Futbol W: NWSL Recap+NWSL Break Awards+Triple Espresso is Back+FA Cup Final+Premiere Ligue Final+Top 10 Goals

24:23Cristina Alexander:Yeah, you're exactly right. She has that pace. She has that confidence for one of the younger players that I know now. She looks as though she will be a future U.S. Women's National Team player. She's been tremendous for Gotham. Ever since she's been given this opportunity, she's proven why she deserves to be out there and really has made it difficult for the coaches to keep her off the field. So well done by her. And she's just producing consistently for Gotham, which is why they are where they are. Yeah, absolutely. Allie, I'll stick with you for your biggest surprise up until now. Yes, my biggest surprise up until now is the Utah Royals.

24:55Cristina Alexander:No one would think that they would be in the position that they're in. Nobody. Nobody. Not that I'm shocked, but it's just a team that has been a big surprise and a pleasant surprise because they have that confidence up top. They have goal scorers. They have Chloe Lacasse. They have Palacios now from the Mexican international. They have Tanaka who's creating consistently. They have the defensive structure and organization that you need. They don't necessarily have the depth, right? So my concern is if they're going to be able to last the rest of the season with this confidence and with this mentality, as long as no one gets injured.

25:32Cristina Alexander:I think they are have been incredible and they are they are brilliant together. They building those relationships on the field. You could see this identity that I don't think we've seen Utah have in the past. So it's been so enjoyable to watch them succeed. I think they're nine games now, or at least nine unbeaten. And so well done by them. They have been my personal biggest surprise. Yeah, we just got into the details of why Utah Royals has been so good up until now and to see if they're able to kind of keep this pace up. But Jeff, I'll get to your biggest surprise because we kind of got into Utah Royals a little bit earlier here.

26:11Who's been your biggest surprise? Well, I mean, it's got to be Utah for sure. Yeah, we all wanted to say Utah, right? We'll keep it fresh and add some diversity here in teams we're talking about. I'd say the North Carolina Courage, I think from the perspective of unclear expectations, I don't think they did a ton this offseason that made you say, okay, this is a team that's going to be very good, right down to waiting months to announce their coach after they had agreed to bringing Mack Lind in. So, you know, obviously Ashley Sanchez, as we see, has been a big part of this. But I think they've thus far at least exceeded expectations, at least external expectations, where I think this was probably a team where if you had said to me it's a near-ish bottom-of-the-table team or is going to struggle at least, I would have said, yeah, for sure.

26:55And they're at least in playoff position at the break, uneven amount of games played. But I think this is a team, I don't know if it's going to be sustained necessarily. I don't think this is a championship contender per se. But I think they've exceeded expectations. Yeah, this was a team with big expectations, too, to take your words, Jeff. Last season, when they got Jaden Shaw, we thought that they were just going to be explosive there with her. She was sitting at the bench. And I said it this weekend during the game with Natalia Strain that I kind of forget that Jaden Shaw played for any other NWSL team because she just so got them through and through.

27:26All right, Allie, I'm going to go with you with most disappointing start.

27:30Cristina Alexander:Yeah, this is going to be a surprise for, I think, a lot of people because I was assuming this would be a team that would be a championship contender with Kansas City. Just that inconsistent start that they've had to the season, that's been a bit disappointing. Although they have had injuries and since Temuashowenga has been back into the team consistently. All is well. Scoring goals. Has now seven goals on the table tied with Ashley Sanchez. You know, on the Golden Boot board with Barbara Banda leading the way. But ultimately, they're just conceding too many goals this season, especially at the beginning of the year where they weren't doing well.

28:07Cristina Alexander:And, you know, we almost sounded the alarm bells massively for them. So as long as they continue down this path of winning at home, gaining points, giving Tumbo Schoenger the ball, being able to create those opportunities and scoring goals like they have been in recent games, I think they're going to be, you know, the trajectory might continue to go forward rather than backwards. So just because of the rough start that they had, that was my reasoning for the most disappointing start. And just conceding all the goals, which last year, that wasn't the case. Defensively, they had structure, they were confident, they were compact.

28:42Cristina Alexander:And so that is why that was surprising of just the goals that they have allowed this season so far. I mean, in a season where Kansas City current loss to this version, all due respect to Chicago Stars, it is definitely surprising. But aren't you surprised with Ali's answer, Jeff? No, I think it's right. I mean, the shout of, you know, we can't forget about the first four weeks or so when we were extremely concerned. And I don't think those are totally gone. But to your point, Dwinga's back. I mean, they've given up the goals you mentioned. They're giving them up on set pieces. That's like ghosts of the past for me.

29:15So, yes, they look better the past six weeks or so. But I think totally. And the expectations were sky high. And they haven't totally met them, even with their sort of turnaround that they've had in recent weeks. So who have you been disappointed with? Well, I'm not mad, I'm disappointed. That was the worst. I mean, I said this, I think unmitigated disappointment, maybe an unmitigated disaster there when you look at on the field, off the field. You know, to break that ninth place hex, get in the playoffs last year, I really thought, yes, this team lacked some depth, but they had an identity from last year and they were going to bring it into this year.

29:50They've lost, every game they've lost has been by a goal. I think you've got to do some real gut check, soul searching when you have that as a stat. And they do lack the depth. They haven't stuck to that identity of really hitting teams on the counter and being tough to play against. And then they've lacked the depth in places where they're throwing Taylor Flint in the center back. They're moving Kayla Fisher around. And that to me is where the problem's on the field. We've talked about the off the field. What is this team's future? That's in question. And I think those have bled together when you talk about the depth that's needed in this league.

30:22Are they spending on it? Are they ambitious enough to go out and get it? I think that's all bled together into last place on the table, unclear future, really concerning stuff for me in Louisville. Yeah, Ali, they just couldn't take that momentum. I mean, we were really excited about Louisville making it for the first time, right? And that decision day was so big for them. But it seems like that magic is kind of gone.

30:43Cristina Alexander:Yeah, it seemed like it was a bit of luck, right, at the end of the season, getting all the way to, you know, Washington to be able to play in that playoff game that was just huge for them to break records and historically, you know, not only for the players but for the coaching staff as well. So it is a bit surprising. You know, we were hoping that that momentum would carry on and because it hasn't, they have had a really disappointing start. You have to figure out and go back to the drawing board, especially now with this, you know, these few weeks that they have off. Maybe they can reset, recharge and kind of get that mentality back that we saw towards the end of the season to help them kind of push on.

31:19Yeah, like Jeff just said, it's gut check time for racing Louisville. And, you know, for a lot of these teams, too, although it hasn't been all bad, let's get back to the positives of it all. Who's been your player up until this break, Allie?

31:33Cristina Alexander:Well, going off of Jeff's North Carolina Courage, the biggest surprise, I said Ashley Sanchez. She has been incredible for the attack for Courage. She's been leading the attack. She's been controlling the attack. And when she's confident, she's one of the most attractive, hardworking, talented, most talented players in the NWSL to watch. So she's been carrying her team and really playing with that confidence like we saw a couple seasons ago within Washington Spirit, where she just was flawless and unmatched. and she had this mentality about her where she just wanted to get on the ball at every location in the front six and just create positive things within the game.

32:19Cristina Alexander:So she's back to that, I think, that Ashley Sanchez that we saw in D.C. and even better. I think she's kind of taken the reins and kind of has that freedom now from, I think, the coach and her teammates to be able to lead the way for them. And it's been really enjoyable to watch. So that is why she is one of my players of the break. And I'm really looking forward to seeing more after this break for everyone because she has been incredible. Yeah, absolutely. I think it was her goal against Lovato where they asked her postgame, you know, what's been the key? And she said, well, today they kind of just gave me the ball and I saw the opportunity.

32:59So I'm very humble in her responses too. Ashley Sanchez, Jeff, who's been your player up until this time? Yeah, and I'm honestly shocked she's done that from wide areas because if you said that to me, it would have been like, wait a second, right? Speaking of tens or playmakers, for me, it is Portland Thorns, Olivia Moultrie. Had a slight little couple weeks there with injury, but then comes back into a starting role this past weekend, and you see it again. I mean, this goal against Utah early to put Portland ahead against the run of play, and that is the burden that she now shoulders, especially with Sam Coffey gone.

33:31She's been among the league leaders and chances created. You can watch her and see the creativity, the confidence. And she is really, again, especially with Coffee Gone, the heartbeat of this Portland team. And I think really the player that will carry them and continue to carry them. I mean, she is the focal point of everything that the Thorns do. And, I mean, six years now as a pro at her age, right? We've seen it. I think last year, you know, if you were paying attention, right, you saw it come together, that this could be her MVP season that has been built. Everything up until this point is built to here.

34:05Yeah, again, I said it once, I'll say it again. Portland is really the maker of leaders in the NWSL, and we're seeing that now with Olivia Moultrie. The last leader, Sam Coffey, has left, and she's very comfortably stepping into this role. Allie, let's get to your best team so far.

34:21Cristina Alexander:Yeah, this is going to be obvious, I think, for a lot of people who are supporters and fans of the San Diego Wave. You know, credit to them. They have been brilliant this season so far. You can tell they're enjoying their football, they're sharing the ball, they're creating so many opportunities. Eugenia's having an excellent season, possibly an MVP season for her, we will see. But the way that they play together and the way that they can press teams, make them uncomfortable, get the ball in and around the box, be able to provide service, create these chances that we see. And there's so many highlights already from this season with San Diego Wave involved.

35:01Cristina Alexander:and they're sitting at the top of the table, and rightfully so. They have great attacking players. They have that consistency in midfield, and they have that structure in the back line with Wesley leading the way. So it's been a great season so far for them. They're going to take a nice break, and then we'll see how they come out of this in the second half of the year. But I assume that they will be fighting for the championship game by the end of the season. Absolutely. It sounds very cheesy and cliche, but it's amazing what can happen when you're just out there having fun and supporting each other as we're seeing, as we expected from San Diego last season, and we're now seeing it really in the results.

35:39Jeff, your best team so far. Yeah, I mean, hard to argue with San Diego, and I'm not, but I will. I would say from a consistency standpoint, Washington Spirit, if you look at the uneven number of games played, they actually could. I would say maybe should be or would be in first place if they had played as many games as San Diego. Two fewer games played, and they've been consistent. The unbeaten streak that they were on, at least after that opening day, lost to Portland. Among the games, I mean, we talked about Kansas City's struggles, sure, but this game, 4-0, I mean, a whooping on the current, right?

36:07I mean, they've done it in style. They've done it consistently. At times, they've done it in blowout fashion. They've grinded their way through. I do think as much as we were critical of Gotham and the Spirit in Mexico, they showed some fight down there in that CONCACAF final. So I think this is the team, obviously, two straight years, second-place finishes, runners-up. I think they've got a point to prove. And so far, they've been consistent with it. I think this could be, I think, I don't remember if I said shield winner, if that was my pick or not. One of us did, but I think that they're the favorite.

36:34I said championship for Washington. The way that they started the season, I said, correct. I think if there's a shield winner favorite right now, it should be Washington just for the consistency and their future. You didn't mention their strongest signing, Jose the Coyote, too.

36:46Cristina Alexander:I also think Lacey Santos is just running the midfield. She's having a tremendous season, which I think has really gotten them to where they are right now. and she's just dictating a lot the tempo, the momentum of games, the control of the game. So it's been really fun to watch her to enjoy. Yeah, 100 percent. So happy to see her success. But we're going to play a little bit with the break here that's coming up, too, because if we can play a little bit of GM and maybe just have a lot of money in our pockets, too. I mean, hey, dare to dream. Jeff, should I start with you, Jeff? I'll start with you.

37:25GM for a day. GM for a day. What do you want to see in the window? I'm going just down the road from here to Boston. I am Dome Gauche. I'm picking up the phone. Alexia Pateas. Listen, we had some good times in Barcelona. We won some trophies. I heard you're looking. I've got some cash. We're an expansion team. We've got extra allocation money. I can take this hip money, give you the whole million of it on top of everything else. And you can be the star of this team. You can feed Traore, Gutierrez, and you can make this your team. We're opening a new facility for training. We're opening a renovated stadium next year.

38:02I'm selling it as hard as I can and giving her every penny I've got. That's my call if I'm him.

38:08Cristina Alexander:Thoughts? I don't know if a player of her caliber would want to come to a team. No restrictions. Dreaming for Boston. A new franchise. You know what I'm doing? I mean, I don't necessarily want to, at this point, like say any specific players that should come and go, but I do think Chicago needs a number nine. I do think if I were the GM of Chicago, I'd be looking, you know, far and wide for a number nine. I think that is a missing piece that Chicago could add and really benefit from because now you have Mal Swanson back who can provide that service as well. I want to name Allie. Well, she could be the GM.

38:49Cristina Alexander:I would have said Bunny Shaw. I would have said Bunny Shaw. Okay, okay. But she's taken now, but she's taken. Man City. So we'll have to see. But that would be, yeah, my first choice. Bunny would be so good in this league. She would be amazing. They need a GM, Allie. They do. You want to throw your name in, too. They do need a GM. Hey, well, she's ours, okay? At least for the time being. But any decision you make, Allie, we are here to support you. We are also here to remind you what's coming up this summer at Citi Field. Yes, Citi Field, Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit, Wednesday, July 15th, 8 p.m.

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40:35another roster drop by Emma Hayes. 26 players, 23 though will be playing in this, at least in the games with Brazil for the June camp. It'll be obviously June 5th and then, no, next Saturday, June 6th and then June 9th. The biggest names to mention, the Triple Espresso is back. Mallory Swanson started to get minutes a few weeks ago here with Chicago. So it's great to see her back on this roster, no doubt. It was great to see the pictures of the three of them together, Wilson, Swanson, and of course, Trinity Rodman. So the big question for now is what can we truly expect from the triple espresso, Allie?

41:20Cristina Alexander:I think just the relationship building again, right? Because they haven't played with each other in over 600 some days, I think, probably since the Olympics. and I think it's really important that if they are in her plans, which I'm assuming they are, they really need to get back to continuing that relationship building and building off of where they were before because they all are in different places right now and really good places. I think they're really excited to get back to training together, to playing together, to get back out on the field and score goals together. So I know the U.S. national team is super excited.

41:56Cristina Alexander:I know Emma's excited to have them back, and I think the fans are really excited, most importantly, to have them back. So I expect them to kind of pick off of where they left off and, yeah, continue that consistency in the front line and really continue to, you know, share the ball and continue to create opportunities that we all love to see. So I'm really, really excited. I know they're going to, you know, give them that time though, because, you know, we're a year out now, I think, from the big showdown. But other than that, I think just give them the time to get their feet back and get that confidence back, that tempo back that you need, especially coming back after either an injury or maternity leave.

42:38Cristina Alexander:Everyone's going to be different. So it's really exciting that they're back in the squad and they're going to continue to grow. Yeah, we have no doubt that Emma Hayes obviously has this very top of mind slowly but surely with Mal, with Sofia. We know that Sophia has already been back for the U.S. Women's National Team. Like I mentioned, Mal, only a few minutes back, a few weeks ago. We've seen her build into those minutes. Jeff and I know for Chicago, they've been also very top of mind, respecting her timeline, as we should. But obviously taking advantage of this reconnection, what should Emma Hayes focus on with these three?

43:15Yeah, I think it's going to take time. I mean, Emma Hayes said that in her press conference announcing this roster, that it was always the plan to bring Mallory Swanson in, but she had to be ready. And she said that she very much was. And I think to Hayes's point, you know, the next window is October and then it's World Cup qualifying. So between the time and then the quality of opponent, I think it was pretty important to get this group back together, to get every player that you possibly can that you think will be in Brazil next year in Brazil for this trip. So I think it's big for Swanson, of course.

43:45it's it's important for them to get back together as a trio and then you know I still think I mean we said this I said this off air I think Alyssa Thompson's been the best forward for the U.S. over the past year so there's also a matter of reconnecting them while also figuring out what's this going to look like in rotation I mean it's champagne problems to have for sure spectacular forwards that you can't fit into the lineup but yeah I mean that's part of it too is like how is this all going to fit together because you know there hasn't been a point really certainly since the Olympics, obviously, since the last time we saw these three together, but there hasn't been a point where Emma Hayes has had every forward she would want in the same camp, including Katarina Macario with the various injuries.

44:26So yeah, I think this is a really important window to get these three. I think they'll click, like you said, right away, but how does it look and how does Emma Hayes want it to look in a year, I think is the question. Yeah, we know that the machine is great, maybe just needs to be a little bit more well-oiled because we know that the connection is there the babies have already met two off the field just for a little uh cute fact there emma hayes as you mentioned jeff obviously talking about the return of the triple espresso she said quote we've been able to develop the depth but those three players they've developed credit in the bank we won a gold medal with these players they are top top players we have to start recreating their connections again and i'm very excited about that hayes also continued to say mal really feels that she's in a good place she's been ready to play ready to contribute to her team and she's really excited about it and I think to score the other night again lifted another pressure.

45:20Absolutely, Ali. The minutes count, but especially with her scoring ways and it was truly to me a classic Mallory Swanson goal.

45:29Cristina Alexander:Yeah, this is a brilliant goal from her. This is her bread and butter, right? Cutting inside quick trigger. Ball goes in the back of the net. I've seen this multiple times in training sessions as well. But she looks really good. She looks like she's enjoying her football. We also weren't sure what the timing was going to look like after, you know, coming back from maternity leave. We were hopeful, and now she's finally back, and she looks really good. And I know she's excited to be out there. Obviously, you can see that in the way that she's playing and scoring goals again. So it's brilliant to see them back in camp.

46:02Cristina Alexander:And I can't imagine now. It's not just making the roster for the national team right now. It's actually being in the plans for the World Cup. And so that is the goal for a lot of these players, especially for the triple espresso. You know, you can't you can't get complacent in these moments just because you won a gold medal doesn't mean that you're automatically going to get a position in the team a year from now. So you still have to put in the work. You still have to put in the effort and you still have to put in the goals. Yeah. I mean, what a great time to be a mom in the NWSL. We've never seen this many on the active roster.

46:37I love seeing that stat, too. I think it was a couple of weeks ago or last week that we saw that stat. But, of course, Mal Swanson may be feeling that community, Jeff, but also, like Ali said, thinking about what's coming up next year in the World Cup. Yeah, I mean, the World Cup is closer than we think, for sure. And I think, you know, Sophia Wilson we've seen get back and, you know, right back into things. I mean, it looked like she hadn't left, as Emma Hayes said as well. You know, and Malorie Swanson made this point, I think, an important point. Obviously, everybody's on a different timeline and a different journey.

47:06and she's a couple months behind in terms of the date of return. And so, again, I think this is a really important window for Swanson to get in with the U.S., given what's ahead, given the gap until the next international window. And, yeah, I think it's going to be really interesting. I mean, I would not want to be an opponent of somebody's coming off the bench between probably Swanson, Alyssa Thompson. I mean, then we don't even get to – we'll get to some other players we'll talk about. So if I'm an opponent looking at that, I mean, the depth is, as usual, I would say, unreal. Yeah, I mean, we know, and as you mentioned, Ali, all of these players are thinking about what's coming up next year and want to take full advantage, not only of Eric Camp, but especially the fact that this is going to be played in Brazil, these friendly matches at least, but maybe start to get acclimated, maybe to see, speaking of espresso, where the good coffee shops are, but first they have to make the roster right here with Emma Hayes.

48:00who has the most to gain here in these couple of matches against Brazil?

48:04Cristina Alexander:Well, for me, I think Ali Sutner has to have a really good performance. I think both Herm and Emma Sears obviously need to perform well in order to be, if thought, you know, a year out from the World Cup. And I think their concern is just to have that consistency that they need in order to perform well to create a chance to score goals. I think that is ultimately what they have to do and why they're in the position that they're in, especially if you want to get an opportunity to play in front of the Triple Espresso. So you have to be consistent in training and then you have to apply that to the games and have that mentality to want to be the best in that position every single day and every single opportunity you get.

48:41Cristina Alexander:That is the focus for them because I don't know if I've seen that consistency right now in the NWSL. So for me, they have to show up and they have to show out at this level or it really will be a tough journey for them in the coming year. Jeff, what do you think? Yeah, similarly for Croy Bethune, I would say, you know, a player that Emma Hayes has talked about wanting to see consistency, not only game to game over the course of a season, but also on the defensive side of the ball. She talked about this at length when she was asked about it in naming the roster. And she's seen it from Bethune, but she was really direct about this.

49:13She said, I want to see it again. And I've told her, I want to see it all season. I want to see you defensively. She referenced Rose Lavelle, who probably doesn't get enough credit for the defensive work she does from the advanced position that she's in. And so, and that's the direct competition. And I think Bethune, this is one, an important trip because it's probably the biggest trip she's been on aside from, you know, the Olympics, obviously. And then two, with Lavelle still coming back into form and getting minutes built up, there should be an opportunity there to get quality minutes if you're Bethune or potentially anyway, if you can show that in training.

49:43So this is really, you know, a chance to show Emma Hayes, you've seen me in Kansas City. I've been doing my thing there in that new environment. I'm going to do it here. I'm going to be consistent. And that's something that Emma Hayes has been talking about for Croy Bethune for really about two years now. So this is an important camp for her. Yeah, I think Emma Hayes is the type of coach, if she's saying that so openly, too, it's because she knows exactly what Croy Bethune is capable of. We know that she's happy always to be reunited with her bestie. I hope that they create another TikTok with Emma Hayes dancing in the background because those are always so fun.

50:17But absolutely, a big test for Emma Hayes and company here, especially in those couple of matches coming up here. against Brazil.

50:54Cristina Alexander:This episode is brought to you by State Farm. You know those friends who support your preference for podcasts over music on road trips? That's the energy State Farm brings to insurance. With over 19 ,000 local agents, they help you find the coverage that fits your needs. So you can spend less time worrying about insurance and more time enjoying the ride. Download the State Farm app or go online at statefarm.com. Like a good neighbor, State Farm is there. But let's get to a name that we also see, of course, regularly on the roster. But Lindsay Heaps in her farewell match here for Lyonese in the French League playoff final.

51:34Heaps there in the 11th minute, though, Lili Yohannes to Tabitha Chowinga, who turns around and scores, Jeff. Yeah, nice turn and finish there and a good feed from Yohannes. 17th minute. It's Chowinga

51:48Cristina Alexander:via Heaps Alley. Yes, this is the throw-in to Lindsay Heaps who gets the cross into Chowinga for this excellent last little touch. So cheeky there from Chowinga runs in the family. 22nd minute. Du Mornay getting the ball on the wing. Cuts inside, Jeff, and the rest is history. Du Mornay, we're talking about this. Ballon d 'Or, gotta be in the conversation. Absolutely. from everything that we've seen, certainly in Champions League as well. But look at his finish. Oh, that bend is so good. It's so good. But Nione there, 3-0, absolutely nothing for that poor goalie there. 4-0, why not? Dumont again, Ali.

52:30Cristina Alexander:Unbelievable turn, right? She gets the ball on the wing, cuts inside, and just scores this incredible goal. I love the way that she can get in front of this defender here to make sure the ball goes in the back of the net. How about this moment, Ali? Yes, I mean, you could see what this means to not only Lindsay, but to the club and to her teammates. Everyone is emotional and crying and wanting her to probably stay for just a couple more years. But well done by her. Bittersweet there. And well done, again, to put it in the back of the net. Du Monet, Jeff with the hat trick. Yeah, well done from her.

53:09Another great finish. I love it. the toss. I mean just so bittersweet. We know what this means for Lindsey Heaps. I mean Ali you more than anybody knows what this means for Lindsey Heaps. We'll get into it in just a second because Lindsey Heaps has just been, Heaps has been amazing for Leonette and it's no wonder why they'll miss her so much. She helped with the 11 title. She won at Premier League all five seasons, 127 games, 34 goals and that's not even her biggest responsibility with the team. Let's hear from Lindsay Heaps herself. I'm happy. I'm sad. I think all the feelings. It's easier for me to express in English right now but I think the sadness is because it's so meaningful.

54:00Everything that I've done at this club, all the people that I've met, all the players that I've played with, It makes me sad to leave this but I'm also so happy that I had the chance to do it and that Lyon took a chance on another American to come here and play four and a half years. I'm very proud of that and yeah, it's hard to say goodbye right now. What is your best memory here? You got one. You know, it's easy to talk about all the trophies. It's easy to talk about when we won the Ligue de Champion. I think that was probably one of the proudest moments I've had. It's something that I've wanted for my whole life.

54:45But honestly, looking back, it's all the people, the club, the players. It's incredible who I've gotten the chance to play with and who I can call my friend now and I'm so happy because football brings you to incredible places and you get to meet incredible incredible people and we're so lucky to have that I'm so lucky to have that. Will you come back? Of course, bien sûr. What would you keep from Lyon to the city? One thing? Everyone's phone number so they I'm gonna text them all the time so they answer me yeah yeah when i say hey john how are you doing you you respond to me even if i'm in denver okay you don't understand no i think um

55:41there's so many things i can't i can't just say one but um yeah it's difficult i mean so much to say there about lindsey heaps you obviously see what it means to her but the question is, Ali, what did Leon do for heaps and vice versa?

56:00Cristina Alexander:Well, I think she, you know, Leon gave her this opportunity to not only just have the development on the field, but also off the field as a human being, right? You get to experience, like she said, football brings you to incredible places. And not only do you enjoy that experience because of the football, but you also get a really deeper understanding of yourself as a human being and I think that's what I valued most at least and then speaking to her and hearing her speak as well she values that too and you're making new friends you're you know creating new opportunities for yourself you're making yourself uncomfortable in situations where you continue to grow as a person and a player and that's exactly what Leon had given her and just an opportunity to do what she does best I play with also other insane footballers to be able to you know make her better and win trophies, have this elite experience in the Champions League and the French League.

56:58Cristina Alexander:She won multiple titles. She's one of the most decorated American players in the women's game for us. So I'm really happy and proud that I was even able to play with her along the way and just see her thrive in Europe and with this club. And now she's bringing that experience and that mentality and that winning way home to the NWSL to share with all of us now, which is going to be brilliant. So I'm really happy for her. And what a player, what a person, and incredible legacy that she left. Yeah, speaking of her legacy, Jeff, at least with Lyon, how should we remember that legacy? Yeah, a player who reinvented herself, I would say.

57:38I mean, it's been 14 years since an 18-year-old Lindsay Horan went to PSG and, you know, was a trailblazer. That wasn't a time when anybody was skipping college, let alone doing it to go to France. She comes back to the U.S., she wins an NWSL MVP award, and then she decides to go back to France in a totally different era, right? I mean, an era where so much advancement has been made. There's more competition where Lyon is no longer just running through everybody. So I think, you know, on an individual level, she was part of that too. And she was part of that for Lyon, and she was able to prove herself in this sort of new era of Europe and she's gonna have yet another redefining coming back to Denver, but I think yeah to experience that first as the 18 year old obviously for arrival come home and then go back as a full-on veteran.

58:25I think that's what we should remember for you know her to be able to still be dominant in that setting and in this stage of her career. I mean that probably also helped in her connection with Lily Johannes and I'm sure she also takes that to heart, right? She knows exactly what it is to kind of venture on and be at a new team and have all these new pressures and still be so young, Ali. She's been that example not only for Lily, but for a lot of young players.

58:49Cristina Alexander:Yeah, and she still is young. She has many years to play. I'm hopeful that she'll stay in the NBA itself for the rest of her career, just to share the beautiful game with all of us here. And I'm sure the supporters in Denver and her parents and all the people there are just so excited with the franchise and organization to have her coming to just bring all of that experience and winning way to Denver and to the NWSL. But yeah, for younger players to look up to her, especially Lily, who played alongside her and was able to gain a lot of that experience and just the knowledge. I'm sure that Lindsay was able to help her with with both Lyon and the national team, I think, has benefited her, especially because you could see it in her play, too.

59:32Cristina Alexander:So incredible leader, incredible teammate, and I'm really excited to continue to watch her journey. Yeah, we're talking about her like she's retired. She's not retired and far from it. Like you said, Ali, because she's coming home. She's coming to the NWSL, Jeff. And I think collectively we were excited to hear about her coming back. Obviously, it's a very bittersweet moment for her and obviously for those Lyon fans. But what version of heaps are you expecting for NWSL? A leader for one. I mean, they've made the decision that she's the team's captain without her even being there from the start of the season.

1:00:06So I think that speaks volumes to what they expect from her as a leader and as a player on the field. You know, I think this is a team that we've talked about for an expansion team is ahead of the curve for, you know, historically speaking for expansion teams. She then joins in the summer. That probably pushes them a little bit further even still as a competitor this year and I think sets them up really well for next year. So I think she's going to be a player who's going to come back and want to lead. She's obviously at home and that's going to be great for her down the road from her parents who I got to talk to recently.

1:00:36And, you know, I think that this is going to be she's going to be hungry for another title. And I think, is that realistic this year? Maybe, maybe not. But I think next year, the following one, opening a stadium, the second stadium we'll see in this league that's built for one of these teams, I think those are going to be extremely proud moments for her. Yeah, she's coming home to a great fan base already in Denver and to a Denver Summit who has done very decently, especially considering that it's their first season and it's only going to get better here with the arrival of Lindsay Heaps. All right, from one tail to a pitch, let's take it to more tails from the pitch and what we saw this weekend.

1:01:14Our Allie Krieger just took a quick trip here. Allie, please tell us about your Soccer Aid debut.

1:01:24Cristina Alexander:Well, first of all, subbing in for my partner, Jen, was probably one of the best experiences. Yes, hey, Jen. It was so surreal. The whole weekend was incredible. Obviously, it's, you know, a lot of us coming together for such a bigger cause for the kids, right, and underserved communities, which was, you know, the main focus. And then just to enjoy ourselves, have fun, ultimately trying to win. That didn't unfortunately happen, but I had such an amazing time. I'm literally passing the ball with Michael Essendon, one of my favorite players, with Berbatov, with Matic, with Jordi Alba. Oh man. You know, Bonucci was on our team, Van der Sar.

1:02:05Cristina Alexander:I mean, all of these incredible players who, Podolsky was on our team. I could go on and on and on. Yeah, look at the distribution. That was very simple. Just wanted to connect the passes. But Tim Cahill was also leading our team and a wonderful experience all around. And to be able to play the London City and West Ham was really enjoyable too. But what a weekend, what a cause. And Soccer Aid, thank you, especially to UNICEF, thank you. Please donate. We, I think, broke the record from last year as well, like over 16 million. I think last year was over 15 million. And so it was a wonderful experience, a wonderful cause.

1:02:53Cristina Alexander:And I'm so honored to be able to now say that I've played with multiple players who I absolutely admired growing up watching. And they were all wonderful, wonderful human beings. I mean, it seems like a win, win, win, wherever you look at it, Allie. Yes, the result didn't hold up. But at the end of the day, one, you're a winner in our hearts always. And it's great to see you just participating, obviously, in these great foundations. but were you starstruck by somebody in particular? Maybe someone who did the Halftime show? Yeah, maybe the same boat. Maybe the same boat. Okay, okay. Honestly, you know, he's the fastest man to ever live.

1:03:27Cristina Alexander:No, he was a little injured. I almost asked. That's when you had to take advantage, Ali. Yeah, I was looking like Mrs. Cool in my glasses. But just made new friends and had an incredible experience with my partner, too. Tony dug in here, one of the best forwards or attacking players to play for England. And yeah, just to be on the same field as Michael Essien. I couldn't believe it. I was like geeking out to Jen, you know, behind closed doors. And he would come up to me and say, hi, and how are you? And, you know, joke around a bit. But I was just taking it all in. It was insane. I mean, as you should.

1:04:06Congratulations.

1:04:06Cristina Alexander:Thank you. Thank you. We didn't win. We were a little upset. But England, I think they just needed it. They needed it. They needed a little consolation prize. We allowed it. We allowed it. Maybe because of the Champions League final that I will not mention because of our producer Beto. All right, let's get to some more results that we saw around the world. Manchester City taking on Brighton at Wembley in the FA Cup final. Beautiful, as always, 38 minutes. You wanted her for the NWSL for a reason, Allie. Bonnie Shaw rises and heads it in. Yes, she's such an incredible forward. I keep saying incredible, but honestly, she has everything you need for number nine that you would want.

1:04:52That finish was clinical by her, by the way. How about this from Alex Greenwood, Jeff? Yeah, and one of those game-changing moments, right? Final moments of the half, great free kick, and can turn a game where Brighton maybe thinks they're in it, maybe not so much. Yeah, I mean, that bounce, too, was just absolutely perfect. 3-0 it was for Manchester City, Allie.

1:05:12Cristina Alexander:Yeah, ball gets left for Gino, who obviously scores in this moment to solidify the 3-0. Yeah, I mean, takes advantage of that deflection. 3-0 for Manchester City in the 66th minute, 87th minute. Who else but Mirama, who heads it in for the 4-0 win, Jeff? Icing on the cake there for 4-0, yeah. If it wasn't in doubt, it wasn't in doubt anymore there. FA Cup champions there for Manchester City. It's a party from one champion to another. The USL final. Lexington SC versus Carolina Ascend FC. A clearance falls here to Mia Corbin. It smashes it in goal from distance, Ali. I mean, unbelievable goal. I'm right outside the box.

1:06:01Cristina Alexander:Well done to keep it low. It's so difficult on the cross. And I swear I know what the Super League is. I know how to pronounce it.

1:06:09Cristina Alexander:But well done. Tama Bay Sun didn't make it this year, but well done by her to get them off on the right foot. 1-0 for Carolina. Let's take it to the 72nd minute. Catherine Barry's pass deflected. Mackenzie Weiner taps it in for the goal, Jeff. Yeah, golden boot winner turns to provider here. It's a nice finish. And this place, this was a fun game. Lexington really erupted here. Sellout crowd, this got the crowd really into it. Oh yeah, 1-1, and in the 96, Reagan Steiglider heads it in for the goal, Allie. Yes, it was the cross in the corner. She heads it in brilliantly to get them up 2-1. 2-1, and to truly put it away here, 3-1 for Lexington.

1:06:54Addison McCain has said, you know what? I'll take it. I'll take it. I'm a good fortune. But, I mean, this is a Lexington team that was last place last year. They lost 18 games, and they win a championship, brought in players like this to do it. Congratulations to Lexington SC. They win the match 3-1 and are crowned champions of the USL Super League. And again, a very entertaining match. I love both of the kits, honestly. I mean, and obviously heartbreak here for Carolina. But great there for Lexington. That sold-out crowd really got there to celebrate it fully. Looking forward to next season. On Football W, we will be back on Tuesday.

1:07:34a little bit of U.S. Women's National Team in Brazil. Looking forward to that. Countdown from one World Cup, countdown for another World Cup. I mean, we just don't stop, guys. We go. We go again. We go again. All right, we'll be back next week before our break. So, see you then. Bye.

1:08:12This is what everyone's talking about. Everything's on the table.

1:08:17Cristina Alexander:This is what champions come to take. This is what everyone came to see. No do-overs. No second chances. No more Mr. Nice Guy. This is winner take all. and it's all happening now on the home of the NBA Finals. Don't miss it. June 3rd on ABC and the ESPN app.