, and Japan and Italy battled to a hard-fought draw. Beyond the matches, the women’s soccer world kept buzzing. Veteran Elizabeth Eddy reignited debate over gender eligibility in the NWSL, sparking a lot of controversy, Boise State welcomed an inspiring new teammate with a powerful story, and forward Lynn Biyendolo shared some joyful personal news.

Here’s what’s in store this week:

• Int’l:

  • USWNT vs Portugal (1-2)

  • USWNT vs Portugal (3-1)

  • England vs Brazil (1-2)

  • Japan vs Italy (1-1)

• News:

  • Biyendolo Announces Pregnancy, US Continues Support

  • Elizabeth Eddy Calls on NWSL to Establish Clear Gender Policies

  • Meet Boise State’s Women’s Soccer’s Newest Member

USWNT vs
Portugal (2–1)

The U.S. Women’s National Team opened its October slate with a 2-1 loss to Portugal in Chester, Pennsylvania. It was a physical, frustrating match that marked Portugal’s first-ever win and goals against the U.S. Rose Lavelle put the Americans ahead just 33 seconds in with the seventh-fastest goal in team history, finishing off a sharp buildup from Alyssa Thompson and Catarina Macario. Despite a strong start and 16 total shots, the U.S. couldn’t maintain momentum as defensive lapses on two Portugal corner kicks led to goals by Diana Gomes and Fátima Pinto.

Head coach Emma Hayes’ youthful lineup showed promise but struggled with set-piece defending and consistency. Phallon Tullis-Joyce made several key saves, while the attack generated chances through Lavelle and Macario but lacked finishing precision. The night also carried emotional weight, as retiring legend Alex Morgan was honored before kickoff for her illustrious career.

USWNT vs
Portugal (3-1)

Three days after a lackluster 2-1 loss to Portugal, the USWNT rebounded with a 3-1 win in East Hartford that better reflected Emma Hayes’ “USA way.” Hayes made eight lineup changes and fielded a young, energetic squad, three teenagers started in midfield, that played cohesively and controlled possession. Olivia Moultrie led the charge with two early goals, supported by creative link-ups from Jaedyn Shaw and Lily Yohannes. The team’s sharper passing, compact shape, and collective mindset marked a strong contrast from Thursday’s disjointed showing.

For Hayes, the result was less about revenge and more about progress. She emphasized fundamentals, short connections, repetition, and tactical awareness after sending players video notes and holding small group sessions. The young lineup’s composure and improved tactical execution signaled encouraging growth toward the 2027 World Cup cycle. While Thursday’s defeat exposed flaws, Sunday’s performance showed a team rediscovering its identity, balancing experimentation with signs of maturity and cohesion.

England vs
Brazil (1-2)

Brazil handed England a surprising 2-1 defeat in Manchester, silencing the reigning Euro champions in a spirited friendly that showcased the South Americans’ grit and organization. The 2025 Copa América Femenina winners struck early through Bia Zaneratto and Dudinha, catching the Lionesses off guard with their intensity and clinical finishing. Brazil’s task grew harder in the 21st minute when midfielder Angelina was shown a straight red card for a foul on Ella Toone, leaving them to defend their lead with 10 players for the remainder of the match.

England pushed hard after halftime and finally pulled one back when Georgia Stanway buried a penalty, but Brazil’s defense and goalkeeper Lorena held firm under pressure. For England manager Sarina Wiegman, the result was a frustrating setback as she lamented her team’s recurring slow starts. Meanwhile, Brazil head coach Arthur Elias praised his players’ resilience, calling it a performance built on “spirit and dedication.” With the 2027 World Cup set to be hosted in Brazil, the result served as an early statement that the Seleção are evolving into true contenders on the global stage.

Japan vs
Italy (1-1)

Japan battled to a 1–1 draw against Italy in Como, with captain Yui Hasegawa, who is known for her craftiness, providing the equalizer in her return to the national side after six months. Japan, ranked eighth in the world, showed strong organization and composure early on, creating several chances through Aoba Fujino, Manaka Matsukubo, and Kiko Seike but failing to convert. Italy, ranked 12th, capitalized in the 52nd minute to take the lead before Hasegawa coolly chipped the goalkeeper in the 64th minute after a perfectly timed through ball from Hinata Miyazawa.

Head coach Nils Nielsen, who has high hopes for this team, praised his side’s response and pressing adjustments, noting Japan’s dominance in the second half despite missing opportunities to win. He also reflected on the team’s resilience and need for sharper finishing, while emphasizing creativity and precision ahead of Japan’s next friendly against Norway. The result reflected both Japan’s tactical maturity and areas still to refine as they continue their European tour.

Where the NWSL Stands
Before Decision Day

Eddy Calls on NWSL To
Establish Gender Policies

Angel City FC midfielder Elizabeth Eddy published a public essay calling on the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) to establish clear eligibility standards for participation in the women’s category. In her statement, Eddy, a 34-year-old veteran with more than a decade in the league, said the absence of defined rules regarding sex or gender eligibility could undermine the integrity and identity of women’s soccer. She urged the NWSL to consider adopting policies similar to those used by other international sports bodies, such as World Athletics and England’s Football Association, which base eligibility on biological or genetic criteria. Eddy suggested options like sex-based rules or genetic testing, arguing that professional sports require clear and consistent definitions to maintain fairness.

Eddy’s comments arrive amid broader debate within women’s sports about inclusion and competitive equity. She noted that other major sports organizations have already revised their eligibility standards, while the NWSL has not had an active transgender participation policy since its 2021 version was withdrawn. Her essay also contrasts with public positions from several high-profile players, including Megan Rapinoe, Becky Sauerbrunn, and Alex Morgan, who have previously supported transgender inclusion in the women’s game. Eddy concluded by emphasizing her belief in protecting the competitive foundation of women’s soccer, while calling for open discussion and formal policy action from league leadership.

Let us know your thoughts on Instagram.

Meet Kennedy, Boise
State’s Newest Member

When she was just three years old, Boise native Kennedy Cox suffered a sudden pediatric stroke on Christmas Day in 2021, leaving her unable to walk. Her parents, Justin and Amanda, recalled the terrifying day and the long road that followed — from a week in intensive care at St. Luke’s Hospital to five weeks of inpatient rehab in Utah. Despite grim predictions, Kennedy’s determination helped her defy the odds, regaining the ability to walk and run. Her spirit and resilience became a source of inspiration not only for her family but for everyone around her during recovery.

Now seven, Kennedy has become an honorary member of Boise State University’s women’s soccer team through Team Impact, a nonprofit connecting children facing serious illnesses with college athletic programs. Her signing day took place on the school’s famous blue turf, where she ran out of the tunnel with the team and cheered them on from the sidelines. The team even dedicated its second game of the season to Kennedy and to raising awareness about pediatric stroke.

For Kennedy and her family, the experience has been about more than soccer — it’s about spreading a message. Her parents emphasize that strokes can happen at any age and that knowing the warning signs and acting fast can make all the difference. Kennedy’s story, shared as World Stroke Day approaches, serves as a powerful reminder of hope, resilience, and the importance of awareness.

Biyendolo Announces
Pregnancy, US Supports

USWNT veteran and Seattle Reign forward Lynn Biyendolo announced that she and her husband, Marley, are expecting their first child, joining a wave of U.S. players embracing motherhood while still active in their careers. The four-time NWSL champion and all-time league goal scorer, who helped the U.S. win Olympic gold in 2024, last played in August before being sidelined with a knee injury. Head coach Emma Hayes praised Biyendolo’s influence on and off the field, calling her “an old soul who will be an incredible mum,” and emphasized that the national team will fully support her should she choose to return to competition.

Hayes also outlined the USWNT’s evolving “360 approach” to supporting players through pregnancy and postpartum recovery — an interdisciplinary effort that bridges national and club staff to ensure comprehensive care. The initiative reflects a broader cultural shift in women’s soccer, where players are increasingly open about fertility, family, and long-term health. With the NWSL and U.S. Soccer both building programs to provide better childcare and family resources, Biyendolo’s announcement represents both a personal milestone and a sign of progress for a sport that’s redefining how motherhood and elite competition can coexist.