Futbol W: NWSL Week 17 Recap

16:29Jeff Kassouf:I mean, she was one of the heroes, but it was definitely Cristiana Giardelli there for the rebound goal. What a way to finally get a goal for Bay FC, Jeff. Yeah, I mean, big win for Bay. I mean, they needed this, I think, morally, morale needed this result, emotionally, this team. I mean, both of these teams very young, bright futures, but Bay, yeah, they get one finally at home. Yeah, this is a team kind of going through it, right? Because they have the right intention, looking for those young players, obviously combined with a player like Jarelli, who we were able to talk to earlier in the season.

17:02Jeff Kassouf:And it was kind of like a Kenza Dali vibe, just, you know, being there for the younger players. Allie, so is it growing pains here for Bay FC, finally starting to see a little bit of sunshine?

17:14Cristina Alexander:Yeah, because, you know, they stripped their, you know, five-game, you know, streak, winless streak. so good on them, right, to show up and have a performance. Obviously, Jenna Naiswanger is back in the mix, and it's great to see her out there affecting the game as best she can. Well done to complete the game in the very end where Jarelli comes in and makes this magnificent goal to help them win, and they really needed that boost because I do think Houston was knocking on the door there and attacking in ways that were difficult for Bay to defend, especially in the first half where they almost had that goal after that free kick was called or that foul was called.

17:50Cristina Alexander:And you see some of the Bay FC defenders kind of throwing your hands up in the air and they're disorganized. And then Houston tried to get one over on them in that moment. So that could have happened more often in this match. But I think that, you know, they didn't just control the game. I think they survived it and they stayed in it throughout the entire match, which helped them get those three points in the end.

18:11Jeff Kassouf:Maybe a microcosm of what we've seen from Bay FC this season, not thriving but just surviving it Jeff? Well they're young I mean you've got a new coach with a young team they've made mid-season additions with a Kennedy Fuller who's part of that young core so yeah I think this Bay team and this Houston team if they can keep their groups together I think they have bright long-term futures Bay more than Houston even I think has some some growing pains this year in bringing that group together but yeah I think you know this is it's easier to see kind of what that future is I think with Houston between these two teams with how many young players they have and what they've been able to put together how those pieces will fit I think Bay there's still some questions of you know certainly you've got Claire Hutton as an anchor you've brought in Kennedy Fuller to join her you have some bright players but I think you need to figure out where that's going and there's youth there but it's not going to be it's going to be ugly at times this year so that's why a result like this I think gives you some confidence that, yes, we're headed in the right direction, even if we're not going to the playoffs this year.

19:14Cristina Alexander:I also think Sokowitz had a brilliant performance and kept her team in it. I mean, without that performance, making those biggest plays in the biggest moments, it could have been a 2-0. It could have been different. And now they go to Washington with that confidence, being able to play against a team who's in a bit of a struggle build right now, so to speak, that they could potentially keep that confidence going and motivated to feel like they could gain some points.

19:38Jeff Kassouf:perfect timing here for bay fc to face washington spirit on our airwaves by the way this company company woman here smooth as silk meets struggleville so at the moment at the moment

19:52Cristina Alexander:listen i i think washington is gonna pull out of this but i do think that they have to figure out that midfield and then the attacking you know ways that they started off um towards like the middle first part of the season, not necessarily at the very beginning, but then they found their stride and then somehow now have taken a dip. So hopefully everyone can be healthy and get back to the winning ways. Sandy

20:17Jeff Kassouf:for Silky that we're going to see this weekend, Bay FC versus Washington Spirit. Very much looking forward to that while we look into more action over the weekend. North Carolina Courage versus Boston Legacy. Ashley Sanchez was honored before the game, hitting 10 ,000 regular season minutes played. And she said, well, I'm going to honor you guys with a pretty great performance up 1-0 after that one, Allie.

20:44Cristina Alexander:Yes, she's having an unbelievable season in the Golden Boot race, of course. And this is one of the reasons why. Slight deflection there. But leading the team from the front and doing what she does best, we're seeing Ashley Sanchez that we've wanted to see and have seen in the past.

20:58Jeff Kassouf:To do that, your confidence has to be at an all-time high. And Ashley Sanchez is definitely there. Ellis Stevens are finding Traoré, who has her shot blocked. Josephine Hasbro gets the rebound. Her shot is saved. Traoré trying again. A foul is called. Jeff, what do you think of that one? Yeah, long delay on this one afterward. You know, if you're Boston, you've got some hope here in the season you're having, especially a recent run of results, to get an equalizer. And, you know, I think that this is going to be one of the more heartbreaking results for them to have fought back like this in stoppage time.

21:33And then to, well, we'll get there. We'll get there. But, yeah, this was hope for a moment for Boston.

21:39Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, it truly was. Five minutes to review this on VAR. And that's tough all around, but at least it was a tight game, Allie.

21:49Cristina Alexander:Yeah, you know, I didn't think that was a foul. I just think that was the physicality of part of the game where you win the ball and you score the goal.

21:57Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, so Ashley Sanchez here finding Macy Bell in the box. She goes down, no call initially, so it would be another VAR review, Jeff. And this was a long check, too, for exactly what contact. I mean, it's not the most convincing that there was great contact here. Obviously, it gets awarded after another long delay. And this, I mean, we're in the 17 minutes of stoppage time. Yeah, that's wild. But at least it was worth it for Ashley Sanchez, who takes the leadership role now in the goal scoring competition. She tops Barbara Banda for now with 12 goals. We've said a lot about Ashley Sanchez. 13.

22:37Jeff Kassouf:During the season. 13, yes. Thank you for correcting me. I can't even keep up with Ashley Sanchez and what we've seen from her this season. Allie, what do you make of her just consistent, solid performance?

22:49Cristina Alexander:I honestly believe if you're happy and you're having fun, then you're loving the game that much more and you're performing at a level that you want to perform at. So I'm so happy for her because we've always wanted to see, you know, this Ashley Sanchez back, but she's even better than before. She is producing, she is leading the team from the front, and she's helping her team win games. And these are the moments that, you know, you want this type of player to be a part of and to really help the team win. So I am really happy for her because we saw her move from Washington Spirit to North Carolina Courage.

23:27Cristina Alexander:It kind of took her a little bit of time to get into the team and get back to where she is best. And this is where she is best. And she's just enjoying it, having fun. And I think this is a big result of that.

23:40Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, going hand in hand with how North Carolina has vastly improved this season here, Jeff. But Ashley Sanchez, yeah, she scores the easy ones. But she also finds a way to score really tough goals. Yeah, and she's doing it. I mean, I think we've seen her, we saw that first goal, isolated 1v1. It's allowed her a freedom is a word that she's used. You know, I think people probably don't, I don't know, remember this, realize it. Like she's been around for a decade as the promising youth star, a 14-year-old playing with 17-year-olds. And it's always been about potential and promise, like Ali was saying.

24:14And now we're seeing it delivered. And I'm still pretty surprised in some ways that we're seeing her do this in a wing role when she's always been that kind of number 10 playmaker. But Mack Lind has been able to find that in her or at least give her the freedom to do that. I don't want to take the credit away from her. But to be able to do that, isolated 1v1, go at defenders. Yes, she has scored a lot of these against non-playoff teams. I've heard that criticism. I think it's irrelevant in some ways in this league. She's producing. She's 1v1. She's in front of goal, poaching at times. She gets it done from the penalty spot there.

24:51So I think she's been, I mean, it's clearly a career year. She might triple her previous best output. And then it begs some questions internationally. Would you like to answer something? Well, listen, I mean, I think if we're going to say, you know, form matters, right? And yes, we're close to the World Cup, but she hasn't been called up in two years. So now this next window is against Spain. And I would think if you're Emma Hayes, you're keeping a core group together against a team that you want to see how's this group doing. So do you bring a player in that hasn't been in this mix in a long time and hasn't really been there under Emma Hayes?

25:24But then at the same time, if form matters, how do you not bring in the golden boot winner or potential winner?

25:31Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I completely agree. I feel like this is why would we have a league anyway? Right. If we're not developing players for the next level. and it's really she's making it you know uh you know not not very difficult to leave her out of the squad I should say because she's producing she's combining she's um delivering in the pressure moments uh what more do you want from a player of her caliber right now just helping North Carolina climb to the top of the table uh you have to invite her in you have to give her an opportunity um and it's early on enough right but if you're playing well in the league this is the whole purpose of pay to pay to play model.

26:08Cristina Alexander:If you're doing well, then you deserve to be there. And if you're playing and you're leading the golden boot race right now, you deserve to be there and just given an opportunity to see where you're at. And I'm sure Emma's very excited to see that level and to see her back to where she belongs and how she's carrying herself throughout this throughout this season right now, especially towards the end.

26:29Jeff Kassouf:And it's weird to say that she's maybe considered a bubble player with the season that she's having, a career season, as you mentioned, Jeff. But on the table, if you're Emma Hayes and you see Croy Bethune in the season that she's having with Kansas City and you see Ashley Sanchez, either or? Can both? Either, both? Well, the difference between them is Croy's been in that environment recently and it's been part of the picture. And I would say the depth in those positions where, I mean, especially we saw Rose Lavelle get possible concussion or head injury over the weekend, right? So, I mean, I think Croy Bethune has that experience under Emma Hayes where Ashley Sanchez has not been there.

27:09Jeff Kassouf:So that's more important then? That and the depth, right? I mean, the potential wingers that could be in front of Sanchez right now versus the tens that are options that Croy Bethune is fighting against, I think the depth chart is completely different because, yes, Ashley Sanchez has been on fire, and to be clear, I think she should be in camp and get the opportunity, whether she plays or not against Spain, sure. But you're talking about Trinity Rodman, Alyssa Thompson, Emma Sears. We've just talked to, you know, Mallory Swanson, Michelle Cooper. You know, yeah, versatile players where an alley center or Jaden Shaw can slide outside.

27:41So the depth at that position is strong. And those players have been in every camp, have been part of games like on the road against Brazil, where that isn't necessarily the case with Sanchez. But I think it's a self-fulfilling prophecy if you don't call her in because then you don't bring her in. What if you get close to the World Cup? Her form continues. Do you wait until April next year and then you're really in a tough position? So I think you have to call her in. I think there should be no expectations for minutes considering it's Spain. But you have to get her back in the environment given the season she's had.

28:12Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I think just her versatility, the production and the composure that she should firmly be put back into the squad. There's no doubt. And no matter who you're playing against, this is a great opportunity just to get into the training, to see where she's at, and then put her into the game against Spain. They're the best in the world, one of the best. And this is what this two-game series is all about. And she deserves to be there. She's been proving herself game after game, even single-handedly, just carrying North Carolina to the top of the table. So well done by her, and I hope Emma has seen that.

28:49Cristina Alexander:I'm sure she has.

28:50Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, absolutely. No doubt. And like Jeff said, yeah, clearly, I mean, we would put her on the roster, right? She's on my roster. I mean, fortunately for us, we don't have to make those tough decisions because we are not. Gab Marcotti here for Gusto. Anyone who follows football knows that final product is only part of the story. You see the match, the result, the big moments. But behind that, there's the planning and administrative work that still has to be handled properly. Small businesses are no different. Payroll, tax filings, onboarding, benefits. It all matters and it can take time away from the work you actually want to be doing.

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31:10Jeff Kassouf:31st minute though. A scary situation here unfolds. Jeff, I was following your tweets on this one as well. Roosevelt chasing the ball. She goes down hard, would hit her head on the turf. Medical staff would be called on here, obviously, for a possible concussion. Yeah, no updates from the team since this, but we saw how she came off the field and the impact of that fall. Yeah, very scary indeed. 71st minute. Angelina Anderson had quite the afternoon.

31:34Cristina Alexander:Yeah, she was also brilliant. I was deciding between her and Sokowitz all week, but well done. Great save to keep them in the game.

31:41Jeff Kassouf:82nd minute though deadly appealing for a handball would be checked by VAR Jeff thoughts yeah I don't think it was a handball I don't think it was conclusive you know Gordon gives the ball away in this sequence actually to lead to this about three seconds earlier but I think it was harsh and listen sometimes the ball don't lie oh he beat me to it producer and Jeff just said ball don't lie at the exact same time but Angelina Anderson there she She was so pumped after the game, too. Sam Kurtz, so close to winning it, Allie.

32:15Cristina Alexander:This is what she does best. We've seen this happen multiple times in games. I really thought this was going on watching it live. But well done by Anderson to keep her team in and get a point. I do think that Gotham definitely lost two points here.

32:31Jeff Kassouf:Okay, that's very interesting. But they're still on an unbeaten streak here. It's still great. Nine games. They have tied the club record in a regular season. So still impressive with what we've seen here from Gotham FC as of late. Other NWSL results, Casey Curran and Seattle Reign also tying it up at one. Portland Thorns with that only goal. A great pass from Jesse Fleming, by the way, to find Sophia Wilson for that 1-0 win. Chicago Stars beat Racing Louisville, so their win streak is now over. Over 3-2, three points at home for Chicago. And as things stand here, at least in the top 10, Gotham, as we said, still at the top of the table, 44 points.

33:15Jeff Kassouf:Washington Spirit still following closely behind, but not as closely as Jeff mentioned. And there, Portland Thorns just stepping on Washington Spirit's heels. Utah Royals still at least in the top five with 36 points, as well as San Diego Wave in fifth place.

33:32Jeff Kassouf:All right, so after seeing Week 18 and WSL standings, we're going to see where our Player of the Week nominees stand now after this week. Things change very quickly here in the league, and that's definitely no secret. Who do we want to start with? Allie, I'm going to start with your Player of the Week as we see a long list of very worthy candidates here for Player of the Week.

33:56Cristina Alexander:And I'm happy I don't have to go too far because she's right here. It's so good. Oh, perfect. Playing for Bay FC, absolutely dominated this weekend and helped them win. And towards the very end of the game, she had 10 saves. She kept the team in it. She was brilliant. She was composed. She had good positioning. And she just made amazing saves in the biggest moments when the team needed her most. You see these examples here. And every highlight, she had a piece of it. So well done by her to keep her team into it, to keep them to be able to win towards the end of the game. I think it was the 89th minute.

34:33Cristina Alexander:But well done by her. And to lead the team from the back and to be young and to just have that confidence, she did so well this weekend. You were going to mention where she was from. Yes, sorry. Allie, I'm happy to remind you. Yes. Thank you. Virginia native. So shout out. Shout out to Jordan. We have that little tidbit in common.

34:53Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, but that's not why Ali chose Jordan Sokowitz because it's truly impressive, right, Jeff? And in those early moments of the highlights that we just saw, those shadows, too, to have to deal with the sun and the shade there, especially in the 18-yard box, is so tough. What did you think of Sokowitz's performance? She was great on the week. I think she's been very good all year. I do think we talk about the U.S. Women's National Team goalkeeper picture. I don't think 2027 is necessarily realistic based on where that is going. But 2028 Olympics and beyond, we've seen her called into the U23s to get that experience.

35:27And we know that's a stepping stone. So I think potentially in the international future as well.

35:32Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, consistent, solid, especially for a team that we know hasn't been doing great, but at least a bright spot there for Bay FC. Jeff, who's your pick? Well, maybe you can help me out. Yes. Trinity Byers for me. Of course. I mean, four goal contributions, two goals, two assists in a very big game. I mean, I don't know, San Diego, Utah, a higher-in-the-table matchup. I mean, San Diego made Utah's defense look ridiculous, and Trinity Byers was a big part of that. She had the goals, I mean, the wherewithal here, obviously, to look up, find Melanie Barsenas. The goal here where Utah's back line was very high, and then I think that last goal for San Diego where Byers spins the defender right here, just a spectacular individual effort.

36:17She's been exceptional. obviously the comeback from injury but this season one of their best players the wave and as a big game here big moment for her yeah I'm glad you said all season right because this

36:28Jeff Kassouf:hasn't been lately here from Trinity buyers obviously with those individual impressive performances like we saw this weekend Allie she deserves a shout but she's been consistently good

36:36Cristina Alexander:all season long yeah and like Jeff touched on just coming back from that injury and it takes a little bit of time to get comfortable again with just the playing the the style the timing just the pace of the game but she she's taking a full on and she's been brilliant she was a part of every single goal opportunity that they had she had two goals two assists and just the quality of at her age and just those moments that are super impressive that she's able to take control of those moments that are sometimes really difficult for you know maybe the more inexperienced or younger players she's putting the team on her shoulders and she's getting the job done so well done to her and great performance from san diego against a utah that is also climbing and really difficult to beat at this moment.

37:18Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, we were able to kind of really break down what we saw from that thriller here to get things started over the weekend. There was a lot of games, obviously, that we were looking at, right? I was wondering if Louisville was able to maybe stretch this winning streak against the Chicago Stars that really hasn't done much this season. So the reason why I'm picking Mallory Swanson here is that I feel like we barely talked about her during the season, and that's not her fault because of the Chicago Stars that really just hasn't done well this season. We've seen coaching changes. So when it comes to MVP candidates, I always say that it's much harder to be great in a team that hasn't done well.

37:57Jeff Kassouf:But Mallory Swanson just keeps being the bright spot, not only for the present, but also for the future here for Chicago, because she could have easily just gone to another team. She had a goal and an assist during this game, wasn't able to finish it. She had a little tweak there in her hamstring, so wasn't able to finish. Here, it was actually right after she scored this brilliant goal. So you know what it means, obviously, for her teammates to have her, what it means for her also to just stay consistently at a top level. Jeff, thoughts on my pick with Mal? Yeah, I mean, you're right. I think a minor upset on the day in terms of the result.

38:29She was a big part of it, pointing to the goal to call her shots for teammates. You're right. I mean, I think the Stars should be very thankful to the Cubs. Agreed. That keeps Malry Swanson in Chicago, frankly, because there are certainly better opportunities for her. But you're right. I mean, tough year for Chicago, surprising result, and a positive one for them where they've really needed something. Thoughts out?

38:52Cristina Alexander:Yes, you can always count on her. She's one of the most experienced players, if not the most experienced player on the team. She has a knack for goal. She's confident in the front line. She's a leader in the front line. So you always want her on the ball. And when she does play and she does perform at this level that we all know she's fully capable of playing at, she's going to produce just like she did and well done to help lead the team to that win.

39:13Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, in a week where Chicago really needed a win, not necessarily because we're going to say now they're in the playoff. We're not getting to that level, but they need wins when where they can definitely get them. So here are our players of the week. They're with Jordan Silkowitz for Allie, Trinity Byers for Jeff, and my pick was the Mallory Swanson. I want to remind you what's coming up this week, and maybe our player of the week is going to come from this game on our airways, Washington Spirit versus Bay FC, Sunday, 1230 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2, and, of course, on the ESPN app. From powerful players to some power rankings with the women's global power rankings, they have officially dropped.

39:58Jeff Kassouf:So we're going to take a look here at 16 through 30, as we can see racing Louisville's in there, Denver, Angels City, Orlando Pride, Seattle reign, Utah. We're going to do the math. Don't worry. Portland Thorns in North Carolina there at least. But let's take a look at the rest of the rankings and what we saw. You know, Ali's happy. See Gotham. Very happy. Top 10. Top 10. And then in 11th, Casey Current. 13th is Washington Spirit. And rounding out there at 15 is San Diego Waves. So 12 NWSL clubs crack Optus Global top 30. So, of course, I have to ask, Jeff, I'm going to start with you. Is this something, nothing, or everything?

40:41It's something. You know, I think that there's two things here. You have the volume of teams, but then you look at that top, right, and you see three England teams out of the top six, four out of the top nine. So, you know, I think there is a question here of what do you want if you're the NWSL? Do you want 12 in the top 30? Do you want five in the top eight? And I think that's a really interesting sticking point within the league right now as well of who do we want to be? And different clubs have different answers. So I think that's why it's something. And obviously, I want to see these teams play each other.

41:17I mean, that's great to see the rankings. I'm looking forward to a Club World Cup when bragging rights will be on the line in real ways in 2028. And, of course, we'll have the conversations about where teams are in their seasons and everything. But then we can see, you know, I look at that and see where teams in the NWSL stack up and wonder, maybe that's a better team. Maybe they're better than that team above them potentially, but we'll see.

41:43Cristina Alexander:I do think the NWSL is the deepest league in the world. I think obviously, you know, you see a lot of the European teams, especially teams in the WSL and, of course, Barcelona. They have, you know, some of the most dominant individual clubs overall globally. right but I do think there's no other league that really asks you to compete at the level that the NBASL asks you to compete week in and week out I think you can have any team in the league beat any other team especially like we saw Orlando and Washington this past weekend you know some of the teams who are maybe closer to the bottom half of the table can on any given day beat any of the top teams in the league and I don't necessarily think that any other league could say that I do think that's more consistent in our league than any other league around the world.

42:30Cristina Alexander:But for you to see Gotham in the top 10, that's everything for you? That's everything for me. A team that obviously we went from worst to first, right? So I feel a big part of that projection into where the club is now. And so I'm really happy to kind of have jump-started that for them. But obviously the past few years, they've won another championship. They've won multiple trophies since then. So congrats to them. and they deserve to be there. They have some of the best players in the world. But to see an NWSL club in the top 10, yeah, that's definitely progress. And hopefully we'll see more in the future.

43:06Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, setting a very high standard here for the rest of the league. But I want to go back to what Ali said here, Jeff, with that question for you. Do you also think that the NWSL is the deepest league in the world? Yeah, but it's the struggle of the question for me, right? I think the Women's Super League has made a point recently to say they're the most competitive in the world, at least a lot of the entities within it, clubs, players. And I do think that they've improved top to bottom. I think you look even at that, if we're to take those power rankings at face value, that there's an argument that the best English teams are better than the best NWSL teams.

43:39And so, yes, I think to answer your question, is it the deepest? I would say yes. I would also say you look at the teams that are near the top in a Gotham, a Kansas City, a Washington. They want to be the best team in the world and then you get into the well are they restricted by the system that they're operating in and can they be better than barcelona manchester city chelsea within their means of the salary cap and all the different things that they have to deal with that these other teams don't and that's the question it's yes they're deep but we knew that already can they be the best and we don't

44:13Cristina Alexander:have a team that dominates like barcelona right but i do think that our depth and competitiveness is unmatched compared to other leagues around the world.

44:23Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, I mean, we know that at the international level, maybe NWSL hasn't had those high standards that we, you know, put and we expect from these teams, you know, whether it's the Champions Cup, whether what we saw those performances in Mexico, although we know that there is a lot of different factors that have gone into those as well. Sorry to bring that up, Ali.

44:43Cristina Alexander:It's okay.

44:44Jeff Kassouf:But it's also the reality of the situation. It is the reality. Things that obviously have to be fixed, but we can't obviously turn away from the fact that teams like Gotham are doing really well. San Diego Wave are also attracting very interesting international names as well.

45:00Cristina Alexander:But that's what we want to see. That's what we're supposed to see. The trajectory of the women's game is supposed to get to that level where Club America is winning. And, you know, they're bringing more investment and support to the Liga Amakis Femenil, which then you could see the progress. So it's excellent that that is happening and proves the point. that, you know, other leagues definitely do compete really well with the NWSL.

45:23Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, it was so cool to talk to Jackie Ovalle before the game this weekend as well. I was particularly very excited to talk to her. And I'm a Rayadas fan, and she's a Tigres legend. So that says a lot. A very respectful player. But she talks so highly about this opportunity that was presented to her, obviously, to come to Orlando Pride, to be in the NWSL. And she said, you know, all due respect to the Liga MX Femenil, which is still at a very high level. but the NWSL was just such a great opportunity for her. That's how a lot of players obviously are seeing them. Kiana Palacio, speaking of legends too with America, now we're seeing her here on the Utah Royal side.

45:57Jeff Kassouf:So it's very interesting to see all of this developing. But speaking of interesting developments, upcoming NWSL schedule here starting tomorrow. North Carolina Courts versus Angel City. On Friday, a couple of matches there. Gotham FC with their pride match. Very excited for that. First Portland Thorns, Sandy Luay been racing Louisville Saturday. three games for you Sunday, Washington Spirit versus Bay FC, 1230 p.m. Eastern on ESPN2, Seattle Rain versus Houston Dash, and finishing it up with some Monday night football, Boston Legacy versus Angel City at 8 p.m. on CBS. So they're opening and closing this following week here as Angel City with a very busy schedule.

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47:23Jeff Kassouf:The next thing you know, you're in a cycling crew. Well, a community cycling group.

47:29Cristina Alexander:The thing about Facebook, you might find more than what you're looking for. From a browse to a bike ride, this summer, find more on Facebook.

47:41Jeff Kassouf:Tease this here at the beginning, but it's worth mentioning. Big news. Esther Gonzalez has signed with Al Qadzia of the Saudi Women's Premier League just 28 days after mutually terminating her contract with Gotham FC to, quote, attend to personal matters in Spain, to which Gotham president of soccer operations, Yael Averbush West, said, quote, we wish Esther and her family all the best as they return home to Spain. As we know, Esther had that contract with Gotham through the 2027 season. Before we get into it, I want y 'all's initial reaction to the news. Ali, I'll start with you.

48:18Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I think it's quite shocking to me to have a mutually agreed termination. I'm surprised because often those terminations come with stipulations that you can't sign with another club for a certain amount of time. Non-compete. Yeah, non-compete clause. So I'm wondering, you know, how that, you know, was that within the contractor deal? Obviously not. But you don't step away mutually and say you're leaving for personal matters and have Gotham agree to it and support you in that journey. And then a month later, it comes out that you're actually signing and still playing club for another team in Saudi.

48:55Cristina Alexander:So I'm a bit confused at it. And I know Gotham is understandably confused as well and a bit surprised. but I'm wondering if any stipulation were within that deal that could have prevented this or you know some type of fee you can't just step away for free there's some type of you know termination fee or transfer fee that that should be involved in this mutually agreed termination so it's definitely shocking from a player's perspective and obviously we don't know much of the details but from the outside looking in yeah it's a bit troubling Yeah, I'm surprised, too. I was very surprised. I think, you know, everything that you said, you know, speaking of transfer fees, I mean, she was under contract till 2027.

49:41This is a league, Saudi Arabia, that can pay whatever they want. They paid$500 ,000 for Adriana last year to Orlando. So, you know, it's a curious move. I think it's a bad look for everybody, frankly. We don't have every detail yet. We are working on trying to understand what this move was about. I mean, I think money must be one of the reasons, right? But as Ali said, to depart for personal reasons, I think the implication being something serious, right? I mean, we know that she has a newborn. Maybe if it's as simple as, it's not simple, but a version of needing family around. And I think the understanding was that she wouldn't be signing anywhere for at least some amount of time.

50:24And to Ali's point, I mean, it would have been a transfer if that were the case. It wouldn't have been a mutually terminated contract. So it's surprising. I think Gotham surprised. I mean, I looked up flights when this news got announced. It's the same amount of time to go east as it is to west, you know, where she was. So it's not as if she's playing in Spain or anything and she's close to family. That would have been more understandable, right?

50:45Jeff Kassouf:Maybe, yeah. It would have made sense to see her back at Madrid. I mean, when they announced the mutual termination, you know, I was like, okay, so when she signed in for Liga F team, fill in the blank, right? And it was, I think Gotham was on the impression that wasn't happening. but this is a confusing one beyond the obvious of maybe somebody threw a pile of money at a player but there's a lot of questions here that I think still need to be answered by her and her camp frankly.

51:09Cristina Alexander:Yeah and like did the did you know Gotham know that this move was possible in the works and was there a waiting period clause like that's my question and did something change after the termination you know because some players could decide okay you know maybe I do want to still continue to play but you know what there has to be some type of clause within that deal because of the caliber of player that she that she is. That might be a lesson for the future though right? Right. Teams I mean Gotham's a team that has been willing to say okay we understand we're going to work with you but if this is the end result then maybe they have to think twice or anybody in the league of like no we're going to get a transfer.

51:50Cristina Alexander:Right because if they don't get any compensation for that then who's at fault right? Who should be held accountable for that because this is big news. It's a big deal. And yeah, it's really frustrating for the Gotham side, I'm sure.

52:04Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, absolutely. Very shocking. When I saw initially the video of her with the red jersey and the yellow stripes and said, oh, it's something with Spain. And then I read it again and I was like, wait, no, she's signing with another team outside of Spain. And obviously it makes you question a lot of things. Speculating, obviously, we know is very dangerous when we don't know all the information. But when it comes to her public profile, what we know about her life as well, Ali, it's it's another layer of confusion as to why she would go to Saudi.

52:32Cristina Alexander:Yeah, yeah. I'm a bit confused with that, especially being an out queer woman with a family. But I know that, you know, could potentially be a soft landing for her when she has all the right resources and the support that she needs. But I'm hopeful that she does have that. and then on the other hand you know just the way that this was all handled it just leaves a bad taste in my mouth I feel like you know with with the confusion surrounding this topic it's just not a good look for everyone and I hope that every club especially within the NMSL can kind of take notes and make sure that they take a hard look and make sure this doesn't

53:14Jeff Kassouf:happen again yeah becoming a cautionary tale here i want to stick with gotham though because we have seen interesting movements if i could call them that and the latest is seeing sarah schapansky now being sent to boston legacy she maybe didn't have the consistent minutes of a star all the time jeff we just saw lily real as well a few months ago go to boston but when you see schapansky now also leaving Gotham, what comes to mind? Well, I think for the player herself, needed more playing time, wanted more playing time, and certainly you'll get that in Boston and a crowded roster for Gotham, a veteran-heavy roster for Gotham.

53:53So, you know, certainly your training. I mean, that's part of the argument with Gotham, right? They've stacked up stars. The training environment has to be, I would say, better than most, if not any, than in the league. So if you're a young player, you get that day in and day out. but at some point you need game minutes and that's part of the issue in this league is you've got regular season games and that's about it so there's no cup to go get those game minutes at the moment and I think if you if you're Sarah Schapanski who I think has been bright in the moments that we've seen her you can go to Boston and maybe maybe not by the end of the year but maybe in the long haul here be a starter be a building block for them so I think that's that's the motivation there and then if you're Gotham I mean you're playing with fine fine margins on this salary cap You've got players to re-sign.

54:38You're making deals, bringing in a Sam Kerr recently. So every penny counts on the net transfer tally that this league uses on the salary cap on top of allocation money and high-impact players. So I think that was a bigger piece to the Lilly Real move than it was this. But, you know,$80 ,000 total, it's another sort of piece that Gotham can use to apply toward bigger pieces that they are continuing to figure out.

55:06Cristina Alexander:Allie? Yeah, I think Gotham can absorb this loss, I think, you know, more than most clubs in the league because of the depth that they have. But for Sarah Schapansky, she needs minutes, right, consistently. And I think Boston can provide her that clear pathway that she's, you know, yearning for and to play, you know, more consistently week in and week out. I think that's what every player wants. You know, they want to feel valued and appreciated, and they want to perform. And I think she has the ability to do that, and she's very talented, And so I think she'll fit right in.

55:37Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, very, very young here. Sarah Schapansky, Lily Real, I'm sure they'll be excited to be reunited here. Just pretty much down the road that it is Boston, at least if you're taking the train of the field. All right, let's talk about another very interesting story. Former USL Dallas Trinity goalkeeper Tyler McCammy made her debut with Barcelona Femini coming in at the half in the 3-1 victory for the Joan Gambert Trophy against Brighton. So it was a brilliant performance there by her. Before we get into it, let's listen from Tyler herself.

56:13Cristina Alexander:It's great to play with this team.

56:15Jeff Kassouf:It's a privilege to be in front of these fans. And it's a great game to win, so I'm very happy. It was very fun.

56:23Cristina Alexander:Tyler, is that a better feeling to get two saves, like massive saves, to keep the score of line 3-1? And in front of your home show? I think winning is a better feeling, but it comes very close. Yes, it was very fun.

56:37Jeff Kassouf:And how are you finding the first weeks with Kata, with Gemma, the very high level that those two goalies are? And how do you expect to rise above those levels to maybe have a few minutes down the road? Yes, I think they're some of the best goalkeepers in the world. It's a privilege to work with them. But I am just focused on learning from them and doing the best I can, performing every day. And, you know, we'll see what comes down the line. But it's been a privilege to be in training with them.

57:07Cristina Alexander:I don't know if you would hear the crowd saying your name. Is it a chance? I think it's the first time that I was signing, but it's a chance for the first time in the first game.

57:16Jeff Kassouf:How did you feel with the roster? I felt very supportive. These are amazing fans, the best in the world, I think. And to be out there in front of them and feel that support, it was a gift. So I'm very good. Very cool story indeed. I did hear some of Tyler's Spanish. It's really great. And this is very interesting too. Let's take a look at her bio. She spent four years at Princeton University. She won two Ivy League titles in her college career. She had no appearances in the NWSL. She signed for a couple of clubs there with Gotham and with KC. And she played for Dallas Trinity in the USL Super League.

57:52Jeff Kassouf:And she just signed a two-year deal with Barcelona in the summer. So a very unconventional path to Europe. But it's a really cool story that we're seeing here, Ali. And we know it'll be really tough, obviously, that competition with Catacol that we're seeing there as the star goalkeeper. But how valuable is it for Tyler McCamie to be on this team?

58:13Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I mean, just to train with both her and Gemma Font as well every single day. I think that's when you improve the most and you develop the most is in training. And I think playing with, you know, the Barcelona team and the players consistently every single day is going to just get to the level that she hopes to be at. But she's very impressive. She played for Dallas Trinity. Obviously, she had no appearances for Gotham or Kansas City. But just to gain that experience and now throwing herself into this European style, I think is really encouraging. And she's, you know, maybe opportunities with Barcelona B, right, that she can have more on a consistent basis with, which I hope one day the NWSL gets to where we have a second league where some of the players who don't really see as many minutes can get those minutes there and continue to develop.

58:57Cristina Alexander:So I think, you know, she's obviously the first American or believed to be right to sign for Barcelona. So, yeah, unbelievable. She played in the second half and she did really well and she proved why she deserves to be the third goalkeeper. And hopefully she'll, you know, work her way up. I don't know if she'll ever get in front of Catacol and how brilliant Gemma Font is as well. But you never know, you know, that it's a long season. And I'm really excited to see another American just embracing the culture, the experience, a different perspective and a different style of play to then gain that experience and hopefully one day be on the national team.

59:34Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, to be in that environment day in, day out, Jeff. But more than anything, to come from USL to Barcelona FM &E, what does it say about the USL Super League itself? That's quite a jump. I don't know how much it says about the Super League. I think it's specific, especially to, well, certainly the talent of the player, but also I think the goalkeeper situation in this country, maybe others as well, where, you know, you look at time with Kansas City, time with Gotham. Well, two places where you've got stone cold starter veterans that are in the net. If they're healthy, they're in the net. Right.

1:00:08And you don't have competitions to play these players. And as we know, there's one goalkeeper on the field at a time. I think a field player has a little bit more opportunity to find their place in the rotation, even in the NWSL, without other competitions. For goalkeepers, this is not necessarily a new problem, but there's only so many roster spots in this league. And I think more than any position, that's where a USL is valuable because we've seen a lot of loans where goalkeepers have not gotten any minutes. Yes, they can train in the NWSL, but they go to USL and they can be a starter. And so I think that that's almost specific to the position here that there need to be more opportunities for goalkeepers in the U.S.

1:00:48in particular. And I think that's where you see this interesting trajectory to go from USL, which is a D1, but I think we could say logically is below the NWSL in quality, and then jump to a Barcelona.

1:01:02Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, it's wild to have to adapt mentally to now this very, very high level, but also says a lot about the scouting that Barcelona has. I mean, just internationally and all over the world. So it'll be very interesting to see what kind of minutes Tyler McCamie can have here with Barcelona here. But very excited to see this two-year deal here come to fruition. Very excited to remind you that the Women's Champions League League phase begins September 22nd on ESPN Deportes and, of course, the ESPN app. Hey Chicago, class it up with Crocs You know back to school is coming in fast So why wait to find your new fave footwear?

1:01:42Jeff Kassouf:Step into a local Crocs store and step into your new look Try it, style it, make it yours Because the right pair doesn't just show up, it shows off First day fits, handled Walk out ready for whatever's next Visit your nearest Crocs store today This episode is brought to you by Facebook. So you were scrolling on Marketplace, and there it was, the bike you'd been searching for. You sent a message, and it turned out the seller was super chatty, kind of funny, and an avid cyclist. The next thing you know, you're in a cycling crew. Well, a community cycling group.

1:02:22Cristina Alexander:The thing about Facebook, you might find more than what you're looking for. From a browse to a bike ride, this summer, find more on Facebook.

1:02:36Jeff Kassouf:Staying globally here with the USA roster for the U-20 Women's World Cup has been announced for the upcoming tournament starting September 5th through the 27th in Poland. Several notable absences from the U.S. roster that we will get into and a lot of the names here obviously very interesting that we're seeing with regular minutes. Here are those absences that we talked about. Claire Hutton, Lily Johannes, Kimi Escanio, Alex Pfeiffer, and Jordan Bug. So when it comes to their head coach on these player absences here with Vicky Jepsen, said, quote, of course we would love Lily to come and play in this squad, as well as Claire, as well as Jordan.

1:03:17Jeff Kassouf:We can't force a club to release a player. We have to respect that. We've had a lot of clubs that have released, which is fantastic with the relationship. What's sad sometimes is when a player is desperate to represent their country and they're not being released. That's something we can't control. Allie, is it acceptable for clubs to keep the players?

1:03:38Cristina Alexander:Yes. I mean, it's a business, right? This is this is the playoffs are on the line. Championships online. The shield is on the line. It just depends on if that's impossible for a team to get to that eighth place to make the playoff push. I would then, you know, think otherwise. If that would be an impossible jump, which everyone's still in it as of now, potentially, maybe the last two teams. But that would be the only case. I think club over country at this point. And this is why I think we need to maybe shift and rethink the timing of a world tournament because you're always now going to have this issue, especially when you're allowing the younger players into the league because they're good enough to be there and you can't expect now them to be released from a club when you know they're paid to do their job and be there and win games so ultimately it's a business so I'm not surprised when I was in Frankfurt for example I struggled to get released for some of the full women's national team camps when they were outside of FIFA dates and rightfully so they were paying me to be there and we were in Champions League and we were in cup games so that's just the reality of the situation that we're in now.

1:04:54Cristina Alexander:Yeah it's the name of the game but are you cool with it? I am cool with it because if I were the coach and I were trying to get in the playoff push you know obviously you don't want to prevent your players from representing their country at the world's highest stage but it's you know it's really difficult when you actually your job on the line as well and you need to win and that's just where the reality is. Jeff are you cool with it? Yeah I am and because of something that Ali alluded to there is it's not a FIFA window so you know you need to look at FIFA too and to Ali's point we've seen this on the men's side already anyway but also on the women's side increasingly so if 20 year olds 19 year olds are going to be top professionals and you want them in a World Cup the easiest way to do that is to make it a FIFA mandated window, clubs have to release them.

1:05:43I mean, you can't add FIFA windows everywhere, but you can put these tournaments in a FIFA window. As it stands for the NWSL, it's a playoff push stretch. It's the beginning of the season in Europe for top players there. So it's a difficult time for everybody beyond the NWSL for clubs to release them. I do think it's situational. I think you look at Jordan Bug, Claire Hutton played in a U-20 World Cup already. You look at Lili Johannes, surprisingly, to some degree has not. So that's where I think that's that you have to look at each individual situation and, you know, what that means for a player.

1:06:20Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, I mean, listen, with Lily Johannes, I mean, we kind of know why she's not going, right? Because she's already being very heavily considered for the U.S. Women's National Team with Emma Hayes. But with players like Kimia Scania, for example, here, Ali, not seeing her get this national team rep at AU20 World Cup. Is she missing an opportunity here?

1:06:42Cristina Alexander:Yeah, you know, of course you're missing an opportunity because you're representing your country and, you know, in a World Cup. This is like a highlight of your career, right? You always want to be a part of that. But when it's not within a FIFA mandated, you know, date period, it makes it difficult. Of course, these players want to be there. Of course, they want to represent their country, but you're almost making it impossible for them to be allowed to be in it if you're not you know falling within FIFA dates so I think they need to readjust I think and take a look at the calendar because this will always happen one the good thing about it you're having you know allowing younger players to have an opportunity that these players would normally you know have over them so I think it gives some of the younger players a chance but you will always run into this issue now because we are allowing and rightfully so younger players who are good enough to be in our league to play consistently and the club teams need them this is a this is the club season so i understand it and the clubs are paying them a lot better now too yes exactly and so it has to be within fifa windows because if you're paying me to do a job and and to represent this club team then it's club over country for me when it falls outside of fifa dates yeah it's like what am i

1:07:55Jeff Kassouf:really sacrificing here at the moment if I'm going to play this U-20 World Cup. It was a very heavy conversation with Gilmora, for example, with Mexico, who played in the U-20 World Cup. I mean, we saw him in the World Cup eventually, but I digress. Jeff, at the national team level with Emma Hayes, we know you had a recent conversation with her. What did she tell you about the lack of experience for elite youth internationals? She's very worried about it. She compared it to Spain, where you look at the progression that they made in the decade leading up to their 2023 World Cup triumph. They dominated everything at the youth levels in Europe globally.

1:08:30And she sees the U-20 World Cup as almost the platform to prime you for a senior World Cup where you go through the experience and you are a player who can be exposed to everything from the quality of players internationally to the cadence of a World Cup, assuming you go deep, which the U.S. would expect to but has not won this since 2012 which is another issue for them and sometimes hasn't had or haven't had their best players but yeah I think she's extremely worried about the progression of players at that sort of crucial 20 year old level where they're they're either top college players or they're pros and they're not being exposed to regular minutes maybe at the club level or certainly and more so to her point a U20 World Cup and the the programming around it's part of why we see so many U23 camps now.

1:09:21I mean, that wasn't a thing even a few years ago, but it's getting that sort of senior B team minutes and games against whether it's a Brazilian pro team or another national team so that they can go through that and not just be watching the 23, 26 players who got called up on the senior team. So the phrase that she used was that she's very alarmed and she's she's ringing the alarm bell about the issues at the U-20 level and I think that's showing up which we're talking about but I think it's also winning they haven't won this event in 14 years now they've never won a U-17 World Cup and I think that that has been catching up to them at the senior level.

1:10:00Cristina Alexander:Allie what do you think?

1:10:01Jeff Kassouf:Hork thought on that?

1:10:02Cristina Alexander:Yeah I agree I would be massively worried as well but when you're not putting the dates of the tournament and within the FIFA dates, then you're giving these younger players less of an opportunity to catch up, so to speak, or to where the level needs to be. Not that one tournament's going to change everything. There's a whole developmental process. There's a whole model that has to be put in place that luckily Emma Hayes now is in charge to be able to implement everything that has to do with getting the players to the expectation and the level that she needs them to be at, which I think is going to be a slower process.

1:10:38Cristina Alexander:but you know this this obviously doesn't help the situation yeah absolutely needs that building

1:10:45Jeff Kassouf:block there then fifa needing to get involved obviously to give them that opportunity but the players who will be there this will be their schedule starting on september 6th first italy on the 9th versus japan and against new zealand on the 12th here to get things started with the u20 women's world cup group stage All right, let's take it to our top 10 goals of the week, starting with Houston Dash's own Cat Raider in this shot, Jeff. This might be the first touch of the year. I mean, to pop it over a side and defender, Cat Raider, nine goals now. I'm a big Jordan Dudley fan, but it's hard to not say she's leading the Rookie of the Year vote at this moment with the production.

1:11:26I don't know.

1:11:27Jeff Kassouf:They might be neck and neck. Let's take it to number nine, Utah Royals. And Mina Tanaka, of course, versus San Diego Wave. Great hold at play by CeCe Delser, but Mina, Mina does it.

1:11:40Cristina Alexander:Yeah, she's been so impressive. Just come in and clutch for her team at the top of the box and strikes it perfectly in the back of the net. Also, number 11. Oh, okay. 1-1 to get out.

1:11:53Jeff Kassouf:Let's take it to number eight. So Virginia, shout out. Yes. Number 11 shout out. Number 11 shout out. But a shout out here for Amalia Villarreal for Texas, Jeff. Wow. The NCAA level, how about that? College goals, we got the touch around the defender. Really nicely done on the dribble and then the awareness to find that far top corner. Yeah, that's truly impressive from distance. Let's take it to number seven. The Liga MX Femenil with Yana Gutierrez for America versus Necaxa. I mean, takes a look, says nobody wants to pressure me. Really?

1:12:31Cristina Alexander:Yeah, we always talk about the defenders in these situations. I mean, why not take that when it's wide open for you and have all the time in the world? But then the second piece of that is being able to put the ball exactly where she put it. Beautiful goal.

1:12:44Jeff Kassouf:A beautiful goal indeed. Let's take it back to the college level. UCLA here with Kate Sarinopoulos against San Diego. There you go, Jeff. What a goal. Yeah. Yeah, fine in the top corner. It's tough from that distance. It's tough to go over and dip it back down. Finds the top corner. Great goal for UCLA. Yeah, a lot of college that we're seeing and that we're going to keep seeing. But let's take it back momentarily to the Liga MX Femini, León versus Monterrey. And it's Jocelyn de la Rosa from distance alley.

1:13:18Cristina Alexander:I wish I could roll my eyes like that. It sounds so pretty. Just a slight little chip. I don't know how it didn't get deflected within a lot of those players. A beautiful little cheeky shot there to the left-hand side of the goalkeeper.

1:13:32Jeff Kassouf:I love the celebration. So let's make it to number four, Lauren De Laurentiis against Delaware State. The cross coming in. The no-look volley, Jeff. Look at that. Spectacular finish. So good. Out of nowhere. A bike that you don't need to jump for in some way. An Iona, Emma Hayes connection there just down the road. We're calling that a stationary bike.

1:14:00Cristina Alexander:Oh, thinking on your feet, Crystal.

1:14:02Jeff Kassouf:Let's take it to number three. Or on the bike, Texas State versus Baylor. Helen Alarmenu in the center circle alley.

1:14:11Cristina Alexander:I mean, I've seen this once or twice happen. Once in a World Cup final. Well done. I mean, the confidence. Yeah. World Cup final, Carly Wood. but never forget. But similar to that, well done. She just sees the goalkeeper out, so why not take the chance?

1:14:26Jeff Kassouf:Let's take it to number two. Still in the NCAA in the SEC here with Florida versus Florida State. Montelan Diamond with the gem of a run and a shining Venus Jeff. That cutback reminds me if you go down the road in Florida to the Marta goal in the playoffs. Whoop. I mean, solo effort, spectacular. Let's take it to number one. Bayern Munich.

1:14:56Cristina Alexander:And it's Clara Buhl, Ali. I mean, picture perfect. Free kick, side netting. Wonderful take on this set piece.

1:15:07Jeff Kassouf:So good. And she makes it look so easy. Wraps it right around the goalkeeper. beautiful kit by the way from Bayern Munich. Germans always do it classy. I want to see your kits too. Should I bring you a Frankfurt one? Yeah but to show off you don't have to get it to me. I'll take a picture. Are we gonna have a jersey day? We should have a jersey day. You know what we should have a jersey day next Tuesday because we are officially back on nights. A little programming change. We will be live still Tuesdays 8 30 p.m. Eastern. Football W every Tuesday. Jeff Kazoov Ally Krieger and maybe she'll bring me a jersey next week.

1:15:47Jeff Kassouf:I'm Christine Alexander. See you then. See you soon.

1:16:15Cristina Alexander:I want to date with Rawls, Carty says. Rawls?

1:16:19Jeff Kassouf:Rucka asks. This is the love story of real hinge couple Carty and Rucka. Written and read by me, Nicola Dinan. Listen to the free audiobook now.