Welcome to another edition of Goalside Gossip! This week delivered drama, goals, and major headlines across the NWSL and WSL. In the NWSL semifinals, Washington Spirit triumphed over Gotham FC in a penalty shootout thriller (3-0), while Orlando Pride edged past KC Current in a nail-biting 3-2 victory to book their spot in the final.

Over in the WSL, Brighton and West Ham played out a gripping 3-2 clash, while Aston Villa’s stoppage-time heroics sealed a 3-2 win over Crystal Palace. Meanwhile, the NWSL announced its 2024 Best XI, celebrating the league’s standout stars, and USWNT head coach Emma Hayes made headlines by resting her “Triple Espresso” trio, putting player welfare first. Let’s dive into all the action and accolades!

What's in store this week:

• 1️⃣ NWSL SF: Washington Spirit vs Gotham FC 🟥 (3-0 PKs)

• 2️⃣ NWSL SF: Orlando Pride vs KC Current (3-2)

• 🏆 NWSL Championship: A Historic Clash

• 👊🏻WSL: Brighton vs West Ham (3-2)

• ✨ WSL: Aston Villa vs Crystal Palace (3-2)

• 🌟 NWSL: NWSL Announce 2024 Best XI

• 🇺🇸 USWNT: Emma Hayes Orders Decaf

NWSL Semi-Finals

Washington Spirit vs

Gotham FC 🟥 (3-0 PKs)

The Washington Spirit clinched their spot in the NWSL championship game after a thrilling victory over Gotham FC, marked by a stoppage-time equalizer from Hal Hershfelt and a flawless penalty shootout performance from goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury. Trailing 1-0 in second-half stoppage time, the Spirit kept their hopes alive as Makenna Morris delivered a precise free-kick cross for Hershfelt to head home, sending the sellout crowd of 19,365 at Audi Field into a frenzy. Kingsbury then rose to the occasion in the penalty shootout, saving all three Gotham attempts while her teammates converted their chances, securing a 3-0 shootout win following a 1-1 draw.

The victory underscored the Spirit's resilience in a season riddled with challenges, including key injuries and a midseason coaching change. Despite these obstacles, the Spirit, seeded second, will now face either the Orlando Pride or Kansas City Current in the final. Coach Jonatan Giráldez praised the team’s perseverance and growth, noting the electric atmosphere created by back-to-back playoff sellouts in Washington. With one match left in their remarkable postseason run, the Spirit remain undeterred, embodying a “never-say-die” spirit as they aim for another NWSL title.

Orlando Pride vs
KC Current (3-2)

The Orlando Pride secured their first-ever berth in the NWSL championship game with a thrilling 3-2 victory over the Kansas City Current at Inter&Co Stadium. The match saw standout performances, including Barbra Banda’s pivotal contributions with a goal and an assist. Kansas City struck first in the 33rd minute through Debinha, but Orlando responded with a tying goal by Haley McCutcheon just before halftime. Banda’s quick turn and powerful finish in the 53rd minute gave the Pride the lead, and she later set up Marta for a stunning third goal in the 82nd.

Despite a late penalty conversion by Vanessa DiBenardo deep into stoppage time, the Pride held on to punch their ticket to the final. With an attendance of 14,524 cheering them on, the Shield-winning Pride showcased their resilience and attacking prowess.

Marta’s goal was one for the ages with an incredible run and impressive skill move to beat two defenders and the keeper before slotting it in the back of the net. It’s one that you have to see to believe. Check it out here.

NWSL Championship:
A Historic Clash

Teams Competing: Orlando Pride (#1) vs Washington Spirit (#2)

• The Pride, playing in their first-ever NWSL Championship, aim to add to their historic 2024 season as Shield winners and record-setters with a 23-game unbeaten streak.

• The Spirit are competing in their third Championship, having won the title in 2021, and secured their spot with a penalty shootout victory over reigning champions NJ/NY Gotham FC.

Location: CPKC Stadium in Kansas City, the first privately funded stadium specifically built for a professional women’s soccer team, will host the event.

Date and Time: Saturday, November 23, at 8 p.m. ET (7 p.m. local)

How to Watch: CBS / Paramount+

WSL Matchday 8

Brighton vs

West Ham (3-2)

Brighton and Hove Albion Women edged West Ham United Women 3-2 in a dramatic Women’s Super League match at the Amex Stadium. Rachel McLaughlan and Kiko Seike gave Brighton a two-goal advantage before Katrina Gorry’s brace brought West Ham level. However, Fran Kirby secured the winner in the 82nd minute with a tidy finish.

The match was part of a historic weekend where all WSL and Women’s Championship games were played in clubs’ main stadiums, marking a significant moment for women’s soccer. The win brought Brighton to five victories this season, already matching their total from last year, showcasing manager Dario Vidosic’s strong impact despite injuries and limited player options.

Aston Villa vs

Crystal Palace (3-2)

Ebony Salmon’s stoppage-time strike sealed Aston Villa’s first win of the season in a thrilling 3-2 victory over Crystal Palace at Villa Park. My Cato opened the scoring for Palace in the 30th minute, but Anna Patten equalized shortly after. Rachel Daly then gave Villa the lead with a powerful finish just before halftime. Palace fought back in the 86th minute through Annabel Blanchard’s volley, but Salmon’s stunning goal in the fourth minute of stoppage time ensured Villa claimed all three points in a dramatic encounter.

Despite Villa’s dominance in attack, Palace capitalized on limited opportunities, with Ashleigh Weerden’s late cross setting up Blanchard’s equalizer. However, Salmon’s brilliance in the dying moments proved decisive. The game also saw concerning pauses for head injuries to Palace’s Josie Green and Aimee Everett, both of whom were cleared to continue. The victory marked a crucial breakthrough for Villa in what has been a challenging start to their league campaign.

WSL Standings

NWSL Announce 2024 Best XI

Best XI First Team 

• Goalkeeper: Ann-Katrin Berger (Gotham FC)

• Defenders: Emily Sams (Orlando Pride), Casey Krueger (Washington Spirit), Kaleigh Kurtz (NC Courage), Jenna Nighswonger (Gotham FC)

• Midfielders and Forwards: Temwa Chawinga (KC Current), Barbra Banda (Orlando Pride), Marta (Orlando Pride), Croix Bethune (Washington Spirit), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns)

Best XI Second Team 

• Goalkeeper: Anna Moorhouse (Orlando Pride)

• Defenders: Naomi Girma (SD Wave), Tara McKeown (Washington Spirit), Kerry Abello (Orlando Pride), Ryan Williams (NC Courage)

• Midfielders and Forwards: Vanessa DiBernardo (KC Current), Lo’eau LaBonta (KC Current), Hal Hershfelt (Washington Spirit), Esther (Gotham FC), Rose Lavelle (Gotham FC), Yazmeen Ryan (Gotham FC)

These 22 players were selected based on weighted voting, highlighting their exceptional performances across the season. Ann-Katrin Berger stood out with eight clean sheets, while Temwa Chawinga broke the single-season goal record with 20. Emily Sams and Anna Moorhouse led Orlando Pride’s record-setting defense, and Marta, Barbra Banda, and Sophia Smith showcased their attacking brilliance. Rising stars like Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt also shined, marking a bright future for the league.

Each player receives a cash bonus for their selection, further celebrating their impact in advancing excellence in women’s soccer.

USWNT Goes Decaf

Emma Hayes, USWNT Head Coach, emphasized player welfare in her decision to rest the dynamic “Triple Espresso” front line of Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, and Mallory Swanson for an upcoming European tour. Following their intense Olympic gold medal campaign and back-to-back major tournaments, Hayes highlighted concerns over their heavy workload and nagging injuries. She explained during a press conference that the trio had played through discomfort in recent months and needed time to recover fully for the long-term health of their careers.

Hayes compared the U.S. schedule to Europe’s longer seasons and noted the strain on players due to overlapping tournaments and shortened recovery periods. Specifically addressing Mallory Swanson, Hayes mentioned her challenging year of high game volume following injury recovery and reiterated that all three players deeply value representing their country. However, their mental and physical fatigue necessitated prioritizing rest to ensure their readiness for future competitions. The U.S. will proceed with matches against England and the Netherlands without the star trio.

Don’t be shy, tell your friends!