Episode 118: Barnes, Andonovski, Pickett, Sermanni, Leroux, Zadorsky, Harvey

Episode 118: National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) season 6 is here and Women’s World Football Show features interviews with Seattle Reign FC Defender Lauren Barnes and Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski; Orlando Pride Defender Carson Pickett; Double G Sports reporter Jayson Love; soundbites from the Orlando Pride’s Tom Sermanni, Sydney Leroux, Shelina Zadorsky, and from Utah Royals FC Head Coach Laura Harvey.

2018 NWSL Report

The sixth season of the NWSL has kicked off and Women’s World Football Show is packed with exclusive interviews and soundbites. First up, we hear from Seattle Reign FC Head Coach Vlatko Andonovski and star defender Lauren Barnes as they prepare for the season. The team recently played UCLA in a pre-season scrimmage in Southern California and Patty was there to record all the action. How is Vlatko preparing his team, what are his thoughts on the city and what does the future look like? He gives us the scoop. Plus we hear from SoCal native Barnes about her new coach and her recent experience playing and coaching in California. (Vlatko Andonovski 3:38′; Lauren Barnes 6:47′)

WWFShow post-game reporter Alana “AJ” Johnson returned to Orlando for the opening match against Utah Royals FC. Listen to AJ’s exclusive interview with new Pride defender and former Florida State Seminole Carson Pickett. Fresh off of a successful campaign at Brisbane Roar in the Westfield W-League, Carson chats with AJ about coming back home to play in Florida, her W-League experience and more! Plus, AJ brings us interesting soundbites from Orlando Pride Head Coach Tom Sermanni and members of his team Sydney Leroux, Defender Shelina Zadorsky. Plus, what happened with that ‘face interference’ call? We hear from Utah Royals FC Head Coach Laura Harvey on the controversial call that may have cost the her team 3 points. (Laura Harvey 28:33′; Sydney Leroux 30:50’; Shelina Zadorsky 32:10’; Carson Pickett 34:03’)

Sky Blue FC Report
Starting the 2017 NWSL season with a bye, Adam thought he’d give some ‘love’ to the New Jersey side by welcoming Double G Sports soccer writer Jayson Love to the show. Jayson gives us insight on this new-look Sky Blue squad with in-depth analysis. As a team in transition, how does SBFC match up in a league that’s fast and physical and packed with international stars? Adam and Jayson break it all down. (46:14′)
Follow Double G Sports on Twitter @DoubleGSports

Kenya
Yes, you read it right (we’re here for you World!). Recently the podcast duo of Oz and King took a trip to Kenya to explore the football culture in that country. Patty catches up with the guys to chat about their experience and observations of women’s football in Kenya. Don’t miss this exciting and interesting conversation as we delve into the depths of women’s soccer in this mysterious African country. (1:22:00)
Follow Oz and King on Twitter, Facebook and Instagram.
Check out their first episode for the Kenya trip on their website.
Check out these other exciting Oz and King episodes:
Pia Sundhage Interview.
Victoria Sandell Svensson Interview.

Plus…
Adam chats about the impact of Manchester United’s entering of the FAWSL and gives us an update on FAWSL 1&2; The Christen Press saga continues; An in-depth look at upcoming 2018 CONCACAF Women’s Championship, CONCACAF Caribbean Women’s Qualifiers and CONCACAF Central America Women’s Qualifiers; Patty and Adam give their NWSL predictions; and MORE!!

Photos courtesy of: NWSL; Seattle Reign FC; Orlando Pride; Oz and King; Patricia La Bella

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 108: Laura Alleway, Cheryl Downes, Jana Lange

Episode 108 of Women’s World Football Show features an exclusive interview with Australian international and Melbourne Victory centerback Laura Alleway; Australian women’s soccer writer Cheryl Downes and Germany sportswriter Jana Lange.

After winning the Westfield W-League championship with Melbourne City last season, Laura Alleway travels across town to play for rivals Melbourne Victory to begin a new season and a new role. Laura stops by to chat with Adam about taking on the leadership rold and why it’s important to have a good mental state to play well.

Laura also gives us insight into her mid-season departure from Orlando Pride, the Tournament of Nations victory and the recent successes of the Australian Women’s National Team. Plus the avid surfer gives us a few hints of what the future holds. (2:33’)

W-League Preview
On the opening weekend of the Westfield W-League, From TheWomensGame.com, sports writer Cheryl Downes stops by to give us an in-depth preview of the upcoming season. How much has the new Collective Bargaining Agreement affect how we, the fans, watch the games? Which players and teams should we be watching? What’s the deal with all the Americans playing down under? Cheryl gives us all the important info… and just how do you pronounce Katrina Gorry? We find out all this and more! Follow Cheryl on Twitter @ChicasFootball. (25:45’)

Germany Report
What’s the story with the German Women’s National Team? German sports writer Jana Lange breaks it all down for us and doesn’t pull any punches in the process. In the second match of the World Cup qualifying matches, Germany lost to Iceland 3-2 in Weisbaden. Now Head Coach Steffi Jones is under pressure to win perfectly or lose her job. But the German players also have to do their job and it hasn’t been pretty lately! It’s an intense atmosphere for the German women and we’re keeping an eye on the situations. One thing is for sure, you do not want to miss this very special German report! Follow Jana on Twitter @jott_ell! (1:08:00’)

Plus…
Updates on FAWSL; the departure of Pedro Losa from Arsenal; NWSL news; report on the 2017 Yongchuan Four Nations Tournament in China and MORE!

Original Broadcast Date: October 29, 2017

Photos courtesy of: Orlando Pride; Melbourne Victory; W-League.com.au

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 105: Jane Campbell, Kristen Edmonds

Episode 105 of Women’s World Football Show features interviews with two of the most popular players in the NWSL, Houston Dash goalkeeper Jane Campbell and Orlando Pride midfielder Kristen Edmonds.

Jane Campbell was drafted 15th overall in the 2017 NWSL and hasn’t slowed down since. The former Stanford University standout won the starting goalkeeper position in Houston and is currently the USA Women’s National Team No. 2 keeper behind Alyssa Naeher.

In this interview Jane chats about the current condition Hurricane Harvey has left the city, how the city is getting stronger and what kind of impact it has made on the team.

Jane has a family tradition with Stanford University, but you’ll be surprised to hear that playing for The Cardinal was not her first choice. Also the Atlanta native takes us back to her youth days, gives her thoughts on playing in the NWSL, and more! Get to know Jane Campbell in this exclusive interview! (3:00’)

Kristen Edmonds
The pride of Metuchen, New Jersey stops by to chat about her career and the current upswing in the Orlando Pride. Currently rehabbing from a calf strain, Kristen Edmonds gives us an update on her injury and if she’ll be ready for the playoffs (Spoiler – She’s getting stronger!!).

Growing up, Kristen was highly influenced by the USWNT and watched her idol Mia Hamm in the 1999 Women’s World Cup at Giants Stadium. There was no stopping the kid from New Jersey from there. While she stayed close to home for college (at Rutgers University), Kristen decided to go off and play overseas for a few years before coming back and settling in to become one of the best midfielders in the NWSL.

Kristen gives us a close-up view of the Pride and what makes this team so special. Plus, she shares her love for dogs, her future plans, and why it’s always important to never quit! If you’re looking for an inspiring story, the Kristen Edmonds interview is here!! (39:00’)

FIFA Friendlies
Recaps of USA vs. New Zealand (and is there room for Ali Krieger??), England vs. Russia (will Mark Sampson answer the tough questions?), and Australia vs. Brazil (Lisa De Vanna leads the Matilda’s & Socceroos with all time goals).

Plus…
Adam gives us a colorful rundown of the current NCAA Div l women’s college soccer rankings; Patty attempts to rattle off the UEFA Women’s Champions League 2017/18 Round of 32 draw. And MORE!

Original Broadcast Date: September 17, 2017

Photos courtesy of ussoccer.com; Orlando Pride, Houston Dash

Fade out song: “Flight to Newark” 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 101: Kadeisha Buchanan, Aimee Phillips

Episode 101 of Women’s World Football Show features exclusive interviews with Canada WNT defender Kadeisha Buchanan; New Zealand striker Aimee Phillips; and Hannah from Chelsea Ladies Fans website.

Kadeisha Buchanan is establishing herself as one of the best defenders in the women’s game, and at only 21 that’s quite an accomplishment! In this exclusive interview, the Toronto native discusses many of her recent successes, including becoming the first Canadian to hoist the UEFA Women’s Championship League trophy as a member of Olympique Lyonnais.

The 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup Best Young Player Award recipient shares with us her changing role in Canada and how she’s preparing to be more of a leader on the team. Kadeisha also shares how her humble beginnings helped her to become the player and person she is today. Where does this young star go from here? The sky is the limit! (6:42′).

Aimee Phillips
New Zealand are a side that is a phase of transition and very much looking forward to the next World Cup. One of the up and coming players for the Football Ferns is striker Aimee Phillips. Recently, Aimee made the decision to put her teaching career on hold to train full time with the national team.

In this one-on-on interview, Aimee shares with us her life-changing decision and the factors that went into her choice. The 26-year old also tells us about making her debut in Brazil and her experience playing in the Cyprus Cup. The Football Ferns are stocked full of talented players, and Aimee Phillips definitely adds to that pool! (46:37′)

Chelsea Ladies Fans Website
Chelsea Ladies won the 2017 FAWSL Spring Series and nobody will have seen more of the team than Hannah Roberts, founder and editor of Chelsea Ladies Fans Website. Hannah chats with Adam about Chelsea’s success, the new signings, what it all means heading into the season proper that starts in September, and more! Also, updates on Crystal Dunn and Fran Kirby! Follow Hannah on Twitter @clfcfans. (31:00′)

PLUS…
WWFShow remembers former USWNT head coach Tony DiCicco, who passed away on June 19, 2017; Updates on NWSL and more!

Original Broadcast Date: June 25, 2017

Photo credits courtesy of: CanadaSoccer.com; NZFootball.co.nz

WWFShow website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella

Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and it’s audio and images cannot be used without expressed authorization.

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 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 59: Shea Groom, Jordan Nobbs, Abby Wambach

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 59 features an exclusive interview with young striker Shea Groom; postgame comments from Notts head coach Rick Passmore, Arsenal head coach Pedro Martinez Losa, and Arsenal striker Jordan Nobbs; and soundbites from Abby Wambach.

Women’s World Football Show welcomes FC Kansas City young gun Shea Groom to the studio! The KC hometown girl brings us up to date on her injury and gives us insight into some of the things she’s doing this off-season to get her back in the saddle and firing on all cylinders come 2016.

Shea brings us back to her humble beginnings in Liberty, Missouri where she grew up idolizing the very same players she now calls teammates. As she barreled into the college soccer scene at Texas A&M, Shea blazed a trail of successes on and off the pitch.

After carving her name into the Aggie record books, she was selected 12th overall in the 2015 NWSL college draft. Wasting no time as a pro, Shea quickly earned a spot in the starting lineup of the star-studded FC Kansas City team and lit up the league with her full-throttle-take-no-prisoners style of play.

True to character, Shea dives head first into this interview answering pointed questions with fearless honesty. There’s more to Shea than just unforgiving fortitude. The 22-year old takes off her well-worn Royals cap to reveal a softer side of Shea – humble, funny and fascinating (watch out Eminem!).

Shea may be part of the USA’s next generation of super power players, but she stands on her own piece of turf when it comes to grit and feistiness. An interview like this doesn’t come along very often, so kick off the boots, sit, relax and take a listen!

FAWSL Continental Tyres Cup
The curtain has officially closed on the 2015 FAWSL season with the last piece of hardware awarded to Arsenal Ladies for their 3-0 victory against Notts County. Don’t be fooled by the scoreline, this was an epic match and a fitting end to an amazing season of women’s football. Our very own Adam Barlow was at AESSEAL New York Stadium reporting live and gives us the highlights and answers why the ref’s were seeing red! Plus we hear from coaches Rick Passmore (Notts), Pedro Martinez Losa (Arsenal) and the Player of the Match Jordan Nobbs!

Orlando Pride
There’s a new team in the NWSL and it’s already setting the league on its head. Orlando Pride splashed down with epic intensity, naming a reputable coach and a few heading-turning players. We dissect the Pride’s first three signings of Alex Morgan, Kaylyn Kyle and Sarah Hagen. Plus we hear from new coach Tom Sermanni and Vice President of Development, Tim Holt.

Abby Wambach
It was the day we were all dreading (well, most of us anyway). After a 15-year international soccer career, the 35-year old announced her retirement from club and country. Patty and Adam look over the life and career of the world’s leading goal scorer and one of the world’s all-time greatest players. Plus we hear from Abby herself as she talks about her past accomplishments and the future of great things to come. #ThanksAbby

PLUS…
Adam educates us on THE TRADE, Patty tries to figure out the time change, and Barry the Beaver is uncharacteristically quiet… oh and a Schmidt-Bit!

Fade Out Music by Willie Nelson.

Original Broadcast Date: November 1, 2015