American Soccer Analysis

EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT vs. Japan, Round 2 — The Kids Couldn't Lock it Down

Thu, 16 Apr 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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Emma Hayes rotated heavily when the USWNT headed up to Seattle on a cold, rainy, windy Tuesday evening, and lost 1-0 to a Japan who just looked better, especially without the ball. What are the lessons here? What should we expect in Colorado on Friday? The guys ponder a tricky performance and its stakes for the World Cup in 2027.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT vs. Japan, Round 1 — Is This Emma Hayes's Preferred Lineup?

Tue, 14 Apr 2026 02:45:00 GMT

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The U.S. women's national team got past Japan 2-1 on a cold, wet Saturday in San Jose, and this might portend a lot for the World Cup knockout stage in 14 months' time. The guys try to determine what looked good, what needed work, and whether Emma Hayes is committed to this group going forward, or if there are some positions that can still be challenged for. (Yes, this is mostly about Lindsey Heaps.)

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 4 — Checking in on All 16 Teams

Thu, 09 Apr 2026 12:05:00 GMT

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The NWSL is taking three weeks off, so the guys decide to see where things stand with every club. Is Kansas City maybe not as bad as they seem? Is Haley McCutcheon working as an attacking midfielder? What's good about the Boston Legacy? All that and much more!

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 3 — Angel City is Top of the Table, and the Houston Dash are Evolving

Thu, 02 Apr 2026 10:50:00 GMT

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The three-game week so early in the NWSL season did a number on many teams, especially ones that traveled. After the guys round up the weekend's slate—including Eric being pitchside for the Denver Summit's record-breaking home opener—they dig into the top-of-the-table clash between Angel City and the Houston Dash. Are these teams really good? What has Houston changed since last year? What are Angel City doing well and what's smoke and mirrors? Early-season weirdness abounds!

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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ASA Show - MLS Small Sample Size Theatre

Thu, 26 Mar 2026 04:36:08 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 2 — Portland Thorns Go Spelunking on the Seattle Reign

Tue, 24 Mar 2026 11:20:00 GMT

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Wait, WHAT?!? The Portland Thorns beat the Seattle Reign 2-0 in their Cascadia Rivalry home opener, but did it playing with only nine players for 40 whole minutes. This is unprecedented for a number of reasons. After whipping around the rest of the league (where wind, red cards, and a host of other silliness drove results), the guys try to figure out what signal can be pulled from the noise of a raucous derby that saw the shorthanded squad take home all three points.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT Star Catarina Macario Joins the San Diego Wave! Plus, the Boston Legacy's Entry to the NWSL

Wed, 18 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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After months of rumors, speculation, and journalistic teases, Catarina Macario has finally made the move to the NWSL, joining her hometown San Diego Wave for a record-breaking five-year, $8 million contract. How does she help the Wave? What is still left to be done for San Diego to remain a contender? The guys ponder it all.

Plus, Eric shares his wild weekend hitting three NWSL games in three days, including the Boston Legacy's inaugural home opener at a cold and windy Gillette Stadium.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Gotham FC, with Jenna Tonelli of Sports Illustrated

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 08:15:00 GMT

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Two Championship titles in three years. Are Gotham on their way to a dynasty? Maybe, if they can win the big one without squeaking into the playoffs. ⁠Jenna Tonelli⁠ of ⁠Sports Illustrated⁠ joins the guys to make sense of the arrivals of young prospects Jordynn Dudley and Andrea Kitahata, and how the roster can stay balanced while improving on their goalscoring record.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Washington Spirit, with Riss Willett of Shea Butter FC

Fri, 13 Mar 2026 07:59:00 GMT

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It was a second straight Championship loss for the Washington Spirit last year, and now they are without Croix Bethune. But they gain a new front office head in Haley Carter, as well as 18-year-old wunderkind Claudia Martínez. And there was something about Trinity Rodman...

Do they have what it takes to get back to the title game? ⁠Riss Willett⁠ of ⁠Shea Butter FC⁠ breaks down one of the deepest rosters in the league, and how they can build on an impressive two years.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Kansas City Current, with Cindy Lara of KC Soccer Journal

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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RECORDED BEFORE THE PENELOPE HOCKING TRANSFER

The Kansas City Current put up the greatest regular season campaign in NWSL history last year. And then Katie Stengel knocked them out of the first round of the playoffs at the death of extra time. There's still one mountain yet to climb for this group, and they'll attempt it with a new head coach, Chris Armas. Not only that, they'll add yet another megaweapon in attack, Croix Bethune. Was the cost of Claire Hutton worth it? ⁠Cindy Lara⁠ of KC Soccer Journal and ⁠The Tea(L)⁠ offers her thoughts on where things in Kansas City stand, and if the Current are favorites to repeat as Shield winners.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Portland Thorns, with Phuoc Nguyen of Stumptown Footy

Thu, 12 Mar 2026 09:59:00 GMT

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The Portland Thorns nabbed third place and a semifinal berth in 2025, all without Sophia Wilson and Morgan Weaver. Then, they fired head coach Rob Gale. In at the last minute comes former Tottenham Hotspur gaffer Robert Vilahamn. Out goes midfield maestro Sam Coffey. Not much offseason happened beyond that. Will the returns of Wilson and Weaver overpower the team's midfield deficiencies? ⁠Phuoc Nguyen⁠ of ⁠Stumptown Footy⁠ walks the guys through the thinking of owner Lisa Bhathal Merage and GM Jeff Agoos, and what realistic expectations should look like. (Though Sarah Lowdon didn't get the permanent job, we've decided to leave in a lot of our discussion surrounding Lowdon's coaching work in setting up the 2026 Portland Thorns.)

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Seattle Reign, with Kari Anderson of Yahoo! Sports

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:15:00 GMT

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No team overperformed their xG more than the Seattle Reign last season. What's more, they only brought two new players into the roster. How can they hope to make it back to the playoffs? ⁠Kari Anderson⁠ of ⁠Yahoo! Sports⁠ joins the guys to piece together Mia Fishel's role, and whether the suite of promising youth talent can build on the successes of 2025.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Orlando Pride, with Abigail Segel of Defector

Wed, 11 Mar 2026 11:15:00 GMT

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Some major contributors will be absent from the Orlando Pride's 2026 roster, and not too many players have come in to replace them. So how does Seb Hines keep the team performing at top-4 levels? ⁠Abigail Segel⁠ of ⁠Defector⁠ and ⁠The IX⁠ chats with the guys about the changing vibes of the group, and the quality that still remains in their ranks.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — San Diego Wave, with Bridie O'Toole of Busy Watching Women's Soccer

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:45:00 GMT

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The San Diego Wave under Jonas Eidevall are possession monsters. But with an all-Brazilian front three of Dudinha, Ludmila, and Gabi Portilho, will transition and directness work their way into the Wave's tactics? And how will they handle a largely new backline? Bridie O'Toole of ⁠Busy Watching Women's Soccer⁠ talks to the guys about San Diego's new identity, and how even only four seasons of history has been largely moved on from.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Racing Louisville, with Bekki Morgan of Butchertown Rundown

Tue, 10 Mar 2026 09:40:00 GMT

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Racing Louisville finally broke the ninth-place curse, and nabbed their first-ever playoff spot along with Bev Yanez named Coach of the Year. Several new faces join the ranks, but is there anyone who can help push Racing back up the hill to the postseason? ⁠Bekki Morgan⁠ of ⁠Butchertown Rundown⁠ and ⁠NWSL This Week⁠ takes the guys through the new signings, whether the likes of Katie O'Kane and Kayla Fischer can maintain their breakout heights, and what the club does in the absence of Ary Borges and Janine Sonis.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — North Carolina Courage, with Dr. Meredith Shea

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 10:30:00 GMT

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The North Carolina Courage have a new head coach in Mak Lind, and a new face of the midfield after Denise O'Sullivan's departure. What is this team going to be now that the final vestiges of the old regime have departed? Dr. Meredith Shea joins the guys to marvel at Manaka Matsukubo, the arrival of Ally Schlegel, and if one of the most successful franchises in the NWSL can get back to the promised land.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Houston Dash, with Dr. Meredith Shea

Mon, 09 Mar 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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The Houston Dash were eerily quiet this offseason, and it's hard to separate the newly restarted sale process from only a handful of college signings coming in. Can they build on their respectable showing last year to make an honest playoff push in 2026? Dr. Meredith Shea talks to the guys about the potential and the pitfalls that await the Dash in the coming months.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Utah Royals, with Catalina Bush

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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The Utah Royals have brought in some Japanese stalwarts like Narumi Miura and Miyabi Moriya, as well as Mexican attacking talent Kiana Palacios. But is that anywhere close to enough to get them to the playoffs? ⁠Catalina Bush⁠ of ⁠ASA Viz Hub⁠ chatted with the guys about the clear strategy behind Utah's roster construction, and how it likely won't be enough for respectability in 2026.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Angel City, with Trebor Tracy of Angels on Parade

Sun, 08 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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Angel City are kind of exciting again! They sport one of the youngest rosters in the game, and with a full offseason, head coach Alex Straus is confident he can mold them into a winner. But are additions like Emily Sams and Ary Borges enough to weather any hiccups further up the field? ⁠Trebor Tracy⁠ of ⁠Angels on Parade⁠ joins the guys to talk about the state of the NWSL's loudest club as it gets ready for its fifth season.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Chicago Stars FC, with Lesley Ryder of Gal Pal Sports

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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Sooooo how's the 1,000-day plan going? Chicago Stars FC have been one of the worst teams in the NWSL for three years running now, fluke 2024 playoff berth notwithstanding. They've shipped Ludmila to San Diego, and haven't brought in reinforcements. ⁠Lesley Ryder⁠ joins the guys to hunt for any signs of hope, and whether Laura Ricketts and Richard Feuz can be trusted to build a winner in the years to come.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Bay FC, with Anna Daccache of Everything Bay Goals

Sat, 07 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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Bay FC weren't good last year, but they certainly weren't the second-worst team in the NWSL. After some major organizational shakeups—including a new head coach in Emma Coates—the club has added multiple impact players, the most important of which is Claire Hutton. Everything Bay Goals co-host ⁠Anna Daccache⁠ walks the guys through all the moves both on and off the field as Bay gear up for season three.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Boston Legacy FC, with Emma Healy of the Boston Globe

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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The Boston Legacy are arguably the greatest mystery in 13 seasons of the NWSL. Without any drafts to acquire talent—and with a young European sporting director focused on bringing new players into the league—we don't have many benchmarks against which to judge their potential. Boston Globe reporter ⁠Emma Healy⁠ came on the show to try and shake out what the Boston Legacy are as they stand on the precipice of their inaugural season.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Season Preview Week — Denver Summit, with Catalina Bush & Kieran Doyle-Davis

Fri, 06 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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The Denver Summit are like the Boston Legacy: they are an expansion team with no drafts for roster-building, a new precedent in the NWSL. Unlike Boston, they hired a longtime GM in the league, a head coach with top-flight American soccer experience, and a slew of league veterans to patrol the backline. But what about the rest of the roster? How do you build a team from scratch when all you have is $4 million to sign 26 players? ⁠Catalina Bush⁠ and Kieran Doyle-Davis of ⁠American Soccer Analysis⁠ join the guys to sort out Denver's strengths, weaknesses, and what can be reasonably expected of this unique women's soccer experiment.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT in SheBelieves, Portland Thorns' New Coach, and Gabi Portilho's Move to San Diego

Tue, 03 Mar 2026 10:00:00 GMT

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The guys are knee-deep in season preview content, but they catch up with some news around the league, from the Thorns' hire of Robert Vilahamn as their new head coach, Aubrey Kingsbury's pregnancy, Gabi Portilho's transfer to the Wave, and the risible new docuseries, T⁠he Final Third⁠.

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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Breaking Down the USWNT SheBelieves Cup Roster

Tue, 24 Feb 2026 09:00:00 GMT

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For the first time since she took over, USWNT head coach Emma Hayes didn't call in any uncapped players in this international window. Is she homing in on her core pool for World Cup preparations? The guys ponder who's in and who's out.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Croix Bethune and Claire Hutton Spark the NWSL Offseason to Life

Fri, 20 Feb 2026 23:45:00 GMT

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Now that the dust has settled, the guys parse the mammoth Croix Bethune and Claire Hutton transfers for all involved. Who wins? Who loses? Where does this all leave the Kansas City Current? Plus, we catch up on a bunch of signings over the past three weeks.

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Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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ASA Show - g+ Draft and League Preview

Thu, 19 Feb 2026 04:36:52 GMT

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ASA Show - Check out futi with John Muller and Mike Imburgio

Tue, 10 Feb 2026 03:30:05 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: xOG Live in Houston 2026, with Catalina Bush & Chloe Dhillon!

Fri, 06 Feb 2026 18:45:00 GMT

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We're back! The guys once again closed the 2nd annual American Soccer Insights Summit in Houston over the weekend, and brought Houston Dash analyst ⁠Chloe Dhillon⁠ and ⁠ASA VizHub⁠ creator Catalina Bush to talk about the state of data in women's soccer from the public and private sides of the industry. Needless to say, there were plenty of insights to go around!

Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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ASA Show - Arman Kafai Recaps ASI Conference and MLS Roster Shenanigans

Wed, 04 Feb 2026 04:41:57 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Jessica Berman and U.S. Soccer Fail to Meet the Moment(s). Plus, USWNT and Trinity Rodman's Contract

Tue, 27 Jan 2026 18:15:00 GMT

TRIGGER WARNING: Beginning around the 42-minute mark, there's a discussion of ICE's execution of Alex Jeffrey Pretti.

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RECORDED BEFORE EMMA HAYES' COMMENTS ABOUT MINNEAPOLIS

We start off with the easy stuff: Trinity Rodman remains with the Washington Spirit. The guys break down all the nitty-gritty of her contract now that more details have come to light.

Then, they marvel at the brazenness of NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman's comments to the press last week, and that she said the quiet part louder than any sports commissioner ever has before.

Finally, after a quick analysis of the USWNT's 6-0 smashing of Paraguay at the weekend, we lament the lack of acknowledgment by U.S. Soccer and the players of the execution of Alex Pretti in Minneapolis on Saturday.

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Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠⁠⁠

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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ASA Show - US Soccer Announces Glass Onion

Mon, 26 Jan 2026 05:18:19 GMT

Akshay Easwaran of US Soccer joins the boys to talk about Glass Onion, their new package for synchronizing identifiers among soccer datasets. More info can be found at https://ussoccerfederation.github.io/glass_onion

As always, enjoy the soccer.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Offseason — What on Earth Are the San Diego Wave Up To?

Wed, 21 Jan 2026 19:25:00 GMT

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RECORDED BEFORE CLAUDIA MARTÍNEZ NEWS

First things first: Meghann Burke has offered news on the state of the union's grievances against the league! The bad news is it's gonna be awhile before anything is resolved.

Then, the guys move on to signings. Denise O'Sullivan has moved to Liverpool. Macey Hodge has gone to Racing Louisville. Melissa Kössler and Maja Lardner offer good respective case studies on how to contextualize data in international transfers and college signings.

But seriously, WHAT IS GOING ON IN SAN DIEGO??? Four starters have left the club in the last month, not to mention earlier departures of María Sánchez and Naomi Girma. Ludmila and KiKi Pickett have come in (and Trinity Byars should finally be available), but what is the state of the roster right now? Are things as bad as they were even in the post-Jill Ellis era?

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠⁠

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Lindsey Heaps is Coming! Sam Coffey's Going! The USWNT is on the Move in the NWSL!

Wed, 14 Jan 2026 08:00:00 GMT

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The NWSL hot stove is officially lit! The headlines this week are Sam Coffey's transfer to Manchester City, with Lindsey Heaps coming the other way from France and signing with her hometown Denver Summit. What do these deals represent for the Thorns and Summit respectively? Did Portland get fleeced? Is Heaps the marquee signing on the field that she will be off the field? The guys dig into this, plus Emily Sams, Ary Borges, Savannah McCaskill, Kailen Sheridan, and many more.

Did we make an own goal? E-mail us at ⁠⁠⁠xog@xowngoals.com⁠⁠⁠

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: The xOG NWSL Best XI!!!

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 12:25:00 GMT

NOT A PATREON MEMBER? ⁠⁠⁠Use the code "XOG"⁠⁠⁠ to get a year's subscription for 50% off!!!

With the year coming to a close, it's time to reflect on the best players of the 2025 NWSL season. The guys draft players into their respective best XIs, bicker and argue all the way, and then try to synthesize both into the Official xOG Best XI. Agree with their choices? Disagree? Sound off!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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ASA Show - Year End Extravaganza

Wed, 17 Dec 2025 05:24:02 GMT

Thank y'all for listening

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: The Trinity Rodman Saga, Explained

Tue, 09 Dec 2025 11:20:00 GMT

NOT A PATREON MEMBER? ⁠Use the code "XOG"⁠ to get a year's subscription for 50% off!!!

The NWSL offseason is officially in full swing. Teams have given roster updates, and extensions/re-signings are being announced along with significant deals like Ally Schlegel's to North Caroli—oh, who are we kidding? There is only one story in the league right now, and it's one that will affect every other deal for the rest of the offseason no matter how it ends. Trinity Rodman was ready to re-sign with the Washington Spirit, until the league rejected the terms of the deal. The players union is now appealing the decision. How did we get here? Does the league have any defensible case? Should the union lose, what does that mean for the future of free agency in the NWSL, and of its ability to attract and retain top talent from all over the world? This story is nowhere close to done, so strap in!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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ASA Show - Can Messi Summit The Whitecaps?

Thu, 04 Dec 2025 04:59:34 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT Recap — The U.S. finishes the year strong against Italy

Wed, 03 Dec 2025 10:00:00 GMT

NOT A PATREON MEMBER? ⁠Use the code "XOG"⁠ to get a year's subscription for 50% off!!!

The U.S. women's national team took down Italy 5-0 on aggregate across a window that saw the 26th and 27th players get their first caps under Emma Hayes, an all-time record for a U.S. head coach. What has 2025 meant for the USWNT, and how has it set themselves up for the next phase of their World Cup preparations?

The guys also do a quick news roundup from the past two weeks, including the Rob Gale firing, the Hailie Mace and Jess Fishlock signings, and other bits and bobs.

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Championship Recap—Gotham FC Take Down Washington Spirit, Earn 2nd-Ever Title

Wed, 26 Nov 2025 02:50:00 GMT

Fly Bats, fly! Gotham FC won their second NWSL title on Saturday, squeaking past the Washington Spirit 1-0 on a miracle goal from Rose Lavelle in the second half. Did the Spirit deserve to lose? Did Gotham deserve to win? What ultimately separated the two sides, how should they view their seasons as a whole?

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Championship Preview — Washington Spirit vs. Gotham FC

Sat, 22 Nov 2025 02:00:00 GMT

The moment has finally come! In the now-most-played fixture in NWSL—and in what may now finally be called a true rivalry—the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC face each other in San Jose for all the marbles. The guys hung out at each team's training to figure out who has the edge. The projections make Gotham slight favorites, so why do our guts tell us the Spirit have the advantage? They try to make sense of it all.

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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ASA Show - Conference Semi Finals and a Schedule Change

Thu, 20 Nov 2025 05:08:33 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Semifinal Recap — Jaedyn Shaw Golazo Sends Gotham Past Pride to Championship

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 11:10:00 GMT

It was more than 90 minutes of dross, capped by a moment of magic: 2023 NWSL champs Gotham FC squeaked past 2024 champs Orlando Pride thanks to Jaedyn Shaw's free kick wizardry and little else. Neither team played well. How much does that inform Orlando's offseason outlook? How can Gotham find the juice to get past a peaking Washington Spirit in the Championship game? The guys muse over all of it.

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Semifinal Recap — Spirit Deliver the Goods and Send Thorns Packing

Tue, 18 Nov 2025 09:00:00 GMT

The Washington Spirit are headed to their second straight NWSL Championship game on the heels of a commanding performance against a depleted Portland Thorns side. Were Washington good, or were Portland bad? What will the Thorns need to do in the offseason to get back to the playoffs? And what do Trinity Rodman's contract negotiations tell us about the state of the NWSL's ability to retain top talent?

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Semifinal Preview: Orlando Pride vs. Gotham FC

Fri, 14 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMT

Our second semifinal preview looks at the other two recent champs, Orlando and Gotham. Gotham has the better and deeper roster, but are they invincible? Orlando still has the core of their world-class defense, but can it slow down the likes of Jaedyn Shaw and Gabi Portilho? Will Esther be available from first whistle, or could she be a late-game changer? The guys tease out all the possible scenarios.

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Semifinal Preview — Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 10:00:00 GMT

The first of our two semifinal previews drills down on the Portland Thorns coming to Audi Field to try and force an upset on the Washington Spirit. The only trouble is that Washington now has the depth the Thorns are so sorely lacking. How can Olivia Moultrie and co. fight uphill against the most complete remaining attack in the NWSL playoffs?

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Quarterfinal Preview — Orlando Outlasts Seattle

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 02:45:00 GMT

There was only one NWSL quarterfinal that wrapped in regulation time, but it wasn't exactly a classic. The Pride's early goal let them wait Seattle's anemic offense out en route to a 1-0 victory. Was this Seattle's best performance of the year? Did Orlando offer enough to deserve the win? The guys tease out all the details.

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Quarterfinal Recap — Portland Take Down San Diego in an Attritional Grindfest

Thu, 13 Nov 2025 00:00:00 GMT

Everyone knew that the Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave could go any number of ways. But a raucous home crowd and a moment of magic from Olivia Moultrie and Reilyn Turner pushed Portland into the semifinals. How have the Thorns managed to get so far when so many key weapons haven't been available? What do the Wave need to do to keep their rejuvenated success going in the seasons to come? The guys tease it all out.

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Quarterfinal Recap — Aubrey Kingsbury Heroics Get Washington Past Louisville

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 23:35:00 GMT

The Washington Spirit played like the no. 2 seed by the end of the regular season. They offered a genuinely strong attacking performance. But Racing Louisville have been survivors all year, and took the home side all the way to penalties at Audi Field, where Aubrey Kingsbury once again shut down the shootout. How should we look at Louisville's season? Are the Spirit ready to challenge for the big trophy? The guys tip their caps to a proper contest.

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Quarterfinal Recap — Gotham Defeats Kansas City in an All-Time Upset

Tue, 11 Nov 2025 18:30:00 GMT

Though some may have predicted it—and Gotham didn't exactly play like a no. 8 seed this year—the Bats delivered the upset of the decade, beating the Current in their own house at the death of extra time. Where did things go wrong for the greatest regular-season team in NWSL history? Did Gotham play well, or did they get lucky with an injury-riddled Kansas City attack? The guys offer some nuance on this head-spinning result.

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠⁠⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Playoffs Preview, with Abigail Segel!

Tue, 04 Nov 2025 23:03:17 GMT

The 2025 NWSL regular season is in the books, but the fun is just getting started. Defector columnist ⁠Abigail Segel⁠ joined us to walk through all the Decision Day silliness, break down the four upcoming quarterfinal matchups, and what we have learned about the state of the league at the end of the year.

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

USWNT Friendlies Recap, plus the Laura Language Model

Fri, 31 Oct 2025 18:50:00 GMT

RECORDED BEFORE SARAH GORDEN'S STATEMENT ON ELIZABETH EDDY'S NEW YORK POST ARTICLE

The U.S. women's national team logged three more friendlies on their way to the World Cup, and had a full spread of results. Should we get too down about the 2-1 loss to Portugal? Should we get too high about the 6-0 demolition of New Zealand? Or was this window about continuing to get burgeoning talent more playing time? The guys give you the lowdown.

Plus, we discuss the late-breaking news about Seattle Reign head coach Laura Harvey's new coaching "strategy"!

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 25 — Trying to be Proud of Orlando

Wed, 22 Oct 2025 04:00:00 GMT

Four more teams punched their tickets to the NWSL playoffs, while Racing Louisville and the North Carolina Courage are staring each other down. Meanwhile, the Orlando Pride grabbed an emphatic win on the road against a rotated Washington Spirit. What are we to make of the Pride's regression in 2025? How have they coped without Barbra Banda? And can they return to the Championship game in a tight playoff field?

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

Subscribe to our ⁠⁠⁠Patreon⁠⁠⁠ for only $6/month to get exclusive bonus content, including the show ad-free!

Art by ⁠⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

Visualizations by ⁠Catalina Bush⁠ for ⁠ASA Viz Hub⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 24 — How Do You Beat the Kansas City Current?

Wed, 15 Oct 2025 03:00:00 GMT

The Kansas City Current have officially become the best regular-season team in NWSL history. Their win over Gotham ensures that they will break the all-time points-per-game record, plus a slew of other feats. After the whiparound, the guys walk through some key games from the second half of the year to try and see ways teams like Washington, Orlando, and Seattle could potentially spoil KC's party.

Like & subscribe to our ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠ page and watch the first volume of our Anatomy of series!

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Art by ⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠

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ASA Show - The First Annual ASA Awards

Fri, 10 Oct 2025 14:08:21 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 23 — Are Louisville In? Are North Carolina Out? Will San Diego Hang On?

Tue, 07 Oct 2025 08:40:00 GMT

Only three games left in the NWSL regular season, and Racing Louisville pulled off an emphatic road victory over the North Carolina Courage to solidify their playoff aspirations. Meanwhile, the San Diego Wave dropped yet more points and slid yet further down the table. Can Racing feel comfortable yet? Will the Wave be able to stay afloat for another month? Can the Courage somehow haul themselves back above the playoff line? The guys try to figure it all out.

Check out the latest episode of our Anatomy of series on ⁠⁠YouTube⁠⁠!

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Art by ⁠⁠Eli Elbogen⁠⁠

Music by ⁠⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 22: The Great Seattle Reign Caper

Thu, 02 Oct 2025 08:00:00 GMT

The Seattle Reign, who take fewer shots than anyone, whose defense is mediocre at best, are somehow in fourth place in the NWSL standings. How did we get here? How did they? After a quick whiparound (and a check-in on the Hina Sugita and Chloe Ricketts transfers), the guys dive into season that Laura Harvey's squad has had: what they have done right, what they have done wrong, and just how lucky they have been to be in this position. Plus, Evan makes another fateful wager.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: The NWSL Stretch Run Heat Check

Thu, 25 Sep 2025 08:10:00 GMT

Only five games remain in the NWSL regular season, and hardly anything separates those teams on either side of the playoff line, not to mention those hoping to grab a home game in the playoff quarterfinals. Which team's schedule sets them up for success? Who will fall despite recent form, thanks to some tough games in October? The guys move through all 14 teams to try and make sense of the playoff picture.

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Art by ⁠Eli Elbogen⁠

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ASA Show - Playoff Odds Drop

Wed, 17 Sep 2025 04:01:50 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 20 — Are Gotham on the Ascent? Are San Diego on the Decline?

Tue, 16 Sep 2025 08:00:00 GMT

Savannah DeMelo's collapse on Lumen Field on Sunday quickly became the most important story in the NWSL. DeMelo was responsive and alert before she was stretchered off the field, and thankfully, the league tried to learn from their poor handling of the Savy King incident by suspending the match. The guys offer some quick thoughts on DeMelo as a player, and what has made her special throughout her career.

After the whiparound, the guys dive into Gotham FC's decisive 2-0 road win over the San Diego Wave. Can Gotham continue this rich vein of form, now that most of the attack is healthy and Jaedyn Shaw is among their ranks? What can the Wave do to stop the bleeding, aside from another swing of luck? Who can stake a claim to a top-four place by season's end?

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Art by ⁠Eli Elbogen⁠

Music by ⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 19 — How Utah, Houston & Chicago Have Found Rich Veins of Form

Tue, 09 Sep 2025 09:59:37 GMT

Though all three are still firmly planted in the bottom half of the table, the fortunes of the Utah Royals, Chicago Stars, and Houston Dash have changed considerably over the past few weeks. They produced emphatic results over the weekend (including Chicago's best xG performance in three years), and the guys dig into what has changed for each club since the end of the international break. Can Houston possibly even snatch a playoff place? Never say never!

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Art by ⁠Eli Elbogen⁠

Music by ⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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NWSL Week 18: Angel City Win the Battle Against Bay FC, but Did They Lose the War for Alyssa Thompson?

Wed, 03 Sep 2025 10:15:00 GMT

A very intense Labor Day shaped up for the NWSL. After the guys whip around the league, they drill down into Angel City's first-ever results against Bay FC, a 2-1 victory at BMO Stadium. Then, they explore Alyssa Thompson's likely transfer to Chelsea. What do we know right now? How likely was it that Thompson wanted the move? What makes this a good deal for Angel City? And what could make this a disastrous deal for the club?

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Art by ⁠Eli Elbogen⁠

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ASA Show - Reviewing predictions, are we dumb?

Thu, 28 Aug 2025 04:26:16 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 17 — San Diego and Louisville, Fully Transformed

Tue, 26 Aug 2025 18:55:00 GMT

The NWSL acted semi-normal this week, so we can concentrate on the actual soccer. The guys whip around the league and touch on the Morgan Gautrat loan to Newcastle before examining Racing Louisville's 1-0 squeaker against the San Diego Wave. What have these two teams already accomplished this year, and what more can we expect from them in the weeks to come? Everything's coming up roses for Jonas Eidevall and Bev Yanez!

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Art by ⁠Eli Elbogen⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 16 — Draws, Heat, Misery Define the Weekend's Action

Tue, 19 Aug 2025 14:15:00 GMT

RECORDED BEFORE THE ALYSSA NAEHER - LIZBETH OVALLE INSANITY

For the second week in a row, we do not have a featured game of the week. That's because external forces have pushed the soccer out of the spotlight. Both Kansas City - Orlando and Gotham - Houston experienced triple-digit heat indexes at kickoff, and for the third straight weekend, the NWSL saw more than half its fixtures end in draws, a first in league history. The guys dig into the league's handling of the CPKC Stadium fiasco, and how climate change could affect games for years to come.

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Art by ⁠Eli Elbogen⁠

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 15 — Derbies, Oppressive Heat, and Unpacking the Sean Nahas Firing

Tue, 12 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

For the first time in over six years, we saw the second straight weekend where more than half the games ended in a draw. Oppressive heat? Weather delays? Who's to say. The guys whip around the league and tease out the storylines from all seven matches.

Then, they get into Sean Nahas's firing from the North Carolina Courage. They lay out the entire timeline beat for beat, and see what conclusions, if any, they can draw from the Courage's disastrous handling of the situation.

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Music by ⁠Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs⁠

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ASA Show - Mihailovic, Muller, Min Son (Heung) Moves

Fri, 08 Aug 2025 04:43:23 GMT

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NWSL Week 14: Rodman and Sentnor and Copa América NARRATIVE CHAOS

Tue, 05 Aug 2025 09:00:00 GMT

The NWSL is back! And boy oh boy not much happened, until everything did. The guys dissect the blockbuster transfer of Ally Sentnor to the Kansas City Current (01:48) then whip around the rest of the league (26:41) before hitting their featured game of the week, the Washington Spirit's 2-1 victory over the Portland Thorns. (34:28) There's tactics, and then there's Trinity Rodman scoring in her first game in four months. We wrap things up dissecting the other insane game of the weekend, Brazil's shootout defeat of Colombia in the Copa América final. (45:20)

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ASA Show - Analytics Tiers and Survey

Thu, 24 Jul 2025 02:12:05 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT Recap — For the Irish, Denver & Cincinnati are Houses of Pain

Tue, 01 Jul 2025 09:00:00 GMT

The USWNT tore off a couple friendlies over the weekend, hammering the Republic of Ireland 8-0 across matches in Commerce City and Cincinnati. There were few learnings to speak of, but that doesn't mean the guys don't try to dig a few out. Most importantly: will anyone become the new left back? Anyone????

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Art by Eli Elbogen

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ASA Show - Club World Cup Conundrums

Thu, 26 Jun 2025 04:55:24 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 13 — We Need to Talk About Utah

Tue, 24 Jun 2025 09:00:00 GMT

We've reached the halfway point of the 2025 NWSL regular season, and though we've been putting it off as long as possible, we have no choice but to discuss the Utah Royals. After a quick whiparound (2:19) and an analysis of the Seattle Reign's side of their 4-1 victory in Sandy (25:38), the guys get to the state of the Royals organization. How have they managed to be worse this season than during Amy Rodriguez's time as head coach? Can Jimmy Coenraets get these players to play expansively and proactively, or is he delusional about their talent level? As we head into the international break, we pause the NWSL season on a real high note.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 12 Recap — Bay FC's Home Loss to Orlando; plus, Angel City head coach Alex Straus!

Tue, 17 Jun 2025 09:20:31 GMT

Another week, another slightly chaotic result. Bay FC lost 1-0 at home to the Orlando Pride, but not without producing some scintillating stuff in the game-state-driven closing stage of the match. Might Bay be turning the corner in spite of the result? Might Orlando be just fine despite some regression from last year? The guys puzzle it over (21:06). Then, they chat with new Angel City FC head coach Alex Straus about his coaching philosophy, his ambitions for this season, and what the team can accomplish in years to come. Somehow, some way, Hegel gets referenced (39:45).

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 11 — San Diego Returns to Baseline, Seattle Sacrifices to Sufferballs Gods

Tue, 10 Jun 2025 09:00:00 GMT

NWSL clubs came out of the international break a little rickety, and with plenty of fire. The guys whip around the league to hit the officiating controversy with Gotham, puzzle over Alex Straus's first game with Angel City, and debate Louisville's future (1:51). Then, they peel back the layers of a grubby contest in San Diego between the Wave and the Seattle Reign. Has San Diego been getting lucky in attack? Can the Reign continue their trench warfare in all of these 1-goal victories? Just how ridiculous was Sally Menti's finish? (27:10)

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Art by Eli Elbogen

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ASA Show - Harrison and Ben Go On An Adventure

Fri, 06 Jun 2025 02:19:26 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT Recap — Two More First Caps, Plus NWSL Messiness

Thu, 05 Jun 2025 09:44:19 GMT

The U.S. women's national team put two more friendlies in the books. What can a 7-0 aggregate scoreline against China and Jamaica really tell us about the side, two years out from the 2027 World Cup? Has Phallon Tullis-Joyce grabbed the starting keeper job? Did Kerry Abello prove herself enough to be called back in? Could Alyssa Thompson even be the better option than Mallory Swanson on the left wing? The guys try to find sticky answers to all this and more (2:50). They also rant about the meanings and attendant absurdities of Alex Straus's arrival at Angel City, Jonatan Giráldez's departure for Lyon, Jessica Berman's and Michele Kang's DEI "gaffes", and the ugliness of Curt Johnson's hire by the Denver expansion franchise (31:20).

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 10 — Unpacking the Sam Laity "Era" of Angel City

Tue, 27 May 2025 21:35:03 GMT

Six games, 27 goals: 4.5 goals per game this weekend marks the second-highest per-game goal total over a single NWSL matchweek in league history. It's been nearly four years since a matchweek saw no clean sheets recorded. It was goals galore!

The guys touch on Gotham's CONCACAF W Champions Cup victory in Mexico (00:43), then whip around the goalscoring bananza across five other NWSL matches (02:33), before digging into Angel City's 3-2 home loss to Racing Louisville. They break down Louisville's and Angel City's performances (15:34) before shifting gears to the uncalled handball penalty late in the second half (28:16), the issue of Christen Press's playing time (33:10), and unpacking the meaning of Sam Laity's 10 games as interim head coach (44:37).

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 9 — HEAT CHECK Part II

Wed, 21 May 2025 09:05:33 GMT

The numbers? Still Sticky! But before they dive back in, Eric and Evan briefly discuss the latest USWNT Roster and one very notable omission (hint: it rhymes Shmorbin Shmalbert). Then, the guys are joined once more by Kim McCauley of the Guardian to finish their review of the data, check their sometimes questionable priors (Utah), and call out a few of their own goals (again, Utah).

Teams featured in Part II:

Utah Royals (5:42)

North Carolina Courage (14:13)

Gotham (20:32)

Bay FC (27:36)

Kansas City Current (35:36)

Orlando Pride (44:59)

Washington Spirit (58:21)

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Art by Eli Elbogen

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 9 — HEAT CHECK Part I

Tue, 20 May 2025 09:54:29 GMT

The numbers are sticky (or, at least, stickier)! Finally, we have a clearer picture of which teams are contenders and which teams still have some (or a lot of) work to do. The guys are joined by Kim McCauley of the Guardian to sort through the data, check their priors, and call out a few of their own goals.

Teams featured in Part I:

Chicago Stars (2:03)

Houston Dash (9:22)

Portland Thorns (17:36)

San Diego Wave (28:34)

Seattle Reign (37:42)

Racing Louisville (43:13)

Angel City (49:23)

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 8 — Chicago Stars are Blind

Tue, 13 May 2025 09:00:00 GMT

Believe it or not, the guys were already planning on featuring the Chicago Stars' 3-2 loss at home to the Washington Spirit as their game of the week, and then Lesley Ryder published her story on the state of the Stars. Much of what Stars GM Richard Feuz said that piece was embodied by Chicago, who put up their best attacking performance at home in nearly three years, but promise little for the future.

The guys whip around the league (1:45) and then dive into what the Spirit's defense is still missing, and what the Stars are now at this crucial juncture (34:07).

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 7 — Parity 4evr???

Tue, 06 May 2025 10:06:59 GMT

The top-4 only managed to grab a single combined point over the weekend. Does this mean last year's us-and-them table is a thing of the past? Maaaayyyyybe. The guys whip around the league to figure some of this out (2:56), and then close with the Portland Thorns' 1-0 win over the Orlando Pride at Providence Park (37:59). Barbra Banda was all alone, Coffey and Hina bossed proceedings, and Olivia Moultrie is locking in.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

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ASA Show - Seattle Colorado, Atlanta Orlando, Vancouver Minnesota

Wed, 30 Apr 2025 18:31:28 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 6 — Chaos League Whiparound

Tue, 29 Apr 2025 09:27:26 GMT

All games from this weekend are our featured game, because too much insanity occurred for one match to pull focus. The guys go through all of it, from Orlando's epic comeback to North Carolina's at-the-death victory to a foul-choked draw between Portland and Louisville, not to mention Gotham's beatdown of Washington and Chicago's whimper of a performance against San Diego.

CHAPTERS

3:35 - Houston Dash

8:27 - Utah Royals

11:47 - Bay FC

15:23 - Seattle Reign

19:35 - North Carolina Courage

24:06 - Kansas City Current

26:37 - Washington Spirit

30:21 - Gotham FC

32:49 - Chicago Stars FC

34:16 - San Diego Wave

37:20 - Orlando Pride

39:40 - Angel City FC

43:45 - Racing Louisville

51:17 - Portland Thorns

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 5 — The Wave Go Surfing in Louisville

Tue, 22 Apr 2025 09:00:00 GMT

The whiparound, like the weekend's NWSL action, doesn't exactly quicken the guys' pulses on today's episode (00:41). But there are many important things to address with the Washington Spirit's 1-0 road win against the Orlando Pride, not least of which is the handling of Ashley Hatch's concussion (10:48). This week's featured game takes us down to Kentucky, where the Wave pasted Racing 4-1. But what was going on beneath the surface? Is San Diego a contender? Do the underlying data or the eye test (plus a soft schedule) tell the realer story of Louisville's first five games (19:07)?

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ASA Show - Ilya Orlov Reviews Direct Attacks

Thu, 17 Apr 2025 04:04:12 GMT

Paper available here: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/40063598/

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 4: Gotham on Fire, North Carolina Courage Adrift

Tue, 15 Apr 2025 07:54:57 GMT

Seven games, six road victories, four of them shutouts. It was a weird weekend in the NWSL, and the guys scan the ups and downs from all of the action (1:14). Then, they peruse Gotham's 3-1 home victory over the North Carolina Courage (23:01). Each club had a starting center back missing, but only one didn't play like it. Is Gotham the sleeping giant that has finally awoken? Has North Carolina reached the end of the road with Nahas-Ball, especially since Jaedyn Shaw and Ashley Sanchez really aren't clicking? What does this result portend for the rest of Gotham's and North Carolina's seasons?

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT Recap — A Split Card against Brazil

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 09:00:00 GMT

One for them, one for us. The USWNT beat Brazil fairly comfortably in Trinity Rodman's return to the U.S. lineup in front of over 32,000 in Los Angeles, while an incredibly green squad went down 2-1 to the Seleção in San Jose. The guys tackle Saturday's victory first (3:05) before noting that each friendly was a mirror image of each other from a tactical and personnel perspective (7:11). This leads into figuring out who might now be at the top of the USWNT goalkeeper depth chart. (16:47) The guys then analyze Tuesday's loss, which highlighted the work still to be done by Emma Hayes and co. (35:06). They scratch their heads at the usage of Jaedyn Shaw over the past year (39:46), while trying to determine what Alana Cook's substitute appearance means for the center back depth chart (44:54). They close with an overview of news contained in the release of the new NWSL collective bargaining agreement, and whether there are big format changes coming in the next few years (46:37).

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Peter Vermes is Out, How Would We Fix SKC?

Thu, 10 Apr 2025 03:46:59 GMT

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ASA Show - Akshay Easwaran, Data Engineer at US Soccer

Wed, 02 Apr 2025 03:31:38 GMT

Akshay Easwaran, a data engineer with US Soccer and formerly of Atlanta United joins the boys to talk data democratization, working for his boyhood* club, meeting Emma Hayes, and the differences between club and national team ball on the data side.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 3 — Angel City's Up, Seattle Reign are Wayyyyy Down

Tue, 01 Apr 2025 09:00:00 GMT

More draws! With even fewer goals! The guys whip around the league to gawk at some less-than-stellar matches (1:40) before diving into this week's featured contest, Angel City's 2-1 defeat of the Seattle Reign at home. We preamble a bit (17:00), and then peel back what's been suprisingly effective about Angel City's attack (19:00), before trying to understand how Seattle could be even messier than we expected (31:40). We cap it off with a discussion of what kind of a player fans can expect Christen Press to be going forward (37:43).

If you're going to the USWNT- Brazil match at SoFi Stadium in Los Angeles this weekend, hit us up! We'd love to see you and chat all things WoSo.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 2 Top-4 Clash of the Titans

Tue, 25 Mar 2025 08:40:14 GMT

The top four all played each other this weekend, in a couple of tasty fixtures filled with drama and intrigue. After the whiparound of the league's fixtures, the guys get into the main events. (8:28) The Kansas City Current got the officiating calls to go their way and Temwa Chawinga tore the Washington Spirit's heart out at the last second. (26:52) The Orlando Pride didn't score once in open play but dispatched Gotham 2-0 in front of their home fans in New Jersey. What do we now know about these title contenders?

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 1 Power Rankings

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 19:11:51 GMT

One down, 25 to go! The first round of NWSL matches is in the books for 2025, and it was a morass of beatdowns and 1-1 draws. Who's up and who's down relative to our preseason rankings? The guys look at all seven games and figure out who has shifted since they made their initial picks.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Gotham FC, with Jenna Tonelli

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 18:17:40 GMT

The Bats took flight across the regular season, but were felled in penalties to Washington in the NWSL playoffs. Then the rumors of behind-the-scenes discord kicked up. Then a dozen players departed. Amid all of this upheaval, do they still have the goods to be one of the best teams in the league? Jenna Tonelli of Sports Illustrated dropped by to pitch herself as Gotham's goalie, with Evan as the no. 9 in a pinch.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Kansas City Current, with Thom Bomb of Shea Butter FC

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:56:38 GMT

The Kansas City Current were the best team on paper last year. They rostered the league's MVP and producer of one of the greatest seasons in league history, Temwa Chawinga. But they fell to budding rivals Orlando Pride in the semifinal. Are they read to take the next step and win a trophy? Thom Bomb of Shea Butter FC and Shades of Blue walked the guys through the (few) roster changes the club made, and how they can improve upon last year's historic performance.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — North Carolina Courage, with Kim McCauley

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:52:49 GMT

The Courage made a massive splash in getting Jaedyn Shaw in the winter. After Kerolin moved on, the club needed a creative artist to help unlock a moribund attack. But can she fit into the broader structure of head coach Sean Nahas's plans? Kim McCauley of the Guardian came on to separate the wheat from the chaff in the club with one of the strongest reputations in the NWSL.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Portland Thorns, with Kim McCauley

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 17:48:53 GMT

Who is going to play for the Portland Thorns? With Sophia Wilson gone for the year, and Morgan Weaver on the bench for potentially all season, their attack feels thin. Their defense is getting a hard reboot, too. Portland may. have never had more questions around them than right now. Kim McCauley of the Guardian tries to find some silver lining in the dark clouds, with varying degrees of success.

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Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - A Goals Added Draft

Wed, 19 Mar 2025 03:01:14 GMT

We recorded this one a liiiiil while ago, go gentle

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Bay FC, with Anna Daccache

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 11:01:13 GMT

Bay 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Chicago Stars FC, with Lesley Ryder

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 08:12:17 GMT

The 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Angel City FC, with Michelle Chavez & Mark Parsons

Wed, 12 Mar 2025 01:11:18 GMT

Angel 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 new regime in Los Angeles. (33:04)

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Racing Louisville, with Bekki Morgan

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 07:00:58 GMT

Four 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Utah Royals, with Kieran Doyle-Davis

Tue, 11 Mar 2025 06:01:00 GMT

Kieran returns to share his pitch to NWSL front offices about some 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?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Seattle Reign, with Sylvs of Shea Butter FC

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 09:27:32 GMT

The 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Houston Dash, with Theo Lloyd-Hughes

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 07:16:12 GMT

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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — San Diego Wave, with Kieran Doyle-Davis

Mon, 10 Mar 2025 06:00:00 GMT

Out 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)

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Washington Spirit, with Ella Brockway

Fri, 07 Mar 2025 08:07:17 GMT

The 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Song

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Preview Week — Orlando Pride, with Bridie O'Toole

Thu, 06 Mar 2025 14:05:43 GMT

Welcome 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 the league.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT Recap — Don't Stop SheBelievin'

Fri, 28 Feb 2025 07:00:00 GMT

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!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Season Previews Part 3, The Inner Circle Contenders

Thu, 20 Feb 2025 05:40:49 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Breaking Down the USWNT SheBelieves Roster

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 19:44:04 GMT

The 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!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Season Previews Part 2, Stuck in the Middle with You

Tue, 18 Feb 2025 03:09:29 GMT

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ASA Show - Season Previews, the Bottom 10

Thu, 13 Feb 2025 05:21:18 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: College Week, Pt. 1 with Chris Henderson

Tue, 11 Feb 2025 08:54:41 GMT

The 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Live in Houston, with Arielle Dror & Jen Cooper!

Tue, 04 Feb 2025 18:57:15 GMT

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 women's soccer researcher/historian/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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs (chopped n screwed remix by Evan Davis)

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ASA Show - Arman Kafai and How to Get Into Soccer Analytics

Thu, 30 Jan 2025 05:09:49 GMT

Arman Kafai, formerly the lead analytics consultant for FC Dallas stops by to talk about his analytics journey and drop some takes on the craziness of this MLS offseason.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Jenna Nighswonger is a Gunner. What's going on with Gotham?

Tue, 28 Jan 2025 09:06:15 GMT

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 wrap things up with a not-so-scintillating London derby between Chelsea and Arsenal, which probably wraps up the WSL title for the Blues. (49:00) Packed show this week!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: When Will San Diego and Louisville Catch the Big Fish?

Tue, 21 Jan 2025 22:33:14 GMT

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 each signed a player who may or may not have an impact in 2025 (39:34). And the guys close the show mourning the loss of filmmaker, artist, musician, and pop culture icon David Lynch (44:40).

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Read Corpses, Fools & Monsters
Read Laura Dern's birthday message to David Lynch
Read Kyle MacLachlan's remembrance of David Lynch
Read Naomi Watts's remembrance of David Lynch
Read Vera Drew's tribute to David Lynch

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ASA Show - Matt Pfeffer, Colorado Rapids Director of Analytics

Mon, 20 Jan 2025 17:51:33 GMT

Ben and Kieran spoke to Matt Pfeffer about his origin in soccer analytics, the constructions of MLS from the viewpoint of financial markets, and a whole lot of hockey.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: New Year, New US(WNT)

Tue, 14 Jan 2025 17:03:17 GMT

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!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Roster Rules Changes, Squad Building in MLS vs Europe with Nikos Overheul

Wed, 08 Jan 2025 04:40:11 GMT

We were lucky enough to have former Vancouver Whitecaps Direct of Recruitment Nikos Overheul join us again to talk some of the rules changes (and impending rules changes) in MLS since he left Vancouver, the differences squad building in MLS vs Europe, and we even got a story about driving with Vanni Sartini.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: The Biggest Own Goals of the Year

Tue, 31 Dec 2024 14:52:46 GMT

It'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!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: The NWSL Holiday Transactions Roundup

Tue, 24 Dec 2024 07:00:00 GMT

Becky 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 signs with Kansas City
38:20 - Rocky Rodríguez traded to Kansas City
43:05 - French attacker Julie Dufour transfers to Angel City
48:24 - College signings

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Art by Eli Elbogen

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: The xOG Top 10 Players of 2024

Tue, 17 Dec 2024 21:18:24 GMT

It'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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Rosters Locked and the GM Carousel Continues

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 19:19:23 GMT

NWSL 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka’s Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - MLS Cup, Expansion Draft, Fake Awards, and Potpourri

Wed, 11 Dec 2024 05:54:42 GMT

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT Recap, plus Kicking Off The NWSL Offseason with Taylor Vincent!

Thu, 05 Dec 2024 06:26:12 GMT

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)

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Best 11, Riqui Puig, and MLS Cup Preview

Wed, 04 Dec 2024 05:18:32 GMT

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ASA Show - USL Championship and MLS Conference Finals Preview

Fri, 29 Nov 2024 02:01:21 GMT

You never saw the original of this

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Championship Recap—The Spirit Taken Down by the Pride, but Not Without a Fight

Tue, 26 Nov 2024 02:45:12 GMT

What. 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Championship Preview, Part 2: Our Podcast with André (Carlisle)

Sat, 23 Nov 2024 09:51:05 GMT

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 ballin' out during their afternoon practice session.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: The NWSL Championship Deep Dive, with Orlando Pride GM Haley Carter

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 22:11:50 GMT

The 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!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show: Tata is Out and Previewing the MLS Conference Semi Finals

Thu, 21 Nov 2024 05:14:31 GMT

This isn’t a tabloid

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: The NWSL Semifinals Delivered the Goods

Tue, 19 Nov 2024 09:50:45 GMT

Well there you have it! The Washington Spirit will play the Orlando Pride at CPKC Stadium in Kansas City on Saturday for the NWSL Championship. Each semifinal 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Playoffs Recap -- The Quarterfinals Were Etched in Chalk

Tue, 12 Nov 2024 22:04:19 GMT

The 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) and Washington-Gotham (56:46) be like? Is each match really a coin flip? The Guys get into all of it.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Playoffs Preview, Part II

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 14:16:10 GMT

In 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 last year's extra-time humiliation. Things could get spicy!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Checking in on the Best of 3

Wed, 06 Nov 2024 04:53:43 GMT

Donald Trump would ban the best of 3

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Playoffs Preview, Part I

Tue, 05 Nov 2024 18:36:07 GMT

The 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 suggest?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: A USWNT Round-Up, and Our NWSL Awards Ballots!

Tue, 29 Oct 2024 07:03:21 GMT

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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Previewing the Best of 3 Round in the MLS Playoffs

Thu, 24 Oct 2024 03:53:06 GMT

Playoffs, they’re here!

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NWSL Week 25: Louisville, Portland, and all the Playoff Scenarios Fit to Print

Tue, 22 Oct 2024 09:03:58 GMT

Racing 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 Red Stars grudge match (32:53). Bay FC are now the dark horse of the playoff field after their convincing defeat of the North Carolina Courage (35:01). And we close with everything that has to happen for Portland, Louisville, and Bay FC to get into the postseason (46:48).

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 24: "Stop Laughing, The Chicago Red Stars Suck!!!" And Other Ravings of a Madman

Tue, 15 Oct 2024 17:05:44 GMT

The 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. Only four other teams have ever finished sixth or higher with that points total.

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 horrible recent performances against San Diego and Houston--can be overcome once November rolls around.

Click here to vote on what Evan has to do if the Red Stars win their quarterfinal match!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - End of Season Awards and the First Ever ASA Brown Liquor Special

Wed, 09 Oct 2024 13:48:04 GMT

The boys poured out the good stuff and got into awards voting as they decide the actual ASA awards ballot in real time.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 23 -- The Portland Thorns, Racing Louisville, and the Dangling Thread of the Playoff Line

Tue, 08 Oct 2024 09:34:37 GMT

We 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 the playoff line. Neither team did themselves any favors with two very different losses. Which team has the edge to go to the quarterfinals in November?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 22 -- Bay FC are Doing the Damn Thing

Tue, 01 Oct 2024 21:10:31 GMT

A 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - New Playoff Simulation Odds, and 22 Under 22

Fri, 27 Sep 2024 01:22:39 GMT

Ben, Harrison, and Kieran talk the latest MLS playoff odds to descend from the Heavens above (Matthias’ laptop), and some unsung heroes from the 22U22 nominee pool.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 21 -- Kansas City Current Remind Everyone Who They Are

Wed, 25 Sep 2024 19:07:06 GMT

Oh, 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!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 20 -- The Orlando-KC Staredown, and Portland's Continued Implosion

Wed, 18 Sep 2024 08:05:34 GMT

We'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?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - The End of Carlos Bocanegra, The Beginning of ASAtlanta

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 03:58:14 GMT

Ben, Harrison, and Kieran talk about the Boca era in Atlanta and how they would go about rebuilding the team who invented soccer. No trivia, but we hear from Caleb Porter.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 19 -- Au Revoir Alex Morgan, Bonjour Bay FC!

Wed, 11 Sep 2024 00:06:42 GMT

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?

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 18 -- A Walk through Gotham with Jenna Tonelli!

Tue, 03 Sep 2024 09:00:48 GMT

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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - A Draftless MLS and Does Leagues Cup = MLS Cup?

Wed, 28 Aug 2024 04:59:09 GMT

Harrison gets fired up about the MLSPA, Ben thinks Columbus is the best MLS team of all time, and Kieran asks some trivia.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 17 -- Your Spirit Has a Powerful Current Running from Washington to Kansas City

Tue, 27 Aug 2024 20:46:16 GMT

Jonatan 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!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Emergency Pod -- The NWSL's Historic New Labor Agreement

Thu, 22 Aug 2024 19:57:06 GMT

The NWSL Players Association has just signed a new collective bargaining agreement, which may be one of the most historically significant labor deals in 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 sports labor.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka’s Bell Dance Songs

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The Big Midseason NWSL Transfer Round-Up!

Tue, 20 Aug 2024 08:53:44 GMT

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 injury crisis? Is Katie Zelem really an improvement for Angel City? How does one make sense of Jaelin Howell and Ana-Maria Crnogorčević at the Seattle Reign and Bethany Balcer at Racing Louisville? Are the Washington Spirit's signings an embarrassment of riches? Is Cortnee Vine the final missing piece in the North Carolina Courage attack? Listen and find out!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show: Secondary Transfer Window Whip Around

Wed, 14 Aug 2024 03:35:14 GMT

Harrison, Ben, and Kieran drop off a transfer they love, a transfer they hate, and a transfer they really wish happened. And, trivia.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Olympics Recap -- The USWNT Paved the Parisian Streets with Gold

Mon, 12 Aug 2024 01:36:44 GMT

369 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, and argue why nobody should get too high about this victory--or too low.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Olympics Recap -- The USWNT are Exhausted, but are On to the Gold Medal Game

Wed, 07 Aug 2024 20:05:37 GMT

The 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 for the Americans.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Olympics Recap -- The USWNT Struggles but Moves On to the Semifinals

Sun, 04 Aug 2024 20:57:18 GMT

It 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!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Olympics Recap--The USWNT Win Group B, Face Japan in the Quarterfinals

Thu, 01 Aug 2024 14:41:04 GMT

The 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 for the knockout stage? And what dangers--and opportunities--do Japan offer? Eric & Evan tackle it all!

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Olympics Recap -- The USWNT Fly Through Germany in the Balmy Marseille Air

Mon, 29 Jul 2024 06:29:47 GMT

Bang! 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Olympics Recap: The USWNT Opens its Account With a Dazzling Win over Zambia

Fri, 26 Jul 2024 08:10:15 GMT

There 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: The Big USWNT Olympics Preview! Plus Zambia, Germany, & Australia

Mon, 22 Jul 2024 12:29:22 GMT

Here 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.

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Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Jesse Marsch, Gregg Berhalter, and International Analytics

Thu, 18 Jul 2024 03:52:24 GMT

The resident Canadian drops in to discuss the comparisons between Jesse Marsch and triple G, while Ben and Harrison have an astute conversation about how they think about international play analytically.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: The USWNT Preps for the Olympics by Beating Mexico. Plus, A BIG ANNOUNCEMENT!

Mon, 15 Jul 2024 08:06:29 GMT

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

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Expected Own Goals: NWSL Week 16: Kansas City Current vs. Orlando Pride Was the Game of the Season

Tue, 09 Jul 2024 18:48:24 GMT

The 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

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Expected Own Goals: NWSL Midseason Check-In, Pt. 2: Firings, Awards and time to Buckle Up, San Diego?!

Tue, 02 Jul 2024 16:10:25 GMT

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 is even is a rout?

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Peter Vermes and the Hallmarks of Winning Organizations

Thu, 27 Jun 2024 01:33:25 GMT

The boys get existential about what drives winning and how you build your organization when you have a generational coach. And, trivia.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: Midseason Check-In, Pt. I: The State of the League

Tue, 25 Jun 2024 12:30:32 GMT

We'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 Orlando Pride buck current tactical trends? (25:17)
Are the Pride or the Kansas City Current the tactical future of the NWSL? (29:16)
How has money influenced both tactics and the development of players to fit those tactics? (35:21)
Whose first-half results have been real or not real? (42:55)

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Anonymous MLS Analytics Survey and the State of Analytics in MLS

Wed, 19 Jun 2024 13:42:38 GMT

ASA recently dropped the anonymous MLS analytics survey, as well as the Analytics Tier List for MLS and the guys get into who is where and how that lined up with expectation, as well as where the league is heading analytically.

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NWSL Week 12: The Bats Take Flight as Gotham FC Start Dominating

Tue, 18 Jun 2024 18:31:25 GMT

Gotham 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
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 11: Rappelling Down the Seattle Reign Cavern, with Sylvs of Shea Butter FC!

Tue, 11 Jun 2024 15:01:38 GMT

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

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT Recap -- The Emma Hayes Era Kicks Off With Goals Goals Goals!

Thu, 06 Jun 2024 10:27:51 GMT

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.

Need a pick-me-up? Four out of five doctors recommend SoMalloTrin!

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 10: Destiny's Children? (H-Town Screwed Mix)

Tue, 28 May 2024 14:32:59 GMT

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

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ASA Show - In Tribute of Om Arvind

Wed, 22 May 2024 02:59:15 GMT

Kieran remembers Om Arvind, whose fundraiser you can donate to here: https://gofund.me/78b2bf97 . The boys join to discuss US Open Cup and MLS’ place in the larger US Soccer pyramid, Toronto FC, and Seattle. As always, trivia.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 9 -- The Utah Royals Stare into the Void

Tue, 21 May 2024 11:36:03 GMT

Another 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

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL VIBE CHECK, PT. II -- DOUBLE THE OWN GOALS, DOUBLE THE FUN!?!?

Fri, 17 May 2024 10:36:51 GMT

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

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ASA Show - Messi the Magical Assister

Fri, 17 May 2024 04:36:02 GMT

Harrison, Ben, and Kieran talk Inter Miami and the Lazarus pit driven powers of Messi and friends. Messi, good or not? Important questions. And, trivia.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Vibe Check, Pt. I -- xOG's Biggest Own Goals of the Season!

Tue, 14 May 2024 10:59:28 GMT

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

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: What We Talk About When We Talk About The Red Stars, with Gal Pal Sports!

Tue, 07 May 2024 09:02:16 GMT

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 The Bear!

Listen to Football is Wife, hosted by Lesley Ryder and Emily Anderson

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Stuck in El Trafico

Thu, 02 May 2024 03:27:40 GMT

Ben, Harrison, and Kieran get in the weeds about Dejan Joveljic’s career progression and how LAFC are always good even when they aren’t that good. And, trivia.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS--NWSL Week 6--Spirit: Pride of the Cimarron

Tue, 30 Apr 2024 09:00:55 GMT

Is 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.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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NWSL Week 5: Angel Cities with Filthy Soles, NC Courage Cursed by the Soccer Gods

Tue, 23 Apr 2024 12:03:11 GMT

The 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!

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 4: Gotham Gets Weird, and the Kansas City Current Put the "Fly" in "Chawinga"

Tue, 16 Apr 2024 08:38:22 GMT

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

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: USWNT Recap: Does SheBelieve?

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 09:49:00 GMT

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 Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Colorado Rapids and do soccer analytics practitioners grow on trees?

Thu, 11 Apr 2024 07:24:00 GMT

Ben went to the Rapids game and hits us with some in person reporting, and the guys answer some listener questions including: how do we make more soccer analysts?

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Late-Game Deciders: A Breakdown of San Diego-Seattle, Portland-Louisville, and Bay-Houston!

Tue, 02 Apr 2024 09:23:14 GMT

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.

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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ASA Show - Small Sample Size Suppositions 2024

Thu, 28 Mar 2024 09:00:00 GMT

Harrison returns from his Kraken based absence and the crew talk about some early season things that may or may not continue as the sample size fairy visits us every week. Also, trivia.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS: NWSL Week 2: The Spirit in the Bay is Strong!

Tue, 26 Mar 2024 15:54:19 GMT

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 light? 1) Maybe 2) Probably 3) Get on your knees and pray.

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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Expected Own Goals: The NWSL is BACK, BABY! Breaking Down the Loony Nine-Goal Chaos Show at Kansas City

Tue, 19 Mar 2024 22:04:17 GMT

The 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 properly adjust to Janine Beckie's arrival in the second half? What on earth was Christine Sinclair doing starting the game at right wing? They get into all of it and more.

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music byDevin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS - NWSL Preview Week Concludes with the San Diego Wave + Gotham FC

Fri, 15 Mar 2024 11:08:07 GMT

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 written preview of today's teams.

Art byEli Elbogen
Music byDevin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS - NWSL Preview Week: Portland Thorns + North Carolina Courage, with Arianna Cascone

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 11:31:46 GMT

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’s absence.

Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams, one of which was written by Arianna herself!

Check out Arianna’s work at Backheeled

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

ASA Show - Go Kraken and Small Sample Size Suggestions

Thu, 14 Mar 2024 05:07:33 GMT

Harrison goes to watch the Kraken, so Kieran and Ben commiserate as wooden spoon buddies. An update on the g+ draft and a deep dive on an MLS legend's instagram feed.

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EXPECTED OWN GOALS - NWSL Preview Week: Angel City + Seattle Reign, with Susie Rantz

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 23:31:33 GMT

Another two-episode day here at xOG for NWSL Season Preview Week. We’re heading out to the 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 roster to get to the postseason for the eighth time in the club’s 11-year history.

Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams (both written by Evan!)

Check out Susie’s work at Ride of the Valkyries

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

EXPECTED OWN GOALS - NWSL Preview Week: Orlando Pride + Washington Spirit, with André Carlisle

Wed, 13 Mar 2024 13:03:36 GMT

**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 Washington Spirit, and how incoming head coach Jonatan Giráldez will bring his Barcelona DNA to a team that barely managed 46% possession last season.

Click here to read ASA's written preview of today's teams

Check out André’s work at the Beyond the Vaudevillian Cane newsletter, and the Diaspora United and HEY SPIRITS podcasts

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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Expected Own Goals - NWSL Preview Week: Racing Louisville + Houston Dash, with Theo Lloyd-Hughes

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 20:16:19 GMT

Our 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

Check out Theo’s work at the Squad Depth newsletter and podcast

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Expected Own Goals - NWSL Preview Week: Chicago Red Stars + Kansas City Current

Tue, 12 Mar 2024 11:55:00 GMT

It’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 today's teams!

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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Expected Own Goals - BAY-UTAH

Mon, 11 Mar 2024 13:07:14 GMT

This is a really exciting day. In addition to launching 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 nitty-gritty of the beautiful game. Hope you enjoy the show, and kick back as Kieran joins us for our first two previews: the Utah Royals and Bay FC!

Click here to check out ASA's written preview of today's teams!

Art by Eli Elbogen
Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Note: Some minor cursing. Listener discretion is advised.

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