On this episode, we welcome Jamaica Women’s National Team goalkeeper Sydney Schneider. We also hear from New Zealand Women’s National Team captain Ali Riley.
Do you have a ‘guilty pleasure’ team you’ll be rooting for in the 2023 Women’s World Cup? New Zealand, Costa Rica, South Africa, Republic of Ireland, Argentina, Haiti, or Jamaica? Whether or not they’re your country’s team, we still love rooting for the underdog – it’s what makes this game fun.
On this episode, we welcome fan-favorite goalkeeper Sydney Schneider! Listen in as Sydney shares her football journey, her experience as the go-to goalkeeper for everyone’s favorite underdog team, Jamaica Women’s National Team, and her experience playing for her current club team Sparta Prague in Fortuna Liga.
If you followed Sydney’s career from UNC Wilmington to the NWSL, you’ll want to catch up with her and find out what to expect this summer in Australia. If you don’t know much about the star goalkeeper for the Reggae Girlz, this is the interview for you! (14’)
Keeping in line with the underdog mentality, we hear from New Zealand captain Ali Riley as she discusses her Football Ferns and what they need to do to progress through a very tough group stage. Ali is always fun to hear from and never at a loss for words. (1:06’’)
Episode Links
Follow Sydney Schneider on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/sydneyy_schneider
Follow Reggae Girlz on Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/reggaegirlzfoundation
Follow and support the Reggae Girlz – https://reggaegirlzfoundation.com
Visit Upper V Athlete Management – https://www.uppervathletes.com/about
Visiting California, before you do, watch Patty’s YouTube Show Mission California – https://mission-california.com/
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Blog at wwfshowblog.com.
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Photo Courtesy of FIFA
Original Broadcast Date: May 14, 2023
Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited and produced by Patty La Bella.
Additional assistance for this episode by SSydney Schneider, Lenny Lun from Upper V Athlete Management, Ali Riley, and Lisa Goldberg from Angel City FC.
Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella
Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and its audio and logo cannot be used without expressed written authorization.


New Zealand
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.
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

Ethan King
up is 2-time Olympic bronze medalist Sophie Schmidt. For the past two years, Sophie has been playing football for German club FFC Frankfurt in the Frauen-Bundesliga. The affable Winnipeg native took time to chat with Adam before traveling from Germany to Canada for upcoming friendlies for the national team.
appearance on the show!) Always the player’s advocate, Kate is still making an impact as a Player Relations Executive for the PFA, Australia’s football player’s union. The W-League 2-time Golden Boot winner (remember all those great Perth Glory days?!!), took time out of her busy traveling schedule to talk about her work in the PFA and what it means for women footballers throughout the world.