The Women's Soccer Podcast

The Women's Soccer Podcast

di Liam Greco
Notizie sportiveCalcio
Stagione 5
Blockbuster WSL Summer Transfers Reshaping the League
London City Lionesses shocked the women's soccer world by signing Barcelona legends Alexia Putellas and Mapi León, transforming the newly promoted Women’s Super League side into an instant European powerhouse. In this episode, LDG delivers an essential tactical breakdown of the historic summer transfer window. He analyzes Michele Kang’s ambitious blueprint to reshape English women's football and the WSL through high-profile recruitment. This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the recent transfer window in women's football, focusing on the strategies of top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and the ambitious London City Lionesses, but also covering the moves of every club in the league. We explore how these moves shape the league's competitive landscape and the future of the Women's Super League. The episode dives deep into the sudden squad turnover at London City, focusing on how these blockbusters disrupt the WSL hierarchy. LDG dissects how two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas alters the midfield dynamics and elevates the club's creative floor. He follows with a critical evaluation of how four-time Champions League winner Mapi León provides the structural organization needed to compete against established giants. The discussion concludes by exploring the world-class shot-stopping and backline communication the Lionesses secure with England international Mary Earps in goal. LDG addresses the burning questions circulating in the women's soccer community regarding sustainable growth. He evaluates critics who question if rapid success fueled by billionaire investment is sustainable over a full domestic season. He provides an in-depth analysis of whether massive financial backing translates into on-pitch chemistry or simply creates an expensive collection of individuals. Finally, he projects how London City’s aggressive business pressures rivals like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham to rethink their recruitment strategies. Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!
S5 · E204
20 lug 2026
37:43
Gotham FC's Queens Classic Was A Grand Slam: Here's Why
Gotham FC just played their first-ever regular season match inside New York City proper, and 42,175 fans showed up to Citi Field to watch it happen. In this episode, LDG breaks down why the Queens Classic was a genuine grand slam moment for the club, even though the ninety minutes on the field left plenty to be desired. He walks through the business case first: a new NYC women's sports attendance record, set not in ideal conditions but through 90-degree heat and an active wildfire smoke advisory, four days before a men's World Cup Final just miles away at MetLife. He connects that turnout directly to the club's recently announced 2028 move to Etihad Park, arguing this was less a one-off spectacle and more a stress test the club needed to pass. From there, LDG gets into the emotional storylines of the night, including Sam Kerr's long-awaited return to the club where her NWSL career first took off, and what her ovation from a sold-out crowd signals about the fanbase Gotham is building in Queens. He also doesn't shy away from the rough patches: a chewed-up outfield-turned-pitch that caused multiple stumbles, a scrappy and largely uneventful second half, and a scary early exit for Jordynn Dudley after back-to-back knocks to the head. LDG makes the case for why "grand slam" still holds up as the right label even when the on-field product wasn't great, and closes by looking ahead to Gotham's next test hosting Seattle Reign at Icahn Stadium, plus what Washington's now five-game scoreless skid against Gotham means for a probable third straight playoff meeting between the two sides. Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!
S5 · E203
16 lug 2026
36:35
Mya Jones on Calgary Wild FC's Project, NWSL Draft Day, and the Northern Super League
Calgary Wild forward Mya Jones sits down to discuss life in the Northern Super League! From dominating youth pitches in Alberta to making history as the first-ever University of Memphis women's soccer graduate selected in the NWSL Draft, Mya’s journey is defined by grit and elite competitiveness. Mya opens up about the cultural and physical adjustments of transitioning to NCAA Division 1 soccer. She also reflects on her early international debut for Canada's U-15 national team at just 12 years old under Bev Priestman, sharing how those elite youth tournament experiences prepared her for the professional ranks. Shifting to her professional career, Mya details her 2024 NWSL Draft experience with the San Diego Wave and the reputation she built as a fierce, high-intensity competitor on the pitch. She candidly shares the mental and physical hurdles of overcoming a severe broken foot injury during an NSL loan spell with AFC Toronto. The conversation wraps up with an inside look at the launch of the Northern Super League and why Mya chose to return home to sign with Calgary Wild FC for the 2026 season. She explains how the squad is navigating heavy roster turnover and a coaching change following Lydia Bedford's departure, all while building a distinct new team identity. Finally, Mya shares her short-term goals, senior Canada national team aspirations, and fields a fun round of TWSP-classic rapid-fire questions. Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!
S5 · E202
13 lug 2026
27:44
Halifax Tides' Naya Cardoza on Defending the World's Best
Halifax Tides defender Naya Cardoza joins the show to take us inside her journey from Ivy League collegiate powerhouse to the historic Northern Super League in Canadian soccer. In this episode, the former Brown University captain opens up about what it takes to defend the world's best attackers. She shares firsthand insights from her international caps with the Jamaica Women’s National Team (or Reggae Girlz), breaking down the tactical mindset needed to shut down global superstars like Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, Lizbeth Ovalle, and Marta. Naya also talks about why the Halifax Tides FC and the club’s long-term project was a great fit for her first professional contract and club, the responsibility she feels to inspire the next generation of Canadian soccer talent, and how she navigated the hurdles on the road to going pro that are not always highlighted. Plus, we look ahead to Jamaica’s vital 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign and close things out with a rapid-fire Q&A! Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!
S5 · E201
9 lug 2026
30:45
Listener Q+A: Gotham FC’s New York Move & Spain’s World Cup Chances
We made it to another big milestone, episode 200! In this special milestone episode of The Women’s Soccer Podcast, LDG takes a look back at where it all started and dives deep into the current state of the game. First, LDG takes you behind the scenes to share the origin story of the podcast and how the show’s production has evolved. From the hours spent prepping and editing to his absolute favorite parts of the weekly routine, he shares the highs and the lows, Next, he transitions into a hard-hitting tactical breakdown of the absolute identity crisis happening right now with Gotham FC. He dissects the current full-back situation, explaining why the club's current defensive line management affects every phase of play on the pitch. He looks closely at the metrics to understand why standout rookie Sarah Schupansky has seen such limited minutes, while also assessing the logistics and probability behind the club's rumored stadium relocation straight into New York City to NYCFC's new stadium. To wrap up this milestone edition, LDG reflects on his most memorable guest stories, revealing the common traits it takes to become an elite professional athlete in today's modern leagues. He analyzes the global game to pinpoint which international domestic leagues deserve far more attention, which countries have made the biggest developmental leaps, and whether a dominant Spain squad has what it takes to repeat their glory next summer in Brazil. It all ends with a bold, definitive prediction for where the trajectory of women's football is headed over the next decade! Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!
S5 · E200
7 lug 2026
45:31
Emma Egizii on Transitioning from UCLA to the Chicago Stars
Chicago Stars FC midfielder Emma Egizii sits down to discuss life in the NWSL as a rookie! Emma breaks down her journey from winning an NCAA National Championship with the UCLA Bruins to signing her first multi-year professional contract. Learn how the All-American playmaker overcame multiple major knee injuries to break out as a top rookie talent in the National Women's Soccer League and hear her expert tactical advice on navigating the transition from college soccer to the pro game. In today's incredible conversation, Emma shares what specifically made the Chicago Stars the right fit, and her first-ever professional preseason being highlighted by a training camp in Spain. Emma talks about how she looks back upon her time with NCAA women's college soccer powerhouse UCLA Bruins, recovering from two season-ending injuries in college/the resilience required and adversity faced by athletes playing at the highest level of soccer, and how Emma hopes that being a part of the Stars’ environment will help to continue to cultivate and develop attributes in her game as she enters the professional ranks. Additionally, Emma elaborates on how her team's identity continues to develop, making her professional debut in front of the avid (and her hometown) Angel City team/fanbase that her parents are season ticket-holders of, her goals on her career vision board, and her message to the fans of the Stars! Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!
S5 · E199
2 lug 2026
26:00
From NWSL to the Ascent: Shea Groom on Her Next Chapter
Carolina Ascent midfielder Shea Groom sits down to discuss life in the Gainbridge Super League! NWSL Champion and veteran midfielder Shea Groom joins the podcast to share insider insights from her eleven top-flight professional seasons. Discover how her recent transition to Carolina Ascent FC is shaping her veteran leadership role in a new league landscape and uncover her proven strategies for locker room culture, tactical execution, and maintaining a competitive edge at the highest levels of women's soccer.' She shares her initial reaction hearing about a second professional women’s soccer league coming to the United States, what specifically made the Carolina Ascent the right fit, winning the inaugural NWSL Challenge Cup title in the COVID-19 bubble with a very special Houston Dash group. Shea also talks about how she has seen the women’s soccer landscape evolve since her rookie season and what stands out most when you compare the American women’s soccer landscape, NWSL and USL included, then versus where it is today and how both the high's of trophies and lows of injuries taught her resilience, leadership, and maintaining confidence through adversity. Additionally, Shea elaborates on how her team's identity continues to develop, playing in front of the avid Carolina fanbase, how she has stepped into a more prominent leadership/mentorship role of her younger teammates in Carolina, her time in NCAA women's college soccer with Texas Tech, and so much more! Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!
S5 · E198
29 giu 2026
32:59
Inside Canada's Northern Super League with Jaylyn Wright
Vancouver Rise FC defender Jaylyn Wright sits down to discuss life in Canada's Northern Super League! Jaylyn breaks down what it means to be part of Vancouver's professional women's soccer roster, the intense competition across the league, and how the Canadian soccer landscape is shifting for the next generation of athletes. She shares her initial reaction hearing about a professional women’s soccer league coming to Canada, what specifically made the Vancouver Rise the right fit, winning the inaugural Northern Super League title and Diana B. Matheson Cup. She also talks about how she looks back upon that final retrospectively, how preseason went with lots of new faces, how the group is continuing to build continuity ahead of reaching the club’s ambitious goals and stepping into a vital role within the Rise system early in her professional career. Additionally, Jaylyn elaborates on how her team's identity continues to develop, playing in front of the avid Vancouver fanbase, areas in her game she is aiming to build upon in her second season with the Rise, her time in NCAA women's college soccer, and so much more! Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!
S5 · E197
25 giu 2026
24:30
How Angel City FC Reimagined Their Identity in Mere Days
Angel City FC just made three moves that can’t really be understood in isolation: the $850,000 signing of Ally Sentnor, the departure of rising midfielder Kennedy Fuller, and the dismissal of head coach Alexander Straus. On paper, they look like separate stories, but in reality they point to the same shift in urgency expressed top down at Angel City. In this episode, LDG breaks down how Angel City’s decisions reveal a club recalibrating its entire timeline. From investing heavily in elite young talent, to moving on from a long-term prospect, to parting ways with a coach brought in to build a sustainable project, each move raises the same question: has Angel City stopped waiting for its future and started demanding results now? He digs into what the Sentnor transfer really signals about valuation and ambition in the modern NWSL, why the Kennedy Fuller trade is less about “losing a player” and more about competing timelines, and whether Alexander Straus was a victim of poor results or a changing organizational identity. Zooming out, this isn’t just a story about one club. It’s about a league entering a new era, where investment is rising, patience is shrinking, and every decision carries immediate pressure to deliver. Did Angel City just accelerated into contention or abandoned a plan before it had time to work? listen in to hear my thoughts, I hope you all enjoy! Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!
S5 · E196
22 giu 2026
59:15
Did Gotham FC Just Win the NWSL Transfer Window? | Sam Kerr Completes Blockbuster Return to NWSL & Lilly Reale Traded to Boston Legacy
Sam Kerr is back in the NWSL. In perhaps one of the craziest days of NWSL summer transfer window, Gotham FC reunited with one of the greatest goalscorers in league history while trading last season's Rookie of the Year Lilly Reale to Boston Legacy FC. At first glance, they may seem like two separate moves but together, they reveal exactly how Gotham views its championship window. In this episode, LDG break downs why Gotham brought Sam Kerr back to the club where she became an NWSL superstar, what the move means tactically under Juan Carlos Amorós, whether Kerr can still be one of the league's elite forwards after returning from injury, and why the club was willing to move on from one of the brightest young defenders in American soccer. LDG also dives into what Lilly Reale's departure means for both Gotham FC and Boston Legacy FC, whether the reported $400,000 deal was enough value, and the bigger question at the heart of these moves: did Gotham just make the smartest decision of the transfer window, or mortgage part of its future in pursuit of another championship? Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!
S5 · E195
18 giu 2026
28:06
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