Valentine's, Galentine's, Shmalentine's, call it whatever you want. Something of a tenuous holiday weekend, but in a dark month we're going to grab onto it anyway! This week, Southside Trap talks NWSL testing protocol, grabbing joy where we can find it, one very good USWNT call-up, and then fully pivot into which Chicago Red Star captures the essential central quality of the timeless classic The Princess Diaries. The weekend demands talk of romantic comedies and candy best XI's, and we did our best to oblige

After Hours: Galentine's Energy

Southside Trap Podcast is a show about the Chicago Red Stars and NWSL. Hosted by two Chicago locals—Sandra and Claire make sure you stay onside with Southside Trap.

Sports

Soccer

Expect the unexpected I guess! Chicago won their first match of the 2022 Challenge Cup 3-1, in a performance against the Houston Dash that showcased tweaks in defense, Mal Pugh in great form, and the ongoing puzzle that is NWSL penalties. We also talk a bit about what to expect on Friday in Chicago's second match against the Kansas City Current

Good Start! Challenge Cup Matchday one recap

We couldn't leave you hanging. Chicago has their first Challenge Cup game on Sunday, March 20 against the Houston Dash, so we sat down to do a check-in on vibes, read some tea leaves on new faces on the roster, and set reasonable expectations for a season that we won't know much about until it happens

One day at a time: Chicago Challenge Cup Preview

We came back for the new year, and promptly so did Yuki Nagasato. Blessed.
We sat down to chat philosophical preferences on Chicago's upcoming coaching hire, an active trade season, and the return of club legend Nagasato, whose return both highlights and could possibly assuage some foundational concerns surrounding the Red Stars this year.

Yuki Nagasato pod, 2022 edition

It's 2022 and we are back! at it! We talk Chicago's approach to the 2022 College Draft, Sarah Luebbert staying in Mexico, development, scouting, assets, and one very cool piece of local tv coverage news.

Happy New Year! We back! Draft review, offseason news, TV deals, and more

Chicago didn't do much this week, but that's never stopped us from talking soccer, so why start now! The expansion draft welcoming in the California teams happened on Thursday evening, and we sat down to talk relative value, hindsight, kindnesses, and backstage players. We also talked a bit about the nicest story of the week (not soccer) and what to expect from Chicago's strategy in Saturday's (not) college draft

After Hours: Galentine's Energy

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