Women’s World Football Show, Episode 175 features an exclusive interview with North Carolina Courage and Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team midfielder Denise O’Sullivan; plus soundbites from North Carolina defender Abby Erceg and head coach Paul Riley.

What happens when the king gets knocked off the throne? In the case of the NWSL champions North Carolina Courage, they get up, brush themselves off, and come back with a vengeance. Their unexpected departure from the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup in the quarterfinals could be a pivotal moment in the history of the game – we’ve seen it before!

Back in 2017, when the Portland Thorns defeated the Courage in the NWSL Championship Final, the Courage vowed to come back and they did – winning the championship in 2018 and 2019. In fact, they only lost 6 games over the course of two seasons. On this episode we take a look at this very special team with the motor of the squad and 2-time team MVP, Irish international Denise O’Sullivan. We also hear from North Carolina captain Abby Erceg and head coach Paul Riley.

Denise O’Sullivan

Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan is praised by the top head coaches in the game today as one of the best players in women’s soccer. Denise stops by to chat about her thoughts on the NWSL Challenge Cup, playing during a pandemic, her growing up days in Cork, the mentality of the Courage, and more.

We also discuss the upcoming UEFA Women’s EURO qualifiers, the chances of Ireland in the tournament, their new head coach Vera Pauw and much more. It’s an amazing time to be an Ireland fan and Denise is a big part of their success. Do not miss hearing from this exciting young star! (17′)

Follow Denise:

Twitter: @OSullivanDenise

Instagram: @deniseosullivan100

 

Paul Riley

North Carolina head coach Paul Riley talks about his scrappy midfielder Denise O’Sullivan and in the next segment discusses the game that knocked his team out of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. Paul also shares his thoughts on the future of the team. (13′ and 46′)

Abby Erceg

The Kiwi defender and captain of the North Carolina Courage gives us her post-game thoughts on the team’s elimination in the tournament, the possible causes, a look toward the future of the team, and more. (45′)

 

Episode Links:

Read about the UEFA Women’s EUROS at https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/

Listen to our exclusive interview with Abby Erceg in 2018 – Episode 125.

 

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Photo Courtesy of: North Carolina Courage

Original Broadcast Date: July 19, 2020

Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited & produced by Patty La Bella.

Additional assistance for this episode by Denise O’Sullivan, Morgan Brown, Megan Rogers, Mark Jones, NWSL

Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella

Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and it’s audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.