Welcome to the latest Goalside Gossip edition, your go-to for the latest in women's soccer. In this issue, we start off by sharing the sad news about Sam Kerr’s season ending injury, while showing off our new Tiktok account. We then show you how the WSL is making strides in taking care of it’s athletes while introducing Gotham FC’s newest athletes. Lastly, we dive deeper into Netflix’s “Under Pressure” and help you get to know Alessia Russo.

Sam Kerr Tears ACL

Alright, let's get down to business and talk about Sam Kerr, Chelsea's absolute gem of a striker. She's been lighting up the pitch, but here's the twist - during a training session in Morocco, she's gone and injured her ACL. It's a real setback, not just for Sam, but for Chelsea and the Matildas too.

This injury means she's out for the rest of the Women's Super League season and the UEFA Women's Champions League. And here's the kicker: it puts her spot in the 2024 Olympics in jeopardy. Recovering from an ACL injury is no walk in the park; we're talking six to nine months, sometimes even more. It's a serious blow, especially following her calf injury just before the World Cup.

Sam's resilience is legendary, but this is going to be a tough one. Everyone's rooting for her speedy recovery and hoping she'll be back, stronger than ever. For all the nitty-gritty details, you can head over to Yahoo Sports. It's not the news we wanted, but if anyone can bounce back from this, it's Sam Kerr.

Check out our homage to Sam on our new Tiktok page!

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Like if you miss Sam already 😩 #womensfootball #womenssoccer #soccer #soccergirl #soccertoktok #samkerr #chelseafc #chelsea #chelseafans

The WSL Taking New Approaches to Taking Care of it’s Athletes

In the rapidly evolving Women's Super League (WSL), significant strides have been made in understanding and improving female athlete performance. From modest beginnings with minimal staff, teams now boast comprehensive departments dedicated to strength and conditioning, nutrition, and mental health, reflecting the league's growth and increased financial investment. This expansion is partly driven by player advocacy and the necessity to meet rising standards.

Dr. Cindy Chang, NWSL's Chief Medical Officer, highlights the league's commitment to maintaining high medical care standards, ensuring consistency across clubs. The inaugural Collective Bargaining Agreement plays a critical role, mandating a medical director and setting minimum requirements for medical and performance staff. This holistic approach extends beyond physical health to emotional and mental wellness, crucial for player performance and recovery from injury.

The emphasis on mental health is echoed by performance professionals like Dawn Scott of Washington Spirit, who underscores the importance of having both clinical and sports psychologists accessible to players. The future of player wellbeing in the NWSL hinges on extensive research, particularly in areas like menstrual cycles, ACL injuries, and equipment design tailored for female athletes. This research, driven by technological advancements and data analysis, aims to bridge the gap between scientific findings and practical application, ultimately enhancing player performance and safety.

Crystal Dunn and Tierna Davidson Look Ahead to Futures

Gotham FC, the reigning champions of the National Women's Soccer League, has made a significant addition to its roster by signing soccer stars Tierna Davidson and Crystal Dunn for the 2024 season. Davidson, celebrated for being the youngest player on the 2019 World Cup championship team, and Dunn, a two-time Olympian and World Cup champion, bring a wealth of experience and talent to Gotham FC. The team, representing New York and New Jersey, is looking to these new signings to help secure another championship.

Dunn, previously with Portland Thorns FC, chose Gotham FC for personal reasons, emphasizing the importance of family and the appeal of playing close to home in New York. Both players also commented on the substantial growth of women's soccer in the U.S., with Davidson highlighting the league's evolution from a hobby to a professional business. This growth is further evidenced by a new television deal broadcasting over 100 games on major platforms, including CBS Sports. This deal, hailed by Dunn as a "massive step for women's soccer," promises to increase fan accessibility and awareness of the game.

A More in-depth Look at Netflix’s “Under Pressure”

The Netflix series "Under Pressure" provides an in-depth look at the United States women's national soccer team (USWNT) during the 2023 World Cup, revealing several key insights. One of the most pivotal moments of the tournament for the USWNT was goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher's near-save against Sweden, which ultimately led to the team's earliest World Cup exit ever. This scene is depicted in the series with a dramatic flair, underscoring the emotional impact on both players and fans. The series captures the intense reactions of players like co-captain Lindsey Horan, reflecting both the disappointment and the high stakes of the moment.

The documentary also delves into the evolving nature of women's soccer, emphasizing the need for progress in areas such as coaching, youth development, and playing style. Interviews with players like Alex Morgan and Megan Rapinoe highlight the challenges faced by those on the edge of team selection, illustrating the immense pressure and competition within the team. The series also examines tactical decisions by former head coach Vlatko Andonovski, particularly his limited use of substitutes, and the resulting impact on team morale and performance.

The series doesn't shy away from controversy, featuring frank commentary from former USWNT star Carli Lloyd on the team's performance and culture. It also highlights the emergence of goalkeeper Zecira Musovic as a significant obstacle for the USWNT, and introduces viewers to the future of the team through young players like Alyssa Thompson. "Under Pressure" provides a nuanced view of the USWNT, capturing the complexities and pressures of elite women's soccer while looking ahead to future challenges and opportunities.

Player Spotlight: Alessia Russo

Alessia Russo, an English forward born in 1999, has quickly become a notable name in the Women's Super League (WSL). Starting her career at the University of North Carolina, Russo distinguished herself with impressive striking abilities and technical prowess. Her return to England marked a significant shift in her career as she joined Manchester United in the WSL. At United, Russo's remarkable goal-scoring flair was on full display, rapidly elevating her status as a key player.

In 2023, after a stellar season with Manchester United, Russo made a significant move to Arsenal, a development that created ripples in the WSL. Her performance for England in the 2023 World Cup was nothing short of spectacular, netting three goals and demonstrating her capacity to excel on the international stage. Russo’s blend of athleticism, skill, and on-field intelligence makes her a formidable addition to Arsenal’s attack. Teaming up with stars like Beth Mead and Vivianne Miedema, Russo is expected to boost Arsenal's offensive capabilities, making the team even more competitive both in the WSL and in European contests.

This move to Arsenal not only enhances Russo’s career but also promises to bring a new dynamic to the team’s strategy and performance in upcoming seasons.

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