The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz XX
[0] Welcome to Good Follow presented by Draft Kings.
[1] I'm Megan Reyes.
[2] Alongside me today is Logan Hackett and Katie Novotny.
[3] Katie, it's been a couple weeks since we've seen you.
[4] How have you been?
[5] I've been fantastic.
[6] I gave myself a little Midwest reset.
[7] So I went home to Chicago, ate some hot dogs, burned a Christmas tree in the backyard, played some pickleball, saw and went into a lake.
[8] It was really something.
[9] I was people were nice to me it was crazy it was crazy did you see any cows I didn't see any cows but I didn't go too far into Wisconsin so well I know that over the weekend Logan you were at the US women's national team match against Mexico and at the match the 1999 women's World Cup team was honored for the 25th anniversary of winning said World Cup how was it it was so good but first katy i have to ask are you on the floor right now yes i am a floor person um i'm a floor person through and through i'm such a floor person it just like makes you feel grounded and at peace i feel like i'm never happier than when i am on the floor i just wish i could do everything on the floor back to the game i honestly was on the floor at one point and dripping sweat because it was so hot red bull arena like it was hot outside and the traffic was crazy and i had to walk there so I was already sweating but the arena was probably or like the field maybe 10 degrees hotter than actually outside when we were doing like pregame and taking pictures of them like in the anthem and everything I was physically dripping with sweat and it was disgusting but the game itself was pretty good now imagine how the players felt you were just taking pictures on the pitch pre -match post -match the players actually had to run around for 90 minutes did you have a sweat towel you got to bring your sweat towel in those situations I wish and it was so it was actually really hard to find like cold water but I was just constantly like my the poor penny whoever needs that one next I hope they wash them but I was like blotting myself off and just like trying to get like to an equilibrium where I felt okay I know somewhere else that it was also hot was in D .C. earlier this week when the U .S. women's national team played Costa Rica in their Olympic sendoff game let's talk about it as they head into the Olympics.
[10] I have a a couple of thoughts.
[11] And then, Logan, I'd love to hear yours.
[12] I know one storyline that a lot of people are talking about in the zero zero draw against Costa Rica.
[13] The U .S. had a lot of chances.
[14] They had 26 shot attempts and 12 shots on goal, but they were still scoreless.
[15] One thing that I do want to bring up for people that are panicking, because I think there are a subsection of U .S. women's soccer fans that are panicking.
[16] I recently started following this TikTok account, Casey's on the case.
[17] Casey is a lawyer who also very perfectly breaks down women's soccer for the TikTok universe.
[18] And she had a couple really great videos that I think really summed up what happened yesterday.
[19] And one of them being that, A, the midfield was kind of okay.
[20] Like Lindsay Horan had an okay game.
[21] And so they weren't creating a lot of chances for Trinity and Mao to score goals.
[22] but also that like we shouldn't panic because they're still learning like emma haze has only had about six or seven weeks with this team before they go to the olympics they're learning a lot of new runs they're going to be okay and i think 12 shots on goal and yet still being scoreless is something to certainly have a question mark about but the goals are going to come they just need some time to learn from emma and learn from one another i would like to know logan what were your thoughts on the game.
[23] Yeah, you actually mentioned people like kind of freaking out.
[24] I also think apart to that is that we're going into the Olympics.
[25] It's huge.
[26] No one wants to miss it.
[27] So I don't think everyone's really playing at 100%.
[28] That would be kind of crazy.
[29] I mean, Corey Bethune, when she got on the field, she was going.
[30] You could tell she was out 100 % or close to 100 because she's an alternate.
[31] But I think everyone else, they're still kind of trying to play it safe.
[32] But Trinity has really been impressing me along with the forward line.
[33] I think with Costa Rica, they had eight players in the box at all time.
[34] It was just like they were defending everything and the goal they played really well.
[35] But I don't know.
[36] Wait, I have a question.
[37] Yeah.
[38] Okay, this might be a dumb question because I don't know enough about the soccer people.
[39] But is Trinity Rodman who I think she is?
[40] She is.
[41] Yes, she is.
[42] I will say, though, I think it is important to note for new fans.
[43] And I'm actually really glad you asked this.
[44] I think it's important to note for new fans to women's soccer that she is his daughter.
[45] And like she is comes to games wearing his like shirts with his face on it.
[46] She also is very adamant at separating herself from being Dennis Rodman's daughter and also just being Trinity Rodman herself.
[47] I know that she doesn't necessarily like to associate herself as like, oh, Dennis Rodman's daughter, comma, Trinity.
[48] she is her own person.
[49] But yes, that is her dad, as you said.
[50] I mean, that's freaking sick.
[51] Miss Chicago herself, I think that is a very important tie.
[52] It is very cool.
[53] And I don't know.
[54] I mean, I have everyone is allowed to be their own person.
[55] But like that's like it's cool for in my opinion because like I just love seeing when like a father, daughter, athleticism is passed down.
[56] Like I think that's sick.
[57] And the fact that it's in a completely different sport like the talent.
[58] I just think that's like.
[59] great i just love it how fun actually speaking still on the topic of trinity her footwork i think has improved the whole team's footwork i feel like i might really have them doing like shuffle drills or something because i did notice that their footwork has gotten a lot better but they were running a play and i'm not too sure like maybe i just wasn't seeing it before but they would like chip the ball up to like one of the forwards and it would be a sprinting race to go get it it was working with mexico i'm not too sure if i saw as much with costa rica but they're probably problem is finishing in the box.
[60] If it's not for not being able to finish in the box, they would be scoring so many goals because they're winning every race.
[61] Well, I think one of the things that people are perhaps a little bit concerned about is not finishing in the box, especially as we do head to the Olympics next week.
[62] And the groups and the talent in this year's Olympics are stacked.
[63] Seven of the 12 qualifying nations are ranked in FIFA's top 10.
[64] So in the year, U .S. group stage.
[65] They are facing fifth -ranked Germany, 12th -ranked Australia, and Zambia, who shouldn't be overlooked because they do have Barbara Banda and Rachel Kundaanji, both very impactful players for their NWSL clubs.
[66] So, Logan, how much do you think the U .S. will struggle if they can't find a way to finish and score?
[67] This is where the defense is going to come into play, and they're actually lucky because Germany and Australia against high -calibur teams, they're not scoring that much.
[68] So it's not like they're playing, I think if they had Spain, then it would kind of be like starting to worry.
[69] But I think those are going to be really close games.
[70] They do have to watch out for Barbara Banda because if she's scoring in the NWSL as much as she is, I mean, she's pretty much going up against the same players.
[71] So they have to come up with some type of customized plan for her.
[72] But I think as long as they can score more, like one more than the other team, so it would be like one -nil games the whole time, then I think it'll be fine.
[73] but yeah, I don't know.
[74] What do you think about it?
[75] I do think you are correct and we will be relying on our defense.
[76] Jenna and I Swanger didn't play in the match against Costa Rica for reasons like load management for the Olympics.
[77] She will also be huge.
[78] Taryn and Davidson has been huge for the U .S. as well.
[79] And I think it's also important to note that Barbara Banda is really prolific in NWSL.
[80] And then she also has teammates around her like Marta that she may not have to rely on during the Olympics when she's with Zambia.
[81] Now, for our good follow audience, those that may not know, Logan is a dual Australian and Canadian citizen, two teams who are playing in this Olympic.
[82] So let's start with Australia.
[83] Logan, they actually lost to the U .S. in the bronze medal match in the 2020 Olympics.
[84] And I'm sure they will be looking for some redemption this year, but they are still without Sam Kerr, who is Australia's all -time leading.
[85] goal score for both men and women.
[86] So how do you think Australia will do this year or do you think they'll struggle without Sam?
[87] I think they're going to do well.
[88] I think me, I don't even know if other Australians are like tripping about this.
[89] There's no reason to trip.
[90] I mean, we saw the team in the World Cup without her.
[91] They went like a majority of the way.
[92] She wasn't in the game.
[93] And they did absolutely fine.
[94] They were playing hard teams.
[95] It was great.
[96] And I think that World Cup is actually important going into the Olympics because they're riding off that momentum still.
[97] It was such an amazing time for the country.
[98] It brought everyone together.
[99] Like the Matilda's were at the center of Australia at the moment.
[100] They probably still are.
[101] And it was so great.
[102] So I think they're just trying to level up on that.
[103] And they're playing for Australia not to medal or win the Olympics.
[104] So let's lean into your Canadian side.
[105] We can't end this discussion about the Olympics without talking about Canada, gold medal winners in Tokyo 2020.
[106] And they have 13 of their players returning to defend their.
[107] gold medal and they would be the first team to go back to back if they do it again this year.
[108] So what can we expect out of Canada?
[109] Canada, let me just say this before I start.
[110] I love you.
[111] I live here.
[112] I'm here right now.
[113] Great country.
[114] Beautiful.
[115] Beautiful.
[116] I don't think we're running it back.
[117] I'm so sorry.
[118] I'm shocked that we won last year.
[119] We have a good team.
[120] Don't get me wrong.
[121] Everything's good.
[122] Great.
[123] We won.
[124] Yay.
[125] But this year, I just don't get the same vibes.
[126] I didn't really get them last year.
[127] But I don't know.
[128] I'm not confident.
[129] We have Kalyn.
[130] Great net.
[131] We have the players.
[132] I just think when it comes to kind of getting the job done, especially in the friendlies that we've been seeing, it hasn't really been there.
[133] And it's gotten really close.
[134] Like a lot of their games have gone to penalty kicks or I think they just lost to US in Conca Cap and penalty kicks.
[135] So we can't be a team that makes it get to that point and is like, oh, we won before.
[136] So let's see if we can win again in this moment.
[137] I think we need like another year or two, or maybe four.
[138] Maybe we'll try again in L .A. Logan, before we go, are there any other teams or storylines we should be aware of before the Olympics kick off?
[139] I do want to mention Spain.
[140] I think they have a really good shot.
[141] They won the World Cup.
[142] They beat France in the Nations League finals, internal changes.
[143] But the players are incredibly skilled front to back.
[144] they're so fun to watch and they've kind of been through this before probably the most recent out of all the teams like a big win.
[145] So I think we really need to watch out for them because they're going to come in hot.
[146] Women's football or women's soccer depending on where you live in the world kickoff at the Olympics next week and I can't wait to tune in.
[147] Coming up after the break, Logan and I sit down with WNBA analyst LeChina Robinson to preview this weekend's WNBA All -Star Game.
[148] Welcome back into Good Follow.
[149] Joining us now to discuss this weekend's WNBA All -Star is WNBA analyst LaChina Robinson.
[150] LeChina, it's so great to have you on the show.
[151] How are you?
[152] I'm doing wonderful, Megan.
[153] It's good to be here with you guys talking to a little WMBA, my favorite topic.
[154] So let's get active.
[155] Okay.
[156] First up, let's talk format.
[157] This is the first year where the women's national team will be playing the all -star team.
[158] So what excites you most about this unique Olympic year, All -Star game format?
[159] Yeah.
[160] We've seen similar formats in Olympic games.
[161] years in the past where they've tried to use All -Star as an opportunity for our USA national team to kind of brush up on some things.
[162] What I think is so unique with the WNBA and the format of the Olympics is it happens during the season.
[163] And I don't know how many sport that applies to.
[164] So as you can imagine, the national team doesn't have a lot of practices leading up, not as many as they would like, leading up to the Olympic Games.
[165] So I really think this is a unique opportunity for basketball fans both to take in our Olympic team a little early and get to scout that group, but also to get to celebrate this year's WMBA All -Stars.
[166] So it should be fun, but it'll be very competitive.
[167] For some reason, this particular format, when it involves the Olympic team, just brings out the best in everyone.
[168] So I guess that's a good thing.
[169] Oh, I love that.
[170] I'm so excited to watch it.
[171] And the roster for All -Star was revealed a few weeks ago.
[172] We found out which players will be taking on the national team.
[173] What match?
[174] Are you most excited to see head to head?
[175] Oh, goodness.
[176] Well, first and foremost, as you guys probably already know, no one really plays defense in the All -Star games.
[177] So when we say matchup, it's like, okay, who's going to make more shots than the other player?
[178] It's really all about the W &B All -Stars for me because I'm super excited about the rookies, in particular, obviously, Caitlin Clark and Angel Reese, and how they will perform in front of the bright lights, especially with all the expectations that they came into the season with and how well they're playing.
[179] now.
[180] So what is their approach, right?
[181] Like, sometimes I come to All -Star and there are a couple of vets that are like warming up and stretching and they get all into it and get competitive.
[182] And then you learn who the folks are over time who just come in and like, listen, I'm going to sit over here and eat some popcorn on the sideline.
[183] So I want to see what, yeah, I want to see what personality these rookies take on.
[184] But also just the veterans like Nekka Guma Kay and Dierkehamby, who's having in an outstanding season.
[185] Kala McBride, who's someone who's worked really hard over the years in this league and just doesn't get her just due, but it's playing really well for the Minnesota link.
[186] So it's just really time for us to appreciate all of the players, but in particular on team WMBA All -Stars, like I really want to see how that group approaches the challenge, because you're playing against the best team in the world, right?
[187] So who doesn't want to see how they match up and who doesn't want to get a win over our U .S. women's national team who's going for their unprecedented a straight gold medal like you beat them and that should mean something right i agree especially what made up of well two rookies but some rookies and if you can beat that team and like you said a lot of expectation and pressure you do that like that's that's gold too yeah yeah but it's all fun and games the end of the day like i say that now because we're approaching it from a matchup standpoint but in reality it's like is anyone going to dunk who's going to score or the most points, like all those things actually really matter in the All -Star game.
[188] Who do you think is going to bring, like, the energy and is just there to have a good time?
[189] Here to have a good time.
[190] Kelsey Plum, okay.
[191] Kelsey Plum is there to have a good time.
[192] Now that she has gotten her MVP, you know, she won MVP of the All -Star Game the year.
[193] It was in Chicago.
[194] So she's taking care of her business.
[195] She's got that on her resume.
[196] She'll be acting a fool.
[197] Chelsea Gray will be having some fun because she'll be getting the fancy passes in and just making everybody look crazy she likes a fake like she's passing it but really do it.
[198] So she'll get the crowd involved in it.
[199] BG