Episode 85: Alyssa Naeher, Angela Beard, Cheryl Downes

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 85 features exclusive interviews with USWNT goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher; Australia defender Angela Beard; Aussie sports writer Cheryl Downes.

The competition is fierce in the women’s game, so when opportunities are presented, the hungry ones go full force. On this episode, Women’s World Football Show features a couple of players who are not throwing away their shot!

First up is U.S. Women’s National Team goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher. The New England native knows what it’s like to live and play outside of her comfort zone and she’s made a career out of it. In this rare interview, Alyssa gives us insight into her experiences moving away from home playing for Turbine Potsdam in Germany and then later leaving the comfy confines of her hometown for the bustling city of Chicago.

Always a consistent player on the youth squads, at Penn State and at the club level, Alyssa challenged herself to change her mindset when she hit the national team as a backup to Hope Solo. Now, she’s battling for the number one spot and she’s giving it all she’s got. Alyssa shares with us how her past experiences have shaped who she is today, what’s she’s done to raise her game to another level and more.

Plus, her thoughts on Chicago, her life away from the pitch and another possible reason the Chicago Cubs won the World Series. Alyssa gives us the insider scoop! Alyssa literally takes ‘Perseverance” wherever she goes. WARNING: We file this interview under Must-Listen! (7:00’)

Angela Beard
Representing Australia on the U-17 and U-20 squads, Angie Beard is one of the more dynamic defenders in the women’s game. Currently with Brisbane Roar in the W-League, the 19-year old was a nominee for the 2015/16 W-League Young Footballer of the Year award. Angie’s defensive craftiness led to her being awarded Brisbane Roar’s Player of the Year for 2015/16.

A product of the Queensland Academy of Sport, Angie is a fierce competitor who gleefully tackles every obstacle that comes her way. One example – her recent injury that occurred soon after being called up to the full Australian squad. Angie shares with us how she overcame disappointment with determination. Now she is back and ready to don the orange for Brisbane and the gold for Australia. So, throw another shrimp on the barbie, sit back and listen to this inspiring interview with one of the brightest prospects in Australia women’s football! (26:00′)

Westfield W-League Preview
And speaking of Australia…. The 2016/17 W-League season is under way and who better to get us updated than our friend and Aussie expert Cheryl Downes from The Women’s Game! Cheryl gives us an update on all the teams and squad changes. Plus, who will challenge Melbourne City this season, which USA player will make the biggest impact and which Aussie stars are on the rise! Our resident “Melbourne Girl” gives it to us straight! Also, a look at the Matilda’s squad leading up to the Cyprus Cup and wait… no Kate Gill mention? Crikey! (41:00′)

USA vs Romania
The USWNT is back in action with two friendlies against Romania. Jill Ellis and Co are hitting California where the crowds are heavy and the weather is hot! We pour over her recent call-ups and curious formations! And remember, there’s no whining in football!

Plus…
NWSL Skittle trades; Krash landing at Washington Spirit; UEFA Championship match-ups; U-20 Women’s World Cup update and MORE!!

Fade Out Music by The Roots

Original Broadcast Date: November 11, 2016

Photo credits courtesy of: ussoccer.com; Chris Simpson/Brisbane Roar

Episode 45: Vero Boquete, Perez, Rampone, Johnston, Harris

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 45 features an exclusive interview with Spanish midfielder Vero Boquete (conducted by German sports journalist Jana Lange); Plus Mexico WNT striker Veronica Perez; USWNT defenders Christie Rampone and Julie Johnston; and Doncaster Rover Belles head coach Glen Harris.

FFC Frankfurt has just won the 2015 UEFA Women’s Champions League and we hear from their star forward Vero Boquete! Our friend and German sports journalist Jana Lange is back from Berlin with a full report.

Jana chatted with Vero about the Championship match, her plans on the future, what it means to be part of the first Spanish team to go to the Women’s World Cup, and more!

Plus a look at the top teams in the Bundesliga, a German National Team update, and more!

USA vs. Mexico
Patty and WWFShow blogger Sarah Hallett visited StubHub Center for the USA vs. Mexico friendly and shouldered their way to the front of the media mix zone for some great interviews. We hear from our friend Veronica Perez who chats about the match and what Mexico needs to do to advance out of their group at World Cup. We hear from 5-time Women’s World Cup attendee Christie Rampone and first-timer Julie Johnston. The seasoned veteran and upstart young gun give us two defensive perspectives on the footballing life and the World Cup. Plus, what’s so different about USA head coach Jill Ellis?

Doncaster vs. Reading
Adam traveled to Doncaster for the Reading match-up and gives a full report on the surprising result. And to get a really good look at the Donny Belles, our English host chats with head coach Glen Harris, who gives us his frank assessment of the team and the league. Plus, a look up and down the table.

NWSL Roundup
Week 7 is in the books for the NWSL, and we’ve got all the scoop on the teams, their standings and how they’re making due without their national team players.

Fade out music by Clark Beckham

Original Broadcast Date: May 24, 2015

Episode 25: Ashley Nick, Wambach, Solo, Morgan, Johnston

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 25 features an exclusive interview with USC National Champion Ashley Nick; Pregame chats with USWNT stars Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan, and Julie Johnston; Plus a W-League report with Aussie sports journalist Cheryl Downes.

Women’s World Football Show catches up with professional footballer and world traveler, Ashley Nick. The star midfielder has made a career out of lending her skills to teams all over the world. Ashley paused in her packing just long enough to chat with us about her latest venture to the land of Cyprus.

Patty traveled to Utah to check out an all-important pre-CONCACAF friendly between North American rivals USA and Mexico. In between snapping selfless with red rocks, she managed to chat with Abby Wambach, Hope Solo, Alex Morgan and new kid on the block, Julie Johnston.

Adam wraps up the European Women’s World Cup qualifiers and takes a special look at how the English women have done to solidify their trip to Canada in 2015.

Australian sports journalist, Cheryl Downes checks in with a report from the first week of the Westfield W-League with updates from each team and the players who have impressed her so far. And for our North American fans, this includes plenty of NWSL players.

All this and so much more… including an email question from a ~~barry~~ very interested listener.

Original Broadcast Date: September 20, 2014.