Shows
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 47: Summits, Scandals, and Franchise FacesA little bit of everything is discussed in this episode, including the branding of the newly named Denver Summit, the second half of our discussion on who is the face of each top seven teams, and the Guardian’s report on a sexual assault investigation in San Diego from back in 2024. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-07-2957 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 46: Where have all the keepers gone?This week, Dan, Bekki, and Michael fight through some audio issues to discuss the state of American goalkeepers in NWSL. Also, Jenna checks in from Switzerland after the quarterfinal round of the Euros. And who is the face of your favorite franchise? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-07-211h 04
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 45: Montoya cleared, Big Fish hooked, and Heath retiresPlenty of news on tap after taking a week off for July 4th. In particular, Bay FC’s coach Albertin Montoya was cleared of violating the league’s anti-harassment policies, Mia Fishel signed a record contract with Seattle Reign, and legend Tobin Heath officially retired. We also discuss Boston’s first signings, the current free agency weirdness, and the 2026 schedule footprint. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-07-1456 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 44: Midseason MVP and other halfway observationsThis week, Dan, Michael and Jenna discuss midseason MVP picks, biggest surprises and disappointments, and other thoughts on the NWSL season at its midway point. And Bekki sent her picks from afar plus an appearance from Michael’s cat. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-06-301h 11
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 43: Racing, Courage take momentum into breakThis week, Racing makes a statement with a win over the Pride, the Courage rally behind goals from two players who really needed them, and the Current extend their lead at the top of the table. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-06-231h 01
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 42: Mayhem in Utah; Spirit remain 0-for-PortlandThis week, Gotham see out their win in Utah with—8 players? Meanwhile the Spirit just can’t win in Orland, the Reign stun the Stars late, and the 2025 NWSL Championship site is set. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-06-1656 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 41: Reign and Racing Rise while Gotham and North Carolina DropWhile the top teams mostly remain the same, there are some shakeups further down the table as the Seattle Reign and Racing Louisville surge into fifth and sixth place respectively and Gotham and the North Carolina Courage remain mired in 10th and 11th place. What other shifts will we see before the long summer break? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-06-091h 04
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 40: Jona Giraldez, we hardly knew you!This week, Dan and Michael discuss the impending fallout from what appears to be a Jonatan Giraldez move to Lyon before the Summer break. Plus Denver hires a GM, Boston gets a temporary venue, and Kayla Fischer gets a suspension. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-06-0257 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 39: Lots of goals, but some home side woesWe’re 10 games into the regular season and with top teams decisively beating bottom-ranked teams, we need to ask: is parity still a thing in the league or is it starting to slip away? Gotham lifts a CONCACAF trophy and San Diego is the only team to win at home this week in their 5-2 whooping of North Carolina. Meanwhile, Angel City, Bay, and the Reign continue to struggle to meet their early potential and seem trapped in the sphere of mediocrity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other su...2025-05-261h 01
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 38: Catching LightningKansas City takes all three points from Orlando in this week’s biggest match-up, but at what cost? Also, Gotham stumbles while San Diego soars, Bay shuts out Angel City, and Utah comes alive to almost steal the game from the Spirit. Is the lightning out of the bottle for the teams that captured it last year or is there enough time in the season left for Gotham and Orlando to get their groove back? Jenna Pel joins us to discuss all the happenings this week in the NWSL. This is a public episode. If you wo...2025-05-191h 07
NWSL This Week PodcastSpecial Edition: Kylen MillsKylen Mills joins Dan to discuss the ins and outs of working in the Ion studio plus a spin around the NWSL This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-05-1456 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 37: Savy King and the NWSL weekend that wasThe scary incident involving Savy King raised questions about when it’s appropriate to call an NWSL match. Plus the Current are back in form, late goals, and a questionable red card. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-05-121h 01
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 36: Trouble at the topIt was a wild weekend in the NWSL. The Spirit rallied twice and lost to Angel City. The Pride lost. The Current lost. Gotham were held at home by the last-place Stars. Dan, Bekki, and Michael discuss it all! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-05-051h 03
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 35: And then there were noneThe Kansas City Current’s defeat at the hands of the North Carolina Courage means there are no more undefeated teams AND no more winless teams. But that’s just the start of a wild week that brought piles of goals, including another brace from Esther Gonzalez, and a physical match between Portland and Louisville. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-04-2859 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 34: Spirit beat Pride in '24 Ship rematchThe Washington Spirit lost Trinity Rodman ahead of their visit to Orlando but still emerged 1-0 winners in a rematch of November’s NWSL Championship. That leaves the Current as the only undefeated side left in the league. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-04-2157 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 33: What's going on in North Carolina and Utah?This week, Dan and Michael explore the issues for the winless Courage and Royals. Also the Pride and Current at 4-0-0 means NWSL history will be busted. And which American keeper would you take to win one game? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-04-1455 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 32: Taking the temperature of things at the FIFA breakThis week, Dan and Michael are joined by Blair Newman from Equalizer to discuss the state of the NWSL and its clubs as they break for the FIF window. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-04-071h 00
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 31: Pride, Current continue to separate themselves; Boston rebrandsThe Pride and Current became the first teams to open 3-0-0 in the same season, Angel City pick up a win, and the Thorns and Courage are still looking for their first. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-03-3155 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 30: Last year's top 4 rumble and VAR remains an issueLast year’s four semifinalists went head-to-head with each other with the Pride and Current both winning away. Meanwhile, the Courage and Royals are on shaky ground early, and the VAR issues remain. It’s NWSL Week 2 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-03-2459 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 29: NWSL Week 1 recapNWSL Week 1 featured a route by the Orlando Pride, a slew of 1-1 draws, and an announcement about Sydney Leroux. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-03-1750 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 28: Spirit win NWSL Challenge CupSpecial guest Jenna Pel joins Dan and Michael to break down the Washington Spirit’s Challenge Cup victory over the Orlando Pride. Plus Bay FC is being investigated, Sophia Wilson is pregnant, and more! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-03-081h 02
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 27: 2025 Season PredictionsWhich teams will make the playoffs in 2025 and which teams will fall short? In our season preview, Dan, Bekki, and Michael go team by team to guess the winners and losers of the upcoming NWSL season as well as throw out our choices for shield and title winner. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-03-031h 09
NWSL This Week PodcastEp. 26: Bay FC defends controversial hireThis week, Bay FC makes, and defends, a controversial scouting hire, and are suddenly dealing with a dearth of goalkeeping experience. Also Denver wants input on a name and the the gang offers storylines to watch for the season. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-02-2455 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEp. 25: Is NWSL becoming a feeder league?This week, Dan, Bekki, and Michael ponder whether NWSL is becoming too much of a feeder league. Plus the Thorns announce a training center and offseason moves continue around the league. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-02-1054 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 24: Denver is official and Dunn is done with GothamWith all teams now officially in preseason, the moves continue to mount up. In the week’s biggest news, Denver is officially announced as the 16th franchise. Around the league, Kansas City, Angel City, and the Houston Dash make some solid signings and extensions while Gotham sees additional departures. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-02-0359 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEp. 23: Remembering the Draft Class of '14This week, Dan and Michael recap the 2014 NWSL Draft that marked the career births of Crystal Dunn, Julie Ertz, Vanessa DiBernardo and others. Bekki joins the discussion to break down Angel City’s coaching decision, the potential Dash sale, and more This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-01-2758 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 22: Moves and shake-upsThis week, Dan, Bekki, and Michael discuss all the latest moves in the NWSL including the re-signing of Christen Press to Angel City, Jaedyn Shaw’s surprise move to the North Carolina Courage, and more. We also debate the potential value of adding a designated player to the roster rules and discuss if we’re entering a post-scandal era in the NWSL fandom. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-01-2257 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEp. 22: Schedule footprint, U.S. callups and moreDan and Michael go off the cuff to discuss Brazilians in Washington, surprising names in national team camp, the 2025 NWSL schedule footprint and more! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-01-131h 00
NWSL This Week PodcastEp. 20: Talking soccer analytics with Evan DavisWe kick off the new year discussing advanced soccer analytics with Evan Davis, co-host of the xowngoals podcast. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2025-01-061h 01
NWSL This Week PodcastEp. 19: All I want for New Year's is a better NWSLFor the final episode of 2024, Dan, Bekki, and Michael discuss New Year’s resolutions they would like to see for the NWSL in the new year ahead. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-12-301h 00
NWSL This Week PodcastSpecial Episode: Becky says goodbyeDan and Michael fire up the mics to discuss the retirement of one of the all-time greats. Becky Sauerbrunn hung up her cleats on Tuesday. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-12-1722 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 18: Putting the 2024 Orlando Pride into perspectiveThis week, Dan and Michael attempt to put the Orlando Pride’s 2024 NWSL Championship series into perspective. Plus more drama in Boston and could NWSL soon be more talked about than MLS? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-12-161h 03
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 17: The best of the restIn this episode, we discuss how the playoff teams made out, who seems poised to stay in the mix next season, and who might be destined for a drop down the table. The week’s biggest free agent and front office moves are also discussed. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-12-091h 00
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 16: What went wrong for the non-playoff teams?With the NWSL playoffs and championship in the books, Dan, Bekki, and Michael discuss what went wrong for the 6 sides that failed to qualify. And analyze which ones are best positioned to flip the script in 2025. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-12-021h 00
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 15: The Pride take the crownThe Orlando Pride achieved a storybook ending to their spectacular 2024 season by winning the NWSL championship against the Washington Spirit. We discuss the game, the controversies, and the atmosphere at the final as well as Jessica Berman's news about expansion. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-11-251h 02
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 14: Dramatic semis set up 1-v-2 NWSL ChampionshipThe Spirit needed a late equalizer and penalty kicks to overcome Gotham while Marta’s turn-back-the-clock goal stood up as the game-winner in the Pride win over the Current. The NWSL Championship is next. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-11-181h 04
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 13: No alarms and no surprisesIt’s playoff time and as expected, the top four teams triumphed and moved onto the semifinals. That doesn’t mean there weren’t some exciting moments to discuss, including several surprising goals from centerbacks, stoppage times wins, heartbreaking own goals, and, of course, VAR drama. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-11-111h 00
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 12: The playoff field is set!The NWSL playoff field and quarterfinal matchups are set, trouble at Snapdragon Stadium, and the gang reveal their picks for postseason awards and Best XI. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-11-041h 07
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 11: The Summer Cup Finale with PJ Green & Gary GibsonIt may be Fall but that doesn’t mean we can’t still enjoy a bit of summer. Michael Minnich takes the helm this week as most of the NWSL goes on break to chat with PJ Green from the Kansas City Star and Gary Gibson from the Soccer Over Gotham pod about the Summer Cup finale that took place on Friday. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-10-2847 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 10: Was BOS Nation FC the worst product rollout ever?The Thorns and Bay FC moved to the brink of the playoffs with only Louisville alive to crash the party, plus Temwa Chawinga makes more history, and was BOS Nation FC the worst product rollout ever? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-10-211h 06
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 9: Christen Press is back, and other happenings from around NWSLChristen Press scored her first goal in 28 months on Saturday, a dramatic, emphatic strike that nearly won a game for Angel City. Elsewhere, the four quarterfinal hosts are set and Cloe Lacasse bags a hat trick. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-10-1455 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 8: Orlando lift the trophy, Angel City feels the wrathThe Orlando Pride clinched the Shield for the club’s first trophy, and remained undefeated. On the other coast, Angel City felt the wrath after being caught violating the league salary cap. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-10-071h 07
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 7: Goodbye Sinc, hello 30-team NWSL?Christine Sinclair announced her retirement last week and NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman hinted at an NWSL with as many as 30 clubs. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-09-301h 03
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 6: The playoff picture comes into focusThis week, Orlando clinches their first-ever home playoff match and Gotham secures a playoff berth as the post-season picture begins to come into focus - at least at the top of the table. Outside of the top four teams, there are still some serious questions. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-09-2357 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 5: Can the Pride go undefeated?The Orlando Pride have an unbeaten season in site after a 0-0 draw with the Current. Plus the Spirit join the playoff field and the NWSL General Managers speak. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-09-161h 01
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 4: Farewell, Alex MorganAlex Morgan played her final professional soccer match on Sunday, three days after announcing she is pregnant and retiring from her playing career. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-09-0956 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 3: Stormy Weather(Fixed audio - sorry about that) Weather delays cause havoc, but many teams at the bottom of the table prove capable of earning point while some at the top show they might be overly reliant on a key player or two. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-09-0257 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 3: Stormy WeatherWeather delays cause havoc as some bottom-of-the-table teams find their form. Meanwhile, some other teams (continue to) get exposed for being too reliant on one single player to carry them to victory. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-09-0247 min
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 2: A new era for NWSLThe NWSL secured labor peace for the rest of the decade with a landmark collective bargaining agreement. The league also got back to playing games. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-08-261h 06
NWSL This Week PodcastEpisode 1: Hellos & GoodbyesNever in our wildest dreams did we think we’d launch our NWSL pod by talking about Landon Donovan, but here we are. Dan, Bekki, and Michael discuss all the biggest moves during the Olympic break including player acquisitions, trades, and, yes, coaching changes. (Also, we apologize for the sound issues. Storms and spotty internet connections unfortunately made this an uneven one.) This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com2024-08-1947 min