Welcome back to another edition of Goalside Gossip, your one-stop shop for women's soccer news and analysis. This week, we’re celebrating the Orlando Pride’s historic NWSL Shield win, diving into the chaos of red cards in the WSL, and unpacking the shocking fines and penalties handed down to Angel City FC. Plus, we’ve got the latest updates on USL Super League action and Jordan Nobbs’ record-breaking milestone. From championship triumphs to off-field controversies, we’ve got you covered on all the stories making waves across women’s soccer!

What's in store this week:

• 🏆 NWSL Champion: Orlando Pride win the shield, Gotham pummel Bay FC

• 🟥 WSL Red Card Galore: Red cards all around

• 🆕 USL Super League: Match postponed due to Hurricane Milton

• 🌟 Breaking News: Angel City fined by NWSL

• ✨ Broken Record: Jordan Nobbs for WSL Appearances

• 😮 Drama: The Dash in turmoil again as Alonso is fired

Let's kick off our coverage and explore the exciting world of women's soccer across these prominent competitions.

NWSL Matchday 23

Orlando Pride vs
Washington Spirit (2-0)

The Orlando Pride have won the NWSL Shield for the first time in their history after defeating the Washington Spirit 2-0 at Inter&Co Stadium. The victory, secured by a Marta penalty and an own-goal from Tara McKeown, sealed the regular-season title for the Pride, awarded to the team with the best overall record. With a stellar 17-0-6 record, Orlando now sits 10 points clear of second-place Washington, remaining the only unbeaten team in the NWSL with three games left in the season.

This achievement also marks the Pride’s first playoff berth since 2017, solidifying their remarkable 2024 campaign. With 57 points already secured, they will look to maintain their unbeaten streak as they face the Portland Thorns, NY/NJ Gotham FC, and the Seattle Reign in their final regular-season matches. Their dominant form, spearheaded by veteran players like Marta, has positioned them as strong contenders for postseason success.

Do you think they can remain unbeaten all season? Let us know on Instagram.

Gotham FC vs
Bay FC (5-1)

NJ/NY Gotham FC secured a dominant 5-1 win over Bay FC at Red Bull Arena, with standout performances from Esther González and Rose Lavelle. Jenna Nighswonger opened the scoring with a ninth-minute penalty, but Bay's Asisat Oshoala equalized in the 18th minute. In the second half, Lavelle restored Gotham’s lead with a header in the 70th minute, followed by two quick goals from González in the 72nd and 74th minutes. Cece Kizer added Gotham’s fifth goal in the 84th minute. Despite several attempts from Bay FC, including shots from Rachel Hill and Dorian Bailey, they couldn't break through Gotham's defense, with goalkeeper Ann-Katrin Berger making three saves. The victory improved Gotham's record to 14-5-4, while Bay FC dropped to 9-1-13 ahead of their next matches.

Updated NWSL Standings

WSL Matchday 3

Brighton 🟥 vs
Aston Villa 🟥 (4-2)

Nikita Parris made an impactful full Women’s Super League debut for Brighton, leading them to a 4-2 comeback win against Aston Villa. Villa's Rachel Daly opened the scoring, but Parris quickly equalized and later assisted Pauline Bremer for a 2-1 halftime lead. Daly leveled the match again with a penalty, but Villa's hopes dimmed when Paula Tomas was sent off, allowing Fran Kirby to score from the spot. Substitute Michelle Agyemang sealed the win in stoppage time with her first WSL goal. Both teams finished with 10 players after Poppy Pattinson’s red card for Brighton. This victory placed Brighton second in the WSL standings, while Villa remained winless. The match also marked Jordan Nobbs' record-breaking 193rd WSL appearance.

Liverpool vs
Tottenham (3-2)

Liverpool secured their first win of the season with a dramatic 3-2 victory over Tottenham Hotspur, thanks to a controversial 94th-minute penalty converted by Marie Höbinger. Liverpool initially took the lead through Cornelia Kapocs, capitalizing on a mistake from Spurs goalkeeper Becky Spencer. Despite their dominance, Liverpool conceded two own goals, one from Taylor Hinds in the 54th minute and another from Gemma Bonner in the 83rd, allowing Spurs to stay in the match. Hobinger had regained the lead for Liverpool in the 75th minute with a stunning free-kick, but Tottenham fought back and leveled the score again. Just when it seemed the match would end in a draw, a last-minute penalty was awarded, which Hobinger confidently converted to secure the win. The result extends Liverpool's unbeaten away run, while Spurs continue to search for their first win against Liverpool since November 2022.

Angel City Fined and Docked

Angel City FC has been fined $200,000 and docked three points by the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) for salary cap violations. The sanctions were imposed after the league found that Angel City exceeded the salary cap by $50,000 over a four-week period in 2024. Additionally, President and CEO Julie Uhrman and GM Angela Hucles Mangano were suspended from player transaction duties for the rest of the season. The violations involved undisclosed side agreements with five players signed in 2023, increasing their compensation beyond the standard contracts. The points deduction dropped Angel City to 12th place, jeopardizing their playoff hopes with just four matches left.

The NWSL's decision to impose such severe penalties highlights the league’s commitment to maintaining competitive integrity and financial fairness. By exceeding the salary cap through undisclosed agreements, Angel City not only breached league rules but also gained an unfair advantage in compensating players. The sanctions, particularly the points deduction, have significant implications for the club, as they are now nine points behind Bay FC for the final playoff spot with just four matches remaining. This punishment sends a strong message to all teams about the importance of transparency and adherence to salary regulations, reinforcing the league’s dedication to leveling the playing field for all its clubs.

Jordan Nobbs Makes History

More history was made this weekend, this time from Aston Villa's Jordan Nobbs by becoming the outright leader for Women's Super League (WSL) appearances, playing her 193rd match during a 4-2 defeat to Brighton. Despite the disappointing result, Nobbs' milestone is a testament to her remarkable career in the league.

At 31, Nobbs has played 193 games (with 158 starts) in the WSL, contributing 58 goals and 31 assists, with only six players having scored more than her, and just eight with more assists. She has also created 312 goal-scoring opportunities for her teammates, second only to Beth Mead. Most of Nobbs' appearances came during her time at Arsenal, where she played 157 matches and helped the club win three WSL titles and four FA Cups.

Now at Aston Villa, her 36th appearance for the club marks yet another chapter in a career defined by consistency, leadership, and influence. Nobbs has also earned 71 caps for England and remains a highly respected figure in women’s football, despite not being able to celebrate her record-breaking day with a win.

Alonso Dashes Away From Houston

Fran Alonso is officially out as head coach of the Houston Dash after more than three months of absence, with both parties agreeing to part ways, as announced by the team on Tuesday. Alonso, who was hired in December, had overseen a tough season for the Dash, who currently sit last in the 14-team NWSL with a 4-5-13 record and a league-worst -20 goal differential. Alonso had been away from the team since late June due to illness, with assistant coach Ricky Clarke stepping in as interim head coach. Clarke will continue in this role for the remainder of the season, while assistant coach Gilberto Damiano, hired in March, is no longer with the team.

Alonso’s departure highlights ongoing instability for Houston, which has now cycled through nine head coaches in 10 years. The Dash fired former general manager Alex Singer in July and have yet to announce a replacement. The club stated that the new GM will oversee the selection of the next head coach, although no timeline has been provided. This instability follows the firing of James Clarkson in 2022 after allegations of emotional misconduct. Since then, no coach, whether interim or permanent, has lasted more than nine months, raising concerns about the team's leadership and long-term direction.

Highlights from this week:

• Matchday 7:

  • Brooklyn FC vs Lexington SC (1-0)

  • DC Power vs Spokane Zephyr FC (2-2)

• Matchday 8:

  • Tampa Bay Sun FC vs DC Power FC (3-0)

  • Lexington SC vs Carolina Ascent FC (1-1)

  • Dallas Trinity FC vs Spokane Zephyr FC (2-1)

  • Ft Lauderdale United FC vs Brooklyn FC (1-0)

• Matchday 9:

  • Brooklyn FC vs DC Power FC (Fri, Oct 11 @ 7:30PM ET)

  • Tampa Bay Sun FC vs Ft Lauderdale United FC (Postponed, we’re sending our prayers to our readers in hurricane zones!)

  • Spokane Zephyr FC vs Lexington SC (Sun, Oct 13 @ 5PM ET)

Current USL Super League Standings

Don’t be shy, tell your friends!