Angel City FC is facing internal tension after senior players at the club voiced concern over a published opinion piece written by their teammate Elizabeth Eddy, in which she urged the National Women’s Soccer League to adopt what she called “clear gender standards.”
The article, printed by the New York Post on October 27, called for eligibility rules that would limit participation to players “born with ovaries” or introduce genetic testing.
Her comments have prompted a firm response from inside her own dressing room, with team leaders describing the editorial as hurtful and discriminatory.
The league itself does not currently have a formal transgender participation policy.
In 2021 it had permitted transgender women to compete if testosterone levels remained within limits considered consistent with female athletes, while stating that cases would be reviewed individually.
The NWSL has since told The Guardian that the policy was dropped in 2022 and has not been replaced.
Angel City issued a statement shortly after the editorial was published, noting that while players have the right to express their personal views, Eddy’s comments “do not reflect the opinion of an entire organisation.”
Angel City FC is facing internal tension after senior players at the club voiced concern over a published opinion piece written by their teammate Elizabeth Eddy, in which she urged the National Women’s Soccer League to adopt what she called “clear gender standards"
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The club emphasised that since its establishment it has prioritised “equity, inclusion, and belonging,” values it intends to uphold “for our team, fans, and community.”
Their social media profile features both LGBTQ and transgender pride symbols, a visible reflection of its public identity.
The matter resurfaced when club captain Sarah Gorden and vice captain Angelina Anderson addressed reporters on Friday.
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Both women underlined that Eddy’s opinion was not shared by the wider squad.
“In this locker room, I have had a lot of conversations with my teammates in the past few days, and they are hurt and they are harmed by the article,” Gorden said. “And also they are disgusted by some of the things that were said.”
Anderson echoed her remarks, adding that Angel City had been built on a principle of openness.
“When I think of Angel City I think about a team founded upon inclusivity and love for all people. Angel City is a place for everyone. It always will be. That is how it was from the beginning,” she said.
Gorden said the tone and presentation of the editorial “come across as transphobic and racist,” highlighting the use of a photograph of Orlando Pride forward Barbra Banda, who also represents Zambia internationally.
Banda has previously faced invasive scrutiny over testosterone levels despite being a biological woman.
Elizabeth Eddy is expected to leave Angel City at the end of the season
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“To single out this community based on them looking or being different is absolutely a problem,” Gorden said.
Banda had been among the league’s most influential forwards before injury curtailed her season.
Orlando Pride responded this week by praising her contribution, saying the club would continue to support her “as one of the many incredible athletes in our league.”
The debate has drawn attention outside football. Former ESPN anchor Sage Steele defended Eddy on social media, arguing that Eddy had been unfairly criticised for “protecting women and her sport.”
Eddy herself said in a statement that she stood by the editorial and claimed that some players privately agree with her but feel unable to say so.
She maintained that “reasonable people can disagree” and criticised what she described as “name calling and personal attacks.”