American Soccer Analysis

One down, 25 to go! The first round of NWSL matches is in the books for 2025, and it was a morass of beatdowns and 1-1 draws. Who's up and who's down relative to our preseason rankings? The guys look at all seven games and figure out who has shifted since they made their initial picks. Join our Patreon for only $6/month (or $60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Bats took flight across the regular season, but were felled in penalties to Washington in the NWSL playoffs. Then the rumors of behind-the-scenes discord kicked up. Then a dozen players departed. Amid all of this upheaval, do they still have the goods to be one of the best teams in the league? Jenna Tonelli of Sports Illustrated dropped by to pitch herself as Gotham's goalie, with Evan as the no. 9 in a pinch. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Jaedyn Shaw is here! Can the Courage now win their first playoff game in six years, please? Kim McCauley of The Guardian returns to figure out whether Shaw and Ashley Sanchez can work together, who could possibly be the main goalscoring threat, and if the backline is due for some regression. Also, who is actually running recruitment right now? Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Kansas City Current were the best team on paper last year. They rostered the league's MVP and producer of one of the greatest seasons in league history, Temwa Chawinga. But they fell to budding rivals Orlando Pride in the semifinal. Are they read to take the next step and win a trophy? Thom Bomb of Shea Butter FC and Shades of Blue walked the guys through the (few) roster changes the club made, and how they can improve upon last year's historic performance. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Who is going to play for the Portland Thorns? With Sophia Wilson gone for the year, and Morgan Weaver on the bench for potentially all season, their attack feels thin. Their defense is getting a hard reboot, too. Portland may. have never had more questions around them than right now. Kim McCauley of the Guardian tries to find some silver lining in the dark clouds, with varying degrees of success.Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Bay FC made the playoffs in their first season, and are rolling out a solid lineup with some high-upside college signings this year. But an investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment by head coach Albertin Montoya—along with the resignation of scout Graeme Abel over an earlier such report before he joined the club—has changed the complexion of the entire organization. Anna Daccache of Everything Bay Goals tries to parse her feelings on these recent stories, and what the team itself could accomplish on the field in 2025. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Chicago (Red) Stars squeaked into the playoffs on the backs of a completely new regime, from the owners to the GM to the head coach. Very little was done in the offseason, and with Mallory Swanson MIA, their 2025 playoff prospects seem remote. Lesley Ryder of Gal Pal Sports came on to find the gold in the silt, and how Chicago can still offer some joy to its fans this year. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Angel City became the first club in NWSL history to be docked points for violations of the league's policies—namely, violations of the salary cap. They now have a new controlling owner, a new sporting director, and will have a new permanent head coach soon. Can the team on the field match the team off it? Michelle Chavez of the Sporting Tribune came on to hash it all out. (1:39) Then, the guys spoke to Angel City's new sporting director, Mark Parsons, about his first few weeks on the job and what people can expect in year one of this new regime in Los Angeles. (33:04)Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Four straight ninth-place finishes. A roster that has more or less stayed the same from the end of last season. What can we make of Racing Louisville's on-field stagnation. Bekki Morgan of NWSL This Week comes on to give the Kentuckian's perspective on what Louisville's ownership group has done to get the team to this point, and what can be done to get them over the playoff line once and for all. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Kieran returns to share his pitch to NWSL front offices about some partnership opportunities with American Soccer Analysis! Then we dive into the ins and outs of the Utah Royals. They've brought in some very enticing players. Is it enough to make them playoff contenders? Will standouts like Ally Sentnor and Mandy McGlynn level up or regress? And how many ways can three people proncounce Jimmy Coenraets's last name? Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Seattle Reign were old, slow, and boring last year. This year, they're slightly young, a bit faster, and potentially more exciting. Lynn Biyendolo will pep up the attack, and Madison Curry will stabilize and energize the backline. But can this group actually click? Sylvs of Shea Butter FC joined the guys to figure out what head coach Laura Harvey can do to get the Reign back on the right track. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Is Lucy going to pull the football? Will this time really be different? The Houston Dash have a new GM, a new head coach, and a slew of promising signings. It could really change the course of the franchise. Right? Sports Illustrated's Theo Lloyd-Hughes joins the guys to sift through the wreckage of the Fran Alonso era, and what Angela Hucles Mangano and Fabrice Gautrat may have in store for a team that now boasts Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan among its ranks. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Out NWSL season previews keep on a'truckin' with a team whose fall from the mountaintop has been quick and precipitous. The Wave shipped Jaedyn Shaw and Naomi Girma at their requests; the legal action around allegations of a toxic workplace still hangs heavy; and new head coach Jonas Eidevall has to whip multiple kids into professional shape. ASA's own Kieran Doyle-Davis dropped by to sort out what the hell San Diego can do to have a respectable 2025. (1:02) Stick around for a small bonus track! (22:57)Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Washington Spirit may have the best roster on paper heading into the 2025 season. Can they be title contenders? Ella Brockway of the Washington Post and the Hey Spirits! podcast joins the guys to talk about the Spirit's run to the NWSL Championship game last season, and what they've done since to get even better. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Song

Welcome to NWSL Season Preview Week! We'll be bringing you previews of all 14 NWSL teams with some outstanding guests to help us break down each and every club, leading up to the start of the NWSL regular season. First up, last year's Shield and Championship winners, the Orlando Pride! They're keeping most of their roster in place, with key additions like Grace Chanda and Oihane Hernández. Can big purp run it back? Bridie O'Toole of Busy Watching Women's Soccer takes the guys through head coach Seb Hines's tactical plan for one of the best-run organizations in the league.Be sure to join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The USWNT has put three more friendlies in the books, and Emma Hayes earns her first loss of her tenure as head coach. After the guys sort through the NWSL jersey drop and injury report (1:41), they dive into all the ins and outs of the SheBelieves Cup, with special attention paid to the 2-1 loss to Japan. (7:47) What was the U.S. hoping to achieve with these three friendlies? Did the heavy rotation of inexperienced players work as intended? Is Japan actually a better team? No need to panic yet! Subscribe to our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The guys make note of new signings Carissa Boeckmann to the Portland Thorns and Oihane Hernández to the Orlando Pride, and what Hernández's signing might add to the NWSL-vs.-Europe debate. Then, they turn over Emma Hayes's SheBelieves roster. This is the least experienced USWNT roster in the tournament's history! What does Hayes want to do with these three games? How frustrating is it that certain players were left at home? Which players will rise to the top? Find out today!Be sure to subscribe to our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus contentArt by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The guys touch on the Savy King transfer to Angel City (00:47) and the Hannah Bebar signing with Bay FC (13:00) before offering some thoughts on the NWSL's $5 million restitution fund for players affected by abuse and harassment, as well as the horrifying news surrounding Mapi León in Spain (17:33). Then they bring on Chris Henderson (23:05) to kick off Part I of College Week! Chris takes us through signings he has been impressed by, and what all of the player movement without a draft may mean for both players and college programs in the big picture. Subscribe to our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

RECORDED BEFORE THE TRANSFER OF SAVY KING TO ANGEL CITY FC It's xOG's first ever live pod! The guys chat about Crystal Dunn's move to PSG and the other stray transactions of the last week, before launching into their live conversation from the inaugural American Soccer Insights Summit in Houston, Texas. Bay FC director of data and analytics Arielle Dror and women's soccer researcher/historian/NWSL information director Jen "The Keeper" Cooper to talk about the past, present and future of statistics and analytics in the women's game. This was the most fun. Join our Patreon for only $6/month (or $60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs (chopped n screwed remix by Evan Davis)

Arman Kafai, formerly the lead analytics consultant for FC Dallas stops by to talk about his analytics journey and drop some takes on the craziness of this MLS offseason.

Breaking news all over the place! Jenna Nighswonger is moving to north London. Where does this leave Gotham's offseason? (00:30) San Diego has made a flurry of moves, including losing Naomi Girma and gaining Kenza Dali. Yikes. (15:14) The Houston Dash picked up Danielle Colaprico and Messiah Bright. Are all of these parts adding up to something? (21:44) Angel City got another 30-year-old center back in Alanna Kennedy. Oh dear. (32:05) The Portland Thorns added Deyna Castellanos in a "blockbuster" deal. Is there room for her? (35:25) The North Carolina Courage signed a young Japanese midfielder to replace their other Japanese midfielder. (44:50). And we wrap things up with a not-so-scintillating London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal, which probably wraps up the WSL title for the Blues. (49:00) Packed show this week! Be sure to sign up for our Patreon, where you get all of our exclusive bonus content for only $6/month or $60/year! Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

RECORDED BEFORE THE SIGNINGS OF SHINOMI KOYAMA, SINTIA CABEZAS, DIDI HARAČIĆ, AND FAVOUR EMMANUELIt's been a busy-but-not-busy period of the NWSL offseason. The North Carolina Courage released the financial details of the Jaedyn Shaw trade (1:38). The San Diego Wave brought in some young talent, and can't shake the rumors of Naomi Girma's impending transfer (8:00). Angel City hired Mark Parsons as sporting director (good!) and announced Christen Press had re-signed (less good!), to our confusion (18:16). Racing Louisville maxed out their roster spots with three college players, and noone else (29:00). the Houston Dash and Chicago Stars FC each signed a player who may or may not have an impact in 2025 (39:34). And the guys close the show mourning the loss of filmmaker, artist, musician, and pop culture icon David Lynch (44:40). Subscribe to our Patreon for only $6/month (or $60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance SongsRead Corpses, Fools & MonstersRead Laura Dern's birthday message to David LynchRead Kyle MacLachlan's remembrance of David LynchRead Naomi Watts's remembrance of David LynchRead Vera Drew's tribute to David Lynch

Ben and Kieran spoke to Matt Pfeffer about his origin in soccer analytics, the constructions of MLS from the viewpoint of financial markets, and a whole lot of hockey.

We're back! The guys return from their brief, fire-filled hiatus to unpack all the news of the first weeks of the new year. They chat about the senior USWNT roster for the January camp, then dive into some of the major signings and trades in the NWSL, with Jaedyn Shaw's move to the North Carolina Courage carrying the headlines. Back in the saddle, folks! No time like the present to join our Patreon, where $6/month or $60/year gets you oodles of exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

We were lucky enough to have former Vancouver Whitecaps Direct of Recruitment Nikos Overheul join us again to talk some of the rules changes (and impending rules changes) in MLS since he left Vancouver, the differences squad building in MLS vs Europe, and we even got a story about driving with Vanni Sartini.

It's the last episode of 2024! No better time for the guys to look back on the previous year and all the things they and teams were wrong about, from Orlando's final table position to who would be Rookie of the Year. (You'll never believe who Evan picked for that particular trophy all the way back in March.)Happy New Year, everyone! We'll be back on main feed on January 13th!You can subscribe to our Patreon for a 30% discount on an annual membership through January 1st! Just use the code E580F at checkout. Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Becky Sauerbrunn retiring! Jonas Eidevall to the San Diego Wave! Lynn Williams to the Seattle Reign! Jaelin Howell to Gotham FC! Rocky Rodríguez and Lorena to the Kansas City Current! Julie Dufour to Angel City! The NWSL offseason is cooking with gas, and the guys break down all the major moves. 00:47 - Becky Sauerbrunn's retirement announcement05:58 - Jonas Eidevall hired as Wave head coach11:28 - Lynn Williams and Jaelin Howell trade23:24 - Alex Loera trade to the Utah Royals31:14 - Narumi Miura signs with the Washington Spirit34:45 - Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena signs with Kansas City38:20 - Rocky Rodríguez traded to Kansas City43:05 - French attacker Julie Dufour transfers to Angel City48:24 - College signingsOne more week to grab an annual Patreon membership at 30% off! Use the code E580F at checkout to save big on a year's subscription for you or your loved ones!Art by Eli Elbogen

It's that time of year! The Best FIFA awards were announced on Tuesday, the final release of several end-of-year accountings of the year's best players. The guys merged all of these lists together and evaluated who really were the best of the bunch, and release their official top 10 of 2024. Don't forget to download Peel, the social game that lets you talk about all things WoSo with your friends! Click the exclusive link to download Peel and join the WoSo community!You can still get an annual subscription to our Patreon for 30% off all holiday season! Use the code E580F at checkout to get the discount until January 1st!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

NWSL teams locked in their end-of-season rosters, traded some players, saw some others sign with new teams, and a whole bunch of free agents hit the open market when their 2024 clubs didn't re-sign them. Ryan Dell moved from Louisville to Kansas City, while Angela Hucles Mangano hopped from Angel City to Houston. What does it all mean? The guys break it all down. The show is sponsored by Peel, a new social game that gets you and your friends talking about the NWSL. Click here to join Peel's WoSo community! We're continuing our holiday Patreon membership sale! Use the code E580F at checkout to get 30% off an annual subscription for you or your loved ones!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The USWNT wraps up 2024 with a draw and a win overseas. How did the Triple Espresso-less attack acquit themselves? Was that scary first half against the Netherlands real, or just growing pains? The guys peel back all the layers. (1:05) They also sing a brief requiem for Alyssa Naeher's international career. (22:34)Then, they light up the hot stove with Spotrac's Taylor Vincent, explaining all the rules and weird tics that drive transactions in the NWSL. This was a blast. (26:55)Pick up gift memberships for an annual Patreon subscription all month long! Use the code E580F to save 30% on a whole year of bonus content.Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

You never saw the original of this

What. A. Game. The Orlando Pride are your NWSL champions, the first Shield-Championship winners in five years. Their 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium was a grubby, terse affair, with fouls galore and a controversial bit of magic from Barbra Banda. Marta finally claims her first U.S. trophy, and despite coming out on the losing side, Washington has a lot to look forward to. The guys break it all down from every angle. Don't forget to subscribe to our Patreon, and get all of our bonus content for only $6/month!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Washington Spirit have made it to the NWSL Championship, despite massive injuries to key players in the back end of the season. Can they keep this momentum going, or will the Orlando Pride stop them in their tracks? André Carlisle of Hey Spirits, Diaspora United and Beyond the Vaudevillian Cane returns to reflect on the Spirit season that was, and what lies in store for Trinity Rodman & co. in Kansas City on Saturday. Follow André on BlueskyP.S. We kept the audio a little bit raw so y'all can hear the Orlando Pride ballin' out during their afternoon practice session.Subscribe to our PatreonArt by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Orlando Pride are preparing to play the biggest game club history on Saturday, the culmination of a process that began more than two years ago. Team vice president and GM Haley Carter came on to talk about the journey the team has taken under her and Seb Hines's leadership, what philosophy they apply to every decision, and what the 2024 Pride represent, win or lose on Saturday. This was a good'un!Subscribe to our Patreon and get all of our exclusive bonus content for only $6/month!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

This isn't a tabloid

Well there you have it! The Washington Spirit will play the Orlando Pride at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday for the NWSL Championship. Each semifinal that got them there were scintillating contests, filled with drama, individual heroics, and masterful team play. How did the Spirit and Pride get past Gotham and the Current? We will be in Kansas City for the NWSL Championship! Come join us at Johnny's Tavern P&L in Kansas City on Friday night and have a drink with us. Don't forget to subscribe to our Patreon to get all of our Championship bonus content, too! Only $6/month, the best deal in town. Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The top four go in as favorites, and the top four leave as semifinalists. There were no upsets in the NWSL quarterfinals, as Orlando, Washington, Gotham, and Kansas City all moved on. Some games were unprecedented blowouts, like the Pride's demolition of the Red Stars (0:57). Others were tighter affair than anticipated, as the Current's defeat of the Courage proved to be (12:49). The final two match-ups were dreary, attritional affairs until they very much weren't, as the Spirit got past a resilient Bay FC (22:42) and Gotham pipped the Thorns at the death (34:49). What will the semifinals between Orlando-KC (46:09) and Washington-Gotham (56:46) be like? Is each match really a coin flip? The Guys get into all of it. Subscribe to our Patreon for only $6/month and get oodles of playoff bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

In Part 2 of our NWSL quarterfinals preview, we take a look at Sunday's doubleheader. According to one projection model, Bay FC actually have a decent chance to upset the Washington Spirit. Will their new-look midfield and Racheal Kundananji's heroics puncture Washington's injury-riddled squad? The Portland Thorns are all good vibes right now, having won two of their final three games, including an emphatic victory in Christine Sinclair's final game at Providence Park. But are those vibes enough to take down the Gotham T-1000? Gotham has been relentless, but Portland has a 1-in-5 shot of clapping back on last year's extra-time humiliation. Things could get spicy!Join our Patreon for only $6/month and be part of our livestream on Sunday afternoon for Gotham-Portland!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Donald Trump would ban the best of 3

The playoffs are set! The top four finished the season strong and look like they'll make it to the semifinals with ease. Or will they? The guys preview all four quarterfinal matchups, and wonder where we could see upsets. Do Bay FC have what it takes to get past an injury- and suspension-rattled Washington Spirit? Could the Portland Thorns put some payback on Gotham FC after last year's playoff defeat? Do the Chicago Red Stars have any hope at all? And is the Kansas City Current's match against the North Carolina Courage really as close as the seeding would suggest?Sign up for our Patreon for only $6/month to get all our exclusive bonus content, including our upcoming playoffs livestream for Gotham-KC this Sunday! Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Then, they break down their picks for the NWSL awards slate. Most of these are no-brainers, but they make a case for some down-ballot candidates, followed by an in-depth discussion of how to approach Defender of the Year. Join our Patreon for only $6/month to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Playoffs, they're here!

Racing Louisville grabbed all three points against the Portland Thorns thanks to a late corner header from Taylor Flint. Their playoff hopes are still alive, but is it too little too late? The guys cap off the episode with this playoff six-pointer (41:20). Before that, they run through playoff scenarios for the top four (1:01), ruminate on the two dead rubber matches between Angel City and the Utah Royals (20:40), as well as the Seattle Reign and Houston Dash (27:48). Some quick lamentations for the San Diego Wave in their pasting by the Kansas City Current (26:16) and some chuckles about the Washington Spirit-Chicago Red Stars grudge match (32:53). Bay FC are now the dark horse of the playoff field after their convincing defeat of the North Carolina Courage (35:01). And we close with everything that has to happen for Portland, Louisville, and Bay FC to get into the postseason (46:48). Join our Patreon for only $6/month and get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Chicago Red Stars own one of the worst xG differentials in league history. Only the Utah Royals have played worse in total this season. But Chicago just clinched a playoff berth, and look poised to finish the year in sixth place on a mere 1.3 points per game. Only four other teams have ever finished sixth or higher with that points total. Can it really just be luck? Is their low-volume, high-efficiency attack and defense sustainable once they face better teams in the postseason? The guys dissect the Red Stars' 2-0 defeat to Gotham, and whether that result--combined with horrible recent performances against San Diego and Houston--can be overcome once November rolls around. Click here to vote on what Evan has to do if the Red Stars win their quarterfinal match! And join the Patreon for only $6/month to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The boys poured out the good stuff and got into awards voting as they decide the actual ASA awards ballot in real time.

We have got some things to cover, here! The guys get into the news of Angel City's fines and suspensions for salary cap violations, the firing of former Houston Dash head coach Fran Alonso, the absurdity of the Chicago Red Stars conceding at least three xG for the second time in three weeks, Bay FC's four-minute meltdown, and the Orlando Pride's historic Shield win. Then, it's on to the main events. Portland has been one of the worst teams in the NWSL since the end of the Olympics break. Racing Louisville has been fighting to get over the playoff line. Neither team did themselves any favors with two very different losses. Which team has the edge to go to the quarterfinals in November? Be sure to subscribe to our Patreon for all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs