Welcome to another edition of Goalside Gossip! This week was packed with high-stakes games and standout performances. In the NWSL quarterfinals, Washington Spirit edged out Bay FC 2-1, while Gotham FC cruised past the Portland Thorns with a 3-0 victory, setting the stage for a thrilling semifinal lineup. Over in the WSL, Arsenal showed their power with a 5-0 win over Brighton, and Chelsea defeated Liverpool 3-0, while Bunny Shaw continued her scoring spree. Plus, the San Diego Wave made waves by signing their first-ever college player in the post-draft era, a promising new chapter for the club and rising talent. Let's jump into the highlights!

What's in store this week:

• 1️⃣ NWSL QF: #1 Orlando Pride vs #8 Chicago Red Stars (3-0)

• 2️⃣ NWSL QF: #2 Washington Spirit vs #7 Bay FC (2-1)

• 3️⃣ NWSL QF: #3 Gotham FC vs #6 Portland Thorns FC (3-0)

• 4️⃣ NWSL QF: #4 KC Current vs #5 NC Courage (3-0)

• 👀 NWSL: Semi-finals are set

• 🌟 WSL: Arsenal vs Brighton (5-0)

• ✨ WSL: Chelsea vs Liverpool (3-0)

• 🏆 WSL: Bunny picks up where she left off

• 📽️ NWSL: The Wave sign first ever college player

• 🎉 Giveaway: Win a NWSL Ball + USWNT Jersey!

NWSL Quarterfinals

Orlando Pride vs

Chicago Red Stars (4-1)

The Orlando Pride clinched their first-ever playoff win with a decisive 4-1 victory over the Chicago Red Stars. Haley McCutcheon opened the scoring, and Barbra Banda added two more goals before halftime, with Marta securing the win from the penalty spot early in the second half. Chicago's Jameese Joseph managed a consolation goal after an error by Pride goalkeeper Anna Moorhouse, but the Pride maintained control throughout, outshooting the Red Stars 27-8.

Head Coach Seb Hines commended the team's intensity, noting that the Pride are hitting their stride at the right time. With this historic home playoff win in front of 11,496 fans, Orlando now moves on to face the winner of Kansas City Current vs. North Carolina Courage, with a chance to reach the NWSL Championship for the first time.

Washington Spirit vs
Bay FC (2-1)

The Washington Spirit advanced to the NWSL semifinals with a 2-1 extra-time victory over Bay FC, highlighted by a late own goal forced by Trinity Rodman. Bay FC initially silenced the sellout crowd at Audi Field when Asisat Oshoala scored off a Penelope Hocking cross in the 82nd minute. However, the Spirit responded quickly, with Tara McKeown equalizing just three minutes later by intercepting a clearance and scoring from the top of the box. In extra time, a Rodman cross led to Caprice Dydasco inadvertently directing the ball into her own net, clinching the win for Washington.

Despite injuries to key players like Andi Sullivan and Croix Bethune, the Spirit finished second in the regular season and outshot Bay 21-7. They will now face defending champions Gotham FC, who also won dramatically on Sunday with a stoppage-time goal from Rose Lavelle against Portland. This matchup will be part of the final four leading to the NWSL Championship on Nov. 23, hosted at Kansas City's CPKC Stadium.

Gotham FC vs

Portland Thorns FC (2-1)

Gotham FC kept their title defense alive with a dramatic 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns, thanks to a stoppage-time goal from Rose Lavelle. In front of a historic home crowd at Red Bull Arena, Lavelle clinched the win in the seventh minute of added time after receiving a well-placed ball from Delanie Sheehan, who had just subbed on in the final minutes. Gotham initially took the lead in the second half through a goal by Tierna Davidson, who returned from injury and converted Lavelle’s set-piece into her second career goal. Portland equalized shortly after, but Lavelle’s late-game heroics advanced Gotham to the semifinals, where they will face the Washington Spirit.

The win highlighted Gotham's depth, built over two seasons of star-studded acquisitions including Lavelle, Davidson, and Emily Sonnett, and sustained the excitement surrounding last year’s Cinderella championship run. Head coach Juan Carlos Amorós, reflecting on the team’s journey, acknowledged the challenges but praised his players’ resilience as they move within two games of another title. With the win, Gotham continues their quest to repeat as NWSL champions, leaning on a roster capable of producing key moments in high-stakes matchups.

KC Current vs

NC Courage (1-0)

Kansas City Current advanced to the NWSL semifinals with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over North Carolina Courage, thanks to an early goal by star forward Temwa Chawinga and a standout performance from goalkeeper Almuth Schult. Chawinga capitalized on a rebound in the eighth minute, giving Kansas City a quick lead that they would protect fiercely for the rest of the match. Schult's clutch saves under heavy pressure from Courage’s offense anchored the Current’s iron defense.

Despite Courage dominating possession and pushing Kansas City with relentless attacks, Schult’s composure and Kansas City’s resilient backline held strong. This playoff win, their first-ever at home, sets up a thrilling semifinal matchup against Orlando Pride, where Kansas City will face an even tougher challenge against the NWSL Shield winners.

NWSL Playoffs:
Semifinal Bracket

The NWSL playoff semifinals are here, and only four teams remain in the race for the championship. The upcoming weekend promises intense matchups as both East and West Coast rivals clash in pursuit of a spot in the final. Here’s what you need to know about each game and where to catch the action:

• Game 1: Washington Spirit (#2) vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC (#3)
  Date/Time: Saturday, November 16, at 12:00 p.m. ET
  Location: Audi Field, Washington, D.C.
  Watch in the U.S.: CBS, Paramount+

• Game 2: Orlando Pride (#1) vs. Kansas City Current (#4)
  Date/Time: Sunday, November 17, at 3:00 p.m. ET
  Location: Inter&Co Stadium, Orlando, Florida
  Watch in the U.S.: ABC, ESPN+

With fierce competition and no clear front-runners, both semifinals are shaping up to be intense. Washington’s Spirit are looking to keep their undefeated record against Gotham at Audi Field intact, while the Pride and the Current are set to reignite their budding rivalry after splitting victories in the regular season.

WSL Matchday 7

Arsenal vs

Brighton (5-0)

Arsenal Women delivered a dominant 5-0 home win over Brighton, extending their unbeaten run under manager Renee Slegers. The Gunners took control early, with Beth Mead scoring the opener in the 13th minute, curling a shot into the bottom corner. Just minutes later, Caitlin Foord doubled the lead after a clever setup by Emily Fox and Kim Little. Frida Maanum made it 3-0 with a long-range stunner, wrapping up a commanding first half for Arsenal.

In the second half, Arsenal kept the pressure on, coming close with attempts from Foord and Maanum. Lina Hurtig added a fourth goal shortly after coming on, heading in a pinpoint cross from Katie McCabe. Finally, a penalty converted by Alessia Russo capped the victory, securing all three points in a relentless team performance that leaves Arsenal confidently unbeaten.

See what the Gunners have to say about playing Juventus next here.

Chelsea vs

Liverpool (3-0)

Liverpool FC Women faced a tough 3-0 defeat against reigning WSL champions Chelsea. Despite a promising start with early pressure and a few opportunities, Liverpool struggled to break through Chelsea’s defense. Missing key players Sophie Roman Haug and Fuka Nagano, Liverpool had difficulty generating offense, allowing Chelsea to capitalize on Liverpool's defensive errors. Goals from Mayra Ramirez, Guro Reiten, and Agnes Beever-Jones sealed a comfortable win for Chelsea, leaving Liverpool unable to recover.

In the second half, Liverpool showed more attacking intent, with Leanne Kiernan and Olivia Smith creating chances, but Chelsea’s defense and goalkeeper Hannah Hampton held firm. Despite their efforts, Liverpool couldn’t find the net, and a late Chelsea goal dampened hopes of a comeback. It’s safe to say Chelsea are stoked after winning 8 of their last 8. Liverpool on the other hand, will look to bounce back in their next match against Everton at Goodison Park.

WSL Standings

Shaw Sets NWSL Hat-Trick Record

Khadija ‘Bunny’ Shaw made history with a record-breaking hat-trick in Manchester City's 4-0 win over Tottenham at the Etihad Stadium, becoming the first player to score three hat-tricks against the same opponent in the Barclays Women’s Super League. In front of over 10,000 fans, Shaw opened the scoring within just 21 seconds and netted again 15 minutes later, marking a relentless start that set City firmly in control. Jill Roord added to the tally before halftime, scoring her third goal in three games, and Shaw completed her historic hat-trick in the second half, sealing City’s 250th win as a professional club.

Watch some of Shaw’s highlights here.

The Wave Continue to Make Waves

San Diego Wave FC made history by signing University of Texas forward Trinity Byars, marking her as the first active NCAA athlete to join an NWSL team since the league abolished the draft. Byars, who signed through 2026 with an option for 2027, represents a new era of player freedom following the NWSL’s recent collective bargaining agreement, which grants full free agency to college and youth players. This groundbreaking shift allows players to select their teams, a move the NWSLPA hailed as empowering, ending the "antiquated model" of drafts.

Despite missing most of her senior season due to an ACL injury, Byars is expected to join San Diego in January to complete her rehab. Known for her agility and offensive prowess, Byars has a strong record with U.S. youth national teams and is highly anticipated to bring her dynamic skill set to the Wave. Camille Ashton, San Diego’s sporting director, praised Byars as one of college soccer's most exciting forwards and a promising addition to the team’s attack.

Watch some of Trinity’s highlights here.

GG Giveaway on Instagram!

We’ve teamed up with Jolene Jolene—Atlanta’s first women’s sports bar—to bring you an exclusive NWSL bundle! Enter for a chance to win an official NWSL ball and an authentic USWNT jersey. To enter, simply tag your friends in the comments of our Instagram post. Giveaway ends this Friday at 10:00 p.m. PST!

Don’t be shy, tell your friends!