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GOOD FOLLOW - Darian Jenkins on NWSL Playoffs, + Caitlin Clark Tees Off, & More
00:54:30
This week on Good Follow: Former NWSL forward and current analyst, Darian Jenkins returns to Good Follow to preview the NWSL semi-finals. Then, Megan and Logan convince you to hop on the NWSL bandwagon with a game of “Bandwagon Fans.” Finally, Megan shares her NWSL DraftKings picks of the week and her latest Good Follow.
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Transcript140 lines
- [00:00]
Kaley Cuoco
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- [00:12]
Logan Hackett
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- [00:29]
Darian Jenkins
Not everyone gets B2B but with LinkedIn you'll be able to reach people who do. Get $100 credit on your next ad campaign. Go to LinkedIn.com campaign to claim your credit. That's LinkedIn.com campaign. Terms and conditions apply. LinkedIn the Place to Be to Be.
- [00:58]
Megan Reyes
Welco welcome to Goodfollow presented by DraftKings. I'm Megan Reyes. Joining me is Logan Hackett and today's guest is former NW Self forward, current soccer analyst and friend of the show, Darian Jenkins. Darian, it's so great to have you back on GoodFollow.
- [01:12]
Darian Jenkins
Yeah, it's great to be back. I was hyped when I heard that you guys wanted me back on today to talk the final that we thought was going to be the final, but it's actually the semifinal and all of the things happening at nbsl it's going to be a good chat.
- [01:27]
Megan Reyes
Well, let's jump right into it and I'm always excited to learn from you because as we know the NWSL semifinals are set and taking place this weekend. So on one side of the bracket we have Orlando taking on Casey Current and Gotham taking on Washington Spirit, winners of both meeting next week at the end of championship in Kansas City. So you kind of mentioned it Darian, but did we expect anything different than the top four teams making it to the semis? Slash, as you said, we have what we thought was a final happening in the semifinals.
- [02:00]
Darian Jenkins
No, not surprised at all. I think maybe could have been two months ago people probably could have predicted that these were going to be the semifinal going into the final. Although I do wish we were seeing Orlando and Kansas City meet in the final. I think it's just going to be great getting this much excitement this early on before the NWCL championship is huge. Kansas City hosting it I think is massive. But I like these teams matching up. It's been really fun games throughout the season watching both of these. The both the brackets match up against each other and I will say on attacking third we made brackets. Mine has yet to be busted. So I'm on the right track, I hope. Yeah, if everything goes well this weekend, I'll have made it to the final with nothing going wrong. Knock on what Famous last words. But I like this. I think especially even from the coaching perspective, these are really tactical technicians that almost play chess in the way that they play. So we're in for a good weekend of NWSL matches.
- [02:57]
Megan Reyes
Okay, well, let's start with your former team, Orlando. They lost two of their final three regular season games, but they have looked really unstoppable, especially against Chicago last weekend, winning four. One were those two losses the reset that you think the pride may have needed heading into the playoffs?
- [03:15]
Darian Jenkins
I wouldn't even call it a reset. I think that they won the shield. They clinched a playoff spot, the number one seed. They nearly went undefeated through the season, which is so hard to do. I think that they rested their players that they needed to. They gave them a little bit of time, step back. These losses didn't mean anything to Orlando, quite frankly. They have nothing to prove to anybody. And I like that when they did lose, they were like, yeah, who cares? Who else is God the shield? We do. So I think that they did it at the right time. They let their star players take a little bit of a break. They let other players who are also stars get minutes and look good. I think it just added to maybe a little bit more of a chip on their shoulder going into playoffs to be like, yeah, that's why we let those two games slide. But I don't think it reset them. Maybe it gave them an extra little. Little something to prove going into the playoffs.
- [04:07]
Megan Reyes
I liked on the broadcast how they shared that Seb Heinz was like, listen, put the record and everything behind you. Like, we're here now in the moment. Like, we kind of start at zero. I think that says a lot about his coaching and also the players that. That are on the team. Logan, what stood out to you from Orlando last weekend?
- [04:29]
Logan Hackett
They looked so good. And I mean, we were just talking about the break. It did look like they kind of took a break. Not so much reset, but got. They had other players having time. They kind of rested their star players and they look ready for playoffs. I mean, I don't know if the record really has anything to do with it, but I'm really interested now to see how they play against kc because you have to think about Chicago. They came in with no momentum whatsoever. Three losses I think they were coming off of. I mean, it wasn't. It didn't even look like a mid season Chicago team. It just kind of looked depleted, especially when you take how strong Orlando was playing. So I guess the big kind of test is going to be this weekend but based on what we saw last weekend, I think they have it in the bag in a sense.
- [05:14]
Megan Reyes
Well, question for you, Darian. So pre Olympic break Barbara Banda had 12 goals in 12 games and since then she has been sort of quiet, I guess you could say, depending on how you want to define it, with one goal in 10 games. But then last week she became the only player in Pride history to have a brace in the playoffs. With this goal, Watt band up a stride ahead again. Barbara Barb, she's truly reward. Do you think the Pride hinge their ability to win on Barbara Bana scoring goals? Like how key is she to their offensive power and are they sort of like resting on the laurels of Barbara Banda?
- [06:02]
Darian Jenkins
I don't necessarily think that they're resting. They have such a stacked team. I think Ali Watt. This is the best I've ever seen Ali play. Martas with her vengeance tour being back into playoffs. She was there in 2017 when they lost to Portland who I also lost to when I was with the courage. Sadly they ended up winning the whole thing. I think this team has Adriana Summer Yates, Ali Watt, Julie Doyle, Angelina like there. There's so many incredible players on this team that if you take Barbara Banda out of it, I think that so many others can still score. But the fact that she is looming, I don't really take her not scoring as oh, she's not as effective because how many other players scored in those 10 games they were still winning. And that's because teams have to completely adjust the way that they defend against Orlando. When she's on the field, I mean that takes two to three players to shut her down. And then you look at how much other, how much time and space other players have. I mean the goal Martha scored last week, she kind of faked out the defender. I mean Chicago is not the best example is because they've had a rough season. I feel for my Chicago girls but she does scissor with her right. You know she's going to her left, you know she's going to her left. The frame of the goal is to her left and you give it to her. I mean and it's because Banda attracts so many players. So I think she's a huge asset in that way. Do I think she defines the attack for Orlando? No, but it does make teams have to adjust the way that they set up against them, but it's the same battle with Kansas City. I mean, Shawinga muscled the last time she scored against them. She muscled off a couple players. Morelando went 5v1 and ended up sliding on past Anna Morehouse. I mean, it's, it's a good matchup of. Let's see how these coaches decide to defend against these two players and everybody else better step up.
- [07:49]
Megan Reyes
Okay, well, let's talk more about Casey. Another one of your former teams, as you mentioned, Temla has been obviously vital for Casey this season. And in last week's game, in their win against North Carolina, Vlatko may have possibly left her in a little bit longer than he should have. Let's actually take a look at this video. Not happy with because there's a challenge.
- [08:12]
Logan Hackett
Down, but immediately look at St. George stands over. That's what Kansas City is not happy about. Shove in the end.
- [08:22]
Megan Reyes
So how will the physicality from this last match against North Carolina impact Casey, if at all in the game against Orlando?
- [08:30]
Darian Jenkins
I don't think it affects them at all. In fact, I think that is something that that team needed watching. Not that I'm saying there should be violence, but I like in women's sports, when there's somebody's just ready to hit, somebody's ready to kind of buck up and be like, back the hell off. Like, we need more of this like, villain era in women's sports because men do it all the time. They're not criticized for it. I mean, men, men do crazy stuff and they're so allowed to come back and play. Don't even get me started on that. But to just show that, hey, we're here for her, we're rallying around Temu Shawinga and that they're not here to play. You're going to stand over our girl. Like, I think it just added a little bit more fire that Kansas City honestly didn't even need. Going into this match, knowing that Shawinga is a player we saw Vladko say at numerous press conferences is targeted. She is. There's no way to stop this player unless you try to hit her before she starts running. Because as soon as she starts going, it's a goal scoring opportunity. So that's how players are just going to have to deal with it. I do not want that player to get hurt. Absolutely not. But it comes with being an incredible athlete. I mean, we watched Messi get hacked, especially when he was still in Europe all the time. So it's not a bad comparison to have teams have to Try to knock you down before you get going to Lionel Messi.
- [09:46]
Logan Hackett
My biggest fear with this game coming up is two games ago she was out with her knee just as like a precautionary type thing. But did it did look like she was nursing it a bit or like whenever she went down it was immediately her knee, which we know also in soccer, like sometimes you just go to that limb. Like it. She didn't take time out or anything like that. I think she had to come out at the end of the game but just because of the way she went down, the trainer had to come out. But do you think that that'll have an effect or do you think that they would have a great recovery week and she'd be able to kind of be normal time? What this week?
- [10:16]
Darian Jenkins
I think they probably had a great recovery week. I mean you've seen Kansas City in their field and their assets and all of their trainers and all the fancy things they have there now. I'm sure she's fully recovered, rested up. I expect 100% Tom Washwinger to come show out. I think she lives for games like this as well. There's not a team I've ever seen her play intimidated against or like she can't handle what's coming to her. Especially when it's do or die as playoffs and the semifinals and you could get to host at your home stadium. If you win this match, I think that she'll. She'll be good and if she's not, we're not going to know. I don't, I don't think she's going to show it at all.
- [10:56]
Megan Reyes
Well, let's talk about the other side of the bracket. With Spirit and Gotham matching up in a kind of a big surprise, Washington were down 1 nil to BFC with 5 minutes left in regulation until this goal. Let's take a look.
- [11:10]
Darian Jenkins
The appeal for a handball, it's going to be checked by various McKeown former.
- [11:16]
Megan Reyes
Forward scores left off at Ernie Field. Okay, so despite the win, BFC frustrated Washington defensively all the way to the end. Should Washington be concerned heading into this weekend's matchup? Logan, I'll start with you. What are your thoughts on Washington last week against BFC and what you think they need to do moving into this weekend?
- [11:45]
Logan Hackett
I always go back to the peak Washington that we saw and I feel like if we had that peak Washington kind of right before the Olympic break, I believe it was, or maybe just a little bit after, I think that game would have gone a lot different. Granted, Bay did play extremely well and they were fighting, fighting, fighting. But it is kind of a different team. And I don't think that they've really. They've done well to get past the players that they've lost to injury and work together as a team. But I don't think they've done well enough to kind of get back to the caliber that they were at. So I think concern, no, because they're playing with what they're playing with and they have to deal with it. But I think they could be better if it wasn't for injuries.
- [12:26]
Megan Reyes
How, like, how much of a. How much of a loss do you think it is for Spirit to not have Andy Sullivan?
- [12:32]
Darian Jenkins
Oh, it's huge. Andy is a player that is kind of the unsung hero every season. She's one of those players that she's not doing the flashiest of stuff. But you watch the way that Andy plays and I know it's from playing with her. She's constantly organizing, constantly setting you up to plug holes defensively. She's always thinking worst case scenario so that she is there to either hit somebody or pick the ball up and regain possession. And I think you're seeing that with the Spirit. It's not that they're worse off or that they don't have good enough players. You're just seeing the organization break down where I think Andy was the linchpin for it to be so successful. And we're seeing teams break through the middle of the pitch a lot easier, get to go at their back line much easier. And Spirit just have to then respond on the front line. They still have a ton of talent. Especially having every rookie on your team score a goal in a single calendar season is not an easy feat. They have a great coach who's come from Barcelona and won everything you possibly could have. But it's going to be a tactical game of shutting down Gotham's attack and then outscoring Gotham.
- [13:37]
Megan Reyes
Well, let's talk about Gotham then. So they are looking, as we know, to be the first NWSL team to go back to back. And during last time you were on the show when we asked you if you thought Gotham could do it, you were unsure that would they would be able to go back to back. Do you still feel that way at this current day?
- [13:53]
Darian Jenkins
I do. I was like, dang, what did I say?
- [13:56]
Logan Hackett
Did I say I love it? Standing on business?
- [13:58]
Darian Jenkins
Yes. I say so many things. I have no idea. Yeah, I think going up against Gotham plays in such a fun way that's tactically really interesting to watch. They play with a really high back line there. Everybody's in front of the half almost. You look at the last time they played Spirit, Trinity, Rodman had a couple breakaways over the top. Theodore Ulaisar, who sadly is out. But Ashley Hatch is just as fast. Brittany Ratcliffe, who's just as fast, who can take advantage of the way Gotham plays. But then when they do have the ball, it's such a beautiful, poetic. They move it quickly. They're constantly switching positions. They have these crazy shots on goal. Estera doesn't know how to just score one goal. She scores a brace every time she's on the pitch. Like, they have such a talented team and no starting lineup is the same. But I think that that can also hurt them, not just against the Spirit, but against the potential Kansas City with a Shawinga or Orlando with Barbara Banda.
- [14:56]
Megan Reyes
Well, given their star power and the talent that they have, what I guess, like what will be Gotham's Achilles heel then?
- [15:05]
Darian Jenkins
Their high back line? I think any team, if I'm looking at a scouting report and I'm one of the players that's thinking, especially as a forward, thinking about going against them, I'm thinking as soon as we win it, send a ball over the top. And let's run. Most teams haven't had Gotham hasn't has to necessarily respect them so much in the front line that they play against. And I think Spirit with Trinity, Rodman, Ashley Hatch, Brittany Radcliffe is a team that they will have to respect. And maybe actually, you know, I know Juan Carlos, he's not going to adjust at all, but they're going to have to try to close down those passes that can go long from a Casey Krueger.
- [15:44]
Megan Reyes
Logan, what are your thoughts on Gotham?
- [15:46]
Logan Hackett
Yeah, I completely agree with that. I mean, Gotham, I almost in a sense feel like they're hot and cold and it's hard to conceptualize them now because before what did they have? Like some. A CONCACAF summer league game, I think, or something where they won Summer Cup? Yeah, some crazy score. Like 14, either 141 or 6.
- [16:04]
Megan Reyes
1.
- [16:04]
Logan Hackett
I don't know which one that is. But after that they came back and they started scoring consistently, like beforehand. It was like one or two goals a game and they started putting up like four and it was like, well, where is this coming from? But they have their goal scoring activated and the best availability that they've had pretty much all season. With that said, it's like what type of Gotham is coming to play? Because even last week, watching their games after they Scored, they get real kind of bouncy and you'd see that spark in them and then it would slowly kind of fade away and Portland would get a run and then it, it kind of went back and forth. But if you get the bouncy Gotham that are like hungry for it, I think then they are going to go to the finals. With that said, whatever team comes out of Casey and Orlando, I just don't think that they can beat.
- [16:50]
Megan Reyes
So we mentioned that a little bit earlier how bfc, you know, frustrated Washington defensively. How can Gotham do the same? I guess like on the other side of the ball, we know a little bit of their weakness on the, with the backline. But on their forward line, how can they do the same to make sure that they get their goals against Spirit?
- [17:09]
Darian Jenkins
I mean start one of their stars. I mean you have Esther, who's brilliant at top. Ellis Stevens had a great breakout season. I think Lynn Williams, you have Crystal Dunn who could potentially play like Yasmin Ryan. They have so many players that I think individually can cause chaos for Spirit's backline. Now when you put them all together and they're vibing how quickly they transition and you have Rose Lavelle who can dribble past anybody, the way that they can break down Spirit, I think is relying on those 1v1 players and then their combination play to get in front of goal. Because as soon as they are, as soon as they start heating up and they're bouncing the ball around quickly with their front maybe five players, I don't know if Spirit can stop them because we've seen even in their last match leading up to playoffs, they just look like they're in the zone. They feel it right now and I don't know if Spirit can handle that, especially with how many players they're missing.
- [18:03]
Megan Reyes
Okay, well, before we go into break, we're going to do a quick, quick official pick. So from both you and Logan, who do you have winning between Orlando and Casey? I'll go with you first, Darian.
- [18:16]
Darian Jenkins
I have Orlando. I'm going to stick loyal to my bracket. My pride girls are going through.
- [18:22]
Megan Reyes
What about you, Logan?
- [18:23]
Logan Hackett
I've had an intuition since the second I saw this. Casey's going to pull off the upset. I don't know tactically, everything on paper, I don't believe it. But I, I'm going with my gut today.
- [18:35]
Megan Reyes
She's just here for a little bit of chaos. That's okay. I'm not mad at it. I also have Orlando going through, so we will see who is right there. And what about spirit and Gotham? Logan, who's your pick?
- [18:47]
Logan Hackett
I'm gonna go with Gotham.
- [18:49]
Megan Reyes
Okay. What about you, Darian?
- [18:50]
Darian Jenkins
I also have Gotham going through. I see them making it to the final, but they don't have the Ali Krieger to fight for this year. I think it's gonna be fine.
- [18:59]
Megan Reyes
Okay, so we have. I agree with both of you on Gotham. So we are split decision a little bit. But we have Orlando versus Gotham and Casey versus Gotham. And I'm also with Orlando versus Gotham.
- [19:12]
Darian Jenkins
Good. I feel like this is the correct answer. Although the Kansas City playing at home for their final would be. Would be epic. It really would be.
- [19:22]
Megan Reyes
Darian's going for the perfect bracket.
- [19:25]
Darian Jenkins
Please. I should have bet something on this.
- [19:29]
Megan Reyes
You should have. Well, coming up, we continue talking about nwsl. We'll be right back. Welcome back to Goodfollow. Let's continue our NWSL talk and like spend a little time on a few of the eliminated teams. Portland Thorns had a real shot after Rylan Turner scored this goal. Let's take a look.
- [20:10]
Logan Hackett
Moultrie, look at the bench.
- [20:13]
Megan Reyes
Into the goal it goes.
- [20:15]
Logan Hackett
Portland has equalized.
- [20:18]
Megan Reyes
So the equalizer came with only 15 minutes left in regulation and would have ultimately sent the game to extra time where Rose Lavelle called game with this goal. But here comes Sheehan.
- [20:29]
Logan Hackett
Ryan is open. If she had can get it there across.
- [20:32]
Megan Reyes
Look out.
- [20:33]
Logan Hackett
Go.
- [20:39]
Megan Reyes
So the Thorns have now been eliminated in back to back years since. Since winning their championship in 2022. Darian, what do you think they need to do to get back on top?
- [20:50]
Darian Jenkins
I mean, they've got a lot to replace. And Christine Sinclair, she's been the part of this team I think since she became part of it in the inaugural season. Having somebody to fight for like Christine Sinclair obviously gives you an extra push going into playoffs, which Portland desperately needed alongside Sophia Smith coming back. And if I'm not mistaken, I think Sophia Smith is potentially up for contract or up for negotiating a new contract after this season. They need her there. This is a team that I don't think we saw enough dynamic goal scores in the front line without her and Morgan Weaver. They also need I think another midfielder. They lost a couple of players like a Rocky Rodriguez, somebody that's a little more daring in the midfield. They had very similar profiles in their midfield. Three that didn't offer enough. And I think this team can get back to where they are. I mean, it's weird to think of NWSL playoffs without the Portland Thorns in them, which we almost had that case but they really need to acquire some players and have some stability with Rob Gale next year. That can just make them the really dangerous team that isn't solely through Sophia Smith.
- [21:59]
Megan Reyes
So obviously you mentioned the loss of Christine Sinclair is greatly impactful to the team and also to this women's game in general. But in addition to filling in those holes in Portland's midfield, who currently do they have that should will need to step up up for them next year.
- [22:14]
Darian Jenkins
I'm going to give a shout to my fellow Bruin ucla Jesse Fleming. She's a player that is so dynamic and be really dangerous in the attack. We've seen her do it for Canada and college. She did it for Chelsea. She did it and I feel at Portland she sat back so much more. We didn't see her making those daring passes, these daring dribbles, the game changing moments that we're used to having from Jesse Fleming. She's a player that I think they can build around, that they can corral around, they can rely on for that stability and to be a leader. But we need to see it on the pitch. I will say going from Chelsea to the NW Cell, it's a huge adjustment. It's a huge adjustment. Every single game feels like it could be a final. Every single game is much more physical and physically taxing and everybody's faster than you. It's a huge adjustment and I think she needed this year to have that and hopefully next year she can really grow into that role that we've seen her have with all of her other teams.
- [23:13]
Megan Reyes
Logan, what are your thoughts on Portland?
- [23:15]
Logan Hackett
I mean Jesse Fleming is basically kind of like Christine Sinclair because she's Canadian. So it's our little. She's kind of next in line if you think about it like especially with there's multiple players retiring. But I think when it comes to the end of yourselves, she, she has a huge impact but I feel like I haven't heard her name enough. But going back to somebody whose name I'm hearing more is actually Olivia Moultrie and I don't know how old she is right now, maybe 18, 19. She came in when she was pretty young, but I feel like she's kind of finally settled into the league, settled into her role. It's no longer, whoa, look at this very young player who had to fight to play in the league playing. She's now making impact. She's in the team and she is up there with a goal scorer. So I'm excited to see how next year if she's still at the team next year. I think her contract is fine. How she can become a goal, a more present goal score and kind of be up there with Sophia if Sophia were to stay. But if not, they need a goal score. Because I was kind of thinking back to their team when they won the chair, when they won the championships and they just had something special like a little secret sauce to their whole team and that's just gone now.
- [24:22]
Megan Reyes
Well, Portland wasn't the only team to lose an extra time in their inaugural season. Bfc. They made it to the playoffs, but then they came up short to Washington. However, I even hate to bring this up, but their winning goal didn't come from the spirit. Let's take a look at that. This.
- [24:39]
Darian Jenkins
Says she's got a facial injury. Cross comes in, it's 2:1.
- [24:44]
Megan Reyes
Oh, I feel for Capri so deeply and again, I even hate that we're having to talk about it. But if Bay had not scored on themselves, do you think, Darian, that they could have pulled off an upset?
- [24:54]
Darian Jenkins
100%. That was the game of the weekend where I think that was the one we all predicted that could be the only match where there is an upset. Realistically, they fought really hard. We have to give a lot of credit to that team. And Aubertine Montoya, they overcame so much adversity throughout the year. Being an expansion team, doing that well, making it to playoffs and then it finally coming together during playoffs, the attack and defense, it was kind of one or the other. That was the story for Bay every single game throughout the season until the last few weeks. So I love this. I think it's very promising for the future for Bay and seeing what they can do next year now that Albertine Montoya's or used to the league and what it requires and maybe bringing in personnel that he can build around like a test. Bodhi and Rachel Kundananji and Oshawala, Abby Dalkemper. But it is tough to go out like that. And another fellow brune of mine, Capris, I feel for her.
- [25:48]
Logan Hackett
That's sexy.
- [25:49]
Darian Jenkins
Score an own goal, especially in a moment like that. But she's a vet, she'll get over it. And I think, like I said, it's really promising for Bay's future.
- [25:57]
Megan Reyes
Well, let's talk about a little bit because I think they have so much to be proud of again in your inaugural season, to make it this far and to be so close to pulling off an upset. I think we talked about it on a, on a prior episode. Personally, I think the absence of Alex Aweda has hurt them a little bit but what do you expect from them next year and what do you think? I guess what can we expect from them and which players are you really looking out for in their next season?
- [26:22]
Darian Jenkins
I'm really looking to see the growth of Rachel Kundanaji. We finally saw her become that X factor forward. It was it was this close all year to her being it. She it was just the final product, the final type of shot. Decision making or pass it, do I shoot it? And it was always kind of the opposite was chosen of what she should have done. But she's a young player. We've seen a lot of growth. I'm excited to see her back next year. Same with Tess Bodhi. She is unsung hero of bae. I think every coach I talked to when I was covering matches before coaches calls was who's a player that you're looking to shut down? Who can you shut down that'll affect the game. Every coach would say test bode for Bay. So she's a player. I'm looking forward to seeing her game and I think they need another midfielder, a pure midfielder. Kiki did great but I think they need a six that can really help distribute play. That's like the Andy Sullivan that directs everybody and breaks things up and can organize so that it's not so reliant on their backline to have their together but make sure they have everything together in the back. But it's, it's going to be good for them next year. They're just missing a couple of key pieces to have that consistent season to get them to a final.
- [27:35]
Megan Reyes
Logan, what stood out for you about BFC this year?
- [27:39]
Logan Hackett
Rachel could. I feel like I expected to hear her name more but as you said like she kind of made perfect progress and then the I'm not too sure what game it was but there's a clip where she stands on top of the ball tells the defender yeah she wanted waiting to see. I'm so excited so I'm excited to see that type of play carrying on because it's fun. It's kind of like adding to a temple of the league. Like will she be up there with Tamu and Barbara when it comes to a golden boot race next year? Who knows. I think she could really make a huge impact but then I kind of go back to think is it were they not getting her the ball? Did she like have the full opportunity to make that type of impact? Especially because like you see it with kc they know exactly how to feed the ball To Temu with Barbara. Orlando's offense is incredible. She's always getting touches. So I'm, I think they could really work on that and kind of develop Rachel into one of those key players.
- [28:41]
Megan Reyes
It is also to your point, it is fun to see like Barbara and Temua and Kunanji and even Oshala like the style of play that they have brought to nwsl and it's just made the game really fun.
- [28:52]
Darian Jenkins
The African takeover, I love it. The fact that most of the players we were talking about for Golden Boot are players of color. Most impact on the league are players of color, players from Africa. I mean, I can't wait to see next year. I was joking with Vlatko Andonovsky, like because Temuar, her sister Tabitha plays for Lyon and I'm like, you need to get Tabitha over here. You all will be unstoppable. Imagine.
- [29:20]
Megan Reyes
Right? I know. I agree. Well, we're going to really quick move over to some a little bit of other NWSL news. Earlier this week, San Diego Wave signed University of Texas forward Trinity Byers and she is the first player or first active college player to sign for an NWSL club since the elimination of the NWSL draft. The college soccer season is getting ready to come to an end. Who do you think we could see getting signed next? Darian, do you have thoughts on this?
- [29:48]
Darian Jenkins
Ooh, you guys are putting me on the spot. I'm going to stick with a player that's impressed me since she entered college. Sorry, I'm sticking with ucla. I feel like I've said it five times in this podcast, but a Lily Real place center back for UCLA Honda Award winning Matt Kerman Trophy finalist. She was a forward converted to center back and I think we see elements of her game that's similar to an Emily Sams that would be great for any team in the league. She would have a huge impact.
- [30:21]
Megan Reyes
Logan, how closely have you been following college soccer? I know you've been paying a little bit of attention. Are there any, I'm not going to lie. Schools or players that are standing out to you.
- [30:29]
Logan Hackett
I'm not gonna lie. I originally know because I completely forgot about the fact that they took away the NWSL draft. Even when I saw their signing Trinity, I'm like, why are we signing her out of college? Like, that's weird. And I was like, oh, this is like the drafting process. So I do still have to kind of go back and look at the players. But I am excited to see the class that comes in, especially because I feel like year after year the rookie classes are just getting more and more talented and they come in and you're hearing their names more. So I'm excited to see if that's the case next year.
- [30:57]
Megan Reyes
Well, Darian, before we let you go, as you know, the foundation of the show is that communities get built one good follow at a time. And each week we like to highlight a person, page or brand as our good follow. So who is your good follow of the week?
- [31:10]
Darian Jenkins
I'm going to wreck the Cooligans. One of my co workers. Yes. Yeah. Alexis Carreros and Christian Blanco have a podcast called the Cooligans. Two comedians, hilarious. They drop news but in the most digestible great way. Two great human beings. But follow their and watch their podcast called the Hooligans. It's you won't regret it co sign.
- [31:35]
Megan Reyes
But as you said, both just really great people.
- [31:37]
Logan Hackett
I love them.
- [31:38]
Megan Reyes
Well, Darian, thank you so much for joining us on good follow. It's always so great to learn from you. It has been amazing to have you on the show again.
- [31:45]
Darian Jenkins
Thanks for having me, ladies.
- [31:46]
Megan Reyes
Up next, Logan and I will convince you to hop on the NWSL bandwagon. We'll be right back.
- [32:00]
Kaley Cuoco
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- [32:18]
Nelly Korda
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- [32:43]
Logan Hackett
Go to your happy price, Priceline.
- [32:56]
Megan Reyes
Welcome back to Goodfollow. Today, Logan and I will be putting your sports loyalty to the test with a game we're calling Bandwagon fans. So here's how it's going to work. We will be shown a team in the NWSL semifinals and Logan and I will each sell you on why you should hitch a ride on their bandwagon. Are you ready?
- [33:14]
Logan Hackett
Ready.
- [33:15]
Megan Reyes
Okay. This should be fun. I'm all about bringing new fans into the league. So we will sell Them as best as we can. So let's take a look at the first bandwagon. Okay. We have Orlando Pride. Logan, why should someone become a fan of the Pride?
- [33:29]
Logan Hackett
If you love Brazilian football, which I personally do, it is so much fun and so fast and so precise, then you should definitely hop on board because they just seem to get all the Brazilians. I mean, they have Marta, Adriana Rafaeli, Angelina Luana. So incredibly good. And their style fits so well with the team.
- [33:47]
Megan Reyes
It is kind of like really cool how many resilience they have. I know that's what they're known for. And especially when they're on an international break. Like, the whole team is gone.
- [33:56]
Logan Hackett
Yeah, it's like the. It's like a pipeline.
- [34:00]
Megan Reyes
Yes, especially. Well, Marta being there, I think I'm sure has a lot to do with it. I like your reason. My reason to hitch a ride on the bandwagon is if you're a sucker for a good jersey for football and fashion. This citrus kit. Oh, I have it hanging, but it's not showing right now. Is one of the best in a while. I think it kind of speaks for itself.
- [34:22]
Logan Hackett
I remember when they debuted it, and it just. It was so above all the other jerseys, like, just the way it pops and the colors. It is just perfectly made.
- [34:32]
Megan Reyes
And Orlando do a really good job with their PR boxes. I've been fortunate to receive a few. And when I got this Citrus kit, they also sent it with like orange marmalade, like, actual spread. Like, I really love the theme that they were leaning into. Yes.
- [34:47]
Logan Hackett
Oh, they're really going for it. I also love actually just to add on, their normal color is purple, and there's really nothing but like citrus or like oranges. But it's going like, with the Florida theme. So I love how they just like tap, like, brought something in with them. Because Pride, like, I mean, I feel like there's multiple meanings for that, and it's kind of hard to like, embody that with your jersey and as a team and everything. So I love the little added touch of the orange citrus.
- [35:13]
Megan Reyes
Yeah, they look good on the field and for on the field reasons, as we all know. But if you need a reason to Support the Pride. 2024 NWSL Shield winners that he 27 game winning streak that lasted over a year, like over 365 days without losing. They of course, have goalkeeper Anna Morehouse anchoring them in the back. Who is up for goalkeeper of the year. Legends like Marta Barbara Band on the field scoring goals. And also they have seemed to really perfected the balance of Coach Seb Heinz's 4, 4, 2 formation. So these are our reasons to hit to ride on the Orlando bandwagon.
- [35:50]
Logan Hackett
I love coach Seb Heinz too. I'm not too sure coach of the year has come up, but if he's. If he doesn't win, I'd be very, very surprised.
- [35:57]
Megan Reyes
It's him. Juan Carlos from Gotham and Vlatko. So, yeah, those are. That's a top coach of the year race. But I think Seb has definitely made his case. So let's move on to the next team. Who do we have here? Casey Current. Okay, Logan, why should someone get on the current bandwagon?
- [36:17]
Logan Hackett
First of all, shout out to the graphics people we have, because these are very, very cool. But if you want to watch the player that is absolutely running, dominating the end of yourself right now too much ringa, then that. That's just the only in you need. In you need. I mean, she scored against every single team that she's faced, which is just so incredible. And she broke Sam Kerr scoring record for the season. I don't know what she's at, but she did score their last playoff goal. So it's just so incredible to watch her. And the way that the feet, they feed the ball to her, they. She just goes into open space and.
- [36:51]
Megan Reyes
Dominant ugly from there.
- [36:53]
Logan Hackett
Yeah. I don't even know how to explain it. It's just if the ball is like anywhere near her, then she's probably going to score.
- [37:00]
Megan Reyes
Well, I also have a very similar reason if you want to become a fan of Casey Current is their attacking presence. They have had. Oh, my gosh, this is so cute. A record 57 goals scored this season with 18 different goal scores. So that says a lot about Casey's offense. When you have a player like Temu Shawanga, who is breaking records in her first year in the league, and then you also have 17 different goal scorers on the team as well. And then also my reason, they may have one of the best midfields in the league, which is also led by veteran Lola Banta. And whenever low scores, she has one of the best celebrations. Um, so this is my reason. I'm sure people who are a general sports fan that may not know a lot about the league yet have definitely seen a Lola Bonta go Selly on social media.
- [37:52]
Logan Hackett
Also, I know Vlatko got so much hate with the U.S. women's National Team, and I mean, I don't think he was fit for it, but the way that he has coached this team has been Incredible. And he's kind of had his own little redemption arc this year.
- [38:05]
Megan Reyes
I think that's the thing is a lot of people were saying is on the international stage, it may not have been his fit, but as a club coach he has been. He's had a successful track record and he's continuing to show that in Casey. But let's move on. Okay, where are my bandwagon Gotham fans at Logan? Why should someone get aboard the Gotham bandwagon?
- [38:29]
Logan Hackett
It's pretty easy. They're the villains and they formed a super team. It's like the Avengers. They form the Avengers team literally in.
- [38:38]
Megan Reyes
The off season when they were like, oh, we got Crystal Dunn and Rose Lavelle and even last year we got Estair and now we have Emily Sonnet. It's like, okay, we get it.
- [38:49]
Logan Hackett
Easy there.
- [38:50]
Megan Reyes
We get it. You want to go back to back for me, my reason is okay, they're literally named after Batman. They are named after Gotham City and they call themselves the Bats. They do their little bat celebration. They call themselves baddies. I don't think you need any other reason to be a fan of Gotham other than the. I don't want to say the mythical, but the fictional city that is Gotham City. Having your club named after that is iconic.
- [39:20]
Logan Hackett
Lynn has like her hand thing. I can't do it. But like she.
- [39:24]
Megan Reyes
I don't know how they do it. I don't know. But they call themselves the Bats and.
- [39:28]
Logan Hackett
That is so cute.
- [39:29]
Megan Reyes
Like I said, that is so cute. And also, as we know, Gotham are chasing back to back championships. They have a very deep bench. Again, as we've mentioned, they have so many US Women's national team stars. But beyond that, they have a lot of international stars as well. Juan Carlos is also up for coach of the year. I think if you like a championship pedigree team, if you like going for the super teams. And I think Gotham is your club.
- [39:55]
Logan Hackett
Also with like name recognition even. There was a name I don't fully remember. I want to say it was just Carter, but I know it wasn't. But you just kind of associate with like oh, England or like akb, oh, Germany. It's names that you're hearing maybe like during the World cup or any friendlies or qualifier from other teams. And I think that's really cool because some of them, it's like you only hear them in the States or if you're watching nwsl. So it's just a little. What was the word from a few weeks ago? Amalgamation.
- [40:24]
Megan Reyes
Amalgamation of superstars.
- [40:27]
Logan Hackett
Yes.
- [40:28]
Megan Reyes
Okay. Last but not least, let's do our final bandwagon Washington Spirit. Logan, what is your reason for someone to hitch a ride on the Spirit bandwagon?
- [40:37]
Logan Hackett
If you hit your ride on this bandwagon then it will be paying off in the in the next few years because the rookie class is insane and you can be one of those people who are like oh my gosh, I watched you the first time she was in the league her very first year she was doing so well and now look at her. She's a big star and those hers. You have six options. Your Corbin who is unfortunately out Kate Wisener, McKenna Morris, Courtney Brown, Heather Steinbrook and Hal Hirschfeld which is just insane. The impact that they've had, especially you hear me talk about McKenna Morris all the time. All of them have had an impact on this team and have led to their depth that has pushed them through the season and you don't see that very often. They've also all scored which is I forget the number. I think 15 of their 54 goals this year they account for and that's pretty impressive.
- [41:24]
Megan Reyes
Well, I love your reason and mine, while not a rookie is one of my favorite players. Two words to support Washington Spirit Trinity Rodman One of the most prolific scorers both in NWSL and also on the international stage. I mean she was on the list for correct me if I'm wrong, she's on the list for a Ballon d'or nominee and obviously won an Olympic gold with the US but she signed a four year deal in 2021 for 1.1 million which at the time was a record breaking deal and she's yet to disappoint. She's known as an entertainer. When she puts her opponent on a spin cycle it is so ugly and it is so disrespectful but you can't help but just admire it. I love her for her fashion. She is so stylish and she is so I just love how expressive she is both as a person and then also as on the field as well. She is not afraid to get scrappy and to get in your face and talk a little smack. I am. I made it very clear early on in Goodfollow that I am the president of the Trinity Rodman Fan club and I stand by that to this day.
- [42:31]
Logan Hackett
She just makes it seem like she's been in the league for years, like she's a veteran. She has a kind of a veteran presence which is so crazy because the other day I was even googling her and she's only like 22.
- [42:41]
Megan Reyes
Yes.
- [42:42]
Logan Hackett
Seeing her for so long, she's been around. We've just adapted to her. But I completely agree with all your reasons. I love her.
- [42:49]
Megan Reyes
Well, that is it for our game of bandwagon fans. Choose your team wisely. No pressure at all. It's just your NWL fandom at stake. Coming up, I reveal my DraftKings pick take of the week and I share my latest good follow. We'll be right back. Welcome back into GoodFollow. Before we get into our weekly picks, Our partners at DraftKings have an offer that's perfect for any game day. Right now, new customers who bet $5 will instantly get $250 in bonus bets. Download the DraftKings sportsbook app and sign up using promo code goodfollow. That's $250 in bonus bets to spend on parlays, live betting, or picking straight up winners after betting just $5. And if sports betting is not yet available in your state, you can still join in on all the fun with DraftKings Daily Fantasy and have the shot to win cash prizes. Again. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app now and use promo code GoodFollow for $250 in bonus bets. Bets instantly after betting just $5 only at DraftKings Sportsbook. Okay, now it's time for this week's DraftKings Sportsbook Pick. With a trip to the championship on the line. My game of the week is Orlando Pride and Kansas City. We've already discussed how dynamic both teams are and if both teams are firing on all cylinders, this will be a really good one and probably very high scoring. As we know in soccer, the team that starts on the front foot has the better chance of winning. And while it might be a great storyline for Casey to play for the championship in their home stadium, I am picking Orlando to score early with a Barbara Banda goal and I think Orlando will send Casey home and they're gonna get the win. So Logan, what are your final thoughts on this game?
- [44:48]
Logan Hackett
It's going to be very exciting. I cannot believe like that this is even a matchup that is existing. Especially because Casey is back to playing how they were playing earlier in the season when they were undefeated. The whole storyline. I mean, Orlando were the ones who broke that undefeated streak. Casey wants this so bad and the fact that they're going to Orlando to potentially hand them a loss to go back home and play for the championships is just so cool. But this could be a final game. I kind of wish it was. With that said I kind of feel like there could be an upset just because of how much Casey wants it. But as you said, if both teams are firing on all cylinders, it's going to be absolutely insane. Probably high scoring and probably extremely close.
- [45:31]
Megan Reyes
Down to the very end manager pick for an upset. I could see it. That's what's really special about this game is there, in my opinion, pretty even. I think anything could happen. Well, we are going to move on to a little bit of non NWSL news. Earlier this week, Caitlin Clark teed off with Nelly Korda at the Annika Pro Am. Logan, is this a duo that you thought you would see, especially with how much you cover women's golf.
- [45:54]
Logan Hackett
It actually is, which I feel bad saying that, but the second I saw that Caitlin Clark played golf, I think it was in her senior year, they had it up on the tv. I was like, oh, there's going to be a Natalie collab somewhere. And her and Nelly are actually similar in like an odd way. I feel like personality wise and they're kind of low, like cracking jokes, but kind of a low key personality sometimes as well. They match each other so well. But to see these two top athletes playing together is insanely cool.
- [46:27]
Megan Reyes
Well, Caitlin had I think objectively a pretty terrible first tee off. Let's take a look. The reaction is hilarious and I am not one to judge because listen, I, I'm terrible at golf, but is this proof that Caitlin Clark is human after all? Maybe she's not good at everything.
- [46:55]
Logan Hackett
Absolutely. I actually I, it keeps on coming up, playing a pro am or the event right before with the players for the lpga and that was my biggest fear going into I was like, I literally just need to practice my first tee shot because that is terrifying. So honestly, I do not blame Caitlyn at all, especially because obviously she's a much bigger name. But everybody does it. It happens. She already had the other ball ready to put down. She said a little sorry, but I love how the crowd at first is like, oh, is everything okay? And then like they laugh it.
- [47:27]
Megan Reyes
Listen, it's better than I would have done. Well in other women's sports news as well, Whoopi Goldberg also announced she's launching the first global women's sports channel called the All Women's Sports Network. She said everything from soccer, basketball, tennis, cricket, curling, you name it. If a woman is playing it, we're showing it. Logan, is this actually what we've been needing in women's sports? I feel like this is very long overdue.
- [47:53]
Logan Hackett
Absolutely. It's like women's sports on demand. And that has never, ever been a possibility. I mean, even with having the W, they have their league pass and then end of your cell. Plus, to be honest, even finding the end of your cell champ quarterfinal games this past weekend was a little tricky. I mean, it is different because I live in Canada, so the access isn't as good, but there's so many different sports in so many different places, and a lot of times it's not that easily accessible. So now you can just have a platform where you go and want to watch or you watch whatever you want to watch, and it's right there for you. And I love that. Also, kind of unexpected that somebody like Whoopi Goldberg would do that. Like, I never expected to hear her name.
- [48:33]
Megan Reyes
I know it was a name where you were kind of like, oh, but okay. I mean, I respect it. Yes. Well, this is exactly what we've needed. Well, as we close the show, as you all know, the foundation of Good Follow is that communities get built one good follow at a time. And each week, one of us highlights a person, page or brand as our good follow of the week. And I am up this week and I want to celebrate and shout out the Women's Lacrosse League, AKA W L L on Instagram. Earlier this week, the Premier Lacrosse League announced it's starting a new women's league that is set to begin competition in 2025. With four teams and cities that have yet to be announced, the women's league will make its debut at the PLL's 2025 Championship Series in February. Logan, what are your. Well, I guess, like, first. I'll share. I think this is really incredible. Again, as we keep talking about the rise of women's sports and more leagues forming again, we've seen people like Michelle King invest in women's leagues. We've seen, like, Flavo Flav helping out women's water polo. And so to see more professional women's league pop up is really exciting. I personally actually don't know a lot about lacrosse, so I'm kind of excited to learn along the way. But do you know much about lacrosse?
- [49:46]
Logan Hackett
Yeah, I actually played growing up. I played like. Yeah. And a lot of my friends played for Team Canada and went to school for lacrosse. So actually, when I saw the announcement, the first thing I thought of was kind of the gateway that they have after school because a lot of them have no clue what to like. My best friend and like, literal sister, she played D1 and she has no clue what to do afterwards. Because there's not a lot of options. I mean, there's Athletes Unlimited, but that's like the top of the top players. And so now to see that there's a league is so exciting. A. But B, I feel like it gives something more to work towards rather than just kind of going through the pathway where you play, your career, go to school, and then you're like, oh, well, I have no options now. But lacrosse is so incredibly fun. It's such a fast sport, too, actually. Decently easy to play. Really? Yeah. But I'm really interested to see how everybody else kind of, like, perceives it and how well it does. I think it's going to do really well. Um, but I want. I want to see the viewership numbers, and I cannot wait to see them grow year by year, because I really feel like they're going to.
- [50:52]
Megan Reyes
Oh, my gosh. I did not know you played lacrosse.
- [50:55]
Logan Hackett
Yeah, I played a little bit of everything.
- [50:57]
Megan Reyes
I love that. Well, I'm excited to tune in and that is my good follow of the week. So everyone go follow L L on.
- [51:05]
Logan Hackett
Social media, and we want to hear from our fans. Who is your good follow? Send your nominations to oodfollow show and tell us why your good follow should be featured on our show.
- [51:14]
Megan Reyes
Good follow is brought to you by DraftKings. We'll see you next week.