The Mixxed Zone

In episode #295, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper prepares for the knockout round of the NWSL Challenge Cup with two chats focuses on the final first-round games.

First, Jen chats with Jason Anderson of BlackAndRedUnited.com about the performance of the Washington Spirit. The young club grabbed the 2nd seed in the NWSL Challenge Cup knockout round, but will have to adjust their tactics after losing Andi Sullivan to a meniscus injury. Jen also asked Jason for his quarterfinal predictions for all four matchups.

Then Jen speaks with KeeperNotes.com reporter Grant Wiedenfeld about his experience on-site for several Challenge Cup games at Zions Bank Stadium in Utah. He also reviews the Houston Dash games against Sky Blue and Washington, and offers his picks for the MVP and Golden Glove winners of the first round.

In this week’s “Jensplaining” segment, Jen reviews the Challenge Cup knockout round rules, specifically PK shootouts.

EMAIL THE KEEPER

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Or any feedback about The Mixxed Zone podcast? Email your question or comments to [email protected].

 

Check out our sponsors:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Ruffneck Scarves

* Icarus FC

 

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 has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL and USWNT) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content and “WoSo Nerd” resources at KeeperNotes.com. You can follow Keeper Notes on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

And check out the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 350-page comprehensive guide to the first seven seasons of NWSL (2013-2019). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. ALSO AVAILABLE – a Houston Dash almanac!

In this “super-sized” episode #294, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper discusses Challenge Cup action, Colombia’s Women’s World Cup bid and a new WoSo book by Beau Dure.

First off, Jen chats with John Halloran of Equalizer Soccer about a lot of the recent NWSL Challenge Cup action, focusing primarily on the performances of the Chicago Red Stars, the Houston Dash and the Washington Spirit.

Then Jen talks (and also sometimes rants) with Brenda Elsey of the Burn It All Down podcast about the problems surrounding the public perceptions and media treatment of Colombia’s recent bid for the 2023 Women’s World Cup.

Finally, Jen hears from longtime women’s soccer reporter Beau Dure about his latest book, “2012, The Year That Saved Women’s Soccer.” It’s available in paperback and also Kindle format. Several current and former NWSL players were interviewed for the book.

There is no “Jensplaining” segment this week, but look for the segment to return next week!

EMAIL THE KEEPER

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Or feedback about The Mixxed Zone podcast? Email your question or comments to [email protected].

 

Check out our sponsors:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Ruffneck Scarves

* Icarus FC

 

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 has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL and USWNT) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content and “WoSo Nerd” resources at KeeperNotes.com. You can follow Keeper Notes on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

And check out the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 350-page comprehensive guide to the first seven seasons of NWSL (2013-2019). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. NOW AVAILABLE – a Houston Dash almanac!

In episode #293, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper previews theNWSL Challenge Cup opener. The North Carolina Courage and the Portland Thorns, both two-time NWSL champions, face off on Saturday, June 27 at 11:30 am CT (10:30 am local time) in Utah. The game will air live on CBS, CBS All-Access and Twitch (outside USA & Canada).

In the first segment, Jen chats with Neil Morris of WRALsportsfan.com about defending champ North Carolina Courage. The 3-time NWSL Shield winner heads into the NWSL Challenge Cup with the least roster turnover among all the teams.

Then Jen talks with Tyler Nguyen of Rose City Review about the Portland Thorns roster for the NWSL Challenge Cup. Nguyen highlights several younger, unheralded players who are expected to make a big impact for the Thorns in Utah.

Also in this episode is another “Jensplaining” segment. This week Jen reviews the roster rules and tiebreaker procedures for the NWSL Challenge Cup.

 

EMAIL THE KEEPER

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Or feedback about The Mixxed Zone podcast? Email your question or comments to [email protected].

 

Check out our sponsors:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Ruffneck Scarves

* Icarus FC

 

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 has been covering women’s soccer (primarily NWSL and USWNT) since 2014. Check out more of the Keeper’s great content and “WoSo Nerd” resources at KeeperNotes.com. You can follow Keeper Notes on Twitter, Instagram, and Facebook.

And check out the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 350-page comprehensive guide to the first seven seasons of NWSL (2013-2019). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. NOW AVAILABLE – a Houston Dash almanac!

In episode #292, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper gets the Aussie perspective on Australia’s joint WWC bid with New Zealand, and also gets a Canada coaching update.

In the first chat, Jen talks with Australian referee and soccer activist Catherine Grace about Australia’s joint WWC bid with New Zealnd. They also delve into the reasons behind the “exodus” of Matildas from NWSL this year.

Then Jen catches up with Canadian soccer journalist Harjeet Johal about the recent announcment that head coach Kenneth Heiner-Moller is stepping down. The two also chat about Canadian players to watch for in the upcoming NWSL Challenge Cup.

Also in this episode is another “Jensplaining” segment. This week Jen does a little jensplaining on a non-soccer topic.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Or feedback about The Mixxed Zone podcast? Email your question or comments to [email protected].

Check out our sponsors:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Ruffneck Scarves

* Icarus FC

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

And check out the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 350-page comprehensive guide to the first seven seasons of NWSL (2013-2019). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER – a Houston Dash almanac!

In episode #291, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper continues the discussion of the upcoming NWSL Challenge Cup, this time with Dan Lauletta of Equalizer Soccer.

In the first segment, Jen and Dan talk about the events of the past week as they relate to women’s soccer. Then the pair discuss the live draw for the NWSL Challenge Cup on CBS HQ and the official odds published for each club.

Then, in the second segment, the pair review the first round matchups, the general format of the tourney and the possibility that some national teamers might not participate.

Also in this episode is another “Jensplaining” segment. This week Jen reviews the potential tiebreaker procedures for the NWSL Challenge Cup.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Or feedback about The Mixxed Zone podcast? Email your question or comments to [email protected].

Check out our sponsors:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Ruffneck Scarves

* Icarus FC

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

And check out the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 350-page comprehensive guide to the first seven seasons of NWSL (2013-2019). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER – a Houston Dash almanac!

In episode #290, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper discusses the recently announced NWSL Challenge Cup with Charles Olney of Backline Soccer. Then she gets caught on Canada women’s national team news with the hosts of the For Kicks podcast.

First up, Jen and Charles review all the various aspects of the first-ever NWSL Challenge Cup. The 9-team tournament will kick off in Utah in late June. There will be a group stage and a knockout round featuring eight teams. Sponsored by P&G and Secret as well as Budweiser (semifinals, final and MVP award), the tournament could mark the return of first pro league in the United States.

Then Jen catches up with Jessica and Katie, hosts of the Canada-focused podcast, For Kicks. The trio recap Canada’s results in the Tournoi de France last March. They also highlight the performances of world-record-setter Christine Sinclair plus up-and-comers Jordyn Huitema and Jessie Fleming.

Also in this episode is another “Jensplaining” segment. This week Jen reviews the difference between stoppage time, extra time and over time.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Or feedback about The Mixxed Zone podcast? Email your question or comments to [email protected].

Check out our sponsors:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Ruffneck Scarves

* Icarus FC

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

And check out the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 350-page comprehensive guide to the first seven seasons of NWSL (2013-2019). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER – a Houston Dash almanac!

In episode #289, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper gets an update on all things England soccer from UK-based freelance reporter Rich Laverty. Then Jen hears about TheOneGoal.org Covid-19 relief efforts from co-founder Daniela Porcelli.

In the first chat, Laverty shares the latest news on the halted FA WSL season and also the recent announcement by England head coach Phil Neville that he’ll be stepping down next year. The England soccer update then transitions into a discussion of the long-term scheduling impact of Covid-19 on international soccer.

Then Jen hears the story of how Daniela became a woso photographer and eventually co-founder of TheOneGoal.org with Swedish goalkeeper Hedvig Lindvahl.

Also in this episode is another “Jensplaining” segment. This week Jen reviews the basic roster rules of the NWSL.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Or feedback about The Mixxed Zone podcast? Email your question or comments to [email protected].

Check out our sponsors:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Ruffneck Scarves

* Icarus FC

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

And check out the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 350-page comprehensive guide to the first seven seasons of NWSL (2013-2019). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER – a Houston Dash almanac!

In episode #288, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper discusses the SheBelieves Virtual Network with US Soccer Director of Brand and Fan Experience Kay Bradley. Jen also wanders down WoSo memory lane with former WUSA/WPS head coach Omid Namazi.

In the first chat, Kay Bradley explains how she went from playing college soccer to working in marketing and eventually for US Soccer. She highlights her favorite memories of 2019 from a behind-the-scenes perspectives. Bradley also outlines the benefits and goals of the recently launched SheBelieves Virtual Network.

Then Jen chats with former woso head coach Omid Namazi about his time at the helm of the San Diego Spirit (WUSA, 2003) and the Chicago Red Stars (WPS, 2010). He shares the story about which not-yet-famous player necessitates the big final trade in WUSA history. Namazi also remembers coaching Women’s World Cup champions Megan Rapinoe and Jessica McDonald at Chicago.

Also in this episode is another “Jensplaining” segment. This week Jen explains the creation, evolution and recent developments related to the “youth” Women’s World Cups.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Or feedback about The Mixxed Zone podcast? Email your question or comments to [email protected].

Check out our sponsors:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Ruffneck Scarves

* Icarus FC

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

And check out the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 350-page comprehensive guide to the first seven seasons of NWSL (2013-2019). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. NOW AVAILABLE FOR ORDER – a Houston Dash almanac!

In episode #287, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper gets an update on the USWNT lawsuit and hears what it’s like to be an NCAA women’s soccer college coach during quarantine.

In the first chat, sports & entertainment lawyer Kelsey Trainor explains the recent decisions in the USWNT gender discrimination lawsuit against US Soccer, and lays out what options the players have moving forward.

Then Jen talks with longtime Texas A&M soccer coach G Guerreri about handling the “pause” on training, playing, recruiting, etc. for women’s college soccer: “I’ve never had a summer off!”

Also in this episode is another “Jensplaining” segment. When is a goal not an “international” goal? This week Jen explains the rules defining “international goals.”

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Or feedback about The Mixxed Zone podcast? Email your question or comments to [email protected].

Check out our sponsors:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Ruffneck Scarves

* Icarus FC

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

And check out the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 350-page comprehensive guide to the first seven seasons of NWSL (2013-2019). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. Coming very soon – a Houston Dash almanac!

In episode #286, Jen “The Keeper” Cooper catches up with two NWSL broadcasters to hear about their favorite NWSL games — Jordan Angeli offers the player’s perspective and Josh Tolle gives that of the play-by-play announcer.

In the first chat, current NWSL announcer Jordan Angeli shares with Jen the stories behind her three favorite NWSL games that she played in — two in the 2014 season for Washington Spirit and one in 2015 for Western NY Flash.

Then Jen catches up with play-by-play announcer Josh Tolle to hear his picks for the three most memorable games he called last season. FYI, Josh  called more NWSL games in 2019 than anyone else!

Links to full match videos for games mentioned in this episode:

Jordan’s NWSL favorites (as a player)

April 2014: WAS vs WNY

June 2014: POR vs WAS

April 2015: SEA vs WNY

Josh’s 2019 NWSL favorites (as an announcer)

April 2019: SEA vs ORL

June 2019: UTA vs SKY

September 2019: WAS vs NC

Also in this episode is another “Jensplaining” segment. This week Jen reviews the format of Women’s World Cup playoffs.

Got a question or comment for the Jensplainer? Or feedback about The Mixxed Zone podcast? Email your question or comments to [email protected].

Check out our sponsors:

* The Beautiful Game Network

* Ruffneck Scarves

* Icarus FC

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

And check out the Keeper Notes NWSL Almanac, the 350-page comprehensive guide to the first seven seasons of NWSL (2013-2019). You can’t get this info all in one place anywhere else! The almanac is available in both PDF and print format. Coming soon – a Houston Dash almanac!