The Women's Soccer Podcast

All-American defensive powerhouse Zara Chavoshi joins the podcast to unpack navigating her dual-national identity, anchoring Wake Forest’s historic run to the College Cup final, and carving out her future as the Orlando Pride's pioneering direct-from-college signing.

Zara pulls back the curtain on the mental fortitude required to jump from a historical national championship game run with the Wake Forest Demon Deacons into an unprecedented market where she became the first direct collegiate free-agent signing in Pride history, leaning on her values and support systems in this new process.

She opens up about her unique in...

Racing Louisville FC cornerstone and all-time appearance leader Lauren Milliet joins the podcast to unpack what it takes to build a club's legacy from the ground up.

As the only remaining original player from Racing Louisville's inception, Lauren pulls back the curtain on her early days in the league, talking about her journey from her draft-day experience directly into a star-studded rookie season with the North Carolina Courage.

She details what it was like to find her footing in the pros while training day in and day out alongside world-class players like Sam Mewis, Crystal...

LDG executes a complete post-mortem on the chaotic results, diving straight into the USWNT's two-game slate against Spain to unpack exactly what went wrong, who stood out, and how Emma Hayes is handling a glaring tactical reality check ahead of World Cup qualifying. LDG emphasizes the importance of youth development and the need for the team to adapt quickly to high-pressure situations without having the safety net of getting another opportunity to take on a top side after a tough result in the first game.

He dives deep into the 2-0 loss at Audi Field and the 2–2 co...

Dynamic Nigerian forward Gift Monday joins the podcast to share insider insights on the future of the Super Falcons, adjusting to the unique physical demands of the NWSL, and reflecting on her time with the Spirit.

Recorded mere days before, and published right after, her blockbuster trade to Boston Legacy FC from the Washington Spirit, this deep-dive interview covers her footballing journey from her earliest soccer memories into a prolific career that has spanned across multiple continents.

Gift bridges her formative youth international experiences, specifically looking back at what she absorbed during the 2018 U-20 Women’s...

Bay FC goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz sits down to discuss her rise to the international stage and anchoring the defensive foundation of Bay FC in the NWSL.

Joining the podcast just days before the USWNT’s highly anticipated October window versus Spain, the rising star shares insider insights on her historic journey as the first Iowa State player ever drafted into the league, why the Bay FC project was the perfect step for her, and stepping into the undisputed number-one goalkeeper role.

Jordan dives into her spectacular personal form this season, reflecting on her trade to Ba...

What are the key storylines to watch as the USWNT prepares for its upcoming friendlies against Spain? How will roster changes, injuries, and selection questions shape the U.S. squad ahead of this defining stretch ahead of Women's World Cup qualifying and the 2027 World Cup in Brazil?

LDG takes a deep dive into this high-stakes international window to break down how a sudden wave of injuries has completely disrupted the U.S. roster and forced Emma Hayes to test the program's depth against top-tier European opposition.

LDG unpacks how injuries have dramatically reshaped the U...

1. FC Union Berlin defender Amber Tysiak sits down to discuss her football journey and orchestrating a backline in the Frauen-Bundesliga. She shares insider insights on her high-profile January transfer window move to Berlin, taking her game to the next level, and Union Berlin's high-stakes campaign to climb to the pinnacle of European soccer.

Tracing her journey from her senior Red Flames debut against the Netherlands to representing Belgium at two European Championships, she shares how she learned to navigate elite international pressure and the advice she would give to her younger self.

Amber also talks...

Tenacious midfielder and technical dynamo Noelle Bond-Flasza joins the podcast to share insider insights on signing her first professional contract, anchoring Linköping FC's high-stakes rebuild in the Elitettan, and entering a historic club at a unique turning point.

Tracing her journey from an abrupt introduction to the international stage with the Jamaica U-20 National Team to captaining the California Golden Bears through long-term injury setbacks, Noelle shares how she learned to navigate elite pressure and the resilience advice she would give to her younger self. Noelle also talks about her evolution as a player, reflecting on h...

Houston Dash wingback and rising USWNT star Avery Patterson joins the podcast to discuss her high-stakes future in Houston, anchoring the club's tactical rebuild in the NWSL, and breaking into the senior international environment ahead of the 2027 Women's World Cup in Brazil.

Tracing her journey from a young girl watching the national team from the stands to navigating pressure at UNC, she shares her earliest soccer memories filled with family chaos, unique childhood performance incentives, and the retrospective advice she would give to her younger self.

Avery pulls back the curtain on why the Houston...

How do NWSL clubs navigate the push for the postseason under the pressure of a shifting playoff line? How can we connect tactical adjustments to this weekend's results on the pitch?

In this episode, LDG breaks down NWSL Matchday 22, analyzing a weekend that delivered eight matches and 25 goals. He explores how top contenders are finding ways to win close matches when it matters most, contrasted against teams whose postseason ambitions mathematically evaporated.

The discussion begins with the mathup in Cary, North Carolina, where Gotham FC officially punched its playoff ticket with a 2–1 road victory over th...

Creative midfield engine and technical dynamo Antonia Baaß joins the podcast to discuss her path back to Germany, anchoring SGS Essen’s high-stakes promotion race in the Frauen-Bundesliga 2, and returning to a familiar club at a unique turning point.

Tracing her journey from entering the international environment at just 15 years old in the UEFA Development Tournament to navigating the early chapters of her career, she shares how she learned to navigate elite pressure and the retrospective advice she would give her younger self.

Antonia also talks about her evolution as a player, reflecting on her ini...

How do NWSL clubs remain competitive in the global transfer market despite strict financial restrictions? How can we connect the transfers/transactions we saw at the end of the window to this weekend's results on the pitch?

In this episode, LDG examines the systemic issues animating the league's salary cap architecture, a framework forcing front offices to build rosters like a puzzle to survive against the unconstrained spending of Europe, and how it connects to the results we see on the pitch. He explores whether a league with the wealthiest ownership groups in women's sports can achieve...

Olympique de Marseille midfielder Lexi Missimo and Mint Farm Films producer Rush Olsen sit down to discuss the global launch of their docuseries Raising Her Game and the latest updates in their careers!

Lexi shares her earliest soccer memories and how she channeled the pressure of being the nation's top recruit into a historic collegiate career.

Rush pulls back the curtain on what drew Mint Farm Films to the project, balancing intimate subject access with unvarnished realities, and how directors must adapt when an unfolding real-life storyline spins completely out of their control.

...

AFC Toronto and Canadian National Team forward Kaylee Hunter sits down to discuss life in the Northern Super League!

The clinical attacker and rising star joins the podcast, in a special episode released just days before her debut at the U-20 Women's World Cup, to share insider insights on AFC Toronto's high-stakes season.

She shares what it meant to earn her first senior international cap, the whirlwind reality of debuting against elite opposition on the world stage, and how those milestones shape her perspective as she guides Canada into the next international cycle.

...

Linköping FC head coach Charlie Mitchell sits down to discuss his path to the touchline and dominating the tactics board!

In this exclusive feature, head coach Charlie Mitchell joins the show to detail his data-driven model for long-term player development and building a sustainable culture. Recorded just prior to his departure from Sweden for personal family reasons, this conversation offers a comprehensive look at his footballing philosophy and tactical vision.

. He shares what it meant to transition from elite, analytics-centered roles, like serving as the Head of Analysis for the Wales National Team and P...

San Diego Wave FC midfielder Lia Godfrey sits down to discuss her path to the NWSL and dominating the NWSL!

Four-time All-American and lethal midfield dynamo Lia Godfrey joins the podcast to share insider insights on her explosive breakout season with the San Diego Wave and making history on the global stage.

She shares what it meant to receive her historic first call-up to a U.S. Youth National Team at just 14 years old, making global headlines as the youngest player in USWNT youth national team history to suit up for a youth team World...

Should FIFA mandate NWSL player releases for the youth World Cup tournaments? Why is this current system of informal negotiation over player release so detrimental for all parties involved? Is it possible to create a system that doesn't hurt players, coaches, club and national teams?

In this episode, LDG tries to answer those questions that he has been pondering since the US women's national team dropped their U-20 World Cup roster, with a lot of recognizable names, but with some of the biggest names in the age group and talking points being those who were left off...

Werder Bremen and German national team striker Lena Petermann sit down to discuss life in the Frauen-Bundesliga!

Frauen-Bundesliga star and elite finisher Lena Petermann joins the podcast to share insider insights on SV Werder Bremen's current season and her extensive career across Europe and North America. She shares what it meant to receive her first senior call-up to the German women's national team, her experience playing at her first-ever senior World Cup in 2015, what she took from those international tournaments as she returned to Germany last season, and so much more!

Lena also talks about...

Sweden women's national football team legend and multi-time Olympic medalist Jonna Andersson joins the podcast to share insider insights on her journey from Mjölby to the global stage and anchoring her club through a high-stakes competitive transition.

She shares what it meant to receive her first senior call up to the Swedish national team, her experience playing across multiple FIFA Women's World Cups and Olympics, what she took away from training under Emma Hayes at Chelsea FC Women, and so much more!

Jonna also talks about her unforgettable club debut in England's Women's Super L...

AFC Toronto and Canadian National Team goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo sits down to discuss life in the Northern Super League!

The Olympic medalist and fearless shot-stopper joins the podcast to share insider insights on anchoring AFC Toronto's high-stakes season and guiding the Canadian National Team into a crucial international cycle.

She shares what it meant to earn her first international cap, the whirlwind reality of standing on an iconic Olympic podium, and where those massive accomplishments rank among her career milestones as she steps into a vital leadership role for country

.Sabrina also takes...

WAFCON's quarterfinals just delivered the craziest week in the tournament's history, and the results prove it: ten-time champion and defending champion Nigeria were knocked out and Malawi, playing in just their first-ever WAFCON, qualified for their first-ever World Cup as the lowest-ranked nation to ever do it.

In this episode, LDG breaks down all four quarterfinal matches before making the case that the World Cup slot allocation hasn't caught up to what African women's football has become.

He lays out the numbers first: CAF and UEFA have almost identical membership, 54 nations to 55, yet UEFA gets...

Kansas City Current II attacker Avery Clark sits down to discuss beginning her professional career in KC and her non-traditional path to the pros!

Avery joins the podcast to share the inside story behind her breakout year with KC Current II and earning the chance to step up to the senior squad. She reflects on her standout years with the Texas Longhorns, what it was like winning championships across different conferences, and how that high-pressure college environment prepared her for the pros.

Avery also takes us behind the scenes of her professional debut with the...

WAFCON Champion and clinical attacker Esther Okoronkwo joins the podcast to share insider insights on anchoring AFC Toronto's frontline in the Northern Super League and guiding Nigeria's Super Falcons on the international stage.

She shares what it meant to receive her first call up to the Nigerian women's national team, her experience playing at her first-ever World Cup in 2023, what she took from that match and her other national team experiences as she joined AFC Toronto, and so much more!

Esther also takes us inside the locker room during the WAFCON final, breaking down the...

England youth internationals Princess Ademiluyi and Chloe Sarwie join the podcast to discuss navigating the intense pipeline of international football while chasing high-stakes milestones with Gotham FC and Chelsea.

From sharing their earliest childhood football memories to pulling on the English crest across nearly every youth level, Princess and Chloe share what it truly means to represent the Lionesses. They break down how their experiences in the international pipeline have completely reshaped their tactical styles, footballing perspectives, and senior club performances.

Princess breaks down her unique career path from West Ham to the NWSL, what...

London City Lionesses shocked the women's soccer world by signing Barcelona legends Alexia Putellas and Mapi León, transforming the newly promoted Women’s Super League side into an instant European powerhouse.

In this episode, LDG delivers an essential tactical breakdown of the historic summer transfer window. He analyzes Michele Kang’s ambitious blueprint to reshape English women's football and the WSL through high-profile recruitment.

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the recent transfer window in women's football, focusing on the strategies of top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and the ambitious London City...

Gotham FC just played their first-ever regular season match inside New York City proper, and 42,175 fans showed up to Citi Field to watch it happen.

In this episode, LDG breaks down why the Queens Classic was a genuine grand slam moment for the club, even though the ninety minutes on the field left plenty to be desired.

He walks through the business case first: a new NYC women's sports attendance record, set not in ideal conditions but through 90-degree heat and an active wildfire smoke advisory, four days before a men's World Cup Final just...

Calgary Wild forward Mya Jones sits down to discuss life in the Northern Super League!

From dominating youth pitches in Alberta to making history as the first-ever University of Memphis women's soccer graduate selected in the NWSL Draft, Mya’s journey is defined by grit and elite competitiveness.

Mya opens up about the cultural and physical adjustments of transitioning to NCAA Division 1 soccer. She also reflects on her early international debut for Canada's U-15 national team at just 12 years old under Bev Priestman, sharing how those elite youth tournament experiences prepared her for the professional ra...

Halifax Tides defender Naya Cardoza joins the show to take us inside her journey from Ivy League collegiate powerhouse to the historic Northern Super League in Canadian soccer.

In this episode, the former Brown University captain opens up about what it takes to defend the world's best attackers. She shares firsthand insights from her international caps with the Jamaica Women’s National Team (or Reggae Girlz), breaking down the tactical mindset needed to shut down global superstars like Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, Lizbeth Ovalle, and Marta.

Naya also talks about why the Halifax Tides FC an...

We made it to another big milestone, episode 200! In this special milestone episode of The Women’s Soccer Podcast, LDG takes a look back at where it all started and dives deep into the current state of the game.

First, LDG takes you behind the scenes to share the origin story of the podcast and how the show’s production has evolved. From the hours spent prepping and editing to his absolute favorite parts of the weekly routine, he shares the highs and the lows,

Next, he transitions into a hard-hitting tactical breakdown of the abso...

Chicago Stars FC midfielder Emma Egizii sits down to discuss life in the NWSL as a rookie!

Emma breaks down her journey from winning an NCAA National Championship with the UCLA Bruins to signing her first multi-year professional contract. Learn how the All-American playmaker overcame multiple major knee injuries to break out as a top rookie talent in the National Women's Soccer League and hear her expert tactical advice on navigating the transition from college soccer to the pro game.

In today's incredible conversation, Emma shares what specifically made the Chicago Stars the right fit...

Carolina Ascent midfielder Shea Groom sits down to discuss life in the Gainbridge Super League!

NWSL Champion and veteran midfielder Shea Groom joins the podcast to share insider insights from her eleven top-flight professional seasons. Discover how her recent transition to Carolina Ascent FC is shaping her veteran leadership role in a new league landscape and uncover her proven strategies for locker room culture, tactical execution, and maintaining a competitive edge at the highest levels of women's soccer.'

She shares her initial reaction hearing about a second professional women’s soccer league coming to th...

Vancouver Rise FC defender Jaylyn Wright sits down to discuss life in Canada's Northern Super League!

Jaylyn breaks down what it means to be part of Vancouver's professional women's soccer roster, the intense competition across the league, and how the Canadian soccer landscape is shifting for the next generation of athletes.

She shares her initial reaction hearing about a professional women’s soccer league coming to Canada, what specifically made the Vancouver Rise the right fit, winning the inaugural Northern Super League title and Diana B. Matheson Cup.

She also talks about how sh...

Angel City FC just made three moves that can’t really be understood in isolation: the $850,000 signing of Ally Sentnor, the departure of rising midfielder Kennedy Fuller, and the dismissal of head coach Alexander Straus.

On paper, they look like separate stories, but in reality they point to the same shift in urgency expressed top down at Angel City.

In this episode, LDG breaks down how Angel City’s decisions reveal a club recalibrating its entire timeline. From investing heavily in elite young talent, to moving on from a long-term prospect, to parting ways with a co...

nwsl

Sam Kerr is back in the NWSL.

In perhaps one of the craziest days of NWSL summer transfer window, Gotham FC reunited with one of the greatest goalscorers in league history while trading last season's Rookie of the Year Lilly Reale to Boston Legacy FC.

At first glance, they may seem like two separate moves but together, they reveal exactly how Gotham views its championship window.

In this episode, LDG break downs why Gotham brought Sam Kerr back to the club where she became an NWSL superstar, what the move means tactically under...

hey

In today's episode of The Women's Soccer Podcast, LDG unveils his first USWNT World Cup Mock Roster, projecting the decisions Emma Hayes could face as the road to Brazil 2027 continues.

He breaks down every position, the biggest takeaways from the recent Brazil camp, and the toughest roster decisions still to come. He also analyzes key position battles, including Olivia Moultrie vs. Jaedyn Shaw, Gisele Thompson vs. Lilly Reale, and Emma Sears vs. Ally Sentnor, as the race for a place on the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup roster begins to take shape.

Thank you all for...

Gotham FC defender and USWNT U-23 standout Andrea Kitahata joins the podcast to discuss navigating her rookie season in the NWSL and the high-stakes leap from college soccer to the professional ranks.

Tracing her journey from youth soccer to a standout career at Stanford University, Andrea opens up about the unique hurdles of navigating a global pandemic during a critical development window and the vital lessons she learned training alongside veterans with Seattle Reign. She shares what it meant to rise through the USWNT youth system and the exact moment she knew she was ready to ink...

The USWNT scored in the 2nd minute and looked like they were on their way to a huge result against Brazil. Just 12 minutes later, they were trailing 2-1, later losing by that same scoreline.

In this episode, LDG breaks down the 5 biggest ways Brazil exposed the USWNT, from struggles playing through pressure and controlling the midfield to bigger questions about where this team stands under Emma Hayes. LDG also discusses standout performances from Sophia Wilson and Claire Hutton, players whose stock rose and fell, and whether Brazil may have given the rest of the world a blueprint...

In this episode, LDG interviews Cate Hardin, a defender/midfielder for the Houston Dash.

Cate reflects on her experience in preseason as a trialist with the Dash, debuting in the NWSL in front of more than 10,000 home fans, the budding young core that the Dash is building around Cate and her fellow rookies, plus so much more!

Cate also discusses the journey of navigating the process of coordinating with professional clubs after graduation, her goals in football moving forward, her time with the Georgia Bulldogs in college soccer, how the Dash's environment has and will...