Episode 145: Stephanie Labbé

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 145 features an exclusive interview with Canadian Women’s National Team and North Carolina Courage Goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé. Plus, Canadian sports journalist and broadcaster Sandra Prusina.

Stephanie Labbé

Alberta native Stephanie Labbé was an active kid who played hockey in a boys league and grew up to be a world class goalkeeper with the Canadian Women’s National Team. However, as we know, Steph Labbé is more than that. She is a talented writer, businesswoman, and mental health advocate who has opened the doors of conversation on some of the most important topics facing young people today.

As the newest member of the North Carolina Courage, Steph gives us an inside look at her journey back to the NWSL, what its like to be the ‘new kid on the block’ in North Carolina, Canada’s chances at the 2019 Women’s World Cup, and more. (7:35′)
Follow Steph on Twitter @stephlabbe1
Visit Steph’s website at StephLabbe.com
Check out the Project Athlete website
Project Athlete on: Twitter @gearbyproject & on Instagram @gearbyproject
Read Steph’s article on her time with the Calgary Foothills men’s team in the Players Tribune.

Sandra Prusina

Canadian sports journalist, news anchor and broadcaster Sandra Prusina stops by to share her thoughts on the importance of Stephanie Labbé to women’s soccer and sports in general. Plus, a look at Canada’s journey to the 2019 Women’s World Cup, the incoming youngsters, and the final chapter on the veteran players. And in a special discussion, Sandra explains the recent demise of the Canadian Women’s’ Hockey League. Not soccer, but still very relevant to our lives as fans and supporters of women’s sports.
Follow Sandra on Twitter @sprusina
Keep up with Sandra’s articles at SportsNet.ca

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Photos/Logos Courtesy of: Lisa Durel-Wilcox; North Carolina Courage

Original Broadcast Date: May 5, 2019

Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited, sound designed & executive produced by Patty La Bella. Additional assistance for this episode by Sandra Prusina and Morgan Brown at NC Courage.

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.

Episode 133: Yujie Zhao, Krystyna Freda, Sandra Prusina

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 133, features a special 2018 CONCACAF report with sports Canadian broadcaster Sandra Prusina; Interviews with Florida State University midfielder Yujie Zhao; and Barcelona FA striker Krystyna Freda.

The 2018 Concacaf Women’s Championship has finished up and the tournament was just as predictable as it was surprising. As expected, both USA and Canada punched their ticket to the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France, placing first and second respectively in the tournament. The surprises were the early elimination of Mexico and Costa Rica. The other surprise was the third place final, which was a battle to the end between Jamaica and Panama. The match ended in Penalty Kicks, resulting in the Reggae Girlz of Jamaica qualifying for the World Cup for the first time in their history.

In this special Concacaf report, Patty and Adam break down group play, dissect the failures of Mexico and Costa Rica, and discuss the parity of the Concacaf nations. Then in a special report with Canadian sports broadcaster and journalist Sandra Prusina comes in to chat about the Concacaf Final. What did the USA do right, what did Canada do wrong, and what can be done about the shoddy refereeing? Plus, Sandra takes a deep dive into the Canada Women’s National Team. What do they need to do to be real contenders in France? How is the team doing with Kenneth Heiner-Møller at the helm? Who are some of the standout players, and more! Ready for a heaping serving of Concacaf with extra Canada on the side? You do not want to miss this special report!
Learn more about the Calgary Inferno broadcast and Sandra Prusina’s new show “Inside the Inferno” on Sportsnet 960!

Krystyna Freda
Cypriot First Division is the top women’s football league in Cyprus and one of the longest-running leagues in women’s football (established in 1998). On this episode, Adam sits down with Golden Boot winner Krystyna Freda of 2018 league winners Barcelona FA, who play out of Germasogeia. As the top scorer in the league, Krystyna is making her mark in Cyprus and gearing up for a new season.

The New Jersey native shares her journey from being a Top Drawer collegiate player at Winthrop University in South Carolina to training in the NWSL, playing in Finland, and now a star in the Cypriot League. If you want to know more about the league in Cyprus, other avenues to play professional soccer, or just catch up with Krystyna, this is the interview you want to hear! (46’)
Connect with Krystyna on Facebook!

Yujie Zhao
While China failed to make it out of the group stage in the 2018 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, their standout midfielder Yujie Zhao learned a valuable lesson and made a name for herself on the national level. The exciting young star is now studying and playing soccer at Florida State University and is continuing her rise to the top in women’s football.

Yujie sits down with Patty to give us her thoughts on playing in the NCAA, how the experience is helping her get stronger, and how she’s been able to assimilate so quickly into the unique experience of American collegiate soccer. Plus, we delve into her background, find out what motivated her to play soccer at such a high level, what the future holds, and more. This interview has a surprise ending (never before has this been done on Women’s World Football Show!), so get ready for a Chinese treat!! This is one of our highlight interviews, so pull up a chair and get to know the China star Yujie Zhao! (01:14’)

PLUS…
College Rankings with the Englishman; Upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifiers; England vs. Australia, and MORE!

Photos/Logos Courtesy of: Concacaf, Seminoles.com, Krystyna Freda, Perrons Ford, FSU Athletics

Original Broadcast Date: October 21, 2018

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.

Episode 132: Amy Sayer, Amber Stobbs, Phil Neville

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 132: Features interviews with Australia Women’s National Team striker Amy Sayer, Charlton W.F.C. midfielder Amber Stobbs, and soundbites from England Women’s National Team Manager Phil Neville.

There are tons of rising stars in women’s soccer today, but none as young and exciting as Australia Women’s National Team striker Amy Sayer. Adam sits down with the 16-year old to learn about what it takes to play at the highest level while still in high school.

Making her debut for the senior squad at 2018 Tournament of Nations, Sayer is realizing her dream of playing for the senior squad and preparing for her new team Sydney FC in the Westfield W-League. What are the challenges of a teenager playing among her heroes? What does it feel like to get that initial call up? and what does the future hold for the young star? Amy is here to share all this and more! (25:38′)

Amber Stobbs
Charlton Athletic W.F.C. is getting great results in the FA Women’s Championship this season and one big reason is the addition of midfielder Amber Stobbs. The former Washington Spirit Reserves player visits with Patty to talk about her career, her college days at Hofstra University and her new project – Equal Focus Football.

The 25-year old shares her passion for helping to give young girls an equal opportunity to play football. Amber takes us through her journey as a collegiate player, pro player and female football advocate. It’s an awesome story and one you’ll want to share with everyone you know! (57′)
Learn more about Equal Focus Football online and follow them on Twitter @EQFootball
Get in touch with Amber on Twitter @akstobbs

England vs. Brazil
Adam was on hand to cover England’s 1-0 defeat of Brazil at Meadow Lane in Nottinghamshire. Listen to the full report on the match, Fran Kirby’s winning goal, the impressive play of Nikita Parris, and more! Plus we hear from the Gaffer himself – Phil Neville! (7′)

PLUS…
All the latest from 2018 CONCACAF Women’s Championship; World Cup Qualifiers; the problem with Marta and MORE!

Photos Courtesy of: CAFC.co.uk; CanberraUnited.com; Matildas.FootballAustralia.com.au

Original Broadcast Date: October 7, 2018

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.

Episode 92: Rhian Wilkinson, Emily Roberts, Remy Siemsen

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 92 features exclusive interviews with Canada legend Rhian Wilkinson; Durham winger Emily Roberts; Aussie striker Remy Siemsen; and Australian sports writer Cheryl Downes.

There’s a change in the air in women’s soccer – can you feel it? We can! And on this week’s episode of Women’s World Football Show, we travel the globe to take a look at these changes first hand. First up, we head to Canada to talk with one of the game’s most popular players – Rhian Wilkinson.

An intricate member of the Canada Women’s National Team since 2003, Rhian made her debut at 20 years old after a stellar career at University of Tennessee. The winner of 2 Olympic bronze medals, Rhian has contributed to the success of the Canada team over the years with her leadership and tactical skills. Now at 34 years old, the Quebec native has decided to hang up her boots. We caught up with Rhian just before she played her last match against Mexico on February 4, 2017.

In this candid conversation, Rhian talks about why she decided that now is the time to retire from professional soccer, shares some of her favorite memories and reflects on the influence of Coach John Herdman. Plus, is coaching on her own horizon? We’ll see.. And true to form, Rhian is brutally honest about the state of the women’s game, while calling for more women to get involved in coaching and why many of her Canadian teammates deserve to be recognized as great players, role models and influencers in the sport.

Rhian is a player who will always be remembered for her grit, her heart and her humor. Get ready to start missing her already and enjoy this interview with the one-and-only Rhian Wilkinson! (3:50)

Emily Roberts
The FAWSL 2 Spring Series is underway and one of the teams you’ll want to keep a close eye on are the Durham Wildcats! Adam sits down with Durham’s powerful winger Emily Roberts to chat about the upcoming season, as well as the changes she’s seen at Durham and in the league over the past few years. As a former player for Doncaster, Emily knows a thing or two about winning the league and she brings that experience to Durham. Emily tells us all about the Wildcats preparations for 2017, as well as looks back at her career with her former clubs Doncaster, Notts County and Lincoln. (41:30)
Follow Durham Wildcats on Twitter @DurhamWFC

Westfield W-League
The book has closed on the 2016/17 W-League season, but not before we chat with our friend and correspondent from The Women’s Game, Cheryl Downes! Patty and Cheryl chat about the Final Four – Perth Glory, Sydney FC, Melbourne City and Canberra United. What did it take for these teams to make it to the playoffs, who were some of the standout players and why is this league becoming a hotbed for new, young players? It’s all here and more! (plus a Kate Gill question? maybe.) (54:33)

Remy Siemsen
Keeping on the subject of the W-League, we welcome Sydney FC striker Remy Siemsen! As we all know, the league has plenty of rising young stars, but none brighter than Remy. In just her first season in the league, Remy has turned heads, scoring many crucial goals for the Sky Blues. In this spirited interview, the 17-year old tells us all about her remarkable season, playing along side the likes of Caitlin Foord and Kyah Simon and the dream experience of representing Australia at the youth level. Plus, Remy gives us “behind the scenes” info on many of her Sydney FC teammates and her dream of playing overseas. This is a player on the steps of a great career, so don’t miss a second of this interview! (1:18:00)

Plus…
What’s next for Canada! FAWSL 1 and NWSL updates. And it wouldn’t be a WWFShow without a look at the recent ‘going-ons’ at the US Women’s National Team! We have a team update, see what Jill Ellis is up to, the latest shenanigans of Hope Solo and recent transfer rumors of one Carli Lloyd! Talk about changes!!

Fade Out Music by Keane

Original Broadcast Date: February 11, 2017

Photo credits courtesy of: Canada Soccer; Durham WFC; APP

Episode 91: Zoe Johnson, Jaclyn Poucel

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 91 features exclusive interviews with Sheffield FC manager Zoe Johnson; Former University of Pittsburgh standout Jaclyn Poucel; and FC Barcelona expert Michelle Taylor.

We’re celebrating some of the world’s most popular sporting cities with special guests who have carved their own paths to their footballing journeys. First up is Sheffield FC Ladies manager Zoe Johnson!

Sheffield made their FAWSL 2 debut in 2016, finishing a very respectable 5th place in the table. Zoe looks back on that season with thoughts on what worked and what needs to be worked on. She also shares her thoughts on the upcoming FA Cup, where Sheffield will meet Charlton in what’s sure to be a thrilling match!

Zoe also gives her thoughts on managing a team balanced with youngsters and veterans, the challenges of the Spring Series, and the upcoming 2017/18 FAWSL 2 season. Sheffield is a team on the rise and Zoe gives us all the insight! (4:00′)

Jaclyn Poucel
Adam catches up with former University of Pittsburgh standout Jaclyn Poucel. After her senior season, Jaclyn found herself on the list for eligible players for the 2015 NWSL college draft. But with a deep crop of draftees, the tall center-back went undrafted. But that didn’t diminish her dreams of playing professional soccer !

In this spirited interview, the 5-foot-9 defender shares with us her journey to Finland and Iceland, as well as her experience playing for the Boston Breakers Reserves. Learning the love of the game from her mom, Jaclyn takes us through her childhood, her experiences as a young recruit, and her thoughts on the differing aspects of the women’s game here and abroad. Plus, Jaclyn gives us the lowdown on some of her favorite places in Pittsburgh! (35:56′)

FC Barcelona Women
Everyone knows FC Barcelona is the most popular football team on the planet. So, it’s only fitting to spotlight the FC Barcelona Women’s team! To help us get to know the team and the women’s Spanish League, we chat with Michelle Taylor. An expert on all things Barca, Michelle runs an English language twitter account covering the women’s side, as well as the Spanish league. Adam sits down with Michelle to learn more about the club, the league and updates on the Spanish National Team. (1:03:30′)
Follow @barcawomen on Twitter

Plus…
We peek in on the FAWSL 2, give updates on NWSL transfers, and a W-League post season mini-preview! Also, what’s going on with Canada? We’ve got the whole world in our hands on this episode – so don’t miss a single minute!

Fade Out Music by Lauren Alaina

Original Broadcast Date: January 29, 2017

Photo credits courtesy of: SheffieldFC.com; Jaclyn Poucel; Michelle Taylor

Episode 67: Diana Matheson, Shirley Cruz

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 67 features exclusive interviews with Canada midfielder Diana Matheson; Pamela Del Olmo chats with Costa Rica midfielder Shirley Cruz; Jana Lange gives a Frauen Bundesliga report; plus, NWSL previews with Louis Roesch and Michelle Stile; and Aussie update with Cheryl Downes.

Women’s World Football Show kicks off this international flavored episode with special guest and Canada Women’s National Soccer Team hero Diana Matheson! The Olympic Bronze medal winner gives us inspiring insight into her life, her career and her unwavering rise to the top of women’s soccer.

Why is DMath so excited about all the young players coming into the Canada squad? What’s it like to play for one of the most colorful coaches in the women’s game? And what inspired her to become one of the best attacking midfielders in the women’s game today? The hero of the 2012 Olympics shares this and so much more!

As a youth, the always calm and collected footballer split time between the Canada National Team and the Princeton Tigers (where she majored in economics). Smarts, athleticism, and determination are just a few of the traits that have made Diana a favorite among fans all over the world. And at 5-feet-0, she continues to break down old stereotypes to inspire young people, showing you don’t have to fit into a certain mold to achieve your dreams.

After two injuries sidelined her for most of 2015, Diana worked hard to return, determined to make an impact for her side at the Women’s World Cup in Canada. She discusses how much it meant for her to get back to playing form and represent her country on her hometown pitch in Canada.

And as the face of the NWSL’s Washington Spirit, Diana shares with us what makes this team so special and why she’s excited for the 2016 season to begin.

So, sit back with a few beaver tails, pour yourself a Tim Horton’s Double-Double, prepare your inner-Canadian to rise to the top, and enjoy this inspiring one-on-one with the Diana Matheson (#8!!!).
Check out Diana’s website.

CONCACAF
It’s no surprise that USA and Canada have punched their tickets to the 2016 Olympics in Rio via the CONCACAF Women’s Olympic Qualifiers. But there were small surprises that came out of the underwhelming tournament and we’re nit-picking them to death! Plus, we’re on the case to uncover the mystery of the missing fans! Could it be a direct result of zero-promotion from CONCACAF? Nah…

CONCACAF BONUS!
WWFShow’s Mexico correspondent Pamela Del Olmo was in Texas for the tournament and caught up with Costa Rica star midfielder Shirley Cruz in the media mixzone! WARNING/ADVERTENCIA: Dig out your Spanish Dictionary or call up your old Tia, this interview is all in Spanish, amigos! Don’t worry, English-speaking Cruz fans, we will have the translation up on the WWFShow Tumblr page muy pronto!
Follow Pamela on Twitter @pndom.

Frauen Bundesliga
The second half of the 2015/16 Frauen Bundesliga has kicked off and our friend and German sports writer Jana Lange is back to update us on all the exciting happenings. Which players have left the league? Who are the new players coming in? And which top teams have brought in new coaches? Jana gives us die ganze Enchilada! (Told you we were heaping on the international flavor!).
Follow Jana on Twitter @jott_ell .

NWSL Previews, Part 1
The 2016 NWSL season kicks off on April 16 and we’re bringing in expert pundits to help preview two teams per episode leading up to the start of the season!

First up… We Dash-On over to Texas with Louis Roesch from OrangeintheOven.com. Lou has reported on the Houston Dash since their inception and brings us a highly-personal account of what we should look for in Coach Randy Waldrum’s revamped team.
Follow Lou on Twitter @sportsguy409.

Next, we head down south to FLA for a unique perspective of the newest NWSL expansion team, the Orlando Pride. Our friend from Women’s Soccer Weekly, Michelle Stile brings us up to date on the latest moves and grooves being made by Head Coach Tom Sermanni.
Follow Michelle on Twitter @oldpipster.

Australia Women’s National Soccer Team
The Matilidas are gearing up for their Olympic Qualifiers in Asia. That only means one thing… Cheryl Downes, our resident Aussie writer from The Women’s Game is back to bring us up to speed! How tough is it for Australia to qualify against teams like Japan, The Koreas and China? Which players are too injured to even participate? Hold on to your Koala! Cheryl brings us all the Crikey details! (Could we fit any more Aussie stereotypes in this paragraph?). Sure, but first, let’s throw another shrimp on the Barbieri!
Follow Cheryl on Twitter @ChicasFootball.

Plus…
Have you missed the Schmidt-Bits? Haven’t heard 99 Luft Balloons in awhile? We have you covered in this one jam-packed, smoking hot show!

Fade Out Music by Colbie Caillat

Original Broadcast Date: February 20, 2016

Episode 5: Neil Senneck

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 5 features an exclusive interview with youth coach Neil Senneck; updates on NWSL and FAWSL; plus an update on FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

The latest edition of Women’s World Football Show features a unique look at girls football in South Africa with youth coach Neil Senneck.

Also news from around NWSL, FAWSL, and the FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup Qualifiers.

Canada Women’s National Team Player Profile: Diana Matheson

Original Broadcast Date: December 15, 2013