Expected Own Goals

USWNT Recap: Would You Like to Hear My Testimonial?

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

Women’s World Cup Team of the Tournament Draft!

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

Women’s World Cup Final Recap: The Reign in Spain

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

World Cup Final Preview: England vs. Spain - ”Fan’s Labyrinth”

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

World Cup Semis: Australia vs. England - ”My Brilliant Career-Ender”

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

World Cup Semis: Spain vs. Sweden - ”Women on the Verge of a Third Place Breakdown”

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

World Cup Quarterfinal Preview: No USA, No Problem (for everyone else)!

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

USWNT vs. Sweden: VlatKO’d

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

USWNT Preview: The Winner Takes It All

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

USWNT vs. Portugal: ”It’s Like Watching the USMNT”

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