Jonatan Giráldez has officially entered the NWSL chat. The Washington Spirit took down the Kansas City Current 4-1, and for a brief second, one had to wonder if the wheels were coming off of the most dominant squad in the league. This game had everything. Six defenders to handle Debinha and Chawinga! Otherworldly finishing from Trinity Rodman! A new center back pairing falling out of a clown car! Adrianna Franch living up to her new reputation! It's all here, and the guys break it all down. Welcome back to the NWSL! Join our Patreon and get all of our exclusive bonus content for only $6/month! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The NWSL Players Association has just signed a new collective bargaining agreement, which may be one of the most historically significant labor deals in American sports history. The elimination of the draft, universal guaranteed contracts and free agency, player consent for trades, and massive increases in minimum salaries without corresponding max salaries all give serious power to the players. What did that they have to give up to ownership, and what might that mean come 2028 when a new media rights deal is signed? Eric and Evan unpack what we know so far about this seismic moment in women’s sports labor. Don’t forget to sign up for our Patreon to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka’s Bell Dance Songs

Yes, the USWNT couldn't score against Costa Rica in their final pre-Olympics friendly. No, none of their boundless chances were especially high-quality. 

But so what? The heat, the field, and the desire to keep everyone healthy explain the result a lot more than alleged poor play can. Eric and Evan tease out why this result doesn't augur doom for the U.S. in France this summer. 

This is our final public bonus episode before we move them to Patreon on July 25th! E-mail xpectedowngoals@gmail.com to join our mailing list and get all of our updates throughout the tournament!

The USWNT offered a lot in their 1-0 victory over Mexico on a hot and muggy day in New Jersey. Was their lack of finishing something to be concerned over? Can Rose Lavelle be counted on in the absence of an injured Catarina Macario? Will Korbin Albert ever do what it takes to stop being booed? Plus, we have a big announcement about something we can't wait to debut when the Olympics starts! Stay tuned for more info!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

It's our last NWSL-centric episode for a month, friends! We decided to chat about some of our favorite players who slipped under the radar, and whose names we haven't discussed nearly enough. (13:56) Before that, Evan and Eric unpack all the latest transfer news, including Julia Grosso to the Chicago Red Stars, Mackenzie Arnold to the Portland Thorns, Rosemonde Kouassi to the Washington Spirit, and Mina Tanaka to the Utah Royals. (00:26) Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The two best teams in the NWSL had to wait until the final matchweek before the Olympics break to square off,  and dear lord was it worth the wait. Brain-busting goals from Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga, a game-changing second yellow card for Carrie Lawrence, and a feisty, physical encounter all made this fixture an instant classic. Eric and Evan analyze what Seb Hines and Orlando did right, and maybe what Vlatko Andonovski and Kansas City did wrong.

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

We didn't think a U.S. holiday weekend would toss so much news at us. First up, Eric and Evan chat about the announced Olympics rosters for Brazil, Spain, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Nigeria. (01:00) 

Then it's on to the developing news that USC Journalism School dean Willow Bay and husband, Disney CEO Bob Iger, will be buying a majority stake in Angel City FC. What does this mean for the team, and for the league as a whole? (10:26) Finally, Eric and Evan unpack the horrendous allegations from multiple San Diego Wave employees that team president Jill Ellis had fostered a toxic and abusive work environment. (24:18)

Brittany Alvarado's Statement Jenny Chuang's Statement Bernadette O'Donnell's Statement Abigail Lozano's Statement San Diego Wave Statement Jill Ellis Statement

Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Eric and Evan debate another notable NWSL head coach sacking, hand out some Midseason Awards and go deep on Chicago's 3-0 "rout" of San Diego... was it a rout? What even is a rout?

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Quiet week, how's everyone doing? LOL JK  First up, on the heels of Casey Stoney's firing, Eric and Evan puzzle over the unexpected resignation of Bay FC GM Lucy Rushton. (00:33)

Then, the moment has arrived! Emma Hayes announced her first USWNT major tournament roster, and it's a doozy. No Alex Morgan! Lots of Korbin Albert! Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt as alternates! What does this lineup tell us about Hayes's vision for the side? (11:10) And what do her and Trinity Rodman's comments about Albert tell us about the culture inside the locker room right now? (25:10) Evan and Eric drop some heaviness on today's episode. 

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

We're now (just over) halfway through the 2024 NWSL regular season, and trends are emerging! Eric and Evan uncover a host of interesting nuggets about how teams are playing this year compared to past seasons.

Why on earth did the San Diego Wave "part ways" with Casey Stoney? (00:16) Where did parity go? Is it simply a byproduct of expansion? (08:37) Does the increase in goalscoring come down to Barbra Banda, Temwa Chawinga, et al.? (18:00) The league still loves transition tactics, but how have they morphed in 2024? (20:36) How do the Chicago Red Stars, Racing Louisville, and Orlando Pride buck current tactical trends? (25:17) Are the Pride or the Kansas City Current the tactical future of the NWSL? (29:16) How has money influenced both tactics and the development of players to fit those tactics? (35:21) Whose first-half results have been real or not real? (42:55) Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

It's time to pause and reflect on how much history the NWSL really possesses--something no professional club league in America has been able to accomplish. Using Evan's g+raft Score method, we tapped into ASA's g+ above replacement database to determine the best players in the league's history. 

We induct several players from the Dead Stats Era (2013 - 2015), before advanced stats were available, including a legendary and complicated goalkeeper (11:55), a pioneering defender on and off the field (15:35), two midfielders who shaped their teams on different ends of the pitch (18:48), and two forwards who represented the league in very different ways (24:22). Then, we turn our attention to the Modern Era (2016 - 2024), where three national team defenders dominated their opponents (35:30), two midfield artists who could do anything with the ball (50:46), and three forwards that are absolute gimmes (68:05).

Read Evan's article on g+raft Score to peruse his points system.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs 

Gotham FC's 2-0 victory on the road against Racing Louisville was about as ugly as 2-0 victories get, but dig under the hood and you see that the preseason Shield favorites are finally coming into their own. The galacticos of Dunn, Lavelle, Davidson and Sonnett started their second game in a row together. Ella Stevens can't stop scoring. Ann-Katrin Berger might be the best keeper in the whole league right now. Is it all finally coming together for Juan Carlos Amorós's squad? Eric and Evan debate the finer points of Gotham's resurgence. Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The NWSL is back, baby!!! After six agonizing weeks away, the stretch run kicks off on Friday. A massive amount of transfer activity has gone down in that time. Eric and Evan highlight some of their faves and not-so-faves.  Could Delphine Cascarino help push the San Diego Wave into playoff contention? How does Carson Pickett fit into the Orlando Pride lineup? Are the Chicago Red Stars playoff locks thanks to Ludmila and Julia Grosso? Can Jess Carter adapt to the league's pace? Will Alana Cook keep things tight at the back amid the Kansas City Current's defensive injury crisis? Is Katie Zelem really an improvement for Angel City? How does one make sense of Jaelin Howell and Ana-Maria Crnogorčević at the Seattle Reign and Bethany Balcer at Racing Louisville? Are the Washington Spirit's signings an embarrassment of riches? Is Cortnee Vine the final missing piece in the North Carolina Courage attack? Listen and find out! Subscribe to our Patreon tier to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Seattle Reign got smoked by the Kansas City Current over the weekend. That such a result would be par for the course shows what kind of season Laura Harvey's crew have had. Sylvs of Shea Butter FC hopped on to talk about Reign history, the struggles of the team in the void of the team sale yet to close, and what glimmers of hope Jordyn Huitema's two goals could represent.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The day has come: Emma Hayes is now the head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team. The side demolished South Korea for a combined scoreline of 7-0. Sam Staab and Lily Yohannes each earned their first caps. The law firm of Smith, Swanson, and Rodman served papers to their opponents over and over again. Alex Morgan--well, she was present.  What did we learn about how Hayes wants the team to play? Eric and Evan uncover all the tactical nuggets across the two friendlies, then project the USWNT's likely 18-player Olympics roster. The takes get spicy. Need a pick-me-up? Four out of five doctors recommend SoMalloTrin! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The international break has flipped our schedule this week, so for this week's early bonus episode, we bring you a great conversation Evan had with Our Futbol co-host Adriana Terrazas to break down the recent Clausura final and all the storylines from Liga MX Femenil this season. 

Team by team, we look at how C.D. Guadalajara ("Chivas") came up frustratingly short (11:20). C.F. Pachuca (17:01) won the transfer window heading into the Clausura. Why did they look so limp once they got into the Liguilla? UANL Tigres (26:57) were once again dominant across the entire year, welcoming Jenni Hermoso and Thembi Kgatlana to their ranks. After their semifinal drubbing, are they ready to transition to the next generation? Club América (33:32) looked unstoppable until those chaotic final few minutes in the second leg of the Clausura final. Was it bad luck or a bottle job? C.F. Monterrey ("Rayadas") (42:57) won the most dramatic of penalty shootouts in front of nearly 32,000 screaming home fans. Did new head coach Amelia Valverde built a functional unit that will contend next year? 

Finally, Evan and Adriana talk about the state of the Mexico Women's National Team (51:22), Pedro López's evolution of the side, and which players can expect to make a contribution over coming months.  Back to regularly scheduled programming on Thursday with our recap of Emma Hayes's first two games in charge of the USWNT! Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Barcelona capped off their third Champions League title in four years by taking down their final boss, Lyon, to have no more rivals for best team in the world. How dominant were they in the game, though? Did Lyon actually knock them off their axis for a brief moment? Eric and Evan debate the merits of each team's performance (00:45). Then, veteran NWSL play-by-play announcer Mike Watts comes on (21:05) to talk about the wild times of calling Sky Blue FC games in 2014, the exciting opportunities that new media partners like Amazon and ION have created for games, what actually goes into calling a game, and most importantly, what his favorite Taylor Swift song is. This was a fun one.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Week 10! Two teams. Two massive victories. Two bright futures ahead? Eric and Evan ponder the meaning of Houston's staggering 3-0 home win over North Carolina and examine the implications of Racing Louisville's 1-0 away result in Chicago. H-town madness? Kentucky fried conquest? We're curious too.  Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

It's the premiere episode of our new Thursday bonus episode series, where we explore other tactical and analytical corners of the global women's football landscape! To kick things off, Evan and Eric bring on Athletic columnist and Counter Pressed co-host Jessy Parker Humphreys to go swimming in how the 23-24 WSL season shook out. Chelsea (1:32) won their fifth consecutive title, but did they underperform? Manchester City (6:21) came so close and fell so frustratingly short once again, but they must be celebrated. Manchester United (14:01) were a clown show. Liverpool (27:16) did the impossible and finished fourth, but were they any good? Arsenal (37:13) were just sort of Arsenal-y. Jessy also takes us through Tottenham, Brighton, and other highlights further down the table (51:14). Then we dig into WSL vs. NWSL banter (55:13) before Jessy, representing Chelsea, hands custody of Emma Hayes over to the USWNT (1:13:57). What stands out about the June friendlies roster? What can USWNT fans learn about Hayes from her time at Chelsea? Will her press conferences be just as epic? Who's more likely to reap the whirlwind--Hayes or the players?  It's a jam-packed bonus episode, friends! Let's get wild!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Another week, another brutal Utah Royals loss. Though the scoreline was a mere 1-0 defeat on the road to the North Carolina Courage, the expansion side was under siege pretty much from minute one. Eric and Evan use the Royals' performance to figure out just how badly the season has gone for the club, and what bright spots may be on the horizon.  Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

More transparency! More accountability! More Own Goals! Kieran guest stars as the Grim Reaper in Evan and Eric's Own Goal Bogus Journey! Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

We here at Expected Own Goals are about transparency and accountability. That's why, at the point in the season when xG stabilizes and becomes sticky, we've decided to go back and cop to our best and worst own goals from our preseason predictions. Kieran's back to face the music along with Eric and Evan.  Be sure to tune in later this week for Part II, where the gang digs into the players that have surprised and disappointed them the most! Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

We've been putting it off all season, but after a tough loss to the Washington Spirit and an emphatic win against Bay FC, we can put it off no longer: we must discuss the fourth-place Chicago Red Stars. Eric and Evan were joined by Lesley Ryder of Gal Pal Sports to dissect the Laura Ricketts-Lorne Donaldson era of the team, if their early-season success is sticky or a mirage, and who will step up to score besides Mallory Swanson. Rep the 3-1-2, or the 7-7-3, or the 4-6-4, or whatever else people tear up about on The Bear!  Listen to Football is Wife, hosted by Lesley Ryder and Emily Anderson Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

369 days after the USWNT crashed out of the World Cup Round of 16, they put those demons to bed, winning the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. The team managed to weather the worst half of football they had played all tournament to wear down Brazil until Mallory Swanson took Korbin Albert's through ball and ripped the Brazilian defense to pieces. Some heroics from Alyssa Naeher and the usual shutdown defense from Naomi Girma helped the US grab their first gold medal in 12 years. Now, the real work begins. Eric and Evan analyze the US performance, praise Brazil's savvy gameplan, and argue why nobody should get too high about this victory--or too low.  Don't forget to subscribe to our Patreon to get all of our exclusive bonus content for only $6/month! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Is Orlando the best team in the NWSL right now? They just might be. An emphatic 3-2 victory over the Washington Spirit on the road cemented what could be a hyper-organized defense with Barbra Banda as the tip of the spear. Other teams, attack at your own peril. 

Evan and Eric dig into what made Banda so special, as well as what the future might hold for the Spirit--and Ashley Hatch--once Leicy Santos and Jonatan Giráldez arrive in June. (tl;dr they'll be fine.) Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The NWSL spring trade deadline has come and gone, and somehow, both the Houston Dash and Angel City made some significant moves. Eric and Evan brought Kieran Doyle-Davis on to get into all of the gobsmacking behavior by both teams in moving some major players. Then, they dig into Angel City's victory over the North Carolina Courage, and how a team with 62% possession and who topped the home side on xG 2.1 - 0.5 managed to still leave Los Angeles without a result. Plus, we'll hear from Angel City head coach Becki Tweed with her tactical analysis of the match!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

We last checked in on the Kansas City Current in Week 1. What a difference a month makes! They're sitting atop the table on 10 points, have a potential superstar in Temwa Chawinga, and got a road point against Evan and Eric's preseason title favorite, Gotham FC. But is Chawinga the real deal? Were Juan Carlos Amorós's tactics too clever by half? Who looks like the better bet to keep succeeding in the weeks to come? Dive in, baby!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The USWNT is SheBelieves Cup champion once again. Woo...hoo? The Twila Kilgore era comes to a close on a second penalty shootout win over Canada in a month, and leaves us wondering: what did Kilgore do well? What did she miss on? Is the team in better shape now than it was back in August? Furthermore, who is in pole position for each Olympics roster spot? Eric and Evan answer all these questions and more! (Evan may or may not sing at the end of the episode. Fair warning.) Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

No fewer than three NWSL games were decided in the final moments of stoppage time last weekend, but each were decided in different ways. San Diego survived its battle of attrition through well timed bravery, while Portland's overwhelming attacking talent finally breached Louisville's walls. Bay FC and the Houston Dash fully embraced their stubborn, attack-loving identities and the Dash tripped into victory. Eric and Evan ponder how these teams all managed a late result, hear from Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya on his side's approach, and parse what it means for these teams' talents more broadly. Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

A jam-packed, wackadoo weekend unfolded in the NWSL, with golazos and refereeing madness and everything in between. Eric, Evan and Arianna drill down on the Washington Spirit's 2-1 victory over Bay FC. Are Bay's tactics naïve? Has their depth been exposed? Is Croix Bethune the resurrection and the life? 1) Maybe 2) Probably 3) Get on your knees and pray.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The greatest league in the world has returned, and boy was it a doozy! From first-minute penalties in Seattle, to the Naeher-aissance denying Utah their first-ever win in front of a "sold out" crowd, to 17-year-old Kennedy Fuller making as many headlines as Bay FC goalscorer Asisat Oshoala, there were narratives galore.  But Eric, Evan, and Arianna can only focus on one thing: the Kansas City Current and Portland Thorns opening CPKC Stadium with nine goals, tying the NWSL single-game record. Did Mike Norris make a wise decision rolling out an entirely new backline? Did Vlatko Andonovski properly adjust to Janine Beckie's arrival in the second half? What on earth was Christine Sinclair doing starting the game at right wing? They get into all of it and more.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

​​We did it. NWSL Season Preview Week concludes with last year’s champions and Shield winners, who square off tonight in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The Wave added a genuine playmaker in Savannah McCaskill, but otherwise remain largely unchanged from their table-topping campaign. Will McCaskill and USWNT phenom Jaedyn Shaw be enough to keep Casey Stoney’s offense sparking? Meanwhile, Gotham signed four gálacticos and maintained a remarkable amount of depth. They’re the favorites to win it all again, but can Juan Carlos Amorós make this group start gelling quickly together? 

Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

​​The day has arrived! Arianna “Doc” Cascone makes her xOG début as we head into the homestretch of NWSL Season Preview Week. First up, Eric and Evan consider another team whose offseason was influenced by ownership transition. The Thorns replaced Crystal Dunn with Jessie Fleming (lol) and blended veteran re-signings with some young and untested internationals on the backline (hmmm). Even if they’re a touch leaky, will they score enough goals to still win? Then, Arianna comes on to break down the Courage, and whether Ashley Sanchez is a bright enough spark to help them score goals in Kerolin’s absence. 

Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams, one of which was written by Arianna herself! Check out Arianna’s work at Backheeled Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Another two-episode day here at xOG for NWSL Season Preview Week. We’re heading out to the best coast to talk about two playoff teams at a crossroads. Angel City seems to be tightening budgets as the bill comes due for their previous offseason work. Will now-permanent head coach Becki Tweed be able to recapture the magic of their playoff run, with Messiah Bright and Rocky Rodríguez in tow? Then, Eric and Evan welcome Reign reporter Susie Rantz to unpack how the still-not-closed sale of the Reign has affected their offseason, and whether there is enough spark in the roster to get to the postseason for the eighth time in the club’s 11-year history.

Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams (both written by Evan!) Check out Susie’s work at Ride of the Valkyries Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The players were dead on their feet. Lindsey Horan could barely ping a pass toward the German goal. But Naomi Girma led the defense to another sterling performance, Sophia Smith threaded a wonder goal past Ann-Katrin Berger, and the USWNT will face Brazil for the gold medal on Saturday. Was there anything besides heat and fatigue that slowed the US attack down? Can they avoid Spain's fate against Brazil in the semifinal? Is Girma the undisputed best center back in the world? Eric and Evan ponder yet another 120-minute slog of a match that still had a happy ending for the Americans. Subscribe to our Patreon by this Saturday (August 10th) and lock in your $6/month price forever!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

**RECORDED BEFORE SIMONE CHARLEY’S AND RAFAELLE’S INJURY ANNOUNCEMENTS**

​​In part two of today’s entries in xOG’s NWSL Season Preview Week, Eric and Evan dive into the fetid swamps of two teams making big moves but also not completely certain of their futures. Pride GM Haley Carter made a big, late splash in signing Barbra Banda. Orlando will score goals, but will they be able to do much else? Is there a Marta succession plan? Will Adriana be their only hope? Then, writer, analyst, podcaster and all-around bon vivant André Carlisle dives deep into the Washington Spirit, and how incoming head coach Jonatan Giráldez will bring his Barcelona DNA to a team that barely managed 46% possession last season.

Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams Check out André’s work at the Beyond the Vaudevillian Cane newsletter, and the Diaspora United and HEY SPIRITS podcasts Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Our second episode today heads down south for the next edition of NWSL Season Preview Week. Louisville has a clear recruitment strategy—buy low on young internationals—but are hoping for a clear stylistic identity with new head coach Bev Yanez. The Dash are doing something similar with Fran Alonso and players like Cece Kizer and rookie Avery Patterson. Dash reporter and Squad Depth podcast host Theo Lloyd-Hughes breaks down Alonso’s approach to making the Dash a playoff contender. This is a good one, folks!

Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams Check out Theo’s work at the Squad Depth newsletter and podcast Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

It’s a two-episode day on xOG as we roll along with NWSL Season Preview Week and continue to enjoy our new partnership with American Soccer Analysis! Eric and Evan dig into two teams undergoing massive change. The Chicago Red Stars have new owners, a new GM, and a new head coach, as they begin their long but hopeful rebuild. The Current hired Vlatko Andonovski as their head coach, and want to make a splash in their new stadium. Will any of it work for these two midwest stalwarts?

Click here to check out ASA's written preview of today's teams! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

This is a really exciting day. In addition to launch NWSL Season Preview Week--an entire week of content previewing all 14 teams--we are thrilled to announce that we've partnered with American Soccer Analysis to be their women's soccer content partner! If you've already subscribed to us on our feed, no need to do anything; episodes will show up every Tuesday morning as before. If you're coming to us from following ASA Show, welcome! Eric and Evan love talking about the NWSL, the USWNT, and global women's football through the same lens as Kieran and the gang: data, tactics, and the nitty-gritty of the beautiful game. Hope you enjoy the show, and kick back as Kieran joins us for our first two previews, of the Utah Royals and Bay FC. 

Click here to check out ASA's written preview of today's teams!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The USWNT are your inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup champions! A war of attrition broke out between Brazil's hyper-direct 3-4-3 system and the US's defensively resolute 4-2-3-1. Lindsey Horan's end-of-the-first half header won the game, but what now for the US as it heads toward the SheBelieves Cup and the Olympics? Is this hyperdefensive approach perhaps the new style that was promised? Is it simply the first step in a long evolution? Eric and Evan debate what Twila Kilgore and the players achieved.

Plus, we have a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about the show!  Art by Eli Elbogen 

The CONCACAF W Gold Cup final is set! Brazil used the experimentation of the tournament to find the right players in the right shape to dominate México. The USWNT and Canada were dragged through Waterworld in a game that should never have been played. Where did Pedro López get his tactics wrong? How much praise should Alyssa Naeher really be getting for her shootout heroics? Can the US stop Debinha and company? Eric and Evan put on their galoshes and go singin' in the rain! Plus, the boys analyze Orlando's surprise landmark signing of Zambian star Barbra Banda! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The USWNT is through to the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinals, but my oh my, was it trench warfare against Colombia in the quarterfinals! Goals from Lindsey Horan, Jenna Nighswonger, and Jaedyn Shaw made the scoreline comfortable; flying elbows and hip checks from the likes of Linda Caicedo and Catalina Usme made the actual game anything but. Eric and Evan break down the headline-grabbing performances from Alyssa Naeher and Alex Morgan, get postgame reactions from Sam Coffey and Twila Kilgore, and preview their semifinal tussle with old rivals Canada in San Diego this week. Thin end of the wedge here, folks!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Spain, Germany, Australia, and Japan have all punched their tickets to the Olympics, while Zambia, Morocco, South Africa, and Tanzania have pushed through to the next and final round of qualification. How will Racheal Kundananji's injury affect both Zambia and Bay FC? Eric and Evan do a quick overview of the week's action, then dig into the CONCACAF W Gold Cup quarterfinals. Is the USWNT in trouble against Colombia? Are Canada as excellent as they've appeared so far? Only one way to find out: listen!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The U.S. is not the main character! For the first time in 14 years, México defeated the U.S. and did so in dominating fashion at the CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Jacquie Ovalle, Rebeca Bernal, and María Sánchez put on a master class in Carson, using aggressive defense and two world-class finishes to shut down the Americans and top the group. What were Twila Kilgore and Emma Hayes thinking with running out Vlatkoball? Why were Becky Sauerbrunn and Alyssa Naeher in the starting XI? Why did Alex Morgan get an entire half of sub minutes?!?!? Eric and Evan dig through the wreckage from every angle. 

Read Sandra Herrera on México's historic victory

Read Eugene Rupiński on what this game means for Mexican women's soccer Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

**RECORDED BEFORE MIA FISHEL'S ACL TEAR**

The CONCACAF W Gold Cup is finally here! The USWNT isn't the only team going through transition, as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina are all experiencing a new phase of their evolution. Eric and Evan preview the group stage, and dig into possible lineups and formations Twila Kilgore and Emma Hayes might try out. Then, the boys talk to Liga MX Femenil analyst Eugene Rupiński about the history of the league, and where it's heading.  Evan's Article about Possible USWNT Lineups at the Gold Cup Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

It was brutal, but perhaps it was necessary. The USWNT scraped past Japan in the Olympics quarterfinals thanks to an extra-time wonder strike from Trinity Rodman, setting up a semifinal rematch with Germany. Were the players just too tired? Is Emma Hayes's focus on chemistry over fresh legs about to blow up in her face? Was the Japanese defense just too good for the US? Thankfully, the US's defense was even better. Eric and Evan get into all of it and preview the semifinal via Germany's penalty-shootout win against Canada! Sign up for our Patreon and get all of our bonus episodes and more for only $6/month!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Bay FC has not only broken the world transfer record, they have absolutely decimated it. Zambian striker Racheal Kundananji is pulling out of Madrid CFF and heading for San José, where she and Asisat Oshoala will form the most potent attacking duo in the NWSL right now. Eric and Evan break down this historic transfer, and how it changes the league forever. We don't have a joke here; our jaws are still on the floor. Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs 

Let's face it: the D1 Arkema title was already settled before PSG made their way to the Groupama Stadium to face Lyon, but they still sealed their own fate in the most heartbreaking fashion. Eric and Evan untangle the game, and what it might portend for the Champions League knockout rounds.  Then, Evan is joined by Gotham FC Head of Tactical Analysis Jesús Botello to hear about the team's stylistic renaissance under head coach Juan Carlos Amorós, and what it means to play with organized chaos. Yes, chess is involved. Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The influx of high-level talent from the top European leagues to the NWSL this winter has been unprecedented for the past offseasons. What's driving it? Will the Seattle Reign's new Welsh signings get them over the top? Will Jen Beattie's arrival from Arsenal shake up Bay FC's defender depth chart? Will Evan keep putting extra stank on his European name pronunciations? Tune in to find out! The fellas also preview the Champions League knockout stages, and the significance of so many smaller clubs making it to the quarterfinals!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Portland Thorns get Jessie Fleming from Chelsea! Chicago Red Stars get Maximiliane Rall from Bayern Munich! The Seattle Reign pick up Ji So-yun from South Korea! Bay FC gets Deyna Castellanos from Manchester City and maaayyyyyybe Asisat Oshoala from Barcelona?!!? Angel City nab Rocky Rodriguez and Messiah Bright! Racing Louisville scoop up Taylor (Kornieck) Flint from San Diego Wave! Eric and Evan relive all of the transaction madness from the last couple weeks, and figure out who's up and who's down in the hot stove sweepstakes. Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs