Sophia Smith on missing THAT World Cup penalty and becoming a leader in the new USWNT era

Follow The Women's Game
Twitter: / womensgamemib
Instagram: / womensgamemib
TikTok: / womensgamemib
And get the newsletter delivered directly to your inbox every Monday:
the-womens-game.beehiiv.com/

[@cole7726]

The content on this channel is SO GOOD. Sam is crushing it

[@WomensGameMiB]

Thank you Cole!

[@benfaddensd]

I second that

[@geraldvocalino6214]

Yes and YES!! New subscriber and LOVE IT!

[@davidmoss1896]

This just gets better I’m surprised how open all the players have been so open with Sam

[@laurendrosos7272]

It made me so sad when she said she can't think about that missed PK without feeling sick. I feel like people forget that she's so young and still earning her "stripes" if you will. The younger teams, league, and college play are so different than the dynamics of the senior team. She reminds me a lot of Mal Pugh and Mal had to struggle a little bit before finding her footing.

[@kirstieb8025]

i think there was so much outside pressure on mal and she didn’t even realize it. it caught up to her. and she was not playing like herself. she herself said this. then she’s was killing it and my poor baby girl got injured right before the world cup. something good will come out of this, i know. she has been my favorite player. so fun to watch.

[@c.gibson6349]

Great job Sam Mewis! So many times in this interview Soph Smith exuded the realization that "dang this kid is a Stanford grad" - so well spoken and thoughtful.

[@hm4704]

minor correction: She attended Stanford University for only two years. She left the school (before graduating) after her sophomore year to play professional soccer. But before she left, Sophia was part of NCAA championship-winning soccer team when they clenched the title in 2019, per her Stanford bio.

[@user-dk1fi2ld3m]

Am so thrilled that Rog scooped Sam up for the MiB network & excited about their vision for The Women's Game. Sam's tactical insights, positivity, and her ability to put guests at ease - plus her goofiness - make this my go-to podcast about women's soccer. Would love to see/hear Sam interview Viv Miedema to talk about how injuries impacted their lives & careers & how injuries are impacting the women's game. Keep it up, Sammy! Courage!

[@prncesskarleigh]

I don't believe the 2019 team got lucky. They were absolute bosses and they knew it. They were prepared and that preparation gave them confidence. They also had played together for years and the players had so much on-field chemistry. Watching that tournament I knew they were winning. Every game you felt it was theirs to lose. The 2023 World Cup team was the exact opposite.

[@julianpeavy303]

they were both the best womens team ever and they got lucky, as all teams do

[@AlexJaneson]

Yes, that was the best team in uswnt history

[@63utuber]

@@AlexJaneson Let's be serious. Do you really think that 2019 team - specifically with Naeher in goal - could have shut down the Brazilian offense in its prime?

[@AlexJaneson]

@@63utuber Are you referring to the 2008 Olympics?

[@smileitsgoodforyou10]

Sam's point here I think is that it was HARD! Even for such a prepared team. It was hard.

[@joeash7781]

Great interview, especially ending on the Create the Space initiative. They are honoring KM's memory with this project.

[@julianpeavy303]

Sam, you were so correct about width. everyone was saying it in the NWSL match threads on reddit. Which reminds me, it would be awesome if you did some more live content. I feel like, with the Rose and Sonnett podcast episode of old for example, you want things to be perfect, well organized, etc, but a lot of us just really like you and want your actual raw thoughts. No one will be upset (well a few idiots will always be upset) if you give unfiltered thoughts in real time. You are so positive anyway.

[@RebeccaJensenRunBosco]

OMG, I really hope that's part of the "big things coming" for this channel.

[@oshea03]

Sammy is the loving grandma we all need in our lives

[@snapdoc]

Grandma??? That is pushing it. Maybe mom or auntie…

[@varinadevynrush]

Sophia is such a thoughtful intelligent person; great interview!

[@kirstieb8025]

genuine.

[@joelboriek5971]

great interview, always look forward to watching Sophia Smith play!

[@MKelly-pm1np]

What the 2015 and 2019 was incredible. But now, we’ve got to let that go and let this new interation find their way and make their own mark. Times have changed. The U.S has had struggles in the past, remember 2008 or 2011? Imagine if we would over reacted and given up on players who weren’t ready for the moment back then? Yes, its going to take grit and determination but, I believe this generation with the right coaching is up for the task when given the opportunity. We keep seeing it in spirts which means that it is there. LET THE KIDS PLAY!

[@MartaComplex]

The most sensible and reasonable comment on here. If only everyone had your attitude. Watching fans turn on the players when things get a bit difficult is really disappointing. Everyone needs to get behind the team.

[@MKelly-pm1np]

@@MartaComplex Thanks! It is really disappointing that people aren’t extending these young/new players the grace to grown into their new roles. I get the expectation of the program is to “ win, win, win” but, that takes TIME. Over the past few 25+ years there have been plenty of success AND epic failures. If anything, ppl should be upset at the systemic failures of the federation. I feel like people forget that the women who won in recent years didn’t magically arrive on the world stage. They had YEARS of failure and growing pains and THEN, they became legends. These new ladies are just starting on that journey. Give them grace and space just like their predecessors.

[@MrDanejordan]

Smashing interview! This show makes my Thursday every week. It is sooo true that Colorado is a power house in women's soccer, that is why an NWSL team just makes sense! #NWSL4CO

[@erl92]

The questioning is so fun, very Dan Patrick-esque which I love

[@thereallg4587]

*Im glad Sophia is honest. There were no connections, everyone felt isolated and not like a team. And I’d say that’s still looming around the team today but there is no recovering, just rebuild. No more wake up calls cause it doesn’t work with this team. Learn and watch other teams, see them through your eyes. I hope Twila knows what she’s doing for the next game.*

[@julianpeavy303]

i think everyone sees Naomi as a future leader but Sophia has all of those same leadership attributes

[@shawny5338]

Couldn't agree more about the lack of chemistry and needing to rebuild. I hate to have to bring up the National Anthem and the fact that we have players like Sofia/Naomi that don't respect it BUT, the whole reasoning/personality behind the reason these ladies chose to do this is at the core of the issue. The national team used to have a certain culture and mentality that you cannot have when players think it is secondary to social issues and what THEY think is righteous.

[@candacelong7643]

@@shawny5338This comment receiving a like is what’s wrong with this country. Worried about a flag and a national anthem and your surprised certain players and people have an issue with said anthem when we still have so much injustice occurring. I don’t stand or place my hand over my heart either. This country still has a long way to go. There’s a lot more important things to worry about than your precious anthem. Sophia had such insightful things to say and this was your takeaway. Yeah I hate you bringing up the anthem too because it’s childish. Let’s all grow up. I bet you cried about the kneeling too 😂 Go USWNT!

[@shawny5338]

@@candacelong7643 Sorry Candance.. The problem with this country right now is that we can't talk to each other. No one is willing to LISTEN and debate withtout making it personal. You can have your own opinion about wher the country is in regards to social issues but you can't deny the fact that this country is still the BEST in the world when it comes to Social justice or tollerance or whatever you are gripping about. The point is not JUST about the flag or the NA. It is about the narcisistic mentality of the players and people like you. I couldn't care less what you or ANY of the players do during the NA in your personal lives BUT, when you are on the field REPRESENTING the USA TEAM, you should act as a TEAM and be proud of the country. However, people like you and kneeling/disrespecting 1/2 the country don't put the country and the team first. The way they ahve played is the consequence of that culture.

[@Shdoeb]

Thanks for the reminder to subscribe! I can't believe I wasn't already.😳 Loved this interview, Sam! Go Sophia ☺

[@WomensGameMiB]

Thank you for subscribing Shdoeb!

[@annflores8851]

These interviews are so interesting and enlightening, I can't wait to see the future of this channel! Go Sam!

[@piemacri]

Another great interview, Sam is so genuine and puts the players at ease. Excited for the next one!

[@sinyilam5469]

Great interview! It’s sooooo good to hear the Katie Meyer project!

[@SByers34]

So cool to see her maturing into such a leader, and of course a badass player!!!

[@MKelly-pm1np]

Wonderful Job Sammy. I love your interviews!

[@shannonlindsey4835]

Thanks Sam!! Such a great interview!

[@WomensGameMiB]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@bostoncelticsable]

Great episode ! And with my favorite player right now. Loved every minute of this

[@EugeneAnderson51]

You're a natural with these interviews Sam!

[@slbrick56]

Sam: your podcast skills are improving with every podcast. Keep up the good work. Your guests and topics have been great, so far. Wishing you continued success.

[@elenisk]

Another great interview

[@TheChosenOne42513]

Let gooo sam mewis continue to make us proud 🥲🥲🥲😍😍

[@101jeepz]

Soph, you and the team NEED to try Xin Ding corner of 2nd and Ash - the dumplings, but everything, is amazing! Yes, the look on Soph's face when describing the missed PK in the WC, I felt that. Soph, you're amazing and just know that those moments only make you better as a player and a human. Sam, I love your reaction when Soph singled you out as her player moment - you are amazing! And Soph...I wand to say how much I love yours and Sinc's friendship...you two are fun to watch and it's super obvious how much you admire and look up to her, and she definitely adores you! LFG, THORNS!!! and i would be remiss if I didn't throw a Sinc quote, #F+@&SEATTLE

[@richardkincaid3657]

Your doing such a great job...

[@TheChosenOne42513]

Amazing job Sam mewis continue to make us proud ❤❤

[@heidiayers2124]

Sophia is so sweet yet fearless on the pitch ✨ Awesome interview Sam 😊

[@johnl6855]

She's a sweet girl. I don't know if anybody notice this, but during the Sweden penalty shot in WC, all the midfielder made theirs.

[@alansmithee8831]

Enjoyed this chat. Folk say us Smiths are common, but you can tell Sophia is special.

[@ecalalo]

This was great insight. Thank you so much Sam! I don't know if our feedback about guests is being taken into consideration, but I would die if you could get Marta on the pod. Also someone who is playing incredibly and is in my top 3 for the next ballon d'or is Graham Hansen, plus I don't even know how she sounds like.. She goes so under the radar, it's blasphemous lol So i'd love to know how that mind of hers works.

[@user-ej1nm4ry4b]

Love you Sophia and Sam! :)

[@TheChosenOne42513]

Let gooo Sophia smith 🎉🎉🎉🔥🔥🔥

[@kirstieb8025]

rose is just as fast with the ⚽️ too. mal. trin.

[@TJ-dz3ot]

Great Job Coach Sam

[@RJ420NL]

Yay Sophia 🥰

[@stevenmason4150]

I think the width you would like to see would have come from up top rather than the midfield. Losing Mia Fishel has (genuinely) been a disaster for the USWNT because she plays in the way the system requires. You hold up the ball and create space for, say, Purce (or Shaw) and Rodman to exploit whilst the back line adjusts. The team has to keep the ball moving but that wouldn't have been a problem for Lavelle, Horan and Albert. It's a disaster because watching Fishel would have made it easier for the US-based no.9's to learn the right kind of movement.

[@TheChosenOne42513]

S-Teir for Sophia Smith ❤❤❤🔥🔥🔥

[@MV-xh4ty]

Pace merchant

[@sanfordmichelojr7350]

Talk about Spains dominance too

[@CMJames]

They would have to give another national team their flowers, they don’t like to do that. I hope Spain continues to dominate the womens game for the next few tournaments.

[@Riin997]

Next keira walsh or caroline graham hansen.

[@sh0t0kan]

Get Korbin Albert on your show

[@poco1174]

As I get more and more unenthusiastic about USWNT, I have to admit, I like your podcast. Even to the point of abating some of my recent disappointment.

[@MartaComplex]

It’s sad that fans are so fickle that they become ‘unenthusiastic’ about a team just because they don’t win everything. It’s the classic definition of glory-hunter. Add that to those desperate to shoehorn the players into a political narrative, because the players - like many other male and female athletes - dared to have few principles and the USWNT fanbase really seems to be the most toxic of them all. Teams cannot win every game. Real fans support their side no matter what. You don’t give up when things get hard. What kind of ‘fan’ is that?

[@kirstieb8025]

@@MartaComplexeven tho i’m feeling unenthusiastic, i’ll always support this team. i don’t think ive missed a game since 2013.

[@CMJames]

Has her penalty landed in the stratosphere yet?

[@shawny5338]

We have such a great talent pool and up-coming players that makes me sad watching how poorly the management has ruined the team and it all started with the first day Vlatko was hired and Megan R. decided she was more important than the National Team.

[@kirstieb8025]

i think twila is doing a good job.

[@snapdoc]

Her game has been kind of quiet lately.

[@kirstieb8025]

she’s still super young. too much expectation s on her.

[@snapdoc]

@@kirstieb8025 And she is smart- she can learn!

[@JohnTell-nl5vv]

Maybe ask her if she thinks she’s the #9 or #11 as striker, and if truly #11 why isn’t she playing off a #9?? This is the missing link for the attack 😊

[@larrymusich569]

The leaders of the 2019, teams were mature under the “captainship” of Alex Morgan. How’s the new captain working out??? 🤣😂🤣

[@MartaComplex]

All this has absolutely nothing to do with the USWNT not winning a World Cup. Way to completely miss all the complexities of the women’s game.

[@jenniferdidlo9592]

Why r u reading to ur audience?

[@osminreina8164]

Yo tenia altas expectativas con esta chica y Trinity Rodman creía que esa dupla sería letal pero las veo hala baja estoy en shock por la pérdida contra las mejikanas

[@alexjvee6836]

El año pasado Trinity sí era buena pero este año no ha estado jugando bien. Sophia el año pasado tuvo 2 mini lesiones y no estuvo a su mejor nivel. Ahorita todavía es el principio del año y las 2 entraron a la copa oro antes de k la temporada de la NWSL empezará. Ojalá mejoren muy pronto. Saludos

[@osminreina8164]

@@alexjvee6836 para mi sophia SMITH tendría que estar en los mejores equipos de Inglaterra