Lesley Ryder
@lesleyryder.bsky.social
Writer, Soccer talker and Pal @GalPalSports.bsky.social bylines: Defector, The Guardian, Equalizer soccer, allforxi,
LesleyRyder.54 on Signal
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LesleyRyder.54 on Signal
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Lesley Ryder
@lesleyryder.bsky.social
· Nov 20
The NWSL Received 43 Complaints In 2024, And Five In The First Half Of This Year, Public Records Show | Defector
When the National Women’s Soccer League settled with three separate attorneys general earlier this year—following investigations by all three into the league’s years of failure to prevent or adequatel...
defector.com
Thanks to a $5 million settlement with the NY, DC and IL OAG, the NWSL is required to report their investigations.
The semi-annual report and its exhibits give us a teensy bit of transparency into the NWSL’s process.
With @dianamoskovitz.bsky.social for Defector!
defector.com/nwsl-43-comp...
The semi-annual report and its exhibits give us a teensy bit of transparency into the NWSL’s process.
With @dianamoskovitz.bsky.social for Defector!
defector.com/nwsl-43-comp...
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
. @bynatepilling.bsky.social and I talked with one of Renee Good's Kansas City neighbors today. Their kids played together often before the Good family moved in December 2024.
“They were just two ladies with a cool kid.”
www.kansascity.com/news/local/a...
“They were just two ladies with a cool kid.”
www.kansascity.com/news/local/a...
Waldo neighbor recalls mom killed by ICE in Minneapolis: ‘Two ladies with a cool kid’
A Waldo neighbor recounts Renee Good’s time in Kansas City and reacts to the fatal Minneapolis ICE shooting that killed her.
www.kansascity.com
January 8, 2026 at 11:36 PM
. @bynatepilling.bsky.social and I talked with one of Renee Good's Kansas City neighbors today. Their kids played together often before the Good family moved in December 2024.
“They were just two ladies with a cool kid.”
www.kansascity.com/news/local/a...
“They were just two ladies with a cool kid.”
www.kansascity.com/news/local/a...
The last time we had the old boy’s club in the NWSL, it ended in multiple investigations.
I’m not at all saying that’s what’s gonna happen in KC, but tapping into the ol’ network can have terrible consequences. Can’t let friendship get in the way of the job
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/...
I’m not at all saying that’s what’s gonna happen in KC, but tapping into the ol’ network can have terrible consequences. Can’t let friendship get in the way of the job
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/...
Women describe ‘old boys’ club’ culture at Washington Spirit as NWSL probes franchise
The investigation comes on the heels of abuse allegations against the team's former coach, and as the NWSL undergoes a reckoning over player treatment and the representation of women and people of col...
www.washingtonpost.com
January 8, 2026 at 10:03 PM
The last time we had the old boy’s club in the NWSL, it ended in multiple investigations.
I’m not at all saying that’s what’s gonna happen in KC, but tapping into the ol’ network can have terrible consequences. Can’t let friendship get in the way of the job
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/...
I’m not at all saying that’s what’s gonna happen in KC, but tapping into the ol’ network can have terrible consequences. Can’t let friendship get in the way of the job
www.washingtonpost.com/sports/2021/...
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
"Jesse Marsch gave me a call and said 'hey, a friend of mine that I went to college with [Chris Long] is looking for a coach. He asked me for someone and I had one name: yours." -Armas (? from Taylor Kauffman @kmbc9.bsky.social)
January 8, 2026 at 8:20 PM
"Jesse Marsch gave me a call and said 'hey, a friend of mine that I went to college with [Chris Long] is looking for a coach. He asked me for someone and I had one name: yours." -Armas (? from Taylor Kauffman @kmbc9.bsky.social)
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Martinelli, the league’s premier injury faker, pushing a guy who’s down injured. lol
January 8, 2026 at 9:52 PM
Martinelli, the league’s premier injury faker, pushing a guy who’s down injured. lol
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan has signed with the North Carolina Courage through the 2027 #NWSL season. Sheridan recently left the San Diego Wave via what the Wave called a mutual termination. Sheridan was a leader in SD since '22 launch.
Big signing for NC after losing Casey Murphy.
Big signing for NC after losing Casey Murphy.
NC COURAGE SIGN CANADIAN GOALKEEPER KAILEN SHERIDAN THROUGH 2027 | News - NC Courage
Olympic Gold Medalist brings nine seasons of NWSL experience to Cary
www.nccourage.com
January 8, 2026 at 9:47 PM
Canada goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan has signed with the North Carolina Courage through the 2027 #NWSL season. Sheridan recently left the San Diego Wave via what the Wave called a mutual termination. Sheridan was a leader in SD since '22 launch.
Big signing for NC after losing Casey Murphy.
Big signing for NC after losing Casey Murphy.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Did my best to summarize everything that came out today about Kansas City's Rashee Rice. His ex-girlfriend published a lengthy post on Instagram yesterday, describing physical abuse.
Gift link: defector.com/ex-girlfrien...
Gift link: defector.com/ex-girlfrien...
Ex-Girlfriend Of Rashee Rice Says She Was Abused | Defector
The ex-girlfriend of Kansas City wide receiver Rashee Rice, Dacoda Nichole Jones, posted 14 photos to her Instagram account on Wednesday, many showing her with bruises on her body, scratch marks, and ...
defector.com
January 8, 2026 at 9:39 PM
Did my best to summarize everything that came out today about Kansas City's Rashee Rice. His ex-girlfriend published a lengthy post on Instagram yesterday, describing physical abuse.
Gift link: defector.com/ex-girlfrien...
Gift link: defector.com/ex-girlfrien...
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
I don’t intrinsically have anything against pragmatic managers, but I also can’t identify any coherent “style of play” across Armas’ teams to date
@danielsperrykc.bsky.social asks about making the switch to the women's game:
Says he might have a better idea after a few months, but "when I saw the team play, I didn't see men women. I saw a team that said I can connect with that style of play."
Says he might have a better idea after a few months, but "when I saw the team play, I didn't see men women. I saw a team that said I can connect with that style of play."
January 8, 2026 at 8:34 PM
I don’t intrinsically have anything against pragmatic managers, but I also can’t identify any coherent “style of play” across Armas’ teams to date
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Re: the decision to not extend the CBA again: League sources believe both sides will get a deal done & there will be 2026 season. Too much at stake if games are missed. But we may not see a new CBA for a little while longer. The possibility of a super condensed offseason is real
January 8, 2026 at 9:30 PM
Re: the decision to not extend the CBA again: League sources believe both sides will get a deal done & there will be 2026 season. Too much at stake if games are missed. But we may not see a new CBA for a little while longer. The possibility of a super condensed offseason is real
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
A guy who has never worked in women’s football said “this is your guy” and you just go with it is the epitome of cronyism.
January 8, 2026 at 9:01 PM
A guy who has never worked in women’s football said “this is your guy” and you just go with it is the epitome of cronyism.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
When I get asked why North American women, Black women, women of color aren’t coaching in the NWSL, I’m just going to send them this quote.
The good ol’ boys network in soccer is alive & well in 🇺🇸. That Chris Long is calling Jesse Marsch “looking for a coach” is a symptom of a systemic problem.
The good ol’ boys network in soccer is alive & well in 🇺🇸. That Chris Long is calling Jesse Marsch “looking for a coach” is a symptom of a systemic problem.
"Jesse Marsch gave me a call and said 'hey, a friend of mine that I went to college with [Chris Long] is looking for a coach. He asked me for someone and I had one name: yours." -Armas (? from Taylor Kauffman @kmbc9.bsky.social)
January 8, 2026 at 8:47 PM
When I get asked why North American women, Black women, women of color aren’t coaching in the NWSL, I’m just going to send them this quote.
The good ol’ boys network in soccer is alive & well in 🇺🇸. That Chris Long is calling Jesse Marsch “looking for a coach” is a symptom of a systemic problem.
The good ol’ boys network in soccer is alive & well in 🇺🇸. That Chris Long is calling Jesse Marsch “looking for a coach” is a symptom of a systemic problem.
Generally: Armas is excited to get in with a club that's fully loaded and still looking to get better. Says he wants to deliver.
"I said the other day, everyone's hungry. I'm starving. I'm looking to bite the candy. This is who I am. I want to win, and win decisively"
Can he deliver? We'll see.
"I said the other day, everyone's hungry. I'm starving. I'm looking to bite the candy. This is who I am. I want to win, and win decisively"
Can he deliver? We'll see.
January 8, 2026 at 8:58 PM
Generally: Armas is excited to get in with a club that's fully loaded and still looking to get better. Says he wants to deliver.
"I said the other day, everyone's hungry. I'm starving. I'm looking to bite the candy. This is who I am. I want to win, and win decisively"
Can he deliver? We'll see.
"I said the other day, everyone's hungry. I'm starving. I'm looking to bite the candy. This is who I am. I want to win, and win decisively"
Can he deliver? We'll see.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Maybe Vlatko played a larger role in the search than Chris Long’s narrative allows for but I don’t know why there wasn’t trust in an NWSL pioneer like Vlatko Andonovski to run this search.
January 8, 2026 at 8:52 PM
Maybe Vlatko played a larger role in the search than Chris Long’s narrative allows for but I don’t know why there wasn’t trust in an NWSL pioneer like Vlatko Andonovski to run this search.
Unfortunately the KC presser didn’t go to Zoom for questions!
January 8, 2026 at 8:41 PM
Unfortunately the KC presser didn’t go to Zoom for questions!
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Didn’t have “I don’t see gender” on my 2026 WoSo bingo card lol
@danielsperrykc.bsky.social asks about making the switch to the women's game:
Says he might have a better idea after a few months, but "when I saw the team play, I didn't see men women. I saw a team that said I can connect with that style of play."
Says he might have a better idea after a few months, but "when I saw the team play, I didn't see men women. I saw a team that said I can connect with that style of play."
January 8, 2026 at 8:27 PM
Didn’t have “I don’t see gender” on my 2026 WoSo bingo card lol
Inbox: Chicago Stars have traded Hannah Anderson to the Orlando Pride in exchange for $70,000.
Anderson signed a 3-year extension during the 2024 season, and spent most of the 2025 season on the bench.
Anderson signed a 3-year extension during the 2024 season, and spent most of the 2025 season on the bench.
a woman holding a cupcake with the words good for her above her
Alt: a woman holding a cupcake with the words good for her above her
media.tenor.com
January 8, 2026 at 8:05 PM
Inbox: Chicago Stars have traded Hannah Anderson to the Orlando Pride in exchange for $70,000.
Anderson signed a 3-year extension during the 2024 season, and spent most of the 2025 season on the bench.
Anderson signed a 3-year extension during the 2024 season, and spent most of the 2025 season on the bench.
Chris Long on Armas: "His passion, his integrity. His high level knowledge of the game, and his commitment to excellence, makes him the right leader for this next transition."
Up next on the day of too much woso news: The KC Current’s intro presser with Chris Armas, The Longs, and Vlatko Andonovski.
January 8, 2026 at 8:04 PM
Chris Long on Armas: "His passion, his integrity. His high level knowledge of the game, and his commitment to excellence, makes him the right leader for this next transition."
Up next on the day of too much woso news: The KC Current’s intro presser with Chris Armas, The Longs, and Vlatko Andonovski.
January 8, 2026 at 8:01 PM
Up next on the day of too much woso news: The KC Current’s intro presser with Chris Armas, The Longs, and Vlatko Andonovski.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Congrats to Sam Coffey on her Top 10 Ballon d’Or finish next year
Here’s why Sam Coffey isn’t at #USWNT camp: @tomjgarry.bsky.social says she’s close to joining Manchester City.
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
www.theguardian.com/football/202...
US midfielder Sam Coffey in talks to join Manchester City from Portland Thorns
Manchester City are in advanced talks to sign the United States midfielder Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns, the Guardian understands
www.theguardian.com
January 8, 2026 at 5:57 PM
Congrats to Sam Coffey on her Top 10 Ballon d’Or finish next year
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
I really don't understand how the collective NWSL ownership doesn't see this as a crisis.
Since the end of 2024: Kerolin, Girma, Thompson, and potentially Rodman and Coffey have left for the WSL.
There has not been the same movement of players coming back. The movement has not been reciprocal.
Since the end of 2024: Kerolin, Girma, Thompson, and potentially Rodman and Coffey have left for the WSL.
There has not been the same movement of players coming back. The movement has not been reciprocal.
January 8, 2026 at 6:29 PM
I really don't understand how the collective NWSL ownership doesn't see this as a crisis.
Since the end of 2024: Kerolin, Girma, Thompson, and potentially Rodman and Coffey have left for the WSL.
There has not been the same movement of players coming back. The movement has not been reciprocal.
Since the end of 2024: Kerolin, Girma, Thompson, and potentially Rodman and Coffey have left for the WSL.
There has not been the same movement of players coming back. The movement has not been reciprocal.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
We can't poach back unless the cap is raised. Period, end of sentence.
January 8, 2026 at 6:30 PM
We can't poach back unless the cap is raised. Period, end of sentence.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
Won't anyone please ask Alex Cooper what she thinks about the NWSL salary cap and HIP criteria? Thanks, I'll hold.
January 8, 2026 at 6:37 PM
Won't anyone please ask Alex Cooper what she thinks about the NWSL salary cap and HIP criteria? Thanks, I'll hold.
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
tara rudd is gonna take some getting used to
January 8, 2026 at 4:09 PM
tara rudd is gonna take some getting used to
Reposted by Lesley Ryder
You: Trinity Rodman is labeled Unattached on the USWNT's January camp roster.
Me: Sam Coffey isn't on the roster at all
Me: Sam Coffey isn't on the roster at all
January 8, 2026 at 4:46 PM
You: Trinity Rodman is labeled Unattached on the USWNT's January camp roster.
Me: Sam Coffey isn't on the roster at all
Me: Sam Coffey isn't on the roster at all
At an appointment for a perpetually late doctor, and of course she came in just as I joined the USWNT zoom!
January 8, 2026 at 4:55 PM
At an appointment for a perpetually late doctor, and of course she came in just as I joined the USWNT zoom!