Episode 114: Women’s World Football Show features interviews with USWNT players Andi Sullivan, Emily Sonnett, Tierna Davidson and Head Coach Jill Ellis; One-on-one with Millwall Lionesses LFC defender Jordan Butler; and an exclusive with Denmark and Manchester City striker Nadia Nadim.
Boston Breakers
It’s a sad day for the NWSL and women’s football as the longest running professional women’s soccer team in the USA has folded after a deal for potential new ownership fell apart. The Breakers were founded in 2000 and were part of NWSL predecessor leagues the WUSA and WPS, and is the first NWSL team to fold since the league was established in 2013. So how did the demise of one of the more storied franchises in women’s soccer history come about? Patty and Adam dissect the situation and share details of the dispersion draft, season ticket refunds and other information.
2018 NWSL College Draft
A few draft day mega-trades overshadowed the 2018 NWSL College Draft. Adam and Patty take a close look at the trades, the high selections and some of the surprises. Plus, Patty chats with the No. 1 draft pick and newest member of the Washington Spirit Andi Sullivan! We find out how the Stanford standout dealt with the crazy course of events that lead up to her 11th hour declaration into the draft, her thoughts on playing for her hometown team, her incredible 2017 college season and more!
(Andi Sullivan 24:35’)
Jordan Butler
Adam sits down with Millwall Lionesses LFC defender Jordan Butler. Joining the Millwall system at only 8 years old, Jordan shares what it’s like to grow up in a Millwall kit. Backed by the love and support of her family, and especially her dad, Jordan takes us through her journey to play professional football, how she overcame serious injury and more. This is a spirited interview with an inspirational player and proud to have Jordan on the show!
(Jordan Butler 33:00’)
USA vs Denmark
The U.S. Women’s National Team kicked off its 2018 campaign with a somewhat come-from-behind 5-1 win against EURO Women’s runner-up Denmark in front of 17,526 fans at SDCCU Stadium January 21, 2018. We hear from USWNT Head Coach Jill Ellis as she assesses a few of the youngsters on the team and reflects on some of her lessons learned while being at the helm of the national team.
Defender Tierna Davidson earned her first cap for the USA, becoming the 21st player to make a WNT debut under Jill Ellis. We hear from the 19-year old college sophomore after her first cap. Patty couldn’t let Denmark leave town without talking to fan-favorite Nadia Nadim. The former NWSL star and now striker with Manchester City discusses her transition to the English league, her time in the NWSL, the Denmark WNT and more!
(Tierna Davidson 55:55’; Jill Ellis 58:00’; Nadia Nadim 1:08:00’)
Emily Sonnet
SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 06: Emily Sonnett of Sydney FC poses during a joint Sydney FC. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)
As the 2017/18 W-League season comes to an end, we catch up with Sydney FC (and USWNT and Portland Thorns FC) centerback Emily Sonnett! The energetic USA star talks about her journey to Australia – what brought her there, what is she learning and what does she hope to gain? We hear it all. Plus, how does playing for Sydney kept her fit and ready to take on her role with the USWNT? Emily is rapid fire with her responses and ready to hoist another league trophy… this time with Sydney FC!
(Emily Sonnet 1:26:00’)
Sarah “The Cowgirl” Hallett
Our hearts were broken earlier this month at the passing of our friend and colleague Sarah Hallett. In this show, we share stories on how Sarah touched all of our lives on the show and off. Plus, we have a special clip of some of Sarah’s greatest hits (and a few misses). A true inspiration to all who knew her, Sarah’s kind spirit will live on in all of us.
Read Sarah’s past blogs.
Listen to Episode 57 “2015 NWSL Review” when Sarah stepped in a co-hosted with Patty
Other shows Sarah was featured on:
Episode 26A “2014 NWSL Post-Season Special”
Episode 47 “World Cup Groups”
Episode 68 “The Good Fight”
In lieu of flowers and gifts, Sarah’s wife and family have asked for donations to the San Diego Junior Golf Association. Click here for details.
Listen to Sarah’s “Greatest Hits” clip at the end of the show, around the 1-hour, 31-minute mark.
Original Broadcast Date: January 28, 2018
Photos courtesy of: ussoccer.com; SydneyFC.com; ManCity.com; Henning Bagger/Scanpix2016; Jordan Butler; Millwall Lionesses
pioneers of Australian women’s football, Sarah represented Australia at the 2004 Olympics, 2006 AFC Women’s Asian Cup and made a huge impact as part of the Matilda’s break out tournament at the 2007 Women’s World Cup in China.
Joining us to recap the year in England, is editor of Women’s Football Magazine, Helen Rowe-Willcocks. Helen sits down with Adam to discuss the highs and lows of women’s football in England in 2017. How did the Mark Sampson firing affect the program going forward and who is line for the job? Not to be dampened by the national team, Helen discusses the plenty of great things happening in the FAWSL over the year. What were some of the breakout moments? and how much of influence did Carli Lloyd have on the league. It’s all here and More! (49:17’)
to Houston; her assessment of the players and some of the things she’s doing right now to help turn the Dash around in 2018.
Sports journalist from FanSided and former Div 1 women’s soccer player Celia Balf stops by to chat about the 2017 NCAA Div l College Cup Final and the 2017 women’s soccer season. The Stanford Cardinal met their foes from down south, UCLA for what turned out to be a barn-burner ending. Celia, who has a weekly soccer column at FanSided online magazine, breaks down the final match for us.
did during the season, the growth of the team and it’s future. Emma also shares with us her thoughts on women’s football in New Zealand and why it’s important for stars to promote the game within the community.
Jordyn Huitema
talking to two of the biggest names to come out of Santa Clara University soccer program – USA defenders Julie Ertz and Sofia Huerta. We go back in time when Julie was called Johnston and played just about every position for the Broncos. What were some of her favorite memories of those days and how has she evolved into the leader she is today. As always, Julie gives us thoughtful answers. (24:55′)
Next up, we visit wth the pride of Boise, Idaho Sofia Huerta. The amicable defender is finding her way on the USA team shortly after trading in her Mexico jersey for the USA crest. As the first ever to play for and against US Soccer, Sofia shares her thoughts on the milestone event. Plus, how much pressure does she feel now that she’s donning the USA shirt? How has Ertz influenced her on and off the pitch? And how important was it for her to take her game to the Australian W-League? Sofia lets us in on these questions and MORE! (28′)
We also hear from Canada Head Coach John Herdman, who is over the moon about his new Canadian team. The colorful coach talks about his young team, the future of the team and the growth of Jordyn Huitema. (7:25)
After winning the Westfield W-League championship with Melbourne City last season, Laura Alleway travels across town to play for rivals Melbourne Victory to begin a new season and a new role. Laura stops by to chat with Adam about taking on the leadership rold and why it’s important to have a good mental state to play well.
Germany Report
There are so many great young players in the women’s game today, but none as exciting as Ashley Hatch. The young striker was selected second overall in the 2017 NWSL College Draft by the North Carolina Courage and is building a name for herself as someone who plays and lives with a fearless spirit.
Not only a pivotal striker in the Westfield W-League, Rosie also worked with the PFA to get a more comprehensible Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) in place for the players. We chat with Rosie about what it took to come to an agreement and how her idol Kate Gill paved the way for her on and off the pitch.
In this interview Jane chats about the current condition Hurricane Harvey has left the city, how the city is getting stronger and what kind of impact it has made on the team.
World Cup at Giants Stadium. There was no stopping the kid from New Jersey from there. While she stayed close to home for college (at Rutgers University), Kristen decided to go off and play overseas for a few years before coming back and settling in to become one of the best midfielders in the NWSL.