Expected Own Goals

NWSL Transactions, WSL Derbies, and Sean Forman of FBRef!

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)

Arsenal Turn Chelsea to Cannon Fodder in the WSL Game of the Season

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)

USWNT + International Roundup: The SinclAIR Up There

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)

European Roundup: That’s So Spursy

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

El Clásico and the Manchester Derby: Hurt Me So Real, You Proper Manc

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 

NWSL Championship Recap: Gotham FC are your 2023 NWSL Champions!

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

NWSL Championship Preview: Reign Pouring over Gotham

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

NWSL Semifinal Recap: Thorns Don’t Last Forever in the Cold November Rain

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. 

NWSL Playoffs: Semifinal-Charmed Kinda Preview, Baby, Baby

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

NWSL Playoffs: Drawn and Quarterfinaled

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