Episode 114: Sullivan, Sonnett, Davidson, Butler, Nadim

Episode 114: Women’s World Football Show features interviews with USWNT players Andi Sullivan, Emily Sonnett, Tierna Davidson and Head Coach Jill Ellis; One-on-one with Millwall Lionesses LFC defender Jordan Butler; and an exclusive with Denmark and Manchester City striker Nadia Nadim.

Boston Breakers
It’s a sad day for the NWSL and women’s football as the longest running professional women’s soccer team in the USA has folded after a deal for potential new ownership fell apart. The Breakers were founded in 2000 and were part of NWSL predecessor leagues the WUSA and WPS, and is the first NWSL team to fold since the league was established in 2013. So how did the demise of one of the more storied franchises in women’s soccer history come about? Patty and Adam dissect the situation and share details of the dispersion draft, season ticket refunds and other information.

2018 NWSL College Draft
A few draft day mega-trades overshadowed the 2018 NWSL College Draft. Adam and Patty take a close look at the trades, the high selections and some of the surprises. Plus, Patty chats with the No. 1 draft pick and newest member of the Washington Spirit Andi Sullivan! We find out how the Stanford standout dealt with the crazy course of events that lead up to her 11th hour declaration into the draft, her thoughts on playing for her hometown team, her incredible 2017 college season and more!
(Andi Sullivan 24:35’)

Jordan Butler
Adam sits down with Millwall Lionesses LFC defender Jordan Butler. Joining the Millwall system at only 8 years old, Jordan shares what it’s like to grow up in a Millwall kit. Backed by the love and support of her family, and especially her dad, Jordan takes us through her journey to play professional football, how she overcame serious injury and more. This is a spirited interview with an inspirational player and proud to have Jordan on the show!
(Jordan Butler 33:00’)

USA vs Denmark
The U.S. Women’s National Team kicked off its 2018 campaign with a somewhat come-from-behind 5-1 win against EURO Women’s runner-up Denmark in front of 17,526 fans at SDCCU Stadium January 21, 2018. We hear from USWNT Head Coach Jill Ellis as she assesses a few of the youngsters on the team and reflects on some of her lessons learned while being at the helm of the national team.

Defender Tierna Davidson earned her first cap for the USA, becoming the 21st player to make a WNT debut under Jill Ellis. We hear from the 19-year old college sophomore after her first cap. Patty couldn’t let Denmark leave town without talking to fan-favorite Nadia Nadim. The former NWSL star and now striker with Manchester City discusses her transition to the English league, her time in the NWSL, the Denmark WNT and more!
(Tierna Davidson 55:55’; Jill Ellis 58:00’; Nadia Nadim 1:08:00’)

Emily Sonnet

SYDNEY, AUSTRALIA – DECEMBER 06: Emily Sonnett of Sydney FC poses during a joint Sydney FC. (Photo by Matt King/Getty Images)

As the 2017/18 W-League season comes to an end, we catch up with Sydney FC (and USWNT and Portland Thorns FC) centerback Emily Sonnett! The energetic USA star talks about her journey to Australia – what brought her there, what is she learning and what does she hope to gain? We hear it all. Plus, how does playing for Sydney kept her fit and ready to take on her role with the USWNT? Emily is rapid fire with her responses and ready to hoist another league trophy… this time with Sydney FC!
(Emily Sonnet 1:26:00’)

Sarah “The Cowgirl” Hallett
Our hearts were broken earlier this month at the passing of our friend and colleague Sarah Hallett. In this show, we share stories on how Sarah touched all of our lives on the show and off. Plus, we have a special clip of some of Sarah’s greatest hits (and a few misses). A true inspiration to all who knew her, Sarah’s kind spirit will live on in all of us.
Read Sarah’s past blogs.
Listen to Episode 57 “2015 NWSL Review” when Sarah stepped in a co-hosted with Patty
Other shows Sarah was featured on:
Episode 26A “2014 NWSL Post-Season Special”
Episode 47 “World Cup Groups”
Episode 68 “The Good Fight”

In lieu of flowers and gifts, Sarah’s wife and family have asked for donations to the San Diego Junior Golf Association. Click here for details.

Listen to Sarah’s “Greatest Hits” clip at the end of the show, around the 1-hour, 31-minute mark.

Original Broadcast Date: January 28, 2018

Photos courtesy of: ussoccer.com; SydneyFC.com; ManCity.com; Henning Bagger/Scanpix2016; Jordan Butler; Millwall Lionesses

Episode 107: Hayley Raso

Episode 107 of Women’s World Football Show features an exclusive interview with Australian international and Portland Thorns FC striker Hayley Raso; soundbites from Thorns FC coach Mark Parsons, North Carolina Courage head coach Paul Riley and forward McCall Zerboni; and sportswriters John D. Halloran and Sophie Lawson.

The 2017 season has been a breakout year for the young Australian forward Hayley Raso. In this Women’s World Football Show exclusive interview, Hayley shares with us her experiences playing for Portland Thorns FC, the Australian Women’s National Team, and what she attributes to her recent successes.

Hayley also takes us back to one of the most difficult times in her life and how she overcame it, to become a world-class footballer. The young Aussie also chats about winning the Thorns Supporters Player of the Year award, why her fellow Matilda’s fit so well in the NWSL, her thoughts on heading home to play for Brisbane and more! There’s a time for everything in life and this is definitely the right time for Raso! (25’)

2017 NWSL Championship Final
Patty and Adam take a good hard look at this year’s NWSL Championship Finals. It was a cagey affair between the two top teams in the league, Portland Thorns FC and North Carolina Courage. What were some of the highlights, lowlights and where were all the cards? We hear soundbites from Courage head coach Paul Riley and forward McCall Zerboni, who discuss this special team, the move from WNY to North Carolina and the tight atmosphere of the group. Also, Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons shares his thoughts on Hayley Raso, and why he is a “believer!”

UEFA Women’s Champions League
Can you believe that UEFA Women’s Champions League is already underway? To get up to date on the recent results of Round of 32, Adam sits down with soccer writer Sophie Lawson. There were some stunning results including Chelsea’s upset over Bayern Munich, Wolfsburg 12-2 thumping of Atletico Madrid, and more! Sophie gives us an update and a look forward to Round of 16. If you’re looking for a comprehensive report into this exciting tournament, look no further than the 41st minute of WWFShow! (41’)
Read Sophie Lawson’s articles and updates in Vavel UK!

Chicago Red Stars
The Chicago Red Stars remain a fascination in the NWSL. With a team stacked with USWNT stars and a ton of impact players, it’s amazing that this team doesn’t have a few NWSL Championship trophies on the mantle, not to mention one single finals appearance. To discuss the phenomenon, Patty chats with Chicago sports writer John D. Halloran. As one of the more respected voices in American women’s soccer journalism, John gives us a unique look at one of the best franchises in the league. What are they missing? Do we praise or blame Coach Dames? And where will Christen Press be next season? If you are a Red Stars supporter or wanna-be supporter, you do not want to miss this introspective report. (1:03:00’)
Follow John on Twitter @JohnDHalloran
Read John’s recent article on the 2017 NWSL Final in America Soccer Now.

Plus…
The 4-nations tournament in China, featuring North Korea, Brazil and Mexico; A look at upcoming international friendlies; FAWSL updates and MORE!

Original Broadcast Date: October 15, 2017

Photos courtesy of: North Carolina Courage; Portland Thorns FC; Brad Smith/ISIPhotos.com (nwslsoccer.com); Profile pic by Craig Michelidyer (Portland Thorns FC)

Fade out song: by The Power 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 30A: Girls on the Ball, Heather Carroll

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 30A features takes a look back on the 2014 FAWSL season with interviews with Girls on the Ball Rachel O’Sullivan and Sophie Downey; and blogger Heather Carroll.

Women’s World Football Show takes a look back at the 2014 FA WSL season!

Top flight women’s football bloggers Girls on the Ball (aka Rachel and Sophie) drop in to discuss the ups and downs of Birmingham City Ladies, Bristol Academy Women, and Arsenal Ladies FC.

Patty interviews Adam and gets his expert analysis on Manchester City Women, Notts County Ladies, Everton Ladies and Chelsea Ladies FC.

Then to wrap up the show, football writer Heather Carroll of Liverpool Ladies Fans blog gives us her recap of the team’s championship season.

Many great things happened in the English league this past season and only Women’s World Football Show gives you all the important info, thoughtful insight and complete recap of the season.

Music by Rihanna.

Original Broadcast Date: December 7, 2014