On Episode 07, we rejoice after Game Day #1 and some great soccer. We talk about both the NCCvPOR and WASvCHI games and how we think they went, what players stood out, and who we hope will step it up in the weeks to come. We also briefly discuss the sociopolitical context of the leagues return and what that means for the players, fans, and NWSL organization. Follow us on Twitter @4StarNationPod to send in any questions or comments. 7:00: North Carolina Courage vs Portland Thorns 19:15: Chicago Red Stars vs Washington Spirit 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup anthem update --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Four Star Nation

Episode 07: NWSL Challenge Cup Game Day #1

On Episode 06, SOCCER IS BACK! We dive into the first set of games for each team during the inaugural NWSL Challenge Cup. Megan and Bill talk about changes from the offseason, impact players we have our eyes on, and what we think starting lineups may look like for each team. We wrap up with some team rankings (one of which has North Carolina Courage in last!!!) and listen as Bill puts a lot of pressure on the league rookies.  Follow us on Twitter @4StarNationPod to send in any questions or comments. 8:00: North Carolina Courage vs Portland Thorns 13:42: Chicago Red Stars vs Washington Spirit 20:00: Houston Dash vs Utah Royals 24:30: Sky Blue FC vs OL Reign Note: We forgot the Utah Royals kits! Can't even believe it. They get 2nd because the mountain design is dope. Correction: Ashley Sanchez declared for the 2020 NWSL Draft as a junior at UCLA, not as a sophomore.  --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 06: NWSL Challenge Cup

On Episode 05, we bring on a special guest, lawyer and soccer journalist Greg McKay, to chat about the latest events in the USWNT's ongoing lawsuit against the US Soccer Federation. Greg provides a quick overview about the different pieces of the lawsuit, what the latest decisions mean, and why this lawsuit isn't as straight forward as we may think it should be. At the end, we answer a couple listener questions for the first time!  Follow us on Twitter @4StarNationPod to send in any questions or comments. Follow Greg on Twitter (@Greg__McKay) and read his latest about the lawsuit at First Touch Online: https://www.firsttouchonline.com/usa-women-continue-to-fight-for-a-level-playing-field/ Disclaimer: Due to learning how to podcast via video conference, we are aware Bill's sound during the main segment isn't as crystal clear as our past episodes. Please know that this has already been addressed for future episodes. Apologies and thanks for listening! --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 05: USWNT vs. USSF Lawsuit

On Episode 04, we get pumped for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup now in its fifth year with Spain, England, and Japan coming to face-off in a round-robin tournament against the USWNT. We preview each team's roster and players to watch out for as everyone's eyes are firmly set on the Olympics (sorry, Spain!).  Follow us on Twitter @4StarNationPod to send in any questions or comments. HAO takes down the man https://twitter.com/zac13_/status/1228782193943531520 Meg Linehan breaks down USWNT/USSF filings https://twitter.com/itsmeglinehan/status/1230697208380452865 Rose Lavelle does Millie Bright dirty aka the nutmeg heard 'round the world https://twitter.com/FOXSoccer/status/1146133565110800384 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 04: SheBelieves Cup Preview

On Episode 03, we celebrate the end of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifiers with a USA victory! We review the USWNT's performance during the semis and finals and talk about key tournament takeaways for the players and Coach Vlatko moving forward.  Follow us on Twitter @4StarNationPod to send in any questions or comments. Interview with Julie Neville https://www.manchestereveningnews.co.uk/news/showbiz-news/phil-never-even-made-drink-17673807 Tancredi Head Stomps Lloyd https://sports.yahoo.com/blogs/olympics-fourth-place-medal/canada-melissa-tancredi-got-away-stomping-carli-lloyd-173222381--oly.html 7-Month Pregnant Morgan Trains  https://twitter.com/alexmorgan13/status/1224484038770999296 --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 03: Olympic Qualifying Finishes Up, Vlatko Rubric Revisited

On Episode 02, we're looking back at the first two games for  teams of the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament, focusing on highlights from each game. We'll go in depth for the USWNT's matches and take a look at what went well and what didn't—all leading up to exciting last games of group play and the semis and finals this week. And make sure you stick around for "Convince Me Otherwise," you won't believe what Bill's saying this week! Follow us on Twitter @4StarNationPod to send in any questions or comments. CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying schedule: https://www.concacaf.com/en/olympics-qualifying-women/schedule-results#tab_team=rounds Kim McCauley for SB Nation: https://www.sbnation.com/soccer/2020/1/29/21113193/carli-lloyd-uswnt-olympics-qualifying

Episode 02: Olympic Qualifying Week One Recap

Welcome to the first episode of Four Star Nation. Today we take a deep dive into the upcoming CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying tournament with previews of the teams in the USWNT's bracket. We also discuss the Vlatko Rubric™ to see what the new coach will need to do in order to be deemed "successful" at his first big tournament.  Follow on Twitter @4StarNationPod to send in any questions or comments. CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying schedule: https://www.concacaf.com/en/olympics-qualifying-women/schedule-results#tab_team=rounds Meg Linehan on The Athletic: The inside story of Sky Blue’s 2020 NWSL draft https://theathletic.com/1542828/2020/01/17/the-inside-story-of-sky-blues-2020-nwsl-draft/ This episode is sponsored by Anchor, the easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app

Episode 01: Welcome to Four Star Nation, Olympic Qualifying Preview

Two ex-players discuss and dissect the latest in the world of women's soccer—sharing their unfiltered opinions on the NWSL, USWNT, and top news from around the world. We laugh. We argue. We have fun. You're in for a good time. Follow on Twitter @4StarNationPod to send in any questions or comments.

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Four Star Nation

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