April 19, 2025 • 31 mins
Hope you’re enjoying all the great international play as we’re coming out of FIFA break in April, 2025… and heading into a new one pretty soon!
On this episode, we take a trip into the mix zone at the USWNT v Brazil match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. On tap: Michelle Cooper, Alyssa Thompson, and Trinity Rodman. We also listen in to press conferences featuring a couple of our favorite head coaches: Emma Hayes (USA) and Casey Stoney (Canada)
More notables from UEFA Women’s Nations League matches, select international friendlies, and a preview of the Concacaf Women’s Champions Cup semifinals.
Plus - what’s the latest rumor on Australia’s new head coach situation, and what makes SoFi’s pressbox so unappealing? I’m covering it all!
Episode Links Keep up with the UEFA Women's Nations League: https://www.uefa.com/womensnationsleague/news/
More WWFShow Links: Follow Women’s World Football Show on Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.
Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Castbox, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.
Original Broadcast Date: April 19, 2025
Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited, and produced by Patty La Bella.
Additional assistance for this episode by US Soccer and Canada Soccer
Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella
Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark whose audio and logo cannot be used without written authorization.
On this episode, we take a trip into the mix zone at the USWNT v Brazil match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles. On tap: Michelle Cooper, Alyssa Thompson, and Trinity Rodman. We also listen in to press conferences featuring a couple of our favorite head coaches: Emma Hayes (USA) and Casey Stoney (Canada)
More notables from UEFA Women’s Nations League matches, select international friendlies, and a preview of the Concacaf Women’s Champions Cup semifinals.
Plus - what’s the latest rumor on Australia’s new head coach situation, and what makes SoFi’s pressbox so unappealing? I’m covering it all!
Episode Links Keep up with the UEFA Women's Nations League: https://www.uefa.com/womensnationsleague/news/
More WWFShow Links: Follow Women’s World Football Show on Facebook, Instagram, and our blog at wwfshowblog.com.
Listen to Women’s World Football Show on Apple Podcasts, iHeart Radio, Spotify, Spreaker, TuneIn Radio, Castbox, Soundcloud, and direct from our website at www.WWFShow.com.
Original Broadcast Date: April 19, 2025
Women’s World Football Show is hosted, written, edited, and produced by Patty La Bella.
Additional assistance for this episode by US Soccer and Canada Soccer
Women’s World Football Show website design and theme music by Patricia La Bella
Women’s World Football Show® is a registered trademark whose audio and logo cannot be used without written authorization.
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Transcript
Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:10):
Hey, everybody, Welcome to another exciting episode of Women's Rold
Football Show.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
I'm your host, Patty.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
How you doing.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
I hope you're doing great.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
I hope you're enjoying all the women's soccer going off
all over the world, and it's an exciting time. I'm
recording this as we're coming out of a FIFA international
break and we're kind of right before we're going into
another one, so a very short windows, so I thought
i'd pop in. I thought it'd be a good time
to pop in and talk a little bit about.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Some of the scores all over the world.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
We'll hear some sound bites and press conference sound bites,
some short interviews, we'll take a look at some notable.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Scores and some updates going on.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
All over the world, and then we'll also take a
look at the UEFA Women's Nations League, which saw a
few matches in this international break, and then if we
have time, all up down on the upcoming CONCA CAF
Women's Champions Cup semi finals that are coming up at
the end of May twenty twenty five as we're recording
this and then heading into the finals.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
So exciting stuff going off all over the world.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
And I'm super excited for this episode because I very
recently had a chance to go to Sofi Stadium and
watch the United States women's national.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Team play Brazil.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
And you know, it's always exciting and fun when these
two teams get together. You know, it's that age old
the speed and quick transitions of the US team against
the physicality and the aggressiveness of the Brazilians. It just
seems like, no matter if you change the personnel and
the time and the era, it's always fun.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
It's always exciting.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
I call it a historic match because it was the
first time a women's sporting event of any kind was
held at Sofi Sofi being in a fairly new stadium.
So the honors went to the US women's national team
with good reason. I was so happy to be there.
The stadium is amazing. But the press box, I don't know.
(02:04):
I was not a fan of the press box. I'm
not gonna complain too much about it, but it was
it was interesting. Let's say, you know, they enclose it
in glass, and that's always There's a couple of stadiums
you know, around that I've been to that haven't closed
press boxes, and they're not I'm not a fan because
you missed that roar of the crowd. You miss that excitement,
(02:24):
the thing that's like tangible in the air that you
can kind of feel. And I think there was like
thirty two thousand people there at so I FI to
see the match, and so you want to be in
the mix of it, right, You want to be in
the middle of it and be able to get that
energy of the crowd. It's kind of hard when you're
behind glass, you know. I mean it's like, uh so,
not a fan of that, but otherwise, just an amazing stadium,
(02:45):
just great overall, and the players seem to like it.
I have some soundbites from the players after that match, so.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
We'll hear from from them. Let's see, who do I have.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
I had. I got a nice little one on one
with Michelle Cooper, who's quickly becoming one of my favorite players.
Have to say, well, so listen to a SoundBite from
Melissa Thompson and of course Trinity Rodman. And then I
have a press conference with coach Emma Hayes. But like
I was saying, you know, in the old days, like
this was really a bitter matchup, right, there was these
(03:15):
rivalries that you just you know, Brazil was the team
that you love to hate as a US fan, along
with Canada too. But I think since we've become more
familiar with some of these players playing in the National
Women's Soccer League, can't hate them.
Speaker 3 (03:30):
You know.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
It's like you know these players because they're playing on
some of your favorite teams, and we saw them on
the field. Angelina, Caroline Yasmine. Oh, Lorena, Oh I got.
I was so happy to see Lorena play. She's becoming
another one another one of my favorite players, favorite young players,
I should say, And of course she's playing over at
the Kansas City Current right now. She has so much heart,
(03:53):
this goalkeeper, I mean, Lorena, she is like amazing going
into the tunnel after the match, you know, in the
mix oone talking.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
To some players, and she was.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Being interviewed by a Brazilian reporter who was standing next
to me, and it was in Portuguese obviously, so I
don't have the sound bite for you, but I but
I was watching her and she at one point in
the interview like kind of had to step back and
compose herself. She was like started to cry, and I
was like, oh no, I just hope she's okay, and
so yeah, so shes like, oh, you know you can
(04:26):
tell she said, you know, give me a minute or
something like that, and then she continued with the a
very solemn interview. And so when she walked away, I
as the reporter, I'm like, is Loreno okay? Like, is
you know what's happening? And I was thinking maybe it
was a family issue or something. She goes, Oh, she's
just just sad that they lost. US won that match
to nil. But I'm like, are you kidding me? Like
(04:48):
she was like that broken up over I mean, she
played amazing. I mean, the US could have had at
least like five goals.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
In that game if it wasn't for Lorena.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
I was like, Wow, that kid's got a lot of heart.
I mean, especially something like a game like this, which
is basically a friendly you know, I guess none of
them are really friendly as though, But it just goes
to show you her commitment, her heart that she was
so like distraught, you know over that match. But boy,
she has nothing to hang her head about because that
was a tough match. I'm telling you, when you're going
(05:17):
up against Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson or basically on
her home turf, you know, and all the all the
other great players, Katerina Macario, and you can't hang your
head on that. And a few days later both teams
went up to Central California. San Jose in Brazil won
that match two to one, So big win for Brazil.
(05:39):
And like I said, I mean, you want as a
US fan, you want us always to win, But yeah,
I don't know, I don't And it doesn't make me
feel so bad when I see a team like Brazil,
you know, come coming in and into California and beating
the US women's national team. I think that's a big,
a big boost to the team, to those young players,
to the players who are you know, used to playing
(06:00):
in the United States now with the NWSL. So all
good and just so many fun memories, I guess I
going into SOFI and seeing those two games, and so
let me play some sound bites for you, and then
after that we'll go into some other scores around the world.
First off, let me play this one on one I
got with Michelle Cooper. I'm such a big fan of hers,
(06:22):
and so I'll just play that clip and then we'll
go into Alysa Thompson and then Trinity Rodman all in
the mix zone. So I apologize. You know, the sound
isn't always that great because you're kind of like in
the bowels of the stadium. You're below you know, all
the stands. You're in this like Canaverous hallway, and so
it gets the echoes get in, you know, you're picking
(06:43):
up up the other sounds going on. So apologies if
the sound isn't that great, But let's go into it.
So we'll listen to my interview with Michelle Cooper and
then Alica Thompson Trinity Rodman in in kind of the
mix zone setting, there's different reporters asking questions, so let's
listen in.
Speaker 4 (07:03):
Yeah, it feels awesome. I think you can tell this
stadium is absolutely insane, and to be able to represent
our country inside of it and get the win, it's
absolutely huge. We've talked a lot this week about the
long and rich history between these two teams, between our
nation and Brazil, because it's a battle and I mean
they just played each other in the gold match for
the Olympics, so like it's huge and to know that,
(07:25):
but to be able to play in this awesome stadium
and get some experience against a top opponent. It felt
great and I'm super happy that we got the three points.
Do you have any expectations on yourself when you come
take Yeah, I just want to continue to learn and grow.
I think Emma's done a really good job at giving
players opportunities, and I'm grateful to be one of them.
But i just want to keep learning and grow into
this system and keep representing this nation as best as
(07:47):
I can.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
It was amazing.
Speaker 5 (07:54):
I mean, I love playing in LA obviously, and being
able to like just see all the fans from LA family,
my friends and family, Like, I just felt so.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
Much more comfortable in the field than war myself, So
it was really nice. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I think in the beginning, we wanted to come out
front footed. We knew that Brazil was a really good team.
They wanted back crash, they want to get.
Speaker 5 (08:14):
Us into one out situation, so we definitely took advantage
of that in the beginning.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
I think when it shifted, we just weren't winning our.
Speaker 5 (08:21):
Second balls and we're winning the duels, and once we
got back into that, that's when we got to get more.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Control of the game.
Speaker 5 (08:28):
We talked a lot about Brazil and how we were
gonna be in like duels and they were gonna be
very aggressive, so I think we came out front footed,
we were very aggressive.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
I think being able just like for.
Speaker 5 (08:40):
Me personally, like combining with other forwards and getting into
different spaces like in the pocket.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
It was really important and I think I was able
to do that work for today one zero zero.
Speaker 5 (08:57):
We kind of were like, it's one goal and we're
back to the starting point. So for us to get
that it it was nice to have that kind of
I don't know, pushing per se, but I don't know.
That game is always really difficult and it feels like
zero zero every game, but.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
It was nice to be able to put multiples in today.
Speaker 5 (09:15):
Cfinently, I think before the past couple of years, I've
been very on the sideline, ready to want to be
one and keep the way. So yeah, I'm excited to
get more towards the goal and to have those explosive problems,
to have quick finishes rather than having to create and buy.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
Myself at times.
Speaker 5 (09:32):
But yeah, for me, I'm just thinking about different opponents.
And even though we played Brazil many times and that
was the last time I played them, it's still very
difficult to play against and playing the game where it
doesn't really feel like soccer. It feels like pickfall in
a sense I think is very hard to manage. Yeah,
it's just kind of strengthening little muscles. But I don't
(09:53):
know if I would say it makes me a better player,
But I'm just managing moving.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
Always fun to go down into the that's of the stadium,
into the mix on.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
But you know, those are the three three.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Outstanding and stars on this team that has so many like,
so much potential, the USIM's national team, all right, And
so before these matches took place, obviously there's press conferences,
and I thought that it would be fun to listen
to Emma Hayes and you know her vision of the team.
Speaker 6 (10:25):
I think, without Naomi Germa, without Tierna Davison, this is
the right time to develop individuals first. And I've been
really clear that this camp, the next camp, next two camps,
there is going to be experimentation and that means that
the connections on the field might not be as strong,
but we get a chance to see where the individual
(10:46):
development is in that so that from the end of
July then we've got a period to say listen, we've
now got two years with this group, maybe a larger
pool to be able to build the connections in a
more intention norway, so I'll get the combinations. I want
to get the combinations right in terms of experience on
(11:06):
the pitch less experience, because as you know, that takes
a little bit of time, but I think we will
see more experimentation in terms of giving individuals the experience,
and from what I've seen so far in training, I'm
really looking forward to watching the team.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
Play this camp.
Speaker 6 (11:26):
There's no expectation externally. That's for me to manage that
With you guys, I think they're probably great talking points
for you as opposed to us. And the reason I
say that is that if you understand player development, you'll
understand that it's not something that, of course, we could
settle on eleven players and play eleven relatively experienced players
(11:51):
now and build those connections there's no problem. But if
we get to a World Cup in two years and
all of a sudden and Ali Sentner, Lily, Lily Johannes
are completely underprepared, then you're going to say, well, why
don't we give them the opportunities in that period. But
what you need to understand is that. Let's take Lily
(12:12):
Johannes for an example. She's seventeen years of age. She's
never played in a game like that before in her career,
she never played through the youth national team system. Planning
Japan was an extremely taxing game mentally and physically for
both her and Ali Center. In fact, Ali center, so
that was the most difficult game she's played in her career.
So what a great situation for us. She needs to
(12:34):
experience with that. But you can't go from experiencing that
to dominating in that. It's a step by step process
and one that says, Okay, what were they big learnings,
and then how do we take those learnings into the
next game. So playing Japan is one thing. If you
back press against Japan and you're not in position early,
they'll pop the ball around you. If you back press
(12:57):
against Brazil when they leave five high and you don't
get the timing right, they'll go from back to face.
So it's a completely different situation that we have to
expose them to. But if I put on the field seventeen, eighteen, nineteen,
twenty year olds, I'm setting them up to foil in
my honest opinion, So we have to drip feed it in,
whether it's some of them in one game, some of
(13:18):
them in another game, some of them from the bench.
And as I've said to our less experienced players that
will not sub the ones that don't start, I want
you to watch that game and get a sense of
what could that look like in two years when we're
playing in the World Cup in Brazil. So see it first,
(13:38):
then you get a chance to feel it, whether it's
from the bench, whether it's in the second game. You
have to understand that you can't you. I've always had
parallel processes for developing team, but the end of the day,
I want to be in a position become, you know,
qualifying for the World Cup that we've got a really
strong group that have accumulation first and foremost so and
(14:04):
I already I am seeing this happening, which is great
for us. But is the end product going to look
like what we all want.
Speaker 7 (14:10):
It to know?
Speaker 6 (14:12):
And if we don't get everything the way that we want,
no problem, you can manage me on that. But for them,
I want them to work through this part of the
journey in a way where they get the right exposures
in the right moments and we are not just sucked
into just winning at all costs.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
Are the press conferences so much? So much fun. There's
another press conference I want to play.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
For you too, with our friend.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
If you follow the NWSL or the FAWSL, you know
this coach, Casey Stony. She's now the head coach at
Canada and Kenny has some couple of interesting matches, but
we'll talk about that in a minute. Some big games
are some games I guess I was kind of paying
close attention to. I'm telling you the attendance at some
(14:59):
of these matches for friendlies out of this world, Like
I said, USA versus Brazil Sofi Stadium, Inglewood, California, thirty
two thousand. Australia played South Korea their first match at
at Alliance Stadium in Sydney thirty seven thousand, one hundred
and ninety nine people in attendance, and then a few
days later they played over a Newcastle twenty eight just
(15:22):
over twenty eight thousand fans there to see Australia beat South.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
Korea to nil.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
Well, Australia very interesting, right they got they're kind of
in flux with their head coach right now. Of course,
Tony Gustafson left after the Olympics. Tom Sermani's been stepping
in as kind of the interim coach. But rumor has
it that Joe Montemorro might be going home to Australia
to coach the Matilda's. He's now, of course the coach
(15:48):
at Leon, but be interesting.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
I think they'd be.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
I think they've been talking about it for so many years.
So for him to finally get over there, go back
to Australia and coach the national team over there, I
think would be just so great, great for the game
as well. It might already be decided as is when
this show airs, but we'll keep an eye on that.
Sam Kerr not at these friendlies. She is still recovering
(16:13):
from her acl so but it's going to be a
a big homecoming when Sam Kurr gets healthy again and
it gets back on the pitch. Can't wait to see that.
And I'm not telling you the fan turnout for some
of these friendlies, it's off the charts.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
I can't believe it's some of these.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
I mean, these are friendly matches and we're seeing these
huge record turnouts. Oh, China versus Thailand. Interesting China one
five to one in China, a little over twenty one
thousand at that that match as well. And then when
the US went up to San Jose, they played in
that PayPal Park eighteen thousand at that match, and that's
(16:51):
a small stadium, it's a soccer specific stadium. Mexico and
Jamaica matched up for a couple of matches here in
the United States in WSL stadiums. Their first match was
Mexico beat Jamaica three nil at CPKC Stadium in Kansas
City where the Kansas City Current play. And think there's
(17:12):
just like maybe five thousand in the stands, which is
not bad for Mexico and Jamaica playing in Kansas City.
And then a few days later they played again. Mexico
beat Jamaica again, shut them out again four nil at
Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. That's where the Dash play
so and I think they just got under three thousand there.
(17:32):
Dang man, I would have been there if I would
live closer. Those are two fun teams to watch. And so,
like we was saying, Canada matched up against Argentina and
a couple of friendlies, the first one at BC Place
has been a while since they played there, three nil.
The Canadian team right now is kind of a good
mix of veterans and youngsters. And the three goals came
(17:55):
from Jade Rose, Julia Grosso and Michelle Prince. They're kind
of veterans now, all of them, right, I mean, Jesse Fleming, Beyonca,
Saint George's, Vanessa Giles, Ashley Lawrence. I think this is
I mean, they're young, but there they've been around for
so long you think that they're just Oh, Adrianna Lyon
(18:16):
of course one of the mar senior players, but also
got to see Nia Rose and Deanna Rose and Caitlyn
Sheridan and goal. But we also got to see Holly
Ward and Kyla Briggs, you know, some of the young
players coming in. So of course Sabrina Dangelo is still
there a backup goalkeeper. So a lot of goods that
have had a good, good match. And then the second
(18:39):
match that Canada played against Argentina at Starlight Stadium in Langford, Canada.
We don't have them for some reason. We don't have
attendances on those both those matches, but Argentina ended up
with the victory one nil, scored by Yamila Rodriguez.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
So that was an interesting match.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
I haven't had a chance to watch that match, but
I kind of because there was a red card issued
by Argentina, like in the seventy seventh minute. It look
like a lot of stuff happening. Though sometimes I can
get these games, you know, sometimes I can't, but most
of the time I can find these games, like either
they're either online, you know, or on your streaming channels
(19:17):
or whatever. But some good matchups. And so let's hear
from Casey Stony because she has an interesting take on
her vision for the team, and you know, she brings
so much experience. I mean, this is the first time
she's coached on an international level, but you know, her
resume speaks for itself on the club level, and I
just think that it's such a big boost for Canada
(19:39):
to have her there at the Helm in guiding this team.
So let's hear from Casey Stony talking about the Canada
women's national team.
Speaker 8 (19:47):
I think to continue to grow and show progress in
the things we've been working on. We know that we're
going to continue to you know, have areas where we
need to improve, you know, And what I want to
try and do is remove like the fear of making
mistakes and the fear of giving the ball away, because
if we want to score more goals, we need to
take more risks and we need to be more creative.
(20:09):
So that's a piece I want to see people try,
you know, and have a go at what we're trying
to do, knowing that.
Speaker 7 (20:14):
We're going to fail sometimes and that's okay.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
You know, we've got a whole year now to try.
Speaker 8 (20:18):
And develop a playing style, identity of philosophy that suits
the players, and obviously it gives us the best chance
to be successful.
Speaker 7 (20:24):
In case you took over a team, a core of
the team that's been through a why off the field
the last couple of years, how o that are you?
Speaker 3 (20:34):
And to meet that, you know, just the atmosphere around
the team, just want to enjoy equipment work.
Speaker 7 (20:41):
Yeah, I think there's kind of two elements to it really.
Speaker 3 (20:44):
I think being aware of it, Like obviously I.
Speaker 7 (20:46):
Was managing Ka and Sheridan like around the time and.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
Was very aware of like what happened.
Speaker 8 (20:52):
And I think the brunt that the staff and players
took for that and how much they were questioned and
the integrity. But what I saw was a hell of
a resilient group and what they were able to do
in such difficult circumstances and put together. But that's left
some scars, you know, and I won't shy away from that.
So if it's my duty as a leader to support them,
(21:15):
protect them, try and build trust again in leadership, try
and make sure that they're in an environment where they.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
Feel psychologically safe.
Speaker 8 (21:24):
And also, I played for my country for eighteen years,
so I know what it takes. I also know that
it's the absolute pinnacle of your career, and it should
be somewhere that you love coming to and that you
want to come to and where you can thrive and
be the best version of you. We've got some seriously
special talent like show it, have the freedom to show it,
(21:45):
and let's get players on the ball doing the things
that they love, and let's make it an.
Speaker 3 (21:49):
Environment that they can be proud of.
Speaker 8 (21:51):
I think they've been defensively very organized for so long,
you know, and obviously don't give up many goals. In
my opinion, they've got the best goalkeeper in the world.
We've got a fantastic goalkeeping unit. So I'm really privileged
in that sense. So I know that we can keep
clean sheets. I know that we can defend to score goals.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
We've got to be brave.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
We've got to use possession. We've got to play forward.
Speaker 8 (22:14):
We've got to get people higher numbers against the oppositions
back line, and then we've got to be really good
at counterpressing because we're going to have less numbers.
Speaker 3 (22:22):
Under the ball.
Speaker 8 (22:22):
So being brave is about, you know, playing with a purpose,
you know, individual and collective skill.
Speaker 7 (22:31):
And I've said to them, said, don't fear playing forward
and giving.
Speaker 3 (22:34):
Them all away, Like we want to play forward.
Speaker 8 (22:37):
We want to get our attacking players on the ball,
and if I give it away playing board, I'm underneath
it anyway to defend and counterpress. So you know, it's
about us imprinting our style into the game rather than
focusing on the opponent a lot and what they bring.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
What do we bring, what's our strengths? What are we
going to do to win games?
Speaker 8 (22:57):
So I've shifted the focus back onto to us a
lot more. And also widen the pool. We need to
widen the pool.
Speaker 7 (23:04):
We need to look at other players. You know that
the pool he isn't that big, it really isn't.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
So we need to widen it. We need to bring
in the younger players.
Speaker 7 (23:12):
It also shows down the pathway that we're looking or observing.
Speaker 3 (23:16):
We're going to give you a chance if it's the
right time.
Speaker 8 (23:18):
And I tell you what, I've been really impressed in
terms of them coming in and just integrating within the group.
We have got a great group for that. Like they're
very welcoming and they will look after the young players.
But they've come in and they've showed I think a
real good level in terms of coming into strengths.
Speaker 3 (23:34):
It's not an easy step up.
Speaker 8 (23:36):
It's massive step up and it hasn't looked a big
step up for them, so to compliment to them.
Speaker 3 (23:40):
It's a steep learning curve in terms of.
Speaker 8 (23:44):
For me obviously I was involved as a player for
a long time, but understanding the organization, understanding the landscape
of Canadian soccer.
Speaker 7 (23:52):
Understanding the backgrounds and the players and where they've come.
Speaker 8 (23:55):
From, and understanding how we can support the players even
when they're not in camp, you know, making sure that
we've always got that support system in place, making sure
that you know, we're going and seeing games, we're viewing games,
we're making sure that we're keeping track of performances inform
how we can help players when they're in their club environment.
Speaker 3 (24:12):
Because no matter whether you're in a club or an
international team, you're still a developer or a coach.
Speaker 8 (24:19):
So how you help them players being the best version
of themselves on and off camp is important, whilst not
interfering with club, but building really good relationships with clubs
so that you have a player centered approach.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
Every time they're in I'm so sad to see her go,
you know, out of the NWSL, but glad that she's
doing great things over there in Canada and I think
that there's going.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
To really be a shift there.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
And so let's take a look at some interesting matches happening.
And I'm not going to go through all the matches
for the way for Women's Nations League games, but they
did take place during this international break, so some interesting
and maybe some surprising results. Belgium over England three to two,
pretty surprising there, Spain with a huge win over Portugal
(25:06):
seven to one. I'm only surprised by that because Portugal
is getting better, I don't you know, but we all
know how good Spain is, and they continue that role
about seven to one over Portugal, and.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
Then France beating Norway.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
I think I love, you know, I just love it
when I see when I see France win because they're
always there, you know, They're always knocking at the door,
and so I think there's a really good boost to
the team and their confidence. Sweden Wales was the match
I was looking forward to seeing or you know, hearing about,
but they ended up drawing one one and Netherlands over
Austria three to one.
Speaker 2 (25:37):
Italy over Denmark.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
You know, I'm a huge Italy fans, so that was
that's a good a good result for Italy three to
nil over Denmark actually shut them out. Germany over Scotland
six to one, No big surprise there. I have just
a few scores that I thought you might be interested in.
Speaker 4 (25:54):
So as far as the.
Speaker 1 (25:55):
UEFA Women's Nations League standings go, there's three leagues in
in the Nations League League A, League.
Speaker 2 (26:03):
B and League C.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
So let's go through them all here and get you
caught up. Germany and Netherlands League leak A Group one,
France and Norway sit on top of League A, Group two,
Spain and England on top of Group three, Sweden Italy
on top of Group four, and then for League B
Group one, Poland and Northern Ireland, Group two Slovenia, Republic
(26:28):
of Ireland, and then Group three Serbia and Finland, Group
four Ukraine and Czech then League CE, Group one Slovakia
and the Faroe Islands, Group two Malta, Cyprus, Group three, Luxembourg, Kazakhstan,
Group four Montenegro, Azerbajan and then Group five Israel, Bulgaria
(26:49):
and then Group six Latvia Kosovo.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
There's your groups.
Speaker 1 (26:53):
So the next matches on the UEFA Women's National League.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
Will come up at the end of May.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
I believe if you're interested, I'll put the link to
the UEFA Women's Nations League website on our show notes,
and that way you can go through and check it
out and we'll see what happens in June. Love to
go through this website from time to time and see
what's happening.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
So much stuff happening, And then if.
Speaker 1 (27:20):
You want to get out your magnifying glass and look
at their calendar, they have a ton of match dates.
This is the twenty four to twenty five season here,
all right, So I think we have a little time
just to go over quickly the CONCACAFF w Champions Cups
winding down. We're going into the semifinals on May twenty
first concor caff W Champions Cup. Do not confuse it
(27:41):
with the Gold Cup. That's a completely different thing. These
are club teams playing and the semifinals, like I said,
take place on May twenty first at Estadio Universitario in Mexico.
Speaker 2 (27:55):
Excuse my bad accent there.
Speaker 1 (27:58):
Club America a Gotham FC should be a good match.
And then Tigras play Portland Thorn's another great match. So
the winners of those two matches will go to the final.
It's gonna be so great, so stay tuned for that.
The final, the third place match and the final take
place on May twenty fourth, I believe, yep again at
(28:19):
Estadio Universitario.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
I just say University Stadium. Let's put it that way
in Mexico.
Speaker 1 (28:26):
Make it easy on us, and then the final there
as well. Later on next show, we'll get a final
report on the CONCA calf W Champions Cup in Mexico.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
What a great tournament. This has been so great. Let's see.
Speaker 1 (28:41):
I want to go down my list here to make
sure I didn't miss anything we talked about so far.
Got all these sound bites, got notable scores. Casey Stony
for Women's Nations League update on Conca Calf.
Speaker 2 (28:53):
We did it, guys. We're done.
Speaker 1 (28:56):
So much going on and next show I'm really excited
about because we're gonna be talking about yet another professional
league in the United States and so stay tuned for that.
Speaker 2 (29:08):
That'll be super fun.
Speaker 1 (29:09):
I really hope that you enjoyed episode two thirty one
of Women's World Football Show. I would love to hear
your thoughts on all the soundbites and interviews. Feel free
to email me at Patty at wwfshow dot com. I
read all the emails and I do my best to
reply in a timely manner. And if you did enjoy
this episode, subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, app
tuned in castbox, Spreaker, wwfshow dot.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
Com, or wherever you're listening to this right now.
Speaker 1 (29:33):
And if you really really enjoy listening to Women's World
Football Show, one of the best ways you can show
your appreciation is to give us a five star rating
and leave a review wherever you listen. I always love
to know your thoughts, and reviews are the.
Speaker 2 (29:45):
Best ways for others to find the show.
Speaker 1 (29:47):
Also another way to help grow the show and grow
this beautiful game that we love. Is to tell your
friends and family about Women's World Football Show. If you're
listening on a mobile device, swipe over the cover art
and you'll find the episode notes, including some details you
may have missed. For relative links from this episode, visit
our show notes on wwfshow dot com. Connect with us
(30:07):
on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at WWF Show. What's ROLLD
Football Show is hosted, written, edited, and produced by Patti Labella.
Speaker 3 (30:15):
That's Me.
Speaker 1 (30:15):
Additional assistance for this episode by US.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
Soccer and Canada Soccer.
Speaker 1 (30:19):
Thank you so much, and thank you especially you for
joining me on this exciting journey through women's football.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
Stay strong, stay mindful, keep love in your heart. We'll
see y'all next time.
Speaker 1 (31:00):
O
Hey, everybody, Welcome to another exciting episode of Women's Rold
Football Show.
Speaker 2 (00:14):
I'm your host, Patty.
Speaker 1 (00:15):
How you doing.
Speaker 2 (00:16):
I hope you're doing great.
Speaker 1 (00:17):
I hope you're enjoying all the women's soccer going off
all over the world, and it's an exciting time. I'm
recording this as we're coming out of a FIFA international
break and we're kind of right before we're going into
another one, so a very short windows, so I thought
i'd pop in. I thought it'd be a good time
to pop in and talk a little bit about.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
Some of the scores all over the world.
Speaker 1 (00:37):
We'll hear some sound bites and press conference sound bites,
some short interviews, we'll take a look at some notable.
Speaker 2 (00:47):
Scores and some updates going on.
Speaker 1 (00:49):
All over the world, and then we'll also take a
look at the UEFA Women's Nations League, which saw a
few matches in this international break, and then if we
have time, all up down on the upcoming CONCA CAF
Women's Champions Cup semi finals that are coming up at
the end of May twenty twenty five as we're recording
this and then heading into the finals.
Speaker 2 (01:10):
So exciting stuff going off all over the world.
Speaker 1 (01:12):
And I'm super excited for this episode because I very
recently had a chance to go to Sofi Stadium and
watch the United States women's national.
Speaker 2 (01:21):
Team play Brazil.
Speaker 1 (01:23):
And you know, it's always exciting and fun when these
two teams get together. You know, it's that age old
the speed and quick transitions of the US team against
the physicality and the aggressiveness of the Brazilians. It just
seems like, no matter if you change the personnel and
the time and the era, it's always fun.
Speaker 2 (01:42):
It's always exciting.
Speaker 1 (01:43):
I call it a historic match because it was the
first time a women's sporting event of any kind was
held at Sofi Sofi being in a fairly new stadium.
So the honors went to the US women's national team
with good reason. I was so happy to be there.
The stadium is amazing. But the press box, I don't know.
(02:04):
I was not a fan of the press box. I'm
not gonna complain too much about it, but it was
it was interesting. Let's say, you know, they enclose it
in glass, and that's always There's a couple of stadiums
you know, around that I've been to that haven't closed
press boxes, and they're not I'm not a fan because
you missed that roar of the crowd. You miss that excitement,
(02:24):
the thing that's like tangible in the air that you
can kind of feel. And I think there was like
thirty two thousand people there at so I FI to
see the match, and so you want to be in
the mix of it, right, You want to be in
the middle of it and be able to get that
energy of the crowd. It's kind of hard when you're
behind glass, you know. I mean it's like, uh so,
not a fan of that, but otherwise, just an amazing stadium,
(02:45):
just great overall, and the players seem to like it.
I have some soundbites from the players after that match, so.
Speaker 2 (02:52):
We'll hear from from them. Let's see, who do I have.
Speaker 1 (02:54):
I had. I got a nice little one on one
with Michelle Cooper, who's quickly becoming one of my favorite players.
Have to say, well, so listen to a SoundBite from
Melissa Thompson and of course Trinity Rodman. And then I
have a press conference with coach Emma Hayes. But like
I was saying, you know, in the old days, like
this was really a bitter matchup, right, there was these
(03:15):
rivalries that you just you know, Brazil was the team
that you love to hate as a US fan, along
with Canada too. But I think since we've become more
familiar with some of these players playing in the National
Women's Soccer League, can't hate them.
Speaker 3 (03:30):
You know.
Speaker 1 (03:31):
It's like you know these players because they're playing on
some of your favorite teams, and we saw them on
the field. Angelina, Caroline Yasmine. Oh, Lorena, Oh I got.
I was so happy to see Lorena play. She's becoming
another one another one of my favorite players, favorite young players,
I should say, And of course she's playing over at
the Kansas City Current right now. She has so much heart,
(03:53):
this goalkeeper, I mean, Lorena, she is like amazing going
into the tunnel after the match, you know, in the
mix oone talking.
Speaker 2 (04:00):
To some players, and she was.
Speaker 1 (04:03):
Being interviewed by a Brazilian reporter who was standing next
to me, and it was in Portuguese obviously, so I
don't have the sound bite for you, but I but
I was watching her and she at one point in
the interview like kind of had to step back and
compose herself. She was like started to cry, and I
was like, oh no, I just hope she's okay, and
so yeah, so shes like, oh, you know you can
(04:26):
tell she said, you know, give me a minute or
something like that, and then she continued with the a
very solemn interview. And so when she walked away, I
as the reporter, I'm like, is Loreno okay? Like, is
you know what's happening? And I was thinking maybe it
was a family issue or something. She goes, Oh, she's
just just sad that they lost. US won that match
to nil. But I'm like, are you kidding me? Like
(04:48):
she was like that broken up over I mean, she
played amazing. I mean, the US could have had at
least like five goals.
Speaker 2 (04:54):
In that game if it wasn't for Lorena.
Speaker 1 (04:56):
I was like, Wow, that kid's got a lot of heart.
I mean, especially something like a game like this, which
is basically a friendly you know, I guess none of
them are really friendly as though, But it just goes
to show you her commitment, her heart that she was
so like distraught, you know over that match. But boy,
she has nothing to hang her head about because that
was a tough match. I'm telling you, when you're going
(05:17):
up against Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson or basically on
her home turf, you know, and all the all the
other great players, Katerina Macario, and you can't hang your
head on that. And a few days later both teams
went up to Central California. San Jose in Brazil won
that match two to one, So big win for Brazil.
(05:39):
And like I said, I mean, you want as a
US fan, you want us always to win, But yeah,
I don't know, I don't And it doesn't make me
feel so bad when I see a team like Brazil,
you know, come coming in and into California and beating
the US women's national team. I think that's a big,
a big boost to the team, to those young players,
to the players who are you know, used to playing
(06:00):
in the United States now with the NWSL. So all
good and just so many fun memories, I guess I
going into SOFI and seeing those two games, and so
let me play some sound bites for you, and then
after that we'll go into some other scores around the world.
First off, let me play this one on one I
got with Michelle Cooper. I'm such a big fan of hers,
(06:22):
and so I'll just play that clip and then we'll
go into Alysa Thompson and then Trinity Rodman all in
the mix zone. So I apologize. You know, the sound
isn't always that great because you're kind of like in
the bowels of the stadium. You're below you know, all
the stands. You're in this like Canaverous hallway, and so
it gets the echoes get in, you know, you're picking
(06:43):
up up the other sounds going on. So apologies if
the sound isn't that great, But let's go into it.
So we'll listen to my interview with Michelle Cooper and
then Alica Thompson Trinity Rodman in in kind of the
mix zone setting, there's different reporters asking questions, so let's
listen in.
Speaker 4 (07:03):
Yeah, it feels awesome. I think you can tell this
stadium is absolutely insane, and to be able to represent
our country inside of it and get the win, it's
absolutely huge. We've talked a lot this week about the
long and rich history between these two teams, between our
nation and Brazil, because it's a battle and I mean
they just played each other in the gold match for
the Olympics, so like it's huge and to know that,
(07:25):
but to be able to play in this awesome stadium
and get some experience against a top opponent. It felt
great and I'm super happy that we got the three points.
Do you have any expectations on yourself when you come
take Yeah, I just want to continue to learn and grow.
I think Emma's done a really good job at giving
players opportunities, and I'm grateful to be one of them.
But i just want to keep learning and grow into
this system and keep representing this nation as best as
(07:47):
I can.
Speaker 2 (07:53):
It was amazing.
Speaker 5 (07:54):
I mean, I love playing in LA obviously, and being
able to like just see all the fans from LA family,
my friends and family, Like, I just felt so.
Speaker 4 (08:04):
Much more comfortable in the field than war myself, So
it was really nice. Yeah.
Speaker 2 (08:07):
I think in the beginning, we wanted to come out
front footed. We knew that Brazil was a really good team.
They wanted back crash, they want to get.
Speaker 5 (08:14):
Us into one out situation, so we definitely took advantage
of that in the beginning.
Speaker 2 (08:18):
I think when it shifted, we just weren't winning our.
Speaker 5 (08:21):
Second balls and we're winning the duels, and once we
got back into that, that's when we got to get more.
Speaker 1 (08:27):
Control of the game.
Speaker 5 (08:28):
We talked a lot about Brazil and how we were
gonna be in like duels and they were gonna be
very aggressive, so I think we came out front footed,
we were very aggressive.
Speaker 2 (08:38):
I think being able just like for.
Speaker 5 (08:40):
Me personally, like combining with other forwards and getting into
different spaces like in the pocket.
Speaker 2 (08:46):
It was really important and I think I was able
to do that work for today one zero zero.
Speaker 5 (08:57):
We kind of were like, it's one goal and we're
back to the starting point. So for us to get
that it it was nice to have that kind of
I don't know, pushing per se, but I don't know.
That game is always really difficult and it feels like
zero zero every game, but.
Speaker 3 (09:13):
It was nice to be able to put multiples in today.
Speaker 5 (09:15):
Cfinently, I think before the past couple of years, I've
been very on the sideline, ready to want to be
one and keep the way. So yeah, I'm excited to
get more towards the goal and to have those explosive problems,
to have quick finishes rather than having to create and buy.
Speaker 3 (09:29):
Myself at times.
Speaker 5 (09:32):
But yeah, for me, I'm just thinking about different opponents.
And even though we played Brazil many times and that
was the last time I played them, it's still very
difficult to play against and playing the game where it
doesn't really feel like soccer. It feels like pickfall in
a sense I think is very hard to manage. Yeah,
it's just kind of strengthening little muscles. But I don't
(09:53):
know if I would say it makes me a better player,
But I'm just managing moving.
Speaker 1 (09:57):
Always fun to go down into the that's of the stadium,
into the mix on.
Speaker 2 (10:03):
But you know, those are the three three.
Speaker 1 (10:06):
Outstanding and stars on this team that has so many like,
so much potential, the USIM's national team, all right, And
so before these matches took place, obviously there's press conferences,
and I thought that it would be fun to listen
to Emma Hayes and you know her vision of the team.
Speaker 6 (10:25):
I think, without Naomi Germa, without Tierna Davison, this is
the right time to develop individuals first. And I've been
really clear that this camp, the next camp, next two camps,
there is going to be experimentation and that means that
the connections on the field might not be as strong,
but we get a chance to see where the individual
(10:46):
development is in that so that from the end of
July then we've got a period to say listen, we've
now got two years with this group, maybe a larger
pool to be able to build the connections in a
more intention norway, so I'll get the combinations. I want
to get the combinations right in terms of experience on
(11:06):
the pitch less experience, because as you know, that takes
a little bit of time, but I think we will
see more experimentation in terms of giving individuals the experience,
and from what I've seen so far in training, I'm
really looking forward to watching the team.
Speaker 1 (11:25):
Play this camp.
Speaker 6 (11:26):
There's no expectation externally. That's for me to manage that
With you guys, I think they're probably great talking points
for you as opposed to us. And the reason I
say that is that if you understand player development, you'll
understand that it's not something that, of course, we could
settle on eleven players and play eleven relatively experienced players
(11:51):
now and build those connections there's no problem. But if
we get to a World Cup in two years and
all of a sudden and Ali Sentner, Lily, Lily Johannes
are completely underprepared, then you're going to say, well, why
don't we give them the opportunities in that period. But
what you need to understand is that. Let's take Lily
(12:12):
Johannes for an example. She's seventeen years of age. She's
never played in a game like that before in her career,
she never played through the youth national team system. Planning
Japan was an extremely taxing game mentally and physically for
both her and Ali Center. In fact, Ali center, so
that was the most difficult game she's played in her career.
So what a great situation for us. She needs to
(12:34):
experience with that. But you can't go from experiencing that
to dominating in that. It's a step by step process
and one that says, Okay, what were they big learnings,
and then how do we take those learnings into the
next game. So playing Japan is one thing. If you
back press against Japan and you're not in position early,
they'll pop the ball around you. If you back press
(12:57):
against Brazil when they leave five high and you don't
get the timing right, they'll go from back to face.
So it's a completely different situation that we have to
expose them to. But if I put on the field seventeen, eighteen, nineteen,
twenty year olds, I'm setting them up to foil in
my honest opinion, So we have to drip feed it in,
whether it's some of them in one game, some of
(13:18):
them in another game, some of them from the bench.
And as I've said to our less experienced players that
will not sub the ones that don't start, I want
you to watch that game and get a sense of
what could that look like in two years when we're
playing in the World Cup in Brazil. So see it first,
(13:38):
then you get a chance to feel it, whether it's
from the bench, whether it's in the second game. You
have to understand that you can't you. I've always had
parallel processes for developing team, but the end of the day,
I want to be in a position become, you know,
qualifying for the World Cup that we've got a really
strong group that have accumulation first and foremost so and
(14:04):
I already I am seeing this happening, which is great
for us. But is the end product going to look
like what we all want.
Speaker 7 (14:10):
It to know?
Speaker 6 (14:12):
And if we don't get everything the way that we want,
no problem, you can manage me on that. But for them,
I want them to work through this part of the
journey in a way where they get the right exposures
in the right moments and we are not just sucked
into just winning at all costs.
Speaker 1 (14:31):
Are the press conferences so much? So much fun. There's
another press conference I want to play.
Speaker 2 (14:36):
For you too, with our friend.
Speaker 1 (14:38):
If you follow the NWSL or the FAWSL, you know
this coach, Casey Stony. She's now the head coach at
Canada and Kenny has some couple of interesting matches, but
we'll talk about that in a minute. Some big games
are some games I guess I was kind of paying
close attention to. I'm telling you the attendance at some
(14:59):
of these matches for friendlies out of this world, Like
I said, USA versus Brazil Sofi Stadium, Inglewood, California, thirty
two thousand. Australia played South Korea their first match at
at Alliance Stadium in Sydney thirty seven thousand, one hundred
and ninety nine people in attendance, and then a few
days later they played over a Newcastle twenty eight just
(15:22):
over twenty eight thousand fans there to see Australia beat South.
Speaker 2 (15:26):
Korea to nil.
Speaker 1 (15:27):
Well, Australia very interesting, right they got they're kind of
in flux with their head coach right now. Of course,
Tony Gustafson left after the Olympics. Tom Sermani's been stepping
in as kind of the interim coach. But rumor has
it that Joe Montemorro might be going home to Australia
to coach the Matilda's. He's now, of course the coach
(15:48):
at Leon, but be interesting.
Speaker 2 (15:50):
I think they'd be.
Speaker 1 (15:51):
I think they've been talking about it for so many years.
So for him to finally get over there, go back
to Australia and coach the national team over there, I
think would be just so great, great for the game
as well. It might already be decided as is when
this show airs, but we'll keep an eye on that.
Sam Kerr not at these friendlies. She is still recovering
(16:13):
from her acl so but it's going to be a
a big homecoming when Sam Kurr gets healthy again and
it gets back on the pitch. Can't wait to see that.
And I'm not telling you the fan turnout for some
of these friendlies, it's off the charts.
Speaker 2 (16:26):
I can't believe it's some of these.
Speaker 1 (16:27):
I mean, these are friendly matches and we're seeing these
huge record turnouts. Oh, China versus Thailand. Interesting China one
five to one in China, a little over twenty one
thousand at that that match as well. And then when
the US went up to San Jose, they played in
that PayPal Park eighteen thousand at that match, and that's
(16:51):
a small stadium, it's a soccer specific stadium. Mexico and
Jamaica matched up for a couple of matches here in
the United States in WSL stadiums. Their first match was
Mexico beat Jamaica three nil at CPKC Stadium in Kansas
City where the Kansas City Current play. And think there's
(17:12):
just like maybe five thousand in the stands, which is
not bad for Mexico and Jamaica playing in Kansas City.
And then a few days later they played again. Mexico
beat Jamaica again, shut them out again four nil at
Shell Energy Stadium in Houston. That's where the Dash play
so and I think they just got under three thousand there.
(17:32):
Dang man, I would have been there if I would
live closer. Those are two fun teams to watch. And so,
like we was saying, Canada matched up against Argentina and
a couple of friendlies, the first one at BC Place
has been a while since they played there, three nil.
The Canadian team right now is kind of a good
mix of veterans and youngsters. And the three goals came
(17:55):
from Jade Rose, Julia Grosso and Michelle Prince. They're kind
of veterans now, all of them, right, I mean, Jesse Fleming, Beyonca,
Saint George's, Vanessa Giles, Ashley Lawrence. I think this is
I mean, they're young, but there they've been around for
so long you think that they're just Oh, Adrianna Lyon
(18:16):
of course one of the mar senior players, but also
got to see Nia Rose and Deanna Rose and Caitlyn
Sheridan and goal. But we also got to see Holly
Ward and Kyla Briggs, you know, some of the young
players coming in. So of course Sabrina Dangelo is still
there a backup goalkeeper. So a lot of goods that
have had a good, good match. And then the second
(18:39):
match that Canada played against Argentina at Starlight Stadium in Langford, Canada.
We don't have them for some reason. We don't have
attendances on those both those matches, but Argentina ended up
with the victory one nil, scored by Yamila Rodriguez.
Speaker 2 (18:56):
So that was an interesting match.
Speaker 1 (18:57):
I haven't had a chance to watch that match, but
I kind of because there was a red card issued
by Argentina, like in the seventy seventh minute. It look
like a lot of stuff happening. Though sometimes I can
get these games, you know, sometimes I can't, but most
of the time I can find these games, like either
they're either online, you know, or on your streaming channels
(19:17):
or whatever. But some good matchups. And so let's hear
from Casey Stony because she has an interesting take on
her vision for the team, and you know, she brings
so much experience. I mean, this is the first time
she's coached on an international level, but you know, her
resume speaks for itself on the club level, and I
just think that it's such a big boost for Canada
(19:39):
to have her there at the Helm in guiding this team.
So let's hear from Casey Stony talking about the Canada
women's national team.
Speaker 8 (19:47):
I think to continue to grow and show progress in
the things we've been working on. We know that we're
going to continue to you know, have areas where we
need to improve, you know, And what I want to
try and do is remove like the fear of making
mistakes and the fear of giving the ball away, because
if we want to score more goals, we need to
take more risks and we need to be more creative.
(20:09):
So that's a piece I want to see people try,
you know, and have a go at what we're trying
to do, knowing that.
Speaker 7 (20:14):
We're going to fail sometimes and that's okay.
Speaker 3 (20:16):
You know, we've got a whole year now to try.
Speaker 8 (20:18):
And develop a playing style, identity of philosophy that suits
the players, and obviously it gives us the best chance
to be successful.
Speaker 7 (20:24):
In case you took over a team, a core of
the team that's been through a why off the field
the last couple of years, how o that are you?
Speaker 3 (20:34):
And to meet that, you know, just the atmosphere around
the team, just want to enjoy equipment work.
Speaker 7 (20:41):
Yeah, I think there's kind of two elements to it really.
Speaker 3 (20:44):
I think being aware of it, Like obviously I.
Speaker 7 (20:46):
Was managing Ka and Sheridan like around the time and.
Speaker 3 (20:51):
Was very aware of like what happened.
Speaker 8 (20:52):
And I think the brunt that the staff and players
took for that and how much they were questioned and
the integrity. But what I saw was a hell of
a resilient group and what they were able to do
in such difficult circumstances and put together. But that's left
some scars, you know, and I won't shy away from that.
So if it's my duty as a leader to support them,
(21:15):
protect them, try and build trust again in leadership, try
and make sure that they're in an environment where they.
Speaker 3 (21:21):
Feel psychologically safe.
Speaker 8 (21:24):
And also, I played for my country for eighteen years,
so I know what it takes. I also know that
it's the absolute pinnacle of your career, and it should
be somewhere that you love coming to and that you
want to come to and where you can thrive and
be the best version of you. We've got some seriously
special talent like show it, have the freedom to show it,
(21:45):
and let's get players on the ball doing the things
that they love, and let's make it an.
Speaker 3 (21:49):
Environment that they can be proud of.
Speaker 8 (21:51):
I think they've been defensively very organized for so long,
you know, and obviously don't give up many goals. In
my opinion, they've got the best goalkeeper in the world.
We've got a fantastic goalkeeping unit. So I'm really privileged
in that sense. So I know that we can keep
clean sheets. I know that we can defend to score goals.
Speaker 1 (22:11):
We've got to be brave.
Speaker 3 (22:12):
We've got to use possession. We've got to play forward.
Speaker 8 (22:14):
We've got to get people higher numbers against the oppositions
back line, and then we've got to be really good
at counterpressing because we're going to have less numbers.
Speaker 3 (22:22):
Under the ball.
Speaker 8 (22:22):
So being brave is about, you know, playing with a purpose,
you know, individual and collective skill.
Speaker 7 (22:31):
And I've said to them, said, don't fear playing forward
and giving.
Speaker 3 (22:34):
Them all away, Like we want to play forward.
Speaker 8 (22:37):
We want to get our attacking players on the ball,
and if I give it away playing board, I'm underneath
it anyway to defend and counterpress. So you know, it's
about us imprinting our style into the game rather than
focusing on the opponent a lot and what they bring.
Speaker 3 (22:53):
What do we bring, what's our strengths? What are we
going to do to win games?
Speaker 8 (22:57):
So I've shifted the focus back onto to us a
lot more. And also widen the pool. We need to
widen the pool.
Speaker 7 (23:04):
We need to look at other players. You know that
the pool he isn't that big, it really isn't.
Speaker 3 (23:09):
So we need to widen it. We need to bring
in the younger players.
Speaker 7 (23:12):
It also shows down the pathway that we're looking or observing.
Speaker 3 (23:16):
We're going to give you a chance if it's the
right time.
Speaker 8 (23:18):
And I tell you what, I've been really impressed in
terms of them coming in and just integrating within the group.
We have got a great group for that. Like they're
very welcoming and they will look after the young players.
But they've come in and they've showed I think a
real good level in terms of coming into strengths.
Speaker 3 (23:34):
It's not an easy step up.
Speaker 8 (23:36):
It's massive step up and it hasn't looked a big
step up for them, so to compliment to them.
Speaker 3 (23:40):
It's a steep learning curve in terms of.
Speaker 8 (23:44):
For me obviously I was involved as a player for
a long time, but understanding the organization, understanding the landscape
of Canadian soccer.
Speaker 7 (23:52):
Understanding the backgrounds and the players and where they've come.
Speaker 8 (23:55):
From, and understanding how we can support the players even
when they're not in camp, you know, making sure that
we've always got that support system in place, making sure
that you know, we're going and seeing games, we're viewing games,
we're making sure that we're keeping track of performances inform
how we can help players when they're in their club environment.
Speaker 3 (24:12):
Because no matter whether you're in a club or an
international team, you're still a developer or a coach.
Speaker 8 (24:19):
So how you help them players being the best version
of themselves on and off camp is important, whilst not
interfering with club, but building really good relationships with clubs
so that you have a player centered approach.
Speaker 1 (24:29):
Every time they're in I'm so sad to see her go,
you know, out of the NWSL, but glad that she's
doing great things over there in Canada and I think
that there's going.
Speaker 2 (24:38):
To really be a shift there.
Speaker 1 (24:41):
And so let's take a look at some interesting matches happening.
And I'm not going to go through all the matches
for the way for Women's Nations League games, but they
did take place during this international break, so some interesting
and maybe some surprising results. Belgium over England three to two,
pretty surprising there, Spain with a huge win over Portugal
(25:06):
seven to one. I'm only surprised by that because Portugal
is getting better, I don't you know, but we all
know how good Spain is, and they continue that role
about seven to one over Portugal, and.
Speaker 2 (25:16):
Then France beating Norway.
Speaker 1 (25:17):
I think I love, you know, I just love it
when I see when I see France win because they're
always there, you know, They're always knocking at the door,
and so I think there's a really good boost to
the team and their confidence. Sweden Wales was the match
I was looking forward to seeing or you know, hearing about,
but they ended up drawing one one and Netherlands over
Austria three to one.
Speaker 2 (25:37):
Italy over Denmark.
Speaker 1 (25:39):
You know, I'm a huge Italy fans, so that was
that's a good a good result for Italy three to
nil over Denmark actually shut them out. Germany over Scotland
six to one, No big surprise there. I have just
a few scores that I thought you might be interested in.
Speaker 4 (25:54):
So as far as the.
Speaker 1 (25:55):
UEFA Women's Nations League standings go, there's three leagues in
in the Nations League League A, League.
Speaker 2 (26:03):
B and League C.
Speaker 1 (26:05):
So let's go through them all here and get you
caught up. Germany and Netherlands League leak A Group one,
France and Norway sit on top of League A, Group two,
Spain and England on top of Group three, Sweden Italy
on top of Group four, and then for League B
Group one, Poland and Northern Ireland, Group two Slovenia, Republic
(26:28):
of Ireland, and then Group three Serbia and Finland, Group
four Ukraine and Czech then League CE, Group one Slovakia
and the Faroe Islands, Group two Malta, Cyprus, Group three, Luxembourg, Kazakhstan,
Group four Montenegro, Azerbajan and then Group five Israel, Bulgaria
(26:49):
and then Group six Latvia Kosovo.
Speaker 2 (26:52):
There's your groups.
Speaker 1 (26:53):
So the next matches on the UEFA Women's National League.
Speaker 2 (26:56):
Will come up at the end of May.
Speaker 1 (26:58):
I believe if you're interested, I'll put the link to
the UEFA Women's Nations League website on our show notes,
and that way you can go through and check it
out and we'll see what happens in June. Love to
go through this website from time to time and see
what's happening.
Speaker 2 (27:17):
So much stuff happening, And then if.
Speaker 1 (27:20):
You want to get out your magnifying glass and look
at their calendar, they have a ton of match dates.
This is the twenty four to twenty five season here,
all right, So I think we have a little time
just to go over quickly the CONCACAFF w Champions Cups
winding down. We're going into the semifinals on May twenty
first concor caff W Champions Cup. Do not confuse it
(27:41):
with the Gold Cup. That's a completely different thing. These
are club teams playing and the semifinals, like I said,
take place on May twenty first at Estadio Universitario in Mexico.
Speaker 2 (27:55):
Excuse my bad accent there.
Speaker 1 (27:58):
Club America a Gotham FC should be a good match.
And then Tigras play Portland Thorn's another great match. So
the winners of those two matches will go to the final.
It's gonna be so great, so stay tuned for that.
The final, the third place match and the final take
place on May twenty fourth, I believe, yep again at
(28:19):
Estadio Universitario.
Speaker 2 (28:21):
I just say University Stadium. Let's put it that way
in Mexico.
Speaker 1 (28:26):
Make it easy on us, and then the final there
as well. Later on next show, we'll get a final
report on the CONCA calf W Champions Cup in Mexico.
Speaker 2 (28:38):
What a great tournament. This has been so great. Let's see.
Speaker 1 (28:41):
I want to go down my list here to make
sure I didn't miss anything we talked about so far.
Got all these sound bites, got notable scores. Casey Stony
for Women's Nations League update on Conca Calf.
Speaker 2 (28:53):
We did it, guys. We're done.
Speaker 1 (28:56):
So much going on and next show I'm really excited
about because we're gonna be talking about yet another professional
league in the United States and so stay tuned for that.
Speaker 2 (29:08):
That'll be super fun.
Speaker 1 (29:09):
I really hope that you enjoyed episode two thirty one
of Women's World Football Show. I would love to hear
your thoughts on all the soundbites and interviews. Feel free
to email me at Patty at wwfshow dot com. I
read all the emails and I do my best to
reply in a timely manner. And if you did enjoy
this episode, subscribe now on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, iHeartRadio, app
tuned in castbox, Spreaker, wwfshow dot.
Speaker 2 (29:31):
Com, or wherever you're listening to this right now.
Speaker 1 (29:33):
And if you really really enjoy listening to Women's World
Football Show, one of the best ways you can show
your appreciation is to give us a five star rating
and leave a review wherever you listen. I always love
to know your thoughts, and reviews are the.
Speaker 2 (29:45):
Best ways for others to find the show.
Speaker 1 (29:47):
Also another way to help grow the show and grow
this beautiful game that we love. Is to tell your
friends and family about Women's World Football Show. If you're
listening on a mobile device, swipe over the cover art
and you'll find the episode notes, including some details you
may have missed. For relative links from this episode, visit
our show notes on wwfshow dot com. Connect with us
(30:07):
on Facebook, Instagram, and TikTok at WWF Show. What's ROLLD
Football Show is hosted, written, edited, and produced by Patti Labella.
Speaker 3 (30:15):
That's Me.
Speaker 1 (30:15):
Additional assistance for this episode by US.
Speaker 2 (30:18):
Soccer and Canada Soccer.
Speaker 1 (30:19):
Thank you so much, and thank you especially you for
joining me on this exciting journey through women's football.
Speaker 2 (30:24):
Stay strong, stay mindful, keep love in your heart. We'll
see y'all next time.
Speaker 1 (31:00):
O
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