Welcome back to another exciting edition of Goalside Gossip, your ultimate source for all things women's soccer!

What to expect on this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip:

1. NWSL - Washington Spirit vs NC Courage (0-1)

2. NWSL - KC Current vs Houston Dash (2-0)

3. NWSL - Angel City FC vs Orlando Pride (0-3)

4. News - Alex Morgan left off USWNT roster?!

5. News - ESPN launches a new show called “Futbol W”

6. UWS - Santa Clarita continue to dominate

As always, we have more in store with exclusive player interviews, tactical breakdowns, and a closer look at how teams are gearing up for upcoming matches. So sit back, relax, and enjoy this week's blend of Goals, Gossip, and Glory from the world of women's soccer. Whether you're a seasoned fan or new to the sport, there's something here for everyone as we celebrate the passion and skill of these incredible athletes.

NWSL

Washington Spirit vs
NC Courage (0-1)

The Washington Spirit's seven-match unbeaten streak came to an end as they suffered a narrow 0-1 defeat to the North Carolina Courage in front of 15,717 fans at Audi Field, the fourth-largest home crowd in Spirit history. Former Spirit player Ashley Sanchez scored the decisive goal for the Courage in the 19th minute, her third of the season. The Courage controlled possession for much of the first half, extending their streak of winning the possession battle to 45 matches.

Despite the early setback, the Spirit mounted a strong offensive effort, attempting a season-high 20 shots throughout the match, including six in stoppage time alone. However, despite their attacking intensity until the final whistle, the Spirit were unable to breach the Courage defense. The Spirit will now look to regroup under the guidance of new head coach Jonatan Giráldez, who will take over after the Olympic break. Giráldez brings an impressive pedigree, having led Barcelona to a historic finish last season, winning the Liga F, Copa de la Reina, Spanish Super Cup, and Champions League.

KC Current vs
Houston Dash (2-0)

Chawinga masterclass! The Kansas City Current extended their unbeaten run to an NWSL-record 17 matches, defeating the Houston Dash 2-0 in front of a sellout crowd at CPKC Stadium. Temwa Chawinga scored twice in the final minutes to secure the victory for the Current. In the 77th minute, Chawinga capitalized on a deflected shot after beating her defender to a long ball. She then doubled the lead three minutes later, intercepting a loose pass and dribbling past several defenders before scoring into an open net.

The Current, who have scored 39 goals during this season, remain atop the NWSL standings with a record of 10W-0L-5D. The Dash, meanwhile, fell to 3W-7L-5D despite goalkeeper Jane Campbell's seven saves.

This match even had a never-before-seen River Goal by KC’s Temwa Chawinga!

Angel City FC vs
Orlando Pride (0-3)

The Orlando Pride extended their unbeaten streak to 15 games with a 3-0 victory over Angel City FC. Adriana scored a first-half brace, assisted by Marta, while Barbra Banda added a late goal, tying her with Temwa Chawinga for the NWSL lead with 11. Goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse and the Pride backline earned their seventh clean sheet, tying the Club record. Head Coach Seb Hines praised the team's all-around performance, highlighting the defensive effort and Adriana's offensive contributions. The match also saw Carrie Lawrence make her first start since October 1, 2022, after missing the 2023 season due to an ACL tear.

The Pride's victory marked the first time a visiting team has scored more than one first-half goal at BMO Stadium, and the Club now holds a 3-0-0 record against Angel City FC on the road.

NWSL Updated Table

The NWSL standings are heating up as the KC Current and Orlando Pride battle it out for the coveted top spot. Both teams have been in stellar form, leaving fans on the edge of their seats as they await the outcome of this thrilling rivalry. Meanwhile, the Washington Spirit, who had an unbeaten start to the season, suffered their first defeat, proving that no team is invincible in this fiercely competitive league.

In other news, the Utah Royals, the league's newest addition, are experiencing growing pains as they struggle to secure points. In a bold move, the club decided to part ways with head coach Amy Rodriguez, hoping that a change in leadership will help turn their fortunes around and propel them up the standings.

As the season progresses, one thing is for sure: the NWSL is packed with surprises, and every match has the potential to reshape the landscape of the league. Buckle up, soccer fans, because this rollercoaster ride is just getting started!

Alex Morgan Will
Miss Paris

Alex Morgan, the co-captain of the U.S. Women's National Team just four years ago, has been left off the roster for the 2024 Paris Olympics, despite her impressive career accomplishments, including an Olympic gold medal and three FIFA World Cup wins. The 34-year-old forward, who has made 224 appearances and scored 123 goals for the USWNT, has seen a decline in her production recently. In her past 10 appearances for the national team, she has only managed to score two goals, neither of which came during the 2023 Women's World Cup. Additionally, Morgan has not scored a goal this season for her club, San Diego Wave, in 539 minutes of play.

USWNT coach Emma Hayes emphasized the need for adaptability and versatility in the roster, considering the tight turnaround between games and the team's depth in the forward position. With only 16 outfield players and two goalkeepers allowed on the 18-player roster, Hayes had to make tough decisions. She acknowledged Morgan's history and record with the team but ultimately chose to go in another direction, selecting players like Sophia Smith, Trinity Rodman, and Mallory Swanson, who could play multiple positions and contribute to the team's success in the tournament. The roster also includes rising stars such as Naomi Girma, Emily Fox, Catarina Macario, and Lindsey Horan. See the full roster here.

What do you think about this decision? DM us your thoughts on Instagram!

ESPN Launches
"Futbol W"

ESPN is launching "Futbol W," a weekly studio program focused on North American women's soccer, hosted by Ali Krieger and Sebastian Salazar. The show will debut on July 23 and cover the NWSL, USWNT, Liga MX Femenil, and Concacaf stars in Europe, while also exploring players' off-field lives, including culture, fashion, food, and community in the sport. The launch of "Futbol W" comes amid the growing popularity and excitement surrounding women's sports in the United States, which ESPN's vice president of production, Manny de la Fe, notes is "at an all-time high."
See Ali and Sebastian’s official announcement here.

United Women’s Soccer
(UWS)

As the official media partner of the UWS, we're here to bring you the most electrifying moments from this week's matches. From coast to coast, these talented women are proving that they're not just here to participate, they're here to dominate! And speaking of domination, let's not forget about Alyssa Thompson, the No. 1 overall pick in the 2023 NWSL draft, who honed her skills with the UWS Team Santa Clarita Blue Heat before making history as the youngest player ever drafted into the NWSL.

Midwest Conference: The Michigan Jaguars and Michigan Legends continued their prowl at the top of the table, with the Jaguars extending their undefeated streak to six matches after a 2-0 victory over Cap City Athletic. Not to be outdone, the Legends kept pace with a 3-0 win against Elite 14 SC, keeping a game in hand and their eyes on the prize.

Eastern Conference: The Hudson Valley Crusaders and Coppermine United left their opponents seeing double, both securing 8-0 victories. Megan Stowell and Shannon Selvaggio were the dynamic duo for the Crusaders, each scoring twice in their dominant display against the New York Magic. Coppermine United followed suit, with goals from Maria Romo-Nichols, Megha Salvi, Sheyenne Bonnick, Kale'a Perry, and Sydney Blomquist in their 8-0 rout of NJ Alliance.

Western Conference: Los Angeles Soccer Club showed that teamwork makes the dream work, with four different players finding the back of the net in a 4-1 triumph over FC Arizona. The Santa Clarita Blue Heat, former home of the prodigious Alyssa Thompson, refused to let their perfect record melt away, as Cameron Valladares led the charge with two goals and an assist in a sizzling 6-0 win against FC Arizona.

Standout Stars: Imani Jenkins of Sporting CT continued to shine bright, scoring her 9th goal in just six games. The Michigan Stars' Abbey Drahnak and Remini Tillotson proved that two is better than one, each netting braces in a goal-filled 9-1 victory over Michigan Burn.

Don't miss out on any of the action! Visit the UWS website to find your favorite team and stay up-to-date on all the jaw-dropping moments and top performers. Who knows, you might just discover the next Alyssa Thompson making waves in the league. Trust us, you won't want to miss a single minute of this goal-den season!

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