The Mixxed Zone

In episode #335, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper talks NCAA women’s soccer and the 2023 Women’s World Cup that is 18 months away.

First, Jen chats with G Guerrieri, longtime Texas A&M head coach. All three American women’s pro leagues have featured Aggie alums. Coach G and Jen discuss how women’s college soccer has evolved as women’s pro soccer (especially NWSL) has grown,. They also review the proposed format change for women’s NCAA Div1 soccer.

Then Jen hears from Aussie woso pundit Chris Hockman on the “state of the union” down under, looking ahead to the 2023 Women’s World Cup that kicks off in 18 months. The event will be jointly hosted by Australia and New Zealand. Jen & Chris also talk about the A-League Women, the rebrand of the former W-League.

This week’s “Jensplaining” segment covers the voting format for both the Best FIFA Women’s Player award and the FIFPro Best XI.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Email your question or general Mixxed Zone comments to [email protected].

 

Check out the sponsors of The Mixxed Zone:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Phoenix on Westheimer in Houston

 

ABOUT KEEPER NOTES

Founded by Jen Cooper, Keeper Notes has been spreading the love for the beautiful game since 2002 in Houston and beyond. The Mixxed Zone women’s soccer podcast has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL, USWNT and Concacaf) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content as well as the invaluable “WoSopedia” page at KeeperNotes.com. You can also follow Keeper Notes on Twitter and Instagram.

And be sure to check out the latest edition of the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 400-page comprehensive guide to the first nine seasons of NWSL (2013-2021). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. Keeper Notes has also published its first-ever almanac of all the NWSL championship finals.

In episode #334 of the Mixxed Zone, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper discusses an “NWSL Wish List” for 2022 with Dan Lauletta of Equalizer Soccer.

The “Wish List“ includes (among other things) a successful launch for both new clubs in southern California, more info included on league injury reports and more transparency of player roster & contract status.

This week’s “Jensplaining” segment reviews the format of both the 2022 Challenge Cup (starting March 19) and the 2022 NWSL regular season (kicking off in mid May).

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Email your question or general Mixxed Zone comments to [email protected].

 

Check out the sponsors of The Mixxed Zone:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Phoenix on Westheimer in Houston

 

ABOUT KEEPER NOTES

Founded by Jen Cooper, Keeper Notes has been spreading the love for the beautiful game since 2002 in Houston and beyond. The Mixxed Zone women’s soccer podcast has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL, USWNT and Concacaf) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content as well as the invaluable “WoSopedia” page at KeeperNotes.com. You can also follow Keeper Notes on Twitter and Instagram.

And be sure to check out the latest edition of the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 400-page comprehensive guide to the first nine seasons of NWSL (2013-2021). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. Keeper Notes has also published its first-ever almanac of all the NWSL championship finals.

In episode #333 of the Mixxed Zone, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper talks about the two NWSL drafts coming up later this month with Equalizer Soccer’s Dan Lauletta.

Jen and Dan take a look back at the positive points of the 2021 NWSL season, and also look ahead to 2022 with a special focus on the upcoming NWSL drafts — the December 16 expansion draft for Angel City FC and Sa Diego Wave FC, plus the December 18 college draft. (Both events will stream live on Paramount+ as well as Twitch for international viewers).

This week’s “Jensplaining” segment reviews the basic rules (but not all the rules) for the December 18 expansion draft for Angel City FC and San Diego Wave FC. For more info on the expansion draft rules, see NWSLsoccer.com.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Email your question or general Mixxed Zone comments to [email protected].

 

Check out the sponsors of The Mixxed Zone:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Phoenix on Westheimer in Houston

 

ABOUT KEEPER NOTES

Founded by Jen Cooper, Keeper Notes has been spreading the love for the beautiful game since 2002 in Houston and beyond. The Mixxed Zone women’s soccer podcast has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL, USWNT and Concacaf) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content as well as the invaluable “WoSopedia” page at KeeperNotes.com. You can also follow Keeper Notes on Twitter and Instagram.

And be sure to check out the latest edition of the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 370-plus-page comprehensive guide to the first eight seasons of NWSL (2013-2020). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. The 2021 edition is due on February 1, 2021.

In episode #332 of the Mixxed Zone, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper talks to two women who have been part of the 2021 NWSL expansion franchises about their soccer journeys.

First, Jen chats with Racing Louisville forward Vanessa Kara about her soccer journey from Drexel University to the University of Florida to pro soccer in Finland, the NWSL and ultimately the Dominican Republic national team.

Then Jen gets the scoop from Kansas City Current COO Amber Cox about her journey back to her home state where she helped KC launch a new name and logo and also unveil plans for a women’s soccer-specific stadium.

This week’s “Jensplaining” segement reviewsthe format for extra-time and subs for NWSL playoff games.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Email your question or general Mixxed Zone comments to [email protected].

 

Check out the sponsors of The Mixxed Zone:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Phoenix on Westheimer in Houston

 

ABOUT KEEPER NOTES

Founded by Jen Cooper, Keeper Notes has been spreading the love for the beautiful game since 2002 in Houston and beyond. The Mixxed Zone women’s soccer podcast has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL, USWNT and Concacaf) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content as well as the invaluable “WoSopedia” page at KeeperNotes.com. You can also follow Keeper Notes on Twitter and Instagram.

And be sure to check out the latest edition of the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 370-plus-page comprehensive guide to the first eight seasons of NWSL (2013-2020). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. Also available for purchase: the Houston Dash almanac and commemorative 2020 Challenge Cup booklet.

In episode #331 of the Mixxed Zone, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper chats about the end of an era — Carli Lloyd’s era, that is — with longtime USWNT broadcaster JP Dellacamera, and also gets end of the NWSL season thoughts from NWSL announcer Josh Tolle.

This week’s “Jensplaining” segement reviews the scenarios for all NWSL teams who’ve clinched a playoff spot or who are still in contention.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Email your question or general Mixxed Zone comments to [email protected].

 

Check out the sponsors of The Mixxed Zone:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Phoenix on Westheimer in Houston

 

ABOUT KEEPER NOTES

Founded by Jen Cooper, Keeper Notes has been spreading the love for the beautiful game since 2002 in Houston and beyond. The Mixxed Zone women’s soccer podcast has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL, USWNT and Concacaf) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content as well as the invaluable “WoSopedia” page at KeeperNotes.com. You can also follow Keeper Notes on Twitter and Instagram.

And be sure to check out the latest edition of the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 370-plus-page comprehensive guide to the first eight seasons of NWSL (2013-2020). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. Also available for purchase: the Houston Dash almanac and commemorative 2020 Challenge Cup booklet.

In episode #330 of the Mixxed Zone, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper tries to process the breakdown of NWSL that began last week (and continues to happen) and figure out what needs to happen next, along with longtime woso report Dan Lauletta of Equalizer Soccer.

There is no “Jensplaining” segment this week.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Email your question or general Mixxed Zone comments to [email protected].

 

Check out the sponsors of The Mixxed Zone:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Phoenix on Westheimer in Houston

 

ABOUT KEEPER NOTES

Founded by Jen Cooper, Keeper Notes has been spreading the love for the beautiful game since 2002 in Houston and beyond. The Mixxed Zone women’s soccer podcast has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL, USWNT and Concacaf) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content as well as the invaluable “WoSopedia” page at KeeperNotes.com. You can also follow Keeper Notes on Twitter and Instagram.

And be sure to check out the latest edition of the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 370-plus-page comprehensive guide to the first eight seasons of NWSL (2013-2020). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. Also available for purchase: the Houston Dash almanac and commemorative 2020 Challenge Cup booklet.

In episode #329 of the Mixxed Zone, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper chats with a veteran NWSL player about her journey from player to coach, and also gets an update on some of the recent drama surrounding the Washington Spirit (before the forfeit to the Reign).

First, Jen talks with former NWSL striker and new Gotham FC assistant coach Bev Yanez about making the journey from player to coach, and how each of her experiences at different pro clubs — including INAC Kobe Leonessa in Japan — shaped her as both a player and a former coach.

Then Jen catches up with Jason Anderson of BlackAndRedUnited about the ongoing drama at Washington Spirit — and this was recorded before the forfeit to the Reign on September 12.

This week’s “Jensplaining” segment reviews the NWSL playoffs format for 2021 – now featuring six teams! – and what the standings tiebreakers are.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Email your question or general Mixxed Zone comments to [email protected].

 

Check out the sponsors of The Mixxed Zone:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Phoenix on Westheimer in Houston

 

ABOUT KEEPER NOTES

Founded by Jen Cooper, Keeper Notes has been spreading the love for the beautiful game since 2002 in Houston and beyond. The Mixxed Zone women’s soccer podcast has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL, USWNT and Concacaf) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content as well as the invaluable “WoSopedia” page at KeeperNotes.com. You can also follow Keeper Notes on Twitter and Instagram.

And be sure to check out the latest edition of the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 370-plus-page comprehensive guide to the first eight seasons of NWSL (2013-2020). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. Also available for purchase: the Houston Dash almanac and commemorative 2020 Challenge Cup booklet.

In episode #328 of the Mixxed Zone, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper talks Tokyo Olympics, NWSL and Liga MX Femenil with two guests.

In the first chat, Jen chats with Dan Lauletta of Equalizer Soccer about his takeaways from the Tokyo Olympics, the challenges of early morning viewing, and the state of the NWSL halfway through the 2021 regular season.

Then Jen catches up with Melissa of Chivas_FEng about Liga MX Femenil as it enters the 2020-21 season and also the Mexican women’s national team.

This week’s “Jensplaining” segment cover the format of the upcoming Women’s International Champions Cup (Portland) and Women’s Cup tournaments (Louisville).

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Email your question or general Mixxed Zone comments to [email protected].

 

Check out the sponsors of The Mixxed Zone:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Phoenix on Westheimer in Houston

* Soccer 4 All

 

ABOUT KEEPER NOTES

Founded by Jen Cooper, Keeper Notes has been spreading the love for the beautiful game since 2002 in Houston and beyond. The Mixxed Zone women’s soccer podcast has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL, USWNT and Concacaf) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content as well as the invaluable “WoSopedia” page at KeeperNotes.com. You can also follow Keeper Notes on Twitter and Instagram.

And be sure to check out the latest edition of the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 370-plus-page comprehensive guide to the first eight seasons of NWSL (2013-2020). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. Also available for purchase: the Houston Dash almanac and commemorative 2020 Challenge Cup booklet.

In episode #327 of the Mixxed Zone, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper has conversations with two women who call the game, whether it’s for an NWSL broadcast, college soccer or the upcoming Olympics.

First, Jen chats with 2-time Olympic gold medalist Angela Hucles, who has served as analyst for NWSL, ACC and Women’s World Cup broadcasts, and who will be part of NBC’s crew for the Tokyo Olympics. Hucles shares her thoughts on the USWNT roster for this tournament, and discusses her new role as the Vice President of Player Development and Operations for Angel City FC, one of the two NWSL expansion teams for 2022.

Then Jen talks with Anna Witte, a former Penn State player who now works as a sports reporter and on-air analyst. Witte is in her first year calling the game for NWSL broadcasts.

This week’s “Jensplaining” segment reviews the updated roster size rules for the upcoming Olympic soccer tournament

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Email your question or general Mixxed Zone comments to [email protected].

 

Check out the sponsors of The Mixxed Zone:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Phoenix on Westheimer in Houston

* Soccer 4 All

 

ABOUT KEEPER NOTES

Founded by Jen Cooper, Keeper Notes has been spreading the love for the beautiful game since 2002 in Houston and beyond. The Mixxed Zone women’s soccer podcast has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL, USWNT and Concacaf) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content as well as the invaluable “WoSopedia” page at KeeperNotes.com. You can also follow Keeper Notes on Twitter and Instagram.

And be sure to check out the latest edition of the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 370-plus-page comprehensive guide to the first eight seasons of NWSL (2013-2020). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. Also available for purchase: the Houston Dash almanac and commemorative 2020 Challenge Cup booklet.

In episode #326 of the Mixxed Zone, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper chats with two American soccer executives about their new ventures – a new league (USL’s W-League) and a new women’s cup competitition (the Women’s Cup).

First, Jen talks with Betsy Haugh, director of soccer operations for the USL W-League that is set to launch in 2022. This new league is in some ways a relaunch of the USL’s previous women’s league (1995-2015). It will be a “pre-professional” league that intends to work in concert with the NWSL.

Then Jen hears from Brad Estes, president of 2021 NWSL expansion club Racing Louisville FC, about the new club’s launch, award-winning stadium and upcoming Women’s Cup featuring Chicago, Bayern Munich and PSG.

This week’s “Jensplaining” segment reviews NWSL National Team Replacement (NTR) players.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Email your question or general Mixxed Zone comments to [email protected].

 

Check out the sponsors of The Mixxed Zone:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Phoenix on Westheimer in Houston

* Soccer 4 All

 

ABOUT KEEPER NOTES

Founded by Jen Cooper, Keeper Notes has been spreading the love for the beautiful game since 2002 in Houston and beyond. The Mixxed Zone women’s soccer podcast has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL, USWNT and Concacaf) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content as well as the invaluable “WoSopedia” page at KeeperNotes.com. You can also follow Keeper Notes on Twitter and Instagram.

And be sure to check out the latest edition of the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 370-plus-page comprehensive guide to the first eight seasons of NWSL (2013-2020). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. Also available for purchase: the Houston Dash almanac and commemorative 2020 Challenge Cup booklet.