Futbol W: NWSL Game of the Week+NWSL Player of the Week+Vlatko Andonovski sacked+Ballon d'Or nominees announced+Top 10 Goals

25:21You've got a ton of, I mean, you're letting Pietro Torden and Sophia Wilson run at your center backs pretty regularly. I think that was a problem for Washington, something they need to address. But two points off the shield, Gotham and Washington, two teams that in different ways. Obviously, Gotham has the trophy from last year, but runners-up, runners-up for the Spirit these past two years. Gotham never won a Shield, so I think we have a really fun Shield race on our hands. Yeah, absolutely, as it should be at this point of the season. That's why, one of the many reasons why we love NWSL, and also so great to see Trinity Rodman still consistently doing great, staying healthy.

25:57We'll have to see how Ben Shelton does at the U.S. Open here in just a little bit. But let's take it to more action over the weekend. and Utah Royals versus Boston Legacy FC. 11th minute, Aisada Traore there taps in the rebound shot, Allie. Yeah, she's been having a great season so far. When she's on the field, you know Boston are definitely going to be a challenging team to beat. So well done to just get her body in there to be able to finish this goal. 17th minute, Mandy McGlynn, a sensational overhead pass. Jeff, goalie assist there. Kiana Palacio is getting the job done. Second goalkeeper assist in a week.

26:36I think it's the fourth of the season, and we only have three coming into this season, so something's in the water for the goalkeepers. Absolutely. 46-minute here. Palacios would try it from long distance. Allie, so close. I mean, why not? When you have the quality and the technical ability that she has, why not give this a go? It almost went in slightly over and hits the post, but well done by her. Yeah, right before halftime, what that would have meant for Utah because Boston came in better late than never. It's Ali Gambon there who heads in the winner, Jeff. Ali Gambon, I mean, Boston on short rest going to Utah, that's a big victory for that expansion team.

27:19Absolutely. We will see them on our airways this coming weekend. But first, this is a game that we had on ESPN this weekend, Seattle Reign hosting San Diego Wave. We were expecting a lot of goals, you know, a pretty even matchup until Mimi Van Zetten. They're taking down Maddie Dahlin. They would look at this at the VAR for a little bit here. Allie, your initial reaction to this? Yeah, I mean, she's obviously wanting to disrupt the play, potentially get a yellow card, just uses her body. I think just a little bit too much in this situation. And VAR, obviously, they took a look at it. She's one of the last defenders, obviously the last defender.

27:58tough because she's one of the best right backs in the league and San Diego been leaning on her a lot in their attacking presence yeah tough because the game was just getting started 29th minute though it would be Seattle trying to take advantage of one more player on the field this hit from Maddie Mercado is so impressive Jeff yeah spectacular header great placement she's been very good for Seattle Seattle team that doesn't score a lot she's been exceptional for them yeah the connection from the Maddies there on both the flanks up there has been truly impressive. Let's take a look at other NWSL results that we saw over the weekend.

28:32Bay FC lost 2-1 to Kansas City. Current Racing Louisville also with another loss against an Angel City who's been impressive since the break. And Orlando Pride beat Houston Dash 3-1. And when we look at the standings, yeah, it's getting kooky. Gotham FC 45 points. Washington Spirit just two points behind. North Carolina Courage still staying up there, as is Utah Royals with 39 points, also tied with fifth place San Diego Wave. Portland Thorns' Casey Curran and Seattle Reign for now round out the playoff positions. If you've shopped online, chances are you've bought from a business powered by Shopify.

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31:07Jeff, you're going to get us started this week. Who is your Player of the Week? Well, I have to give credit to the individual performance and the magnitude of it, the importance of it. Evelyn Shores for Angel City. Three games on the road in a week for Angel City in a really important stretch as they're trying to get into the playoff position. Shores, obviously the two goals. Her first one from absolutely nothing, a snapshot, low XG, but she finds the corner, and then the late goal to seal the victory. She also had nine defensive interventions in this game, co-leader for the team in this game.

31:39So both sides of the ball, huge result for a team that needed it on the road again. And Angel City pushing for a playoff spot, that was a very crucial three points for them. Yeah, they've been one of the more interesting teams here since the break, Allie. But what do you think of Jeff's choice with Evelyn? Yeah, I love Evelyn. I think she's a wonderful player. She's a great addition since last season for LA. And I also had the opportunity to play with her at the TST tournament. I always take it back to that. But she was incredible there, and I knew that she would go far in the NWSL and really help this L.A.

32:11team back to where they want to be at top of the table. Yeah, so great to see Evelyn Shores up here. I don't think we've had her as the player of the week. Okay, so I'm going to go next. We're saving the best for last because that's what we do for Allie Krieger. A lot of great choices, right? But I have to go with what we saw from not only Denver Summit, which I know we extensively got into. But individually, I love what Yasmeen Ryan is doing for this team. This is what we expected from her since we saw this signing here for Denver Summit. Obviously, I was going to miss her at Houston Dash, and yeah, for a reason.

32:45She had a goal and an assist in this one, and they just overall, as we just mentioned, impressive performance from Denver Summit. But individually, I think this is one of the players, and I even hate to say potential and attach it to Yasmeen Ryan, who is already just so impressive. But I think we're going to start seeing her name a little bit more in the headlines, in the bright lights, as she so deserves. Jeff, what do you think of my pick? Yeah, for sure. I agree with you, too. I think she's underperformed in a way this season. If you look at her stats, the chances she's created among the league leaders and chances created, hasn't necessarily had the end product.

33:18But I think you watch Denver, you see the danger she creates. And I think there's just that last little piece of finishing that puts her over the edge, more into the national team picture, you know, regularly at least. So I think she's been among the top players in the league, and I think that production comes, and it'll be that much more for her. Yeah, someone else you know well, Allie. Yeah, this is proof by Gotham. Should have never let her go. One of the best players that I've played with, obviously, at this club level, and I was so lucky to play beside her. Day in and day out, I'll always find spaces for her to get on the ball, and whenever she was open and available, I'd play her balls through and to her feet any chance I got.

33:57So it's no doubt that she is playing the way that she is for Denver. Now I feel like she's getting more comfortable and confident. And they are also as a team. So wonderful to see her get that goal. Without further ado, your pick, Allie, please. You might have to help me with this. Okay. It's Melissa Petit from Washington Spirit. I thought she had, obviously, a tremendous week. She got the game winner in Portland the first time that Washington was able to win. She was a standout at WAPCOM, was also now announced as a newcomer in Washington. And here, what a brilliant finish. She was patient. I think she timed this run perfectly.

34:34She delivered when Washington needed it most, especially at Providence Park, to get their first win there. And now they are back to where they belong at the top of the table and creeping on Gotham and getting pressure underneath of them to really try to perform. But well done by her, and she's so technically talented. it's exciting that she is now in our league and the first Algerian player to do so. Yeah, absolutely. Jeff, thoughts? Yeah, I think I've heard a lot of people that are very high on her. I'm excited to see her in the league. Obviously an incredible debut or incredible first goal, I should say.

35:05And yeah, I think high potential and excited to see her. Excited to see players coming in the league from countries we haven't seen come into this league before. And yeah, I think really, really exceptional talent that we're excited to see. Yeah, I agree. That's why when we talked about Washington and the impact of the Wafcon players and how much they miss them, I think that just really says how important the players that participate in Wafcon truly are for the NWSL. So these are our players of the week. Yasme, Ryan for me, Melissa, Betsy for Allie, and Evelyn Shores for Jeff. I want to remind you what's coming up this weekend.

35:40A little Sunday afternoon football. Washington Spirit versus Boston Legacy. Sunday at 1 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2 and on the ESPN app. Life insurance is one of those things that's easy to put off because it doesn't feel urgent today. But it's not just another financial box to check. It's about having a plan in place, so if life throws something unexpected at your family, they're not left dealing with the financial side without support. Ethos makes getting life insurance fast and easy. It's 100 % online, so you can get a quote in seconds, apply in minutes, and get same-day coverage. There's no medical exam.

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37:03Andonofsky shifted from head coach to full-time sporting director back in November after a historic run leading to the NWSL Shield in 2025. In a short statement announcing his departure, Casey said, quote, both parties determined that Andonofsky's requested transition from coaching into sporting director role at the end of last season was not the right fit. So kind of strange to see the news at this point of the season. So, Jeff, what do you know about why this decision was made, one, and why it was made now? Yeah, it was a very short statement to the point that you made. I think a strangely short statement considering the history and the recent history.

37:44So, you know, the timing, I think that that's a tough question. I think the why, I mean, you could trace back to the winter, right? I mean, you look at the transition to sporting director and it's very public how they went about hiring Chris Armas. And this is not any sort of referendum on Chris Armas. I just think if you have a sporting director and it seems like the input that he has is not necessarily there in those types of decisions, then you have to question if you're that person, what is my role then? So I think that that's probably a starting point there. And then, you know, whatever transpired between then and now, we haven't seen a lot from him front facing, obviously, or hadn't recently.

38:25So, you know, I think, you know, obviously they had a sporting director GM set up. So there's always a question of who's delegating what. But, yeah, I think the timing is one thing. I think it's more the fact that it happened. You trace back why it happened. And I think that there's a lot of questions there in Kansas City because they've had a lot of turnover in that position, the GM position. There's been a lot through the years recently here. Yeah, absolutely. I do want to get to some player reactions as well because it was notable to see Michelle Cooper and Lola Bonta. Michelle Cooper especially kind of making reference to that short statement.

39:01But LaBonta basically saying at this moment we didn't know that this was going to be your last game coaching with us. You don't have social media, so I know that you won't see the impact you had on this organization. It can never be summed up in a press release, even if it were to be acknowledged. You set the standard for staff and players. The records we broke are now the expectations for this club, and we could not have accomplished any of that without you. To be your captain was an absolute honor, and I speak for the locker room when I say we are forever grateful to have had you as a coach.

39:33And Michelle Cooper saying that Casey Curran here said, obviously, all the records said, have to include this historic 2025 season since the press release missed it. The press release was released by who? Kansas City Curran. Allie, but when you see these reactions from the captain, Lola Bonta, from one of the most important players for Casey, Michelle Cooper, have these statements online. What does that make you think? Yeah, I mean, you can obviously see the emotion appreciation publicly, and it shows how deeply that they valued the relationship and what they've learned from Vlatko over the years.

40:11You know, he was a staple in Kansas City. He built the culture, he built the structure, he built the relationships that he has there, the identity initially of the Kansas City team. and he's been there ever since I was playing and then was my national team coach and I value the relationship that we have as well. I think he's super valuable, super knowledgeable, a stand-up guy and a great coach. And maybe I loved the defensive attitude that he had as well and the way that we approach defending. We had that very much in common, but it just shows how much the players respected him, appreciated him and valued what he brought.

40:50And it is surprising, you know, the timing. It makes everyone think, you know, something curious for sure that I don't know if we're really all going to know behind the scenes and what had happened and the truth about that. But I hope that we see him somewhere in the future. We don't know if there's any other coaching jobs coming up that maybe he's, you know, wanting to pursue. But I'm hopeful because he deserves to do that in that next phase. He's a great guy, a great coach, and obviously players are surprised and really sad to see him go. Yeah, I think we question it, Jeff, of course, starting with the timing, but then we really question it with the language that both Cooper and LaBonta kind of use here.

41:34It's not just like we love you, we're going to miss you. It's also kind of a little slight there towards Casey Curran. What does that make you think of? Obviously, we don't know if there's anything behind, but does it make you think that there's something else that we maybe don't know, even though this was a mutual agreement? Well, I think La Bonta in particular, the captain, a player who at a relatively old age made the national team with playing under Vlako Anonofsky. So, you know, I think these are players who went through a historic season, arguably the best team in league history last year, and know what they did together and know what they did with him as the coach.

42:09And so I think that when you're that player or those players and you see your organization move on from somebody with very little to say when so much happened, I think that's clearly why, that's the reason that we see the statements we've seen from them. So, you know, I think, I don't think we have to read between too many lines to see that they're not probably thrilled about this, both the action itself and the way that it was maybe announced and handled. and then you know you look at this it's yeah it's it's a curious move I think that that this happened the way that it did and and I think there are to Ali's point there there are questions about you know why now and and why did it go in this manner yeah I think the emotion behind those messages you could tell you know there's more meaning I think the departure makes it feel a little bit more complicated than just simply okay this job didn't fit yeah I'm a bit confused at that their posts obviously like you mentioned don't tell us exactly what happened so you know we don't know we're not there every single day and we don't see all the things that happen behind the scenes but what we know is that he mattered to those players and that's what you know we could take from those kind messages that the players had put out there yeah absolutely a much longer statement that we saw when he transitions to the sporting director versus what we're seeing now but it's no secret what Vlad Gwendovsky means for these players what Vlad Gwendovsky will always mean in general for Kansas City current so looking forward to see what he does next as for next for the NWSL here's the schedule coming up this weekend starting on Friday three games for you Three more on Saturday.

43:54And of course, the couple that we're seeing here on Sunday, starting at 1 p.m. Eastern on ESPN, Washington Spirit versus Boston Legacy. Wrapping things up on Wednesday, Denver Summit versus BFC and Angel City versus Seattle Reign. There's nothing worse than waking up sick. In this time of year, with the kids back in school, surrounded by hundreds of others, yours may bring home a whole new world of viruses and bacteria your family may have no immunity to. No kids, viruses are still everywhere, and one ugly strain just showed up. Now it's 2 a.m., your throat feels like strep, and your fever is spiking.

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45:05That's urgentcarekit.com slash sports promo code sports. All right, let's take it to some more news that we saw internationally now because the women's Ballon d 'Or nominees are out quite an extensive list for conca cup players on their Scarlett Camberos being the first for the Liga MX Femenil as a Ballon d 'Or nominee very exciting to see and of course wait or is she I thought about Mati is not on this list someone that we are so used to seeing getting these individual awards so if we're not seeing Aitana Bonmaty, then who could we possibly see win this title? But first, Ali, are you surprised to not see her on this list?

45:52No, I'm not necessarily surprised this year just because she was injured and had just made it back at the end of the season for, you know, the last few games of Champions League. But without Aitana, I think the race feels far more open for other players who've had brilliant seasons, which is also nice to see to switch it up a little bit. I think Bunny would be my slight favorite. Bunny Shaw and Temwa Shawinga, I think, have had incredible seasons the past year. So I'm looking forward to seeing them potentially be some of the favorites as well. Just because of their consistency, the goal production, overall influence that she has at Man City, and then Temwa being able to impact games at Kansas City without a doubt, single-handedly in the front line for them.

46:38You know, she's more than just a finisher, just that physical presence that she has, the speed that she has, the quality in front of goal and the confidence that she's built. And also to see, you know, Malawi back in really good form because of her and her sister. I think that's been really impressive for me this season and the MVP awards and the Golden Boot awards. I mean, you add in all these additions. And I think those two, for me, would be really exciting to see as some of the favorites. Jeff, favorites for you? We didn't plan this out because I was going to bring those two up. But I mean, I think, you know, do I trust the voters to say that they are going to be a favorite?

47:18No, I really don't. Because I think this ends up being an award that goes to, it has to be a player at a big club on a big national team. And if those two things are not the combination that you don't win this, and I think that's a shame. But I do think Chawinga should be brought up. Bunny Shaw, obviously, at a big club. And then I would add Melchie DeMornay, who's at a big club, but not necessarily on a big national team. But again, this being an individual award, I think spectacular player, easily should be in the conversation for this award. Do I think that she's going to win it based on the voting pool and the historical trends?

47:52No. But that would be the other player I would raise along with those two. Yeah, I like that. Bunny Shaw being one of the four CONCACAF players, as I mentioned, not only her, Lily Johannes, Scarlett Camberos, as I mentioned, and of course Rose Lavelle. Allie? The queen. Queen Rose Lavelle. If I'm not mistaken, the only American on the list. Oh, Johannes was the young player. Young player. Apologies. Yes, young player talent. Yeah, my apologies. Deserves the recognition. I'm sure Barcelona might sweep a lot of these awards but hopefully you know they'll be in the in the favorites and in the recognition itself that they that they have is of quality and deserving because obviously Lyon had a great season then Johannes being able to get into the team in Lyon then becoming a consistent starter and then earning you know just that that starting spot within the Champions League and playing at the level that she has and then with the US Women's National Team you know starting more frequently with that level.

48:58I have no doubt why she's one of the five young players of the year. Yeah, absolutely. And it's exciting to see a name like Roosevelt, someone that we've talked about so much, obviously, during this show, Jeff. But Ali has mentioned it, you know, that she's one of the top players of the world. So seeing her get this recognition means what for her individually and, of course, for NWSL? Well, I think it's big for her because she's been a top player for years. I think the consistency piece, it's mostly been about injuries rather than form when she hasn't had that. You know, one of the best players in the league.

49:30I think my beef with this award is always that it's based on a European calendar. So she gets the back end of last year, of course, but then the front end of this year and it's kind of chopped up. I think if this were only a 2025 calendar year where she was, you know, her full NWSL season, which she started a little bit late last year, but she was spectacular. So I think that would even be more in her favor if that were the calendar. But these awards are kind of set up off of a European calendar. But she is, you know, a top American. I think you hear Emma Hayes say, I go around the world and people, the first people, first person that people want to know about is Rose Lavelle.

50:05And it's her talent. It's her technical ability that I think is exceptional, even within the U.S. player pool. I also think with Rose Lavelle and Cam Barros and obviously Bunny Shaw as well, representing out of Jamaica. you know this this matters because it shows the quality throughout our region and I obviously wish we had more American players in this pool and hopefully in the future it'll be it'll become that but these players are succeeding in very different leagues and and the style of the leagues are different as well so it's just they're having a huge impact at the highest level and representing these leagues at the highest level as well and I think it's just wonderful to see that a few players from our region here are being represented within this list, the best players in the world.

50:50So it's unbelievable and really, really good for both the Liga MX Femenil and the NWSL. I want to dive into the Liga MX Femenil here a little bit more because in the last week, we've seen two historic moments here for Mexican players. Not only Rebeca Bernal becoming the first Mexican player to go over to the WSL, we'll talk about here just in a few minutes, but obviously Scarlett Camberos making history here as the first Liga MX Femenil player to be nominated in the Ballon d 'Or. And it's so exciting to see someone who wholeheartedly deserves it. And it's on the Club America team. Speaking of, they are one of the nominees of the Women's Club of the Year, including, of course, no surprise, Barcelona, Bayern, Manchester City, and, of course, Lyon, a couple of teams that we saw in the Champions League final.

51:37But when we talk about all of these nominees, it's so great to see Liga MX Femenil and the growth that they've had. And to have this global recognition, I mean, it's truly something special to see, obviously, and it means a lot. But for Club America to be here nominated, Ali, means what for the growth of the Liga MX Femenil and for the club specifically and everything they've done? Well, you definitely mentioned it because this nomination tells the world that elite women's football, or club football, I should say, is not just confined to Europe. It's, you know, all over and everyone is watching the women's game, which isn't just, you know, in European football.

52:17That's really exciting because these teams deserve it. They won the most recent tournament and obviously have been brilliant in Liga Mekis Femenil for, you know, a handful of years, but more recently as well. So I'm excited that they're getting representation. And I think, you know, the entire region benefit from them being as like one of the top clubs and the top five, but also in Liga Mackey's Femineal. And then just the NWSL itself, too. I know there wasn't an NWSL team for one of the first times, I think, in a long time. But it's well done because they actually deserve it fully. And they've shown why they have in, you know, recent games and tournaments that they've won.

53:01Jeff, thoughts? I think, I mean, to the regional point, another eye-opener for NWSL front office, right? I mean, I can tell you for a fact there are a lot of people within the league, even after these CONCACAF results, that still don't believe Club America is better than a lot of the top NWSL teams. The results don't support that. This is, I mean, this is a nomination, whatever, you know, people come up with these nominations. But people on the world stage, to Ali's point, will see this and say, wow, the only non-European team is Club America. It's not Gotham. It's not an NWSL team. So I think this is healthy for the NWSL to continue to get some reality checks potentially.

53:37And I think it's healthy for the region if we continue to see strong top teams in Mexico with the proper competition. Hopefully that this evolved Champions League that they're changing it to next year is the right competition to continue to see these teams against each other. because NWSL teams need to see a diversity of teams and opponents, as they saw against Club America, particularly in Mexico in the CONCACAF competition. And I think that Club America can push teams like a Gotham, like a Washington Spirit, as well to be better in those competitions because they want to be the best clubs in the world.

54:13Kansas City's talked about that, and they've kind of regressed a little bit this year. But you can't be the best club team in the world if you're not the best club team in your region because you're not even going to make it to the Club World Cup if you don't. So I think this is, you know, again, a nomination's a nomination, but the fact that there's recognition for what happened a few months ago in Mexico is important. It also can help, you know, Liga Mekis Femenina and other leagues with, you know, these clubs who are really good in our region just attract better players, attract investment, attract sponsorships and attention from other players around the world wanting to be a part of a really good club.

54:47So brilliant for them to also get that recognition and really be a part of the five best teams around the world. And hopefully have that investment in the future. I think that's the key word too, right? This is what investment does for women's soccer. And speaking of it, these are players who know exactly what that feels like. These young players who have been invested in at such a young age. And of course, I mentioned her earlier, jumped the gun there a little bit. but Lily Yohannes is one of the nominees for the women's young talent to take the prize this year. But obviously a lot of interesting, Vicky Lopez has been just absolutely brilliant as well here in the last year.

55:29But when you see her name, Jeff, Ali already kind of mentioned her accolades and everything that she's done. But why does she keep proving that she is one of the top talent and could easily be on that other nominee list? Well, the technical ability that she has, I think, is incredible. and it's not something we see a lot of in this U.S. player pool. So, you know, I think that, again, that's something that's appreciated in Europe. So I think that there's that in the voting pool. And she's clearly, I mean, exceptional vision, final pass, a lot of what she does on the ball, we don't see it. We haven't seen it in a while, frankly, even in this U.S.

56:01player pool. Rose Lavelle, Tobin Heath in a much different way. This is a totally different profile, but just in terms of the individual capability, a love for the ball, I think you see that from Lily Johannes. And, you know, I think that she could certainly be a top player in the future. There's a lot of pressure that comes with that. But she's showing us so far. I think she's still adapting on the international level. We've seen that when she's gotten thrown into some more difficult games. But she showed us a new wrinkle against Brazil, which was a very physical game. And she kind of stepped up to that in a way that we hadn't seen from her before.

56:35So, yeah, I think we talk about so much of the issues that the U.S. has with youth development, particularly around capable technical players and you know she is a bright spot within that conversation where there's obviously a lot of worry what do you think Ali I think her just the intelligence that she has the vision that she has already at her age is super impressive I think her awareness her composure and the ability like Jeff had mentioned to play through pressure those final passes and then obviously the willingness as a young player to throw herself into the fire with better players around her in order to get better and make herself uncomfortable is how she's growing at a rapid pace.

57:16And then being able to apply that to the national team level. This is the highest level for such a young talent to already have the experience that she has at her age has been wonderful to see. And it gives me hope that a lot of these younger players are willing to put themselves in situations where they may not be the best player, but yet they're willing to become the best to put themselves into those uncomfortable situations and put themselves into that fire, like jumping into a Champions League moment and starting and putting the team on your shoulders and making things happen in games that really impact the team immediately.

57:55So well done by her. Obviously, she's a Virginia native too, so I'm proud. I always say that to all my Virginia girls. but really happy the level that she's playing at wonderful to see yeah absolutely speaking of the level that she's been playing at here's lily johannes we're gonna run it back because she played 61 minutes and corbin trader played 19 minutes in leon's huge seven to one win against flurry how about that jeff how about that seven one i mean kind of a weekly headline at times for Leon certainly but yeah I mean Lily Johannes has become in as we said a centerpiece for for Leon was last season as well after the move yeah now adapting to a life after Lindsay heaps at least at the club level how about the Chelsea girls Allie Alyssa Thompson played 90 minutes in this draw against Aston Villa and Naomi Garma did not play an unused substitute though yes I mean Alyssa Thompson has been unbelievable for Chelsea ever since she's arrived and really impacted the team in such a positive way happy to see her get her minutes in and back uh with the wsl starting their season all over absolutely speaking of the wsl there was a smiley face next to this note from our producer beto emily fox goes 90 minutes in arsenal's one nil win versus brighton jeff yeah i mean no surprise fox i mean we talked about this last week what would happen with with new additions and i think like i said it'll push fox to be even better in that position where she's been exceptional already.

59:25Did you say Arsenal was surprising to see them win? No. I'm just making sure. How about Sam Coffey off the bench in City's 3-1 win versus Birmingham City Alley? Yeah, it was great to see her come into the game and the fact the game they were able to score another goal while she was on the field. She provided the service here. Obviously, Bunny Shaw is showing up like she does. But I think she's just trying to get her minutes in after that injury that she suffered at the end of last season. So she's just getting back into the swing of things. I think just game management, hopefully. Manchester United trying to get back into the swing of things constantly.

1:00:00Fallon Tillis-Joyce, though, had three saves. Rebecca Bernal stayed on the bench. And Man United's 2-1 loss versus London City, Jeff. Well, the all-world team from London City with no English starters on opening day. Big result for London City and tough one for Fallon Tillis-Joyce. Yeah, absolutely. It was tough from her. I want to remind you what's coming up. The Women's Champions League just around the corner. The league phase begins on September 22nd on ESPN Deportes and the ESPN app.

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1:01:07Rich Eisen here. Running a small business means every hire matters. A bad hire costs time and money, but the right one helps your business grow. The challenge? Finding that person without sorting through resumes. That's where LinkedIn Hiring Pro comes in. It screens candidates so you can focus on conversations with qualified talent. With Hiring Pro, you can hire with confidence and build the team you need. Join the 2.7 million small businesses using LinkedIn to hire. Get started by posting your job for free at linkedin.com. Terms and conditions apply. Staying worldwide here, in case you missed it, the Spanish Football Federation announced an agreement to support fertility treatment for female players and referees.

1:01:47The Royal Spanish Football Federation's deal with the Tambre Fertility Clinic includes access and coverage of IVF and egg freezing for internationals who have been called up at least twice. But no doubt a pioneering movement. And it's something that we've really seen as of late, whether it's Gotham partnering with a fertility clinic as well, Chelsea doing it recently too. But what does this acknowledgement and support, Ali, mean for a player? Well, it just means that you can start a family and also have a career and continue to do what you love to do and not feel pressured to have to retire early or have to stop playing.

1:02:29I think players shouldn't feel forced to choose between maximizing their careers and protecting the possibility of having a family later. So, for example, I think, you know, when we partnered with RMA at Gotham and I was still playing, I raced to try to freeze my eggs immediately because the opportunity was there. And I was super grateful for that, you know, just on a personal level that just to have that opportunity and option as a player, you know, felt really comforting. as in, you know, just the support and that the club had valued, you know, you as a human being, not just, and a woman, not just a player in a business.

1:03:11So I think just using that platform and Gotham's ability or the club's ability, I should say, or the Federation's ability to partner and collab with, you know, fertility clinics to help support that side of things and encouraging players to live their dreams of having a family is also super special and really rewarding in the end. Yeah, it's really interesting how the narrative, I don't want to say has changed, but really has kind of come to the forefront. Allie, thank you for sharing your experience with it because with family planning in your generation, the general consensus was that, right?

1:03:50Either or, you can't be both. We're seeing the most moms in the NWSL actively in this moment. But how would this have changed how players thought about family planning? Yeah, I think now it's a huge adjustment because, you know, you work so hard to play at the level that you play at. And you don't want to feel like you have to give that up because, you know, you love to compete. You love to win. You love to play in big tournaments like a World Cup and Olympics. And you have to consistently and constantly think about that. When should I freeze my eggs? Do I have time over the winter of the two weeks break?

1:04:23Do I have time over the summer of the four week break? But wait, we have a big tournament coming up. Wait, when's the best time? Because I don't want to miss out on an opportunity of playing at the highest level and missing a shot with the national team. Like there's all these factors that come into play. And then, oh, wait, I, you know, have to transfer teams or I get loaned out here or I have to move here. There's so many factors that happen where then you have to start, you know, putting the puzzle pieces together and figuring out timeline. And, you know, listen, it's never, you know, a perfect time.

1:04:54But now players can breathe and have an opportunity to say, wow, I can freeze my eggs no matter when. And the club supports me and there's a better pathway to do so. And they're supporting me wanting to continue to do both, be a great, you know, mom potentially and have a family. or, you know, play and have safety that I could potentially do this if I wanted to. And I decided to do that. Yeah, it's truly amazing. And you mentioned Gotham's partnering here with RMA. But with that, Jeff, here and what we're seeing, NWSL kind of making moves like this, how does the structure here compare with what we're seeing from Spain?

1:05:36Yeah, I think we've seen some clubs be leaders in that space. I mean, you mentioned Gotham, Racing Louisville, Portland, among teams that have had created individual partnerships to make sure that they are addressing this at a club level. I think there's obviously the CBA protections that, generally speaking, at large here, I think are as good, if not the best that you can find at a league level in terms of, you know, maternity leave as an example of supporting moms. I think that's been a real focus for the league in this new CBA. So, you know, I think that there are, in short, there are clubs that have taken the initiative maybe more so than others at a club level.

1:06:14And then there's a baseline of league protections, I would call them, for all moms, moms-to-be, players thinking about that. So I think that, you know, at a league level, the NWSL has really been a leader in that space from really anything from maternity support, parental support. I mean, we've even talked about some of the mental health pieces that I think that's what they've done at a league level. And then fertility wise, there have been specific clubs that we've seen kind of, at least from an announcement standpoint, go above and beyond. Should this be the standard, Allie? Absolutely. This should definitely be the standard.

1:06:52I think, you know, having an organization say like we see a part of this life that's extremely important for you, that we're going to support you. that can have such a huge impact and change how a player approaches family planning in the future and I think it's so valuable players want to be a part of that to be a part of the solution and not the problem they want to be a part of something bigger than themselves they also want to be a part of you know change and progressing a club forward and this is where the clubs have to start moving into because not only are you supporting a player on the field but you're fully supporting a player holistically off the field, which then means they're going to give more to you on the field and in the business and in winning.

1:07:34And then everything just, you know, is a complete package deal for a player. And I think that's what players want to start to be a part of, where they know that they are valued and appreciated in ways, not only just on the soccer field, but off the field as well. Yeah, this is incredible news here from the Spanish Federation. And we have seen sort of a domino effect, not only in conversations, but also what the standard should be. So it's very exciting to see what other kind of impact this could have moving forward from the Spanish generation, from the Spanish Federation, actually. All right, Drippin' or Drippin'.

1:08:08Listen, where there's history, you can bet Michelle Kang is involved. Her London City Lionesses have reached a multi-year front-of-shirt partnership with Nike, this being the first of its kind. And Kang said the deal exceeds the$4 million mark. Allie, dripping or tripping? It's dripping. I'm really happy that Nike, I mean, they saw an opportunity, and this is a huge opportunity to sponsor London City. Lionesses on the front of their jersey. I think it's a really creative move, and yeah, it proves where the game is going. And Nike wants to be a part of it and show that they care and value the club.

1:08:48Jeff? I like the color, like the design, yeah. Dripping for me. Dripping, dripping. We had the little diamonds prepared to. didn't really have a choice. No, you could. Of course you had a choice. All right, let's take it to some more international news with what we saw with the Group D standings. But before, let's get to Group D action. U.S. Women's National Team opening their U-20 World Cup campaign against Italy. The first shot here, Emery Adamas flies past her defender. Michaela Johnson scores and U.S. was up, Jeff, 1-0. Yeah, bright start. Great stuff from Emery Adamas on that wing. And And then Michaela Johnson back post, tap in.

1:09:23This was a bright start for the U.S. that they needed. Obviously, we'll get to what happened after that. But exceptional 1v1 play here on the wing. That's called a tease. Stick around to see what happens. Let's take it to the 20th minute. Emery Adamas here looking dangerous again. But her shot would be saved there, Allie. Yes, I mean, unfortunate that the shot was saved. But well done by her to get herself in that position. 1v1, good take. and get the ball out of her feet to be able to get this shot off on target. Well done. The goalkeeper makes a beautiful save and parries that away just off the crossbar.

1:09:57Yeah, an assist there from the crossbar taking it to the 40th minute. The U.S. here stretched at the back. Erin Appiah there has her shot saved. But Paola Fada ties it up, Jeff. Stretched at the back. Terrible timing to give up this equalizer. And if you rewind this a little bit, they got beat three times in 1v1s in transition. This started all the way back at the other end of the field. just a really poor goal to give up. 59th minute, Italy looking for the lead here. Giada Pellegrino gets the goal off the rebound, Ali. Yeah, once again, the goalkeeper couldn't get her hands completely on it and unfortunately was able to create that rebound for the goal.

1:10:36Yeah, it was a great play there up front. No doubt, Italy still looking to stretch the last few minutes against the U.S. But it was such a great goal here from Pelegrino. A lot of creativity there up front. And just the first time hit was it. So it was 2-1 for Italy. And trying to tie it up, Jeff, was Kennedy Fuller. Kennedy Fuller, one of the players who did get released. This was a very tight offside call. I mean, I know we saw the line afterward. I mean, give me a better camera angle maybe. I don't know. That looks even to me. The arm looked outstretched to me. So I don't know. That could have been close.

1:11:13So you think it was an offside? I don't think it was offside. The arm was outstretched, but obviously we can't see from this angle. Yeah, it's tough, though. A tough start for the U.S., no doubt. Zero points, so they are in third place so far. Obviously, tied still there with New Zealand, but this has just started for the U.S. women's national team. Allie, listen, this is a conversation that we had, right? A lot of NWSL clubs who didn't lend their players. We talked about the FIFA official dates here for the U-20 World Cup. Emma Hayes obviously wanting to see this talent here in the World Cup as well.

1:11:46So what does that make you think when you see this first result? Yeah, I mean, I am a bit surprised because we have quality players. We have quality development and a lot of players who are willing to be there and play their best and be a part of this tournament. And it's unfortunate that we started off on this foot because leading at the beginning of the game was brilliant. And they did create more chances. they just couldn't find the back of the net. And then to allow Italy back in the game, I think the goalkeeper could have done better in some of these moments. Just not being able to get our hands completely on this ball, to just not be able to parry this away properly or punch this out of danger, that was just unfortunate.

1:12:30And I think, you know, there's still more time. You never know what the group is going to be, but they need to just come back off of this loss and play a lot better defensively. I don't think the structure was that well in the back line. Defensively is where you're seeing this team weakest, Jeff? From that opening game, yeah. I mean, I think individually especially. I mean, you mentioned Elibard, goalkeeper, with just a mistake on that second goal. Lost a lot of 1v1 duels in this game. And, you know, I think whether that's disjointed because some players are missing, other players came in late from playing with their pro teams, maybe that's a piece of it.

1:13:06But I do think it raises some alarms because this is an Italy team that, with quality and with players in some professional environments for sure, but hadn't won a game at the U-20 World Cup level before this. And a U.S. team that all this talk about, that we've talked about, the development issues, and to go in and lose this game, now you've got Japan, the champions of Asia, a team that's finished top three in this tournament for the past five times they've been in it. So, you know, all of a sudden you could be staring down zero points after two games and having to go get three against New Zealand and hope you're one of the third-place teams to go through, which this is a tournament that's generous for these third-place teams, so maybe you still advance.

1:13:46But it certainly doesn't calm the nerves of all the bigger conversations we're having about is the U.S. prepared. And to Emma Hayes' point of wanting players to experience it, this is a loss that I think this group will remember, especially if they get eliminated early. And you can't replicate that. This is a U-20 group that will then go to the senior level And remember, we didn't show up on opening day at the U-20 World Cup, and we can't do that here. And not everybody is going to experience that. And it's okay at times in these tournaments. I know you want to win every single game. You want to play the best football that you can potentially play.

1:14:21And I'm surprised that, like Jeff had mentioned, you obviously could have played better, especially in this opening game. There is still time. There's two other games to complete the task. So hopefully they'll be able to go to the drawing board, kind of iron out those details and defensively get a little bit of, you know, structure and organization and then give the attack more chances to create. Yeah, both of you hinted at the schedule. Here's what's left for the U.S. women's national team, at least in this group stage. September 9th, as Jeff mentioned, against Japan, followed by New Zealand on September 12th here in the U-20 World Cup.

1:14:57Of course, we wrap it up in style, as always, with our top 10 goals of the week. Jeff, starting with you, Izzy Rodriguez. Olympico. Olympico, spectacular. We don't get to see a lot of these. I don't know the last time we've seen one of these in NWSL, actually. I think she really meant that. Yeah. That's something strange. Usually it's a fluke, right? Yeah. Incredible goal and a big one for Kansas City with the victory. Hey, staying in NWSL, she was one of our Players of the Week. Evelyn sure showed up and showed out against racing Louisville for Angel City and had such a great play on this finale.

1:15:36Yeah, she gets her ball, the ball on her left foot, just slight separation from the defender and hits it far post. Low, far with pace, really difficult to save. Beautiful goal. Beautiful goal indeed to NCAA. We go Notre Dame versus Indy here. Bristol Kirsch dribbles at the edge of the box. And she said, I know exactly where I want to put this shot. Jeff, what a strike. Wow. Incredible power on that top corner. Yeah, 1v1 here. Faces up from distance. Spectacular finish. Spectacular indeed. On to number seven we go to Brazil. Corinthians versus Cruzeiro. Beautiful dummy. I don't know if that's the way you want to be described.

1:16:21But hey, in this situation, it's pretty great. Tamidas with the strike there, Ali, but the play is brilliant. Yeah, she fires it right into the back of the net. Well done to just fake that to give Tamidas more opportunity to score. Ghost her teammate says, you dummy. Yes. Let's take it back to college we go. NCAA, Texas State versus Rice. Victoria Mesa from a long way out, Jeff. Back to college we go. Here we go. I mean, dipping shot on the college play-by-play these days. Yeah, spectacular shot and beats a goalkeeper from distance. Almost all of the NCAA goals I tried to give to Jeff. I know you enjoy those.

1:17:05Set me up for it. Let's take it to WSL. Liverpool versus Charlton. Grace Fisk from outside the box alley. Yeah, this was such a great take. Blast her first-time shot into the net. Just hits it beautifully. looks like somewhat of the inside of the foot. Yeah. But places it really well, just curves right into the side netting. Great goal. Yeah, so pretty. Sees that space, takes full advantage of it. Let's take it back to another Rice goal. Sloan Popov wins a one-on-one with the defender here against Florida State. And that was all she wrote, Jeff. Training ground exhibition there. 1v1 like that off the inside of the post.

1:17:48Rice, the dominant power that is Rice. But a big goal against Florida State. I mean, that's a very good team. Beautiful campus. One of my favorite areas of Houston, Texas. Let's take it to number three. NCAA, we stay. Jael Marie, guy for Brown University with an Ivy League finish. I mean, unbelievable here. But also the 1v1 to be able to get herself in this position. Beats two defenders and just simply places it in the back of the net. 7-0 that game. Yeah. Casual. Let's take it to WSL. Danielle Evanderdonk for London City. Lionesses, Jeff. I mean, what a flick. So cheeky. And this proved important because Man United got a consolation goal with the last kick of the game.

1:18:33I mean, look at this. Awareness. Veteran move. Off the edge of the cleat. I probably would have tripped myself.

1:18:45Hey, honesty at its finest. this NW and NSL action. Excuse me. Julia Bonatti here for Halifax Ties from distance, Jeff. I mean, this was not far from BC Place where we saw Carly Lloyd do this 11 years ago. From midfield. Oh, not bad. Game winner. Sorry, you were talking about the tripping up and the number one was supposed to be for you. Jeff did a brilliant job. I never would take the number one spot for you. I noticed it halfway through. but I don't think you would have tripped up. Maybe you can train it at home. Maybe I'll get Jen to play me some balls. A little small goals in the backyard.

1:19:25Time to set it up. Hopefully we're invited to that and you will make our top 10 goals of the week. We will be back here next week. Thanks for hanging out on Football W. See you then.

1:19:46This episode is brought to you by State Farm. No two football players are exactly alike, and the same is true off the field. That's why State Farm gets to know you so they can help personalize coverage for your life and budget. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there.