Women’s World Football Show, Episode 120: Join us as we welcome Washington Spirit General Manager and Head Coach Jim Gabarra; a brief chat with Orlando Pride Forward Chioma Ubogagu; German Sportswriter Jana Lange; and soundbites from Orlando Pride Goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris.
Washington Spirit GM & Head Coach Jim Gabarra has spent his coaching career devoted to women’s soccer. In 
fact, Jim is the only person to have coached in every season that there’s been a professional women’s league in the United States. Today, everyone is talking about his Spirit team and with good reason. Touting future stars such as Mallory Pugh, Andi Sullivan, Rose Lavelle, Ashley Hatch, Rebecca Quinn and more, the Spirit’s spotlight is turned on high. How does Jim feel about the attention and is it changing his coaching style? Also, how does he coach a natural talent like Pugh? And out of all the young talent on the team, why did he decide to build his team around Sullivan?… or did he? Jim give us candid answers.
Plus, we can’t have Jim here without asking about his razzmatazz playing days with the LA Lasers and of course those Washington Warthogs of the CISL!! Jim shares some of his most fondest memories – the fanfare, the glitz and of course Kristine Lilly! If you’re not a member of the Spirit Squadron, you’ll become a card-carrying member after this interview! Guaranteed! (6:20’)
German Women’s National Team
On the outside looking in, the German Women’s National Team looks to be in shambles. Recent shocking losses, the last-place showing at SheBelieves Cup and the sacking of manager Steffi Jones, made us want to take a closer look. German sportswriter Jana Lange joins us to bring some insight. Jana has spent time with the team, talking to players and doing some digging to bring us all the facts. Was Jones’ firing warranted? Will Germany qualify for the Women’s World Cup? And how do they dig themselves out of the hole and become the football juggernaut we’ve all known and loved to hate? Jana is bringing it. Plus, a few highlights from the Frauen-Bundesliga, including an Ella Masar-McLeod update! (01:04’)
Chioma Ubogagu
Our roving reporter Alana “AJ” Johnson made it out to Orlando City Stadium recently to chat with one of the emerging stars of the NWSL, Chioma Ubogagu! AJ gets Chi to open up about playing for Arsenal Ladies, who she thinks should take Arsene Wenger’s place, and just what is on her pregame playlist? Classic AJ and Classy Chi! It’s short but sweet! (01:30’)
Ashlyn Harris
Before the Orlando Pride vs Houston Dash match, goalkeeper Ashlyn Harris met with the media to chat about her team’s slow start and what the team needs to do to turn the ship around. Ash is as open and candid as ever. Presser audio supplied by Orlando Pride. (01:25’).
Plus…
FA Cup and FAWSL reports; The future of Millwall Lionesses; NWSL team updates; Breaking news on the U17 Women’s World Cup qualifiers cancellation, MORE!
Photos courtesy of: Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride
Ashlyn Harris soundbites courtesy of Orlando Pride
Original Broadcast Date: April 22, 2018
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.
Coming off an excellent year in the Eredivisie Vrouwen (the professional women’s football league in the Netherlands), Katja Snoeijs is picking up where she left off. Last season Katja led the Dutch league with most goals scored and is on pace to have another record-breaking season. Adam sits down with the young VV Alkmaar striker to chat about her recent successes, how she got where she is today and what the future looks like.
Adam took a trip to Southampton for the Women’s World Cup Qualifier between England and Wales. Don’t let the 0-0 score fool you… this was a feisty affair with a huge crowd and Adam breaks it all down. We hear what Welsh Head Coach and Arsenal legend Jayne Ludlow has to say about her team’s form and why a draw against FIFA ranked #2 England feels like a victory. (6:40’)
NWSL Previews, Pt. 2
Then, we jump on the Reign Train with WWFShow correspondent and Seattle Reign FC pundit Karen Valenzuela. The Reign has made some major adjustments in the off-season, but is it enough to get them that elusive NWSL Championship crown? Karen takes us through some of the important changes including the big trade that sent away fan favorites Christine Nairn, Carson Pickett and Haley Kopmeyer. (01:11’)
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 Head Coach Denise Reddy is a New Jersey native who has come full circle. Starting her career as NSCAA All-American at Rutgers University, Denise played internationally for 11 years as a centerback for Umea IK and Malmo FF in Sweden, and coached in three different countries. Now, Denise has made her way back home to coach Sky Blue FC. Denise shares with us her unique soccer journey, what coming home means to her, what the fans can expect from her new-look New Jersey side, and more! (15:30’)
University of South Florida
Indigo Gibson
Liga MX Femenil & Mexico WNT
Team, Ariane was and still is a great contributor to the success of women’s football in Germany. As a player, Ariane achieved unparalleled accomplishments including 4-time UEFA Euro Champion, 3-time Olympic Bronze Medal winner, and 2-time Women’s World Cup champion. Now, as assistant coach at VfL Wolfsburg, the affable former defender is still impacting the game in the Fruen-Bundesliga.
Westfield W-League Round-Up
2018 NWSL College Draft
to Houston; her assessment of the players and some of the things she’s doing right now to help turn the Dash around in 2018.
Sports journalist from FanSided and former Div 1 women’s soccer player Celia Balf stops by to chat about the 2017 NCAA Div l College Cup Final and the 2017 women’s soccer season. The Stanford Cardinal met their foes from down south, UCLA for what turned out to be a barn-burner ending. Celia, who has a weekly soccer column at FanSided online magazine, breaks down the final match for us.
Jordyn Huitema
talking to two of the biggest names to come out of Santa Clara University soccer program – USA defenders Julie Ertz and Sofia Huerta. We go back in time when Julie was called Johnston and played just about every position for the Broncos. What were some of her favorite memories of those days and how has she evolved into the leader she is today. As always, Julie gives us thoughtful answers. (24:55′)
Next up, we visit wth the pride of Boise, Idaho Sofia Huerta. The amicable defender is finding her way on the USA team shortly after trading in her Mexico jersey for the USA crest. As the first ever to play for and against US Soccer, Sofia shares her thoughts on the milestone event. Plus, how much pressure does she feel now that she’s donning the USA shirt? How has Ertz influenced her on and off the pitch? And how important was it for her to take her game to the Australian W-League? Sofia lets us in on these questions and MORE! (28′)
We also hear from Canada Head Coach John Herdman, who is over the moon about his new Canadian team. The colorful coach talks about his young team, the future of the team and the growth of Jordyn Huitema. (7:25)