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 43: Stephanie Roche

RocheBallWomen’s World Football Show, Episode 43 features an exclusive interview with Republic of Ireland forward Stephanie Roche; Jordan Sports Journalist Waleed Abu Nada; and Girls Talk Footy editor Kehinde.

Women’s World Football Show welcomes Republic of Ireland’s Stephanie Roche! One of the most popular strikers in the women’s game today, Stephanie tells of her remarkable journey from the Dublin suburbs to the Lone Star State of Texas.

The formidable forward gives us insight on the Irish team, what she thinks of the NWSL, and her thoughts on building a women’s league in Ireland.

If all you know of Stephanie is from a certain viral video, then you only know a fraction about this amazing footballer!
Warning: Listening to this interview may cause a sudden desire to wear an unusual amount of green and a strong urge to roll around in a field of clover!

Check out Steph Roche’s FIFA Puska’s nominated goal!

Jordan
Sports journalist Waleed Abu Nada stops by to give us some much-needed insight on women’s football in Jordan. In a region that doesn’t get much attention, Jordan is one of the most progressive countries in the Middle East when it comes to women’s football. Waleed gives us a  fascinating look at how Jordan is breaking new ground and paving the way for other Middle Eastern countries to follow.

Ivory Coast
Our friend Kehinde of Girls Talk Footy is back to preview the Women’s World Cup-bound African teams. This week we’re taking a look at the debutantes of Ivory Coast. How will The Female Elephants do in their first intercontinental tournament? Who’s the player to watch? And can these underdogs make it out of a group with Germany and Finland? Kehinde gives us all we need to know and more!

NWSL and FAWSL 1&2
Patty and Adam break down the weekend’s games from across the ponds. There are surprises in both leagues this season, so you don’t want to miss these interesting and always entertaining reports.

WSNET
Our friends at WSNET are bidding to the Aviva Community Fund for grant funds to run a Female Fitness Fortnight (#FFF) next September. This is a huge opportunity for women’s sport, fitness AND WSNet. So give them your vote!
See the project on the Aviva Community Fund.
Vote here – https://community-fund.aviva.co.uk/voting/project/view/2561/

Fade out music by U2

Original Broadcast Date: May 10, 2015.