Futbol W: Christen Press and Phallon Tullis-Joyce Joins the Show!

18:39I mean, you're well aware of the history of great goalkeepers. I'm sure you've heard about it plenty. And, you know, now you come in, three of you in this camp. It's been somewhat consistent, at least in terms of that group. And, you know, you're fighting for that number one spot. So how are you managing, really as a collective, the idea of competition with supporting each other? And it's all relatively very new for all of you. Yes, I definitely think we have a very unique and interesting goalkeeper squad right now. And I think all three of us bring such different attributes that are so special to the game.

19:13and make it all that more competitive. We know what it means to be the goalkeeper. A lot of us shared. I shared my first camp with Alyssa Nair. I was just staring at her the whole time. I just wanted to absorb as much as I could just being in her presence and try to learn as much as I could about what it takes to wear this crest. And I think that's what Mandy and Claudia also share as well is we're really just pushing each other in all of our different X factors. So I think that'll just keep continuing to take us all to the next level.

19:42Cristina Alexander:and found how has the locker room and the u.s women's national team embraced you as a new goalkeeper especially just leading from the back right you have to have that big voice that leadership mentality which i could see that you you have that respect from the players both at club and now country so how have they embraced you and how has that culture been for you personally i think you're catching me at a great moment because we actually just had a team meeting where we had to share what we appreciate about our teammates and when we're in a group of three. And they've just been incredible in accepting me as a person on the field and off the field.

20:16And I like to pride myself on my ability to command the box. So coming out, making sure that I'm heard and known, especially like in our build and, you know, communicating when there's a shot to be stopped or a cross to be stopped. And then on the field, I love that they like to ask about fishing finds and, you know, my last scuba dive. And so it's just like a squad that you could just get this and another thing from. And everyone's just an incredible person. Fallon, I want to ask you maybe a little bit off the field here, but it ties in to, I think, you as a player. I mean, I think very analytical.

20:44I was reading our ESPN.com article last week about you going to the Amazon rainforest and, you know, exploring something. I mean, just using your time off in a way that maybe nobody else was. I want to hear a little bit more about that, what you can share about that experience and also just how you're trying to. I mean, can you apply those things in any way to the field when you take trips like that or you're studying whatever you're studying? Yeah, I think I actually met an incredible scientist. Her name is Dr. Rosa Vasquez Espinosa, and she's studying stingless bees in the Peruvian Amazon. So we were high up.

21:19You would think the Amazon next to the river, but we were actually high up in the Andes Mountains. There were giant armadillos there, jaguars, pumas. And as far as what I could apply to soccer, I just loved it. I was enjoying every single butterfly that flew past me. I've never seen so many bugs in my life. But it's just an incredible moment. I think for things that I do in my life that actually does apply to soccer, free diving and understanding my physiological responses to stress. So I understand my breath work. But when I'm out in the field, I'm just taking notes, trying to learn as much as I can and then pass it on to maybe the eco-reds that I work with through the Manchester United Foundation.

21:52So everything that I learn, all the videos that I take, I then take it to our local schools in the UK and show them what's a possibility as a scientist and also as a professional athlete now oh i i love that

22:02Jeff Kassouf:valent i i just i'm very intrigued to ask you if you had to channel any of those animals that you saw the amazon which one would it be oh oh my gosh i'll go for andy and bear because they are just like fun fact paddington is actually an andy and bear but they are so yeah so difficult to find and see and they're just like um but obviously the bear so way to jack you up you know so i'd love I'd like to be a bear with all the power, but at the same time, a little bit mysterious, a little bit spiritual. So I think I would choose the Indian bear. Oh, I love that. I didn't know Paddington bear was – what kind of bear is he, Fallon?

22:37Jeff Kassouf:Indian bear, yeah. Okay, okay. I'm going to take a note of that. But I'm sure plenty of notes are being passed around right now with this game that you guys have tomorrow. What are you expecting from New Zealand? Expecting from New Zealand? We've seen that they also have a high press. They are definitely very, very intense. But I think we have prepared for that very well against Portugal. And now we've had these 10 days, well, coming up on 10 days together to sort things out. And I think I'm really excited for the squad and see how we perform. I'm very confident for how we'll do.

23:08Cristina Alexander:And Fallon, kind of looking beyond, you know, the game tomorrow and the rest of your season. But for you personally, what are you looking forward to most at the club level and then with the national team in the next few months? At the club level, we will be hosting PSG at Old Trafford. And that atmosphere is going to be absolutely bumping. I know people love a little bit of drama. So I'd love to see Mary again. I think that'll be a bit of fun. And then on the national team level, you know, really presenting our best selves against New Zealand, taking to heart what happened in that first game against Portugal.

23:40We already have done our duty in the second game, but now taking it even further to New Zealand to put that stamp of, okay, we had that little slip up, but now we don't accept that anymore.

23:49Jeff Kassouf:Fallon, I mean, you talked about the club level, obviously the national team level, and we're sort of wrapping up this great conversation with you, by the way. I saw this news earlier. What does it mean to you to have been inducted into the Class of 2026 University of Miami Sports Hall of Fame and Museum? Yeah, I am always about the U. I'm very proud of my time there. Did my bachelor's and my master's degree, and I learned so much from the professors. And that's what has honestly given me such a giant step into the room room where it happens with scientists like Dr. Rose Espinosa. Like, could you believe that?

24:27But that's all a testament to Miami. And I thank them so much for my time. I love being part of that university. And it's so special to me to be part of that Hall of Fame now.

24:34Jeff Kassouf:Hey, I'm sure you're enjoying the college football season as well. But let's talk about what this week is, too. Yeah, the games and everything. But I have a very important question for you. I'm going to ask Ali and Jeff this, too, here eventually on Football W. So they have a little bit more time to think of it. They already know I'm on serious. favorite Halloween candy oh favorite Halloween candy I do love little mini Reese's peanut butter cup the classic you can't go wrong I love it I love it I like you even more Fallon after that answer thank you so much so much for hanging out with us on Football W we wish you all the best at your club level can't wait to see what you do at the Champions League of course with the US Women's National Team we hope to talk to you again very soon Thank you.

25:20Jeff Kassouf:Good luck. What a great chat with Valen Tullis-Joyce. She has been a standout in this new goalkeeper battle now with the U.S. Women's National Team. This is what she has in four games at the national team. Levels only two goals against, three shutouts, and of course that save percentage with 83. All right, let's take a look at the upcoming schedule. We already asked Fallon about what's coming up here tomorrow against New Zealand, followed by those couple of games November 28th, right after Thanksgiving. Put it on your calendar. Italy, December 1st, again against Italy. All right, let's take it to the Nations League now, starting with game one with Spain and Sweden with a new coach here, Sonia Bermúdez, and the Spanish national team, Alexia Putellas doing Alexia Putellas things, Allie.

26:20Jeff Kassouf:I mean, incredible.

26:21Cristina Alexander:This free kick was spot on, side netting, goalkeeper. Had absolutely no chance, but she's doing what she does best. I mean, the 2-0.

26:31Jeff Kassouf:I said it once. There she is. Right? She doesn't know how to score an ugly goal. It's a nice finish in the side netting. It really is. From Claudia Pina there. And Putellas with the brace, Allie.

26:42Cristina Alexander:Yes, brilliant follow-up. anywhere around this goal mouth area to get the rebound, and she's able to put the ball in the back of the net right off the post, and then it's an easy finish.

26:52Jeff Kassouf:Sprinkle a little bit of drama in there. Let's take it to the second half. A big moment, 88th minute, the return of Jenny Hermoso. I haven't seen her since that World Cup performance. Let's take it to the 93rd minute. Eva Navarro finding Pina. Jeff? That's a perfect angle. Let's see that goal, too, from behind there with the curve, the side netting inside that, the far post. Yeah, Cale Pina. We've been talking about her a lot on this show. Nice finish and an easy, comfortable win for Spain. I mean, she really deserves her flower. She gives us so many gems on this show. Let's take it to game two again, Spain versus Sweden.

27:29Jeff Kassouf:19th minute, a set piece. Mappy Leon also back on the Spanish national team. Irene Paredes missing that open header, Ali.

27:37Cristina Alexander:Yeah, unfortunate, but obviously the defending was also quite shocking on that set piece. So unfortunate that she couldn't put the ball in the back of the net, but they have another chance on the opposite end.

27:50Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, Felicia Schroeder can't get a good foot on that, Jeff. Yeah, not the most challenging shot for the keeper, obviously. But how about the 74th minute? Aitana on Mati, Claudia Pina. And guess who it is again? Alexia Puntella, Sally.

28:04Cristina Alexander:I mean, wide open, right in the penalty spot. She just is able to find the spaces, right? and then Pina was able to get the ball right on her foot. Easy finish when you have that space and that time to put the ball in the back of the net, but hits it first time, hits the post a little bit. Just a little bit. To go in the back of the net. Yay, but it's in there.

28:24Jeff Kassouf:So Spain's golden era, yes, that is the big question. They're always favorites, as is Aitana Bonmatis at the club level. Barcelona, it seems to be a trend with so much talent that this team has, of course. the finalists though here now for the Women's Nations League. Who will be their rival? That is the question. Let's take it to game one. Germany versus France. A nil-nil, but Nuskin getting close, Allie.

28:58Cristina Alexander:Yeah, this is a brilliant ball in the back of the back line. It's really difficult for defenders to face their own goal to try to clear the ball. So great ball there. Well done.

29:09Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, Melvin Malau tried to get something on there, Jeff. Yeah, I mean, look, it's tight here. It's close. I mean, I think on both of these situations, a little bit better marking the box if you're the opponent, of course.

29:21Cristina Alexander:79th minute, Clara Bull. She's been brilliant. She's been brilliant. The way that she could strike this ball, get that little bit of space opening up to give her that time to be able to hit the ball in the back of the net.

29:33Jeff Kassouf:So 1-0 on aggregate for Germany. Let's take it straight to what we saw in game two earlier today. Selma Bacha with the cross. Malal on a strong header, Jeff. Yeah, this is well-placed, far post, and a great reaction in the box. 12th minute. Jewel Brand, Nicole, and Yomi over the 1-1. Yeah, she makes this look so easy.

29:56Cristina Alexander:That turn to be able to keep it at her feet, back to goal, spun the defender, and was able to get that fast trigger in the back of the net.

30:03Jeff Kassouf:50th minute, Clarabool, again, Jeff. I mean, perfect placement near post. She just finds the slightest opening here. I mean, it's a spectacular finish. Oh, it really is. Just hits up the top post. Cavillato Gianni crosses to the box. Clara Matteo to equalize it, Ali.

30:19Cristina Alexander:Yeah, it's one of the toughest spaces to defend as an outside back is that back post. She doesn't even take a look, has no idea where the player is and was able to get that ball in the back of the net. I mean, what a chance here for France.

30:33Jeff Kassouf:Matteo shot. Saved, Jeff. France just almost breaking hearts since 2011. Oh, come on, Jeff. Is that really how we're going to... Is that how we showed up today? No, I'm kidding. It is the truth, though, because it's insane. I mean, I said France was one of the favorites here for the Euros here during the summer, but it's a tale of the tape between Spain and Germany. I mean, the shots, the goals, the corners, obviously, a little more towards the Spanish side. But what I'm trying to say is that it seems like a very even matchup because obviously it seems a little bit like when we talk about Barcelona, right?

31:12Jeff Kassouf:The favoritism when we talk about Spain. But what can Germany do to kind of settle them down a little bit, Ali, in the final?

31:19Cristina Alexander:Well, they have to be able to recognize their possession-oriented style game. They can't high press as quickly as they want to. They have to be organized. They have to be compact. They have to be smart in the press that they have because Spain will look for those weaknesses and be able to break you down so quick and be able to capitalize on that. So I think Germany has to be smart in the way that they attack, not individually in a high press, but as team defending has to be spot on or else Spain will just break you down and take advantage. And they've shown that game after game. So Germany has to and they've also haven't found, you know, a number nine to replace Alexander Popp yet.

31:56Cristina Alexander:So I think that the other players have to step up to be able to. Buell UC has been phenomenal. But they have to step up to be able to create those opportunities that maybe they have been missing because Alex Pop hasn't been able to be there to be a target forward like they need.

32:11Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, I mean, obviously with so many key pieces that Spain has, but Germany has them as well, Jeff, how can they surprise Spain? Well, I think surprise might be the good term. I mean, I think what Ali said, if you're Germany, you have to keep the game in front of you. You have to be mindful of what Spain can do. And I think we see this, I mean, even the Champions League final comes to mind because so many of these players are common players for Barca and for Spain, right? We saw it in Euros as well. Keep the game in front of you. Don't jump out, as Ali said. And I think you have to be, one, you probably have to play a near-perfect game against Spain if you're going to beat them, right?

32:47But you also have to be mindful of the ways in which they break you down. And that is one wrong movement. I think if you're pressing, I mean, it's too frequently, we say it one person presses if they go alone or if one of those timings is off I think Spain is the team more than any team in the world that will make you play it will make you pay and punish you

33:05Cristina Alexander:yeah I also think Germany uh sorry to interrupt but Germany has that direct play right when they can transition quickly and that's when they can capitalize on Spain as well because it's not that they have the best pace in the back uh you know special especially centrally so I think if and Once they win the ball, then they direct the pass forward and have active passes where they're forward. And in behind, they can really hurt Spain.

33:32Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, and I wanted to ask you, obviously, with your experience, you know how these German players play. A little bit repetitive there, but what is the toughest thing to break down of the German players' game?

33:48Cristina Alexander:Well, I think they are super efficient in the style that they have. I think that they like to disrupt and intercept passes, but then they struggle at times to connect that next pass going forward. So if they can tidy up those transitional moments, like I said, where they can play the ball in behind, because they have players wide and up top who love to get the ball to feet. You can see even in the highlight where you have players in and around the box who are willing to get the ball to feet, willing to spin defenders quickly and have fast triggers. So if they can be unpredictable where you could play the ball over, around, or behind and switch up that idea of the style that they want to perform, then they can break Spain down very well.

34:34Cristina Alexander:But if not, then Spain will capitalize on every single mistake and be able to make it look a lot easier in and around the box with their combination and possession style oriented play.

34:45Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, again, with so many of the Barcelona players, not to remind them what happened, but after losing that Champions League final, then Spain losing the final in the Euros, I mean, there's a lot of bears that have been poked on that team. So I'm sure it will be easier said than done here for Germany. We do want to remind you what's coming up this weekend, some WSL action. Chelsea versus London City, Saturday, 8 a.m. Eastern ESPN Plus, and streaming live on the ESPN app. It's Charles Barkley here with Wayfair.

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35:56Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Grainger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities. Call 1-800-GRANGER, click granger.com, or just stop by.

36:38What have you done? There's no more time. I'm going away. Shields, cryptic press. How about that? I've decided that this is going to be my last season.

36:57Los Angeles, I love you. Thank you so much.

37:05Hi.

37:06Cristina Alexander:I'm getting emotional already. Kristen Press, welcome to Football W. Thank you so much for joining us tonight. I'm joined by someone who means a lot to me, a friend, a former teammate, two-time World Cup champion, Olympic medalist, a legend of the game, and someone's voice that has inspired so many people, both on and off the field. Thank you so much for being here. How are you after the big news? How are you feeling? It's a lot. It's a lot. Thank you for having me. I miss you, Allie. I feel right now, this current moment, I'm in the middle of two things, right? I've announced my retirement, but I have another game.

37:50So I'm not retired yet. And that just brings on a mixture of feelings. everything from grief relief uh fear joy um i'm feeling it all i'm trying not to hide from my feelings which is very very hard for us athletes and i'm trying to take it all in i know from

38:12Cristina Alexander:experience obviously how hard it is to come to this decision but not because the game defines who we are but because it's been such a huge part of what we do and how we've spent our lives over the years and for you over 30 years. What was that process like for you emotionally? And when did you know, excuse me, when did you know that this was the time? Honestly, I thought about it all season on and off. And I would have imagined that I'd play one more year because I can't, because my body is doing really well. And I still feel like, you know, I was out for two and a half years with my ACL recovery and I do think that once you get back on the field it takes almost the same amount of time to fully return.

39:03I actually still feel like I'm part of my part of my recovery process and it feels odd to cut that short but I think outside of the physical there it's the mental emotional and that part of me is very ready to move on and while I'm going to miss the grass and miss the girls, I think even more than that, I'm looking forward to what the next chapter of my life holds.

39:31Cristina Alexander:So in your announcement, you said that you want the rest of your life more than continuing to play and that resonated with me a lot too because as an athlete, you can't really explain the feeling you have when you feel, okay, this might be it, like this might be my time to move on to the next phase And that line hit so many people. So it's such a powerful statement. And what did that mean for you personally, making that statement and actually speaking it into existence? It was tough because I still want to play. Like, I've already asked Mark Parsons, like, can I come to training once a week? like I can't imagine my life without shooting like yeah it's like yeah I'll miss games I'll miss practice but like I need a nice grass pitch and a bag of balls so that I can shoot I still feel like I can do it at a level that others can't and it's hard to imagine not doing something that I'm great at right um so I think when I said that it's like it's because I'm torn And it's because I didn't have this epiphany.

40:39I didn't say like, I'm over it. I don't want to do it anymore. I'm not good at it anymore. My body can't play. Like none of that's true for me. But I thought a lot about if I make it back, what if I make it fully back to the player that I was when I got injured? Then what I've done is I've gone back to somewhere I already was. and no matter what I do next year, I'll have never done it before. So instead of living a life trying to get back somewhere, I'm trying to live a life and move somewhere new and experience something new.

41:16Cristina Alexander:I love how you put that. And you've always done everything with such intention and purpose, and that's what I value most about you and just how reliable you are, not only as a player but as a friend and a human being. But after everything you've been through physically and mentally, you kind of touched on this a little bit about your injury, right? And kind of going through that and how that made you an even better player. But how important was it to make the choice on your own terms and not have to, you know, end by an injury or, you know, you just come to a point where you're extremely tired or you're not good enough anymore.

41:55Cristina Alexander:You kind of lost a step, which that doesn't apply to you. yeah i think a few years ago i would have said what do you mean make the decision on your own terms like none of this is on our own terms like we're but a pawn right and it's like larger journey um but i've done a lot of healing work as you know over the last three years through my injury you know i sought out to heal my knee and i ended up gaining so much just in my soul as a person trying to integrate the parts of me that as a footballer, I wasn't able to fully integrate. I think we have to compartmentalize a lot. Um, and through that process, I realized, well, I don't feel like I chose football.

42:43I feel like at three years old, it chose me. And I woke up one day and I was like, Oh my gosh, I'm a professional footballer. How did I get here? I felt like that made it even more important for me to choose when it was over my next life. Because, you know, we all have a love hate with this game. Right. And I want to go into the next phase of my life knowing that I chose this, that I decided this and that I have autonomy over my body and my my mind and my mental health.

43:15Cristina Alexander:You've given fans so many incredible moments, so many fun moments that make everyone just feel so passionate about the beautiful game, just like we do. What's one that, you know, instantly that you remember that makes you smile as well and that you enjoyed the most over the years? What I enjoy the most was bending the ball so far out of the post that you could see a separation between the post and the ball and then whipping it back in. Like, and I, I could point to one, but every single time that I had the joy of that, I mean, I know it delighted others, but it couldn't have delighted them more than it delighted me.

44:00I think in the montage you showed, there was a game and maybe it was in She Believes against England. And it wasn't the most important goal of my career. But it just was a culmination of 10 ,000 hours, 100 ,000 hours in front of the goal by myself, trying to create something that could define my style of play. and I care about the style of it. I care about if it's a pretty goal. Like I was never, I mean, I could have scored a lot more goals if I was a bit scrappier, but I was a person who really wanted to score beautiful goals and those moments that I did it, that I was like, yes, I scored and I looked like myself in how I scored.

44:49That is what brought me so much.

44:51Cristina Alexander:And I loved being on the field with you in real time, being able to watch that. you know, happen in the moment because I wasn't very good at scoring goals, but you were. And you were right in front of me almost every opportunity. And to see the ball bend in the back of the net or just a low-driven ball when no one thought it could be possible, the angle that you were at, it was really incredible. But is that why you fell in love with the game to begin with, right? Right. Just taking the balls out on the field and working on that, that perfection of the shot of the goal that you always were so great at executing.

45:27Or if not, what what what is it about the game that you fell in love with? I think at first it was being good at something. I was really young when I saw the light in my parents eyes that they thought I was a good footballer. And that is what motivated me. I'm a middle child. I wanted to make my parents happy and proud. And I think with football, it's so subjective. And so if I wanted to make it, I felt that the most honest way I could make it was to score goals because no one can deny the stats, right? So I fell in love with excellence. And through that, I fell in love with finishing. And it's such an art.

46:13And football is so complicated and nuanced and beautiful. And I took what I think is the hardest skill in the game. And I tried to break it down to, you know, the angle of my foot in my approach and the little tiny details in the nuance. Um, and I think that over 30 years, I became probably one of the biggest students of goal scoring. Um, and I was so meticulous about that. And as you know about me, like other than chasing excellence, my second passion in life is just learning and growth mindset and process. And, you know, when I look at my career, I will love the moments where I was on a pitch by myself with the ball and the goal and no defenders, no complications, still just experiencing how difficult it is to be excellent at that one singular thing.

47:13And I think that and being outside in the sunshine every day, getting worked out,

47:21Cristina Alexander:getting grounded, getting grounded, which I respect. But you talk about both your parents, and I was so grateful to meet both of them and spend a lot of time with them over the years and just create such wonderful memories that big tournaments and friendly matches. But your mom was such a huge part of your journey, as we all know, and your biggest supporter, your foundation, I can say. So how much of your success do you credit to her over the years? And how did you honor her memory through the way that you played in recent years? I mean, I know for certain I wouldn't be here if my mom hadn't drunk this dream.

48:01In a lot of ways, being a U.S. Women's National Team player, being a great goal scorer, being a professional player, it was not my dream. It was hers. And so through that, I feel connected to her every single time I play. Every single time I put on my kit, I walk out onto the field, I feel that I get to honor my mom in this dream that she had for me. and it wasn't always a good thing to be living your parents' dream, right? But when I lost my mom, it became almost a holy ritual that I got to honor her by playing. And I think as I go into this next phase of my life, it will be very hard to lose that connection point and it will be on my list of to-dos over the next few months to figure out how I can have a regular touchpoint with my mother without football.

48:51Cristina Alexander:I think even though there's endings, you know, to our career and sometimes in moments in our life, but there's always options for beautiful new beginnings to happen. So I definitely see that in the future and the near future for you. So I'm really excited to see what's to come. But you spoke a little bit about this just with injury, right? Football is such a risk and playing sport is such a risk. So going through, you know, that major injury that you had suffered and having a couple of years to get back to the player that you wanted to be, what did that experience teach you about resilience and patience and just rediscovering yourself beyond the competition day to day?

49:36I never thought I would deal with a major injury. As you know, I was 33 and I had never missed a professional match. I had been available for every single professional match of my career. And then, of course, I tore my ACL late in my career. And I thought, well, if I never was injured before, I'll probably recover really quickly. But alas, that was not in the cards for me. And while I went through four different surgeries trying to return to play from my ACL injury, I felt the whole time that I needed to evolve as a human, not as a soccer player, but as a full human before I would be able to come back, before I would get the gift back to me to play.

50:23And so I sort of took it as a challenge. And I learned so much about my resilience, my humanity. I actually think that that time really helped prepare me for what's next because I did learn a little bit about who I am without the ball at my foot. And it was just a complete 360 degree healing experience for me. My knee was the hardest thing to heal on paper. But behind the scenes, you know, the trauma, the wounds, the grief was actually much harder. and I'm still going through that. You know, my knee still hurts from time to time. The trauma still comes up from time to time. There is no other side, right?

51:11It's life. We're journeying through the whole thing. But I would not change my injury for anything in the world because ultimately it was such a gift. It put me in connection with an entire group of people in Los Angeles that are healers, from friends to spiritual gurus to homeopaths to body workers. I built this community of witches, as I call it, to help me heal mind, body, and soul. And I'm going to take these people in this community with me to the next chapter.

51:42Cristina Alexander:That's a great head start. And you can send me their numbers, too, because I might need, two years later, I might need some help. You were such an important, shifting gears a little bit, you were such an important leader during our equal pay fight, right? And I saw it day in and day out. You were incredible. You were leading the way. You were fighting for us. You were talking to all the people that we needed to talk to in order to get things done and get it across the finish line. So I credit you along with a handful of others. I mean, all of us, right? But you were there doing the work, the late nights, the phone calls, bringing the team together.

52:25Cristina Alexander:You were it. I saw that firsthand. Man, so what did that movement mean to you, especially now looking back on your career? It's something that I know you should be super proud of because it changed the game forever. So how do you feel about that moment? And what shift do you think it brought it to our game? Yeah, now that I've been out of the national team environment for a while, it has given me some perspective. And I truly feel that my entire career, all my talents, goals, abilities, were given to me and you know I got the luck that was required to be great at something at sport because I was meant to be there for that fight um it really feels like that's the larger purpose of my career and it's certainly the thing I'm most proud of even after the national team I think you know you know the national team is the hardest group in the world to lead like we've got so many big personalities so much intelligence so much strength um that the fact that you all trusted me now feels unfathomable um you know it's not easy and i've played you know now i'm in a different team in a different locker room with angel city and i've never been given that same responsibility So it all feels like, you know, the perfect storm came together to help me in that moment be there for the team and the team there for me.

53:57And only with that congruence were we able to achieve something that, you know, is remarkable and it will have lasting impact in how women in sport are paid.

54:10Cristina Alexander:And as you now prepare to step away from the game after the game in Chicago this weekend, what do you think you'll miss most? Would it be, you know, the team culture in the locker room, that energy, that competition or something else entirely? Two things come to mind. I just love being outside. I love being on the pitch, on the grass. I love feeling the elements every day. If it's hot, if it's windy, it's so natural. And most of our jobs, you don't get to do that. So I will miss that. And the second thing I will miss is being in an environment where women are empowered and they're strong and they're unapologetic.

54:56Obviously, you know, I run a business and I have amazing women around me, but there's nothing like professional female athletes. Like there's nothing like a locker room in women's sports where we are free of the male gaze. We are free from judgment and we get to be ourselves in a way that the rest of society doesn't really welcome. And the dancing and the laughs and the vulgarity and like just the sauce that women bring every day that honestly, I'm probably not that much a part of, but I love being around that type of energy. It makes me feel brave. It makes me feel strong. And, you know, it'll be my post-career mission to continue to create spaces like that.

55:38Cristina Alexander:I was thinking you were going to talk about our dinners during our group dinners during national team. Oh, and the dinners. And our wine night, you know? Those are forever. Yeah, we could talk about it now. But lastly, if you could talk to that younger version of yourself after building a career grounded in excellence and leadership and authenticity, that young girl, the young Kristen who dreamed of playing for the U.S. Women's National Team and at this level, what do you think you would tell her now? Oh, I have so much to say to little Kristen because poor little Kristen, she worked so hard and she didn't know she had a choice and she was just trying to make everyone happy.

56:23So I would tell her thank you. Thank you for the sacrifice that she made of her childhood to not think about herself, not think about what she wanted think about how she could make her family proud because ultimately it gave us the integrated adult kristin and the little kristin the best life in the world and i'm proud of my younger self for dreaming crazy dreams and believing that i could do it um and facing adversity and making such sacrifice for a sport for a game um because it's been the biggest gift of my life and I don't know where I would be without it.

57:06Cristina Alexander:And before I let you go, I wanted to ask you what you think when you see this pick.

57:16I think Ali Krieger has the strongest, warmest arms of any team I ever knew.

57:27And you probably just assisted, did you?

57:30Cristina Alexander:Yeah, but I don't know. I hope so. Probably one of a few. There's some battles here of you and I. That's probably when you ran right past me and scored a goal. We saw that in the highlight reel. Chicago, Orlando, Dave. Am I? That's better. That's better. Remember talking our ish on the sideline?

57:55Cristina Alexander:The best memory. Oh, and that's definitely post-full. Yes, the best memories, the best days. I loved every minute playing alongside you. I respect you so much, not only as my friend, but a former teammate. And you have inspired me in this beautiful sport that we love so much. So thank you for sharing. Thank you for giving everything to this game, both on and off the field. We adore you. I'm so excited to watch you play this weekend and your last hurrah. So good luck, kick some butt, and we'll be watching and cheering for you. Thank you so much, Allie. Miss you. Miss you. I like things my way, my coffee, my schedule, and my treatment.

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1:00:24Cristina Alexander:I want a Sunday kind of love. A love to last past Saturday night. It's more than love at first sight. I want a Sunday kind of love.

1:00:48Jeff Kassouf:Current versus Wave and Courage versus Gotham. Sunday on ESPN. Oh, yeah, it will be a Sunday kind of love. Decision Day is around the corner fighting for that final playoff spot. Racing Louisville and North Carolina. So with that, we will take it into our NWSL Decision Day. bold predictions. Emphasis on the word bold because in our group chat, producer Beto was like, I don't have any soft takes, you guys. It's time. It's decision day. Allie, let's start with your bold prediction.

1:01:27Cristina Alexander:So what I would love to happen would be a Seattle-Orlando tie. So therefore, my beloved Gotham could beat North Carolina, end up in third place, and have a home playoff match. Alright.

1:01:44Jeff Kassouf:You're looking at me like I'm guilty here.

1:01:46Cristina Alexander:That would be my...

1:01:47Jeff Kassouf:We're not going to leak everything in the group chat. You guys.

1:01:50Cristina Alexander:That would be my bold prediction and what would make me very happy.

1:01:56Jeff Kassouf:I mean, it would be pretty cool. Those fans showing up, showing out. Allie Krieger back in the stadium. Which takes me to Jeff's prediction, too, because of something you had to say about Gotham. Well, listen, do I think this is going to happen? I don't know. But producer Beto said we need bold takes. And listen, I want an interesting decision day. So Gotham falls in North Carolina. I think that might be sold out in North Carolina to the Courage. Courage have hope for however many seconds these games overlap. But Louisville takes down Bay FC, and it doesn't end up mattering in the end for the Courage.

1:02:38But it sets up a one-versus-eight matchup of Gotham, Kansas City, in Kansas City. That's my bold take.

1:02:46Cristina Alexander:Allie? Either way, Gotham's in the quarterfinals. We're happy. We're happy campers. They've clinched. Right.

1:02:52Jeff Kassouf:But all due respect, Allie, it's very different to have that quarterfinal game at home than to visit Casey Curran. Absolutely.

1:03:01Cristina Alexander:I think it's a whole new season, though, so anything could happen. there could be some surprises in this playoff contention so we will see but ultimately yes would I love Gotham to have a home game and not have to go to KC the team who has been phenomenal all season long yeah that would be a dream but if not then they'll do the best they can and show up and show out like they have the the end of this season has been really brilliant they're scoring goals a healthy rose lovelle couldn't be happier yeah decision day drama that's all i want okay i'm bitter from a couple years back we could have had the craziest decision day ever but it was spread out over three days and then we got decision day and now we're getting a little bit

1:03:42Jeff Kassouf:a little bit more progress dry here progress give us the chaos that we can get i get it yeah absolutely so just to clarify you're not leaving louisville in ninth again right now i don't know if that would be a bold take or the like I'm not sure how to say ninth place or fifth time yeah I mean I don't know I mean like logically statistically what are the odds that that could happen yet again but we're I mean here we are it's very possible yeah they deserve they

1:04:09Cristina Alexander:deserve to be in the playoffs like they've they've done really well they've changed their season around from the very beginning they figured out a way and their style and their formation and and how they want to perform and play and show up and score goals. So they deserve, Louisville deserves to definitely be in it. So I'm hopeful that they can finish the job against Bay FC this weekend.

1:04:33Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, all due respect for North Carolina, but we know how they started the season too. It was really tough. We know they didn't have Jaden Shaw anymore at one point in the season, but again, with such a talented player, still nothing was done. But again, this isn't about who deserves it more. Who's going to get it done on Decision Day? We really hope to see some drama, and I'm sure we will. Looking forward to this weekend. A couple of games for you on ESPN. Casey Courant versus San Diego Wave. If you want to listen to the NC Courage game and Gotham FC game in Spanish, I will be there and excited if it's a positive result for Allie Krieger.

1:05:12Jeff Kassouf:Chicago Stars facing Angel City. As Allie talked to Kristen Press about that final match of hers. Orlando Pride, Seattle Reign, Racing Louisville against Bay FC, Utah Royals, Houston Dash. And of course, that final game for Portland Thorns.

1:05:30Jeff Kassouf:Let's take it to the round of 16, U17 Women's World Cup. USA taking on Netherlands. Lina Tzusani putting a long ball lift panic. Makes a great run and takes it all the way, Allie.

1:05:45Cristina Alexander:Yeah, in this situation, you have to keep this player wide. The way that she can take that ball cut in front of the back defender here just gives her that extra chance. Great placement.

1:05:57Jeff Kassouf:Really, really good goal. Yeah, Netherlands up 1-0. Michaela Johnson, though, gets the ball outside the box. Jeff? This is ridiculous. Chicago fans are sitting there saying, hello, stars, lock her down, play her some more. I mean, this is an incredible goal. I mean, if you don't play her some more after this, I don't know what we're doing.

1:06:18Cristina Alexander:I feel like that's how my left foot looks, too, when I play.

1:06:22Jeff Kassouf:Ali, hitting the back of the net like that? Hey, let's take it to a shootout, though. Both teams made their first six penalties. Tess Van de Vliet, no problem for her. Ali's scoring on this one.

1:06:36Cristina Alexander:I mean, right down the center, that's a good decision because the ball went in the back of the net. so well done to get it started

1:06:44Jeff Kassouf:yeah Chloe Sadler though has her PK saved by Marn Gruthoff and Netherland advance Jeff yeah stutter step I mean it's central it's chest tight unless the keeper is guessing which obviously she wasn't it's not going to be good enough yeah that's a tough elimination for the US no doubt in this U-17 Women's World Cup Netherlands awaiting their next rival between Spain and France. Brazil as well and North Korea making it through the quarterfinals. Italy as well waiting for their next rival here. Looking forward to obviously the semifinals and the final.

1:07:30Jeff Kassouf:Let's take it to our top 10. Starting with Canada against Samoa, Julia Amore.

1:07:37Cristina Alexander:Allie. I mean, brilliant. Just that slight touch to get it outside of her foot, away from the defender. She has that slight opportunity to bend the ball back of the net. Puts it perfectly in place.

1:07:50Jeff Kassouf:I mean, a perfect start to our top ten. Let's take it to number nine. Some more U-17 World Cup action. Zhu Xinyi for China, Jeff. Yeah, I mean, great turn here to create some pace and then a really nice finish at the far post. Oh, yeah. Yeah, well done on the bend there as well. Yeah, from distance, sun is in her eyes. No excuses. Play like a champion. Let's take it to number eight for some NCAA action. We've seen some very pretty goals. Linda Olmark here for UNC, Allie.

1:08:22Cristina Alexander:Yes, really good. I mean, it almost seems as though she has plenty of space to continue to combine in and around the box. But she sees an opportunity to hit it back of the net. Behind the goalkeeper. Goalkeeper was near post. Not sure if she was in a good position to be able to save that. But well done.

1:08:43Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, I mean, that was a bit tough. Let's take it to our number seven, Gianna Greggie for Italy in this friendly match, Jeff. Okay, double backheel. All right. Italy, look at this. All right. I mean, we had the Sofia Cantore backheel. Yeah, oh, man. And here we are with a double backheel. I'm not sure I've seen that in such quick succession like this. Nice finish. Nice setup, obviously. Yeah, just understanding each other at a telepathic level. And Gredi puts it in the back of the net in this friendly match. Let's take it back to NCAA. A.G. Gibson for another Louisville that we're talking about, Allie.

1:09:24Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I mean, not the best of clearances on the set piece, but well done, top of the box. She's able to get this up and over the goalkeeper in the back of the net. to take the lead. That's the kindest you've been to a defender in a clearance like that.

1:09:41Cristina Alexander:Goalkeeper, you know, looked as though she could have got a hand on it. So well done by her, but ultimately, it's right in the back of the net. Well done.

1:09:48Jeff Kassouf:This was also in the back of the net for Alexia Puteas, Jeff. Yeah, I mean, we were talking earlier about what can Germany do. Don't give up set pieces either, because this is going to be what your day looks like. I mean, incredible finish from Puteas. Yeah, it really was. We saw some great goals here in the Women's Nations League. We also saw a great goal here. Marissa Sheva for Ireland. Ali.

1:10:12Cristina Alexander:Yeah, top net. That is so difficult to do. To be able to hit this off the bounce, volley it, keep it low enough to get in the back of the net. Well done.

1:10:25Jeff Kassouf:That defender was also just charging her, so keeping her concentration. Let's take it to number three, Sabucha. Bandari for Nepal, Jeff. There we go. That's a fine finish. Here we go. Behind, that's a great angle for it. Yeah, look at this. Credit our team again for finding these goals. I love this. Yeah, speaking of credit, shout out to our Eric Alcantar, who puts this top 10 together. Sent me some pronouncers, so, jeez, if I don't actually get these right. Let's take it to now our next goal, number two, Shabnam Behesht Ali.

1:10:59Cristina Alexander:Well done. I mean, obviously there's no defender stepping to the ball, so she has all the time and the space in the world to hit this in the back of the net, and she does just that. She gets a little touch outside of their foot and is able to just put the ball in the back of the net.

1:11:12Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, she's exactly where the goalie is, and no fear that long-distance shot was there. Number one in a friendly Carolina from distance, Jeff. Another one from distance. Yeah, I mean, this is, yeah, heads up play always to know when a keeper's off her line like this. And then obviously you have to have the execution to just tuck this under the crossbar. World-class finish, really.

1:11:40Cristina Alexander:Shout out to Scotland, everybody. Shout out to Scotland. Shout out. Wait, why are you shouting out to him?

1:11:45Jeff Kassouf:I'm just kidding. Of course I know. Of course I know. All right. I gave you guys a heads up. I don't want to call it a warning. Favorite Halloween candy. I'm intrigued to start with, Jeff. So I have to go with the boring one that I shared off air, I think. It's not boring. You enjoy it, don't you? Listen, my wife is a faithful viewer of our show, and she will be laughing at my answer. I will nibble at this. I like it basic. I'm a basic. I don't even eat much candy. Dark chocolate sea salt, the little rectangles that you get. Eat it. If you're old enough, with a nice glass of red wine. That's it.

1:12:20Dark chocolate sea salt. Plain and simple.

1:12:23Cristina Alexander:That actually sounds great. Sounds pretty great to me.

1:12:25Jeff Kassouf:I love a good dark chocolate and sea salt.

1:12:28Cristina Alexander:Allie? And a wine. That's the key part of everything, really. I was talking about that earlier with press, our wine dinners, and then now. I think it's tough for me between a Twix and a Kit Kat.

1:12:42Jeff Kassouf:Oh.

1:12:43Cristina Alexander:But, like, the little ones, the little guys.

1:12:45Jeff Kassouf:Oh, just the little ones. The mini ones? Yeah, the little ones.

1:12:47Cristina Alexander:Just the Halloween candy. The ones that they call fun, the fun-sized ones. I mean, I would love to get the king size where you get the double pack in the one. But I love the little guy. You know, there's the. Yeah, I give out the fun size.

1:12:58Jeff Kassouf:I'm not a king size household yet.

1:13:00Cristina Alexander:I'm not really like the sweets kind of guy. I'd rather have like a charcuterie board and like, you know, cheese and. Clearly we're just really grown up answers.

1:13:09Jeff Kassouf:You started off well. You're into a charcuterie board. What about you? Reese's peanut butter cup for life. For life. If it's the pumpkin one, even better. Or a little like bat shaped one too. I thought you meant pumpkin flavor. Yeah. Do you feel like it tastes different? I do. It hits different, if you know what I mean. Happy Halloween to all those observed. Go grab your favorite candy, Jeff Alley. Thank you. See you next Tuesday.

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