Welcome back to another 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 - KC Current vs Orlando Pride 🟥 (1-2)

2. NWSL - Portland Thorns vs San Diego Wave (1-0)

3. NWSL - Bay FC vs Washington Spirit (0-3)

4. News - International Break, Olympics, Euro Qualifiers

5. News - Abuse Allegations Against SD Wave President

6. News - Lehmann & Luiz: Juve's Power Couple

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

KC Current vs
Orlando Pride 🟥 (1-2)

The Orlando Pride defeated the Kansas City Current 2-1 in a heated battle between the NWSL's last unbeaten teams. Despite being reduced to 10 players after defender Carrie Lawrence received a second yellow card in the 42nd minute, the Pride showcased their resilience. Barbra Banda scored her league-leading 12th goal, and Marta converted her 10th penalty kick goal for the Pride, a feat only four other players have achieved with a single team. The Pride extended their unbeaten streak to 16 games, securing the top spot and ending Kansas City's 17-match unbeaten run in this highly anticipated match.

Portland Thorns vs
San Diego Wave (1-0)

The Portland Thorns defeated the San Diego Wave 1-0 thanks to a late goal by Izzy D'Aquila in the 85th minute. The victory snapped a three-game winless streak for the Thorns (8-5-3), while the Wave (3-7-6) remain winless in their last nine matches amidst a turbulent month that saw the firing of head coach Casey Stoney and allegations against club President Jill Ellis. The dramatic late winner left the Wave players devastated on the pitch, with tensions boiling over as they confronted the referee after the final whistle.

Bay FC vs
Washington Spirit (0-3)

Washington Spirit rookie Makenna Morris had a dream debut, scoring a goal, assisting another, and winning a penalty kick in her team's 3-0 victory over Bay FC. The match also marked head coach Jonatan Giráldez's first on the touchline, and the Spirit's dominant performance served as a strong capstone to the first half of the season before the league goes on international break. The dramatic win not only showcased Morris' incredible potential but also restored confidence in the team after last week's disappointing loss at home.

NWSL Updated Table

The Orlando Pride have opened up a slight lead at the top of the NWSL table, sitting on 38 points after defeating the second-place Kansas City Current. The Current (35 pts) and Washington Spirit (34 pts) remain hot on Orlando's heels in a tightly contested race for the top spot. The bottom of the table saw minimal movement, with the Seattle Reign and Utah Royals playing out a 1-1 draw, each securing a vital point in their battle to climb the standings.

As the NWSL reaches the halfway point of the season at Matchweek 16 out of 26, the league will now pause for the international break. Goalside Gossip will shift its coverage to focus on the exciting international action, including the highly anticipated Euro Qualifying Matches and the fast-approaching Olympics. Stay tuned for all the latest updates and analysis as the world's best players compete on the global stage.

NEWS

International Break,
Olympics, Euro Qualifiers

As the NWSL takes a summer break, the spotlight turns to an exciting lineup of international tournaments and qualifying matches. From the highly anticipated Olympics in France to the inaugural NWSL Summer Cup and Concacaf W Champions Cup, fans have plenty of thrilling football action to look forward to. Let's take a closer look at what's in store:

• Pre-Olympic Friendlies:

  • Saturday, July 13: United States vs. Mexico, 3:30 p.m. Eastern at Red Bull Arena, New Jersey

  • Tuesday, July 16: United States vs. Costa Rica, 7:30 p.m. Eastern at Audi Field, Washington D.C. (we’ll be there! come find us outside the gates before the game)

• Olympics (July 25 - August 10):

  • 12 nations compete in France for the coveted gold medal

  • Tournament kicks off on July 25 and concludes with the final on August 10

  • USWNT Olympic Group Stage:

    • Thursday, July 25: United States vs. Zambia, 3 p.m. Eastern

    • Sunday, July 28: United States vs. Germany, 3 p.m. Eastern

    • Wednesday, July 31: Australia vs. United States, 1 p.m. Eastern

• NWSL Summer Cup (July 19 - October 25):

  • All 14 NWSL clubs and 6 teams from Mexico's Liga MX Femenil participate

  • 30 group stage games followed by a semi-final on August 6

  • Final to be played on October 25 in Texas

• Concacaf W Champions Cup (Starts August 15):

  • 11 clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean compete

  • Winners qualify for the FIFA Women's Club World Cup

• Euro 2025 Qualifying (Matchdays 5 and 6):

  • Spain, Germany, and hosts Switzerland have already qualified

  • 6 more teams from League A will secure their spots this summer

  • Teams that don't qualify through League A have a second chance via playoffs, with 7 spots up for grabs

Mark your calendars and get ready for an action-packed summer of women's football!

Abuse Allegations Against
SD Wave President

The San Diego Wave has been embroiled in controversy this week following alarming allegations of mistreatment from former employees. Brittany Alvarado, who previously worked as a creative and video manager for the Southern California-based team, released a statement detailing her experiences. In response, Jill Ellis, former USWNT manager and current Wave president, has vehemently denied the accusations. The club has also issued a not-so-good official statement addressing the matter.

Lehmann & Luiz:
Juve's Power Couple

Football's power couple, Alisha Lehmann and Douglas Luiz, have taken their relationship to new heights by securing a sensational double transfer from Aston Villa to Italian giants Juventus. The stunning Swiss striker, once dubbed "the world's sexiest footballer," put pen to paper on a three-year deal, while her Brazilian beau inked a five-year contract in a player-plus-cash move worth £21 million. The photogenic pair, who often share glimpses of their jet-setting lifestyle and romantic adventures on social media, are set to take Turin by storm as they embark on this exciting new chapter in their careers and relationship.