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 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 102: Simone Magill, Kendall Johnson, Katya Gokhman

Episode 102 of Women’s World Football Show features interviews with Everton Ladies and Northern Ireland striker Simone Magill, Portland Thorns FC defender Kendall Johnson and Russian midfielder Katya Gokhman.

In our featured interview, Adam sits down with Simone Magill to chat about Everton Ladies FC promotion to the FAWSL 1, the future of Northern Ireland WNT and the path she paved for herself to get to the top. The young striker made her senior international debut at age 15, claiming Northern Ireland Women’s Premier League Player of the Year in 2010/2012 and Top Goal Scorer 2011/2012. At 18, Simone made the move to Everton in 2013 and now is one of the veterans on the squad, riding the wave from relegation to promotion and beyond.

Simone takes us through her recent world record breaking goal, scoring the fastest-ever international goal, breaking Alex Morgan’s record. During the 2016 European Qualifying match against Georgia, the 11-second goal beat the previous 12 second goal scored by Morgan. What was that experience like and what does that milestone mean? Simone shares the details and more! (3:16′)

Kendall Johnson
“Trust the path you’re on,” says Portland Thorns FC defender Kendall Johnson. If you don’t fully understand that statement, you will after this insightful, inspiring interview with one of Portland’s favorite natives. Kendall was born and raised in Oregon, idolizing the 99er’s and dreaming of being Brandi Chastain. However, after a hard tackle while at Western Sydney Wanderers in the W-League, Kendall suffered a near career-ending concussion, that put her on a path not of her choosing. The result is a long road to recovery and consequential self-discovery leading to a website, blog and podcast, where she brings her experiences to light, shares stories from other athletes and helps others along the way. (35:13′)
Visit Kendall’s website ArrowLiving.com.
For information on concussions, visit HeadwayFoundation.com.

Katya Gokhman
Katya Gokhman is a great example of someone who continues to carve her own path no matter which road she finds herself on. The Russian midfielder moved to Atlanta Georgia with her family at the tender age of two, discovering soccer a few years later. Adam sits down with Katya to discuss her journey to play for Florida State and then back to her native country of Russia. This uncommon path led Katya from Serbia to Iceland and it hasn’t ended yet! Don’t miss this unique story that is bound to inspire you to never stop chasing your dreams… no matter where they take you! (59:42′)

PLUS…
Updates on the UEFA Women’s EURO 2017; NWSL and USWNT reports; And More!

Original Broadcast Date: July 16, 2017

Photo credits courtesy of: Everton.FAWSL.com; Timbers.com; TFSportsGroup

WWFShow website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella

Fade out song courtesy of Deedub

Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark and it’s audio and images cannot be used without expressed 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 97: Tony Readings, Lisa Swanson

Episode 97: Women’s World Football Show welcomes New Zealand Women’s National Football Team manager Tony Readings, Rangers Ladies FC striker Lisa Swanson, The Women’s Game correspondent Cheryl Downes, and Off The Post pundit Courtney Andros.

Football Ferns Head Coach Tony Readings stops by to chat women’s soccer (and also a little A.F.C. Wimbledon men’s football). Adam sits down to talk to the amicable coach about his side, past, present and future. After reminiscing about some of his favorite memories from the 2012 Olympics to the recent Cyprus Cup, Tony shares strategies for further developing the Ferns heading into the 2019 Women’s World Cup.

How does his coaching staff study and scout players abroad? What are some of the challenges facing the New Zealand’s future and is there still a spot on the team for former team captain Abby Erceg? Tony Readings is candid and forthright in his answers. Also, Tony shares his experiences playing against Canada and his former boss John Herdman. If you’re eager to learn more about the exciting Football Ferns, then you’ll want to catch this interview with Tony Readings! (14:26)

Lisa Swanson
What’s it like to spend a decade playing for the team you grew up rooting for? There’s only one person who can answer that question and she’s here! Rangers Ladies FC striker Lisa Swanson shares her experiences as a player and a fan of the Scottish side.

Lisa is the only player who is still at the club since Rangers under 17’s team was formed in 2007 and was a member of the first-ever Rangers senior women’s team (formed the following year in 2008). Lisa shares some of her most fondest moments over the years, such as a few Old Firm Game memories including scoring the winning penalty against Celtic to put the team into the Scottish Cup Final! Plus her thoughts on the growth of the game in Scotland and more. (48:21)

Australia Women’s National Team
Back to talk Westfield Matildas football is correspondent from The Women’s Game Cheryl Downes! There’s tons of Matildas playing overseas and Cheryl gives us an update on all (“We send them far and wide,” says Cheryl and she’s not kidding). From Katrina Gorry and Caitlin Foord playing in Japan, to Sam Kerr and half the Orlando Pride team (aka “Australia training camp”) to Emily van Egmond in Germany and the many others playing in Norway, Cheryl gives us the scoop. Plus a look back at Algarve Cup; a look ahead at the 2018 AFC Asian Cup in Jordan; and a possible appearance in the USA! So, make yourself a vegemite sandwich, pull up a beach chair and enjoy! (1:04:26)

Spotlight Team: North Carolina Courage
The 2016 NWSL champion North Carolina Courage (aka “The Team Formerly Known as Western New York Flash”) is under the WWFShow spotlight! Off The Post correspondent and Courage expert Courtney Andros drops by to fill us in on the team, the players and the season ahead. How did Coach Riley keep his championship team together even after moving down South? Why was the 2017 draft such a disappointment, what’s the secret to the team’s success and what’s with Jaelene Hinkle? All this and so much more! (1:22:51)

PLUS…
Updates from the NWSL, FAWSL, UEFA Women’s Champions League, sad news from Notts County, and more!

Fade Out Music by Neil Diamond

Original Broadcast Date: April 30, 2017

Photo credits courtesy of: nzfootball.co.nz; nwslsoccer.com; rangers.co.uk; The Women’s Game