🎉 Welcome to this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip! ⚽️

The Women's Super League delivered another week of twists and turns, with Manchester City dropping points in a late 1-1 draw against West Ham, while Chelsea reasserted their dominance with a 3-1 win over Leicester City. Meanwhile, in the NWSL Challenge Cup, the Orlando Pride and Washington Spirit battled to a 1-1 draw before the Spirit sealed the win in penalties.

Off the field, big headlines rocked the league. Manchester City sack Gareth Taylor days before their cup final, while Bay FC found itself under scrutiny as an investigation into workplace misconduct unfolded. And, of course, the latest NWSL kit drop sparked fierce debate—who nailed it, and who missed the mark? Let’s dive in.

What's in store this week:

• WSL: West Ham vs Manchester City (1-1)

• WSL: Chelsea vs Leicester City (3-1)

• NWSL Challenger Cup: Pride vs Spirit 1-1 (2-4 pens)

• News: Manchester City Sack Gareth Taylor

• News: Bay FC is Under Investigation

• News: NWSL Kit Review: Hit or Miss?

West Ham vs
Man City (1-1)

Manchester City were held to a frustrating 1-1 draw against West Ham in their midweek clash, dealing a setback to their top-three ambitions. Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw put City ahead in the 80th minute, capitalizing on a cross from Mary Fowler, but West Ham’s Manuela Pavi equalized in stoppage time to deny the visitors a crucial victory. The result leaves City just one point behind third-placed Arsenal and four behind Manchester United, though both rivals have a game in hand.

Chelsea vs
Leicester City (3-1)

Chelsea returned to winning form with a 3-1 victory over Leicester City at Kingsmeadow, extending their lead at the top of the WSL to eight points. Catarina Macario opened the scoring early with a deflected free kick, followed by Aggie Beever-Jones doubling the lead in the second half. Leicester responded immediately through Yuka Momiki, but Chelsea secured the win when substitute Erin Cuthbert curled home a late third goal. Head coach Sonia Bompastor praised her team’s response after their recent 2-2 draw with Brighton, emphasizing the importance of capitalizing on chances.

Pride vs Spirit
1-1 (2-4 pens)

The Orlando Pride fell to the Washington Spirit in an end-of-regulation shootout, losing 4-2 after a 1-1 draw in the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup. Defender Rafaelle marked her return from injury with a first-half goal, but Washington equalized in the 72nd minute through Leicy Santos’ free kick. Despite a strong performance, the Pride were unable to convert in the shootout, missing out on lifting the trophy. Head coach Seb Hines acknowledged the disappointment but emphasized the motivation it provides for the season ahead.

Manchester City Sack
Gareth Taylor

Manchester City have sacked head coach Gareth Taylor just five days before their Women's League Cup final against Chelsea, citing underwhelming results. Taylor, who took charge in 2020, led City to FA Cup and League Cup victories but fell short of securing a WSL title. Despite winning his final match, a 2-0 FA Cup quarter-final victory over Aston Villa, City currently sit fourth in the WSL, 12 points behind leaders Chelsea and outside the Champions League qualification spots. Former head coach Nick Cushing has been appointed interim manager for the remainder of the season.

Taylor’s tenure was marked by controversy, with reports of strained relationships with players, including England goalkeeper Ellie Roebuck and the dramatic exit of forward Chloe Kelly. While City backed him in the transfer market, their lack of impact in European competition and inconsistent league performances ultimately led to his dismissal. With six league games remaining, City hopes Cushing’s return will provide a fresh boost in their push for a top-three finish.

Bay FC Under Investigation,
Defend Coach

Bay FC has reaffirmed its support for head coach Albertin Montoya despite an ongoing investigation into allegations of a toxic workplace and bullying within the club’s coaching staff. The NWSL launched an independent investigation after reports emerged that two formal complaints had been filed against Montoya in 2024, with eight players reportedly leaving the team due to his behavior. Club CEO Brady Stewart downplayed the allegations, framing them as “communications challenges” rather than misconduct, and stated that Montoya remains in his role as the team prepares for its inaugural season opener on March 15. Bay FC has provided coaching staff with resources to improve communication but has not taken disciplinary action against Montoya.

The investigation follows broader concerns about Bay FC’s hiring practices, especially after the recent resignation of scouting director Graeme Abel, who faced past abuse allegations during his time at the University of Oregon. While Stewart defended the club’s adherence to NWSL hiring standards, questions remain about player safety and accountability. Unlike previous cases where NWSL coaches were suspended during investigations, Montoya has been allowed to continue in his role with the club, stating he will fully cooperate with the league’s inquiry.

NWSL Kit Review: Style Statement
or Missed Opportunities?

The new 2025 NWSL kits have arrived, bringing fresh designs, bold risks, and a few questionable choices. From classic looks to experimental patterns, every team has rolled out at least one new jersey ahead of the season.

Naturally, it’s time for the rankings. Who delivered, and who completely missed the mark? We are stepping into my role as an NWSL fashion critic to break it all down—one kit at a time.

Let’s go from worst to best:

14. Chicago Stars – Metallic Mess (⭐ 3/10) 

A rebrand no one asked for, and a kit that leans too hard into the “liquid metal” aesthetic. Chicago was once a leader in kit design, but this is a step back from the creative highs of the “Elevated” and “Foundation” kits. The metallic pattern is supposed to symbolize intensity, but it mostly looks like a futuristic mishap. At least their primary jersey is solid.

13. NJ/NY Gotham FC – Shoulder Pads Are Not Back (⭐ 4/10) 

The return to a Sky Blue FC-inspired palette? A great call. The execution? Less so. The black-and-blue contrast works well, but the odd shoulder padding effect makes it feel dated. Are we trying to relive the 1980s? Not sure. Gotham gets points for embracing its past, but this one needed a better silhouette.

12. North Carolina Courage – Rosettes? Where? (⭐ 5/10) 

A bold red kit with supposed “subtle rosettes” to represent lioness markings sounds exciting, but those details are nearly invisible from a distance. From afar, it just looks like a red block of color—something out of the early NWSL days. Still, red is at least part of the club’s crest, which is an improvement over last year’s pink detour.

11. Racing Louisville – Almost a Mint Moment (⭐ 5.5/10) 

The long-awaited mint kit is here… sort of. Instead of the crisp, fresh tone fans expected, we got a darker green that leans more forest than mint. It pairs well with black, but it doesn’t quite feel like the Louisville mint kit we’ve all been waiting for. At least they got to this colorway before Boston or Denver.

10. Washington Spirit – Aussie Energy (⭐ 6/10) 

Bright yellow is back, and while it’s an improvement from last year’s awkward gradient, it still feels like a placeholder while the team figures out its long-term branding. Spirit owner Michele Kang teased a rebrand two years ago, yet we’re still in this limbo of black-and-yellow kits. The color pops, but it doesn’t scream Washington Spirit. 

9. Houston Dash – Purple, Because… Why Not? (⭐ 6.5/10) 

Houston goes purple for the first time, straying from their traditional orange. The inspiration? Something about organizing chaotic energy into a cosmic storm. The execution? A solid color shift, but it doesn’t really connect to the club’s identity. The socks are a standout, though. At least they’re trying something fresh.

8. Bay FC – Centered Crest Confusion (⭐ 7/10) 

Finally, a Bay FC kit in actual team colors! After last year’s forgettable debut, Bay FC corrects course with a navy blue primary. The nine lines representing the nine counties of the Bay Area add a nice touch, but the centered badge above the Nike swoosh? Odd choice. A much-needed upgrade, but not quite perfect.

7. Portland Thorns – Playing It Safe (⭐ 7.5/10) 

A middle-ground kit that does nothing wrong but also nothing spectacular. Portland has leaned into black as a primary color for years, and this one keeps that theme going. It’s infinitely better than last year’s green misstep, but considering the Thorns’ reputation for bold, creative kits, this feels a little too safe.

6. San Diego Wave – Sun Meets Sea (⭐ 8/10) 

Last year’s Del Sol kit captured the San Diego sky, and now this one brings the ocean into play. The wave-inspired pattern is a bold, refreshing take, especially compared to last year’s template-heavy gradient. The storytelling here earns major points—San Diego is sun and sea, and now their kits reflect both.

5. Seattle Reign FC – Classy Gold Accents (⭐ 8.5/10) 

A sponsor-free white kit sounds risky, but the gold detailing and blue trim elevate this into something sleek and modern. This is the refined, royal energy that Reign FC should always have. After years of branding struggles, they’re back to embracing their identity. Nostalgia bias? Maybe. But it’s working.

4. Utah Royals FC – Mountain Majesty (⭐ 8.5/10) 

Ignore the sponsor and focus on the design: the Utah mountains take center stage in a kit that brilliantly incorporates local identity. The blue and yellow pop, the secondary logo (which mirrors the state’s shape) is a great touch, and the yellow socks bring everything together. A fantastic debut for Utah’s return.

3. Angel City FC – A Streetwear Staple (⭐ 9/10) 

Black and white might sound basic, but Angel City makes it work by adding intricate LA landmarks in a toile-style pattern. The Sol Rosa accents and V-neck cut make this a versatile, stylish kit that works just as well off the pitch as on it. Street-ready and game-ready—this one’s a win.

2. Orlando Pride – The Right Kind of Royal (⭐ 9.5/10) 

A purple kit done right. This replaces last year’s peach jersey as the Pride’s new primary, and the deep purple paired with light blue accents (a nod to Lake Eola) is a stunning combination. The iridescent crest, symbolizing the club’s 2024 Shield and Championship double, adds a premium touch. The only downside? That centered crest trend again.

1. Kansas City Current – Teal at Last! (⭐ 10/10) 

The wait is over—KC finally gives us the Teal Rising kit we’ve been asking for. The distinct color stands out from the rest of the league, the Missouri River-inspired map detailing adds local flair, and the crest placement (directly over CPKC Stadium’s location) is a genius touch. Teal and red shouldn’t work, yet somehow it does. Best in the league.

Final Thoughts 

The 2025 NWSL kits brought a mix of nostalgia, bold risks, and some questionable choices. Kansas City finally embraced their identity, Orlando and Angel City delivered elegance, and San Diego continued their storytelling brilliance. On the other hand, Chicago’s metallic misstep and Gotham’s shoulder-pad situation left much to be desired.

One thing’s for sure: The NWSL kit game keeps getting more competitive. Now, let’s see how they look on the field. Let us know what you think on Instagram! We reply to every message.