Angel City FC Captains Respond to Controversial NWSL Gender Policy Proposal
Angel City FC co-captains Sarah Gorden and Angelina Anderson publicly rebuked an op-ed penned by teammate Elizabeth Eddy calling for a formal National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) gender eligibility policy. Speaking on behalf of their locker room, the pair rejected language they deemed “transphobic and racist” and reaffirmed the club’s commitment to inclusion, equity and belonging.
Background: Eddy’s Op-Ed and the Gender Policy Debate
Elizabeth Eddy, a squad player for Angel City FC with previous NWSL titles at Western New York Flash, North Carolina Courage and Portland Thorns, published a social media post that was later featured as an opinion piece in the New York Post. In her article, Eddy argued for stringent gender eligibility standards—suggesting players be born with ovaries or undergo genetic verification to compete.
The op-ed specifically highlighted African NWSL players, notably Orlando Pride’s Barbra Banda, and raised concerns over the league’s identity without clear gender guidelines. Critics swiftly labeled the proposal as discriminatory, targeting both trans and cisgender athletes, and igniting a broader conversation around race, gender and body autonomy in professional sports.
Rejection from the Locker Room: Gorden and Anderson’s Joint Statement
On October 31, Gorden opened the co-captains’ statement by stressing the importance of representing teammates who felt hurt and “disgusted” by the op-ed’s undertones. “That article does not speak for this team,” she asserted, underscoring the shared sentiment within Angel City’s locker room.
Denouncing Transphobia and Racism
Gorden and Anderson explicitly called out the transphobic and racist elements they perceived in Eddy’s language. As Gorden noted, “The undertones come across as transphobic and racist as well,” a sentiment echoed by teammates who felt the article singled out communities based on biological differences.
Anderson added that Angel City was founded on principles of inclusivity and love. “Angel City is a place for everyone. It always will be,” she emphasized, reaffirming the club’s stance against any policy that could marginalize trans, intersex or racially diverse players.
Affirming Inclusion and Belonging
Both captains stressed that acceptance at Angel City FC extends beyond physical appearance or background. “You don’t have to look like me, you don’t have to look like Ang, or you don’t have to look like somebody from Orange County to be accepted and celebrated here,” Gorden said, highlighting the team’s dedication to creating a supportive environment for all athletes and fans.
Official League and Players Association Responses
The NWSL issued a brief statement expressing commitment to collaborate with the NWSL Players Association on any policy changes, reinforcing inclusion, trust and transparency. Meanwhile, the Players Association reminded stakeholders that policy matters must be collectively bargained, ensuring all players’ voices remain central to decision-making.
Neither organization provided detailed timelines for a gender eligibility policy, but both indicated ongoing dialogue around league regulations and player protections.
Looking Ahead: Team Unity on Decision Day
As Angel City prepares for its final match of the season against Chicago Red Stars on Decision Day, the co-captains emphasized the importance of unity amid a challenging year. Although Angel City FC and Chicago are both eliminated from playoff contention, Anderson expressed hope that the team can close out the 2025 campaign on a positive note.
“We’re doing our best in the locker room to preserve respect and belonging,” Anderson said. With their leadership, Angel City FC aims to reaffirm its core values—equity, inclusion and community—both on and off the field.