Happy Monday, TWG readers!

I hope everyone is rested and ready for another week and another USWNT game day tomorrow! I had the best holiday weekend and am feeling so grateful for the time I got to spend with my family, especially my sister, who I don’t get to see as often as I’d like. 

Kristie and I get along so well — even as we get older, we just continue to enjoy doing all the same things and eating all the same things. She’s been here for about a week and all we do is go for walks, make caesar salad wraps, watch old episodes of Gossip Girl, and go for early morning swims. I couldn’t think of a better companion for all of these activities and I’m so happy that I had such quality time with her.

But we’re back to business! After a very sisterly Do it Live with Kristie after the USWNT game on Saturday, TWG will be back on Tuesday with another Do it Live, this time featuring Becky Sauerbrunn who is freshly home from vacation. Boy, have we missed her. Make sure you tune into that right at the final whistle of the USWNT vs. Netherlands game on Tuesday. Kickoff is 2:45pm ET and the show will be around 4:45pm ET on TWG’s YouTube channel.

Then on Thursday, we have a really great interview with the Thompson sisters, Alyssa and Gisele. Chatting with them was so fun — they have such a great relationship and the sister vibes are very strong. We’ll hear all about how their family makes decisions together and what it’s like to play for Angel City, their hometown team.

Happy to be back! Thank you all so much for being here with us.

Love,

Sam

PS: We are now live and posting on Bluesky! You can follow both The Women’s Game and Men in Blazers now 💙

USA 0-0 England: Top two teams go toe-to-toe and come away with a draw at Wembley 🇺🇲🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

The US Women’s National Team is closing out a busy, gold-medal-winning year with two marquee friendlies in Europe. On Saturday, the USA’s London-born manager, Emma Hayes, brought the squad to her hometown metropolis, where they played England’s Lionesses at the historic Wembley Stadium for the first time since October 2022, when the U.S. lost 2-1. This time, the two rivals drew 0-0 after a hard-fought 90 minutes in front of 78,346 fans. 

• The U.S. held more of the possession and outshot the Lionesses 10 to 4 (though only three shots registered on target), while carrying the momentum for large swaths of the game. But their pressure didn’t pay off. England keeper Mary Earps made three saves and the U.S. failed to convert in the final third. Retiring U.S. goalkeeper Alyssa Naeher also made a save to collect her 10th shutout of 2024 (and the 69th in her career) which is a new personal record for shutouts in a calendar year.

• Emma Hayes started five of the same players from that October 2022 friendly. 20-year-old forward Alyssa Thompson, who made her USWNT debut at 17-years-old that night, earned the start this time. Thompson missed out on the Olympic squad in Paris but earned her return through club performances: the fleet-footed young winger scored five goals and seven assists for Angel City this season, with all five goals scored after missing the Olympic roster. Portland Thorns’ defensive midfielder Sam Coffey, who is the seventh and final player in this roster from that 2022 friendly at Wembley, also earned the start in this match. Utah Royals Rookie of the Year Nominee, 20-year-old forward Ally Sentnor, made her USWNT debut as she subbed into the match in the 87th minute for Lindsey Horan. 

• Notably, U.S. forward phenoms, the “Triple Espresso” of Mallory Swanson, Sophia Smith and Trinity Rodman (who combined for 10 goals at this summer’s Olympics) are not with the team. Emma Hayes opted to give them rest as they ended a long year with “nagging injuries”. 15 of the 22 players that won gold at the Olympics (including alternates) are in this camp. England were also missing key players, including Ella Toone, Lauren Hemp and Lauren James.

More: Saturday’s friendly was more than a meeting between FIFA’s two top-ranked teams. It was also a meeting of the minds at the top of women’s football. Leading the U.S.: the inaugural Ballon d’Or winner for Women’s Football Coach of the Year, Emma Hayes. And leading England, the Dutch manager Sarina Wiegman, who led the Lionesses to their first major trophy in 2022. Read more: Sarina Wiegman v. Emma Hayes: Anthems, tactics and body language; And: Sarina Wiegman and Emma Hayes contrasting figures united by common empathy

Also: ‘US, England try new things but fail to break through’

And this: The Mewis sisters went live at the final whistle to discuss the result. WATCH HERE.

Festive Cheer, TWG Gear, and All the Joy Football Brings ❄️⚽

For a limited time, the The Women’s Game Shop is offering 30% off your entire order, no minimum need. SHOP NOW

Yes, you can finally gift your loved ones (or yourself, no judgment) the proper footballing attire they deserve.

🚨 Use code CM30 at checkout to get the discount 🚨

Looking for some inspiration? For what Sam recommends for your holiday gift needs? Check out our Holiday Gift Guides to steer you in the right direction.

Make this holiday a belter. Treat yourself, treat others, make memories through football, and above all else...

Courage. 💙

P.S. The sale is only good through 12/3/24. Order over $75? You can get free shipping (yes, it stacks!) with code BLAZER75. Getting ALL your shopping done and ordering over $175? Enjoy free 2-day shipping with code TWODAY (this one stacks too). 🕰️

Euro Tour Part 2: Tuesday in The Netherlands 🇺🇲🇳🇱

The U.S. will finish their European tour in The Hague this Tuesday, where they play another top European foe in The Netherlands. This will be the 12th meeting between the two teams, and the U.S. currently leads the series with eight wins, one loss and two draws. Their most recent meeting was a dramatic 1-1 draw at the 2023 World Cup in Wellington, New Zealand. Manchester City midfielder Jill Roord opened the scoring and U.S. captain Lindsey Horan scored the equalizer. Horan’s goal came just after a tough tackle from her Lyon teammate, Daniëlle Van de Donk, which knocked her over. Horan’s revenge was a goal in the next play. Later, amid a physical battle, Van de Donk collided with Rose Lavelle and had to finish the game in a swimming cap to stop bleeding from her head.

Watch: Van de Donk talks to Sam about the famous swimming cap incident and more.

Tuesday’s friendly has added significance as standout 17-year-old Ajax midfielder Lily Yohannes will represent the United States as a newly committed USWNT player. Yohannes, who was born in Virginia, was also eligible to play for the Netherlands, where she lives and plays. But the sensational teenage talent (who scored 10 minutes into her USWNT debut in June) committed to the USWNT this November. (Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2:45 p.m. ET, TNT, TruTV, Universo, Max, Peacock). 

More: Lily Yohannes prepares to face down Dutch nation she turned down with USWNT

Also: USWNT vs Netherlands rivalry timeline: World Cup, Olympics, and who is available to play on Tuesday night?

Final Seven Teams to Join Euro 2025 DECIDED DECEMBER 3🇨🇭

The final round of Euro 2025 Qualifying concludes this Tuesday, December 3rd in the second leg of Round 2. 

• Three teams are even after the first leg. That includes Wales and the Republic of Ireland, who drew 1-1 in front of 16,845 fans (a new record) at Cardiff City Stadium. 24-year-old Crystal Palace defender Lily Woodham scored for Wales, while Ireland equalized from an own goal. Scotland and Finland drew 0-0 in Edinburgh and will head to Helsinki to decide on a winner. Portugal and the Czech Republic are also even after their first leg. The two teams drew 1-1 in front of 40,189 fans in Porto, and will finish their series in the Czech Republic. 

• Poland beat Austria 1-0 in their first leg with a goal from 22-year-old Sevilla forward Natalia Padilla. The Eaglesses (“Orlice” in Polish) are seeking their first major tournament qualification against Austria, who qualified for the last two Euros and reached the quarter-finals in 2022. The second leg will be played in Austria.

• Norway and Sweden, who’ve both won the Euros in the past, won their first leg by multiple goals. Norway beat Northern Ireland (who made their Euros debut in 2022) 4-0, with a brace of goals from Barcelona forward Caroline Graham Hansen. Sweden beat Serbia 2-0 away from home, and will finish their tie in Stockholm. (Tuesday, Dec. 3, 1 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network, fuboTV). 

More: Caroline Graham Hansen: Can special talent fire Norway back to the top?

• Belgium beat Ukraine 2-0 in the first leg of their matchup, and will return to Belgium for their second leg.(Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2:45 p.m. ET, Paramount+). 

Friendlies Around the World 🌏🌍🌎

• Olympic silver-medalists Brazil beat Australia twice in Australia this past week. Palmeiras forward Amanda Gutierres scored a brace for the Canarinhas in a 3-1 win in Brisbane, with Arsenal veteran Caitlin Foord providing the Matildas’ lone goal. A few days later Brazil won 2-1 with Hayley Raso scoring Australia’s only goal, after the hosts initially trailed 2-0 in the first 40 minutes. Raso’s goal was her 20th for Australia, but the first in her hometown. 🇧🇷🇦🇺 The Matildas will close out the international window with two friendlies against Chinese Taipei. 

More: Sermanni: ‘Promising signs in defeat to Brazil’

• Canada drew Iceland 0-0 in their first match with interim coach Cindy Tye. Juventus goalkeeper Lysianne Proulx, who played for NWSL expansion club Bay FC at the start of this season, debuted for Canada in the draw. Proulx replaced Aston Villa keeper Sabrina D’Angelo due to injury, and made three saves in her 45-minute appearance. 🇨🇦🇮🇸 Canada will finish the window with a match against Korea Republic on Tuesday. 

More: Canadian women set for South Korea friendly, the final test in a tumultuous 2024

• Argentina beat Colombia in penalties after drawing 1-1 in 120 minutes at home. The hosts led early in the first half as 18-year-old Kishi Nuñez capitalized on pressure in the box. But 34-year-old Colombia captain Catalina Usme provided a stunning response. 🇦🇷🇨🇴

• A few European teams that have already qualified for the Euros will play one another in friendlies this Tuesday. England’s Lionesses will play next summer’s tournament hosts, Switzerland (Tuesday, Dec. 3, 2:45 p.m. ET).🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿🇨🇭 And France will play the reigning World Cup champions Spain (Tuesday, Dec. 3, 3 p.m. ET, CBS Sports Network, fuboTV). 🇫🇷🇪🇸

News and Notes 📰🗞️

• Barbra Banda was voted Women’s Footballer of the Year by the BBC. Aitana Bonmatí, Naomi Girma, Caroline Graham Hansen and Sophia Smith were also shortlisted.

• Wake Forest, Duke, Stanford and the University of North Carolina confirmed their spot in the 2024 College Cup. The semi-final will be played this Friday, December 6, with the final taking place a few days later on December 9. More: Three ACC teams advance to Women’s College Cup. 

• Nominees for the Best FIFA Football Awards are in. The sixteen players nominated for 2024 include five USWNT players: Lindsey Horan, Trinity Rodman, Sophia Smith, Mallory Swanson, Naomi Girma. Alyssa Naeher is also nominated for Best Goalkeeper, and Emma Hayes is nominated for Coach of the Year. 

• After their initial brand launch didn’t land, NWSL’s next team, “BOS NATION” reveals they are considering a name change.

Parting Shots 🥃

“I’ve done everything individually that I could have ever dreamed of accomplishing and more”. Alyssa Naeher retires from international football at the close of this international window, leaving behind an incredible legacy. Sam spoke with Alyssa about her decision to retire, watch here. 

Good Reads 📚

• From Jack Snape in The Guardian, ‘Spate of athlete breaks give women’s sports a wake-up call on mental health’

• In Morning Star, ‘Women’s pro football is thriving in Mexico’

• From Tom Garry in The Guardian, ‘Carla Ward: People hang on Emma Hayes’ every word, and rightly so— she’s the best’

Moment of Joy  

We loved this letter from Shiri, Roni, and Youval Yadlin

“Hi Sam and the rest of TWG crew!

Congratulations on a year of truly spectacular podcasting and reporting – TWG is an immediate day-of-must-listen podcast for me and I am so grateful for the hard work you and your team put in to keep us informed and entertained! My sisters and I have a constant text thread going to share all our many thoughts and feelings about the pod, NWSL, and all things women's soccer.

Another thing that brings me and my sisters together? Christmas movies. Specifically, made for tv Christmas movies. Here are a few of our forever faves for your viewing pleasure:

• A Princess for Christmas - our gateway movie - questionable acting but truly killer one-liners

• Mistletones: Christmas AND Musical competition!? A Mowry sister?! Yes please!

• Switchmas: two kids who are unhappy about their winter break plans switch places in the airport - think Parent Trap meets It Takes Two meets Santa Clause

• Love At The Christmas Table: we follow two childhood friends across their lives at Christmastime. Spoiler alert, they fall in love.

• Christmas in Notting Hill: solidly mediocre film but bonus points for being about a professional soccer player and taking place in England

• A Royal Corgi Christmas - Royals. Corgis. Christmas. Ambiguous European Accents. These are a few of my favorite things!

Happy Thanksgiving, Merry Christmas, and Happy Movie Watching Season!”

Sam writes:

Shiri, Roni and Youval — thank you for writing in! It’s the best time of the year so you know I’ll be watching as many Christmas movies as possible!I cannot wait to check out all of these movies – especially A Royal Corgi Christmas.

📝 Want the chance to be featured in next week’s newsletter? Send Sam an email at [email protected] and your letter could be featured in our next newsletter! We love hearing from everyone and hearing your thoughts, your questions, and your moments of joy.