Expected Own Goals

NWSL Preview Week: Bay FC, with Anna Daccache

Bay FC made the playoffs in their first season, and are rolling out a solid lineup with some high-upside college signings this year. But an investigation into allegations of bullying and harassment by head coach Albertin Montoya—along with the resignation of scout Graeme Abel over an earlier such report before he joined the club—has changed the complexion of the entire organization. Anna Daccache of Everything Bay Goals tries to parse her feelings on these recent stories, and what the team itself could accomplish on the field in 2025. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

NWSL Preview Week: Chicago Stars FC, with Lesley Ryder

The Chicago (Red) Stars squeaked into the playoffs on the backs of a completely new regime, from the owners to the GM to the head coach. Very little was done in the offseason, and with Mallory Swanson MIA, their 2025 playoff prospects seem remote. Lesley Ryder of Gal Pal Sports came on to find the gold in the silt, and how Chicago can still offer some joy to its fans this year. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

NWSL Preview Week: Utah Royals, with Kieran Doyle-Davis

RECORDED BEFORE THE SIGNING OF BIANCA ST-GEORGES & JANNI THOMSEN
Kieran returns to share his pitch to NWSL front offices about potential partnership opportunities with American Soccer Analysis! Then we dive into the ins and outs of the Utah Royals. They've brought in some very enticing players. Is it enough to make them playoff contenders? Will standouts like Ally Sentnor and Mandy McGlynn level up or regress? And how many ways can three people proncounce Jimmy Coenraets's last name? Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

NWSL Preview Week: Angel City FC, with Michelle Chavez & Mark Parsons

Angel City became the first club in NWSL history to be docked points for violations of the league's policies—namely, violations of the salary cap. They now have a new controlling owner, a new sporting director, and will have a new permanent head coach soon. Can the team on the field match the team off it? Michelle Chavez of the Sporting Tribune came on to hash it all out. (1:39) Then, the guys spoke to Angel City's new sporting director, Mark Parsons, about his first few weeks on the job and what people can expect in year one of this new regime in Los Angeles. (33:04)Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

NWSL Preview Week: Racing Louisville, with Bekki Morgan

Four straight ninth-place finishes. A roster that has more or less stayed the same from the end of last season. What can we make of Racing Louisville's on-field stagnation. Bekki Morgan of NWSL This Week comes on to give the Kentuckian's perspective on what Louisville's ownership group has done to get the team to this point, and what can be done to get them over the playoff line once and for all. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

NWSL Preview Week: Seattle Reign, with Sylvs of Shea Butter FC

The Seattle Reign were old, slow, and boring last year. This year, they're slightly young, a bit faster, and potentially more exciting. Lynn Biyendolo will pep up the attack, and Madison Curry will stabilize and energize the backline. But can this group actually click? Sylvs of Shea Butter FC joined the guys to figure out what head coach Laura Harvey can do to get the Reign back on the right track. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

NWSL Preview Week: San Diego Wave, with Kieran Doyle-Davis

Out NWSL season previews keep on a'truckin' with a team whose fall from the mountaintop has been quick and precipitous. The Wave shipped Jaedyn Shaw and Naomi Girma at their requests; the legal action around allegations of a toxic workplace still hangs heavy; and new head coach Jonas Eidevall has to whip multiple kids into professional shape. ASA's own Kieran Doyle-Davis dropped by to sort out what the hell San Diego can do to have a respectable 2025. (1:02) Stick around for a small bonus track! (22:57)Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

NWSL Preview Week: Houston Dash, with Theo Lloyd-Hughes

RECORDED BEFORE RAMONA BACHMANN'S RETURN TO THE CLUBIs Lucy going to pull the football? Will this time really be different? The Houston Dash have a new GM, a new head coach, and a slew of promising signings. It could really change the course of the franchise. Right? Sports Illustrated's Theo Lloyd-Hughes joins the guys to sift through the wreckage of the Fran Alonso era, and what Angela Hucles Mangano and Fabrice Gautrat may have in store for a team that now boasts Yazmeen Ryan and Delanie Sheehan among its ranks. 
Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!
Where to get that Beef Pho Kolache in Houston.Art by Eli Elbogen Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

NWSL Preview Week: Washington Spirit, with Ella Brockway

The Washington Spirit may have the best roster on paper heading into the 2025 season. Can they be title contenders? Ella Brockway of the Washington Post and the Hey Spirits! podcast joins the guys to talk about the Spirit's run to the NWSL Championship game last season, and what they've done since to get even better. Join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content!Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Song

NWSL Preview Week: Orlando Pride, with Bridie O'Toole

Welcome to NWSL Season Preview Week! We'll be bringing you previews of all 14 NWSL teams with some outstanding guests to help us break down each and every club, leading up to the start of the NWSL regular season. 
First up, last year's Shield and Championship winners, the Orlando Pride! They're keeping most of their roster in place, with key additions like Grace Chanda and Oihane Hernández. Can big purp run it back? Bridie O'Toole of Busy Watching Women's Soccer takes the guys through head coach Seb Hines's tactical plan for one of the best-run organizations in the league.Be sure to join our Patreon for only $6/month ($60/year) to get all of our exclusive bonus content! Art by Eli ElbogenMusic by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs