My name is Susan Zhang and I'm excited to bring you soccer stories from around the world. I invite guests on this podcast who are making waves in soccer community and I talk about soccer news, issues important to me and cool things that my guests are doing. You may also hear my dog Hendo in the background (named after my favorite club LIverpool's captain, Jordan Henderson). Like his mother, Hendo demands a lot of attention so apologies in advance.Find me on Instagram @soccerwithsusan for the latest updates, dog pics and incoherent ramblings.
I *almost* lost this episode, which I recorded with Charles way back in fall 2020, because my laptop accidentally downloaded malware and wiped itself clean (no, I was not trying to send money to a Nigerian prince). But I'm glad I was able to recover it because he has some excellent insights about NWSL and the state of women's soccer in the US. He also provides unique perspectives on the Jamaican Women's National Team after their historic run to the 2019 Women's World Cup - their first ever appearance in the competition.Also, Mitch Purce scored her first goal for the USWNT against Colombia on Friday night and HE TOTALLY CALLED THAT. Note to all listeners: do. not. sleep. on. Mitch. Purce.
In Episode 2, I speak with Dr. Kathryn Nesbitt, who made headlines back in August as the first female referee to officiate an MLS final. Making her professional debut in 2013, Katy was also one of three assistant referees from the USA to officiate the 2019 Women's World Cup in France. We talk about her experiences in MLS and the World Cup, the number of female refs in MLS and what we can do to bring more females into this field. She also has a Ph.D. in Chemistry so kindly make sure to address her as "doctor" if you ever question her offside call.
In this episode, I speak to former USWNT midfielder and 2x Olympic gold medalist Angela Hucles. We discuss her new ownership role on Angel City, the most recent NWSL expansion team, her thoughts on COVID and her new leadership institute, among others. Special appearance from my dog Hendo who, like his mother, demands constant attention and whines incessantly when it is not received.