Welcome to this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip!

The global game delivered another packed week of storylines, from a wild NWSL finale in San Jose to heavyweight battles in the Champions League and a fresh round of international roster news. Gotham lifted another trophy, Chelsea and Barcelona went punch for punch, Arsenal fought their way to a comeback win, and national teams across the world continued shaping their plans for the winter window. It felt like one of those weeks where every match and every update carried real weight, and we are here to break it all down for you.

Here’s what’s in store this week:

• Notable Matches:

  • NWSL Championship: Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC (0-1)

  • UWCL: Chelsea vs Barcelona (1-1)

  • UWCL: Arsenal vs Real Madrid (2-1)

• News:

  • International Roundup

  • USWNT Roster Update

  • Gotham’s Parade Takes Over NYC

Gotham FC vs
Washington Spirit (0-1)

What a finale for the NWSL in 2025. Gotham FC clinched their second championship with sheer grit and late-game brilliance, showcasing teamwork and resilience all season. Rose Lavelle’s goal in the 80th minute was the decisive moment, crystallizing a postseason defined by discipline on defense and smart attacking play. Gotham entered the playoffs as the eighth seed, navigated the pressure with compact defensive organization, and capitalized on every opportunity. This fan even paid an Etsy witch for a Gotham win (and it paid off).

The Spirit, runners-up for the second straight season, struggled to break through Gotham’s well-structured back line. An enthusiastic crowd of eighteen thousand filled PayPal Park in San Jose, witnessing Lavelle earn MVP for her calm leadership when it mattered most. Gotham’s journey included memorable performances by Jaedyn Shaw and several dazzling assists from Bruninha. The team conceded just one goal in the entire playoffs, making them the first eighth seed to ever win the NWSL.

Barcelona vs
Chelsea (1-1)

Chelsea and Barcelona split the points in their Champions League clash with a lively one-one draw. Chelsea jumped ahead early when Ellie Carpenter nailed the top bins with a beautiful finish, but Barcelona hit right back as Ewa Pajor found space and equalized. The drama didn’t stop there. Catarina Macario looked to have won it late for Chelsea, only for her header to get called offside. Both squads kept their unbeaten streaks alive, and the result snapped Chelsea’s three-match losing run against Barca while also halting Barcelona’s perfect group phase record. This felt like a true heavyweight bout and showed why both clubs sit at the top of Europe’s game.

Arsenal vs
Real Madrid (2-1)

Arsenal locked in a gritty win over Real Madrid in Champions League group play. Madrid took the early lead with a sharp finish from Caroline Weir, but Arsenal came alive after the break. Alessia Russo stepped up and scored twice: one was a header off a slick cross from Chloe Kelly, the other came from a Beth Mead corner. Arsenal’s defense kept Madrid quiet for the rest of the match and managed the result with real composure. The Gunners really needed this one and their confidence showed all over the pitch. Arsenal looks fired up to make a deep run if they can keep this form going.

Global Game Keeps Growing

Off the pitch, women’s soccer saw a few significant moves this week. Belmont goalkeeper Greta Genie got the call to join the Nicaragua senior national team for upcoming qualifiers. England’s national teams announced fresh squads for their November and December matches. The overall buzz around expansion and investment is only growing, showing how quickly the global game is evolving.​

Meanwhile, coverage from Women’s Football News highlights how players and federations are thinking big. England’s Lionesses are preparing for matches against China and Ghana, while the U23s and youth squads gear up for their own friendlies across Europe. Managers and federations are busy with Euro qualifying plans and World Cup prep, making sure the next generation gets their shot. The global women’s soccer landscape is wide open, and the momentum keeps rising every week.

USWNT Roster Update:
Injury Return & Absences

Naomi Girma is back with the USWNT for the first time in nearly five months as she continues recovering from multiple calf injuries suffered since her $1 million transfer to Chelsea. Head coach Emma Hayes called her return “massive” for both on-field quality and leadership. Trinity Rodman, however, was left off the roster; despite logging a few minutes for the Spirit last weekend, Hayes said Rodman is still working back from her October MCL sprain and isn’t ready for the heavy minutes expected against Italy.

Goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce is also absent after fracturing her eye socket with Manchester United. The two Italy friendlies (Nov 28 and Dec 1 in Florida) will feature first-time call-ups Jordan Silkowitz and Jameese Joseph, and returns for Croix Bethune, Jaelin Howell, and Spirit fullback Kate Wiesner.

Hayes emphasized that this camp closes out a year of experimentation ahead of 2026 World Cup qualifying and views Italy as a top-tier European test. Hayes has handed 25 players their first senior caps across 28 matches in charge and is still searching for the right mix after surprising losses to Japan, Brazil, and Portugal earlier this year.

Gotham Takes Over the Big Apple

Gotham FC celebrated in style after their championship run, rolling through lower Manhattan in an open-top bus and sharing the trophy with cheering fans. The streets were covered with confetti and the energy was electric as players and supporters united for a full-on New York party. Drummers pumped up the crowd and City Hall Plaza glowed in Gotham’s blue and black colors while Mayor Eric Adams welcomed the team on stage and handed them keys to the city. Local media and photographers captured every moment, making this a celebration the players and fans will remember for years. NY Post Recap | Official Event Info | NY Times Athletic Story

This parade was especially sweet since Gotham’s last title was celebrated mostly online. Rose Lavelle and her teammates beamed as they showed off their medals and posed for photos with fans along Broadway. Mayor Adams praised the club’s grit and talked about how young soccer players could draw inspiration from Gotham’s story. Buildings across the city used special lighting to honor the champs and fans got plenty of highlights, including a CBS News video and an Instagram photo gallery. If you want to see the full parade in action, check out the YouTube livestream.