Lesley Ryder
@lesleyryder.bsky.social
Writer, Soccer talker and Pal @GalPalSports.bsky.social bylines: @allforxi, @defectormedia
LesleyRyder.54 on Signal
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LesleyRyder.54 on Signal
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Pinned
Alyssa Naeher’s legacy of hard work and consistency
Leslie Osborne, Casey Krueger and Sam Staab share what makes Naeher so special
equalizersoccer.com
Last weekend in Hartford, Alyssa Naeher faced her toughest task yet: accepting praise.
As former teammate Casey Krueger said, “She deserves the world. She’s the best, whether she likes it or not, she’s gonna take all those compliments.”
equalizersoccer.com/2025/11/03/a...
As former teammate Casey Krueger said, “She deserves the world. She’s the best, whether she likes it or not, she’s gonna take all those compliments.”
equalizersoccer.com/2025/11/03/a...
Heard back from the stars!
Asked if the club had any comment on the anti-trans rhetoric coming at NWSL players, they responded that they won’t be putting out a statement.
Asked if the club had any comment on the anti-trans rhetoric coming at NWSL players, they responded that they won’t be putting out a statement.
Waiting to hear back from the Stars
I have reached out to the Washington Spirit comms for comment on the recent comments from Elizabeth Eddy and Jennifer Sey.
Don’t know that i will hear back today but will keep you all posted if and when i do get a comment from them.
Don’t know that i will hear back today but will keep you all posted if and when i do get a comment from them.
November 11, 2025 at 12:32 AM
Heard back from the stars!
Asked if the club had any comment on the anti-trans rhetoric coming at NWSL players, they responded that they won’t be putting out a statement.
Asked if the club had any comment on the anti-trans rhetoric coming at NWSL players, they responded that they won’t be putting out a statement.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Today marks 50 years since the Edmund Fitzgerald and her crew of 29 sank during a violent storm on Lake Superior.
In Minnesota, we continue to honor their legacy.
www.startribune.com/ss-edmund-fi...
In Minnesota, we continue to honor their legacy.
www.startribune.com/ss-edmund-fi...
Washington: 50 years after Edmund Fitzgerald wreck, story endures despite ballad’s myths
Gordon Lightfoot’s song both preserved and distorted the doomed ship’s history, Robin Washington writes.
www.startribune.com
November 10, 2025 at 8:55 PM
Today marks 50 years since the Edmund Fitzgerald and her crew of 29 sank during a violent storm on Lake Superior.
In Minnesota, we continue to honor their legacy.
www.startribune.com/ss-edmund-fi...
In Minnesota, we continue to honor their legacy.
www.startribune.com/ss-edmund-fi...
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
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.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Remember that little boy who cried uncontrollably because he wanted A’ja Wilson to come to his house??? He got to MEET her and I cannot deal… 🥹😭❤️ #WNBA
November 10, 2025 at 9:39 PM
Remember that little boy who cried uncontrollably because he wanted A’ja Wilson to come to his house??? He got to MEET her and I cannot deal… 🥹😭❤️ #WNBA
Arguing about postseason awards on the skyline. The NWSL has MADE it!
😭😭
😭😭
a man in a suit and tie is making a funny face while sitting in front of a window .
Alt: Michael Scott, wearing a suit and tie is seated in front of a set of blinds. His eyes are welling up, and he’s beaming with pride
media.tenor.com
November 10, 2025 at 10:22 PM
Arguing about postseason awards on the skyline. The NWSL has MADE it!
😭😭
😭😭
This is why Kayla Sharples made my MVP shortlist.
The KC before Sharples does not win the shield.
The KC before Sharples does not win the shield.
11.39 Goals Added using the Above Replacement g+ variation, well above Banda’a 7.78 & Manaka’s 6.92. Awesome, but not enough for a 21 point gap.
It was the defense. +23.08 team goal difference in the defensive half. Second was +6.58 goal difference (Gotham FC).
It was the defense. +23.08 team goal difference in the defensive half. Second was +6.58 goal difference (Gotham FC).
November 10, 2025 at 10:20 PM
This is why Kayla Sharples made my MVP shortlist.
The KC before Sharples does not win the shield.
The KC before Sharples does not win the shield.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Wrong. It’s Bev.
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 7:48 PM
Wrong. It’s Bev.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
While we’re still discussing, I do also put a lot of KC’s success on Carducci’s roster building. You could say the same about DC’s roster depth.
Louisville Front Office did not hand the same framework to Yanez, in fact they traded away one of the best midfielders in the league last August.
Louisville Front Office did not hand the same framework to Yanez, in fact they traded away one of the best midfielders in the league last August.
November 10, 2025 at 8:16 PM
While we’re still discussing, I do also put a lot of KC’s success on Carducci’s roster building. You could say the same about DC’s roster depth.
Louisville Front Office did not hand the same framework to Yanez, in fact they traded away one of the best midfielders in the league last August.
Louisville Front Office did not hand the same framework to Yanez, in fact they traded away one of the best midfielders in the league last August.
The PWHL is coming to Chicagoland!
December 21st: Ottawa vs Minnesota
March 25th: New York vs Seattle
Both games at AllState Arena in Rosemont.
December 21st: Ottawa vs Minnesota
March 25th: New York vs Seattle
Both games at AllState Arena in Rosemont.
The PWHL is heading across North America this winter with a 16-game Takeover Tour in 11 cities.
Halifax, Denver, Chicago, Detroit, and Edmonton lead the way and will host two PWHL games this season.
More and a full schedule on @DailyFaceoff
dailyfaceoff.com/calgary-chic...
Halifax, Denver, Chicago, Detroit, and Edmonton lead the way and will host two PWHL games this season.
More and a full schedule on @DailyFaceoff
dailyfaceoff.com/calgary-chic...
Calgary, Chicago, Detroit headline 2025-26 PWHL Takeover Tour sites
The 16-game Takeover Tour will hit 11 different cities, including several set to host two games.
dailyfaceoff.com
November 10, 2025 at 5:59 PM
The PWHL is coming to Chicagoland!
December 21st: Ottawa vs Minnesota
March 25th: New York vs Seattle
Both games at AllState Arena in Rosemont.
December 21st: Ottawa vs Minnesota
March 25th: New York vs Seattle
Both games at AllState Arena in Rosemont.
"I'm Lesley Ryder, and here's my NWSL Best 36..."
November 10, 2025 at 5:45 PM
"I'm Lesley Ryder, and here's my NWSL Best 36..."
I am never more in awe of the depth of talent in the NWSL than when it's time to pick the end of season best XI.
November 10, 2025 at 5:35 PM
I am never more in awe of the depth of talent in the NWSL than when it's time to pick the end of season best XI.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Prepping for today's @chgo-stars.bsky.social show... I couldn't find a compiled list of the worst seasons in NWSL history.
So, by PPG, here are all the teams that were worse than the Stars (and Bay FC) were this year #NWSL
So, by PPG, here are all the teams that were worse than the Stars (and Bay FC) were this year #NWSL
November 10, 2025 at 4:49 PM
Prepping for today's @chgo-stars.bsky.social show... I couldn't find a compiled list of the worst seasons in NWSL history.
So, by PPG, here are all the teams that were worse than the Stars (and Bay FC) were this year #NWSL
So, by PPG, here are all the teams that were worse than the Stars (and Bay FC) were this year #NWSL
“With 15 goals and three assists this season, Chawinga’s absence from the Current’s last three games is inextricable from their surprising exit from the postseason.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Current's overreliance on Chawinga makes her MVP argument even more compelling
www.nytimes.com
November 10, 2025 at 4:28 PM
“With 15 goals and three assists this season, Chawinga’s absence from the Current’s last three games is inextricable from their surprising exit from the postseason.”
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
#NWSL awards season shenanigans is an annual tradition, and the Midfielder of the Year shortlist having NEITHER Taylor Flint NOR Sam Coffey is egregious, baffling stuff.
November 10, 2025 at 3:41 PM
#NWSL awards season shenanigans is an annual tradition, and the Midfielder of the Year shortlist having NEITHER Taylor Flint NOR Sam Coffey is egregious, baffling stuff.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
The average SNAP benefit per month is $177 a person.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
November 10, 2025 at 1:49 AM
The average SNAP benefit per month is $177 a person.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
The average ACA benefit per month is up to $550 a person.
People want us to hold the line for a reason. This is not a matter of appealing to a base. It’s about people’s lives.
And working people want leaders whose word means something to them.
I feel less like a weenie for being cold in my fleece
November 10, 2025 at 12:26 AM
I feel less like a weenie for being cold in my fleece
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
BREAKING: The NWSL is awarding its 17th franchise to Atlanta and will join the league for a record expansion fee of $165 million, sources tell The Athletic.
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
November 9, 2025 at 11:35 PM
BREAKING: The NWSL is awarding its 17th franchise to Atlanta and will join the league for a record expansion fee of $165 million, sources tell The Athletic.
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Details: www.nytimes.com/athletic/679...
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
November 9, 2025 at 11:19 PM
SNOCYCLE KICK
November 9, 2025 at 11:29 PM
SNOCYCLE KICK
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
I was told it could not be done
JCA says Esther is really close, an important player, but the team has a deep roster — she was on the bench because she could have played a little, but with the weather especially the wind in the 2nd half, they considered that and other details in the decision.
Q: @jeffkassouf.bsky.social
Q: @jeffkassouf.bsky.social
November 9, 2025 at 10:30 PM
I was told it could not be done
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
You like extra time, eh?
a cartoon of homer simpson being tortured by a demon
Alt: a cartoon of homer simpson being tortured by a demon
media.tenor.com
November 9, 2025 at 10:10 PM
You like extra time, eh?
I am interested/living in fear of what Kansas City is going to do in the winter window.
DC lost in the final and went to the checkbook. It’s paid dividends in building their depth when they needed it most. Will Kansas City follow suit?
DC lost in the final and went to the checkbook. It’s paid dividends in building their depth when they needed it most. Will Kansas City follow suit?
November 9, 2025 at 10:08 PM
I am interested/living in fear of what Kansas City is going to do in the winter window.
DC lost in the final and went to the checkbook. It’s paid dividends in building their depth when they needed it most. Will Kansas City follow suit?
DC lost in the final and went to the checkbook. It’s paid dividends in building their depth when they needed it most. Will Kansas City follow suit?
Players are always gonna want to play, especially in the playoffs. (See also: NHL)
But I think it’s up to the coaching staff to do what’s best for the player, and it’s up to the technical staff to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
But I think it’s up to the coaching staff to do what’s best for the player, and it’s up to the technical staff to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
Press conferences are terrible for getting full quotes and context out quickly. So here's the whole of what Vlatko Andonovski had to say about Bia playing through injury today:
November 9, 2025 at 10:02 PM
Players are always gonna want to play, especially in the playoffs. (See also: NHL)
But I think it’s up to the coaching staff to do what’s best for the player, and it’s up to the technical staff to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
But I think it’s up to the coaching staff to do what’s best for the player, and it’s up to the technical staff to be prepared for the worst case scenario.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
American Soccer culture is a no. 8 team taking down a league winner, IMO
November 9, 2025 at 8:32 PM
American Soccer culture is a no. 8 team taking down a league winner, IMO