Futbol W: Rodman Injured Ahead of October Camp

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29:07All right, two time World Cup champion. Kristen Press will retire at the end of this season. She announced today this puts an end to her 14 year professional career where she spent time in the NWSL and abroad playing for Manchester United in Sweden. Press, of course, being a part of Angel City had to overcome a really tough injury as we know, but trying to come up back here and better than ever. as Heather pointed out. Kennedy Fuller there celebrating with her. We celebrate her. Here she is on Good Morning America. Some big news to share with the world. I'm retiring from professional soccer, and I've decided that this is my last season and my last few games.

29:51I thought I would wait until I didn't want to play anymore, but I realized that time's never going to come. Your wife retired this year as well. How much did her decision and watching her go through her emotional goodbye factor into your decision? She would absolutely hate me saying this, but a lot. I think it is time for my family to move on to our next chapter. We're going to be a part of this game forever, but it's time for it to look different for us. And I feel really lucky that I get to leave this game with a family. We're sadder for her, but we'd love to see the support from home. As we know, a power couple there with Tobin Heath.

30:33I mean, she definitely brings the power to this relationship as well. That two-time World Cup champion, as I mentioned, an Olympic bronze medal in 2021. The golden boot in Sweden in 2013. CONCACAF championship, she believes, cup winner. 64 goals in 155 games for the U.S. I'm surprised that all fit there in one full screen. But, Heather, I'll take it to you. I mean, you played with Kristen here, the U.S. women's national team. How can you describe her as a teammate, as a human, as everything, and what it means now for you to see her retirement? Yeah, I mean, an incredible player, obviously, an incredible goal scorer.

31:15And when I think about Kristen Press, I think of her as a goal scorer. I mean, she made it very clear that she was on the field to do one thing. Yeah, of course, yeah, assists are all right, but, like, she's there to score goals. And she took that craft of being a goal scorer very seriously, very diligent with her training, didn't really care if people liked her. I mean, they're, you know, a nice person, and I'm not saying not likable, but that was not a concern of her. She was set out to be a goal scorer and to, I mean, that angle right there that you see, that shimmy, shimmy, finding the corner there.

32:03I mean, she probably practiced that shot thousands of times. I remember being on the national team and we had a training camp down in Florida, and this was before she was on the team. and very strategically, this was when she was on Magic Jack, Jeff. She was just seen shooting balls over and over and over and over on the field next to us when the women's national team was training down in Florida. And I remember looking over and being like, well, Kristen Press is making a statement, right? And she was not ashamed with her dreams to be the best and to score goals. And I just give her a lot of credit for just her diligence towards being the best.

32:52And she was part of so many good teams, a lot of times off the bench and coming through in clutch moments. And that's not an easy task for anybody. And she didn't need a lot of minutes sometimes to score magnificent goals. And I think that's why the fan base really grew to love her, because she was very candid and open with her ups and downs. And I think that people could really relate to that, especially in these last couple of years. Obviously, their show, hers and Tobin's together, very, very candid. And I think that she was a breath of fresh air for this generation to hear these athletes talk about.

33:32You know, it's not always pretty. And she's been very thoughtful about expressing her headspace, I think. Before it was in vogue, you know, Kristen Press was maybe a little bit more sophisticated in talking about the headspace of an athlete. Yeah, it's great to see someone who truly leads by example. Jeff, what was your reaction when you saw this news? Well, I mean, I think, you know, it was coming at some point, unfortunately, right? whenever that was going to be. But, yeah, I think the reflection piece of, you know, exceptional player, I think unique talent, as Heather said, a goal scorer, somebody who, you know, I remember talking to her about a shot that is not necessarily trademarked by her, but I think others, I know others, younger players, have replicated by watching her and that I think she did probably better than anybody with the short step where you can't generate a lot of power, but you have one or two steps that you can, you know, we saw it in a couple of those highlights there.

34:37So, you know, I think an exceptional player, a goal scorer, as Heather said. And, you know, she told that story about Magic Jack, which I haven't heard that one particular about shooting balls next to a training camp. But the part about not being in the U.S. camp yet, I think for as celebrated and loved as Kristen Press is by fans, I think she's actually a little bit underrated in terms of what she did because she went through an era, as Heather and others did, that the attention wasn't there, the spotlight wasn't there. And it was doubly the case for her because she had to go to Sweden. She went to Sweden the first time because she wasn't getting call-ups from the U.S.

35:13And she had to go there and just free herself, prove that she can do it, and bet on herself, and she did that. And so, you know, that Magic Jack era into the Sweden era, she goes and wins a golden boot. She nearly wins a Champions League title. You know, I think those are things that we can look at now and Champions League is a bigger deal and say, oh, yeah, that's cool. But nobody was watching it back then. You didn't even have a legal stream for that game, a Champions League final in the U.S. in 2014. So I think she actually did a lot more than she probably gets credit for in those early, you know, first half decade of her career.

35:46And then she obviously came to more fame. She dominated with Chicago. I mean, we saw those highlights in there. So I think just, yeah, a special player, ninth all time in U.S. history and goals. I think almost quietly so to some degree. And I know that sounds like a paradox because she is such a popular player. But, yeah, I think she was able to do more than she probably even gets credit for. And that's part on the field, part off the field. Yeah, Heather, and you were kind of talking about this. And Jeff kind of alluded to it as to what, I mean, y 'all's generation had to do, really, before the attention, before the game became what it truly is today.

36:25And when Emma Hayes was asked about Kristen Press' retirement, she said, I think so much that people don't see with that generation of players is what they've had to endure to get to where they are. How does Kristen Press understand that to a completely different level like you do? I think that's a great point, Jeff. I mean, it's like Kristen has been in this game for so long. Like, I almost forgot her time over in Sweden. You know, it's like she bet on herself. I think that's a wonderful way to say it. She had a great career at Stanford, but was just one of those players that just could not kind of crack in.

37:02And she just put her head down and made it so hard to not include her. And I think that so much credit is due for that. it wasn't about anything except just being her best self and having the faith that if she did that, that she would be too good to not include it. It's exactly how she went about her business. A lot of it was in the shadows. A lot of it was a ball bag with Beast Mo Dave in LA or probably some very cold field in Sweden or, you know, during random Magic Jack era, right? And she just chipped away, chipped away through good times and bad and really had a world-class career and is adored everywhere, you know, in Sweden and in England and, of course, here in the U.S.

38:05for, I think, her grace in any circumstance. Yeah, even at her tough injury, opening up about how she had never truly experienced that. And like you talked about, Heather, her mental space and just kind of enduring that and understanding it on that side now of being injured, being out for so long, not being able to be there with your teammates. But, I mean, you've told us a lot of Kristen stories here. Do you have one that makes you chuckle, Heather? Oof. Oh, man. I don't know why I just thought about this, but like sometimes with the women's national team, we would put our jerseys out. If you had like somebody that wanted something signed, you know, of course, we're all part of, you know, charity things or a family member wants a jersey signed.

38:56So a lot of times people waited until the last day of these training camps to get all your things signed. Well, the last day is a lot of times game day. Right. And so I remember there was just like people scrambling around. I don't even think I'm not even putting my name in that, but people scrambling around trying to get these things signed. And I remember Kristen was just, you know, meditating again before it was in vogue. And before everybody did yoga and meditation, Kristen was a little bit more advanced than us. She was meditating in her locker, getting ready for the game, which she should have been.

39:36Everybody's got their own thing. Right. And she was being kind of boss to like to sign these jerseys. And she was like she was in her space. Right. And and but just very politely basically was like, I'm not going to do that right now. And I just I really adored it because she wasn't being bossed around by anybody. She was living life, beating to her own drum and doing things her way. And I think it took a while for people to warm to that. But when we did, we absolutely loved it because she didn't fold to anything or anybody. I love that. Yeah, it'll make you pause, but you're like, you know what?

40:18I respect that honesty. So I think that's really great there from Christian Press. Thanks for all the stories, Heather. We very much appreciate it. We appreciate this too. Kristen Press' Angel City will play this Sunday facing Portland Thorns, Sunday, 5 p.m. Eastern. And what a game it will be. Angel City still trying to stay alive. ESPN, ESPN Deportes, Disney Plus, and the ESPN app.

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42:33Notable returns, as we mentioned. Still seeing, obviously, Trinity Rodman on this list. Hopefully, that is still the case. She came back from the injury, the back injury, so we know she hadn't been on this list for a while. Jaden Shaw back as well. She had been with the U.S. Women's National Team Under-23 team here in the last two international windows. We're seeing Kennedy Wesley there with the first-time call-up. So it's great because this has been the pattern for Emma Hayes and these first-time call-ups. So it's great to see another new name here being included. I mean, we obviously broke down what it means to see Trinity Rodman back on this list.

43:12It's tough to talk about it today because of the very, very recent news, quite literally minutes before we came on air. Jeff, but what do you make of Jaden Shaw being back on this list? Yeah, well, I think she's been very good for Gotham since that transfer from North Carolina, a needed one. It's been an up-and-down year for her. I think the interesting thing that Emma Hayes said today, and she's very good, Emma Hayes, at setting expectations and maybe knowing. I think she has a good sense of how media works, too, having worked in it plenty. She said, you know, this doesn't mean that Jaden Shaw is just here to stay.

43:45She may go back to the U23s even in the next window because they'll have games to play in November. So, you know, I think that for Shaw, this is a step back in the right direction after a very difficult spring and summer, as has been the play for Gotham. But, yeah, it's going to be, you know, game minutes with the 23s, potentially next window. It's going to be game minutes here showing up in training camp. But, you know, it's good progress for, I still think, a player with really high ceiling, great potential, and has had a difficult year, but one that has really started to turn around the past month.

44:20Heather, are you seeing this turnaround from Jaden Shaw and especially coming back to the U.S. Women's National Team as well? Yeah, I think it's huge. I mean, talk about a trade that changes a player's career, right? I mean, what was it? Three months ago, she's getting limited minutes on a mid-table, potentially not making playoffs, North Carolina Courage team. I know because I'm local. They're my local team. I sit behind the bench every game, usually with my hot dog and a beer. I was going to say, they need a coach still. I know. They must have lost my number. I don't know. I haven't gotten any calls.

45:00But, you know, and I'm there with my hot dog and beer. And about five yards away from me is Jayden Shaw. And I'm like, this is a weird thing. This is a great player. You spent a lot of money on this player to get her to come. And you're not figuring out a way to utilize her. But, you know, she was probably in a pretty low point at that point. Just my assumption as a footballer and somebody that always aspired for the national team. So to make that trade, to be brave, to make the trade, to get to Gotham, or I keep saying trade, I guess, transfer, get to Gotham and really make an impact right away.

45:43And that connection with Roosevelt has been super apparent and useful for both players. And yeah, things are turning around. But I am disappointed. I know we'll probably talk about some snubs. There's no Croy Bethune. Let's get to it. Yeah, I mean, I think Bethune is worthy now. Jeff, do you think maybe now with Trinity out that they'll get it? Oh, that's a good point. Replacement? Yeah. I mean, listen, again, we don't want to make assumptions, but they've been so good together on that Washington Spirit team. Not saying, you know, that they'd be playing together if Trinity was hurt. But I think that Bethune, you know, if Jaden Shaw is given a chance right now, I'm questioning why not Bethune in that position.

46:32Yeah, I think that's a good shout. I mean, whether she wants, whether Emma Hayes wants a full out-and-out, like-for-like replacement or not, obviously that would be a different direction than Bethune. But I think, yeah, I agree that that was the name that jumped out as like, you know, the, I guess snub is the term. You know, I know, I remember Emma Hayes talking about Croy Bethune in July, and she wanted to see a little bit more refinement in her game. I mean, I think the untrained eye says, well, it looks like it's there. But, you know, Emma Hayes, I'm not questioning Emma Hayes. She clearly knows what she's doing more than we do on that front.

47:06So, yeah, I think Bethune is a surprise omission for sure. Yeah, and as you said, of course, we're not assuming anything. We're not jumping to any conclusions. But, Heather, Croy Bethune would be or should be first on the list for you if Trinity is out. Yeah, I think so. And, you know, I think another snub that some people might think is Corbin Schrader. After bagging a hat trick for Lyon against PSG, her former team. I mean, that's just a stat that's pretty staggering to have, you know, a week before selection and then not be included. So it seems like she's fallen out of favor tremendously with Emma Hayes.

47:49because this is the time that Emma is saying that, like, not that this is the last chance, because, of course, until, as we've seen, until the actual World Cup, you can bring people in. But Emma's kind of said that she has opened that funnel, and it's already sort of at that midpoint as she's looking forward to 2027 World Cup selection. So this is a tough camp, I think, for some people to not be included in because it's a real sign of the future, I think. Yeah, and it's the third time in a row that we're not seeing her name on the roster as well. Jeff, what do you make of her absence again? Yeah, I agree with Heather.

48:34I mean, I think there's a message sent there in terms of where she's at now, where Emma Hayes sees her in this picture. I mean, obviously a big high-profile move in the summer from PSG to Lyon. we've seen at least from afar the production she's had so far in Lyon not just against bottom feeder teams in France but I mean scoring the hat trick against her old club of PSG's playing and starting in midfield in a Champions League a very big Champions League match against Arsenal so you know I think you see that and you see obviously Lindsay Heaps is the captain she's called in but Lily Johannes who is is very much the future of this program 18 year old scoring an incredible goal today in Champions League.

49:13She's in the, I mean, that trio is all at Lyon. So Johannes and heaps are in to this U.S. camp. Schrader's not. I think that does, you know, send a further message from Hayes about what she thinks right now. Yeah, we're going to take a look at Lily Johannes' goal here in a few minutes because she did have a standout performance in the Champions League. But from snubs to surprise call-ups, what do you make of Sam Messa being on this list? I mean, it's a great story for starters. I think she's the one big story that you can point to at the moment of go on loan to the Super League, come back, you're better, has been very good for Seattle.

49:48That's been the case, you know, well before this window. But I think returning here, I mean, that's the thing. I mean, the point about what's the future look like, I think it was cool to see her in the spring. And that's taking nothing away from the first call up. But, you know, a lot of players got that opportunity. Not many players got the follow-up opportunity. So to see her back Again, I mean, Emma Hayes is clearly impressed. I think she's a player who punches above her weight to a degree as a kind of scrappy midfielder. So I think that's probably something that Emma Hayes likes, you know, in addition to her technical players.

50:22And Sam Mesa's technical, let's not get that wrong. But, yeah, I think probably the name that jumps out is maybe the biggest surprise outside of a Kennedy Wesley getting her first call up. What do you think, Heather? On Sam Mesa specifically, I mean, And I got a chance to coach Sam at the University of North Carolina for a number of years. And I'm not surprised by giving her more of a look. Right. Whether or not she'll make this World Cup team will you know, I don't have the crystal ball that Jeff talks about having in his in his back pocket there. But I think that she's worthy of a very thorough look.

51:05And I don't think that Emma has made her decision, I think, on Sam Meza. Because she is a player that just is so, she really is just like so consistent and just so hard to not include. Because she breaks up plays very well, to Jeff's point of, you know, kind of punching above her weight there. Like she she's playing as players that are physically a lot bigger than her in the midfield. And she's able to in a unique way, break up plays as in, you know, read passing channels. Her interceptions are always at a very high number. She she gets she's not afraid to sort of stick her her toe in. and she gets a lot of little things kind of done in the midfield that I think can be very, very useful for a team.

51:58I think in terms of the offensive side of the game, I mean, of course, you'd like to see her contribute more in terms of goals and assists and impact in the attacking play. But I think Emma Hayes has her really, you know, as a deep-lying midfielder to just keep possession and really be that disruptor. She's a disruptor, almost a sophisticated disruptor. if we can put a term on it, is Sam Mezes. So I'm thrilled for her. Great girl, great player. And, you know, more Tar Heels on the national team gives us a better chance to win. Sophisticated Disruptor would be a great tattoo. Right? Or a T-shirt if you want something a little less permanent.

52:40But, hey, you never know. Credits won't go back to you there, Heather. But, Jeff, let's take it to Naomi Gurma. I mean, what's the latest with her? We know fans are always concerned if they see her, they don't see her on the U.S. Women's National Team roster. Yeah, I mean, so Emma Hayes made the point today of saying it's not the same calf issue that she's been dealing with. So that's an interesting wrinkle. But calves at large, let's say, have been a problem for Girma for a year now almost. And in and out of playing, of training, you know, she's on her way back. She's building back up to potentially be on the bench this weekend, probably not play.

53:16It's kind of how Emma Hayes phrased it for Chelsea. But the feeling was, according to Emma Hayes, effectively she hasn't played to fly her out here, maybe play this international window, maybe not play a lot. Then she goes back and has to jump into a game every three days for Chelsea. Didn't make sense for her. So I think in that vacuum, makes sense to not call her up. You know what Naomi Gurma is bringing. You don't need to see her against Portugal and New Zealand to know what she's going to do for you. But I think similar to the Rodman back issue of lingering issue, didn't get dealt with right, on again, off again, whether this is a different calf issue or not, Naomi Gurma's time has been pretty limited this year for club and country.

53:58And I think that's a concern of this is the right time to make sure you get it right because you can't have this continue into 2026 when you're building toward qualifying and you really need to get things right ahead of the World Cup. Yeah, giving her some time to really come back and be at 100%. The same time she gave, like you said, Trinity Rodman and also Rose Lavelle. She was very happy to see her back but didn't want to call her up right away. So, obviously, Emma Hayes doing her job again. Like you said, we will never question Emma Hayes here on Football W. No question about what the fans are going to be able to see this upcoming weekend.

54:32Jeff, yes, that is your cue because we've been hiding these bobbleheads that are going to be given out. So the Alex Morgan one, if you're wondering where can I get this? Chester, Pennsylvania, October 23rd. I'm going to go ahead and unbox this one because the Elicenera one will be close by. You can unbox it. Okay, all right. Go for it. Go for it. One at a time. You recently learned that I have many soccer bobbleheads. How many do you have? I don't actually know, but it's too many. The past 20-ish years, these were like early 2000s. Bobbleheads were making a comeback now. They are. MLS had a bobblehead everywhere for every team.

55:16Let's see. Are these? Okay. I didn't get to see that. Usually bobbleheads are. I can't see. Are they accurate? That's what I was going to say. It's usually like they don't look like the person. I guess this is not bad for Nair. I don't know if we can do it to our cameras. I think these are. Those director. These are, uh, put them down. These are not bad for, let's keep them here. See if we can get a closeup here, Jeff. Oh, there we go. These are not bad for the actual likeness of the player. There've been some disasters of bobbleheads not looking like the actual player. Yeah, they're pretty good.

55:49They're pretty good. Yeah. There've been some, some difficult ones. I don't know if I've seen Alyssa smile like that when she's doing her thing. You know what? They're better than, wait, hold on, hold on, hold on. hold on what is it

56:06oh she's got she's got oh yeah if i were at home right now you'd see all the guys i was i was cleaning out my attic and i i have this unc one that they sold at a they gave out to fans at a couple years ago but the arm broke off my kid my kid dropped it oh no it's broken don't drop mom kids come on you need her and there's also a spelling mistake instead of tar heels it says tar hells oh wow it's uh it's plus the arm broken that's a rare gem it's i think i like it better that way though tar heels i i don't think there's a better better way to say thank you heather for hanging out with us tonight and showing your vulnerable side by showing us your missing the arm.

56:55Show off the jersey. I'm securing my own skin. Show off the jersey before we say goodbye to you. Oh, the banana kit? It's such a good one. It is. It's great. Heather, you're the best. Thank you so much. Thank you, guys. We appreciate your time. And whoo, San Diego's coming for me. Own it. Own it. All right. A reminder of the women's national team upcoming schedule on the 23rd at Chester, Pennsylvania facing Portugal on the 26 against Portugal as well. Close to us. They're here in Hartford and then going to Casey for that New Zealand match on the 29th. Bluster only here for La Quinta by Wyndham.

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58:23Get a$15 O 'Reilly gift card after rebate when you buy five quarts of Mobile One full synthetic motor oil for just$35.95. Stop by your local O 'Reilly Auto Parts. Today, we really played together and we were able to fight for each other on the field. and I feel like this game, our win was definitely a team performance. How have you found settling into life at Chelsea? Yeah, it's been great. I mean, having Kat and Nate here from the US has been amazing. I feel like everyone on the team has been super welcoming and I feel like I'm just learning so much already, which is so great. And the players on my team are amazing.

59:00Kira is such a great player. I feel like that shot we knew was coming. So just having her finish that off for us was great. You are the Barclays WSL player of the match. Here's your trophy. Wow, thank you so much. Congratulations. Thank you. Love seeing that big smile from Alyssa Thompson. Speaking of great smiles, our Leanne Sanderson joins us here on Football W. Leanne, how's it going? Good, thank you. Thanks for having me again. Lovely to see you as always. Yeah, lovely to see you too. Lovely to see what we saw from Chelsea and specifically Alyssa Thompson. Of course, she not only had that player of the match performance this weekend, But let's check out what she did today in the Women's Champions League.

59:42Facing Paris FC. We're going to take it in the 28th minute. Nuskan gets clipped in the box. Goes down. And was it a penalty here for you, Leanne? Do you know what? They said on the commentary it was. I don't think it was. I think it was really, really soft. I really do. I mean, I think, to be honest, the clip on the foot, when I first saw it, I thought, like, I was looking at the hand. But I think, actually, the clip, that was what it was given for. So I'm going to change my mind in true VAR style. And then Sondi Baltimore steps up and does what she does best. Unbelievable penalty taker. You know, the fact that she takes the penalties in a team like this shows you just how good she is.

1:00:19And then this one, like, this ball from Alyssa Thompson. Yohana Ritz and Canary did so well here. Because to get this, like, the guy ripped it on target. She even surprised herself, I think. But it was such a good ball in from Alyssa Thompson. And I think that was like what Alyssa Thompson has been doing, but it's not really, she's not been getting the assist. She's not been getting the goals, you know? And now she's finally got that tonight. I'm just so delighted for her. We'll see it here. And people can look at this and think it's just a tap-in. But for me, it was the movement. What's the movement here?

1:00:50Last-minute run, comes in from behind, and it's such, such a good finish from her. And I'm delighted for her because that'll be a massive weight off her shoulders for sure. And then Chelsea, you know, Aaron Cuthbert goes on to get the full Sam Kerr, comes into the game. Looks like it comes off Sam Kerr, but it actually ends up coming off of Aaron Cuthbert and goes in the back of the net. And Chelsea dominated tonight. They were really, really disappointed with the way they played against FC 20 last week. Yeah, absolutely. Like you said, a big comeback. And also this performance from Melissa Thompson getting her first goal, her first assist.

1:01:24and she's getting consistent starts now with Sonia Bonpastor in a very inconsistent lineup that we're seeing from her coach. We're going to get to that in a second. Let's hear from Melissa first. Yeah, it feels good. I'm, like, happy that I'm starting to get my rhythm with Chelsea, being able to play more games, playing. Yeah, as a winger, I'm just happy with the performances and hopefully I continue to get better. And for the team as well today, after a few games when maybe a little bit of frustration, even though you weren't losing, do you feel today that we really saw the Chelsea we're going to see for the rest of the season really powering forward?

1:02:01Yeah, I think after our last few games, we really came together and we wanted to celebrate each other more and be more positive on the field. And I feel like you could see just more togetherness and how we're working more as a team rather than individuals. And I think we're going to continue that going forward and just carrying a positive vibe through. And how are you enjoying playing in the Champions League? You had a lot of opportunities to watch it before, but how is it actually being in it? Yeah, it's super cool. I mean, it's something that I've dreamed of doing since I was a kid. So being able to play here is just a dream come true, really.

1:02:38It's super cool to see that only two months ago, Leanne, we were talking about the possibility of seeing her in the WSL with Chelsea now at the Champions League level. If there's one word that you could use for Alyssa Thompson's quick way of getting into the team, what would it be? I think perseverance. You know, I mean, she's had to wait her moment. You know, she's gone from being the best player at Angel City, one of the best players in the NWSL, to now she's almost like a little fish in a big pond. And I love Alyssa Thompson. I've been speaking about her for a long time, the same as I feel about Naomi Gurma.

1:03:14You know, I have a special, you know, affiliation with the Americans, so I always want them to do well. But I just think, like, I've said it many times. I've seen Anissa Thompson come in off the line like this, cut inside, and people are talking a lot about her speed and her pace. And I said it was only a matter of times before these ones go in because we've seen her do it time and time again on the national team as well. And her first goal for Chelsea, it was in this way, which you've never seen Anissa Thompson really score a goal like this before. Anticipating in the line-up originally when it was put out, she was actually listed in the nine.

1:03:44It wasn't her that played in the nine. She was out wide. but Aggie Beaver-Jones was central. And you can just feel she's loving being at Chelsea because there's so much, like, the onus isn't just on her. You know, the responsibility is shared. And I'm just delighted that that weight will be off her shoulders now. The first goal, her first assist. I mean, she still came out the game after 55 minutes, so she still isn't complete in 90 minutes. And I'm hoping, you know, yeah, she's got more of a run of games that she consistently plays. But as we know with this Chelsea team, they flip-flop, they switch, They rotate in a crazy, crazy way.

1:04:17Let's get into that. The flip-flopping, the changing. I mean, no lineup has been the same. And it seems like that's the only consistent part is the inconsistency in the starting 11. Why do you think that is? Yeah, I mean, I think Sonia Bonpastor, this whole like Chelsea have to win the Champions League this year. It's the biggest competition they ever won it. They won six consecutive WSL titles. For me, like as a player, I think sometimes there can be too much rotation. I think against FC Twenter, Sonja Bonpastor is one of the best coaches in the world. But I think against FC Twenter, she got it wrong.

1:04:48She made too many changes in that game. You know, against Manchester United, eight different changes, then changed it again, bringing players in that haven't got much consistency. The only consistency there has been, you know, is players like Ellie Carpenter, Aggie Beaver-Jones, Elissa Thompson, Millie Bright as well in those situations. So I think tonight against Paris FC, See, Donia Bonpastor went with her, like, what I think is somewhat best 11. Maybe if Ellie Carpenter was fit and healthy, she could have gone. Lucy Bronze is coming back into fitness as well. But I think sometimes, you know, I love competition for places, but as a player, you sometimes need a little bit of consistency.

1:05:27You know, Alyssa Thompson against FC 20 came out again after 50 minutes. So it's like, I don't know, they're finding their way, and I think this result tonight will really help them. Yeah, and I know it's a challenge, right? And I'm sure Alyssa Thompson is very willing to accept that challenge, but maybe it becomes a necessary challenge at times to find that consistency in the lineup. As you said, we're going to keep it moving along here with the Women's Champions League. Obviously, a lot of goals, and of course, when I say a lot of goals, I'm exclusively talking about Barcelona here. I mean, they truly did it again here.

1:05:57Leanne, no surprise to see them dominating this time against Roma. Yeah, they've just been amazing. I mean, a lot of people have been sleeping on them because they lost the final, and I'm like, this team are top quality. I mean, Brooks gets on the score sheet again. She's playing fullback. Alexia Puteas is playing amazing. I turn up on, Matisse doing what she does best. This was the penalty that was given. For me, penalty all day long on Nazareth. And then Alexia Puteas steps up, does the Panenka. You know, when they go in, they look beautiful. When they don't, it's one of those ones you think, oh, why did I do that?

1:06:30You know, personally for me, I don't take penalties like that. I was always stepping up. I wouldn't do the start step. But I think for this Barcelona side, They completely annihilated a really good Bayern Munich team. And then they go and beat. I mean, Roma have had a really difficult start to the tournament. You know, Real Madrid, then coming up against Barcelona. Unbelievable players. And like, you know, this is just a great, great finish from Nazareth in that moment who came into the game. And then, you know, they continue to push on. Roma were never really in this game. And for me, you know, another penalty.

1:07:02Definite penalty all day long. Caroline Graham Hansen who doesn't get spoken about enough for me because the amount of talent they have in this team Caroline Graham Hansen was in the top three and the best in the world and Lexi Puteu steps up puts it in the back minute no Penenka this time you know the celebrations all around and then Caroline Graham Hansen ends up getting on the score sheet in the latter parts of the game so for me Barcelona unbelievable yeah and I agree with I agree with what you said from Caroline Graham Hansen she definitely is one of the more underrated players, which is crazy to say at the level that she has, but she's one of the more consistent players around the world.

1:07:37We're going to keep it running here with the Champions League. And Leon hosting St. Poulton here. Jewel Brand opening the score 1-0. And we see Lillie Johannes there in action as well in this one, Leanne. Yeah, I mean, Lillie Johannes has been unbelievable on this team. But they made, you know, Jonathan Herald has actually made a completely different 11 to last week. And, you know, to be fair to St. Poulton, they gave it a good go. You know, they can hold their heads high. Hegerberg is one of the best headers in the world. You know, getting on the score sheet again, but this is the one. Lily Johannes, look at this.

1:08:09You know, as it looks, sees the keeper off their line and makes it just look easy for an 18-year-old to be able to do this type of... to have this type of nails, to have this type of fault in her head. Unbelievable. And then after the game, she's doing interviews in Dutch, she's doing interviews, you know, in English. Like, what else can she do? And she's 18 years old. Like, what a player. What a player. Yeah, it's crazy to think that she's just getting started. I want to take advantage of what you just said about Alili. If we could start with her. What kind of message does she send when she shows that kind of confidence in striking from distance and giving those interviews, Leanne?

1:08:48Yeah, unbelievable. I mean, for her age, you know, I spoke to her last year when she was still at Ajax when I did the Champions League draw. And, like, even when she was speaking then, she's so confident but quietly confident. You know, she's not the most outgoing person, but that's OK. She lets her football do the talking. She's quite shy. But I also think, like, this is a player that the sky's the limit. You know, the football IQ that she has, for me, is way beyond her years. And I think it's unbelievable for the national team. I know Emma Hayes absolutely adores her. I've spoken to Emma a lot about Lili Yohanes and those types of players, because Emma loves creative type of players.

1:09:22You know, on the national team, sometimes there's a lot of very similar type of players. Whereas you look at those Mavericks, like a Tobin Heath, those types of players that had that creativity. Lydia Johannes, to be able to have a look here, you had to keep it off the line, but to be able to execute this in that way is unbelievable. It's incredible. Yeah, absolutely. The confidence that her teammates have, and they just kind of understand why she has to strike from distance in that time. Is this her ideal setting right now at Eunice, at her 18 years old, and what she's capable of? Yeah, I think so.

1:09:56And I think the fact that, like, Lindsay Heaps is there as well, that helps. You know, we've heard Alyssa Thompson talk about, you know, the fact that Katerina McCarvey was there, Naomi Germer. It does help. As a player that's played overseas, it does help to have that familiarity around you to help you, you know, settle in a little bit better. But she just looks like she just loves playing football. And the fact that she was already at Ajax, she's had that experience overseas as well. Now she's gone to one of the best teams in the world, and the pressure is on. And for her, it's almost like, what pressure?

1:10:22You know, she just is playing on a real footballing team that I think really suits her style and complements her really well. Yeah, absolutely. At 18 years old, any woman to be that confident is something that should definitely be celebrated, so I'm glad we're seeing that from her. Speaking of confidence, I mean, Leanne, obviously when we talk about our favorites, Lyon is in the conversation, Barcelona is in the conversation, but with what you've seen up until today from these two teams, who's kind of the frontrunner for you at this point? It has to be Barcelona all day long, but if you asked me this question two weeks ago before the tournament, I was saying that I think it would be a Lyon versus Chelsea final.

1:10:58You know, I don't sit on the fence. When people ask me who I think is going to win the competition, I will tell you. But I do think people have been sleeping on Barcelona because they're like, oh, they lost the final. There's a lot of talk about Alexis Puteas moving on. But they just, like, annihilate teams. Like, what they did to Bayern Munich last week, if anyone was playing them, they would have done the same thing to them. And this is a Bayern Munich team that has Georgia Stanway, Vanilla Harder, you know, top players, Magdalena Eriksson and Roma, you know, they were Serie A champions the year before last.

1:11:29They're not a poor team. But I think Barcelona just seems to be going about their business. And it's almost like I always say, don't ever make Marta mad. Don't make Marta mad. This is how these people, these team is like, don't make Barcelona mad. They lost the final against Arsenal and they can, you can still see they have that fire in their stomach and they've even got better if that's possible. Yeah, absolutely. Don't poke the bear. Arsenal did that. England did that in the Euros because we know a lot of them are kind of carrying that resentment as well, heading into this tournament, wanting to be the queens of Europe yet again.

1:12:02Leanne, thank you so much for staying up with us and chatting with us as always. Always a pleasure. Thank you. I want to remind you there's more Women's Champions League coming up this Thursday. Tomorrow, Benfica, Arsenal, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid. 1245 p.m. Eastern, 3 p.m. Eastern, ESPN Plus, ESPN Deportes, and the ESPN app. I love how we're cracking the whip today on Football W. Heather was, Jeff is. I'm even in on the action. But, hey, we like to keep it real here on Football W. We will be back, obviously, next week. Everything could change this week, and we have no idea the combination of results.

1:12:44By the way, information that we're seeing about Trinity Rodman scans tomorrow, and we will of course bring you the latest. But for now we say goodbye. Jeff, thank you. Thanks to Alyssa and Aaron, Alex Morgan for these lovely little bobbleheads. See you next week.

1:13:16Turn it up. Storm has zero sugar and 200 milligrams of caffeine, so you can turn that workout up a notch. Good energy in, good energy out. Energy for life.