(Note: A technical gremlin affected the recorded file, which is why there's no intro/outro music for this episode.)

Chris (@chris_awk) and Jon (@jonlipsitz)are back for the sixteenth of their Women's World Cup preview episodes. Today, it's our 9th ranked squad, Japan.

After missing the 2016 Summer Olympics, Japan pushed heavily towards youth and won the Asian Cup qualifiers to punch their ticket to France. Will Saki Kumagai be able to step in and lead her side to another WWC final? Can Mana Iwabuchi find her best form to lead the line? And is Japan's GK (yes, really!) Ayaka Yamashita one of their keys to success?

The WoSo Independent - Episode #83

Sports

Chris (@chris_awk) and Jon (@jonlipsitz) return to review the group stage of the NWSL Challenge Cup along with making their knockout stage predictions.

The WoSo Independent - Episode #106

Chris (@chris_awk) and Jon (@jonlipsitz) make a shocking return to podcasting to preview the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. 

Who are the players to watch for? Does anyone stand a chance of beating North Carolina? And how will the format of the tournament affect lineup and tactical decisions?

The WoSo Independent - Episode #105

Chris (@chris_awk) and Jon (@jonlipsitz) are back from a long hiatus to discuss some of the latest happenings in the world of WoSo.

They discuss the USSF's staggering meltdown in their battle with the USWNT. Then, there's discussion about the USWNT's SheBelieves Cup effort, as well as their thoughts on the three other teams participating in the competition. And finally, they touch upon some of the NWSL's offseason activity since the end of the 2020 NWSL Draft.

Coming Soon, 2020 NWSL Team Previews...

The WoSo Independent - Episode #104

Chris (@chris_awk) and Jon (@jonlipsitz) wrap up their 2020 NWSL Draft coverage by reviewing a frantic week of action, including a long line of trades before, during, and after the draft. They look at the draft as a whole and then examine how each team performed with their picks.

The WoSo Independent - Episode #103

(Note: This podcast was recorded on Sunday evening. Players discussed have officially declared, or credible sources have indicated their declaration for the draft. Rankings may have shifted from the actual big board being posted due to new players being added after the recording of this podcast.)

Chris (@chris_awk) & Jon (@jonlipsitz) discuss their big board for the 2020 NWSL Draft. First, they discuss a trio of seniors who could shake up the big board if they declare before Thursday's draft. Then, they talk about some of the sleepers from lower on the board. Finally, they go in detail about their Top 15 players as of the recording of the podcast.

The WoSo Independent - Episode #83

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