Futbol W: NWSL action recap+NWSL Player of the Week+Atlanta City FC logo and colorway unveiled+Jordynn Dudley joins the show+WSL weekend recap+Top 10 goals

24:15They're up to one and it's crucial now. Gotham FC, as we mentioned, clinch. Now the postseason 54 points. San Diego way following closely behind and leaving behind Washington Spirit in third place. Utah Royals with that valuable win with 45 points, staying firmly in fourth. But of course, we turn our attention. Angel City now in sixth. Kansas City in seventh. Seattle Reign in eighth. North Carolina Courage and Denver Summit on the outside looking in for now. But we're going to get into it because every result at this point in the season is just crucial. And Kansas City, Jeff, truly responded against a team that had proved tough to beat, at least in the last few weeks.

25:00But is it enough to consider and to say that the unsteady ship has found calm waters?

25:07Jordynn Dudley:No, no. I mean, they came into the night. They went in the weekend in the playoff picture. They came into Saturday morning kickoff. Out of the playoff picture, we've seen how this table has oscillated by the hour in this league, around that 4 to 10 range, and they're not out of the woods with that yet. I think this is obviously a big result. Didn't look like it was going that way the first half hour, as we said. I think Denver's got their own issues with finishing out games. But, you know, Kansas City at home again. They haven't lost there in two and a half years almost in the regular season. So, of course, that's a benefit.

25:37Jordynn Dudley:But I think, you know, they're not out of the woods in terms of getting into this playoff. They haven't clinched, obviously. They're still floating around that drop line. Four games to play. I think we're going to see much more movement over these last few weeks. Are you as not confident in KC as Jeff is? No, I think this gives Kansas City something to build on, right? I think they handle adversity within the game, you know, and kept going and was able to complete the performance and be able to take, you know, take the three points. But now I want to see that composure and that consistency in these last four games because that's going to determine where they're going to sit within the postseason.

26:14But I think, you know, they can score. They have so much talent. They just now have to make sure that they're putting that out in a complete performance on the field. Defensively, I think that can shore up a little bit better. I think there's moments where, you know, there's, you know, disconnection and, you know, not, you know, the communication is lacking. You could tell the connections between the lines are a little bit scarce at times. So as long as the structure and the defensive, more so defensive side of the game, can get more shored up, then I think the attacking will just come and come and come.

26:50And they're going to be able to score plenty of goals, especially if they make it through these last four games. Yeah, absolutely. We know what Kansas City can do with their attacking. But as you said, the defending is still very much a huge question mark. But we also have a huge question mark here for North Carolina, Jeff, because we know what Ashley Sanchez has been throughout the season. 20 goals now, obviously going above Temuichewinga, which is why I think also it's so valuable to see her have that assist in the game. But I digress. Can North Carolina turn things around in time? I mean, they're they're slipping below the playoff line here.

27:27Jordynn Dudley:Well, they can. I mean, they're certainly in it. I think they have some concern, though, in terms of the pressure on them. Because you look at, I mean, obviously the points are close. But they've fallen several positions over the past few weeks now. And to be outside the playoff line with the season that they're having, not just Ashley Sanchez, but Ashley Sanchez, Evelyn EJ, the first 30-goal scoring combo we've seen in league history of two players. So they have the offensive firepower. Mack Lynn told us they were going to score goals for fun, and they have. But they haven't won enough games lately.

27:57Jordynn Dudley:And that's going to be the issue for them to be heading into this weekend outside of the playoff picture. You know, I think maybe preseason expectations, we didn't necessarily think this has to be a playoff team or this has to be a title contender. But to have the golden boot winner probably, to have a potential MVP, to put together the seasons they've had and to be coming from the position that they were in and have now slipped outside of the playoff picture, I think that they need to get themselves back into it to call this season a success. Their schedule doesn't really help them out a lot.

28:27Allie, they go to Seattle. They play San Diego Wave. They play Portland in Portland. And they finish against the Summit. Do you have your doubts about North Carolina? I'm hopeful that they will, you know, have that consistency that we saw in those stretchy games. That, you know, Ashley Sanchez was obviously scoring. And the team was behind her. And then they had a variety in the attack. And a variety of goals from, you know, different players on the team. EJ was stepping up as well. They just had a really good connection and they were being they were able to figure it out. I think, you know, you can't keep asking Ashley Sanchez to rescue every single game.

29:05That's just so much pressure. One, and the responsibility to carry the team, you know, solely in the attack is just not going to is not going to be, you know, it's not going to be helpful and you're not going to win. It's not going to be successful for the rest of the season. they do have an opportunity but they have to have complete games and I think there's enough attacking quality to change the picture but they have to stop allowing these games to get away from them right and this weekend was a perfect example of that and Utah obviously have been playing incredible and they have a lot of talent as well so they make games very difficult but you can't just count on one player and that responsibility she needs she needs help around her she needs you know teammates who are also gonna you know commit to the quality in the front line and to be able to take take the games over uh alongside her so that's a big ask and I don't think that will that will last through the postseason if they can get there so these last four games are going to be critical and everyone has to step up and understand their role and responsibility in order for the team to win yeah they don't want to come around november 1st and still be fighting for a spot in the playoffs but speaking of jeff we know that a lot of things can change obviously in the last few weeks especially when we talk about november 1st and decision day who's out who's out of these of these playoffs with the with the final playoff spots here still

30:30Jordynn Dudley:to to fight for who's who's out of the picture denver is now i mean they needed that was a six point game in kansas city uh the blown leads early in the season against san diego and then these past few weeks up 3-1 in LA multiple blown leads over the past few weeks this one was a little bit different when you look at how it swung 4-1 to Kansas City but they've just been unable to put together 90 minute performances and I think I said last week that I had my trust in them and I think I've been burned Denver's done me wrong but they're an expansion team I think they'll figure it out over the next year I think that when you look at them on paper they should have been in the playoffs even as an expansion team but but they've had these sort of self-inflicted wounds and I cannot believe I'm saying it but my trust fall will go all the way to Los Angeles from here in Connecticut that I think this is the team Angel City of these teams behind us on this bubble that has the momentum that has the talent and maybe finally has put it all together in in unlikely circumstances coast to coast trust fall for Jeff here with Angel City it's like a six-hour flight from here but I digress Allie yeah when I when I look at the teams behind me I'm surprised I'm saying this too because at the beginning of the season, we saw Angel City with nine points, top of the table, doing well.

31:45Obviously, you can't get too excited at the beginning. There's plenty of football to play the rest of the year. But I am surprised that they got themselves back in it. And I think they've done an excellent job. I think Seattle, North Carolina, we'll see. But Denver, I think, is really struggling at the moment. They really needed that win. the last two games they really needed that win in order to boost their confidence as well as their standing but just a win just gives the team so much and it changes your mentality drastically so without that it's going to be a tough ladder to climb right now yeah I like that you described it as a six-point game in Kansas City because that win would have mentally just been pure oxygen here for this team I had them as my surprise team at the beginning of the season halfway through the season.

32:31Looks like I'm getting burned too, Jeff.

32:32Jordynn Dudley:It'd be a big surprise if they make it now. Yes, for sure. Indication. I mean, anything could happen, right? Your teams have to lose. You're saying there's a chance. We'll see. You're saying there's a chance. Maybe it'll be this weekend for Denver. I mean, they play Chicago. So maybe it could be possible here this weekend. Starting on a Friday, a couple of games and three more on Saturday. Of course, we're very much looking forward to Gotham FC versus Angel City, 1 p.m. Eastern on ABC. Whether you meal prep or meal panic, Instacart's new shopping assistant, Clementine, is here to help. Now you can generate a recipe in seconds, add everything you need to make it to your cart, and have it delivered in as fast as 30 minutes.

33:21Plus, you can plan a meal for any occasion, Get meal ideas for the week and reorder your faves with just a few taps. That way you can spend less time figuring out what to make and more time enjoying it. Download Instacart and try Clementine today. Replace your worn out wiper blades during O 'Rewards member appreciation month at O 'Reilly Auto Parts. Receive two times O 'Rewards points and save$10 when you purchase a pair of Rain-X Latitude wiper blades. They will even install them for free at O 'Reilly Auto Parts. It's wild that we're already in week 24. Allie, Jeff, I feel like I said this last week, but it still rings true that our player of the week nominees kind of mean more at this point in the season.

34:04No offense to our week one through 10 player of the week. I don't even remember. Don't look back. Don't judge us. But hey, we're here to judge positively if that's even a thing for our player of the week nominees. We see new names practically every week, which I think is a beautiful reflection on why we love the NWSL so much. So, Allie, you're going to get us started with your player of the week. Yes, I think Haley Hopkins had an amazing weekend versus Denver. She scored a hat trick, first career hat trick, and it was in a variety of ways. And you know what? Something so impressive about Haley is that she isn't a consistent starter.

34:38But when her name is called, she proves herself time and time again. She was able to get in here, obviously, on that first highlight near post, and then just follows through here. Unfortunately, Abby Smith just couldn't clear that and then makes this incredible play. It's so dynamic and so technical. And then Schwinga, selfless play here, slips her in. Haley gets herself in a position to make sure that she puts us in the back of the net. So a variety of ways to score. She was incredible this weekend. And they were down 1-0 in the first half. And so for her to come and really take that front six on her shoulders and really create those goals, It was a variety that I think she'll never forget.

35:20Yeah, you took her hat, you turned it into a crown, which she so well deserves, Haley Hopkins. Jeff, what do you think?

35:26Jordynn Dudley:Yeah, I mean, listen, number nine, not the first name that jumps off the sheet on Kansas City, right? But I think give her her flowers, a hat trick. And in that number nine position that we talked about, I mean, Bea Zanarato has been missed, but Haley Hopkins has stepped up. She's had assists this season. I think she's provided even from sort of an underdog, understated role. Yeah, absolutely. So with all these names that we're seeing here, both of you can attest that I was just casually making dinner the other night and I audibly gasped when I said I need to tell somebody about what I just witnessed.

35:59My player of the week is Mayara Noose. I mean, what a strike for Angel City and at the perfect moment, right, to get that one nil win that was all Angel City needed. but I think she's been so fantastic off the bench. This is someone who could easily be a starter, but I think she's just proved that she is so valuable as well off the bench. The strike is insane. I know we just went through it and we talked about Angel City in depth and the streak that we're seeing from them. And one of the surprises too, I think, at the second half of the season. But News has just been so great. And this strike is just chef's kiss, quality level stuff, Allie.

36:41against Washington Spirit in D.C. and in Audi Stadium. It's unbelievable. At the end of a match, you just take control in that moment. You're able to finish a ball under pressure in the clinch moment for your team. That's what stood out to me. It was unbelievable, and I was really happy that they were able to get those three points away. Jeff?

37:06Jordynn Dudley:Mayara, I feel like our colleague on ESPN.com, Cesar, did something about who's got that dog in them. Mayara, I think, might be top of the list in the NWSL. Just a fighter. She scores. She gets into tackles. She changes games. Yeah, absolutely. I'm sure if she hears this, we'll go, woof, woof. She loves to be that person, right? Especially, you know, up against the wall, but her response was so great, with such little space to do that and still find the top of the corner. I mean, clearly, this is one of my favorite goals of the season. Jeff, best for last. Let's get with your player of the wheel.

37:39Jordynn Dudley:I'm going to come over here. I don't want to say what's old is new again. Just a timeless legend here, really. Jeff Fischlach, to come in, she's not consistently started this year. Only seven starts on the season. This was one of them. Laura Harvey turned to her from the start, gives her 67 minutes and two goals and three crucial points, really, to continue to produce at her age, with her experience. She doesn't look like she needs to retire, I hate Frank, but I think she's mentally, emotionally, having talked to her earlier this year, she's there. But I mean, look at the second strike. I mean, pure top quality.

38:14Jordynn Dudley:She still hasn't had that title, that championship title anyway with the Reign, and she's given them the opportunity to at least have a fighting chance in November. She comes up in big moments. She has for over a decade, and she did it again over the weekend. Quick thought on Jess. Yeah, just the experience and the quality that she has, the technical ability that she brings. And like Jeff had mentioned, she hasn't been consistent all year because of injury. But in her last season, to score those two goals when the team needed her most, that's a leader. And that's Jess Fischlach. Yeah, absolutely.

38:47Just so valuable beyond the pitch here for Seattle. And I'm sure for generations to come with such an amazing example that Jess Fischlach is. So here are our players of the week. Patrick Haley Hopkins, my iron news with the incredible strike. And what did you say? The always legend and iconic she is forever. Just fish. That's it.

39:09And he scores! Up again. They say the soul of a place is carried by its women. Here in Atlanta, you don't have to look far to feel that. It's in the women who lead, the girls who know what they're capable of, and the ones building what comes next. Because our soul has never belonged to one story. Ask Atlanta what it's been through and it will tell you.

39:42Fire. Ask what we did with that. We rose. We keep rising. Not once, not as a story we tell, but as a habit. We don't wait for permission. We don't wait for change. We make it. And now, that same soul has someone new to call home. Look ahead, Atlanta. This city plays different. It always has. NWSL Team 17, the city of Atlanta. Atlanta City FC. Listen, we knew that the NWSL was coming to Atlanta in 2028. We now have a name and color scheme. Atlanta City FC is the official name and will be painted red. And Georgia Peach, fitting for a historic city like Atlanta, Georgia. You see there, Drippin' or Trippin'.

40:37I'll go first. I said Drippin' for the color scheme. I love the merch is fire. Of course, together getting in on it is just perfect. The name I'm not so sure about. Allie, I'll start with you. Thoughts? Yeah, I think the color scheme, the ideas behind it, the logo, I actually really like it. I think it's great. The colors are beautiful. It's catching your eye. I don't mind it at all. I think it's awesome, specifically for the city. Atlanta City FC I don't know if we could hype the name up a little bit Alright, care to give it a shot? Like Peachtree FC Go Peaches Go Peaches, have a princess peach theme night Come on, here we go Yeah, exactly I like it, the colors are beautiful Agreed The merch was awesome

41:36Jordynn Dudley:I like the colors, I think the crest is cool Name falls flat for me it's just too bland um yeah i mean peaches i don't know i mean we were kicking around ideas and atlanta this is probably not better but city is not anything different or unique right city fc so we'll go with atlanta centennial centennial olympics they got the park there centennial kind of with those singular plurals of the nwsl centennial place summit yeah yeah that's my creative okay afterthought i like it i like that jeff so my sister has lived in atlanta for a little over 10 years now and of course i texted her and said hey one you better go to these games two she doesn't like soccer like me but i love her she's an artist but listen she told me about the history of atlanta and she helped me come up with the next name terminus city fc so terminus was actually the city's nickname in the 1830s and it marked the end of the western and atlantic railroad line before being renamed marthasville and she said boring and eventually named atlanta so a little bit of history there in the name i think is cool you know it's like hey why is it called terminus and then you look it up and you learn a little bit about the city that's great i like it yeah i do like that give it give us a name with that same energy right you gotta give Terminus.

42:57Give a name of the Terminus. Yes, I think it's... Yeah, we're here to terminate our rivals. Yeah, of course. The Terminators. I mean, you can just go so many different ways. But congrats... Beto is making me laugh. Congrats to Atlanta. Obviously, it's a huge step forward. It's a great soccer city to where at one point Atlanta United fans were filling the stadium much more than Atlanta Falcons fans there for the NFL. I want to invite you to join us at Football Americas here Tuesday at 10.30 p.m. Eastern with Herc, Casey, Mal, and of course, Shaka Hislop. Fast Growing Trees is now Trees.com, America's largest, most trusted online nursery.

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45:34Visit urgentcarekit.com slash sports. Promo code sports. That's urgentcarekit.com slash sports. Promo code sports. Dudley on the takeaway from Sharples. The rookie takes on Sharples again. Off to her right. Dudley shoots and scores. Jordan Dudley, the rookie phenom. Dudley, Dudley's done really well. Dudley with a strike and Dudley with a goal. As Dudley tries to stride through, Dudley's in on goal, Dudley scores! Slaloming through the North Carolina defense. What a finish, what a move. Jordan Dudley, everyone. When we talk about Rookie of the Year nominees, Jordan Dudley's name is always top of mind.

46:21She's actually the top three of high-impact rookies this season, only behind Dash's Cat Raider with 11 goal contributions. Waves, Leah Godfrey with 10. And Dudley, not far behind with 7 goal contributions. Speaking of, who are you with, Kriegs? Christina, thank you. I'm with Gotham FC Ford breakout star Jordan Dudley. Welcome to the show. Thank you so much for joining us on Football W. First of all, how are you? I'm great. How are you? Good. Thank you. We're so happy that you're here. You were last week my player of the week, so I'm excited to talk to you tonight. When you think about, we'll jump right into it.

47:00When you think about the player that you were during preseason and coming into this league and the player that you are now, where do you feel that you've grown the most? I think coming in, joining Gotham, this team, I knew who I was coming to play with, And I thought that was such a big opportunity for me to learn so much like in the game as well as like off the field. And I think I've learned so much from all of them. I think I've learned how to play against different teams as well as how to go against different defenders and like a lot of tactical things that they've all helped me with so much.

47:34I think that's really what's gotten me to this point. Well, we could tell it's working out for you really well out on the field. But I've asked multiple players on here, and one of the biggest questions we love to ask is, what has been your welcome to the league moment? Your welcome to the NWSL moment? Something that made you realize, okay, this is definitely a different level. Honestly, I think there have been a lot of games where it's very cutthroat. I think going against every team in this league, like you never know what's going to happen. So I think just playing to the end, like the physicality, the speed, like it all has kind of not surprised me.

48:22I wouldn't say it's a surprise, but it's definitely a change. Was there any like wild tackle that maybe someone came in and just tried to lay you out as best they could? And you were like, oh, I'm here. Yeah, I think there's been a couple. Honestly, my first game of the league, there were a couple, but it was good. Yeah, good thing we don't have those highlights. But coming into the roster with so much talent, right, with Gotham, there's some of the best players in the world, if not one of the best teams in the world that you get to play alongside every single day. What was it like feeling like a new player or starting to feel like, I belong here and I can really make a difference.

49:05Was there a type of shift this season that you really felt and what was that? Yeah, I think coming in, I was very scared. And I think my teammates really showed their confidence in me and that they believe in me, which really helped me. And I think going on the field and having them, whether it's telling me what to do or encouraging me, has really helped me throughout the season come to the point where now I'm confident and I feel like they trust me and obviously I trust them because they're who they are. And talking about Juan Carlos Amoros, who I was fortunate to play with as well and who I've just valued that type of leadership so much, what is something that he's asked you to do to really try to stretch your game this season?

49:55I think one thing that he asked me that really helps me is to just be myself. Because he knows what I can do, and he knows that if I think too much, it's not going to work. And also, like, just going at people, because once I get past them, I literally can pass to anyone on my team, and they can do the rest. You talk about your teammates. You obviously play with the likes of Sam Kerr and Rose Lavelle, day in and day out, two of the best players in the world. What's one detail, if any, that you've picked up from them or that you've seen by watching them play? I think decision making is a big thing.

50:39I think from college it was very go, go, go. And I think they've helped me kind of choose when to go or what's the best decision. It doesn't always have to be like go straight to the goal. Like there are like so many options and kind of thinking through those type of moments. And as a former defender, I'm curious, when you're sizing up, maybe marking someone or one of the opponents, what tells you where you can really threaten her the most or really break her down the most or just the back line in general? I think, honestly, I just go into every, like, 1v1 or whatever it is and think about what I can do.

51:24I know my strength and it doesn't really matter as much what they can do, but I can use my strength. And if they stop it, that's when I have to choose something else or use my teammates more. I know speed is one of my strengths, so I can try that. And hopefully they're not as fast. Yeah, well, I mean, we watch it week in and week out and you're brilliant at it. So keeping it unpredictable is best. We'll switch gears a little bit. I want to talk about the recent North Carolina game and the hair pulling incident first, just to get that out of the way against North Carolina and the commentary around it, because you definitely deserved better.

52:04How did you stay so composed in a moment like that when you want to get up and actually try to react, but you know you have to keep it together? Again, my teammates, they're really helpful in those type of situations. Like, obviously, they're all very, very experienced. so they really help me keep me calm and then honestly everyone on the team the coaching staff and all the players like support me and they like fight for me and I think that really helps me like kind of stay out of that kind of situation. And I think some of the fans want to know when you're away from soccer what brings you joy what makes you happy what what do you like to do outside of football pitch with you know teammates friends um and just kind of switch off from the game a little bit mentally um i think usually my off days include shopping getting my nails done like self-care type of things um me and one of my teammates just made a full feast tonight so Oh, nice.

53:13How was it? I'm in the middle of eating. It's very good. You're like, I'm not going to be biased, but it's great. With the first NWSL season approaching, you've obviously now are towards the end of the season and gearing up for the postseason. What are you most curious to experience in the postseason that might be a little bit different than what you have already experienced throughout the normal, regular NWSL season? I think, obviously, all the games are intense, but I think when it gets to a point where it's like lose or go home, that's where you get the best out of everyone, and I think that's going to be really fun, and any team we play against is going to be a really good game and hard fight.

54:01You talk about a hard fight. You obviously have Angel City coming up this weekend. The game is going to be played on ABC, and they're coming in with some real momentum, and some confidence in recent games. What makes them a difficult opponent, and what is Gotham going to be able to do or what will be important for Gotham to be able to get three points? Yeah, I think it's going to be a really good game. They've obviously been doing really well. I think we just need to focus on the things that we can control and not make little mistakes and keep the ball and not make it too much of a transition game, and I think that will really help us.

54:36Well, you've been brilliant this season so far. We love watching you play. Congratulations. And we can't wait to tune in on Sunday. So good luck the rest of the way. Thank you so much for joining us. And yeah, good luck. Thank you.

54:55As Allie and Jordan just talked about Gotham FC versus Angel City FC, Sunday 1 p.m. Eastern on ABC on ESPN Deportes and, of course, the ESPN app. Evan Cohen here. Game day brings the excitement. Your stay should feel just as memorable. With Marriott Bonvoy, official hotel partner of the NCAA and U.S. soccer, you're connected to a portfolio of brands designed for how you travel. Some offer complimentary breakfast. Others give you room to spread out, space to stay productive, or extended stay comforts. So whether you're a traveling fan or part of the team, Marriott Bonvoy celebrates the moments that live on before and after the game.

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56:11All right, let's take it to the WSL now. London City on fire, taking on Brighton this weekend at 29th minute. It's Grace Giorra's shot saved. Brighton can't clear it. Alexia Puteas all over it, Jeff.

56:29Jordynn Dudley:Alexia Puteas, that's the new star in London. gets the goal and London City up early. I mean, quite the little gift there from her 35th minute. Emily Murphy's header there hits the bar. Kiko Sega can't score the rebound so close, Allie. Yeah, this was such a good opportunity. Almost in. Didn't get enough pace on that. 92nd minute, London City on the break. Delphine Cascarino with a low cross. Lucia Corrales seals the win, Jeff. Delphine Cascarino missed in San Diego. We miss you. I mean, yeah, we're having to get used to Cascarino there with that jersey. Alexia Putellas with not a Barcelona jersey.

57:15But how about the Lionesses with the loudest roar so far? I mean, they're tied for most what we're seeing there with goals and assists with 14 points. The goals, too, have just been so great. And compared to what we saw, actually goals allowed, my apologies, goals allowed versus what we're seeing now this season with only four goals allowed across four games. And I think with a stacked roster that we saw, this is kind of what we expected, Jeff, from London City. But would you place them as a contender already?

57:51Jordynn Dudley:Yeah, I think they need to be, maybe not for a title, but certainly in the mix of Champions League spots. You look at the early struggles from an Arsenal as one prominent example that, you know, I think the talent's there. And there is an opportunity to at least get into those play-in positions for a Champions League spot. And then obviously, well, we'll see what happens with UEFA's rulings and everything else should that actually happen. But I think in terms of a top four type of contention, I think they have the talent to do it. Allie? Yeah, absolutely. I obviously think they're going to play less games because they're not in the Champions League this season.

58:25So they get that extra rest throughout the week to be able to perform then in the league games on the weekend. But the investment got the players through the door, right? And now, you know, the excitement is seeing those players come together and form this team and this identity. And the mentality has been great so far from what we've seen. They had a hiccup there against West Ham. But other than that, they've been brilliant. And Alexi Patea shows up and scores a goal this weekend. So well done to get that win over the weekend and carry on. It's a long season ahead. So we're going to hold our tongue and wait, you know, little on, you know, mid-season to really make some more, I don't know, decisions on how the season's going to go for them.

59:06But well done so far. They look really good and they're building something great. Yeah, building their way to the Women's Champions League. But, of course, the silver lining of not being there this season. Like you said, a little bit of rest and a little bit of adjustment here for so many names that have now joined London City. A couple of teams that we will see, we have seen in the Women's Champions League. Let's take it to Chelsea versus Arsenal. Stamford Bridge action and the post denying Arsenal there for Kim Little, Jeff.

59:35Jordynn Dudley:Kim Little, another legendary name from the NWSL that we missed. Totally agree. 26th minute. Caldente gets the ball on the left, hits the post. Allie, close, but nothing. Yes, unfortunate here. It was very back and forth this game. and Caldante, I mean, obviously she has such talent and tactical ability, so unfortunate that didn't go in. Yeah. Alyssa Thompson, Jeff, was letting them know, hey, I'm here. Warning, warning. Emily Fox battle 1v1s. Yeah. So many chats there post-game, of course. Alyssa Thompson putting in the rebound alley. Yes, this is what she does best, just trying to get anything in and around the box and what good players do.

1:00:19Do you follow up just in case there is a rebound is what she did there. Yeah, she comes flying in the box and no doubt just kills the back of the net. 1-0 for Chelsea. The question is, would it be enough? Would Alyssa Thompson here be the hero? 44th minute Melvin Mallard there down the right. It would be the 2-0 for Chelsea. Jeff, nope.

1:00:43Jordynn Dudley:Yeah, I think that last touch cuts off her own angle a little bit, taking it a little bit outside here. probably could have pulled the trigger just a little bit earlier. It's all about the details, and Arsenal was missing on the details. Kaitlin Ford's shot is blocked, and Chelsea holds on to the win. Let's talk a little bit more about Alyssa Thompson, though, against Arsenal. I mean, that heat map is just crazy, and she just needed a couple of opportunities there. The chances created, of course, to get that 1-0 and secure the three points and snap. a 20 game on beaten streak in the WSL for Arsenal.

1:01:19Let's listen to Alyssa postgame. How does it feel to have won that London derby and to score the goal that won it for you? Yeah, it feels amazing. I feel like the team worked super hard the whole game. I think in moments we lost momentum, but we stuck together and I thought it was a really good game for us. Good that we got the three points. And fans might not be aware, but some Chelsea players have selected their own goal music and you did that as well. So can you talk me through the inspiration behind it? Actually, Lucy helped me figure it out. The song is Melissa, but it's supposed to be Alyssa.

1:01:57That's the whole play on words and stuff. It's very clever. Very, very clever. We enjoyed it. We certainly enjoyed it. A great atmosphere today as well. A word on the fans. Yeah, it was great. I mean, having the fans there is like an extra person on the field. I love hearing their cheers and being able to hear their cheers after I scored too was great. So yeah, they helped us throughout the game. And Arsenal, they were certainly putting on the pressure towards the end. It was quite nervy. But how do you feel your team dealt with it all and the way you all came together as well? Yeah, I thought we dealt with it well.

1:02:32We knew Arsenal is a great team and there's going to be moments of ebbs and flows during the game. So just being able to stick together and knowing the quality that we have and what we can do even when we're under pressure was really important.

1:02:48So to imitate here, Alyssa, we're trying to change producer Beto's mind. It's probably the little the nail clap. Yeah, Ali. Ali knows it well.

1:02:55Jordynn Dudley:But I do that all the time. We learned it from Jeff, of course, the nail tap. But I mean, what a performance here from Alyssa. Ali, what stood out to you the most? Well, I think just her confidence has grown so much. And I think we could talk about our potential, but she's affecting the biggest games right now. And, you know, she's a young player, but she's playing with so much experience. It's been super impressive, just the way that she stepped in immediately and has impacted Chelsea right from the start. And it's just enjoyable to see her having fun. She's scoring goals. She's creative in the attack.

1:03:34obviously here getting on the end of a rebound just having that reaction and that knack for goal and to want to help her team win it's been incredible to watch I see now that she's a lot more comfortable and that confidence is definitely shining through Yeah, it's crazy to think we're almost a year into Alyssa's journey here with Chelsea and it seems like she's been there longer Jeff with how comfortable she feels and even the reaction the still of her celebration There's just fire behind those eyes, and she's definitely showing it on the pitch. What do you like about Alyssa's performance?

1:04:08Jordynn Dudley:She was already taking her game to the next level in L.A. last year in that buildup through the summer to deadline day move to Chelsea. Gets to Chelsea, immediately adapts, somewhat immediately. But last season, I think, really built into being an exceptional player. I think, I've said it before, I think the best U.S. forward, given that three-headed monster of the triple espresso, were out at different times, right? And Alyssa Thompson throughout that period was consistent, was spectacular, and I think she's been the best American forward, one of the best American players over the past year to 18 months and continues to do it now in big games.

1:04:48Jordynn Dudley:I mean, obviously had that World Cup experience, but now is going into the next World Cup, having played in big moments, in big games for club and country, and I think she's going to be really, maybe quietly, really essential to the U.S. next summer. Yeah, I agree with the level that we're seeing. It's hard to tell where Alyssa Thompson's development and just impressive performances, Allie, are going to stop. She keeps being that game changer and a difference maker for Chelsea. Yeah, I think she keeps reinventing herself every single game. She's getting in positions on the field to create the biggest moments.

1:05:23And her conviction, especially on that rebound, right, Her conviction to get into those goal-scoring spaces to make sure she puts the ball in the back of the net. But she's also taking responsibility for those moments. And she's playing for one of the best teams in the world and shining and thriving there. So you can tell her teammates want to get her on the ball. So that's also the trust and the respect that I think they have that you can see just from the outside in. She's a player that they want on the ball. She's a player that they want to get in behind and make sure that she gets in those positions to score goals.

1:05:56because she does it brilliantly. And it's really, really good to see her success because you never know what happens when you go overseas and if it's going to go your way or not. And I think she's been playing brilliant. And Chelsea must be very happy to have her. Absolutely. We saw Alyssa Thompson versus Emily Fox. And now we're going to see Alyssa Thompson versus Lily Johannes, though at the Champions League level. Jeff, I mean, even seeing these two side by side is exciting. at the element of a women's champions league match lily will be at home what are you expecting from

1:06:31Jordynn Dudley:another clash of americans oh we saw that back heel assist from lily johannes i mean quality of opponent aside as good as it gets so yeah i mean i think it's it's great to see two top young americans in the champions league i mean the days you're the first one right yeah i mean the days of like having one american in the champions league she's she lived it right now we have a few and playing for big clubs in big moments like this you know and I mean a teenager as well I mean just just kind of left her teenage years Alyssa Thompson so yeah I think it's it's a big piece of U.S. development doesn't have to be Champions League we've seen teenagers thriving in the NWSL too but to have young players in big moments like this I think in the long run will help them.

1:07:16Allie? Yeah I think it's just two young Americans influencing different parts of the game rather than that direct one-on-one, I guess, direct matchup that we're hoping to see. But I don't know if we're going to see it consistently throughout the game. But just having two young Americans thriving in European football and especially in the biggest, best club tournament in the world, that's going to be brilliant. And I know they're going to have so much fun playing up against each other. And we'll probably have a lot to talk about. Yes. When they see each other at camp at some point. Yes, absolutely.

1:07:55Maybe we'll be there to hear it in person. Wink, wink. But anyway, we'll tell you about that at the end of the show. But I want to remind you that the Women's Champions League is on our airways. I mean, so many games to look forward to. Like we mentioned, that Lyon versus Chelsea matchup will be on Wednesday, 2.45 p.m. Eastern on ESPN. Deportes, Benfica versus Bayern, Paris FC versus Arsenal, Haken versus Juventus and Roma versus Barcelona. Yes, I have to switch gears really quickly because we have a programming update. Very exciting. Next week, we won't be on Tuesday. We will be, though, on Thursday, 8.30 p.m.

1:08:34Eastern. Producer Beto? Correct. 8.30 p.m. Eastern. We will be at the U.S. Women's National Team Camp in Atlanta. We will be chatting to Alyssa Thompson and Trinity Rodman. I can't wait to be there. Hotlanta FC, here we come. Peaches. Oh, peaches. I'm excited for the food. See you next week.

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