Futbol W: Crystal Dunn Debut! + USWNT Secures SheBelieves Cup + Boston Legacy Outlook + Drippin or Trippin + Top 5 Goals of the Week

15:24Cristina Alexander:You know, that's a great question. I think I think something that I know and that I'm sure of is the right side in the back line is Guillermo and Fox obviously building that relationship. And they were super solid. They were consistent and they control the game. It never gets chaotic. They read the game really well. And as a defender, timing is the most difficult part of a game to overcome. And they're very good at it. And I think that dynamic allows Fox to be able to get forward, get into the attack, and have more of that mentality to get forward and combine and create numbers up situations in wide areas.

16:12Cristina Alexander:and then Girma can kind of solidify the back line and keep it tight and keep it compact and safe. The way that she can predict balls as well and intercept passes is super intelligent. And that's something that I think they are staples, so to speak, but they even elevated their game more as a pair. I can't say that so much on the left side. That's still a huge question mark. and unfortunately Lily Real like we mentioned couldn't play Avery Patterson I think is a huge highlight in that area Giselle you know has an opportunity so we're not sure if Sonnen's going to be on the left-sided left center back or it's going to be Tierna coming back and being the left-sided or left-footed left center back but I think that pairing that duo pairing and then Fox being able to combine with Trinity Rodman on the right-hand side was was was brilliant at times.

17:08Cristina Alexander:And I hope to see more of that as we move into the bigger tournament pictures, because that right side was pretty solidified for me. And I think specifically those two players really, yeah, had an imprint on every single game.

17:22Jeff Kassouf:Yeah. Bringing that true experience, not only what they're doing now at the WSL level, but with the national team. And Jeff mentioned Giselle Thompson. I want to ask you about Alyssa Thompson and what you think she brings down to the national team and what she's bringing now consistently it seems to the team as well i have to talk about an attacker yeah guess what let's get in there no she's such a lethal

17:46Cristina Alexander:weapon look at the you know the the experience that she's gaining playing in the wsl playing for chelsea that's putting you know giving her that challenge allowing her to grow allowing her to develop get that confidence to be able to do this to be able to win a game and a tournament for the U.S. Women's National Team to get MVP. She is thriving this season so far and she's able to prove that game in and game out and the one thing that you have to do at this level is make it very difficult for the coach to ignore you and she's doing just that and that is why we see her you know gain these opportunities and that is why she is showing how successful she can be and I think it's only gonna give her her ceiling is through the roof so I'm very excited to see where she's at and her potential is going to continue to grow and the effect that she has on the game is so positive.

18:38Ali Krieger:Crystal, who stood out to you? For me, I think it was Jaden Shaw. I love where her game is right now. Last year, obviously, moving from North Carolina, going to Gotham, settling in there and really being key for the team's success and then now you see her in this tournament being able to really create space popping off the line. I mean, I look at her and I'm like, you can play pretty much anywhere in the attacking front three and even as a false nine or a 10. Her ability to use her body to create space for herself, pop off, and also set other people up. She can get the shot off herself and she's a clinical finisher, by the way, but she can also look for that opportunity to get other people involved in the play.

19:22Ali Krieger:And I think that is an incredible thing to see, especially, I mean, She's quite young, too. I mean, we talk about a lot of young players, but Jaden Shaw is quite young. And she has so much potential to keep building on where it is that she is now. And, you know, to me, I think she's a really big, big part of them scoring goals and creating goal scoring opportunities.

19:41Jeff Kassouf:I forget how young she is with her third team now and the NWSL and everything that she's been through. And you talk to her and it's crazy how much experience she already has, even though, I mean, she just started. But it's really great to see her. So all of you are mentioning really great names, but we know that the triple espresso is still very much up in the air with Trin, of course, being back from injury. We're so happy it was only a scare that she had in She Believes Cup. But we know that Mallory Swanson and Sophia Wilson are coming back from maternity leave. Congratulations to them and also making their way back here with the U.S.

20:20Jeff Kassouf:Women's National Team. So I'm going to challenge you all with an interesting question. I didn't come up with a question. And as I told Crystal, we can always blame the producer. Sorry, producer Beto. When it comes to both of them, start, bench, and cut. I mean, who are we sacrificing here? Considering they'll both be back and assuming that they'll be at 100 % when Emma. Crystal's looking at me like, please don't start with me.

20:50Casey Murphy:This is going to be hardest for them, I think.

20:51Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, so Jeff, I'm going to start with you.

20:53Casey Murphy:Not that it's easy. Jeff has to be the bad guy here.

20:55Ali Krieger:I'm sorry.

20:56Casey Murphy:I mean, none of them are getting cut. Let's put that right there. But look, I think there's some nuance to this. I mean, we did our predicted starting lineup as of now on.com, on ESPN.com this week. And I do think it's a little bit matchup dependent. I think if Emma Hayes wants to run at a team and hit them in transition, then her nine is Sophia Wilson, you know, making assumptions obviously 15 months from now. If she wants to keep the ball and she wants to pull somebody out, I think that it's going to be Kat Macario, again, making health assumptions. So I think that nine position being as open as it is, is helpful for Sophia Wilson in this particular conversation, which is definitely like start or first one off the bench, I would say.

21:39Casey Murphy:But I think when you look at the wing and again, I mean, Mallory Swanson two, three years ago is probably the best one of the best players in the world. I mean, unfortunate with how 2023 played out. But Alyssa Thompson in the form, as we just said, Trinity Rodman, if she's healthy and in that form, I think that's a more difficult prospect to bump either, certainly Thompson right now, or Rodman from that position where they are now versus that nine that's there for the taking. So I think if we're talking about the most likely to start, I'm going to hedge it a little bit. I think Wilson has the best shout there because that nine position is really, I think we still need to see where Emma wants to take that.

22:15Casey Murphy:and maybe that's matchup dependent, which is kind of what we saw in the She Believes Cup.

22:19Jeff Kassouf:Okay. Most likely to start then.

22:22Casey Murphy:I made it easier for you guys. Be a good teammate, which I know you are.

22:27Cristina Alexander:Currently, you know, right now where they are, especially in the return to play process for Sophia, I think I would start her as well. So I agree with Jeff. I would start her in the nine. I love Mal on the left-hand side where she can cut in and get on her right foot. But she obviously can play both, and she has quality on both feet. So, you know, either side is fine. Trinity, I would keep her on the field. Yeah, Sophia in the nine, and then keep Alyssa Thompson on the left-hand side. As of right now, I think Mallory could come off the bench. I adore her, and I think she is one of the best forwards in the world.

23:02Cristina Alexander:She had a tremendous year right before she got pregnant and went out for maternity leave, ended on, you know, an Olympic gold. had brilliance that year. So I'm excited to see her back. But if we're talking right now in this moment, she's not quite there yet. And I think my decision would be Sophia, Trin, and Alyssa Thompson.

23:26Ali Krieger:I am going to piggyback off of what you said because if we're just speaking about where they are right now, Soph has obviously subbed into her, you know, first game, getting minutes. She's on the verge of being ready, potentially called in to, you know, next camp if she's consistently playing, you know, some minutes moving forward. So I agree with what you're saying. I think Mal, with all her star power, how incredible she is, cutting in using, you know, her right foot, I mean, left foot, right foot, clinical on both feet. The form that Alyssa's in right now, it's like it can't be ignored. She's doing such incredible things for both club and country, so you can't necessarily remove that off the pitch right now.

24:06Ali Krieger:So, yeah, I would agree with what you're saying.

24:10Jeff Kassouf:yeah champagne problems for i mean the chemistry is clearly still there and off the field i mean even in their house picking they're practically neighbors too so fancy i'm like fancy seeing you here i know right they never see each other but you know you'll see each other more consistently you were you were a little far away too there yeah we've had brunch a couple times i know we we definitely see each other hopefully i'll get a brunch invitation here soon i'm sure i'm sure I'll find my way. All right, we want to remind you what's coming up for the U.S. Women's national team. They're next. So three friendlies in April on the 11th, 14th, and 17th, all against Japan.

24:49Jeff Kassouf:The CONCACAF W Championship starts in November, which could give them a ticket. Not only will it, it implies a lot for the World Cup qualifiers and also the Olympics.

25:03Crystal Dunn:Rich Eisen here. The tax deadline will be here before you know it. and you just want to know your taxes are actually being handled. But the old way? You hand everything off, and then silence. Days pass. Weeks pass. You start wondering, should I send another follow-up email? It feels like you're chasing updates and getting nowhere. But now, taxes are different, because your taxes are done for you by a TurboTax full-service expert. With Intuit TurboTax, you can match with your dedicated tax expert and hand off everything right in the app. And while your expert checks for every deduction, you'll see real-time updates on your phone so you always know exactly where things stand.

25:42Crystal Dunn:Suddenly, you're not refreshing your inbox. You're going for a run, grabbing a coffee, scrolling anything other than a just-checking-in message. Because your TurboTax expert is handling it and keeping you in the loop. So this tax season, get your best possible outcome and every dollar you deserve without the guesswork. Visit TurboTax.com today to learn more. Real-time updates only in iOS mobile app, only available with TurboTax full-service experts. Want to earn extra income for your business? Amazon Hub Delivery is looking for ambitious business owners to assist with local deliveries. When you become a partner, you and your staff will deliver packages to customers in your area on a schedule that works for you.

26:23Crystal Dunn:With each package delivered, you'll gain extra income and exposure for your business. Plus, Amazon Hub Delivery makes it easy to get started. There's no upfront costs, delivery experience, or long-term contracts required. Sign up to learn more at Amazon.com slash hub delivery. That's Amazon.com slash H-U-B delivery.

26:42Ali Krieger:The NWSL is back Saturday on ABC.

26:47Crystal Dunn:The reigning champions meet the league's newest side, Boston Legacy FC and a landmark opener in New England. You can never do it like this. The stars are ready. The stage is set. Oh, that is a stunner. What a strike.

27:04Ali Krieger:Saturday at 1230 on ABC and Disney Plus. Also streaming on the ESPN app.

27:12Jeff Kassouf:So excited for that. And for this, goalkeeper Casey Murphy will call Boston home this season after signing a deal worth$1.5 million with The Legacy. The deal extends through the 2029 NWSL season with a mutual option for 2030. This ends her five-year stay with the North Carolina Courage, and she took some time to talk to our Allie Krieger.

27:35Cristina Alexander:Casey Murphy hi welcome back thank you so much for joining us just want to kick it off how was your offseason and did you get any chance to truly reset recharge and refocus for this season

27:47Jeff Kassouf:yeah offseason always flies by but it's always nice to go home to Jersey catch up with family yeah shout out catch up with family friends holidays were great and just ready to get back at it now.

28:00Cristina Alexander:When you look back before we look forward to Boston when you look back at your season in 2025 how did you reflect on it specifically as a goalkeeper?

28:09Jeff Kassouf:Yeah I feel like you know seasons have highs and lows but it's about kind of just trying to stay steady through it all not getting too high with the wins and too low with maybe some losses but I feel like we had such an amazing group we fought through that adversity in the end we ended with a good win and now just excited for what's ahead this season in Boston.

28:30Cristina Alexander:And you can carry that good win and that mentality into this new experience with a new franchise. How incredible that you're stepping into this expansion team and this new project with the first ever coach, Philippa Patel. Given her success at Benefica, I'm interested to hear if that confidence of her track record bring that directly into the locker room and positive vibes.

28:55Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, Philippa's been like high energy, super passionate coach, just like always on, like always talking about soccer. But honestly, like off the field too, like she's such a leader. She's such a role model for us. And so it's been a great like few weeks getting to know her and just excited to continue working with her.

29:14Cristina Alexander:When you've been connecting with her, what are your conversations like and what is she excited about for you to join the team?

29:20Jeff Kassouf:She's like, she's a little crazy, honestly. Like she, if you don't make eye contact, like she'll scream eye contact or like you always have to give her a high five in the morning, say goodbye. But all great stuff, great things that we should do anyway. But it's just like it's just funny just getting to know. She's nearly down that discipline, right? Very disciplined coach, yes.

29:44Cristina Alexander:So how did you come to this decision about, you know, going to Boston and this new franchise, working on this new project? and also what excites you about helping to build something new in the NWSL?

29:56Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, I mean, I feel like I'm entering the second half of my career now. I spent five amazing years of the courage and just was looking for a new challenge, new environment, and I felt like Filippa was going to really help me take parts of my game to the next level. I just always want to continue to learn and grow, and so I felt like she was going to help me get there. And I also think that it's just cool to build something from the ground up. Like, I feel like not many people get to experience that and stepping into, like, a bigger leadership role this season would be really awesome, too. So I'm excited about that.

30:29Cristina Alexander:And you'll be jumping into, you know, just training with new faces, new players, new teammates, and a new back five, so to speak. So how do you think that there'll be challenges presented, you know, for the start of the year for you?

30:42Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, I feel like at times this preseason, it could be two steps forward, one step back. It's just a new group. It's working with new personalities on and off the field, getting to know how they operate at their best, what I can say to this person versus what I can say to that person. We also have some internationals, so there's going to be a bit of a language barrier. I might learn some Portuguese this season. I might learn some Spanish. I think it's a must. I might learn some French. You know, I'm going to be a trilingual goalkeeper. just yeah I will I will have a lot of conversations off the field just making sure we're on the same page so that when we get on the field we're ready to rock

31:20Cristina Alexander:well what would make this season a success for you personally and for this

31:24Jeff Kassouf:group yeah I think just showing up every day like bringing my best and really just being like in the moment like present every day bringing good energy having good attitude helping people when they need to be helped but also just having fun too. Like, you know, soccer is a game. It's fun. And so I just want to go out there and remember, like, there's always a part of me that wanted to live this life. And during the tough moments, reminding myself, like, I've always wanted this. I always dreamed of doing this. So not forgetting that. Yeah, definitely very excited to see how excited she is to play for Boston Legacy, which says a lot about a team that that's in their first year, Jeff.

32:06Jeff Kassouf:And And I'll go to you for this one. What does success look like for Boston in this first year?

32:12Casey Murphy:That's a great question. I mean, I think playoffs when you have, I mean, expanded to 16 teams now. So half the teams make the playoffs. I think that's cherry on top, right? I mean, if you're an expansion team and you can get that, it's only happened a couple times. So that's a bonus. I think success looks like forming an identity. I mean, I think you look at Boston. I don't know. I mean, they've taken some swings, right? I mean, they haven't gone for NWSL experience. They've gone more international. I think it's a bit of a mystery of what it's going to look like. I think I've said this before, Philippa Patum, I've talked to her once and I'd run through a wall for her.

32:47Casey Murphy:I mean, she seems like an amazing coach, at least from a motivational perspective. So I'm really interested to see what she can do, obviously making a big jump for her career. And so I think to see like a clear identity, even if it doesn't mean playoffs, even if it doesn't mean consistent wins, I think you're happy with that. and then you build on that for year two.

33:07Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, I mean, it's kind of tough to ask Boston, Crystal, to make playoffs their first year. Like Jeff said, only half of the teams are making the playoffs. Would, like, regular season, decision day, kind of, okay, we have to see what Boston can do to kind of get in and not make it still be considered successful?

33:26Ali Krieger:I mean, yeah, I think, to Jeff's point, I think success is having an identity and being okay building on that and knowing it's not going to be perfect and understanding that the league is also very challenging. It's challenging for teams that have found success historically in it. Like, it is really like you have to show up on that given day and kind of build on that and take it day by day. So I think, for me, it's about forming that identity, having that belief in your players to, you know, also be themselves and create in a way that is authentic to them. Because the last thing you want to do as a coach is also, especially a new coach coming into this league, is demanding excellence from day one.

34:05Ali Krieger:You know, a lot of these players have not been in the NWSL before. So it's all new for everybody. And I think, you know, it is about probably trying to be as disruptive as possible. Like, I would love for Boston to just be like, we don't know what necessarily we are going to be later down the road, but we're going to disrupt teams. Like, we're going to let teams know who have, you know, found success in years prior. Like, it's not going to be easy, you know? And that's what I would love to see actually between, you know, Boston and a Denver coming in is like, listen, be hard to beat. Seems like a very Boston mentality too, right?

34:37Jeff Kassouf:So Boston mentality. Yeah, I think you hit it. You hit it perfectly. But not only Boston, we know for Denver as well, Allie, I want to kind of bring both of them to here and expansion teams in general. What could be their biggest edge or biggest concern for an expansion team specifically?

34:56Cristina Alexander:I think their biggest edge would be just the unpredictability of how they're going to show up because teams are going to be unfamiliar with, you know, the formation and the style and the identity, like Jeff was talking about. Mind somewhere else now? Yeah. But all jokes aside, the foundation has to be there. And then they have to worry about week to week and how they can perform week to week and really try to buy into the plan that the leadership group and the coach has designed. And I think that would look like success because, like Crystal said, you can't be too hard on yourselves. You have to enjoy it.

35:40Cristina Alexander:You have to fight. But it's not always going to be pretty. And the league is so difficult. So I think to kind of take that pressure off, just understand who you are, go week to week, but continue to build that foundation and enjoy being able to be the first team to build an identity at a new club, because that's very rare.

36:01Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, and going back to the Boston thing, too, they have great fans. I really hope fans will show up for Boston Legacy FC, not only this coming weekend, but throughout the season and throughout their existence. Speaking of what's coming up this weekend, very much looking forward to Boston Legacy FC versus Gotham FC. A little Boston-New York rivalry is always good, especially on a Saturday afternoon, 1230 p.m. Eastern, especially on ABC, Disney +, and the ESPN app.

36:35Crystal Dunn:Do you know what the scariest sound to hear on a factory floor is? Silence. That means something somewhere broke. Production has stopped, and now you're paying workers to wait while the team troubleshoots and fixes the problem. Finally, there's a proactive way to reduce equipment downtime thanks to MaintainX. MaintainX is the AI-powered maintenance and asset management system that brings your unplanned maintenance downtime to zero. MaintainX lets you build preventative maintenance schedules, manage work orders in real time, and access the data you need to make better decisions. Try MaintainX for free.

37:13Crystal Dunn:Control the daily operations of your business and transform your maintenance program. Go to maintainx.com slash sports. That's maintain and the letter x dot com slash sports. As you know, managing maintenance, repair and operations is never easy. But for the ones who always rise to the challenge, Grainger has your back. From professional grade products you can count on to fast, dependable delivery. They're there to help you keep things running smoothly. Plus, their technical product specialists are here to help answer your toughest questions. And because Granger knows safety is always a priority, they're committed to being your partner in protecting both your people and your facilities.

37:53Crystal Dunn:Call 1-800-GRANGER, click granger.com, or just stop by.

37:58Jeff Kassouf:It's loud, just like me, so naturally, I'm obsessed.

38:06Jeff Kassouf:This jersey is still Colorado. It's beautiful. I think it's cool. This will make everyone look even faster. So take a seat and be impressed.

38:16Crystal Dunn:This is one of my favorite jerseys. Yeah, I'd buy it if I was a fan. It's giving like, I'm gonna hypnotize you. Exactly, they're gonna look straight in my chest.

38:25Cristina Alexander:Drippin' for sure.

38:26Jeff Kassouf:I find it drippin'. It's drippin'. I think it's drippin'. For sure. I think it's drippin'. I think it's drippin'. It's drippin' for sure. It's drippin'. It's that whoopissi. I would say it's pretty drippin'. to be impressed drip check it's dripping

38:53Jeff Kassouf:ah one of the segments that i really look forward to once a year because as soon as the nwsl kits dropped i was like when are we gonna do our top five when are we gonna do our top five we're gonna do it right now uh this is our consensus top five of the nwsl 2026 2027 season let's start with At number five, Seattle Rain. This was originally not on our list, and I said, come on, guys, the Seattle Rain one is, it's pretty cool.

39:18Ali Krieger:Crystal, thoughts? I like it. I mean, I like the colors. I think it's like almost simple, but has a pop to it. So I think, you know, for me, you can't go wrong with it.

39:26Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, I love the little neon green pop color, like Crystal said, Ally.

39:30Cristina Alexander:Yeah, they've come a long way. I feel like they've really elevated their jersey from recent years. So I like it. I'm into it.

39:38Jeff Kassouf:That's a great point because it completely is unexpected, which is maybe what Seattle is looking for this season too, Jeff.

39:45Casey Murphy:Yeah, I mean, I'm a big fan of blue, so I like that. Obviously, maybe I need to, we were just talking about colors, I need to spice up my color palette. Yes, unexpected on the field in a good way would be good for them too.

39:59Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, absolutely. I love this. Green and blue are my favorite colors. Nobody asked, but I'm just telling you. Let's take it to number four now. Kansas City, current. Yeah, this one's cool. I know it's meant to be like, you know, the current, but this looks truly like electricity, current, and it's really what the team is, Crystal, right? They're just electric.

40:18Ali Krieger:I mean, again, I think I love the storyline, so I'm all for it because fans want to know what they're getting themselves into. When they put on a jersey, they want to know, why was this selected? Why was there, you know, why were these colors put in there? So I think, to be fair, I think job well done.

40:33Jeff Kassouf:I mean, the Storm third kit, a Storm's a-coming, Allie, again?

40:37Cristina Alexander:I mean, we'll see. We'll see. I know that a storm's coming with the players. I don't know if it really matters what they have on. They're still gonna be brilliant. But yeah, I'm attracted to it. I think it's really cute. I like you saying that you're attracted to it.

40:51Jeff Kassouf:It truly is a part of it. As both of you know, I mean, the cool of the jersey, the cool you feel on the field, and that confidence just kind of comes out. Jeff, thoughts?

40:59Casey Murphy:Yeah, I like it. I like it as a third kit too, because the teal is awesome. Yes, the reds obviously they've leaned into that and and black it's it's not like a traditional black jersey It's it's got a lot going on. So there's some some style to it.

41:11Jeff Kassouf:Yeah from the get that teal and red combo again unexpected Fashionable and yeah, it's quite the twist on a third kit that takes us to our number three Gotham had to make it high on the list on the podium guys. Hands down number one

41:30Ali Krieger:Listen, I'm a New Yorker, so I just feel like I'm always going to be attracted to Lady Liberty. It's such an iconic symbol, obviously, and it just represents the area. And yeah, of course, right?

41:43Cristina Alexander:I think the orange, too, is just unassuming. I don't know if I would have paired the orange shorts with that jersey. So I'm excited. I think it's different. I think it's new and vibrant. And I think that's the style that they're going to have this season.

41:58Jeff Kassouf:You don't know if you would have paired the orange shorts?

42:00Cristina Alexander:No, I don't think I would have thought, oh, definitely orange shorts. But you like it. But I do, I like it. I think a little pop of color, unassuming, vibrant. Yeah, I'm into it. Jeff?

42:10Casey Murphy:I don't know.

42:11Cristina Alexander:Oh, Jeff.

42:12Ali Krieger:It's not blue enough?

42:13Casey Murphy:Yeah, no, it's not blue enough. Well, I want to see it on a field, because I think it looks cool right there. But it's one of those that it can play some games with your head when you're watching on the field. Maybe that's through the advantage. Maybe. I mean, yeah. We'll see how it looks in motion. I think that's what I want to see.

42:29Jeff Kassouf:I will say, I know our producer Beto would agree with me that this on TV is maybe not the best choice because it just gets a little vibrant like that. But I really like it. All right, let's take it to our number two. This is beautiful. It's beautiful.

42:44Ali Krieger:Crystal, Washington spirit. Yes, I have to speak on this. First of all, me and Kreese have spent quite a bit of time in D.C. And it just goes with the story. I mean, Terry Boston, everyone knows if you visit D.C. at this particular part of the year, you're going to storm into such a beautiful, beautiful scenery of all these cherry blossoms fluttering onto the floor in your hair. And it just, I mean, it's dreamy. I'm all for stories. Like, it has to align. People want to know what is it about this. And go to D.C. and you'll see.

43:11Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I think it's beautiful. I love the green with the pink and the white and just the touch of the city. I think it does tell a story, like Crystal mentioned earlier. And I think it's, yeah, every other D.C. sports team has done this. in their past. And I think this team with the Spirit, we were probably one of the last ones to jump on this train. So it's exciting to see for the new 2026 season to represent in a little pink flair. I love it.

43:40Jeff Kassouf:It matches the logo as well. Even the sponsor, too, they're changing the pink a little bit. Jeff?

43:45Casey Murphy:Yeah, I really like this. I do. I think it could be number one. We'll see who number one is. But I think as a known skeptic, if you remember from last year, of that loud yellow jersey that they have. I love that jersey. They started to bring the green around in warm-ups, and they've tied it together nicely here.

43:59Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, I know they've had their cherry blossom collection in the past, so I'm glad to see it now as a regular appearance for them. Here is our number one drum roll, please. I mean, I don't want to say it was a no-brainer. I really think it was between Washington Spirit and Angel City FC. But, Crystal, Angel City just does it right with the black and pink.

44:19Ali Krieger:Listen, I love playing in a black jersey, So, like, I will probably always root for any team rocking a black jersey. One, I think it's just like an intimidation factor when you're lined up against the team and you're like, oh, my gosh, they're in black. Like, they're going to come correct. So, hopefully that's the case this season for Angel City. Obviously, their kit, ranked number one. And we'll see.

44:39Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I think it's sharp. It's simple. It's chic for footballers. And I would be proud putting on a jersey every single weekend. And also at NWSL Media Day, they had an iridescent vibe to the badge, which I thought you can't really tell in the photo. Yeah, because you saw all of these in person before any of us did. It's so cool in person. And so they're going to be shining out there on that field.

45:04Casey Murphy:Yeah, I like the color combo always, as you said. I'm not in love with central crests, but, I mean, that's nitpicking.

45:11Jeff Kassouf:A reminder of what's coming up on Sunday. London City Lionesses versus Arsenal. some WSL action starting at 7.55 a.m. Eastern on ESPN Plus and, of course, the ESPN app.

45:26Crystal Dunn:O 'Reilly Auto Parts can help take the guesswork out of your check engine, ABS, or maintenance light with O 'Reilly Veriscan. The service is free and provides a report with solutions verified by ASE certified master technicians. O 'Reilly Veriscan can identify the most likely problem with just one scan. If you need help, O 'Reilly Auto Parts can recommend a shop for you. Don't ignore a check engine, ABS, or maintenance light. Ask for O 'Reilly Veriscan today. A free service exclusively at O 'Reilly Auto Parts. 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.

46:11Crystal Dunn:It's injected under your skin subcutaneously. It means I can inject in my space on my time. It's my treatment, my way. Visit 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 Argenics.

46:29Jeff Kassouf:All right, I need the show in style with another top five. But our top five goals of the week, Allison Reed for Honduras versus Trinidad Alley.

46:39Cristina Alexander:What a shot. I mean, I wish I could have done this in my day. Left footed, left sided. The goalkeeper didn't really have a chance. Sidenetting, beautiful. I mean, she was even shocked that they put the ball in the back. A beautiful goal.

46:51Jeff Kassouf:Let's take it to the Asian Cup a little bit further away. Park Soo Jung for South Korea. Jeff, outside the box.

47:00Casey Murphy:More top. When you can freeze the goalkeeper, we've said this before, just make her stare at it. Perfect placement. Absolutely perfect. top corner and in a big game.

47:09Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, she creates a space herself. A great hit there. Let's take it to number three. Lucia Corrales for Spain versus Ukraine. Crystal, outside the box is the trend today.

47:21Ali Krieger:I mean, doing what Spanish players can do, just pop that ball right in there, top corner, you know, honestly, from such a far distance out too. Goalkeeper made a valiant effort to save that, but honestly, it was played perfectly. Crystal, take valiant.

47:35Jeff Kassouf:at least from that play that was difficult. Number two, the Asian Cup again, Ali Uzuki Yamamoto.

47:44Cristina Alexander:I mean, I don't even know if it's really the goal. Obviously, that's the most important, but the skill, the technical ability to be one, two, mega player, and then put it in the back of the net. Unbelievable.

47:57Jeff Kassouf:The pace was great. Yeah, I want to see what part of the foot she hit it with, too. Let's take it to number one. We saw it once. We saw it again, and we can see it. three more times, Jeff.

48:06Casey Murphy:Well, as Lindsay Heaps said, postgame, a banger. I mean, absolutely defines the word here. I mean, this is perfectly placed from Thompson off the underside of the bar. And I mean, she Alyssa talked about decision making postgame. This was the right decision. Absolutely. And great execution.

48:23Jeff Kassouf:Talk about that little shimmy from Jaden Shaw, too. It's so good. A great top five to end the show. But we do want to remind you that we will be back. Yes, the four of us Friday 6 p.m. Eastern on ESPN 2. So excited to break down what we expect from the NWSL season. We expect great things. That is something that I can tell you. That is big picture always for us. So we're so excited. We will be back on E2. Crystal, we're so excited that you will be back with us. Thanks for having me, guys. Hey, anytime. This is your house here at Football W. ESPN. We know it's a little ways away, but hey, you can ride with Allie.

49:04Jeff Kassouf:I'm sorry with Kareem not Ali I'm like who is that yeah who is that thanks for hanging out see you Friday appreciate it

49:17shot clocks

49:18Crystal Dunn:big shots upsets aces TGL playoffs are here first Atlanta Drive starts their repeat run against Los Angeles Golf Club then Rory's Boston Common Golf and Tigers Jupiter Lynx face off in their playoff debuts who will advance keep up it's playoffs tune in Tuesday March 17th at 6.30 p.m. and 9 p.m. only on ESPN and the ESPN app.