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 News - Potential Expansion Cities

2. NWSL News - Berman’s Big Ambitions

3. INT’L - USWNT vs Japan (1-0)

4. INT’L - Spain vs Colombia 2-2 (4-2 PKs)

5. INT’L - Marta’s Medal Hopes Kept Alive

6. INT’L - AC Milan’s New Policy

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

Potential Expansion Cities?

Cincinnati and Cleveland have both submitted bids to host the next NWSL team, with the decision expected by the end of the year. Cincinnati is leveraging the success of FC Cincinnati, their world-class stadium, and the city's growing reputation as a soccer hub to bolster their bid. Supporters like Kristi Kivi, who are deeply involved in the local soccer community, believe the city’s strong soccer culture and increasing prominence in hosting U.S. national games enhance their chances. Cincinnati native and U.S. Women’s National Team star Rose Lavelle’s advocacy for her hometown further boosts their bid.

Cleveland's proposal includes building a downtown stadium and developing a training facility and headquarters at the recently closed Notre Dame College campus. The Cleveland Soccer Group envisions a stadium near Progressive Field, which would enhance the city's Gateway District. Both cities aim to have the new NWSL team by the 2026 season, with fans eagerly awaiting the announcement of the winning bid.

Berman’s Big Ambitions

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman aims to elevate the league to the status of the "best league in the world," drawing comparisons to the Premier League and NFL. Taking over in 2022 after a sexual abuse scandal that led to the resignation or firing of five head coaches and former commissioner Lisa Baird, Berman has overseen significant growth for the league. Under her leadership, nearly all teams have seen new ownership or expansion, including the $120 million purchase of the San Diego Wave and the $250 million acquisition of Angel City FC. This rapid progress has garnered praise from industry leaders like Golden State Warriors advisor Rick Welts, who noted that the NWSL's investor achievements in two years matched what took the NBA decades.

Berman's vision includes attracting and retaining top global talent, evidenced by the addition of over two dozen international players after the 2023 Women's World Cup. Attendance has also surged, with the 2024 season already nearing a record combined total and an average of over 11,000 fans per game. Berman's leadership aims not just for financial success but for a transformative impact on women's soccer, making the NWSL a global powerhouse.

Listen to Berman’s full interview HERE.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

(Updated) International Break,
Olympics, Euro Qualifiers

_{Important Dates & Fixtures}

It’s been an exciting few weeks in international soccer. Let's catch up on what’s been going on:

• Olympics (Now - August 10):

  • USWNT Olympic Group Stage Summary:

    • Thurs, July 25: USA vs. Zambia, 3 p.m. EST (3-0)

    • Sun, July 28: USA vs. Germany, 3 p.m. EST (4-1)

    • Wed, July 31: Australia vs. USA, 1 p.m. EST (2-1)

    • Sat, Aug 3rd: USA vs Japan, 9 a.m. EST (1-0)

    • Olympic Semifinal Schedule:

      • Tues, Aug 6: USWNT vs. Germany, 12 p.m. EST

      • Tues, Aug 6: Brazil vs. Spain, 3 p.m. EST

• NWSL Summer Cup (Now - 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

  • Our Top Matches from the weekend:

    • Gotham FC vs Guadalajara (3-0)

    • Angel City vs SD Wave (0-0 (5-3 PKs)

    • KC Current vs UANL (4-1)

• 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:

  • Through to finals: Denmark, England (holders), France, Germany, Iceland, Italy, Netherlands, Spain, Switzerland (hosts)

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

Get your TV’s ready, mark your calendars and get ready for more action this summer!

USWNT vs Japan (1-0)

In a tense 2024 Olympics quarterfinal, the United States secured a 1-0 victory over Japan, advancing to the semifinals and ensuring they will play for a medal. The game, characterized by slow and passive play, saw the breakthrough in the 106th minute when Trinity Rodman received a long diagonal pass from Crystal Dunn, cut inside a defender, and scored with a left-footed shot into the far upper corner. This decisive goal highlighted USWNT head coach Emma Hayes' strategy of patience and sticking with her core players, despite the short turnaround between matches. The U.S. team attempted 1,026 passes, the most in recent Olympic or World Cup history, demonstrating a shift in their playing style under Hayes.

The match tested the USWNT's new identity, with Japan setting up a compact defensive shape, challenging the Americans to find a moment of brilliance. Despite Japan's counterattacking threats, the U.S. maintained 70% possession and attempted over 1,000 passes. Rodman's goal, her fourth consecutive game contribution, made her the youngest USWNT player to score in an Olympic knockout round since 2004. As they look ahead to a semifinal clash against Germany on Tuesday, the Americans must address potential fatigue from limited rotation, but for now, they celebrate a significant step forward in their Olympic journey.

Spain vs Colombia 2-2 (4-2 PKs)

Spain advanced to the semifinals of the Olympic tournament by overcoming a 2-0 deficit to beat Colombia 4-2 in a penalty shootout at Stade de Lyon on Saturday. World champion Spain, playing in its first Olympics, showed resilience as Jenni Hermoso's goal in the 79th minute sparked a comeback, and Irene Paredes equalized in the seventh minute of stoppage time. In the shootout, Colombia's Catalina Usme and Liana Salazar missed their penalties, while Spain converted all four of theirs, with Ballon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati scoring the decisive spot kick.

Spain will face Brazil in the semifinals in Marseille on Tuesday, keeping their hopes alive for a remarkable double following their World Cup triumph in Australia last year. Despite Colombia's strong start with goals from Mayra Ramirez and Leicy Santos, and the injury of star player Linda Caicedo, Spain's determination and effective penalties secured their place in the spot.

Marta’s Brazil Still Alive

Brazil defeated hosts France 1-0 in Nantes to reach the women's Olympic soccer semifinals, keeping legendary forward Marta’s medal dreams alive. Suspended for the quarterfinal after a red card in the final group-stage game, Marta watched from the stands as Gabi Portilho scored the decisive goal in the 82nd minute, breaking through two defenders to finish past keeper Constance Picaud. Despite two group-stage losses, Brazil's victory at first seemed to ensure that Marta, a six-time world player of the year, will return from suspension to face Spain in the semifinals on Tuesday. However it was announced today that the Brazilian legend will be suspended for a second game, cutting down her a chance to play for a medal before her planned retirement from international soccer. All she can do is sit and watch as Brazil take on Spain in a chance to make it to the gold medal game.

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AC Milan’s New Policy

AC Milan has introduced a pioneering maternity policy for its female players and staff, marking a first among elite European football clubs. The new policy guarantees automatic contract renewals for female players in the event of pregnancy during the final season of their contracts, providing protections and support beyond current regulations. This initiative aims to support female players and technical staff in making significant life choices without compromising their professional growth. In addition to extending contracts, the club will assist with childcare, travel expenses, and provide ongoing support through professionals in psycho-pedagogical, physiotherapy, and nutritional areas.

The policy was developed with input from the players of AC Milan's First Team and Primavera Team through meetings, interviews, and surveys. AC Milan CEO Giorgio Furlani emphasized the club's commitment to fostering an inclusive environment, hoping this policy serves as a model for others. Elisabet Spina, Head of Women Football at AC Milan, highlighted the club's history of prioritizing player well-being, including early contributions to social security benefits and efforts to mitigate gender conflict through the #WeAllAreFootball manifesto.

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