fun fact!-- if Mal Swanson plays in every match and the US gets to play all 6 olympic games-- the final (or 3rd place match) will be her 100th cap!!!! she's currently at 92... 93 = mexico 94 = costa rica 95-97 = group matches 98 = quarter 99 = semi 100 = MEDAL MATCH (similarly Sonnett has 91 caps, which theoretically puts Saucy potentially at #99!😮)
@@ikejon-ubabuco2717 I included the Zambia game! it's one of the 3 "group matches", and listed above as Mal's 95-97. I wasn't certain of the order of the group stage matches, so I generalized the label instead of explicitly assigning numbers to Zambia, Germany, and Australia.
Lindsey Horan consistently doesn't get the credit she deserves--- she is just the heart and grit of this team. she's absoultely an incredible player, soooo talented, adn GLUE energy
Sam, your analysis and insights into the WOSO landscape have quickly become some of my favorite. Thank you for speaking so eloquently from a space of knowledge, experience, and compassion.
Totally. Such a sweetheart, such depth of knowledge and experience, and such a great communicator. Such a shame that her career was cut short, but so great to keep seeing her in this new role!
I don't know about Korbin though. It has to end eventually for Alex. Can't play forever and get picked forever. She's had a great career. Class act. It happens to all pro athletes. I really hope we don't lose Lily.
I feel like Alex should’ve at least been an alternate. I understand why she was left off 100% but I think having her on the plane and in the locker room would help soooo much. She has so much experience and she is such a good hype woman and I think she’s just a good energy to have around. Also the proudest moment of my life is being 6 rows up right behind Lily Yohanness goal
Soooo happy for Lynn....her "never quit" play and work ethic preceded her. Remember the years of talk that Macario was the most exciting thing since sliced bread.....time to slice the baguettes!!! And lastly, E. Hayes had the guts to do what USA women's bball didn't do. Oh and more time Albert is with this group - more opportunity to make a positive impact on her.
the right hard choice on AM13--- she has had a incredible run but it is also ok to admit she is totally at the end of her career and her body just isn't where it used to be. she is also a strict 9 and not versatile.
Unfortunately the team stopped playing in a way where she could shine. To be honest… the moment Heath and Rapinoe stopped being at her side she “declined”. The new players NEVER played for her… the others did. Even a 2 front with Wambach was great.
Dear Emma Hayes, Thank you for not selecting Alex Morgan for the Olympic team. Sincerely, All the coaches/teams from the other participating countries@@j0j01192
Emma is a very good coach and she has a very long and hard climb getting the girls to play as one unit. Watching them play on their soccer team, it's the look at me game. This is going to be hard moving that mindset aside for the Olympics and actually working and playing as a unit or as one. This upcoming team really has nothing to fight for, like the past Olympic team. If the girls screw up then the money is going to walk elsewhere.
@@j0j01192We’ve moved away from run and gun which was her game and even then she’s probably the slowest among the forwards. She will be 35 next week. The team has evolved away from play style and really the international game in general
@@candacelong7643AM13 situation is almost similar to CR7 Portugal's men team case. Right now the raw numbers aren't on her side, but even by walking she draws enough attention of opposition's defenders to let the others shine brighter. Aura attacker.
Thanks for your analysis! I appreciate your thoughtful takes on both Korbin and Alex. Looking forward to your Olympics coverage and more podcast episodes!
Great commentary as always, Sam. However, I don't think it's a surprise or a snub to leave Alex Morgan off, if you leave sentimentality or leadership/experience off the table. She's simply not performing on the pitch at the level of other forwards, either for club or country. She's been a fantastic force for a long time, but everyone has their career arc eventually bend down (unless they retire early or at their peak). Agree that she handled this well in her public statement.
Lol Sam’s analysis level means she knows that. There’s just no way Sam Mewis is going to say anything to ruffle anyone’s feathers lol. That’s the Massachusetts way 😂
@dolphmanity I have seen this posted in social media, but no one can point to mainstream media link or video clip anywhere so that's why I question your assertion. If you have inside information, you can claim that as well and decline to reveal more, but right now this is just a rumor.
@@michellescott7824 She kinda said that in this very channel when Sam asked her if coming to the USWNT camp meant that she was going to commit to USA.... Lily did answer in not uncertain terms that she had not taken that decision yet. I think that it is a wise move on her part considering that she is way too young and that decision is permanent.
So stoked for all of this. Would have LOVED to see Yohannes in there but there's hopefully still time to bring her in! Agree that sharing the trans/homophobic material was harmful, especially from a young, talented player who has achieved such success playing abroad and who's been given the opportunity to play for this incredible team. The bit that really got me and felt like it should have been discussed more was her liking a post celebrating / making light of a serious, career ending injury suffered (albeit in her final game) by a fellow player, Megan Rapinoe, who was a legend and leader in making this team as impactful and incredible as it's been on and off the field. Even putting aside how awful it is to insinuate that she was punished with a torn achilles 4 minutes into her final game because she was gay, I wouldn't feel great about playing alongside someone who thought that an injury like that was funny enough to endorse. That's problematic to me on every level regardless of her religious beliefs. I also agree that a little more transparency around what's being done to address everything would be/feel nice, but even without it, I strongly believe that it would be impossible for her to avoid positive growth on/around this team, and I look forward to seeing / supporting that. In Emma, we must trust.
what trans/homophobic material did she share/comments did she make? everyone keeps mentioning it, but I have yet to see the specifics. Truly curious to know.
The choice of Crystal Dunn as a forward is a subtle one that no one is speaking to. Dunn is versatile, so choosing her as forward gave Hayes more options for defense, cutting out others for upfront. I think Dunn over Williams makes sense, while it’s about time for Morgan, who for years has not been able to score in international play against better teams (her value has been more on defense).
i'm fucking stoked on this roster. emma hayes doesn't give AF about who is the famous or popular players. she wants to win. i loveeee this and i think it is an excellent selection. huge USWNT fan of 30+ years here. I am sooo happy about emma. i would have loved to see a lily ypohannes alternate but it looks like she and her family isn't ready to commit i think emma is honoring that. smart.
I keep seeing people say this, and I mostly agree apart from Albert. Not sure when she has shown herself to be an impact player that wins games but I sure as hell have never seen it 😅
The "Growth" seems to be the coaching staff telling KA "don't do it again" - I highly doubt any real growth is happening. I highly doubt any real regret is felt.
been waiting for this. sooooo happy for Lynn!!!!! bummer about Alex, she handled her response well, very classy. gratz to all who made it, will be rooting for them all. good vibes Sam!!!. cant wait for your reactions to the matches. bit worried that Yohannes isnt an alternate, hope shes not leaning towards the NL now. anybody else?
Thank you for addressing the Korbin Albert fiasco. I must say, her presence on the team has really soured my feelings. I wish the team great success and so happy Lynn is included even though as a sub.
I feel like it would be different if Albert was some standout, superstar, game-changing player, but she’s just not. Not that she’s untalented by any means, but to be an 8 or 10 for this team historically means that you’re easily one of the best players on the pitch (if not the world). And she is definitely not that. Which to me just adds to the hurt and confusion as fans.
Hello Sam. A year ago I was saying things that seemed at odds with how some USA presenters were seeing the team, based on its history. I really have nothing to add to your summing up of this. It feels your national view of the team has turned to looking forward. Good luck at the Olympics USA. I needed something interesting to watch after being bored senseless by England men at the Euros. If only Emma was running that team!
I think in the way of USWNT in play-off at this Olympic there will be girls from Barcelona femeni in Spain WNT squad (more likely Aitana Bonmati). And,in my opinion, this will be a insurmountable obstacle on Emma Hayes and Lidsey Horan on the way to the 🏆, again.
Technically USWNT needs to be in the other half of the playoff tree and wish for France to meet Spain in the semi, I think only France is capable of beating Spain if the home crowd's on fire and Wendie Renard scores all the headers. On the other hand, France is more beatable for USWNT.
Spain are overrated. They basically copy the way barcalona played when pep was there. They lost 4-0 to Japan and just recently lost to Denmark. Also let's nit forget it's not like they played England off the pitch in the world cup final. Also let's get facts right chelsea was absolutely robbed in the champions league against barcalona from the redcard to the penalty for a clear dive
@@ads2686 they didnt lose to denmark tho and how was chelsea robbed? The referee got it right with the decisions on that day so dont know what game you watched
Although I agree Morgan was kept off roster but I think she should have been named an alternate. Her experience could be beneficial and could be called on should the US team progresses deep into tournament. The US should have a great tournament, so much talent.
Do you have any thoughts on if/how Catarina Macario and Rose Lavelle can be on the pitch together? Or will it be an either or scenario. I just think they are two of our most creative players and its unfortunate we can’t have them creating opportunities together.
Yeah, I think Albert has a lot of growth that needs to happen for her, both as a person and as a player, and I'm pretty shocked that she made the team over Lily Yohannes. Yohannes just feels like such a better player in that position already.
I think it’s because yohannes just a) is still too young b) hasn’t had enough experience with the team yet c) she still hasn’t decided if she even wants to represent the U.S.
I totally agree about Albert. Anyone saying that people need to "get over it" or "move on" does not care that she hurt a lot of people (including her teammates). Actions speak louder than a PR apology. Until the public is informed of the actions that were taken, the fans attitude toward her will not get better.
I respect your opinion but I wholeheartedly DISAGREE. As a lesbian myself, I was disappointed by her actions. HOWEVER, I unquestionably trust Emma, Lindsey and the team's judgement. THEY are the only ones in a position to decide whether or not her apology was truly sincere and her efforts to learn and grow from her mistakes are sufficient. As passionate as USWNT fans are, we all must respect the fact that there are some areas of this team's inner culture that we SHOULD NOT by privy to. The reason being our role is to support them whenever, however and wherever we can. Not insert our ignorant selves into a problem that IS NOT our responsibility to fix. Yes, she issued a lengthy mea culpa accepting responsibility. Some fans embraced it, some fans refuse to. To PUBLICLY share sensitive details about a uniquely PRIVATE matter (discussions between her, the team, Emma and Fed officials) would serve absolutely ZERO purpose other than to feed the trolls and foment baseless conspiracy theories and rumors. For the good of the team, we MUST accept the fact that as fans, we will NEVER truly understand what it's like to be on this team. We MUST trust them to make the right decision on how to handle unfortunate situations like this. Lynn Williams admitted in April they didn't do a very good job handling a similar blowup a few yrs ago. They learned from their mistake. Give Korbin the grace to do the same.
@@shelbysmama4974 Her teammates can decide if it was sincere or not but the fans she hurt will never know whether it was sincere without her showing it. You’re exactly right that it is not our responsibility to fix. It’s the federations responsibility and they have not shown any reason to believe that they have done anything other than tell her to post an apology and and say it will be handled behind closed doors. People don’t think they did anything other than give her a slap on the wrist. If they gave any indication about how it was handled, then I think it would help people understand that this was taken seriously and hope that the actions taken has helped her to grow. We don’t need a play by play or in depth details. Just something to show it wasn’t swept under the rug. I hope she was sincere and I hope everyone can move past this, but I don’t think that can happen until we get at least a crumb of info that shows her very PUBLIC social media behavior was indeed handled.
@@shelbysmama4974 If Albert had made or endorsed a racist statement or celebrated a racially motivated violent act against another player, would her athletic prowess and/or apology alone suffice? Why does homophobia seem to receive leniency?
Not surprised about Alex. She is fading and you have to turn the page at some point. Alex has been great for a long time and it's time to give the youngsters, like Shaw a decent shot. I thought the team hung on to Rapinoe too long for the same reason and should have given younger players a chance a couple years ago on the USWNT. Sentimentality gets in the way too often. I know as a former coach because I used to have a hard time dealing with it myself.
Ok, Miss Sam........... I DESPERATELY need you to either be a GM for the USWNT or get your ass into the coaching squad immediately!!! You have an acute understanding of players and their abilities and not for nothing, lack of abilities. The team needs that kind of mind making big time decisions. Also, I think Sophia Smith is going to be our prime striker and also our MVP when then tournament is over. She's lethal, she's dynamic, she's underrated, and I think she'll take this international exposure and show her metal.
very thoughtful touch on the korbin piece sammy, love that and it is completely valid that korbin updates us with her action steps on how she is addressing/changing/growing.
@@SohamMehta-bg3dsditto, people are allowed to have different opinions and still be friends. I have so many friends who have vastly different opinions to me and I still love them…. Don’t have to force them on each other
agree - Korbin is so young and somewhat sequestered and definitely super focused so she has a lot of life to live ---- she's got great people around her and a very empoering USWNT history that supports such growth. She'll be fine as she grows into her voice.
KA does not owe anyone anything. She liked and shared a video about a former transgender finding out that he truly wasn't, and shared his story. That's not transphobic to me at all. Stop weaponizing misinformation just to play victim and try to cancel people you don't like.
Great takes! I also want to add that just like Korbin has freedom of speech, everyone else does too (people in the comment section seem to forget that, asking others to "move on"). People don't have to forgive her or stop talking about what she did. Everyone uses their freedom of speech as they please. Just like she did.
Yup. People, ya girl played a stupid game and won a stupid prize, so quit hassling the queer/ally community for not appreciating the hate. These ppl omg 🤣
I'm curious about there being two inexperienced midfielders as alternates and wondering why Sam Staab or Andi Sullivan were not considered who feel more versatile and have proven records in terms of keeping clear heads.
I’m sorry but I’ve got to disagree on this whole Korbin Albert situation- the way she is being absolutely dragged through the mud nonstop by the fan base is very upsetting. My gosh she made a mistake, she’s 20 years old. This is also America where people are entitled to freedom of religion, speech, and belief. I’m not saying it was smart of her to post those things, especially given the team she plays for, but now it seems people are hating on her for literally existing when she’s apologized and trying to move on. If we all believed and thought the same we’d be a hive mind, not humans. But good analysis nonetheless 😁
It's about what's on the front of the jersey !!! ...not the back !!! ...we don't all share the same point of view on everything ( referring to Albert) ...this is about on the field...and the girl is a good player.👍...we don't all need to hold hands and sing cumbiya..
i wonder if lily was just super honest with emma that she wasn't prepared to commit to the USWNT. i bet emma had a convo with the family and based of that convo, emma honored lily's request for more time--- you know? i wonder if there is more to that than it being a snub.
That starting lineup is pretty solid, but the bias toward Albert is evident. She has been SOLID and there is a great chance that she will be in that defensive mid role right next to Coffey.
This Yohannes situation is actually much worse than I originally thought. Sources close to Lily are saying Lily was only offered an alternate spot. But Lily was disappointed, believing she deserved a full roster spot, and subsequently declined the offer. She now wants to test the waters with the Netherlands at next year's Euros. US Soccer flubbed this hole Yohannes situation. ruclips.net/video/o7F_r0W3xSo/видео.htmlsi=9zAfK_luqH5DzbGw
Those two bozos in your link do not know what they are talking about and I would not worry about their "source". EH made it very clear in her press conference about wanting Yohannes with the USWNT going forward, but she (or her family) hasn't decided and EH respected that decision.
Nah for Emma Hayes I don't think she was fussed omitting the players she did honestly Chelsea players would get dropped on a regular basis from week to week she is built for this making tough decisions she once told Stewart Searle GK coach to cut the sentimental crap😅 💪
You have to listen to Emma Hayes presser before making any conclusions on the squad list. Teams in Europe have caught to US and surpass them. So take it as a rebuild
I wonder if leaving Alex off is a nod to younger players who can run longer and recover sooner. This is six games at a solid 3 day cadence and it grinds one down. She is not Baby Horse any longer, but the Nightmare of opponents. However, she has not scored in the last two World Cup finals. She has kept center backs occupied and made runs that open things up for others, I grant you, but still. I get that she could come off the bench but a roster of 18 is tight and Alex does not play other positions.
While I agree with your comments on Korbin Albert - I think no matter what she does, it will never be good enough. The goal post on what she should do will constantly move. She issued a statement, it's not good enough. She could show growth out in the open, guess what people still say she is only doing it publicly do it to fix her image not because she believe it. If she shows growth out in the open people will say she can do more. We all know how social media works - and no matter what she does it's not going to be good enough. Shes young and Emma addressed it today - that she is struggling on a few fronts and maybe she needs more time before she publicly puts herself back out there for public scrutiny (because again - nothing she will ever do will be good enough).
Imma save my tears for people who deserve them. If you're going to be hateful, you can't expect to be forgiven by EVERYONE. That's why you don't say dumb stuff in public.
WooHoo !! Roster looks (mostly) great and so expectations are high. However, there are some other wonderful teams playing . This will not be a cakewalk. Whichever teams get medals, they will have earned them. Should be great fun and terrific football. Glad Lynn W. is going but I'd have put her in the 18 and made Rodman the alternate. Look out Paris, here we come !!
I love this roster, to the point there needs to be nicknames per section. The Fierce Front Line - glad to see Dunn in her favored position, and w/ the other upcoming new fire strikers...I'm just way too excited. What Y'all think the other nicknames for the rest of the sections should be?
Objectively speaking, it's not surprising at all Alex Morgan has been left off the roster. She hasn't been having a good season. No doubt, it's crystal clear, let's look forward, not backward! Being sentimental is one thing, building a winning team quite another. Period.
As always, educational to hear your thoughts. I feared Alex and sad it happened, but was pleasantly surprised by Lynn. My other fear came true; KA. You stated it well, so nothing to add to the reasoning why its inappropriate. What it tells me is the USSF is moving from a stage of wanting to be different and grow the sport via that differentiation to being all about the $ (via wins). Like the NFL, NBA, etc. My interest in watching the team is genuinely dampened. The brilliant success and direction of its past player-heroes that made it worthwhile, different. Now it just feels like its on the old-school, "shut up and play" track. PS: I wonder how many players were asked about playing with her and just used the political card instead of the moral one.
Alex has done well but not up to her stanard --- and she is still overcoming some bumps and sprains. Lynn - great that she is going. Korbin - very few 20 yo futbol players who have been home schooled in a christian focused curriculum in high school, have a couple of years in Notre Dame then on the PSG in europe are at all self aware and so her unconscious bias even naivete is somewhat understandable --- she is being give some private, internal space to grow w/ the team. it is a testament to her teammates but i wish she had known Rapinoe --- she would have learned a lot ore and faster. The values of the USWNT (always VS the USSF) are not 'shut up & play' given that this KA controversy has not died. your PS. shows you do not know anything about the internals of morality or politics of this team. As Rapinoe and many others have said, they have the platform because they have the grit of winning ----- I am lookig forward to see them get together & win.
@@shanaralls157 ahh yes --- another derogatory projection of the old pseudo world-weary "everything comes down to profit" trope. no indication that this is the case - your 2 cents, your unsurprising take --- but disappointing ....
I certainly don't agree with Korbin's stance on this issue, and I thought she was a pretty cavalier with her comments on people's response. I do, however, think that she's entitled to an opinion and her own beliefs. The problem with celebrities and/or professional athletes is that so many of them believe that their opinions are far more important than that of the rest of us. Having a media platform / microphone to speak into shouldn't guarantee someone a more important position than anyone else. Believe what you believe in, but not at the expense of others.
Crystal Dunn really needs to step up and play with confidence instead of always deferring to other players to score goals. I know Lynn isn't a scorer, but I would take her instead of Dunn's shaky offense.
Booing Korbin means booing the entire uswnt. It's not just Korbin that feels boo'ed. It's really unsavory to have your own country boo their home team. I think people should subscribe to the love and acceptance principles of the lgbt community and accept the apology, move on to focus on olympic gold and be more mindful of the unnecessary toll they put on the mental health of whole team. So if people want to support the uswnt and contribute to their success, they need to stop booing Korbin. They don't have to clap but they don't have to bring down the whole team just because they want to bring Korbin down. People universally agree Korbin could do more than the apology but no specific solution or task is mentioned or collectively pointed to. Realistically, i don't think players have time to "do more". I rather have them razor focused on executing tactics, make their penalties, nail that free kick, gel with the team, getting rest, staying injury free, improve on 1v1 and volleys etc. What growth looks like to me would be if Megan Rapinoe, Ali Krueger, Jill Ellis, Kelly O'hara, other queer ex-uswnt players come out to Paris and interacted with Korbin and highlight what makes her a great player to show fans things are ok, put away your pitchforks 😂 and let's move on from this. As someone in the lgbt community of course i was appalled at Korbin's social media but she's apologized, she showed up and took the public's ire and still performed to Emma Haye's hardcore lofty standards, she made the team despite how large of a population the usa has for that position, her teammates and coaches have forgiven her so why can't we do too and stop talking about something that doesn't matter whatsoever toward getting olympic gold.
No, literally just booing her. If she doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to battle thru it, she's no less a flake than pre-2009 Worls Series Alex Rodriguez.
Korbin,Personally I think Hayes has no choice this soon into a new job to pick the players your FA has said is available. It's on a federation to be saying your views are not acceptable.Emma is very good at turning young players careers around and has to presently two the line.if she is still in the job in 2 years she will completely be real and argue with the fed.
Sam Mewis, before she got injured was the most impactful player the US had. She would have made the US a prohibited/pro-itive favorite had she been healthy for the Olympics!
Albert is a great addition. She made some bad decisions but let’s all remember how bat shit crazy Hope Solo was domestic violence and being in a stolen USNT van. But a majority of fan wanted to overlook it.
Me too, but I have the feeling that is going a weird tournament with a weird final (something like a France- Colombia or Japan-Nigeria or something like that).
@@aletapequena I feel you. The best teams like the likes of Spain may fail to reach the final because at the end of the day, any team from the quarterfinal stage can knock you out. It just needs to be clinical and close all spaces for the opposition to exploit.
What do you really want Korbin to do to get you to move on from this topic? It’s getting so old at this point and it seems whatever she does will never be good enough for everyone. Apology not good enough, the team saying they’re dealing with it internally is not good enough, etc. Don’t you think US Soccer is telling her to lay low and not do anything more than what she is doing right now? It’s getting increasingly redundant at this point.
fun fact!-- if Mal Swanson plays in every match and the US gets to play all 6 olympic games-- the final (or 3rd place match) will be her 100th cap!!!!
she's currently at 92...
93 = mexico
94 = costa rica
95-97 = group matches
98 = quarter
99 = semi
100 = MEDAL MATCH
(similarly Sonnett has 91 caps, which theoretically puts Saucy potentially at #99!😮)
What about Zambia? You think she wont play against Zambia?
@@ikejon-ubabuco2717 I included the Zambia game! it's one of the 3 "group matches", and listed above as Mal's 95-97. I wasn't certain of the order of the group stage matches, so I generalized the label instead of explicitly assigning numbers to Zambia, Germany, and Australia.
Lindsey Horan consistently doesn't get the credit she deserves--- she is just the heart and grit of this team. she's absoultely an incredible player, soooo talented, adn GLUE energy
She is never left off a roster... it seems she is getting her recognition.
Lindsey is the only true aerial threat USWNT has, not quite the Wambach level, but still
My favorite player!! I ❤️Lindsey
Sam, your analysis and insights into the WOSO landscape have quickly become some of my favorite. Thank you for speaking so eloquently from a space of knowledge, experience, and compassion.
Totally. Such a sweetheart, such depth of knowledge and experience, and such a great communicator. Such a shame that her career was cut short, but so great to keep seeing her in this new role!
I don't know about Korbin though. It has to end eventually for Alex. Can't play forever and get picked forever. She's had a great career. Class act. It happens to all pro athletes. I really hope we don't lose Lily.
I feel like Alex should’ve at least been an alternate. I understand why she was left off 100% but I think having her on the plane and in the locker room would help soooo much. She has so much experience and she is such a good hype woman and I think she’s just a good energy to have around.
Also the proudest moment of my life is being 6 rows up right behind Lily Yohanness goal
bethune being an alternate is pure fire and absolutely earned. hell yes
Sam Mewis is a glowing spirit. 😊 Loved watching her play...too soon for her to be done.😢
Soooo happy for Lynn....her "never quit" play and work ethic preceded her. Remember the years of talk that Macario was the most exciting thing since sliced bread.....time to slice the baguettes!!! And lastly, E. Hayes had the guts to do what USA women's bball didn't do. Oh and more time Albert is with this group - more opportunity to make a positive impact on her.
Always appreciate your perspective, Sam. Thanks for sharing. You are a go-to-source for USWNT analysis
the right hard choice on AM13--- she has had a incredible run but it is also ok to admit she is totally at the end of her career and her body just isn't where it used to be. she is also a strict 9 and not versatile.
Unfortunately the team stopped playing in a way where she could shine. To be honest… the moment Heath and Rapinoe stopped being at her side she “declined”. The new players NEVER played for her… the others did. Even a 2 front with Wambach was great.
Dear Emma Hayes,
Thank you for not selecting Alex Morgan for the Olympic team.
Sincerely,
All the coaches/teams from the other participating countries@@j0j01192
Emma is a very good coach and she has a very long and hard climb getting the girls to play as one unit. Watching them play on their soccer team, it's the look at me game. This is going to be hard moving that mindset aside for the Olympics and actually working and playing as a unit or as one. This upcoming team really has nothing to fight for, like the past Olympic team. If the girls screw up then the money is going to walk elsewhere.
@@j0j01192We’ve moved away from run and gun which was her game and even then she’s probably the slowest among the forwards. She will be 35 next week. The team has evolved away from play style and really the international game in general
@@candacelong7643AM13 situation is almost similar to CR7 Portugal's men team case. Right now the raw numbers aren't on her side, but even by walking she draws enough attention of opposition's defenders to let the others shine brighter. Aura attacker.
Will always be happy for Lynn. A true leader and winner
Would be cool if you and Rog stream live on Twitch during the matches like you did during the World Cup!
Thanks for your analysis! I appreciate your thoughtful takes on both Korbin and Alex. Looking forward to your Olympics coverage and more podcast episodes!
Korbin take was nonsense
@@benadek6703 I love you!!!! Agree!!!!!
Great commentary as always, Sam. However, I don't think it's a surprise or a snub to leave Alex Morgan off, if you leave sentimentality or leadership/experience off the table. She's simply not performing on the pitch at the level of other forwards, either for club or country. She's been a fantastic force for a long time, but everyone has their career arc eventually bend down (unless they retire early or at their peak). Agree that she handled this well in her public statement.
Lol Sam’s analysis level means she knows that. There’s just no way Sam Mewis is going to say anything to ruffle anyone’s feathers lol. That’s the Massachusetts way 😂
Lily wasn't snubbed. Hayes offered her a roster spot, and Lily told her thanks, but she is not ready to commit to the USWNT.
I was wondering… details? Where did you find this?
@@michellescott7824 Emma said something to that effect during her press conference. That she wasn't ready to commit.
@dolphmanity I have seen this posted in social media, but no one can point to mainstream media link or video clip anywhere so that's why I question your assertion. If you have inside information, you can claim that as well and decline to reveal more, but right now this is just a rumor.
@@michellescott7824 She kinda said that in this very channel when Sam asked her if coming to the USWNT camp meant that she was going to commit to USA.... Lily did answer in not uncertain terms that she had not taken that decision yet.
I think that it is a wise move on her part considering that she is way too young and that decision is permanent.
@@r2dad282 why can’t you go rewatch the press conference .. she said it
So stoked for all of this. Would have LOVED to see Yohannes in there but there's hopefully still time to bring her in!
Agree that sharing the trans/homophobic material was harmful, especially from a young, talented player who has achieved such success playing abroad and who's been given the opportunity to play for this incredible team. The bit that really got me and felt like it should have been discussed more was her liking a post celebrating / making light of a serious, career ending injury suffered (albeit in her final game) by a fellow player, Megan Rapinoe, who was a legend and leader in making this team as impactful and incredible as it's been on and off the field. Even putting aside how awful it is to insinuate that she was punished with a torn achilles 4 minutes into her final game because she was gay, I wouldn't feel great about playing alongside someone who thought that an injury like that was funny enough to endorse. That's problematic to me on every level regardless of her religious beliefs.
I also agree that a little more transparency around what's being done to address everything would be/feel nice, but even without it, I strongly believe that it would be impossible for her to avoid positive growth on/around this team, and I look forward to seeing / supporting that.
In Emma, we must trust.
what trans/homophobic material did she share/comments did she make? everyone keeps mentioning it, but I have yet to see the specifics. Truly curious to know.
The choice of Crystal Dunn as a forward is a subtle one that no one is speaking to. Dunn is versatile, so choosing her as forward gave Hayes more options for defense, cutting out others for upfront. I think Dunn over Williams makes sense, while it’s about time for Morgan, who for years has not been able to score in international play against better teams (her value has been more on defense).
i'm fucking stoked on this roster. emma hayes doesn't give AF about who is the famous or popular players. she wants to win. i loveeee this and i think it is an excellent selection. huge USWNT fan of 30+ years here. I am sooo happy about emma. i would have loved to see a lily ypohannes alternate but it looks like she and her family isn't ready to commit i think emma is honoring that. smart.
I keep seeing people say this, and I mostly agree apart from Albert. Not sure when she has shown herself to be an impact player that wins games but I sure as hell have never seen it 😅
i love how thoughtful and thorough your review of the olympic roster is!!! your predicted starting xi is spot on!!
As long as Lynn is going, that’s all we need to know 🥰 coming at you from Hertfordshire UK 🇬🇧 🇺🇸
Emma - Rose - Lindsey - Mal legendary quintet is also in. Only missing Sam 😢
hell yeah Lynn!!!!
Was waiting for this to drop as soon as I saw the headline!
The "Growth" seems to be the coaching staff telling KA "don't do it again" - I highly doubt any real growth is happening. I highly doubt any real regret is felt.
Should be no regret. She did nothing wrong. Get over it, she is entitled to her beliefs, just like you.
Sam, thank you for doing this video. We very much appreciate hearing your opinions, and your personal insights make them even better!
Love your videos, Sam! I learn a lot from you as I am from Spain and the timetables are not the best hahahaha hope you cover the Olynpics as well!
been waiting for this. sooooo happy for Lynn!!!!! bummer about Alex, she handled her response well, very classy. gratz to all who made it, will be rooting for them all. good vibes Sam!!!. cant wait for your reactions to the matches. bit worried that Yohannes isnt an alternate, hope shes not leaning towards the NL now. anybody else?
Watching the Netflix doc, showed up how crazy the anticipation to getting that call was. Kristie stressed me so much lol
Thank you for addressing the Korbin Albert fiasco. I must say, her presence on the team has really soured my feelings. I wish the team great success and so happy Lynn is included even though as a sub.
I feel like it would be different if Albert was some standout, superstar, game-changing player, but she’s just not. Not that she’s untalented by any means, but to be an 8 or 10 for this team historically means that you’re easily one of the best players on the pitch (if not the world). And she is definitely not that. Which to me just adds to the hurt and confusion as fans.
🤣🤣🤣🤣
@@laurenbonzell7292😂😂😂😂
@@laurenbonzell7292im glad the fans know better than that coaching staff we just hiring
@@laurenbonzell7292take it up with Emma.
*THE WE-MISSED-YOU TEAM MEMBER DESIGNATION GOES TO* Catarina Macario. The big holes in the 2023 WWC roster were Cat and Mal's injuries.
Hello Sam. A year ago I was saying things that seemed at odds with how some USA presenters were seeing the team, based on its history. I really have nothing to add to your summing up of this. It feels your national view of the team has turned to looking forward. Good luck at the Olympics USA.
I needed something interesting to watch after being bored senseless by England men at the Euros. If only Emma was running that team!
I think in the way of USWNT in play-off at this Olympic there will be girls from Barcelona femeni in Spain WNT squad (more likely Aitana Bonmati). And,in my opinion, this will be a insurmountable obstacle on Emma Hayes and Lidsey Horan on the way to the 🏆, again.
Technically USWNT needs to be in the other half of the playoff tree and wish for France to meet Spain in the semi, I think only France is capable of beating Spain if the home crowd's on fire and Wendie Renard scores all the headers. On the other hand, France is more beatable for USWNT.
Spain are overrated. They basically copy the way barcalona played when pep was there. They lost 4-0 to Japan and just recently lost to Denmark. Also let's nit forget it's not like they played England off the pitch in the world cup final. Also let's get facts right chelsea was absolutely robbed in the champions league against barcalona from the redcard to the penalty for a clear dive
@@ads2686 they didnt lose to denmark tho and how was chelsea robbed? The referee got it right with the decisions on that day so dont know what game you watched
Although I agree Morgan was kept off roster but I think she should have been named an alternate. Her experience could be beneficial and could be called on should the US team progresses deep into tournament.
The US should have a great tournament, so much talent.
100% agreed.
Alex should be an assistant coach just like Buffon is for Italy during this Euros.
Do you have any thoughts on if/how Catarina Macario and Rose Lavelle can be on the pitch together? Or will it be an either or scenario. I just think they are two of our most creative players and its unfortunate we can’t have them creating opportunities together.
Love your words on Korbin! Yes exactly that
Sad about Alex but I’m excited to watch them play this summer they have a really good team! Also congrats Lynn!!
Yeah, I think Albert has a lot of growth that needs to happen for her, both as a person and as a player, and I'm pretty shocked that she made the team over Lily Yohannes. Yohannes just feels like such a better player in that position already.
I think it’s because yohannes just a) is still too young b) hasn’t had enough experience with the team yet c) she still hasn’t decided if she even wants to represent the U.S.
I totally agree about Albert. Anyone saying that people need to "get over it" or "move on" does not care that she hurt a lot of people (including her teammates). Actions speak louder than a PR apology. Until the public is informed of the actions that were taken, the fans attitude toward her will not get better.
I respect your opinion but I wholeheartedly DISAGREE. As a lesbian myself, I was disappointed by her actions. HOWEVER, I unquestionably trust Emma, Lindsey and the team's judgement. THEY are the only ones in a position to decide whether or not her apology was truly sincere and her efforts to learn and grow from her mistakes are sufficient. As passionate as USWNT fans are, we all must respect the fact that there are some areas of this team's inner culture that we SHOULD NOT by privy to. The reason being our role is to support them whenever, however and wherever we can. Not insert our ignorant selves into a problem that IS NOT our responsibility to fix. Yes, she issued a lengthy mea culpa accepting responsibility. Some fans embraced it, some fans refuse to. To PUBLICLY share sensitive details about a uniquely PRIVATE matter (discussions between her, the team, Emma and Fed officials) would serve absolutely ZERO purpose other than to feed the trolls and foment baseless conspiracy theories and rumors.
For the good of the team, we MUST accept the fact that as fans, we will NEVER truly understand what it's like to be on this team. We MUST trust them to make the right decision on how to handle unfortunate situations like this. Lynn Williams admitted in April they didn't do a very good job handling a similar blowup a few yrs ago. They learned from their mistake. Give Korbin the grace to do the same.
Korbin's a FIB.
@@shelbysmama4974very well said.
@@shelbysmama4974 Her teammates can decide if it was sincere or not but the fans she hurt will never know whether it was sincere without her showing it. You’re exactly right that it is not our responsibility to fix. It’s the federations responsibility and they have not shown any reason to believe that they have done anything other than tell her to post an apology and and say it will be handled behind closed doors. People don’t think they did anything other than give her a slap on the wrist. If they gave any indication about how it was handled, then I think it would help people understand that this was taken seriously and hope that the actions taken has helped her to grow. We don’t need a play by play or in depth details. Just something to show it wasn’t swept under the rug. I hope she was sincere and I hope everyone can move past this, but I don’t think that can happen until we get at least a crumb of info that shows her very PUBLIC social media behavior was indeed handled.
@@shelbysmama4974 If Albert had made or endorsed a racist statement or celebrated a racially motivated violent act against another player, would her athletic prowess and/or apology alone suffice? Why does homophobia seem to receive leniency?
Has there been a more versatile player on the USWNT than Crystal Dunn?
Not surprised about Alex. She is fading and you have to turn the page at some point. Alex has been great for a long time and it's time to give the youngsters, like Shaw a decent shot. I thought the team hung on to Rapinoe too long for the same reason and should have given younger players a chance a couple years ago on the USWNT. Sentimentality gets in the way too often. I know as a former coach because I used to have a hard time dealing with it myself.
Ok, Miss Sam........... I DESPERATELY need you to either be a GM for the USWNT or get your ass into the coaching squad immediately!!! You have an acute understanding of players and their abilities and not for nothing, lack of abilities. The team needs that kind of mind making big time decisions.
Also, I think Sophia Smith is going to be our prime striker and also our MVP when then tournament is over. She's lethal, she's dynamic, she's underrated, and I think she'll take this international exposure and show her metal.
very thoughtful touch on the korbin piece sammy, love that and it is completely valid that korbin updates us with her action steps on how she is addressing/changing/growing.
I hope she does not. Just to mess with entitled people like you.
@@SohamMehta-bg3dsditto, people are allowed to have different opinions and still be friends. I have so many friends who have vastly different opinions to me and I still love them…. Don’t have to force them on each other
@@SohamMehta-bg3ds I don’t know Jennifer personally😅 feels like I stumbled into something fl
agree - Korbin is so young and somewhat sequestered and definitely super focused so she has a lot of life to live ---- she's got great people around her and a very empoering USWNT history that supports such growth. She'll be fine as she grows into her voice.
KA does not owe anyone anything. She liked and shared a video about a former transgender finding out that he truly wasn't, and shared his story. That's not transphobic to me at all. Stop weaponizing misinformation just to play victim and try to cancel people you don't like.
Great takes! I also want to add that just like Korbin has freedom of speech, everyone else does too (people in the comment section seem to forget that, asking others to "move on"). People don't have to forgive her or stop talking about what she did. Everyone uses their freedom of speech as they please. Just like she did.
Yup. People, ya girl played a stupid game and won a stupid prize, so quit hassling the queer/ally community for not appreciating the hate. These ppl omg 🤣
@shanaralls157 Exactly! Don't talk shit about a group of people if you can't handle when they fling the shit back at you 😎
I'm curious about there being two inexperienced midfielders as alternates and wondering why Sam Staab or Andi Sullivan were not considered who feel more versatile and have proven records in terms of keeping clear heads.
I’m sorry but I’ve got to disagree on this whole Korbin Albert situation- the way she is being absolutely dragged through the mud nonstop by the fan base is very upsetting. My gosh she made a mistake, she’s 20 years old. This is also America where people are entitled to freedom of religion, speech, and belief. I’m not saying it was smart of her to post those things, especially given the team she plays for, but now it seems people are hating on her for literally existing when she’s apologized and trying to move on. If we all believed and thought the same we’d be a hive mind, not humans.
But good analysis nonetheless 😁
I AGREE 100% WITH YOU SAM REGARDING ALBERT!
It's about what's on the front of the jersey !!! ...not the back !!! ...we don't all share the same point of view on everything ( referring to Albert) ...this is about on the field...and the girl is a good player.👍...we don't all need to hold hands and sing cumbiya..
Thanks for suggesting the maple latte twice, the second time I actually tried it and im obsessed!
Thank You Sammy Bananas for saying this. Being asked to trust that it’s being addressed behind closed doors is a bridge too far for me. Up the Green!
i wonder if lily was just super honest with emma that she wasn't prepared to commit to the USWNT. i bet emma had a convo with the family and based of that convo, emma honored lily's request for more time--- you know? i wonder if there is more to that than it being a snub.
Let’s see if Lily, gets called in to NL, euros qualified then we know the deal is up
super excited to watch Mal Swanson this summer!! A real number 9 who only scores screamers🤭
That starting lineup is pretty solid, but the bias toward Albert is evident. She has been SOLID and there is a great chance that she will be in that defensive mid role right next to Coffey.
Excellent commentary. Subbed.
Sam is so smart/insightful about the game, and genuinely engaging. Just top notch commentary.
This Yohannes situation is actually much worse than I originally thought. Sources close to Lily are saying Lily was only offered an alternate spot. But Lily was disappointed, believing she deserved a full roster spot, and subsequently declined the offer. She now wants to test the waters with the Netherlands at next year's Euros. US Soccer flubbed this hole Yohannes situation.
ruclips.net/video/o7F_r0W3xSo/видео.htmlsi=9zAfK_luqH5DzbGw
Those two bozos in your link do not know what they are talking about and I would not worry about their "source". EH made it very clear in her press conference about wanting Yohannes with the USWNT going forward, but she (or her family) hasn't decided and EH respected that decision.
Why no Abby Dahlkemper?
Nah for Emma Hayes I don't think she was fussed omitting the players she did honestly Chelsea players would get dropped on a regular basis from week to week she is built for this making tough decisions she once told Stewart Searle GK coach to cut the sentimental crap😅 💪
I am liking this team. They have all the skills to go all the way!!
Great take on Korbin
Nice assessment, Sam! Let's go, USA!
You have to listen to Emma Hayes presser before making any conclusions on the squad list. Teams in Europe have caught to US and surpass them. So take it as a rebuild
Miss you on the team Sam!!!
I wonder if leaving Alex off is a nod to younger players who can run longer and recover sooner. This is six games at a solid 3 day cadence and it grinds one down. She is not Baby Horse any longer, but the Nightmare of opponents. However, she has not scored in the last two World Cup finals. She has kept center backs occupied and made runs that open things up for others, I grant you, but still. I get that she could come off the bench but a roster of 18 is tight and Alex does not play other positions.
While I agree with your comments on Korbin Albert - I think no matter what she does, it will never be good enough. The goal post on what she should do will constantly move. She issued a statement, it's not good enough. She could show growth out in the open, guess what people still say she is only doing it publicly do it to fix her image not because she believe it. If she shows growth out in the open people will say she can do more. We all know how social media works - and no matter what she does it's not going to be good enough. Shes young and Emma addressed it today - that she is struggling on a few fronts and maybe she needs more time before she publicly puts herself back out there for public scrutiny (because again - nothing she will ever do will be good enough).
Imma save my tears for people who deserve them. If you're going to be hateful, you can't expect to be forgiven by EVERYONE. That's why you don't say dumb stuff in public.
Wondering if Lily didn't make it because she's still deciding between Netherlands and the US
Yeah she probably doesn't wanna play friendlies in every international break. She wanna play in real tournaments
Lily deserves to be there. Better than Albert 200%
Insightful thoughts by Sam!
In the current injury epidemic era of women's soccer, such a small roster is a crime by IOC.
Great take on alberts situation !! Action over apologies
WooHoo !! Roster looks (mostly) great and so expectations are high. However, there are some other wonderful teams playing . This will not be a cakewalk. Whichever teams get medals, they will have earned them. Should be great fun and terrific football.
Glad Lynn W. is going but I'd have put her in the 18 and made Rodman the alternate.
Look out Paris, here we come !!
I love this roster, to the point there needs to be nicknames per section.
The Fierce Front Line - glad to see Dunn in her favored position, and w/ the other upcoming new fire strikers...I'm just way too excited.
What Y'all think the other nicknames for the rest of the sections should be?
Can't wait for anyone on the planet to win besides USWNT!
I’m supporting Korbin Albert ❤❤
Korbin Albert, we support you.
i love how jenna is so aggressively oriented
Objectively speaking, it's not surprising at all Alex Morgan has been left off the roster. She hasn't been having a good season. No doubt, it's crystal clear, let's look forward, not backward! Being sentimental is one thing, building a winning team quite another. Period.
As always, educational to hear your thoughts. I feared Alex and sad it happened, but was pleasantly surprised by Lynn.
My other fear came true; KA. You stated it well, so nothing to add to the reasoning why its inappropriate. What it tells me is the USSF is moving from a stage of wanting to be different and grow the sport via that differentiation to being all about the $ (via wins). Like the NFL, NBA, etc. My interest in watching the team is genuinely dampened. The brilliant success and direction of its past player-heroes that made it worthwhile, different. Now it just feels like its on the old-school, "shut up and play" track.
PS: I wonder how many players were asked about playing with her and just used the political card instead of the moral one.
Alex has done well but not up to her stanard --- and she is still overcoming some bumps and sprains.
Lynn - great that she is going.
Korbin - very few 20 yo futbol players who have been home schooled in a christian focused curriculum in high school, have a couple of years in Notre Dame then on the PSG in europe are at all self aware and so her unconscious bias even naivete is somewhat understandable --- she is being give some private, internal space to grow w/ the team. it is a testament to her teammates but i wish she had known Rapinoe --- she would have learned a lot ore and faster.
The values of the USWNT (always VS the USSF) are not 'shut up & play' given that this KA controversy has not died. your PS. shows you do not know anything about the internals of morality or politics of this team. As Rapinoe and many others have said, they have the platform because they have the grit of winning ----- I am lookig forward to see them get together & win.
Yup. Less heart, more profit motive. Unsurprising, but still very disappointing.
@@shanaralls157 ahh yes --- another derogatory projection of the old pseudo world-weary "everything comes down to profit" trope. no indication that this is the case - your 2 cents, your unsurprising take --- but disappointing ....
Can you please get Alex Morgan on the pod!!! We ❤️ her and would love an interview with her
Lilly should be on this team, instead of Albert. Except I feel like she's a sub for Horan so Albert makes sense
Sam is so great to listen to. No um like uh she just gets to the point.
Why is the roster so small this year? Is that a change from the Olympics or US Soccer?
Wish Midge Purce was healthy enough to be on the roster - would have loved to see Lily as an alternate.
Love that Hayes doesn't care about the Americans personal feelings.
I certainly don't agree with Korbin's stance on this issue, and I thought she was a pretty cavalier with her comments on people's response. I do, however, think that she's entitled to an opinion and her own beliefs. The problem with celebrities and/or professional athletes is that so many of them believe that their opinions are far more important than that of the rest of us. Having a media platform / microphone to speak into shouldn't guarantee someone a more important position than anyone else. Believe what you believe in, but not at the expense of others.
Crystal Dunn really needs to step up and play with confidence instead of always deferring to other players to score goals. I know Lynn isn't a scorer, but I would take her instead of Dunn's shaky offense.
Man you're wicked smaaaat!
Sam your the best doing this video ❤❤🙂🙂
Booing Korbin means booing the entire uswnt. It's not just Korbin that feels boo'ed. It's really unsavory to have your own country boo their home team. I think people should subscribe to the love and acceptance principles of the lgbt community and accept the apology, move on to focus on olympic gold and be more mindful of the unnecessary toll they put on the mental health of whole team. So if people want to support the uswnt and contribute to their success, they need to stop booing Korbin. They don't have to clap but they don't have to bring down the whole team just because they want to bring Korbin down.
People universally agree Korbin could do more than the apology but no specific solution or task is mentioned or collectively pointed to. Realistically, i don't think players have time to "do more". I rather have them razor focused on executing tactics, make their penalties, nail that free kick, gel with the team, getting rest, staying injury free, improve on 1v1 and volleys etc.
What growth looks like to me would be if Megan Rapinoe, Ali Krueger, Jill Ellis, Kelly O'hara, other queer ex-uswnt players come out to Paris and interacted with Korbin and highlight what makes her a great player to show fans things are ok, put away your pitchforks 😂 and let's move on from this.
As someone in the lgbt community of course i was appalled at Korbin's social media but she's apologized, she showed up and took the public's ire and still performed to Emma Haye's hardcore lofty standards, she made the team despite how large of a population the usa has for that position, her teammates and coaches have forgiven her so why can't we do too and stop talking about something that doesn't matter whatsoever toward getting olympic gold.
Very well said..
No, literally just booing her.
If she doesn't have the intestinal fortitude to battle thru it, she's no less a flake than pre-2009 Worls Series Alex Rodriguez.
What if alex morgan doesn't fit team with new chemistry? I trust emma.
Sam, Hayes also had a lot of video and in-person experience to draw on in making her decisions.
Can we try to practice mercy? Korby has apologized, let it be... Why are people booing her ? Do you think this achieves anything?
Can you please invite Lucy Bronze on the podcast?
You need to be commentating games for FOX Sports or NBC Sports, Pronto 🎉❤
Korbin,Personally I think Hayes has no choice this soon into a new job to pick the players your FA has said is available. It's on a federation to be saying your views are not acceptable.Emma is very good at turning young players careers around and has to presently two the line.if she is still in the job in 2 years she will completely be real and argue with the fed.
sammy please tell us you are headed to paris to be on the ground lol
Sam Mewis, before she got injured was the most impactful player the US had. She would have made the US a prohibited/pro-itive favorite had she been healthy for the Olympics!
Albert is a great addition. She made some bad decisions but let’s all remember how bat shit crazy Hope Solo was domestic violence and being in a stolen USNT van. But a majority of fan wanted to overlook it.
I want to see a USA v Spain Gold Medal game. Shame Alex wasn’t picked as she looked like she was enjoying playing again.
Me too, but I have the feeling that is going a weird tournament with a weird final (something like a France- Colombia or Japan-Nigeria or something like that).
@@aletapequena I feel you. The best teams like the likes of Spain may fail to reach the final because at the end of the day, any team from the quarterfinal stage can knock you out. It just needs to be clinical and close all spaces for the opposition to exploit.
ROSE!
What do you really want Korbin to do to get you to move on from this topic? It’s getting so old at this point and it seems whatever she does will never be good enough for everyone. Apology not good enough, the team saying they’re dealing with it internally is not good enough, etc. Don’t you think US Soccer is telling her to lay low and not do anything more than what she is doing right now? It’s getting increasingly redundant at this point.
Korbin & Coach Emma should begin the uncomfortable conversations…