Breakaway: A Women’s Soccer Podcast

The beautiful game just got a whole lot better with the very first ever CONCACAF W Gold Cup kicking off! In this episode, we dive deep into the inaugural women's tournament, dissecting its unique structure and importance. It's not just another trophy on the shelf - this is a crucial pre-Olympics test for powerhouses like the USWNT, a chance for rising stars to shine, and an exciting experiment for coaches like Emma Hayes. Join us as we: Unpack the tournament format: 12 countries, Round-robin madness, knockout drama! We got you covered! Explain why it matters: Olympics prep, team development, and the future of women's football in the region - buckle up for insights! Analyze the USWNT roster: Who's in, who's out, and what does it all mean for Coach Hayes' plans? Get the inside scoop! Whether you're a die-hard fan or just discovering the beautiful game, this episode is your passport to the CONCACAF W Gold Cup excitement! . . . . If you enjoyed this episode, please take a moment to rate and leave a review. Your feedback helps us improve and reach more listeners like you! Also, don't forget to follow us on Instagram @breakawaypodcast for updates on our latest episodes and behind-the-scenes content. We appreciate your support and hope you'll join us for our next episode!

Join us for another compelling episode of Breakaway, where we unravel the intricacies of salary caps in the NWSL and the exciting changes ahead for 2024. Get ready for an enlightening discussion as we delve into the world of financial regulations in women's soccer. In this episode, we lay the groundwork by explaining what salary caps are, how they're determined, and how money allocations are distributed within the NWSL. But that's just the beginning – we'll also compare salary caps across various leagues, offering insights into both men's and women's soccer landscapes. Prepare to be informed and inspired as we analyze the recent increase in salary caps for the 2024 NWSL season. Discover what these changes mean for players, teams, and the league as a whole, and gain a deeper understanding of the evolving financial dynamics within women's soccer. Subscribe to Breakaway on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to join us on this journey through the world of salary caps in the NWSL. Don't miss out on this essential episode that sheds light on the financial backbone of women's soccer and the exciting transformations on the horizon for the 2024 season.

Join Megan and Chase as we continue this two-part series on FIFA's newest report onto the activities of the Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, and how its "innovative approach" reduced the amount of harmful content players, teams, officials, and other prominent stakeholders in the soccer industry saw online. We dive into the takeaways of SMPS at the FIFA Women's 2023 World Cup, mental health effects, learnings and next steps, and so much more.

Join Megan and Chase as we begin this two-part series on FIFA's newest report onto the activities of the Social Media Protection Service (SMPS) at the FIFA Women's World Cup Australia & New Zealand 2023, and how its "innovative approach" reduced the amount of harmful content players, teams, officials, and other prominent stakeholders in the soccer industry saw online. We dive into the statistics on the number of comments analysed, the effectiveness of the protection, and the many kinds of harmful comments that were hidden.

Join Megan and Chase as we discuss all things Soccer Olympics! We begin by exploring the history of soccer in the Olympics, drawing stark differences between the Men's and Women's Olympic experience. Then, we dive into the thrilling anticipation of the 2024 Olympics, revealing the five teams that have already qualified, and how, and forecasting the fierce competition for the remaining seven spots. If you don't walk away from today's episode excited for the Olympics, then do better.

In this game-changing episode, Megan and Chase unravel the exciting details of the NWSL's groundbreaking sports broadcasting deal with major players – CBS, ESPN, Amazon, and Scripps. Join us as we break down the key takeaways, such as the quadrupling of nationally broadcasted games to the staggering 40x increase in projected domestic revenues. Moreover, we dive into the game distribution strategy among the four broadcasting giants and speculate on the transformative impact this deal will have on the industry. Get ready for a spirited discussion as we share our enthusiasm about how these proceeds could propel the NWSL into an era of unprecedented growth. Don't miss out on the inside scoop of this historic partnership and the potential it holds for the future of women's soccer!

In this latest episode, Megan and Chase dive deep into the breaking news surrounding the future leader of the U.S. Womens Nation Team (USWNT). Rumors that were buzzing online have now been confirmed, the next USWNT Coach will be none other than Emma Hayes from Chelsea! Join us for a comprehensive exploration of Emma's illustrious career, her leadership style, and the burning question – is she the right person to guide the USWNT back to the pinnacle of success? We dissect her coaching philosophy, achievements, and what she could bring to the team. Don't miss this insightful discussion as we analyze the prospects and potential impact of Emma Hayes taking the reins of the USWNT. **Disclaimer, this episode was recorded one day prior to the announcement. My goodness we are good at predictions ;) **

In this episode, Megan and Chase begin by discussing the upcoming NWSL Championship, dive into the recently announced 3-year suspension of Luis Rubiales from FIFA, and compare the shocking differences between the planning that has gone in for the 2027 Womens World Cup and the next THREE Mens World Cups!

Welcome to another episode of Breakaway, where today we explore the complex world of VAR (Video Assistant Referee) in the NWSL. Get ready for an in-depth discussion as we unveil the ins and outs of this game-changing technology. We'll kick things off by discussing what exactly VAR is and its role in the game of soccer, how it operates, and why it took center stage amid controversy during the 2023 NWSL season. We'll break down the specific plays where VAR was used that sparked debates on whether VAR enhances or takes away from game quality. But our exploration doesn't stop there. We'll journey across the globe to investigate how VAR is adopted, or not, in men's and women's leagues worldwide. Discover how different leagues embrace or resist VAR technology and gain a deeper understanding of the implications behind these choices. Join us for a thought-provoking conversation that promises to revolutionize your perspective on soccer officiating. Subscribe to Breakaway on Spotify and Apple Podcasts to accompany us on this VAR odyssey and gain unique insights into its impact on women's soccer, both within the NWSL and on an international scale. Don't miss out – this episode is your gateway to VAR's intriguing world.

Join Megan and Chase for an exciting episode of Breakaway, where we reflect on the unforgettable moments and milestones of the 2023 NWSL season. It's been a year of remarkable achievements and, of course, some challenges too. In this episode, we celebrate the NWSL's triumphant journey as it shattered attendance records, paving the way for higher profits and newfound excitement in women's soccer. We delve into the numbers, exploring the impact of record-breaking crowds on the league's financial success and the promising future it signifies. But that's not all! We also discuss the ripple effect of this success, with the emergence of new youth programs designed to attract and nurture fresh talent for the NWSL. This season was not just about celebrating on the pitch; it was about planting the seeds for a brighter, more inclusive future. Tune in as we dissect the highs and lows of the 2023 NWSL season, revealing the stories that made headlines and the moments that brought the NWSL community together. Get ready for a deep dive into the heart and soul of women's soccer in this captivating episode. Subscribe now to Breakaway on Spotify and Apple Podcasts for an inside look at the extraordinary world of women's soccer and the game-changing events of the 2023 NWSL season. Also, don't forget to follow us on Instagram at Breakawaypodcast for reminders on future podcasts and additional content. Don't miss out on this essential episode, a must-listen for all soccer enthusiasts and NWSL fans.