Spirit's Depth and Home Field Fuel Playoff Dominance

Resources

Books

• "A League of Their Own" - Mentioned as capturing the essence of Wrigley Field's atmosphere well, particularly in scenes depicting tryouts.

Videos & Documentaries

• "A League of Their Own" - Mentioned for its depiction of Wrigley Field and its tryout scenes.

Research & Studies

• Research on home field advantage - Referenced as backing the idea that crowds influence officials more than players' heads, backed by studies over the last 10-15 years across multiple sports.

People Mentioned

• Maisie Adam (British comedian, Taskmaster contestant, co-host of Big Kick Energy) - Mentioned for her recent trip to America where she attended a Gotham vs. Portland game and had a disappointing experience at Subaru Park.
• Michelle Kang - Mentioned as the owner of the Washington Spirit, whose purchase has led to increased fan support.
• Aubrey Kingsbury - Discussed in the context of her performance in a penalty shootout, highlighting the interplay of mental preparation and random variance.
• Sophia Wilson - Mentioned as a player unavailable for Portland due to pregnancy.
• Morgan Weaver - Mentioned as a player unavailable for Portland for the entire season.
• Kaya Hanks - Mentioned as a player who tore her ACL and is unavailable for Portland.
• Petra Torden - Mentioned as a player whose availability status for Portland is uncertain due to fitness issues.
• Dana Castellanos - Mentioned as a potential forward for Portland.
• Alexia Binstra - Mentioned as a potential forward for Portland.
• Raylin Turner - Mentioned as a reliable creator of high-value chances for Portland and a strong aerial threat.
• Olivia Multry - Highlighted for her extraordinary performance for Portland, playing to her strengths and being a key part of their midfield.
• Sam Coffee - Identified as a potential midfielder of the year and the most complete all-around midfielder in the league for Portland.
• Jesse Fleming - Discussed in the context of finding her role in Portland's midfield, providing stability and supplemental attack.
• Rob Gale - Mentioned as the coach who trusts Olivia Multry to play to her strengths.
• Adrian Gonzalez - Mentioned as the coach of the Washington Spirit, facing tactical decisions for the midfield.
• Hal Hershfeld - Mentioned as a potential single pivot for Washington's midfield.
• Cory Bethune - Mentioned as a potential midfielder for Washington.
• Lacy Santos - Discussed as a player for Washington who could be a game-changer and a dangerous dead-ball hitter.
• Rebe Bernal - Mentioned as a player sticking in Washington's back line.
• Kate Weasner - Mentioned as a potential fullback for Washington.
• Paige Mattire - Mentioned as a potential fullback for Washington.
• Gabby Carl - Mentioned as a potential fullback for Washington.
• Esme Morgan - Discussed for her potential use as a fullback for Washington, providing defensive cover.
• Narumi Mira - Mentioned as a player Washington could bring in for stability.
• Heather Steinbrook - Mentioned as a player Washington could bring in for stability.
• Trinity Rodman - Discussed as a key weapon for Washington, potentially coming off the bench and capable of deciding games.
• Caitlyn Torpy - Mentioned as a defensive option for Portland, with her on-ball driven metrics noted.
• Mally McKenzie - Mentioned as a defensive option for Portland, preferred by Rob Gale.
• M'a Vignol - Mentioned as a significant loss for Portland's defense.
• Sam Hyatt - Mentioned as a player for Portland whose positive metrics are on-ball driven.
• Ashley Hatch - Mentioned as a player who would be a "killer" for M'a Arnold.
• Tara McKeon - Discussed as a player for Washington whose availability is a question, and whose dribbling and passing could overload midfield.
• Isabella O'Bays - Mentioned as a defender for Portland who can be dragged out of position.
• M'a Arnold - Discussed as Portland's goalkeeper, whose ability to play on her line is crucial.
• Kasi - Mentioned as a player for Washington who was good in transition.
• Monday - Mentioned as a player for Washington who was good in transition.
• Sofia Cantore - Mentioned as a potential attacking option for Washington.
• Biazanarats - Mentioned in comparison to Trinity Rodman's role in a previous game.
• Trevor Larner - His Elo model is mentioned as a projection tool.
• Rob Gale - Mentioned as the coach for Portland.
• Adrian Young Gonzalez - Mentioned as the coach for Washington.

Organizations & Institutions

• Washington Spirit - One of the two teams being previewed for the NWSL Semifinal.
• Portland Thorns - One of the two teams being previewed for the NWSL Semifinal.
• NWSL City - Mentioned as having "fallen off a little bit."
• Portland Trail Blazers - Mentioned in the context of their former stadium, the Memorial Coliseum.
• WPBL - Mentioned in relation to Wrigley Field.
• Gotham - Mentioned as a team Maisie Adam saw play Portland.
• Kansas City - Mentioned in the context of previous NWSL seasons and playoff games.
• Louisville - Mentioned as a past opponent of Washington.
• San Diego - Mentioned as a potential matchup for Washington.

Websites & Online Resources

• American Soccer Analysis (ASA) - Mentioned as a projection model for the game.
• Trevor Larner Elo Model - Mentioned as a projection model for the game.
• XG Theory Model - Mentioned as a projection model for the game.
• Discord - Mentioned for a late incoming message.
• Patreon - Mentioned as a way to listen to the show ad-free.

Other Resources

• Audi Field - The stadium where the Washington Spirit play, discussed for its potential atmosphere.
• Providence Park - The stadium where the Portland Thorns play, discussed for its atmosphere and history.
• Memorial Coliseum - The former stadium of the Portland Trail Blazers, noted for its electric atmosphere despite its size.
• Wrigley Field - Discussed for its atmosphere, particularly pre-renovation, and its connection to the movie "A League of Their Own."
• Expected Own Goals - The name of the podcast, used in the intro.
• Big Kick Energy - A women's football podcast in England, co-hosted by Maisie Adam.
• Subaru Park - Mentioned as the stadium Maisie Adam had a disappointing experience at.
• NWSL Semifinal - The specific match being previewed.
• Quarterfinal Recap - Mentioned as a previous episode.
• Decision Day - Mentioned in relation to Petra Torden's fitness.
• NWSL Playoffs - Referenced in discussions about home field advantage and historical data.
• Tournament of Champions - A concept mentioned for future discussion.