Episode 78: Caroline Weir, Maia Jackman, Kevin Baxter

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 78 features exclusive interviews with Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir; New Zealand legend Maia Jackman; and LA Times Sports Writer Kevin Baxter.

Women’s World Football is traveling down the road to Rio with this week’s Olympic previews. Plus, we welcome one of the brightest young stars in women’s football, Caroline Weir!

Caroline Weir
On this week’s show we are joined by Liverpool and Scotland midfielder Caroline Weir. Its been a busy few months for the 21-year old as she joined Scott Rodgers and his new look Liverpool squad for the 2016 season.

In this interview Caroline tells us all about the move to The Reds and the steady progress the team has made this season. Away from domestic football Caroline tells us about the mood in the Scotland camp as the national team stands on the verge of qualifying for their first major tournament in their history.

USA Olympic Preview with Kevin Baxter
LA sports writer Kevin Baxter is back to give us an expert preview of the US Women’s National Team heading into Rio. Riding on their new-found confidence, the World Champs are pumped and ready to do what no other women’s team has ever done – win a World Cup and then Olympic Gold in consecutive order. What is Jill Ellis’ next move and what is she doing to keep her players motivated? Why does Carli Lloyd still have a chip on her shoulder and why is it important to keep it there? Is it the right choice to bring a less-than 100% Megan Rapinoe? Plus Kevin updates us on all of this, plus info on Crystal Dunn, Mallory Pugh and more!
Follow Kevin on Twitter @kbaxter11 and check out his recent articles online at LA Times.

Football Fern Maia Jackman and Head Coach John Herdman. Women's Football Conference, Crowne Plaza Hotel, Auckland, Friday 10th December 2010. Photo: Shane Wenzlick

Photo: Shane Wenzlick

New Zealand Olympic Preview with Maia Jackman
To put it simply Maia Jackman is a legend of the game in New Zealand, so who better to give us the lowdown on the Football Ferns ahead of the Olympic games in Rio next month?! Maia tells us all about the squad and gives us a few players we should be looking out for as the Ferns tackle the USA, France and Colombia in the group stage. New Zealand were unfortunate at the Women’s World Cup in Canada, so can they go better this time? We give you the inside scoop and more!
Follow Maia on Twitter @maia515.

Sophie Schmidt Tribute
Sophie Schmidt just celebrated 150 caps with the Canada Women’s National Team and that gives Adam a reason to pay tribute to his favorite #13! Enjoy a few of our favorite Sophie Moments, plus not one, not two, but 3 SchmidtBits! Can you hand it?!

Plus…
Big news out of the FA WSL, along with team updates; NWSL report on teams, players and recent transfers; International friendlies; plus, plenty of reasons why America is already great!… And More!

Big thanks to Team Elite for bringing us Caroline Weir! Check out their website at TeamEliteUK.com.

Fade Out Music by Justin Bieber

Original Broadcast Date: July 24, 2016

Episode 60: Sue Smith, Ashlyn Harris, Greg Miller

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 60 features an exclusive interview with former England great Sue Smith; press conference soundbites from Orlando with Ashlyn Harris, Tom Sermanni, and Phil Rawlins; and University of Pittsburgh Head Coach Greg Miller.

Women’s World Football Show welcomes one of England’s most treasured footballers – Sue Smith! Not many female athletes enjoy a career as long or as successful as the dynamic footballer. When the FA WSL begins it’s 2016 season, Sue will be entering her 22nd year as a professional footballer and still delighting fans with her energetic play and electric personality.

The Doncaster Rovers Belles star gives us her own personal view of how the women’s game has changed over the years and where she see’s it going in the future. The 36-year old brings the game to life in this interview as she does in her TV commentary. What were some of her favorite memories? Who does she regard as the best player she’s played with or against? The answers may not surprise you, but her storytelling will capture your imagination and hold your attention like no other.

Never holding back, always honest and genuine, Sue Smith is a voice for women footballers and fans everywhere and over multiple generations. If you weren’t familiar with Sue’s remarkable career before this interview, be prepared to welcome a new footballing hero to your collection.

Take a listen to Adam’s interview with legendary Sue Smith and then let us know what you think on Facebook or Twitter @WWFShow.

NWSL Expansion Draft
It may be the offseason for the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL), but that doesn’t mean the league stops moving. We take a look at the Orlando Pride as it takes one step closer to completing it’s roster through the Expansion Draft. We comb through their picks, comment on the players and how they fit into the Florida landscape. Plus, we hear from the Pride’s president Phil Rawlins, Head Coach Tom Sermanni and their (real) No. 1 pick goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris. You do not want to miss what these soccer influencers have to say about their new team and their roles in the league!

USA College Soccer 101
Class is in session! Adam is still on his quest to give understanding and knowledge to the world on America’s college soccer program. To help out, we invite University of Pittsburgh Head Coach Greg Miller to the classroom. After four seasons as Pitt Panthers’ head coach, Miller continues to move the program forward at record pace. And in 2014 guided the team to its first Atlantic Coast Conference wins.

We’re picking the mind of Coach Miller as he gives us a full understanding of the college system in the U.S. from recruiting practices to academic challenges and everything in between. So, get your pencils out, pay close attention and prepare to get educated (and entertained!).

USL W-League
After 21 years, the oldest running women’s league in North America (that’s longer than the WNBA!) has ceased operations. We look at it’s successes, it’s failures and it’s influence on the women’s game. Plus, what caused it’s demise and could the folding actually be a positive thing for women’s soccer? We discuss it all!

Plus…
NCAA college ranking run-down, Adam’s NWSL Power Rankings, Carli Lloyd’s FIFA Puskas nomination, and MORE! #VoteforCarli

Fade Out Music by Drake.

Original Broadcast Date: November 7, 2015

Episode 50: 2015 Women’s World Cup, Helen Mitchell, Alana Johnson

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 50 features an exclusive interview with Sheffield Ladies FC head coach Helen Mitchell; and a Women’s World Cup report with Alana “AJ” Johnson.

After 16 long years, Team USA brings home the Women’s World Cup. Women’s World Football Show reviews the tournament and takes a look at many of the players who will go down as champions, regardless if they lifted a trophy or not.

Semifinals
We take a look at England’s heartbreaking loss to Japan and USA’s stunning victory over No. 1 ranked Germany. Despite the disappointing result, the Lionesses have emerged as England’s heroes. On the other hand, as the favorites, Germany will head home with a lot of unanswered questions. How will this effect the current lineup and impending coaching change? We take a hard look at the future of both teams.

Finals
Our roving reporter, Alana “AJ” Johnson joins us live from Vancouver. She was there to witness the USA’s massive victory over Japan in the milestone match. AJ gives us her first-hand insight on the match, the USA team and tries to describe the wild atmosphere at BC Place.

Helen Mitchell, Sheffield FC
Now in its 12th season, Sheffield FC Ladies started life at the bottom of the women’s football pyramid, but has experienced a remarkable rise, including 5 league titles in the last 7 seasons and promotion into the FAWSL. Adam sits down with manager Helen Mitchell to discuss the past, present and future of the FAWSL’s newest team.

50th Episode
We’re celebrating our own milestone with this 50th episode. Thank you to everyone – our listeners, guests and contributors for helping to make WWFShow a success. From our first show in October, 2013 until today, we made a commitment to deliver the best of women’s soccer from all over the world and make it fun and entertaining. Women’s soccer is growing and we’re proud to be a part of it. Now, let’s get working on the next 50 shows!

Fade Out Music by Madonna.

Original Broadcast Date: July 6, 2015

Episode 34: Carli Lloyd

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 34 features an exclusive interview with USWNT midfielder Carli Lloyd; Plus Steel City FC GM Steph Harrison.

Women’s World Football Show welcomes 2-time Olympic gold medal winner Carli Lloyd! USA’s top-scoring midfielder took a break from USWNT training camp in California to chat with Patty about everything from her fitness leading up to the World Cup to her thoughts on the NWSL. In this highly personal interview, Carli gives us an inside look at her “hard-as-nails” image and why we should never judge a book by it’s cover. Plus, does the steely-eyed goal scorer cry at movies? You’ll have to listen to find out!

Steel City FC
If there’s a new team in Pittsburgh, you know Adam is on it! The Pitts-obsessed Englishman visits with the wunderkind behind the newest WPSL team, GM Steph Harrison. Discover how one vision to bring women’s soccer to the City of Champions has become a reality. Support Steel City FC by following them on Twitter @SteelCityFC and visit their website at SteelCityFC.com.

Cyprus Cup and FA Cup
WWFShow breaks down the equally-matched groups at this year’s Cyprus Cup. If you don’t know what’s going on in Cyprus, we’ll get you up to speed. Also, the latest and greatest news on the upcoming Women’s FA Cup match-ups. Will Doncaster get stung this weekend by the London Bees? Adam will be buzzing around the scene.

Plus…
Updates on upcoming international friendlies, a recap of the Four-Nation’s Cup in China, Adam lets us know how to cope with a Sophie Schmidt-less NWSL, Barry plays the drums and more!

And all this Hope Solo business is making us feel kind of… deflated.

Fade-Out Music by Green Day.

Original Broadcast Date: January 24, 2015