Welcome back to this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip, your premier roundup of all the thrilling developments in women’s soccer! As the WSL season ramps up, the drama unfolds both on and off the field. This week, we bid a poignant farewell to Vivianne Miedema, who after a spectacular seven-year stint at Arsenal, is leaving the club as a free agent. Her anticipated move is creating quite the buzz, especially with Manchester City poised to make a major play for the record-breaking striker 👀 .

In the NWSL, the competition is just as fierce with Washington Spirit clinching a vital 2-1 victory against Racing Louisville, and Gotham FC drawing in a tense match against San Diego Wave. These games highlight not just the talent but the intense strategy behind each play. Meanwhile, we're excited to deepen our dive into the United Women's Soccer league, celebrating our new partnership by featuring exclusive player stories and electrifying game highlights—starting with an insightful interview with UWS alumna and Seattle Reign FC star, Bethany Balcer.

Stay tuned for all the Goals, Gossip, and Glory as Chelsea vies for the top spot in a decisive match against Tottenham, and don’t forget to check out our Player Spotlight on the rising star Emma Zofia Kirlin, who is making waves as a goalkeeper for Florida State University and Coppermine United. Plus, keep an eye on your inbox for a chance to win a 2024 San Diego Wave Home Jersey in our special giveaway this week. Gear up for another exhilarating round of football that promises to keep us all on the edge of our seats!

WSL- Some Hot Goss and Stats

Miedema to Leave Arsenal

As the curtain falls on a stunning seven-year saga, Vivianne Miedema, Arsenal's legendary striker and the all-time leading scorer of the Women's Super League, is poised to make a dramatic exit. The Dutch powerhouse will bid farewell to the Gunners at the climax of this season, leaving as a free agent with her contract drawing to a close. The air is thick with anticipation as Manchester City leads the chase, plotting a bold transfer swoop to capture the prolific forward. Miedema's spellbinding journey at Arsenal has been adorned with 125 goals, 50 assists, and a treasure trove of silverware, including three league cups and a coveted WSL title. Her prowess has twice crowned her the league's top scorer, etching her name in the annals of football glory. As she gears up for her final showdown in Arsenal colors against Brighton this weekend, the football world watches, breathless, wondering where this formidable goal-scoring queen will cast her magic next.

Leading Goal Scorer/Assists

WSL Updated Table

As the WSL is reaching an exciting climax, it’s still anyone’s game. Chelsea are chasing Manchester City and Arsenal are in the hunt too. Chelsea play Tottenham on Wednesday in a game that can decide whether or not they jump into first, but have no fear, Goalside Gossip has got you covered with all of the latest Goals, Gossip and Glory.

NWSL Matches of the Week

Washington Spirit vs Racing Louisville (2-1)

Washington Spirit secured a vital 2-1 victory over Racing Louisville FC on the road, elevating them to the top three so far with 18 points this season. The match began with Croix Bethune scoring the fastest goal for the Spirit this season just over four minutes in, marking her fourth goal of her rookie season. This early momentum was crucial, especially after a VAR review awarded Louisville a penalty, which Spirit goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury impressively saved, maintaining the lead. The Spirit then benefited from an own goal by Louisville in the 34th minute to double their lead, although Louisville managed to halve the deficit just before the break with a set piece from Savannah DeMelo. The match remained intensely physical with no further changes to the score, ending 2-1 and giving the Spirit a total of six points from their three-match road trip.

San Diego Wave vs Gotham FC (1-1)

In a closely contested match at Snapdragon Stadium, Gotham FC drew 1-1 with San Diego Wave FC. Gotham initially took the lead, but San Diego's Hanna Lundkvist equalized in the 64th minute with a header from a corner kick, her first NWSL goal. This result places Gotham slightly ahead of San Diego in the league standings, with Gotham in seventh and San Diego in eighth. Despite the draw, Gotham's coach Juan Carlos Amoros expressed pride in his team's performance, especially their dominance in the early parts of the game. The match ended on a bittersweet note for Gotham, as they had opportunities to secure a win but ultimately had to settle for a draw.

NWSL Updated Table

United Women’s Soccer (UWS)

We're thrilled to announce our new partnership with United Women's Soccer League! This season, we'll be diving into the heart of the action, spotlighting standout players, must-see games, and the compelling stories that define UWS. Before the first whistle blows, make sure to hit up their website, get the lowdown on all the teams, and maybe, just maybe, pick a squad to throw your support behind. Get ready for an epic season—we can't wait to kick things off with you!

This week, we wanted to share a really cool interview the UWS had last year with Bethany Balcer, a UWS Alumni and current player for Seattle Reign FC.

Player Spotlight: Emma Zofia Kirlin

Emma Commands the Net for FSU and Coppermine United in the UWS

Born on March 18, 2006, in Greenville, South Carolina, Emma Zofia Kirlin is rapidly emerging as a top talent in women's soccer. As the dynamic goalkeeper for both Florida State University and the Coppermine United Women’s Team, Emma showcases a blend of agility, precision, and strategic acumen that sets her apart on the field. Her journey from a small, local club in Greenville to the national spotlight reflects not just talent but relentless determination and a profound love for the game.

Emma's soccer resume is decorated with notable achievements including First Team ECNL and Mid-Atlantic Conference Second Team honors. Her exceptional performances have not only made her a standout player in South Carolina but also earned her All-State accolades. Recognized for her potential early on, Emma was invited to train with the US Women's Youth National Team, a testament to her skills and potential at a national level. Her club career is rich with experience, having played for Greenville Liberty USLW, CESA ECNL, Wade Hampton High School, and the South Carolina ODP, each stint adding layers to her robust defensive techniques and her understanding of the game.

Off the field, Emma is just as passionate and diverse in her interests. She is an avid fitness enthusiast, which complements her athletic training, and she has a keen interest in traveling, exploring new cultures and cuisines which she believes helps broaden her perspectives. Emma is also a dedicated reader and enjoys volunteering, reflecting her commitment to community and personal growth. Her love for animals and engagement in community service projects highlights her compassionate nature and leadership qualities beyond soccer.

Emma actively shares her life and career updates on social media, connecting with fans and aspiring soccer players alike. Her Instagram account [@emmakirlinnn] is a vibrant mix of personal milestones, rigorous training sessions, and snapshots from her travels, offering a well-rounded view of her life as a student-athlete.

Looking ahead, Emma is filled with anticipation and excitement about her future in soccer. Having started her college career a semester early, she is already setting the stage for what looks to be a promising path ahead. Her goal is clear—to reach the professional leagues and leave an indelible mark on the sport. With her skill set, work ethic, and visionary outlook, Emma Zofia Kirlin is not just playing to keep the ball out of the net; she's playing to inspire, to lead, and to fulfill a dream that once seemed just out of reach for a young girl from Greenville. Emma's story is one of aspiration turned into reality, and this is just the beginning.

🚨GIVEAWAY: SD WAVE JERSEY🚨

We’re changing things up this week and doing a giveaway for a brand new 2024 San Diego Wave Home Jersey. All of you are already entered so stay tuned to hear the results of the drawing.

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