Jeff Kassouf
@jeffkassouf.bsky.social
Lead NWSL + USWNT writer at ESPN. Founder of The Equalizer. Covering women's soccer since 2009.
#NWSL awards season shenanigans is an annual tradition, and the Midfielder of the Year shortlist having NEITHER Taylor Flint NOR Sam Coffey is egregious, baffling stuff.
November 10, 2025 at 3:41 PM
#NWSL awards season shenanigans is an annual tradition, and the Midfielder of the Year shortlist having NEITHER Taylor Flint NOR Sam Coffey is egregious, baffling stuff.
The #NWSL has set its semifinals schedule:
Wave/Thorns at Spirit on CBS on Saturday at Noon ET
Gotham at Orlando on ABC on Sunday at 3 pm ET
Wave/Thorns at Spirit on CBS on Saturday at Noon ET
Gotham at Orlando on ABC on Sunday at 3 pm ET
November 9, 2025 at 10:02 PM
The #NWSL has set its semifinals schedule:
Wave/Thorns at Spirit on CBS on Saturday at Noon ET
Gotham at Orlando on ABC on Sunday at 3 pm ET
Wave/Thorns at Spirit on CBS on Saturday at Noon ET
Gotham at Orlando on ABC on Sunday at 3 pm ET
#NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman spoke at halftime. She declined to explicitly confirm her widely reported contract extension ("I'm gonna still say that I intend to be here.") and was asked (Q: @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social) about the league's gender policy. Berman's full answer.
![Q: [With the previous gender policy no longer in place], what work is being done to replace it, and who are you working with on that?
Jessica Berman:
“Imagining that this would be a question for some of you, I have four things to share and hopefully that answers everyone’s questions and hopefully we can keep most of this focused on the game and the incredible athleticism on the field
“So, No. 1, we support and stand by every single player that plays in our league. They deserve our collective kindness, professionalism, and respect, and we celebrate them now and every day and through the championship.
“No. 2, when we think about our policy [air quotes with hands], what I can say is that every single player who plays in this league is eligible to play in this league, otherwise they would not be playing, and we are proud of every single player who plays in our league.
“The third point, I would say, is as it relates to this topic, generally, it is quite controversial and there are many different perspectives and we are doing everything we can to educate ourselves, to listen, to learn, to speak with subject matter experts to make sure that we have an informed and educated perspective. Our sport deserves that, and any changes that we make will be done in communication and collaboration with our players and our player association.
“And until then, our policy is our current practice, which is that every single player who plays in our league is eligible to play, and we should collectively rally around them, protect them, and ensure that they are treated with kindness and professionalism.”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nslcuo75yabmubphoumrlfwc/bafkreicrrafatw66aj4wkormhaf367ghxvvwyxedwkp2s5v2l2qgpjcdzi@jpeg)
November 8, 2025 at 6:37 PM
#NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman spoke at halftime. She declined to explicitly confirm her widely reported contract extension ("I'm gonna still say that I intend to be here.") and was asked (Q: @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social) about the league's gender policy. Berman's full answer.
Not to be dramatic but it's a perfect November day in DC for soccer: 67 and full sun at kickoff for this #NWSL quarterfinal. Good crowd still filing in, too.
November 8, 2025 at 5:08 PM
Not to be dramatic but it's a perfect November day in DC for soccer: 67 and full sun at kickoff for this #NWSL quarterfinal. Good crowd still filing in, too.
Marta just delivered an epic range of emotions in the postgame press conference. She got choked up talking about the Pride's internal support, then snapped out of it: “But at the same time I like when people talk so much shit about Pride and don’t give credit, because it makes me feel good." #NWSL
![“We still have the same players here, the same mentality and still work so hard and still believe. Because it seems that most of the players outside don’t believe in Pride, but Pride is still the champions. And [they] need to have a little bit more respect about it.
[Gets choked up]
“We want to play for people who come here and support this team every single game. We want to play for our family, friends, amazing staff that we have here in this club, and of course for ourselves because it’s only this kind of people who believe in us and who still believe that we can do [it] again.
“But at the same time I like when people talk so much shit about Pride and don’t give credit, because it makes me feel good. It makes me feel like I want to go and play and prove they’re completely wrong. I think we proved [it] tonight.”
On giving the ball to Luana for the PK:
“I was looking to do something for Luana. Not only in this game but before too. I had the opportunity to give the ball to her and let her take the penalty. She does it well. She did tonight. I just come to her and told her take [it] and finish this fucking game. I’m so happy that she converted the penalty and we ended the game in this way. She deserves [it]. We deserve [it].”](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:nslcuo75yabmubphoumrlfwc/bafkreigpzritedx5m2aqgx2cosnwxu4vandf2af2nsnljcr5s3mphlv4ya@jpeg)
November 8, 2025 at 3:41 AM
Marta just delivered an epic range of emotions in the postgame press conference. She got choked up talking about the Pride's internal support, then snapped out of it: “But at the same time I like when people talk so much shit about Pride and don’t give credit, because it makes me feel good." #NWSL
Go time! The #NWSL playoffs kick off shortly (Prime Video) with defending champion Orlando Pride hosting the Seattle Reign in the 4 v 5 quarterfinal matchup.
November 8, 2025 at 12:27 AM
Go time! The #NWSL playoffs kick off shortly (Prime Video) with defending champion Orlando Pride hosting the Seattle Reign in the 4 v 5 quarterfinal matchup.
Concacaf announces players of the year.
Women: Melchie Dumornay (Haiti / OL Lyonnes)
Men: Jonathan David (Canada / Juventus)
Women: Melchie Dumornay (Haiti / OL Lyonnes)
Men: Jonathan David (Canada / Juventus)
November 6, 2025 at 8:16 PM
Concacaf announces players of the year.
Women: Melchie Dumornay (Haiti / OL Lyonnes)
Men: Jonathan David (Canada / Juventus)
Women: Melchie Dumornay (Haiti / OL Lyonnes)
Men: Jonathan David (Canada / Juventus)
The U.S. Deaf WNT will play for its record 5th Deaflympics Gold Medal this month. The tournament will be the final event for coach Amy Griffin + assistant Joy Fawcett after 10 years, and last for veteran players Sydney Andrews, Emily Spreeman + Kate Ward.
www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025...
www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025...
November 3, 2025 at 6:39 PM
The U.S. Deaf WNT will play for its record 5th Deaflympics Gold Medal this month. The tournament will be the final event for coach Amy Griffin + assistant Joy Fawcett after 10 years, and last for veteran players Sydney Andrews, Emily Spreeman + Kate Ward.
www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025...
www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025...
Final standings for the 2025 #NWSL regular season: A 90+8 winner by Ally Schlegel in Chicago means the Stars finish level on points (20) with Bay FC, who bottomed out to end the season. It also meant 2025 didn't tie the 2018 season's 48-point gap from first to last.
November 3, 2025 at 1:23 AM
Final standings for the 2025 #NWSL regular season: A 90+8 winner by Ally Schlegel in Chicago means the Stars finish level on points (20) with Bay FC, who bottomed out to end the season. It also meant 2025 didn't tie the 2018 season's 48-point gap from first to last.
There's nothing on the line today in Utah for the Washington Spirit, who have locked in the No. 2 seed, but... only five subs on the bench, and two are goalkeepers. One more week to get healthy. #NWSL
November 2, 2025 at 10:00 PM
There's nothing on the line today in Utah for the Washington Spirit, who have locked in the No. 2 seed, but... only five subs on the bench, and two are goalkeepers. One more week to get healthy. #NWSL
The younger...YOUNger...YOUNGER trend keeps going for the #USWNT. Per USSF, this is the least experienced lineup "in at least 25 years" — which was also the case in April.
Defender Kennedy Wesley starts in her first cap. Total back four has 11 caps. Intriguing midfield combo!
Defender Kennedy Wesley starts in her first cap. Total back four has 11 caps. Intriguing midfield combo!
October 29, 2025 at 11:36 PM
The younger...YOUNger...YOUNGER trend keeps going for the #USWNT. Per USSF, this is the least experienced lineup "in at least 25 years" — which was also the case in April.
Defender Kennedy Wesley starts in her first cap. Total back four has 11 caps. Intriguing midfield combo!
Defender Kennedy Wesley starts in her first cap. Total back four has 11 caps. Intriguing midfield combo!
Netherlands defeats #USWNT in a penalty shootout in the round of 16 at the U-17 Women's World Cup. The U.S. has never won a U-17 WWC. Their best finish was second in the inaugural event in 2008.
October 28, 2025 at 6:37 PM
Netherlands defeats #USWNT in a penalty shootout in the round of 16 at the U-17 Women's World Cup. The U.S. has never won a U-17 WWC. Their best finish was second in the inaugural event in 2008.
Claudia Dickey starts in goal and Emma Hayes rolls out three teenagers in a young #USWNT lineup for the rematch with Portugal, three days after a surprising loss.
October 26, 2025 at 7:42 PM
Claudia Dickey starts in goal and Emma Hayes rolls out three teenagers in a young #USWNT lineup for the rematch with Portugal, three days after a surprising loss.
Defender Eva Gaetino is the player who will leave U-23 camp and join the #USWNT senior squad for the final two games of this window.
Emma Hayes walked right out of the stadium to the adjacent training field on Wednesday to watch the U-23s train before making a selection.
Emma Hayes walked right out of the stadium to the adjacent training field on Wednesday to watch the U-23s train before making a selection.
October 24, 2025 at 2:34 PM
Defender Eva Gaetino is the player who will leave U-23 camp and join the #USWNT senior squad for the final two games of this window.
Emma Hayes walked right out of the stadium to the adjacent training field on Wednesday to watch the U-23s train before making a selection.
Emma Hayes walked right out of the stadium to the adjacent training field on Wednesday to watch the U-23s train before making a selection.
Ask me again in two hours but it is a surprisingly mild night -- mostly by way of there not being much wind, usually a problem right here on the river -- in Chester for late October. Perfect soccer weather. #USWNT
October 23, 2025 at 11:07 PM
Ask me again in two hours but it is a surprisingly mild night -- mostly by way of there not being much wind, usually a problem right here on the river -- in Chester for late October. Perfect soccer weather. #USWNT
It's #USWNT bobblehead mania. USSF is handing out Alex Morgan and Alyssa Naeher bobbles tonight + Sunday. But there's more: The USSF merch truck was getting set up while I left the stadium yesterday. There are (new?) bobbleheads for sale for a cool $80. 😱 I remember the days of $20 bobbleheads. 📈
October 23, 2025 at 1:40 PM
It's #USWNT bobblehead mania. USSF is handing out Alex Morgan and Alyssa Naeher bobbles tonight + Sunday. But there's more: The USSF merch truck was getting set up while I left the stadium yesterday. There are (new?) bobbleheads for sale for a cool $80. 😱 I remember the days of $20 bobbleheads. 📈
U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone addresses the room here in New York and quips:
"As the only bidders for the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup, I like our chances."
She says "more than 30 U.S. cities have expressed interest in hosting matches."
"As the only bidders for the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup, I like our chances."
She says "more than 30 U.S. cities have expressed interest in hosting matches."
October 20, 2025 at 8:49 PM
U.S. Soccer president Cindy Parlow Cone addresses the room here in New York and quips:
"As the only bidders for the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup, I like our chances."
She says "more than 30 U.S. cities have expressed interest in hosting matches."
"As the only bidders for the 2031 FIFA Women's World Cup, I like our chances."
She says "more than 30 U.S. cities have expressed interest in hosting matches."
One round of play left in the #NWSL regular season. Louisville + NC play will fight for the final playoff berth.
Quarterfinal matchups as they stand are pretty juicy:
KC v LOU
Spirit v Gotham 👀
Pride v Thorns
Reign v Wave
We could still see KC-Gotham and/or Cascadia Derby
Quarterfinal matchups as they stand are pretty juicy:
KC v LOU
Spirit v Gotham 👀
Pride v Thorns
Reign v Wave
We could still see KC-Gotham and/or Cascadia Derby
October 20, 2025 at 1:47 PM
One round of play left in the #NWSL regular season. Louisville + NC play will fight for the final playoff berth.
Quarterfinal matchups as they stand are pretty juicy:
KC v LOU
Spirit v Gotham 👀
Pride v Thorns
Reign v Wave
We could still see KC-Gotham and/or Cascadia Derby
Quarterfinal matchups as they stand are pretty juicy:
KC v LOU
Spirit v Gotham 👀
Pride v Thorns
Reign v Wave
We could still see KC-Gotham and/or Cascadia Derby
The #USWNT U-23 training camp roster is out: 20 #NWSL players, one playing in France, one in Mexico, on in Italy, one NCAA player.
Notable development: Gia Corley is on the roster. The SD Wave midfielder was born in Tacoma, WA, but played for Germany at U-17, U-19, U-20 + U-23 (and vs. US in May).
Notable development: Gia Corley is on the roster. The SD Wave midfielder was born in Tacoma, WA, but played for Germany at U-17, U-19, U-20 + U-23 (and vs. US in May).
October 16, 2025 at 3:14 PM
And you couldn't legally watch this game in the U.S., even with top Americans on the team. I remember finding a very questionable stream on who knows what site to watch it.
But to the wider point: Press bet on herself when she first went to Sweden — not for the last time — and it paid off.
But to the wider point: Press bet on herself when she first went to Sweden — not for the last time — and it paid off.
October 15, 2025 at 7:18 PM
And you couldn't legally watch this game in the U.S., even with top Americans on the team. I remember finding a very questionable stream on who knows what site to watch it.
But to the wider point: Press bet on herself when she first went to Sweden — not for the last time — and it paid off.
But to the wider point: Press bet on herself when she first went to Sweden — not for the last time — and it paid off.
#NWSL TRADE (and yes the intra-league window is still open for 28 more hours 😱):
Angel City GETS Zambian forward Prisca Chilufya and a 2025 international roster spot
Orlando Pride GET $50K transfer funds
Chilufya arrived in Orlando in January on transfer from Juarez and had a deal through 2027
Angel City GETS Zambian forward Prisca Chilufya and a 2025 international roster spot
Orlando Pride GET $50K transfer funds
Chilufya arrived in Orlando in January on transfer from Juarez and had a deal through 2027
October 9, 2025 at 3:16 PM
#NWSL TRADE (and yes the intra-league window is still open for 28 more hours 😱):
Angel City GETS Zambian forward Prisca Chilufya and a 2025 international roster spot
Orlando Pride GET $50K transfer funds
Chilufya arrived in Orlando in January on transfer from Juarez and had a deal through 2027
Angel City GETS Zambian forward Prisca Chilufya and a 2025 international roster spot
Orlando Pride GET $50K transfer funds
Chilufya arrived in Orlando in January on transfer from Juarez and had a deal through 2027
My cold take on the #NWSL playoffs and the congested table is that we're probably talking about jockeying for seeding (avoid 8th!) rather than who's in/out, BUT there are teams really just backing their way in. To the touchscreen!
Full episode: www.espn.com/watch/player...
Full episode: www.espn.com/watch/player...
October 9, 2025 at 12:04 AM
My cold take on the #NWSL playoffs and the congested table is that we're probably talking about jockeying for seeding (avoid 8th!) rather than who's in/out, BUT there are teams really just backing their way in. To the touchscreen!
Full episode: www.espn.com/watch/player...
Full episode: www.espn.com/watch/player...