Futbol W: Olivia Moultrie Joins The Show!

17:13I mean, they should be winning this. They've run away with this. Yes, I think the big question now is showing his health because that really affects how they play.

17:20Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, 100%. And we know this weekend that they were promoting on their social media, right, saying we're not done yet, not done yet, you know, having to respond those questions that we as media always have for this team and just how dominant they've been. The first step, though, will be against Gotham. Allie, what can Gotham do to try to stop what Casey's been able to do all season?

17:42Cristina Alexander:Well, I think, one, play your best team. I don't think we played our best team, or Gotham had played their best team on Sunday. In the substitutions, I think happened way too late. So that was disappointing. I think it was disappointing for the club when you have some of the most expensive players in the NWSL playing for your club and coaching staffs. You have to land better than eighth place on the table. That's not good enough for a club of this caliber and of this talent. And I think it's a disappointment. they could have obviously everything played out in the sense that they could have had a home a home game for the first you know quarterfinal game in the playoffs so you know that was a missed opportunity as well and now they have to go to the number one team in the league and really fight and play and battle in Kansas City Stadium which is going to be so difficult so they have to play with urgency they have to play their best players and they have to be ready to fight no matter if they have a plan or structure or not the players themselves have to be willing to play well on the field together and figure it out.

18:47Cristina Alexander:And if that is going to happen, then they'll be phenomenal. And then hopefully Esther will be able to, you know, suit up and play because, you know, the injuries have caused, I think, some of these, you know, issues within the, you know, them not winning a game in six matches, I think it was, or one in six matches. So I think if Esther can be back on the field and be in goal-scoring ways, then they have a chance. There could be an upset. Don't get me wrong. Gotham has the players to do that. But if they perform the way that they performed on Sunday, there's absolutely no chance. And Kansas City is going to have a field day.

19:24Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, it seemed like they were shocked by the way that North Carolina came out right off the bat. They cannot come out the same way, Jeff, against Kansas City. But you wanted to see this matchup. You predicted this matchup. And producer Beto is lying to me because he said you wanted to see this matchup. No, but honestly, what are you expecting from Kansas City, from Gotham? Like Ali said, you know, we're not leaving aside an upset alert, but it's looking a little bit tough with how they perform this weekend. Well, I think it's not your typical eight seed, right? So, I mean, that's part of this is, you know, two years ago, three years ago, two years ago you're talking about champions of the league.

20:03So, you know, that's a big piece of this where you look at it and say the one versus eight, okay. But, yeah, I think this is a team that, to Allie's point, if they show up, if the personnel is there and healthy, that they can win this. So it's not a given for Kansas City. But to your point, Christina, I think Kansas City at home, they love to score early. They love to just bury teams and not give them any kind of hope. So that is, I think, a big piece of this, opening five, ten minutes for Kansas City and Gotham. And that could decide the game in some ways. I think we mentioned Chawinga. What's her health status?

20:38than Bia going off injured. So there's health concerns across the board here. Esther, we'll get to the other games where there's other prominent health concerns. So I think those could really affect how these playoffs play out because we've got some really, not just big time players, but players who really affect how their teams play. So I think, yes, there's hope for Gotham. Not if they play like they did in North Carolina, but yeah, I think that Kansas City, to me, I mean, it feels boring to sit here and say the best team in the league should go win this. They will win this. But you look at the talent, You look at the depth.

21:09That's what should happen. Whether Chuinga is healthy or not, that's what should happen. This team is too deep. It's too good to not win this game, to not win it at home with the environment that they have. So, yeah, I mean, I think Gotham has a chance, of course. But Kansas City should be able to take care of business.

21:23Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, and I know you were talking about Esther and that possibility of seeing her suit up. We're hoping to see her this weekend. Obviously, we want all healthy players. But on the defensive side, Ali, I mean, that gift that they gave to Monaka Matsukubo, Granted, she did a great opportunity, of course, and took it really in stride. But defensively, what did they really have to do to make sure that they're not shaken up by the best team in the league?

21:46Cristina Alexander:Well, once again, you have to play your best defenders, right? And I think that those substitutions were a bit late. But they have to shore up the defensive line, especially. They have to have good understanding between each other and between the lines. So along with your midfielders, along with the rest of your defenders within the line, and obviously Ann Ketchenberger has to be the one communicating that. She sees everything from the back. But everyone has to be connected, compact, and they have to have this willingness to want to show up because, you know, you have to make a choice, right? You roll your sleeves up and you perform well because you want to help your team win.

22:28Cristina Alexander:That's an individual chance. That's an individual choice to show up and have the willingness to play well and to perform well. and control what you're able to control. And then everyone else has to have a similar feeling, and then you're all bought in to the goal and the task at hand, which is to perform together to win. And whether you have a plan or not, whether the coach is setting you up for success or not, you as an individual player have to go out on the field and have that motivation in yourself to play with urgency, to carry your team, to want to be there, to win. and the players are the ones out there playing on the field.

23:08Cristina Alexander:The coaching staff can only do so much, and that is the week of preparation beforehand. They give you all the tools. They give you all the things you need in order to get out there and do it yourself and be successful, and then it's your choice as a player to show up. So no matter what, Gotham has to get back to the ways that they were playing in the middle of the season, scoring goals, confident attack, no matter who's on the field because they have the talent, they have the depth, just like Kansas City. And you know Kansas City is going to show up and show up no matter who's on the field. They have layers and layers of players who are able to perform well.

23:42Cristina Alexander:So we will see. But I think the players have to do that for themselves and have that mentality themselves in order to want to succeed and get the job done.

23:51Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, and remember what they're capable of, too. And they have someone named Roosevelt on their team, which certainly helps. And we'll see what they can do this weekend visiting Kansas City. It won't be easy. Let's take it to some more action that we saw this weekend. We're going to see this matchup again this coming weekend, but let's take a look at what happened on decision day between these two. Marta finding Angelina. Wide shot there, Jeff. Yeah, I mean, Angelina, I think, has been, you know, for years now, much better than she probably gets credit for and near miss here. Yeah, how about this set piece, Ali?

24:26Jeff Kassouf:Ali Lemos and Angelina with the post.

24:29Cristina Alexander:Yeah, so close there. This was such a tight game on both ends. But yeah, unfortunate. She was just, you know, falling backwards. It's really hard to get any type of, you know, pace on that to get across the field. Yeah, that was tough. Jackie Ovi, Carson Pickett, Jeff, to put it up 1-0. You can see what it means to her, too, with the celebration. Yeah, I think, you know, obviously having this fall at the back post is like a dream to be able to hit that.

24:54Jeff Kassouf:Oh, yeah. Game wasn't done yet, though, and Jordan Bug knew it. The Youngster Alley shows up.

25:00Cristina Alexander:Yes, another brilliant ball. We saw this often this weekend, but a great ball in behind the back line. You know, back post doesn't get covered that well, and she keeps it low, driven hard to the corner. Let's hear from Jackie Ovalle with Ahora o Nunca.

25:30I think it's a very good opportunity to play against this team. I think the football has been working on the best way. And what better than against the team we just played the last week. I tell you, for obvious reasons, we have been in the look. We've been analyzing the games, their movement, and I think it's not going to be the exception of this game. So for me, it's so important. They're very focused on what's going on and what's coming.

26:13Jeff Kassouf:I always ready to go. Let's take a look at what happened. Oh, he's smiling, Sam Coffey. Portland Thorns and Yasmin Ryan's Houston Dash not playing for anything at this point in the season. Portland, though, showing up, showing out. Dana Castellanos. I am prideful of what Houston Dash was able to do this weekend. I mean, what a goal, Jeff, from Dana. Yeah, I mean, a big goal for her. I think a bit of a struggle this season, obviously making the move to Portland. And, I mean, this is a class finish in a big moment. Portland fighting for a home playoff game. Yep. 1-0 here for Portland there. Getting things started.

26:47Jeff Kassouf:A few minutes later, Moultrie and a great combination here. Houston just can't get rid of it. And it's Jesse Fleming, Allie.

26:58Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I love that little volley out of the scuffle. But well done on the countermeasures here, which is just meaning the defensive side of the game coming off of this. To be able to be ready to battle for that, it gave her the opportunity to put the ball in the back of the net. Well done.

27:14Jeff Kassouf:So much action this past weekend. So much action coming up here this weekend. Yes, the quarterfinals. Casey Curran versus Gotham FC, 1230 p.m. Eastern, followed by Portland, San Diego, at 3 p.m. Eastern on Sunday, ABC and the app. In today's world, planning ahead isn't always top of mind, but not having life insurance can leave families facing difficult financial uncertainty during already emotional times. In many cases, loved ones are left managing expenses, debts, or long-term obligations without a clear plan in place. Life insurance is one of those ways to help provide financial security and support when it's needed most.

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29:11Moultrie with the shot! Oh my! Olivia Moultrie with a rocket for the Thorns! When this player occupies those spaces, she just lets it go. Such a great strike for the 20-year-old.

29:36I just think she's really led this team in an incredible way.

29:42Jeff Kassouf:I mean, this was quite the no-brainer. Olivia Moultrie, and I mean that for Portland, by the way, has agreed to a multi-year contract extension with the Portland Thorns through the 2029 season. Moultrie signed with the Thorns back in 2021 at 15 years old when she became, at the time, the youngest NWSL player in league history. She's coming off a successful regular season, helping Portland qualify to their league-leading ninth consecutive playoff appearance. And we're so excited, Allie, because you have who?

30:12Cristina Alexander:the one and only one of the brightest stars in the NWSL and a shining star for the US Women's National Team up and coming. Olivia, welcome back to the show. Thank you so much for joining us. How are you? I'm so good. Happy to be here. Thank you for having me. And let's just get right into it because we were just hearing about the contract extension until 2029. Tell us about that new contract in Portland and how that came about and how excited are you to be playing for the Thorns for the next few years? Yeah, I mean, I'll start by saying extremely excited. It kind of came about a couple months ago.

30:52The club just kind of approached my agent again and I was like, oh, I know what this is about. But no, like we sat down, had a lot of great conversations. And yeah, just the commitment from the club to me and the belief in me being able to accomplish all the things that I want. Like, I really felt that. And I just can't wait to be in Portland for the next couple years. This city is amazing. And I just can't wait to keep my journey going there.

31:14Cristina Alexander:Well, they're so lucky to have you and also lucky to be in a home match for the quarterfinals of the playoffs. So let's talk about decision day and how that went for you and the Thorns. You guys closed the regular season with a huge win on decision day and to lock in that home playoff game, like I just mentioned. but how big was that moment for the team? And what kind of confidence does that give you all heading into the playoffs? Yeah, I mean, it was huge. Like we've had so many things not go our way this year in terms of just injuries and like players being available and just a lot of tough things for the team to face.

31:49But I think being able to go into the decision day, like with a home game, and it wasn't 100 % in our hands, but we knew that we had to take care of business to get the opportunity to play at home again. And we just really took that momentum like all the way. The stadium was behind us. Like the crowd was incredible. And yeah, we all just showed up when we needed to. But obviously, job's not finished. But we're very excited to be able to play at home on Sunday.

32:13Cristina Alexander:Yeah, the game looked electric. The atmosphere was phenomenal. So we are happy that you all were successful to get into that quarterfinal and get a home match especially. So when we spoke earlier this year, you kind of touched on it a little bit there. Portland was still finding its rhythm, right? We spoke right after the Kansas City game, and maybe it wasn't the best performance, but there still was so much of the season to play. So now you're one of the best teams in the league. What's been that biggest shift that helped you turn things around? Yeah, I mean, to be completely honest, like when they set the rankings initially, and we were in like 11th or something, maybe lower, I don't remember.

32:53And the whole team just thought, it's like, okay, sounds good. Like, let them think what they want to think. And I mean, the fact that we finished in third, like, I remember being told after the game and just being like, holy crap, you know. And I just feel like a big thing for us has been the doubters. And that has caused our locker room to get closer than ever. And I feel like that has really aided us in our performances this year.

33:12Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I wanted to ask. It's rare to see such a complete midseason turnaround, right? So how did this group keep belief when results weren't going your way early on? I think it's just kind of knowing the league. Like, this league is crazy. And it's so up and down. And so just staying consistent with what we knew was important, you know, showing up, going to work every day, and just keeping that positive culture amongst the group, I feel like that really has made a huge difference. And obviously when you get to come back at home and play in that environment, like that gives you always an extra boost.

33:44So I feel like that's been huge for us this year.

33:46Cristina Alexander:And you specifically have been such a constant presence and consistent presence all season, have scored eight goals. So congratulations on that. your best season yet in the scoring department. So what part of your game are you specifically most proud of? And what do you think has evolved the most since the start of the year for you? Yeah, I think the thing I'm the most proud of is kind of definitely the results piece. Like, I see myself as a dangerous attacking threat. That's who I want to be as a player. So for those things to kind of come together and click a little bit, like, I do think that's a result of just consistency and hard work.

34:24and people are like, have you changed anything? And I'm like, no, not really. I just have finally seen those things come together that I've been working for for so long. But yeah, obviously having the support of my teammates to really be who I am. 100 % of Olivia all the time. And this year has been huge for me in terms of like really just getting to unleash not only who I am on the field, but just my personality. And I feel like all those things have really just come together this year.

34:47Cristina Alexander:And still being so young, right? And taking more of that responsibility in midfield. how have you approached stepping into that leadership role? I mean, we touched on this back when we spoke early on in the season about the veterans moving on and retiring and going on to other things and who was going to step up into that leadership role to really help the team be successful this year. And you have been one of those players to really roll your sleeves up and step up into a position like that. What do you feel like when you're in that leadership position And how do you feel on the field when your team is counting on you to show up in those moments?

35:25Yeah, I mean, the big moments on the field, like that's what I'm here for. That's what I live for. Like, that's the best part about being a pro to me. And in terms of kind of any of the off the field stuff and cultural and being a leader, like I like I touched on, I've just kind of been able to be myself in the locker room and the teammates that I've had this year have allowed for everyone to really voice what they feel is important to them. And everyone has a voice. And I think that has allowed me to be, you know, the best version of myself. And what you see on the field is really just who I am.

35:55But honestly, I think just the culture of the team has allowed for everyone to just be the best versions of themselves.

36:02Cristina Alexander:And we just saw you come off of a really great performance of the U.S. Women's National Team. You scored two phenomenal goals in Connecticut. Kit, how did it feel to be back in that space with the team and the coaching staff behind you performing at that level? And how does that energy now carry over into the playoffs with Portland? Yeah, I mean, obviously leaving at a crazy time to be able to come back right before decision day. But anytime I get to represent my country like truly a dream come true, I obviously want to be able to grow my role with the national team. That is a huge part of just what I hope my career is about.

36:39and being able to see those two goals go in the back of the net, I feel like my reaction says it all. It was just an extremely exciting moment, and I hope to have plenty more of those. But yeah, playing with a bunch of those players that I've been on youth national teams with and stuff like that, it's just kind of a full circle moment, and it's really exciting.

36:55Cristina Alexander:Yeah, it was really enjoyable to see all the youngins kind of step up. Well, youngins to me, maybe not to everyone, but youngins to me to step up and to thrive and really have such a great performance. That was really phenomenal to see, So I'm so excited to see what's to come. But this team feels like it's peaking at the right time with Portland and at the club level. Like, what's the mindset heading into this playoff run? Obviously, you have to take one game at a time, right? You mentioned that. And what would it mean to bring another title back to Portland and back to the city that comes out and supports you week in and week out?

37:28Yeah, I mean, bringing titles to Portland, like, that's what I'm here for. That's what we're all here for. That's part of why I resigned, you know. but definitely one moment at a time. And the first things first is we took care of decision day. You know, we got the home game that we wanted and that will aid us, I think. And now it's just like you touched on it peaking at the right time. Like this is when we want our momentum, you know? And I think just capitalizing on that in terms of also being able to go play at home this weekend, like just the energy and adrenaline carries so much and the attitudes.

37:59And I feel like we all just really have that and that excitement for the playoffs in general. So, yeah, I think it's going to be great.

38:04Cristina Alexander:And I know the season isn't done just yet, but do you have a specific favorite moment that you've shared with your teammates or just as an individual on the field this year that really has excited you or a really good memory that will wrap up your 2025 season? Yeah, I feel like there's been a couple. The two that first come to mind is I was doing some media right after we came back from the big international break and they were talking about like, oh, are you surprised that you don't have more goals or do you feel like something's missing? and just like statistically what was happening. And I was like, you know what?

38:38I'm just going to stay in control of what I can control and keep doing the right things. And literally right after, that's when I had my goal against Washington. And I feel like it almost opened the floodgates a little bit. And that's what I was waiting for. And so that was super exciting. And I was with Sam Hyatt when we did that interview. And she's like, dude, you're going to score tomorrow. And I was like, I hope so. But yeah, that was really cool. And then when I had my first brace against Bay at home, like that on sinks retirement night, like that was a really, really cool moment. And just having her be there and just feeling that kind of like, I mean, everyone likes to say the passing of the torch, but like truly just feeling her support in my role moving forward with the team was a really cool moment.

39:20And yeah, to be able to score your first professional brace is pretty sick.

39:23Cristina Alexander:Yeah, that was incredible to watch too on the sideline, I guess. But previewing now the weekend's game, the most important game of the season against San Diego, you host obviously having the fans behind you and having that advantage of the home field. But what's the key to breaking them down and getting through to the semifinals? Yeah, I think for us, like, continuing to be confident in who we are and how we want to play, trust ourselves to build out and to keep possession, but also, like, really just embrace how aggressive we can be defensively and feel the energy of the crowd behind us specifically and how can we, like, just optimize that energy and that aggression and that kind of forward thinking, both offensively and defensively, to just, yeah, put on a great performance this weekend.

40:07Cristina Alexander:Well, you all have been performing really well and are so hot right now. And I'm very excited to see the game on Sunday. But congratulations on everything. Congratulations on the new deal. We are so thrilled for you and cannot wait to watch the game this weekend. And congrats on an incredible season, despite, you know, what's to come. I mean, either way, you personally and the team have performed so well. It's been such a joy to watch. Thank you. Thank you so much. I really appreciate that. We'll see you soon.

40:35Jeff Kassouf:So cool to always talk to Olivia Moultrie. I guess we can say she's a friend of the program now, right? And this is what she's accomplished this season in NWSL. She led the team with eight goals this season, two game-winning goals that's tied for second. She's a second player under 21 years old with eight or more goals in NWSL season since 2016. She's also one of five players with multiple direct free kick goals in a single NWSL season since 2016. Is there anything that she can't do?

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42:06Jeff Kassouf:Tension is there you can finish the playoffs. What a strike! I want a Sunday kind of love. The NWSL Playoffs Quarterfinals, Sunday on ABC.

42:22Jeff Kassouf:Oh, yeah, very much looking forward to what's coming up starting this weekend. Come on, don't act surprised when you see these title odds. Thanks to our friends at ESPN Bet, Kansas City. Overwhelming favorites. Washington Spirit there in second place. And then it really takes a jump to Orlando Pride. Portland Thorns in San Diego and Seattle Reign there all evening out. Allie, Gotham FC there. at plus 2000 hey if you if you want to try racing louisville too we said that they could possibly be on upset alert anything can happen clearly after what we saw this weekend to that let's take it to book it with our playoff predictions coming up this weekend ali i'm going to start with you

43:07Cristina Alexander:yeah i i say kansas city orlando dc and san diego make it through to the semis that is my prediction And I think, obviously, Kansas City. There's, you know, there's against my beloved Gotham. But the way that Gotham performed, I think, and then Kansas City came back against San Diego. They're going to be in there. And then I just want this matchup again. The Kansas City-Orlando in Kansas City to kind of get their revenge against Orlando. And I do think San Diego, D.C. is a shoo-in, I think, because Louisville, I don't know if they have that. I don't know if they're going to have that confidence that D.C.

43:45Cristina Alexander:has, and especially if everyone's healthy. I think D.C. is going to just perform well, and especially at Audi Field, like Jeff had mentioned, it's so difficult to play there. But for San Diego, the reason I said that they were going to get through against Portland is just because their performance against Kansas City I thought was really great because they still stuck to their style. They stuck to their game plan, no matter the fact that they had high pressure against them and their opponent. And I think the way that they were building out in that possession-oriented style that they have now just finalized towards the end of the season, I think is really impressive to watch.

44:22Cristina Alexander:And the way that Dudina had those opportunities and created a lot with Corley in there, Kenza Dali and Cascarino, I think they have those phenomenal players. And if they all can show up on the same page, I think San Diego is really going to be successful on the weekend. And it's tough to play in front of 27 ,000 fans. But I do think they're coming off of a good performance against Kansas City despite the loss. So I think they're going to take it.

44:47Jeff Kassouf:I understand your picks. San Diego stands out to me that you would have more confidence in them than what we're seeing from Portland. I mean, all due respect, obviously, for San Diego, but we know they've been pretty inconsistent. But to you, they've been more inconsistent than San Diego has been because these are two teams that have been inconsistent.

45:08Cristina Alexander:Yeah, for sure. I think San Diego, they had their ups and downs this season, especially that loss against Houston and then Gotham back-to-back. That was difficult. But that's why I think they're going to be in the semifinals, especially against Washington. And then I think Kansas City against Orlando. I think that's going to be a brilliant matchup and a revenge game for Kansas City from last year. All right.

45:27Jeff Kassouf:We're moving to your NWSL champion prediction to the final.

45:35Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I definitely think it's going to be Kansas City. They're going to play brilliant. They have been all season, so they deserve it. And then I think D.C. is going to get back to the final this year and try to get revenge. Quite the final. Yeah.

45:50Jeff Kassouf:Jeff, initial reactions? Hard to argue with a lot of that. I mean, I think this is, yeah, these are far and away Kansas City best team. Washington has been easily the number two and kind of carved out that space for themselves. Obviously, anything can happen in the playoffs. But, yeah, two best teams. And we saw how it played out last year. It was a chalk playoff, as I keep saying, that every single game went the way you'd expect it by seeding. I think we could see something similar this year. Okay. That would be an insane final. I would love to see a KC Current Washington Spirit final. Jeff, I want to take it now to your bracket here that you've prepared for us.

46:30We have a lot of agreement. so we'll try not to be too repetitive. I think it's in this league, though, it's somewhat bold to go with the favorite, right? Because, you know, this is a league that's used to upsets, that's used to chaos in past years. But I do think these top four seeds, I mean, Orlando-Seattle, we saw it on the weekend, a repeat game. I think that could go either way. I don't think Washington is much of a shoe-in just because I look at, I mean, I know they were trying to be conservative on the final day of the regular season, but they're fielding three field players on the substitutes bench.

47:06I mean, they barely had a legal roster in Utah with the injuries that they had. Two goalkeepers on the bench just to reach 16 players. That health situation, I think, is a big question mark. And Louisville, I think Louisville could pull the upset, but I do think Washington still like them more. And then Portland is the one that we disagree on. And yeah, look, I think both of these teams, to your point, Christina, inconsistent at different points of the year. Portland at home, slight advantage. I think player for player, as much as I love San Diego's midfield, the talent is there for the Thorns and some of the experience.

47:38This is a team that has players left over from a championship run, from playoff run. So Kansas City to Orlando will be a great semifinal. And then I still think, like Ali, I like Kansas City and Washington for a final. And I like the current to win this. I mean, again, if the current do not win this, I don't care if Chawinga's not playing much. I don't care if Bia's not playing much. The talent's there. The depth's there. It has to happen from their perspective. And if it doesn't, it's a failure.

48:07Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, absolutely. With the dominance that we've seen from Kansas City. But also, it would make sense to see the first and the second seed that we're seeing going into these playoffs. Not only make the final, but have Kansas City win it as well, Allie. But, I mean, how different are our playoffs in that field versus what you live in a regular season match?

48:26Cristina Alexander:Yes, it's a lot different because even though, you know, I could take it back to 2023 where we weren't the best team, and I can say that out loud. We weren't, you know, the best team because we weren't at the top of the table all season. But we were the best team on that day, on the days that we needed to be. And I think those were the most important games of the year. And we were able to be successful because we were all bought in and we fought for each other. And so I wouldn't be surprised there could be an upset where you have a Louisville, you know, especially I agree with the with the, you know, health and, you know, the injuries that have occurred with a lot of the teams, especially especially with showing gun, maybe with Kansas City.

49:05Cristina Alexander:They do have the depth to take care of that with D.C. Maybe that's why they didn't, you know, rest a lot of their players to prep for this game. But I think there could be an upset because, you know, any team can win on any day. If you can show up, the game is a silly game sometimes, and it's funny. So, you know, it just matters on the day. If you can create chances, you finish them. The team who can score more goals obviously wins the game. So you never know. You never know. Just because you were in first place all season doesn't mean you're going to show up on Sunday and get the job done.

49:37Jeff Kassouf:Yeah. The game is it could be funny, ha-ha, or funny if I don't laugh, I cry. For one team, it's going to be funny. For the other team, yeah. Not so much. Not so funny. But we're going to have fun looking forward to this weekend in the quarterfinals starting this Friday with Orlando, Seattle at 8 p.m. Eastern on Prime, Washington, Louisville, Paramount Plus, Casey Current versus Gotham FC on ABC, and Portland, San Diego Wave also on our waves on ABC. All right, something that went viral this weekend, Seattle Reigns' Laura Harvey admitted to using ChatGPT to ultimately decide to use a back five this season.

50:19Jeff Kassouf:On the Soccerish podcast, Harvey said she asked about Reign's identity on the AI tool and said, quote, I put in what formation should you play to beat NWSL teams? And she continued with, quote, it went, you should play a back five. So I did. No joke. That's why I did it. Jeff, an honest reaction here. I get to go first on this. Yes, you do. Are you cool with it? No. No, I mean, no from the sense that I don't use it, period. I'm not cool with AI, chat, GPT on just about anything. So no is my simple answer. I think the full extent of her answer of I was messing around with it, I heard what it said, then I looked into it, I think is more understandable.

51:04So more understandable than most headlines made it anyway, right? So, yeah, I'm not cool with it in just like the overall technology, quite frankly. but you know in terms of why she did it I get it um I think the biggest thing is like you know I don't know I actually like that she said it out loud because we need people to have personalities we need to let them talk so I like that I mean it gave us something to talk about right I'd rather hear it than not hear it so I'm cool with her saying it out loud I'm not cool with using it

51:31Cristina Alexander:because I don't use it for anything I don't know I don't know if I would have even told anybody to be honest like whether I use it or not I'm not gonna shout it from the rooftops and I feel bad now for a lot of assistant coaches potentially in the future losing jobs to chat gbt so we have to really be careful um you know that was interesting it was interesting to say out loud it was interesting to tell everyone um i guess we've resorted to that in all aspects of you know the game uh and in our you know industries and in the spaces that we work um but no i i'm not really that cool with it. I think, you know, as successful coach as she is, why do you need and well-respected?

52:14Cristina Alexander:Why do you need, you know, an AI system to help you determine how to break down the opponent? You know, she's, she's has enough, you know, knowledge of the game and respect from everyone around the world that it's surprising that it came down to that. Good for her. I guess they ended up being successful. It worked, but hopefully... I mean, and she said they put the work in after it spat out the five back, right? I mean, they went and researched it. I mean, you know, I think, yeah.

52:45Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, it sparked an idea. She studied it before she actually put it to play. But if she was your coach at the tournament or any of your coaches, if you would have heard them admit it, not only, you know, openly, maybe in a locker room environment, but on a podcast, How do you think you would have reacted as a player?

53:02Cristina Alexander:Yeah, I think as a player I would have been a little bit skeptical and then immediately a little bit unsure if they were okay. I know it's towards the end of the season. Right. But, you know, you've done, you know, all the work before that moment, you know, without using AI or ChatGBT. So, you know, why do that? But I guess people just do anything in order to win. and they want to be successful. And I guess you're using all the tools that are available to you for your charge to do that. But, no, I don't know as a player how I would really feel currently. I don't know if I'd be really cool with that.

53:41Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, it's sort of this gray area, and everyone has their individual ethics code, you know, if that kind of gets a little bit into it. But I also appreciate the honesty.

53:51Cristina Alexander:Yeah, the honesty was great. I mean, she had no shame in telling us. the honesty is great, but I'm afraid coaches are going to start losing their jobs and any random is going to go up there with zero licenses and be able to use ChatGPT to get by. We'll see. Technology is not good. We'll see.

54:12Jeff Kassouf:I completely agree. Let's take it to another are you cool with it because we saw the FeePro Women's World 11. They vote. The players actually take care of the voting as well. And I'm kind of no surprise what we're seeing up front with the summer that Chloe Kelly had and Alessia Russo as well. Barbara Banner, we're seeing Alexia Putellas, Bon Matin, Battle there in the back, Williamson, Emily Bright, Lucy Bronze, and also Hannah Hampton. I mean, it's, you know, we saw obviously them really have a standout summer, most of who we're seeing here up front. But we're not seeing any U.S. Women's National Team players.

54:50Jeff Kassouf:Allie, with that, are you cool with it?

54:53Cristina Alexander:Yes and no, because the national team play, US Women's national team players that I would probably have chosen in some of these positions weren't healthy all season. So I would have probably picked Naomi Gurma if she would have had a healthy season in front of Millie Bright. I would have possibly thought about Emily Fox in the position, but you have Lucy Bronze, who's had a phenomenal year. She played on a broken leg in the final of the Euros. So credit to her. I mean, she's brilliant year in, year out. And then I would have maybe had Trinity Rodman in the running ahead of Russo. That's just my opinion.

55:29Cristina Alexander:But, you know, none of these players were healthy all year. So it's really difficult to pick. There's obviously talks about Caldente missing from this, you know, the midfield. I know she's not a U.S. international. She got something. Yeah, and I'm a bit surprised at that. So to be honest, yeah, and even Ovalle, one of the Mexican internationals, who had a phenomenal year with T-Guess and now has gone to Orlando and is doing well in her new squad. I'm surprised that she didn't even get a look. So, yeah, there's a few players that could have been. But then these are your peers, right? These are your coworkers deciding.

56:09Cristina Alexander:So who am I at this point?

56:11Jeff Kassouf:Well, you are somebody, Allie Krieger, to say so with all your experience and your impressive resume. as both of these had had in the last year. Jeff, are you cool with it? I am cool with it this year in all the context that Ali just shared, which is, I mean, it's a Euro year, right? So that's obviously going to dominate the headlines with the players. And, yeah, I mean, you look at the Americans that should be there. I go back to the timeline issue that I have. You have the gold medal game. It doesn't count toward this year, quote, unquote. So the timing of that is off. And then the injuries, maternity leave with players.

56:46I mean, that front three that you would expect. I think Sam Coffey's maybe a player who could have a shout. I don't know that I would necessarily say she's in this 11 or needs to be in this 11, but I think she probably should be in the conversation more than she is. But yeah, I'm cool with it in the sense that I don't know that there's an American I look at and say this is an egregious snub. NWSL, I can look at this list again and say where's Temo Shawinga, among some others. So I think that is one that I'm not cool with. And obviously Barbara Banda is on there. So that's at least the players globally are watching the NWSL to some degree.

57:20But this is I always yell about media in these votes. We get to yell at the current players. Let's make that very clear. The current players voted on this. So I think it's I don't know. I mean, like when you're playing, are you watching other games to the degree that you feel like you can vote on a whole world of players? I mean, I feel like it's like you're focused on what you're doing and you just you know names, you know who you played in a game. But that's where I feel like what happens with these results.

57:46Cristina Alexander:Yeah, it's a good point because I feel like when I was in Europe, I obviously had, you know, more of a view, I guess, of what every other player in Europe was doing and how they were performing. And then, you know, in the NWS, I think it's specific to certain players who love watching football. I think I love watching football. So I try to see every single game, whether I'm, you know, still in the league or not and playing. So I think it just depends on the person. If you like to watch, you know, soccer, then great. If not, then you're really not going to know what's going on in other leagues.

58:19Cristina Alexander:And then also there's the fight of where to watch some of these games, right? Not every league plays their games online or on TV. So that's also why, you know, players might not have, you know, the option to see the games. But it depends on the player and your interest in really watching the game and learning.

58:38Jeff Kassouf:I know Allie mentioned Emily Fox versus what we saw from Lucy Bronze. Jeff, what are your thoughts on that? Yeah, I mean, I think Fox we saw on the bow door, right? Yeah, tough to replace Bronze, but, you know, I think. Champions League winner, though. Yeah, I mean, Champions League winner. So, yeah, I mean, among Americans right up there with the, you know, full healthy season, which we can't really say for Trinity Rodman, who, you know, I agree would otherwise be in that conversation. organization so yeah i think these are these come down to like the talent versus years worth of resume type of argument right it's like of course i would put trinity rodman among the top players in the world what did she do this year she had a lot of injuries and she had a rough year so yeah but i think fox was you know exceptional for arsenal obviously big part of that champions league run and yeah is a worthwhile mention again i mean does she replace anybody on this especially Especially if I'm looking at this like as a like for like with the fullbacks and not replacing a center back with Fox.

59:37I mean, I think that's a tough one.

59:40Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, and very much looking forward to what Arsenal will be able to do this season. We know they've had maybe a tough start to WSL, a tough start here for the Women's Champions League. But anything can happen. We're going to see Arsenal face Chelsea this weekend. WSL Action on ESPN Plus, streaming live on the ESPN app Saturday, 7 a.m. Eastern. and get yourself a good cup of coffee, although the adrenaline between these two teams, I don't think you'll need that much caffeine. I will. All right, let's take it to a historic performance here in the U-17 World Cup quarterfinals. And, of course, it was starting.

1:00:21Jeff Kassouf:So, like, nil-nil and taking it into PKs. Benedetta, Denny, and Ciclali Reyes there. And, Jeff, Italy just putting some away as well. The better penalties than we saw at Euros at the senior level. Yeah, definitely. And Mexico, I mean, the mentality of having to go into these, Ali, at such a young age and on a global stage is tough.

1:00:43Cristina Alexander:And you can see both of these leagues, these leagues at club level, are really helping a lot of these players perform well here and internationally. And it's so great to see that investment. And then you see how well they're performing here, all the way to get, you know, to penalty kicks and to play as well as they have been. I think the development process is really succeeding.

1:01:05Jeff Kassouf:Valentina Murrieta, by the way, Mexico's goalie, was so impressive, and she was the standout. And honestly, the main reason why Mexico is also in the next round here, they will be facing the Netherlands, and then in that other bracket, we will be seeing Brazil facing North Korea. But again, Morita stopping a couple of penalties during regular time and then still being the standout there to really clinch semifinals here for Mexico. So looking forward to what they'll be able to do there. Always looking forward to our top ten. It's starting with TCU's A.J. Hennessey. Jeff? Heck of a last name. I know, right?

1:01:49Jeff Kassouf:I was going to say, it sounds like a dream. We could have some puns there. But yeah, look at the bend on that. Just out to in. Nice low hit. I mean, perfectly placed. Yeah, I really hope that eventually, assuming that she's of age, they'll have to make a drink after her. Let's think it's a number nine. Maybe it's the family. She's a part of the fam. Yeah, maybe.

1:02:08Cristina Alexander:Dana Castellanos knows how to score pretty goals, Allie, and she did it here. Yeah, well done. Just to get it outside of, you know, herself here, to hit it, to be able to place it, wrap it around Jane Campbell there, side netting. Well done. for her to help her team get a playoff match at home.

1:02:28Jeff Kassouf:She makes it look easy every time. Let's take it back to U17 World Cup. Maya Angus for Canada, Jeff. Sized it up from distance. Yeah, she knew what she was doing here. I mean, she sees where the goalkeeper's at. And then, obviously, top corner there, perfectly placed. Really nice finish and a fitting celebration, too. To our number seven we go. A little USL action with Sarah Griffith for Lexington Alley.

1:02:57Cristina Alexander:I mean, well done. This is so difficult to do. I mean, she has the time right in the space, but the way she can just set it, set herself up and smack it with her right foot. Top Ben's goalkeeper had no chance. Great finish.

1:03:12Jeff Kassouf:Such a pretty setting there too and everything. So she definitely matched the energy. Let's take it to number six, Germany, Martina Vankowska. Jeff, quite the strike? Yeah, nice set piece here right off the inside of the post there to come across the goal line. Yeah, perfectly bent, perfectly placed, well executed. That's a coach's goal right there to score on that corner kick like that. Yeah, great strike there by Vankowska. Let's take it to our next one, number five, with Raneck Dirks.

1:03:46Cristina Alexander:for the Netherlands alley. Yeah, great ball in and the ball just gets deflected out and she volleys it side netting. Really tough to take it out of the air and keep it low. So well done.

1:03:59Jeff Kassouf:Yeah, it does a great job there. And clearly that meant a lot there to the Netherlands. Let's take it to our number four. Ramona Maier for Essen facing Bayern Munich. You get all the ones from distance, Jeff. Distance, I know. I'm thinking about Monaco here. not quite the same but similar distance perfectly perfectly hit and this is the angle right here right i mean goalkeeper had a shot at that too so she had to put it just in the right spot and she did definitely did let's take it to number three league i make east femenil for cristal soto for

1:04:32Cristina Alexander:leon ali yeah this is great uh 1v1 just going right at her defender being able to take that space Woo! Does a quick move. Side netting, takes her opportunity.

1:04:45Jeff Kassouf:Great finish. I mean, she bent it like Sir David Beckham now. She's actually knighted today. Anyway, let's take number two. Smila Valoto Jeff. Woo! Nice little volley there. Nice volley, yeah. Sizes it up as it falls. Obviously, stoppage time here. Yeah, perfectly placed in the side. Low side netting. I mean, yeah, well done to take it out of the air. I really love a good volley. Let's take it to number one. She's been on fire as of late. U.S. Women's National Team's own Rose Lavelle Alley.

1:05:24Cristina Alexander:Yeah, she's doing what she does best. We love a healthy Rose. She's just teaching all the youngins how to put the ball in the back of the net. Simple volley. She makes it look so easy. Well done. Hopefully she can do that this weekend.

1:05:38Jeff Kassouf:Speak for yourself, Alec Krieger. I mean, we're really pumped with what's coming up this weekend. But, yeah, Rose Lavelle really has been on fire. Olivia Moultrie has been on fire. Again, so happy she was able to join us today and talk about her well-deserved contract extension through 2029. And for now, we'll just keep getting excited for what's coming up this weekend. We're officially in our playoff era now here, finally, in 2025. So can't wait for that. Stick around and we will of course break it all down next Tuesday right here on Football W. Allie, Jeff, you guys are the best. No, no, you are.

1:06:15Jeff Kassouf:No, you are. No, you hang up.

1:06:17Cristina Alexander:No, you. Okay, fine.

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