The 123rd Minute

With the NWSL season about to begin, RJ and Charles have dusted off the microphones and reassembled the team to discuss the state of the league as it enters it’s 9th year. Topics include: broadcasting, commentary, salaries, secrecy, refereeing, politics, and just about everything else under the sun.

Music provided by Mimi Page (https://mimipage.bandcamp.com/)

RJ and Charles talk all about the NWSL Challenge Cup. From the Houston Dash winning it to possible ideas for how to have it in the future or the idea of a League Pass.

RJ sits down with soccer writer André Carlisle (@not_carlisle) to talk about the NWSL and race. We cover the protests happening during the anthem, showing the learning players are doing on the fly and why having more black players might make your team better.

RJ and Charles break down the eight teams of the NWSL Challenge Cup, talk about wider issues around American soccer right now in this jam packed episode.

Charles and RJ go over the NWSL Challenge Cup and a bit about what’s going on in the wider world outside of sports.

On this episode, Charles gets on the phone with some players to discuss life under quarantine. What is it like waiting in limbo? How are they staying in shape? What is everyone watching on Netflix? Thanks to Marisa Viggiano of the Orlando Pride, Lauren Milliet of the North Carolina Courage, and Devon Kerr of the Washington Spirit.

Charles and RJ discuss the questions that Covid-19 raises for women’s soccer. How will the NWSL re-organize its season? Will we even get an NWSL season at all? How will it reshape the international soccer environment?

iTunes Link for The Attacking Half Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-attacking-half/id1504776453

iTunes Link for Backline Soccer Extras: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/backline-soccer-extras/id1504778801

iTunes Link for Actually the Dash Podcast: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/actually-the-dash/id1504779925

Charles is joined by special guest Neil Blackmon (@nwblackmon) of The Yanks Are Coming – also a lawyer who works in civil rights – to discuss the USWNT’s lawsuit against US Soccer. Why did the Federation include such sexist arguments? Does the change in leadership signal an opening for a settlement? Why do Charles and Neil worry about what happens if the case ultimately does go to trial?

Luis and RJ place news in the paper, answer fan questions and preview the SheBelieves Cup.