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Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Bay FC, with Anna DaccacheBay FC made the playoffs in their first season, and are rolling out a solid lineup with some high-upside college signings this year. But an investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment by head coach Albertin Montoya—along with the resignation of scout Graeme Abel over an earlier such report before he joined the club—has changed the complexion of the entire organization. Anna Daccache of Everything Bay Goals tries to parse her feelings on these recent stories, and what the team itself could accomplish on the field in 2025.  Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get a...2025-03-1252 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Chicago Stars FC, with Lesley RyderThe Chicago (Red) Stars squeaked into the playoffs on the backs of a completely new regime, from the owners to the GM to the head coach. Very little was done in the offseason, and with Mallory Swanson MIA, their 2025 playoff prospects seem remote. Lesley Ryder of Gal Pal Sports came on to find the gold in the silt, and how Chicago can still offer some joy to its fans this year.  Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell D...2025-03-1237 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Utah Royals, with Kieran Doyle-DavisRECORDED BEFORE THE SIGNING OF BIANCA ST-GEORGES & JANNI THOMSEN Kieran returns to share his pitch to NWSL front offices about potential partnership opportunities with American Soccer Analysis! Then we dive into the ins and outs of the Utah Royals. They've brought in some very enticing players. Is it enough to make them playoff contenders? Will standouts like Ally Sentnor and Mandy McGlynn level up or regress? And how many ways can three people proncounce Jimmy Coenraets's last name?  Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content! A...2025-03-1135 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Angel City FC, with Michelle Chavez & Mark ParsonsAngel City became the first club in NWSL history to be docked points for violations of the league's policies—namely, violations of the salary cap. They now have a new controlling owner, a new sporting director, and will have a new permanent head coach soon. Can the team on the field match the team off it? Michelle Chavez of the Sporting Tribune came on to hash it all out. (1:39) Then, the guys spoke to Angel City's new sporting director, Mark Parsons, about his first few weeks on the job and what people can expect in year one of this ne...2025-03-111h 09Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Racing Louisville, with Bekki MorganFour straight ninth-place finishes. A roster that has more or less stayed the same from the end of last season. What can we make of Racing Louisville's on-field stagnation. Bekki Morgan of NWSL This Week comes on to give the Kentuckian's perspective on what Louisville's ownership group has done to get the team to this point, and what can be done to get them over the playoff line once and for all.  Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin D...2025-03-1146 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Seattle Reign, with Sylvs of Shea Butter FCThe Seattle Reign were old, slow, and boring last year. This year, they're slightly young, a bit faster, and potentially more exciting. Lynn Biyendolo will pep up the attack, and Madison Curry will stabilize and energize the backline. But can this group actually click? Sylvs of Shea Butter FC joined the guys to figure out what head coach Laura Harvey can do to get the Reign back on the right track.  Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's B...2025-03-1034 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: San Diego Wave, with Kieran Doyle-DavisOut NWSL season previews keep on a'truckin' with a team whose fall from the mountaintop has been quick and precipitous. The Wave shipped Jaedyn Shaw and Naomi Girma at their requests; the legal action around allegations of a toxic workplace still hangs heavy; and new head coach Jonas Eidevall has to whip multiple kids into professional shape. ASA's own Kieran Doyle-Davis dropped by to sort out what the hell San Diego can do to have a respectable 2025. (1:02) Stick around for a small bonus track! (22:57) Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive...2025-03-1024 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Houston Dash, with Theo Lloyd-HughesRECORDED BEFORE RAMONA BACHMANN'S RETURN TO THE CLUB Is Lucy going to pull the football? Will this time really be different? The Houston Dash have a new GM, a new head coach, and a slew of promising signings. It could really change the course of the franchise. Right? Sports Illustrated's Theo Lloyd-Hughes joins the guys to sift through the wreckage of the Fran Alonso era, and what Angela Hucles Mangano and Fabrice Gautrat may have in store for a team that now boasts Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan among its ranks.  Join our Patreon for o...2025-03-1043 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Washington Spirit, with Ella BrockwayThe Washington Spirit may have the best roster on paper heading into the 2025 season. Can they be title contenders? Ella Brockway of the Washington Post and the Hey Spirits! podcast joins the guys to talk about the Spirit's run to the NWSL Championship game last season, and what they've done since to get even better.  Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Song Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adc...2025-03-0740 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Orlando Pride, with Bridie O'TooleWelcome to NWSL Season Preview Week! We'll be bringing you previews of all 14 NWSL teams with some outstanding guests to help us break down each and every club, leading up to the start of the NWSL regular season.  First up, last year's Shield and Championship winners, the Orlando Pride! They're keeping most of their roster in place, with key additions like Grace Chanda and Oihane Hernández. Can big purp run it back? Bridie O'Toole of Busy Watching Women's Soccer takes the guys through head coach Seb Hines's tactical plan for one of the best-run organizations in th...2025-03-0638 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!USWNT Recap: Don't Stop SheBelievin'The USWNT has put three more friendlies in the books, and Emma Hayes earns her first loss of her tenure as head coach. After the guys sort through the NWSL jersey drop and injury report (1:41), they dive into all the ins and outs of the SheBelieves Cup, with special attention paid to the 2-1 loss to Japan. (7:47) What was the U.S. hoping to achieve with these three friendlies? Did the heavy rotation of inexperienced players work as intended? Is Japan actually a better team? No need to panic yet!  Subscribe to our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/y...2025-02-2839 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Breaking Down the USWNT SheBelieves RosterThe guys make note of new signings Carissa Boeckmann to the Portland Thorns and Oihane Hernández to the Orlando Pride, and what Hernández's signing might add to the NWSL-vs.-Europe debate. Then, they turn over Emma Hayes's SheBelieves roster. This is the least experienced USWNT roster in the tournament's history! What does Hayes want to do with these three games? How frustrating is it that certain players were left at home? Which players will rise to the top? Find out today! Be sure to subscribe to our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of...2025-02-181h 07Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL College Week, Pt. 1: Signings in a Draft-less World, with Chris HendersonThe guys touch on the Savy King transfer to Angel City (00:47) and the Hannah Bebar signing with Bay FC (13:00) before offering some thoughts on the NWSL's $5 million restitution fund for players affected by abuse and harassment, as well as the horrifying news surrounding Mapi León in Spain (17:33). Then they bring on Chris Henderson (23:05) to kick off Part I of College Week! Chris takes us through signings he has been impressed by, and what all of the player movement without a draft may mean for both players and college programs in the big picture.  Subscribe to our Pa...2025-02-111h 02Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!xOG Live in Houston, with Arielle Dror & Jen Cooper!RECORDED BEFORE THE TRANSFER OF SAVY KING TO ANGEL CITY FC It's xOG's first ever live pod! The guys chat about Crystal Dunn's move to PSG and the other stray transactions of the last week, before launching into their live conversation from the inaugural American Soccer Insights Summit in Houston, Texas. Bay FC director of data and analytics Arielle Dror and NWSL information director Jen "The Keeper" Cooper to talk about the past, present and future of statistics and analytics in the women's game. This was the most fun.  Join our Patreon for only $6/month (o...2025-02-0445 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Jenna Nighswonger is a Gunner. What's Going On with Gotham?Breaking news all over the place! Jenna Nighswonger is moving to north London. Where does this leave Gotham's offseason? (00:30) San Diego has made a flurry of moves, including losing Naomi Girma and gaining Kenza Dali. Yikes. (15:14) The Houston Dash picked up Danielle Colaprico and Messiah Bright. Are all of these parts adding up to something? (21:44) Angel City got another 30-year-old center back in Alanna Kennedy. Oh dear. (32:05) The Portland Thorns added Deyna Castellanos in a "blockbuster" deal. Is there room for her? (35:25) The North Carolina Courage signed a young Japanese midfielder to replace their other Japanese midfielder. (44:50). And we...2025-01-2853 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!When Will San Diego and Louisville Catch the Big Fish?RECORDED BEFORE THE SIGNINGS OF SHINOMI KOYAMA, SINTIA CABEZAS, DIDI HARAČIĆ, AND FAVOUR EMMANUEL It's been a busy-but-not-busy period of the NWSL offseason. The North Carolina Courage released the financial details of the Jaedyn Shaw trade (1:38). The San Diego Wave brought in some young talent, and can't shake the rumors of Naomi Girma's impending transfer (8:00). Angel City hired Mark Parsons as sporting director (good!) and announced Christen Press had re-signed (less good!), to our confusion (18:16). Racing Louisville maxed out their roster spots with three college players, and noone else (29:00). the Houston Dash and Chicago Stars FC ea...2025-01-211h 01Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!New Year, New US(WNT)We're back! The guys return from their brief, fire-filled hiatus to unpack all the news of the first weeks of the new year. They chat about the senior USWNT roster for the January camp, then dive into some of the major signings and trades in the NWSL, with Jaedyn Shaw's move to the North Carolina Courage carrying the headlines. Back in the saddle, folks!  No time like the present to join our Patreon, where $6/month or $60/year gets you oodles of exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance S...2025-01-141h 14Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!The Biggest Own Goals of the YearIt's the last episode of 2024! No better time for the guys to look back on the previous year and all the things they and teams were wrong about, from Orlando's final table position to who would be Rookie of the Year. (You'll never believe who Evan picked for that particular trophy all the way back in March.) Happy New Year, everyone! We'll be back on main feed on January 13th! You can subscribe to our Patreon for a 30% discount on an annual membership through January 1st! Just use the code E580F at checkout.  2024-12-311h 09Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!The NWSL Holiday Transaction RoundupBecky Sauerbrunn retiring! Jonas Eidevall to the San Diego Wave! Lynn Williams to the Seattle Reign! Jaelin Howell to Gotham FC! Rocky Rodríguez and Lorena to the Kansas City Current! Julie Dufour to Angel City! The NWSL offseason is cooking with gas, and the guys break down all the major moves.  00:47 - Becky Sauerbrunn's retirement announcement 05:58 - Jonas Eidevall hired as Wave head coach 11:28 - Lynn Williams and Jaelin Howell trade 23:24 - Alex Loera trade to the Utah Royals 31:14 - Narumi Miura signs with the Washington Spirit 34:45 - Brazilian goalkeeper Lorena si...2024-12-2456 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!The xOG Top 10 Players of 2024It's that time of year! The Best FIFA awards were announced on Tuesday, the final release of several end-of-year accountings of the year's best players. The guys merged all of these lists together and evaluated who really were the best of the bunch, and release their official top 10 of 2024.  Don't forget to download Peel, the social game that lets you talk about all things WoSo with your friends! Click the exclusive link to download Peel and join the WoSo community! You can still get an annual subscription to our Patreon for 30% off all holiday season! U...2024-12-1755 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Rosters Locked and the GM Carousel ContinuesNWSL teams locked in their end-of-season rosters, traded some players, saw some others sign with new teams, and a whole bunch of free agents hit the open market when their 2024 clubs didn’t re-sign them. Ryan Dell moved from Louisville to Kansas City, while Angela Hucles Mangano hopped from Angel City to Houston. What does it all mean? The guys break it all down. The show is sponsored by Peel, a new social game that gets you and your friends talking about the NWSL. Click here to join Peel’s WoSo community! We’re continuing our ho...2024-12-1133 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!USWNT Recap, plus Kicking Off The NWSL Offseason with Taylor Vincent!The USWNT wraps up 2024 with a draw and a win overseas. How did the Triple Espresso-less attack acquit themselves? Was that scary first half against the Netherlands real, or just growing pains? The guys peel back all the layers. (1:05) They also sing a brief requiem for Alyssa Naeher's international career. (22:34) Then, they light up the hot stove with Spotrac's Taylor Vincent, explaining all the rules and weird tics that drive transactions in the NWSL. This was a blast. (26:55) Pick up gift memberships for an annual Patreon subscription all month long! Use the code E580F...2024-12-051h 01Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Championship Recap: The Spirit Taken Down by the Pride, but Not Without a FightWhat. A. Game. The Orlando Pride are your NWSL champions, the first Shield-Championship winners in five years. Their 1-0 victory over the Washington Spirit at CPKC Stadium was a grubby, terse affair, with fouls galore and a controversial bit of magic from Barbra Banda. Marta finally claims her first U.S. trophy, and despite coming out on the losing side, Washington has a lot to look forward to. The guys break it all down from every angle.  Don't forget to subscribe to our Patreon, and get all of our bonus content for only $6/month! Art b...2024-11-2654 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Championship Preview, Part 2: Our Podcast with André (Carlisle)The Washington Spirit have made it to the NWSL Championship, despite massive injuries to key players in the back end of the season. Can they keep this momentum going, or will the Orlando Pride stop them in their tracks? André Carlisle of Hey Spirits, Diaspora United and Beyond the Vaudevillian Cane returns to reflect on the Spirit season that was, and what lies in store for Trinity Rodman & co. in Kansas City on Saturday.  Follow André on Bluesky P.S. We kept the audio a little bit raw so y'all can hear the Orlando Pride bal...2024-11-2321 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Championship BONUS: Inside the Orlando Pride with GM Haley CarterThe Orlando Pride are preparing to play the biggest game club history on Saturday, the culmination of a process that began more than two years ago. Team vice president and GM Haley Carter came on to talk about the journey the team has taken under her and Seb Hines's leadership, what philosophy they apply to every decision, and what the 2024 Pride represent, win or lose on Saturday. This was a good'un! Subscribe to our Patreon and get all of our exclusive bonus content for only $6/month! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's...2024-11-211h 01Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!The NWSL Semifinals Delivered the GoodsWell there you have it! The Washington Spirit will play the Orlando Pride at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday for the NWSL Championship. The semifinals that got them there were scintillating contests, filled with drama, individual heroics, and masterful team play. How did the Spirit and Pride get past Gotham and the Current?  We will be in Kansas City for the NWSL Championship! Come join us at Johnny's Tavern P&L in Kansas City on Friday night and have a drink with us.  Don't forget to subscribe to our Patreon to get all of...2024-11-1958 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Playoffs Recap: The Quarterfinals Were Sketched in ChalkThe top four go in as favorites, and the top four leave as semifinalists. There were no upsets in the NWSL quarterfinals, as Orlando, Washington, Gotham, and Kansas City all moved on. Some games were unprecedented blowouts, like the Pride's demolition of the Red Stars (0:57). Others were tighter affair than anticipated, as the Current's defeat of the Courage proved to be (12:49). The final two match-ups were dreary, attritional affairs until they very much weren't, as the Spirit got past a resilient Bay FC (22:42) and Gotham pipped the Thorns at the death (34:49).  What will the semifinals between Orlando-KC (46:09) a...2024-11-121h 15Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!PATREON BONUS: NWSL Playoff Goalkeepers, with Jill Loyden!The NWSL playoffs start tonight, and so we decided to take our most recent bonus episode out from behind the paywall. Coach and NWSL commentator Jill Loyden joined the guys to talk about the art and science of goalkeeping, and which keepers might make a significant difference in the quarterfinals.  Join our Patreon and you can get incredible content like this every single month, for only $6/month!  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-11-0855 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Playoffs Preview, Part IIIn Part 2 of our NWSL quarterfinals preview, we take a look at Sunday's doubleheader. According to one projection model, Bay FC actually have a decent chance to upset the Washington Spirit. Will their new-look midfield and Racheal Kundananji's heroics puncture Washington's injury-riddled squad?  The Portland Thorns are all good vibes right now, having won two of their final three games, including an emphatic victory in Christine Sinclair's final game at Providence Park. But are those vibes enough to take down the Gotham T-1000? Gotham has been relentless, but Portland has a 1-in-5 shot of clapping back on l...2024-11-0642 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Playoffs Preview, Part IThe playoffs are set! The top four finished the season strong and look like they'll make it to the semifinals with ease. Or will they? The guys preview all four quarterfinal matchups, and wonder where we could see upsets. Do Bay FC have what it takes to get past an injury- and suspension-rattled Washington Spirit? Could the Portland Thorns put some payback on Gotham FC after last year's playoff defeat? Do the Chicago Red Stars have any hope at all? And is the Kansas City Current's match against the North Carolina Courage really as close as the seeding would...2024-11-0559 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!A USWNT Round-Up, and Our NWSL Awards Ballots!The USWNT played a couple friendlies against Iceland, walloped them 6-2 across both games, and got four new players their first caps. That's about all there is to report! The guys go pebble hunting to find something to analyze in the most meaningless games of the year.  Then, they break down their picks for the NWSL awards slate. Most of these are no-brainers, but they make a case for some down-ballot candidates, followed by an in-depth discussion of how to approach Defender of the Year.  Join our Patreon for only $6/month to get all of ou...2024-10-291h 01Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!PATREON BONUS: Liga MX Femenil Apertura Review, with Amelia Lopez!We're taking one of our bonus episodes out from behind the table to give you a little taste of what great content you can find on our Patreon! For only $6/month, you get four episodes like these, each and every month. Plus, you get access to our Discord server, as well as our YouTube livestreams, which we're firing up again for the postseason.  In this episode, we talked to Our Fútbol co-host Amelia Lopez about the Liga MX Femenil Apertura, and what fans should expect from team like Tigres and América once the Liguilla kicks off...2024-10-241h 25Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 25: Louisville, Portland, and all the Playoff Scenarios Fit to PrintRacing Louisville grabbed all three points against the Portland Thorns thanks to a late corner header from Taylor Flint. Their playoff hopes are still alive, but is it too little too late? The guys cap off the episode with this playoff six-pointer (41:20). Before that, they run through playoff scenarios for the top four (1:01), ruminate on the two dead rubber matches between Angel City and the Utah Royals (20:40), as well as the Seattle Reign and Houston Dash (27:48). Some quick lamentations for the San Diego Wave in their pasting by the Kansas City Current (26:16) and some chuckles about the Washington Spirit-Chicago...2024-10-2255 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 24: "Stop Laughing, The Chicago Red Stars Suck!!!" And Other Ravings of a MadmanThe Chicago Red Stars own one of the worst xG differentials in league history. Only the Utah Royals have played worse in total this season. But Chicago just clinched a playoff berth, and look poised to finish the year in sixth place on a mere 1.3 points per game. No team since 2018 has finished sixth or higher with so few points. Can it really just be luck? Is their low-volume, high-efficiency attack and defense sustainable once they face better teams in the postseason? The guys dissect the Red Stars' 2-0 defeat to Gotham, and whether that result--combined with...2024-10-151h 06Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 23: The Portland Thorns, Racing Louisville, and the Dangling Thread of the Playoff LineWe have got some things to cover, here! The guys get into the news of Angel City's fines and suspensions for salary cap violations, the firing of former Houston Dash head coach Fran Alonso, the absurdity of the Chicago Red Stars conceding at least three xG for the second time in three weeks, Bay FC's four-minute meltdown, and the Orlando Pride's historic Shield win.  Then, it's on to the main events. Portland has been one of the worst teams in the NWSL since the end of the Olympics break. Racing Louisville has been fighting to get over t...2024-10-081h 02Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 22: Bay FC are Doing the Damn ThingA scrappy 1-0 victory on the road to the Seattle Reign may not look like much, but Bay FC are creeping closer and closer to a playoff berth, only a few months removed from looking like one of the worst teams in the NWSL. The guys dig into all of the ways the team has managed to improve since early June, from trusting new players to Albertin Montoya reimagining the team's tactical vision. It's wild.  Still not a member of our Patreon? Sign up today for only $6/month to get all of our exclusive bonus content! 2024-10-011h 21Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 21: Kansas City Current Remind Everyone Who They AreOh, did you forget that the Current can gut your favorite team like a fish? After a few games of sputtering defensive performance, KC's new back line is locked in and Temwa Chawinga is, well, Temwa Chawinga. Their 3-0 battering of the Washington Spirit was a bit lucky, but was also a scary proposition for any team that will face Kansas City in the playoffs. The guys break it all down.  Plus, xG shenanigans with the San Diego Wave! Officiating questions with Angel City and the Portland Thorns! The stretch run is officially here, gang! J...2024-09-251h 04Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 20: The Orlando-Kanas City Staredown and Portland's Continued ImplosionWe've got two games to cover this week! One was the matchup of the weekend on paper, but fizzled out to a 0-0 draw between the Pride and Current. The other ended up with significant playoff implications, as the Red Stars snatched a 1-0 road win against the Thorns and shored up their postseason odds, while Portland continued their freefall. What can they do to right the ship? Is Chicago's season-long overperformance about to pay off?  Subscribe to our Patreon for only $6/month and get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen2024-09-1852 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 19: Au Revoir, Alex Morgan, Hello, Bay FC!Alex Morgan has retired. As yet another titan of the sport walks into the sunset, the guys reflect on what Morgan's career truly meant beyond the goals and trophies.  Then, after rounding up NWSL results across the weekend, they dive into Bay's 1-0 defeat of Racing Louisville. Have Abby Dahlkemper and Penelope Hocking helped Bay find the answers? Is Albertin Montoya finally getting the team to play like he envisioned? How much does this result and performance portend for Louisville's playoff hopes?  If you haven't yet, be sure to sign up for our Patreon for on...2024-09-111h 00Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 18: Strolling through Gotham, with Jenna Tonelli!The Orlando Pride continued their unbeaten streak on Sunday, taking down Gotham FC 2-0 after a monsoon nearly flooded Inter&Co Stadium. Gotham was unable to gain any separation from its peers in the top 4. But does it portend anything serious? Eric and Evan talk to Gotham reporter Jenna Tonelli about Gotham's performance, the magic of Ella Stevens, and how dangerous Gotham will be come playoff time.  Sign up for our Patreon for only $6/month! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Learn more about your a...2024-09-031h 00Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 17: Your Spirit Has a Powerful Current Flowing from Washington to Kansas CityJonatan Giráldez has officially entered the NWSL chat. The Washington Spirit took down the Kansas City Current 4-1, and for a brief second, one had to wonder if the wheels were coming off of the most dominant squad in the league. This game had everything. Six defenders to handle Debinha and Chawinga! Otherworldly finishing from Trinity Rodman! A new center back pairing falling out of a clown car! Adrianna Franch living up to her new reputation! It's all here, and the guys break it all down. Welcome back to the NWSL! Join our Patreon and get a...2024-08-2758 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!EMERGENCY POD: The NWSL's Historic New Labor AgreementThe NWSL Players Association has just signed a new collective bargaining agreement, which may be one of the most historically significant labor deals in American sports history. The elimination of the draft, universal guaranteed contracts and free agency, player consent for trades, and massive increases in minimum salaries without corresponding max salaries all give serious power to the players. What did that they have to give up to ownership, and what might that mean come 2028 when a new media rights deal is signed? Eric and Evan unpack what we know so far about this seismic moment in women’s sp...2024-08-2238 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!The Big NWSL Midseason Transfer Round-Up!The NWSL is back, baby!!! After six agonizing weeks away, the stretch run kicks off on Friday. A massive amount of transfer activity has gone down in that time. Eric and Evan highlight some of their faves and not-so-faves.  Could Delphine Cascarino help push the San Diego Wave into playoff contention? How does Carson Pickett fit into the Orlando Pride lineup? Are the Chicago Red Stars playoff locks thanks to Ludmila and Julia Grosso? Can Jess Carter adapt to the league's pace? Will Alana Cook keep things tight at the back amid the Kansas City Current's defensive i...2024-08-201h 03Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT Paved the Parisian Streets with Gold369 days after the USWNT crashed out of the World Cup Round of 16, they put those demons to bed, winning the gold medal at the 2024 Summer Olympics. The team managed to weather the worst half of football they had played all tournament to wear down Brazil until Mallory Swanson took Korbin Albert's through ball and ripped the Brazilian defense to pieces. Some heroics from Alyssa Naeher and the usual shutdown defense from Naomi Girma helped the US grab their first gold medal in 12 years. Now, the real work begins. Eric and Evan analyze the US performance, praise Brazil's savvy gameplan...2024-08-1244 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT are Exhausted, but are On to the Gold Medal GameThe players were dead on their feet. Lindsey Horan could barely ping a pass toward the German goal. But Naomi Girma led the defense to another sterling performance, Sophia Smith threaded a wonder goal past Ann-Katrin Berger, and the USWNT will face Brazil for the gold medal on Saturday. Was there anything besides heat and fatigue that slowed the US attack down? Can they avoid Spain's fate against Brazil in the semifinal? Is Girma the undisputed best center back in the world? Eric and Evan ponder yet another 120-minute slog of a match that still had a happy ending...2024-08-071h 06Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT Struggles, Japan Suffers, and the US Moves on to the SemifinalsIt was brutal, but perhaps it was necessary. The USWNT scraped past Japan in the Olympics quarterfinals thanks to an extra-time wonder strike from Trinity Rodman, setting up a semifinal rematch with Germany. Were the players just too tired? Is Emma Hayes's focus on chemistry over fresh legs about to blow up in her face? Was the Japanese defense just too good for the US? Thankfully, the US's defense was even better. Eric and Evan get into all of it and preview the semifinal via Germany's penalty-shootout win against Canada! Sign up for our Patreon and get...2024-08-0459 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT Win Group B in Fine Fashion, Gear Up for Japan in the QuarterfinalsThe USWNT beat Australia 2-1 in the final round of the Olympics group stage, topping the group and heading to the quarterfinals to play Japan on Saturday. Despite all the hand-wringing about the US heading into the tournament, they finished group play with the best goal differential the best non-penalty xG differential, the most shots taken in the box, and the most touches in the box. (There's also the small matter of Spain as the only other team to win all three of their group games.) How did the US look against Australia? What might it portend...2024-08-0158 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT Fly Through Germany in the Balmy Marseille AirBang! The USWNT rained goals on Germany in a 4-1 victory, their biggest result against a FIFA top-10 side in six years. A Sophia Smith brace, a Mallory Swanson tap-in, and a Lynn Williams dagger made Germany look far worse than their world ranking would indicate. But was it all bread and circuses for Emma Hayes's side? Eric and Evan examine the tactical imbalance that allowed the Germans to find seams on the counter--and the ways the US exploited their opponent's resulting gaps in the other direction.  Want to hear us chat about the action in Groups A...2024-07-2944 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!OLYMPICS RECAP: The USWNT Opens Its Account with a Dazzling Win over ZambiaThere were a couple of emphatic 3-0 wins in Group B as the Olympics tournament kicked off on Thursday. The USWNT contained Barbra Banda and put Zambia to the sword with some dazzling goals from Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson. What did the US do right? What can they carry over to their match against Germany on Sunday, a team that looked stout and strong against a naïve Australia? Eric and Evan leave no stone unturned.  Subscribe to our Patreon if you haven't already, and sign up for our tournament newsletter for fun stats and graphs fr...2024-07-2630 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!The Big USWNT Olympics Preview! Plus Zambia, Germany, & AustraliaHere we go again! One year to the week that xOG launched, we find ourselves on the precipice of yet another major international tournament. The USWNT are in the Olympics Group of Death; how will they manage opposition as varied as Zambia, Germany, and Australia? Eric and Evan plunge into the US lineup, head coach Emma Hayes's tactical plans, and what tests each of their group B opponents offer.  You can now subscribe to our Patreon for all of our exclusive content, including our bonus episodes!  Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to ge...2024-07-221h 09Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!BONUS THURSDAY: The USWNT Olympics Send-Off Was Fine. Really.Yes, the USWNT couldn't score against Costa Rica in their final pre-Olympics friendly. No, none of their boundless chances were especially high-quality.  But so what? The heat, the field, and the desire to keep everyone healthy explain the result a lot more than alleged poor play can. Eric and Evan tease out why this result doesn't augur doom for the U.S. in France this summer.  This is our final public bonus episode before we move them to Patreon on July 25th! E-mail xpectedowngoals@gmail.com to join our mailing list and get all of ou...2024-07-1832 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!The USWNT Preps for the Olympics by Beating Mexico. Plus, A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!The USWNT offered a lot in their 1-0 victory over Mexico on a hot and muggy day in New Jersey. Was their lack of finishing something to be concerned over? Can Rose Lavelle be counted on in the absence of an injured Catarina Macario? Will Korbin Albert ever do what it takes to stop being booed? Plus, we have a big announcement about something we can't wait to debut when the Olympics starts! Stay tuned for more info!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Learn m...2024-07-1526 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!BONUS THURSDAY: Our NWSL No-Stars Five-A-Side Draft! Plus, Transfer News!It's our last NWSL-centric episode for a month, friends! We decided to chat about some of our favorite players who slipped under the radar, and whose names we haven't discussed nearly enough. (13:56) Before that, Evan and Eric unpack all the latest transfer news, including Julia Grosso to the Chicago Red Stars, Mackenzie Arnold to the Portland Thorns, Rosemonde Kouassi to the Washington Spirit, and Mina Tanaka to the Utah Royals. (00:26) Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-07-1154 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 16: Kansas City Current vs. Orlando Pride Was the Game of the SeasonThe two best teams in the NWSL had to wait until the final matchweek before the Olympics break to square off,  and dear lord was it worth the wait. Brain-busting goals from Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga, a game-changing second yellow card for Carrie Lawrence, and a feisty, physical encounter all made this fixture an instant classic. Eric and Evan analyze what Seb Hines and Orlando did right, and maybe what Vlatko Andonovski and Kansas City did wrong. Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Learn more a...2024-07-0958 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!BONUS FRIDAY: Olympics Rosters, New Controlling Owners at Angel City, and the Jill Ellis Scandal at the San Diego WaveWe didn't think a U.S. holiday weekend would toss so much news at us. First up, Eric and Evan chat about the announced Olympics rosters for Brazil, Spain, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Nigeria. (01:00)  Then it's on to the developing news that USC Journalism School dean Willow Bay and husband, Disney CEO Bob Iger, will be buying a majority stake in Angel City FC. What does this mean for the team, and for the league as a whole? (10:26) Finally, Eric and Evan unpack the horrendous allegations from multiple San Diego Wave employees that team president J...2024-07-0641 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Midseason Check-In, Pt. 2: Firings, Awards and time to Buckle Up, San Diego?!Eric and Evan debate another notable NWSL head coach sacking, hand out some Midseason Awards and go deep on Chicago's 3-0 "rout" of San Diego... was it a rout? What even is a rout?   Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-07-0241 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!BONUS THURSDAY: Reactions to the USWNT Olympics RosterQuiet week, how's everyone doing? LOL JK  First up, on the heels of Casey Stoney's firing, Eric and Evan puzzle over the unexpected resignation of Bay FC GM Lucy Rushton. (00:33) Then, the moment has arrived! Emma Hayes announced her first USWNT major tournament roster, and it's a doozy. No Alex Morgan! Lots of Korbin Albert! Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt as alternates! What does this lineup tell us about Hayes's vision for the side? (11:10) And what do her and Trinity Rodman's comments about Albert tell us about the culture inside the locker room right now? (25:10) E...2024-06-2744 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Midseason Check-In, Pt. I: The State of the LeagueWe're now (just over) halfway through the 2024 NWSL regular season, and trends are emerging! Eric and Evan uncover a host of interesting nuggets about how teams are playing this year compared to past seasons. Why on earth did the San Diego Wave "part ways" with Casey Stoney? (00:16) Where did parity go? Is it simply a byproduct of expansion? (08:37) Does the increase in goalscoring come down to Barbra Banda, Temwa Chawinga, et al.? (18:00) The league still loves transition tactics, but how have they morphed in 2024? (20:36) How do the Chicago Red Stars, Racing Louisville, and...2024-06-2552 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!BONUS THURSDAY: The Inaugural xOG NWSL Hall of Fame Class!It's time to pause and reflect on how much history the NWSL really possesses--something no professional club league in America has been able to accomplish. Using Evan's g+raft Score method, we tapped into ASA's g+ above replacement database to determine the best players in the league's history.  We induct several players from the Dead Stats Era (2013 - 2015), before advanced stats were available, including a legendary and complicated goalkeeper (11:55), a pioneering defender on and off the field (15:35), two midfielders who shaped their teams on different ends of the pitch (18:48), and two forwards who represented the league i...2024-06-201h 29Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 12: The Bats Take Flight as Gotham FC Start DominatingGotham FC's 2-0 victory on the road against Racing Louisville was about as ugly as 2-0 victories get, but dig under the hood and you see that the preseason Shield favorites are finally coming into their own. The galacticos of Dunn, Lavelle, Davidson and Sonnett started their second game in a row together. Ella Stevens can't stop scoring. Ann-Katrin Berger might be the best keeper in the whole league right now. Is it all finally coming together for Juan Carlos Amorós's squad? Eric and Evan debate the finer points of Gotham's resurgence. Art by Eli Elbogen...2024-06-1851 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 11: Rappelling Down the Seattle Reign Cavern, with Sylvs of Shea Butter FC!The Seattle Reign got smoked by the Kansas City Current over the weekend. That such a result would be par for the course shows what kind of season Laura Harvey's crew have had. Sylvs of Shea Butter FC hopped on to talk about Reign history, the struggles of the team in the void of the team sale yet to close, and what glimmers of hope Jordyn Huitema's two goals could represent.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-06-1156 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!USWNT Recap: The Emma Hayes Era Kicks Off With Goals Goals Goals!The day has come: Emma Hayes is now the head coach of the U.S. Women's National Team. The side demolished South Korea for a combined scoreline of 7-0. Sam Staab and Lily Yohannes each earned their first caps. The law firm of Smith, Swanson, and Rodman served papers to their opponents over and over again. Alex Morgan--well, she was present.  What did we learn about how Hayes wants the team to play? Eric and Evan uncover all the tactical nuggets across the two friendlies, then project the USWNT's likely 18-player Olympics roster. The takes get spicy.2024-06-0647 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!BONUS TUESDAY: Wrapping Up the Liga MX Femenil Season, with Adriana Terrazas!The international break has flipped our schedule this week, so for this week's early bonus episode, we bring you a great conversation Evan had with Our Futbol co-host Adriana Terrazas to break down the recent Clausura final and all the storylines from Liga MX Femenil this season.  Team by team, we look at how C.D. Guadalajara ("Chivas") came up frustratingly short (11:20). C.F. Pachuca (17:01) won the transfer window heading into the Clausura. Why did they look so limp once they got into the Liguilla? UANL Tigres (26:57) were once again dominant across the entire year, welcoming Jenni H...2024-06-041h 06Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!BONUS THURSDAYS: Barcelona Wins the Champions League Again! Plus, The State of NWSL Broadcasting, with Mike Watts!Barcelona capped off their third Champions League title in four years by taking down their final boss, Lyon, to have no more rivals for best team in the world. How dominant were they in the game, though? Did Lyon actually knock them off their axis for a brief moment? Eric and Evan debate the merits of each team's performance (00:45). Then, veteran NWSL play-by-play announcer Mike Watts comes on (21:05) to talk about the wild times of calling Sky Blue FC games in 2014, the exciting opportunities that new media partners like Amazon and ION have created for games, what...2024-05-301h 05Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 10: Destiny's Children? (H-Town Screwed Mix)Week 10! Two teams. Two massive victories. Two bright futures ahead? Eric and Evan ponder the meaning of Houston's staggering 3-0 home win over North Carolina and examine the implications of Racing Louisville's 1-0 away result in Chicago. H-town madness? Kentucky fried conquest? We're curious too.  Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-05-2841 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!BONUS THURSDAYS: The Big WSL Wrap-Up, and the USWNT Takes Custody of Emma Hayes, with Jessy Parker Humphreys!It's the premiere episode of our new Thursday bonus episode series, where we explore other tactical and analytical corners of the global women's football landscape! To kick things off, Evan and Eric bring on Athletic columnist and Counter Pressed co-host Jessy Parker Humphreys to go swimming in how the 23-24 WSL season shook out. Chelsea (1:32) won their fifth consecutive title, but did they underperform? Manchester City (6:21) came so close and fell so frustratingly short once again, but they must be celebrated. Manchester United (14:01) were a clown show. Liverpool (27:16) did the impossible and finished fourth, but were they...2024-05-231h 38Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 9: The Utah Royals Stare into the VoidAnother week, another brutal Utah Royals loss. Though the scoreline was a mere 1-0 defeat on the road to the North Carolina Courage, the expansion side was under siege pretty much from minute one. Eric and Evan use the Royals' performance to figure out just how badly the season has gone for the club, and what bright spots may be on the horizon.  Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-05-2142 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Vibe Check, Part II: Double the Own Goals, Double the Fun!?!?More transparency! More accountability! More Own Goals! Kieran guest stars as the Grim Reaper in Evan and Eric's Own Goal Bogus Journey! Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-05-171h 10Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Vibe Check, Part I: xOG's Biggest Own Goals of the Season!We here at Expected Own Goals are about transparency and accountability. That's why, at the point in the season when xG stabilizes and becomes sticky, we've decided to go back and cop to our best and worst own goals from our preseason predictions. Kieran's back to face the music along with Eric and Evan.  Be sure to tune in later this week for Part II, where the gang digs into the players that have surprised and disappointed them the most! Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs ...2024-05-1451 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!What We Talk About When We Talk About The Red Stars, with Gal Pal Sports!We've been putting it off all season, but after a tough loss to the Washington Spirit and an emphatic win against Bay FC, we can put it off no longer: we must discuss the fourth-place Chicago Red Stars. Eric and Evan were joined by Lesley Ryder of Gal Pal Sports to dissect the Laura Ricketts-Lorne Donaldson era of the team, if their early-season success is sticky or a mirage, and who will step up to score besides Mallory Swanson. Rep the 3-1-2, or the 7-7-3, or the 4-6-4, or whatever else people tear up about on...2024-05-0738 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 6--Spirit: Pride of the CimarronIs Orlando the best team in the NWSL right now? They just might be. An emphatic 3-2 victory over the Washington Spirit on the road cemented what could be a hyper-organized defense with Barbra Banda as the tip of the spear. Other teams, attack at your own peril.  Evan and Eric dig into what made Banda so special, as well as what the future might hold for the Spirit--and Ashley Hatch--once Leicy Santos and Jonatan Giráldez arrive in June. (tl;dr they'll be fine.) Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Da...2024-04-3027 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 5: Angel Cities with Filthy Soles, NC Courage Cursed by The Soccer GodsThe NWSL spring trade deadline has come and gone, and somehow, both the Houston Dash and Angel City made some significant moves. Eric and Evan brought Kieran Doyle-Davis on to get into all of the gobsmacking behavior by both teams in moving some major players. Then, they dig into Angel City's victory over the North Carolina Courage, and how a team with 62% possession and who topped the home side on xG 2.1 - 0.5 managed to still leave Los Angeles without a result. Plus, we'll hear from Angel City head coach Becki Tweed with her tactical analysis of the match!  2024-04-231h 00Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 4: Gotham Gets Weird, and the Kansas City Current Put the "Fly" in "Chawinga"We last checked in on the Kansas City Current in Week 1. What a difference a month makes! They're sitting atop the table on 10 points, have a potential superstar in Temwa Chawinga, and got a road point against Evan and Eric's preseason title favorite, Gotham FC. But is Chawinga the real deal? Were Juan Carlos Amorós's tactics too clever by half? Who looks like the better bet to keep succeeding in the weeks to come? Dive in, baby!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Learn more about yo...2024-04-1630 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!USWNT Recap: Does SheBelieve?The USWNT is SheBelieves Cup champion once again. Woo...hoo? The Twila Kilgore era comes to a close on a second penalty shootout win over Canada in a month, and leaves us wondering: what did Kilgore do well? What did she miss on? Is the team in better shape now than it was back in August? Furthermore, who is in pole position for each Olympics roster spot? Eric and Evan answer all these questions and more! (Evan may or may not sing at the end of the episode. Fair warning.) Art by Eli Elbogen Music by...2024-04-1132 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Late-Game Deciders: A Breakdown of San Diego-Seattle, Portland-Louisville, and Bay-Houston!No fewer than three NWSL games were decided in the final moments of stoppage time last weekend, but each were decided in different ways. San Diego survived its battle of attrition through well timed bravery, while Portland's overwhelming attacking talent finally breached Louisville's walls. Bay FC and the Houston Dash fully embraced their stubborn, attack-loving identities and the Dash tripped into victory. Eric and Evan ponder how these teams all managed a late result, hear from Bay FC head coach Albertin Montoya on his side's approach, and parse what it means for these teams' talents more broadly. ...2024-04-0237 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Week 2: The Spirit in the Bay is Strong!A jam-packed, wackadoo weekend unfolded in the NWSL, with golazos and refereeing madness and everything in between. Eric, Evan and Arianna drill down on the Washington Spirit's 2-1 victory over Bay FC. Are Bay's tactics naïve? Has their depth been exposed? Is Croix Bethune the resurrection and the life? 1) Maybe 2) Probably 3) Get on your knees and pray.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices2024-03-2640 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!The NWSL is BACK, BABY! Breaking Down the Loony Nine-Goal Chaos Show in Kansas CityThe greatest league in the world has returned, and boy was it a doozy! From first-minute penalties in Seattle, to the Naeher-aissance denying Utah their first-ever win in front of a "sold out" crowd, to 17-year-old Kennedy Fuller making as many headlines as Bay FC goalscorer Asisat Oshoala, there were narratives galore.  But Eric, Evan, and Arianna can only focus on one thing: the Kansas City Current and Portland Thorns opening CPKC Stadium with nine goals, tying the NWSL single-game record. Did Mike Norris make a wise decision rolling out an entirely new backline? Did Vlatko Andonovski p...2024-03-1949 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week Concludes with the San Diego Wave + Gotham FC!​​We did it. NWSL Season Preview Week concludes with last year’s champions and Shield winners, who square off tonight in the NWSL Challenge Cup. The Wave added a genuine playmaker in Savannah McCaskill, but otherwise remain largely unchanged from their table-topping campaign. Will McCaskill and USWNT phenom Jaedyn Shaw be enough to keep Casey Stoney’s offense sparking? Meanwhile, Gotham signed four gálacticos and maintained a remarkable amount of depth. They’re the favorites to win it all again, but can Juan Carlos Amorós make this group start gelling quickly together?  Click here to read ASA's wr...2024-03-1548 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Portland Thorns + North Carolina Courage, with Arianna Cascone​​The day has arrived! Arianna “Doc” Cascone makes her xOG début as we head into the homestretch of NWSL Season Preview Week. First up, Eric and Evan consider another team whose offseason was influenced by ownership transition. The Thorns replaced Crystal Dunn with Jessie Fleming (lol) and blended veteran re-signings with some young and untested internationals on the backline (hmmm). Even if they’re a touch leaky, will they score enough goals to still win? Then, Arianna comes on to break down the Courage, and whether Ashley Sanchez is a bright enough spark to help them score goals in Kerolin’...2024-03-141h 24Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Angel City + Seattle Reign, with Susie RantzAnother two-episode day here at xOG for NWSL Season Preview Week. We’re heading out to the best coast to talk about two playoff teams at a crossroads. Angel City seems to be tightening budgets as the bill comes due for their previous offseason work. Will now-permanent head coach Becki Tweed be able to recapture the magic of their playoff run, with Messiah Bright and Rocky Rodríguez in tow? Then, Eric and Evan welcome Reign reporter Susie Rantz to unpack how the still-not-closed sale of the Reign has affected their offseason, and whether there is enough spark in the...2024-03-1457 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Season Preview Week: Orlando Pride + Washington Spirit, with André Carlisle**RECORDED BEFORE SIMONE CHARLEY’S AND RAFAELLE’S INJURY ANNOUNCEMENTS**   ​​In part two of today’s entries in xOG’s NWSL Season Preview Week, Eric and Evan dive into the fetid swamps of two teams making big moves but also not completely certain of their futures. Pride GM Haley Carter made a big, late splash in signing Barbra Banda. Orlando will score goals, but will they be able to do much else? Is there a Marta succession plan? Will Adriana be their only hope? Then, writer, analyst, podcaster and all-around bon vivant André Carlisle dives deep into the...2024-03-131h 13Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Racing Louisville + Houston Dash, with Theo Lloyd-HughesOur second episode today heads down south for the next edition of NWSL Season Preview Week. Louisville has a clear recruitment strategy—buy low on young internationals—but are hoping for a clear stylistic identity with new head coach Bev Yanez. The Dash are doing something similar with Fran Alonso and players like Cece Kizer and rookie Avery Patterson. Dash reporter and Squad Depth podcast host Theo Lloyd-Hughes breaks down Alonso’s approach to making the Dash a playoff contender. This is a good one, folks! Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams Ch...2024-03-121h 04Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week: Chicago Red Stars + Kansas City CurrentIt’s a two-episode day on xOG as we roll along with NWSL Season Preview Week and continue to enjoy our new partnership with American Soccer Analysis! Eric and Evan dig into two teams undergoing massive change. The Chicago Red Stars have new owners, a new GM, and a new head coach, as they begin their long but hopeful rebuild. The Current hired Vlatko Andonovski as their head coach, and want to make a splash in their new stadium. Will any of it work for these two midwest stalwarts? Click here to check out ASA's written preview of...2024-03-1250 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Preview Week Begins with Utah Royals and Bay FC! Plus, We've Partnered with American Soccer Analysis!This is a really exciting day. In addition to launch NWSL Season Preview Week--an entire week of content previewing all 14 teams--we are thrilled to announce that we've partnered with American Soccer Analysis to be their women's soccer content partner! If you've already subscribed to us on our feed, no need to do anything; episodes will show up every Tuesday morning as before. If you're coming to us from following ASA Show, welcome! Eric and Evan love talking about the NWSL, the USWNT, and global women's football through the same lens as Kieran and the gang: data, tactics, and the...2024-03-111h 12Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!W Gold Cup Final Recap: The Future of the USWNT Looks...Bright?The USWNT are your inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup champions! A war of attrition broke out between Brazil's hyper-direct 3-4-3 system and the US's defensively resolute 4-2-3-1. Lindsey Horan's end-of-the-first half header won the game, but what now for the US as it heads toward the SheBelieves Cup and the Olympics? Is this hyperdefensive approach perhaps the new style that was promised? Is it simply the first step in a long evolution? Eric and Evan debate what Twila Kilgore and the players achieved. Plus, we have a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about the show!  A...2024-03-1131 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Gold Cup Recap: Brazil Dances Its Way to the Final, the USWNT Swims ThereThe CONCACAF W Gold Cup final is set! Brazil used the experimentation of the tournament to find the right players in the right shape to dominate México. The USWNT and Canada were dragged through Waterworld in a game that should never have been played. Where did Pedro López get his tactics wrong? How much praise should Alyssa Naeher really be getting for her shootout heroics? Can the US stop Debinha and company? Eric and Evan put on their galoshes and go singin' in the rain! Plus, the boys analyze Orlando's surprise landmark signing of Zambian star Barbra Ba...2024-03-0842 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Gold Cup Quarterfinal Recap: The USWNT Plays the Hits, But the Record's ScratchedThe USWNT is through to the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinals, but my oh my, was it trench warfare against Colombia in the quarterfinals! Goals from Lindsey Horan, Jenna Nighswonger, and Jaedyn Shaw made the scoreline comfortable; flying elbows and hip checks from the likes of Linda Caicedo and Catalina Usme made the actual game anything but. Eric and Evan break down the headline-grabbing performances from Alyssa Naeher and Alex Morgan, get postgame reactions from Sam Coffey and Twila Kilgore, and preview their semifinal tussle with old rivals Canada in San Diego this week. Thin end of the wedge...2024-03-0531 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Olympics Qualifiers Recap + Gold Cup Knockouts Preview: The USWNT Rides the SnakeSpain, Germany, Australia, and Japan have all punched their tickets to the Olympics, while Zambia, Morocco, South Africa, and Tanzania have pushed through to the next and final round of qualification. How will Racheal Kundananji's injury affect both Zambia and Bay FC? Eric and Evan do a quick overview of the week's action, then dig into the CONCACAF W Gold Cup quarterfinals. Is the USWNT in trouble against Colombia? Are Canada as excellent as they've appeared so far? Only one way to find out: listen!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance S...2024-03-0239 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!USWNT vs. México Gold Cup Recap: Dos a Cero in Southern CaliforniaThe U.S. is not the main character! For the first time in 14 years, México defeated the U.S. and did so in dominating fashion at the CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Jacquie Ovalle, Rebeca Bernal, and María Sánchez put on a master class in Carson, using aggressive defense and two world-class finishes to shut down the Americans and top the group. What were Twila Kilgore and Emma Hayes thinking with running out Vlatkoball? Why were Becky Sauerbrunn and Alyssa Naeher in the starting XI? Why did Alex Morgan get an entire half of sub minutes?!?!? Eric and...2024-02-2739 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!A USWNT Gold Cup Preview, plus Eugene Rupiński on Liga MX Femenil!**RECORDED BEFORE MIA FISHEL'S ACL TEAR** The CONCACAF W Gold Cup is finally here! The USWNT isn't the only team going through transition, as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina are all experiencing a new phase of their evolution. Eric and Evan preview the group stage, and dig into possible lineups and formations Twila Kilgore and Emma Hayes might try out. Then, the boys talk to Liga MX Femenil analyst Eugene Rupiński about the history of the league, and where it's heading.  Evan's Article about Possible USWNT Lineups at the Gold Cup Ar...2024-02-211h 26Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Offseason Roundup: A Kundananji-Shaped Explosion in the BayBay FC has not only broken the world transfer record, they have absolutely decimated it. Zambian striker Racheal Kundananji is pulling out of Madrid CFF and heading for San José, where she and Asisat Oshoala will form the most potent attacking duo in the NWSL right now. Eric and Evan break down this historic transfer, and how it changes the league forever. We don't have a joke here; our jaws are still on the floor. Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs  2024-02-2039 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Lyon-PSG Madness, USWNT Gold Cup Roster, and Talking Organized Chaos with Gotham FC Coach Jesús Botello!Let's face it: the D1 Arkema title was already settled before PSG made their way to the Groupama Stadium to face Lyon, but they still sealed their own fate in the most heartbreaking fashion. Eric and Evan untangle the game, and what it might portend for the Champions League knockout rounds.  Then, Evan is joined by Gotham FC Head of Tactical Analysis Jesús Botello to hear about the team's stylistic renaissance under head coach Juan Carlos Amorós, and what it means to play with organized chaos. Yes, chess is involved. Art by Eli Elb...2024-02-131h 18Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!More NWSL Offseason Action: This Hot Stove Uses European VoltageThe influx of high-level talent from the top European leagues to the NWSL this winter has been unprecedented for the past offseasons. What's driving it? Will the Seattle Reign's new Welsh signings get them over the top? Will Jen Beattie's arrival from Arsenal shake up Bay FC's defender depth chart? Will Evan keep putting extra stank on his European name pronunciations? Tune in to find out! The fellas also preview the Champions League knockout stages, and the significance of so many smaller clubs making it to the quarterfinals!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's B...2024-02-0620 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!More NWSL Offseason Action: Messiah Bright Lights, Guardian Angel CityThe Portland Thorns get Jessie Fleming from Chelsea! Chicago Red Stars get Maximiliane Rall from Bayern Munich! The Seattle Reign pick up Ji So-yun from South Korea! Bay FC gets Deyna Castellanos from Manchester City and maaayyyyyybe Asisat Oshoala from Barcelona?!!? Angel City nab Rocky Rodriguez and Messiah Bright! Racing Louisville scoop up Taylor (Kornieck) Flint from San Diego Wave! Eric and Evan relive all of the transaction madness from the last couple weeks, and figure out who's up and who's down in the hot stove sweepstakes. Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's B...2024-01-3049 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!An NWSL Offseason Check-In; Or, What's the Matter With Portland???Meghan Klingenberg re-signed with the Thorns right after we finished recording but the point stands: what's going on in the Rose City? The Red Stars and Racing Louisville are trying to improve their rosters, Angel City is going all in on high schoolers with Casey Phair, and the Kansas City Current are embracing chaos by trading Cece Kizer for Nichelle Prince. Eric and Evan step back and look at where things stand after another dizzying week of signings and trades.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs 2024-01-1938 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Draft Recap with Chris Henderson!We're back, gang! After a long and cleansing winter break, Eric and Evan have returned to pick apart all of the trades and signings that happened over the holidays. Then, they dig into the NWSL Draft. Which teams won? Which teams blew it? Which teams are ready to keep wheeling and dealing? Evan brings on WoSo Independent's Chris Henderson to get into the nitty-gritty of using data to evaluate college talent, and why No. 1 overall pick Ally Sentnor is gonna be a big deal.  Follow Chris on Twitter and Bluesky Art by Eli Elbogen M...2024-01-171h 17Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Free Agency Recap: Last Christmas, I Gave You a ContractWe just couldn't stay away! In what we're PRETTY SURE is our final episode of 2023, Eric and Evan break down the NWSL free agent signings of Savannah McCaskill, Sarah Gorden, and Marisa Viggiano to the San Diego Wave, Angel City FC, and Racing Louisville. We also tease Mallory Swanson's and Casey Krueger's likely destinations (hint: it's Chicago and Washington), and what major needs remain for every team in January. Happy New Year, y'all! Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesoutloud) 2023-12-2238 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!EMERGENCY POD: Four Dark Knights on Their Merry Way to Gotham?!Holy smokes Batman, the hot stove is on fire! The Gotham-mobile looks to be gaining four new wheels (Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnett, Tierna Davidson, and Crystal Dunn!!!)... while the rest of the league flail like a bunch of Jokers at ballet. Is Gotham on the cusp of transforming the balance of power in the NWSL? Evan and Eric plié / analyze / gasp for air. 2023-12-2027 minExpected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!NWSL Transactions, WSL Derbies, and Sean Forman of FBRef!Yes, we know why you're here. We'll be covering the bombshell signings Gotham FC has made of Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett, but until then, Eric and Evan review the NWSL Expansion Draft, parse the trades that have already been made, game out where free agents might land, and touch on the North London and Northern England derbies. Then, we talk to Sports Reference president Sean Forman about the launch of Stathead on FBRef. We're off until January, so have a divine holiday season!  Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesoutloud) 2023-12-191h 23Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Expected Own Goals: Euros Edition!Arsenal Turn Chelsea to Cannon Fodder in the WSL Game of the SeasonWhat do you do when you're playing in front of a record 59,000 fans at the Emirates? Smash your crosstown rivals, that's what. Arsenal beat Chelsea 4-1 on Sunday, proving that they are legit title challengers in the WSL this year. Eric and Evan peel apart Emma Hayes's questionable roster choices, Jonas Eidevall's flawless game plan, and if there was anything the Blues could take from this game. London, baby!    Art by Eli Elbogen (If you enjoyed — or at least tolerated — our XMAS movie ramble follow us on Letterboxd @ericmmorgan and @Evan_Davis) 2023-12-1349 min