Futbol W: Angel City FC's Ali Riley Joins The Show

29:14One last question before we say goodbye to you is, how is June end out? I didn't give her a hug. she was retiring i spent from the moment we arrived into the tunnel and it was so cute and then when she walked off the field when chris subbed in and consoling her on the sideline when i'm supposed to be warming up and then after the game i mean i gave her the rhinestone tissue box because she she was beside herself and i'm i'm bummed she she went off i'm so happy for her She went off to camp with Japan, but I would have loved to actually have a fun moment with her after the game. So we're going to celebrate after Chicago.

29:54But she's such a beautiful soul and her comeback has been sensational. So I didn't know what she was crying about. We're not going anywhere. But it was so, so sweet to know that our friendship and being teammates and our relationship means so much to her and that she's so sad. Oh, it was so sweet. It was so cute. The photos and the videos are just hilarious. Her pink tissue box was so cute too. You really touched people at a deep level, Allie. So take it, take it as a compliment. Yeah. Yeah. You really do, Allie. We really appreciate taking the time. As Heather said, you really touch a lot of people.

30:37You, I have to say this, you sharing your IVF journey really meant a lot to me as someone who has gone through several rounds of IVF. So I appreciate you being so open because I know how vulnerable you can feel in those moments. I'm trying not to cry as well, but it just means a lot. Thank you. That's it. Thank you for saying that. Yes. And your show is so fun, by the way. Oh, thank you. Thank you. It's so important for us to use our platforms. And the IVF journey and fertility is something I want to keep speaking about, especially as we try this next chapter and actually transfer some of these embryos.

31:16And I really want to share that as well and have people along with the journey because it doesn't always work out and it's hard, but it is real. And especially for us players who maybe didn't have the information and the encouragement to do this earlier, I think it's important to spread as much knowledge as possible. Well, Allie, we really, really appreciate you. We will see you very soon. Like you said, it's not over. It's still here. And we're so happy you took the time to hang out with us today on Football W. Hey, anytime, anytime. We will take that to heart. And congratulations on a brilliant career.

31:54Not over yet. Allie still has, of course, one more game left with Angel City. We are very much looking forward to it. Allie, thank you. Thank you for having me. Thanks for coming, Al. Game day at my place is kind of a big deal. If I'm grilling, chilling, and watching hoops, my outdoor patio setup better be ready to play. That's where Wayfair wins. From patio seating and umbrellas to grills and grilling accessories, Wayfair's got it all, and it shows up fast. I'm talking championship-level fast and easy delivery. So level up your grill game and your outdoor chill game and head to Wayfair.com now to get your outdoor space ready for the season.

32:35Buster Olney here for La Quinta by Wyndham. When you're on the road this summer traveling for work, your routine can fall behind faster than a 3-0 count, especially if your hotel gym is non-existent. But at La Quinta by Wyndham, every location features a full-size, fully-equipped fitness center. So whether it's cardio, weights, or a quick workout before a long day, you can stay on top of your game. No excuses, no shortcuts, just your full routine, ready when you are. And when you book at LaQuinta.com, you can earn Wyndham Rewards points with every qualified stay. Tonight, LaQuinta. Tomorrow you shine.

33:14Terms and conditions apply. Switching gears. What a great chat with Allie Riley. Let's take it to the race for the eighth playoff spot, Jeff. We're going to start with what we saw with Bay FC and NC Courage. Right. Yeah, we've been tough on Bay on this show, and I don't think it's going to get much better today. Nope. Ashley Sanchez and Manaka Matsukubo. Yeah, I mean, Jordan Tocco has been very good, all things considered relative this year. I mean, obviously not her finest moment here. And the start of a big night for Manaka, who got some help from the opponent, I feel like, in a couple cases.

33:54Definitely, and took full advantage of that. In the eighth minute, Meredith Speck sets up Matsukubo. Yeah, now this one, this one, you know, fully full credit to North Carolina. I mean, yes, it's a big ball, but you know, the build up here and then a tidy finish. So a really nice finish from Anaka and then kept going. We'll get there. Yep, we'll get there. Penelope Hawking said, all right, let's at least get one on the board for the 2-1, Jeff. A little bit of a bright spot for Bay and Hawking has been really for throughout the season for Bay. But yeah, it wasn't going to last. Nope, because Matsukubo, here she is again.

34:31Starting the play, though, Lucy heading the pass, and Shinomi Koyama scores. Yeah, nice heads-up play from Tyler Lucy. You know, nice finish, and then this is the one again. I mean, yes, there's a slip. The back pass is dangerous to begin with, even without the slip. Patrick from Anaka, who's now got 10 goals. She's joint third. I mean, she's not going to chase down Chuinga in one week left, But, you know, I think speaks to a very good season that Monaco's had overall. Yeah, speaks to a North Carolina moment as well. Let's take it to Gotham hosting Racing Louisville in the 15th minute. No surprise here.

35:10Jalen Howell outside the box. Jalen Howell's been very good. I think Allie, we haven't seen Allie in a bit. She's been singing Jalen Howell's praises. Yeah, she was there. She's been very good for Gotham in the midfield. 20th minute. Mitch Burst fighting Jaden Shaw. And Purse hits the post. Purse was very good throughout this game. I mean, really, I think this might have been the best game we've seen yet from Purse in her return, goal or not. Yep, left us here. Back 28th minute. 1-1. Yeah, this is classic Louisville here, too, because Gotham was dominant up until this point. Emma Sears finds some space on the wing, which is what she does.

35:48Great cutback ball at the back post. Maybe could have been handled a little bit better. Obviously, a little bit of miscommunication. 42nd minute, though. Shaw to Rose LaVelle hits the post. The post is all over the Shaw LaVelle combo. I mean, Jordan Bloomer got some help from the woodwork. She came up with some big saves as well. And this was one of them, though. I mean, this is her pushing it off the woodwork. Yeah, that's impressive right there. 65th minute Sarah Weber for the Louisville goal. I mean, not handled well in the back if you're Gotham. I mean, Jess Carter's got to do better, obviously.

36:19And then, yeah, but it's opportunistic. I would, this is a good word for Louisville this entire season. and opportunistic. A hundred percent. I don't think we expected this sort of season from the 85th minute, though. Come on. Yeah. Come on, Rose. She's been big in big moments. She has been throughout her career. Again, when healthy, she's been healthy. She's been big. Yeah, she definitely has. And it was a 2-2 there. I mean, it was good for Gotham, who officially clinched after that result this weekend. But fighting for the final playoff spot between two teams, Bracing Louisville and North Carolina Courage, Courage.

36:53It's a battle quite literally towards the end. And we will, of course, keep our eye on what's coming up. Here's what you need to look out for. Louisville will clinch a spot with a win against BFC or a draw or loss if North Carolina does not win. For the Courage, they have to win against Gotham and have Louisville lose or tie the game. They will be eliminated if Louisville wins. So, of course, I mean, it's tough, obviously, decision day, Heather, to really stay in the moment, to really focus on those 90 minutes. What do these teams have to do, whether it's North Carolina Courage, Louisville, it's the same philosophy, right?

37:36Focus on what's in front of you. Yeah, I mean, and a kind of bizarre schedule, Jeff. I don't know. This would be a history question for you. I don't remember this international break falling with one game to play. You know, it's kind of like a weird one. Somebody used the word purgatory. So all these teams have to wait this extended period of time to play this final match of the season. In this case, it's only determining if two teams make playoffs. But there's still a lot of jostling around that has to happen for home field advantage of so many other teams. So this long break is really kind of keeping us wanting more for this final game.

38:20And I know that the players will be, you know, sort of all over the place mentally with trying to be totally locked in with their international duties. And if you're not with international duty, you know, just plugging away your training for this one 90-minute window that will sort of be do or die for these two teams in particular. that have had nearly identical seasons in every way in the statistics column and goals scored and all the stats are neck and neck. So this is going to be really just a sliver of a difference between these two sides. And I'm sure that both sides can look back and say, oh, we dropped points there.

38:59We dropped points here. I'll tell you what, in terms of like karma, North Carolina is just not going away. And something wants to make me believe that they could get a result, you know, against Gotham at home when everything's riding on it. So I'm going to throw my take as slight advantage to North Carolina Courage to sneak in, especially with that four-goal performance last game. It was the most goals that they've scored all season. And things are peaking for them at the right time. Jeff, thoughts? Well, to the international break point, it's a problem the NWSL has been dealing with forever, really.

39:41I mean, do you put it in the playoffs? Do you put it before the playoffs? And they're not going to be able to solve it with the way the FIFA calendar is. But another scheduling quirk, Heather, you talked about, I mean, we just talked about the Bay highlights. Well, Bay, North Carolina, now Louisville gets Bay. I mean, all due respect, I think matchup-wise, if I'm Louisville and I need a point, potentially more, obviously. But if I'm Louisville and I need a result versus Courage, absolutely need a victory over Gotham. Yes, Courage at home. I think they're going to try to get fans to turn out, try to make that a home field advantage.

40:14But I'm liking my chances of getting that result against Bay than I am against Gotham. So that's where I would give Louisville the advantage for sure, just from a matchup perspective. I do think overall in the season, Louisville has been better. But to the point of drop points and karma, I mean, they have blown so many leads. They have dropped so many points after the 80th minute. I think it was 10 or 12 was the number recently, just after the summer break in a stretch. So, you know, they can only blame themselves if they don't make the playoffs. And, I mean, Bev Yanez and company have got to be looking at that saying, oh, my goodness, ninth place could be there again.

40:55Four years in this league, Louisville, four ninth place finishes. and if they don't get it done and the courage get the result they need, ninth place is staring them down for a fifth straight time. That is something I can't even, like, I can't fathom. Like, ninth every year. You've got to avoid that. I mean, if you're Louisville, you have to avoid that. Yeah, better. They're consistent, Jeff. They're consistent. They are very consistent. And hopefully they're hoping not this time. Whether it's Louisville or North Carolina, Heather, who do you think can make a deeper playoff run? I mean, we're talking both facing up at Kansas City, you know, for that first game.

41:39That's a tough task for either of those two teams. So, you know, I'm going to be honest. I'm slightly biased. North Carolina is my home club. I've talked on this show before. You know, I'm a season ticket holder. I sit behind the bench. I have my hot dog and beer, go to as many games as I can, and I'll be there on November 2nd cheering on the girls. So, yeah, listen, I think that, like I said, they're peaking at a good time. They're finding their scoring boots, especially in Minaca. And I think, you know, they have a good team feeling going forward. I think some young players like Riley Jackson have really stepped in to that hole that was left by Denise O'Sullivan due to her injury, but she got back on the pitch.

42:29So it just seems like things are coming together for the Courage at the most critical time. And quite frankly, you have Denise O'Sullivan coming back from an injury, and then you have Temwa Choinga maybe doing something to her adductor, and it's just feeling like maybe the Courage is going to go on a bit of a run here. Yeah, I mean, at the end of the day, let's see what either team can do, of course, to finish out the season, but I don't want to say Louisville deserves it more. Both teams deserve a spot in the playoffs, but Louisville maybe has been a little bit more consistent here towards the end.

43:04All right, let's take it to our Player of the Week nominees. Always a great lineup. Durina, Ryan Garrys, Manaka Matsukubo, Olivia Moultrie, of course, and Yasmin Ryan. Heather, let's start with you. This was a tough one for me between Moultrie and Monaka. Moultrie with another brace, by the way, and just like a quality goal. One was a penalty kick, but one was just a quality shot outside the box. She's playing very, very well right now. But I was there at the game live doing some TV work, and Monaka against Bay FC was just a different level. I mean, she was just – I mean, she scored a hat trick, but she probably should have honestly had five or six goals.

43:47and so that you know and she's such a young player and was just so dangerous like playing underneath the back line of Bay if she needed to link up darting behind the back line I mean in this one she just that's just a will you know she just outwills the center backs of Bay FC in terms of just running at pace and getting in the box and then obviously this one was a little bit of a gift, but a young player that's just getting better and better. I think the courage all discussed how much she's improved over the last nine months. So it's so encouraging to see. And I was able to be at the U-20 World Cup down in Colombia and watched her with her Japanese teammates.

44:28And quite frankly, that's a scary group of players. Very, very good young Japanese team upcoming, another generation of Japanese superstars. So that's something to look out for in the future. But what a week for her. Yeah, what a week it was. It's no surprise that you had her pick. Who's your pick for this week, Jeff? Well, I just think you'd be happy, actually. We've got to give a little bit of love to Houston. I mean, to end the streak that the Kansas City current were on, I think if we could give a collective player of the week, it's the entire back line, throw Jane Campbell in with them. But I think Yasmeen Ryan for me is, you know, she had the assist on the goal, the lone goal of the game.

45:12She created in the moments that Houston needed. And yes, I think a lot of this was on the defensive performance of Houston. Yes, they got some help from the woodwork at times. But Yasmeen Ryan throughout this season, and we saw it again against Kansas City, we see it in this assist, we saw it in plenty of other moments in this game, has been the life of this team. I mean, I think this team is improved. Some people thought they would be so improved that they could be a title contender, which was, I think, always a little bit ambitious and crazy. But they have improved, and she's a big reason. She was their marquee offseason addition.

45:47She's been extremely good throughout this season. She's been consistent, and it pays off to a degree in this game. I think the give and take of this game being that they had that little bit of hope and it was quickly killed off by the results around them. which were a long shot anyway for playoffs. So a high moment and then a quick dip from it, obviously. But, yeah, I think Yaz Ryan has been great and has laid a foundation, hopefully if you're Houston, to finally have some consistency because it just hasn't been there really in franchise history. Yeah, I mean, in talking to Fabrice Cottrell, that was my question to him.

46:22If he feels like there's finally a foundation that they can at least build off of, and I think they're showing it here in the last stretch of the season, rather it's a better late than never thing. It's not enough to make playoffs, but maybe it will be enough to at least have an important performance after performance here coming next year. And maybe next year we'll be talking about Houston in the playoffs. But dare you dream. Let's take it to some good news. So with Trinity, well, good news because we were expecting the worst here with Trinity Rodman. She's a grade one sprained MCL in her right knee.

46:53An injury that she picked up in the first half of the CONCACAF W Champions Cup against Monterrey last week. Now, Rodman left the field in tears before halftime, was seen on crutches during the break and post-match. And Washington Spirit head coach Adrian Gonzalez said there's no timetable for her return. She's defacitated today, so starting the rehab, she's doing good. So the results that we got are the best scenario. Obviously, an injury is not always a good, you know, situation. but yeah, so it's not as bad as, you know, could be. So she's starting out the rehab. She has a sprain, MCL sprain.

47:39It's not too big, you know, too much. But yeah, we need to see how she's doing, you know, every day and start the rehab today and, yeah, try to support her in this situation. We are going to take this, you know, day by day. Every player is completely different, and we want to support her, obviously. And as a human being right now, the most important thing is just to recover and see how she feels every day. Hopefully we'll see her back really soon. Hopefully we'll see Trin here for the playoffs. But first, NWSL Decision Day schedule. I mean, quite the action we have on ESPN. Casey Curran versus San Diego Wave.

48:19NC Courage versus Gotham. Chicago Stars and Angels City, Orlando Pride, Seattle Reign Racing, Louisville versus AFC that we just talked about, Utah Royals, Houston Dash. And then we'll see that final match as well. Some on NWSL plus a bunch of these games at the exact same time. If you've shopped online, chances are you've bought from a business powered by Shopify. You know that purple ShopPay button you see at checkout? The one that makes buying so incredibly easy? That's Shopify. And there's a reason so many businesses sell with it. Because Shopify makes it incredibly easy to start and run your business.

48:56Shopify is the commerce platform behind 10 % of all e-commerce in the U.S. From household names like Mattel and Gymshark to brands just getting started. Shopify gives you a leg up with hundreds of beautiful, ready-to-go templates to express your brand style and forget about the code. Tackle all those important tasks in one place, from inventory to payments to analytics and more. Spread your brand's word with built-in marketing and email tools to find and keep new customers. And did I mention that iconic purple ShopPay button that's used by millions of businesses around the world? It's why Shopify has the best converting checkout on the planet.

49:35Your customers already love it. If you want to see less carts being abandoned, it's time for you to head over to Shopify. Sign up for your$1 per month trial and start selling today at shopify.com slash network. Go to shopify.com slash network. Shopify.com slash network. I like things my way, my coffee, my schedule, and my treatment. So I talked to my doctor about self-injecting with the Vivgard Hytrulo Pre-Filled Syringe, which contains F-Gartigamide Alpha and Hyaluronidase QVFC. It's injected under your skin subcutaneously. It means I can inject in my space on my time. It's my treatment, my way.

50:17Visit VivGuardMyWay.com. That's V-Y-V-G-A-R-T MyWay.com. And talk to your doctor about VivGuard Hattrulo. Brought to you by Argenix. NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman has extended her contract with the league, which would run through the 2028 NWSL season. Now, her deal was set to expire in the next few months. Multiple sources told ESPN the board did not have a unanimous opinion on how to move forward. I mean, with what she's done in the last few years, a$240 million media rights deal, an ongoing expansion of the league, rising team valuations, all these little notes. Of course, I was able to read your article, Jeff, but let's take it to the burning question here.

51:02Are you cool with it? Yes, I'm cool with it with an if that needs to happen. And I think this is what you hear from folks around the league. some of them in the boardroom, plenty of executives, is that there has to be a buildup of the league staff around her. And if you look at this moment in time, a real inflection point of the league, you have the highest ranking commercial executive has just departed. You have the highest ranking sporting executive is currently or imminently departing. And so you need support around any commissioner. But I think that is what a lot of people want to see in this next phase, in this next three years or sooner than that really from around Berman.

51:46So, you know, I think that's the big thing is you can look at, I think the commercial success has been undeniable. The, a lot of folks, and I think there's merit to this is the commercial success with you weigh that against the sporting, the tricky position that the league is in from a sporting perspective, which is some of it we've talked about with players potentially going overseas. Is that potentially a trend? How are they competing globally against some of the bigger clubs? So I think that yes is the short answer from the perspective of where the league has gone and can keep going with the right build-out of this league staff.

52:24And the league front office has built out in volume, but it needs to continue to build out at the very highest level. Heather, what do you think? I'm cool with it. Listen, everybody is going to have hiccups along the way, and there's been a few. but there's been, in my opinion, far more in Berman's pros column. I mean, the commercial side, as Jeff was talking about, we're talking about real money now, right, in terms of the TV deals. But for me as a former player, I think where she's impressed me is her willingness to go to the table with the Players Association and really make some difficult and groundbreaking calls in American sports and getting rid of the draft, right?

53:11That to me was a huge deal and took some guts and has never been done before. So she's not afraid to make some big decisions like that and to really put the players at the center of these decisions. And, you know, like I said, I think, you know, There's going to be people or owners that disagree with certain things that she chases after. But at the end of the day, I think she's done a lot of good things and deserves another crack at it. Yeah, a lot of those details that she has done for the league. Of course, I invite you to go to ESPN.com and read Jeff's article. I mean, you also wrote about this next thing that we're going to talk about.

53:53Another are you cool with it question because of what we saw, a regional joint World Cup 2031 bid will consist of the United States, Jamaica, Mexico, Costa Rica. Federation presidents confirmed Monday that 2031 Women's World Cup will feature 48 teams for the first time. Now, FIFA is expected to ratify the bid at the FIFA Congress in Vancouver next April. Heather, I'll start with you. Are you cool with it? Well, considering that we're the only one that's bidding, yes, I am cool with it. And I think we have a very good chance. It is, I think, a larger group than I thought. I thought that it was just, you know, the U.S.

54:36going kind of in solo. But obviously this is kind of the evolution of the game is getting buy-in from different countries and having a sort of multinational approach. And I certainly think that this area of the world in women's soccer has sort of, how do I put it, like the haves and the have-nots, right, of the development of the game. And I think hosting a tournament like this could do wonders for these countries in particular. And being a product of watching the 99 World Cup and just influencing me so much at a deep level and how I see women's sports and see myself, I'll always be a huge proponent of any chance for the U.S.

55:20to host a World Cup. Jeff? Well, I'm going to say it is open to interpretation here, maybe. So I'm going to say I'm not cool with the trend, which is 48 teams. It is men's and women's World Cups. We've got hosts that, I mean, you can't even, some of them, you've got a handful of hosts, right? I mean, we've got a men's World Cup coming up that is going to be crossing continents and oceans after a single game. So I'm not cool with that trend. As far as co-hosting, which I think is the primary piece of our question, it's fine. I mean, talking to people in New York yesterday, you know, I think it sounds like there were no answers of how many games will each country host?

56:02What will this look like logistically? Too early for them to at least tell us. Maybe they have an idea. But the sentiment seemed to be that Costa Rica, Mexico, and Jamaica will not host many games. And I think we can probably assume that. They may end up hosting a game that was kind of jokingly said by JT Batson. It was a joke, but I don't think it's far from reality. So in that sense, you know, it's cool to have for the first time Costa Rica and Jamaica hosting a senior World Cup game of any kind. Might be their only game. Of course, that could be galvanizing for their home countries. And then from there, it's a big tournament in the U.S., which, I mean, we'll see how it goes next year on the men's side.

56:40There's plenty of things that give me pause. Yeah, I completely agree. I am happy to see Mexico in there. I hope it's more than one game because of how they've specifically done the efforts in the last a little under 10 years and what they've done with the Liga MX Femenil and how they've constantly just brought in big sponsors as well. And we've seen that talent now translate to the Mexican national team. I know this is beyond a Mexican national team thing, but of course, that would be a sense of pride as well. And Mexico has hosted several World Cups and has always gotten a good rap. We know that they will be involved next year.

57:14So, of course, I will agree with you on that, though. I'm not loving this trend as well. But, Heather, like you said, the most important thing will be for, obviously, the women's game to benefit the most and have this global impact that I don't want to say we're waiting for, but we're kind of waiting for that truly big boom globally for women's soccer. Well, yeah, I think it's been, you know, just heavily dominated in certain regions, right? I mean, Europe's doing some fantastic things and, of course, the U.S. But, you know, it would be really important to sort of spread the good times with those countries.

57:54And I think that that really is the point of FIFA, right, is to make sure that this beautiful game is experienced all over the globe. And that's difficult when only certain countries can afford to host, right? And so it's like this perpetuating cycle of the same soccer nations becoming bigger soccer nations because they are our host for these events. So, yeah, I think it's important for the game. And, yeah, I'd like to see how it all unfolds. But, yeah, U.S. soccer and JT Batson and Cindy Parlecon really doing some big things. I think, you know, as much as everybody loves to just hammer U.S. soccer all the time, I think they've really done an incredible job.

58:44And obviously, we get to host 2026 as sort of a warm up. It'll just be a little paster to the 2031 World Cup. So a little guinea pig experiment, I think. Yeah, I mean, obviously, we won't see anything like it. Jeff, you want to say something? Just people love to hammer FIFA, too. I mean, money talks. That's what it is. I mean, that's why the World Cup's here next year. It's 2031. You look at the ticket prices next year. This World Cup is being talked about as they want to make the most revenue ever. They want to make it the most profitable ever. Gianni Infantino wants to break$1 billion in revenue.

59:17He knows he can maybe do that in the U.S. because the U.S. will pay those prices. The U.S. will put it in big stadiums. It's not going to – I mean, how many places can it happen? So we have uncontested bids for the U.S., for the U.K. in 2035. It's happening on the men's side. So, yeah, I think we're in an era now where, to Heather's point, there's only a few countries that can host this thing, men's or women's going forward. And that's because it's getting bigger, but it's also because people are getting hungrier. Cash. Yeah, absolutely. Looking forward to what talent will be available, too, for the 2031 World Cup.

59:50Maybe we're going to see a few of these names here coming up. It's time to run it back. I am, of course, talking about the U17, the youth national team here for women's. They got their second group stage win in the World Cup. A double from Lauren Malsum. We saw Maddie DiMaria as well and Yanya Ture. I mean, what do you think of these goals, Heather? Well, I know that Malsum has been kicking butt at UNC her freshman season, so I'm not surprising, but the future is always bright. I think the youth national teams have had some tough goes in the last couple of cycles. So let's long let these wins continue.

1:00:28And whether they win or lose, this is an experience that I think will serve them as a lot of these players head towards senior football. Yeah. Jeff? Yeah. I mean, I think this is an age group in particular that has been a struggle for the U.S. So this is really something that they've got to figure out the U-17s and got to be their future, of course. Yeah, absolutely. Corbin Schrader added again, Jeff, her fourth league goal. Maybe some motivation, not on the U.S. roster, not on the U23 roster either. I think that's a big message for her. So, yeah, I mean, she continues doing league play, and I think she's going to try to continue to make her case to Emma Hayes what she's got to do.

1:01:10I mean, that's a question for Emma Hayes maybe. Yeah, absolutely. I mean, really using that motivation and putting it behind her goal-scoring abilities. Corbin Schrader still will have to see what she can do as well. Let's take it to someone at the goalkeeping position. We know that Emma Hayes is constantly keeping her eyes on. She had such a good game. Fallon Tullis-Joyce Heather was the standout for Man United. Yeah, Tullis-Joyce has been doing some great stuff since she's been over there. I think she's quietly making a case for herself to be number one keeper. I mean, she did it here in the U.S.

1:01:48and then to have the guts to go to a big club like Manchester United and just kind of go for it over there, right? And I think it's only going to increase her leadership ability. I mean, especially as a goalkeeper, to go to another country to lead from the back, I think is absolutely huge for her development. So she's been really impressive through the last few years. Yeah, she had really, really impressive saves. Hey, speaking of Fallon, tell us Joyce. Look who's hanging out with us next week. Our Allie Krieger is back. Jeff, of course, as well. Tuesday, 8.30 p.m. Eastern on ESPN+. Very much looking forward to that conversation with her.

1:02:37All right, let's take it to Spain now with Jenny Hermoso and Mappy León, who are back with the Spanish side. The last time we saw Jenny Hermoso was in 2024. She wasn't taken into consideration for the 2025 Euros, as Monse Tomei said that it was, quote, a technical decision. As for Mappy Leon, the defender, last time we saw her, yes, was in the Euros, but in 2022 in that elimination match in quarterfinals against England. Let's take it to, actually, the full team roster, as we're seeing. I mean, some regulars, of course, always star-studded. Catacol there back and the goalkeeping position as well as we're seeing Jenny Hermosa and Mariona Calcandete not surprised to see her there.

1:03:20Hey, a little NWSL representation. A lot of NWSL representation when we're talking about Esther Gonzalez. Aitana Bonmatia, Alexia Putea is not surprising to see them there. Fiamma Benitez as well. Looking forward to that. But our Gemma Zule has more on Jenny Hermoso and Mappy Leon coming back. Yes, Cristina, it's a fresh start for the world champions. Spain, the new manager Sonia Bermúdez, has decided to call up Jenny Hermoso and Mappi León to her squad ahead of the Nations League semifinals against Sweden. Jenny Hermoso has been out of the Spanish national team for over a year now, following the infamous incident with Luis Rubiales and her disagreement with former coach Montse Tomé.

1:04:04Hermoso is Spain's all-time leading scorer with 57 goals and she has been stunning with her recent performances in Mexico with Tigres. She was named Player of the Month in September and has scored 13 in her last 15 goals in the last 15 games in the Mexican League. Alongside her returns Mappy León, the Barcelona defender, who hadn't worn the Spanish T-shirt since 2022. She was one of the 15 players who did a rebellion against the Spanish Federation Luis Rubiales and coach Jorge Bilda. These two returns are very important, both on and off the pitch. Jenny was the captain of the team that became world champions and Mappy León brings tremendous leadership in the defence and also quality.

1:04:49Manager Sonia Bermúdez, who played with both of them, has explained that this is a start from scratch. And this decision has been very praised for the Spanish fans because it closes one of the most painful chapters in their recent history And now these two players will try to take the Spanish national team into yet another final, the Nations League final. Cristina. Thank you so much, Gemma. I mean, Heather, it's the rich getting richer, right? With Jenny Hermoso coming back, with Mapi León coming back. But what do you make of both of them coming back, as Gemma said, closing a very painful chapter here for the Spanish national team?

1:05:31Yeah, I think it's a success story for everybody involved, right? These are players that maybe didn't know if they would ever return to the national team. And the national team did well without them, let's be clear. But could they be even better with these players? I think that that's what the new coaching staff is giving a genuine look at. And I think they deserve it with their performances. And I think Spain has been leaders in many regards. And I know that they, like the U.S., went through difficult evolutions of women's football. And this is sort of just a real sign of a new era and a new squad going forward.

1:06:13So two thumbs up. I am cool with it because I know that both of these players are very, very good. Jeff? Yeah, I think Jenny's story really well known globally. Unfortunately, of course, with how it went. But I think Mappy Leon, maybe not as much globally in English language, especially, I think to stand up against what was happening and miss a World Cup for it. I'm not comparing the situations, but just to say that I think that that hasn't necessarily gotten as much attention in a way that it should. Again, not comparatively. But yeah, I think, you know, to see Mappy Leon, I think, you know, we just had Allie Riley talking about in a very different way.

1:06:50She didn't know if she'd get back to the field. and that was an injury. But I think if you're Mappy Leon, you don't know if you're ever going to get back there. I think you probably wrote it off at this point, right, years later. So, yeah, just great to see that at least whatever happens from here, that they've gotten the chance that they can end that chapter, that piece of things on their terms whenever that is. So, yeah, I think – but we should really – yeah, I mean, an incredible story for the comeback, for Mappy Leon to do what she did. and, of course, what Jenny Hermoso went through and overcame, really.

1:07:23Yeah, absolutely. It's so valuable to have someone like Jenny Hermoso in the Liga MX Femenil. It's been great to see Mappy León, of course, performing at the highest level with Barcelona. And, of course, it's great news for Sonia Bermúdez to be able to have both of them back on the squad. All right. No, we didn't forget our always lovely closeout with the top ten And starting with some style here, Heather, Rose Lavelle. Again, Louisville thinks they have this in the bag, but Rose Lavelle says, no, no, no, no. After hitting the post there earlier in the match, that's a great set piece, and that's something right off the training ground.

1:08:06Sometimes you think natural talent, but no, I know Rose Lavelle has worked hard at things like that. How about the number nine here, Jeff? Well, Carribello gets on the board. Was it three minutes after the own goal? And emphatically, I mean, spectacular on the half volley, upper corner, close enough to it, and redeeming and a huge win for Orlando. I mean, absolutely necessary win with a little bit of fire after the match, too, I think, against developing rivalry. Yep, I mean, had the sun in her eyes and still had the patience to bring that down and strike it through. NCAA here with Raleigh Greeson for Texas Tech, Heather.

1:08:44Wow, well, this is just something that you dream of when you spin your defender, beat another player, and she's just trying to get it on frame. Turn her hips just enough, and it goes right up in the upper 90s. Great goal. Great individual effort. So many great goals from NCAA. We're going to stick here for our number seven, Shelby Vaughn for Michigan State. Ball foliage game. Yeah. I love that. Back post. Yeah, nicely done. Lobbing the goalkeeper. I mean, what a setting. This is college soccer at its finest. It's October, late October. leaves her on the ground. Big time goal. Big time win. I mean, I think it's ideal weather, of course, not only to play soccer, but to score those amazing goals.

1:09:25Let's take it to our number six, a little USL here with Sydney Nacella for Tampa. Son Heather from distance. What is that? 45, 40, 45, 40, 40 or 45 out? Excuse me. She just looks up, sees the keeper off her line and just absolutely cranks it. She puts everything into that beautiful goal. I don't think I've ever scored from that far, to be honest. There's still a chance. Let's take it to number five, Ana Torrada for Espanol. That thing was picking up speed as it went here. This is spectacular. Oh, man. Off the underside of the woodwork. Yeah, that had some velocity. Get the speed gun on that. Yeah, that was tough for the defender, so to just kind of watch her strike that.

1:10:12Let's take it to our number four now. I'm not sure of the pressure there. She was able to back up and then give it everything she had. Exactly. But anyways, we're not talking about the negatives. We're only talking about the positives. And here we have Paige Monaghan. Take it to them. 1v1 effort. She's thinking about cranking it there with her right foot. Cuts it back on her left. A really, really great goal. Great individual effort. I know that that's a player that works hard week after week. And as we know, Utah hasn't had a lot of things to celebrate that. That goal is one of those things. She's just becoming one of those players that doesn't score any ugly goals.

1:10:50Pretty goals only. Like our number three, Annette Sapolskova for Nuremberg, Jeff. I don't know how much she knew about this. I mean, this is like a no-look shot here. Let's see it. Yeah, all right. I mean, it's an awareness factor, and you've got to have that. Absolutely. for our number one, courtesy of Sofia Cantore. Oh, number two, number two. I thought this was number one. It was so good. It was so good, Heather. Well, the Italian has brought a little bit of Italian flair and passion, and here we see another spectacular goal. A little flick behind her leg, and it's just spectacular because it sneaks near post.

1:11:32That is done with style and, you know, substance as well because Washington Spirit needs her to continue their run to a championship. I mean, this is our number one for a reason, Jeff. Okay, all right. A little deflection, but yeah, well taken. Upper 90 on the volley from distance. Yeah, you combine distance with placement, and you've got a winner here. Sonia Huchen for Montpellier against Len here. I mean, going from distance clearly was the theme of the week here for our top ten. And Heather, I know the zip-up was for Allie, but there's a little sticker on there. You want to shout out your kids?

1:12:15Yeah, you know, there was some kind of ugly logo there, so I had to put Peppa Pig over it. But I wanted to give Allie the shout-out for the New Zealand World Cup. But, yes, Peppa Pig made it onto the show. Heather, a shout-out to you. Please come back often. We love having you on the show. Hopefully we'll see you back here very, very soon. Thanks for having me, guys. Thanks a lot to you. We will be back on Tuesday.

1:12:48Turn it up. Storm has zero sugar and 200 milligrams of caffeine, so you can turn that workout up a notch. Good energy in, good energy out. Energy for life.