Episode 175: Denise O’Sullivan

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 175 features an exclusive interview with North Carolina Courage and Republic of Ireland Women’s National Team midfielder Denise O’Sullivan; plus soundbites from North Carolina defender Abby Erceg and head coach Paul Riley.

What happens when the king gets knocked off the throne? In the case of the NWSL champions North Carolina Courage, they get up, brush themselves off, and come back with a vengeance. Their unexpected departure from the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup in the quarterfinals could be a pivotal moment in the history of the game – we’ve seen it before!

Back in 2017, when the Portland Thorns defeated the Courage in the NWSL Championship Final, the Courage vowed to come back and they did – winning the championship in 2018 and 2019. In fact, they only lost 6 games over the course of two seasons. On this episode we take a look at this very special team with the motor of the squad and 2-time team MVP, Irish international Denise O’Sullivan. We also hear from North Carolina captain Abby Erceg and head coach Paul Riley.

Denise O’Sullivan

Republic of Ireland midfielder Denise O’Sullivan is praised by the top head coaches in the game today as one of the best players in women’s soccer. Denise stops by to chat about her thoughts on the NWSL Challenge Cup, playing during a pandemic, her growing up days in Cork, the mentality of the Courage, and more.

We also discuss the upcoming UEFA Women’s EURO qualifiers, the chances of Ireland in the tournament, their new head coach Vera Pauw and much more. It’s an amazing time to be an Ireland fan and Denise is a big part of their success. Do not miss hearing from this exciting young star! (17′)

Follow Denise:

Twitter: @OSullivanDenise

Instagram: @deniseosullivan100

 

Paul Riley

North Carolina head coach Paul Riley talks about his scrappy midfielder Denise O’Sullivan and in the next segment discusses the game that knocked his team out of the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. Paul also shares his thoughts on the future of the team. (13′ and 46′)

Abby Erceg

The Kiwi defender and captain of the North Carolina Courage gives us her post-game thoughts on the team’s elimination in the tournament, the possible causes, a look toward the future of the team, and more. (45′)

 

Episode Links:

Read about the UEFA Women’s EUROS at https://www.uefa.com/womenseuro/

Listen to our exclusive interview with Abby Erceg in 2018 – Episode 125.

 

More WWFShow Links:
Follow Women’s World Football Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.

Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.

Photo Courtesy of: North Carolina Courage

Original Broadcast Date: July 19, 2020

Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited & produced by Patty La Bella.

Additional assistance for this episode by Denise O’Sullivan, Morgan Brown, Megan Rogers, Mark Jones, NWSL

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 169: Jasmyne Spencer

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 169 features an exclusive interview with OL Reign Forward Jasmyne Spencer.

What do we need in the world now more than ever?

How about positivity, intelligence, thoughtfulness, kindness, and advocacy – Having a sense of responsibility for our community, our environment, people, animals and the Earth.

On this episode of Women’s World Football Show, we get all this and more with special guest OL Reign Forward, business woman, and humanitarian Jasmyne Spencer!

Jasmyne Spencer

The speedy striker from Bay Shore, New York, Jasmyne Spencer stops by to share her soccer journey. From a young age, Jas has had a ball at her feet and wind in her hair. Starting on her youth club Albertson Fury under the guidence of coach and mentor Paul Riley, Jas has honed her skills and strengths into a successful footballing career.

As a veteran and original member of the NWSL, Jas is ready to return to the league after a season-ending injury in 2019. The inspiring player shares her thoughts on the league, the new ownership at the OL Reign, and more.

Plus, Jas gives us an inside look at her sustainable apparel line, Jas It Up! How is she using her business to uplift and inspire a more conscious mindset of empowerment. Positivity is contagious and Jasmyne is spreading it all around! (15’)

Follow Jasmyne on Social Media at:
Instagram: @jasitupofficial

Twitter: @jas_it_up

Facebook: jasitupofficial

 

Episode Links:

For more information on Jas It Up and to purchase apparel, visit JasItUpOfficial.com

More WWFShow Links:
Follow Women’s World Football Show on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.

Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Google Play, Castbox, Stitcher, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.

 

Photo Courtesy of: OL Reign

Original Broadcast Date: April 19, 2020

Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited & produced by Patty La Bella.

Additional assistance for this episode by Jasmyne Spencer

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 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.