Expected Own Goals
Best friends Evan Davis (Equalizer) and Eric Morgan (Deadspin) love each other. But they love women’s soccer more. Join them as they break down the tactical and analytical sides of the women’s game, from the NWSL and FA WSL to the Champions League and the U.S. Women’s National Team, and so much more. Now the official WoSo partner of American Soccer Analysis! Subscribe to our free newsletter: xog.beehiiv.com Subscribe to our Patreon for exclusive content: patreon.com/xowngoals
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Episodes
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
Tuesday Nov 28, 2023
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
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
Tuesday Nov 21, 2023
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
Monday Nov 13, 2023
Monday Nov 13, 2023
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
Saturday Nov 11, 2023
Saturday Nov 11, 2023
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
Friday Nov 10, 2023
Friday Nov 10, 2023
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.
Friday Nov 03, 2023
Friday Nov 03, 2023
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
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
Tuesday Oct 24, 2023
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
Friday Oct 20, 2023
Friday Oct 20, 2023
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.
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
Tuesday Oct 17, 2023
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
Thursday Oct 12, 2023
Thursday Oct 12, 2023
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