Lesley Ryder - NWSL

NWSL Season Opener Highlights: Expansion Teams, Records, and Inspiring Returns

The NWSL's opening weekend featured Boston Legacy's record inaugural home opener attendance and a potential new record for yellow cards. Expansion teams Boston Legacy and Denver Summit both received red cards in their first matches. The weekend also celebrated player returns: Tatum Milazzo scored after recovering from an ACL tear, Sophia Wilson returned from maternity leave, and Savvy King made a comeback after heart surgery, focusing on heart health advocacy.

Chicago Stars Struggle in Season Opener Amid Defensive Challenges

Lesley Ryder analyzes the Chicago Stars' tough season opener loss to Angel City, marked by defensive errors and poor organization. Injuries led to unusual lineup choices, including leaving new defender Elise Evans off the roster. Michelle Ozia's debut was a bright spot. With a challenging home game against KC Current next, the Stars must fix their defense quickly.

NWSL Season Kickoff: Key Storylines and New Faces to Watch

Lesley Ryder breaks down three major storylines for the NWSL season opener. Kansas City Current faces a new coach and injury setbacks while aiming to compete for the shield. Portland Thorns welcome back Sophia Wilson alongside new head coach Robert Villaham. Two expansion teams, Denver Summit and Boston, make their league debut with high expectations and notable players like Amanda Gutierrez leading Boston's attack. The episode sets the stage for an exciting season kickoff.

Trinity Rodman's Historic Contract and the Future of the High-Impact Player Rule

Trinity Rodman became the highest paid player in women's soccer with a contract using the Rodman Rule, a salary classification in the NWSL. The rule faces criticism and a grievance from the players' union over bargaining and subjectivity. The league defends it as strategic, while the union disputes its fairness and negotiation process. This dispute highlights ongoing tensions in player compensation and league governance.

A Disabled Journalist's Day at the 2023 NWSL Championship

Join Lesley Ryder as she navigates her first visit to PayPal Park for the 2023 NWSL Championship. As a disabled journalist, she details accessibility accommodations and challenges while covering the intense match between Gotham FC and the Spirit. From media scrums with USWNT coach Emma Hayes to dramatic game moments and post-match celebrations, including a championship cigar tradition, this episode offers a personal perspective on a high-stakes soccer final.

NWSL's High-Impact Player Rule Faces Criticism Over Outsourced Voting and Conflicts

Lesley Ryder examines the NWSL's new high-impact player rule, which bases player pay on rankings by European journalists with limited NWSL exposure. She highlights flawed voting systems, underrepresentation of American media, and conflicts of interest from coaches and GMs influencing pay-related rankings. Ryder critiques the league's choice over raising the salary cap amid players' union opposition and legal challenges.

NWSL's High Impact Player Rule Sparks Legal Battle with Players Union

The NWSL's new high impact player rule lets clubs exceed the salary cap by up to $1 million for select players, based on subjective criteria focused on U.S. national team members. The NWSLPA opposes this, citing labor laws requiring bargaining and plans legal action to protect players' rights, highlighting tensions over salary control and fairness.

NWSLPA Opposes High-Impact Player Rule, Advocates Raising Salary Cap Instead

The NWSL Players Association opposes the league's high-impact player rule, which allows spending outside the salary cap for select players. They argue it favors few players based on arbitrary criteria and propose raising the salary cap by a million dollars instead. The union stresses collective bargaining and highlights tensions after Trinity Rodman's vetoed contract. With her contract expiring soon, the league must decide on the proposal or risk losing top talent.

Congressional Pressure Mounts in Trinity Rodman Contract Dispute

The Democratic Women's Congressional Caucus sent an open letter to NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman questioning her veto of Trinity Rodman's contract and urging the league to honor the collective bargaining agreement. This follows prior congressional actions addressing player safety and abuse. Congress demands good faith negotiations with the players' association and regular updates, increasing pressure on the league to resolve the contract issue.

NWSL Playoff Race Heats Up with Two Games Left

The NWSL playoff race tightens with eight teams fighting for five spots and only two games left. Key matches this weekend, including Bay FC vs. North Carolina Courage and Gotham vs. Racing Louisville, could decide playoff fates. North Carolina must win to stay alive, while others can clinch with wins. Angel City and Houston face elimination if Racing Louisville earns a point. The season's end promises high drama.

NWSL Playoff Race Heats Up with Five Weeks Left in the Season

As the NWSL season nears its end, the playoff race is wide open with only one team clinched. Unlike last year’s dominance by four teams, this season shows true parity with tight standings and multiple teams battling injuries and form. The final stretch, including Decision Day where all teams play simultaneously, promises dramatic playoff decisions.

Understanding the NWSL Shield and Kansas City's Celebration

Lesley Ryder explains the NWSL Shield, awarded to the team with the best record in the National Women's Soccer League. She highlights Kansas City Current's unbeaten streak and clinching of the Shield, discusses the trophy's history, and addresses American sports culture's hesitation to celebrate regular season success. Ryder encourages embracing the Shield as a legitimate achievement alongside playoff championships, noting skepticism from players and fans.

Assessing Accessibility at Chicago Stars' New Home: A Disabled Sports Reporter’s Perspective

Lesley Ryder, a disabled sports reporter, visits the Chicago Stars' new home at Northwestern's Martin Field for their first match. She evaluates the stadium's accessibility, including press box accommodations, elevator use, viewing spots, and restroom facilities. While some solutions work well, others like narrow press boxes, limited elevator access, and inadequate restrooms present challenges. Ryder shares her experience and ongoing talks with the team to improve accessibility.

Chicago Stars' Remarkable Turnaround: From 6-0 Loss to 5-2 Victory Over Orlando Pride

After a 6-0 loss to Orlando Pride early in the season, the Chicago Stars transformed under interim coach Elle Masseur, who changed their midfield and pressing tactics. Lujmila scored five goals in three games, earning NWSL Player of the Month. The team's cohesion and belief have fueled success, keeping playoff hopes alive with seven games left.

NWSL Heat Delay Policy Change Sparks Controversy Over Player Safety

After a Kansas City match delayed by extreme heat, the NWSL changed its heat delay policy without consulting the players' union. The change removed medical professionals' authority to decide on match continuation near dangerous heat levels, shifting power to the league. This raises concerns about player safety and transparency under commissioner Jessica Berman.

NWSL Heat Delay Controversy and Commissioner Jessica Berman's Leadership Under Scrutiny

This episode covers the controversy around NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman after a heat delay in a Kansas City Current vs. Orlando Pride match. Despite requests to postpone due to dangerous heat, the game was delayed but played, with heat-related issues among fans and players. Berman reportedly threatened fines for protocol breaches, increasing scrutiny of her leadership amid ongoing league challenges.

NWSL Good luck charms!

Jose the Coyote has been a game changer for the Spirit. What other good luck charms are out there?

Emma Sears transfer??

According to ESPN, Emma Sears has requested a transfer out of Louisville. Will the club let her go?

Sam Kerr is officially a bat

Gotham signs global goal-scoring sensation, Sam Kerr. Can she win back her record for most NWSL goals?

Chicago Stars’ unlikely good luck charm

The Chicago Stars won their first game after the summer break thanks to Jordyn Huitema’s brace… and a hot dog scarf???