AFC Toronto and Canadian National Team goalkeeper Sabrina D'Angelo sits down to discuss life in the Northern Super League!

Olympic Medalist and fearless shot-stopper joins the podcast to share insider insights on AFC Toronto's 2026 season and the Canadian National Team ahead of the upcoming World Cup qualifiers.

She shares what it meant to earn her first international cap, her experience winning a bronze medal at the 2016 Rio Olympics, what standing on that podium meant to her personally, and where that accomplishment ranks among her career milestones as she guides Canada into the 2027 cycle with her seniority and leadership.

Sabrina also talks about the iconic 2016 NWSL Championship final where she won Finals MVP with the Western New York Flash after making three massive penalty saves in the shootout! She takes us into the goalkeeper's mindset ahead of each kick, the role of preparation and scouting the opposition's top shooters, and the unique attributes that make a top goalkeeper so incredible at stopping penalties.

Sabrina shares why the Arsenal project and making the move to the WSL from Sweden's Damallsvenskan was appealing to her, how the chance to compete in the Champions League factored into her decision, and how she maintained her confidence through major career obstacles, including playing through a broken wrist for the Flash and bouncing back from a devastating 2020 ACL tear.

Lastly, she shares how she reflects on the high-pressure 2024 Paris Olympics, her advice to her younger self on handling outside noise, what it means to finally play club football at home in Canada after years of national team advocacy for the NSL, her vision board for her short and long-term career goals, and so much more!

This is the second part of our three-part series in collaboration with AFC Toronto! Listen to part one with AFC + Nigerian forward Esther Okoronkwo here!

Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

WAFCON's quarterfinals just delivered the craziest week in the tournament's history, and the results prove it: ten-time champion and defending champion Nigeria were knocked out and Malawi, playing in just their first-ever WAFCON, qualified for their first-ever World Cup as the lowest-ranked nation to ever do it.

In this episode, LDG breaks down all four quarterfinal matches before making the case that the World Cup slot allocation hasn't caught up to what African women's football has become.

He lays out the numbers first: CAF and UEFA have almost identical membership, 54 nations to 55, yet UEFA gets eleven direct World Cup slots to CAF's four. This year's WAFCON proves how badly that decision missed the mark and why this current framework is detrimental to the growth of the women's game.

He backs it up with what just happened on the pitch, a 16-team WAFCON field for the first time ever with two debutant nations reaching the tournament and a group so tight that CAF had to separate Malawi, Nigeria, and Zambia on a rarely-used head-to-head tiebreaker.

From there, LDG gets into the storylines carrying the tournament into its final week, including KC Current forward Temwa Chawinga's goal against Ghana that kept Malawi's run alive, and what it means for an NWSL name to be at the center of an African qualifying story.

He previews Wednesday's semifinals, Morocco hosting Cameroon in Rabat and Malawi facing Algeria in Casablanca, and closes on the four teams still fighting for a way into Brazil: Nigeria, South Africa, Ghana, and Ivory Coast all play an extra round on August 13 for a single remaining spot in the FIFA inter-confederation playoff, with two former champions now needing one more result just to stay alive.

As mentioned in the episode, if you are looking to more WAFCON content, listen to our interview with Nigerian forward Esther Okoronkwo here, which we released on the day of their first 2026 WAFCON match!

Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

Kansas City Current II attacker Avery Clark sits down to discuss beginning her professional career in KC and her non-traditional path to the pros!

Rising star and lethal goalscorer Avery Clark joins the podcast to share insider insights on her incredible breakout year with KC Current II and making her debut with the senior squad.

She shares what it meant to establish herself as a premier attacking threat for the Texas Longhorns, winning titles in both the Big 12 and SEC, and what she took from that elite environment as she prepared for the physical and psychological demands of professional soccer. Avery also talks about her iconic professional debut with the first team, coming off the bench as a second-half substitute to score a spectacular 82nd-minute header game-winning goal against Corinthians SC!

She takes us into that moment to share the emotions running through her head, the single most vivid image she remembers, and how it felt to share that massive stage alongside her fellow Current II teammates. Avery shares why her story is a little bit different than others, pulling back the curtain on the up and down chapters of her journey and how she maintained her conviction when the next step seemed unclear.

She opens up about the groundbreaking importance of NWSL second teams in player development, navigating the transition between the youth/college game to the pros, and how dominating unique modalities like the 3v3 Target Score Time format at TST has sharpened her adaptability.

Beyond the pitch, Avery discusses her strong commitment to growing the game off the field, detailing what the mainstream media still gets wrong about the daily reality of women's soccer players and her mission to change that narrative through her content creation and digital ambassadorship with ByUs Media.

Lastly, she shares the specific technical and physical parts of her game she is sharpening to ensure her next senior team call-up is even more dominant, what is currently on her short and long-term soccer vision board, her answers to our rapid-fire questions, and so much more!

Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

AFC Toronto and Super Falcons attacker Esther Okoronkwo sit down to discuss life in the Northern Super League!

WAFCON Champion and lethal goalscorer Esther Okoronkwo joins the podcast to share insider insights on AFC Toronto's first two seasons and the Super Falcons ahead of the upcoming WAFCON competition.

She shares what it meant to receive her first call up to the Nigerian women's national team, her experience playing at her first-ever World Cup in 2023, what she took from that match and her other national team experiences as she joined AFC Toronto, and so much more!

Esther also talks about the iconic comeback that the Super Falcons had in the 2025 Women's African Cup of Nations final, as they were down 2-0 at halftime against Morocco, but Esther scoring a penalty, assisted the second goal, and then assisted the third goal off a free kick to help help team to a 3-2 comeback victory! She takes us into the locker room to share the mindset shift that happened at halftime and the words of encouragement that were exchanged, and she shared how that match ranked for her personally in her career (it was quite high on the list!)

Esther shares why the AFC Toronto project and Northern Super League as a whole was intriguing to her, her decision to re-sign with the team after their inaugural season and why she loves playing in the NSL!

Lastly, she shares what excites her about this current Super Falcons group, the state of the team as they approach WAFCON, what she believes it will take for Nigeria to achieve its goals at the tournament, what it meant to officially secure a place on this roster, what making the 2027 World Cup roster would mean to her, her long and short term goals, and so much more!

Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

In today's episode, Gotham FC forward Princess Ademiluyi and Chelsea FC defender Chloe Sarwie sit down to discuss life in the elite youth international pathway while navigating high-stakes club milestones!

England youth internationals Princess Ademiluyi and Chloe Sarwie open up about their meteoric rise through the footballing ranks. From sharing their earliest childhood football memories to pulling on the English crest across nearly every youth level, Princess and Chloe share what it truly means to represent the Lionesses. They break down how their experiences in the international pipeline have completely reshaped their tactical styles, footballing perspectives, and senior club performances.

Shifting to club milestones, Princess details her fascinating career path from West Ham United to the NWSL with Gotham FC, highlighting what attracted her to their ambitious project. She shares how her tactical loan spells with Fort Lauderdale United in the USL Super League and her current run with Ipswich Town FC in the WSL 2 have prepared her mentally and physically for a top-flight return.

Chloe then takes us inside her unforgettable first-team debut for Chelsea FC in the UEFA Women's Champions League. She walks us through the raw emotions and the most vivid images from stepping onto club football's biggest stage during a tense, high-stakes European tie.

The conversation wraps up with a candid look at the mental fortitude required to handle the whirlwind pressure of being thrust into vital club and international roles as elite teenagers. The discussion ends with an honest talk about how difficult it can be for teenage athletes to handle huge responsibilities at club and national team levels, after which we move on to some fun rapid-fire questions!

Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

London City Lionesses shocked the women's soccer world by signing Barcelona legends Alexia Putellas and Mapi León, transforming the newly promoted Women’s Super League side into an instant European powerhouse.

In this episode, LDG delivers an essential tactical breakdown of the historic summer transfer window. He analyzes Michele Kang’s ambitious blueprint to reshape English women's football and the WSL through high-profile recruitment.

This episode offers a comprehensive analysis of the recent transfer window in women's football, focusing on the strategies of top clubs like Chelsea, Manchester City, Arsenal, and the ambitious London City Lionesses, but also covering the moves of every club in the league. We explore how these moves shape the league's competitive landscape and the future of the Women's Super League.

The episode dives deep into the sudden squad turnover at London City, focusing on how these blockbusters disrupt the WSL hierarchy. LDG dissects how two-time Ballon d'Or winner Alexia Putellas alters the midfield dynamics and elevates the club's creative floor. He follows with a critical evaluation of how four-time Champions League winner Mapi León provides the structural organization needed to compete against established giants. The discussion concludes by exploring the world-class shot-stopping and backline communication the Lionesses secure with England international Mary Earps in goal.

LDG addresses the burning questions circulating in the women's soccer community regarding sustainable growth. He evaluates critics who question if rapid success fueled by billionaire investment is sustainable over a full domestic season. He provides an in-depth analysis of whether massive financial backing translates into on-pitch chemistry or simply creates an expensive collection of individuals. Finally, he projects how London City’s aggressive business pressures rivals like Chelsea, Arsenal, and Tottenham to rethink their recruitment strategies.

Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

Gotham FC just played their first-ever regular season match inside New York City proper, and 42,175 fans showed up to Citi Field to watch it happen.

In this episode, LDG breaks down why the Queens Classic was a genuine grand slam moment for the club, even though the ninety minutes on the field left plenty to be desired.

He walks through the business case first: a new NYC women's sports attendance record, set not in ideal conditions but through 90-degree heat and an active wildfire smoke advisory, four days before a men's World Cup Final just miles away at MetLife. He connects that turnout directly to the club's recently announced 2028 move to Etihad Park, arguing this was less a one-off spectacle and more a stress test the club needed to pass.

From there, LDG gets into the emotional storylines of the night, including Sam Kerr's long-awaited return to the club where her NWSL career first took off, and what her ovation from a sold-out crowd signals about the fanbase Gotham is building in Queens. He also doesn't shy away from the rough patches: a chewed-up outfield-turned-pitch that caused multiple stumbles, a scrappy and largely uneventful second half, and a scary early exit for Jordynn Dudley after back-to-back knocks to the head.

LDG makes the case for why "grand slam" still holds up as the right label even when the on-field product wasn't great, and closes by looking ahead to Gotham's next test hosting Seattle Reign at Icahn Stadium, plus what Washington's now five-game scoreless skid against Gotham means for a probable third straight playoff meeting between the two sides.

Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

Calgary Wild forward Mya Jones sits down to discuss life in the Northern Super League!

From dominating youth pitches in Alberta to making history as the first-ever University of Memphis women's soccer graduate selected in the NWSL Draft, Mya’s journey is defined by grit and elite competitiveness.

Mya opens up about the cultural and physical adjustments of transitioning to NCAA Division 1 soccer. She also reflects on her early international debut for Canada's U-15 national team at just 12 years old under Bev Priestman, sharing how those elite youth tournament experiences prepared her for the professional ranks.

Shifting to her professional career, Mya details her 2024 NWSL Draft experience with the San Diego Wave and the reputation she built as a fierce, high-intensity competitor on the pitch. She candidly shares the mental and physical hurdles of overcoming a severe broken foot injury during an NSL loan spell with AFC Toronto.

The conversation wraps up with an inside look at the launch of the Northern Super League and why Mya chose to return home to sign with Calgary Wild FC for the 2026 season. She explains how the squad is navigating heavy roster turnover and a coaching change following Lydia Bedford's departure, all while building a distinct new team identity. Finally, Mya shares her short-term goals, senior Canada national team aspirations, and fields a fun round of TWSP-classic rapid-fire questions.

Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

Halifax Tides defender Naya Cardoza joins the show to take us inside her journey from Ivy League collegiate powerhouse to the historic Northern Super League in Canadian soccer.

In this episode, the former Brown University captain opens up about what it takes to defend the world's best attackers. She shares firsthand insights from her international caps with the Jamaica Women’s National Team (or Reggae Girlz), breaking down the tactical mindset needed to shut down global superstars like Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, Lizbeth Ovalle, and Marta.

Naya also talks about why the Halifax Tides FC and the club’s long-term project was a great fit for her first professional contract and club, the responsibility she feels to inspire the next generation of Canadian soccer talent, and how she navigated the hurdles on the road to going pro that are not always highlighted.

Plus, we look ahead to Jamaica’s vital 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign and close things out with a rapid-fire Q&A!

Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!

We made it to another big milestone, episode 200! In this special milestone episode of The Women’s Soccer Podcast, LDG takes a look back at where it all started and dives deep into the current state of the game.

First, LDG takes you behind the scenes to share the origin story of the podcast and how the show’s production has evolved. From the hours spent prepping and editing to his absolute favorite parts of the weekly routine, he shares the highs and the lows,

Next, he transitions into a hard-hitting tactical breakdown of the absolute identity crisis happening right now with Gotham FC. He dissects the current full-back situation, explaining why the club's current defensive line management affects every phase of play on the pitch. He looks closely at the metrics to understand why standout rookie Sarah Schupansky has seen such limited minutes, while also assessing the logistics and probability behind the club's rumored stadium relocation straight into New York City to NYCFC's new stadium.

To wrap up this milestone edition, LDG reflects on his most memorable guest stories, revealing the common traits it takes to become an elite professional athlete in today's modern leagues. He analyzes the global game to pinpoint which international domestic leagues deserve far more attention, which countries have made the biggest developmental leaps, and whether a dominant Spain squad has what it takes to repeat their glory next summer in Brazil. It all ends with a bold, definitive prediction for where the trajectory of women's football is headed over the next decade!

Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!