Welcome to this week’s edition of Goalside Gossip — your go-to for everything thrilling, unpredictable, and downright electric in the world of women’s soccer. We’re less than a week out from Euro 2025, and the momentum is already breaking speed limits. From the USWNT’s milestone win to England’s seven-goal statement and a wild France–Brazil showdown, the international friendlies were anything but friendly.

Plus, Boston names its first-ever head coach (hint: she’s bringing Champions League energy), and San Diego prepares to honor an all-time great in a way that’s never been done before. Whether you're here for Olympic roster hints, rising stars, or legacy-building moves, this edition has something to keep your head on a swivel. Let’s dive in.

• INT’L: USWNT vs Ireland (4-0)

• INT’L: England vs Jamaica (7-0)

• INT’L: Canada vs Costa Rica (4-1)

• INT’L: France vs Brazil (3-2)

• INT’L: 2025 Euros Preview

• News: Boston Legacy choose first ever head coach

• News: SD Wave to Retire Alex Morgan’s #13 Jersey

USWNT vs
Ireland (4-0)

The USWNT celebrated its 600th win with a 4–0 rout of Ireland in Cincinnati, fielding a vastly inexperienced lineup that averaged just over four caps per starter under coach Emma Hayes’ developmental strategy. Rookie Izzy Rodriguez scored on her debut, 19-year-old Emma Sears grabbed her second assist, Yazmeen Ryan netted her first international goal, and Alyssa Thompson added her second in two games. This match marked the 36th different player to start under Hayes in six months, reinforcing her commitment to building squad depth ahead of World Cup qualifying.

The atmosphere at TQL Stadium surged when hometown star Rose Lavelle entered late amid chants of “We want Rose!” and nearly scored from distance. Following a similar 4–0 victory on June 26, which featured fresh names like Avery Patterson and Claudia Dickey, Hayes stressed the value of giving exposure to newcomers—even if not every player makes the Olympic roster. The series highlighted how competition and opportunity are driving a new wave of talent. The team wraps up camp on July 2 against Canada.

England vs
Jamaica (7-0)

England wrapped up Euro 2025 prep in style, thrashing Jamaica 7-0 at the King Power Stadium. Ella Toone led with a first-half brace, while Lucy Bronze, Georgia Stanway, Alessia Russo, Aggie Beever-Jones, and Beth Mead also scored. Lauren James made a successful return from injury, assisting Russo’s goal, and despite a brief scare from a disallowed Jamaican strike, the Lionesses dominated throughout.

Head coach Sarina Wiegman praised the team’s form and squad depth, noting strong competition for spots—especially at the No. 10 role. With key players like Mead and James healthy and gaining minutes, England looks sharp ahead of its Euro opener against France. Stanway, back from surgery, hailed the collective performance and expressed confidence heading into the tournament.

Canada vs
Costa Rica (4-1)

Canada shook off a sluggish start to rally past Costa Rica 4-1 at BMO Field, thanks to a late-game scoring spree. After going down 1-0 at the half despite dominating possession, the Canadians came alive with four goals in 16 minutes from Shelina Zadorsky, Holly Ward, Zara Chavoshi, and Emma Regan. Zadorsky's penalty kick opened the floodgates, Ward dazzled with a sharp finish, and Chavoshi and Regan each netted their first senior goals. The night also featured the long-anticipated debut of 18-year-old phenom Annabelle Chukwu (check out this insane goal she’s scored).

Head coach Casey Stoney didn’t sugarcoat the team’s shaky start, calling out technical mistakes and poor positioning—but she was quick to praise their grit and second-half adjustments. While Canada extended its unbeaten streak against Costa Rica, the game served as a timely reminder that there’s work to be done before facing the U.S. on July 2. With a Pride-themed kit and breakout performances galore, it was a match where meaning met momentum.

France vs
Brazil (3-2)

France staged a thrilling 3-2 comeback over Brazil in a high-tempo friendly at Stade des Alpes. Brazil struck early with goals from Kerolin and Luany in the opening 12 minutes, but France responded just before the break with Grace Geyoro finishing off a rebound. Geyoro struck again in the second half with a deflected equalizer, and Marie-Antoinette Katoto sealed the win in the 75th with a clinical header.

While Brazil’s electric start showcased their firepower, France’s depth and pressure flipped the match. Keeper Pauline Magnin made key stops to keep the deficit manageable, and Marta’s second-half entrance gave Brazil a spark—but not enough to retake control. France’s late surge, powered by subs like Diani and Cascarino, highlighted their tournament readiness ahead of the Euros, while Brazil will look to tighten up before the Copa América.

Euros Preview

The Women’s Euro 2025 kicks off in Switzerland on July 2, and expectations are sky-high—especially for hosts like Switzerland and contenders such as Spain. Switzerland bring a balanced squad of experienced stars and youngsters, aiming to build on recent momentum. Spain, the reigning World and Nations League champions, head into the tournament as strong favorites. Their midfield maestro, Aitana Bonmatí, is back to full fitness and set to lead a highly valued squad that tops European market estimations.

Meanwhile, England look to defend their 2022 crown under Sarina Wiegman, despite notable belt-tightening after several retirements and injuries. Their attack features dynamic additions like Alessia Russo and Lauren Hemp, while emerging talents now challenge established stars. The Lionesses will open their campaign against France in what looks to be the Group D match of the tournament.

Prediction: Expect Spain to top Group B with relative ease, while England’s showdown with France will set the tone for knockout stage form. A rematch in the semis between Spain and England feels almost inevitable—and a tight midfield battle could tilt in England’s favor thanks to Wiegman’s roster depth. Ultimately, this preview ends with a spicy final: Spain vs. England in Basel, where defending champions and homegrown talent collide.

Like data? Click here to see what Opta’s supercomputer predictions are.

BOS Legacy Hire
First Head Coach

Boston Legacy FC has officially named Filipa Patão as its inaugural head coach, a major hire ahead of the club’s NWSL debut in 2026. Pending visa approval, Patão will begin her role in July, bringing a powerhouse résumé from Benfica, where she tallied a 156-28-15 record and guided the club to five consecutive Portuguese league titles and a historic Champions League quarterfinal berth. With a UEFA A license and a UEFA Pro diploma in progress, she’s known for blending competitive fire with player development. “The American league is extremely competitive... I like getting players to strive for more,” she said. Patão’s appointment—alongside former FC Barcelona exec Domènec Guasch as GM—signals Boston’s ambition to build a culture rooted in grit, growth, and European-style precision.

SD Wave to Retire
Alex Morgan’s #13 Jersey

San Diego Wave FC will retire Alex Morgan’s iconic No. 13 jersey in a pre-match ceremony on September 7 at Snapdragon Stadium, marking the first jersey retirement in club history. The date also commemorates the one-year anniversary of Morgan’s final professional match, making the tribute all the more fitting. During her tenure with the Wave, Morgan netted 23 goals and tallied nine assists in just 50 appearances, helping propel the team to its first-ever NWSL Shield in 2023 and quickly establishing herself as the club’s all-time leading scorer.

Beyond San Diego, Morgan’s resume speaks for itself—two FIFA Women’s World Cup titles, an Olympic gold medal, over 120 international goals, and a transformative presence in growing the women’s game globally. Her time with the Wave was more than a late-career stop; it was a leadership chapter that helped anchor a fledgling club’s identity. Now, with her No. 13 set to hang permanently at Snapdragon, Morgan’s legacy as a foundational force—for both club and country—is etched into the league’s history.