Episode 179: Shae Yanez, Girls on the Ball, Marios Christos Sfantos

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 179 features an exclusive with London City Lionesses Goalkeeper Shae Yanez; football journalists and founders of Girls on the Ball – Rachel O’Sullivan and Sophie Downey; and co-founder of Athens Women’s Football Summit Marios Christos Sfantos

The world is converging on England to play in the FA WSL.

On this episode we talk to a young American goalkeeper for London City Lionesses Shae Yanez about her journey to England.

We’ll also talk to  Rachel O’Sullivan and Sophie Downey from GirlsOnTheBall.com about the league, the England Women’s Team and more!

The Athens Women’s Football Summit is underway starting on October 12, 2020 and we visit with co-founder Marios Christos Sfantos to tell us about this amazing event.

Shae Yanez

After a stellar college career at University of Tennessee, Shae Yanez signed with the Washington Spirit in 2019. She then went on to play in Spain for Santa Teresa CD. The young goalkeeper is now starting for the London City Lionesses of the Women’s FA Championship.

Shae gives us insight on her move to England, her thoughts on London City, how the experience is shaping her as a person and player, her future plans, and more!  (8’’)

Follow Shae:

Twitter @shaeyanez

Instagram: @shaeyanez

 

Girls on the Ball

Founders of Girls on the Ball, Rachel O’Sullivan and Sophie Downey stop by to talk about the FAWSL 2020/21 season, players and teams to watch, a little about the England Women’s National Team.

After last season’s abrupt end (thanks to COVID), the new season kicks off with some changes – most notably all the internationals flooding the league. How will this impact the league and possibly the development of the younger England players? Rachel and Sophie break it all down for us! Do not miss this interview! (36’)

Visit their website at GirlsOnTheBall.com

Follow GOTB on Twitter @GirlsonttheBall

 

Marios Christos Sfantos

Athens Women’s Football Summit 2020 is here! AWFS Co-Founder and women’s football advocate Marios Christos Sfantos gives us all the information, plus a peek of the amazing lineup of guest speakers.

Visit the Athens Women’s Football Summit 2020 website at AthensWFS.com

Follow on Twitter @AthensWFS

Follow Marios on Instagram @mcsfantos1

 

Episode Links:

https://linktr.ee/LondonCityLionesses

https://www.londoncitylionesses.com/post/london-city-lionesses-sign-shae-yanez

 

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: London City Lionesses

Original Broadcast Date: October 11, 2020

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Shae Yanez, Lenard Lun of Upper V Athletes Management, Rachel O’Sullivan, Sophie Downey, Marios Christos Sfantos

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 178: Grace Asantewaa, Woso Maniacs, Sumani Basirudeen

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 178 features a special Ghana spotlight with Ghana Women’s National Football Team midfielder Grace Asantewaa; Woso Maniacs podcast founders and hosts Ewurama and Afua; and Ghana Premier League’s Northern Ladies FC head coach Sumani Basirudeen

Are you ready to travel to West Africa to the diverse country of Ghana? On this episode we take a look at women’s football in Ghana with three very different perspectives.

Our guests include Ghana Women’s National Team midfielder Grace Asantewaa; Founders and hosts of Wosos Maniacs podcast Ewurama and Afua; and  Ghana Women’s Premier League head coach Sumani Basirudeen all share their views of women’s football in Ghana

Grace Asantewaa

With nothing but a dream in her head and faith in her heart, the Grace Asantewaa has become the star for the Black Queens. Making a name for herself at the national team youth level on for her Ghana club sides, Grace is now playing and learning in Spain. At only 19-years old, Grace is already a leader for the senior national team.

In this exclusive interview, Grace shares her football journey, playing on the national team and what she thinks the Ghana FA needs to do to help the growth of women’s football in the country. A spirited and intense player and person, Grace Asantewaa is a big reason that women’s football is growing in Ghana and this is an interview you do not want to miss! (9’’)

Follow Grace on Instagram @asantewaa_messiah

Woso Maniacs

We’re talking with the founders and hosts of Woso Maniacs podcast Ewurama and Afua. The Ghana natives give us the fans’ perspective of what needs to be done to ensure the future of the women’s game in Ghana, the state of the league, some of the things that is keeping Ghanaian women’s football back and more… in a fun Woso-Maniacs-kind-of-way! (41’)

Follow on Twitter @WosoManiacs

Visit their website https://wosomaniacsgh.wixsite.com/wosomaniacsgh

Sumani Basirudeen

Coach Sumani Basirudeen stops by to share his experience as head coach of Northern Ladies FC of the Ghana Women’s Premier League.

What is it like for women players playing in the Ghana Women’s Premier League? How is the league helping to grow women’s football in Ghana? And also how are the teams producing great youth players and helping them stay in the game as they become young adults? Coach Bas is here to tell us all that and more! (01:13′)

Follow on Twitter @northern_women

Episode Links:

Ghana lifts maiden WAFU Women’s Cup with win over Ivory Coast

Ghana v France 2019 U20 Women’s World Cup

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: FIFA

Original Broadcast Date: September 20, 2020

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

Additional assistance for this episode by LTA Agency, Grace Asantewaa, Woso Maniacs, Coach Sumani Basirudeen and Tindzo Bingi

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 177: Australia Special with Cheryl Downes

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 177 features a special Australia spotlight with in-depth analysis by Beyond 90 Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief Cheryl Downes.

When FIFA announced that the Women’s World Cup 2023™ will be staged in Australia and New Zealand, elation was felt around the globe. Not only is this monumental event important to the two host countries, who have done so much for women’s football with their national teams and leagues, it will be fruitful for the women’s game all over the world.

On this special episode, we visit with Beyond 90 Co-Founder and Editor-in-Chief Cheryl Downes to discuss the upcoming World Cup, what it means to the Australia, the Matildas playing abroad, and much more. Three years is not that far away, so let’s get the conversation started!!

Cheryl Downes

Cheryl is the Co-Founder and Editor in Chief of Beyond 90. Having been involved in the coverage of women’s football for well over a decade, Cheryl has covered the 2015 FIFA Women’s World Cup, the AFC Women’s Asian Cup (2014, 2018) and more than seven seasons of the W-League.

Making her record-breaking 30th appearance on Women’s World Football Show (that’s a good thing, right?), Cheryl Downes provides us an inside look at the upcoming 2023 Women’s World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Her expert analysis brings us a close-up view of the tournament seen through the eyes of a Melbourne native. Plus, Cheryl gets us up to date with the Matildas playing abroad, some W-League news and more.

Did you know Cheryl got her start covering Field Hockey?? Well, we do now because Cheryl also shares her own personal football journey! It’s a side of Cheryl we never knew existed and after 6 years of appearances, it’s about time we got to know her! (6‘ & 37’)

Follow Cheryl on Twitter @ChicasFootball

 

Episode Links:

Visit Beyond 90.com.au

Twitter: @Beyond90AU

 

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: Cheryl Downes

Original Broadcast Date: September 2, 2020

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Cheryl Downes and Beyond90.com.au

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 176: Morgan Weaver

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 176 features an exclusive interview with Portland Thorns FC forward Morgan Weaver; plus soundbites from Thorns head coach Mark Parsons; Houston Dash players Rachel Daly and Shea Groom

There is so much to be excited about for the future of women’s football’s – the future players, teams, tournaments and many leagues all over the world! However, all these things are happening right now. On this episode we’ll get a glimpse into the future while keeping our feet firmly planted in the present with big news and stories happening today, including the professional debut of one of the games brightest stars! Portland Thorns FC forward Morgan Weaver stops by to talk about playing with the iconic club, her budding career, and more. Plus, Thorns head coach Mark Parsons talks about his young star; and an entertaining press conference with 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Champions Houston Dash stars Rachel Daly and Shea Groom.

Morgan Weaver

The Washington State star and No. 2 overall NWSL College Draft pick Morgan Weaver stops by to chat about her soccer journey, her interesting start to her rookie career, her college draft experience, and more! (11′ & 38′)

Follow Morgan:

Twitter: @morganvweaver

Instagram: @morganvweaver

Mark Parsons

Portland Thorns FC head coach Mark Parsons talks about his young prospect Morgan Weaver and in the next segment discusses the potential and future of his No. 2 overall NWSL College Draft Pick. (13′ and 46′)

Follow Coach Parsons:

Twitter: @mparsons_1

Rachel Daly and Shea Groom

The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup Champions Rachel Daly and Shea Groom talk about their road to victory, the focus of the team in the tournament, the inspirational journey, and more! This is one of the most entertaining pressers you’ll ever hear! (45′)

Episode Links:

The FA fixtures are announced! via TheFA.com

FAWSL Transfers via SheKicks.net

 

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: NWSL

Original Broadcast Date: August 9, 2020

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Morgan Weaver, Katie Simons of the Portland Thorns, and Mark Jones of the 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 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 174: Adekite Fatuga-Dada; Passion FC

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 174 features exclusive interviews with Watford Ladies FC striker Adekite Fatuga-Dada; from Passion FC, Leila Al Dzheref and Aggie Dent. 

How is the next generation of young women using football as a platform to create change in this crazy, chaotic world? On this episode we feature the next generation of forward thinkers who are inspiring to help make the world a better place – all through the beautiful game of women’s football.

Adekite Fatuga-Dada

At just 23 years old, Adekite Fatuga-Dada is the longest-standing player at Watford Ladies FC. After a few years at Arsenal, Adekite returned to her hometown team to help build up the game of women’s football and the community in which she was born and raised.

A leader on and off the pitch, Adekite is using her name to make an impact in the Black Lives Matter movement by supporting and raising awareness of social issues facing people of color today. Adekite shares her football story, her thoughts on the suspended season, combating discrimination in football and more! (8′)

Follow Adkite:

Twitter: @AdekiteFatuga96

Instagram: @afatuga96

Follow Watford LFC on Facebook: @watfordfcladies

 

Passion FC

Passion FC is a global organization focused on social issues surrounding football in countries where women’s football is not fully supported. Through the telling of the stories from young women all around the world, Passion FC uses women’s football as a vehicle to create change both socially, economically, and culturally.

Here to tell the story and give us information on how we can get involved are Managing Director of Middle East/Eastern Europe Leila Al Dzheref and Chief Partnership and Strategy Officer Aggie Dent. (39′)

Follow Leila on Instagram @leila_realmadrid

Follow Aggie on Instagram @adventureswithaggie

Visit Passion FC website at Passion-FC.org

Twitter: @PassionFC_

Instagram: @passionfc

 

Episode Links:

Read about the Australia and New Zealand selections as hosts of the FIFA Women’s World Cup 2023

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: Adekite Fatuga-Dada

Original Broadcast Date: June 5, 2020

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Adekite Fatuga-Dada, Jhynno Marcelin and Passion FC

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 173: 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 173 features soundbites from Orlando Pride defender Ali Krieger and goalkeeper Erin McLeod; Houston Dash co-captains Rachel Daly and Jane Campbell; Washington Spirit stars Rose Lavelle, Ashley Hatch, Tori Huster, and Meggie Dougherty Howard; OL Reign defender Lauren Barnes; plus Head Coaches Marc Skinner (Orlando Pride) and Craig Harrington (Utah Royals FC).

It’s the day we’ve all been waiting for!

The 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup marks the return to action for all nine NWSL clubs. The 25-game tournament will kick off on June 27, 2020 at Zions Bank Stadium in Herriman, Utah. The semifinals and finals will take place on July 22 and 26 at Rio Tinto Stadium in Sandy Utah.

On this episode, we’re taking a look at the return of women’s soccer in the USA with this very special tournament, and hear from many of your favorite players and coaches. Are you ready? #LFG!

Below is the lineup with an approximate time where they show up in the show. Enjoy!

Rose Lavelle – opening 

Tori Huster – 9’

Ashley Hatch – 12’

MDH – 14’’

Criag Harrington – 17’

Lauren Barnes – 20’

Ali Krieger – 29’ 

Marc Skinner – 33’

Erin McLeod – 38’

Jane Campbell – 42’

Rachel Daly – 43’

 

Episode Links:

Listen to past episodes of Women’s World Football Show, featuring:

Rose Lavelle – Episode 98

Lauren Barnes – Episode 118

Ashley Hatch – Episode 106

Ali Krieger – Episode 36

Erin McLeod – Episode 31

Jane Campbell – Episode 105

 

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.

Photos Courtesy of: Houston Dash, Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, OL Reign

Original Broadcast Date: June 21, 2020

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Washington Spirit, Orlando Pride, OL Reign, Utah Royals FC, and Houston Dash.

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 172: Susie Petruccelli, Jackie Gutierrez

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 172 features exclusive interviews with Susie Petruccelli, author of Raised a Warrior; and Jackie Gutierrez, founder and editor of WomenKickBalls.com.

Title IX of the Education Amendments Act of 1972 is a federal law that states:

“No person in the United States shall, on the basis of sex, be excluded from participation in, be denied the benefits of, or be subjected to discrimination under any education program or activity receiving Federal financial assistance.” 

On this episode, we look into the past and present state of women’s soccer and how it is shaping the future of the sport.

Susie Petruccelli

Susie DeLellis Petruccelli is a former Harvard women’s soccer star and the author of her prize winning memoir, Raised a Warrior: One Women’s Soccer Odyssey. Through her work as an author and women’s rights activist, Susie shares intimate knowledge of the issues surrounding gender inequality in sports and soccer, as well as her involvement with the documentary Warriors of a Beautiful Game. (7′)

Follow Susie:

Twitter: @Sooozie

Instagram: @susiepetruccelli

Contact Susie: susie@warriorwomenoffootball.com

 

Jackie Gutierrez

As founder, editor and head writer at WomenKickBalls.com, Jackie Gutierrez is a young entrepreneur who has put her knowledge and know-how to work to help grow the women’s game. Jackie explains the challenges that the US Women’s National Team is facing in their equal-pay lawsuit against US Soccer. Plus, Jackie gives us an update on the NWSL’s return with a month-long tournament in Utah, her favorite players to interview, and more! (51′)

Visit and follow WomenKickBalls.com

Twitter: @womenkickballs

Instagram: @womenkickballs

 

Episode Links:

Order your copy of Raised a Warrior: One Woman’s Soccer Odyssey by Susie Petruccelli

Warriors of a Beautiful Game documentary: https://warriorwomenoffootball.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: Floodit Dreams

Original Broadcast Date: June 1, 2020

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Susie Petruccelli and Jackie Gutierrez

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 171: Elena Linari

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 171 features an exclusive interview with Italy Women’s National Team Defender Elena Linari.

What happens if we turn our focus from the things we don’t have or the things we can’t do and concentrate instead on all the things we DO have and the things we CAN do?

Is it possible to change our life’s circumstance by changing our mindset? On this episode, we’re lifting ourselves up as we welcome Italy defender Elena Linari – a very special player and person who shares some of her antidotes for overcoming hard times and shows how mental strength is just as important as physical strength especially these days.

Elena Linari

The Italy center back takes us on an unforgettable journey starting from her childhood playing football in the streets of Florence to playing for her country in front of billions at the 2019 Women’s World Cup. Playing professionally since a teenager, Elena has risen to the top of her game as part of the Le Azzure – Italy Women’s National Team – surprising everyone by winning their group and making it all the way to the quarterfinals of the tournament in France.

From her passionate singing of the National Anthem to their victory Macarena dance, Elena won the hearts of the fans back home and helped bring attention to the billions who watched the tournament. In this powerful interview, Elena shares her memories of the Women’s World Cup, how she finds happiness within herself, especially during difficult times, and more!

Plus, what went into her decision to leave Serie A and play for one of the most popular teams in the world at Athletico Madrid? And what is it like to play in front of 60,000-plus spectators in Spain? We find out in this in-depth interview with one of the game’s best center backs! (20’)

Follow Elena:

Twitter: @ElenaLinari

Instagram: @elenalinari

Facebook: @ElenaLinariOfficial

Visit Elena’s webstie at ElenaLinari.it

 

Episode Links:

Follow Italian Football Team on Twitter @Azzurri

Studio Assist & Partners

FIFA selects 2023 Women’s World Cup Host

 

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: FIFA.com

Original Broadcast Date: May 17, 2020

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

Additional assistance for this episode by Elena Linari and Studio Assist & Partners

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 170: Giovanna Dionicio, Gabriella Marte

Women’s World Football Show, Episode 170 features exclusive interviews with Dominican Republic Women’s U-20 Defenders Giovanna Dionicio and Gabriella Marte.

History! It’s something we talk a lot about in sports. However, when history is made by a women’s youth team, it’s something special and definitely worth, not just talking about, but featuring on a Women’s World Football Show episode!

In March, 2020, history was made by the Dominican Republic U-20 Women’s National Team during the Concacaf U-20 Championship when, for the first time ever at any level in men’s or women’s football, a Dominican Republic National Team reached a semifinal stage of a Concacaf sanctioned competition.

On this episode we spotlight that remarkable achievement with DR defenders Giovanna Dionicio and Gabriella Marte.

Giovanna Dionicio

Hailing from West Hartford Connecticut, Giovanna Dionicio made her Dominican Republic U-20 National Team debut in the 2020 U-20 Concacaf Women’s Championship. Giovanna was a standout at the high school and youth club levels. Now, majoring in Bio-Medical Engineering at Yale, Giovanna is setting her sites on the next phase of her football career and she’s here to tell us all about it.

The young defender stops by to share her football journey, how she was recruited by the Dominican Republic U-20 team, the experience of making history with the national team, and more! Plus, how close did Giovanna come to missing that quarterfinal game against Jamaica?? She gives us the stressful details! (15’)

Follow Yale Women’s Soccer on Twitter @YaleWSoccer

Gabriella Marte

Only two months after turning 17-years old and still in high school, Gabriella Marte stepped onto one of the biggest stages of women’s football at the U-20 Concacaf Women’s Championship and into the record books. We talk to Gabriella about defeating Jamaica in the historic quarterfinals at the tournament, what the Dominican Republic U-20 Women’s National Team’s success means to the growth of women’s soccer in the Dominican, and much more.

Already with a few senior national team caps under her belt, Gabriella is regarded as one of the future Top Prospects in her position on the Dominican Republic National Team. A National Honor Society student and member of the DA club team Penn Fusion, Gabriella is on the cusp of a promising football career and she’s here to give us her vision on her promising future.

Could Gabriella be the youngest player we’ve ever interviewed on Women’s World Football Show? We’re on the case! (44’)

Follow Gabriella on Twitter @GabriellaMarte

Follow Penn Fusion SA on Twitter @PennFusion_SA

 

Episode Links:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Dominican_Republic_women%27s_national_football_team

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Gabriella_Marte

https://www.concacaf.com/en/under-20s-women/article/dominican-republic-dig-deep-to-reach-semifinals

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/2020_CONCACAF_Women%27s_U-20_Championship_squads

https://mailchi.mp/d2d15c8f8496/dominican-republic-named-host-for-2020-concacaf-womens-under-20-championship

https://yalebulldogs.com/sports/womens-soccer/roster/giovanna-dionicio/14385

https://twitter.com/fedofutbol

 

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.

Photos Courtesy of: Dominican Republic U-20 Women’s National Team

Original Broadcast Date: May 3, 2020

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

Additional assistance for this episode by John Marte

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.