Expected Own Goals

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!

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!

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!

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. 

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! 

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!

Playoffs?! Playoffs?! Evan and Eric dissect the upcoming NWSL Quarterfinal matchups (OL Reign vs. Angel City FC, North Carolina Courage vs. NY/NJ Gotham FC) and bicker over their Best XIs from the 2023 NWSL Regular Season. 

Has everybody caught their breath??? Washington is out, Angel City is in, and the NWSL playoff picture is set after a Decision Day that more than lived up to the hype. Eric and Evan break down all the action, from retiring players' heroics to the Spirit's and Thorns' total meltdowns. Playoffs, baby!!!

Yes, there is still an 11-point gap between first and last in the NWSL, why do you ask? Last week's fixtures locked in Portland's postseason berth and Chicago's elimination, but there are still eight teams playing for four playoff spots. Eric and Evan run down last week's action, and preview what could be in store on Decision Day. Houston Dash fans, start prayin'! 

Only 11 points separated first from last in the NWSL last week. Now, only 11 points separate first from last. San Diego has punched their ticket while Kansas City is confirmed to be packing it in after October 15th. In between them, the table is just as wild as ever. Evan and Eric give you the full rundown, and go deep on what may have been a season-deciding match between Orlando and Angel City. A quick WSL recap closes us out, mercifully more painless than the pun assault that starts us off!