In an effort to prevent USWNT withdrawals for us all, TWG has a busy week of episodes planned. I’m so happy to say that we have programming every day this week, including “Teaming Up” which just dropped and features Jasmyne Spencer and Imani Dorsey of the Black Women’s Player Collective. 🌟

Today we’re covering the gamut with Becky on “Good Vibes” and tomorrow we’ll dive into the USWNT camp with an all-new episode of “The Captain” with Lindsey Heaps! Later this week Portland Thorns’ forward Reilyn Turner will join us on “Friendlies,” and we’ll have a fun recap of Kristie’s visit to Vermont on “Mewis Squared.” 📺

I have to say I’m really proud that we have programming scheduled like this. When I joined Men in Blazers and The Women’s Game, it was always a dream of ours to be able to execute quality content this often. I’m so proud of our team here who work so tirelessly to book guests, research for interviews, produce episodes, edit clips, and operate our social media channels and newsletter. Everyone here is passionate about what they are doing and it shows in their work- so a huge shoutout from me to the rest of the team! We’re doing it! 🙌

I am also so grateful to each and every one of you who reads this newsletter, listens to the podcasts, engages on social media, and writes emails to us. Five podcasts in a week is a reflection of your loyalty and commitment to being an active member of this community. THANK YOU! ❤️

Love,
Sam

P.S. A Hello Kitty coincidence for the USWNT? We think not! 👀

“You can’t become elite without rehearsal and failure and learnings and all of them things, and it doesn’t go in a straight line.” –USWNT Coach Emma Hayes

U.S. Rallies After Loss to Japan 💪

The USWNT ended the April window with a decisive win in snowy Colorado after falling 1-0 in Seattle for their second of three friendlies vs. Japan in front of 36,128 fans, the largest-ever crowd for a women’s sporting event in the city.

Emma Hayes opted for a more youthful lineup, averaging just 23.9 caps, and entrusted the armband to 20-year-old Claire Hutton (Bay FC), making her the program’s youngest captain since 2001. Tierna Davidson (Gotham FC) also returned as a substitute for her first USWNT appearance since Feb. 2025. Japan’s Maika Hamano (Tottenham Hotspur) struck the decisive blow with a near-post shot in the 27th minute that beat both defender Lilly Reale (Gotham FC) and goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce (Manchester United) in a match that saw the U.S. struggle to threaten in the final third. 

For the third friendly, Hayes returned to her more-experienced starting XI from the first match, with the exception of Hutton and Davidson who replaced Sam Coffey and Kennedy Wesley. Rose Lavelle scored off of a brilliant through-ball from Trinity Rodman, bringing her tally to 10 goal contributions in eight of her last nine USWNT starts.

And then the defense decided to have a scoring party. Not since Julie Ertz and Whitney Engen both scored vs. Costa Rica in 2015 have two USWNT centerbacks found the net in the same match – until Naomi Girma and second‑half sub Wesley both converted off of corners.

Five Takeaways From the Break 🎯

🔒 These players are near-certain WC locks: This month’s Japan friendlies clarified the USWNT’s spine and showcased veteran leaders setting the standard. Looking ahead, Lindsey Heaps, Rose Lavelle, Sophia Wilson, Trinity Rodman, Sam Coffey, Emily Sonnett, Naomi Girma, and Emily Fox look like they’ll be headed to Brazil. And Alyssa Thompson has more than proven her value deputizing for left winger Mallory Swanson, who’s out on maternity leave.

📈 The young talent pool is promising, but still needs some seasoning: To use an Emma Hayes/Michelin Star metaphor, this camp was Hayes in the test kitchen, identifying the right ingredients, even if the dish isn’t fully plated yet. Claire Hutton, Gisele Thompson, and Claudia Dickey all saw their stock rise with composed, consistent performances over the break. But Ally Sentnor and Olivia Moultrie never fully found their rhythm in attack, defenders Lilly Reale and Emily Sams were exposed at times by Japan, and goalkeeper Phallon Tullis‑Joyce showed her nerves with her distribution against a top‑tier press.

✍️ Don’t write off Lindsey Heaps: Despite the noise surrounding her 2024 Olympics performances, Heaps closed this window with her 40th international goal and a reminder of why she belongs in the starting XI and wears the armband. In the second friendly, the tempo changed the moment she stepped onto the pitch, her influence immediate and unmistakable.

🪄Rose Lavelle is still the USWNT’s most creatively gifted midfielder: While Lavelle was on limited minutes during the 2023 World Cup, she should be at the center of this WC squad so long as she can stay fit. As the friendlies against Japan proved, she’s not only dangerous in front of net – exemplified by her composure after going one-on-one with the keeper in the third match – but also has the footballing IQ to unlock her teammates.

⚡️ Kennedy Wesley is the disruptor the USWNT didn’t know it needed: While this window brought back the calm, composed presence of defender Tierna Davidson – the team’s only natural, left‑footed CB – it also introduced us to Wesley. Adding edge and urgency, she assisted Girma with a header back across goal in the third match, then later bulldozed her way in front of her defender for a scrappy set‑piece finish all of her own, marking her first goal for the USWNT.

🔥 Tough Decisions as Roster Battles Heat Up

Ahead of the next international break in June, two main questions dominate: who follows in Crystal Dunn’s footsteps as the USWNT’s first‑choice left back, and who replaces Alyssa Naeher in goal? Young players must prove they can handle the fast-paced tempo and tactical demands of the USWNT, and players like Ally Sentnor, Olivia Moultrie, and Lilly Reale will head back to their clubs knowing every minute matters if they want to turn their World Cup dreams into a reality.

“The women who came before us and really fought for our sport and our game, we're very lucky and privileged to be in the position where we can play at Wembley in front of 70,000 people.” – Keira Walsh

Women’s European World Cup Qualifiers

🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿 England Has Spain’s Number in 1-0 Clash 🇪🇸

With England’s Keira Walsh (Chelsea) marking 100 caps, the Lionesses finished their night with a win against Spain that limited the World Champions to just three shots on target and preserved their first place in the group. Following a scoop assist by Alessia Russo (Arsenal), Lauren Hemp (Manchester City) scored on a half-turn volley in the third minute, setting a record for fastest women’s goal at Wembley. Later, the Lionesses celebrated their 500th match with a 1–0 win over Iceland, with captain Leah Williamson (Arsenal) returning from injury.

More: Celebrate 500 matches by following the Lionesses’ journey, from the FA ban in 1921 to the team’s triumphant back-to-back Euros wins.

🇮🇪 Ireland’s Victories Against Poland Keeps World Cup Dream Alive 🇵🇱

While seeking their second-ever appearance in a World Cup, Ireland showed real grit, securing two major wins over Poland in one of the most difficult WC-qualifying groups. Pennsylvania-born midfielder Marissa Sheva (Sunderland) proved the difference in both matches, first curling home a beautiful strike following a clever opening goal from Emily Murphy (Newcastle) and a stunning volley off a corner from captain Katie McCabe (Arsenal) to seal a 3-2 win in Gdańsk. Sheva then notched the lone goal to defeat Poland 1-0 in Dublin. 

FIFA Series 2026

🇦🇺 Matildas Cruise to 2–0 Win vs. Kenya to Claim FIFA Series Title 🇰🇪

Congrats to Australia who were crowned champions of the inaugural FIFA Series 2026. In front of 20,000 fans in Nairobi, captain Sam Kerr (Chelsea) scored her 75th international goal and Alanna Kennedy (London City Lionesses) became the fifth player for the Matildas to make her 150th appearance – donning the captain’s armband for the occasion. While Kerr got the scoring started, Clare Wheeler (Everton) doubled the advantage and helped secure the win.

🇧🇷 Brazil Topples Canada 1-0 in Chippy FIFA Series Finale 🇨🇦

Forward Aline Gomes (Pachuca) buried the match winner for Brazil off a rebound from Manchester City’s Kerolin who forced an initial close-range save from Canada’s keeper Kailen Sheridan (North Carolina Courage). While Angel City’s Ary Borges received a second yellow in the 82nd minute, even with the extra player, Casey Stoney’s side couldn’t turn promising looks from Nichelle Prince (Boston Legacy) and Delaney Pridham (Ottawa Rapid) into an equalizer.

National Women’s Soccer League 🇺🇸

Washington Spirit 💛 vs. Kansas City 🩵 (Friday, 8 pm ET, Prime Video)

Last season’s Shield winners and runners-up face off for the first time in 2026, with this game marking the return of creative midfielder Croix Bethune to Rowdy Audi for the first time since her blockbuster off-season trade to Kansas City. The Spirit are after their first home win of the year, while the Current are looking for their first away win after losing three straight on the road. Watch out for Current striker Temwa Chawinga, who is set to play her 50th regular-season game, and see whether Spirit goalkeeper Sandy MacIver can earn a third-straight shutout.

Angel City 😇 vs. Portland 🌹 (Sunday, 6 pm ET, ESPN2)

Riding their strongest start of the season, and still smarting from the 2–1 stoppage-time loss to Orlando before the international break, Angel City will welcome a reset as they host the Portland Thorns. Keep an eye on Portland striker Sophia Wilson, following a successful USWNT camp, and Angel City’s Jun Endo, whom coach Alex Straus says could make her long‑awaited return.

Champions League (First Leg) 🇪🇺

Bayern Munich 🇩🇪 vs. Barcelona 🇪🇸 (Saturday, 12:15 pm ET, Paramount+)

Three-time champions Barcelona travel to Munich to test a Bayern side still chasing their first-ever final. The hosts will lean heavily on top scorer Pernille Harder, with England’s Georgia Stanway anchoring the midfield. Barcelona forward Ewa Pajor has equaled Harder’s seven goals this campaign, while captain Alexia Putellas leads all players in goal involvements, including seven assists and five finishes of her own.

Arsenal ♥️ vs. Olympique Lyonnais 🦁 (Sunday, 10:30 am ET, Paramount+)

The reigning champions host Lyon in a rematch of last year’s showdown which saw the Gunners come from behind to win. Arsenal's Alessia Russo is the current UWCL top scorer (eight goals), while 2025 Women's Champions League Young Player of the Season Melchie Dumornay has five of her own. Arsenal’s Emily Fox and Lyon’s Lindsey Heaps and Lily Yohannes could all potentially feature, adding a little extra USWNT rivalry to the mix.

Women’s Super League 🏴󠁧󠁢󠁥󠁮󠁧󠁿

Brighton 💙 vs. Manchester City 🩵 (Saturday, 7 am ET, ESPN+)

City sit atop the table by nine points, but sixth-placed Brighton, buoyed by their recent win against top side Arsenal, could spell trouble. The real question is whether Fran Kirby’s side can withstand an attack this loaded: Bunny Shaw, Vivianne Miedema, Lauren Hemp, Mary Fowler, and Kerolin, fresh off a triumphant FIFA Series run, are a scary prospect for any team.

Tottenham 🤍 vs. Manchester United 👹 (Sunday, 7 am ET, ESPN+)

Tottenham welcome fourth-placed United in a match that could be pivotal for the Red Devil’s hopes of a top-three finish and UWCL qualification next season. They sit two points below Chelsea in second and are level with Arsenal (with two games in hand). Fresh from the international break, will United, led by captain Maya Le Tissier and USWNT keeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce, be raring to beat Spurs?

This week’s question: When Bayern Munich and Barcelona met in the 2018/19 Champions League semi-final, Barcelona won both contests 1-0. Who scored their goals?

Respond to this email (or reply here) for a chance to win a coveted TWG patch.

Last week’s answer: When the USWNT faced Japan in the 2015 World Cup final, in addition to Carli Lloyd’s memorable first-half hat-trick, Lauren Holiday and Tobin Heath each scored to secure the 5–2 win for the U.S. Watch the full highlights.

Congrats to Nicole Carrillo, who was the first person to respond with the correct answer. Nicole, the patch is on its way! 💌

Erika writes: Thank you Sam, Lynn, Becky, and the whole production team, for all of your work. I had so much joy last night at the USWNT team game in Denver. I’ve been learning in the past several years about the game, the coaches, and most importantly, the players.

I’m old… sort of, not young for sure, but whatever… the point is that participating in this sub-culture has been such a positive experience for me. It started with an Abby Wambach video that made me want to put my money where my mouth is and continue to be a woman who supports women back in the early ACFC days. Despite living in Colorado, we have been season ticket holders since ‘day one’. Then we started going to USWNT games, then to preseason in Indio, now to Denver Summit games. And along the way, “Snacks,” “Good Vibes,” “A Touch More,” “ReInc,” “The Late Sub,” and now “Teaming Up,” the Mewniverse, “U.S. Soccer Podcast” with Kling, and more have helped me learn, grow, and feel connected to a large, positive subculture. 

Thanks for this – the pod, the perspective, the inclusion…and for putting YOUR work out there for folks like me to become educated and inspired.

My question: I heard that there is going to be another vote about switching the NWSL season to align with Europe and men. What are your thoughts about switching the NWSL season? 

Please keep doing this!! I’m so grateful. 

Cheers!
Erika

Sam writes: Hi Erika, Thank you for writing in! I’m so glad you braved the cold to catch the USWNT match in Colorado – what a treat! I’ve been especially impressed with how Emma Hayes has rotated the squad this window, which has given us a much clearer picture of how the USWNT might shape up heading into the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. 

I’m also excited to hear how much you’ve grown to love the game. It’s never too late to discover a new passion, and it’s even better when it comes with a community as special as this one.

As for the NWSL potentially shifting to a fall–spring calendar, there are valid arguments on both sides. Aligning with leagues like the WSL would help around international tournaments, but weather would be a real challenge for markets like Boston, New York, and Chicago. The NWSL Players Association has already issued a statement, noting that a majority of current players oppose the change. I’ll be diving deeper into this with Becky today on “Good Vibes,” so be sure to check it out. Thank you again for your thoughtful note and for tuning in! <3

Love,
Sam

📝 Want to be featured in next week’s TWG newsletter? Send Sam an email! All your questions, comments, and roast chicken recipes can be sent to [email protected]

🙌 If you’re enjoying TWG, we’d love an assist. Forward this email or share this URL with a friend, family member, or fellow football fan.

📧 First time with us? Sign up here to get next week’s newsletter sent straight to your inbox, and be sure to check out our other newsletters too.