Jason Anderson
@jasondcsoccer.bsky.social
Now: Staff writer, Pro Soccer Wire/USA TODAY Sports | Then: Black and Red United, Filibuster, Plex Weather | Sandstorm enthusiast, shoe purchaser
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Jason Anderson
@jasondcsoccer.bsky.social
· Sep 30
NWSL Weekend Take-Off: Gotham FC simplifies while Spirit, Racing plan to perfection
NWSL had a potentially decisive Week 22, with Gotham, the Spirit, and Louisville showing how important it is to have a good plan.
prosoccerwire.usatoday.com
Thank you #NWSL teams for giving me legit too many options to use for the Take-Off.
Went with the 3 statement performances of the week:
😎 Rose Lavelle and Gotham master making it easy on themselves
🔒 Racing Louisville (finally) lock it down
↔️ Spirit get it wide to devastating effect
Went with the 3 statement performances of the week:
😎 Rose Lavelle and Gotham master making it easy on themselves
🔒 Racing Louisville (finally) lock it down
↔️ Spirit get it wide to devastating effect
Late entry for Most Online Player 2025
November 11, 2025 at 2:22 AM
Late entry for Most Online Player 2025
If you went full literalist on what MVP means (it's a terrible name for Player of the Year, I will never stop saying this), you would have to seriously consider Dickey as an MVP candidate.
Seattle finishes...I'd say 10th/11th if you replace her with an average NWSL GK.
Seattle finishes...I'd say 10th/11th if you replace her with an average NWSL GK.
The last line of defense, the first name in the convo. 🧤
The nominees for 2025 Goalkeeper of the Year presented by @elfcosmetics.bsky.social.
Vote now: bit.ly/4oZJwqm
The nominees for 2025 Goalkeeper of the Year presented by @elfcosmetics.bsky.social.
Vote now: bit.ly/4oZJwqm
November 11, 2025 at 1:07 AM
If you went full literalist on what MVP means (it's a terrible name for Player of the Year, I will never stop saying this), you would have to seriously consider Dickey as an MVP candidate.
Seattle finishes...I'd say 10th/11th if you replace her with an average NWSL GK.
Seattle finishes...I'd say 10th/11th if you replace her with an average NWSL GK.
Reposted by Jason Anderson
As always I am open to commissions from US soccer outlets on how the #JLeague has spent 3+ years preparing for its transition to fall-spring.
You’ve probably heard that the MLS Board of Governors is meeting this week to discuss, among other things, a move to the “European” schedule. My understanding is that there’s no way that happens in 2026, but there’s a very real possibility that it could happen in 2027.
November 10, 2025 at 10:51 PM
As always I am open to commissions from US soccer outlets on how the #JLeague has spent 3+ years preparing for its transition to fall-spring.
Completely reasonable question from @amyrwood.bsky.social over González's CotY candidacy, and here's the case I would make for him.
On average 8.04 players missing per game (incl. Challenge Cup), and we're talking foundational players: Rodman, Krueger, Sullivan, Hatch.
On average 8.04 players missing per game (incl. Challenge Cup), and we're talking foundational players: Rodman, Krueger, Sullivan, Hatch.
Spirit lost over 200 player-games to injury/availability issues while facing play in 2 competitions, & we're talking 2024 Best 11/team leading scorer/soul of the team types making up most of that. Only had 3 games all season in which the availability report got as short as 5 players.
November 10, 2025 at 10:54 PM
Completely reasonable question from @amyrwood.bsky.social over González's CotY candidacy, and here's the case I would make for him.
On average 8.04 players missing per game (incl. Challenge Cup), and we're talking foundational players: Rodman, Krueger, Sullivan, Hatch.
On average 8.04 players missing per game (incl. Challenge Cup), and we're talking foundational players: Rodman, Krueger, Sullivan, Hatch.
Hate to go all "we have food at home" but it's Vlatko by a mile, & González 2nd.
KC had the best reg. season in NWSL history. A 21-pt gap atop the table is Lyonnes-in-France dominance, & KC's roster is not 21 points better than the rest.
Yanez showed real future CotY potential, but again: future.
KC had the best reg. season in NWSL history. A 21-pt gap atop the table is Lyonnes-in-France dominance, & KC's roster is not 21 points better than the rest.
Yanez showed real future CotY potential, but again: future.
Architects of plays and players. Leaders on and off the pitch. ⭐️
The nominees for 2025 Coach of the Year.
Vote now: bit.ly/4oZJwqm
The nominees for 2025 Coach of the Year.
Vote now: bit.ly/4oZJwqm
November 10, 2025 at 7:31 PM
Hate to go all "we have food at home" but it's Vlatko by a mile, & González 2nd.
KC had the best reg. season in NWSL history. A 21-pt gap atop the table is Lyonnes-in-France dominance, & KC's roster is not 21 points better than the rest.
Yanez showed real future CotY potential, but again: future.
KC had the best reg. season in NWSL history. A 21-pt gap atop the table is Lyonnes-in-France dominance, & KC's roster is not 21 points better than the rest.
Yanez showed real future CotY potential, but again: future.
Reposted by Jason Anderson
Capital One Arena to host PWHL Takeover Tour game between Montréal Victoire and New York Sirens russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2025/11/10/p...
Capital One Arena to host PWHL Takeover Tour game between Montréal Victoire and New York Sirens
The PWHL is coming to the District for the first time this January. Monday, the league announced that the Montreal Victoire will…
russianmachineneverbreaks.com
November 10, 2025 at 6:34 PM
Capital One Arena to host PWHL Takeover Tour game between Montréal Victoire and New York Sirens russianmachineneverbreaks.com/2025/11/10/p...
Reposted by Jason Anderson
Heads up: YouTube TV is giving a $20 credit to subscribers over the Disney/ESPN mess, but you have to actually go into the settings to claim it.
This is not a spam tweet, the settings page link is here: tv.youtube.com/settings/ser...
This is not a spam tweet, the settings page link is here: tv.youtube.com/settings/ser...
November 10, 2025 at 5:37 PM
Heads up: YouTube TV is giving a $20 credit to subscribers over the Disney/ESPN mess, but you have to actually go into the settings to claim it.
This is not a spam tweet, the settings page link is here: tv.youtube.com/settings/ser...
This is not a spam tweet, the settings page link is here: tv.youtube.com/settings/ser...
For me Coffey was a slam dunk for Midfielder, and was on my MVP shortlist.
I genuinely do not think the Thorns make the playoffs if her season was even 10% worse (i.e. merely great) than it was. Thorns defensive set-up for half the season was to shrug and hope Coffey took care of it.
I genuinely do not think the Thorns make the playoffs if her season was even 10% worse (i.e. merely great) than it was. Thorns defensive set-up for half the season was to shrug and hope Coffey took care of it.
#NWSL awards season shenanigans is an annual tradition, and the Midfielder of the Year shortlist having NEITHER Taylor Flint NOR Sam Coffey is egregious, baffling stuff.
November 10, 2025 at 3:54 PM
For me Coffey was a slam dunk for Midfielder, and was on my MVP shortlist.
I genuinely do not think the Thorns make the playoffs if her season was even 10% worse (i.e. merely great) than it was. Thorns defensive set-up for half the season was to shrug and hope Coffey took care of it.
I genuinely do not think the Thorns make the playoffs if her season was even 10% worse (i.e. merely great) than it was. Thorns defensive set-up for half the season was to shrug and hope Coffey took care of it.
Does Manaka deserve some kind of 2025 end-of-season award? I think that's an easy yes.
But she was not a midfielder for the vast majority of 2025.
But she was not a midfielder for the vast majority of 2025.
November 10, 2025 at 3:25 PM
Does Manaka deserve some kind of 2025 end-of-season award? I think that's an easy yes.
But she was not a midfielder for the vast majority of 2025.
But she was not a midfielder for the vast majority of 2025.
Anyway among 10000 things to happen today, I am having intrusive thoughts of Marta finding a second burst of energy to win that penalty last night.
November 9, 2025 at 3:20 AM
Anyway among 10000 things to happen today, I am having intrusive thoughts of Marta finding a second burst of energy to win that penalty last night.
Reposted by Jason Anderson
Laughing about this text with @dreyesceron.bsky.social. I genuinely can’t believe we’ve raised over $15k for CAFB. Things are dark but our community is a light.
November 8, 2025 at 10:59 PM
Laughing about this text with @dreyesceron.bsky.social. I genuinely can’t believe we’ve raised over $15k for CAFB. Things are dark but our community is a light.
Reposted by Jason Anderson
"She shows what she is: one of the best goalkeepers in this league and in this country."
Esme Morgan, Hal Hershfelt, and Adrián González on the impact Aubrey Kingsbury has on opponents in shootouts, and Kingsbury's reaction to her colleagues' praise:
Esme Morgan, Hal Hershfelt, and Adrián González on the impact Aubrey Kingsbury has on opponents in shootouts, and Kingsbury's reaction to her colleagues' praise:
![Esme Morgan
I feel like whenever someone walks up, you just assume that Aubrey is going to save it. And I think the opposition have that sitting in their minds as well.
Obviously a lot of [taking] penalties is psychological, and it's how much belief and confidence you have in yourself. And I feel like when other teams come up against Aubrey, knowing her history and knowing her record, that's going to sort of linger in the back of the mind and cause a little bit of doubt, which is exactly what we want.
So, yeah, credit to 'Aubs.' She's done it time and time again, and thankfully she was there for us again today.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gj2bc6vdtaw5mfhzhzdxr3j3/bafkreihcycjpj6uabaipi4hnr6h7yyecikkl3ge5ygyzx3qnmxu55m3tvi@jpeg)
![Hal Hershfelt
I feel so confident with Aubrey in there. I feel like every time we go into a PK shootout, I'm like, 'Hmm, she's got at least two [saves] in her, two or three – like, we're going to be fine.’
But, I mean, that's just me. I'm an Aubrey stan through and through.
I just feel so good knowing that when we get in those high stakes moments, we have someone like that in our net. I mean, it's the best confidence. Even as a PK kicker, I'm like, ‘You know what? I can make this, Aubrey's got my back, it's fine.’](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gj2bc6vdtaw5mfhzhzdxr3j3/bafkreieijaaiacckcefllutv3q6muocn5sil7vdmlsl7aevnfbivb3pliq@jpeg)
![Adrián González
I think it's amazing, the confidence that she has. Also, what she brings to the team, to the fans, the connection. She gave us a lot last season, and we believe a lot in her potential.
It's not just about the ability to save. It's the ability to analyze, to memorize, learn every single opponent, and that's so difficult. And there's a lot of work behind [the scenes], a lot of responsibility also for her.
So all the credit on her, because I cannot imagine the pressure that you need to feel when you are there as a keeper. You need to be able to manage that situation, and she shows what she is: one of the best goalkeepers in this league and in this country.
And when the moments like that appear, she handles the pressure like that. So it's amazing having her as a goalkeeper.
[...]
It's obvious. She's so good on that [in penalty shootouts]. Her presence, body language, [you] just need to see her. It's not just about saving. There is a lot of work behind [the scenes].
I don't want to say it here publicly, but we take care of a lot of details. When you go to a shootout like that, you have two options. You can just see what happens, and try to have luck. here's a lot of uncertainty for sure, but you can prepare [for] that and you can have different strategies.
And I think we've been doing a great job on that, and also she's really good on that. Especially here playing at home, the connection that she has with our fans is is amazing. So obviously there is an emotional and psychological approach, of course.](https://cdn.bsky.app/img/feed_thumbnail/plain/did:plc:gj2bc6vdtaw5mfhzhzdxr3j3/bafkreifxf7de4vb44jnup7ke4kahostbnvhtos4qevncyjh3cmswv73cka@jpeg)
November 8, 2025 at 11:17 PM
"She shows what she is: one of the best goalkeepers in this league and in this country."
Esme Morgan, Hal Hershfelt, and Adrián González on the impact Aubrey Kingsbury has on opponents in shootouts, and Kingsbury's reaction to her colleagues' praise:
Esme Morgan, Hal Hershfelt, and Adrián González on the impact Aubrey Kingsbury has on opponents in shootouts, and Kingsbury's reaction to her colleagues' praise:
Esme Morgan on this whole scene:
"They were just having a great time up there, like the standing section was absolutely packed. And I thought, I want to get involved. So, yeah, just clambered on the little platform that they have, and Trin handed me a flag, and I was waving it."
"They were just having a great time up there, like the standing section was absolutely packed. And I thought, I want to get involved. So, yeah, just clambered on the little platform that they have, and Trin handed me a flag, and I was waving it."
November 9, 2025 at 2:43 AM
Esme Morgan on this whole scene:
"They were just having a great time up there, like the standing section was absolutely packed. And I thought, I want to get involved. So, yeah, just clambered on the little platform that they have, and Trin handed me a flag, and I was waving it."
"They were just having a great time up there, like the standing section was absolutely packed. And I thought, I want to get involved. So, yeah, just clambered on the little platform that they have, and Trin handed me a flag, and I was waving it."
Reposted by Jason Anderson
“At some point, we’d like to win a playoff game in 90 minutes and do it the easy way. But it’s also more exciting this way.”
Another playoff game, another exhilarating Spirit win. Reporting from Audi Field on Washington’s shootout triumph over Louisville:
Another playoff game, another exhilarating Spirit win. Reporting from Audi Field on Washington’s shootout triumph over Louisville:
Just for kicks, Spirit earns another dramatic NWSL playoff win
Goalkeeper Aubrey Kingsbury and Washington snag a 3-1 shootout victory over Racing Louisville after regulation ends in a 1-1 draw.
www.washingtonpost.com
November 9, 2025 at 12:04 AM
“At some point, we’d like to win a playoff game in 90 minutes and do it the easy way. But it’s also more exciting this way.”
Another playoff game, another exhilarating Spirit win. Reporting from Audi Field on Washington’s shootout triumph over Louisville:
Another playoff game, another exhilarating Spirit win. Reporting from Audi Field on Washington’s shootout triumph over Louisville:
Been occupied for a while, but Spirit injury updates from Adrián González just in case:
- Carle "felt something in that sprint, in her hamstring."
- McKeown has an ankle injury, not a knee. "I don't think it's [anything] big... you cannot take risk in this situation."
- Carle "felt something in that sprint, in her hamstring."
- McKeown has an ankle injury, not a knee. "I don't think it's [anything] big... you cannot take risk in this situation."
November 9, 2025 at 2:28 AM
Been occupied for a while, but Spirit injury updates from Adrián González just in case:
- Carle "felt something in that sprint, in her hamstring."
- McKeown has an ankle injury, not a knee. "I don't think it's [anything] big... you cannot take risk in this situation."
- Carle "felt something in that sprint, in her hamstring."
- McKeown has an ankle injury, not a knee. "I don't think it's [anything] big... you cannot take risk in this situation."
This is absolutely insane. 9 of the 29 saved shootout penalties is over one-third of the saves!
37.5% - In penalty shootouts in all competitions for #NWSL teams, Aubrey Kingsbury has saved 37.5% of the on-target penalties she has faced (9/24). All other goalkeepers have combined to save just 17.2% (20/116). Different.
November 8, 2025 at 10:42 PM
This is absolutely insane. 9 of the 29 saved shootout penalties is over one-third of the saves!
Reposted by Jason Anderson
November 8, 2025 at 9:23 PM
Reposted by Jason Anderson
"That goal, I dedicate to all of the Spirit fans, and also my dad. He was my first coach and made me what I am today. ... I know my dad is with me, and he's giving me the strength to keep going, and this goal was the proof."
- Gift Monday on scoring in her first game since her father's passing
- Gift Monday on scoring in her first game since her father's passing
November 8, 2025 at 9:34 PM
"That goal, I dedicate to all of the Spirit fans, and also my dad. He was my first coach and made me what I am today. ... I know my dad is with me, and he's giving me the strength to keep going, and this goal was the proof."
- Gift Monday on scoring in her first game since her father's passing
- Gift Monday on scoring in her first game since her father's passing
Hal Hershfelt's mixed zone was interrupted by a roaring Kysha Sylla, who a) shouted "HAAAAAALLLLLL" and b) proceeded to hoist Hershfelt
November 8, 2025 at 9:01 PM
Hal Hershfelt's mixed zone was interrupted by a roaring Kysha Sylla, who a) shouted "HAAAAAALLLLLL" and b) proceeded to hoist Hershfelt
Spirit keep settling for long shots because they don't have the energy for one more run, or one more successful action.
Racing is there for the taking if someone can find one more burst or one bit of composure, but it doesn't seem to be happening
Racing is there for the taking if someone can find one more burst or one bit of composure, but it doesn't seem to be happening
November 8, 2025 at 8:02 PM
Spirit keep settling for long shots because they don't have the energy for one more run, or one more successful action.
Racing is there for the taking if someone can find one more burst or one bit of composure, but it doesn't seem to be happening
Racing is there for the taking if someone can find one more burst or one bit of composure, but it doesn't seem to be happening
If the Spirit find a winner it's going to involve Paige Metayer, who appears to be the only player on either side with gas in the tank.
She's gotta start driving into the box though. Too many crosses at a set back line.
She's gotta start driving into the box though. Too many crosses at a set back line.
November 8, 2025 at 7:53 PM
If the Spirit find a winner it's going to involve Paige Metayer, who appears to be the only player on either side with gas in the tank.
She's gotta start driving into the box though. Too many crosses at a set back line.
She's gotta start driving into the box though. Too many crosses at a set back line.
Reposted by Jason Anderson
reminder that bloomer has faced 4 penalties this season and saved 3 so the spirit might wanna just go ahead and do a goal or two now'ish
my heart won't be able to take it if this goes to PKs
November 8, 2025 at 7:46 PM
reminder that bloomer has faced 4 penalties this season and saved 3 so the spirit might wanna just go ahead and do a goal or two now'ish
Lots of fatigue showing for both teams. Spirit making iffy decisions, Sears losing footraces.
November 8, 2025 at 7:43 PM
Lots of fatigue showing for both teams. Spirit making iffy decisions, Sears losing footraces.
McKeown is being helped off the pitch, & seemed to be pretty emotional. Doesn't seem like a good situation.
Kysha Sylla about to enter.
Kysha Sylla about to enter.
Awkward fall for Tara McKeown, and the Spirit have gathered around her as she receives treatment.
Got to her feet without trainers, but then sat right back down.
Got to her feet without trainers, but then sat right back down.
November 8, 2025 at 7:37 PM
McKeown is being helped off the pitch, & seemed to be pretty emotional. Doesn't seem like a good situation.
Kysha Sylla about to enter.
Kysha Sylla about to enter.