Bang! The USWNT rained goals on Germany in a 4-1 victory, their biggest result against a FIFA top-10 side in six years. A Sophia Smith brace, a Mallory Swanson tap-in, and a Lynn Williams dagger made Germany look far worse than their world ranking would indicate. But was it all bread and circuses for Emma Hayes's side? Eric and Evan examine the tactical imbalance that allowed the Germans to find seams on the counter--and the ways the US exploited their opponent's resulting gaps in the other direction. 

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There were a couple of emphatic 3-0 wins in Group B as the Olympics tournament kicked off on Thursday. The USWNT contained Barbra Banda and put Zambia to the sword with some dazzling goals from Trinity Rodman and Mallory Swanson. What did the US do right? What can they carry over to their match against Germany on Sunday, a team that looked stout and strong against a naïve Australia? Eric and Evan leave no stone unturned. 

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Here we go again! One year to the week that xOG launched, we find ourselves on the precipice of yet another major international tournament. The USWNT are in the Olympics Group of Death; how will they manage opposition as varied as Zambia, Germany, and Australia? Eric and Evan plunge into the US lineup, head coach Emma Hayes's tactical plans, and what tests each of their group B opponents offer. 

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Yes, the USWNT couldn't score against Costa Rica in their final pre-Olympics friendly. No, none of their boundless chances were especially high-quality. 

But so what? The heat, the field, and the desire to keep everyone healthy explain the result a lot more than alleged poor play can. Eric and Evan tease out why this result doesn't augur doom for the U.S. in France this summer. 

This is our final public bonus episode before we move them to Patreon on July 25th! E-mail [email protected] to join our mailing list and get all of our updates throughout the tournament!

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The USWNT offered a lot in their 1-0 victory over Mexico on a hot and muggy day in New Jersey. Was their lack of finishing something to be concerned over? Can Rose Lavelle be counted on in the absence of an injured Catarina Macario? Will Korbin Albert ever do what it takes to stop being booed?

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It's our last NWSL-centric episode for a month, friends! We decided to chat about some of our favorite players who slipped under the radar, and whose names we haven't discussed nearly enough. (13:56) Before that, Evan and Eric unpack all the latest transfer news, including Julia Grosso to the Chicago Red Stars, Mackenzie Arnold to the Portland Thorns, Rosemonde Kouassi to the Washington Spirit, and Mina Tanaka to the Utah Royals. (00:26)

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The two best teams in the NWSL had to wait until the final matchweek before the Olympics break to square off,  and dear lord was it worth the wait. Brain-busting goals from Barbra Banda and Temwa Chawinga, a game-changing second yellow card for Carrie Lawrence, and a feisty, physical encounter all made this fixture an instant classic. Eric and Evan analyze what Seb Hines and Orlando did right, and maybe what Vlatko Andonovski and Kansas City did wrong.

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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We didn't think a U.S. holiday weekend would toss so much news at us. First up, Eric and Evan chat about the announced Olympics rosters for Brazil, Spain, Canada, Japan, Germany, and Nigeria. (01:00) 

Then it's on to the developing news that USC Journalism School dean Willow Bay and husband, Disney CEO Bob Iger, will be buying a majority stake in Angel City FC. What does this mean for the team, and for the league as a whole? (10:26)

Brittany Alvarado's Statement

Art by Eli Elbogen

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Eric and Evan debate another notable NWSL head coach sacking, hand out some Midseason Awards and go deep on Chicago's 3-0 "rout" of San Diego... was it a rout? What even is a rout?

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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Quiet week, how's everyone doing?

Then, the moment has arrived! Emma Hayes announced her first USWNT major tournament roster, and it's a doozy. No Alex Morgan! Lots of Korbin Albert! Croix Bethune and Hal Hershfelt as alternates! What does this lineup tell us about Hayes's vision for the side? (11:10) And what do her and Trinity Rodman's comments about Albert tell us about the culture inside the locker room right now? (25:10) Evan and Eric drop some heaviness on today's episode. 

Art by Eli Elbogen

Music by Devin Drobka's Bell Dance Songs

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