Futbol W: Hutton Live + Krieger with Rodman, Jackson & Gisele

14:37Natalia Astrain:Osoala left. Osoala. I think that, yeah, they want to build this foundation with Claire, but they need other players as well.

14:44Cristina Alexander:This is someone who you know, as I mentioned, from the U17s very well. You coached her. What is the most redeeming quality or the best thing that Claire Hutton has as a player that you saw when she was 16, 17, Natalia?

14:58Natalia Astrain:Well, when I was working with her, it was a privilege to have this kind of player in the roster. She's a player that always wants to grow, always is able to listen. Her capability to manage the tempo of the game. She plays as a six, she receives the ball, she manages the tempo. She connects really well lines between the midfielder and she connects really well the lines. And I think her vision, the way she understands the space, the way she can play with other players in other parts of the field, I think that is something very important in her ability to play.

15:36Cristina Alexander:Let's get into Croy Bethune now, which is very strange to see her even holding up a Kansas City current jersey. It was crazy to hear that news last week. Why do you think Casey Kern brought her in as a true number 10 that the current will now have?

15:51Natalia Astrain:Well, I was very surprised, honestly, if I can say that. I was very surprised with this movement, because we saw the Trinity Roadman, you know, renew with the Washington Spirit, a very beautiful news for the NWSL. But then we see that Bethune is moving and Krovetun is moving to Kansas. It was a little surprise. I think Kansas needs this style of player. Krovetun is a player that changes the speed of the game. She can step into the box. She can drop in and play into the midfielders, but in addition, she can arrive to the box and score goals. I think this is a player that she doesn't need to prove.

16:28Natalia Astrain:She's a proven player, she's a player maker. She makes the player around her much better. And then it's a game changer. And then we saw in the last games with the national team against Paraguay, she went into the field in the second half and she changed completely the game. I think these are players that all the coaches, we can say that we want here in the team.

16:50Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I mean, if you think about it, Croy Bethune had to get used to playing without Trinity Rodman. Casey Current, without their biggest players in the most important part of the season, we could say kind of fell apart. No Michelle Cooper, no Tamwa Chawinga. And it seems like Croy can kind of really help the team not miss those big, important players so much. So when we see these two side by side, Claire Hutton to Bay FC, Croy Bethune to Kansas City Current, who won in this trade?

17:18Natalia Astrain:I think it will be unfair if we see that one is winning another. No, I think that they both are different players, right? But I feel like the objective with Bay FC is building long-term foundation, like let's sign Claire and build the team around her, but a more long-term idea, vision. and Claire Bethune is a player that immediately impact. She can change the game completely. And like I just said, but you imagine Chawinga and Bethune together. This is like a crazy, you see the roster of Kansas. It's really scary.

17:52Cristina Alexander:Yeah, it really is. It's truly the rich getting richer. But let's talk about Trinity Rodman at Washington Spirit. So when it comes to Cory Bethune leaving, we know her TikTok buddy, but also buddy-buddy on the field. Yes. What's next for the Washington spirit after moving on from Croy?

18:13Natalia Astrain:The thing is, like, they put a lot of effort with Trinity Roman, right? And we all were really, really happy to see still and continuing the NWSL. But now it's like, now what? You know, it's like I think that they should sign another player, someone with this personality, because Crowe Betun is not only a soccer player. She's a media player, a media person. This is a very beautiful personality. And I think it's put too much pressure in Trinity Rothman because now Bethune is not there. And of course, we have Lacey Santos. We have herself. There are other players in the middle that the level is absolutely outstanding.

18:56Natalia Astrain:But about personality, I feel like Trinity Rothman needs someone else to share and split a little bit this pressure because, honestly, it's a lot of pressure for her, not only with the Washington spirit, as well with the national team.

19:10Cristina Alexander:Yeah, Croy Bethune, as a player, as a human, her teammates really just gravitated towards her, and we've naturally done so with her at the Washington Spirit. And speaking of Trinity Rodman, she caught up with our Allie Krieger.

19:31Cristina Alexander:Amazon deliveries and get paid for each package you deliver. When you become a partner, you and your staff will deliver packages to customers in your area on a schedule that works for you. Gain extra income, increase exposure for your business, and connect with neighbors. It's easy to get started with no delivery experience, long-term contracts, or startup costs required. Interested in learning more? Visit amazon.com slash hub delivery. That's amazon.com slash H-U-B delivery. 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.

20:03Cristina Alexander: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 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-GRAINGER, click grainger.com, or just stop by. I'm really happy I think I had a really good offseason with Ben We get to spend a lot of time together Relax but also like stay fit Like I think this is probably the fittest I've been coming out of an offseason Which is nice But then having my first camp back in for a while And just feeling like I'm rolling into the preseason Awesome

20:48Claire Hutton:Yeah we'll get into that Because 20.5 wasn't easy for you There was long injury stretches, stops and starts but you still impacted games when you were on the field, obviously. If you had to describe that season in one word, what would it be?

21:07Cristina Alexander:Just emotional. Yeah, I think like you had just mentioned, just so many unknowns like back and forth out of injury. I come back, I do well, I hurt my knee. So it was just a lot of really, like again. so emotional but I don't like I'm not mad at last year like it always happens for a reason and

21:29Claire Hutton:it made me stronger so yeah and everything does happen for a reason it was also physically demanding on you but also mentally draining like you mentioned but what was the hardest part watching from the sidelines during those moments I think just like missing the feeling and the

21:48Cristina Alexander:connection with the fans and just the athlete part of it like the games ties everything together um so it's not like I like was scared our team wasn't gonna win or like I wasn't making an impact on the field because at the end of the day we have so many great players and I don't doubt us but I think it was more so just like the game day feeling of like those are my favorite days and

22:09Claire Hutton:missing those I was not liking um you came back though in August and scored a game winner against Portland you could feel how much that meant to you so what did scoring that goal allow you to feel

22:24Cristina Alexander:again like myself when I'm not even just scoring I think when I'm able to celebrate and have fun and appreciate the moment is when I'm myself and at my best so I think it was just a moment to feel like me again and to have that connection with the fans of like okay yay like I'm back I did it and also like just joy everyone was so happy and not just for me for the whole team and that moment as a whole like it was just a big moment for everybody and I'm glad that I had so much support in it

22:58Claire Hutton:and then by September it felt like a reminder of what you bring right you bring the goals the assist the influence and the team and once your body allowed it did the game start to feel that familiar again because we all know it takes so much time to feel that confidence again and and just how your body moves in a game yeah I still feel

23:19Cristina Alexander:like it was I was still trying to get my feet under me through it I felt confident playing but even just watching back I was like okay there's still a little bit of work to get back to what I was if I do but yeah even through like the goals and the assists and the good performances, I still felt like there were moments in the game where I was feeling defeated or frustrated because I wanted it to just be like so good at every moment and it wasn't. So it was more of like a mental thing of getting back into it. But I think I'm there again.

23:54Claire Hutton:And despite everything, right, Washington gets to the final and the championship run. What did that say about the belief, though, and that resiliency inside this group?

24:03Cristina Alexander:But, yeah, we never stopped fighting. But also, like, with that being said, I think we were very consistent with everything that had happened throughout the year. We were still putting up really good performances with a lot of players gone and injured. So, yeah, I think just the fight in us of, like, we don't need our starting lineup to be on the field to put up good performances. So, yeah, it was really proud of us. But also, you know, the real test is that final moment. And we struggled again. and I'm hoping that we can do it again this year and have a different outcome.

24:37Claire Hutton:Well, a third time might be a try, right? But how do you process that kind of ending, right? Like two years in a row, you get to the final. How is that process for you being in that moment again?

24:48Cristina Alexander:Yeah, it was a weird feeling for me. I wasn't as – I was more devastated the year before, which is weird because I was more emotional this last year. but I think I was just in a place of I could only do so much in the moment of I don't even know how many minutes I'm gonna play I still was going into another championship not a hundred percent so I was just like thankful to be on the field but obviously the frustration of like I wish I could have played 90 and didn't again so yeah it was just I think all the emotions of the year had hit in that one moment but the actual loss itself it was like we put it all out there again and like everything happens for a reason like they got it for a reason and now next year we'll see and talking

25:38Claire Hutton:more positive uh the historic deal um reflects you know that you signed this historic deal with washington but it reflects the belief in you um and not just as a player but as the face of the league so you had every option including overseas um but why is this the right moment to commit long term to Washington and also the NWSL?

26:00Cristina Alexander:I think just, I guess, like me starting to build some type of legacy in soccer. For me, starting with Washington and growing from 18 until 23 now is like, I do truly feel like Washington has built me as a person and a player and I have an attachment towards it and you know that feeling of D.C. Like, it's a community. It's a family. And I don't know. I think I just wasn't ready to say bye to it yet. And also, I think at heart, I do want to be in the U.S., just obviously being from here and being raised here my whole life. I think there's still so much room for the women's game to grow in the U.S.

26:47Cristina Alexander:because it's already huge overseas. So I think if I can be a person to keep expanding and keep pushing for more here, then I would love to do that.

26:56Claire Hutton:Jumping into national team and switching gears, you're just talking about January camp. How good does it feel to be back and, you know, play in and back to back games right away, starting the year off fresh?

27:07Cristina Alexander:Amazing. Like I said before, like being fit going into January camp, a lot of players can't really say. And I truly believe I'm like I was ready to go for these minutes. So I'm just happy that I put myself in that position and Emma trusted me to play me and managed me really well. But yeah, I mean, representing the crest is the most amazing thing in the world, but also doing it with amazing players and having a coach that is just like along for the ride. Like it's just ready to do anything and everything with us and for us. And yeah, Emma's been amazing and has made the experience so much better.

27:41Cristina Alexander:Speaking about doing everything and anything.

27:45Claire Hutton:I have to talk about when she was celebrating when you scored, and then you obviously made it happen, but what does that moment say about the environment and culture she's creating? And also, more importantly, how do you rate her dance moves?

27:59Cristina Alexander:We have room for improvement. I think she's going to pull a muscle. I think she did great with what she was given and the pressure of the situation and everyone expecting it to happen, and Trinity Rodman sprinting to her right after a goal. So, yeah, she did well. But, again, her doing that with me and just – I re-watched that video so many times, not for the actual dance part, but to see the teammates, the fans, like even the assistant coaches. Like they were all dying laughing, and that's like what it's all about. And I think having a coach where you respect them so much as a coach and you like can be coached, have the tactics of the soccer, but on the other side of things, it's like, no, she's showing us she's also human and we can connect with her on a different level.

28:45Cristina Alexander:So I think that's important. And then it ultimately makes you want to play for her even more.

28:50Claire Hutton:Yeah, you never want to lose that fun element, right? And that's great to see that connection happen in real time. But you've also captained the national team produced right away, which I just want to hear how you felt about that and how your leadership has evolved in the role within the U.S. and how that continues to grow for you. It was terrifying.

29:09Cristina Alexander:You were like, I'm going to be doing what? I was scared. Um, Emma had kind of told me in the beginning of camp, like, the responsibility of, like, okay, you're kind of the vet now in this camp. And I was, like, it didn't make me nervous having more responsibility. Like, naturally, I think I felt comfortable enough in being on the national team for, I think, four years now. It's like, okay, like, I've settled. Um, but I think it's just the actual, like, speeches and, like, all those little things that you forget about and you're like, oh my gosh, because you give the pregame speech for the starters and then you go out and you do the anthem and everything and then we get in the huddle and everybody was looking at me and I was like, oh, come on, guys.

29:53Cristina Alexander:I was like, dang, I have another one. But I thought I did it well. I'm hoping other players said that too. But it felt good and I'm obviously really honored and glad that I could have also scored and done that.

30:05Claire Hutton:Amazing. No, it felt right in that moment, in that game, and just to start the year off that way. It was so brilliant. But the depth is so real right now, and I love seeing a lot of the younger players being able to give an opportunity. An established star is returning, younger players just pushing the standard, and them rising. But how do you view that competition as someone who thrives in those big moments?

30:31Cristina Alexander:I think it's great. I think essentially competing for a spot is an amazing thing, and it sucks for the coach. It sucks for Emma because I do, especially just speaking from a forward. Looking at the forward depth, it's kind of insane to think that she has to narrow it down to, yeah. She's going to have fun with that decision. But it's amazing. I think it's so cool to see the young players now coming up and being so comfortable playing. Like you see even Claire Hutton and Olivia Moultrie, you're like, what? Like, they look like they've just been in it for so long. So I think it's really cool to be a young player coming up, but also, like, to have the exposures, even if you don't make the rosters in the future, to just have that and build off of that in club to then get the next call-up, I think.

31:21Claire Hutton:As you look ahead into this next season, because that's what, you know, everyone's excited about, yeah, what excites you most about thinking about opening day for you and the squad?

31:34Cristina Alexander:I think just even the growth that's happened through the offseason and in these past couple games in camp, the attention that's been on us, I think going into the season now it's the talk of the town, I'm feeling like. So I'm excited to kind of see what new fans and new people are being brought to the sport. But also just every year the MWSL gets better and better, So I'm just excited to see how the teams do and now expansion teams. So, yeah, we'll see.

32:05Claire Hutton:And what would success look like for you this season coming up?

32:11Cristina Alexander:Playing every game, being healthy. I just keep reiterating it and people think it's so simple, but I never thought I'd be an injury-prone player, but here we are. And, yeah, I'm just hoping that I can continue to stay on top of doing everything right and being available for every game. We really hope that for Trinity as well, because she offers so much, not only to the Washington spirit, to the league itself, of course, with Emma Hayes at the national team level. Successful take-ons, she was ranked first, shots on target, second goal contributions, and chances created since her debut in 2021. And by the way, that's considering that she didn't have a full season.

32:56Cristina Alexander:So hopefully she is able to have one this season. So when it comes to Trinity Rodman, obviously, Natalia, with what she just said is top of list, staying healthy, which would obviously make her have the minutes that she truly wants. But to you, what needs to change for Trinity Rodman here in 2026?

33:14Natalia Astrain:Well, first of all, I want to say that I love how she approached the problems and the challenge that he had in her life. How she talked about the last season, the injuries. So, okay, this needs to be happened. And I like as well how she speaks, her maturity. But she's very natural and very fun. I think that this is a really interesting player, not only about the soccer perspectives, you know, about personality as well. I think that we are very lucky that she continues in the NWSL. Yeah, absolutely.

33:46Cristina Alexander:And she talked about what it means to be a leader at the national team level. She just wore that captain band and talked about the pressures of even making a speech. So to you, what kind of leader can she be at the national team level?

34:03Natalia Astrain:I think she can be a really, really good leader, but I don't want to put all the pressure on her again. When she come back in the last games with Paraguay and Chile, I think the national team depend a lot of her. like we we we talking I talk sorry as a we as a nothing nothing nothing she's a coach she is a coach we're playing all the time trying looking for her and it's amazing but I think that it's good to have other option as well so I think that Trinity can be a leader she's a leader but we can not only depend on her I think that we need to split the the responsibility the same like we were talking about Washington spirits I think that she probably because the style of play sees a player that could have some injuries and then we cannot put okay Trinity Rothman is not in the roster she cannot play and like oh we lack something we are like answers because she's not there of course we will miss her but I think she needs to have her time like letting her be in the team and growing and I think that she's a player that because she's young but as well she has a lot of games she can teach the new player and she's a reference she's a role model uh the numbers of the money the the transfer fee is incredible is historical and this make uh very big for the soccer for the women's soccer right i think the value that she provide to the to the women's soccer in general we are we are so happy that at the end we are having this number in the transfer fees no now crobiton now Claire Hatton as well, but I think she's so in.

35:48Natalia Astrain:Okay, she's a lady, she can play soccer, and she has a lot of value.

35:53Cristina Alexander:Yeah, absolutely. A lot of redeeming qualities. That's not surprising at all, and clearly someone like Emma Hayes sees that. So with everything that she has, we know your best ability is your availability. That's something that she obviously knows, and as she has now accepted being an injury-prone player. Let's say we can guarantee, and I wish I had this power, that she is 100 % going to stay healthy from here come World Cup time. When it comes to U.S. Women's National Team, her starting position, can you 100 % secure that? Leaving aside all of the injury issues, Natalia.

36:30Natalia Astrain:Well, I know in my case, but if she can play for my team, I will say yes. For me, it's a differential player. There are no other Trinity Roadmen. The capability and quality that she has, there are no other players that have in the same body the same things, right? And I think if she's healthy, Trinity Rodman probably is in the roster.

36:51Cristina Alexander:Obviously. Speaking of the roster, Trinity Rodman is a part of the 26-player roster that Emma Hayes dropped today. Looking forward to the She Believes Cup. And as you can see, a lot of the staple European players, Fallon Tellis-Joyce is back. And I'm saying they're all back after what we saw from that January camp. Lindsay Heaps, Naomi Gurma is back. Emily Fox is there. Sam Coffey, now a European player with Manchester City, still getting used to that as well. And Alyssa Thompson, Matty Dahlian is well there. Not European-based, but maybe one of the names that kind of jumped out. And speaking of, Natalia, obviously with the roster, we kind of always ask the same questions.

37:31Cristina Alexander:But here it's interesting because for the first time in a year, we're not seeing a new name. hear pop up on Emma Hayes list. Obviously, she's trying to really define what she wants for the World Cup. But to you, who stands out the most in this particular roster?

37:47Natalia Astrain:I think that the fact that Rayleigh Jackson come back, she just got the first cup in the last games in January and she's coming back. I think this is really important. Of course, Naomi Girma coming back, the secretary of defense, is coming back in the back line. I think that is a good, good call, right, for her and for the national team. And other position that I want to highlight is the goalkeeper, because Tullis Joyce come back as well. Remember that she was injured in the fall season, and now she's coming back, I think, is really important. We miss another name, right, like Catalina Macario, and, of course, Crowe Bethune.

38:27Natalia Astrain:We are talking about one of the new and higher transfers in this preseason, and we miss her in the roster.

38:37Cristina Alexander:Right, but as a coach, jumping into the mind of Emma Hayes, could you maybe understand why she's not there? Maybe she wants her to adapt to Kansas City, although we're seeing Claire Hutton's name there, who's on the new team as well.

38:50Natalia Astrain:Could be, and I think that the fact that she's calling Riley Jackson instead of Crowe Bethune, there are different positions. Both are midfielders, but Riley is more like an eight. She can play as a six, right? Crowe Bethune is more like a ten. And I think that, okay, she knows how Crowe Betune is. And probably it's a time like a little, let's give to her a little peace, organize, change teams and organize her life. And then probably she will be in another team, in another game, sorry.

39:22Cristina Alexander: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 maintain x maintain x is the ai-powered maintenance and asset management system that brings your unplanned maintenance downtime to zero maintain x 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.

39:59Cristina Alexander: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.

40:12Natalia Astrain:When you want your spring break to feel like. And your kids pool day to feel like. And your hotel bed to feel like.

40:25Claire Hutton:Ooh, and room service to feel like. Because at Hilton, hospitality feels like. Your cabana's ready. Would you like fresh towels? It matters where you stay. Book now at Hilton.com. Hilton, for this day.

40:43Cristina Alexander:So to the Football W audience, I know Natalia Strain very well because we get to call the NWSL games in Spanish. So I know why she's talking so highly of Riley Jackson right now. And she can now tell me, I told you so, because you wanted to see this for Riley Jackson. What's the biggest positive that you see from a player like her and understanding why she's in this roster today?

41:08Natalia Astrain:Well, I was honored to work with some of these players that now they are playing with the first national team. And when you are coaching the 17s, the 20s, your big objective or your main objective is to see this player one day playing with the first national team. And when you see them, of course. And we see here, Riley Jackson, I was sorry. Very annoying all the season with you, Christina. Riley Jackson needs to be there. I hope one day she's there. Well, let's go. Now we can enjoy and you all, everybody, all the fans can enjoy saying Riley Jackson wearing this amazing crest. She's a differential player.

41:49Natalia Astrain:I feel like during some years we were missing a midfielder. Well, with some coffee, we have again a really good midfielder. Remember when Julius retired, we were like thinking, oh my God, we don't have any player there. and where some players trying, but none of them was like doing this click, no, for the national team. And then some coffee and now Claire Hutton. And then we see Riley Jackson. And the three of them can play in the same position, but they are different. And this is the versatility that all the coaches we want to have in the team and more in the national team.

42:28Cristina Alexander:Yeah, clearly she has that now, or Emma Hayes has that now with Riley Jackson. Specifically in this tournament, what are you hoping to see from Riley Jackson?

42:37Natalia Astrain:Well, she played the first game in January against Chile. Now I feel that she can be a little more composed. She saw a lot, but she can do better in the way like, of course, it's the first game and probably she was nervous and so excited. But it's a player that she can see the field different. It's like she has another vision, like x-ray or other way to scan the field. And for me, one of the most important special things that Riley Jackson has is how she position herself before receiving the goal, the ball. And this is, I'm very picky about the movement of the ball, and Riley Jackson has that.

43:19Natalia Astrain:The way she position herself, when she receives the ball, do the next action so quick, so fast. She reads before other players because she, yeah, is ready. When everybody is okay. step ahead of everybody. Yes, yes. And then she has the capability to switch the point attack. She has a really beautiful touch. She can touch the ball, short passes, long passes, and she switches the ball completely to the opposite side. And I think this is a style of play that Emma Hayes like. When I track, play short, attract the opponent to this area. And when the opponent team is coming here, then, bam, you switch the ball and then you kill the opponent.

43:56Natalia Astrain:And Riley can do that.

43:57Cristina Alexander:I always hope that Emma Hayes watches this show because I'm a fan of hers, but I hope Emma Hayes is watching at this particular moment because I'm sure she's looking at me. And saying, yes, that's exactly why I called Riley Jackson up. So let's hear from Riley Jackson herself who caught up with Allie Creek.

44:16Claire Hutton:Riley, welcome. Thank you so much for joining us. It's so great to meet you and, yeah, celebrate your recent success. Thank you. Congratulations. But first, before we get into all of that, I just want to know how your off season was and were you able to reset, recharge and, you know, relax from such a demanding season? Yeah, it was so nice. I'm from Georgia, so I was home pretty much the whole time after our last year 23 camp of the year. And it was so, so fun just getting to spend time with my family. I'm super close with my family. So to spend that much time consistently at home was so nice, especially with my younger sister.

44:50Claire Hutton:She's still in high school. So it was really nice to just hang out with her. And yeah, she's funny. Yeah, as footballers, you don't get that much time. Yeah, much time with your family. So yeah, it was really nice. And then actually the end of offseason, a group of us, a lot of the girls are actually here today. We went to the beach and trained in the mornings and then just went to the beach in the afternoons. And so that was like the highlight probably for me. Awesome. That sounds like a dream. Yeah. But last season, jumping into football, it felt like a real turning point for you. For a more limited role to playing almost every minute in midfield, what allowed you to make that jump and stay consistent week after week?

45:29Claire Hutton:Yeah, I would say after my rookie year, my end of the year meeting, our coaches told me that I needed to close the gap. And that really stuck with me. And so going into offseason of last year, I worked super hard. I think the biggest thing for me too was just confidence, knowing what I was capable of and coming into the year just and proving myself and knowing I wanted to be on the field and that's where I deserve to be. And so coming into the season, I carried that close the gap thing with me. And I really wanted to push the gap, honestly, in the opposite direction to really set myself apart from other players.

46:03Claire Hutton:And it's honestly been so great because our culture at The Courage has really just been so amazing for me. I think my first year I was playing with a lot of fear of making a mistake, putting a lot of unnecessary pressure on myself as well. And I think this year, with the support of my teammates and the staff and everyone, was able to kind of release that grip on expectation. And I talked about this earlier, but just really discovering who I am as Riley and not always just Riley, the soccer player, has really, really released a lot of that grip on expectation and pressure and all those negative things that were preventing me from performing at my best.

46:35Claire Hutton:And so now I feel like I'm able to play with so much joy and freedom and I'm still focused and driven, but I'm just really appreciating the game so much more. And that's made me perform so much better. And I think the release, obviously, of pressure has really helped me to step into the bigger role this year. Yeah. And you could tell. I mean, you seem so confident and comfortable during games, which has been really brilliant to see in the success in North Carolina. But you logged nearly 2 ,000 minutes, which is a big mental and physical demand. And especially at your age. So what does it take to maintain that focus and performance that you were talking about over a full NWC season like that?

47:14Claire Hutton:Yeah, yeah. The season's long. And I'm definitely learning that as I progress in my career. But it's so fun. And I think what is most important to me is just being consistent in the way that I show up every day. And I think there's no limit to age on leadership. And I feel like I really want to step into the locker room every day and be someone that leads by example. in the way that I show up. And that's just being a happy person, being vulnerable too. I've learned that's really important to like use the resources that I have, use my teammates that have more experience than me and learn from them.

47:46Claire Hutton:But yeah, from like a body perspective, it's just like doing everything I can to make sure my career is as long as it can be because I want to stay on the field until I'm like 40 years old if I could. Start stretching out. You know, so yeah, I definitely prioritize those things and I'm still learning so much as I go. what resources are available, what can I do to make myself feel the best. And so, yeah, I just think it's leaning on all the people around me as well. It's a great mindset to have, and that will definitely, you know, get you to last really long in this league. That's so demanding.

48:17Claire Hutton:But more specifically, with changes in midfields, you were asked to take on more responsibility quickly. And I know you're mostly up for that task, kind of stepping also into this leadership role that you've been speaking about. but how did that challenge you and what did it teach you about yourself as a player? Yeah, I've definitely learned a lot this season or this past year. I feel like I grow game by game and I think the biggest thing with that was just exposure in minutes like we talked about before. But yeah, I think especially with Denise being out for the second half of the season, I really had to step into that role.

48:51Claire Hutton:Playing with a few other midfielders that maybe didn't speak as much English was a challenge, but I really embraced that. I think it's always good to be outside your comfort zone and I had to grow in a lot of ways obviously like defensively with my communication and I still have a lot of ways I want to grow and get better but I think it's just really cool to be constantly challenged and in the environment that I'm in just the way that people show up every day to push each other is so inspiring and it's impossible not to grow if you put your mind to it in the place that I am so right and also make yourself uncomfortable right yeah willing to be uncomfortable because that's when you do grow the most.

49:25Claire Hutton:So that's a really good point. In North Carolina, season ended on decision day, which is one of the toughest ways for the year to finish. After such a demanding season, how did you personally process that moment? Because you were so close and the margins were so thin. Yeah, it was really challenging. I think because we worked so hard, especially in the second half of the season. We've gone through a lot, definitely a lot in the past two years, a lot of change, a lot of new faces in and out, new staff, things like that. And it's challenging. And I think as a young pro, it was definitely very challenging, but it allowed me to grow a lot on and off the field.

50:04Claire Hutton:And I think looking back at the end of the season, I'm obviously so competitive and was devastated that we couldn't pull it off for each other, for the fans, for everyone that had poured so much into the team, especially pulling us out of the place that we were in at the beginning of the year, I think it was obviously really upsetting. But I also think it's impossible not to look back and appreciate the year just because of the amount of growth that occurred for me individually and as a group. I think we were in a really good place for the end of the season. We were proving ourselves with our performances, scoring more goals and things like that.

50:34Claire Hutton:And so I think that's just really what we want to carry into this next year. And individually for me, I honestly, one of the best years of my life, just growing as a human. And I'm so content and so happy, obviously, uncontent with soccer goals, but just content in life and can approach every day with gratitude and have built a set of values for myself outside of soccer. That has really just helped me to look at every day. I'm like living my dream like this is insane. So I think going into the season, I'm going to carry that into every game. Yeah, it's so important to kind of have that balance, right?

51:07Claire Hutton:Just the, you know, the soccer part of things or the football part of things, but then also have a good mindset off the field to be able to find joy outside of football, to be able to keep you at the level that you're at and keep your mind free and focused. But that year also led to a major vote of confidence. You signed, you know, contract extension through 2028. So congratulations. What did that commitment from The Courage mean to you specifically? Yeah, there's a lot of things I love about The Courage. It was obviously my first pro club and I've grown a lot there. And I think that's what's most important for me is being in a place where I know I'm going to continue to grow.

51:43Claire Hutton:And I feel like there's still more for me at the club. And that's obviously why I'm staying around. But yeah, I'm just really excited for the way that my role is definitely going to continue to evolve. And the biggest thing there is I just felt so valued. And I think that's the biggest thing for anyone, honestly, is feeling that value on and off the field. and I feel like I have finally reached a place where I feel like I can be authentically myself. And that's also an important thing for me as a soccer player and a person. I feel like our style of play is perfect for the way that I want to play and continue to grow my game.

52:15Claire Hutton:And I never want to have to change in any situation I'm in. And I feel like that's a place where I can just be myself. I want to jump and shift gears to the U.S. Women's National Team and talk about how you earned your first senior national team call-up. When you got that call, what actually went through your mind? Oh my gosh, it took me like a week to process that it was becoming a reality. Once I got the email and got to celebrate that moment with my parents and my family at home, it was just really special because they've done so much for me to get to the point that I am in my career. But yeah, I think reflecting is just so sweet.

52:49Claire Hutton:It's something that I've dreamed about my entire life and my entire playing career has honestly led up to wanting to be on the national team and getting that first call up. And I know last year I talked a lot about how that was one of my goals at the forefront of my mind was getting called up into my first camp because obviously I have big goals and would love to be on the team in 27 and want to set big goals for myself because why not? And so, yeah, I'm just so grateful to have gotten the call up and the experience was unreal. I honestly can't even explain how I felt the entire week. Like my goal was to be present.

53:22Claire Hutton:And in my conversation with Emma at the beginning of the week, that's what she told me is just to be myself, absorb, learn, and have fun. And I feel like that's exactly what I did during the week. And I'm very happy about that. And I'm just looking forward to continuing to work for more because it just made me even more hungry to continue to get back there. And this felt like such a good reward after such an incredible year that you had. But did your parents say anything specifically to you once you had told them, hey, I received this email and I'm going to the camp? So my dad actually coached me growing up and we're like a big soccer family.

53:55Claire Hutton:So it's been kind of like the forefront of everything in our family for so long. And so it was just so sweet, so special. They actually got to come out for the game where I made my debut. So that was even more special. But yeah, I think they've just done so much and sacrificed so much. And my dad, he's just the best. And I could tell he was getting emotional. I was like, please don't get emotional. I'm going to get emotional. So, but yeah, they're just so supportive and I couldn't ask for a better family. They must be so proud. And you touched on it a little bit. You didn't just get the call in.

54:29Claire Hutton:You started and played a full match and assisted a goal in your debut. So what did that first experience show you about this level that you're stepping into? It was so special. Stepping on the field, I was definitely a little nervous. I think that's inevitable. And I think it took me a little bit to get into the game. But once I was in it, I was in it and in that flow and just feeling good. And it was so helpful to have so many girls around me supporting me. I've been through national teams with a lot of the women on the roster. And it's cool just to be a part of the group. And obviously, the coaching staff was super supportive as well.

55:08Claire Hutton:And to get that assist, it really was honestly insane. Like assisting Trinity on my first cap. I could never have imagined that playing out the way that it did. And playing the full 90 was really great just to really, really get into the game, especially it being the first game of the year that I've played in, honestly, too. It's always a challenge coming out of offseason is just getting your feet under you. But yeah, once I was in it, I was feeling really good, really confident, just excited for more. Is there anything specific about your game that you want to evolve into this next season? Yeah, I definitely think I love to pass.

55:42Claire Hutton:I think we know I love to pass, but I definitely want to be a little bit more dynamic with how I get into the attack, whether that's taking space, turning, taking on a defender and hopefully taking some shots outside the box. Nice. And score some goals. Yeah. So what does then ultimately success look like for you in 2026? I think that's a hard question. I feel like I define success in so many different ways. But I think it's just being able to look back at the end of the year. and similarly to how I did at the end of this past year and just be like, wow, I grew a lot this year because I think that's the biggest thing for me is really just trusting the process and yeah, hopefully getting called into some more camps, hopefully scoring at least five goals this year and achieving those things that I want to achieve but also looking back and just with the heart of gratitude I think is the biggest thing and feeling like I was present through it all.

56:35Cristina Alexander:The future is bright, but so is the present for Riley Jackson, Here's what she has done with this international cap. At age 20, recorded an assist with the U.S. Women's National Team. Her debut against Chile on January 28th of this year. Signed for NC Courage as she just chatted with Allie Krieger at 17 years old. And just extended her contract over 1 ,900 minutes in the MWSL. The 2025 regular season. Fourth on North Carolina. And I'm sure she will just accumulate more minutes. This episode is brought to you by Nespresso. introducing Virtuo Up the latest in a long line of innovation from Nespresso it's innovation you can touch, sense and taste in every single cup with a 3 second start easy open lever and dedicated brew over ice button, it's even easier to enjoy your coffee your way sip for yourself shop Virtuo Up exclusively at nespresso.com

57:33Claire Hutton:we all have that dream trip we've been wishing we could go on, but too often life or usually price gets in the way. That's why Priceline is here to help you turn your dream trip into reality. With up to 60 % off hotels and up to 50 % off flights, you can book everything you need for your next adventure. Don't just dream about that next trip. Book it with Priceline. Download the Priceline app or visit Priceline.com and book your next trip today.

58:00Cristina Alexander:Go to your happy price. Priceline. Giselle Thompson, not only with the U.S. Women's National Team, but also for Angel City FC. Hey, guess who's back? And she's smiling about Angel City FC's Giselle Thompson. She earned her seventh U.S. Women's National Team call-up where she got her first cap actually last year, also at the She Believes Cup. Thompson recently signed an extension with Angel City FC through 2029 and caught up with our Allie Krieger.

58:29Claire Hutton:First, I just want to jump in and ask about your offseason. Have you had any time to reset and recharge and did it give you anything that you needed physically and mentally? Yeah, well, the off-season is really short, but I did take time to hang out with my family, and Alyssa came back from London, which was really exciting. Like, I always love to see her. But I think something that I really wanted to focus on was my nutrition and staying healthy. Last year, I had a lot of injuries, and I was also coming off during, like, the 70th minute from a cramp. or just complications so I was really trying to focus on the off the field as well as on the fields and I think I have achieved that and was successful I just came back from camp and I played 90 minutes so that's something to kind of be happy and just know that all my hard work has kind of paid off you speak about last season where you played almost every match and contributed consistently in the back line but when when you look at 2025 where do you feel you grew most as a defender yeah I think I definitely got more confident on the field and taking my space getting in the final third I think towards the end of the season I had a lot more opportunities on goal and kind of being in that forward line, which is something that I haven't really done my whole life.

1:00:05Claire Hutton:So I think being an attacking and defending defender is something that's really important to my game, and that's important to be an outside back as well. So do you enjoy attacking more so than the defending side of the game now that you're kind of growing into that position every day? Honestly, I would say I am. I really like attacking and when I scored my first goal in NWSL, nothing could compare to that moment. I didn't even remember it getting into the goal. It was just so surreal and one of like my happiest moments. Yeah, especially because you're a sister. Sister at the time. But you took on a lot of responsibility at a young age.

1:00:49Claire Hutton:What did that stretch teach you about yourself as a professional footballer? Yeah, I think it's definitely hard, especially being so young, but having so many experienced and leaders on our team, it was super helpful to kind of help them lead me into taking that role as well. And I'm not a very vocal leader. I feel like I show more through my actions. So during the game, never giving up, working hard until, you know, I'm on the ground having to get kicked off the field. But, yeah, I think just leading by example was something that was really important to me. And you've obviously spent time and are with the U.S.

1:01:33Claire Hutton:Women's National Team as well. So jumping to that and recent January camp. So congratulations. Thank you. starting the year off on the right foot, so to speak, alongside obviously Emma Hayes. What does that experience show you about the level that you need to reach in order to continue down this path? And what's next for you as you keep pushing forward? Yeah, I think for me it's staying consistent. I know they talked a lot. For me is staying on the field. During these tournaments, you're playing three games in such a small time span. so being able to stay healthy and keeping your body healthy is the most important thing.

1:02:15Claire Hutton:I think I'm still trying to work hard on getting that, obviously, and always trying to make the roster because that's probably the only time I'll see Alyssa as well. So I try to keep my head down and work on the things that I can control and how I'm playing. I know in the camps it's such high level and you're competing with all these players that also want to make the roster so I think it's a very stressful environment, but That will teach you to become better and kind of be better in those experiences. What have you learned? most from you know Emma Hayes and in the direction that she's taking the team and the quality that she brings in this environment?

1:03:01Claire Hutton:Something that we worked on a lot was either go fast or recycle. I think in the final third, we don't always have to hit that cross in if we don't have a lot of players or just recycling and taking advantage of the ball. Also, quicker touches, smaller connections. I think there's so much that we learned from her and she's giving these opportunities to younger players as well, which I think is so amazing for like the experiences that we have and learning from these more experienced players as well so I think it's also her believing in us which is super important and helps me with my confidence on the field and off the field knowing that I have her or she has my back and all my teammates have my back is something that was really important to me.

1:03:52Cristina Alexander:Well Emma Hayes definitely noticed and it's no surprise to see her on the roster yet again. As I mentioned, she made her U.S. Women's National Team debut last year in the She Believes Cup. She joined Angel City in 2024 playing alongside her sister Alyssa for more than a season and led Angel City with five assists in NWSL last season. Third in chances created, but as she told Allie, maybe, you know, getting involved a little bit more in the attack, she clearly knows how to do it. And Riley Jackson trying to take those opportunities from outside the box. I love that defender Ali Krieger is encouraging these players, especially Giselle Thompson as a fullback, to just take those opportunities.

1:04:31Cristina Alexander:But speaking of Giselle Thompson, what separates her from other fullbacks that we're currently seeing, Natalia?

1:04:38Natalia Astrain:Well, one thing important is Alisa and she was playing when they were younger in an MLS team, was with a few players playing the boys team and they were playing with boys. And then I think they get this capability to play so quick and fast. They understand really well the game. And I think that Giselle likes a lot to go up. It's a player that joins the attacking phase. Sometimes she disregard and forget to come back and defend. But she really likes to go up. And she understands really well when is the moment to speed the game, to overlapping, underlapping. and I think she grew a lot in the last seasons to connect and create better connection and relationship with the player on the field.

1:05:23Natalia Astrain:And I explain myself. Before she was going up, she's so fast. She beat the player, the opponent, sometimes not only with the technique, with the long ball and run, but then she didn't connect with the other player around and was a little unpredictable. The team may need to adapt the movement to yourself because she was so fast. But now she understanding better all this relationship and the movement and tactically she grow a lot in this understanding of the game.

1:05:51Cristina Alexander:Yeah, and I'm sure she'll apply all of that that she's learned with Angel City, with the national team, especially in the She Believes Cup. What are you expecting to see from her after this growth in this upcoming tournament?

1:06:04Natalia Astrain:She mentioned a lot about being healthy and this is one of the issues with yourself because she always was like a cramping. And I think she now take care a lot about this off the field, like with the healthy, with the nutrition, with the rest, no? And sleeping. I think this quiet training that we say in Spanish, like el entrenamiento silencioso. O invisible. Yeah, invisible. Todo esto que, everything that you do off the field, that help you be better on the field. I expect, like, be more consistent. Sometimes Giselle is a highlight, like outstanding but then she disappeared for other games. I think we need, but she's young and of course it's understandable that she can do that.

1:06:48Natalia Astrain:But now we want to pulse a little more Giselle. We need Giselle to be a little more consistent during all the season. Not sometimes, you know, we want Giselle all the time.

1:06:58Cristina Alexander:Yeah, Giselle the human, Giselle the player, kind of getting to know herself in different aspects, creating her own identity now that her sister is playing for Chelsea. So starting a season now without her sister, it'll be interesting to see what she can do. Another notable name that we didn't see on this roster is, of course, Katerina Macario. And it's interesting because it obviously ties in to what our Jeff Kasuf reported. Now, Emma Hayes said that she's dealing with a heel injury, but our Jeff Kasuf reporting that San Diego Wave are frontrunners to sign Katerina Macario, saying advanced talks, nothing signed.

1:07:35Cristina Alexander:Macario lived in San Diego as a kid, desire to be closer to home, and play in NWSL are believed to be significant factors. Now, last week was truly crazy because we were just digesting these big interleague moves that we already broke down here on Football W. And then we see this Katarina Macario news. What would be the biggest upside for Kat to return to the NWSL?

1:08:00Natalia Astrain:Well, first of all, I think that the NWSL will be better if Katarina Macario is playing here. I think that this kind of player going to overseas is good for them and we love European fans. We love they play them, but for the NWSL, it's good to have the good player here. I think the level of the league is increasing. First of all, she's playing at home. And secondly, I think the team, like San Diego, with the new coach, last year Jonas joined the team, he's approaching the game differently, a little more tactical component, And yes, like this transitional NWSL team, like all of them are, but more tactically.

1:08:41Natalia Astrain:And Katarina has this experience in Chelsea with Emma Hayes. This was the big point that Katarina moved Chelsea, I think, because Emma was the coach. Now Emma is not there. Emma is here. And now she wants to play in a team probably more close to home, close to Emma Hayes. of course is watching all the players but you are playing in a league that is a domestic league and i think that a team that have a really good player around and if we see the san diego roster it's a really beautiful roster and we can be excited about what katarina macario can provide to the team because can be very beautiful uh in a soccer perspective and in a tactical addition because Katarina is not a player.

1:09:26Natalia Astrain:Of course, she's fast. She can arrive and score. But for me, the option that she provide like a join between lines, like a false nine, make her like a very different player as a, well, you can play her like a forward, sometimes like a midfielder. You can do like a hybrid and play both. I think that the San Diego is a really good team for her.

1:09:49Cristina Alexander:For San Diego specifically, if you're Jonas Edoval right now, Would you want her as a forward? Because we know that this is what they were lacking last season is a true goal scorer, which Kat is one of those players that doesn't know how to score an ugly goal.

1:10:04Natalia Astrain:I don't think that you can tell Katarina. Only play here because she's a player that she has a lot range of movement. She's dropped as a fast line and she can play as a move to the size as well. But I think that she can provide this goal. But in addition, sometimes we saw San Diego last year struggling about connecting lines, right? And I think Catalina can offer that, like, okay, I can go in back, drop in between lines and be this player to connecting with the other player, or why not? She can get the ball, take in the space, and go up.

1:10:37Cristina Alexander:Yeah, as our producer Beto just reminded us, he's, of course, from San Diego. So, naturally, he's a San Diego Wave fan. Luchmila's there as well. See Luchmila there? Cat playing behind her? Man, if you're a San Diego fan, exciting things are happening around and such a beautiful city as well. All right. We want to remind you. And as I mentioned, the season is just around the corner. Boston Legacy versus Gotham FC. We will be in Boston March 14th at 1230 p.m. Eastern on ABC. You should visit us more often. I know it's very cold. Miami is a little bit different than Connecticut. But you all are very warm, right?

1:11:18Cristina Alexander:She knows exactly what she's doing. We will be back next Tuesday. Thank you so much for hanging out with us, Natalia. A big pleasure. All the love for you. I love you all.

1:11:47Did you take someone back to you?

1:11:49Claire Hutton:Brian Pata, senior defensive lineman from Miami. Gunned down.

1:11:54Cristina Alexander:The key to this case, it's Brian. Boy, he scrapped it. An hour before he died, he was on the phone arguing with somebody. This might be a hit. You want the truth. They just want a conviction. They're placing the arrest.

1:12:05Natalia Astrain:We had a killer amongst us. Murder at the U. Listen now.