Welcome back to another edition of Goalside Gossip, your source for all things women’s soccer! This week, we're celebrating the KC Current's victory as they were crowned champions of the 2024 NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup 🏆. We’re also looking at Utah’s big signing of Jimmy Coenraets, plus a deep dive into the USWNT’s 3-1 comeback against Iceland 🇺🇸. Over in the WSL, we have our eye on standout moments, while the league announces some fierce nominees for Goal of the Month ✨. And, of course, Barcelona and Aitana Bonmati made headlines at the Ballon d'Or 🌟.

What's in store this week:

• 🏆 Femenil Summer Cup: KC Current win 2024 NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup

• 📜 NWSL: Utah Secures Jimmy Coenraets

• 🇺🇸 International: USWNT vs Iceland (3-1)

• 👀 WSL: Some things we’ve noticed

• ✨ WSL: Goal of the month nominees announced

• 🌟 Balon D’or: Barca, Bonmati Win Big

NWSL Week Off - International Break

2024 NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup Champion: KC Current

The inaugural NWSL x LIGA MX Femenil Summer Cup ended on Friday in a championship clash between Kansas City Current and Gotham FC on October 25 in San Antonio, Texas. This unique tournament, which began in July, brought together 14 NWSL clubs and the top 6 teams from LIGA MX Femenil, highlighting North American women's soccer talent. Following a competitive group stage and thrilling semifinals, Kansas City and Gotham emerged as finalists, with Kansas City advancing after a 2-0 victory over North Carolina Courage and Gotham edging out Angel City FC 1-0.

In the final, Kansas City Current took home the trophy with a decisive 2-0 win over Gotham FC, marking their second title of the 2024 season. Temwa Chawinga’s first-half brace, both goals assisted by Lo’eau LaBonta, proved to be the winning combination. Kansas City’s defense was equally impressive, limiting Gotham to just one shot on target, with goalkeeper Almuth Schult earning a shutout. Despite Gotham’s ten corner kicks and high possession in the second half, Kansas City’s resilient defense maintained their lead. Head coach Vlatko Andonovski praised the team's growing winning mentality, while LaBonta credited the team’s chemistry and supportive staff. Kansas City now shifts its focus back to the NWSL season, where they’re gearing up for a home playoff match and a potential top-two finish.

Utah Officially Promote Jimmy Coenraets

The Utah Royals have appointed Jimmy Coenraets as their new head coach, following his role as interim head coach since June after the mid-season departure of former coach Amy Rodriguez. Coenraets, who initially joined the team as an assistant, has since helped improve their record from a challenging 2-11-2 start to a 7-4-14 standing. He expressed pride in assuming the role and emphasized his commitment to both winning and developing the players and staff. Sporting Director Kelly Cousins praised his immediate impact, highlighting his positive relationships with players and alignment with the team’s long-term goals.

Coenraets’ contract runs through 2027, allowing him to plan for the team's future alongside Cousins. The decision to announce his appointment before the season finale gives him a strategic advantage in shaping the squad for the next season. With experience coaching in Belgium, Coenraets has already begun setting a foundation for the Royals’ playing style and team identity. The Royals view his leadership as instrumental in turning around the team’s performance and building a competitive legacy in the NWSL. Watch the official announcement from the Royals here.

NWSL Standings

Here’s where things stand headed into the final weekend of the NWSL regular season:

• IN: Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit, Gotham FC, KC Current, NC Courage, & Chicago Red Stars

• VERY CLOSE: Portland Thorns & Bay FC

• MAY SQUEEZE IN: Racing Louisville

• NADA: Utah Royals, Angel City, Wave, Houston Dash and Seattle Reign

USWNT

USWNT vs Iceland (3-1)

The U.S. women’s soccer team continued their unbeaten run under head coach Emma Hayes with a 3-1 comeback win over Iceland in Nashville on Sunday. Iceland took the lead in the 31st minute when Karolina Vilhjalmsdottir scored directly from a corner kick, snapping U.S. goalkeeper Casey Murphy’s streak of eight clean sheets. In response, Hayes made pivotal halftime substitutions, bringing on Lindsey Horan, Alyssa Thompson, and Emily Fox. The changes turned the tide, with Lynn Williams equalizing in the 72nd minute off a coordinated setup by Horan and Sophia Smith. Just minutes later, Horan scored off a Williams cross to give the U.S. the lead, and debutant Emma Sears sealed the win with a goal in stoppage time.

The match also featured a halftime ceremony honoring two-time World Cup champion and Olympic gold medalist Kelley O’Hara, who is set to retire at the end of the 2024 NWSL season. With 160 appearances for the U.S., O’Hara was celebrated for her impact across four World Cups. The U.S. will conclude their October window on Wednesday with a friendly against Argentina in Louisville as they continue preparations for the 2027 Women’s World Cup.

WSL Week Off - International Break

Some Talking Points From Matchday 5

Arsenal Finds Stability with Slegers

Arsenal is adjusting well under interim manager Renée Slegers, who has led the team to two consecutive wins, restoring some confidence. Their recent 2-0 victory over West Ham was particularly rewarding, as they overcame a team that had defeated them last season. It took until the 71st minute for Arsenal to break the deadlock with a penalty, opening up the game for a late second goal. Arsenal’s struggle with breaking down defensive teams persists, but Slegers’ strategic substitutions around the hour mark helped shift the game. The team hopes to build on this momentum as they move forward.

Parris Shines Against Former Club

Nikita Parris made her mark for Brighton against her old club, Manchester United, in a passionate 1-1 draw on Saturday. She celebrated her equalizer energetically, showing no hesitation in front of her former side. Her impressive performance, combined with her recent form, could provide England’s head coach, Sarina Wiegman, with a selection dilemma. Although United’s unbeaten streak remains intact, Parris’ impact and England midfielder Grace Clinton’s near-miss kept the game competitive.

Hemp Drives City to Victory

Manchester City’s Lauren Hemp continued her influential season, inspiring her team to a 2-1 comeback against Aston Villa. After Gabi Nunes scored for Villa, Hemp leveled the game with a precise volley and later assisted Jill Roord’s winning goal with an impressive run past three defenders. Hemp’s efforts this season have yielded 20 scoring chances, the most in the league. “She was everywhere today,” City manager Gareth Taylor praised, highlighting her work ethic and impact as a role model for her teammates.

Chelsea Prevails Despite Controversy

Chelsea held their ground in a controversial match against Tottenham, winning 3-1 despite a debated “ghost goal” awarded to Spurs. After Chelsea’s Maika Hamano scored early, Tottenham’s Amanda Nildén’s shot was judged to have crossed the line, sparking protests from Chelsea’s goalkeeper, Hannah Hampton. Despite the setback, Chelsea pulled through in the second half, with Johanna Rytting Kaneryd scoring twice to secure the win. Coach Sonia Bompastor voiced frustration over the lack of goal-line technology, questioning the discrepancy with the men’s game.

Barclays Goal of the Month Nominees

Lauren Hemp (Manchester City) - Nominated for her equalizer in City’s 2-1 win over Aston Villa, Hemp impressed with her creative control of Leila Ouahabi's deep cross. She managed to hook the ball back over her head and past the Villa keeper, Sabrina D'Angelo, to level the score.

Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw (Manchester City) - Known for her late-game impact, Shaw’s winning goal against Liverpool at Anfield came from a perfect through ball by Laia Aleixandri. Shaw held off her marker and launched a powerful shot into the roof of the net, clinching a dramatic 2-1 victory.

Other nominees include:

• Cornelia Kapocs (Liverpool) - Goal against Spurs

• Marie Hobinger (Liverpool) - Goal against Spurs

• Annabel Blanchard (Crystal Palace) - Goal against Leicester City

• Caitlin Foord (Arsenal) - Goal against Chelsea

• Elisabeth Terland (Manchester United) - First goal against Spurs

• Yuka Momiki (Leicester) - Goal against Everton

• Johanna Rytting Kaneryd (Chelsea) - Goal against Spurs

These nominations arrive alongside news that Manchester City’s manager Gareth Taylor is also in contention for October’s Manager of the Month.

WSL Standings

Barca, Bonmati Win Big

Barcelona and Spain midfielder Aitana Bonmati has claimed her second consecutive Women’s Ballon d’Or, celebrated for her standout performances in Barcelona's historic quadruple victory last season, where they won Liga F, the Champions League, Supercopa, and Copa de la Reina. Bonmati scored 19 goals across these competitions and led Spain to its first Women’s Nations League title, scoring four times in the tournament. Expressing her gratitude, Bonmati credited her teammates, saying, "I'm so lucky to be surrounded by wonderful players who help me grow."

Barcelona also received the Women’s Club of the Year award, honoring their achievements across multiple championships. Additionally, Spain’s Jennifer Hermoso was awarded the Socrates Award for her advocacy for women’s football and against harassment, inspiring a new generation of female athletes.

Top 10 Women’s Ballon d’Or Nominees:

1. Aitana Bonmati (Spain, Barcelona)

2. Caroline Graham Hansen (Norway, Barcelona)

3. Salma Paralluelo (Spain, Barcelona)

4. Sophia Smith (United States, Portland Thorns)

5. Lindsey Horan (United States, Lyon)

6. Mallory Swanson (United States, Chicago Red Stars)

7. Marie-Antoinette Katoto (France, PSG)

8. Mariona Caldentey (Spain, Barcelona/Arsenal)

9. Trinity Rodman (United States, Washington Spirit)

10. Alexia Putellas (Spain, Barcelona)

Don’t be shy, tell your friends!