Futbol W: Emma Hayes Joins the show

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28:28Jeff Kassouf:All right, let's take it fully into NWSL because they announced the creation of the high impact player rule at the end of December, stating it is, quote, designed to provide clubs with expanded flexibility to attract and retain high impact players. The rule underscores the league's continued growth and its commitment to competing for the world's top talent. The statement said now under the new rule, each club can exceed the salary cut by up to one million dollars for high impact players. Now the question becomes, what is a high-impact player? This is how they've decided to at least put that definition.

29:03Jeff Kassouf:They have to be a sports pro media, top 150 marketable athletes, a top 30 in Ballon d 'Or voting, top 40 of the Guardians, top 100 players, top 40 of ESPN FC's top 50 players among non-goalkeepers there with most minutes on the U.S. Women's National Team, and of course, top one in minutes played for the U.S. Women's National Team and selected to end of your NWSL Best 11 first team or NWSL MVP finalists. Now, what does the Players Association have to say about this? Well, this is what the statement had to say on the implementation of the high-impact player rule. The NWSL Players Association opposes the league's decision to move forward without bargaining over the high impact player rule.

29:50Jeff Kassouf:Under federal labor law, changes to compensation under the salary cap are a mandatory subject of bargaining, not a matter of unilateral discretion. Fair pay is realized through fair, collectively bargained compensation systems, not arbitrary classifications. A league that truly believes in the value of its players would not be afraid to bargain for over it. The NWSLPA has put forward a clear, lawful alternative, raising the team's salary cap to compete in a global labor market. Additionally, we have proposed that through collective bargaining, we work together to create a system for projecting revenue, sharing numbers in future years so that teams and players can negotiate multi-year deals with certainty.

30:34Jeff Kassouf:The union remains ready and willing to engage with good faith bargaining. the league's unilateral action for the NWSLPA. No choice but to take action to enforce the rights of the players we represent. Now we just threw a bunch of words at you as we know, but we're going to break it down here a little bit. Jeff, I want to go with you because obviously you didn't really have a lot of days off there because this was announced on December 23rd, and pretty much immediately we saw the grievance that the NWSLPA filed with the high-impact player rule. What was your immediate reaction when you saw all of this?

31:10Well, the PA expressed their opposition to it before the league even announced it. And I think that was, I mean, they foretold what they thought of it. I think the whole process, I mean, I feel like you need to come up for air after reading all that. You even corrected the statement. The different stipulations and then the response, right? I mean, I think that alone, it is very complicated in some ways. It's very simple if you read it, sure. But the idea that you have to qualify in such ways, and I think the most salient point from the PA is, why do you hire GMs? Why do you hire sporting directors?

31:45And yes, this is very targeted. There's a very specific reason that the league wants this rule, because they want players that they've seen themselves losing at times to stay in this league. They want players who haven't been able to come over to come over, and they want them to be among the best players in the world. and they've come up with what they think is a criteria to do that. I think the PA, well, we know that the PA's argument is trust the teams to do this. They'll do it anyway. So I think there's a very strange tension here in why this needs to be this complicated. And I think if we want to pull out a little bit and look at this at a macro level, it's not a designated player rule.

32:23It's probably more like allocation money. But it is going down an MLS pathway where I think a lot of people would say, why do you need to do that? And that's been a tension for this league of do you want to look like MLS and compete in that way or do you want to compete in a global way? Because MLS made these rules trying to become a top global league. The NWSL is making these rules to try to remain that, remain the global top league. So I think it's complicated in a way that's probably unnecessary. And certainly the PA has expressed that. And this grievance that exists, grievance number two, that is, is probably going to last for a while until we get a resolution.

33:01Yeah.

33:01Jeff Kassouf:Did the league overstep here, Allie, without bargaining?

33:06Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I don't agree with this process at all. Just take out all of the complications and actually go to the global market that everyone else is on. And pay, have the owners pay, be able to pay whatever they can afford to have the players that they want. And so be it if there's one team that has, you know, a bunch of stars. But then that'll push everyone else to to want to catch up. I think that there's just too much work to be had in order to get the situation equal for everyone to be happy instead of just going by what the global market is and how everyone else in the world and any other league in the world is approaching how to get the best players or the players that they want.

33:55Cristina Alexander:And we just have to try to compete along with those leagues that have this model. And I also think that with scheduling. And hopefully we'll get to a place where we can have a similar schedule like every other league around the world. So this just falls in line with a lot of other things that we choose to do separate from a lot of other leagues that have previous had this model. And it's working.

34:22Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, like you said, like every other league in the world, because we can now say that with MLS, who have recently adjusted their schedule. But what happens, Jeff, if the union wins? Yeah, I mean, it's a good question. I think that's part of the issue here. I mean, this rule, so it's supposed to be implemented in a way that it can't be in effect essentially until the summer for a team. But between now and then, probably looking at arbitration, which will take a while. If it doesn't, I mean, I think the end here, one way or another, this extra pot of money is going to exist. Is it going to exist with those exact stipulations that came out?

34:58I'm not totally convinced. I think we could see a way that those get tweaked, simplified in some way. I don't think we will get to a point unless the PA fully wins in some sort of arbitration that that's just a million dollars for anybody. And you can see their point as to why that should be the case. If I were to guess, I think that the GMs, the league, the teams probably came up with this because their fear is, well, you add a million and then everybody wants a cut of that. Of course they would. Right. And then you're not solving the issue of a Trinity Rodman or going out and getting a European star.

35:31So I think that's what this is born out of where we go from here. I mean, I think I think, yeah, it's been fun to have to figure this out over the last six weeks. I think we've got at least that many weeks or much time coming of still trying to figure this out. Because, I mean, right now, we think Lindsey Heaps might be the first hip player from everything we know. But when you ask even Denver, the team that signed her, they can't answer that. They say go ask the league because nobody's figured that out. So if that's what they're saying publicly, what does it look like internally for a GM or a team trying to put this roster together and know what a cap hit is?

36:07It's got to be figured out. Yeah.

36:10Cristina Alexander:Also, if you if you want the best players, then they deserve to be valued as the best and they need to be paid that. And I just think that we're the league has so much control over every team that it's a lot different than what you experience overseas and how the model works there. I just think that, you know, if you want the best players, you have to be able to afford that. and it's never going to be fair. It's a business. And if a club can, you know, hire all the best players to come play, then they should be able to do that. The league is obviously not yet there. This is proof of that. But hopefully it gets to that point where, you know, the clubs actually have more of a say and more of the ownership instead of the league having all the ownership and the rules.

37:03Yeah, I feel like we've heard from Commissioner Jessica Berman pretty clearly every time she's been asked that the salary cap's going nowhere. This was the action to the words. I mean, it's not going anywhere. I mean, this is we're going to figure out ways to find ways around it. But in terms of eliminating it, I mean, this is the answer to any anybody thinking maybe that could happen, which I hear you. I mean, I think there's a lot of people who want it, but I don't think it's happening the way that this has been this kind of convoluted rule has been created.

37:32Jeff Kassouf:Yeah. And we know that you asked Jessica government several times. Ali, do you want to say?

37:36Cristina Alexander:Yeah, it's just a shame because you want the best players in the world to be here. Of course, and to want to be here. Lindsay Heaps, Trinity Rahman, you know, any of our national team, they put people in the seats. They put butts in the seats. A lot of players are leaving because one, you know, they want that experience and they want, you know, to play in Champions League and they just want to, you know, grow and develop as a player, but also they're getting paid what they deserve. and that's what's attracting you know a lot of the best players in the world so if you want the best Europeans and you know the best players who play at this level we need to we need to not have the salary cap in order to do that and until that you know you're going to continue to see players leave and it's going to be really unfortunate because you know we want to continue to be the best in the in the world and you know when when all of your best players are leaving And it's really tough to be able to say that.

38:34Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, absolutely. We will talk about a very big name that left the league recently as well. I mean, I'll say it, Sam Coffey. We'll get into that a little bit more. But it seems to be the knee-jerk reaction that kind of started or really just kind of projected this, Jeff, when we were talking about Trinity Rodman heavily at Media Day for the NWSL Championship. And I know you asked Jessica Rubin several times. My question is, was this the knee-jerk reaction to see how they can keep Trinity Rodman in the league? The league will tell you no, and I think that's partially right. I think the timing here is certainly something where you have to look at the league and say, it's been too reactionary through its existence.

39:17And starting out in 2013, there's a reason for that and the years that followed. But, you know, Trinity Rodman was on this show almost a year ago and said, Europe, so when, not if, I'm paraphrasing, but we know the quote, right? It was clear, like, if you're the league, you look at that and say, okay, we know her contract's up, we've got to do something. And to go 12 months effectively and get to this deadline where this has to be pushed through effectively before Christmas, and even that was late. I mean, I was surprised that it was that late to come up with a solution. But, you know, this was a rule that was discussed outside of this and before it, but it was absolutely pushed to a solution of some sort and that timing by Rodman because this is what was needed to keep her.

40:04So, you know, it's not just it'll go down as a Robin rule. I mean, they can they can argue that name. I mean, that's what just like the Beckham rule in MLS. I mean, that's what it'll be. So the timing. Absolutely. I think that this rule was I know this rule was a discussion before December, before even November but the urgency lacked and then we got to a point where I think you see as Ali said players star players leaving maybe not in mass but when you look at the names that they are and losing Rodman would have just been an absolute issue which by the way we still haven't officially settled here yeah but you know that would have just been the biggest blow for the league and they had to do something so the timing was absolutely influenced by it they can maybe say this rule was not created for her, but it was certainly pushed through.

40:53Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, it was interesting to see her name on the roster and next to it not have a club name and just say unattached. Allie, final thoughts on this?

41:00Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I just think if she would have left, then the league would have had, you know, had to come up with so many answers. And I don't think they were prepared for that. I think they would have been completely shook.

41:15Cristina Alexander:And I think a lot of Washington spirit, but just all around the league because everyone shows up to see her perform and play. And it would have been so disappointing for cities around the league. And I'm hoping that there's going to be a solution, but obviously there's so much more work that needs to be done within this topic because we need to start thinking more global and not just, you know, in the United States.

41:45Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, absolutely. Well, whatever happens in the development, we will obviously break it all down. Quick time out. Some breakfast intel you want to know about. Kodiak Frozen Power Waffles and Flapjacks are built for busy mornings. Heat it, eat it, and you're out the door. No long prep, no complicated game plan. They're packed with 12 to 14 grams of protein per serving, a good source of fiber, and crafted with 100 % whole grains, not refined white flour. So you're getting something that actually fuels you. And there's depth on the roster. Buttermilk and vanilla, blueberry, chocolate chip, even gluten-free options.

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43:00Jeff Kassouf:Visit Servicetitan.com to learn more. That's Servicetitan.com. We have to get to some interesting names. not leaving the league. One big name making her way back home. Lindsay Heaps is coming home, the U.S. Women's National Team captain, making her way back to the league and her hometown to join expansion side Denver Summit FC. Heaps will finish the season and current contract with Lyonesa before going to Denver in June. She signed with Summit FC through the 2029 NWSL season. She expressed that one of the hardest things to do was to hide this news from her parents. And she talked to Sam Uyghis on her podcast a few months ago, too.

43:44Jeff Kassouf:And, you know, she expressed the desire to be able to do that. I mean, Ali, it's truly a win-win here for the club, but for Lindsay Heaps who's coming home.

43:53Cristina Alexander:No, it's incredible. I'm so happy for her. She's also going to get fans really excited and to show up, not only for the city, but around the NWSL. I think a lot of people and supporters have been waiting for her to come home and play. And now that it's, you know, written in Sharpie, I think it's going to be super exciting to just see her. And hopefully I'll be able to see her more often, too. I've really missed her. And I think she's going to be incredible, not only for Denver, but for the league itself. The talent that she brings, the leadership, just the quality. I think Denver is super lucky to have her, especially, you know, being a new franchise.

44:30Cristina Alexander:It takes a lot of that leadership and those experienced players to really get the team, you know, formed properly. So I'm glad that they can lean on her, you know, captain of the women's national team there. But I'm more I'm more excited for her parents. You know, you could see how happy they were and they were even in tears about that. But how she explained, you know, they've they've done so much for her over their, you know, her career. And now she's only 30 minutes away from them to be able to come and see her at the end at the end. But you know what I mean, towards the end of her career so she can just, I don't know, really give back to what they've given her all these years.

45:06Cristina Alexander:And I think that's going to be a dream for her as well.

45:09Jeff Kassouf:Yeah. And Ali just mentioned what this means for the club, putting people in the seats, Jeff. But on the field, how big is this for Denver? Yeah, I mean, we're still seeing the roster come together, but certainly from a leadership perspective for an expansion team where you kind of it's a unique project. I mean, it's something that I asked Lindsay about. It's not for everybody, an expansion team. She'll enter it in June, which she said is kind of a unique situation for her to be a leader coming in roughly halfway through the season. So I think that'll be something that she and they will have to work out, obviously.

45:40But, you know, to have that leader in midfield, obviously somebody that you build around in the center of the park and brings, you know, World Cup Olympic experience, captaincy of the national team. You know, I think it's something, you know, it's huge for her, as Allie said, but for the club as well, because on the field, they'll need that. I think they've put together an interesting roster, you know, especially when you compare it to Boston. I think one team a lot more international, one team a lot more sort of NWSL proven, and that being Denver, the latter being Denver. And, yeah, I mean, she'll certainly be, you know, Denver said we're going to go out and get Coloradans because there's a ton of players of high quality from here.

46:21And they've done it so far.

46:23Cristina Alexander:Yeah. And I also think there's a ripple effect to this because now she's, you know, leaving that hole in Lyon. But someone like a Lily Hannes can fill that role and maybe get more playing time to be able to have more consistency with the national team, which is also really healthy altogether for, you know, the U.S. Women's National Team together. So, yeah, that's also exciting in its own way. And a four years, I think, is what's needed with a new franchise for a player of her caliber to be able to actually, you know, I know she's going to impact immediately, but to have that long lasting impact that they deserve.

47:00Cristina Alexander:I think it's great that she's there and going to show her loyalty for four years. I think it's brilliant.

47:06Jeff Kassouf:Yeah. And speaking of that ripple effect, too, I mean, Denver wanting to sign players and seeing that Lindsay Heaps is there as well. I mean, what that can do for a young player's career, like Lily Johannes, who expressed that she was, of course, sad to see her go, but very happy for Lindsay Heaps, of course, who is coming home. Let's talk about the opposite move that we saw. And I alluded to Sam Coffey's move to Manchester City, taking her talents overseas for a transfer fee of$875 ,000 on a three and a half year deal. Coffey spent three years with Portland Thorns and made the NWSL semifinals recently in 2025 as team captain.

47:47Jeff Kassouf:And she's also a U.S. women's national team, regular, earning 42 caps. A major fee here for Coffey. Allie, does this open the door here for more outbound moves?

47:58Cristina Alexander:Yes, absolutely. I mean, she went to the best team in the WSL. They're, you know, top of the table and they're playing so well. And she's joining a midfielder where she can start immediately. and obviously they've shown that because of them plucking her out of Portland. I'm really excited for her. She's also a Penn State grad, so I've always wanted to see her succeed and continue to grow, and I think this tactical growth and decision-making improvement for her will be key. Just develop in different ways in the European League, I think, is super important. And then to bring that back to the national team, of course, is super healthy for those players and Emma Hayes, of course.

48:35Cristina Alexander:So I think it's going to be exciting to see her thrive there and see what she can do. And, you know, a lot of these players who, you know, have played as consistently at the top level for so long, they want to try to win more championships and, you know, continue to grow and continue to make themselves uncomfortable. I know we say this often, but the experience in itself is life-changing. And I know that I went through that as well, and I came back a better person, a better player. You know, the perspective I have both in football and just in life had changed and, you know, impacted me tremendously.

49:11Cristina Alexander:So, you know, I applaud her. It's sad to see her go because, of course, we want all the best players in the NWSL. But this experience, you know, this opportunity, she probably said, of course, like this is, you know, when is this ever going to happen again at, you know, the prime of your career? So why not take a chance and take a risk and see what happens? Go win a Champions League and, you know, a couple other cups within the WSL. and challenge yourself.

49:38Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, her mentality is one of the more impressive ones that we saw at the NWSL level, at the U.S. Women's National Team level. She isn't afraid to speak her mind. She isn't afraid to be that leader, especially when we expected, honestly, not much of Portland last season, as I mentioned, making it to the semifinals. I mean, how much more can she grow, Jeff, here, as Ali said, in an environment that's completely new to her? Yeah, I mean, I think that was, I think this moves roughly a year in the making. I mean, she said as much in her interviews. So, you know, I think and relating it to the hip rule, too, or that discussion, like money wasn't the driving factor here.

50:18It was going to Manchester, going to England, experiencing that. That's going to be very interesting as an aside because the cap is not going to fight any of that. And that's I mean, players grew up watching these teams, men's teams even, and they want to see that. They want to go experience that. So I think that's a key piece to this move specifically among others. But, yeah, I mean, I think, you know, a player who I mean, we did our anonymous GM survey and we had a GM say if she was Spanish, she'd be top five in the Ballon d 'Or because she plays like the Spanish holding midfielders. But she's an American and she plays in Portland.

50:52And so now she's going to be over there. And I think maybe open some eyes to a European audience that might either not watch a game in Portland when it's 4 a.m. or something in England or might look at Portland and the NWSL and say, ah, you know, it's transitional. What's a defensive midfielder doing there? So I think she's going to go turn some heads in England now.

51:12Cristina Alexander:And it's not every two to four years, right? Only when a big tournament comes around and then you hear the name Sam Coffey. So now, yeah, you're right. I think that's a great point. She's going to have the opportunity to really, you know, I guess earn players' respect and her peers' respect there.

51:27Jeff Kassouf:Yeah. And, I mean, obviously she's leaving behind a very big footprint that they're going to try to fill here. Easier said than done. Allie, but how can Portland take advantage of the money that she does leave behind for them?

51:41Cristina Alexander:Yeah, go shop around and see what players you can get to improve. Maybe someone of her caliber, you're not really going to be able to fill those shoes. But someone who has a lot of experience and maybe a veteran mentality as well. I think that's going to be key. I know that they thrived last year just because of those young players and they were super hungry and their mentality was just wanting to prove themselves every game. And I know they had a rough start to the season, but that ended up in the semis. So I think some type of veteran, experienced player who can control the midfield, I think will be key for them.

52:24Cristina Alexander:But now they have money to be able to go explore. And I think that's going to be a really, really important decision for them to be successful this year. You're being nice in the new year. I feel like she's always nice. I'm extra nice to Portland, though. I'm worried. I mean, you can't replace coffee. No, I'm worried. Not that I'm not worried. No, I got you. But like she's just the heart and soul of this team. We sat here for much of last year worried about Portland. She dragged them through some tough times. And for her to depart, I mean, I think at a time when Portland's in a transition of their own, they are entering preseason without a head coach.

53:01Like it's not even I mean, some of these teams are they didn't announce it yet. They have not made a decision on hiring a head coach. Sam Coffey leaves. Hina Sagita left. You know, I mean, everybody. Sophia Wilson's coming back. She's got it for a year. I mean, that's a one year option. I mean, I think you have to be really worried in Portland. That's for another day. But as far as replacing her, I mean, heart and soul captain. And I think you saw that when they got bounced from the playoffs. Like, I think this is an effect that goes even beyond the play on the field for Portland.

53:30Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, absolutely. I mean, we had the awesome opportunity to talk to Sam Coffey before the season even started when they were about to face Kansas City Current. And I was looking for my boots, just ready to play for her because she's that. She's really that kind of player. So obviously we wish her nothing but great success there for Manchester City. When was the last time you felt in control of your business finances? Expenses tracked, invoices sent, taxes ready. That's where Found comes in. Found brings your banking, bookkeeping, invoicing, and taxes together in one simple app. Manage expenses, invoice clients, send payments, and prep for tax time right where you bank.

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54:44Jeff Kassouf:This is how taxes should be. Visit TurboTax.com today to learn more. Real-time updates only in iOS mobile app. Only available with TurboTax full-service experts. I mentioned Casey Curran, and you guys mentioned, you know, lack of head coach. Well, Casey Curran doesn't have that problem anymore because there's a new base in town. Former MLS head coach Chris Armas will take over as manager. Armas was connected with current co-owners Angie and Chris Long through their mutual friend, Jesse Marsh. Now the new current coach also becomes the second former MLS head coach to manage an NWSL team. I mean, this name, obviously, we've seen him regularly at the managing level.

55:29Jeff Kassouf:As I mentioned, he coached three teams on the MLS side and now being here with NWSL. Why was this an attractive candidate, Jeff, for Casey Curran? Well, I mean, if you listen to Chris Armis, you listen to Kansas City leadership, there was a meshing of styles. I think, you know, if you hear Chris Armis talk, he had a conversation with Lachlanonofsky. They felt like they were speaking the same language in terms of how their teams play. He watched the Kansas City current, you know, film of last year. He saw where he can find some similarities. So I think that, you know, that plus, yeah, I mean, the connection, I mean, the Longs who own the Kansas City current know Jesse Marsh well from their Princeton days.

56:13Jesse Marsh and Chris Armis have coached together, know each other very well. And, you know, there was obviously a recommendation there that can go a long way and obviously did here as well.

56:24Jeff Kassouf:What was your reaction when you saw?

56:25Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I was surprised because he hasn't, you know, coached women's football just yet. But, you know, there's not much difference when you just not know the game. You're knowledgeable. And if he was the best one for the job, then so be it. I was also discussing with him about the Penn State men's job that he had spoken about early. It all comes back to Penn State. Yeah, it does. You know, I'm just going to slide that in there. But he's a wonderful guy, and I'm sure he's going to do an incredible job and demand, you know, the expectations and responsibilities that, you know, a team of this caliber have to play at in order to succeed.

57:05Cristina Alexander:He's won a championship, so he knows with Red Bulls, like we stated in 2018. So he knows how to win. He just has to make sure he can, you know, get everyone to buy in. I think that system is going to be key. And if him and Blacko are on the same page, then obviously they're off to a good start because of the success he's left, you know, for him. You know, maybe we don't know about injuries of players or status of some players. So that will be interesting for the start of the season and as preseason goes on, which we'll learn a lot more. but he has a great facility, great resources, everything to help him be successful, and I'm sure he has all the tools there, so I'm really happy for him.

57:50Cristina Alexander:I heard he's wonderful, so we'll have to see once the season begins.

57:54Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, big responsibility there for him, especially after the 2025 producer of Edson asking, I'll ask a question, championship or bust for Chris Harmas and Casey Perrin? It's actually more than that. I mean, the pressure he walks into is the Longs have said they want to be the best club in the world and they want to go win the Club World Cup in 20. They have a chip on their shoulders, too, after what happened last year. Right. And so he's walking into a situation where he might have star players starting the year injured. He's got to stack up against last year. He needs to guide that team not only to a championship or bust in league play.

58:25They have to get out of the group of CONCACAF to get to the CONCACAF Final Four next year to qualify for the Club World Cup because that's what's expected. and he's got to navigate that for the first time. That team has to navigate that schedule for the first time. There's a lot going on in Kansas City. So, yeah.

58:43Jeff Kassouf:Just a little bit. What's going through your head is they want to be Gotham.

58:47Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I'm like, sorry. Even though I said they would win the whole thing last year. No, but the pressure is for the immediate impact. He has to show up and show out, and the team has to perform well. You have, you know, you have owners who are, you know, saying, OK, these are the goals. This is, you know, the standard. And if you don't meet that, then I'm sure, you know, they're going to find someone else to fill to fill the role. So it's it's a big job. And I'm excited to see how how he does.

59:20Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, it's always exciting to see what Casey Curran can do, especially coming into the next season. after what we saw in this last 2025 season, the current Shield winners. All right, from the current to a big wave, San Diego signed Brazil striker Lujmila from Chicago Stars in exchange for$800 ,000. Now, the deal is the second-highest interleague transfer fee in NWSL history. Lujmila was the top scorer at Chicago with 10 goals and 24 appearances in her only season with the club, and she was truly that player every time she stepped on the field. Allie, how big of a signing is this for Wave?

59:59Cristina Alexander:This is incredible. I mean, they've been needing a goal scorer. They've been really trying to find a number nine that is just lethal in front of the goal, and she's a perfect fit. Luzmila is, she can create something out of nothing, and she is, you know, wants to carry the team from the front, wants to score goals, wants to put herself in positions to be effective and impact the game immediately. And she can do everything. She's great at 1v1. She's good in and around the box to put herself in positions to create little chances out of nothing. She loves to go back to goals. She can get in behind.

1:00:39Cristina Alexander:She has so many qualities that are going to definitely amplify the San Diego Wave. Who's needed that position in the number nine all season long? So I'm really happy for her. Yeah, I mean, I agree. It fills a need, a need that they really lacked last year. I think we'll get to the other things. It feels like a sliding doors moment in San Diego, though, with everything going on. But at least it's addressing an issue from last year at the very least, which, yeah, absolutely top player. Big loss for Chicago, too. Yeah. We don't know how the service will be now. That's the problem. So hopefully she'll be able to create more out of nothing.

1:01:18Jeff Kassouf:Very true. You mentioned sliding doors. I feel like it was a revolving door, Lujmila, coming in. Let's talk about a big name who has now left San Diego Wave. Because Delphine Cascarino and San Diego Wave officially mutually parted ways on Sunday. The French international forward announced she signed a three-and-a-half-year deal with the London City Lionesses. Cascarino spent the 2024 and 2025 season with the Wave, where she scored seven goals, had nine assists, and 34 appearances with the club. it was great to be able to talk with her when we did. Ali, sit with her and Kenza Dali as well. She was very happy at San Diego, not saying that this has anything to do with it, but what does this signing say, again, as to what we were just talking about, the pull from NWSL to WSL here now for Delphine?

1:02:06Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I'm a little surprised because I thought, you know, she looked like she was happy, she was doing really well. Not that she ever plays poorly, But she was thriving in San Diego and really elevated the team. So that was a bit of a shock for me to see her go, especially playing in the World Sevens, too. And winning that was really, really fun to watch. But I'm sure, you know, maybe there was a slight pull, too, to kind of head closer to home. I know how hard that can be through, you know, the experience of playing overseas, no matter, you know, across the pond you are. So I think also being close with her sister now, that was another deal that happened to go to West Ham.

1:02:49Cristina Alexander:So now they're really close to each other. And I think that was maybe a draw as well. So the family's back together and also she's closer to home, but maybe a different experience too. You just want to have an experience for a couple of seasons and then, you know, go back home or go closer to home and play in the WSL, which is continuing to grow, especially because, you know, England won the Euros back to back. And, you know, there's more money. There's more Americans going into the league, too. So, yeah, it's it's all in all, I think, a positive move. But now, once again, San Diego, that's really tough for them because she was such a quality player.

1:03:28Cristina Alexander:She had so much of an impact. And I think she really helped them succeed every single game. She was so difficult to defend. So I don't know what answer they'll have for her absence, but it'll be a tough one. Yeah. Yeah. I mean, we had her on our touch screen at one point at the top of the list on our MVP ranking. She was a finalist in the end. I think if you're a Wave fan, it's really hard to digest an MVP finalist in her prime. In the middle of a contract, leaving on a mutually terminated contract with no transfer fee. So, I mean, there was the pull of home. I'm being told and I've seen it reported elsewhere that this was a clause that was in her contract that allowed her to do this at this time if she wanted to.

1:04:08and that was obviously the way that they were able to get her over here in the first place, so they got a year and a half. But yeah, I think it's tough to digest as an exit. It's really tough to digest when you got nothing in return from it. And then you add like a little bit of a wrinkle that Michelle Kang, who owns a team in the NWSL, owns London City Lioness. It's not really super relevant, but it's just like an additional wrinkle that... I think it's relevant. I think it's hard to digest if you're a Wave fan, And it's a head-scratcher from a business perspective in the moment. But I guess that was the way to make it happen, at least for the year and a half, if you're the Wave.

1:04:43Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, absolutely. I mean, we know that they lose a lot with Delphine Cascarino leaving the team, Ali. But does the Lujmila signing kind of balance things out here for the Wave? Somewhat.

1:04:55Cristina Alexander:Lujmila actually created so much for Chicago. And she didn't have the quality of players that she will now have with San Diego. that were in Chicago. And that's no disrespect to the players, but I think just the player pool there and the personnel I don't think fit the style that she calls for. So you need the players to surround her that can provide her that service. Yes, losing Cascarin is going to be tough now. And Lundqvist as well, who went overseas and left. So that right side is going to be interesting to see who fills that. So as long as there's players who can provide her service, I think she's going to be great.

1:05:41Cristina Alexander:Once again, she can create something out of nothing and do a lot on her own. But over time, that gets to be really difficult, and that's very demanding on one player. So I think that with San Diego's personnel now, she does have more quality than she did in Chicago. But yes, we need to start talking about the San Diego right-sided players who are going to be able to fill that role for her to be able to get on the scoring sheet this season.

1:06:09Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, San Diego Wave was one of the more exciting teams to watch last season, definitely. And it's going to be so fun to see how Lujamila kind of fits into this San Diego Wave team now. So it'll be interesting, Jeff, to see what they can do now, like Ali said, with Lujamila and that possibility. because the San Diego Wave team created so many good plays and they just needed that last sort of ingredient that Lujmila could certainly be for this squad. Yeah, I mean, absolutely. You know, I think Kenza Dali, you know, we talked about another player who I would say should have been in the MVP conversation or was certainly, you know, playing at that level.

1:06:45So in the middle of the park, they had that. They have had a lot of turnover, you know, not just coming into this offseason, but prior to it. I saw somewhere that there's now one remaining player from the 2024 season, which is obviously only really one season removed. I mean, that's that's pretty significant, even in a league that's known for turnover. So I think, you know, that is going to be the challenge of, yes, you bring in Luzmila, you know, the tradeoff of losing Cascarino. I mean, I don't know if that's a push in the end, really. But, you know, I think how this comes together, this is going to be on Jonas Eindervald to figure out what does this look like?

1:07:21I think you could say fully putting his stamp on this team now coming in middle of winter last year. Maybe not everything. Every player was his, so to speak. Now it's very much his team. What's he going to do with it? And there's a lot of, you know, they're going to enter the season with a lot of question marks because of the departures and because of how important they were.

1:07:39Jeff Kassouf:Yeah. And because Kaylin Sheridan, I mean, that's like another if you're a San Diego fan has been it's been a long offseason. Yeah, yeah. And new parent, too. When we saw her, she was obviously with her phone just stuck to her because her wife was about to give birth. So I thought of that, too. You know, they were just settling in with a new baby. And obviously it was it was great to be able to interact. We had a great time in San Diego. San Diego, beautiful city, as our producer Beto well knows the San Diegan himself. But this is a city that we well know, too. It's a hop, skip, jump away. Boston Legacy is where we start our NWSL season versus, of course, who else got them FC?

1:08:23Jeff Kassouf:The reigning champs, March 14th, 1230 p.m. Eastern. Again, we start the season in style on ABC. Very much looking forward to that. Can I just say I love that Boston Legacy, Al? I don't know if you'll agree with me. the pink, the pink jackets, the pink warm-ups. I'm definitely here for it.

1:08:43Cristina Alexander:It's kind of San Diego vibes, too, but maybe a little elevated. They're, like, newer, and I don't know if ABC said, you know, gave us the Gotham game for the start of the season, but I appreciate that, and I'm very excited.

1:08:58Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, I think Gotham was the team that we had the most on our airwaves, and we told them this, too. It is not a complaint. Maybe it's the Allie Krieger effect. That's not a complaint either. Everyone, you're welcome. Tune in. Jeff, Allie, thank you. We will be back next Tuesday. Some interesting news dropping later this week that we will break it all down here in one week. See you then.

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