The Anatomy of Transition: Horan’s Strategic Shift, Market Hyper-Inflation, and the Science of Elite Resilience

Welcome to football W. She is two-time World Cup champion, Ali Krieger. I'm Christina Alexander. She believes Cup kicked off this weekend. A lot of goals, a lot of great moments. We will of course break that down. And I did the Lindsey Heap celebration because she will be joining the show here in a few minutes. Heaps and heaps of emotion for what we're going to see from us. I mean, she's probably heard it so many times, but I had to hit it at least once here on football W. Also, Ken Zadali says she'll have to talk to our Ali Krieger. But first, let's get to all the action from the US and his national team game against Archen Thina in the She believes Cup in Nashville. They're at GeoDist Park. So in the 19th minute, the ball comes out to Lindsey Heaps. We just saw it. Let's see it again, Ali Krieger. What a shot by Heaps. I mean, incredible. She was doing that in training left and right every other day. And now it's was she was able to apply it to this game, brilliant bend around the goalkeeper. Plenty of time to get it on her feet and then quick trigger. First goal of the tournament for her and the US national team. That slow-mo shot is so good. 56 minute jade and shot. This one's good too from her. Yeah, I mean, the keeper should have done better here, but great strike from Shaw. Once again, she kind of just has that little slight separation was able to get away from the defender to be able to bend it around. But I mean, goalkeeper should have saved it, but fortunate enough for her winning the back of the net. Yeah, I got a hand on it and it was not enough. Now, 91st minute, we were holding our breaths because this is what we don't like to see Trinity Rodman clutching her lower back after Milagro's mountain tackles her heart from behind. She stayed down injured for a few minutes there. And it's an image that we've seen before. We'll get into that. She seems to be okay. That's the most important part as MIAs will also talk about Lily real having to leave the She Beliefs Cup. That's bad news from her, but good news from us because Ali, who are you with? I'm with Lindsay Heaps, captain of the USM's national team, and one of my favorite teammates. It's so great to reconnect with you. I know we haven't shared a locker room in a while, but so good to see you. I know you're in the middle of a busy She Belief schedule in tournaments, so thank you so much for taking the time and joining us. How are you? I'm wonderful. You know, the second they said Krieger wants to talk to me. I said I would drop anything for her. You said I'm going to stay up all night. Doesn't matter what time. Of course. So let's start with the opener. First match, first win, incredible goal. What was the biggest takeaway from that game? And what do you feel like this group showed? I think most importantly, these games are not easy when you're playing against an Argentina or a Colombia. It's a different test every time we play a team like that. I think the physicality and how they make it just so difficult for us to play. I think it's always like how can you find a way to win? And yeah, maybe at times we weren't playing the best football that we could. We were trying to solve it, but sometimes it's a goal like Jay and I had that puts us over the top and gets us to win. And I think Emma said at the end of the game, that's the most important thing, especially in an tournament, that might be the case when we get to a World Cup, we might need a game like that. So that's the most important thing and we take that experience and we move forward. You talk a little bit about the physicality, right? I got a little feisty there, a little chippy there at the end. But how do you as a leader in those moments keep the team focused and super calm, especially with an opponent like Canada coming up? Yeah, I think actually before the game, we talked a lot about emotional control. And it's funny that we talk about this because I think when I was younger, it was not my best strength. You know, when the game gets scrappy and feisty like that, it's easy to, you know, get set over the top. And I think it's more about, you know, what they want to make it that kind of game. They want to play into to that, just just make us angry, make us, you know, lose our rhythm and things like this. And it's about, okay, can we control our emotions? Can we start setting the tempo in a different way every time they fouls? Can we get the ball and play quicker? Little things like this, which I think we spoke about as a team as well after the game. That's something that we can actually do a lot better. But in the moment, we didn't get too heated. And yeah, again, we're going to go play Canada, which is going to be, you know, just just as physical and also it's a rivalry game. So we can't lose our heads there either. Let's talk about your 39th international goal. Incredible. You know, your first since last May and now you have scored in the last 12 consecutive years. I mean, that's an unbelievable milestone for you, which puts you in some rare company with the US Women's National team. What did that goal mean to you in that moment specifically? I feel like there was a lot behind it. I think it's something maybe I've been lacking my game a little bit just getting on the score sheet. I don't think that's everything to me, but I think it's more about being involved and inserting myself and impacting myself in different ways. And that's both for club and country. And I know that I can do that. And I think my mindset is, you know, how can I, how can I be more involved? How can I be more impactful? And I think that's kind of a goal for mine for me going into it has been going into this season with Leon. But I think moving forward with the national team as well, like how can I find myself in these kind of places? And even if it's the top top of the box moment, I was, you know, I was finding myself in and around the in and around the goal. And I had the opportunity to shoot with no one in front of me. So I think that's the that's the most important thing. And I and yeah, so there it was a it was a happy moment for me putting the ball in the back. And you scored 38 more than me, okay? No, all jokes aside, you, you capped into starting 11 that had 170 combined caps. And the rest of the lineup combines had fewer than 100. So what's the leadership challenge or in that an opportunity in guiding a group that new and fresh? Yeah, I think probably the most difficult thing in that is, you know, the the balance with experience and non-experience. It's, it's made with, you know, a lot of players maybe aren't as experienced, but I think when when I look at that team as well, I think, you know, these guys can play. They've gotten moments, they've gotten opportunities, you know, even I look at Lily who who's playing with me at Leon, like you're playing in one of the best clubs in the world and playing against some of the best players in the world. So it's not that, you know, you say the caps and everything, that's where you think all the lack experience, but these players have experience. These players have the mentality and they want to win, they want to do well and they want to prove themselves as well. And now it's doing it as a team and that's where, you know, it can, it can be difficult. I think there are moments that we solved it really well and there's moments that that we didn't and and that's the that's the thing that we need. And I think moving forward, again, it's what Emma always says, we want to put teams out there no matter who was playing. They can go get the job done and all the principles in style play remains the same. And I think that was the one thing that, you know, all the players were we're in tune with that and wanted to do everything that Emma and Denise were asking of them. So I'm proud of them. I'm proud of us getting out of that game healthy and getting the win at the end of the day. And you touched on a little bit before, but now, you know, you have this game against Canada and Columbus, maybe a little bit emotional, tough rivalry over the years. Always competitive, though. So what are you expecting from this match up in game two? I listened the last time we played them. I think that's probably still hurting them a bit. And so I know that they're going to come out, you know, wanting to win so badly. And I think, again, it's a it's a rivalry match, like, you know, every time that we play Canada, that's it. It's a physical battle. They're smart, you know, and they obviously have Casey now, who might bring something different, maybe something that we're not used to and what not. So I think one, it will be a good tactical battle for us as well. But also, like, you just, you know, at the end of the day, like, you got to go, you know, a little bit harder into those tackles, make it make it, you know, a rivalry match and and win all those all those tools. And I think we've set ourselves up well for that because we get to play against each other every single day when that's hard in itself. But yeah, it's I'm super excited. And we talk about, you know, the success of the She believes tournament and how great that is to help set the tone and a tournament style, preparing for a big tournament like the World Cup and Olympic. So as you're building towards that qualifying tournament, what are you taking away from this tournament and how, how does it prepare you for that tournament phase? Like you just said, it's a tournament. So I think it's kind of like you look at the Argentina game and it's it's like you can analyze so many so many things from from this game, but you have another game in two days and you need to get ready and prepare for that or cover well and and do all the things as you know. And so I think that's the that's the cool thing that we get, you know, three really good games, really good opponents and three very different opponents, which will be very similar in in a qualifying or in the World Cup, hoping that we qualify. So that kind of experience and you're playing for a trophy at the end of the day. So it's like you want to do all these things that we were set up to do in in our style and our principles, but at the end of the day, you want to go get a win and there's a trophy to fight for at the end and and that's what you know, that's what the US does. We win, we want to win and we go into every single game with that mindset, but also in in every single training session, every single meeting, I think at the the forefront of our minds is everything that we're doing right now is going to set us up for the game and everything we do in those games are going to set us up to go win a trophy. And switching gears a little bit to club football now and your final stretch with Leon and the Champions League is still very much in play. So as you approach the end of this chapter, what do you want to accomplish this season? Man, we have four trophies to play for. One of them's coming up in the new cup. It's a league's cup final against PSG. And when I look at this season, I think my gosh, we have such an incredible team. If we don't go out and win four trophies, then it's not a success. No, but I think for me, it's just like, can I do everything possible to help us go and win those four trophies? And obviously you speak about Champions League. I think that's that is number one in our head just because we've fallen short in the last the last few years. And I want another one of those so badly. And again, with this team that we have the camaraderie and and how together we are as well. And just how many incredible players that we have and and what Joan has been able to do with this team is it's so nice. So, man, I want the four trophies. That's it. Yeah, we were sad to see him leave the interview so, but he's been brilliant for for you and the rest of the squad on the own. I was so excited to see that further. But speaking about the next the next tie against Wolfsburg, what do you expect from this matchup? And did you watch the game against Juventus? And what did you think of that? Yeah, really good game. And I think it's something that I love seeing because teams are progressing so much, not just here and then to be a cell, the progressing in Europe as well. And to see that, to see that tie, to see different tactical adjustments is really exciting as well. I think with the German teams that they're always just so so good defensively and organized and consistent. And I think the last time we played them we had our struggles. But, you know, if we can do what we do best and, you know, really stick to our game plan and focus on us, I think we can come away with a win, but it's not it's not going to be an easy game. And it's not going to be the like like the last time we played them. So, it's an it's an exciting matchup. And yeah, it's coming up quick. And we have some big news in the end of ESL with you coming home. We saw the moment you surprised your family and your parents. They're incredible. I adore them so much. It was so refreshing to see how excited they were and how emotionally they were for for your news and how special that must have been for you. But why now and what made Denver Summit the right fit for you specifically in this next chapter of your career? Well, firstly, I would hate to not say I bet my brother misses you so much figure. Yeah, listen, I've been in France for over half my career. And I'm so grateful for those experiences that I've gotten. And especially going back to Leon and what the club's given me the challenge that I I put myself in going back there and the trophies I've won and the relationships I've gained and and just getting better and developing as a player like it's just such an incredible time in my life. I think now it just seemed like the right time it's you know a lead up to another world tournament. And obviously I want to make that roster so so badly. I think for for me with the travel and for it being back in Denver closer to my husband and closer to my family it just seemed like too good to be true. But I also said that I wanted to make sure that I was going back to the right project and not just because it was Denver or you know going and and playing for San Diego near my husband. I wanted to go to something that I I believed in. And you know when I spoke with Denver and I got you know all the information all the projects knew who the head coach was going to be I'm like this is you know this is something that I want to be a part of and this is what something I want to help you know create create a culture create a winning mentality and in such an incredible ownership group that that allows us to do that. So very exciting for me. I can't wait obviously my focus is still at Leon but I can't wait to be to be back. And Nick Cushion has has already said that he wants to instill this winning mentality from from the get so I think you are going to be instrumental in that and and and sharing that winning mentality with a lot of these players of the club I was going to be incredible for you. But before we before we wrap up I need to ask do you feel that the Denver Summit FC jerseys are dripping or tripping most important question of the interview everybody wants to know. Lily would like if I if I started saying drippin she would tell me that there's no change I'm a boomer and I can't say that but I like them they're sweet and if you want one I will send you a heaps jersey just let me know just no just I already have your national team jersey the US soccer sent me that because that's what I requested I didn't wear it tonight sorry about that but yes I will accept the Denver Summit Lindsey heaps so odd so saying that Lindsey heaps jersey but I will be so proud to wear it especially on the show but once again thank you so much for joining us I miss you a lot and good luck with the rest of the tournament and good luck with Leon and the Champions League we are going to be supporting you watching both thank you so much a new podcast series from ABC audio in 2020 goes inside a case that has captivated the nation so many people Luigi Mangione is a modern day Robin Hood people were cheering the demise of this person they'd never met it was a father of two and a husband and had a life and was just doing a job from the manhunt ending in a McDonald's in Altuna, Pennsylvania to what authorities are saying about a possible motive I'm ABC News legal analyst Brian Buckmeyer listen to Burn in a Proof Luigi Mangione wherever you get your podcasts Lindsey heaps calling us out for saying drip and our trip and because we say that really often do we say it too often maybe are we boomers are we the drama well hey seeing a drama on the field that's what Lindsey heaps causes I mean with the games in the she believes cup with the goals and especially her latest in assists she is so valuable for the US women's national team and chances created but it's so much more than her stats as Ali you know and both of you know each other so well have known each other since 2011 2012 yeah yeah yeah and the intangibles of Lindsey heaps were ones that you were able to see from the beginning of her career and to see her as captain right now just what is that like for you it feels just like a natural progression that she's taken and I think we all knew that she would fit this role beautifully when the time came and and this was going to you know be her her you know next leadership responsibility I was to carry this team into the next phase and it's been it's been so enjoyable to watch her growth her development her experience continue to you know surprise us and impress us she's a key to that to that team especially now because of all the young talent that the team has but to continue with that experience to be you know the controller in midfield to be the captain the team the leader the squad you know that's a lot of responsibility that she carries but but all these young players look to her for that and she's the perfect one for the job and I'm really really excited to continue to see her growth and obviously she's still got it I mean she's she's thriving now with especially in Champions League with Leon and then also bringing that to the national team she's obviously scoring brilliant goals so I'm really excited to continue to see her and I'm hoping that you know she will she will be a shoe in for the World Cup I mean if Lindsey heaps retires today her legacy is already a brilliant one and it's great to see that she's going to come home what you said about her parents is so exciting to see just here back here on NWSL turf to see what she's going to do with the US women's national team but let's break down what we actually saw during the game not only her brilliant goal but the way that she's able to to lead this team what was your biggest takeaway from this to no victory from the national team yeah that's always unpredictable play against you know a team like Argentina right you never know how they're going to show up and it's always going to be a physical game because everyone wants to beat the US and it gets chippy and feisty there in the end but what I saw them was complete game management from start to finish they were able to capitalize on the chances that they created I think the line-up showed proof at how much depth that the US women's national team has but it was impressive the way that they kept their heads even through those really difficult chippy times especially when Trinidad Aram and got injured and you saw Olivia mulchery get a little bit you know heated rightfully so I think these games really prove why this team is you know as talented an experience as they should be because sometimes the games are going to be this and you don't want to lose players to silly fouls or silly mistakes or silly decisions that you can control and I really think that they handled themselves you know great during those moments and I think that's what separates an elite team from a good team and the complete performance for me was was wonderful and the two goals you know the second goal of shawl you know goalkeeper could have done a little bit better but still the balls are going in the back of the net and this is a squad that doesn't normally play together as often so that was impressive as well and this is a tournament phase so it's really exciting to see the mentality at the level that it was at at the very beginning yeah it seemed like the first minutes that were really working out the chemistry a little bit especially coming up from the back or dintina with that really really high-pressing constantly Ali and what you said about jaden shawt you even finding her way getting past the goalkeeper speaking of goalkeepers we saw Claudia Dickie there in the back she had a few impressive saves as well yeah she looks confident she looks in control and she was leading from the back you know there wasn't too much excitement but the the moments that she had to impress and she had to make the saves she saved she saved them so you know she's she's continuing to gain that experience and gain that confidence at this level and that's what you need you you have to be willing to you know walk into into a game like this and really showcase who you want to be and why you want to be there and you have to make it difficult for the coaches to ignore you and she's doing just that so she did her job she did it well and that's all you can ask from the goalkeeper in that position yeah 100% before we move on to see how Canada did against Columbia the two quick updates as well Emma Hayes commenting on Trinity Rodman saying she's fine and fully training as for Lily real she had to leave with a foot injury so it's bad news for her we know you had her as part of your starting 11 and she has such a promising career so it's not over by any means for Lily real so we hope to see her back very soon with the US women's national team all right let's take a look at how Canada did verse Columbia speaking of a chippy game this was certainly one of them a corner kick though in the 31st minute when he said Vanessa Geels there to head it in rises highest it opened the scoring their alley yeah obviously you know the defending lacked but her height and her power in the air you know following through to to make sure that she got the ball in the back of that once again here beautiful set piece comes off the two goals two set pieces and Saunas hits this perfectly side netting well done goalkeeper doesn't even move yeah I mean even if she did but she definitely moved here and got a couple of hands on it but it wasn't enough with the rebound so it was three knell for Canada 80th minute he said the reveal gets brought down in the box yeah I think this is just clumsy defending you know this is careless she's she's not going in towards goal you just keep her wide and and keep that danger away from the goal and and that should have never happened but Columbia comes back I was able to put the ball in the back of the net yeah good on lacy san those there Washington spirit own and in the 83rd minute told you it was a chippy one roledo collatters and to see me a wujo and it was her second yellow she is sent off there were seven total yellows in this game the shell prints though doing what she does best hooks it away so talented and canada wins it for one with that definitionality this is so beautiful and it's so difficult to do especially on this type of service this ball this pace the way to keep it down like that to wrap your foot over top of the ball is brilliant yeah the stats really don't really tell the tale properly which is often seen here in football canada we know it with a four to one against Columbia so when we break down what we saw especially from casey stonies canada it was great they got rid of a goal is drought that had lasted for 485 minutes which is which is hard to believe alley but then you see that they ended a five game losing streak and you kind of believe it a little bit more what did canada do to be able to to come back from this and what do they need to do to continue this route well they had structure first and foremost you know they didn't make these careless mistakes they were able to capitalize on the goal scoring opportunities that they created and and they were able to put the ball in the back of the net they they also controlled the tempo I think they were really successful in wide areas to be able to you know create and combine so that was really great to see but the structure really stood out to me on both sides of the ball and then the moments that they needed to score goals those two set pieces are critical and in games like this where it's a little bit chippy and it's a little bit difficult because Columbia's you know causing some problems are having to deal with that type of threat that's a little bit uncomfortable and seven yellow cards and the red card in the end you know I was I was a little bit disappointed in how Columbia just couldn't get a hold of the game and do what they do best which is disrupting you know the opponent just with their high press mentality and their mentality of just being an underdog type of team where they can control games in midfield and be able to you know capitalize on transitional moments and they just didn't feel like they were you know getting any type of grip on the game or control in the game in order to be able to do the things that they're really good at and Canada controlled it all the way through and they definitely deserve the win yeah and I know you said Canada would maybe be the most difficult opponent here for the U.S. women's national team so when we think about their game in less than 24 hours how should Emma Hayes approach this one well I think we already understand or assume that it's going to be a little bit emotional so I think the U.S. has to hone in on that you know controlling the chaos right and and being able to mentally stay sharp in the game and then task at hand which isn't difficult for the U.S. to do they've proven that they're able to do that but with maybe some players who aren't as experienced playing against Canada as consistent as consistently as maybe a sonnet or a Lindsey or a Rose and I think that they need to make sure that they don't allow the emotions to overcome their play and they do the little things right they continue to combine and to be able to create those chances that they're really good at creating and I think we're going to see a different type of lineup I think we're going to see a really strong U.S. team with the spine that you know might have a different setup in the center back situation I'm sure Sam Koffee Lindsey and maybe we'll see a Rose I hope start the game off just to have that you know solid midfield core that the U.S. team needs against a really great young talented Canada they are ambitious they are exciting they are in I think a transitional period because they are you know somewhat newer squad and with with similar mindset of the U.S. national team younger players where they have a lot to prove they want to you know do well and they want to have success so I think you know it's going to be exciting they're going to want to come out and prove why they deserve to be there and to be in camp and and I know with you know the new coaching staff the new structure and philosophy we're starting to see that that grow and continue that process for Canada yeah we're starting to see that identity that I'm sure Casey Stoney really wants with this Canadian site I mean such talented players but as I mentioned Michelle Prince I'm very much looking forward to what she can do here with Canada here's the she believes Cup schedule or us mostly you know it as the son it believes Cup tomorrow Argentina versus Columbia 3 30 PM at USA versus Canada like we said in less than 24 hours Saturday the action continues with Canada versus Argentina and U.S. versus Columbia all right we're going to shift a little bit here to and WSL with someone who landed in San Diego to leave it all on and off the field and I'm of course talking about Kenza deli the way that her teammates speak about her her coaches speak about her she is clearly an example to follow and she sat down with another example to follow our Ali Creek well done by Kenza deli she is so crucial in their build and their creation just an incredible incredible shot from Kenza deli from outside the box scintillating strike what's an impact she's had firstly I want to know how your offseason was did you have any time to reset recharge relax with your family and friends I'm going to tell you the truth now I had family times about to be fair I really worked in places and you never really off I had like after the World 7 like a week and then then training yeah so it's all kind of bleeding to one did you have any time for the holidays to enjoy with family just a slight break my program was basically if you did the same morning family afternoon training like yeah at my age you can't really stop for three weeks I know how that feels you're absolutely right but you played World 7 you just spoke about it congratulations was that a fun experience for you it's it's slightly it's very different from a love of you love it so how did you how did you find that I loved it I honestly loved it like we had such a good time and I just love this football without like any rules and like you just attack you defend it was super demanding physically by was so much fun if I can play TV I will play TV well maybe you will now you'll be invited after after those performances that you had but you finished tied for the team leading goals moving from you know just to chat about last season what allowed you to make such an attacking impact for your team last season that to be fair I'm a bit surprised because my position was more like like lower on the pitch you're pretty fluid though you had you had freedom to play with a man so you don't really start like and I'm really happy with that because I'm really not into that and so it was more like I love the fact that we have so many different goal scorer this is really how I see football I just don't want to be dependent on one player and then that's the hardest to have in the team and so yeah that that was good yeah how do you balance kind of being that connector midfield without creativity and then the defensive responsibilities at times so especially in the interview style it's like box-to-box you're very active in midfield but in that within that role it feels as though you have the freedom that we were speaking about in the center of the park but how do you balance the attack and the defensive mindset of the game yeah I fight so hard with you honest to have this freedom I'm not gonna lie but it's because they're allowing me to do that and that's so important to me because each has my feeling on the pitch so it's always like as as long as we go raise different right like you can do what you want but yeah as you say like if you don't have like good shape behind the ball in this like you get finished straight away so the fact that we play with two sixes allowed me to be like kind of like six and eight so we always have one midfielder to stay for the rest of the offense and one that kind of navigate and then tell me to have this freedom and I just just love it because I always want the ball and then in the defensive part like it's more about position then I actually like make contact it's more about covering so like people can think like oh they're not defending because you don't tackle you defend and so you know but I love it it's more it's more your your position like without the ball that is really important in the way we play especially as you get older right you know I need to put my body in this way position or else I'm not gonna chase yeah if you want this with you like I am I'm the one to run the Mustang right here in every every single test we don't do the one K test recently so yeah I still have the legs to do that and that is as well why I'm like both six and eight I feel like a division that's also you you stay one brave yeah I feel good so that's the most important it's about working smarter not harder but moving into that what responsibility do you feel specifically heading into this new season with the wave a lot right now I will say but like because the windows is still active like you don't know what type of player you're gonna get if it's still gonna get player and are they gonna be like experienced players so obviously we we kind of like lost came in which was like a really big leader for us and Savannah was a pair for me on the pitch and had like this experience as well but we also sound like Ludmila that have so much experience in the game and like it's gonna lead the attack and so you really depend how you found your space in this young team and then you need to connect with them and and we will see you speak about you know changes with the me attack and through midfield basically in the front six including the departure of Duffy in which to London City which happy for her but also sad not only for San Diego because I thought you know she was brilliant for for the league and for you specifically having that relationship but how does that shift the group now you you mentioned you know the the window transparent is so open so there still could be some movement but losing a player like her I mean you don't replace her I mean like she's to me for working with her like in daily basis and stuff like for me she's top three in the world so like you would never match this quality doesn't matter who you bring is the reality if you think you can replace it then but then that's that's gonna be like how smart you are has a team of like maybe changing the way you play and you I always say smart play always adapt with who she plays so you not playing the same type of ball you're gonna play to dolphin or to do junior on the opposite side and you need to recognize that and then has a team we need to recognize like and to change the way we're gonna play and this is what precision is for and then as always you can't be dependent on one player by so it's obviously a massive loss so you mentioned Lujmila coming in and she was brilliant for Chicago scored a lot of goals also plays with the Brazilian national team so she has that experience at the highest level but how do you see her helping shape you know the system and the attack I think what I really like from Lujmila last season I remember when I played against Chicago she's a winner I remember they had like a really bad game in at home yeah it's like she caused back she was like fuming a half time and like I love that I love this fire in her that like we need it because I'm like that to a hate losing and like I just don't understand like her player that is fine losing training and like kind of just walk away like she was fighting and she got this fire in her game the way she play and the way she leads she someone that works hard I can always see she's been a reverse for like a week and a training you can really see she got big personality and I love that what does playing in the end of a cell bringing it back to just this league specifically what does it bring out on you that's a bit different than how you feel playing in Europe besides that winning mentality and that fight that's natural to you is there something else I just loved the fact that I'm starting a season and I'm like oh I compete for a trophy I felt like in England you have like if you know in the top three you know really compete for it and like you can now like okay what's your objective and in this league I felt like you have so many objectives so like it drives you really and what I love as well is like if I play a 70% in this league I can't get away like I'm gonna win trouble it's like fun as you say because my last season I was like 39 years old and I was like okay all I'm gonna do because I got I moved to center back and I left center back and you know I didn't want to run as much even though this league is so demanding you have to give no choice but at times I was like I'll just organize and I'll just you know ping the wall get it to the get it to the players you know talk communicate give it to the players that can play and that's really what the focus was so I adjusted that way but that's interesting I say that yeah I mean like I I feel like if I'm really a little bit tired like I can't play in this like you need to be 100% and I just love the fact that like even team that I have like such a bad runs can like hurt you the next game and like I love that and I'm I will say I'm much more demanding in my recovery especially with the travel that is new for me and I need to take care of myself so much more and yeah that changed me in terms of like I always been disciplined in everything I'm doing but Evan more now yeah how many recovery days do you get allowed seven to two I'll be like listen I'll see you next at the game at the home game not so don't worry about me no no I even like sometimes you can think like you're not gonna manage the experience flyer like for example you when I run between 11k and 12k per game so when we arrive on my step plus two when we travel is like do you only train today or do you understand the bike and I'm like no if you put me on the bike it means that the ones that I'm starting my week and the first time traveling in this course so like one of my training is so yeah no I I do I live around football I would have been like I'm gonna be on the bike I might not even make it to the bike I'm just gonna stretch here on the side no but when you have my age surely you change watch my I'm sure you did I'm sure you did for I don't feel and my day time stuff don't reflect like my age and I'm like maybe because the young player keep me young maybe because Ken said Ali knows how to keep herself young and clearly it's working for her with a seven to ten day rest of course be sarcastic in that answer I mean she was ranked first when it comes to goals second in a sense chances created she was first in shots she was first but again and it's kind of the same question that I was or the same thing that I was bringing up Ali with Lindsey heaps and with Ken said Ali her intangibles are just impressive even being in the same room with her it's it's almost like a coach that you want to make proud this is the kind of player that you want to play for and you want to play alongside what impressed you the most or what has impressed you the most about Ken said Ali in this conversation or her career short and very impressive in the NW cell I think just the passion that she has for the game especially you know just getting older I you know some players tend to just kind of you know lose that passion and they they might be having fun but they might not continue to have this this winning mentality of this urgency to want to win and and to fight and she has that she's electric she's the controller in the midfield she's one of the most experienced players if not the most experienced player on the wave and she's bringing that also international experience to a lot of these younger players and helping coach some of the younger players you know and just holding their hand and and bringing them along because she wants to win she wants to be successful and she knows that she has to gather everybody and make sure they're bought into you know the end goal but she's impressive you know as she's gotten older I think she's been playing some of the best football that I've ever seen her play in her career and and I think that's because she is enjoying San Diego she is enjoying the NWSL and she has having fun and she doesn't necessarily have to do that much but she wants to run the 11 kilometers a game and she wants to be involved in almost every play and and you can see that she really cares about the success of the team so I know that was a lot but she's a player that I respect and I think it has been wonderful to join the league and she attracts a lot of fans and puts them in the seats and it's going to be you know great to continue to see her growth you know with San Diego and then just she's she's a wonderful player for an anniversary to have and it's great for players like her to see a project like at San Diego Wave and say I want to stay here another season whether it's with Jonas Aydaval and what we saw in that change now last season and names now with Luchemila who's going to be playing at San Diego Wave possibly Cat Macario what potential does San Diego have now with the Kenzadelli who knows this league really well and with the potential growth of the a team that we were always excited to watch I mean like she mentioned you can't feel the shoes of Cascarina I mean unfortunately she you know chose to leave and go to the WSL but you know Luchemila is going to be brilliant and I think they're going to build that relationship right from the get and I think that's going to be extremely important uh to make sure that they don't lose that attacking um you know progress that they've made and now hopefully adding Cadarina Macario that would be brilliant because they do need a nine Luchemila can play out wide cut in and combine um and also you know make runs in behind and and create those services that maybe Cat could get on the end of so I'm hoping that that's that's going to be the case but we will see I think just those three are already um you know raising the level and elevating the level of San Diego altogether yeah it was sad to see Duffin Cascarina go especially with how she was able to fit into the San Diego Wave and we always describe this team as being extremely creative it's one of the more creative teams that we see play in the NWS also very excited to see another season of Kenzadelli uh all right speaking of good news this is great news we love to see in the off season Savvy King making her way back and I say way back because of this time like she suffered a cardiac event on May 9 2025 during an angel city match she underwent open heart surgery after a rare congenital heart condition was discovered she was placed on NWSL season ending injury list and will be available for angel cities preseason and start a regular season on March 15th so excited for her so let's hear from her with Ali Krieger see everything you went through last season how is your perspective of the game and on life shifted a little bit yeah my perspective has changed completely I feel like um at least I've tried to kind of you know step back a little bit and see the sport from a different lens I guess which is you know really different than what I've been used to but it's been it's been amazing I feel like I've grown so much and matured so much as a person but through it all I've just been trying to not like focus on like the negative part of it I don't want that to be what it all is that I want it to be more of like a positive thing so I've tried to turn it into something that's way bigger than just you know some an event that happened on the field how has um this recovery been different from any other injury right this health scare yeah it's not like any other injury yeah so how has that been different from what you've dealt with before if if at all actually this is my first injury that I've gone through really so this was a very big one a different one then then I can imagine any other injury but it's been it's been different I think that when you have like other injuries you kind of have had someone that's had it before so you kind of know the steps that it takes um and returning back to play on the field but for this recovery it was more so like a day-by-day basis um the doctors and stuff were figuring things out as we went so it wasn't necessarily like a laid out plan that we all knew the answers to there was a lot of questions that well now they know the answers to because I've been through it but it was like it was a process that was just required a lot of patience and just day-by-day and through that experience you've started a foundation which has been such a positive coming out from such a difficult time can you share what that mission means to you and how people can get involved and get connected with you? Yeah that mission means a lot to me it's called the Savvy King of Hearts and basically the goal is to bring awareness to cardiac events as well as the importance of CPR and every donation that we get goes back into the community because we are trying to provide AEDC communities that don't have them and that is a very crucial step in saving a life and so that is the biggest um way to contribute to you know the message and what we're trying to do with the nonprofit is to donate as well it's just spread the word I feel like also getting CPR certified is is a huge step as well and it got the nonprofit got really big really fast so we're just trying to figure out the best way to go about kind of you know the next steps that come with it. Well it's so exciting to hear that you've you know turned this um you know moment in your life in this experience um that might have been really difficult for you that was difficult for you and to something so extremely positive for so many so I'm so happy for you in that way as well um but you're still so young it's so much football to to play in your career um and ahead so what do you still want to achieve at Angel City? At Angel City I definitely well first of all just want to get back on the field I really think that we have a really great team going into this season I'm really excited and I think I mean obviously the goal for every season is to win it all so that all I said on that just taking it one game at a time and I think that we have a really special group going into this season so I'm so excited I still haven't played under Alex yet um because he came when I was not there so I think that that is another huge thing that I'm really excited for and then just we got some amazing additions I'm excited to play with Emily Sam's and all of our new rookies that came in and Ari Borgis and I think we're just gonna have a really great year. The new young ones are gonna be taking over on the plays um but what do you value most about being a defender? especially within this Angel City system I know you said you haven't played under Alex yet but you've been able to you know be a part of so many games in watching you know the team play you know the the second half of the year last year so what do you what do you see there? Yeah I feel like defenders are always silent heroes I feel like I love everything about being a defender and yeah I think we draw really well together off the field which I think really translates onto the field as well but we have we have pretty young backline to be honest with you but in Sarah and Emily they bring a lot of you know wisdom to us I guess and like a mentorship role kind of I feel like I've learned so much from them and I'm just excited to continue to work with them and grow and learn. What's been the biggest you talk about learning and growing what's been the biggest learning curve since you've been playing at the pro level so far? I feel like this past season has taught me a lot I feel like a lot of it just comes with patience I feel like I've definitely learned patience a lot throughout this process and to not rush something and getting back especially but yeah I feel like there's a lot to take away from I feel like I've learned the most from just asking questions and talking to people and you know putting myself out there to just kind of you know put myself in a situation where I can really gain a lot of information and just take a lot in because that is just super helpful and just becoming more well-rounded on the field. And what role have mentors like teammates or staff or family played during this chapter of your career? Ah huge they have been absolutely huge in shaping me my family especially they've been with me through it all so they've seen me at every stage all the time my parents pretty much go to every game ever so they're always around and that support has always meant the world to me and you know going out of college and coming to be a pro is is a big step it's a scary step to be honest with you and so I've had so much support you know with my family and coaches that I've had in the past as well as all the teammates I've had and going in my third year being an interview so that's crazy to think about but yeah I mean I was I was 18 when I started and I was scared I didn't know anybody and it was just super helpful to have so many players that just just make me feel so comfortable and just talking to me and just like you know patting me on the back and letting me know that like they've got my back which was really helpful. Has there been anyone specific any teammate in LA that has really taken you under their wing? Yeah has supported you? Yeah I feel like at different stages I feel like when I first got there like Sarah and Ali Riley were really helpful and you know bring Samus and Nila Roo they were really great and you know making me feel really comfortable and then Claire Emslee was my training partner throughout this recovery I love her and so it was just awesome to be able to watch her like be so strong throughout her entire pregnancy it was insane I feel like my jaw was always dropped it was crazy cuz like she's doing that oh my gosh she's running 80% of her max speed at eight months pregnant I was like how was that even possible first of all but it was really cool to like have that relationship as well because it was just like too crazy like different like injuries not really but like that happened to have like the same kind of recovery process like we both had our heart rate monitors on we called we called ourselves the heart throbs so it was really cool like to be able to go through that process with her and I feel like I learned a lot and she kind of helped me a lot and through that process of just keeping a positive mindset throughout it all because we were always cheering but what would make this season a success for you in your own terms yeah I feel like me feeling confident and comfortable just being out on the field I think that you know throughout this entire process the mental aspect is super important and I feel like you know I definitely had ups and downs for sure but just getting to a point where I feel like comfortable and confident and just being out on the field were just everything that happened to be doesn't necessarily like make me feel nervous um you know that's that's a process in it in and of itself but I feel like just getting to the point where I am just like completely just savvy again and getting to the point where it's like that the event that happened wasn't necessarily what people's first thing is when they say when they see me or what is attached to my name like before all of that I was just savvy the soccer player and I had accomplished everything that I did and got to where I was and so I'm excited to just play on the field and and like kind of leave that behind me a little bit and just become savvy the soccer player again being an angel city um what is representing that that city mean to you it means the world to me um I'm from here so being back in my hometown is absolutely incredible you know playing in front of my family friends um club coaches and trainers that I've had growing up it's so amazing I feel like I always knew that I wanted to play here at some point in my life just to be able to play for my hometown team and you know my parents don't have to fly or drive to all the games anymore they just drive with me in the car which is which is really awesome but it's amazing to represent like a city that is just so amazing and so diverse and there's so many amazing things that I feel like we bring into the culture and the atmosphere is just incredible and so inclusive then it's just amazing to kind of see and to be able to represent an organization like that that I'm just super proud to be a part of just makes the whole experience better I think this is a safe assumption I'm sure angel city is very proud to have savvy king not only back but as part of the roster here for this upcoming season what did you enjoy the most about your conversation with savvy I she's so humble she's so kind and um she just wants to continue to learn and ultimately just get back out on the field and play and and play this board that she loves to play so that was that was first but that was shook that this was her first you know injury or health scare I mean that that was that was wild to me to see if you know player I mean she is young but that was that was impressive so she must have an amazing recovery routine but I'm happy that the team has her back and I'm happy that you know she can go out there and play free and have fun and enjoy again after such a you know a tough year for her yeah at 21 years old we all believe we're invincible and to be shaken in that way to come back the way that she has she's done very close work with Demar Hamlin who also suffered a cardiac event with the with the bills a couple of years ago no two or three years ago if I remember correctly so it's been really great to see she's such an example now let's dive into what we expect from Angel City Allie um struggling as of late especially last season they tried to pick up towards the end of the season it wasn't enough for them Alyssa Thompson is out the extended Giselle Thompson what do you expect realistically from Angel City well it will be difficult you know you know not being able to fill the shoes of two incredible leaders in Kristen Press and Allie Riley of you know moved on into retirement and and I'm sure they're staying close to the team as much as possible to continue to help um you know off field but it will be tough to fill their shoes so that experience then you know other other players have to step up and really get control of of that and and make sure that everyone's bought into the ultimate goal is to make playoffs you have to have the mentality to want to get there they've shown that grit throughout the season but not a complete season they've you know had some really critical dips in their season and haven't been able to you know solidify a playoff run in the past two seasons so I know that this year that's what the expectation has to be and that's what I think we all are now expecting there's been a few roster changes I know solidifying up the the defense with Emily Sam's coming in which will be incredible because she'll need be able to lead from the back and take her experience over the past few years with Orlando and having that winning mentality enter into so I'm I'm happy to see you know that shore up a little bit which hopefully will give the attack more opportunities and but the the expectation is playoffs they are a team that you know has to get to that point in the season and has to fight through and to be able to have a complete season and they haven't been able to do that yet so I know they're probably itching to be able to get there this year yeah both of their kids are phenomenal angel city does it truly out of the best I want to say the best of the best because we'll have to talk about the kids here in the next couple of weeks but truly with what we're seeing from angel city and you were telling me of camera that you really enjoyed your conversation with Rayland Turner so that's another play that we can definitely look forward to but we are also looking forward to the start of the NWC season and we can't wait we're gonna start it in Boston Boston Legacy kicking things off first got them FC March 14th 12th 30 p.m. Eastern you can't miss it it's on ABC. A big name from Liga i Meki Sifemaneel is joining the NWSL YouTube royals announced the signing of Globo America's Guiana Palacios today a source told ESPN the royals paid an eight hundred thousand dollar transfer fee to sign palacios her signing was announced while on international duty with Mexico she is America's all time leading score for with 90 goals in 174 league appearances she truly is impressive with all of her numbers as they just mentioned those 90 goals a team high Real Sociedad L.A. Galaxy and Mexico she has so much experience that she will be bringing in to the NWSL. I wish I could have had any type of opportunity to score any type of goal like that in my my days she wanted all and she still wants more that's why she is a two-time world cup champion I should have I really just wanted to play up top and in the nine for like a few games football time exclusive Valley Krieger's coming back to play as a forward how many more goals did Lindsay keeps having you 38 and counting that's not a knock on you Ali we'll see you back here next week