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

It’s officially the Week of the Goalkeepers in women’s soccer! Mandy McGlynn makes history with a five-year extension at the Utah Royals, while Gotham FC takes a bold step by signing rising star Ryan Campbell, setting up a promising future between the posts. Meanwhile, Marta reaffirms her commitment to the NWSL with a new deal at Orlando Pride, and Liverpool makes headlines by securing Scotland international Sam Kerr (not that Sam Kerr) on loan to bolster their squad.

As we dive into the Women’s Super League standings so far, we’re gearing up for the action to return after the break. Plus, in the Women’s Championship, a new trial allowing alcohol consumption in the stands begins, sparking conversations about evolving fan experiences.

It’s the last week without games, so sit back, soak in all the drama, and get ready for an action-packed return to the pitch! 🌟

What's in store this week:

• NWSL: Marta is Here to Stay

• NWSL: Mandy McGlynn Signs 5 Year Extension

• NWSL: Gotham FC’s Bold Move: Ryan Campbell Joins as Rising Star Goalkeeper

• WSL: Where The WSL Stands So Far

• WSL: Liverpool Secure Scotland International Sam Kerr (not that one) on Loan

• News: Alcohol Consumption Trial in Women's Championship Games Begins

Marta Resigns
For 2 More Years

Marta, the legendary Brazilian forward, has signed a two-year extension with the Orlando Pride, securing her stay in Florida through the 2026 season. The 38-year-old played a pivotal role in the Pride's historic 2024 NWSL Championship victory, scoring the decisive semifinal goal against the Kansas City Current. With 128 appearances and 42 goals since joining the Pride in 2017, Marta remains an integral figure for the team both on and off the pitch. Orlando Pride sporting director Haley Carter praised Marta's exceptional skill, leadership, and influence on the team and community, highlighting her importance during the franchise’s most successful season to date.

Having retired from international duty following Brazil’s loss to the United States in the Paris Olympics final, Marta continues to shine in club soccer. She capped off a remarkable 2024 by winning FIFA's inaugural Marta Award, honoring the best goal in women's soccer that year. Widely regarded as one of the greatest players of all time, Marta's commitment to the Pride signals her enduring passion for the game and her desire to lead the team to further success.

We are so excited to get another two years of some incredible moments like these.

Mandy McGlynn Signs 5 Year Extension:
Makes History

Mandy McGlynn has made NWSL history by signing a five-year contract extension with the Utah Royals, the longest active deal in the league. The 26-year-old goalkeeper, who joined the Royals for their inaugural 2024 season, has quickly established herself as a cornerstone of the team. Despite a challenging start for the Royals, McGlynn delivered standout performances, breaking the club record for saves in a season with 84 and achieving the second-best post-shot expected goals minus goals conceded (+7.1) in the league. Her remarkable form earned her a U.S. Women’s National Team call-up in October 2024, where she debuted with a clean sheet against Argentina.

Utah Royals Sporting Director Kelly Cousins praised McGlynn’s talent, commitment, and potential, emphasizing her importance to the team’s future. McGlynn’s journey with the Royals began after a championship-winning 2023 season with NJ/NY Gotham FC, and her immediate impact in Utah has solidified her reputation as one of the NWSL’s brightest goalkeepers. As the Royals rebuild under newly promoted head coach Jimmy Coenraets, McGlynn’s long-term contract underscores her role in shaping the team’s aspirations and future success.

Check out the club’s official announcement here.

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Gotham FC’s Bold Move: Ryan Campbell
Joins as Rising Star Goalkeeper

NJ/NY Gotham FC has made a statement signing with goalkeeper Ryan Campbell, locking her into a contract through 2025. Campbell, a standout collegiate talent, joins the NWSL club following a record-breaking career at UCLA, where she recorded 16 clean sheets during the 2024 season—the second-highest in school history. Her consistency, athleticism, and leadership earned her national recognition and accolades, including being named to the MAC Hermann Trophy Watch List. Campbell’s collegiate journey began at Stanford, where she was named Pac-12 Goalkeeper of the Year in 2023, boasting a goals-against average of 0.601 and 11 shutouts.

Gotham FC’s general manager, Yael Averbuch West, emphasized Campbell’s potential, praising her as a future star in professional soccer. Beyond her impressive college resume, Campbell has experience with the U.S. Youth National Teams, including appearances at the U-14, U-15, and U-23 levels. Her involvement in the 2023 Thorns Preseason Tournament further showcased her readiness for top-tier competition. This signing represents Gotham FC’s ambition to build for the future, as Campbell’s determination, skill, and leadership position her as a key figure in the club’s plans to dominate the NWSL.

Where The WSL Stands So Far

Chelsea sits firmly at the top of the table after 10 matches, boasting 28 points with nine wins and a single draw, showcasing their dominance with an impressive +25 goal difference. Manchester City follows in second with 22 points, while Arsenal and Manchester United are close behind in third and fourth, tied at 21 points but separated by goal difference.

Brighton holds the fifth spot with 17 points, maintaining solid form, while Tottenham lags behind in sixth with 11 points. Aston Villa, Liverpool, and Everton are clustered together with 9 points each, but negative goal differences reflect their struggles this season. West Ham, Leicester City, and Crystal Palace round out the table, with Palace languishing in last place with just 5 points and a -26 goal difference. Chelsea's consistency and commanding lead set them apart, while the battle for European spots heats up among the top four.

Liverpool Secure Scotland International Sam Kerr (not that one) on Loan from Germany

Liverpool have bolstered their midfield by signing Scotland international Sam Kerr on loan from Bayern Munich for the remainder of the 2024/25 Women’s Super League season. The 25-year-old, capped 32 times for her country, struggled for game time in Germany this season, starting just two of Bayern’s 12 matches. Liverpool manager Matt Beard expressed excitement over the signing, having long admired Kerr and previously attempting to bring her to the club. Liverpool, currently sitting eighth in the WSL, hope Kerr’s experience and energy can help them climb the table.

Kerr, who began her career at Glasgow City and enjoyed domestic success with Rangers, joined Bayern in 2023 and won the Frauen-Bundesliga in her debut season. However, limited opportunities this campaign led to a mutual decision for her to seek more game time, with Bayern’s women’s football director, Bianca Rech, praising Liverpool as a cultural and developmental fit for Kerr. Speaking on her move, Kerr highlighted the growth she’s experienced playing alongside world-class talent in Germany and her role with Scotland. She’s eager to bring that experience to Liverpool, aiming to help the team improve their league standing and succeed in upcoming competitions, including the Women’s FA Cup and WSL fixtures.

Alcohol Consumption Trial in Women's Championship Games Begins This Month

In a groundbreaking pilot scheme, fans attending Women's Championship matches at four clubs—Bristol City, Southampton, Birmingham, and Newcastle—will be allowed to drink alcohol in the stands for the first time. The trial, set to take place during four or five games at each club in the second half of the season, begins on January 19 with Bristol City's clash against London City Lionesses and Southampton hosting Sunderland. Birmingham and Newcastle will follow suit on January 26 with home fixtures against Bristol City and Portsmouth, respectively.

This initiative, overseen by Women’s Professional Leagues Limited (WPLL) CEO Nikki Doucet, aims to explore new ways to enhance the matchday experience. Unlike the men’s game, where drinking alcohol in view of the pitch is banned across the top five tiers, the legislation does not extend to women’s football. Doucet emphasized the importance of maintaining safety while catering to the preferences of the women’s game’s distinct fan base. The results of this trial could pave the way for a more flexible approach to fan engagement in women’s football across the UK.