Rachael Palmer
@rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social
✍🏽 : PGH Soccer Now & Pittsburgh Post-Gazette• 🎙️: ACC Network (Pitt Women’s Soccer) • NASR Madam President • NWSL Media Member • 🇷🇺/🇺🇸 • M.A. (x2)
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
🇺🇸 The #USWNT is hosting Italy in Florida to close out the 2025 calendar year!
It's the first meeting between the two sides since 2011!
🇮🇹 Italy is coming off a semifinal appearance at the EURO Tournament this summer.
✍️: @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social
equalizersoccer.com/2025/09/15/u...
It's the first meeting between the two sides since 2011!
🇮🇹 Italy is coming off a semifinal appearance at the EURO Tournament this summer.
✍️: @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social
equalizersoccer.com/2025/09/15/u...
USWNT to host Italy in Orlando, Fort Lauderdale in final friendlies of 2025
The U.S. women’s national team announced that, for the first time since 2011, the federation will host Italy in Orlando and Fort Lauderdale, Florida. The duo of matches will be the final friendlies of...
equalizersoccer.com
September 15, 2025 at 3:03 PM
🇺🇸 The #USWNT is hosting Italy in Florida to close out the 2025 calendar year!
It's the first meeting between the two sides since 2011!
🇮🇹 Italy is coming off a semifinal appearance at the EURO Tournament this summer.
✍️: @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social
equalizersoccer.com/2025/09/15/u...
It's the first meeting between the two sides since 2011!
🇮🇹 Italy is coming off a semifinal appearance at the EURO Tournament this summer.
✍️: @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social
equalizersoccer.com/2025/09/15/u...
"Any minute I get on the field I’m going to appreciate and make the most of it."
And she most certainly has. Recently, I got to chat with former Pitt women's soccer and current Gotham FC forward, Sarah Schupansky for The Equalizer about her rookie season!
equalizersoccer.com/2025/09/09/s...
And she most certainly has. Recently, I got to chat with former Pitt women's soccer and current Gotham FC forward, Sarah Schupansky for The Equalizer about her rookie season!
equalizersoccer.com/2025/09/09/s...
Sarah Schupansky reflects on her standout rookie season so far
'The relationships that I’m building here and the players that I’m getting to make these moments with, that means more to me than anything on the field.'
equalizersoccer.com
September 10, 2025 at 4:28 PM
"Any minute I get on the field I’m going to appreciate and make the most of it."
And she most certainly has. Recently, I got to chat with former Pitt women's soccer and current Gotham FC forward, Sarah Schupansky for The Equalizer about her rookie season!
equalizersoccer.com/2025/09/09/s...
And she most certainly has. Recently, I got to chat with former Pitt women's soccer and current Gotham FC forward, Sarah Schupansky for The Equalizer about her rookie season!
equalizersoccer.com/2025/09/09/s...
Story by me!
Bay FC has announced that head coach Albertin Montoya will step down at the end of the 2025 #NWSL season.
Kay Cossington and Sporting Director Matt Potter will lead the search for the club's next head coach.
Bay FC is currently in 12th place.
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/2025/09/08/a...
Kay Cossington and Sporting Director Matt Potter will lead the search for the club's next head coach.
Bay FC is currently in 12th place.
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/2025/09/08/a...
September 8, 2025 at 7:13 PM
Story by me!
Gorgeous evening for a doubleheader! Up first on the ACC Network is Pitt women's soccer vs. Ohio University. See the link below to watch if you're not in the stands!
Jason Earle and myself on the call tonight! 🎙️⚽️
📺: www.espn.com/watch/player...
Jason Earle and myself on the call tonight! 🎙️⚽️
📺: www.espn.com/watch/player...
August 21, 2025 at 8:49 PM
Gorgeous evening for a doubleheader! Up first on the ACC Network is Pitt women's soccer vs. Ohio University. See the link below to watch if you're not in the stands!
Jason Earle and myself on the call tonight! 🎙️⚽️
📺: www.espn.com/watch/player...
Jason Earle and myself on the call tonight! 🎙️⚽️
📺: www.espn.com/watch/player...
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
Why the ambitions of Ally Sentnor and the Kansas City Current make them a perfect match. #KCBaby
www.kansascity.com/sports/socce...
www.kansascity.com/sports/socce...
The KC Current traded for a rising star last week. They want you to know it
Why new arrival Ally Sentnor and the Kansas City Current are a perfect fit: “This was a big one for us.”
www.kansascity.com
August 8, 2025 at 6:05 PM
Why the ambitions of Ally Sentnor and the Kansas City Current make them a perfect match. #KCBaby
www.kansascity.com/sports/socce...
www.kansascity.com/sports/socce...
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
New from Jenna’s Sources: I’ve got the definitive word form Rose Lavelle on whether Gotham/Spirit is a true rivalry.
Plus: notes on the international break, last week’s game, keys to the upcoming match, and JCA talks about Esther/AKB award nominations.
jennassources.substack.com/p/its-been-a...
Plus: notes on the international break, last week’s game, keys to the upcoming match, and JCA talks about Esther/AKB award nominations.
jennassources.substack.com/p/its-been-a...
It's been a long time (long time)
We shouldn't have left you without a dope beat (Jenna's Sources Newsletter) to step to!
jennassources.substack.com
August 8, 2025 at 5:44 PM
New from Jenna’s Sources: I’ve got the definitive word form Rose Lavelle on whether Gotham/Spirit is a true rivalry.
Plus: notes on the international break, last week’s game, keys to the upcoming match, and JCA talks about Esther/AKB award nominations.
jennassources.substack.com/p/its-been-a...
Plus: notes on the international break, last week’s game, keys to the upcoming match, and JCA talks about Esther/AKB award nominations.
jennassources.substack.com/p/its-been-a...
So then what was up with the shady as frick press conference!!!
The NC Courage said (many times) that "a multitude of factors" went into the firing of Sean Nahas. Multiple sources pointed to a combination including record and results, and a lost belief in the direction of the team. #NWSL
Courage: 'Multiple factors' in abrupt coach firing
Sources told ESPN that the "multitude of factors" included the team's record, inconsistent play and a loss of faith in the direction of the team.
www.espn.com
August 7, 2025 at 8:28 PM
So then what was up with the shady as frick press conference!!!
This!!!!
Here's the thing about transparency. You don't have to give the whole truth, right. Especially if there's other parties involved. However, when you say "multitude of factors" over 10 times and refuse to give ANY transparent information...
Yeah, the speculation is going to continue.
Here's the thing about transparency. You don't have to give the whole truth, right. Especially if there's other parties involved. However, when you say "multitude of factors" over 10 times and refuse to give ANY transparent information...
Yeah, the speculation is going to continue.
The Courage press conference made the whole organization seem sus, not just Sean.
I don't buy into that, but I gotta imagine you want to end something like this with folks feeling hopeful and not angry and suspicious. Definitely a misstep.
I don't buy into that, but I gotta imagine you want to end something like this with folks feeling hopeful and not angry and suspicious. Definitely a misstep.
August 7, 2025 at 4:05 PM
This!!!!
Here's the thing about transparency. You don't have to give the whole truth, right. Especially if there's other parties involved. However, when you say "multitude of factors" over 10 times and refuse to give ANY transparent information...
Yeah, the speculation is going to continue.
Here's the thing about transparency. You don't have to give the whole truth, right. Especially if there's other parties involved. However, when you say "multitude of factors" over 10 times and refuse to give ANY transparent information...
Yeah, the speculation is going to continue.
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
Not sure why it was so combative. Had to know what ever question was going to be so I would have assumed they'd be more prepared in how they responded.
It's also OK to say our legal council has advised we not answer questions of that nature as things are ongoing.
It's also OK to say our legal council has advised we not answer questions of that nature as things are ongoing.
The press conference also started with a comment that their priority was the game tomorrow and not the abrupt head coaching change they made without warning.
This call has been pretty needlessly combative, for a club that specifically added their sporting director to the press conference.
This call has been pretty needlessly combative, for a club that specifically added their sporting director to the press conference.
Comms at this point is answering more questions than Bowley himself, to say they won’t be answering further questions about internal processes leading to Nahas’s firing.
Nor tactical approach to the game, actually.
Nor tactical approach to the game, actually.
August 7, 2025 at 3:33 PM
Not sure why it was so combative. Had to know what ever question was going to be so I would have assumed they'd be more prepared in how they responded.
It's also OK to say our legal council has advised we not answer questions of that nature as things are ongoing.
It's also OK to say our legal council has advised we not answer questions of that nature as things are ongoing.
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
Comms at this point is answering more questions than Bowley himself, to say they won’t be answering further questions about internal processes leading to Nahas’s firing.
Nor tactical approach to the game, actually.
Nor tactical approach to the game, actually.
NC Courage sporting director Ceri Bowley has cited "a multitude of factors" for Sean Nahas' dismissal at least 4 times, but has thus far declined to delve further into what caused the move.
Courage comms has now added that the club is "not discussing an internal process." #NWSL
Courage comms has now added that the club is "not discussing an internal process." #NWSL
August 7, 2025 at 3:14 PM
Comms at this point is answering more questions than Bowley himself, to say they won’t be answering further questions about internal processes leading to Nahas’s firing.
Nor tactical approach to the game, actually.
Nor tactical approach to the game, actually.
Glad someone said it, especially @meglinehan.com.
That press conference — and I'm speaking as both a journalist and PR professional with my 9-5 — was a disaster and quite frankly embarrassing.
Also... no need for any of the hostility that was displayed. No reason at all.
That press conference — and I'm speaking as both a journalist and PR professional with my 9-5 — was a disaster and quite frankly embarrassing.
Also... no need for any of the hostility that was displayed. No reason at all.
I've never really seen anything like that, even during the worst of the NWSL abuse scandal.
August 7, 2025 at 3:35 PM
Glad someone said it, especially @meglinehan.com.
That press conference — and I'm speaking as both a journalist and PR professional with my 9-5 — was a disaster and quite frankly embarrassing.
Also... no need for any of the hostility that was displayed. No reason at all.
That press conference — and I'm speaking as both a journalist and PR professional with my 9-5 — was a disaster and quite frankly embarrassing.
Also... no need for any of the hostility that was displayed. No reason at all.
Thrilled to back on the mic for Pitt women’s soccer for my SIXTH season! 🎙️
Hard to believe six years ago Coach Randy Waldrum asked me if I wanted to be one of the voices of this team. It's an honor every season and I can't wait for the big games I get to call with wonderful people!
We are SO back!
Hard to believe six years ago Coach Randy Waldrum asked me if I wanted to be one of the voices of this team. It's an honor every season and I can't wait for the big games I get to call with wonderful people!
We are SO back!
August 5, 2025 at 3:23 PM
Thrilled to back on the mic for Pitt women’s soccer for my SIXTH season! 🎙️
Hard to believe six years ago Coach Randy Waldrum asked me if I wanted to be one of the voices of this team. It's an honor every season and I can't wait for the big games I get to call with wonderful people!
We are SO back!
Hard to believe six years ago Coach Randy Waldrum asked me if I wanted to be one of the voices of this team. It's an honor every season and I can't wait for the big games I get to call with wonderful people!
We are SO back!
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
It's Tuesday. It's Futbol W on ESPN+
Spirit and England fans: Defender, European champion and noted No. 1 Jacksonville Jaguars fan Esme Morgan joins us tonight for the big interview, plus we break down all the latest in the #NWSL.
8:30 pm ET on ESPN+
🔗 www.espn.com/espnplus/cat...
Spirit and England fans: Defender, European champion and noted No. 1 Jacksonville Jaguars fan Esme Morgan joins us tonight for the big interview, plus we break down all the latest in the #NWSL.
8:30 pm ET on ESPN+
🔗 www.espn.com/espnplus/cat...
August 5, 2025 at 3:15 PM
It's Tuesday. It's Futbol W on ESPN+
Spirit and England fans: Defender, European champion and noted No. 1 Jacksonville Jaguars fan Esme Morgan joins us tonight for the big interview, plus we break down all the latest in the #NWSL.
8:30 pm ET on ESPN+
🔗 www.espn.com/espnplus/cat...
Spirit and England fans: Defender, European champion and noted No. 1 Jacksonville Jaguars fan Esme Morgan joins us tonight for the big interview, plus we break down all the latest in the #NWSL.
8:30 pm ET on ESPN+
🔗 www.espn.com/espnplus/cat...
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
📰 Two days after announcing his departure from the Chicago Stars, Masaki Hemmi has joined Lexington SC as its next coach in the USL Super League, writes @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social.
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/quick-update...
📸: Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/quick-update...
📸: Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images
July 3, 2025 at 4:30 PM
📰 Two days after announcing his departure from the Chicago Stars, Masaki Hemmi has joined Lexington SC as its next coach in the USL Super League, writes @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social.
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/quick-update...
📸: Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/quick-update...
📸: Darren Yamashita/Imagn Images
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
A look at the opening goal from Emily Graeca, courtesy of @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social!
A huge turning point in this game, largely dominated by the Riveters to this point.
#ForTheW
A huge turning point in this game, largely dominated by the Riveters to this point.
#ForTheW
June 27, 2025 at 11:42 PM
A look at the opening goal from Emily Graeca, courtesy of @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social!
A huge turning point in this game, largely dominated by the Riveters to this point.
#ForTheW
A huge turning point in this game, largely dominated by the Riveters to this point.
#ForTheW
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
Esther González is being rewarded for her 🔥 start to the #NWSL season, signing an extension, through 2027, with Gotham FC.
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/quick-update...
✍️: @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/quick-update...
✍️: @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social
May 15, 2025 at 5:00 PM
Esther González is being rewarded for her 🔥 start to the #NWSL season, signing an extension, through 2027, with Gotham FC.
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/quick-update...
✍️: @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/quick-update...
✍️: @rachaelkpalmer.bsky.social
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
Gotham FC quintupled Chicago’s xG (1.01-0.23) and outshot the Stars (14-4) but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
More from me on tonight’s scoreless draw for #GothamFC
jennassources.substack.com/p/nwsl-parit...
More from me on tonight’s scoreless draw for #GothamFC
jennassources.substack.com/p/nwsl-parit...
NWSL parity strikes again in 0-0 draw for Gotham FC and Chicago Stars
A quiet night for Esther, and a clean sheet for Gotham FC who now sits in third in the NWSL standings
jennassources.substack.com
May 4, 2025 at 10:00 PM
Gotham FC quintupled Chicago’s xG (1.01-0.23) and outshot the Stars (14-4) but couldn’t find a breakthrough.
More from me on tonight’s scoreless draw for #GothamFC
jennassources.substack.com/p/nwsl-parit...
More from me on tonight’s scoreless draw for #GothamFC
jennassources.substack.com/p/nwsl-parit...
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
As first reported by @pcattry.bsky.social this morning, the #NWSL has filed an application with U.S. Soccer to form a Division II league, centered on development. The league will look to kick off in 2026 with eight teams.
✍️: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/25/n...
✍️: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/25/n...
NWSL submits application to U.S. Soccer for Division II league
The league, which will begin with eight teams, will begin play in 2026.
equalizersoccer.com
April 25, 2025 at 2:57 PM
As first reported by @pcattry.bsky.social this morning, the #NWSL has filed an application with U.S. Soccer to form a Division II league, centered on development. The league will look to kick off in 2026 with eight teams.
✍️: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/25/n...
✍️: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/25/n...
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
Earlier today, North Carolina announced that former #NWSL champion and #USWNT gold medalist Lauren Holiday, along with her husband Jrue, have joined the club's ownership group, writes @rachaelkriger.bsky.social.
Lauren will also serve as an advisor & ambassador.
equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/23/l...
Lauren will also serve as an advisor & ambassador.
equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/23/l...
Lauren and Jrue Holiday join North Carolina Courage ownership group
The former NWSL champion and two-time Olympic gold medalist will also serve as an ambassador and advisor to the club.
equalizersoccer.com
April 23, 2025 at 9:27 PM
Earlier today, North Carolina announced that former #NWSL champion and #USWNT gold medalist Lauren Holiday, along with her husband Jrue, have joined the club's ownership group, writes @rachaelkriger.bsky.social.
Lauren will also serve as an advisor & ambassador.
equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/23/l...
Lauren will also serve as an advisor & ambassador.
equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/23/l...
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
Angel City FC has hired Alexander Straus to become the club's next head coach!
The Norwegian coach has been the manager of Bayern Munich for thee last three seasons. Bayern is currently leading the Frauen-Bundesliga title race.
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/17/a...
✍️: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
The Norwegian coach has been the manager of Bayern Munich for thee last three seasons. Bayern is currently leading the Frauen-Bundesliga title race.
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/17/a...
✍️: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
April 17, 2025 at 3:07 PM
Angel City FC has hired Alexander Straus to become the club's next head coach!
The Norwegian coach has been the manager of Bayern Munich for thee last three seasons. Bayern is currently leading the Frauen-Bundesliga title race.
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/17/a...
✍️: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
The Norwegian coach has been the manager of Bayern Munich for thee last three seasons. Bayern is currently leading the Frauen-Bundesliga title race.
➡️: equalizersoccer.com/2025/04/17/a...
✍️: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
This is... something else.
NEW 2025 NWSL FEATURE: Yellow card accumulation total can be decreased through “Good Behavior Incentives”
March 13, 2025 at 5:50 PM
This is... something else.
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
Thanks @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
for joining me on the latest Sounding Off on Soccer pod to discuss a number of topics relating to Women’s soccer as this is shaping up to be a transformative year in growth of women’s game in Pittsburgh
pittsburghsoccernow.com/2025/02/26/s...
for joining me on the latest Sounding Off on Soccer pod to discuss a number of topics relating to Women’s soccer as this is shaping up to be a transformative year in growth of women’s game in Pittsburgh
pittsburghsoccernow.com/2025/02/26/s...
Sounding Off on Soccer Podcast: Is Pittsburgh now on a fast track to women's pro soccer and more burning questions with Rachael Kriger
Pittsburgh Soccer Now‘s Rachael Kriger, who also contributes to Equalizer Soccer, Pittsburgh Post-Gazette and serves as color commentator for Pitt women’s soccer match broadcasts, joins John Krysinsky...
pittsburghsoccernow.com
February 26, 2025 at 11:55 AM
Thanks @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
for joining me on the latest Sounding Off on Soccer pod to discuss a number of topics relating to Women’s soccer as this is shaping up to be a transformative year in growth of women’s game in Pittsburgh
pittsburghsoccernow.com/2025/02/26/s...
for joining me on the latest Sounding Off on Soccer pod to discuss a number of topics relating to Women’s soccer as this is shaping up to be a transformative year in growth of women’s game in Pittsburgh
pittsburghsoccernow.com/2025/02/26/s...
My latest for The Equalizer!
I spoke w/ #USLSuperLeague president Amanda Vandervort about the league's fall slate, construction projects and expansion.
Thank you to Amanda for the great chat! Big thank you to Lisa Padan for getting everything set up!
➡️ equalizersoccer.com/2025/02/16/i...
I spoke w/ #USLSuperLeague president Amanda Vandervort about the league's fall slate, construction projects and expansion.
Thank you to Amanda for the great chat! Big thank you to Lisa Padan for getting everything set up!
➡️ equalizersoccer.com/2025/02/16/i...
February 19, 2025 at 12:56 AM
My latest for The Equalizer!
I spoke w/ #USLSuperLeague president Amanda Vandervort about the league's fall slate, construction projects and expansion.
Thank you to Amanda for the great chat! Big thank you to Lisa Padan for getting everything set up!
➡️ equalizersoccer.com/2025/02/16/i...
I spoke w/ #USLSuperLeague president Amanda Vandervort about the league's fall slate, construction projects and expansion.
Thank you to Amanda for the great chat! Big thank you to Lisa Padan for getting everything set up!
➡️ equalizersoccer.com/2025/02/16/i...
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
Emma Hayes has a plan to create a better long-term future for women's soccer, and it goes well beyond the #USWNT winning. It's about changing the system to view everything through a female lens and eliminate male biases, she said. She presented the high-level view to a few of us this week.
USWNT coach Emma Hayes wants to change women’s soccer. Here’s how.
Hayes has unveiled 'The WNT Way' blueprint for looking at everything through a
equalizersoccer.com
February 7, 2025 at 3:21 PM
Emma Hayes has a plan to create a better long-term future for women's soccer, and it goes well beyond the #USWNT winning. It's about changing the system to view everything through a female lens and eliminate male biases, she said. She presented the high-level view to a few of us this week.
Reposted by Rachael Palmer
Forward Samiah Phiri -- one of Pitt women's soccer team's top scorers in previous three years -- has signed with FC Nantes of France's Première Ligue
Phiri is the fourth Pitt player to sign a pro contact this offseason
#H2P
📸: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
pittsburghsoccernow.com/2025/02/05/p...
Phiri is the fourth Pitt player to sign a pro contact this offseason
#H2P
📸: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
pittsburghsoccernow.com/2025/02/05/p...
Pitt forward Samiah Phiri signs pro contract with FC Nantes of France's Première Ligue | Pittsburgh Soccer Now
Pitt forward Samiah Phiri signed a professional contract with FC Nantes team officials announced Tuesday afternoon. The club, which began in 2012 is based in Nantes, France and competes in the Premièr...
pittsburghsoccernow.com
February 5, 2025 at 5:49 PM
Forward Samiah Phiri -- one of Pitt women's soccer team's top scorers in previous three years -- has signed with FC Nantes of France's Première Ligue
Phiri is the fourth Pitt player to sign a pro contact this offseason
#H2P
📸: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
pittsburghsoccernow.com/2025/02/05/p...
Phiri is the fourth Pitt player to sign a pro contact this offseason
#H2P
📸: @rachaelkriger.bsky.social
pittsburghsoccernow.com/2025/02/05/p...