Welcome to this week's edition of Goalside Gossip, your go-to source for all things women's soccer! This issue is bursting with the latest from the Women’s Super League and the NWSL, as we witness Manchester City continue to pile on the goals and broaden their lead while Arsenal’s hopes for the title start slipping away by conceding a stoppage time goal to 16 year old Issy Hobson. Across the pond, the Orlando Pride keep rolling, despite a lot of injuries and a red card; meanwhile KC Current cut it close with two quick goals to seal their victory over Angel City FC. As the WSL heads towards an exciting conclusion and the NWSL starts off with a bang, we're dedicated to bringing you detailed analysis and all the scores to keep you feeling one step ahead.

In addition to our regular league coverage, we're thrilled to expand our focus to include the United Women's Soccer (UWS) league. Get ready to dive deep into the teams, key players, and promising talents shaping this dynamic league. This week, we give you a taste of what’s to come this season by showing you some awesome goals from last season’s week 7. We also introduce you to former SC Blue Heat FC standout Alyssa Thompson, who is now shining for the USWNT and Angel City FC in the NWSL.

Lastly, we are working on exciting features including player interviews, tactical breakdowns, and a closer look at how the teams are preparing for the upcoming matches. So sit back, relax, and enjoy a blend of Goals, Gossip, and Glory from the world of women's soccer. Whether you're a die-hard fan or a casual follower, there's something in here for everyone as we celebrate the skill, passion, and drama of these incredible athletes and their competitions.

WSL Matches of the Week

Manchester City vs Bristol City (4-0)

Bristol City’s time in the WSL has officially come to an end. They can no longer catch up with 11th-placed West Ham after losing 4-0 to Manchester City. It was a valiant effort from Lauren Smith’s side in the first half, but the floodgates opened following Mary Fowler’s 62nd-minute strike. After twenty games Bristol City have managed to only win a single game, scoring 20 goals and conceding a staggering 58, putting their goal differential at a -38.

Meanwhile, Manchester City continue their title charge, piling the pressure on Chelsea. Mary Fowler had two within a span of 15 minutes while an Amy Rodgers own goal gave City a third. Their fourth and final goal came in stoppage time from Alex Greenwood who netted her first of the season for City. These four goals could prove to be crucial come the final day of the campaign next month because Chelsea has two games in hand and the point differential between the two of them is 6. We will be keeping a close eye on this title race and updating you every step along the way.

Everton vs Arsenal (1-1)

In an intense match, 16-year-old Sissy Hobson scored her first senior goal for Everton in the final moments against Arsenal, making it a late 1-1 draw. Her 95th-minute header not only marked a personal milestone but also significantly dented Arsenal's title hopes, as they are now five points behind leaders Manchester City, who also have a game in hand. Despite Arsenal's dominance throughout the game and multiple scoring opportunities, including a close attempt by Stina Blackstenius, they couldn't secure a win. Alessia Russo had minutes earlier put Arsenal ahead, but Hobson’s late goal, described as "the best feeling ever" by the young Evertonian, ensured that the match ended in a draw. Arsenal now faces a crucial upcoming match against Manchester City, where a loss could end their title aspirations.

The Updated Table

NWSL Matches of the Week

Orlando Pride🟥 vs Washington Spirit (3-2)

The Orlando Pride secured their third consecutive victory, defeating the Washington Spirit 3-2 at Audi Field, despite playing with a weakened team due to injuries to key players Marta and Adriana. The Pride’s Angelina, Barbra Banda, and Summer Yates each scored, capitalizing on critical opportunities, including a first-time start for Banda and a lineup adjustment that enhanced their attack. The Spirit, initially dominant, with a goal coming from Ouleye Sarr and also benefited from a goalkeeper mistake by Anna Moorhouse, (credited to Ashley Hatch). Amidst a challenging second half, Orlando endured pressure even after Bri Martinez received a red card, displaying resilience by holding onto their narrow lead through intense stoppage time, underscored by a late goalkeeping save from Moorhouse. This win not only marks their longest unbeaten streak since 2022 but also positions them among the top teams early in the NWSL season.

Reflecting on the game's challenges and their performance, Coach Seb Hines expressed, "It’s a mentality. You have to embrace it. You have to take the bull by its horns, it’s coming. You know that Washington are a direct team, they’re gonna push numbers forward. They’re going to be very physical and I thought for some periods of the game, we stood up to that challenge."

KC Current vs Angel City FC (3-1)

In a dramatic late-game surge, Kansas City Current clinched a 3-1 victory over Angel City FC at BMO Stadium. This win continued Kansas City's unbeaten streak in the NWSL season, with pivotal goals scored by Claire Lavogez in the 90th minute and early in stoppage time, disrupting Angel City FC's two-game winning streak. Angel City FC initially took the lead with a goal from Claire Emslie, assisted by Alyssa Thompson, but Kansas City's aggressive play in the second half led to a tying goal and then two late strikes to seal their victory. Despite the loss, Angel City displayed solid defensive efforts for most of the match, with coach Becki Tweed emphasizing the need for focus throughout the entire game, especially against a high-scoring team like Kansas City. Reflecting on the loss and the team's defensive efforts, Tweed stated, "I think we switched off for the last six minutes. You can’t do that against any team, especially a team that’s scored 20 goals. We have to get better from it."

The Updated Table

UWS

As the new official partner of the UWS, we will be covering some players, games and stories from the United Women’s Soccer League. We encourage everyone to go check out their website before the season begins and get familiarized with what they’re all about (maybe even choose a favorite team to root for 👀 ).

Although the new season of the UWS hasn’t started yet, we wanted to give you a taste of the action that you don’t want to miss, so check out the goals of the week from week 7 of last season by: Marissa DiGenova (Lancaster Inferno), Amber Best (Nationals SC), Jenna Lang (Indiana Union) and Margaret Osmundson (Los Angeles SC).

Player Spotlight: Alyssa Thompson

Alyssa Paola Thompson, born on November 7, 2004, is a standout American professional soccer player known for her forward position at Angel City FC in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL) and the U.S. women's national team. Raised in Studio City, California, she showed prodigious talent from a young age, starting competitive soccer at nine years old and playing against older peers by the time she was thirteen. Alyssa's high school years at Harvard-Westlake School were marked by extraordinary performance, scoring 48 goals in just 18 games, which helped her earn the title of Gatorade Player of the Year in 2021. Alyssa also played 4 seasons with UWS team SC Blue Heat FC earning various league honors including Young Player of the Year. Opting to forgo her college commitment to Stanford, Thompson entered the professional arena directly from high school when Angel City FC drafted her first overall in the 2023 NWSL Draft.

Thompson's professional career has been groundbreaking from the start, making her one of the most expensive players in NWSL history through a significant trade deal by Angel City FC. She made an immediate impact by scoring within minutes of her professional debut in a friendly match and continued to shine in the regular season, demonstrating her skills with multiple goals and earning the NWSL Rookie of the Month early in her career. Her ability to perform under pressure was evident as she played pivotal roles in crucial matches, contributing both goals and assists, which spearheaded Angel City to their first playoff appearance.

Internationally, Thompson has been just as impressive, contributing to the U.S. under-20 team's gold medal at the 2022 CONCACAF Women's U-20 Championship and participating in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup. Her rapid ascent in the national ranks saw her making her senior team debut in a high-profile match against England at Wembley Stadium in 2022, showcasing her readiness for the global stage. Thompson's career is marked by early success and high expectations, and she continues to rise as a key player for both her club and country, embodying the potential to become one of soccer's most influential figures.

🚨 NEW GIVEAWAY 🚨

As promised, Goalside Gossip will be doing five weeks of giveaways to all of our loyal subscribers. This week’s giveaway is a special “blackout” edition stainless steel tumbler.

Keep an eye out for our next newsletter as we announce the winner and make sure to follow us on Instagram because we have some special announcements coming up.

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