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

Another action-packed week in the Women’s Super League! Arsenal came out on top in a seven-goal thriller against Manchester City, Chelsea edged past Aston Villa with a late winner, and Liverpool secured a narrow 1-0 victory over West Ham. With the latest results shaking up the standings, the race for the title and European spots is heating up.

Off the field, big news continues to shape the women’s soccer landscape. Mallory Swanson is stepping away from the Chicago Stars for personal reasons, Denver has officially been awarded an NWSL expansion team, and Tampa Bay Sun is set to host Gotham FC in a historic matchup between the USL Super League and NWSL.

And don’t forget—our first-ever internship program is still open for applications! If you’re passionate about growing the women’s game, this is your chance to get involved. The deadline is February 10th, so apply now before it’s too late!

What's in store this week:

• WSL: Manchester City vs Arsenal (3-4)

• WSL: Aston Villa vs Chelsea (0-1)

  WSL: Liverpool vs West Ham (1-0)

• WSL: Where We Stand Today

• News: Mallory Swanson Steps Away From CHI for Personal Reasons

• News: What You Need to Know About Denver’s New NWSL Team

• News: Tampa Bay Sun to Face Gotham FC in Historic Matchup 

• GG: The Launch of Our First Ever Internship Program! (app closes 02/10)

Manchester City vs
Arsenal (3-4)

Arsenal emerged victorious in a seven-goal thriller against Manchester City, securing a crucial 4-3 win that likely ends City’s WSL title hopes. The match was filled with errors from both sides, starting with an early mistake from City’s Laia Aleixandri that gifted Mariona Caldentey the opening goal. Arsenal quickly doubled their lead through Lotte Wubben-Moy, but City responded with goals from Mary Fowler and former Arsenal star Vivianne Miedema. The chaotic affair continued as Frida Maanum restored Arsenal’s lead, only for City to equalize with a controversial penalty. However, a moment of quality from Beth Mead set up Stina Blackstenius for the winning goal, sealing an important win for Arsenal.

The result leaves Manchester City in fourth place, 12 points behind league leaders Chelsea, while Arsenal remain 10 points adrift but with a stronger defensive record. Arsenal coach Renée Slegers praised her team's resilience, especially after their disappointing loss to Chelsea the previous week. Meanwhile, City’s defensive lapses and goalkeeper Khiara Keating’s struggles continue to be a concern, as their European qualification hopes now take priority over a fading title challenge.

Aston Villa vs
Chelsea (0-1)

Chelsea secured a hard-fought 1-0 victory over Aston Villa at Villa Park, maintaining their unbeaten run at the top of the Women’s Super League. Despite a resilient display from Villa, the game was ultimately decided by an unfortunate own goal from Sarah Mayling in the 82nd minute. Chelsea applied steady pressure throughout, with Catarina Macario testing goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo multiple times, while Villa came close through Kirsty Hanson, who struck the woodwork.

Villa’s defensive efforts kept the league leaders at bay for much of the match, with Lucy Parker making key blocks and D’Angelo producing crucial saves. However, Chelsea's persistence paid off when Mayra Ramirez delivered a dangerous cross that Mayling inadvertently turned into her own net while attempting a clearance. While Villa will take pride in their spirited performance, Chelsea’s narrow win keeps them firmly in control at the top of the table.

Liverpool vs
West Ham (1-0)

Liverpool secured their first league win of 2025 with a hard-fought 1-0 victory over West Ham, courtesy of a well-taken goal by Leanne Kiernan in the 33rd minute. The Reds controlled much of the game and created multiple chances, with Ceri Holland playing a key role in setting up the decisive goal. Despite their dominance, Liverpool struggled to add a second, allowing West Ham to stay in the contest and apply late pressure. Goalkeeper Teagan Micah and defender Grace Fisk made crucial interventions to preserve the narrow lead as Liverpool held on for all three points.

While the win was deserved, Liverpool’s inability to finish chances nearly cost them, as West Ham created late opportunities, particularly from set pieces. The victory provides a much-needed boost after a shaky start to the year, and Matt Beard’s side will look to build on this momentum in upcoming fixtures. Next, they turn their attention to the FA Women’s Cup against Rugby Borough before facing a tough league challenge against Manchester City.

WSL Standings

Chelsea remains dominant at the top of the WSL table, still unbeaten with 37 points, while Manchester United continues to chase them in second place, now seven points behind. Arsenal moves up to third after their thrilling win over Manchester City, who slip to fourth following another setback. Brighton holds onto fifth, but their recent form has been shaky, while Tottenham and Liverpool remain in mid-table, battling inconsistency. Everton climbs to eighth after an important win, while West Ham, Aston Villa, and Leicester City struggle to break out of the bottom half. Crystal Palace remains in deep trouble at the bottom, managing just six points, and their survival hopes are looking slim.

What You Need to Know About
Denver’s New NWSL Team

Denver is officially joining the NWSL, with a new expansion team set to debut in 2026 alongside Boston. The announcement was celebrated with city leaders, including Mayor Mike Johnston and Governor Jared Polis, who emphasized the importance of bringing professional women’s soccer to the Mile High City. The team will be led by an ownership group spearheaded by IMA Financial Group CEO Rob Cohen, with plans for a purpose-built stadium in a transit-accessible location. While the team’s name is yet to be decided, fans will have a say in the process, and excitement is already building, with 2,000 season ticket deposits secured.

Denver’s strong soccer culture, home to stars like Lindsey Horan, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson, positions the city as a prime destination for top talent. The team aims to create state-of-the-art training facilities designed specifically for women, setting a new standard in the league. With NWSL expansion reflecting the sport’s rapid growth, Denver is eager to make its mark on the league and establish itself as a powerhouse in professional women’s soccer.

Mallory Swanson Steps Away
From CHI for Personal Reasons

Chicago Stars forward Mallory Swanson will miss the start of the team’s 2025 preseason training camp for personal reasons, the club announced. While she has been included in the preseason roster, she has informed the team that she will not join immediately. The organization has expressed full support for Swanson’s decision, emphasizing that she will be welcomed back when she feels ready. In a statement, Swanson thanked the club, teammates, and fans for their understanding, stating her hope to return soon.

Swanson, a key figure for both the Stars and the U.S. Women's National Team, played a crucial role in the USWNT’s Olympic gold medal win, leading the team with four goals, including the game-winner against Brazil. In the NWSL, she was instrumental for Chicago last season, scoring seven goals and providing four assists. Despite her temporary absence, the Stars are moving forward with a 30-player preseason roster, including 22 returning players and several new signings. The team will train in Chicago before heading to IMG Academy in Florida as they prepare for the upcoming NWSL season.

Tampa Bay Sun to Face NWSL Champions
Gotham FC in Historic Matchup

Tampa Bay Sun will host reigning NWSL champions Gotham FC in a groundbreaking match on March 2 at Riverfront Stadium in downtown Tampa. This will be the first-ever meeting between teams from the USL Super League and the NWSL, marking a significant milestone for professional women’s soccer in the United States. Sun president Christina Unkel emphasized the match’s importance in raising the profile of both leagues and furthering the growth of the women’s game.

Gotham FC brings a star-studded roster featuring U.S. Olympic gold medalists Rose Lavelle, Tierna Davidson, and Emily Sonnett, while the Sun will showcase their own standout talent, including top USL Super League goal-scorers Carlee Giammona, Cecilie Fløe Nielsen, and Natasha Flint. Former FSU standout Jaelin Howell will also return to a familiar setting, as her father, John Howell, was a Super Bowl champion with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. With excitement building, the match is expected to be a landmark event for women’s soccer, showcasing elite talent and strengthening the connection between the country’s top leagues.

Exciting News:
Join the Goalside Gossip Team!

We’re thrilled to announce the launch of our first-ever internship program! 🎉 If you’re passionate about women’s soccer, love storytelling, and want a hands-on way to celebrate the beautiful game, this is your chance.

We’re looking for individuals in these cities to represent Goalside Gossip:

• New York/New Jersey (Gotham FC)

• DC Metro Area (Washington Spirit)

• Portland, OR (Portland Thorns)

• San Diego, CA (San Diego Wave)

• San Francisco/San Jose (Bay FC)

• Seattle Area (Seattle Reign)

As an intern, you’ll attend NWSL matches as a media representative, create engaging content, and connect with fans, players, and the women’s soccer community. It’s more than an internship—it’s a chance to be part of the movement pushing women’s soccer forward.

Head over to our internship page for more information about the program and details on how to apply. Applications are open until February 10th, so don’t miss out!