On today’s episode of The IX Sports Podcast, host Kathleen Gier gets you caught up to speed on women’s soccer as NWSL free agency continues and the U.S. women’s national team prepares for January friendly matches. But the week’s major headline was midfielder Sam Coffey’s decision to join Manchester City on a 3.5-year deal.
Continue reading with a subscription to The IX
Get unlimited access to our exclusive coverage of a varitety of women’s sports, including our premium newsletter by subscribing today!
Already a member?
Login
“Sam released a really emotional video on social media explaining to fans that she’s always dreamed of playing professionally in Europe. She said, ‘For as long as I’ve kicked a ball, I’ve always dreamed of playing professional soccer in Europe, and it’s something I simply have to pursue. I would never forgive myself if I didn’t go try,'” Gier explained.
“I just think this is a great move for her,” Gier continued. “[Manchester] City is in position … for an extra memorable season, and why not jump to a champion? I think this also touches on that personal side that we’ve discussed over the last couple of weeks. The [Women’s Super League (WSL)] is still a dream for a lot of these players … who grew up when [the NWSL] either didn’t exist yet or just wasn’t quite as stable. The WSL obviously has the names, they have the stadiums, they have the iconic symbols … but [Coffey] also talked about the ability to challenge herself with a different kind of play, and I think that is so valuable at this point in her career. As we head into another international cycle, as she ages into that prime of her game, being able to challenge herself, being able to learn a different style, [and] force herself to adapt. I think that just makes for such a better, well rounded player.”
Want more women’s hockey content? Subscribe to The Ice Garden!
In case you missed it, The Ice Garden is now part of The IX Sports family!
The staff of The Ice Garden has paved the way for women’s hockey coverage from the college ranks to international competitions. Of course, that includes in-depth coverage of the PWHL too.
Gier also touched on recent NWSL free agency moves, including the blockbuster transfer of teenage Paraguayan forward Claudia Martínez to the Washington Spirit from Club Olimpia.
Then, Gier previewed the upcoming FIFA Women’s Championship Cup semifinals between CONCACAF W Champions Cup winner Gotham FC and Copa Libertadores Femenina winner Corinthians. The match will take place in London on Jan. 28.
“I think preseason is going really well,” Gotham forward Jaedyn Shaw said in an interview clip provided by Gotham FC. “We’ve had some really great trainings to help build the foundation going into this tournament and our season. And we’ve had a really good opponent a few days ago and played good. There was a lot of things that we can build on and take with us into the London tournament. I’m just looking forward to the whole experience. I mean, this is the first ever championship for women’s club football, so I think it’ll be a really fun experience for us.”
Tune in to hear more about Coffey’s move to Manchester City, the upcoming FIFA Women’s Championship Cup semifinals, and preparations for another USWNT camp.
Make sure to subscribe to The IX Sports Podcast for in-depth coverage of women’s soccer, hockey and basketball; and tune in each weekday morning for a quick overview of the biggest headlines on Women’s Sports Daily.
What you missed on Women’s Sports Daily: Vanderbilt and UConn undefeated, and NWSL gets some major news
