Expected Own Goals (xpectedowngoals)

We're back, gang! After a long and cleansing winter break, Eric and Evan have returned to pick apart all of the trades and signings that happened over the holidays. Then, they dig into the NWSL Draft. Which teams won? Which teams blew it? Which teams are ready to keep wheeling and dealing? Evan brings on WoSo Independent's Chris Henderson to get into the nitty-gritty of using data to evaluate college talent, and why No. 1 overall pick Ally Sentnor is gonna be a big deal.  Follow Chris on Twitter and Bluesky Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

And then there were two. The Portland Thorns and San Diego Wave were knocked out at home in what can charitably be described as subpar conditions. Did any of the four semifinalists play well? Was it any of their faults? Regardless, Gotham FC and OL Reign are heading to the NWSL Championship. Plus, Eric and Evan unpack the shock of Emma Hayes being tapped to take over the USWNT head coaching job. 

This is a really exciting day. In addition to launch NWSL Season Preview Week--an entire week of content previewing all 14 teams--we are thrilled to announce that we've partnered with American Soccer Analysis to be their women's soccer content partner! If you've already subscribed to us on our feed, no need to do anything; episodes will show up every Tuesday morning as before. If you're coming to us from following ASA Show, welcome! Eric and Evan love talking about the NWSL, the USWNT, and global women's football through the same lens as Kieran and the gang: data, tactics, and the nitty-gritty of the beautiful game. Hope you enjoy the show, and kick back as Kieran joins us for our first two previews, of 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

There were so many incredible performances at the Women's World Cup, from superstars like Golden Ball winner Aitana Bonmatí to breakout sensations like Golden Boot winner Hinata Miyazawa. Now that the dust has settled on the tournament, Eric and Evan draft their best XIs and share what made these players so special over the last month. This episode was more cutthroat than we anticipated. (Spoiler: Naomi Girma makes an appearance.) Enjoy! Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Eric's XI vs Evan's XI

The crowds showed up for Barcelona's big match against Real Madrid, not to mention the record attendance at Old Trafford for Manchester United - Manchester City. But good lord, we wouldn't want to be caught in a red or a white shirt this week. Eric and Evan get into the beatdown the Blaugrana laid on Las Blancas, while Mary Earps and United coughed up a huge chance to push their crosstown rivals down a peg. Plus, we praise Emma Hayes's first USWNT roster announcement, and marvel at Gotham FC's blown celebration events for their NWSL Championship win. Happy Thanksgiving, American listeners! Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs 

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

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

And just like that, the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup is behind us. Spain are champions, no thanks to their federation or head coach. They were tactically superior to England on the day, but how did they do it? What ultimately made Spain so special this tournament? And how should we view the players in light of their seven compatriots who refused to join them down under? This is a dense 'n' thorny one, but we're here to guide you through it all!

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

**RECORDED BEFORE MIA FISHEL'S ACL TEAR**

The CONCACAF W Gold Cup is finally here! The USWNT isn't the only team going through transition, as Canada, Mexico, Brazil, Colombia, and Argentina are all experiencing a new phase of their evolution. Eric and Evan preview the group stage, and dig into possible lineups and formations Twila Kilgore and Emma Hayes might try out. Then, the boys talk to Liga MX Femenil analyst Eugene Rupiński about the history of the league, and where it's heading.  Evan's Article about Possible USWNT Lineups at the Gold Cup Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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. No team since 2018 has finished sixth or higher with so few points. Can it really just be luck? Is their low-volume, high-efficiency attack and defense sustainable once they face better teams in the postseason? The guys dissect the Red Stars' 2-0 defeat to Gotham, and whether that result--combined with 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!  And join the Patreon for only $6/month to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

If it was easy, would it even count? The USWNT are on top of Group E, but have to score a bunch of goals to assure their place as group winners. Portugal know that if they beat the U.S., they might be able to go through to the knockout stage. And let's not forget that Lindsey Horan and Rose Lavelle are sitting on yellow cards! Eric and Evan dig into all the permutations this game could offer. tl;dr Goals! Goals! Goals!

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. Subscribe to our Patreon by this Saturday (August 10th) and lock in your $6/month price forever!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

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

What do you do when you're playing in front of a record 59,000 fans at the Emirates? Smash your crosstown rivals, that's what. Arsenal beat Chelsea 4-1 on Sunday, proving that they are legit title challengers in the WSL this year. Eric and Evan peel apart Emma Hayes's questionable roster choices, Jonas Eidevall's flawless game plan, and if there was anything the Blues could take from this game. London, baby! 

Art by Eli Elbogen

(If you enjoyed — or at least tolerated — our XMAS movie ramble follow us on Letterboxd @ericmmorgan and @Evan_Davis)

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?  Be sure to subscribe to our Patreon for all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The USWNT played a couple friendlies against Iceland, walloped them 6-2 across both games, and got four new players their first caps. That's about all there is to report! The guys go pebble hunting to find something to analyze in the most meaningless games of the year. 

Then, they break down their picks for the NWSL awards slate. Most of these are no-brainers, but they make a case for some down-ballot candidates, followed by an in-depth discussion of how to approach Defender of the Year.  Join our Patreon for only $6/month to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

Has everybody caught their breath??? Washington is out, Angel City is in, and the NWSL playoff picture is set after a Decision Day that more than lived up to the hype. Eric and Evan break down all the action, from retiring players' heroics to the Spirit's and Thorns' total meltdowns. Playoffs, baby!!! Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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! Join our Patreon for only $6/month and be part of our livestream on Sunday afternoon for Gotham-Portland! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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! Join our Patreon for only $6/month to get all of our exlusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Another two-episode day here at xOG for NWSL Season Preview Week. We’re heading out to the best coast to talk about two playoff teams at a crossroads. Angel City seems to be tightening budgets as the bill comes due for their previous offseason work. Will now-permanent head coach Becki Tweed be able to recapture the magic of their playoff run, with Messiah Bright and Rocky Rodríguez in tow? Then, Eric and Evan welcome Reign reporter Susie Rantz to unpack how the still-not-closed sale of the Reign has affected their offseason, and whether there is enough spark in the 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

Only 11 points separated first from last in the NWSL last week. Now, only 11 points separate first from last. San Diego has punched their ticket while Kansas City is confirmed to be packing it in after October 15th. In between them, the table is just as wild as ever. Evan and Eric give you the full rundown, and go deep on what may have been a season-deciding match between Orlando and Angel City. A quick WSL recap closes us out, mercifully more painless than the pun assault that starts us off!  Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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).  Join our Patreon for only $6/month and get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Lads, it's Tottenham. Bunny Shaw and Manchester City absolutely wrecked Spurs in the WSL, and proved just how far the North London side still has to go to crack the top four. Earlier in the week, Sam Kerr did something similar to Paris FC, and Chelsea exposed the French upstarts as less the hipster's choice and more the minnow riding their luck in the Champions League. Eric and Evan top off the episode parsing the Team GB of it all with England trying to keep their Olympics qualification hopes alive in the UEFA Women's Nations League. No, we don't understand it, either. Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

And then there were four! Gotham heads to Portland on Sunday, while Seattle jets down to San Diego later that evening for the NWSL semifinal round. Will Sophia Smith & co. be too much for Juan Carlos Amóros's side, or can Lynn Williams and Midge Purce put a dent in the Thorns' armor? Do the Wave have enough ammunition to wade through the Reign's mud pit? Will Bethany Balcer get a chance to play more than a half? Eric and Evan untangle all of it. Playoffs!  Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The influx of high-level talent from the top European leagues to the NWSL this winter has been unprecedented for the past offseasons. What's driving it? Will the Seattle Reign's new Welsh signings get them over the top? Will Jen Beattie's arrival from Arsenal shake up Bay FC's defender depth chart? Will Evan keep putting extra stank on his European name pronunciations? Tune in to find out! The fellas also preview the Champions League knockout stages, and the significance of so many smaller clubs making it to the quarterfinals!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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! Sign up for our Patreon if you haven't already, where you'll get all our exclusive bonus content for only $6/month! Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Portland Thorns get Jessie Fleming from Chelsea! Chicago Red Stars get Maximiliane Rall from Bayern Munich! The Seattle Reign pick up Ji So-yun from South Korea! Bay FC gets Deyna Castellanos from Manchester City and maaayyyyyybe Asisat Oshoala from Barcelona?!!? Angel City nab Rocky Rodriguez and Messiah Bright! Racing Louisville scoop up Taylor (Kornieck) Flint from San Diego Wave! Eric and Evan relive all of the transaction madness from the last couple weeks, and figure out who's up and who's down in the hot stove sweepstakes. Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Playoffs?! Playoffs?! Evan and Eric dissect the upcoming NWSL Quarterfinal matchups (OL Reign vs. Angel City FC, North Carolina Courage vs. NY/NJ Gotham FC) and bicker over their Best XIs from the 2023 NWSL Regular Season. 

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! Sign up for our Patreon and get all of our bonus episodes and more for only $6/month!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Bay FC has not only broken the world transfer record, they have absolutely decimated it. Zambian striker Racheal Kundananji is pulling out of Madrid CFF and heading for San José, where she and Asisat Oshoala will form the most potent attacking duo in the NWSL right now. Eric and Evan break down this historic transfer, and how it changes the league forever. We don't have a joke here; our jaws are still on the floor. Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs 

Holy smokes Batman, the hot stove is on fire!

The Gotham-mobile looks to be gaining four new wheels (Rose Lavelle, Emily Sonnett, Tierna Davidson, and Crystal Dunn!!!)... while the rest of the league flail like a bunch of Jokers at ballet. Is Gotham on the cusp of transforming the balance of power in the NWSL? Evan and Eric plié / analyze / gasp for air.

It's the premiere episode of our new Thursday bonus episode series, where we explore other tactical and analytical corners of the global women's football landscape! To kick things off, Evan and Eric bring on Athletic columnist and Counter Pressed co-host Jessy Parker Humphreys to go swimming in how the 23-24 WSL season shook out. Chelsea (1:32) won their fifth consecutive title, but did they underperform? Manchester City (6:21) came so close and fell so frustratingly short once again, but they must be celebrated. Manchester United (14:01) were a clown show. Liverpool (27:16) did the impossible and finished fourth, but were they any good? Arsenal (37:13) were just sort of Arsenal-y. Jessy also takes us through Tottenham, Brighton, and other highlights further down the table (51:14). Then we dig into WSL vs. NWSL banter (55:13) before Jessy, representing Chelsea, hands custody of Emma Hayes over to the USWNT (1:13:57). What stands out about the June friendlies roster? What can USWNT fans learn about Hayes from her time at Chelsea? Will her press conferences be just as epic? Who's more likely to reap the whirlwind--Hayes or the players?  It's a jam-packed bonus episode, friends! Let's get wild!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

It's time to pause and reflect on how much history the NWSL really possesses--something no professional club league in America has been able to accomplish. Using Evan's g+raft Score method, we tapped into ASA's g+ above replacement database to determine the best players in the league's history. 

We induct several players from the Dead Stats Era (2013 - 2015), before advanced stats were available, including a legendary and complicated goalkeeper (11:55), a pioneering defender on and off the field (15:35), two midfielders who shaped their teams on different ends of the pitch (18:48), and two forwards who represented the league in very different ways (24:22). Then, we turn our attention to the Modern Era (2016 - 2024), where three national team defenders dominated their opponents (35:30), two midfield artists who could do anything with the ball (50:46), and three forwards that are absolute gimmes (68:05).

Read Evan's article on g+raft Score to peruse his points system.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs 

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! Join our Patreon and get all of our exclusive bonus content for only $6/month! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Let's face it: the D1 Arkema title was already settled before PSG made their way to the Groupama Stadium to face Lyon, but they still sealed their own fate in the most heartbreaking fashion. Eric and Evan untangle the game, and what it might portend for the Champions League knockout rounds.  Then, Evan is joined by Gotham FC Head of Tactical Analysis Jesús Botello to hear about the team's stylistic renaissance under head coach Juan Carlos Amorós, and what it means to play with organized chaos. Yes, chess is involved. Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

In the immortal words of some random Marvel character, so THAT just happened. Yes, the USWNT just suffered what might be one of the worst ties in modern soccer history. They just barely scraped through to second place in group E and a likely date with nemeses Sweden in the round of 16. Just how bad was it? Were there any silver linings? What goes on inside the mind of Vlatko Andonovski? Find out! 

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

A jam-packed, wackadoo weekend unfolded in the NWSL, with golazos and refereeing madness and everything in between. Eric, Evan and Arianna drill down on the Washington Spirit's 2-1 victory over Bay FC. Are Bay's tactics naïve? Has their depth been exposed? Is Croix Bethune the resurrection and the life? 1) Maybe 2) Probably 3) Get on your knees and pray.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

In case you need help sleeping, fire up OL Reign's playoff match against Angel City FC. Woof. Two NWSL playoff games yielded only a bit of spark, as the Reign and Gotham FC move on to the semifinals. Eric and Evan pick both games apart, lament the loss of Kerolin for the North Carolina Courage, preview the upcoming USWNT friendlies, and marvel at the wonders of CBS Sports Network. Cut those cords! Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

There are lots of paths for the USWNT to travel in order to get to the World Cup final. First, they have to get through the group stage. Evan and Eric break down Vietnam, The Netherlands, and Portugal before speculating on possible knockout stage opponents. Get after it! 

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Emma Hayes is now (sorta) officially upon us! USWNT interim head coach rolled out some young, experimental lineups against China, and a lot of it looked good! What does it mean? Who knows! Eric and Evan dig into the nitty-gritty of it all, plus touch on England/Team GB's Nations League and Olympics crashouts, and honor the international retirement of Christine Sinclair. Season's greetings, folks!

"A Very xOwnGoals xMas" Spotify Playlist for your season's pleasure

Artwork: Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud)

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.  Subscribe to our Patreon if you haven't already, and sign up for our tournament newsletter for fun stats and graphs from each round of games! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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. 

You can now subscribe to our Patreon for all of our exclusive content, including our bonus episodes! 

Be sure to sign up for our newsletter to get updates about the show!

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

Alex Morgan has retired. As yet another titan of the sport walks into the sunset, the guys reflect on what Morgan's career truly meant beyond the goals and trophies.  Then, after rounding up NWSL results across the weekend, they dive into Bay's 1-0 defeat of Racing Louisville. Have Abby Dahlkemper and Penelope Hocking helped Bay find the answers? Is Albertin Montoya finally getting the team to play like he envisioned? How much does this result and performance portend for Louisville's playoff hopes?  If you haven't yet, be sure to sign up for our Patreon for only $6/month. We will be doing a livestream commentary for Orlando-Kansas City on Friday for our members! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The USWNT said goodbye to Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe last week, which is about all that mattered in the team's two friendlies against South Africa. Eric and Evan mine for any gems in the silt, and give an update on the rapidly changing situation in Spain. Plus, we preview xOG 2.0, as we transition to all club soccer, all the time!  Artwork: Eli Elbogen (IG:eliwritesloud) Music: Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Quiet week, how's everyone doing? LOL JK  First up, on the heels of Casey Stoney's firing, Eric and Evan puzzle over the unexpected resignation of Bay FC GM Lucy Rushton. (00:33)

Then, the moment has arrived! Emma Hayes announced her first USWNT major tournament roster, and it's a doozy. No Alex Morgan! Lots of Korbin Albert! Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt as alternates! What does this lineup tell us about Hayes's vision for the side? (11:10) And what do her and Trinity Rodman's comments about Albert tell us about the culture inside the locker room right now? (25:10) Evan and Eric drop some heaviness on today's episode. 

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The international break has flipped our schedule this week, so for this week's early bonus episode, we bring you a great conversation Evan had with Our Futbol co-host Adriana Terrazas to break down the recent Clausura final and all the storylines from Liga MX Femenil this season. 

Team by team, we look at how C.D. Guadalajara ("Chivas") came up frustratingly short (11:20). C.F. Pachuca (17:01) won the transfer window heading into the Clausura. Why did they look so limp once they got into the Liguilla? UANL Tigres (26:57) were once again dominant across the entire year, welcoming Jenni Hermoso and Thembi Kgatlana to their ranks. After their semifinal drubbing, are they ready to transition to the next generation? Club América (33:32) looked unstoppable until those chaotic final few minutes in the second leg of the Clausura final. Was it bad luck or a bottle job? C.F. Monterrey ("Rayadas") (42:57) won the most dramatic of penalty shootouts in front of nearly 32,000 screaming home fans. Did new head coach Amelia Valverde built a functional unit that will contend next year? 

Finally, Evan and Adriana talk about the state of the Mexico Women's National Team (51:22), Pedro López's evolution of the side, and which players can expect to make a contribution over coming months.  Back to regularly scheduled programming on Thursday with our recap of Emma Hayes's first two games in charge of the USWNT! Art by Eli Elbogen  Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

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.  Still not a member of our Patreon? Sign up today for only $6/month to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The state of Colorado did its job on Friday night when natives Sophia Smith and Lindsey Horan lead the USWNT to a comprehensive but still tricky 3-0 victory over Vietnam in the opening game of the World Cup. Vlatko Andonovski threw some surprises into the lineup starting Julie Ertz at center back and Savannah DeMelo in the midfield. Did these curveballs connect? What does the team still need to work on as they head in to their 2019 World Cup final rematch with the Netherlands? Let's get into it! 

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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? Sign up for our Patreon for only $6/month to get all our exclusive bonus content, including our upcoming playoffs livestream for Gotham-KC this Sunday!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

Spain commanded their quarterfinal match against the Netherlands, but looked shaky at the back at the wrong times. Sweden executed the right game plan against Japan, and weathered the storm for a major upset. Now, the Swedes and Spanish meet in the semifinals on Tuesday. How do these two European powerhouses match up? Spain can strangle a defense, but are they wasting too many shots? Sweden have the set piece skill and the nous to win a tournament, but do they have enough to quiet Spain's relentlessness? And how will the Spanish off-field controversy find its way onto the pitch? Eric and Evan get into it! 

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

Eric and Evan debate another notable NWSL head coach sacking, hand out some Midseason Awards and go deep on Chicago's 3-0 "rout" of San Diego... was it a rout? What even is a rout?

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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 by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

Yes, the USWNT couldn't score against Costa Rica in their final pre-Olympics friendly. No, none of their boundless chances were especially high-quality. 

But so what? The heat, the field, and the desire to keep everyone healthy explain the result a lot more than alleged poor play can. Eric and Evan tease out why this result doesn't augur doom for the U.S. in France this summer. 

This is our final public bonus episode before we move them to Patreon on July 25th! E-mail xpectedowngoals@gmail.com to join our mailing list and get all of our updates throughout the tournament!

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.  Don't forget to subscribe to our Patreon to get all of our exclusive bonus content for only $6/month! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The CONCACAF W Gold Cup final is set! Brazil used the experimentation of the tournament to find the right players in the right shape to dominate México. The USWNT and Canada were dragged through Waterworld in a game that should never have been played. Where did Pedro López get his tactics wrong? How much praise should Alyssa Naeher really be getting for her shootout heroics? Can the US stop Debinha and company? Eric and Evan put on their galoshes and go singin' in the rain! Plus, the boys analyze Orlando's surprise landmark signing of Zambian star Barbra Banda! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

The Orlando Pride continued their unbeaten streak on Sunday, taking down Gotham FC 2-0 after a monsoon nearly flooded Inter&Co Stadium. Gotham was unable to gain any separation from its peers in the top 4. But does it portend anything serious? Eric and Evan talk to Gotham reporter Jenna Tonelli about Gotham's performance, the magic of Ella Stevens, and how dangerous Gotham will be come playoff time.  Sign up for our Patreon for only $6/month! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Only one game left in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Hard to argue the two best teams aren't playing in the final. Each took very different paths to get here, and each faced different challenges on and off the field. Will the Lionesses be able to cap the greatest twelve months in English football history? Will Spain's players manage to overcome their training-ground toxicity and crown themselves champions? Eric and Evan tackle the final from every angle. Dive in!

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The USWNT are your inaugural CONCACAF W Gold Cup champions! A war of attrition broke out between Brazil's hyper-direct 3-4-3 system and the US's defensively resolute 4-2-3-1. Lindsey Horan's end-of-the-first half header won the game, but what now for the US as it heads toward the SheBelieves Cup and the Olympics? Is this hyperdefensive approach perhaps the new style that was promised? Is it simply the first step in a long evolution? Eric and Evan debate what Twila Kilgore and the players achieved.

Plus, we have a BIG ANNOUNCEMENT about the show!  Art by Eli Elbogen 

There are a mere three games left in the NWSL regular season, and everyone's somehow still in it! Eric and Evan break down each team's chances, and which contender is likely to miss out on the postseason tournament. (Hint: it's North Carolina.) They also preview the start of the WSL season in England. Can anybody take down Chelsea this year? Probably not! Club football is the best football!  Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The USWNT are out of the Women's World Cup before the semifinals for the first time ever. There will be no three-peat. A cruel penalty shootout that ended thanks to a single millimeter will be the lasting image of what was an improved but still stagnant U.S. performance against Sweden. Eric and Evan sit with those emotions, reflect on what might have been, and what the future holds for both Vlatko Andonovski and for U.S. women's soccer. A lot less data today; a lot more feels.

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

We didn't think a U.S. holiday weekend would toss so much news at us. First up, Eric and Evan chat about the announced Olympics rosters for Brazil, Spain, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Nigeria. (01:00) 

Then it's on to the developing news that USC Journalism School dean Willow Bay and husband, Disney CEO Bob Iger, will be buying a majority stake in Angel City FC. What does this mean for the team, and for the league as a whole? (10:26) Finally, Eric and Evan unpack the horrendous allegations from multiple San Diego Wave employees that team president Jill Ellis had fostered a toxic and abusive work environment. (24:18)

Brittany Alvarado's Statement Jenny Chuang's Statement Bernadette O'Donnell's Statement Abigail Lozano's Statement San Diego Wave Statement Jill Ellis Statement

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

Yes, there is still an 11-point gap between first and last in the NWSL, why do you ask? Last week's fixtures locked in Portland's postseason berth and Chicago's elimination, but there are still eight teams playing for four playoff spots. Eric and Evan run down last week's action, and preview what could be in store on Decision Day. Houston Dash fans, start prayin'!  Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Barcelona capped off their third Champions League title in four years by taking down their final boss, Lyon, to have no more rivals for best team in the world. How dominant were they in the game, though? Did Lyon actually knock them off their axis for a brief moment? Eric and Evan debate the merits of each team's performance (00:45). Then, veteran NWSL play-by-play announcer Mike Watts comes on (21:05) to talk about the wild times of calling Sky Blue FC games in 2014, the exciting opportunities that new media partners like Amazon and ION have created for games, what actually goes into calling a game, and most importantly, what his favorite Taylor Swift song is. This was a fun one.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

​​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 by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

We're taking one of our bonus episodes out from behind the table to give you a little taste of what great content you can find on our Patreon! For only $6/month, you get four episodes like these, each and every month. Plus, you get access to our Discord server, as well as our YouTube livestreams, which we're firing up again for the postseason. 

In this episode, we talked to Our Fútbol co-host Amelia Lopez about the Liga MX Femenil Apertura, and what fans should expect from team like Tigres and América once the Liguilla kicks off in November. 

Enjoy this freebie, and please consider subscribing for only $6/month!

Meghan Klingenberg re-signed with the Thorns right after we finished recording but the point stands: what's going on in the Rose City? The Red Stars and Racing Louisville are trying to improve their rosters, Angel City is going all in on high schoolers with Casey Phair, and the Kansas City Current are embracing chaos by trading Cece Kizer for Nichelle Prince. Eric and Evan step back and look at where things stand after another dizzying week of signings and trades.  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The U.S. is not the main character! For the first time in 14 years, México defeated the U.S. and did so in dominating fashion at the CONCACAF W Gold Cup. Jacquie Ovalle, Rebeca Bernal, and María Sánchez put on a master class in Carson, using aggressive defense and two world-class finishes to shut down the Americans and top the group. What were Twila Kilgore and Emma Hayes thinking with running out Vlatkoball? Why were Becky Sauerbrunn and Alyssa Naeher in the starting XI? Why did Alex Morgan get an entire half of sub minutes?!?!? Eric and Evan dig through the wreckage from every angle. 

Read Sandra Herrera on México's historic victory

Read Eugene Rupiński on what this game means for Mexican women's soccer Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Everyone OK??? The USWNT battled a wild-n-wooly game against the Dutch, conceding a nasty counterattacking goal early in the first half but finding a way to make Lindsey Horan go Hulk Mode in the second. If only some subs had been able to share the spoils! Evan and Eric break down the 1-1 draw and Vlatko Andonovski's approach, which was somehow as bad and not nearly as bad as you thought. Try not to hyperventilate! 

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

A national holiday is at stake, folks. Australia is the first World Cup host nation to reach the semifinals since 2003, and it has shut the entire country down. Meanwhile, England has reached their third consecutive World Cup semifinal, and look to follow up their Euros triumph with a second major trophy in as many years. England has the talent, but the Matildas have 80,000 fans at their backs. Eric and Evan pull it all apart. This one's gonna be a doozy! 

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The USWNT is through to the CONCACAF W Gold Cup semifinals, but my oh my, was it trench warfare against Colombia in the quarterfinals! Goals from Lindsey Horan, Jenna Nighswonger, and Jaedyn Shaw made the scoreline comfortable; flying elbows and hip checks from the likes of Linda Caicedo and Catalina Usme made the actual game anything but. Eric and Evan break down the headline-grabbing performances from Alyssa Naeher and Alex Morgan, get postgame reactions from Sam Coffey and Twila Kilgore, and preview their semifinal tussle with old rivals Canada in San Diego this week. Thin end of the wedge here, folks!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

It's our last NWSL-centric episode for a month, friends! We decided to chat about some of our favorite players who slipped under the radar, and whose names we haven't discussed nearly enough. (13:56) Before that, Evan and Eric unpack all the latest transfer news, including Julia Grosso to the Chicago Red Stars, Mackenzie Arnold to the Portland Thorns, Rosemonde Kouassi to the Washington Spirit, and Mina Tanaka to the Utah Royals. (00:26) Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

And then there were two. OL Reign and Gotham FC have taken interesting routes to get to the NWSL Championship, but both could make history with a victory. Evan and Eric dig deep into the game plans, and see what moves Laura Harvey and Juan Carlos Amorós will make to gain the edge their teams need. Finals, baby! Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

**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

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

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. (tl;dr they'll be fine.) Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

​​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

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

Yes, we know why you're here. We'll be covering the bombshell signings Gotham FC has made of Rose Lavelle and Emily Sonnett, but until then, Eric and Evan review the NWSL Expansion Draft, parse the trades that have already been made, game out where free agents might land, and touch on the North London and Northern England derbies. Then, we talk to Sports Reference president Sean Forman about the launch of Stathead on FBRef. We're off until January, so have a divine holiday season!  Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesoutloud)

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?  Subscribe to our Patreon for only $6/month and get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

You could probably tell by the melodious tones of the intro: Eric and Evan are oddly hopeful for this one. Sweden put the beatdown on the USWNT at the Olympics in 2021, but how good are they, really? Can they score from anything but corner kicks? Will the U.S. forwards find the freedom to do what they do best? HOW NERVOUS SHOULD WE BE??? Fire it up! 

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

Spain, Germany, Australia, and Japan have all punched their tickets to the Olympics, while Zambia, Morocco, South Africa, and Tanzania have pushed through to the next and final round of qualification. How will Racheal Kundananji's injury affect both Zambia and Bay FC? Eric and Evan do a quick overview of the week's action, then dig into the CONCACAF W Gold Cup quarterfinals. Is the USWNT in trouble against Colombia? Are Canada as excellent as they've appeared so far? Only one way to find out: listen!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

The Netherlands threw out a real doozy of a lineup against Portugal, but couldn't win convincingly. Yay for the USWNT, right? Eric and Evan dig into the challenges the Netherlands presents, the holes the U.S. could exploit, and most importantly, determine who is The Most Important Dutch Person In History (non-tulip edition). Fire it up! 

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

The USWNT may be out of the World Cup, but there is so much good football still to play in the quarterfinals. Japan are dominating, but can they contain Sweden's set piece headers? Do Spain and the Netherlands' tactical approaches cancel each other out? Can Australia break the host nation curse and make it to the semifinal? Can Colombia pull out a massive upset against England? Come on this journey with us! 

Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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

The NWSL Players Association has just signed a new collective bargaining agreement, which may be one of the most historically significant labor deals in American sports history. The elimination of the draft, universal guaranteed contracts and free agency, player consent for trades, and massive increases in minimum salaries without corresponding max salaries all give serious power to the players. What did that they have to give up to ownership, and what might that mean come 2028 when a new media rights deal is signed? Eric and Evan unpack what we know so far about this seismic moment in women’s sports labor. Don’t forget to sign up for our Patreon to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka’s Bell Dance Songs

We're still reeling from one of the most chaotic, heartbreaking, entertaining, and historic finals we've ever seen. Gotham FC took down OL Reign 2-1 in front of a record 25,000 people in San Diego to win their first-ever NWSL title. The early injury to Megan Rapinoe couldn't help but dominate the mood in the stadium, but Gotham persevered in the most chaotic (read: most Gotham) way possible. Eric and Evan break the game down, while they emotionally cover in real time. What a wild end to a wild season! Artwork by Eli Elbogen (IG:eliwritesloud) Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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.  Want to hear us chat about the action in Groups A and C? Sign up for our Patreon to get all of our exclusive bonus content!  Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

We just couldn't stay away! In what we're PRETTY SURE is our final episode of 2023, Eric and Evan break down the NWSL free agent signings of Savannah McCaskill, Sarah Gorden, and Marisa Viggiano to the San Diego Wave, Angel City FC, and Racing Louisville. We also tease Mallory Swanson's and Casey Krueger's likely destinations (hint: it's Chicago and Washington), and what major needs remain for every team in January. Happy New Year, y'all! Art by Eli Elbogen (IG: eliwritesoutloud)

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! Subscribe to our Patreon tier to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs