The Women's Soccer Podcast

In today's episode, LDG sits down with a true history-maker: Sydney FC defender and Junior Matildas captain, Willa Pearson!Besides becoming the first guest in the history of our podcast who is younger than LDG himself, despite her youth, her pedigree on the pitch and list of records broken off it is immense.Willa made global headlines after playing the full 90 minutes in Sydney FC's opening match at just 14 years and 312 days old, officially becoming the youngest debutant in A-Leagues history. She followed that up by shattering Sam Kerr's long-standing record to become the league's youngest-ever goalscorer at 15!Willa has quickly gained attention for her composure, defensive awareness, and maturity playing against experienced professional competition. In this conversation, we talk about her journey into the professional game, balancing soccer at such a young age, her development with Sydney FC and Australia's youth national team setup, and what she's learned from her rapid rise in the sport so far.Fresh off her second match at the AFC U-17 Women's Asian Cup, Willa joins the pod to take listeners behind the scenes of her historic rise.We chat about her earliest soccer memories, how navigating a high-level dual-sport background in both soccer and cricket enhanced her athletic abilities, and the exact thoughts running through her mind during her record-breaking pro debut.Willa also opens up about adjusting to the pressure of top-flight football, what it meant to receive the Junior Matildas call-up, and how she processes taking on a massive leadership role as the squad's captain.To wrap things up, we look ahead to her short- and long-term objectives with Sydney FC and the Matildas youth setup, followed by a must-listen rapid-fire section where we find out her locker room DJ picks, favorite kits, and her one-word preview for her massive 2026 calendar!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's episode, LDG does a topic that is a little different from recent episodes (revisiting the show's roots from episode 65 when this same concept was done in the 2024 season, and 1 athlete in particular Claire Hutton has excelled since its recording, so take note of the 6 players LDG mentions today for the future!)LDG focuses on six players across the NWSL that he thinks are having a much bigger impact than the attention they're getting right now. From buildup structure and pressing to midfield control and connective attacking play, this episode looks beyond just goals and assists and into the roles that actually shape matches week to week.LDG break down the style of the games of Mina Tanaka, Kat Rader and more: why they've stood out to him this season and why their archetype of a player consistently get overlooked in mainstream media conversations. He gets into tactical roles, development, game-state impact, and what these players reveal about where the NWSL is heading stylistically as the league continues to evolve.(podcaster's note: I hope this is as insightfully as an episode for you all as it was for me while researching! I learned a lot more about the tactics and numbers behind six incredible athletes in the NWSL that I had not gotten to talk much about on the pod before. I am proud of the final product, and I hope you all like it! - LDGThank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's episode, we are chatting with Tanya Boychuk, forward for the Montreal Roses and Ukrainian women's national team.With experience playing for Canada's youth squads, Tanya began her professional career in Iceland and Sweden before she finally found herself back home joining the ranks of the Montreal Roses. Tanya's career spans over two continents, competing across North America and Europe. Today, Tanya competes for the senior women's national team of Ukraine, after making the switch in March after being called up for training camps with the team, ahead of the upcoming international windows that hold weight in qualifications for major competitions.Tanya talks about the switch from college soccer to the professional game, adapting to the footballing cultures while playing club football in foreign countries, and how that experience enhanced her development on and off the pitch.Tanya also speaks candidly about her decision to switch teams and play for the Montreal Roses when the Northern Super League was still very new, the experience of building a team from scratch, and the role she took on from day 1 after being appealed to the project in discussion with the club's sporting director.Towards the end of our chat, Tanya shares why she decided to play for Ukraine internationally and her ambitions in the game at the highest level, along with her goals for the future with both her club and national team. Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's episode, LDG breaks down the trio of teams, that among the early leaders in the NWSL season, have proven themselves to be above the rest: the Portland Thorns, Washington Spirit, and San Diego Wave. On the surface, these teams are delivering good performances through victories and points, but what makes their approach unique is the method by which they are achieving such success. In this episode, LDG examines the various identities that are emerging among the league leaders, including the new balance found in Portland, the offensive fireworks provided by Washington, and the defensive organization of San Diego.LDG explores the tactics behind these clubs, including the key players and statistics contributing to their current successes, and examine the reason for their emergence as potential standard-bearers of the NWSL. However, the overarching question here remains: is this the dawn of a new era, or just the form of the early season period?LDG digs deep into what has been motivating each team beyond mere results. In the case of Portland, it is the development of their midfield players as well as a tactical approach to attack that is more fluid and adaptable than ever before. As for Washington, it is the pairing of world-class player quality with an extremely fast-paced game that utilizes its vertical strength to generate high-quality scoring opportunities. Lastly, it is the tactical cohesion of San Diego's defense and ball control that makes them a nightmare for any opponent looking to find a way past them.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, I am so excited to talk with Sporting Jacksonville and USWNT U-20 forward Ashlyn Puerta, who is currently leading the Gainbridge Super League golden boot race.A rising force in the professional game, Ashlyn's made an immediate impact in her first season at Sporting Jacksonville, quickly establishing herself as one of the most dangerous attacking players in the Gainbridge Super League. From a standout youth career that included top academy performances, early national team involvement, and exposure to elite training environments, her path to the professional level has been defined by constant challenges and adaptation at every stage.Ashlyn reflects on her earliest soccer memories, the moments that shaped her development, and how she built the mindset needed to transition from youth standout to professional goalscorer. Ashlyn also breaks down her decision to forgo the traditional college route in favor of joining an expansion project, walking through what ultimately made Sporting Jacksonville the right fit at a pivotal moment in her career. Now a key figure in the club's early success, she discusses her adjustment to the professional game, playing in front of growing home crowds, and what it means to be part of a team building its identity from the ground up.The conversation closes with reflections on her goals for the future, both short-term and long-term, as she continues her breakout season and looks ahead to what's next in her career.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

Fresh off one of the most decorated collegiate seasons in the country, rising defender Kolo Suliafu gave her first-ever interview as a professional in an exclusive and in-depth conversation with LDG.Kolo gives a glimpse into the path that led her to reach a professional level of play. Beginning with childhood memories of playing soccer and being a standout at high school all the way to deciding to join University of Washington and making history by taking the Huskies to an Elite Eight appearance, Kolo shares stories of winning Big Ten Defender of the Year and All-American awards, creating the winning mindset that she is bringing to KC.Kolo brings listeners behinds the scenes access into what it is like becoming part of Kansas City Current in its new phase, the journey of a rookie navigating a post-draft ecosystem, what made Kansas City the most appealing project to start her professional career, and her experience in her first-ever professional preseason being tasked by achieving the club's lofty goals.Lastly, Kolo chats about her initial days in Kansas City, the elite amenities of playing for the Current (dedicated stadium and training facilities,) the message she wants to convey to fans, and the objectives/staples on her vision board for 2026 and beyond.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

This week on The Women's Soccer Podcast, LDG breaks down what everyone in women's soccer is missing right now beyond the weekend headlines and instant reactions.From Arsenal's statement win over Lyon and Bayern pushing Barcelona in the UWCL, to Manchester City's costly slip in the WSL title race, to the early-season identity trends already forming in the NWSL, this episode looks at the deeper patterns shaping the game across multiple leagues.LDG also dives into detailed player analysis on Lindsey Heaps' evolving role with the USWNT, why context matters more than surface-level narratives, and how role fit can change the perception of a player.Plus, Gotham FC's iconic ticket partnership with Mayor Mamdani, why fans should be careful with overreactions this time of year, what these recent results actually mean moving forward, the biggest storylines and matches to keep an eye on next week, and LDG's good vibes/what he is nerding out on right now.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's episode, LDG is joined by Fort Lauderdale United and Matildas (Australia WNT) forward Sophie Harding!We sit down with one of Australia's rising stars to trace her journey from childhood to the professional game. She reflects on her earliest soccer memories and growing up between England and Australia, sharing how her family and multicultural background shaped her identity and approach to the sport. The conversation follows her rise through Australia's system, from standout form in the second division to becoming a key figure in the A-League with Newcastle Jets and Western Sydney Wanderers, while offering insight into how those early professional years developed her game and perspective.We also dive into her first call-up to the Australian national team, what that moment meant, and the jump in level she experienced on the international stage. From there, she discusses her move to the Gainbridge Super League, what initially drew her to the new league, and why Fort Lauderdale United stood out as the right next step in her career. She closes by giving a look inside preseason with a new-look squad, making the case for why fans should tune in, and outlining both her short-term goals for the season and her long-term ambitions in the game.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's episode, LDG is joined by Tampa Bay Sun FC defender Brooke Hendrix!From childhood memories that instilled an enduring love of the game to dealing with the unknowns of post-graduation trial periods and having auditioned for clubs like the Dutch powerhouse AFC Ajax, the United States, and making her way from there to Glasgow City, Brooke tells the story of perseverance needed to build a career when the road ahead seemed uncertain. We talk about what the experiences meant for Brooke's mindset development, but also how playing in countries as diverse as Italy, England, and Australia, including winning an A-League championship with Melbourne Victory, impacted her skills and character on and off the field.Finally, we talk to Brooke about the current state of the women's footballing landscape, the differences between the NWSL and WSL, and the importance of being one of the founding players of the new league in USL Super League. At the moment, she is at Tampa Bay Sun FC and explains what made her want to join the club, the challenges of the transitional year, and how to establish chemistry among a constantly changing team trying to make it to playoffs. In closing, Brooke talks about her aspirations for the rest of the year, along with a rapid-fire segment that reveals the personality behind the player.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's episode, LDG is joined by Racing Louisville FC goalkeeper Jordyn Bloomer!Jordyn walks us down memory lane to her earliest memory playing soccer before moving on to share how her success at Wisconsin, earning Big Ten Conference Goalkeeper of the Year honors twice and first-team All-American honors, helped prepare her for the professional ranks.Jordyn talks about her experience going on loan to the A-League and playing alongside world-class players, which helped her grow confidence in the pros ahead of returning to Racing. Coming off an incredible year in Australia, Jordyn was ready to return to Racing to compete for the number 1 spot, but suffered a season ending injury, and she shares how that struggle made the return to the pitch (and claim of Racing's number 1 goalkeeper spot) that much more special.Lastly, Jordyn unpacks her star season and the team making the playoffs for the first time in the cub's history, how she prepares so successfully to stop penalty kicks from the opposition, why she re-signed with Racing, how preseason this year went, + so much more!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!ICYMI, here are some of our recent episodes you should bookmark for later!Ep. 177: Why the NWSL Is More Unpredictable Than Ever And Top Teams Are Paying for It (LDG's NWSL Matchday 4.5 Recap)We recently interviewed Club América Femenil and Mexico WNT Defender Karina Rodriguez. It was such a great conversation, I was honored to work with such a big club, so be sure to check it out!

In this week's episode, LDG discusses the reasons behind the return of the NWSL's vast unpredictability and why the league's stalwart super teams are beginning to face the consequences of it in a longer season with a more condensed schedule against higher-quality opposition.As the balance shifts among the league's teams and even the best-performing clubs experience inconsistency, tune in to find out LDG's unraveling of what's really behind the chaos and whether this is beneficial for the league as a whole, as he shares the tangible impacts of the High Impact Rule and longer yet condensed schedule on the pitch.Finally, LDG looks at matchday (4.5?) and shares everything you need to know from the latest round of play, but also the overarching storylines that will carry into the return of play after the upcoming international break.Lastly, he looks at a few of the league's established teams who are experiencing early-season struggles and asks whether this is just bad luck or if bigger problems lie ahead, and also shines a light on clubs that have performed well this year, perhaps above the expectations he had set in his NWSL preview episode.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!ICYMI, here are some of our recent episodes you should bookmark for later!Ep. 173: LDG Dissects the Importance of Supporter Group Culture and Explores Cloud 9 (The Soul of the Gotham FC Community) Alongside Cloud 9 Members Nat and Marge!We recently interviewed Club América Femenil and Mexico WNT Defender Karina Rodriguez. It was such a great conversation, I was honored to work with such a big club, so be sure to check it out!

In this episode, LDG is honored to be joined by FC Union Berlin and Belgium WNT Midfielder Hannah Euerlings!Hannah walks us down memory lane to her earliest memory playing soccer before moving on to the day she was called up to the national team in 2020. She opens up about the experience playing her first cap in a 4-0 win over Switzerland to playing in the UEFA Women's Euros in 2022 and 2025. She also shares her experience playing in the Belgian league and the process she went through to end up in the German top-flight league.Currently at Union Berlin in a special moment for the club, Euerlings talks openly about her adjustment to life in the Frauen Bundesliga, the challenges faced by attacking-minded players in one of the most competitive leagues in Europe, and her development as a player since arriving in Berlin. With record-breaking crowds and a fanbase growing exponentially behind the team, she shares what it is like playing in front of the special atmosphere at club's home matches. and what can be expected from her going forward as she steps back into the starting 11 after injury.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's episode, LDG is honored to chat with Dallas Trinity and USWNT U-23 defender, Lauren Flynn!Lauren is a standout defender who had an incredibly successful college career at Florida State University, winning the 2023 College Cup Most Outstanding Defensive Player. With her extensive experience in competitive environments, including the US Women's Youth National Teams, the Utah Royalsand her recent transition to the Dallas Trinity, Lauren embodies the determination and skills needed for success at the highest level in women's football.Lauren shares what made Florida State an appealing endeavor for college, her NWSL draft day experience, how she views her footballing Gainbridge Super League experiences in comparison to the NCAA, NWSL, and youth international landscape, her reaction to the founding of a second division 1 professional women's soccer league in the US, and so much more!Then, we chat about Lauren's transfer to Dallas Trinity. Lauren reveals why Dallas Trinity's project caught her attention, how she's adapting to playing in a new league. She also shares how the mini-preseason went ahead of the spring league of this season, and how the team continues to build cohesion, with new star signings like herself, Heather Stainbrook and Bethany Bos adding even more talent to the star-studded Dallas Trinity side.LDG ends the conversation by looking ahead, as Lauren's Dallas Trinity side is striving to lift silverware for the first time in club history as they contend for Gainbridge Super League championships!

In today's episode, LDG is honored to be joined by Mexican WNT and Club América Femenil defender, Karina Rodriguez!Karina discusses her first senior national team call-up, the emotions involved, and what stood out to her as she transitioned into the senior national team. She also shares her experience of playing alongside her sister, Anika Rodriguez, in college and with the Mexican national team, but now playing against her at the club level, as Anika plays for one of Club América's rival clubs, Tigres.Then, we chat about Karina's transfer to Club América in 2023. Karina reveals why Club América's project caught her attention, how she adapted to playing in a new league, and what it meant for her to be a key player in winning the Clausura 2023 Championship. She also shares how the preseason went ahead of this season's Clausura team campaign, and how the team continues to build cohesion, with new star signings like Geyse and Isa Haas adding even more talent to the star-studded Club América side.LDG ends the conversation by looking ahead, as Karina's Club América side is striving to lift silverware in the Clausura campaign, and at the national team level, Karina looks ahead to World Cup Qualifying later this year, where El Tri Femenil looks to qualify for the Women's World Cup for the first time in 12 years.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

What does it really mean to be part of a supporter's group? Why are they so important to the evolving soccer culture in the US, in women's soccer, + the NWSL specifically, and what does Cloud 9 do on a day-to-day basis, but also to push the sport forward through advocacy outside of cheering on Gotham for 90 minutes?In this episode, LDG asks these questions and is honored to be joined by the two people who can answer them best, Cloud 9 members Nat and Marge!LDG, Marge, and Nat go behind the scenes of Cloud 9, as three members of Gotham's official supporters' group, and delve into the passion and community that make the match-day atmosphere at Red Bull Arena, wait, Sports Illustrated Stadium so electric.Nat and Marge open up about what it means for them personally to be part of the supporter group Cloud 9 and walk us through what a match day looks like behind the drums, the tifos, the banners, and the chants, breaking down their roles in the match-day atmosphere.LDG also shares his experience as a Cloud 9 member, carrying the iconic torch ahead of a match last season on the pitch, and participating in the Cloud 9 Prideraiser for the Ali Forney Center.We also dispel some of the biggest myths about supporters' groups, especially for those who have attended matches but are unsure of what being part of the supporters' group really entails.Finally, we reflect on Gotham FC's journey from the old Sky Blue days at Yurcak Field to becoming one of the most successful teams in the league, and what the team has done to maintain its identity and success on the field.This conversation gives you an inside look at what makes Cloud 9 such an integral part of the Gotham culture, highlighting the people who helped turn a soccer club into something much bigger.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's episode, LDG is joined by SGS Essen and Belgium WNT defender Shari Van Belle!Shari talks about her first senior national team call-up, the emotions involved, and what stood out for her as she transitioned into the senior national team. From there, she shares her transition from the Belgian league to Germany, and what drew her to the Frauen Bundesliga and SGS Essen.The conversation will also dive deeper into Shari's development as a footballer, as well as SGS Essen's development as a team, with Shari sharing her goals in preseason and the skills she has worked hardest to improve. Additionally, Shari talks about how the Bundesliga is continuing to test her versatility and her thoughts on how the league is investing in women's football.Outside of football, Shari shares her experience being an ambassador for various campaigns to increase the participation of young girls in football, as well as what it means to play for her country as part of the Belgian setup.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG breaks down every aspect of the NWSL opening weekend!LDG goes match by match across the weekend of play, in chronological order, and focuses on the smallest details you might have missed in each match, as well as the overarching themes and early storylines to keep an eye on.He analyzes what the first weekend of games revealed about the teams' identities, especially expansion teams/sides with new coaches, highlighting the tactical trends he found and the biggest surprises in the results (looking at you, Thorns and Seattle for winning in a very impressive fashion against two perennial teams, respectively!)LDG also points out the key players who impressed, from new signings to the league, like Lucia di Guglielmo and Leah Klenke, to goalkeepers in net who put in superhuman performances, saved far more chances than typical, Abby Smith and Jane Campbell.After all, it is only the opening weekend, so LDG examines what these results indicate tactically and personnel-wise for the losing and winning sides moving forward, and which teams may need to make adjustments ahead of future matches.LDG ends by exploring the overarching imbalance in investment across the league, shares his hopes for those franchises in the future, and explains how economic and strategic investment off the pitch has mirrored the franchise's success on the pitch.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's episode, LDG is joined by Brooklyn FC midfielder Jess Garziano!Jess discusses her time with St. John's University's women's soccer team, where she was able to make an immediate impact and finish her career as the program's all-time assist leader. She shares how her experience in college soccer prepared her for her professional journey and how experiences like playing in the USL W-League helped her bridge the gap to the next level of competition.Additionally. Jess also shares her experience in the 2024 draft with Angel City FC and how that ultimately led her to start her professional journey with Brooklyn FC in the USL Super League. She discusses the excitement of joining a new Division-1 league, why Brooklyn was the perfect place to start her professional journey, and so much more!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG breaks down every club's roster and chances this season ahead of the 2026 NWSL season.From offseason moves and key returning stars to tactical questions and breakout candidates, LDG answers lingering questions after a hectic offseason, which saw numerous coaches and players switching clubs (the former of which had many moves that made little sense)Which teams are ready to contend for the top of the table? Who could surprise the league? And which clubs might be in for a rebuilding year? LDG goes through each of the 16 clubs to evaluate strengths, weaknesses, star players, and the biggest storylines that will shape the season, while answering all of these questions. Throughout the episode, I also predict each club's final table position, starting with my 16th-place side and working my way up to the clubs that I believe will be championship contenders.As stressful as predicting the table was, I'd love to hear your predictions ahead of the NWSL season, and I hope that you enjoyed this episode!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!ICYMI, here are some of our recent episodes you should bookmark for later!Croix Bethune + Claire Hutton emergency podLDG Previews the Gotham FC 2026 NWSL Season Alongside Cloud 9 Members Nat and Marge!and that's (the 15 biggest moves) you missed on... the 2026 NWSL OffseasonBoston is Back! (Previewing the Inaugural Season of Boston Legacy: Amanda Guiterres, White/Gillette Stadium, Dome Guasch + Filipa Patão's Influence On The Squad, + More

In today's episode, LDG previews the Gotham FC 2026 NWSL season alongside Cloud 9 members Nat and Marge!Over the course of today's conversation, Nat, Marge and I talk about Gotham's incredible championship run and break down everything that's happened since the final whistle in San Jose and the NYC victory parade.First off, we'll look back at the rollercoaster ride that was last season, from making the playoffs on the goal differential tiebreaker to knocking off shield-winners KC Current and reigning champions Orlando Pride en route to winning the NWSL Championship against Washington. Then we'll react to the Jaedyn Shaw signing and what it means immediately for Gotham and what it could mean in the future.Next up, we dig into Gotham's offseason, talking about expectations and hopes we had going into the offseason, and what surprises occurred.We looked at the signings of NWSL veteran Sav McCaskill, rookies like Andrea Kitahata and Jordynn Dudley, as well as the importance of Midge Purce staying with the team and the re-signings of Kayla Duran and Katie Stengel.With every offseason, players also depart the club, and we talked about how those players' departures impact the club, specifically touching upon Ella Stevens and Josefine Hasbo moving to expansion side Boston Legacy, Gabi Portilho to San Diego Wave FC, and Stella Nyamekye to Brann.We then look ahead to the future and play a fun game, determining which three players whose contracts will expire beyond the 2026 season we would want the club to re-sign, with stars like Ann-Katrin Berger, Rose Lavelle, Jess Carter, and more included.To wrap up the episode, we bring back our classic 5-4-3-2-1 format as a series of quick questions that provide us with some predictions and wishes as we head into the new season.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's MUST-listen episode, LDG interviews Bay FC and USWNT U-23 midfielder Hannah Bebar!In this fascinating conversation, Hannah takes us inside the Bay FC training environment, shares her experience in the USWNT senior national team camp, and discusses how she reacted to her call-up news and the news of Emma Coates' hiring to the Bay. She also shares her reflections on her rookie season, playing for the US youth national teams, and training with the Chicago Stars during COVID-19.Hannah also explains what it was like playing alongside all future NWSL starters in the college midfield, what made the Bay FC project so appealing, what it's like to be a prospective player in a no-draft ecosystem, and so much more!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's episode, Liam analyzes the USWNT's opening match of the 2026 She Believes Cup, with a 2–0 win over Argentina that extended their unbeaten start to the year and recorded a third straight clean sheet.This episode breaks down the performance through a tactical lens, looking at the evolving shape of the team in and out of possession, Lindsey Heaps dropping into build-up, the role fullbacks played pushing high, and how the team's pressing strategy under Emma Hayes evolves with new figures on the pitch.LDG also assesses defensive structure, second-ball control, and what Kennedy Wesley's composure on the ball might mean for the center-back depth chart. In midfield, we examine how the Heaps–Yohannes–Moultrie trio functioned and what that says about the evolving hierarchy.Finally, LDG turns to the upcoming Canada match, which, after their 4–1 win over Colombia, will pose very different tactical problems to the USWNT with stronger midfield duels and a greater threat in transition. He outlines where the U.S. build-up patterns could be stressed, how the wide channels may decide the match, and what rotation decisions could shape the group.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!ICYMI, here are some of our recent episodes you should bookmark for later!The Ten Big Questions LDG's Asking Ahead of the Year of International Women's Soccer in 2026 (USWNT, 2027 Women's World Cup Qualifying, Spain WNT + more!)We reviewed the 15 biggest moves of the NWSL offseason so far, an episode that perfectly serves as a comprehensive yet not too detailed analysis of the moves that have shaken up the league this offseason.We recently interviewed Charlton Athletic Women Forward Karin Muya. It was such a great conversation, I was honored to work with such a big club, so be sure to check it out!Music Credit: From Riverside (my podcast recording platform's) available to use audio library

In today's MUST-listen episode, LDG interviews San Diego Wave and Jamaica WNT defender Mimi Van Zanten, one of the top teams in the National Women's Soccer League, widely regarded as the world's most competitive women's soccer league.In this engaging discussion, Mimi takes us inside the San Diego Wave FC training environment, explains why she left university early to join the Wave, what made San Diego Wave FC so appealing, what it's like to be a prospective player in a no-draft ecosystem, and so much more!Mimi shares what it was like to play against world-class players like Alyssa Thompson, Cat Macario, and the USWNT as a whole while still in college, the lessons she is taking from Florida State, and her sister, Kiki Van Zanten, who plays for the Houston Dash, and the goals Mimi has ahead of the 2026 NWSL season.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG looks ahead to the jam-packed year of international women's soccer that 2026 poses by curating a list of the 10 most pressing questions and storylines he is going to keep a finger on this year, and providing his best guess as to how these dilemmas will play out in 2026. He touches upon his thoughts and queries surrounding the USWNT, 2027 Women's World Cup qualifying, the Spain WNT + more!Some examples of the questions he asked included:Have the shifts in tactics, structure, and strategy we have seen under Emma Hayes' tenure become a permanent fixture within the USWNT system?To what extent will the women's World Cup qualifying roster and starting 11 clarify Hayes' vision for 2027?How much of an emphasis should we place on a nation's club league competitiveness for international success?To hear the rest of the questions, tune into the episode, and let us know what questions you have ahead of this year's international soccer!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!NEW ANNOUNCEMENT: If you didn't see the promo on our social media for it, be sure to subscribe to our podcast's newsletter to receive all episodes and additional TWSP content right in your inbox!ICYMI, here are some of our recent episodes you should bookmark for later!We reviewed the 15 biggest moves of the NWSL offseason so far, an episode that perfectly serves as a comprehensive yet not too detailed analysis of the moves that have shaken up the league this offseason.We recently interviewed Charlton Athletic Women Forward Karin Muya. It was such a great conversation, I was honored to work with such a big club, so be sure to check it out!

In this episode, LDG interviews Karin Muya, a forward for Charlton Athletic Women.Karin reflects on her time playing college soccer in America, Charlton's incredible undefeated form this season, growing up in Chelsea's youth academy and senior team under Emma Hayes, and so much more!Karin also discusses her goals in football moving forward, the legacy she hopes to leave at Charlton, why Charlton was an attractive endeavor for her to pursue, her experience playing overseas, + more!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!ICYMI, here are some of our recent episodes that you should save to check out later!We previewed everything to watch out for in the women's soccer world in 2026. Tune in if you haven't already!We reviewed the 15 biggest moves of the NWSL offseason so far, an episode that perfectly serves as a comprehensive yet not too detailed analysis of the moves that have shaken up the league this offseason.We recently interviewed RB Leipzig and Iceland WNT Forward Emilía Kiær Ásgeirsdóttir. It was such a great conversation, I was honored to work with such a big club, so be sure to check it out!

In this episode, LDG debriefs Croix Bethune's 1 million dollar move from the Washington Spirit to KC Current + Claire Hutton's 1.1 million Transfer to Bay FC! He also shares his opinions on two beloved players making a move at this time in the offseason, what this new era of Bay FC, with a new coaching/sporting staff, seems to be built around, and how this move asserts Bay into the playoff race.He shares what these moves mean for the Washington Spirit and KC Current, in regard to losing such key players, and how Bay FC and KC Current might deploy these players come the start of the NWSL season.This is a must-listen episode if you want to understand how these moves will affect the players involved, and how LDG thinks these players will fit into their new sides.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews Emilía Kiær Ásgeirsdóttir, a forward for RB Leipzig and the Icelandic women's national team.Emilía reflects on deciding to play for Iceland intentionally, what made the Frauen Bundesliga and RB Leipzig an attractive endeavor, how playing in the Frauen Bundesliga helped to develop her football, and so much more!Emilía also discusses her goals at the club and country levels moving forward, the Frauen Bundesliga's seperation from German Football Federation, what it means to represent Iceland internationally, and takes us behind the scenes into Iceland's quest to qualify for their first-ever senior women's world cup. Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!ICYMI, here are some of our recent episodes that you should save to check out later!We previewed everything to watch out for in the women's soccer world in 2026. Tune in if you haven't already!We reviewed the 15 biggest moves of the NWSL offseason so far, an episode that perfectly serves as a comprehensive yet not too detailed analysis of the moves that have shaken up the league this offseason.We recently interviewed London City Lionesses and England Youth National Team goalkeeper Sophia Poor. It was such a great conversation, I was honored to work with such a big club, so be sure to check it out!

In today's episode, Liam revives a prior series from the beginning of the podcast, Woso Weekly, covering the latest news in women's soccer with insightful analysis.He covers the USWNT's dominant January camp, as the side rolled to back-to-back shutout wins, while showcasing the next wave of talent in Emma Hayes' evolving player pool. He talks about how even with a heavily rotated and relatively inexperienced squad, the U.S. still delivered, as first-time goal scorers and USWNT senior debuts highlighted the team's growing depth. LDG named players who stood out, like Trinity Rodman, who stood out as both a consistent goal scorer and emerging leader, while performances from players like Ally Sentnor, Reilyn Turner, Emma Sears, and Croix Bethune underlined how competitive the forward and attacking midfield picture is becoming ahead of the SheBelieves Cup and World Cup qualifying later this year.The episode also talks about the broader landscape of the women's game, including the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup, and what the competition reveals about commercial progress and lingering challenges. While FIFA's record-setting prize money signals real financial investment, which poses long-term benefits for the stability of the sport, as the prize money will be reinvested into the sport, there were some disappointments, as LDG highlights, that raised questions about sustainability and execution. He chats about Gotham's loss to Corinthians and Arsenal's dominance, adding context to a tournament that reflects both how far the women's club game has come and how much work remains for the future.Lastly, he talks about Crystal Dunn's retirement and Trinity Rodman's record-breaking contract with the Washington Spirit. As mentioned in the episode, to hear more about Trinity Rodman's move, we did a deep-dive on the Trinity Rodman contract negotiations with the Washington Spirit.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!ICYMI, here are some of our recent episodes that you should save to check out later!We reviewed the 15 biggest moves of the NWSL offseason so far, an episode that perfectly serves as a comprehensive yet not too detailed analysis of the moves that have shaken up the league this offseason.We recently interviewed London City Lionesses and England Youth National Team goalkeeper Sophia Poor. It was such a great conversation, I was honored to work with such a big club, so be sure to check it out!

In this episode, LDG looks over the 15 biggest NWSL moves made during the chaotic few months since the off-season transfer window kicked into gear! He categorizes each move into three categories (good, great, gasped with awe) and shares everything you need to know about the move from the perspective of both clubs and the player.He analyzes signings like Lindsey Heaps to Denver Summit, Sophia Wilson to Portland Thorns, Delphine Cascarino to the London City Lionesses, Ludmila to the San Diego Wave, and many more! The conversation is a must-listen episode if you want to understand how these moves will affect your team, the players involved, and how LDG thinks these players will fit into their new sides.ICYMI: We previewed everything to watch out for in the women's soccer world in 2026. Tune in if you haven't already!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews London City Lionesses and England Youth National Team Goalkeeper Sophia Poor!Sophia shares what it was like to receive a call-up for her national team, being a member of the WSL Academy as a kid, and making her debut against Chelsea by subbing in after her teammate was sent off.Sophia also discusses why London City Lionesses is such an amazing project to be a part of, what other women's football clubs can learn from London City's rapid ascension, her goals at the club and country levels moving forward, what it means to put on the England crest, and much more!In the rapid-fire section, we get to learn more about Sophia and London City Lionesses off the pitch, such as a match Sophia would love to relive, her ideal partner for a TikTok dance on the London City Lionesses, who the team's DJ is in the London City Lionesses locker room, and so much more!ICYMI: We previewed everything to watch out for in the women's soccer world in 2026. Tune in if you haven't already!Thank you for listening! Remember tofollow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews Hanna Németh, a defender for SV Werder Bremen Frauen + Hungary WNT!Hanna reflects upon her time in America playing college soccer, Werder Bremen's incredible form this season, what it means to represent Hungary internationally, + so much more!Hanna also speaks to her goals at the club and country level moving forward, the legacy she hopes to leave at Werder, the club she has spent most of her professional career at, and her professional endeavors off the field.ICYMI: We previewed everything to watch out for in the women's soccer world in 2026. Tune in if you haven't already!Thank you for listening! Remember tofollow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In the The Women's Soccer Podcast season 4 finale (the last episode of 2025), which happens to be one of his favorites of the year, LDG looks ahead to 2026 by selecting 6 key women's soccer storylines to track, such as the imminent global transfer chaos, the USWNT narrowing down their player pool ahead of 2027 World Cup/LA Olympics qualifying at the 2026 CONCACAF W Championship, knockout stages of UWCL: is it time for a new champion emerge? + so much more!LDG also breaks down players who are linked to join the NWSL in the January transfer window, 12 top NWSL players whose contracts expire at the end of the 2026 NWSL season, the potential impact that Boston Legacy and Denver Summit pose on and off the pitch for the future of the NWSL, + so much more!Prior episodes mentioned by LDG in today's episode to check out:Episode 154: LDG's 2 Cents On All Of The Latest News on Trinity Rodman's Future Club This Offseason, And What It Means For The NWSL + The Washington SpiritEpisode 141: LDG's Complete, Way-too-early Overview On Boston Legacy FC (Amanda Guiterres, White/Gillette Stadium, Dome Guasch + Filipa Patão's Influence On The Squad, + More)Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews Aria Nagai, a midfielder for the Utah Royals!Aria reflects on her first professional season, winning the national championship in college, the Royals competitive yet supportive team culture, + so much more!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, we delve into one of the most intriguing storylines in women's soccer: Trinity Rodman's entry into free agency. Having rapidly risen to stardom as one of the sport's most dynamic young talents, Rodman finds herself at a pivotal crossroads in her career, whether to stay in the NWSL or take her talents abroad, perhaps to the WSL, Liga F, etc. I share the latest updates on her free agency, and explore how this move could drastically shape the future of the NWSL, and also what I think the result of this free agency period should/might be from Trin.Tune in as I dissect her on-field impact, the economic and footballing forces shaping her next move, the changing market for the top tier of women's players, and the magnitude Rodman's decision might influence the future landscape of women's soccer. Whether you're an avid NWSL/Spirit fan or just eager to hear more about the prospects of Trinity's rumoured club options, this conversation offers insight and context about where one of soccer's brightest stars might go next.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews Fort Lauderdale United FC Goalkeeper Haley Craig!Haley talks about her move to Fort Lauderdale United, her earliest soccer memories, her experience in the USWNT youth system training environment at such a young age, how playing at Stanford benefited her development, and much more!She also discusses her time with the Portland Thorns in the NWSL, saving multiple penalties/scoring one herself (Alyssa Naeher style) in the College Cup Round of 16, and why she believes Fort Lauderdale United was the perfect fit for her next project.In the rapid-fire section, we get to learn more about Haley and Fort Lauderdale United off the pitch, such as a match Haley would love to relive, her ideal partner for a TikTok dance on Fort Lauderdale United, who the team's DJ is in the Fort Lauderdale United locker room, and so much more!Cover Art Image Credit: Fort Lauderdale United FCThank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews Dallas Trinity captain and midfielder Amber Wisner (née Brooks)!Amber discusses being the first player signed to the Trinity and why the project of the club and league was so attractive to her, along with some of her earliest soccer memories.Amber recounts her brace with the Washington Spirit (and infamous subsequent celebration, which she claims put her on the map) on national television, reflecting on her last professional season and what's next for her after retiring from the sport she loves.She also shares her experiences playing with historic programs, such as UNC, the USWNT senior and youth national teams, including getting a cut on her face in her first senior USWNT cap, and much more!Cover Art Image Credit: Dallas Trinity FCThank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

After screaming with joy for 90 minutes watching the Gotham FC take down the Washington Spirit in the 2025 NWSL Championship, LDG takes the mic for a recap of the match that earned Gotham the second star above their crest.He highlights the standout players and key tactical decisions from on the pitch, while also analyzing why this victory is so important for the trajectory of Gotham FC off it, and hinting at what is next for both clubs as they look forward to the 2026 season (but mainly focusing on the mindblowing playoff run this team just pulled off!)On the Spirit's end, he mainly focuses on the side's performance in San Jose, breaking down the match in a similar manner as he did for Gotham, while also acknowledging the incredible season they had as a whole! He speaks to the Trinity Rodman and Hal Hershfelt injuries, and briefly alludes to Rodman's contract expiring at the end of the season, giving a glimpse of the big offseason storylines. Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this must-listen episode, LDG sets the stage for one of the club matches he has been most anticipating in recent memory, with an in-depth preview of the NWSL Final between the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC.He analyzes the three key storylines that will influence the final and outlines what each team must do to succeed. Additionally, he provides an in-depth look at the positional matchups to watch during the final and explains how each player in their respective systems will be crucial for their club this weekend.He provides deep insight into individual performances by players, team dynamics, and tactical approaches both on and off the ball that have defined the 2025 campaign, including the outstanding goal scorers and creative playmakers who will make headlines and help their teams lift the NWSL championship trophy.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews Sporting Jacksonville captain and midfielder Sophie Jones!Sophie talks about her move to Sporting Jacksonville, her earliest soccer memories, the first-ever Sporting Jacksonville match in front of an incredible crowd, her experience in the USWNT youth system training environment at such a young age, and much more!She also discusses playing in almost every minute this season, building a team from scratch, reflecting on Sporting Jacksonville's first season, her time with the Chicago Stars in the NWSL, and why she believes Sporting Jacksonville was the perfect fit for her next project.In the rapid-fire section, we get to learn more about Sophie and Sporting Jax off the pitch, such as a match Sophie would love to relive, her ideal partner for a TikTok dance on Sporting Jax, who the team's DJ is in the Sporting Jax locker room, and so much more!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews AFC Toronto Forward Colby Barnett as an NSL final special!Colby talks about her move to AFC Toronto FC, her earliest soccer memories, the moment she stepped onto the pitch at BMO Field for the Northern Super League in front of more than 14,000 fans, her experience in the USWNT youth system training environment at such a young age, and much more!Colby discusses her time at the WCC at Santa Clara, why AFC Toronto was such an appealing project for her, and how the team has combined its individual talent into a holistically dominant unit that won the Northern Super League Supporters' Shield by a wide margin.She also discusses playing in almost every minute this season, building a team from scratch, reflecting on the AFC Toronto's first season, and why she believes AFC Toronto was the perfect fit for her first professional club.In the rapid-fire section, we get to learn more about Colby and AFC Toronto FC off the pitch, such as a match Colby would love to relive, her ideal partner for a TikTok dance on AFC Toronto, who the team's DJ is in the AFC Toronto locker room, and so much more!Cover Art Image Credit: AFC Toronto FCThank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this must-listen episode, LDG sets the stage for the continuation of one of the most exciting NWSL playoff campaigns in recent memory with an in-depth preview of the NWSL Semifinals and his reaction to the quarterfinal results.He breaks down the key storylines that will shape the semifinals, what each team needs to do to prevail in these marquee matchups,He provides deep insight into individual performances by players, team dynamics, and tactical approaches both on and off the ball that have defined the 2025 campaign, including the outstanding goal scorers and creative playmakers who will make headlines and help their teams to the finals!The episode covers everything from the jaw-dropping matches to the tactical decisions of coaches, emerging trends across the league, to the evolved identities of clubs vying for postseason glory, and so much more!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews with Brooklyn FC + Italy U-23 WNT midfielder Alice Barbieri!Alice talks all about her move to Brooklyn FC, her earliest soccer memories, her experience playing in Serie A Femenile against some of the world's best players as a new professional, and so much more!She also elaborates on what was appealing to her about playing in the Gainbridge Super League, what it means to her to give back to her community by training young soccer players, why she is so proud to represent Italy internationally, how she has acclimated so quickly to the Brooklyn FC system, and her expeirence with Brooklyn FC in the Gainbridge Super League so far.In the rapid-fire section, we get to learn more about Alice and Brooklyn FC off the pitch, such as a match Alice would love to relive, her ideal partner for a TikTok dance with Brooklyn FC, who the team's DJ is in the Brooklyn FC locker room, and so much more!Cover Art Image Credit: Brooklyn FCThank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews Gotham FC + Denmark WNT midfielder Josefine Hasbo!Josefine talks all about her move to Gotham FC, her earliest soccer memories, the moment she found out about her first call-up to the Danish senior team, her experience playing at World Cups and Euros at such a young age, and so much more!She also elaborates on what was appealing to her about playing in America, both collegiately + professionally with Harvard and Gotham FC, respectively, what she has learned playing alongside world-class midfielders like Rose Lavelle and Jaelin Howell, and why the NWSL is challenging on both the offensive and defensive ends, and why she believes Gotham was the perfect fit for her first professional club.In the rapid-fire section, we get to learn more about Josefine and Gotham FC off the pitch, such as a match Josefine would love to relive, her optimal partner for a TikTok dance on Gotham, who the team's DJ is in the Gotham locker room, and so much more!Cover Art Image Credit: Gotham FCThank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this must-listen episode, LDG sets the stage for one of the most exciting conclusions to the regular season in recent memory with an in-depth preview of Decision Day in the NWSL.He breaks down the key storylines that shape the final weekend of action with playoff spots on the line, examining how each result could influence the postseason picture. He chooses four matches that are NECESSARY for the listener's TVs and explores the implications of this weekend on playoff seeding, hosting, and qualification.He provides deep insight into individual performances by players, team dynamics, and tactical approaches both on and off the ball that have defined the 2025 campaign, including the outstanding goal scorers and creative playmakers who will make headlines this week!The episode covers everything from the jaw-dropping matches to the tactical decisions of coaches, emerging trends across the league, to the evolved identities of clubs vying for postseason glory. He also explores how summer window transfers, injuries, and tactical changes have reshaped the playoff landscape going into the final stretchThank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews Halifax Tides and Jamaica WNT forward Tiffany Cameron!Tiffany talks all about her move to the Halifax Tides, her earliest soccer memories, her experience playing at two senior World Cups with the Jamaican national team, and so much more!She also elaborates on what was appealing to her about playing in the Northern Super League, what it means to her to use her platform as a top professional footballer to represent the vitligo community + advocate for better working conditions for Jamaican women's football, why she is so proud to represent Jamacia internationally + Canada at the club level, and the legacy she wants to leave with the Tides/Northern Super League.In the rapid-fire section, we get to learn more about Tiffany and the Halifax Tides off the pitch, such as a match Tiffany would love to relive, her optimal partner for a TikTok dance on Halifax Tides, who the team's DJ is in the Halifax Tides locker room, and so much more!Cover Art Image Credit: Halifax Tides FCThank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

Welcome back to The Women's Soccer Podcast. Today, LDG interviews Montreal Roses Defender Hailey Whitaker in a special episode ahead of the Northern Super League postseason, which Hailey will participate in.In this episode, Hailey shares insights behind the scenes, including how she initially rejected Montreal's offer to join the club but was persuaded after learning more about the team's project. She discusses playing in every match this season (at the time of this recording), building a team from scratch, reflecting on the Roses' first season, and much more!We also discuss her experience playing in the UEFA Champions League with Valur, how the Roses have combined youth and experience for their success, and winning the Northern Super League's first match away from home in front of more than 14,000 supporters at BMO Field.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG reviews the current roster of Boston Legacy FC as they build a squad from scratch, which must compete with some of the best women's soccer teams in the world in just a few months.He breaks down their roster (yay), stadium situation (nay), and branding (okay) + so much more, covering the process of building an expansion team roster in 2025. He touches upon the player advisory board, which includes icons like Sam Mewis, Kristine Lilly, Aliyah Boston, and others, while detailing the European-centric style of play that Dome Guasch and Filipa Patão will bring from Barcelona and Benfica, respectively.This is a must-listen episode if you want to have an idea of how Boston's skeleton of a roster will look next season and what style LDG thinks that they will play in the 2026 NWSL season. He also analyzes every single line of the Legacy side in depth with analytics to provide an idea of what the side will look like on opening day!Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews Canada WNT + Houston Dash forward Clarissa Larisey!Clarissa talks all about her move to the NWSL's Houston Dash, her earliest soccer memories, and the moment she found out about her first call-up to the Canadian senior team. She also takes listeners behind the scenes of her incredible debut with the Dash, where she garnered both a goal and an assist, shares her future goals for club and country, her message to the Dash fans + so much more!In the rapid-fire section, we get to learn more about Clarissa off the pitch, with our fun set of familiar staple questions.Cover Art Image Credit: Houston Dash FCThank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews Portland Thorns FC and Denmark WNT defender Isabella Obaze! In this episode, Isabella talks about why playing in the NWSL with the Thorns was so appealing to her. She describes her experience playing in the UEFA Champions League and 2025 Euros, her debut with the Danish senior team, what it is like defending weekly against some of the world's best attackers like Temwa Chawinga, and so much more!In the rapid-fire section, we get to learn more about Isabella off the pitch. As this interview features listener-submitted questions, stay tuned until the rapid-fire section at the end to hear the majority of the submitted questions.Cover Art Image Credit: Portland Thorns FCThank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

Welcome back to The Women's Soccer Podcast! In this episode, LDG rambles about the results of the Ballon d'Or in this impromptu, fun, and loaded conversation about the intersectionality of women's sports and award culture emerging, when the voting base isn't backing the hype up with their ballots!He breaks down the nationalities of the Ballon d'Or voting base, bemons the voters prioritizing the Euros over Copa America + WAFCON, and explains why nominations for African players like Barbra Banda can help grow the African game.Liam goes over his take on the rankings and what he would change, alongside his thoughts on the players left off the 30-player shortlist.Additionally, he throws on his judge hat and analyzes the discourse surrounding the award, and explains the unfortunate reality of an award built for men failing to provide the same effort for the women's game, and how the consistent pairing of obscene rankings and women's soccer award shows is unlikely to change.Lastly, he reframes the discussion from annoyance to acknowledgement, as he shouts out some players who crushed it this season who didn't get their deserved flowers/ranking at the Ballon d'Or.Thank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In this episode, LDG interviews San Diego Wave and Ireland WNT forward Kyra Carusa!The duo talked about representing Ireland at the Women's World Cup, signing with her hometown club in the NWSL's San Diego Wave, playing under Jonas Eidevall, and so much more! Additionally, Kyra shares what it meant to be nominated for the NWSL's Lauren Holiday Award, which recognizes the efforts of NWSL athletes in giving back to their communities, reminisces on her time at Stanford, adjusting to the NWSL's speed of play, + more! In the rapid-fire section, we get to learn more about Kyra off the pitch. As this interview features listener-submitted questions, stay tuned until the rapid-fire section at the end to hear the majority of the submitted questions.Cover Art Image Credit: San Diego Wave FCThank you for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!