1 00:00:00,880 --> 00:00:02,840 Speaker 1: Welcome to Good Game with Sarah Spain, where we had 2 00:00:02,840 --> 00:00:05,720 Speaker 1: fun kicking it in New York at the Wiser Symposium 3 00:00:05,920 --> 00:00:09,920 Speaker 1: through wise moderating panels with and for badass women. 4 00:00:10,360 --> 00:00:11,400 Speaker 2: It's Wednesday, March. 5 00:00:11,280 --> 00:00:13,400 Speaker 1: Nineteenth, and on today's show will be skipping the need 6 00:00:13,440 --> 00:00:16,280 Speaker 1: to Know and heading straight into my conversation with former 7 00:00:16,360 --> 00:00:19,639 Speaker 1: US women's national team and pro soccer player Jill Lloyden, 8 00:00:20,000 --> 00:00:23,160 Speaker 1: now an NWSL analyst and the founder and CEO. 9 00:00:22,920 --> 00:00:24,320 Speaker 2: Of The Keeper Institute. 10 00:00:24,520 --> 00:00:28,160 Speaker 1: We chatted about her quote unquote goalieck, how the keeper 11 00:00:28,200 --> 00:00:30,520 Speaker 1: position and footy as a whole has evolved since her 12 00:00:30,560 --> 00:00:33,640 Speaker 1: playing days, and we do a good old NWSL preview. 13 00:00:33,920 --> 00:00:36,360 Speaker 1: She breaks down the league club by club, what she's 14 00:00:36,400 --> 00:00:39,040 Speaker 1: watching for, and the strengths and weaknesses of each team. 15 00:00:39,360 --> 00:00:42,239 Speaker 1: You will be so informed and ready to watch this 16 00:00:42,360 --> 00:00:44,080 Speaker 1: season after you listen to this interview. 17 00:00:44,120 --> 00:00:46,519 Speaker 2: She was fantastic, it's all coming up right after this 18 00:00:57,240 --> 00:00:57,840 Speaker 2: joining US now. 19 00:00:57,880 --> 00:01:02,000 Speaker 1: She's an NWSL analyst, CEO of the Keeper Institute who 20 00:01:02,000 --> 00:01:03,840 Speaker 1: works with some of the keepers for the US women's 21 00:01:03,920 --> 00:01:06,640 Speaker 1: national team, and a former pro soccer player who earned 22 00:01:06,640 --> 00:01:09,160 Speaker 1: ten caps with the US women's national team herself and 23 00:01:09,200 --> 00:01:12,360 Speaker 1: played for clubs including sky Blue FC, Magic Jack and 24 00:01:12,400 --> 00:01:13,560 Speaker 1: the Chicago Red Stars. 25 00:01:13,880 --> 00:01:18,120 Speaker 2: A Villanova Wildcat. She's a keeper. It's Jill Lloyden. What's up, Jill? 26 00:01:19,000 --> 00:01:21,960 Speaker 2: Thanks for having me. I'm super pumped to chat all things. 27 00:01:22,000 --> 00:01:22,400 Speaker 2: End of yours. 28 00:01:22,440 --> 00:01:25,319 Speaker 1: Oh, I'm so excited to have you before we break 29 00:01:25,319 --> 00:01:26,640 Speaker 1: down this season and all the teams. 30 00:01:26,680 --> 00:01:27,679 Speaker 2: The most important question. 31 00:01:27,760 --> 00:01:30,679 Speaker 1: First, do people who say goaltender give you the ick? 32 00:01:31,120 --> 00:01:31,440 Speaker 2: Yes? 33 00:01:31,560 --> 00:01:34,520 Speaker 3: I hate goalie and I hate goaltender. We're goalkeepers. 34 00:01:34,600 --> 00:01:36,440 Speaker 2: We're keepers, and that's it. 35 00:01:36,480 --> 00:01:40,000 Speaker 3: The British say goalie because they don't have hockey, but 36 00:01:40,120 --> 00:01:42,679 Speaker 3: we have hockey here, so I prefer goalkeeper or keeper. 37 00:01:43,400 --> 00:01:46,120 Speaker 1: Okay. I have learned to say keeper, not tender, but 38 00:01:46,200 --> 00:01:48,040 Speaker 1: I am guilty of just sometimes saying goalie. 39 00:01:48,040 --> 00:01:48,840 Speaker 2: But I'll stop now. 40 00:01:48,880 --> 00:01:52,120 Speaker 3: Okay, that's if you say in a British accent. I 41 00:01:52,120 --> 00:01:53,600 Speaker 3: think it'll it's okay. 42 00:01:54,160 --> 00:01:55,400 Speaker 1: Can you can you do that for me? 43 00:01:55,480 --> 00:01:59,360 Speaker 2: Just goalate? Goallee, yeah, yeah, golet something like that. Okay, 44 00:01:59,560 --> 00:02:02,440 Speaker 2: all right, okay, tell us about the Keeper Institute. 45 00:02:02,440 --> 00:02:04,120 Speaker 1: When did you know that you wanted to create a 46 00:02:04,160 --> 00:02:05,880 Speaker 1: training school and how does it work? 47 00:02:06,200 --> 00:02:06,440 Speaker 2: Yeah? 48 00:02:06,480 --> 00:02:08,600 Speaker 3: So when I was growing up, I didn't have access 49 00:02:08,600 --> 00:02:09,720 Speaker 3: to great goalkeeper coaching. 50 00:02:09,800 --> 00:02:10,799 Speaker 2: I'm from South Jersey. 51 00:02:10,880 --> 00:02:13,560 Speaker 3: All the great goalkeeper coaching was in North Jersey, and 52 00:02:13,680 --> 00:02:15,640 Speaker 3: so I didn't have my first goalkeeper coach till I 53 00:02:15,639 --> 00:02:18,600 Speaker 3: was in college, and I had someone who educated me 54 00:02:18,639 --> 00:02:21,520 Speaker 3: and inspired me, gave me the tools to become the 55 00:02:21,520 --> 00:02:24,000 Speaker 3: best goalkeeper I could in college, became an All American 56 00:02:24,080 --> 00:02:26,760 Speaker 3: and got drafted to play in the league after that, 57 00:02:26,840 --> 00:02:29,880 Speaker 3: and I always attributed my success back to that teacher. 58 00:02:30,400 --> 00:02:32,840 Speaker 3: And so when I was still playing, I knew that 59 00:02:33,040 --> 00:02:35,560 Speaker 3: I was fulfilled by playing soccer, but I wanted to 60 00:02:35,600 --> 00:02:38,560 Speaker 3: give back to the next generation to help them achieve 61 00:02:38,560 --> 00:02:41,639 Speaker 3: their goals and do crazy more important things and I 62 00:02:41,680 --> 00:02:44,400 Speaker 3: would ever do as a soccer player. So when I 63 00:02:44,440 --> 00:02:46,400 Speaker 3: was still playing, I started the Keeper Institute because I 64 00:02:46,440 --> 00:02:48,799 Speaker 3: knew when I was done, I would transition into that 65 00:02:48,840 --> 00:02:50,560 Speaker 3: and I wanted to have it already set up so 66 00:02:50,560 --> 00:02:53,160 Speaker 3: that I could just start coaching right away. And yeah, 67 00:02:53,480 --> 00:02:56,400 Speaker 3: we've been in business for twelve years. We have our 68 00:02:56,440 --> 00:02:58,200 Speaker 3: own indoor facility, which is the only one in the 69 00:02:58,200 --> 00:03:01,720 Speaker 3: country for goalkeepers work with kids eight to pro and 70 00:03:01,919 --> 00:03:02,720 Speaker 3: everywhere in between. 71 00:03:03,520 --> 00:03:06,680 Speaker 1: That's wild and what a cool thing for the youngsters. 72 00:03:06,919 --> 00:03:08,679 Speaker 1: I'm sure they're not getting the same training at the 73 00:03:08,720 --> 00:03:10,960 Speaker 1: same time, but just to be in the facility and 74 00:03:11,120 --> 00:03:13,520 Speaker 1: to have that connection to the next level and see 75 00:03:13,520 --> 00:03:17,240 Speaker 1: what the possibilities are. Let's talk about this era of 76 00:03:17,280 --> 00:03:21,320 Speaker 1: the NWSL. You're an analyst, you're working with players currently playing. 77 00:03:21,639 --> 00:03:23,560 Speaker 1: When you compare it to the one that you competed 78 00:03:23,600 --> 00:03:28,239 Speaker 1: in and the precursor leagues you competed in, what stands 79 00:03:28,240 --> 00:03:29,960 Speaker 1: out to you the most as different. 80 00:03:30,320 --> 00:03:34,520 Speaker 3: The quality of these women is just so much higher. 81 00:03:34,920 --> 00:03:37,440 Speaker 3: And I think the future of football really is in 82 00:03:37,560 --> 00:03:41,800 Speaker 3: the flexibility of adapting to whatever the opponent is doing. 83 00:03:41,920 --> 00:03:43,360 Speaker 2: Right, and not. 84 00:03:43,280 --> 00:03:47,560 Speaker 3: Only collectively as a group, but individually. The functions of 85 00:03:47,720 --> 00:03:51,280 Speaker 3: positions have changed so much, and so for example, just 86 00:03:51,280 --> 00:03:53,840 Speaker 3: take the goalkeeper position. We used to be shot stoppers 87 00:03:54,000 --> 00:03:56,560 Speaker 3: and that's it. We just defend the goal as best 88 00:03:56,600 --> 00:03:58,560 Speaker 3: you can and lump it up the field as far. 89 00:03:58,440 --> 00:03:59,600 Speaker 2: Away from the goal as possible. 90 00:03:59,680 --> 00:04:04,520 Speaker 3: That's the I lived in, right, But yeah, exactly when 91 00:04:04,600 --> 00:04:07,320 Speaker 3: in doubt kick it out. But now the game has 92 00:04:07,360 --> 00:04:10,720 Speaker 3: changed so much because the functions of the position have evolved, 93 00:04:10,760 --> 00:04:14,160 Speaker 3: and not only the goalkeeper has adapted to becoming like 94 00:04:14,240 --> 00:04:18,000 Speaker 3: a sweeper like you know, another center back, but now 95 00:04:18,040 --> 00:04:20,919 Speaker 3: having the capabilities of an in possession, almost like a 96 00:04:20,960 --> 00:04:24,440 Speaker 3: holding midfielder. So like we saw this weekend, Manny McGlenn 97 00:04:24,520 --> 00:04:25,760 Speaker 3: had an assist in a game. 98 00:04:25,680 --> 00:04:28,320 Speaker 2: Because of her abilities to be brave. 99 00:04:28,200 --> 00:04:32,080 Speaker 3: Come off her line and playmake and so because the 100 00:04:32,120 --> 00:04:34,920 Speaker 3: game is continuing to evolve, players are starting to function 101 00:04:35,040 --> 00:04:38,599 Speaker 3: in different capacities and become more well rounded, which just 102 00:04:38,720 --> 00:04:41,599 Speaker 3: gives so much more flexibility to the teams and it 103 00:04:41,640 --> 00:04:43,960 Speaker 3: makes it way more fun to watch because you're like, well, 104 00:04:44,000 --> 00:04:45,680 Speaker 3: how is Kansas City are going to play this weekend? 105 00:04:45,720 --> 00:04:47,080 Speaker 3: They're going to build in a three, They're going to 106 00:04:47,120 --> 00:04:49,400 Speaker 3: build in a four. How are they going to circumvent 107 00:04:49,480 --> 00:04:51,560 Speaker 3: this press and get the ball to their playmakers higher 108 00:04:51,600 --> 00:04:52,040 Speaker 3: up the field. 109 00:04:52,120 --> 00:04:54,240 Speaker 2: So it makes it more fun and more entertaining. 110 00:04:54,839 --> 00:04:56,960 Speaker 1: Yeah, I'm still learning a lot of the like high 111 00:04:57,000 --> 00:05:00,880 Speaker 1: level strategy of footy of soccer because I played, But 112 00:05:00,920 --> 00:05:03,200 Speaker 1: I remember hearing someone say that for a long stretch there, 113 00:05:03,240 --> 00:05:05,520 Speaker 1: it felt like the NWSL was just like, we're going 114 00:05:05,560 --> 00:05:08,440 Speaker 1: to play our style regardless of who we're facing, which 115 00:05:08,480 --> 00:05:10,560 Speaker 1: was very different from watching the US women's national team 116 00:05:10,600 --> 00:05:13,000 Speaker 1: that would adjust based on whether the other team was 117 00:05:13,040 --> 00:05:15,479 Speaker 1: giving them a lot of space or playing defensively and 118 00:05:15,560 --> 00:05:17,640 Speaker 1: waiting for them to make an error. Does it feel 119 00:05:17,640 --> 00:05:21,080 Speaker 1: like that's changing in the NWSL by necessity? Like, do 120 00:05:21,200 --> 00:05:23,240 Speaker 1: teams feel like the only way to thrive is to 121 00:05:23,320 --> 00:05:24,320 Speaker 1: be more flexible. 122 00:05:24,800 --> 00:05:27,039 Speaker 3: I think the best teams in our league are the 123 00:05:27,040 --> 00:05:30,680 Speaker 3: most flexible and the most adaptable and give their players 124 00:05:30,720 --> 00:05:31,760 Speaker 3: the most autonomy. 125 00:05:31,880 --> 00:05:33,880 Speaker 2: So it's not you have to do these things. 126 00:05:33,920 --> 00:05:37,000 Speaker 3: It's well, if the opponent does this, here are principles 127 00:05:37,000 --> 00:05:38,640 Speaker 3: that are laid out, and you have choice. 128 00:05:38,720 --> 00:05:41,560 Speaker 2: You can do this or you can do this. But 129 00:05:41,600 --> 00:05:42,000 Speaker 2: there are. 130 00:05:41,960 --> 00:05:43,640 Speaker 3: Teams in our league too, they just don't have the 131 00:05:43,839 --> 00:05:46,120 Speaker 3: quality players, so they have to rely on playing the 132 00:05:46,160 --> 00:05:51,520 Speaker 3: same style each week, which is really forced into by necessity. 133 00:05:51,640 --> 00:05:54,120 Speaker 3: But the teams that have quality, who have really invested 134 00:05:54,120 --> 00:05:58,159 Speaker 3: in their rosters and bringing players in that are wildly talented, 135 00:05:58,360 --> 00:06:01,719 Speaker 3: they have the ability to play or flexible, unpredictable manner. 136 00:06:02,960 --> 00:06:04,599 Speaker 1: What would you like to still see the league do 137 00:06:04,839 --> 00:06:07,159 Speaker 1: or the teams do to up the level of play 138 00:06:07,279 --> 00:06:09,920 Speaker 1: or play or comfort or professionalism. 139 00:06:11,200 --> 00:06:13,159 Speaker 3: I think, you know, we're still I think we have 140 00:06:13,200 --> 00:06:16,240 Speaker 3: to remember we're one of the best leagues in the world, 141 00:06:16,240 --> 00:06:18,839 Speaker 3: but we're still in the infant stages. Of this league, 142 00:06:18,839 --> 00:06:22,479 Speaker 3: I mean eleven or twelve seasons now, and so we 143 00:06:22,560 --> 00:06:25,120 Speaker 3: still have a long way to go. But I'm really 144 00:06:25,200 --> 00:06:29,039 Speaker 3: looking forward into academies underneath of the top teams. Right 145 00:06:29,680 --> 00:06:31,840 Speaker 3: just being a goalkeeper who was under the best that's 146 00:06:31,839 --> 00:06:34,000 Speaker 3: ever played in Hope solo, I didn't get that many 147 00:06:34,000 --> 00:06:37,839 Speaker 3: caps because I was behind the world's best, Whereas like now, 148 00:06:38,000 --> 00:06:41,080 Speaker 3: if we had academies underneath, then your second or third 149 00:06:41,160 --> 00:06:43,279 Speaker 3: choice goalkeeper can go get some games on the weekend 150 00:06:44,240 --> 00:06:46,560 Speaker 3: and then come back up and be rostered for the 151 00:06:46,600 --> 00:06:49,000 Speaker 3: senior level games, and then that's a way that you 152 00:06:49,080 --> 00:06:54,280 Speaker 3: can predictably develop talent over time to transition to your 153 00:06:54,320 --> 00:06:56,880 Speaker 3: top team, which I think if we had those academies 154 00:06:57,240 --> 00:07:00,080 Speaker 3: ultimately overall our country and our national teams would be 155 00:07:00,080 --> 00:07:00,599 Speaker 3: better as well. 156 00:07:01,200 --> 00:07:02,880 Speaker 2: But it's step by step. 157 00:07:03,480 --> 00:07:07,159 Speaker 1: Yeah, yeah, that's a big conversation. I'd love to have 158 00:07:07,200 --> 00:07:09,320 Speaker 1: you back to talk about the intricacies of the academy 159 00:07:09,320 --> 00:07:11,800 Speaker 1: system everything else, but we have to do an NWSL 160 00:07:11,880 --> 00:07:14,040 Speaker 1: season preview because we kind of did our own last 161 00:07:14,040 --> 00:07:17,160 Speaker 1: week ahead of our interview with another keeper listener, but 162 00:07:17,360 --> 00:07:19,120 Speaker 1: was pretty short, and we need a pro in here 163 00:07:19,120 --> 00:07:21,160 Speaker 1: to give us a true breakdown of what to watch 164 00:07:21,200 --> 00:07:23,600 Speaker 1: for this season, and you are the best of the best, 165 00:07:23,680 --> 00:07:25,800 Speaker 1: So I want to go team by team and for 166 00:07:25,840 --> 00:07:27,720 Speaker 1: each club, I'll keep it pretty broad. I just want 167 00:07:27,720 --> 00:07:31,720 Speaker 1: to see your ws W what you're watching for, and 168 00:07:31,760 --> 00:07:35,920 Speaker 1: then strengths and weaknesses. So let's start with the defending champion, 169 00:07:36,000 --> 00:07:38,360 Speaker 1: Orlando Pride first. What are you most watching for with 170 00:07:38,440 --> 00:07:38,840 Speaker 1: this team? 171 00:07:39,560 --> 00:07:41,880 Speaker 3: Yeah, I'm looking for some of the young talent that 172 00:07:42,480 --> 00:07:45,160 Speaker 3: seb Hines has brought in because he's had this great 173 00:07:45,280 --> 00:07:48,760 Speaker 3: track record of being able to develop talent into becoming 174 00:07:48,960 --> 00:07:52,080 Speaker 3: impact players, not just role players that you just well, 175 00:07:52,120 --> 00:07:54,000 Speaker 3: we don't really have anybody else for right wings, We're 176 00:07:54,000 --> 00:07:56,360 Speaker 3: gonna put in Ali Watt. No, he is actually getting 177 00:07:56,440 --> 00:07:59,440 Speaker 3: this ceiling out of her every single game. So I'm 178 00:07:59,520 --> 00:08:02,440 Speaker 3: really looking forward to see how they continue to evolve 179 00:08:02,520 --> 00:08:05,920 Speaker 3: and adapt and get some of those younger players because 180 00:08:06,080 --> 00:08:08,680 Speaker 3: Marta is going to be here for a very limited time, 181 00:08:08,800 --> 00:08:09,760 Speaker 3: so they're going to have. 182 00:08:09,720 --> 00:08:12,520 Speaker 2: To figure out how to evolve themselves. 183 00:08:12,520 --> 00:08:14,640 Speaker 3: But the one thing I love so much about them 184 00:08:14,760 --> 00:08:16,120 Speaker 3: is their defensive stability. 185 00:08:16,720 --> 00:08:19,400 Speaker 2: They have to be the best defensive. 186 00:08:18,920 --> 00:08:20,840 Speaker 3: Team in the whole world, in my opinion, and I 187 00:08:20,840 --> 00:08:24,400 Speaker 3: think that that has been their platform to build their 188 00:08:24,600 --> 00:08:25,720 Speaker 3: successful attack upon. 189 00:08:26,920 --> 00:08:29,160 Speaker 1: Okay, that leads me right into strengths. I'm guessing you're 190 00:08:29,200 --> 00:08:30,080 Speaker 1: going to talk defense. 191 00:08:30,480 --> 00:08:33,120 Speaker 3: Yeah, I mean I think that they're so calculated and 192 00:08:33,160 --> 00:08:36,160 Speaker 3: they're very measured, and I think the real everyone says, 193 00:08:36,160 --> 00:08:38,520 Speaker 3: you know, Marta is a superstar. I believe it's StEB Hines. 194 00:08:38,679 --> 00:08:42,160 Speaker 3: I think he is brilliant. I think he creates an 195 00:08:42,240 --> 00:08:46,560 Speaker 3: environment where people can grow, where players can individually get 196 00:08:46,600 --> 00:08:49,640 Speaker 3: better and figure out how they add to the team 197 00:08:49,960 --> 00:08:52,959 Speaker 3: because there's so much flexibility in their left wing position 198 00:08:53,160 --> 00:08:56,680 Speaker 3: or any of their positions, and allow the freedom for 199 00:08:56,760 --> 00:09:00,520 Speaker 3: their personalities to shine. So I think that he really 200 00:09:00,640 --> 00:09:03,240 Speaker 3: is like think about you know your closet and you've 201 00:09:03,240 --> 00:09:05,160 Speaker 3: got to figure out the best dress code to go 202 00:09:05,200 --> 00:09:07,520 Speaker 3: to an event in he's the best at picking out 203 00:09:07,559 --> 00:09:09,600 Speaker 3: you know, whether you're wearing the. 204 00:09:09,600 --> 00:09:13,560 Speaker 2: Three piece suit or whatever. But yeah, I'm really. 205 00:09:13,360 --> 00:09:16,960 Speaker 3: Looking forward to seeing how he continues to evolve this team. 206 00:09:16,320 --> 00:09:18,520 Speaker 1: A lot of strength at head coaching. I agree with you, though, 207 00:09:18,559 --> 00:09:20,720 Speaker 1: I will clip this off and aggregate it and send 208 00:09:20,760 --> 00:09:22,240 Speaker 1: it out to you saying a lot of people think 209 00:09:22,280 --> 00:09:25,440 Speaker 1: Marta is a superstar, not me, not her. Nothing to 210 00:09:25,440 --> 00:09:28,920 Speaker 1: do with their hot take hot take. What about weaknesses? 211 00:09:29,920 --> 00:09:32,040 Speaker 3: Ooh, this is gonna be a hard one. I think 212 00:09:32,080 --> 00:09:35,640 Speaker 3: their weakest position is goalkeeper. I think on a Morehouse's 213 00:09:36,000 --> 00:09:39,559 Speaker 3: weaknesses get masked by this team because they're so defensively 214 00:09:39,640 --> 00:09:42,440 Speaker 3: solid and they have such a commitment to get numbers 215 00:09:42,440 --> 00:09:43,360 Speaker 3: back behind the ball. 216 00:09:43,800 --> 00:09:45,360 Speaker 2: And you know, even. 217 00:09:45,160 --> 00:09:48,280 Speaker 3: Marda, she's still running out, hustling setting the standard for 218 00:09:48,320 --> 00:09:50,760 Speaker 3: the rest of the team. So I think they insulate 219 00:09:50,760 --> 00:09:53,400 Speaker 3: their goalkeeper a little bit. So that's something. I think 220 00:09:53,440 --> 00:09:55,800 Speaker 3: she's typically good for one mistake of game, so that's 221 00:09:55,800 --> 00:09:59,199 Speaker 3: something they're going to want to continue to limit opportunities 222 00:09:59,200 --> 00:09:59,640 Speaker 3: on their goal. 223 00:10:00,600 --> 00:10:03,440 Speaker 1: Okay, last year's runners up, the Washington Spirit, what are 224 00:10:03,440 --> 00:10:04,240 Speaker 1: you most watching for? 225 00:10:05,000 --> 00:10:06,800 Speaker 2: I can't wait for their roster to get healthy. 226 00:10:06,880 --> 00:10:10,320 Speaker 3: I mean, when their roster is healthy, they are fighting 227 00:10:10,320 --> 00:10:11,720 Speaker 3: to be one of the best teams in the league. 228 00:10:11,760 --> 00:10:14,760 Speaker 3: I mean, they can beat teams in transition. That is 229 00:10:14,800 --> 00:10:17,160 Speaker 3: their bread and butter. And even with all of the 230 00:10:17,200 --> 00:10:19,160 Speaker 3: injuries that they had toward the end of last year, 231 00:10:19,400 --> 00:10:22,120 Speaker 3: they were still finding ways to pick teams off, even 232 00:10:22,120 --> 00:10:25,160 Speaker 3: though everyone knew that was their super strength, still finding 233 00:10:25,200 --> 00:10:27,240 Speaker 3: ways to pick teams off and get the ball into 234 00:10:27,320 --> 00:10:30,400 Speaker 3: the attacking third and to their playmakers as quick as possible. 235 00:10:31,040 --> 00:10:32,840 Speaker 2: They will do that this year as well. 236 00:10:33,400 --> 00:10:35,280 Speaker 3: The next evolution for them is getting some of those 237 00:10:35,280 --> 00:10:39,400 Speaker 3: players back that can allow for more dynamic attacks in 238 00:10:39,440 --> 00:10:42,880 Speaker 3: the final thirds. So when Kroubethun comes back, when Uleisar 239 00:10:43,000 --> 00:10:47,560 Speaker 3: comes back, they have so many dynamic pieces and it's 240 00:10:47,640 --> 00:10:49,840 Speaker 3: just so fun to watch because they're having so much 241 00:10:49,840 --> 00:10:53,680 Speaker 3: fun and they feel comfortable and confident. And when teams 242 00:10:53,720 --> 00:10:56,600 Speaker 3: feel comfortable you can't quantify that in a stat but 243 00:10:56,640 --> 00:10:58,760 Speaker 3: it's just like the game slows down for them and 244 00:10:58,800 --> 00:11:01,000 Speaker 3: they just have so many different like all right, well, 245 00:11:01,760 --> 00:11:03,960 Speaker 3: what way are we going to unlock this back line today? 246 00:11:04,040 --> 00:11:06,600 Speaker 3: And it just it doesn't feel like if it will happen. 247 00:11:06,640 --> 00:11:09,960 Speaker 3: It feels like when yeah. 248 00:11:09,280 --> 00:11:10,959 Speaker 1: So the strength transition game. 249 00:11:11,080 --> 00:11:12,960 Speaker 2: What else? I mean? 250 00:11:13,320 --> 00:11:15,960 Speaker 3: I think their creativity when they have a full complement 251 00:11:16,040 --> 00:11:18,880 Speaker 3: of players. Right now, I think they have like thirteen 252 00:11:18,960 --> 00:11:22,920 Speaker 3: healthy players, which has been their biggest constraint at this point, 253 00:11:22,960 --> 00:11:26,959 Speaker 3: playing players out of position, in uncomfortable positions, out of necessity. 254 00:11:27,000 --> 00:11:30,400 Speaker 3: But yeah, I think over time, adding some of these 255 00:11:30,559 --> 00:11:33,400 Speaker 3: younger players like McKenna Morris, who has developed so much 256 00:11:33,559 --> 00:11:36,880 Speaker 3: and contributing so much into the attack. I think it 257 00:11:36,960 --> 00:11:39,280 Speaker 3: is going to just add another layer for teams to 258 00:11:39,320 --> 00:11:44,880 Speaker 3: have to cope with and their weaknesses. At this point, 259 00:11:44,960 --> 00:11:47,000 Speaker 3: I do believe that they need more possession. 260 00:11:47,160 --> 00:11:48,840 Speaker 2: I think they need the ball a little bit more. 261 00:11:49,200 --> 00:11:52,240 Speaker 3: But they did bring in Narumi from the North Carolina courage, 262 00:11:52,240 --> 00:11:55,119 Speaker 3: who's going to add a bit more composure in the midfield. 263 00:11:55,160 --> 00:11:57,440 Speaker 3: I mean, Narumi plays like she has eyes in the 264 00:11:57,440 --> 00:11:59,960 Speaker 3: back of her head. She can solve pressure from all angles. 265 00:12:00,240 --> 00:12:03,120 Speaker 3: She's so press resistant. It's those clever little two three 266 00:12:03,200 --> 00:12:06,040 Speaker 3: yard movements that getting good angles of support that's going 267 00:12:06,080 --> 00:12:08,080 Speaker 3: to bring out the best in how hirshfelt as well, 268 00:12:08,120 --> 00:12:11,720 Speaker 3: because now Hirshfeldt has an immediate option to her left 269 00:12:11,800 --> 00:12:13,720 Speaker 3: or right to be able to dish the ball to 270 00:12:13,840 --> 00:12:17,360 Speaker 3: and make it really simple. It's just as a collective unit, 271 00:12:17,440 --> 00:12:19,440 Speaker 3: they need to be better in transition. If it's on 272 00:12:19,640 --> 00:12:22,240 Speaker 3: great go, I mean they can slice through teams, but 273 00:12:22,320 --> 00:12:24,880 Speaker 3: if it's not on consolidate possession, and that's going to 274 00:12:24,880 --> 00:12:26,760 Speaker 3: help with their defensive side of the ball as well. 275 00:12:27,960 --> 00:12:29,640 Speaker 1: So correct me if I'm wrong. What I'm hearing is 276 00:12:29,679 --> 00:12:32,320 Speaker 1: decision making in those moments of transition. So while they 277 00:12:32,400 --> 00:12:34,959 Speaker 1: thrive when it works well. They also sometimes push it 278 00:12:35,000 --> 00:12:37,120 Speaker 1: when it's not there, and then that prevents them from 279 00:12:37,160 --> 00:12:38,719 Speaker 1: hanging out to possession and setting something up. 280 00:12:38,960 --> 00:12:39,280 Speaker 2: Yeah. 281 00:12:39,320 --> 00:12:42,240 Speaker 3: Absolutely, it definitely mutes their attack, but it also leaves 282 00:12:42,240 --> 00:12:44,839 Speaker 3: them open and transition themselves on the defensive side of right. 283 00:12:45,520 --> 00:12:49,360 Speaker 1: Fair Okay, Casey Current who A lot of us, just 284 00:12:49,800 --> 00:12:51,800 Speaker 1: you know, non biased thought would be really cool to 285 00:12:51,800 --> 00:12:54,080 Speaker 1: see in that championship game at their own stadium last year. 286 00:12:54,080 --> 00:12:56,360 Speaker 1: They came up just short, but they come back obviously 287 00:12:56,440 --> 00:12:59,360 Speaker 1: with tem wasshewinga and a real good shot again this year. 288 00:12:59,480 --> 00:13:00,480 Speaker 2: So what do you watching for? 289 00:13:01,440 --> 00:13:04,800 Speaker 3: I mean, I believe that this team is going to 290 00:13:04,840 --> 00:13:08,560 Speaker 3: be the top contender for the Shield. I think between Washington, 291 00:13:08,679 --> 00:13:12,800 Speaker 3: Kansas City, and Orlando, I think that these are gonna 292 00:13:12,800 --> 00:13:14,120 Speaker 3: be the three teams that are gonna be the front 293 00:13:14,160 --> 00:13:17,320 Speaker 3: runners for the Shield. I mean they have quality in 294 00:13:17,360 --> 00:13:20,680 Speaker 3: every position that in every single position, and not just 295 00:13:20,720 --> 00:13:23,160 Speaker 3: one player, two players and three different players. 296 00:13:23,320 --> 00:13:24,640 Speaker 2: Debinia can play all over the field. 297 00:13:24,640 --> 00:13:26,800 Speaker 3: We didn't even see Bea Zanarat in the first game, 298 00:13:27,520 --> 00:13:29,400 Speaker 3: and to me, she could be the best player in 299 00:13:29,440 --> 00:13:32,200 Speaker 3: the league and most influential players in the league in 300 00:13:32,320 --> 00:13:34,760 Speaker 3: terms of how she can unlock space for other people. 301 00:13:35,440 --> 00:13:38,240 Speaker 3: How she can play make the final ball, her crosses 302 00:13:38,240 --> 00:13:40,559 Speaker 3: into the box. I just think, you know, I think 303 00:13:40,600 --> 00:13:44,480 Speaker 3: she's so multi dimensional and just can elevate what Tim 304 00:13:44,559 --> 00:13:49,120 Speaker 3: much the winger can do as well. Okay, strengths strengths 305 00:13:49,320 --> 00:13:53,319 Speaker 3: their transition game from A to B and their turnovers 306 00:13:53,440 --> 00:13:55,080 Speaker 3: and the way that they can combine. 307 00:13:55,120 --> 00:13:56,120 Speaker 2: It's not just one pass. 308 00:13:56,160 --> 00:13:57,760 Speaker 3: It's not like we're going to pick you off through 309 00:13:57,920 --> 00:14:01,360 Speaker 3: Hutton and Low Labonta and immediately played in behind. We're 310 00:14:01,400 --> 00:14:03,400 Speaker 3: going to pick you off through Lola Bonta and Claire Hutton, 311 00:14:03,360 --> 00:14:05,240 Speaker 3: and then we're going to quickly combine in three different 312 00:14:05,240 --> 00:14:06,880 Speaker 3: places and then we're going to draw them in and 313 00:14:06,920 --> 00:14:10,360 Speaker 3: then exploit the space in behind. To me, it's unstoppable 314 00:14:10,400 --> 00:14:13,200 Speaker 3: because teams are their heads are spinning, they're trying to 315 00:14:13,679 --> 00:14:15,800 Speaker 3: you know, spin plates on their feets and their hands, 316 00:14:15,840 --> 00:14:18,280 Speaker 3: and they're trying to keep Tim washawinga silent. But it's 317 00:14:18,360 --> 00:14:21,360 Speaker 3: really Vanessa de Bernardo's movement and de Bean's movement that 318 00:14:21,960 --> 00:14:24,240 Speaker 3: teams get occupied with, and then that leaves to wing 319 00:14:24,320 --> 00:14:26,920 Speaker 3: ope and so I don't know how you defend it. 320 00:14:27,240 --> 00:14:28,800 Speaker 3: I'm so glad that I don't have to be a 321 00:14:28,800 --> 00:14:30,920 Speaker 3: coach on other teams because I just I don't know 322 00:14:30,960 --> 00:14:31,920 Speaker 3: how you defend her. 323 00:14:32,400 --> 00:14:35,200 Speaker 1: Or a keeper back there watching Sawego break out in 324 00:14:35,200 --> 00:14:37,040 Speaker 1: front of the pack and go one b one like 325 00:14:37,040 --> 00:14:39,360 Speaker 1: we saw in that first game weaknesses. 326 00:14:40,920 --> 00:14:43,080 Speaker 3: I know people are going to think I'm like super critical, 327 00:14:43,080 --> 00:14:46,560 Speaker 3: but I'm still wondering how their goalkeeper is going to do. 328 00:14:46,640 --> 00:14:50,440 Speaker 3: Lowdan and bringing in a Brazilian goalkeeper, first Brazilian goalkeeper 329 00:14:50,480 --> 00:14:54,000 Speaker 3: to come to our league. I think that's probably for 330 00:14:54,040 --> 00:14:57,280 Speaker 3: a reason because the Brazilians haven't had the best women's 331 00:14:57,320 --> 00:15:01,400 Speaker 3: goalkeepers in their history, so so maybe not a doubt, 332 00:15:01,440 --> 00:15:04,280 Speaker 3: maybe just a question mark to see how that translates. 333 00:15:04,920 --> 00:15:06,880 Speaker 1: We're gonna take a quick break when we come back 334 00:15:06,960 --> 00:15:08,040 Speaker 1: more with Jill Lluyden. 335 00:15:08,280 --> 00:15:09,360 Speaker 2: Don't move a muscle. 336 00:15:20,720 --> 00:15:23,680 Speaker 1: Gotham f C. Interesting off season for them, but still 337 00:15:23,720 --> 00:15:25,080 Speaker 1: a lot of talent. What are you watching for? 338 00:15:25,800 --> 00:15:26,040 Speaker 2: Yeah? 339 00:15:26,080 --> 00:15:29,640 Speaker 3: I think wan Carlos Amros's style is very distinct, very 340 00:15:29,640 --> 00:15:31,520 Speaker 3: different than most teams in the league, and I think 341 00:15:31,600 --> 00:15:35,440 Speaker 3: he has coined it controlled chaos, and it's something that 342 00:15:36,040 --> 00:15:38,520 Speaker 3: takes time, and it takes fluidity, and it takes a 343 00:15:38,600 --> 00:15:40,760 Speaker 3: lot of flexible players. 344 00:15:40,280 --> 00:15:42,080 Speaker 2: And a lot of special players. 345 00:15:42,120 --> 00:15:45,360 Speaker 3: To play this way, you have to have two very 346 00:15:45,400 --> 00:15:49,240 Speaker 3: competent center backs and of competent holding midfielder and competent 347 00:15:49,280 --> 00:15:52,400 Speaker 3: goalkeeper because they take so many risks with getting numbers 348 00:15:52,440 --> 00:15:54,640 Speaker 3: forward and then they counterpress and they take a lot 349 00:15:54,680 --> 00:15:56,240 Speaker 3: of risks to try to win it back close to 350 00:15:56,280 --> 00:15:59,520 Speaker 3: their goal that the natural place you're vulnerable is in 351 00:15:59,600 --> 00:16:02,720 Speaker 3: behind them, the space behind the two center backs. So 352 00:16:02,800 --> 00:16:05,960 Speaker 3: you need to have players that can proactively defend, and 353 00:16:06,000 --> 00:16:08,280 Speaker 3: you need to have a really brave goalkeeper that plays 354 00:16:08,280 --> 00:16:11,640 Speaker 3: a high vertical position. And so I'm just curious, you know, 355 00:16:11,720 --> 00:16:14,400 Speaker 3: with some of the mass exodus that happened in the offseason, 356 00:16:14,520 --> 00:16:17,200 Speaker 3: if these new players can quickly adapt to his style 357 00:16:17,360 --> 00:16:19,400 Speaker 3: and take on some of the principles of play. 358 00:16:20,200 --> 00:16:22,720 Speaker 1: But and Katrin Berger back there is a pretty good 359 00:16:22,800 --> 00:16:24,760 Speaker 1: person to have if that's your style. And same with 360 00:16:24,800 --> 00:16:27,480 Speaker 1: Tieranna Davidson. Yeah, those are two you can count on 361 00:16:27,520 --> 00:16:27,880 Speaker 1: back there. 362 00:16:27,920 --> 00:16:28,720 Speaker 2: And Emily's on it. 363 00:16:28,760 --> 00:16:31,400 Speaker 3: I mean, I think I compared her last year to like, 364 00:16:31,520 --> 00:16:33,560 Speaker 3: I'm a mom, i have two kids, and I'm constantly 365 00:16:33,600 --> 00:16:35,600 Speaker 3: walking behind my kids and cleaning up their mess. And 366 00:16:35,640 --> 00:16:38,720 Speaker 3: that's what Emily Son it does for this Speaking. 367 00:16:38,440 --> 00:16:42,000 Speaker 1: Of controlled chaos, right, yeah, exactly. You kind of gave 368 00:16:42,080 --> 00:16:43,960 Speaker 1: us some strengths and weaknesses in there, but hit those 369 00:16:44,000 --> 00:16:44,480 Speaker 1: real quick. 370 00:16:44,880 --> 00:16:45,120 Speaker 2: Yeah. 371 00:16:45,160 --> 00:16:46,920 Speaker 3: I think their strength is their ability to keep the 372 00:16:46,920 --> 00:16:50,960 Speaker 3: ball and get it in established territory, get it into 373 00:16:51,000 --> 00:16:53,680 Speaker 3: their final third as often as possible, and allow players 374 00:16:53,760 --> 00:16:56,280 Speaker 3: in the wide channels to either go one b one. 375 00:16:56,360 --> 00:16:59,200 Speaker 3: And having Midge versus back is a huge addition. 376 00:16:59,240 --> 00:17:00,960 Speaker 2: So exciting. Yeah, I'm so excited. 377 00:17:00,960 --> 00:17:04,119 Speaker 3: I love watching her play and Rose level and seeing 378 00:17:04,160 --> 00:17:06,560 Speaker 3: how that connection works out in the final third. I 379 00:17:06,600 --> 00:17:10,399 Speaker 3: think this space they're exposed in is behind their back line. 380 00:17:11,359 --> 00:17:13,520 Speaker 1: It is pretty gross when we're like, oh them lost everyone, 381 00:17:13,560 --> 00:17:15,560 Speaker 1: and then you're just ripping off the names of people 382 00:17:15,600 --> 00:17:16,879 Speaker 1: they still have. Thank you. 383 00:17:17,280 --> 00:17:17,720 Speaker 2: I'm fair. 384 00:17:17,880 --> 00:17:20,920 Speaker 1: Yeah, let's go to the Utah Royals. 385 00:17:20,960 --> 00:17:24,840 Speaker 2: What are you watching for other than Ali, Sentin or Bangers? Yeah, yeah, 386 00:17:24,840 --> 00:17:26,879 Speaker 2: we're always on that alert. Can't you score in the 387 00:17:26,920 --> 00:17:31,800 Speaker 2: box is what we're all watching for. That's fair. Yeah. 388 00:17:31,800 --> 00:17:34,119 Speaker 3: I'm really looking forward to some of their new players 389 00:17:34,119 --> 00:17:36,400 Speaker 3: that they have on their team. They brought in Alex Loyda, 390 00:17:36,480 --> 00:17:38,120 Speaker 3: who I think is going to contribute a lot when 391 00:17:38,119 --> 00:17:40,560 Speaker 3: she gets healthy, hopefully in the next couple months, and 392 00:17:40,600 --> 00:17:42,560 Speaker 3: that's going to be able to push Claudia's or nose 393 00:17:42,640 --> 00:17:44,600 Speaker 3: a little bit higher up in the fields. And I'm 394 00:17:44,760 --> 00:17:48,440 Speaker 3: really excited to see her relationship with me. 395 00:17:48,480 --> 00:17:50,640 Speaker 2: And it's Knock up front as well as Ali Sentinor. 396 00:17:50,960 --> 00:17:53,840 Speaker 3: They have playmakers in the back, and now they've figured 397 00:17:53,840 --> 00:17:56,560 Speaker 3: out how to break lines with their possession, and now 398 00:17:56,600 --> 00:17:59,200 Speaker 3: I'm curious to see how those three can work together 399 00:17:59,240 --> 00:18:01,800 Speaker 3: in the final third to create the openings in their 400 00:18:01,840 --> 00:18:03,159 Speaker 3: opponent's defensive lines. 401 00:18:03,920 --> 00:18:06,600 Speaker 1: Yeah, and Tanaka and set Nor on the same team, 402 00:18:06,720 --> 00:18:09,440 Speaker 1: after watching both of them in the She Beliefs Cup 403 00:18:09,480 --> 00:18:12,800 Speaker 1: do their own thing is pretty fun. Strengths on that team. 404 00:18:13,440 --> 00:18:15,320 Speaker 2: Manny mcglenn's got to be their greatest asset. 405 00:18:15,400 --> 00:18:19,159 Speaker 3: I think a team's ability starts with the foundation of 406 00:18:19,160 --> 00:18:21,399 Speaker 3: their goalkeeper and how they can play both on the 407 00:18:21,440 --> 00:18:23,960 Speaker 3: ball but also out of possession. And we saw how 408 00:18:23,960 --> 00:18:27,600 Speaker 3: important Manny mcglenn's contribution was this weekend, playing super high, 409 00:18:27,680 --> 00:18:30,119 Speaker 3: almost as like that second or third center back, and 410 00:18:30,160 --> 00:18:30,879 Speaker 3: she had an assist. 411 00:18:31,040 --> 00:18:33,240 Speaker 2: She was able to read the movement of the midfield. 412 00:18:33,560 --> 00:18:36,760 Speaker 3: They baited that movement back and then Bianca Saint George 413 00:18:36,760 --> 00:18:40,040 Speaker 3: making the run in behind was a fantastic recognition from 414 00:18:40,119 --> 00:18:42,960 Speaker 3: Mandy and great execution of her final pass. So I 415 00:18:43,000 --> 00:18:46,080 Speaker 3: think that's one of their greatest strengths. Maybe one of 416 00:18:46,080 --> 00:18:49,679 Speaker 3: their biggest weaknesses is their play from their fullbacks. We 417 00:18:49,680 --> 00:18:51,680 Speaker 3: haven't quite seen how they're going to defend the wide 418 00:18:51,720 --> 00:18:54,840 Speaker 3: areas yet. I think they've had some injuries in that area, 419 00:18:54,880 --> 00:18:56,960 Speaker 3: but I'm looking forward to see if a Mani Dorsy 420 00:18:57,000 --> 00:18:58,119 Speaker 3: can come back and contribute. 421 00:18:59,119 --> 00:19:01,600 Speaker 1: It's funny you're talking up many Mglenn changing like the 422 00:19:01,680 --> 00:19:03,919 Speaker 1: field in the way that she's able to push up 423 00:19:03,920 --> 00:19:06,119 Speaker 1: and be a part of play, and as the Chicago 424 00:19:06,119 --> 00:19:08,280 Speaker 1: Bears fan, it's just reminding me of Devin Hester as 425 00:19:08,280 --> 00:19:11,320 Speaker 1: this return man that like completely changed out the team 426 00:19:11,359 --> 00:19:14,440 Speaker 1: played because they started from a like further up the 427 00:19:14,480 --> 00:19:16,520 Speaker 1: field than any other team every single time, even if 428 00:19:16,520 --> 00:19:19,720 Speaker 1: he didn't score on punts and kick returns. I don't 429 00:19:19,760 --> 00:19:21,520 Speaker 1: know why my brain went there, but I'm just thinking 430 00:19:21,520 --> 00:19:23,680 Speaker 1: about how if you do have that talent back there, 431 00:19:23,880 --> 00:19:25,760 Speaker 1: it can totally sort of flip the field in the 432 00:19:25,760 --> 00:19:29,800 Speaker 1: way that you're positioning and imagining your attack. So now 433 00:19:29,800 --> 00:19:31,159 Speaker 1: that you keep talking about that, I'm gonna have to 434 00:19:31,200 --> 00:19:33,159 Speaker 1: watch that more closely. Okay, San Diego. 435 00:19:33,160 --> 00:19:34,080 Speaker 2: Wait what are you watching for? 436 00:19:34,560 --> 00:19:34,679 Speaker 1: Who? 437 00:19:35,040 --> 00:19:37,479 Speaker 3: They're my biggest wild card going into the season. I 438 00:19:37,560 --> 00:19:40,360 Speaker 3: was like, who are all these players, these international players 439 00:19:40,359 --> 00:19:42,480 Speaker 3: that they've brought in, and who are they going to 440 00:19:42,560 --> 00:19:43,680 Speaker 3: be under this new manager? 441 00:19:44,040 --> 00:19:46,800 Speaker 1: Because also like no Alex Morgan and Naomi Germa just 442 00:19:46,840 --> 00:19:48,760 Speaker 1: to start, and lots of other people gone, but like 443 00:19:48,800 --> 00:19:51,560 Speaker 1: those two in particular, like that's who the Wave are 444 00:19:51,600 --> 00:19:52,240 Speaker 1: in my mind. 445 00:19:52,119 --> 00:19:55,160 Speaker 3: Right, and Jane Shaw too, I mean, she buried a 446 00:19:55,280 --> 00:19:58,040 Speaker 3: huge creative burden on that team, but they had such 447 00:19:58,080 --> 00:20:00,760 Speaker 3: a distinct style for so long with Casey's and now 448 00:20:00,800 --> 00:20:02,880 Speaker 3: I'm just really curious of like, well, who are they 449 00:20:02,960 --> 00:20:05,840 Speaker 3: this now with all these new players, and it's almost 450 00:20:05,880 --> 00:20:07,280 Speaker 3: like a changing of the guard there. 451 00:20:07,560 --> 00:20:08,160 Speaker 2: We've had these. 452 00:20:08,080 --> 00:20:10,840 Speaker 3: Older players retire or we had these younger players leave, 453 00:20:10,920 --> 00:20:12,960 Speaker 3: and so who are they going to be? I mean, 454 00:20:13,000 --> 00:20:15,680 Speaker 3: I was super impressed with them last night against Angel 455 00:20:15,760 --> 00:20:18,320 Speaker 3: City and their ability to build out and and their 456 00:20:18,320 --> 00:20:19,080 Speaker 3: brave build up. 457 00:20:19,119 --> 00:20:21,040 Speaker 2: I'm really encouraged. 458 00:20:20,680 --> 00:20:23,159 Speaker 3: Excited to see who these what this team could be. 459 00:20:23,560 --> 00:20:26,200 Speaker 3: Cas Garino's got to be one of the most entertaining, 460 00:20:26,520 --> 00:20:28,040 Speaker 3: fun players on the ball. 461 00:20:29,200 --> 00:20:30,719 Speaker 1: It is kind of wild for a team as young 462 00:20:30,760 --> 00:20:33,240 Speaker 1: as they are to already be onto a new era, 463 00:20:33,480 --> 00:20:35,560 Speaker 1: a new generation, changing of the guard. 464 00:20:35,720 --> 00:20:37,960 Speaker 2: We just met the first guard and now they're gone. 465 00:20:38,040 --> 00:20:39,960 Speaker 1: Ready, Yeah, strengths of this. 466 00:20:39,960 --> 00:20:41,320 Speaker 2: Team Killen Sheridan. 467 00:20:41,480 --> 00:20:44,680 Speaker 3: I mean she's very similar in my mind to Mandy Glenn. 468 00:20:44,680 --> 00:20:47,800 Speaker 3: I mean, they've could have easily conceded three goals last night. 469 00:20:48,119 --> 00:20:49,560 Speaker 3: I thought she stood on her head. She had one 470 00:20:49,560 --> 00:20:52,399 Speaker 3: of her best performances, and they need her. She's the captain, 471 00:20:52,480 --> 00:20:55,320 Speaker 3: she's the leader. She's been there the longest. She is 472 00:20:55,680 --> 00:20:59,040 Speaker 3: the best personality of the greatest character and they need 473 00:20:59,080 --> 00:21:02,480 Speaker 3: to rely on them all season long. So as long 474 00:21:02,480 --> 00:21:03,960 Speaker 3: as she's doing well, I think this team's going to 475 00:21:04,000 --> 00:21:04,600 Speaker 3: be in a good place. 476 00:21:05,160 --> 00:21:07,800 Speaker 1: I love how most previews they might not mention a 477 00:21:07,880 --> 00:21:10,000 Speaker 1: keeper once, and you're like, well, in every one of 478 00:21:10,040 --> 00:21:12,520 Speaker 1: these teams, it's either their finest point or their weakest point, 479 00:21:12,840 --> 00:21:17,840 Speaker 1: no argument. What about weaknesses for the way. 480 00:21:18,040 --> 00:21:21,760 Speaker 3: Yeah, I'm looking forward to seeing how Savanna mccaskell does 481 00:21:21,760 --> 00:21:24,720 Speaker 3: this season because I think she has a high, high ceiling, 482 00:21:24,840 --> 00:21:28,439 Speaker 3: a high ceiling player, and they really could build their 483 00:21:28,480 --> 00:21:31,119 Speaker 3: attack upon her and her ability to link her ability 484 00:21:31,119 --> 00:21:34,800 Speaker 3: to playmake get into the final third and we haven't 485 00:21:34,800 --> 00:21:37,400 Speaker 3: seen the best from her quite yet in San Diego, 486 00:21:37,440 --> 00:21:39,399 Speaker 3: but I think the potential is there, and I think 487 00:21:39,640 --> 00:21:41,880 Speaker 3: if they can retain possession a little bit longer, they're 488 00:21:41,880 --> 00:21:43,440 Speaker 3: going to be able to create some opportunities. 489 00:21:44,160 --> 00:21:47,080 Speaker 1: Okay, Angel City watching for what other than a coach 490 00:21:47,160 --> 00:21:49,080 Speaker 1: to show up, that's a. 491 00:21:49,040 --> 00:21:49,919 Speaker 2: Big red flag. 492 00:21:51,680 --> 00:21:55,800 Speaker 3: Yeah, I am curious, because you know, if you stay 493 00:21:55,840 --> 00:21:59,399 Speaker 3: the same, you're moving backwards in this league, and everybody 494 00:21:59,440 --> 00:22:02,080 Speaker 3: is getting better in every offseason. All of these teams 495 00:22:02,080 --> 00:22:05,200 Speaker 3: are adding more pieces to their puzzle to make their 496 00:22:05,240 --> 00:22:08,080 Speaker 3: team stronger, and I just feel like Angel City really 497 00:22:08,080 --> 00:22:10,440 Speaker 3: didn't add anybody that I'm like, Wow, that player is 498 00:22:10,480 --> 00:22:13,320 Speaker 3: going to make a really big difference. I think they 499 00:22:13,359 --> 00:22:15,480 Speaker 3: brought in Alana Kennedy, who isn't really going to add 500 00:22:15,520 --> 00:22:16,320 Speaker 3: any bit of. 501 00:22:16,480 --> 00:22:19,320 Speaker 2: You know, mobility or use to this team. 502 00:22:19,920 --> 00:22:22,119 Speaker 3: But they did start some young players last night in 503 00:22:22,200 --> 00:22:25,880 Speaker 3: Macy Hodge and Riley Tiernan up top, and that kind 504 00:22:25,880 --> 00:22:27,760 Speaker 3: of falls in line with the way that Sam Lady 505 00:22:27,800 --> 00:22:30,359 Speaker 3: wants to play in terms of like that high pressure attack. 506 00:22:31,160 --> 00:22:33,520 Speaker 1: Thompson's sister is still young. They've been around a couple 507 00:22:33,560 --> 00:22:36,680 Speaker 1: of years, still quite young and looking good. What about 508 00:22:36,720 --> 00:22:38,880 Speaker 1: strengths and weaknesses for ACFC. 509 00:22:39,040 --> 00:22:41,600 Speaker 3: Yeah, I think they're They're dynamic partnership and the way 510 00:22:41,640 --> 00:22:44,639 Speaker 3: they collaborate up their left hand side with m Vanola 511 00:22:44,760 --> 00:22:47,960 Speaker 3: and Alyssa Thompson is a really fun pairing to watch. 512 00:22:47,960 --> 00:22:50,400 Speaker 3: I think they play really well off each other, occupying 513 00:22:50,440 --> 00:22:53,760 Speaker 3: different spaces which unlock some space for them higher up 514 00:22:53,800 --> 00:22:56,720 Speaker 3: the field. Their weaknesses, I think probably is just the 515 00:22:56,760 --> 00:23:00,000 Speaker 3: mobility in the midfield. Is this league is a transition 516 00:23:00,160 --> 00:23:02,560 Speaker 3: league and last year that was their biggest achilles heel. 517 00:23:02,840 --> 00:23:05,800 Speaker 3: They can see it far too many goals in transition 518 00:23:05,920 --> 00:23:08,520 Speaker 3: and in open space, and I think that was because 519 00:23:08,520 --> 00:23:10,080 Speaker 3: of the lack of mobility in their midfield. 520 00:23:11,240 --> 00:23:15,360 Speaker 1: Okay, BFC up the coast, what you're watching for Rachel Kunanaji. 521 00:23:15,440 --> 00:23:17,760 Speaker 2: I mean, I'm seeing what she can do on the 522 00:23:17,760 --> 00:23:19,760 Speaker 2: ball again, do it? That's what happens? 523 00:23:21,160 --> 00:23:23,320 Speaker 3: Yeah, I mean, I think they have a lot of pieces. 524 00:23:23,359 --> 00:23:25,480 Speaker 3: I'm actually really excited about this team. I think they 525 00:23:25,480 --> 00:23:28,399 Speaker 3: were trending upward to the latter part of the season. 526 00:23:28,480 --> 00:23:32,040 Speaker 3: Last year they were trying to refine their identity and 527 00:23:32,040 --> 00:23:34,840 Speaker 3: in the beginning of the year Albertine said, we don't 528 00:23:34,840 --> 00:23:37,359 Speaker 3: care about defending. We just want to attack, and I 529 00:23:37,359 --> 00:23:39,480 Speaker 3: think that was the naive game plan early on in 530 00:23:39,480 --> 00:23:42,920 Speaker 3: the season, and to his credit though they adapt it well. 531 00:23:42,960 --> 00:23:45,480 Speaker 3: They changed their structure. They were a bit more conservative 532 00:23:45,520 --> 00:23:48,440 Speaker 3: and they attacked with their defense in mind. They also 533 00:23:48,520 --> 00:23:51,040 Speaker 3: changed their personnel, bringing in Abby dal Kemper. They started 534 00:23:51,040 --> 00:23:53,960 Speaker 3: playing Alissa Malansa, and they just put Keky Pickett in 535 00:23:54,000 --> 00:23:56,679 Speaker 3: the holding midfield position. And with a little bit of 536 00:23:56,720 --> 00:23:59,800 Speaker 3: a mentality change and a personnel change, they stopped con 537 00:23:59,840 --> 00:24:02,680 Speaker 3: seeting so many goals and that allows them to take 538 00:24:02,720 --> 00:24:04,399 Speaker 3: more risks to get higher up into the field. 539 00:24:05,160 --> 00:24:06,520 Speaker 1: What about strengths and weaknesses. 540 00:24:06,840 --> 00:24:09,320 Speaker 3: I mean, their strengths certainly is in transition. They've got 541 00:24:09,400 --> 00:24:12,359 Speaker 3: vertical threats in Ashwala and Kundanaji and that's something that 542 00:24:12,359 --> 00:24:15,880 Speaker 3: they're going to continue to utilize. But their greatest weakness 543 00:24:15,880 --> 00:24:17,800 Speaker 3: is utilizing that way too much, and we saw that 544 00:24:17,840 --> 00:24:20,760 Speaker 3: in their first game this weekend. I thought they weren't 545 00:24:20,920 --> 00:24:24,280 Speaker 3: very decisive in transition. They looked for Kundananji, or they 546 00:24:24,280 --> 00:24:26,800 Speaker 3: looked long, or they conceded it too cheaply in transition, 547 00:24:26,920 --> 00:24:29,240 Speaker 3: and that could be Week one woes, but that also 548 00:24:29,280 --> 00:24:32,760 Speaker 3: can be a tactical game plan. But I really am 549 00:24:32,800 --> 00:24:35,200 Speaker 3: looking forward to see how their new formation works out 550 00:24:35,200 --> 00:24:35,919 Speaker 3: for them in that three. 551 00:24:35,840 --> 00:24:38,320 Speaker 1: Five to two and a weakness. 552 00:24:39,480 --> 00:24:40,480 Speaker 2: Maybe not a weakness. 553 00:24:43,240 --> 00:24:45,920 Speaker 3: I like the fact that they actually changed their defensive 554 00:24:45,920 --> 00:24:47,200 Speaker 3: shape to have three center backs. 555 00:24:47,240 --> 00:24:48,159 Speaker 2: I really do like that. 556 00:24:48,480 --> 00:24:51,280 Speaker 3: But they have a young goalkeeper that's only played one 557 00:24:51,320 --> 00:24:53,720 Speaker 3: game and they have no other goalkeepers on their roster 558 00:24:53,760 --> 00:24:55,480 Speaker 3: that have played a single minute in the league. So 559 00:24:56,240 --> 00:24:58,480 Speaker 3: maybe not a weakness, maybe just a question mark, but 560 00:24:59,000 --> 00:24:59,440 Speaker 3: we'll see. 561 00:24:59,520 --> 00:25:02,640 Speaker 1: Yeah, Okay, Racing Louisville watching for what. 562 00:25:03,160 --> 00:25:06,680 Speaker 3: How this team gels under Bevvinez in her second year. 563 00:25:06,800 --> 00:25:10,480 Speaker 3: This team has some of the best individuals in the league. 564 00:25:10,800 --> 00:25:12,639 Speaker 3: I think their midfield could be one of the best. 565 00:25:12,720 --> 00:25:15,320 Speaker 3: It just felt like last year they never truly got 566 00:25:15,359 --> 00:25:19,320 Speaker 3: into a real rhythm and a style, and once they 567 00:25:19,480 --> 00:25:21,800 Speaker 3: had enough time to implement the style they wanted, they 568 00:25:21,840 --> 00:25:23,720 Speaker 3: had to change because then they were in the playoff 569 00:25:23,800 --> 00:25:29,160 Speaker 3: race and they were forced into desperation football and situational football. 570 00:25:29,280 --> 00:25:33,320 Speaker 3: They let Abby Orsa go and they're bringing another center back, 571 00:25:33,359 --> 00:25:34,919 Speaker 3: which I think is going to be super helpful for 572 00:25:34,960 --> 00:25:38,920 Speaker 3: them to aid in their build out. Abby Orsig's fantastic 573 00:25:39,080 --> 00:25:41,800 Speaker 3: defensive player, but didn't add as much on the attacking 574 00:25:41,840 --> 00:25:43,040 Speaker 3: side of the ball, and I think that kind of 575 00:25:43,080 --> 00:25:45,840 Speaker 3: hurt Katie Linda on both sides of the ball. So yeah, 576 00:25:45,880 --> 00:25:48,560 Speaker 3: I'm just curious to see how those personalities going to go. 577 00:25:49,320 --> 00:25:50,320 Speaker 1: Strengths and weaknesses. 578 00:25:50,400 --> 00:25:54,000 Speaker 3: You said the midfield, I mean Ari borgiis Savannah de Mello, 579 00:25:54,160 --> 00:25:57,480 Speaker 3: Taylor Flint name a better midfield three compliment, right. 580 00:25:58,160 --> 00:25:59,639 Speaker 2: But it's just going to be up to how they 581 00:25:59,720 --> 00:26:00,439 Speaker 2: util that. 582 00:26:00,600 --> 00:26:02,680 Speaker 3: Yeah, they can be great on the ball and their 583 00:26:02,680 --> 00:26:04,440 Speaker 3: approach plate can be good, but they need to be 584 00:26:04,720 --> 00:26:06,160 Speaker 3: finding ways to break teams down. 585 00:26:06,960 --> 00:26:14,520 Speaker 1: Okay, Portland Thorns, what you're watching for a hero to 586 00:26:14,720 --> 00:26:16,040 Speaker 1: step up? Yes? 587 00:26:16,600 --> 00:26:19,480 Speaker 2: Yes, yeah, Who's going to score for them? That's what 588 00:26:19,600 --> 00:26:20,840 Speaker 2: I'm concerned with. 589 00:26:20,880 --> 00:26:24,720 Speaker 3: But like also, I've never in Portland's history thought about 590 00:26:24,720 --> 00:26:27,399 Speaker 3: who's going to score for them. My biggest concerns have 591 00:26:27,440 --> 00:26:30,000 Speaker 3: always been on the defensive side of the ball, and 592 00:26:30,119 --> 00:26:33,360 Speaker 3: unfortunately those defensive woes are still there and now it's 593 00:26:33,440 --> 00:26:35,439 Speaker 3: going to a bigger question mark of who's going to score. 594 00:26:36,520 --> 00:26:40,480 Speaker 1: Okay, so the weaknesses. Obviously, they lost players to retirement, 595 00:26:40,720 --> 00:26:46,040 Speaker 1: Sophia Wilson, Slash Smith out with pregnancy, so nobody to score, 596 00:26:46,680 --> 00:26:50,040 Speaker 1: and a defense that struggles is a bad combination. Can 597 00:26:50,080 --> 00:26:51,000 Speaker 1: you find a strength? 598 00:26:51,680 --> 00:26:54,199 Speaker 2: I think, you know, Sam Coffee is got to be. 599 00:26:55,040 --> 00:26:56,960 Speaker 3: Yeah, in the base of their midfield's got to be 600 00:26:57,000 --> 00:26:58,840 Speaker 3: one of their greatest strengths in terms of shielding the 601 00:26:58,840 --> 00:27:01,639 Speaker 3: back four, giving them a little bit more protection, also 602 00:27:01,720 --> 00:27:04,119 Speaker 3: giving them the ability to combine through the thirds. And 603 00:27:04,200 --> 00:27:06,359 Speaker 3: her relationship with Huina Sigita, I think is going to 604 00:27:06,359 --> 00:27:08,920 Speaker 3: be really important. So those two in the midfield, I'm 605 00:27:08,920 --> 00:27:11,440 Speaker 3: still waiting for, you know, Jesse Fleming to add more 606 00:27:11,480 --> 00:27:14,720 Speaker 3: to this Portland Thorn's team. They brought Dana Costiano's in there. 607 00:27:14,880 --> 00:27:17,119 Speaker 3: I'm curious to see how she plays and interprets the 608 00:27:17,200 --> 00:27:19,200 Speaker 3: nine position. Is it going to be like more of 609 00:27:19,200 --> 00:27:20,879 Speaker 3: a false nine to ten or is she going to 610 00:27:20,880 --> 00:27:22,600 Speaker 3: be able to provide a vertical threat as well? 611 00:27:24,000 --> 00:27:25,760 Speaker 1: And to strength is that everybody can go to the 612 00:27:25,800 --> 00:27:29,080 Speaker 1: sports bra for a beer after the game. So we 613 00:27:29,200 --> 00:27:32,840 Speaker 1: still got that in Portland. Okay, North Carolina Courage, what 614 00:27:32,880 --> 00:27:35,560 Speaker 1: are you watching for? We know they can possess the ball, 615 00:27:35,640 --> 00:27:36,080 Speaker 1: we know it. 616 00:27:36,160 --> 00:27:37,560 Speaker 3: I mean, they're one of the best in the in 617 00:27:37,600 --> 00:27:40,119 Speaker 3: the league in their terms of their approach play and 618 00:27:40,160 --> 00:27:44,280 Speaker 3: their ability to repeatably gain territory to the final third. 619 00:27:44,320 --> 00:27:45,320 Speaker 2: Now, can they score goals. 620 00:27:46,000 --> 00:27:48,120 Speaker 3: That's going to be the separator for them being good 621 00:27:48,320 --> 00:27:51,280 Speaker 3: in this league and being great and consistently being in 622 00:27:51,280 --> 00:27:53,919 Speaker 3: the top four and challenging for a potential shield at 623 00:27:53,920 --> 00:27:57,119 Speaker 3: some point. I'm really looking forward to seeing Jaydenshaw. I 624 00:27:57,160 --> 00:27:59,280 Speaker 3: think Sean Ajas is one of the best coaches in 625 00:27:59,280 --> 00:28:02,280 Speaker 3: this league, and he's good at individual development, and he's 626 00:28:02,280 --> 00:28:05,080 Speaker 3: good at holding players accountable and getting the best out 627 00:28:05,119 --> 00:28:07,520 Speaker 3: of them. And I'm looking for her to be consistent 628 00:28:07,640 --> 00:28:08,640 Speaker 3: on a weekend week out. 629 00:28:08,680 --> 00:28:14,680 Speaker 1: Basis not just a great player, but such an interesting person, funny, smart, thoughtful, 630 00:28:14,760 --> 00:28:15,920 Speaker 1: like really great interview. 631 00:28:16,359 --> 00:28:17,440 Speaker 2: Just I think going to be a star. 632 00:28:17,520 --> 00:28:20,359 Speaker 1: The more people get to know her, they really really 633 00:28:20,359 --> 00:28:22,560 Speaker 1: get to see her strengths and weaknesses. 634 00:28:22,600 --> 00:28:23,720 Speaker 2: For the Courage. 635 00:28:24,320 --> 00:28:26,640 Speaker 3: Strengths for North Carolina is their build out and their 636 00:28:26,640 --> 00:28:28,919 Speaker 3: ability to possess the ball. And they've got eleven footballers 637 00:28:28,920 --> 00:28:31,280 Speaker 3: on their team who at any point in time are 638 00:28:31,320 --> 00:28:33,399 Speaker 3: trying to become an option to the ballcarrier. So they 639 00:28:33,400 --> 00:28:36,359 Speaker 3: have these distinct passing routes through the field that allow 640 00:28:36,440 --> 00:28:39,480 Speaker 3: them to just break through teams so easily. Can they 641 00:28:39,520 --> 00:28:41,960 Speaker 3: make more of that though, can they get their better 642 00:28:42,040 --> 00:28:45,880 Speaker 3: plays isolate it? And something I really like about them 643 00:28:45,960 --> 00:28:48,200 Speaker 3: is they don't just settle for these like aimless crosses 644 00:28:48,200 --> 00:28:51,000 Speaker 3: in the box that they're really fighting for high quality chances. 645 00:28:51,600 --> 00:28:55,320 Speaker 3: Can they sustainably do that and then not only make them, 646 00:28:55,320 --> 00:28:56,960 Speaker 3: but exploit them and finish them. 647 00:28:58,000 --> 00:29:02,040 Speaker 1: Houston Dash providing some excitement this offseason, giving people a 648 00:29:02,080 --> 00:29:03,520 Speaker 1: little bit of hope for a team that's kind of 649 00:29:03,520 --> 00:29:06,160 Speaker 1: been bottom of the table most of the time. So 650 00:29:06,160 --> 00:29:07,640 Speaker 1: what are you watching for with the Dash? 651 00:29:07,840 --> 00:29:10,880 Speaker 3: This is the first year I've ever been optimistic about 652 00:29:10,920 --> 00:29:16,120 Speaker 3: Houston Dash. I've never really been like, Wow, I'm encouraged, 653 00:29:16,160 --> 00:29:18,520 Speaker 3: I'm inspired. I think they've got something there. But this 654 00:29:19,040 --> 00:29:21,240 Speaker 3: year I do. I'm like, very encouraged by them. I 655 00:29:21,280 --> 00:29:23,640 Speaker 3: think it's a project and it's going to take time, 656 00:29:23,720 --> 00:29:25,720 Speaker 3: but I do think they're going to have the ability 657 00:29:25,800 --> 00:29:27,640 Speaker 3: to challenge and be in the hut on the last 658 00:29:27,720 --> 00:29:31,560 Speaker 3: day for playoffs. Bringing in players like yas Me, Ryan Delaney, Sheehan, 659 00:29:31,960 --> 00:29:34,640 Speaker 3: Danny Colaprico, Kristen westfall Abby Smith. 660 00:29:34,680 --> 00:29:36,400 Speaker 2: These are all proven pros that have. 661 00:29:36,400 --> 00:29:38,840 Speaker 3: Been there, done that, wore the T shirt, know how 662 00:29:38,880 --> 00:29:41,640 Speaker 3: to be good teammates in the locker room, know how 663 00:29:41,680 --> 00:29:44,320 Speaker 3: to have great character when things are going sideways, because 664 00:29:44,320 --> 00:29:47,760 Speaker 3: it's going to happen. But I'm excited. I think Fabriska 665 00:29:47,840 --> 00:29:52,000 Speaker 3: Chraw's is a great soccer tactician and I am looking 666 00:29:52,000 --> 00:29:54,680 Speaker 3: forward to seeing how that matriculates on the field for them. 667 00:29:55,040 --> 00:29:56,320 Speaker 1: Okay, strengths and weaknesses. 668 00:29:58,000 --> 00:30:01,240 Speaker 3: Strengths, I think they have added more control in their midfield, 669 00:30:01,360 --> 00:30:06,320 Speaker 3: so Danny Colaprico Delaney sheet and these are footballers. These 670 00:30:06,320 --> 00:30:10,080 Speaker 3: are players who can break teams down with possession. And 671 00:30:10,120 --> 00:30:13,640 Speaker 3: They've had a very industrious midfield in the past and 672 00:30:13,680 --> 00:30:15,960 Speaker 3: now they've got they still got a little bit of 673 00:30:16,000 --> 00:30:19,120 Speaker 3: that muscle destructive side of them, but they've also got 674 00:30:19,120 --> 00:30:21,000 Speaker 3: the ability to break teams down and progress the ball 675 00:30:21,040 --> 00:30:23,840 Speaker 3: through the thirds, which is something that katral is gonna 676 00:30:23,840 --> 00:30:25,840 Speaker 3: want from this team, is to possess the ball because 677 00:30:25,880 --> 00:30:28,760 Speaker 3: you're playing in you know, the inner core of the 678 00:30:28,800 --> 00:30:31,360 Speaker 3: sun heat for four to five months a night, so 679 00:30:31,400 --> 00:30:32,600 Speaker 3: you have to possess the ball. 680 00:30:33,320 --> 00:30:35,440 Speaker 1: So weaknesses besides melting. 681 00:30:37,160 --> 00:30:39,920 Speaker 3: I think their biggest challenge this year is going to 682 00:30:40,000 --> 00:30:44,920 Speaker 3: be retaining that optimism when you're getting some inconsistent performances, 683 00:30:45,160 --> 00:30:47,280 Speaker 3: because you're going to have some good games, and you're 684 00:30:47,280 --> 00:30:50,000 Speaker 3: gonna have some tough games, and you know they're gonna 685 00:30:50,000 --> 00:30:52,920 Speaker 3: have some teething problems, and they're gonna give away possession 686 00:30:52,920 --> 00:30:54,880 Speaker 3: in bad areas like they did against Washington Spirit. 687 00:30:54,920 --> 00:30:56,000 Speaker 2: They're gonna get punished for it. 688 00:30:56,280 --> 00:30:59,680 Speaker 3: But can they stick to the plan, continue to struggle 689 00:30:59,760 --> 00:31:01,960 Speaker 3: during training sessions so that when it comes to the 690 00:31:02,000 --> 00:31:05,560 Speaker 3: game they feel more comfortable and confident to execute their 691 00:31:05,560 --> 00:31:05,960 Speaker 3: game plan. 692 00:31:07,160 --> 00:31:10,640 Speaker 1: Okay, Chicago Stars, what are you watching for. 693 00:31:11,560 --> 00:31:15,200 Speaker 2: A miracle divine intervention movement? 694 00:31:15,320 --> 00:31:17,920 Speaker 1: It's like the meme with the stick, like do something, Yeah, 695 00:31:18,120 --> 00:31:19,160 Speaker 1: don't just sit there. 696 00:31:20,320 --> 00:31:21,240 Speaker 2: It is quite interesting. 697 00:31:21,280 --> 00:31:23,800 Speaker 3: I think the biggest question mark is if Mallory Swanson's 698 00:31:23,800 --> 00:31:27,680 Speaker 3: gonna be able to contribute to this group. Right, they 699 00:31:27,720 --> 00:31:29,560 Speaker 3: were one of those teams I was talking about earlier 700 00:31:29,560 --> 00:31:32,280 Speaker 3: where they have one way of playing and that's really it, right. 701 00:31:32,280 --> 00:31:34,240 Speaker 1: Yet the ball to mal out up front and watch 702 00:31:34,280 --> 00:31:36,240 Speaker 1: her go yeah one before yeah. 703 00:31:36,320 --> 00:31:38,440 Speaker 3: Their attack is fueled by their defense. We're going to 704 00:31:38,480 --> 00:31:42,720 Speaker 3: be so compact, so difficult to break through. We're not 705 00:31:42,720 --> 00:31:44,280 Speaker 3: going to take many chances in the build out. 706 00:31:44,280 --> 00:31:46,000 Speaker 2: We don't need the ball. We're going to be really 707 00:31:46,000 --> 00:31:46,680 Speaker 2: good without the ball. 708 00:31:46,720 --> 00:31:49,760 Speaker 3: We're going to control the game by defending well and 709 00:31:49,800 --> 00:31:53,280 Speaker 3: looking for male Swanson in transition, and I mean she 710 00:31:53,560 --> 00:31:58,120 Speaker 3: is one of one of three players who are the 711 00:31:58,120 --> 00:32:02,400 Speaker 3: best transitional threats in the league, like generational talent we're talking. 712 00:32:02,720 --> 00:32:05,080 Speaker 3: And so you're missing that piece, which is then going 713 00:32:05,120 --> 00:32:06,800 Speaker 3: to force you to possess a little bit more because 714 00:32:06,800 --> 00:32:10,040 Speaker 3: you don't have that transitional piece. But it's also going 715 00:32:10,160 --> 00:32:12,720 Speaker 3: to cause a lot of compromise because who's going to 716 00:32:12,760 --> 00:32:13,600 Speaker 3: make off for the attack? 717 00:32:14,200 --> 00:32:15,400 Speaker 2: Everybody else has to do it. 718 00:32:15,800 --> 00:32:18,280 Speaker 3: So then now you're open in small areas of the 719 00:32:18,280 --> 00:32:20,280 Speaker 3: field you didn't want to be open in, and so 720 00:32:20,440 --> 00:32:22,720 Speaker 3: on the defensive side of the ball, they are skinny 721 00:32:22,880 --> 00:32:25,360 Speaker 3: in their roster. It's a good thing that Sam Stobb 722 00:32:25,440 --> 00:32:25,920 Speaker 3: is coming back. 723 00:32:26,000 --> 00:32:26,920 Speaker 2: That's going to be helpful. 724 00:32:27,640 --> 00:32:29,560 Speaker 3: But yeah, I know the Stars are going to be 725 00:32:29,640 --> 00:32:31,840 Speaker 3: hoping that Mouse Watson can contribute this season. 726 00:32:32,640 --> 00:32:36,040 Speaker 1: Okay, that's a lot of weaknesses. What would be a strength. 727 00:32:36,280 --> 00:32:39,880 Speaker 3: I mean they still have Ludmila, which I think she yeah, yeah, and. 728 00:32:39,800 --> 00:32:41,720 Speaker 1: It kind of went under the radar when they added 729 00:32:41,720 --> 00:32:43,600 Speaker 1: her because they just weren't that great of a team. 730 00:32:43,720 --> 00:32:47,160 Speaker 3: Yeah, well, I think one thing I loved about them 731 00:32:47,200 --> 00:32:49,000 Speaker 3: last year was they beat the teams they were supposed to. 732 00:32:49,600 --> 00:32:52,560 Speaker 3: They got two points from the top four teams. They 733 00:32:52,640 --> 00:32:55,000 Speaker 3: drew Kansas City and they drew Orlando. But besides that, 734 00:32:55,280 --> 00:32:57,760 Speaker 3: they just beat everybody else that was going to eventually 735 00:32:57,880 --> 00:33:00,520 Speaker 3: end up underneath of them. They were very consist in that, 736 00:33:00,960 --> 00:33:04,800 Speaker 3: and they were actually really good away because opponents took 737 00:33:04,840 --> 00:33:06,680 Speaker 3: more chances when they're at home because they want to 738 00:33:06,680 --> 00:33:08,800 Speaker 3: go and win the game. And because of that, they 739 00:33:08,800 --> 00:33:10,560 Speaker 3: got opened up in transition and that. 740 00:33:10,480 --> 00:33:12,320 Speaker 1: Really suited Chicago laid into their style. 741 00:33:12,560 --> 00:33:12,760 Speaker 2: Yeah. 742 00:33:12,880 --> 00:33:14,800 Speaker 3: Yeah, So I mean they're gonna have to defend well, 743 00:33:14,800 --> 00:33:17,040 Speaker 3: they're gonna have to stave off pressure, they're gonna have 744 00:33:17,080 --> 00:33:17,800 Speaker 3: to struggle well. 745 00:33:17,840 --> 00:33:19,400 Speaker 2: And if they can struggle well, I think they're going 746 00:33:19,480 --> 00:33:20,719 Speaker 2: to have a chance in some games. 747 00:33:21,840 --> 00:33:27,280 Speaker 1: Wow, Hi Pra Okay, finally the Seattle Rain. What are 748 00:33:27,320 --> 00:33:27,920 Speaker 1: you watching for? 749 00:33:28,480 --> 00:33:31,600 Speaker 3: Yeah, I'm looking for reinvention from this team. I think 750 00:33:32,600 --> 00:33:35,280 Speaker 3: just coming into this year with new ownership is going 751 00:33:35,320 --> 00:33:38,760 Speaker 3: to be a huge weight off of Laura Harvey's shoulders 752 00:33:38,800 --> 00:33:42,280 Speaker 3: in terms of, you know, we have some more resources, 753 00:33:42,320 --> 00:33:44,440 Speaker 3: we have backing, we have people who are helping us 754 00:33:44,440 --> 00:33:47,840 Speaker 3: make these decisions and are supporting us. Because that was 755 00:33:47,840 --> 00:33:49,880 Speaker 3: something they were missing last year, and she couldn't really 756 00:33:49,920 --> 00:33:52,880 Speaker 3: bring in any new players, so that's going to be good. 757 00:33:52,920 --> 00:33:56,440 Speaker 3: They brought in Lynn Biandolo new Williams, and I think 758 00:33:56,440 --> 00:33:57,920 Speaker 3: she's going to add a lot to the attack and 759 00:33:58,000 --> 00:34:01,560 Speaker 3: help bring out the best in Jorda Heine, who hasn't 760 00:34:01,760 --> 00:34:05,280 Speaker 3: really been the most effective player in this league. But 761 00:34:05,320 --> 00:34:07,760 Speaker 3: we also have to remember she's quite young and at 762 00:34:07,800 --> 00:34:10,160 Speaker 3: times last year was like doing it all by herself. 763 00:34:10,239 --> 00:34:12,839 Speaker 2: So I'm looking forward to seeing how that all works out. 764 00:34:13,480 --> 00:34:14,920 Speaker 1: Okay, strengths for Seattle. 765 00:34:15,640 --> 00:34:17,600 Speaker 3: They've always been a great defensive team, and they've got 766 00:34:17,640 --> 00:34:20,080 Speaker 3: some really good leadership up the spine of their team 767 00:34:20,120 --> 00:34:22,880 Speaker 3: in Lou Barnes and Jess Fishlock, and having them contribute 768 00:34:22,880 --> 00:34:25,320 Speaker 3: on a weekly basis I think is going to be helpful. 769 00:34:25,880 --> 00:34:27,240 Speaker 2: They missed them at the end. 770 00:34:27,080 --> 00:34:31,360 Speaker 3: Of last year, so yeah, I think the defense is 771 00:34:31,360 --> 00:34:32,880 Speaker 3: something that's always going to be part. 772 00:34:32,760 --> 00:34:35,080 Speaker 1: Of their DNA and a weakness. 773 00:34:37,000 --> 00:34:41,239 Speaker 3: Well, I think I do think they're going to score 774 00:34:41,239 --> 00:34:44,239 Speaker 3: more goals this year. I think Lynn is going to 775 00:34:44,320 --> 00:34:46,960 Speaker 3: help Heidema. I think that's going to bring out the best, 776 00:34:46,960 --> 00:34:50,640 Speaker 3: and then they've got some young, fresh players, attacking players 777 00:34:50,640 --> 00:34:52,520 Speaker 3: and a damis who's going to be able to take 778 00:34:52,520 --> 00:34:56,200 Speaker 3: players on one v one find some gaps inside the 779 00:34:56,239 --> 00:35:00,000 Speaker 3: penalty area to exploit the opponent. So yeah, I'm curious 780 00:35:00,120 --> 00:35:02,080 Speaker 3: to see how that reinvention project goes. 781 00:35:03,840 --> 00:35:07,840 Speaker 1: All right, those fourteen teams next year will be joined 782 00:35:07,840 --> 00:35:11,480 Speaker 1: by the Denver team and the Boston team AKA coming 783 00:35:11,560 --> 00:35:15,760 Speaker 1: soon FC. So I want to quickly ask you about Boston. 784 00:35:15,800 --> 00:35:18,719 Speaker 1: What's your reaction to the whole name debacle and now 785 00:35:18,760 --> 00:35:22,120 Speaker 1: the questions about the stadium and the potential lawsuit that 786 00:35:22,160 --> 00:35:25,480 Speaker 1: alleges that they acquired it in ways that were untoured 787 00:35:25,560 --> 00:35:29,279 Speaker 1: or otherwise illegal. It's just a lot for a team 788 00:35:29,280 --> 00:35:31,360 Speaker 1: that hasn't played a game yet or have a single player. 789 00:35:31,560 --> 00:35:33,759 Speaker 2: I mean, it's kind of on brand with NBSL one point. 790 00:35:33,760 --> 00:35:36,799 Speaker 1: Oh the drama, right, Gosh, I thought we had moved 791 00:35:36,840 --> 00:35:37,319 Speaker 1: on from one. 792 00:35:37,800 --> 00:35:38,800 Speaker 2: Yeah, we are, we are. 793 00:35:38,840 --> 00:35:41,600 Speaker 3: We're well beyond that now, but it is reminiscent of that. 794 00:35:41,640 --> 00:35:44,520 Speaker 3: But I think, yeah, I'm excited to see how it 795 00:35:44,560 --> 00:35:46,719 Speaker 3: all works out for them, because I think Boston is 796 00:35:46,760 --> 00:35:52,040 Speaker 3: such a wonderful football market and part of the league 797 00:35:52,200 --> 00:35:55,799 Speaker 3: in the WUSA and the WPS, and it's just part 798 00:35:55,800 --> 00:35:58,799 Speaker 3: of like the soccer culture here in the Northeast, so 799 00:35:58,880 --> 00:36:01,200 Speaker 3: I'm excited to see them get their act together and 800 00:36:01,320 --> 00:36:02,880 Speaker 3: also excited for a name change. 801 00:36:03,320 --> 00:36:07,719 Speaker 1: Agreed. I like breaking too Electric Boogloo because of the 802 00:36:07,719 --> 00:36:09,719 Speaker 1: Boston Breakers. I don't think they're gonna go with that. 803 00:36:09,800 --> 00:36:11,520 Speaker 1: I just I think that works. Do you have a 804 00:36:11,520 --> 00:36:13,480 Speaker 1: favorite for the Denver team names that are out there. 805 00:36:14,560 --> 00:36:16,920 Speaker 3: I'm gonna be honest, I didn't really love them all. 806 00:36:17,680 --> 00:36:20,040 Speaker 3: Peak was it peak FC was one of them? Or 807 00:36:20,040 --> 00:36:21,040 Speaker 3: the fourteen ers. 808 00:36:21,000 --> 00:36:25,080 Speaker 1: Or Yeah, they're so handful that none of them quite hit. Yeah, 809 00:36:25,120 --> 00:36:26,880 Speaker 1: but they were close. I do like the idea of 810 00:36:26,880 --> 00:36:30,160 Speaker 1: incorporating like gold somehow because I just think that not 811 00:36:30,320 --> 00:36:33,960 Speaker 1: enough teams like really take that color run and run 812 00:36:34,000 --> 00:36:36,239 Speaker 1: with it in a fun way. But I haven't heard 813 00:36:36,320 --> 00:36:38,960 Speaker 1: quite the right thing yet. Yeah. Okay, we're running out 814 00:36:38,960 --> 00:36:40,880 Speaker 1: of time here, so real quick. I just want your 815 00:36:40,920 --> 00:36:43,200 Speaker 1: opening weekend takeaways on the keeper side. I know we 816 00:36:43,239 --> 00:36:45,799 Speaker 1: talked a lot about it in the team previews, but 817 00:36:45,920 --> 00:36:48,480 Speaker 1: is there anything else that you saw that you were like, Ooh, 818 00:36:48,560 --> 00:36:50,760 Speaker 1: the average fans should know more about this or understand 819 00:36:50,800 --> 00:36:51,319 Speaker 1: what they're watching. 820 00:36:51,440 --> 00:36:54,480 Speaker 3: Yeah, this is something I'm so passionate about, is that 821 00:36:54,560 --> 00:36:58,440 Speaker 3: our league has good goalkeepers, and our league has great goalkeepers. 822 00:36:58,800 --> 00:37:02,560 Speaker 3: Good goalkeepers good shots stoppers, right, they make the saves 823 00:37:02,560 --> 00:37:06,240 Speaker 3: that they're supposed to make. Innately, being a good goalkeeper 824 00:37:06,239 --> 00:37:08,759 Speaker 3: meets you are a good shot stopper. But what makes 825 00:37:08,760 --> 00:37:11,000 Speaker 3: a goalkeeper great, and I think there's a few that 826 00:37:11,040 --> 00:37:14,960 Speaker 3: have really separated themselves from the pack, is all the 827 00:37:15,000 --> 00:37:19,560 Speaker 3: peripheral edges of goalkeeping. So your ability to be preventative. 828 00:37:19,719 --> 00:37:22,239 Speaker 3: So not only are you stopping shots, you're stopping them 829 00:37:22,280 --> 00:37:25,040 Speaker 3: before they even take place. So your vertical positioning is 830 00:37:25,080 --> 00:37:28,400 Speaker 3: really high, your communication is really good, you're organizing your leading, 831 00:37:29,080 --> 00:37:31,760 Speaker 3: you've got aggressive final actions to be able to transfer 832 00:37:31,800 --> 00:37:33,080 Speaker 3: pressure onto the attackers. 833 00:37:33,360 --> 00:37:34,960 Speaker 2: But you are also very good. 834 00:37:34,880 --> 00:37:38,640 Speaker 3: In possession because if your team is retaining possession, the 835 00:37:38,680 --> 00:37:41,840 Speaker 3: opponent can't score. And if you're playmaking and breaking lines, 836 00:37:41,840 --> 00:37:43,960 Speaker 3: it's going to cause a lot of problems for opponents. 837 00:37:44,239 --> 00:37:49,040 Speaker 3: So the goalkeepers I'm thinking of specifically Mandy McGlenn, Kayln Sheridan, 838 00:37:49,120 --> 00:37:52,320 Speaker 3: and Katrin Berger. I think we're going to see elements 839 00:37:52,360 --> 00:37:56,040 Speaker 3: of it from Jane Campbell and Casey Murphy and and 840 00:37:56,360 --> 00:37:59,240 Speaker 3: Anderson is somebody that I've got my own as well. 841 00:38:00,600 --> 00:38:04,640 Speaker 1: Doesn't qualify because hamstrung by the team in front of her. 842 00:38:04,840 --> 00:38:07,400 Speaker 3: Well, I think Elyssa is one of the best shots stoppers, 843 00:38:07,560 --> 00:38:10,560 Speaker 3: but they don't really ask her to be quite ris preventative. 844 00:38:10,640 --> 00:38:12,360 Speaker 3: She's going to have to come up with the world 845 00:38:12,360 --> 00:38:14,360 Speaker 3: he saves that. You're like, your mouth's on the floor. 846 00:38:14,400 --> 00:38:16,560 Speaker 3: How does she do that every game. 847 00:38:16,880 --> 00:38:18,719 Speaker 1: Right, as opposed to being set up to prevent that? 848 00:38:18,880 --> 00:38:21,000 Speaker 2: Yeah, exactly, Yeah. 849 00:38:20,480 --> 00:38:23,279 Speaker 1: Okay, we're finishing with the toughest question of the day. 850 00:38:23,719 --> 00:38:27,400 Speaker 1: It is time for the long awaited return of fight me. Jill. 851 00:38:27,520 --> 00:38:29,360 Speaker 1: You will answer this and then we will send it 852 00:38:29,400 --> 00:38:32,280 Speaker 1: out to the foaming at the mouth folks on social 853 00:38:32,360 --> 00:38:34,759 Speaker 1: media to fight you and say whether you're right or not. 854 00:38:35,239 --> 00:38:38,200 Speaker 1: Don't think, just say it. Top three US women's national 855 00:38:38,200 --> 00:38:41,000 Speaker 1: team goalkeepers of all time in order Hope. 856 00:38:40,800 --> 00:38:43,560 Speaker 2: Solo, Brianna Scurry listener. 857 00:38:44,120 --> 00:38:46,200 Speaker 1: All right, we're putting that out on social We'll see 858 00:38:46,200 --> 00:38:48,560 Speaker 1: if the slices and the folks out in the world 859 00:38:48,600 --> 00:38:50,799 Speaker 1: see things the same way. Jill. We talk so much 860 00:38:50,800 --> 00:38:53,040 Speaker 1: about the issues in this league, and rightfully so, it 861 00:38:53,120 --> 00:38:55,640 Speaker 1: was so cool to just talk about the soccer and 862 00:38:55,719 --> 00:38:57,560 Speaker 1: to get your expert opinion on all these teams. I 863 00:38:57,560 --> 00:38:59,680 Speaker 1: feel so informed and I'm so much more excited to 864 00:38:59,680 --> 00:39:01,680 Speaker 1: go out and watch these games with an I for 865 00:39:01,719 --> 00:39:03,000 Speaker 1: a lot of the things that you talked about. 866 00:39:03,000 --> 00:39:04,840 Speaker 2: So thank you so much for taking the time to talk. 867 00:39:04,680 --> 00:39:08,560 Speaker 1: To us, Thanks for having me, Thanks so much to 868 00:39:08,640 --> 00:39:12,080 Speaker 1: Jill for joining us. I feel so much smarter, so good. 869 00:39:12,360 --> 00:39:14,040 Speaker 1: We have to take another break when we come back. 870 00:39:14,120 --> 00:39:18,560 Speaker 1: Time to trade those keeper gloves for boxing gloves. Figuratively, 871 00:39:18,680 --> 00:39:31,120 Speaker 1: of course. Welcome back slices. You heard it in the interview, 872 00:39:31,160 --> 00:39:34,120 Speaker 1: a segment we haven't done in a long time. I 873 00:39:34,160 --> 00:39:36,200 Speaker 1: said what I said, so you know what. 874 00:39:38,719 --> 00:39:39,120 Speaker 2: Fight me? 875 00:39:39,920 --> 00:39:42,359 Speaker 1: You heard. Jill's all time US women's national team keeper 876 00:39:42,440 --> 00:39:46,759 Speaker 1: rankings number one, Hope Solo number two, Brianna Scurry number three, 877 00:39:47,040 --> 00:39:50,239 Speaker 1: Alyssa there now, we want to hear your thoughts. Do 878 00:39:50,280 --> 00:39:52,640 Speaker 1: you think she's got it right? She got beef with 879 00:39:52,680 --> 00:39:54,520 Speaker 1: her picks? What about your own list? 880 00:39:54,840 --> 00:39:55,319 Speaker 2: Let us know. 881 00:39:55,680 --> 00:39:58,160 Speaker 1: You can hit us up at good game at wondermedianetwork 882 00:39:58,200 --> 00:40:00,680 Speaker 1: dot com or leave us a voicemail at eight seven 883 00:40:00,719 --> 00:40:04,200 Speaker 1: two two oh four fifty seventy. I'll also post them 884 00:40:04,239 --> 00:40:06,759 Speaker 1: on social and we'll let the crazies go to town 885 00:40:06,840 --> 00:40:09,760 Speaker 1: over there as well. Don't forget to subscribe, rate and review. 886 00:40:09,840 --> 00:40:13,680 Speaker 1: It's really easy, y'all. Watch filling out March Madness brackets 887 00:40:13,680 --> 00:40:17,319 Speaker 1: in the year twenty twenty five, rating sixty three out 888 00:40:17,360 --> 00:40:21,759 Speaker 1: of sixty three Impossible decisions review. Have you seen the 889 00:40:21,880 --> 00:40:24,600 Speaker 1: unreal amount of parody across the country these past few weeks? 890 00:40:24,960 --> 00:40:28,600 Speaker 1: Analysis paralysis feels like an appropriate response. How am I 891 00:40:28,640 --> 00:40:31,800 Speaker 1: supposed to choose winners when every team has a legit shot? 892 00:40:32,360 --> 00:40:34,040 Speaker 1: I might be better off just flipping a coin to 893 00:40:34,080 --> 00:40:38,040 Speaker 1: decide each winner. Actually, that's not a bad idea. Let 894 00:40:38,040 --> 00:40:39,120 Speaker 1: me go find some change. 895 00:40:39,600 --> 00:40:41,240 Speaker 2: Now it's your turn, rate and review. 896 00:40:41,560 --> 00:40:44,839 Speaker 1: Thanks for listening, slices, See you tomorrow. Good game, Jill, 897 00:40:45,360 --> 00:40:48,800 Speaker 1: Good game all you keepers out there, including my husband. 898 00:40:49,360 --> 00:40:53,960 Speaker 1: Oh few people who bypass the keepers in their soccer analysis. 899 00:40:54,000 --> 00:40:58,120 Speaker 2: They are literally the last line of defense. Hashtag oversight. 900 00:41:01,200 --> 00:41:03,840 Speaker 1: Good Game with Sarah Spain is an iHeart women's sports 901 00:41:03,880 --> 00:41:07,040 Speaker 1: production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You 902 00:41:07,080 --> 00:41:09,960 Speaker 1: can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or 903 00:41:09,960 --> 00:41:13,360 Speaker 1: wherever you get your podcasts. Production by Wonder Media Network, 904 00:41:13,480 --> 00:41:16,560 Speaker 1: our producers are Alex Azzie and Misha Jones. Our executive 905 00:41:16,560 --> 00:41:20,200 Speaker 1: producers are Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, Jenny Kaplan, and Emily Rudder. 906 00:41:20,440 --> 00:41:23,480 Speaker 1: Our editors are Emily Rutter, Britney Martinez and Grace Lynch. 907 00:41:23,760 --> 00:41:26,760 Speaker 1: Our associate producer is Lucy Jones and I'm Your host 908 00:41:27,000 --> 00:41:27,640 Speaker 1: Sarah Spain