Episode 115: Ariane Hingst, Cheryl Downes, Lisa Durel

Episode 115: Women’s World Football Show welcomes 2-time Women’s World Cup Champion, former German defender Ariane Hingst; Editor of The Women’s Game (Australia) Cheryl Downes; and from Women’s Soccer France Lisa Durel.

Ariane Hingst began her football journey with a ball at her feet as a youngster in Berlin. From then, she has grown into one of the most decorated women footballers of our time. Patty sits down with the footballing icon in an exclusive interview direct from VfL Wolfsburg training camp.

As the third-most capped player on the German Women’s National Team, Ariane was and still is a great contributor to the success of women’s football in Germany. As a player, Ariane achieved unparalleled accomplishments including 4-time UEFA Euro Champion, 3-time Olympic Bronze Medal winner, and 2-time Women’s World Cup champion. Now, as assistant coach at VfL Wolfsburg, the affable former defender is still impacting the game in the Fruen-Bundesliga.

In this interview, Ariane shares her many experiences as a player, her club years in the W-League, how she landed at Wolfsburg and the secret behind the team’s recent successes, why the German style is so sought after by internationals and more! Don’t miss this interview with one of the great footballers of our time!
Follow Ariane on Twitter @AriHingst
(9:00’)

Westfield W-League Round-Up
Cheryl Downes, Editor-in-Chief at TheWomensGame.com, stops by to review the 2017/18 W-League season. Patty thought the season was a blast…but why does Cheryl disagree? We find this out and more, including… What were some of the big surprises, highlights, and low-lights of the season? Which player and coach stood out among the crowd? Plus… How can women’s soccer in Australia continue to grow while competing with more popular sports? Cheryl breaks it down for us!
Follow Cheryl on Twitter @ChicasFootball
(35:00’)

Football France
Lisa Durel, founder of Women’s Soccer France is back to update us on all things French Women’s National Football Team and recent happenings in Division 1 Féminine. Adam and Lisa take on the tough subjects facing Les Bleues as the SheBelieves Cup defending champions head into the upcoming cycle. Where does the national team stand at the moment with the Women’s World Cup around the corner and what pressure are they facing as hosts? Plus, there’s another American at Olympique Lyonnais! How does Morgan Brian fit in and will she be healthy enough to help her French side win another UEFA Champions League trophy? Lisa answers the tough questions!
Follow Lisa on Twitter @CaptainWoSoFr
(1:06:00’)

Plus…
Updates from the Frauen-Bundesliga, FAWSL 1&2, Westfield W-League semifinals, and off-season news from NWSL. We Also take a look at U.S. Soccer’s new president Carlos Cordeiro, what’s next for Hope Solo and MORE!!!

Photos Courtesy of: @AriHingst; Women’s Soccer France; Westfield W-League

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 111: Vera Pauw

Episode 111 of Women’s World Football Show features an exclusive interview Houston Dash new Head Coach Vera Pauw; and a look at the 2017 women’s college season with sports journalist Celia Balf of FanSided.

Vera Pauw
There’s a new head coach in Houston and she goes by the name of Vera Pauw! The celebrated head coach gives us deep insight on how she signed with Houston, and why now? Never one to shy away from a challenge, Vera shares her journey 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.

After bringing the South Africa National Team to the Rio Olympics in 2016 and changing a few lives along the way, Coach Pauw decided it was time to turn the team over to the coaches she helped train. But with Dash midfielder and Banyana-Banyana captain Janine Van Wyk, along with friend Anson Dorrance urging her to come to Texas, it was hard to turn away from this next challenging opportunity. As always, Coach Pauw is candid, forthright and funny, so catch this very special WWFShow interview! (7:30’)

NCAA College Cup report with Celia Balf
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.

Also, Celia is on hand to help guide us through the past college season, the future of the college game, some of the collegiate players we should be watching during the upcoming 2018 NWSL College Draft, and more. (40:00’)
Follow Celia on Twitter @celiabalf
Read Celia’s articles on FanSided!

PLUS…
Just when you thought it was safe… The Hope Solo theme song is back & for good reason. Patty and Adam go over the storied goalkeeper’s bid for nomination to be the next President of U.S. Soccer Federation. Is she ready to be taken serious or is it just another way to get attention. We do a deep dive into this bazaar turn of events.

AND…
Detailed updates from the Westfield W-League, Frauen Bundesliga and National Women’s League New Zealand. Also, the latest off-season news from the NWSL; and MORE!

Original Broadcast Date: December 17, 2017

Photos courtesy of: Celia Balf; SAFA.net;

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 100: Sophie Schmidt, Kate Gill

Episode 100 of Women’s World Football Show features exclusive interviews with Canada WNT midfielder Sophie Schmidt; Former Australia Women’s National Team striker Kate Gill; and sports journalists Jana Lange (Germany) and Sandra Prusina (Canada).

This milestone episode features interviews with a few of women’s soccer’s most influential people. First 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.

As a longtime supporter of Women’s World Football Show, Sophie has the distinction of being the only 3-time guest on the show (and she still likes us!!). Sophie chats about her time in Germany, some of the challenges she’s faced and then overcame. She also shares some of her favorite memories, the importance of Coach John Herdman, and her future in the game. If you missed any of Sophie’s WWFShow interviews in the past, you’re in luck, because this is the best one yet! (4:00′)

Kate Gill
Of course we couldn’t celebrate our 100th episode without Matilda icon Kate Gill (her second 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.

Still holding the record for all-time leading goal scorer for the Australian team, the former captain reveals what drives her to fight for player’s rights, why she will always be a Proud Matilda, and what she’s learned about herself since 2015. For Kate Gill supporters, this is a gem interview, and for those who don’t know her – now you know! (33:45′)

Jana Lange
How much more do you know about the German national team and Frauen-Bundesliga now then you did three-and-half years ago? So much more!! Thanks to German sports journalist Jana Lange! We’ve had the pleasure of welcoming Jana on the show throughout the years to educate and entertain us on all things German football! She’s back for this special episode to recap the growth of the women’s game in Germany over the past years, the changes we’ve seen, the ups-and-downs of the teams and more! (55:00′)

Sandra Prusina
It was January, 2014 (Episode 8 if you’re counting), when we first welcomed Canadian sports journalist and radio personality Sandra Prusina to the show (and she still keeps coming back!!). So, it’s only fitting that we bring the Calgary girl back on to chat about the past, present and future of the Canada Women’s National Team, it’s extraordinary players, and it’s intense coach. Are we seeing a changing of the guard? How is the soccer landscape changing in Canada? Just how do you pronounce Labbé? And just who is this kid named Jordyn Huitema? Sandra (aka “The Canadian Nostradamus”) answers these questions & MORE! (1:12:55′)

PLUS…
We’re looking back on the past 99 episodes with clips, outtakes and a few unforgettable memories. We’re also taking time to thank everyone (including YOU!!) for coming along on this journey with us to help grow the women’s game throughout the world!

Original Broadcast Date: June 10, 2017

Photo credits courtesy of: CanadaSoccer.com; SBS.com; FootballAustralia.com; PerthGlory.com; Zimbio.com

WWFShow theme music by Patricia La Bella

Episode 99: Jessica Fishlock, Nadia Lawrence

Episode 99 of Women’s World Football Show features exclusive interviews with Wales Women’s National Team stars Jessica Fishlock and Nadia Lawrence. Also, a special Frauen-Bundesliga report from German sports journalist Jana Lange.

Jessica Fishlock stepped out of her comfort zone at the age of 19, leaving her Cardiff City home to conquer the world. And she’s never looked back. As the only Welsh player male or female with 100 caps for the Wales National Team, Jess has set the standard for success in women’s football and beyond. In 2017 Jess played for & coached Melbourne City FC to its second consecutive W-League win. Soon after she was on her way to the USA to play her fifth season with Seattle Reign FC in the NWSL (one of six leagues she’s represented in her decade-long career).

In this interview Jess takes us through her soccer journey, shares what she’s learned along the way and what it takes to be a professional footballer. The Reign co-captain tells us what she’s learned as a coach and player from Laura Harvey and how their relationship isn’t always so smooth, the team’s determination to finally get what’s there’s and more. A strong voice in the women’s game and one who always “tells it like it is,” Jessica Fishlock is here and you’d be remiss not to listen to this insightful interview! (20:00)

Nadia Lawrence
Keeping on the Wales tales… Yeovil Town Ladies are making their debut in FAWSL 1 this year – So, who better to get on the show than dangerous striker Nadia Lawrence! The Welsh international has been a huge part of the Yeovil success story and shares her experiences with the newly promoted team. What does the promotion mean to the team as a whole? How does WSL 1 compare with WSL 2? And what’s it like to be a role model in the fan-friendly town? Nadia gives us all the answers and more!

Nadia has also become an intricate member of the Wales Women’s National Team, and most recently call up to the team for upcoming friendlies ahead of the Women’s World cup qualifiers. Nadia gives us updates on the team and has more than a few great words about Jess Fishlock as a teammate and as a coach. If you’re a Yeovil or Wales supporter, this is the interview for you! (51:46)

Frauen-Bundesliga
Our friend and German sports journalist Jana Lange is back to discuss the conclusion of the Frauen-Bundesliga 2016/17 season. New champions Wolfsburg won the title ahead of last year’s champions Bayern Munich (as predicted by Jana back in August!). In this segment, Jana sheds light on what helped with Wolfsburg’s success, the changes at Bayern, a full report on the winners, losers and more! (01:12:35)

Plus…
Updates on the NWSL, FAWSL, USWNT and MORE!!

Original Broadcast Date: May 28, 2017

Photo credits courtesy of: Jess Fishlock; FIFA.com; FA Wales

Fade Out Music by Nelly

WWFShow theme music by Patricia La Bella

Episode 88: Christine Nairn, Holly Pascoe, Angela Hucles

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 88 features exclusive interviews with Melbourne Victory midfielder Christine Nairn; Canterbury United Pride player Holly Pascoe; Former USWNT midfielder Angela Hucles; and German sports journalist Jana Lange.

Women’s World Football Show‘s last episode of the year is packed with football presents! First up, we welcome the ever-popular midfielder Christine Nairn! A revelation in both the NWSL and in Australia’s Westfield WLeague, Christine has become a powerful presence in both leagues over the years.

After a standout career at Penn State University, Nairn was drafted in the first-ever NWSL College Draft in 2013 by Seattle Reign FC. She’s been living her dream ever since, traveling the world as a professional footballer. In this thoughtful interview, Christine shares how she discovered the love of the game and how a little girl’s dream of playing pro soccer became a reality (despite the doubters!).

Taking teams on her back and collecting fans over two continents, no one is helping to grow the women’s game more than Christine Nairn! Christine discusses the changes she’s seen in the women’s game Down Under, her thoughts on Melbourne City and how Melbourne Victory will turn the tide on the season.

Back stateside, Christine has recently been traded from her hometown team Washington Spirit back to the team that originally drafted her in Seattle. She gives us her thoughts on the trade, her time in Washington and the exciting future of playing for Laura Harvey once again. You know her name, now take a listen and get to know the person – Christine Nairn! (04:54)

Holly Pascoe
The Canterbury United Pride recently won their 3rd New Zealand Grand Final in 4 years beating Capital 2-0. Both those goals were skillfully delivered by our guest – Holly Pascoe! At just 17 years of age this exciting youngster, made her debut for Canterbury just this year. Holly shares her experiences of that unforgettable match, the incredible breakout season in the league and her future plans (which includes playing collegiate soccer in the U.S.!). Don’t miss this interview with one of the brightest young stars in the game today! (36:42)

Angela Hucles
WWFShow welcomes back former USWNT midfielder Angela Hucles! The 2-time Olympic gold medal winner was our guest back in May, 2016 (Episode 72 – “Journeys”). Hucles is back again to talk about her innovative training program for young athletes called Fueling Dynamic Leaders. Angela gives us all the details on this unique online training tool designed specifically for student athletes. After a stellar pro soccer career, Hucles is offering her knowledge to young athletes all over the world – And that means you! (53:55)
Learn more at FuelingDynamicLeaders.com.
Get inspired by following Fueling Dynamic Leaders on Facebook, Twitter and Instagram!

Frauen Bundesliga Report with Jana Lange
Our favorite German sports journalist Jana Lange sits down with Adam to help catch us up on what’s what in the Frauen Bundesliga. As we approach the halfway mark of the season, our Dynamisches Duo chats about the 3-way title race that’s seeing the upstart Turbine Potsdam leading the way from past powerhouses VfL Wolfsburg and Bayern Munchen. We also take a look at the plans to reform the second division and what that means for women’s football in Germany. Also, we check in with Olympic champions Germany – their new coach, the upcoming Women’s Champions League battle with France, and She Believes Cup! (1:20:36)

Plus…
We’re answering fan questions from around the world! Find out Adam’s thoughts on the FAWSL Spring Series, Patty’s pick for the USWNT No. 1 goalkeeper, WWFShow’s dream interviews & MORE!

Fade Out Music by Brian Setzer Orchestra

Original Broadcast Date: December 17, 2016

Photo credits courtesy of: WLeague.com; MelbourneVictory.com; AngelaHucles.com; Photosport

Episode 83: Crystal Dunn, Jess McDonald, Lynn Williams, Sabrina D’Angelo

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 83 features post-game interviews with USA stars Crystal Dunn, Jess McDonald, and Lynn Williams; Canada stars Sabrina D’Angelo, Stephanie Labbé and Shelina Zadorsky; Former University of Texas goalkeeper Alexa Gaul; USA U-20 head coach Michelle French; and sports agent Lenny Lun.

The 2016 NWSL season is in the books and a new champion is crowned! Western New York Flash met league leaders Washington Spirit in a hard-fought championship final at BBVA Compass stadium in Houston, Texas on October 10, 2016. At the end of the battle, it was WNY Flash hoisting the trophy. Patty and Adam bring you all the news and highlights. Plus we hear from Washington Spirit forward Crystal Dunn, as well as WNY strikers Jessica McDonald and Lynn Williams, and goalkeeper Sabrina D’Angelo.

Shelina Zadorsky & Stephanie Labbé
While covering the 2016 NWSL Championship Finals, Michelle Stile (aka Old Pipster) caught up with Washington Spirit goalkeeper Stephanie Labbé and defender Shelina Zadorsky. In this “spirited” interview, our favorite Canadians share their thoughts on the NWSL, the Spirit, their teammate Crystal Dunn, and more!

Alexa Gaul
A name known around the world of women’s soccer, Alexa Gaul joins the show to chat about her new role as goalkeeper coach at Columbus State University. Alexa spent a year and a half in Willstätt, Germany playing for SC Sand in the Frauen Bundesliga. During Alexa’s tenure, SC Sand found success which included advancing to the DFB Pokal Finale, the German Championship, as well as defeating the defending European Champion, VFL Wolfsburg, for the first time in club history.

The former University of Texas goalkeeper also discusses her time playing for UMF Selfoss in Iceland and her USA national team experience, as a member of the junior U.S. National Teams. Straight from the professional ranks after wrapping up her playing days in Germany, Alexa gives us insight on what it’s like to transition from player to coach in a very short time and her goals for the future.

Frauen Bundesliga & German National Team report
Women’s World Football Show welcomes back German sportswriter Jana Lange to discuss all things Germany! The Bundesliga is already five rounds in, so Jana and Adam discuss the surprising rise of Turbine Potsdam, the slow start of Bayern München, and everything in between. The pair also take an in-depth look at the progress the German National Team, their recent Olympic Gold Medal victory, Germany’s new head coach Steffi Jones, and more!

Michelle French
As the USA U-20 team prepares for the upcoming 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup, Patty caught up with head coach Michelle French. The affable coach talks about the recent NTC Invitational held at Stub Hub Center in Carson, Calif., where England came away with an impressive win (Brazil and Korea DPR also participated). Coach French discusses the U-20 Women’s World Cup, the progress of Mallory Pugh, and answers the burning questions – Just what is it like to travel around the world with a bunch of teenagers?! All this and more!

Lenny Lun
Movies and TV shows have glamorized the profession of a sports agent. But what is life really like for a top sports agent representing professional athletes? Women’s World Football Show welcomes Leonard “Lenny” Lun, president and CEO of Upper V Athlete Management. Lenny has become the sports agent to many stars in women’s soccer and he’s here to give us a rare inside look into the profession.

Sarah “The Cowgirl” Hallett
If you would like to contribute to help with medical expenses during this challenging time, visit Sarah’s GoFundMe page. Also, send our Cowgirl a message of encouragement through Twitter @hallett_sarah.

Plus…
U-17 Women’s World Cup report; Upcoming international match scheduled dates; Euro qualifiers; And just how many times can we mention Iceland? Apparently a lot!

Fade Out Music by Alicia Keys

Original Broadcast Date: October 16, 2016

Photo credits courtesy of: ussoccer.com; NWSLSoccer.com; Brad Smith/ISIPhotos.com; Columbus State University

Episode 76: Janine van Wyk, Alina Garciamendez, Sandra Prusina

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 76 features exclusive interviews with South Africa captain Janine van Wyk; Mexico defender Alina Garciamendez; Canada sports journalist Sandra Prusina; and “Kid Reporter” Kaitlyn Jones.

No matter what side of the world you’re on, one thing’s for sure – you know an inspirational soccer star when you see one! In this episode of Women’s World Football Show, we spotlight not one, but TWO of the world’s most motivating stars in the women’s game today.

First up, we chat with South Africa captain and record cap holder Janine van Wyk. In this interview Janine tells us how preparations are going for the Olympic games in Rio (including a trip to the USA to play the world champions) and how the side is much better prepared than they were for their last Olympics in 2012.

The influential leader also tells us all about her JVW FC Project that is giving girls all over the world a chance to play the beautiful game. How did Janine handle her first cap as a 17-year old for South Africa? What does THAT goal against Nigeria really mean to her? And how does Manchester United figure into her own dreams? Janine shares the answers and so much more!
Follow Janine on Twitter @Janinevanwyk5 and check out JVW FC Project.

Second up (but always No. 1 in the hearts of Mexico fans) is defender Alina Garciamendez. The Stanford record-holder updates us on her latest career path and it’s possible affect on her soccer future. Alina shares her thoughts on the current state of the Mexico Women’s National Team and what she thinks can be done to make the the women’s game stronger in that country.

Plus, Alina lets us in on how she continues to balance school and football, her experiences at FFC Frankfurt and some of the highlights of her football career (so far!).
To keep up to date on Alina’s future and on the state of the Mexico team, follow her on Twitter @alinag16.

Canada Report
Oh Can-a-da… Here we come! Adam sits down with Canadian sports journalist and radio personality, Sandra Prusina. If you’ve been wondering how the Canada Women’s National Team recovered after their disappointing 2015 Women’s World Cup exit to win the 2016 Algarve Cup and other recent successes, Sandra breaks it all down! A great mix of both youth and veterans, Canada is preparing for Rio with quiet strength and resolve. Sandra gives us valuable insight on the players to watch, who’s leading the team, and more! If you’re looking for a complete Canada team report – this is for you!
Follow Sandra’s blog at Northern Kick and on Twitter @sprusina.

Kids Korner (?)
Okay, that may not be the real name, but WWFShow introduces a new segment spotlighting youth soccer players all over the world. For the first edition (not addition), we introduce our new correspondent and youth player herself, Kaitlyn Jones. The Florida native will be our “Kid in the Streets” (okay, that may not be the title either) asking the questions other kids want to know. If you know of a youth player or you are one, contact us and you may be one of “Jonesy’s Juniors” (still working on that title!). Follow Jonesy @kaitlyn_jones9.

Plus…
We dissect the demise of the Boston Breakers, demystify the problem in Houston, dial in on the new coach at Doncaster; And more! Now let the power play begin!

Fade Out Music by Indigo Girls

Original Broadcast Date: June 25, 2016

Episode 72: Angela Hucles, Jovanna Damjanovic, Jana Lange

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 72 features exclusive interviews former USWNT midfielder Angela Hucles; SC Sand forward Jovanna Damjanovic; and German sports writer Jana Lange.

Women’s World Football Show explores the journeys of the game’s favorite players and teams – storied and new!

Join us as we welcome 2-time Olympic gold medal winner Angela Hucles. The former U.S.

USWNT midfielder (16) Angela Hucles holds the trophy for most valuable player, the golden ball, after the finals of the Peace Queen Cup. The USWNT defeated Canada, 1-0, at Suwon World Cup Stadium in Suwon, South Korea.

USWNT midfielder Angela Hucles holds the MVP trophy, the Golden Ball, after the finals of the Peace Queen Cup, 2008.

Women’s National Team midfielder brings us back to her days growing up in Virginia Beach and how she developed her love for the game.

Anyone who has gone through the trophy hall at University of Virginia knows the name of Angela Hucles. It took 15 years for someone to come along and break a few of her all-time scoring records. Angela’s journey into pro soccer began as a member of the first-ever Boston Breakers team and in fact, scored the first goal in the history of the Breakers (in 2001 a preseason exhibition match against Duke Blue Devils).

As a member of the USWNT, Angela was a player known for her ability to come off the bench in pivotal moments and strike an impactful pose. In 2008, Angela finished the Olympic campaign tied with the most goals of the tournament and a gold medal around her neck.

Her impact on the game didn’t end there. Angela has spent her post-soccer career giving a voice to those in desperate need of one. Angela is the current president of Women’s Sports Foundation; She has worked with the U.S. State Department and You Can Play organization to help empower LGBT youth through sport; and she founded Empowerment Through Sport Leadership Series, a unique conference featuring speakers and programs dedicated to teaching leadership and healthy living on and off the pitch.

Angela Hucles’ journeys have made her one of the more impactful and inspiring athletes of all time! Now, sit back and enjoy the one and only Angela Huuuuuu-cles!

Connect with Angela and the many organizations she’s involved in:
Women’s Sports Foundation
Empowerment Through Sport Leadership Series
You Can Play
Follow Angela on Twitter @angelahucles

Jovanna Damjanovic
One of biggest stories in this year’s Frauen Bundesliga season has been SC Sand reaching the German Cup final. And forward Jovanna Damjanovic has been a huge part of their success. The Serbian striker has hit 6 goals in the season so far and won Goal of the Week award twice in 2016. In this interview, Jovanna gives us insight into her life growing up in Serbia, playing for Red Star Belgrade, and her journey to Wolfsburgh at just 19 years of age.

The young power forward details her unbelievable Cinderella story of SC Sands. What does the future hold for her on a club level and on the international stage? Plus – what is she expecting in the upcoming match against England coming up in the Euro 2017 qualifiers? Jovanna shares with enthusiasm this and so much more! Don’t miss this interview with one of the world’s most exciting young players!

Frauen Bundesliga & Germany
The German league is reaching its conclusion! Adam sits down with our German correspondent Jana Lange to look at the big stories in the league. From Bayern marching on to a second title win in a row and a surprise in the DFB Cup semi-finals to the relegation battle and the German Champions League semi-final news – its all here and more.

While we have Jana here, WWFShow also looks at the German Women’s National Team as they prepare for the Olympics and the sad news of Nadine Kessler’s retirement. This is your one-stop shop for all things Germany!
Follow Jana on Twitter @jott_ell

PLUS…
NWSL and FAWSL updates, team news, Carli Lloyd injury update, and MORE!

Fade Out Music by Dropkick Murphys

Original Broadcast Date: May 1, 2016

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 61: Meghan Klingenberg, Nichelle Prince

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 61 features exclusive interviews with USWNT defender Meghan Klingenberg; Alana Johnson chats with Ohio State University forward Nichelle Prince; and a Frauen Bundesliga update with Jana Lange.

Women’s World Football Show catches up with U.S. Women’s National Team defender Meghan Klingenberg! And that’s no easy feat. As the USWNT continues on their post-Women’s World Cup celebrations, Kling takes a break to talk with us about her championship season.

A veritable playmaker, the Pittsburgh native brings to life some of her more memorable moments on and off the pitch. From her game-saving header in the World Cup to her terrible towel-waving goal at Heinz Field, Kling tries to come up with words to describe living a lifetime of dreams.

From her destiny to play at University of North Carolina to her unwavering determination to get back to the Olympics, Meghan Klingenberg takes us back through her past and gives us a glimpse of some of her goals for the future. She also has a few things to say about her new team, Portland Thorns FC!

As one of the more animated players in soccer today, Kling show’s us that its possible to play with fierce intensity and still have a lot of fun. Kling lives like she plays, with passion and enthusiasm, so if you have trouble keeping up, just rewind and listen again!

Watch Kling’s goal-line save vs. Sweden in the 2015 Women’s World Cup.

Germany Round-Up
Our friend and correspondent from Germany, Jana Lange is back with us to talk all things Frauen Bundesliga. Who’s leading the league? Who is the surprise team of the season? And which players are making the biggest impact? Jana gives us a full report. Plus Adam and Jana preview the upcoming Germany vs. England friendly! Germany may be out for revenge, but England wants to prove they’re no fluke. Either way, prepare for some ultra-light trash talk.

Women’s College Soccer
We’re getting ready for the 2015 NCAA Division l Women’s Soccer Championship finals. And to get us in the mood, AJ “Postgame Gator” Johnson visits with Ohio State University forward Nichelle Prince. Not only is Nichelle a standout college player, she’s a current call-up for the Canada Women’s National Team. Here’s your chance to get to know one of the games future prospects a little bit better! Plus, it’s always great to hear from AJ!

Plus…
Westfield W-League player and team updates; NWSL transfers, trades and a 2016 College Draft update; Also, what’s up with Canada? And just who is Peggy Kuznik?

Now, let’s keep talking women’s soccer today and everyday! #GrowTheGame

Fade Out Music by Earth, Wind & Fire.

Original Broadcast Date: November 21, 2015