Expected Own Goals

EMERGENCY POD: Columbus Gets an NWSL Team, and the Calendar Might Flip

Wed, 22 Apr 2026 19:00:00 -0000

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The NWSL is getting its 18th team in the worst way possible. Columbus will join the league in 2028 via owners of the Crew paying a $205 million expansion fee and bilking the Columbus taxpayer of $25 million to build a training facility on top of a park already pegged for ADA-compliant renovations. This stinks! Plus, the calendar will likely flip to a fall-to-spring structure at some point a few years from now. This also stinks, for nobody more than the players. What a great way to get league action started again!

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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USWNT vs. Japan, Round 3: Emma Hayes Enters Final Boss Mode

Mon, 20 Apr 2026 22:00:00 -0000

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The final of the USWNT's cold, unpleasant friendlies against Japan concluded on a high, with a close-to-A-team squad taking down the Nadeshiko 3-0 in Commerce City, Colorado. Was Japan held back by altitude and sub-optimal personnel choices? Is Rose Lavelle the preferred option to defend from the front with Sophia Wilson? Did any player's stock rise higher than Kennedy Wesley's? The guys reflect on a week of highs and lows for the Stars & Stripes, and what comes next when they face Brazil in June.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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USWNT vs. Japan, Round 2: The Kids Couldn't Lock It Down

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 -0000

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Emma Hayes rotated heavily when the USWNT headed up to Seattle on a cold, rainy, windy Tuesday evening, and lost 1-0 to a Japan who just looked better, especially without the ball. What are the lessons here? What should we expect in Colorado on Friday? The guys ponder a tricky performance and its stakes for the World Cup in 2027.

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USWNT vs. Japan, Round 1: Is This Emma Hayes's Preferred Lineup?

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:45:00 -0000

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The U.S. women's national team got past Japan 2-1 on a cold, wet Saturday in San Jose, and this might portend a lot for the World Cup knockout stage in 14 months' time. The guys try to determine what looked good, what needed work, and whether Emma Hayes is committed to this group going forward, or if there are some positions that can still be challenged for. (Yes, this is mostly about Lindsey Heaps.)

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NWSL Week 4: Checking in on All 16 Teams

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:00:00 -0000

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The NWSL is taking three weeks off, so the guys decide to see where things stand with every club. Is Kansas City maybe not as bad as they seem? Is Haley McCutcheon working as an attacking midfielder? What's good about the Boston Legacy? All that and much more!

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NWSL Week 3: Angel City is Top of the Table, and the Houston Dash are Evolving

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 11:05:00 -0000

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The three-game week so early in the NWSL season did a number on many teams, especially ones that traveled. After the guys round up the weekend's slate—including Eric being pitchside for the Denver Summit's record-breaking home opener—they dig into the top-of-the-table clash between Angel City and the Houston Dash. Are these teams really good? What has Houston changed since last year? What are Angel City doing well and what's smoke and mirrors? Early-season weirdness abounds!

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NWSL Week 2: Portland Thorns Go Spelunking on the Seattle Reign

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:20:00 -0000

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Wait, WHAT?!? The Portland Thorns beat the Seattle Reign 2-0 in their Cascadia Rivalry home opener, but did it playing with only nine players for 40 whole minutes. This is unprecedented for a number of reasons. After whipping around the rest of the league (where wind, red cards, and a host of other silliness drove results), the guys try to figure out what signal can be pulled from the noise of a raucous derby that saw the shorthanded squad take home all three points.

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USWNT Star Catarina Macario Joins the San Diego Wave! Plus, the Boston Legacy's Entry to the NWSL

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

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After months of rumors, speculation, and journalistic teases, Catarina Macario has finally made the move to the NWSL, joining her hometown San Diego Wave for a record-breaking five-year, $8 million contract. How does she help the Wave? What is still left to be done for San Diego to remain a contender? The guys ponder it all.

Plus, Eric shares his wild weekend hitting three NWSL games in three days, including the Boston Legacy's inaugural home opener at a cold and windy Gillette Stadium.

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Gotham FC, with Jenna Tonelli of Sports Illustrated

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:10:00 -0000

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Two Championship titles in three years. Are Gotham on their way to a dynasty? Maybe, if they can win the big one without squeaking into the playoffs. Jenna Tonelli of Sports Illustrated joins the guys to make sense of the arrivals of young prospects Jordynn Dudley and Andrea Kitahata, and how the roster can stay balanced while improving on their goalscoring record.

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Washington Spirit, with Riss Willett of Shea Butter FC

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:59:00 -0000

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It was a second straight Championship loss for the Washington Spirit last year, and now they are without Croix Bethune. But they gain a new front office head in Haley Carter, as well as 18-year-old wunderkind Claudia Martínez. And there was something about Trinity Rodman...

Do they have what it takes to get back to the title game? Riss Willett of Shea Butter FC breaks down one of the deepest rosters in the league, and how they can build on an impressive two years.

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PATREON BONUS: Last-Minute NWSL Offseason Moves Galore!

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 22:38:00 -0000

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There has been a flurry of major offseason activity as the regular season looms. Bay FC ultimately lost money shipping Penelope Hocking to Kansas City, and have no non-Kundananji goalscorers. Whoops! The Current just got a Chawinga-sized insurance policy and also one of the best bench attackers in the whole league. Yay! Chicago paid a cool half-mil for Jordyn Huitema's services. forehead slap And Gotham roped in the 31-year-old Norwegian winger Guro Reiten from Chelsea for four whole seasons. confused guy meme We got to talk about none of these on our season previews, so enjoy this analysis on us!

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Kansas City Current, with Cindy Lara of KC Soccer Journal

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

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RECORDED BEFORE THE PENELOPE HOCKING TRANSFER

The Kansas City Current put up the greatest regular season campaign in NWSL history last year. And then Katie Stengel knocked them out of the first round of the playoffs at the death of extra time. There's still one mountain yet to climb for this group, and they'll attempt it with a new head coach, Chris Armas. Not only that, they'll add yet another megaweapon in attack, Croix Bethune. Was the cost of Claire Hutton worth it? Cindy Lara of KC Soccer Journal and The Tea(L) offers her thoughts on where things in Kansas City stand, and if the Current are favorites to repeat as Shield winners.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Portland Thorns, with Phuoc Nguyen of Stumptown Footy

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:59:00 -0000

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The Portland Thorns nabbed third place and a semifinal berth in 2025, all without Sophia Wilson and Morgan Weaver. Then, they fired head coach Rob Gale. In at the last minute comes former Tottenham Hotspur gaffer Robert Vilahamn. Out goes midfield maestro Sam Coffey. Not much offseason happened beyond that. Will the returns of Wilson and Weaver overpower the team's midfield deficiencies? Phuoc Nguyen of Stumptown Footy walks the guys through the thinking of owner Lisa Bhathal Merage and GM Jeff Agoos, and what realistic expectations should look like. (Though Sarah Lowdon didn't get the permanent job, we've decided to leave in a lot of our discussion surrounding Lowdon's coaching work in setting up the 2026 Portland Thorns.)

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Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Orlando Pride, with Abigail Segel of Defector

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:15:00 -0000

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Some major contributors will be absent from the Orlando Pride's 2026 roster, and not too many players have come in to replace them. So how does Seb Hines keep the team performing at top-4 levels? ⁠Abigail Segel⁠ of ⁠Defector⁠ and ⁠The IX⁠ chats with the guys about the changing vibes of the group, and the quality that still remains in their ranks.

Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Seattle Reign, with Kari Anderson of Yahoo! Sports

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:14:00 -0000

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No team overperformed their xG more than the Seattle Reign last season. What's more, they only brought two new players into the roster. How can they hope to make it back to the playoffs? ⁠Kari Anderson⁠ of ⁠Yahoo! Sports⁠ joins the guys to piece together Mia Fishel's role, and whether the suite of promising youth talent can build on the successes of 2025.

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NWSL Season Preview Week: San Diego Wave, with Bridie O'Toole of Busy Watching Women's Soccer

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:45:00 -0000

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The San Diego Wave under Jonas Eidevall are possession monsters. But with an all-Brazilian front three of Dudinha, Ludmila, and Gabi Portilho, will transition and directness work their way into the Wave's tactics? And how will they handle a largely new backline? Bridie O'Toole of ⁠Busy Watching Women's Soccer⁠ talks to the guys about San Diego's new identity, and how even only four seasons of history has been largely moved on from.

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Racing Louisville, with Bekki Morgan of Butchertown Rundown

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 01:40:00 -0000

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Racing Louisville finally broke the ninth-place curse, and nabbed their first-ever playoff spot along with Bev Yanez named Coach of the Year. Several new faces join the ranks, but is there anyone who can help push Racing back up the hill to the postseason? ⁠Bekki Morgan⁠ of ⁠Butchertown Rundown⁠ and ⁠NWSL This Week⁠ takes the guys through the new signings, whether the likes of Katie O'Kane and Kayla Fischer can maintain their breakout heights, and what the club does in the absence of Ary Borges and Janine Sonis.

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NWSL Season Preview Week: North Carolina Courage, with Dr. Meredith Shea

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:30:00 -0000

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The North Carolina Courage have a new head coach in Mak Lind, and a new face of the midfield after Denise O'Sullivan's departure. What is this team going to be now that the final vestiges of the old regime have departed? Dr. Meredith Shea joins the guys to marvel at Manaka Matsukubo, the arrivals of Ally Schlegel and Kailen Sheridan, and wonder if one of the most successful franchises in the NWSL can get back to the promised land.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Houston Dash, with Dr. Meredith Shea

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:00 -0000

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The Houston Dash were eerily quiet this offseason, and it's hard to separate the newly restarted sale process from only a handful of college signings coming in. Can they build on their respectable showing last year to make an honest playoff push in 2026? Dr. Meredith Shea talks to the guys about the potential and the pitfalls that await the Dash in the coming months.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Angel City, with Trebor Tracy of Angels on Parade

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

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Angel City are kind of exciting again! They sport one of the youngest rosters in the game, and with a full offseason, head coach Alex Straus is confident he can mold them into a winner. But are additions like Emily Sams and Ary Borges enough to weather any hiccups further up the field? ⁠Trebor Tracy⁠ of ⁠Angels on Parade⁠ joins the guys to talk about the state of the NWSL's loudest club as it gets ready for its fifth season.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Utah Royals, with Catalina Bush

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

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The Utah Royals have brought in some Japanese stalwarts like Narumi Miura and Miyabi Moriya, as well as Mexican attacking talent Kiana Palacios. But is that anywhere close to enough to get them to the playoffs? ⁠Catalina Bush⁠ of ⁠ASA Viz Hub⁠ chatted with the guys about the clear strategy behind Utah's roster construction, and how it likely won't be enough for respectability in 2026.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Bay FC, with Anna Daccache of Everything Bay Goals

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

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Bay FC weren't good last year, but they certainly weren't the second-worst team in the NWSL. After some major organizational shakeups—including a new head coach in Emma Coates—the club has added multiple impact players, the most important of which is Claire Hutton. Everything Bay Goals co-host ⁠Anna Daccache⁠ walks the guys through all the moves both on and off the field as Bay gear up for season three.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Chicago Stars FC, with Lesley Ryder of Gal Pal Sports

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 01:00:00 -0000

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Sooooo how's the 1,000-day plan going? Chicago Stars FC have been one of the worst teams in the NWSL for three years running now, fluke 2024 playoff berth notwithstanding. They've shipped Ludmila to San Diego, and haven't brought in reinforcements. ⁠Lesley Ryder⁠ joins the guys to hunt for any signs of hope, and whether Laura Ricketts and Richard Feuz can be trusted to build a winner in the years to come.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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NWSL SEASON PREVIEW WEEK: Boston Legacy with Emma Healy of the Boston Globe

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

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The Boston Legacy are arguably the greatest mystery in 13 seasons of the NWSL. Without any drafts to acquire talent—and with a young European sporting director focused on bringing new players into the league—we don't have many benchmarks against which to judge their potential. Boston Globe reporter ⁠Emma Healy⁠ came on the show to try and shake out what the Boston Legacy are as they stand on the precipice of their inaugural season.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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NWSL Season Preview Week: Denver Summit, with Catalina Bush & Kieran Doyle-Davis

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

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The Denver Summit are like the Boston Legacy: they are an expansion team with no drafts for roster-building, a new precedent in the NWSL. Unlike Boston, they hired a longtime GM in the league, a head coach with top-flight American soccer experience, and a slew of league veterans to patrol the backline. But what about the rest of the roster? How do you build a team from scratch when all you have is $4 million to sign 26 players? ⁠Catalina Bush⁠ and Kieran Doyle-Davis of ⁠American Soccer Analysis⁠ join the guys to sort out Denver's strengths, weaknesses, and what can be reasonably expected of this unique women's soccer experiment.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠

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USWNT in SheBelieves, Portland Thorns' New Coach, and Gabi Portilho's Move to San Diego

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:00 -0000

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The guys are knee-deep in season preview content, but they catch up with some news around the league, from the Thorns' hire of Robert Vilahamn as their new head coach, Aubrey Kingsbury's pregnancy, Gabi Portilho's transfer to the Wave, and the risible new docuseries, ⁠The Final Third. ⁠

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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Breaking Down the USWNT SheBelieves Cup Roster

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:00 -0000

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For the first time since she took over, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes didn't call in any uncapped players in this international window. Is she homing in on her core pool for World Cup preparations? The guys ponder who's in and who's out.

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Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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Croix Bethune and Claire Hutton Spark the NWSL Offseason to Life

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:45:00 -0000

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Now that the dust has settled, the guys parse the mammoth Croix Bethune and Claire Hutton transfers for all involved. Who wins? Who loses? Where does this all leave the Kansas City Current?

Plus, we catch up on a bunch of signings over the past three weeks.

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Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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xOG Live in Houston 2026, with Catalina Bush & Chloe Dhillon!

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:45:00 -0000

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We're back! The guys once again closed the 2nd annual American Soccer Insights Summit in Houston over the weekend, and brought Houston Dash analyst ⁠Chloe Dhillon⁠ and ⁠ASA VizHub⁠ creator Catalina Bush to talk about the state of data in women's soccer from the public and private sides of the industry. Needless to say, there were plenty of insights to go around!

Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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Jessica Berman and U.S. Soccer Fail to Meet the Moment(s). Plus, USWNT and Trinity Rodman's Contract

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:15:00 -0000

TRIGGER WARNING: Beginning around the 42-minute mark, there's a discussion of ICE's execution of Alex Jeffrey Pretti.

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RECORDED BEFORE EMMA HAYES' COMMENTS ABOUT MINNEAPOLIS

We start off with the easy stuff: Trinity Rodman remains with the Washington Spirit. The guys break down all the nitty-gritty of her contract now that more details have come to light.

Then, they marvel at the brazenness of NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman's comments to the press last week, and that she said the quiet part louder than any sports commissioner ever has before.

Finally, after a quick analysis of the USWNT's 6-0 smashing of Paraguay at the weekend, we lament the lack of acknowledgment by U.S. Soccer and the players of the execution of Alex Jeffrey Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday.

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Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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EMERGENCY POD: Trinity Rodman Stays with the Washington Spirit!

Fri, 23 Jan 2026 04:00:00 -0000

RECORDED BEFORE DETAILS OF RODMAN'S $2 MILLION AVERAGE ANNUAL VALUE WAS REPORTED

Hot off the presses and straight from the most important press conference in women's soccer history (according to the participants), the guys wrap their heads around Trinity Rodman's new three-year contract with the Washington Spirit. How did this deal get done? What effect does the league's proposed High Impact Player rule have on the contract's terms? How does it fit into the rest of the Spirit's offseason? Buckle up, gang!

Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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NWSL Offseason: What on Earth Are the San Diego Wave Up To?

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:25:00 -0000

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RECORDED BEFORE CLAUDIA MARTÍNEZ NEWS

First things first: Meghann Burke has offered news on the state of the union's grievances against the league! The bad news is it's gonna be awhile before anything is resolved.

Then, the guys move on to signings. Denise O'Sullivan has moved to Liverpool. Macey Hodge has gone to Racing Louisville. Melissa Kössler and Maja Lardner offer good respective case studies on how to contextualize data in international transfers and college signings.

But seriously, WHAT IS GOING ON IN SAN DIEGO??? Four starters have left the club in the last month, not to mention earlier departures of María Sánchez and Naomi Girma. Ludmila and KiKi Pickett have come in (and Trinity Byars should finally be available), but what is the state of the roster right now? Are things as bad as they were even in the post-Jill Ellis era?

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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Lindsey Heaps is Coming! Sam Coffey's Going! The USWNT is on the Move in the NWSL!

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:56:00 -0000

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RECORDED BEFORE LUDMILA'S TRANSFER TO SAN DIEGO WAVE

The NWSL hot stove is officially lit! The headlines this week are Sam Coffey's transfer to Manchester City, with Lindsey Heaps coming the other way from France and signing with her hometown Denver Summit. What do these deals represent for the Thorns and Summit respectively? Did Portland get fleeced? Is Heaps the marquee signing on the field that she will be off the field? The guys dig into this, plus Emily Sams, Ary Borges, Savannah McCaskill, Kailen Sheridan, and many more.

Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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PATREON BONUS: Our Biggest Own Goals of 2025

Mon, 05 Jan 2026 18:17:00 -0000

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The year has come to a close, so as we always do, we take a look back on all the things we got wrong over the last 12 months. And there are some doozies!
Did we miss any? E-mail us at xog@xowngoals.com!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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EMERGENCY POD: The NWSL Releases Their "High Impact Player" rule. Um, WHAT?!?!?

Tue, 23 Dec 2025 21:43:00 -0000

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The NWSL dropped their "High Impact Player" rule two mornings before Christmas, and they're acting like they don't need the NWSL Players Association to negotiate and sign off on it. The union has different ideas. The guys walk through all of the insane details of the rule, why the league released it just before a major holiday, and what the union can do about it.

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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The xOG NWSL Best XI!!!

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:15:00 -0000

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With the year coming to a close, it's time to reflect on the best players of the 2025 NWSL season. The guys draft players into their respective best XIs, bicker and argue all the way, and then try to synthesize both into the Official xOG Best XI. Agree with their choices? Disagree? Sound off!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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The Trinity Rodman Saga, Explained

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:15:00 -0000

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The NWSL offseason is officially in full swing. Teams have given roster updates, and extensions/re-signings are being announced along with significant deals like Ally Schlegel's to North Caroli—oh, who are we kidding? There is only one story in the league right now, and it's one that will affect every other deal for the rest of the offseason no matter how it ends. Trinity Rodman was ready to re-sign with the Washington Spirit, until the league rejected the terms of the deal. The players union is now appealing the decision. How did we get here? Does the league have any defensible case? Should the union lose, what does that mean for the future of free agency in the NWSL, and of its ability to attract and retain top talent from all over the world? This story is nowhere close to done, so strap in!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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USWNT Recap: The U.S. finishes the year strong against Italy

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:00:00 -0000

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The U.S. women's national team took down Italy 5-0 on aggregate across a window that saw the 26th and 27th players get their first caps under Emma Hayes, an all-time record for a U.S. head coach. What has 2025 meant for the USWNT, and how has it set themselves up for the next phase of their World Cup preparations?

The guys also do a quick news roundup from the past two weeks, including the Rob Gale firing, the Hailie Mace and Jess Fishlock signings, and other bits and bobs.

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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NWSL Championship Recap: Gotham FC Take Down Washington Spirit, Earn 2nd-Ever Title

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 02:45:00 -0000

Fly Bats, fly! Gotham FC won their second NWSL title on Saturday, squeaking past the Washington Spirit 1-0 on a miracle goal from Rose Lavelle in the second half. Did the Spirit deserve to lose? Did Gotham deserve to win? What ultimately separated the two sides, how should they view their seasons as a whole?

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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NWSL Championship Preview: Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 01:35:00 -0000

The moment has finally come! In the now-most-played fixture in NWSL—and in what may now finally be called a true rivalry—the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC face each other in San Jose for all the marbles. The guys hung out at each team's training to figure out who has the edge. The projections make Gotham slight favorites, so why do our guts tell us the Spirit have the advantage? They try to make sense of it all.

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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PATREON BONUS: The State of Gotham FC, with Yael Averbuch West

Fri, 21 Nov 2025 16:45:00 -0000

Yael Averbuch West will be the first to tell you she didn't fully grasp what the job of General Manager would entail when Gotham FC tapped her for the post. Four years and a Championship trophy later, Gotham finds itself knocking on the door of another title. Averbuch West sat down with the guys to share her evolution as a GM, the club's evolution from where they were, and what she has attempted to instill in Gotham at every level.

Patreon is unpaywalled this month! If you have enjoyed these bonus episodes, ⁠subscribe for only $6/month⁠ to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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PATREON BONUS: Steering the Washington Spirit to Another Championship Game, with Nathan Minion & James Hocken

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 15:30:00 -0000

Washington Spirit GM Mark Krikorian stepped down from his position back in March, but instead of rushing to find a replacement, owner Michele Kang entrusted the front office to two of Krikorian's protegées, interim GM Nathan Minion and sporting director James Hocken. How did Minion and Hocken navigate the at-times rough seas that was the 2025 season, and how have they continued to shape the organizational philosophy of the Spirit over the last eight months? Nathan and James sat down with the guys to talk all about their journeys, and how the Spirit ended up contending for a title for the second straight year.

Patreon is unpaywalled this month! If you have enjoyed these bonus episodes, subscribe for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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NWSL Semifinal Recap: Jaedyn Shaw Golazo Sends Gotham Past Pride to Championship

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:05:00 -0000

It was more than 90 minutes of dross, capped by a moment of magic: 2023 NWSL champs Gotham FC squeaked past 2024 champs Orlando Pride thanks to Jaedyn Shaw's free kick wizardry and little else. Neither team played well. How much does that inform Orlando's offseason outlook? How can Gotham find the juice to get past a peaking Washington Spirit in the Championship game? The guys muse over all of it.

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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NWSL Semifinal Recap: Spirit Deliver the Goods and Send Thorns Packing

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The Washington Spirit are headed to their second straight NWSL Championship game on the heels of a commanding performance against a depleted Portland Thorns side. Were Washington good, or were Portland bad? What will the Thorns need to do in the offseason to get back to the playoffs? And what do Trinity Rodman's contract negotiations tell us about the state of the NWSL's ability to retain top talent?

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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NWSL Semifinal Preview: Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

Our second semifinal preview looks at the other two recent champs, Orlando and Gotham. Gotham has the better and deeper roster, but are they invincible? Orlando still has the core of their world-class defense, but can it slow down the likes of Jaedyn Shaw and Gabi Portilho? Will Esther be available from first whistle, or could she be a late-game changer? The guys tease out all the possible scenarios.

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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NWSL Semifinal Preview: Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The first of our two semifinal previews drills down on the Portland Thorns coming to Audi Field to try and force an upset on the Washington Spirit. The only trouble is that Washington now has the depth the Thorns are so sorely lacking. How can Olivia Moultrie and co. fight uphill against the most complete remaining attack in the NWSL playoffs?

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Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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PATREON BONUS: The 2nd Annual xOG Goalkeeping Symposium with Jill Loyden!

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 08:58:00 -0000

Our Patreon feed is out from behind the paywall this month! ⁠Join for only $6/month⁠, where you'll also get the main feed (audio & video) ad-free!

On this week's bonus episode, we were thrilled to welcome back coach and broadcaster Jill Loyden to the show to break down the year that was in NWSL goalkeeping, drilling down deep on the playoff performances from Aubrey Kingsbury, Lorena, Claudia Dickey, and the rest of the gang. If you love a good penalty shootout chat, this is the episode for you!

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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NWSL Quarterfinal Recap: Orlando Outlasts Seattle

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 02:45:00 -0000

There was only one NWSL quarterfinal that wrapped in regulation time, but it wasn't exactly a classic. The Pride's early goal let them wait Seattle's anemic offense out en route to a 1-0 victory. Was this Seattle's best performance of the year? Did Orlando offer enough to deserve the win? The guys tease out all the details.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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NWSL Quarterfinal Recap: Portland Take Down San Diego in an Attritional Grindfest

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 -0000

Everyone knew that the Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave could go any number of ways. But a raucous home crowd and a moment of magic from Olivia Moultrie and Reilyn Turner pushed Portland into the semifinals. How have the Thorns managed to get so far when so many key weapons haven't been available? What do the Wave need to do to keep their rejuvenated success going in the seasons to come? The guys tease it all out.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠

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NWSL Quarterfinal Recap: Aubrey Kingsbury Heroics Get Washington Past Louisville

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:30:00 -0000

The Washington Spirit played like the no. 2 seed by the end of the regular season. They offered a genuinely strong attacking performance. But Racing Louisville have been survivors all year, and took the home side all the way to penalties at Audi Field, where Aubrey Kingsbury once again shut down the shootout. How should we look at Louisville's season? Are the Spirit ready to challenge for the big trophy? The guys tip their caps to a proper contest.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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NWSL Quarterfinal Recap: Gotham Defeats Kansas City in an All-Time Upset

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:30:00 -0000

Though some may have predicted it—and Gotham didn't exactly play like a no. 8 seed this year—the Bats delivered the upset of the decade, beating the Current in their own house at the death of extra time. Where did things go wrong for the greatest regular-season team in NWSL history? Did Gotham play well, or did they get lucky with an injury-riddled Kansas City attack? The guys offer some nuance on this head-spinning result.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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PATREON BONUS: The NWSL Bad Team Postmortem

Thu, 06 Nov 2025 10:40:00 -0000

Now, the hard work begins. For the Houston Dash, Angel City, Chicago Stars, Utah Royals, and Bay FC, there is much work to be done to get back to winning ways. What did each team do lead them to the bottom of the table, and how they turn the ship around for 2026 and/or 2027? The guys unpack it all.

This is one of our exclusive Patreon bonus episodes, free and un-paywalled for the month of November! If you like what you hear, consider subscribing for only $6/month, and get our bonus episodes plus our main feed ad-free!

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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NWSL Playoffs Preview, with Abigail Segel!

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 23:00:00 -0000

The 2025 NWSL regular season is in the books, but the fun is just getting started. Defector columnist ⁠Abigail Segel⁠ joined us to walk through all the Decision Day silliness, break down the four upcoming quarterfinal matchups, and what we have learned about the state of the league at the end of the year.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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USWNT Friendlies Recap, plus the Laura Language Model

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:50:00 -0000

RECORDED BEFORE SARAH GORDEN'S STATEMENT ON ELIZABETH EDDY'S NEW YORK POST ARTICLE

The U.S. women's national team logged three more friendlies on their way to the World Cup, and had a full spread of results. Should we get too down about the 2-1 loss to Portugal? Should we get too high about the 6-0 demolition of New Zealand? Or was this window about continuing to get burgeoning talent more playing time? The guys give you the lowdown.

Plus, we discuss the late-breaking news about Seattle Reign head coach Laura Harvey's new coaching "strategy"!

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 25: Trying to be Proud of Orlando

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 03:55:00 -0000

Four more teams punched their tickets to the NWSL playoffs, while Racing Louisville and the North Carolina Courage are staring each other down. Meanwhile, the Orlando Pride grabbed an emphatic win on the road against a rotated Washington Spirit. What are we to make of the Pride's regression in 2025? How have they coped without Barbra Banda? And can they return to the Championship game in a tight playoff field?

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Art by ⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Visualizations by Catalina Bush for ASA Viz Hub

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NWSL Week 24: How Do You Beat the Kansas City Current?

Tue, 14 Oct 2025 18:00:00 -0000

The Kansas City Current have officially become the best regular-season team in NWSL history. Their win over Gotham ensures that they will break the all-time points-per-game record, plus a slew of other feats. After the whiparound, the guys walk through some key games from the second half of the year to try and see ways teams like Washington, Orlando, and Seattle could potentially spoil KC's party.

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Art by ⁠Eli Elbogen⁠

Music by ⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 23: Are Louisville In? Are North Carolina Out? Will San Diego Hang On?

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:30:00 -0000

Only three games left in the NWSL regular season, and Racing Louisville pulled off an emphatic road victory over the North Carolina Courage to solidify their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, the San Diego Wave dropped yet more points and slid yet further down the table. Can Racing feel comfortable yet? Will the Wave be able to stay afloat for another month? Can the Courage somehow haul themselves back above the playoff line? The guys try to figure it all out.

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Art by ⁠Eli Elbogen⁠

Music by ⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 22: The Great Seattle Reign Caper

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 08:10:00 -0000

The Seattle Reign—who take fewer shots than anyone, and whose defense is mediocre at best—are somehow in fourth place in the NWSL standings. How did we get here? How did they? After a quick whiparound (and a check-in on the Hina Sugita and Chloe Ricketts transfers), the guys dive into season that Laura Harvey's squad has had: what they have done right, what they have done wrong, and just how lucky they have been to be in this position. Plus, Evan makes another fateful wager.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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The NWSL Stretch Run Heat Check

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Only five games remain in the NWSL regular season, and hardly anything separates those teams on either side of the playoff line, not to mention those hoping to grab a home game in the playoff quarterfinals. Which team's schedule sets them up for success? Who will fall despite recent form, thanks to some tough games in October? The guys move through all 14 teams to try and make sense of the playoff picture.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 20: Are Gotham on the Ascent? Are San Diego on the Decline?

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:00:00 -0000

Savannah DeMelo's collapse on Lumen Field on Sunday quickly became the most important story in the NWSL. DeMelo was responsive and alert before she was stretchered off the field, and thankfully, the league tried to learn from their poor handling of the Savy King incident by suspending the match. The guys offer some quick thoughts on DeMelo as a player, and what has made her special throughout her career.

Then, after the whiparound, the guys dive into Gotham FC's decisive 2-0 road win over the San Diego Wave. Can Gotham continue this rich vein of form, now that most of the attack is healthy and Jaedyn Shaw is among their ranks? What can the Wave do to stop the bleeding, aside from another swing of luck? Who can stake a claim to a top-four place by season's end?

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EMERGENCY POD: Jaedyn Shaw to Gotham for $1.25 million?!?!?

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 22:15:00 -0000

Ah, this reminds us of our early days: Gotham FC drops a massive, shocking transfer for a U.S. women's national team player, bolstering their galácticos reputation. This time, Jaedyn Shaw heads north to Harrison, New Jersey for $1.25 million in intra-league transfer funds, the biggest intra-league transfer in NWSL history. Why didn't it work for Shaw in North Carolina? Does this deal set up the Courage for long-term success? Where will Shaw play in a crowded (and now-healthy) Gotham attack? The guys sort through all of it.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

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NWSL Week 19: How Utah, Houston & Chicago Have Found Rich Veins of Form

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:57:00 -0000

Though all three are still firmly planted in the bottom half of the table, the fortunes of the Utah Royals, Chicago Stars, and Houston Dash have changed considerably over the past few weeks. They produced emphatic results over the weekend (including Chicago's best xG performance in three years), and the guys dig into what has changed for each club since the end of the international break. Can Houston possibly even snatch a playoff place? Never say never!

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EMERGENCY POD: Alyssa Thompson's transfer fee was HOW much?!?

Fri, 05 Sep 2025 02:10:00 -0000

We interrupt your regularly scheduled programming to scratch our heads at the $1.3 million (or almost-$1.5 million, or $1.65 million) transfer fee paid by Chelsea F.C.W. to Angel City for Alyssa Thompson's services. How did a 20-year-old U.S. women's national teamer with tremendous upside and more than three years left on her contract move for not even a world-record fee? The guys puzzle over what little we know, and who might have been responsible for this unfolding as it did.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 18: Angel City Win the Battle Against Bay FC, but Did They Lose the War for Alyssa Thompson?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:55:00 -0000

A very intense Labor Day shaped up for the NWSL. After the guys whip around the league, they drill down into Angel City's first-ever results against Bay FC, a 2-1 victory at BMO Stadium. Then, they explore Alyssa Thompson's likely transfer to Chelsea. What do we know right now? How likely was it that Thompson wanted the move? What makes this a good deal for Angel City? And what could make this a disastrous deal for the club?

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 17: San Diego and Louisville, Fully Transformed

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 20:15:00 -0000

The NWSL acted semi-normal this week, so we can concentrate on the actual soccer. The guys whip around the league and touch on the Morgan Gautrat loan to Newcastle before examining Racing Louisville's 1-0 squeaker against the San Diego Wave. What have these two teams already accomplished this year, and what more can we expect from them in the weeks to come? Everything's coming up roses for Jonas Eidevall and Bev Yanez!

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 16: Draws, Heat, Misery Define the Weekend's Action

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:10:00 -0000

RECORDED BEFORE THE ALYSSA NAEHER - LIZBETH OVALLE INSANITY

For the second week in a row, we do not have a featured game of the week. That's because external forces have pushed the soccer out of the spotlight. Both Kansas City - Orlando and Gotham - Houston experienced triple-digit heat indexes at kickoff, and for the third straight weekend, the NWSL saw more than half its fixtures end in draws, a first in league history. The guys dig into the league's handling of the CPKC Stadium fiasco, and how climate change could affect games for years to come.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 15: Derbies, Oppressive Heat, and Unpacking the Sean Nahas Firing

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 16:45:00 -0000

For the first time in over six years, we saw the second straight weekend where more than half the games ended in a draw. Oppressive heat? Weather delays? Who's to say. The guys whip around the league and tease out the storylines from all seven matches.

Then, they get into Sean Nahas's firing from the North Carolina Courage. They lay out the entire timeline beat for beat, and see what conclusions, if any, they can draw from the Courage's disastrous handling of the situation.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 14: Rodman and Sentnor and Copa América NARRATIVE CHAOS

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The NWSL is back! And boy oh boy not much happened, until everything did. The guys dissect the blockbuster transfer of Ally Sentnor to the Kansas City Current (01:48) then whip around the rest of the league (26:41) before hitting their featured game of the week, the Washington Spirit's 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns. (34:28) There's tactics, and then there's Trinity Rodman scoring in her first game in four months. We wrap things up dissecting the other insane game of the weekend, Brazil's shootout defeat of Colombia in the Copa América final. (45:20)

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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Euros Final Recap: It's (Sorta) Coming Home, as England Best Spain on Penalties

Tue, 29 Jul 2025 15:25:00 -0000

After more than three weeks and 31 games, we have a new Euros champion and...it's the old champion! England have won their second trophy thanks to some real fortune, opportunistic chance-taking, and another intense penalty shootout. The guys pick through everything England and Spain had to offer, and how this sets up both sides for the World Cup in 2027.

Plus, they analyze a heartbreaking WAFCON final for Morocco, who dropped a 2-0 lead to Nigeria. The Super Falcons regain the trophy for the 10th time in tournament history.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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Euros Quarterfinal Recap: England and Germany Miraculously Go Through, Spain and Italy Await

Mon, 21 Jul 2025 09:18:00 -0000

Spain took care of business against Switzerland. Italy exposed Norway's weaknesses. Sweden, England, France and a 10-player Germany chucked haymakers at each other for a combined 240+ minutes and two insane penalty shootouts. In the end, it is England and Germany who walk away and move on to the Euros semifinals. The guys take all four games apart and preview this week's two semifinal contests.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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Euros Group Stage Recap: Sweden, France Top Groups, England Still with Much to Do

Tue, 15 Jul 2025 03:00:00 -0000

The group stage of UEFA Women's Euro 2025 has officially concluded, and France is looking pretty unstoppable. Are they? Les Bleues took the Netherlands apart 5-2 to sit at the group D summit, and a weakened Germany await in the next round. Sweden were already in the driver's seat before Carlotta Wamser's red card, but they put the Germans away with ease 4-1 and now face England in the quarterfinal. England demolished Wales 6-1, but which version of the side will show up against Sweden this week? The guys break it all down, and make their predictions for the semifinal matchups.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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Euros Group Stage, Round 1: France Put England to the Sword

Tue, 08 Jul 2025 08:30:00 -0000

The first round of the group stage at UEFA Women's Euro 2025 is in the books! Evan and Eric round up all the action, plus the second round from groups A & B, to marvel at Spain's demolition of two minnows, Iceland's unjust elimination, and Norway's ability to keep getting away with this.

Then, the guys dive into the group stage's marquee matchup, France's 2-1 defeat of England. How did things go so wrong for Sarina Wiegman's side? In what ways did Laurent Bonadéi's tactics suprise? How can England possibly save their Euros title defense now?

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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UEFA Women's Euro Preview, Pt. 2: Groups B + C

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 06:37:44 -0000

Part 2 of our Euros preview attacks groups B and C. Spain and Germany are the group favorites. Could Sweden pip the Germans to the top group spot? Does Denmark stand a chance on the back of Pernille Harder? Why do people keep thinking Portugal are dark horses? And won't someone please think of the poor Italians? Plus, our predictions for the knockout stage!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Chapters

Spain: 00:58
Italy: 10:31
Portugal: 16:07
Belgium: 21:05
Germany: 23:09
Sweden: 29:53
Denmark: 34:51
Poland: 38:10
Tournament predictions: 43:23

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UEFA Women's Euro Preview, Pt. 1: Groups A + D

Wed, 02 Jul 2025 01:34:31 -0000

The Euros are here! Kicking off Wednesday in Switzerland, 16 teams vie for the biggest trophy in European women's football. The guys analyze Groups A and D in part 1 of their two-part preview. How does Switzerland compare to previous tournament hosts? Is Iceland the tournament's dark horse? Can the Netherlands weather their injury worries? What's going on with France's lineup? Could England really repeat as champions? Find out!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Chapters

Norway: 03:29
Switzerland: 08:54
Iceland: 14:35
Finland: 19:38
England: 22:32
France: 28:17
Netherlands: 34:50
Wales: 39:23

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USWNT Recap: For the Irish, Denver & Cincinnati are Houses of Pain

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The USWNT tore off a couple friendlies over the weekend, hammering the Republic of Ireland 8-0 across matches in Commerce City and Cincinnati. There were few learnings to speak of, but that doesn't mean the guys don't try to dig a few out. Most importantly: will anyone become the new left back? Anyone????

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 13: We Need to Talk About Utah

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

We've reached the halfway point of the 2025 NWSL regular season, and though we've been putting it off as long as possible, we have no choice but to discuss the Utah Royals. After a quick whiparound (2:19) and an analysis of the Seattle Reign's side of their 4-1 victory in Sandy (25:38), the guys get to the state of the Royals organization. How have they managed to be worse this season than during Amy Rodriguez's time as head coach? Can Jimmy Coenraets get these players to play expansively and proactively, or is he delusional about their talent level? As we head into the international break, we pause the NWSL season on a real high note.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 12 Recap: Bay's Home Loss to Orlando; plus, Angel City Head Coach Alex Straus!

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:17:35 -0000

Another week, another slightly chaotic result. Bay FC lost 1-0 at home to the Orlando Pride, but not without producing some scintillating stuff in the game-state-driven closing stage of the match. Might Bay be turning the corner in spite of the result? Might Orlando be just fine despite some regression from last year? The guys puzzle it over (21:06). Then, they chat with new Angel City FC head coach Alex Straus about his coaching philosophy, his ambitions for this season, and what the team can accomplish in years to come. Somehow, some way, Hegel gets referenced (39:45).

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 11: San Diego Returns to Baseline, Seattle Sacrifices to Sufferball Gods

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 -0000

NWSL clubs came out of the international break a little rickety, and with plenty of fire. The guys whip around the league to hit the officiating controversy with Gotham, puzzle over Alex Straus's first game with Angel City, and debate Louisville's future (1:51). Then, they peel back the layers of a grubby contest in San Diego between the Wave and the Seattle Reign. Has San Diego been getting lucky in attack? Can the Reign continue their trench warfare in all of these 1-goal victories? Just how ridiculous was Sally Menti's finish? (27:10)

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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USWNT Recap: Two More First Caps, Plus NWSL Messiness

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:41:44 -0000

The U.S. women's national team put two more friendlies in the books. What can a 7-0 aggregate scoreline against China and Jamaica really tell us about the side, two years out from the 2027 World Cup? Has Phallon Tullis-Joyce grabbed the starting keeper job? Did Kerry Abello prove herself enough to be called back in? Could Alyssa Thompson even be the better option than Mallory Swanson on the left wing? The guys try to find sticky answers to all this and more (2:50). They also rant about the meanings and attendant absurdities of Alex Straus's arrival at Angel City, Jonatan Giráldez's departure for Lyon, Jessica Berman's and Michele Kang's DEI "gaffes", and the ugliness of Curt Johnson's hire by the Denver expansion franchise (31:20).

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 10: Understanding the Sam Laity "Era" of Angel City

Tue, 27 May 2025 21:30:30 -0000

Six games, 27 goals: 4.5 goals per game this weekend marks the second-highest per-game goal total over a single NWSL matchweek in league history. It's been nearly four years since a matchweek saw no clean sheets recorded. It was goals galore!

The guys touch on Gotham's CONCACAF W Champions Cup victory in Mexico (00:43), then whip around the goalscoring bananza across five other NWSL matches (02:33), before digging into Angel City's 3-2 home loss to Racing Louisville. They break down Louisville's and Angel City's performances (15:34) before shifting gears to the uncalled handball penalty late in the second half (28:16), the issue of Christen Press's playing time (33:10), and unpacking the meaning of Sam Laity's 10 games as interim head coach (44:37).

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 9: HEAT CHECK Part II

Wed, 21 May 2025 08:59:27 -0000

The numbers? Still Sticky! But before they dive back in, Eric and Evan briefly discuss the latest USWNT Roster and one very notable omission (hint: it rhymes Shmorbin Shmalbert). Then, the guys are joined once more by Kim McCauley of the Guardian to finish their review of the data, check their sometimes questionable priors (Utah), and call out a few of their own goals (again, Utah).

Teams featured in Part II:

Utah Royals (5:42)

North Carolina Courage (14:13)

Gotham (20:32)

Bay FC (27:36)

Kansas City Current (35:36)

Orlando Pride (44:59)

Washington Spirit (58:21)

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 9: HEAT CHECK Part I

Tue, 20 May 2025 09:49:18 -0000

The numbers are sticky (or, at least, stickier)! Finally, we have a clearer picture of which teams are contenders and which teams still have some (or a lot of) work to do. The guys are joined by Kim McCauley of the Guardian to sort through the data, check their priors, and call out a few of their own goals.

Teams featured in Part I:

Chicago Stars (2:03)

Houston Dash (9:22)

Portland Thorns (17:36)

San Diego Wave (28:34)

Seattle Reign (37:42)

Racing Louisville (43:13)

Angel City (49:23)

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 8: Chicago Stars are Blind

Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Believe it or not, the guys were already planning on featuring the Chicago Stars' 3-2 loss at home to the Washington Spirit as their game of the week, and then Lesley Ryder published her story on the state of the Stars. Much of what Stars GM Richard Feuz said that piece was embodied by Chicago, who put up their best attacking performance at home in nearly three years, but promise little for the future.

The guys whip around the league (1:45) and then dive into what the Spirit's defense is still missing, and what the Stars are now at this crucial juncture (34:07).

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 7: Parity 4evr????

Tue, 06 May 2025 10:02:53 -0000

The top-4 only managed to grab a single combined point over the weekend. Does this mean last year's us-and-them table is a thing of the past? Maaaayyyyybe. The guys whip around the league to figure some of this out (2:56), and then close with the Portland Thorns' 1-0 win over the Orlando Pride at Providence Park (37:59). Barbra Banda was all alone, Coffey and Hina bossed proceedings, and Olivia Moultrie is locking in.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 6: Chaos League Whiparound

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:26:20 -0000

All games from this weekend are our featured game, because too much insanity occurred for one match to pull focus. The guys go through all of it, from Orlando's epic comeback to North Carolina's at-the-death victory to a foul-choked draw between Portland and Louisville, not to mention Gotham's beatdown of Washington, Chicago's whimper of a performance against San Diego, the kooky draw between Bay FC and Seattle, and the utter contempt for soccer that Houston vs. Utah represented.

CHAPTERS

3:35 - Houston Dash

8:27 - Utah Royals

11:47 - Bay FC

15:23 - Seattle Reign

19:35 - North Carolina Courage

24:06 - Kansas City Current

26:37 - Washington Spirit

30:21 - Gotham FC

32:49 - Chicago Stars FC

34:16 - San Diego Wave

37:20 - Orlando Pride

39:40 - Angel City FC

43:45 - Racing Louisville

51:17 - Portland Thorns

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 5: The Wave Go Surfing in Louisville

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The whiparound, like the weekend's NWSL action, doesn't exactly quicken the guys' pulses on today's episode (00:41). But there are many important things to address with the Washington Spirit's 1-0 road win against the Orlando Pride, not least of which is the handling of Ashley Hatch's concussion (10:48). This week's featured game takes us down to Kentucky, where the Wave pasted Racing 4-1. But what was going on beneath the surface? Is San Diego a contender? Do the underlying data or the eye test (plus a soft schedule) tell the realer story of Louisville's first five games (19:07)?

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Art by Eli Elbogen

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NWSL Week 4: Gotham on Fire, North Carolina Courage Adrift

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:52:00 -0000

Seven games, six road victories, four of them shutouts. It was a weird weekend in the NWSL, and the guys scan the ups and downs from all of the action (1:14). Then, they peruse Gotham's 3-1 home victory over the North Carolina Courage (23:01). Each club had a starting center back missing, but only one didn't play like it. Is Gotham the sleeping giant that has finally awoken? Has North Carolina reached the end of the road with Nahas-Ball, especially since Jaedyn Shaw and Ashley Sanchez really aren't clicking? What does this result portend for the rest of Gotham's and North Carolina's seasons?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
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USWNT Recap: A Split Card against Brazil

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

One for them, one for us. The USWNT beat Brazil fairly comfortably in Trinity Rodman's return to the U.S. lineup in front of over 32,000 in Los Angeles, while an incredibly green squad went down 2-1 to the Seleção in San Jose. The guys tackle Saturday's victory first (3:05) before noting that each friendly was a mirror image of each other from a tactical and personnel perspective (7:11). This leads into figuring out who might now be at the top of the USWNT goalkeeper depth chart. (16:47) The guys then analyze Tuesday's loss, which highlighted the work still to be done by Emma Hayes and co. (35:06). They scratch their heads at the usage of Jaedyn Shaw over the past year (39:46), while trying to determine what Alana Cook's substitute appearance means for the center back depth chart (44:54). They close with an overview of news contained in the release of the new NWSL collective bargaining agreement, and whether there are big format changes coming in the next few years (46:37).

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 3: Angel City's Up, Seattle Reign are Wayyyyy Down

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:00:00 -0000

More draws! With even fewer goals! The guys whip around the league to gawk at some less-than-stellar matches (1:40) before diving into this week's featured contest, Angel City's 2-1 defeat of the Seattle Reign at home. We preamble a bit (17:00), and then peel back what's been suprisingly effective about Angel City's attack (19:00), before trying to understand how Seattle could be even messier than we expected (31:40). We cap it off with a discussion of what kind of a player fans can expect Christen Press to be going forward (37:43).

If you're going to the USWNT- Brazil match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles this weekend, hit us up! We'd love to see you and chat all things WoSo.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 2: Clash of the Top-4 Titans

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:27:11 -0000

The top four all played each other this weekend, in a couple of tasty fixtures filled with drama and intrigue. After the whiparound of the league's fixtures, the guys get into the main events. (8:28) The Kansas City Current got the officiating calls to go their way and Temwa Chawinga tore the Washington Spirit's heart out at the last second. (26:52) The Orlando Pride didn't score once in open play but dispatched Gotham 2-0 in front of their home fans in New Jersey. What do we now know about these title contenders?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 1 Power Rankings

Tue, 18 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

One down, 25 to go! The first round of NWSL matches is in the books for 2025, and it was a morass of beatdowns and 1-1 draws. Who's up and who's down relative to our preseason rankings? The guys look at all seven games and figure out who has shifted since they made their initial picks.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Preview Week: Gotham FC, with Jenna Tonelli

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:01:00 -0000

The Bats took flight across the regular season, but were felled in penalties to Washington in the NWSL playoffs. Then the rumors of behind-the-scenes discord kicked up. Then a dozen players departed. Amid all of this upheaval, do they still have the goods to be one of the best teams in the league? Jenna Tonelli of Sports Illustrated dropped by to pitch herself as Gotham's goalie, with Evan as the no. 9 in a pinch.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Preview Week: North Carolina Courage, with Kim McCauley

Fri, 14 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

The Courage made a massive splash in getting Jaedyn Shaw in the winter. After Kerolin moved on, the club needed a creative artist to help unlock a moribund attack. But can she fit into the broader structure of head coach Sean Nahas's plans? Kim McCauley of the Guardian came on to separate the wheat from the chaff in the club with one of the strongest reputations in the NWSL.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Preview Week: Kansas City Current, with Thom Bomb of Shea Butter FC

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 22:13:20 -0000

The Kansas City Current were the best team on paper last year. They rostered the league's MVP and producer of one of the greatest seasons in league history, Temwa Chawinga. But they fell to budding rivals Orlando Pride in the semifinal. Are they read to take the next step and win a trophy? Thom Bomb of Shea Butter FC and Shades of Blue walked the guys through the (few) roster changes the club made, and how they can improve upon last year's historic performance.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Preview Week: Portland Thorns, with Kim McCauley

Thu, 13 Mar 2025 10:51:47 -0000

Who is going to play for the Portland Thorns? With Sophia Wilson gone for the year, and Morgan Weaver on the bench for potentially all season, their attack feels thin. Their defense is getting a hard reboot, too. Portland may. have never had more questions around them than right now. Kim McCauley of the Guardian tries to find some silver lining in the dark clouds, with varying degrees of success.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Preview Week: Bay FC, with Anna Daccache

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 10:57:23 -0000

Bay FC made the playoffs in their first season, and are rolling out a solid lineup with some high-upside college signings this year. But an investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment by head coach Albertin Montoya—along with the resignation of scout Graeme Abel over an earlier such report before he joined the club—has changed the complexion of the entire organization. Anna Daccache of Everything Bay Goals tries to parse her feelings on these recent stories, and what the team itself could accomplish on the field in 2025.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Preview Week: Chicago Stars FC, with Lesley Ryder

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 08:09:41 -0000

The Chicago (Red) Stars squeaked into the playoffs on the backs of a completely new regime, from the owners to the GM to the head coach. Very little was done in the offseason, and with Mallory Swanson MIA, their 2025 playoff prospects seem remote. Lesley Ryder of Gal Pal Sports came on to find the gold in the silt, and how Chicago can still offer some joy to its fans this year.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Preview Week: Utah Royals, with Kieran Doyle-Davis

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:01:00 -0000

RECORDED BEFORE THE SIGNING OF BIANCA ST-GEORGES & JANNI THOMSEN

Kieran returns to share his pitch to NWSL front offices about potential partnership opportunities with American Soccer Analysis! Then we dive into the ins and outs of the Utah Royals. They've brought in some very enticing players. Is it enough to make them playoff contenders? Will standouts like Ally Sentnor and Mandy McGlynn level up or regress? And how many ways can three people proncounce Jimmy Coenraets's last name?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Preview Week: Angel City FC, with Michelle Chavez & Mark Parsons

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Angel City became the first club in NWSL history to be docked points for violations of the league's policies—namely, violations of the salary cap. They now have a new controlling owner, a new sporting director, and will have a new permanent head coach soon. Can the team on the field match the team off it? Michelle Chavez of the Sporting Tribune came on to hash it all out. (1:39) Then, the guys spoke to Angel City's new sporting director, Mark Parsons, about his first few weeks on the job and what people can expect in year one of this new regime in Los Angeles. (33:04)

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Art by Eli Elbogen
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NWSL Preview Week: Racing Louisville, with Bekki Morgan

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:01:00 -0000

Four straight ninth-place finishes. A roster that has more or less stayed the same from the end of last season. What can we make of Racing Louisville's on-field stagnation. Bekki Morgan of NWSL This Week comes on to give the Kentuckian's perspective on what Louisville's ownership group has done to get the team to this point, and what can be done to get them over the playoff line once and for all.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
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NWSL Preview Week: Seattle Reign, with Sylvs of Shea Butter FC

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:21:29 -0000

The Seattle Reign were old, slow, and boring last year. This year, they're slightly young, a bit faster, and potentially more exciting. Lynn Biyendolo will pep up the attack, and Madison Curry will stabilize and energize the backline. But can this group actually click? Sylvs of Shea Butter FC joined the guys to figure out what head coach Laura Harvey can do to get the Reign back on the right track.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
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NWSL Preview Week: San Diego Wave, with Kieran Doyle-Davis

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Out NWSL season previews keep on a'truckin' with a team whose fall from the mountaintop has been quick and precipitous. The Wave shipped Jaedyn Shaw and Naomi Girma at their requests; the legal action around allegations of a toxic workplace still hangs heavy; and new head coach Jonas Eidevall has to whip multiple kids into professional shape. ASA's own Kieran Doyle-Davis dropped by to sort out what the hell San Diego can do to have a respectable 2025. (1:02) Stick around for a small bonus track! (22:57)

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Art by Eli Elbogen
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NWSL Preview Week: Houston Dash, with Theo Lloyd-Hughes

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:08:03 -0000

RECORDED BEFORE RAMONA BACHMANN'S RETURN TO THE CLUB

Is Lucy going to pull the football? Will this time really be different? The Houston Dash have a new GM, a new head coach, and a slew of promising signings. It could really change the course of the franchise. Right? Sports Illustrated's Theo Lloyd-Hughes joins the guys to sift through the wreckage of the Fran Alonso era, and what Angela Hucles Mangano and Fabrice Gautrat may have in store for a team that now boasts Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan among its ranks.

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Where to get that Beef Pho Kolache in Houston.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Preview Week: Washington Spirit, with Ella Brockway

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:05:00 -0000

The Washington Spirit may have the best roster on paper heading into the 2025 season. Can they be title contenders? Ella Brockway of the Washington Post and the Hey Spirits! podcast joins the guys to talk about the Spirit's run to the NWSL Championship game last season, and what they've done since to get even better.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
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NWSL Preview Week: Orlando Pride, with Bridie O'Toole

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:02:41 -0000

Welcome to NWSL Season Preview Week! We'll be bringing you previews of all 14 NWSL teams with some outstanding guests to help us break down each and every club, leading up to the start of the NWSL regular season.

First up, last year's Shield and Championship winners, the Orlando Pride! They're keeping most of their roster in place, with key additions like Grace Chanda and Oihane Hernández. Can big purp run it back? Bridie O'Toole of Busy Watching Women's Soccer takes the guys through head coach Seb Hines's tactical plan for one of the best-run organizations in the league.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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USWNT Recap: Don't Stop SheBelievin'

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 10:00:00 -0000

The USWNT has put three more friendlies in the books, and Emma Hayes earns her first loss of her tenure as head coach. After the guys sort through the NWSL jersey drop and injury report (1:41), they dive into all the ins and outs of the SheBelieves Cup, with special attention paid to the 2-1 loss to Japan. (7:47) What was the U.S. hoping to achieve with these three friendlies? Did the heavy rotation of inexperienced players work as intended? Is Japan actually a better team? No need to panic yet!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
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Breaking Down the USWNT SheBelieves Roster

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:40:21 -0000

The guys make note of new signings Carissa Boeckmann to the Portland Thorns and Oihane Hernández to the Orlando Pride, and what Hernández's signing might add to the NWSL-vs.-Europe debate. Then, they turn over Emma Hayes's SheBelieves roster. This is the least experienced USWNT roster in the tournament's history! What does Hayes want to do with these three games? How frustrating is it that certain players were left at home? Which players will rise to the top? Find out today!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
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NWSL College Week, Pt. 1: Signings in a Draft-less World, with Chris Henderson

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:43:24 -0000

The guys touch on the Savy King transfer to Angel City (00:47) and the Hannah Bebar signing with Bay FC (13:00) before offering some thoughts on the NWSL's $5 million restitution fund for players affected by abuse and harassment, as well as the horrifying news surrounding Mapi León in Spain (17:33). Then they bring on Chris Henderson (23:05) to kick off Part I of College Week! Chris takes us through signings he has been impressed by, and what all of the player movement without a draft may mean for both players and college programs in the big picture.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
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xOG Live in Houston, with Arielle Dror & Jen Cooper!

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:37:01 -0000

RECORDED BEFORE THE TRANSFER OF SAVY KING TO ANGEL CITY FC

It's xOG's first ever live pod! The guys chat about Crystal Dunn's move to PSG and the other stray transactions of the last week, before launching into their live conversation from the inaugural American Soccer Insights Summit in Houston, Texas. Bay FC director of data and analytics Arielle Dror and NWSL information director Jen "The Keeper" Cooper to talk about the past, present and future of statistics and analytics in the women's game. This was the most fun.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs (chopped n screwed remix by Evan Davis)

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Jenna Nighswonger is a Gunner. What's Going On with Gotham?

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 09:00:00 -0000

Breaking news all over the place! Jenna Nighswonger is moving to north London. Where does this leave Gotham's offseason? (00:30) San Diego has made a flurry of moves, including losing Naomi Girma and gaining Kenza Dali. Yikes. (15:14) The Houston Dash picked up Danielle Colaprico and Messiah Bright. Are all of these parts adding up to something? (21:44) Angel City got another 30-year-old center back in Alanna Kennedy. Oh dear. (32:05) The Portland Thorns added Deyna Castellanos in a "blockbuster" deal. Is there room for her? (35:25) The North Carolina Courage signed a young Japanese midfielder to replace their other Japanese midfielder. (44:50). And we wrap things up with a not-so-scintillating London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal, which probably wraps up the WSL title for the Blues. (49:00) Packed show this week!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
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When Will San Diego and Louisville Catch the Big Fish?

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 10:00:00 -0000

RECORDED BEFORE THE SIGNINGS OF SHINOMI KOYAMA, SINTIA CABEZAS, DIDI HARAČIĆ, AND FAVOUR EMMANUEL

It's been a busy-but-not-busy period of the NWSL offseason. The North Carolina Courage released the financial details of the Jaedyn Shaw trade (1:38). The San Diego Wave brought in some young talent, and can't shake the rumors of Naomi Girma's impending transfer (8:00). Angel City hired Mark Parsons as sporting director (good!) and announced Christen Press had re-signed (less good!), to our confusion (18:16). Racing Louisville maxed out their roster spots with three college players, and noone else (29:00). the Houston Dash and Chicago Stars FC each signed a player who may or may not have an impact in 2025 (39:34). And the guys close the show mourning the loss of filmmaker, artist, musician, and pop culture icon David Lynch (44:40).

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Read Corpses, Fools & Monsters

Read Laura Dern's birthday message to David Lynch
Read Kyle MacLachlan's remembrance of David Lynch
Read Naomi Watts's remembrance of David Lynch
Read Vera Drew's tribute to David Lynch

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New Year, New US(WNT)

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 16:58:10 -0000

We're back! The guys return from their brief, fire-filled hiatus to unpack all the news of the first weeks of the new year. They chat about the senior USWNT roster for the January camp, then dive into some of the major signings and trades in the NWSL, with Jaedyn Shaw's move to the North Carolina Courage carrying the headlines. Back in the saddle, folks!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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The Biggest Own Goals of the Year

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 14:49:11 -0000

It's the last episode of 2024! No better time for the guys to look back on the previous year and all the things they and teams were wrong about, from Orlando's final table position to who would be Rookie of the Year. (You'll never believe who Evan picked for that particular trophy all the way back in March.)

Happy New Year, everyone! We'll be back on main feed on January 13th!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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The NWSL Holiday Transaction Roundup

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

Becky Sauerbrunn retiring! Jonas Eidevall to the San Diego Wave! Lynn Williams to the Seattle Reign! Jaelin Howell to Gotham FC! Rocky Rodríguez and Lorena to the Kansas City Current! Julie Dufour to Angel City! The NWSL offseason is cooking with gas, and the guys break down all the major moves.

00:47 - Becky Sauerbrunn's retirement announcement
05:58 - Jonas Eidevall hired as Wave head coach
11:28 - Lynn Williams and Jaelin Howell trade
23:24 - Alex Loera trade to the Utah Royals
31:14 - Narumi Miura signs with the Washington Spirit
34:45 - Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena signs with Kansas City
38:20 - Rocky Rodríguez traded to Kansas City
43:05 - French attacker Julie Dufour transfers to Angel City
48:24 - College signings

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Art by Eli Elbogen

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The xOG Top 10 Players of 2024

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:17:43 -0000

It's that time of year! The Best FIFA awards were announced on Tuesday, the final release of several end-of-year accountings of the year's best players. The guys merged all of these lists together and evaluated who really were the best of the bunch, and release their official top 10 of 2024.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Rosters Locked and the GM Carousel Continues

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 16:35:21 -0000

NWSL teams locked in their end-of-season rosters, traded some players, saw some others sign with new teams, and a whole bunch of free agents hit the open market when their 2024 clubs didn’t re-sign them. Ryan Dell moved from Louisville to Kansas City, while Angela Hucles Mangano hopped from Angel City to Houston. What does it all mean? The guys break it all down.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka’s Bell Dance Songs

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USWNT Recap, plus Kicking Off The NWSL Offseason with Taylor Vincent!

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The USWNT wraps up 2024 with a draw and a win overseas. How did the Triple Espresso-less attack acquit themselves? Was that scary first half against the Netherlands real, or just growing pains? The guys peel back all the layers. (1:05) They also sing a brief requiem for Alyssa Naeher's international career. (22:34)

Then, they light up the hot stove with Spotrac's Taylor Vincent, explaining all the rules and weird tics that drive transactions in the NWSL. This was a blast. (26:55)

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Championship Recap: The Spirit Taken Down by the Pride, but Not Without a Fight

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:41:38 -0000

What. A. Game. The Orlando Pride are your NWSL champions, the first Shield-Championship winners in five years. Their 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium was a grubby, terse affair, with fouls galore and a controversial bit of magic from Barbra Banda. Marta finally claims her first U.S. trophy, and despite coming out on the losing side, Washington has a lot to look forward to. The guys break it all down from every angle.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Championship Preview, Part 2: Our Podcast with André (Carlisle)

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 09:49:29 -0000

The Washington Spirit have made it to the NWSL Championship, despite massive injuries to key players in the back end of the season. Can they keep this momentum going, or will the Orlando Pride stop them in their tracks? André Carlisle of Hey Spirits, Diaspora United and Beyond the Vaudevillian Cane returns to reflect on the Spirit season that was, and what lies in store for Trinity Rodman & co. in Kansas City on Saturday.

Follow André on Bluesky

P.S. We kept the audio a little bit raw so y'all can hear the Orlando Pride ballin' out during their afternoon practice session.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Championship BONUS: Inside the Orlando Pride with GM Haley Carter

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 22:06:30 -0000

The Orlando Pride are preparing to play the biggest game club history on Saturday, the culmination of a process that began more than two years ago. Team vice president and GM Haley Carter came on to talk about the journey the team has taken under her and Seb Hines's leadership, what philosophy they apply to every decision, and what the 2024 Pride represent, win or lose on Saturday. This was a good'un!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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The NWSL Semifinals Delivered the Goods

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:51:34 -0000

Well there you have it! The Washington Spirit will play the Orlando Pride at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday for the NWSL Championship. The semifinals that got them there were scintillating contests, filled with drama, individual heroics, and masterful team play. How did the Spirit and Pride get past Gotham and the Current?

We will be in Kansas City for the NWSL Championship! Come join us at Johnny's Tavern P&L in Kansas City on Friday night and have a drink with us.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Playoffs Recap: The Quarterfinals Were Sketched in Chalk

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 21:59:24 -0000

The top four go in as favorites, and the top four leave as semifinalists. There were no upsets in the NWSL quarterfinals, as Orlando, Washington, Gotham, and Kansas City all moved on. Some games were unprecedented blowouts, like the Pride's demolition of the Red Stars (0:57). Others were tighter affair than anticipated, as the Current's defeat of the Courage proved to be (12:49). The final two match-ups were dreary, attritional affairs until they very much weren't, as the Spirit got past a resilient Bay FC (22:42) and Gotham pipped the Thorns at the death (34:49).

What will the semifinals between Orlando-KC (46:09) and Washington-Gotham (56:46) be like? Is each match really a coin flip? The Guys get into all of it.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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PATREON BONUS: NWSL Playoff Goalkeepers, with Jill Loyden!

Fri, 08 Nov 2024 10:00:00 -0000

The NWSL playoffs start tonight, and so we decided to take our most recent bonus episode out from behind the paywall. Coach and NWSL commentator Jill Loyden joined the guys to talk about the art and science of goalkeeping, and which keepers might make a significant difference in the quarterfinals.

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NWSL Playoffs Preview, Part II

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:13:49 -0000

In Part 2 of our NWSL quarterfinals preview, we take a look at Sunday's doubleheader. According to one projection model, Bay FC actually have a decent chance to upset the Washington Spirit. Will their new-look midfield and Racheal Kundananji's heroics puncture Washington's injury-riddled squad?

The Portland Thorns are all good vibes right now, having won two of their final three games, including an emphatic victory in Christine Sinclair's final game at Providence Park. But are those vibes enough to take down the Gotham T-1000? Gotham has been relentless, but Portland has a 1-in-5 shot of clapping back on last year's extra-time humiliation. Things could get spicy!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Playoffs Preview, Part I

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 18:33:07 -0000

The playoffs are set! The top four finished the season strong and look like they'll make it to the semifinals with ease. Or will they? The guys preview all four quarterfinal matchups, and wonder where we could see upsets. Do Bay FC have what it takes to get past an injury- and suspension-rattled Washington Spirit? Could the Portland Thorns put some payback on Gotham FC after last year's playoff defeat? Do the Chicago Red Stars have any hope at all? And is the Kansas City Current's match against the North Carolina Courage really as close as the seeding would suggest?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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A USWNT Round-Up, and Our NWSL Awards Ballots!

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The USWNT played a couple friendlies against Iceland, walloped them 6-2 across both games, and got four new players their first caps. That's about all there is to report! The guys go pebble hunting to find something to analyze in the most meaningless games of the year.

Then, they break down their picks for the NWSL awards slate. Most of these are no-brainers, but they make a case for some down-ballot candidates, followed by an in-depth discussion of how to approach Defender of the Year.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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PATREON BONUS: Liga MX Femenil Apertura Review, with Amelia Lopez!

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 17:54:24 -0000

We're taking one of our bonus episodes out from behind the table to give you a little taste of what great content you can find on our Patreon! For only $6/month, you get four episodes like these, each and every month. Plus, you get access to our Discord server, as well as our YouTube livestreams, which we're firing up again for the postseason.

In this episode, we talked to Our Fútbol co-host Amelia Lopez about the Liga MX Femenil Apertura, and what fans should expect from team like Tigres and América once the Liguilla kicks off in November.

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NWSL Week 25: Louisville, Portland, and all the Playoff Scenarios Fit to Print

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Racing Louisville grabbed all three points against the Portland Thorns thanks to a late corner header from Taylor Flint. Their playoff hopes are still alive, but is it too little too late? The guys cap off the episode with this playoff six-pointer (41:20). Before that, they run through playoff scenarios for the top four (1:01), ruminate on the two dead rubber matches between Angel City and the Utah Royals (20:40), as well as the Seattle Reign and Houston Dash (27:48). Some quick lamentations for the San Diego Wave in their pasting by the Kansas City Current (26:16) and some chuckles about the Washington Spirit-Chicago Red Stars grudge match (32:53). Bay FC are now the dark horse of the playoff field after their convincing defeat of the North Carolina Courage (35:01). And we close with everything that has to happen for Portland, Louisville, and Bay FC to get into the postseason (46:48).

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 24: "Stop Laughing, The Chicago Red Stars Suck!!!" And Other Ravings of a Madman

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 17:01:36 -0000

The Chicago Red Stars own one of the worst xG differentials in league history. Only the Utah Royals have played worse in total this season. But Chicago just clinched a playoff berth, and look poised to finish the year in sixth place on a mere 1.3 points per game. No team since 2018 has finished sixth or higher with so few points.

Can it really just be luck? Is their low-volume, high-efficiency attack and defense sustainable once they face better teams in the postseason? The guys dissect the Red Stars' 2-0 defeat to Gotham, and whether that result--combined with horrible recent performances against San Diego and Houston--can be overcome once November rolls around.

Click here to vote on what Evan has to do if the Red Stars win their quarterfinal match!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 23: The Portland Thorns, Racing Louisville, and the Dangling Thread of the Playoff Line

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:24:57 -0000

We have got some things to cover, here! The guys get into the news of Angel City's fines and suspensions for salary cap violations, the firing of former Houston Dash head coach Fran Alonso, the absurdity of the Chicago Red Stars conceding at least three xG for the second time in three weeks, Bay FC's four-minute meltdown, and the Orlando Pride's historic Shield win.

Then, it's on to the main events. Portland has been one of the worst teams in the NWSL since the end of the Olympics break. Racing Louisville has been fighting to get over the playoff line. Neither team did themselves any favors with two very different losses. Which team has the edge to go to the quarterfinals in November?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 22: Bay FC are Doing the Damn Thing

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:07:20 -0000

A scrappy 1-0 victory on the road to the Seattle Reign may not look like much, but Bay FC are creeping closer and closer to a playoff berth, only a few months removed from looking like one of the worst teams in the NWSL. The guys dig into all of the ways the team has managed to improve since early June, from trusting new players to Albertin Montoya reimagining the team's tactical vision. It's wild.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 21: Kansas City Current Remind Everyone Who They Are

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 19:04:14 -0000

Oh, did you forget that the Current can gut your favorite team like a fish? After a few games of sputtering defensive performance, KC's new back line is locked in and Temwa Chawinga is, well, Temwa Chawinga. Their 3-0 battering of the Washington Spirit was a bit lucky, but was also a scary proposition for any team that will face Kansas City in the playoffs. The guys break it all down.

Plus, xG shenanigans with the San Diego Wave! Officiating questions with Angel City and the Portland Thorns! The stretch run is officially here, gang!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 20: The Orlando-Kanas City Staredown and Portland's Continued Implosion

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 07:58:38 -0000

We've got two games to cover this week! One was the matchup of the weekend on paper, but fizzled out to a 0-0 draw between the Pride and Current. The other ended up with significant playoff implications, as the Red Stars snatched a 1-0 road win against the Thorns and shored up their postseason odds, while Portland continued their freefall. What can they do to right the ship? Is Chicago's season-long overperformance about to pay off?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 19: Au Revoir, Alex Morgan, Hello, Bay FC!

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:03:39 -0000

Alex Morgan has retired. As yet another titan of the sport walks into the sunset, the guys reflect on what Morgan's career truly meant beyond the goals and trophies.

Then, after rounding up NWSL results across the weekend, they dive into Bay's 1-0 defeat of Racing Louisville. Have Abby Dahlkemper and Penelope Hocking helped Bay find the answers? Is Albertin Montoya finally getting the team to play like he envisioned? How much does this result and performance portend for Louisville's playoff hopes?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 18: Strolling through Gotham, with Jenna Tonelli!

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The Orlando Pride continued their unbeaten streak on Sunday, taking down Gotham FC 2-0 after a monsoon nearly flooded Inter&Co Stadium. Gotham was unable to gain any separation from its peers in the top 4. But does it portend anything serious? Eric and Evan talk to Gotham reporter Jenna Tonelli about Gotham's performance, the magic of Ella Stevens, and how dangerous Gotham will be come playoff time.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 17: Your Spirit Has a Powerful Current Flowing from Washington to Kansas City

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 20:31:09 -0000

Jonatan Giráldez has officially entered the NWSL chat. The Washington Spirit took down the Kansas City Current 4-1, and for a brief second, one had to wonder if the wheels were coming off of the most dominant squad in the league. This game had everything. Six defenders to handle Debinha and Chawinga! Otherworldly finishing from Trinity Rodman! A new center back pairing falling out of a clown car! Adrianna Franch living up to her new reputation! It's all here, and the guys break it all down. Welcome back to the NWSL!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EMERGENCY POD: The NWSL's Historic New Labor Agreement

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 19:53:13 -0000

The NWSL Players Association has just signed a new collective bargaining agreement, which may be one of the most historically significant labor deals in American sports history. The elimination of the draft, universal guaranteed contracts and free agency, player consent for trades, and massive increases in minimum salaries without corresponding max salaries all give serious power to the players. What did that they have to give up to ownership, and what might that mean come 2028 when a new media rights deal is signed? Eric and Evan unpack what we know so far about this seismic moment in women’s sports labor.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka’s Bell Dance Songs

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The Big NWSL Midseason Transfer Round-Up!

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:50:02 -0000

The NWSL is back, baby!!! After six agonizing weeks away, the stretch run kicks off on Friday. A massive amount of transfer activity has gone down in that time. Eric and Evan highlight some of their faves and not-so-faves.

Could Delphine Cascarino help push the San Diego Wave into playoff contention? How does Carson Pickett fit into the Orlando Pride lineup? Are the Chicago Red Stars playoff locks thanks to Ludmila and Julia Grosso? Can Jess Carter adapt to the league's pace? Will Alana Cook keep things tight at the back amid the Kansas City Current's defensive injury crisis? Is Katie Zelem really an improvement for Angel City? How does one make sense of Jaelin Howell and Ana-Maria Crnogorčević at the Seattle Reign and Bethany Balcer at Racing Louisville? Are the Washington Spirit's signings an embarrassment of riches? Is Cortnee Vine the final missing piece in the North Carolina Courage attack? Listen and find out!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT Paved the Parisian Streets with Gold

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 01:34:59 -0000

369 days after the USWNT crashed out of the World Cup Round of 16, they put those demons to bed, winning the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. The team managed to weather the worst half of football they had played all tournament to wear down Brazil until Mallory Swanson took Korbin Albert's through ball and ripped the Brazilian defense to pieces. Some heroics from Alyssa Naeher and the usual shutdown defense from Naomi Girma helped the US grab their first gold medal in 12 years. Now, the real work begins. Eric and Evan analyze the US performance, praise Brazil's savvy gameplan, and argue why nobody should get too high about this victory--or too low.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT are Exhausted, but are On to the Gold Medal Game

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 20:01:51 -0000

The players were dead on their feet. Lindsey Horan could barely ping a pass toward the German goal. But Naomi Girma led the defense to another sterling performance, Sophia Smith threaded a wonder goal past Ann-Katrin Berger, and the USWNT will face Brazil for the gold medal on Saturday. Was there anything besides heat and fatigue that slowed the US attack down? Can they avoid Spain's fate against Brazil in the semifinal? Is Girma the undisputed best center back in the world? Eric and Evan ponder yet another 120-minute slog of a match that still had a happy ending for the Americans.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT Struggles, Japan Suffers, and the US Moves on to the Semifinals

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 20:55:58 -0000

It was brutal, but perhaps it was necessary. The USWNT scraped past Japan in the Olympics quarterfinals thanks to an extra-time wonder strike from Trinity Rodman, setting up a semifinal rematch with Germany. Were the players just too tired? Is Emma Hayes's focus on chemistry over fresh legs about to blow up in her face? Was the Japanese defense just too good for the US? Thankfully, the US's defense was even better. Eric and Evan get into all of it and preview the semifinal via Germany's penalty-shootout win against Canada!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT Win Group B in Fine Fashion, Gear Up for Japan in the Quarterfinals

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:38:14 -0000

The USWNT beat Australia 2-1 in the final round of the Olympics group stage, topping the group and heading to the quarterfinals to play Japan on Saturday. Despite all the hand-wringing about the US heading into the tournament, they finished group play with the best goal differential the best non-penalty xG differential, the most shots taken in the box, and the most touches in the box. (There's also the small matter of Spain as the only other team to win all three of their group games.)

How did the US look against Australia? What might it portend for the knockout stage? And what dangers--and opportunities--do Japan offer? Eric & Evan tackle it all!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT Fly Through Germany in the Balmy Marseille Air

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 08:00:00 -0000

Bang! The USWNT rained goals on Germany in a 4-1 victory, their biggest result against a FIFA top-10 side in six years. A Sophia Smith brace, a Mallory Swanson tap-in, and a Lynn Williams dagger made Germany look far worse than their world ranking would indicate. But was it all bread and circuses for Emma Hayes's side? Eric and Evan examine the tactical imbalance that allowed the Germans to find seams on the counter--and the ways the US exploited their opponent's resulting gaps in the other direction.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT Opens Its Account with a Dazzling Win over Zambia

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 08:02:23 -0000

There were a couple of emphatic 3-0 wins in Group B as the Olympics tournament kicked off on Thursday. The USWNT contained Barbra Banda and put Zambia to the sword with some dazzling goals from Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson. What did the US do right? What can they carry over to their match against Germany on Sunday, a team that looked stout and strong against a naïve Australia? Eric and Evan leave no stone unturned.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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The Big USWNT Olympics Preview! Plus Zambia, Germany, & Australia

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:25:03 -0000

Here we go again! One year to the week that xOG launched, we find ourselves on the precipice of yet another major international tournament. The USWNT are in the Olympics Group of Death; how will they manage opposition as varied as Zambia, Germany, and Australia? Eric and Evan plunge into the US lineup, head coach Emma Hayes's tactical plans, and what tests each of their group B opponents offer.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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BONUS THURSDAY: The USWNT Olympics Send-Off Was Fine. Really.

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 17:39:44 -0000

Yes, the USWNT couldn't score against Costa Rica in their final pre-Olympics friendly. No, none of their boundless chances were especially high-quality.

But so what? The heat, the field, and the desire to keep everyone healthy explain the result a lot more than alleged poor play can. Eric and Evan tease out why this result doesn't augur doom for the U.S. in France this summer.

This is our final public bonus episode before we move them to Patreon on July 25th! E-mail xpectedowngoals@gmail.com to join our mailing list and get all of our updates throughout the tournament!

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The USWNT Preps for the Olympics by Beating Mexico. Plus, A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 08:02:03 -0000

The USWNT offered a lot in their 1-0 victory over Mexico on a hot and muggy day in New Jersey. Was their lack of finishing something to be concerned over? Can Rose Lavelle be counted on in the absence of an injured Catarina Macario? Will Korbin Albert ever do what it takes to stop being booed?

Plus, we have a big announcement about something we can't wait to debut when the Olympics starts! Stay tuned for more info!

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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BONUS THURSDAY: Our NWSL No-Stars Five-A-Side Draft! Plus, Transfer News!

Thu, 11 Jul 2024 11:02:37 -0000

It's our last NWSL-centric episode for a month, friends! We decided to chat about some of our favorite players who slipped under the radar, and whose names we haven't discussed nearly enough. (13:56) Before that, Evan and Eric unpack all the latest transfer news, including Julia Grosso to the Chicago Red Stars, Mackenzie Arnold to the Portland Thorns, Rosemonde Kouassi to the Washington Spirit, and Mina Tanaka to the Utah Royals. (00:26)

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 16: Kansas City Current vs. Orlando Pride Was the Game of the Season

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 18:44:04 -0000

The two best teams in the NWSL had to wait until the final matchweek before the Olympics break to square off, and dear lord was it worth the wait. Brain-busting goals from Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga, a game-changing second yellow card for Carrie Lawrence, and a feisty, physical encounter all made this fixture an instant classic. Eric and Evan analyze what Seb Hines and Orlando did right, and maybe what Vlatko Andonovski and Kansas City did wrong.

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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BONUS FRIDAY: Olympics Rosters, New Controlling Owners at Angel City, and the Jill Ellis Scandal at the San Diego Wave

Fri, 05 Jul 2024 23:12:56 -0000

We didn't think a U.S. holiday weekend would toss so much news at us. First up, Eric and Evan chat about the announced Olympics rosters for Brazil, Spain, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Nigeria. (01:00)

Then it's on to the developing news that USC Journalism School dean Willow Bay and husband, Disney CEO Bob Iger, will be buying a majority stake in Angel City FC. What does this mean for the team, and for the league as a whole? (10:26)

Finally, Eric and Evan unpack the horrendous allegations from multiple San Diego Wave employees that team president Jill Ellis had fostered a toxic and abusive work environment. (24:18)

Brittany Alvarado's Statement
Jenny Chuang's Statement
Bernadette O'Donnell's Statement
Abigail Lozano's Statement
San Diego Wave Statement
Jill Ellis Statement

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Midseason Check-In, Pt. 2: Firings, Awards and time to Buckle Up, San Diego?!

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:04:31 -0000

Eric and Evan debate another notable NWSL head coach sacking, hand out some Midseason Awards and go deep on Chicago's 3-0 "rout" of San Diego... was it a rout? What even is a rout?

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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BONUS THURSDAY: Reactions to the USWNT Olympics Roster

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 20:22:52 -0000

Quiet week, how's everyone doing?
LOL JK
First up, on the heels of Casey Stoney's firing, Eric and Evan puzzle over the unexpected resignation of Bay FC GM Lucy Rushton. (00:33)

Then, the moment has arrived! Emma Hayes announced her first USWNT major tournament roster, and it's a doozy. No Alex Morgan! Lots of Korbin Albert! Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt as alternates! What does this lineup tell us about Hayes's vision for the side? (11:10) And what do her and Trinity Rodman's comments about Albert tell us about the culture inside the locker room right now? (25:10) Evan and Eric drop some heaviness on today's episode.

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Midseason Check-In, Pt. I: The State of the League

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:24:40 -0000

We're now (just over) halfway through the 2024 NWSL regular season, and trends are emerging! Eric and Evan uncover a host of interesting nuggets about how teams are playing this year compared to past seasons.

Why on earth did the San Diego Wave "part ways" with Casey Stoney? (00:16)
Where did parity go? Is it simply a byproduct of expansion? (08:37)
Does the increase in goalscoring come down to Barbra Banda, Temwa Chawinga, et al.? (18:00)
The league still loves transition tactics, but how have they morphed in 2024? (20:36)
How do the Chicago Red Stars, Racing Louisville, and Orlando Pride buck current tactical trends? (25:17)
Are the Pride or the Kansas City Current the tactical future of the NWSL? (29:16)
How has money influenced both tactics and the development of players to fit those tactics? (35:21)
Whose first-half results have been real or not real? (42:55)

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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BONUS THURSDAY: The Inaugural xOG NWSL Hall of Fame Class!

Thu, 20 Jun 2024 16:49:49 -0000

It's time to pause and reflect on how much history the NWSL really possesses--something no professional club league in America has been able to accomplish. Using Evan's g+raft Score method, we tapped into ASA's g+ above replacement database to determine the best players in the league's history.

We induct several players from the Dead Stats Era (2013 - 2015), before advanced stats were available, including a legendary and complicated goalkeeper (11:55), a pioneering defender on and off the field (15:35), two midfielders who shaped their teams on different ends of the pitch (18:48), and two forwards who represented the league in very different ways (24:22).

Then, we turn our attention to the Modern Era (2016 - 2024), where three national team defenders dominated their opponents (35:30), two midfield artists who could do anything with the ball (50:46), and three forwards that are absolute gimmes (68:05).

Read Evan's article on g+raft Score to peruse his points system.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 12: The Bats Take Flight as Gotham FC Start Dominating

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 18:28:37 -0000

Gotham FC's 2-0 victory on the road against Racing Louisville was about as ugly as 2-0 victories get, but dig under the hood and you see that the preseason Shield favorites are finally coming into their own. The galacticos of Dunn, Lavelle, Davidson and Sonnett started their second game in a row together. Ella Stevens can't stop scoring. Ann-Katrin Berger might be the best keeper in the whole league right now. Is it all finally coming together for Juan Carlos Amorós's squad? Eric and Evan debate the finer points of Gotham's resurgence.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 11: Rappelling Down the Seattle Reign Cavern, with Sylvs of Shea Butter FC!

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 14:44:27 -0000

The Seattle Reign got smoked by the Kansas City Current over the weekend. That such a result would be par for the course shows what kind of season Laura Harvey's crew have had. Sylvs of Shea Butter FC hopped on to talk about Reign history, the struggles of the team in the void of the team sale yet to close, and what glimmers of hope Jordyn Huitema's two goals could represent.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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USWNT Recap: The Emma Hayes Era Kicks Off With Goals Goals Goals!

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:16:26 -0000

The day has come: Emma Hayes is now the head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team. The side demolished South Korea for a combined scoreline of 7-0. Sam Staab and Lily Yohannes each earned their first caps. The law firm of Smith, Swanson, and Rodman served papers to their opponents over and over again. Alex Morgan--well, she was present.

What did we learn about how Hayes wants the team to play? Eric and Evan uncover all the tactical nuggets across the two friendlies, then project the USWNT's likely 18-player Olympics roster. The takes get spicy.

Need a pick-me-up? Four out of five doctors recommend SoMalloTrin!

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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BONUS TUESDAY: Wrapping Up the Liga MX Femenil Season, with Adriana Terrazas!

Tue, 04 Jun 2024 09:00:00 -0000

The international break has flipped our schedule this week, so for this week's early bonus episode, we bring you a great conversation Evan had with Our Futbol co-host Adriana Terrazas to break down the recent Clausura final and all the storylines from Liga MX Femenil this season.

Team by team, we look at how C.D. Guadalajara ("Chivas") came up frustratingly short (11:20). C.F. Pachuca (17:01) won the transfer window heading into the Clausura. Why did they look so limp once they got into the Liguilla? UANL Tigres (26:57) were once again dominant across the entire year, welcoming Jenni Hermoso and Thembi Kgatlana to their ranks. After their semifinal drubbing, are they ready to transition to the next generation? Club América (33:32) looked unstoppable until those chaotic final few minutes in the second leg of the Clausura final. Was it bad luck or a bottle job? C.F. Monterrey ("Rayadas") (42:57) won the most dramatic of penalty shootouts in front of nearly 32,000 screaming home fans. Did new head coach Amelia Valverde built a functional unit that will contend next year?

Finally, Evan and Adriana talk about the state of the Mexico Women's National Team (51:22), Pedro López's evolution of the side, and which players can expect to make a contribution over coming months.

Back to regularly scheduled programming on Thursday with our recap of Emma Hayes's first two games in charge of the USWNT!

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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BONUS THURSDAYS: Barcelona Wins the Champions League Again! Plus, The State of NWSL Broadcasting, with Mike Watts!

Thu, 30 May 2024 09:59:39 -0000

Barcelona capped off their third Champions League title in four years by taking down their final boss, Lyon, to have no more rivals for best team in the world. How dominant were they in the game, though? Did Lyon actually knock them off their axis for a brief moment? Eric and Evan debate the merits of each team's performance (00:45).

Then, veteran NWSL play-by-play announcer Mike Watts comes on (21:05) to talk about the wild times of calling Sky Blue FC games in 2014, the exciting opportunities that new media partners like Amazon and ION have created for games, what actually goes into calling a game, and most importantly, what his favorite Taylor Swift song is. This was a fun one.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 10: Destiny's Children? (H-Town Screwed Mix)

Tue, 28 May 2024 14:29:30 -0000

Week 10! Two teams. Two massive victories. Two bright futures ahead? Eric and Evan ponder the meaning of Houston's staggering 3-0 home win over North Carolina and examine the implications of Racing Louisville's 1-0 away result in Chicago. H-town madness? Kentucky fried conquest? We're curious too.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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BONUS THURSDAYS: The Big WSL Wrap-Up, and the USWNT Takes Custody of Emma Hayes, with Jessy Parker Humphreys!

Thu, 23 May 2024 08:08:23 -0000

It's the premiere episode of our new Thursday bonus episode series, where we explore other tactical and analytical corners of the global women's football landscape!

To kick things off, Evan and Eric bring on Athletic columnist and Counter Pressed co-host Jessy Parker Humphreys to go swimming in how the 23-24 WSL season shook out. Chelsea (1:32) won their fifth consecutive title, but did they underperform? Manchester City (6:21) came so close and fell so frustratingly short once again, but they must be celebrated. Manchester United (14:01) were a clown show. Liverpool (27:16) did the impossible and finished fourth, but were they any good? Arsenal (37:13) were just sort of Arsenal-y. Jessy also takes us through Tottenham, Brighton, and other highlights further down the table (51:14).

Then we dig into WSL vs. NWSL banter (55:13) before Jessy, representing Chelsea, hands custody of Emma Hayes over to the USWNT (1:13:57). What stands out about the June friendlies roster? What can USWNT fans learn about Hayes from her time at Chelsea? Will her press conferences be just as epic? Who's more likely to reap the whirlwind--Hayes or the players?
It's a jam-packed bonus episode, friends! Let's get wild!

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 9: The Utah Royals Stare into the Void

Tue, 21 May 2024 11:31:38 -0000

Another week, another brutal Utah Royals loss. Though the scoreline was a mere 1-0 defeat on the road to the North Carolina Courage, the expansion side was under siege pretty much from minute one. Eric and Evan use the Royals' performance to figure out just how badly the season has gone for the club, and what bright spots may be on the horizon.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Vibe Check, Part II: Double the Own Goals, Double the Fun!?!?

Fri, 17 May 2024 10:29:05 -0000

More transparency! More accountability! More Own Goals! Kieran guest stars as the Grim Reaper in Evan and Eric's Own Goal Bogus Journey!

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Vibe Check, Part I: xOG's Biggest Own Goals of the Season!

Tue, 14 May 2024 10:52:21 -0000

We here at Expected Own Goals are about transparency and accountability. That's why, at the point in the season when xG stabilizes and becomes sticky, we've decided to go back and cop to our best and worst own goals from our preseason predictions. Kieran's back to face the music along with Eric and Evan.

Be sure to tune in later this week for Part II, where the gang digs into the players that have surprised and disappointed them the most!

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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What We Talk About When We Talk About The Red Stars, with Gal Pal Sports!

Tue, 07 May 2024 09:00:00 -0000

We've been putting it off all season, but after a tough loss to the Washington Spirit and an emphatic win against Bay FC, we can put it off no longer: we must discuss the fourth-place Chicago Red Stars. Eric and Evan were joined by Lesley Ryder of Gal Pal Sports to dissect the Laura Ricketts-Lorne Donaldson era of the team, if their early-season success is sticky or a mirage, and who will step up to score besides Mallory Swanson. Rep the 3-1-2, or the 7-7-3, or the 4-6-4, or whatever else people tear up about on The Bear!

Listen to Football is Wife, hosted by Lesley Ryder and Emily Anderson

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 6--Spirit: Pride of the Cimarron

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:00:00 -0000

Is Orlando the best team in the NWSL right now? They just might be. An emphatic 3-2 victory over the Washington Spirit on the road cemented what could be a hyper-organized defense with Barbra Banda as the tip of the spear. Other teams, attack at your own peril.

Evan and Eric dig into what made Banda so special, as well as what the future might hold for the Spirit--and Ashley Hatch--once Leicy Santos and Jonatan Giráldez arrive in June. (tl;dr they'll be fine.)

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 5: Angel Cities with Filthy Soles, NC Courage Cursed by The Soccer Gods

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 11:57:46 -0000

The NWSL spring trade deadline has come and gone, and somehow, both the Houston Dash and Angel City made some significant moves. Eric and Evan brought Kieran Doyle-Davis on to get into all of the gobsmacking behavior by both teams in moving some major players. Then, they dig into Angel City's victory over the North Carolina Courage, and how a team with 62% possession and who topped the home side on xG 2.1 - 0.5 managed to still leave Los Angeles without a result. Plus, we'll hear from Angel City head coach Becki Tweed with her tactical analysis of the match!

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 4: Gotham Gets Weird, and the Kansas City Current Put the "Fly" in "Chawinga"

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 08:31:32 -0000

We last checked in on the Kansas City Current in Week 1. What a difference a month makes! They're sitting atop the table on 10 points, have a potential superstar in Temwa Chawinga, and got a road point against Evan and Eric's preseason title favorite, Gotham FC. But is Chawinga the real deal? Were Juan Carlos Amorós's tactics too clever by half? Who looks like the better bet to keep succeeding in the weeks to come? Dive in, baby!

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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USWNT Recap: Does SheBelieve?

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:43:31 -0000

The USWNT is SheBelieves Cup champion once again. Woo...hoo? The Twila Kilgore era comes to a close on a second penalty shootout win over Canada in a month, and leaves us wondering: what did Kilgore do well? What did she miss on? Is the team in better shape now than it was back in August? Furthermore, who is in pole position for each Olympics roster spot? Eric and Evan answer all these questions and more! (Evan may or may not sing at the end of the episode. Fair warning.)

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Late-Game Deciders: A Breakdown of San Diego-Seattle, Portland-Louisville, and Bay-Houston!

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 09:01:47 -0000

No fewer than three NWSL games were decided in the final moments of stoppage time last weekend, but each were decided in different ways. San Diego survived its battle of attrition through well timed bravery, while Portland's overwhelming attacking talent finally breached Louisville's walls. Bay FC and the Houston Dash fully embraced their stubborn, attack-loving identities and the Dash tripped into victory. Eric and Evan ponder how these teams all managed a late result, hear from Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya on his side's approach, and parse what it means for these teams' talents more broadly.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 2: The Spirit in the Bay is Strong!

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 10:06:43 -0000

A jam-packed, wackadoo weekend unfolded in the NWSL, with golazos and refereeing madness and everything in between. Eric, Evan and Arianna drill down on the Washington Spirit's 2-1 victory over Bay FC. Are Bay's tactics naïve? Has their depth been exposed? Is Croix Bethune the resurrection and the life? 1) Maybe 2) Probably 3) Get on your knees and pray.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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The NWSL is BACK, BABY! Breaking Down the Loony Nine-Goal Chaos Show in Kansas City

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 21:58:36 -0000

The greatest league in the world has returned, and boy was it a doozy! From first-minute penalties in Seattle, to the Naeher-aissance denying Utah their first-ever win in front of a "sold out" crowd, to 17-year-old Kennedy Fuller making as many headlines as Bay FC goalscorer Asisat Oshoala, there were narratives galore.

But Eric, Evan, and Arianna can only focus on one thing: the Kansas City Current and Portland Thorns opening CPKC Stadium with nine goals, tying the NWSL single-game record. Did Mike Norris make a wise decision rolling out an entirely new backline? Did Vlatko Andonovski properly adjust to Janine Beckie's arrival in the second half? What on earth was Christine Sinclair doing starting the game at right wing? They get into all of it and more.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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