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 - NWSL in the Top 25

2. NWSL - The All-Women CLE Bid

3. INT’L - Olympics, NWSL Summer Cup, Champions Cup

4. INT’L - Gold Medal Match - USA vs BRA

5. INT’L - Bronze Medal Match - GER vs SPA

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.

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NWSL

The NWSL Shines in the ESPN Top 25

ESPN's Top 25 Women's Soccer Players of the 21st Century list highlights the significant impact NWSL stars have had on the global stage. Since its inception in 2013, the NWSL has been a proving ground for some of the world's best players, many of whom are featured on this prestigious list. Their inclusion not only underscores their individual excellence but also the league's vital role in developing top-tier talent and contributing to the growth of women's soccer worldwide.

The list is led by Marta, who has been a standout for Orlando Pride and is celebrated as one of the greatest players of all time. Other NWSL legends such as Christine Sinclair, Sam Kerr, and Megan Rapinoe are also recognized for their remarkable achievements, both on the field and in shaping the future of the sport. These players, along with others like Kim Little, Dzsenifer Marozsán, and Alex Morgan, have left an indelible mark on the NWSL and the global game.

NWSL Players on ESPN's Top 25 List:

• #1: Marta (Orlando Pride)

• #6: Kim Little (Seattle Reign)

• #13: Christine Sinclair (Portland Thorns)

• #14: Sam Kerr (Western NY Flash, Sky Blue FC, Chicago Red Stars)

• #15: Megan Rapinoe (Seattle Reign)

• #19: Alex Morgan (Portland Thorns, Orlando Pride, San Diego Wave)

• #22: Amandine Henry (Portland Thorns, Angel City, Utah Royals)

• #23: Hope Solo (Seattle Reign)

• #24: Abby Wambach (Western New York Flash)

NWSL & NWSLPA Reach New Agreement

The National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the NWSL Players Association (NWSLPA) have reached an agreement on a new collective bargaining agreement (CBA), according to sources. This new agreement builds upon the historic 2022 CBA, which was the first of its kind in the league's history. The 2022 agreement brought significant improvements, including increased minimum salaries, the introduction of free agency, and provisions for player housing, transportation, and health and safety.

The latest agreement is expected to introduce further enhancements, particularly concerning minimum salaries and player movement, starting next season. This comes at a time when the NWSL is experiencing rapid growth, with a surge in the signing of international players and a lucrative four-year media rights deal worth $60 million annually. Additionally, franchise valuations have skyrocketed, with Angel City FC becoming the most valuable women's sports team globally after its $250 million sale, following the San Diego Wave's record $120 million sale in March.

The All-Women CLE Bid

The Cleveland Soccer Group (CSG) has bolstered its bid for a National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) expansion team with the financial backing of 15 influential Cleveland-area businesswomen. This marks a significant push for Ohio’s first women’s professional soccer team. While the total funds raised remain undisclosed, the collective is part of a broader effort to secure $90 million in public financing for a $150 million, 12,500-seat stadium in Cleveland’s South Gateway area.

The investor group, composed of leaders from some of the region’s largest companies and respected firms, underscores the importance of representative leadership in women’s sports. CSG Co-Founder and CEO Michael Murphy highlighted the transformative potential of this local powerhouse group to reshape the landscape of Cleveland sports. An announcement regarding the NWSL expansion bid is expected in the fourth quarter of 2024, with CSG already securing a Major League Soccer (MLS) NEXT Pro team set to play in 2025.

Notable Female Investors:

• Nancy Benacci – Board Member, Cincinnati Financial Corp, The Payden & Rygel Investment Group, and Regis Corporation

• Tricia Griffith – President and CEO, Progressive Insurance

• Kimberly Bigelow – Co-Owner, McRann Bigelow Acquisitions

• Rupal B. Malani, M.D. – Senior Partner, McKinsey & Company

• Carly Cahlik – Founder & CEO, OHR Rents and FleetNow

• Juliana Pabon Carrus – Owner, Valley Bloom Therapy Group

• Ariane Kirkpatrick – CEO, The AKA Team, Jabali Development Group and The Mavuno Group

• Sarah Rathke – Co-Head, Sports & Entertainment Practice and Litigation Partner, Squire Patton Boggs

• Michelle Tomallo – Co-Founder & Chief People Officer, FIT Technologies

• Vanessa Whiting – President & CEO, A.E.S. Management Corp.

International Update

As the dust settles on an electrifying Olympics, we're gearing up for the return of NWSL and the kickoff of the Concacaf W Champions Cup. Let's dive into the thrilling happenings in women's soccer!

USWNT Olympics Summary:

The USWNT has done it again! They've clinched gold, with Brazil snagging silver and Germany taking bronze. Here's how our champions paved their road to glory:

• July 25: USA vs. Zambia (3-0)

• July 28: USA vs. Germany (4-1)

• July 31: USA vs. Australia (2-1)

• Aug 3 (Quarter): USA vs. Japan (1-0)

• Aug 6 (Semi): USA vs. Germany (1-0)

• Aug 10 (Final): USA vs. Brazil (1-0)

NWSL Summer Cup (Now - October 25):

• All 14 NWSL clubs and 6 teams from Mexico's Liga MX Femenil participated, Gotham and KC Current will play each other in the final in October

• Notable Matches:

  • Aug 6 (Semi): KC Current vs. NC Courage (2-0)

  • Aug 6 (Semi): Gotham FC vs. Angel City FC (1-0)

  • Oct 25 (Scheduled Final): Gotham FC vs KC Current

Concacaf W Champions Cup (Starts August 15):

• 11 clubs from North America, Central America, and the Caribbean compete; winners qualify for the FIFA World Cup

• Notable Upcoming Matches:

  • Aug 15 (First Match): Alianza vs. Whitecaps

  • Aug 20: Santa Fe vs San Diego Wave

  • Sep 4: Portland Thorns vs América

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Olympics Summary

🥇USWNT vs🥈Brazil (1-0)

The U.S. women’s soccer team entered the 2024 Paris Olympics with tempered expectations, facing uncertainties under new coach Emma Hayes and with several young players stepping into key roles. Despite these challenges, the team delivered an impressive performance, culminating in a 1-0 victory over Brazil in the gold medal match at a sold-out Parc des Princes. Mallory Swanson scored the match’s only goal early in the second half, securing the U.S. women’s first Olympic gold since 2012 and marking a significant rebound from their disappointing exit in the 2023 World Cup.

Under Hayes’ leadership, the team displayed renewed energy, joy, and tactical discipline throughout the tournament. The defense, anchored by goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher, did not concede a single goal in the knockout rounds. The dynamic attacking trio of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson proved decisive, each scoring crucial goals in the elimination matches. Swanson’s return to form was particularly celebrated, as she had missed last year’s World Cup due to a serious knee injury.

Brazil, led by veteran Marta in her final international tournament, posed a significant challenge with several dangerous opportunities. However, the U.S. defense held firm, with Naeher making critical saves, including a one-handed stop in stoppage time to preserve the narrow lead. For the U.S. women’s soccer team, this gold medal represents a triumphant return to the top of the sport and the beginning of a new era under Hayes, who praised her players’ resilience and determination throughout the tournament.

Hear what ESPN FC had to say HERE.

🥉Germany vs Spain (1-0)

In a dramatic turn of events at the 2024 Olympics in Lyon, Germany clinched the bronze medal in women’s soccer with a 1-0 victory over Spain. The match saw Ann-Katrin Berger come up big, saving a stoppage-time penalty from Spain’s Alexia Putellas. This victory marked Germany’s fourth bronze medal in the sport since women’s soccer was introduced to the Games in 1996. The decisive moment came when Giulia Gwinn converted a penalty in the 64th minute after being fouled by Spain’s goalkeeper Cata Coll, securing Germany's lead.

Spain, who had been pre-tournament favorites and recent World Cup champions, struggled to find their rhythm throughout the match. Despite dominating possession and hitting the woodwork twice in the first half with efforts from Teresa Abelleira and Aitana Bonmatí, Spain could not capitalize on their chances. Their inability to convert opportunities continued in the second half as Salma Paralluelo and Athenea del Castillo missed key chances, leaving Spain unable to respond to Germany’s penalty.

As the match drew to a close, Spain was awarded a lifeline when Lucía García was fouled in the penalty area. However, Putellas’s penalty attempt was denied by Berger, who also made a crucial save from a header by Jenni Hermoso earlier in the match. Spain’s late surge fell short, and Germany emerged victorious, securing the bronze medal while Spain was left to reflect on a disappointing end to their Olympic campaign.

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