Welcome to Good Game with Sarah Spain, where we're still being faithful to our resolutions. Right right, It's been a day, y'all, Come on, stick with it. It's Thursday, January tewod and today we're continuing our Best of twenty twenty four series by revisiting the convo I had with soccer stars and media moguls Sam Ewis and Becky sowerbrun. I caught up with them back in August ahead of the gold medal final between the US and Brazil. To set the stage, the US had just defeated Germany in extra time in the semifinals, following an extra time win against Japan in the quarters and a three to zero run through group play. It was a different time. The Triple Espresso was not yet known as the Triple Espresso, Emma Hayes was still considered a new coach, and Becky hadn't yet announced that she was hanging them up. Too soon, Too soon anyway, That conversation with Sam and Becky is coming up right after this. She's a former national soccer player, World Cup winner, Olympic bronze medalist, three time NWSL champion and NCAA champion. Her career was cut short by injury, but she was one of the best midfielders in the world and I think she didn't get enough credit for being the heart and center of the US team's greatness when she was on the national team. She's now the host of the Fantastic The Women's Game podcast, part of the Men in Blazers network consisting of Good Vibes FC, with co host Lynn Williams and Becky souerbrun Friendly's where she interviews other soccer stars and special going for Gold episodes during these Olympics. The Tower of Power, Mother of Finn, number one fan of Rudy's Pizza in Manchester, England. It's Sammy Muiz.

Welcome to Good Game with Sarah Spain, where we're still being faithful to our resolutions. Right right, It's been a day, y'all, Come on, stick with it. It's Thursday, January tewod and today we're continuing our Best of twenty twenty four series by revisiting the convo I had with soccer stars and media moguls Sam Ewis and Becky sowerbrun. I caught up with them back in August ahead of the gold medal final between the US and Brazil. To set the stage, the US had just defeated Germany in extra time in the semifinals, following an extra time win against Japan in the quarters and a three to zero run through group play. It was a different time. The Triple Espresso was not yet known as the Triple Espresso, Emma Hayes was still considered a new coach, and Becky hadn't yet announced that she was hanging them up. Too soon, Too soon anyway, That conversation with Sam and Becky is coming up right after this. She's a former national soccer player, World Cup winner, Olympic bronze medalist, three time NWSL champion and NCAA champion. Her career was cut short by injury, but she was one of the best midfielders in the world and I think she didn't get enough credit for being the heart and center of the US team's greatness when she was on the national team. She's now the host of the Fantastic The Women's Game podcast, part of the Men in Blazers network consisting of Good Vibes FC, with co host Lynn Williams and Becky souerbrun Friendly's where she interviews other soccer stars and special going for Gold episodes during these Olympics. The Tower of Power, Mother of Finn, number one fan of Rudy's Pizza in Manchester, England. It's Sammy Muiz.

Oh my gosh, what a very accurate intro. Thank you so much.

Oh my gosh, what a very accurate intro. Thank you so much.

Welcome with her. A two time World Cup winner and a one time World Cup runner up, an Olympic gold medalist and bronze medalist, co captain of the US women's national team from twenty sixteen to eighteen, and the captain of the team from twenty one to twenty three. Arguably the greatest center back of all time, her two hundred nineteen caps are the tenth most all time for the US she's a center back for the Portland Thwart's a two time NWSL champ and a four time NWSL Defender of the Year. Book lover caat mother despiser of fish and chips. It's Becky Sebron.

Welcome with her. A two time World Cup winner and a one time World Cup runner up, an Olympic gold medalist and bronze medalist, co captain of the US women's national team from twenty sixteen to eighteen, and the captain of the team from twenty one to twenty three. Arguably the greatest center back of all time, her two hundred nineteen caps are the tenth most all time for the US she's a center back for the Portland Thwart's a two time NWSL champ and a four time NWSL Defender of the Year. Book lover caat mother despiser of fish and chips. It's Becky Sebron.

What an introduction. Thanks for having us.

What an introduction. Thanks for having us.

You do like the chips part, just not the fish.

You do like the chips part, just not the fish.

To be fair, that yeah, that's correct.

To be fair, that yeah, that's correct.

Just so no one yells at you for not liking chips. Okay, welcome ladies. I'm so excited to have you, and as a nod to your show, we'll start the way that good vibes does. So we are the self anointed post Gold Medal match meal of women's soccer. I'm a mal Naughties deep dish pizza with Pepper's onions, tomatoes and Halopaeno's sam.

Just so no one yells at you for not liking chips. Okay, welcome ladies. I'm so excited to have you, and as a nod to your show, we'll start the way that good vibes does. So we are the self anointed post Gold Medal match meal of women's soccer. I'm a mal Naughties deep dish pizza with Pepper's onions, tomatoes and Halopaeno's sam.

Oh my gosh, I'm a Poopsi's cheese pizza. Poopsies is like kind of like a dive bar near where I'm from. Best pizza, craziest.

Oh my gosh, I'm a Poopsi's cheese pizza. Poopsies is like kind of like a dive bar near where I'm from. Best pizza, craziest.

Name, amazing, Becky.

Name, amazing, Becky.

Oh, I'm probably a bacon, a double bacon cheeseburger, some waffle fries with some ranch dressing and a cherry coke.

Oh, I'm probably a bacon, a double bacon cheeseburger, some waffle fries with some ranch dressing and a cherry coke.

But that's someone who knows she runs like ten miles a game. I love that. If you didn't get that while you got to listen to the podcast, it's so good And I don't want to blow smoke up your ass, Sam, but I'm telling you that as I was creating this show, I was thinking about the shows I was spending a lot of time listening to and what I liked about them. And I loved the energy of yours and how much it felt like a community that I wanted to spend some of my day with. And I really like put that into this show. So you're already teaching me things and you just you just started in this whole media game. We're going to get to that, but we have to start with a speed round, lightning fast answer series of questions. Number one, Sam, have you ever asked anyone for an autograph? Yes?

But that's someone who knows she runs like ten miles a game. I love that. If you didn't get that while you got to listen to the podcast, it's so good And I don't want to blow smoke up your ass, Sam, but I'm telling you that as I was creating this show, I was thinking about the shows I was spending a lot of time listening to and what I liked about them. And I loved the energy of yours and how much it felt like a community that I wanted to spend some of my day with. And I really like put that into this show. So you're already teaching me things and you just you just started in this whole media game. We're going to get to that, but we have to start with a speed round, lightning fast answer series of questions. Number one, Sam, have you ever asked anyone for an autograph? Yes?

I remember going to see the national team play when I was younger and like desperately waiting a line to get people's autograph. I got Cindy Parlow's autograph and I had it like framed in my room for years.

I remember going to see the national team play when I was younger and like desperately waiting a line to get people's autograph. I got Cindy Parlow's autograph and I had it like framed in my room for years.

Amazing.

Amazing.

Becky, Oh, I'm exactly like Sammy. I have a tank top that actually assigned by most of the nineteen nine nine Women's Role Cup winning team.

Becky, Oh, I'm exactly like Sammy. I have a tank top that actually assigned by most of the nineteen nine nine Women's Role Cup winning team.

Wow, incredible epic. Yeah, Sam, can you keep a plant alive?

Wow, incredible epic. Yeah, Sam, can you keep a plant alive?

Yes? Actually I can. I currently have several plants alive, including a fiddle leaf that is thriving and having new leaves grow amazing.

Yes? Actually I can. I currently have several plants alive, including a fiddle leaf that is thriving and having new leaves grow amazing.

Only one of my fiddle leafs is kicking the other one's real sad, real sad.

Only one of my fiddle leafs is kicking the other one's real sad, real sad.

Becky, absolutely not perfect.

Becky, absolutely not perfect.

And finally, Becky, what's the color or design of your go to warn It to Death favorite T shirt? Oh?

And finally, Becky, what's the color or design of your go to warn It to Death favorite T shirt? Oh?

It is a light green T shirt that actually used to be one of my jerseys when I was really young.

It is a light green T shirt that actually used to be one of my jerseys when I was really young.

Wow.

Wow.

Sam, mine's a black Nike Boston T shirt and it's just like soft.

Sam, mine's a black Nike Boston T shirt and it's just like soft.

I love those and when you finally lose them, it's so sad. You're just wearing them full of holes and then you finally have to say goodbye. Sam. Let's get back to the podcast, because I've been listening and thinking this is an athlete because your workload over there, I mean, this is the stuff of a disciplined, hard working person. You're doing previews, you're doing live postgame, you're doing interviews with other players, you're doing good vibes, Like, how has this transition to full time media actually been for you.

I love those and when you finally lose them, it's so sad. You're just wearing them full of holes and then you finally have to say goodbye. Sam. Let's get back to the podcast, because I've been listening and thinking this is an athlete because your workload over there, I mean, this is the stuff of a disciplined, hard working person. You're doing previews, you're doing live postgame, you're doing interviews with other players, you're doing good vibes, Like, how has this transition to full time media actually been for you.

It's been like kind of a whirlwind. I think your right to say that I have taken a lot of what I think made me good at soccer and just applied it to this. I'm like competitive and I really want to do the best job that I can and it's a totally different world. So I think I've had to learn and grow so much in a short amount of time. Really quickly learned that, like communicating about every single detail is really really key. Having my friends and former teammates like Becky and Lynn do the podcast with me, but I'm in a little bit of a different role. I really have to remind myself, like I can't be the only one with this information. I need to tell everybody, and then I need to tell the group, and then I need to tell everybody the reaction. And that's been my biggest learning, I think, is just that over communicating piece. But it's been an incredible six seven months, eight months, and I feel like I've learned a lot and I feel really grateful to be in a position where I can do something like this.

It's been like kind of a whirlwind. I think your right to say that I have taken a lot of what I think made me good at soccer and just applied it to this. I'm like competitive and I really want to do the best job that I can and it's a totally different world. So I think I've had to learn and grow so much in a short amount of time. Really quickly learned that, like communicating about every single detail is really really key. Having my friends and former teammates like Becky and Lynn do the podcast with me, but I'm in a little bit of a different role. I really have to remind myself, like I can't be the only one with this information. I need to tell everybody, and then I need to tell the group, and then I need to tell everybody the reaction. And that's been my biggest learning, I think, is just that over communicating piece. But it's been an incredible six seven months, eight months, and I feel like I've learned a lot and I feel really grateful to be in a position where I can do something like this.

You're a natural. You're it's such a good listen, Becky, You're still kicking ass in the NWSL and hosting the pod when it's your turn on Good Vibes, which is an incredible balancing act. And I also, to be frank expected you to be on this Olympic roster. This is the first time you're not on this Olympic US team roster since twenty twelve. How has it been watching for you?

You're a natural. You're it's such a good listen, Becky, You're still kicking ass in the NWSL and hosting the pod when it's your turn on Good Vibes, which is an incredible balancing act. And I also, to be frank expected you to be on this Olympic roster. This is the first time you're not on this Olympic US team roster since twenty twelve. How has it been watching for you?

It's been good.

It's been good.

It's you know, obviously I gave it a go and I just didn't make the team, So watching it this go round was like kind of a new experience. But it's been great because I've leaned on other players like Sammy here watching the games together, like I don't feel so like alone, like knowing that someone has been there before and has done it and knows what it takes. But then when you aren't there, you just really do feel kind of isolated. And so having someone there to like talk through emotions and things like that has been really great. And I so quickly flipped to being a fangirl. It was kind of alarming. It happened in the twenty twenty three World Cup as well. I was injured for that roster, and I was worried about how I was going to do and I quickly was just like, Oh, I am the US's number one fan and that's what happened in this Olympics as well.

It's you know, obviously I gave it a go and I just didn't make the team, So watching it this go round was like kind of a new experience. But it's been great because I've leaned on other players like Sammy here watching the games together, like I don't feel so like alone, like knowing that someone has been there before and has done it and knows what it takes. But then when you aren't there, you just really do feel kind of isolated. And so having someone there to like talk through emotions and things like that has been really great. And I so quickly flipped to being a fangirl. It was kind of alarming. It happened in the twenty twenty three World Cup as well. I was injured for that roster, and I was worried about how I was going to do and I quickly was just like, Oh, I am the US's number one fan and that's what happened in this Olympics as well.

Yeah, yeah, So is it a goal of yours to try to return to that team or do you think that chapter of your career is over?

Yeah, yeah, So is it a goal of yours to try to return to that team or do you think that chapter of your career is over?

I think that chapter of my career is over, and so I think I've also been working through all those emotions as well. And so I think having this podcast and co hosting it with Sam and with Lynn kind of having this twilight of my career, but then also having this gateway to something that could be very new and be very amazing and very much a part of the next chapter of my career, like makes it easier.

I think that chapter of my career is over, and so I think I've also been working through all those emotions as well. And so I think having this podcast and co hosting it with Sam and with Lynn kind of having this twilight of my career, but then also having this gateway to something that could be very new and be very amazing and very much a part of the next chapter of my career, like makes it easier.

Yeah, it's just so smart too. So many athletes talk about that identity loss. So if you're already making the transition as you're still playing, it makes it a lot easier or not to just all of a sudden stop and be like, what do I do today? No one's they ask me what to do? So how do I decide? Let's talk about this team, because heading into the tournament, I think we all recognized how little time they had with Emma Hayes and it was almost being talked about as sort of a sacrifice for a longer term goal of success under Emma, Like, oh, it might not do well in this Olympics, but we know we're gonna want her for later. How surprising has this run, Ben Sam, If you're actually being honest about your expectations going in.

Yeah, it's just so smart too. So many athletes talk about that identity loss. So if you're already making the transition as you're still playing, it makes it a lot easier or not to just all of a sudden stop and be like, what do I do today? No one's they ask me what to do? So how do I decide? Let's talk about this team, because heading into the tournament, I think we all recognized how little time they had with Emma Hayes and it was almost being talked about as sort of a sacrifice for a longer term goal of success under Emma, Like, oh, it might not do well in this Olympics, but we know we're gonna want her for later. How surprising has this run, Ben Sam, If you're actually being honest about your expectations going in.

Yeah, I mean I think especially after that last sendoff game against Costa Rica where we just couldn't score, I think there was so much doubt cast on this US team, like are they going to be able to pull this off and have a really great showing at the Olympics. I will just say in my defense that I have never doubted then, Like, I have a lot of faith in what I saw from them coming off the field. Like I keep referring to how they're making tiktoks together and people are probably like that as such a stupid thing to notice and keep commenting on. No, but it shows me such a tight knit group trust in each other, that they're having fun together, and it has translated on the field. I mean, we are seeing these grueling, grueling games and they're coming through for each other. They're continuing to fight, continuing to work, and I think that that is forged off the field that bond, that relationship, that trust has been forged between the players and Emma, between the players as a group. So I don't feel shocked that they have done so well. I think the more I've seen them play through at this tournament, the less surprised I am that we find ourselves here ready for a gold medal match.

Yeah, I mean I think especially after that last sendoff game against Costa Rica where we just couldn't score, I think there was so much doubt cast on this US team, like are they going to be able to pull this off and have a really great showing at the Olympics. I will just say in my defense that I have never doubted then, Like, I have a lot of faith in what I saw from them coming off the field. Like I keep referring to how they're making tiktoks together and people are probably like that as such a stupid thing to notice and keep commenting on. No, but it shows me such a tight knit group trust in each other, that they're having fun together, and it has translated on the field. I mean, we are seeing these grueling, grueling games and they're coming through for each other. They're continuing to fight, continuing to work, and I think that that is forged off the field that bond, that relationship, that trust has been forged between the players and Emma, between the players as a group. So I don't feel shocked that they have done so well. I think the more I've seen them play through at this tournament, the less surprised I am that we find ourselves here ready for a gold medal match.

Yeah. I think the talent has always been there. It was just tactically or scheme wise, we weren't always sure why we couldn't get the best out of our players, and it feels like we're sort of doing that again. There's also some real standouts. We have the star forwards who are finally scoring at a rate we haven't seen before, but also defensively, Emma has said that Naomi Germa is the best defender she's ever seen. Becky, how do you even sit and process what we're seeing from Naomi and she's only twenty four?

Yeah. I think the talent has always been there. It was just tactically or scheme wise, we weren't always sure why we couldn't get the best out of our players, and it feels like we're sort of doing that again. There's also some real standouts. We have the star forwards who are finally scoring at a rate we haven't seen before, but also defensively, Emma has said that Naomi Germa is the best defender she's ever seen. Becky, how do you even sit and process what we're seeing from Naomi and she's only twenty four?

Unbelievable.

Unbelievable.

I think when I think of Nay I think of just like dominance, Like watching that Germany semi final, the things that she was able to do. Samity I talked about it like she had ninety five percent passing accuracy in a game like that, which is just wild, and she was getting it done on the attack as well, like she almost assisted Maw on a goal. And so I just watch her and I think she's composed, she's showing real leadership, she's organizing, and she's just getting it done. And I'm just like, teams are just not going to score on us because of her, and because I think the backline in general has been doing great, and of course Alyssa and Gole is just a brick wall. All of them together, it's just phenomenal.

I think when I think of Nay I think of just like dominance, Like watching that Germany semi final, the things that she was able to do. Samity I talked about it like she had ninety five percent passing accuracy in a game like that, which is just wild, and she was getting it done on the attack as well, like she almost assisted Maw on a goal. And so I just watch her and I think she's composed, she's showing real leadership, she's organizing, and she's just getting it done. And I'm just like, teams are just not going to score on us because of her, and because I think the backline in general has been doing great, and of course Alyssa and Gole is just a brick wall. All of them together, it's just phenomenal.

And I love that idea of both like Uncle Nahir and Germa looking at each other and being like, we're good, we got this, because we even saw that last year in the World Cup, it was like they allowed so few goals, they were so defensively strong and Joss couldn't score. So watching that front three now and the way they're playing back back and front is just is incredibly fun. There was a lot of criticism during that World Cup last year for black co and Anobski, the former head coach, not making subs, and Emma also seems not super into changing up the lineup, although in that game against Germany that semi final, there was a little more willingness to make some changes. Do either of you have a theory as to why she's not getting the same criticism. Do you think it's just it's too early, so we're given to the benefit of the doubt.

And I love that idea of both like Uncle Nahir and Germa looking at each other and being like, we're good, we got this, because we even saw that last year in the World Cup, it was like they allowed so few goals, they were so defensively strong and Joss couldn't score. So watching that front three now and the way they're playing back back and front is just is incredibly fun. There was a lot of criticism during that World Cup last year for black co and Anobski, the former head coach, not making subs, and Emma also seems not super into changing up the lineup, although in that game against Germany that semi final, there was a little more willingness to make some changes. Do either of you have a theory as to why she's not getting the same criticism. Do you think it's just it's too early, so we're given to the benefit of the doubt.

Well, I also think we're winning. I mean I think I think what Emma has said in the media is that she has had such a little time with the starting eleven and she wants to give them minutes to gel and if we win, it's not like who's going to criticize them if we have a little metal ie.

Well, I also think we're winning. I mean I think I think what Emma has said in the media is that she has had such a little time with the starting eleven and she wants to give them minutes to gel and if we win, it's not like who's going to criticize them if we have a little metal ie.

That's that's what I've dot. I mean, somebody will, have you been on the internet, But yes, your point, for your point is well taken, Becky. Is it just winning that fixes that concern? Because I'm concerned when it's like five games in twelve days and no one else's play.

That's that's what I've dot. I mean, somebody will, have you been on the internet, But yes, your point, for your point is well taken, Becky. Is it just winning that fixes that concern? Because I'm concerned when it's like five games in twelve days and no one else's play.

Yeah.

Yeah.

I think when you look back at twenty twenty three World Cup, like the Tea, you could just tell that they weren't vibing, they weren't gelling. And so now that you see what it looks like when we are vibing and we are gelling, like, sure, you don't really want to break up a winning chemistry.

I think when you look back at twenty twenty three World Cup, like the Tea, you could just tell that they weren't vibing, they weren't gelling. And so now that you see what it looks like when we are vibing and we are gelling, like, sure, you don't really want to break up a winning chemistry.

We have to take a quick break plenty more with Sam and Becky coming up right after this. Sam, you had a great post game recap with Midge Purse. I love all the people that you have on, but I love that Midge will be like, oh, I wasn't listening. Can you say your sister Chrisy, I'll.

We have to take a quick break plenty more with Sam and Becky coming up right after this. Sam, you had a great post game recap with Midge Purse. I love all the people that you have on, but I love that Midge will be like, oh, I wasn't listening. Can you say your sister Chrisy, I'll.

Be like, god, I know all that.

Be like, god, I know all that.

Well, sometimes they just like check out and I'm like, you can tell who's getting paid here and who's like professional media at this point in which ones are like happ in talking to Sam Kurr in the back. But I love your conversations with Midge because they're really smart. You both get into some really intellectual just out of the game. She's so smart. But you were talking about the speed of our forwards Trinity Rodman, Mouse Watson and soph Smith and how it can be hard sometimes for the midfield to keep pace and for those two groups to time things correctly. Can you talk a little bit more about that more for the lay person in how much is chemistry and time versus strategy and formation, Like when can you tell that they're maybe not on the same page.

Well, sometimes they just like check out and I'm like, you can tell who's getting paid here and who's like professional media at this point in which ones are like happ in talking to Sam Kurr in the back. But I love your conversations with Midge because they're really smart. You both get into some really intellectual just out of the game. She's so smart. But you were talking about the speed of our forwards Trinity Rodman, Mouse Watson and soph Smith and how it can be hard sometimes for the midfield to keep pace and for those two groups to time things correctly. Can you talk a little bit more about that more for the lay person in how much is chemistry and time versus strategy and formation, Like when can you tell that they're maybe not on the same page.

Yeah. I think what I was referring to specifically with Midge was that when your forwards get played in behind, and they're at full speed running with the ball to cross it. Sometimes what I'm noticing is that they're crossing it across the face of goal and the rest of our team isn't where they should be yet. And I think it's a honestly a typical challenge when your forwards are so fast they're played in first, and then the rest of the team needs a second to catch up to them. I'm not sure what the fix is necessarily for that. Midge and I were joking that years ago we were just told if you're not there, you're not playing, so we found a way to get there. I don't necessarily think that that's the same situation right now. I think our forwards are in such incredible form, and something that could put even more goals in the back of the net is just having more numbers in the box a little bit sooner. But that does require us to keep possession for a little bit longer and allow those runs to get up the field.

Yeah. I think what I was referring to specifically with Midge was that when your forwards get played in behind, and they're at full speed running with the ball to cross it. Sometimes what I'm noticing is that they're crossing it across the face of goal and the rest of our team isn't where they should be yet. And I think it's a honestly a typical challenge when your forwards are so fast they're played in first, and then the rest of the team needs a second to catch up to them. I'm not sure what the fix is necessarily for that. Midge and I were joking that years ago we were just told if you're not there, you're not playing, so we found a way to get there. I don't necessarily think that that's the same situation right now. I think our forwards are in such incredible form, and something that could put even more goals in the back of the net is just having more numbers in the box a little bit sooner. But that does require us to keep possession for a little bit longer and allow those runs to get up the field.

Yeah, I mean, you can't exactly tell people run as fast as mouth you're just not trying hard enough. Like that's just not possible for almost anyone. So but I did like how on that podcast, Midge was like, I'm just telling mom, I'm just gonna ask the coach, like do you see this? Why don't you tell them you run as if that's the solution. Becky, you like the Trident nickname because I know Foudy was going with like lestois o La la, and I know Kristin Press has another nickname, Like are we good on Trident? Oh?

Yeah, I mean, you can't exactly tell people run as fast as mouth you're just not trying hard enough. Like that's just not possible for almost anyone. So but I did like how on that podcast, Midge was like, I'm just telling mom, I'm just gonna ask the coach, like do you see this? Why don't you tell them you run as if that's the solution. Becky, you like the Trident nickname because I know Foudy was going with like lestois o La la, and I know Kristin Press has another nickname, Like are we good on Trident? Oh?

Absolutely not. Mine is Triforce. So it's a Zelda reference.

Absolutely not. Mine is Triforce. So it's a Zelda reference.

Yeah, So everything else I've heard is absolutely like, no, that doesn't work. If you do a Zelda reference, I'm always gonna go with it and try. Force is just perfect for the Screw as.

Yeah, So everything else I've heard is absolutely like, no, that doesn't work. If you do a Zelda reference, I'm always gonna go with it and try. Force is just perfect for the Screw as.

An old I'm here for that because I know that you'll lose some youngs on the Zelda. Even though it had to come back, I still like that. We're dipping deep back in Sam, do you have a favorite?

An old I'm here for that because I know that you'll lose some youngs on the Zelda. Even though it had to come back, I still like that. We're dipping deep back in Sam, do you have a favorite?

The women's game has one. I am blanking on what it is, and that is literally so bad.

The women's game has one. I am blanking on what it is, and that is literally so bad.

But you said you spent a lot of time on it too.

But you said you spent a lot of time on it too.

I think so it might be the Holy Trinity, but I have that, so I think it's very focused on Trinity.

I think so it might be the Holy Trinity, but I have that, so I think it's very focused on Trinity.

I was gonna say I like Trinity, but it feels it feels limiting when one of them is actually named Trinity. So I also did like the call during the Germany game when he said speed by the Trident, and if that's the call, like, I don't know if we're going to do better than that. I don't know if Yeah, it's good, good, Okay, let's talk Brazil. We are hoping that history repeats itself a little bit because the US beat Brazil for Olympic gold in two thousand and four and two thousand and eight. So, Becky, what needs to happen for the US to walk away with gold on Saturday.

I was gonna say I like Trinity, but it feels it feels limiting when one of them is actually named Trinity. So I also did like the call during the Germany game when he said speed by the Trident, and if that's the call, like, I don't know if we're going to do better than that. I don't know if Yeah, it's good, good, Okay, let's talk Brazil. We are hoping that history repeats itself a little bit because the US beat Brazil for Olympic gold in two thousand and four and two thousand and eight. So, Becky, what needs to happen for the US to walk away with gold on Saturday.

I think we just need to keep doing what we've been doing. And I think we've shown against a bunch of different styles that if we stay true to ourselves, we're going to get the job done. And I love that we've been scoring at different times of the game, like there's not a lot of panic. We've scored in stoppage overtime now, like this team knows that they can score whenever. And so I just think it's continuing on with what's been working.

I think we just need to keep doing what we've been doing. And I think we've shown against a bunch of different styles that if we stay true to ourselves, we're going to get the job done. And I love that we've been scoring at different times of the game, like there's not a lot of panic. We've scored in stoppage overtime now, like this team knows that they can score whenever. And so I just think it's continuing on with what's been working.

Sam, what has to happen for Brazil to get the win? Oh?

Sam, what has to happen for Brazil to get the win? Oh?

Man, I mean Brazil came at Spain. I think it honestly took Spain a little bit by surprise from my standpoint, where Brazil just had wave after wave of attack. They were so aggressive, they were so daring going forward. They created so many chances. They could have scored even more goals than they did. I think that Brazil has to stay organized in their back line. They have to be a little bit more disciplined. They can't let the game get so open, because I think if the game is wide open, the US wins. But both teams are coming into this really confident. Brazil to have just beaten the depending World Cup champions was a huge task. They have Marta coming back, so.

Man, I mean Brazil came at Spain. I think it honestly took Spain a little bit by surprise from my standpoint, where Brazil just had wave after wave of attack. They were so aggressive, they were so daring going forward. They created so many chances. They could have scored even more goals than they did. I think that Brazil has to stay organized in their back line. They have to be a little bit more disciplined. They can't let the game get so open, because I think if the game is wide open, the US wins. But both teams are coming into this really confident. Brazil to have just beaten the depending World Cup champions was a huge task. They have Marta coming back, so.

I don't know, it's very exciting. The scriptwriters did a good job here because we've either got Emma Hayes with a stunning start and a win and the US are back on top, or we've got Marta getting gold in her final international game. Either way, it's good storybook stuff for Marta, really, but I'm fine with US reigning on that parade if the US gets the gold. What do you think about the idea of her run and playing against someone that has that kind of legend in a moment like this, is there any part of the US. I know they're not like wanting her to win, but is there any part of them that's overwhelmed by the idea of like this is it for her and she's going to come out guns blazon, Especially after sitting the last two games.

I don't know, it's very exciting. The scriptwriters did a good job here because we've either got Emma Hayes with a stunning start and a win and the US are back on top, or we've got Marta getting gold in her final international game. Either way, it's good storybook stuff for Marta, really, but I'm fine with US reigning on that parade if the US gets the gold. What do you think about the idea of her run and playing against someone that has that kind of legend in a moment like this, is there any part of the US. I know they're not like wanting her to win, but is there any part of them that's overwhelmed by the idea of like this is it for her and she's going to come out guns blazon, Especially after sitting the last two games.

I think we Sam and I have had a discussion, like is Marta even going to start this game? I mean, I imagine we're going to see her, but I wonder if she's going to start, because I mean, Brazilla's made it to the final and have played very well without Marta so spicy.

I think we Sam and I have had a discussion, like is Marta even going to start this game? I mean, I imagine we're going to see her, but I wonder if she's going to start, because I mean, Brazilla's made it to the final and have played very well without Marta so spicy.

Who knows, who really knows. I don't know what I said.

Who knows, who really knows. I don't know what I said.

I was like, I don't think that's allowed.

I was like, I don't think that's allowed.

Check the rule book. It might not be allowed. I don't know if you could do that. You know, I want to ask about you know, I love Sam what you said about the Tiktoks. I've been watching them a lot and really enjoying the chemistry. And I was really sad when Alex Morgan didn't make the team. I was sad when Becky didn't make the team. I was like literally distraught when Rappino retired, Like you cling to these players that you get used to and you don't want this new group, but like now that they're playing so well and having so much fun together, I'm like, Okay, I'm man, I like this too, but I feel like there is this chemistry. And Becky, I know you've been such an outspoken advocate for LGBTQIA rights and you participated in playing for Pride in June where some of your play actually sent money to athlete ally, which was so cool. I'm wondering what advice you gave this team when you were in camp, or that you would give this team now when it comes to teammate Corbin Albert, because I think they're clearly making it work and playing alongside someone who has different beliefs, but some of those beliefs are actively taking aim at some teammates identities, and I wonder how they've managed to make it work. I don't know if you saw some of that while you were still in camp, or if you would have advice to players if they've reached out to it all about it.

Check the rule book. It might not be allowed. I don't know if you could do that. You know, I want to ask about you know, I love Sam what you said about the Tiktoks. I've been watching them a lot and really enjoying the chemistry. And I was really sad when Alex Morgan didn't make the team. I was sad when Becky didn't make the team. I was like literally distraught when Rappino retired, Like you cling to these players that you get used to and you don't want this new group, but like now that they're playing so well and having so much fun together, I'm like, Okay, I'm man, I like this too, but I feel like there is this chemistry. And Becky, I know you've been such an outspoken advocate for LGBTQIA rights and you participated in playing for Pride in June where some of your play actually sent money to athlete ally, which was so cool. I'm wondering what advice you gave this team when you were in camp, or that you would give this team now when it comes to teammate Corbin Albert, because I think they're clearly making it work and playing alongside someone who has different beliefs, but some of those beliefs are actively taking aim at some teammates identities, and I wonder how they've managed to make it work. I don't know if you saw some of that while you were still in camp, or if you would have advice to players if they've reached out to it all about it.

Yeah, I was I was gone by the time all of that came out, And so my hope is that the work that as a leadership group with people like Pino and Alex Morgan and Kelly O'Hara and all people like that. We were very conscious about kind of passing the torch on to that next group of players, like the Rose Lavell's, the Mouse Swanson's, and what it means to have a platform that we do as women's national team players and what we can do with it in the change that we can affect. And so my hope is that they're using those things talking about what happened internally. And I know Sam and I have had a lot of discussion about this about how we would love to see some of the work that Corbyn is doing if she's being very genuine about wanting to grow and learning from what she said and the harmful things that she said. And so my hope is that the work that we've done before is carrying on and that baton has been passed.

Yeah, I was I was gone by the time all of that came out, And so my hope is that the work that as a leadership group with people like Pino and Alex Morgan and Kelly O'Hara and all people like that. We were very conscious about kind of passing the torch on to that next group of players, like the Rose Lavell's, the Mouse Swanson's, and what it means to have a platform that we do as women's national team players and what we can do with it in the change that we can affect. And so my hope is that they're using those things talking about what happened internally. And I know Sam and I have had a lot of discussion about this about how we would love to see some of the work that Corbyn is doing if she's being very genuine about wanting to grow and learning from what she said and the harmful things that she said. And so my hope is that the work that we've done before is carrying on and that baton has been passed.

Yeah. I loved Sam what you said on your show about that same thing of like, it's great that they're telling us work is being done, but if those comments are made in public, then so shouldn't some of the work, or at least some of the responses. And I do think we've so far given Emma ha a bit of a pass and said she's giving good mother energy. Very protective of Corbyn Albert, But I wonder as time goes on if we're going to expect a little bit more out of them, because that transparency, to me is the key anytime a team is dealing with any sort of issue like this, is how are you making the fans feel like you understand when they're watching and when they're cheering, that they aren't being forgotten or left behind? You know, yeah, definitely.

Yeah. I loved Sam what you said on your show about that same thing of like, it's great that they're telling us work is being done, but if those comments are made in public, then so shouldn't some of the work, or at least some of the responses. And I do think we've so far given Emma ha a bit of a pass and said she's giving good mother energy. Very protective of Corbyn Albert, But I wonder as time goes on if we're going to expect a little bit more out of them, because that transparency, to me is the key anytime a team is dealing with any sort of issue like this, is how are you making the fans feel like you understand when they're watching and when they're cheering, that they aren't being forgotten or left behind? You know, yeah, definitely.

I think in thinking about this, I feel like one of my main takeaways has been when you want to be embraced by a community, reflecting the values and the things that community believes in is really really important, and at least respecting the values of that community is really really important. So I think to Becky's point, the players have had such incredible leadership kind of guiding and showcasing the power of the platform that this team has, and I trust that in time that platform will continue to be used in a positive way.

I think in thinking about this, I feel like one of my main takeaways has been when you want to be embraced by a community, reflecting the values and the things that community believes in is really really important, and at least respecting the values of that community is really really important. So I think to Becky's point, the players have had such incredible leadership kind of guiding and showcasing the power of the platform that this team has, and I trust that in time that platform will continue to be used in a positive way.

Well said, as always, no wonder you guys have your podcast while also being soccer geniuses. We have to take another quick break. The conclusion of my conversation with Sam and Becky is coming up. Stick around slices. Important question that needs answering. How did the US women's national soccer team get to keep the us w NT label? What about all the other national teams? There's no s in there. You just stole the whole us WNT thing from every other team that could be the us WNT polo or equestrian or basketball.

Well said, as always, no wonder you guys have your podcast while also being soccer geniuses. We have to take another quick break. The conclusion of my conversation with Sam and Becky is coming up. Stick around slices. Important question that needs answering. How did the US women's national soccer team get to keep the us w NT label? What about all the other national teams? There's no s in there. You just stole the whole us WNT thing from every other team that could be the us WNT polo or equestrian or basketball.

Yeah, we're kind of jerks like that.

Yeah, we're kind of jerks like that.

I think I think I was gonna say, what's the expression fighters?

I think I think I was gonna say, what's the expression fighters?

Keepers?

Keepers?

I don't know.

I don't know.

I have no ideas keepers. All right, we're gonna set We've got we've got an Olympic expert on our team, but she's just a good researcher in general. We're gonna send her to find out when you guys stole that or I guess like pissed on it and decided it's our. We're gonna look up. We're gonna look that up and figure it out. Okay, one last thing, and we got to keep it quick. Gosh, we're doing a decent job so far. I go over every time because I just love talking to people like you. But it's time for fight me. You have to. You're at a barbecue, you're in a big backyard and someone suggests a soccer game, it's gonna be four on fours, so you get three teammates to play with. You can pick any women's soccer player from any country and any era. You don't have time to think. You just have to go with your gut, Sam, who are your three teammates?

I have no ideas keepers. All right, we're gonna set We've got we've got an Olympic expert on our team, but she's just a good researcher in general. We're gonna send her to find out when you guys stole that or I guess like pissed on it and decided it's our. We're gonna look up. We're gonna look that up and figure it out. Okay, one last thing, and we got to keep it quick. Gosh, we're doing a decent job so far. I go over every time because I just love talking to people like you. But it's time for fight me. You have to. You're at a barbecue, you're in a big backyard and someone suggests a soccer game, it's gonna be four on fours, so you get three teammates to play with. You can pick any women's soccer player from any country and any era. You don't have time to think. You just have to go with your gut, Sam, who are your three teammates?

I'm just going rosa on it. Lynn. You gave me no time to think.

I'm just going rosa on it. Lynn. You gave me no time to think.

It's amazing.

It's amazing.

It's a pretty incredible group and it'd be fun to hang out with them. Met a barbecue after.

It's a pretty incredible group and it'd be fun to hang out with them. Met a barbecue after.

Okay, Becky, who you got?

Okay, Becky, who you got?

I'm going a listen there. I'm going Mia Ham and Carlo overback.

I'm going a listen there. I'm going Mia Ham and Carlo overback.

Wo oh my goodness.

Wo oh my goodness.

Okay, Becky, no shade that I didn't pick you.

Okay, Becky, no shade that I didn't pick you.

Oh, there's total shade. I'm taking real offense to it over here.

Oh, there's total shade. I'm taking real offense to it over here.

Yeah, I mean she didn't pick you either, but she did have time to reflect.

Yeah, I mean she didn't pick you either, but she did have time to reflect.

I know she also went after so maybe that was like effort.

I know she also went after so maybe that was like effort.

My pick would just be two of each of you. I would be the.

My pick would just be two of each of you. I would be the.

Coach answering, there you go.

Coach answering, there you go.

Yes, I'm always gonna pick you. Everybody. Listen to the women's game, Listen to good vibes, Listen to friendlies, look, listen to going for Gold. I can't recommend it enough. Thank you so much. I know you guys are so busy recording literally every reaction. I'm surprised you don't have like a post practice reaction. So I'm so appreciative of your time and keep pumping out the pods.

Yes, I'm always gonna pick you. Everybody. Listen to the women's game, Listen to good vibes, Listen to friendlies, look, listen to going for Gold. I can't recommend it enough. Thank you so much. I know you guys are so busy recording literally every reaction. I'm surprised you don't have like a post practice reaction. So I'm so appreciative of your time and keep pumping out the pods.

Don't give us any ideas maybe we should start a post practice reaction.

Don't give us any ideas maybe we should start a post practice reaction.

Becky, So can y'all believe it took so long for the Triple Espresso to become known as the Triple Espresso. It wasn't until August eighth, two days before the gold medal final, that Mal, Sophie and Trinity proposed the name during an appearance on the Today Show Wild. We hope that you enjoyed that rewind with Becky and Sam. We'll be back tomorrow to conclude our best of twenty twenty four series with my conversation with Rose evelyth see you then. Good Game with Sarah Spain is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Production by Wonder Media Network, our producers are Alex Azzie and Misha Jones. Our executive producers are Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, Jenny Kaplan and Emily Rudder. Our editors are Emily Rutterer, Britney Martinez, Grace Lynch and Lindsay Crawdowell. Production assistants from Lucy Jones and I'm Your Host Sarah Spain

Becky, So can y'all believe it took so long for the Triple Espresso to become known as the Triple Espresso. It wasn't until August eighth, two days before the gold medal final, that Mal, Sophie and Trinity proposed the name during an appearance on the Today Show Wild. We hope that you enjoyed that rewind with Becky and Sam. We'll be back tomorrow to conclude our best of twenty twenty four series with my conversation with Rose evelyth see you then. Good Game with Sarah Spain is an iHeart women's sports production in partnership with Deep Blue Sports and Entertainment. You can find us on the iHeartRadio app, Apple Podcasts, or wherever you get your podcasts. Production by Wonder Media Network, our producers are Alex Azzie and Misha Jones. Our executive producers are Christina Everett, Jesse Katz, Jenny Kaplan and Emily Rudder. Our editors are Emily Rutterer, Britney Martinez, Grace Lynch and Lindsay Crawdowell. Production assistants from Lucy Jones and I'm Your Host Sarah Spain