Transcript of GOOD FOLLOW - New York Liberty Win 2024 Championship, 2025 WNBA Look Ahead + NWSL & More

Welcome to Good Follow, presented by DraftKings. I'm Megan Reis. Joining me are Logan Hackett and our favorite WNBA analyst, Roz Golden-Widde. After 28 years, the New York Liberty won their first Championship in franchise history. Let's start the show by taking a look at the moment they did it.

Carlton lobs it in, taken away by Theves. Off to Stuart. 28 years in the making, the New York Liberty are WMBA champions. The original franchise.

So the moment this happened, I was actually watching on my phone outside my hotel waiting for a DoorDash. So I got to experience it on my phone on YouTube TV. But, Roz, you have been by You're on the Liberty Side all season long, and you're also Queens, born and raised. So what was it like for you being there and watching them lift the trophy?

I immediately felt the enormity of the moment. And I think the context of growing up in New York City my mother, not being an athlete herself, just being a woman who wanted her daughters to see female empowerment and opportunities through sports, taking me to a WNBA game in New York and having that exposure and being a fan growing up, seeing how long it took, seeing the streamers coming down from the ceiling. I happened to be on the court. I was in the tunnel waiting for the game to end and running out to the court. No matter who won, I was coming out there, and I happened to go straight into the direction of Theresa Witherspoon, hugging and crying with Swin Cash. She was also there with Angel Reese. I was taking that video for our group, and I'm watching Spoon, and it really hits you. The history of this franchise, the drought of not winning for so long, being one of the original franchises in the history of the WNBA, and then finally, breaking through here. I did feel the enormity of it, what it meant not only for this Liberty team, but for the franchise, what it means for the WNBA.

And during a time when everything is just so amplified by the excitement and attention on women's sports overall, It was huge. It was big. It was so awesome.

Hearing you about it makes me a little emotional. Well, let's talk about the game. In a game where Sabrina went only one for 19 with five points, and Stuey went four for 15. I think the stat was the team overall were two for 23 from three. How did the Liberty pull the game off?

It's funny. I'm watching the game, and at one point down the I'm looking at a lineup and it's guardless. There's no guards on the court. And I'm speaking with fellow broadcasters and colleagues and friends, and I think the lineup was Stuey, Leo, Niara. I'm blanking right now, but the whole thing was all bigs and no guards. And I'm like, Well, it makes sense. Nobody's hit in threes. I guess they were like, Let's just go with size. And then also to think about the contributions that bench players were making, reserve players were making. This was a game where what shined for the liberty was organizational success, was scouting success, was putting together, coming off of the loss against the Aces last season and putting together a strategy of what did that returning core group of starters need surrounding them to get them over the pump. And it was the heroics of Niara Saboli. It was the heroics of Leone Feebish. And I thought, huge minutes, Kayla Thornton and other players who just throughout the course of this heavyweight battle in the finals, stepped up. So I think depth shined. And look for You look at Sabrina Onescu, she'll get flak for going 117.

She still had nine or eight assists and rebounds. She had barely any one or two turnovers against the very physical and hard defense in the links. Your shot may not be going down, but you You still need to be solid up here and be a floor general for your team. And same thing for Stui, he came up with big free throws. So it was a great, gritty team win. What do you think?

I think that's the thing about box scores. They don't always tell the full storyline. But actually, Logan, I want to get your thoughts on the other side of the ball. So Roz told us what went well for New York. I would love to know your reactions on what didn't go so great for Minnesota.

I think especially coming down the stretch when they lost that lead. I mean, they had a pretty good lead. I remember I'm watching at one point and I'm like, Oh, I had a parlay going for an NFL game, and I was low key like, I can possibly go check on that. So I think, honestly, all that. Sure, there's the controversy about the calls and everything, but at the end of the day, they were up. They were on the Liberties' home court. They had it in their hands, and it didn't really work out for them. Also, Alana Smith, if you're watching this, I hope you're okay. She was doing well, but when they come down to injuries, I mean, their depth was not as deep and performing as much as the Liberties was. If If you would have told me that the Liberty would not have won that Championship without Niara Saboli, literally two weeks ago when we were having the conversation about death, I'd be like, Well, I don't know if that's actually going to happen. But seeing her come on and seeing the confidence that Sandy had in her lineup to put on a lineup that she's never even practiced with before and rely on people like Niara, who is technically her second year in the league, that's really saying something.

I don't think that the Minnesota really had... I don't think Minnesota really had that depth down the stretch.

I do want to follow up on your great points about depth. And earlier, what I was saying about the big lineup, I have my scribble notes from the game. So the lineup, there's actually... During the game, I take a lot of notes on old school. I handwrite things, and it's like, guardless lineup of exclamation point. And it's literally Jonquil Jones, Leoni Feeish, Kayla Thornt, Niara Saboli, and Stewy was on the court. And they were like, Things we I never saw before. But that's what it takes sometimes to win a championship. And that's the luxury the Liberty have. The fact that Coach Sandy Brandello trusted her depth enough to go to them. The season She's on the line, baby. There's nothing more than this. And she trusted her depth. A lot of times, guys, when it's playoffs, men's, women's, basketball, NBA, WNBA, college ball, and the pressure is high, coaches shorten that leash. Coaches, oh, My goodness. All of a sudden, that seventh player off the bench don't even see the court. So it actually really says a lot about Coach Sandy and her trust of this team, the development of the entire roster over the course of the season, that for all the marbles, she was like, We're going to give you a shot.

And also that those players were ready.

Well, I love this. I love your thoughts on this topic, and I want to continue on a thought that, Logan, you actually started with was the controversial call. And as we know, Lynx head coach Sheryl Reeve had her own theory of why the Liberty won. Let's take a look at what she had to say.

I know all the headlines will be Reeve cries foul. Bring it on. Bring it on. Because this shit was stolen from us. Bring it on. Well, we talked about it. We know we could have done some things, right? But you shouldn't have to overcome to that extent. This shit ain't that hard. Officiating it, it's not that hard. I tell these I realized for whatever reason, it didn't work out, right? It just doesn't feel right that you lose a series with that level of discrepancy.

Well, as we know, losing a championship and having a postgame press conference immediately after, the emotions are high. And so I would love to know from both of you. I'll start with you, Logan, what are your thoughts on what Sheryl had to say?

I completely understand, especially in the moment. I mean, you pushed it to game five. You had the lead. And the way that it ended for it to go to overtime wasn't ideal. I mean, that would be the first thing that I would be mad at. The whole team would be mad at, honestly. So I get it in that sense. But at the same time, as I just said, you had the whole five games. You had the whole game. There's a reason why it wasn't that you didn't win at the end of it. So maybe she cooled off and was able to see the, I guess, reality of the situation in the end of it. But I do understand where her emotions, and probably the team's emotions, came from in that moment.

Before we go ahead and look at the actual call, Ross, what are your thoughts on Sheryl's comments?

Yeah, I think it's understandable immediately after the game, and especially for such a hard-fought battle and such an emotional one to react and feel that much emotion around it. Like, full stop, I think either side. We've heard both coaches within this series complain publicly to the media about the reps and the foul calls. But what that also says to me is like, Hey, it went in favor of one team or another throughout the series, there were certainly things that the Lynx got a favorable whistle or bounce on. And I think there is a sportsmanship aspect of this that I do understand people pushing back at Coach, and especially after the game, I'm like, All right, everybody's got their emotions. This is sports. But to continue to carry on well after the game, whether it's through social media or in close-out interviews, I think now that's where you've got to be able to be professional and give credit because it was a five-game series. If we even look at game five, the game went to overtime. There were a few players who perhaps came out hot for the links in the first half, and in the second half were quiet or struggled through the game.

So there are things that you could look at as the links and say, Hey, we weren't that great. Or there were games where you gave up 26 points on 20 turnovers, or you could look at the Liberty who made mistakes all through the series. This is sports. You could look at the Liberty who star players and have a good shooting night in game five. But role players played out of their mind. X factors are what changes series. So I think for sports fans, it's what makes it interesting. For the conspiracy theorists, they love that on Twitter. And I think, look, a A W is a W is a W. A win is a win is a win. And it was fitting for this heavyweight battle where both teams were awesome, that the win was gritty and hard and scrappy and came down to possessions.

Okay, well, let's take a look at the call that led to Sheryl Reeve saying the Championship was stolen. All right, so how it goes? The links believe this was not a foul, and a lot of people also pointed out that Stuey may have traveled. So was this a foul or should the travel have been called?

I don't know much. I'm not sure about basketball rules. I mean, I know a clear foul when I see one and I cannot see one there. But I will say that when I was watching it back, when people started calling out Stuey's travel, I was like, whoa, that is very apparent. But, Ross, what do you think? Because you played the game so much better than me.

Yeah. You know what's so crazy is, again, where I was during this part of the game. Like, literally, I'm getting ready to get on the court regardless of who wins, and we're going to cover the championship. So what I can see from under the tunnel is the Jumbotron and pieces of heads on the court. But actually, what I remember from the moment was just that the foul happened, and then that Stuey was on the free throw line again. And for me, what I was thinking as a basketball player was just like, boy, it would be awful if she missed the free throws again and had to feel that horrible feeling. So I was like, oh, gosh, I I was just like, hopefully that Stuey would be able to step up. And she did and knocked them down. She was ready to redeem herself. So that's the viewpoint I had. And then I was covering the Championship at that point, the celebrations, the locker rooms, the champagne. So by the time... And then I, as a New Yorker, went out with my friends to celebrate as well. So it wasn't until the very next day that I actually scrolled through Twitter and threads, and I was like, Oh, it was drama.

I was like, Oh, LeBron tweeted? I was like, Oh, Isiah Thomas has smoked? Everybody was coming at conspiracy around this. And it was crazy to see how much drama there was. But I'll say this. I think the foul, I think there was a bump But if you're looking at the hand, you might be like, Oh, it's a tough call. I hate any game where the reps are a part of a huge historical moment. But I will say in watching the replay, for whatever reason, that clip does look like there was foot motion in the play before. But again, you're talking about one play over the course of a five-game series that went to overtime. It's hard to make it just about that one moment because it's really not.

Well, coming up after the break, we look ahead to the 2025 WNBA This is the season. We'll be right back. Welcome back into Good Follow. Before we shift our focus to 2025, Roz caught up with WNBA Commissioner Cathy Inglebert after Game 5. Let's see what had to say about this season and the WNBA Finals.

It's going to be a historic season when we all get everything done and a season to remember. We're going to be looking back in 10 years saying this was the turning point for just not the WNBA women's sport. So amazing He's an amazing WNBA Finals. Both teams deserve to win two overtimes in the finals. And game five, the deciding game, amazing. Amazing.

I love the excitement, Well, is the Commissioner right that this season will not only be the turning point for the W, but women's sports as a whole?

Absolutely. If you thought the W had drama this season, you should definitely look at other weeks because there's so much drama and chaos, especially when it comes down to play-offs. I mean, the NWSL, right now we thought we knew it was going one direction, and now it's completely shifting. And the past few years have been very dramatic. So I think it's a turning point for literally everything, not Only because of the play, but also the players and how they're coming up and how they're being recognized more in pop culture and social media.

Well, I think it even says a lot having what you said, Roz, when you're having players like LeBron and Isaiah Thomas and all these big athletes and celebrities and people chiming in on the drama and talking about it on Twitter and threads. This isn't a moment. Women's sports are here.

Yeah. And I also think the WNBA this season was record-breaking, rating-shattering, had star power and compelling story lines that got attention that the league has never seen before. And what's important to me is that the product lived up to all of that hype. The product was excellent. The players, the rookies led by Kaitlyn Clarke, led by Angel Reece, they had historic rookie seasons. The actual playoffs and products themselves were thrilling, captivating, compelling. All-star weekend. What a great All-star game the WNBA put on. The counterparts at the MNBA, they need to work on that. How exciting was this finals that went all five games, nail biters, huge shots, celebrity sidelines, and then finally goes down to an overtime and was captivating. Superstars emerging, fresh blood in the Minnesota Lynx. Nafisa Khalia is one of the best players in the world now, and it's thrilling. And It's thrilling. I think this is just the beginning. I think that you can double down on this. I think next season, the WNBA and media partners and people covering women's basketball will be much better prepared. I think this season was awesome. A lot of people were caught off guard, caught flat-footed, had some faux-paws, had some miscues, uncomfortable moments.

I expect next season will be more, hopefully smoother sailing as well.

Well, to your point, Rods, in my opinion, men's sports could never write the story lines that women's sports just organically have. They just can't. Like you said, this series, the M&A couldn't do it if they wanted I do.

You want to know why?

I do. It's a woman. Exactly. That's all it really comes out to. It's inherent.

Who does it better? I I mean, even fashion and league fits and getting to know the personalities and who these people are and who these players are, it's just fascinating. Not only because it's women, but because all of the players in the WNBA are so diverse. There's so many different kinds of expressions of femininity and body types and stories. I think that's also a really compelling and unique part of the WNBA, the fact that these are highly visible, highly competitive, and highly diverse, a group of players.

Then at the same time, they also feel very relatable. I think that's what makes it a yet another reason as such an attractive product.

They date each other, so there's drama. Yeah.

And there's drama that way, too.

Let's move on to our next look ahead for 2025. The Liberty have three unrestricted free agents in Brianna Stewart, Courtney Van der Sloot, and Kennedy Burke. Now that they finally have their Championship, I got a way too early question for you. Can the Liberty repeat?

Yeah.

Yeah, I think they can. I feel like Stuey is not going to go anywhere. I feel like she'd resign with them, watch her go somewhere in my words. But even with the group that they have now, if Stuey leaves, they're going to get somebody just as big, I feel. So I think they could definitely repeat, and everybody might be trying to chase what they have now.

Yeah, I think this is a team that is built to run it back. This is what the staff, the players echoed immediately after winning. And I expect Stuey is going to be back with the Liberty, where there could be some whispers and changes might be around Courtney Vandersloot, who now has her second Championship and has seen her role diminished with the Liberty a little bit. Perhaps next season might not want to do that and may look elsewhere. Actually, she's got a big-time contract. That could open up a lot of space for another type of player to come into the Liberty. There's a chance the Liberty get even better. And I think that improvement within returners who could fill a spot like that. There have been names like Jalen Sherrod, who made impact in her minutes into the game. But I think this Liberty team has room for a lot of improvement. That's crazy. And I don't even think they're as good as they can be. So I'm I'm excited. I think next season could be big for them.

Well, after losing in the finals last season, the Liberty were out on a revenge tour that, as we know, ended in a title. So with the Lynx feeling like they might have been slided and that their championship was stolen, are What are the team to fear next season?

I feel like the Lynx, yes, because they're coming back with such a vengeance, especially if they're like, Oh, yeah, the finals were stolen from us, and that's how they are still feeling. They're bringing that in, wanting to run it back the finals and win it their way rather than it being stolen. So yes, they are to be feared, but I think the ultimate team to fear is still the Liberty.

Yeah. And I think it'll be a different mindset for the Lynx next season, too. I think the Lynx are good. I think it's They're right there with the Liberty again, but the mindset is different in that, one, they expect to be there next season. I think there was a journey to understanding what they could be this year. And next season, I think there's this concept of, All right, revenge tour, right? And I also think they'll also be hunted differently. I don't think they won't catch anyone by surprise. And that's a different mindset, too. So for me, the top two teams next season will be the Liberty and the Lynx. And I also expect the Aces to be right back at the top next season, too. I don't know if I'm jumping the gun there.

I was actually going to ask your thoughts on where Vegas falls in this, so that's perfect.

Yeah. I think for me, the teams I'm looking at next year We're at the top are Liberty, Lynx, and Aces. I think Arrested Healthy Aces with the retooled supporting cast is going to be very good. Guys, they were really good this year, and they weren't anywhere near what they needed to be. They still played in the semifinal. So that's going to be key. I think for me, the team that could make the biggest jump into contender might be the fever.

Coming up, we continue our look ahead to the 2025 season with a new game called Reboot, Reload, or Rerun. We'll be right back. Welcome back into Good Follow. Now, let's look ahead to 2025 with a new game called Reboot, Reload, Rerun. We love our games here, and in this game, I will tee up a team, and our job is to determine what they should do next. Should they blow the whole thing up and reboot their team, make some big moves this offseason and reload, or do they stay the course and rerun with what they've got? And we don't have to all agree this time. So you two ready? Yep, ready. Okay. I think we're going to do this good this time. Our last two go-arounds like games haven't been our strongest, but this one is on our side. Let's start with the Las Vegas Aces who finished second in the Western conference. The Ace's quest for a three-peat came to an end this year in a game for semifinals lost to the Liberty. They went 12 and 8 in conference play and 27, 13 overall with the help of MVP Asia Wilson. Should the Ace's reboot, reload, or rerun?

I'm in between reload and rerun. I think a small reload.

In what way?

If they couldn't repeat with the team that they have and the team that they got the first two with, pretty much, then I think we need some changes. For me, I think it's like a mini reload on the supporting cast.

I mean, we're rerunning the core four group, the Asia, Chelsea, Kelsey, and Jackie. But this is a group that needs more size, needs more rebounding, needs better defense, needs better health. I think that with that retooling of the supporting cast, they'll be right back there fighting for a championship. Again, just like they did this season, but they'll be a top team for it.

Any other thoughts from you, Logan? I mean, Roz touched on it, but depth was an issue for them this season.

Yeah, that was going to be my first answer is they need to work on depth, especially because we've been seeing teams who their bench players are really coming in clutch. And I feel like they rely on their core so much that the others are really up there on the same level. So I'd like to see that happen. And once they get depth, I think they will definitely be running it back.

And look, the Aces have been historically not deep for the past few seasons now, and they've been able to overcome that. But the rest of the league is getting better, and the teams know what to do against them at this point. I think it's time to re-up and look at the success. I'll use an example. The New York Liberty had, coming off of their loss last season in the WNBA Finals to the Aces, what did GM Jonathan Cole do? Retooled the roster to support that core group. And that bench, that second unit, the Niara Sabalis, the Leonie Fibiches, were huge in helping the Liberty get over the pump and win a championship this season. If they can pull that off in the aces this offseason and Find the right pieces that make sense, they're right back there. I mean, as long as that core group gets the proper healing and rest that they need, because Chelsea was unhealthy. And I think there have been players on that team that went through a lot, not only on the court, but off the court. And this would be a really important offseason to just gather yourself and come back ready to go.

Well, let's move on to the Eastern Conference. We have the Indiana Fever. The Fever took third in conference play going 11 and nine in 2020 overall, and made the playoffs for the first time since 2016. Current rookie of the year, Kaitlyn Clarke led the team with 19.2 points per game, and Alia Boston led in blocks and rebounds. So should the your Reboot, Reload, or Rerun?

Roz, what do you think on this one?

I like that young core group rerunning that back. They've got something really special in Alia Boston and Kaitlyn Clarke. The two of them Together, looked really great. By the end of the season, they found their rhythm, and individually, they were excellent. Obviously, you read everything back with Kaitlyn Clarke. She was excellent. That second half of the season in particular was explosive, historic. Her entire season reason was we'll have to see what Kelsey Mitchell does, but that's a huge key in having her back. I think for the team overall, though, they could use some reinforcements inside, helping with size, helping with rebounding and helping defensively. So I guess the answer is, much like the Aces, I think they have a core that works. You reload a mini reload in strategic positions. But I think they got a core that is going to be one the best in the WNBA in these years to come. We're looking at the new, this is that next generation.

I think they need a little bit more of a bigger reload, just building around those players, though. But as you said, once they can get the whole team around them and them playing off of Kaitlyn and Alia, potentially Kelsey, then, yeah, they're definitely going to have a shot, especially with Kaitlyn driving that car.

Well, like you said, Roz, for everyone, key free agent is Kelsey Mitchell. So we'll see what Indiana does there with them, but we're going with a mini two major reload. But now let's look at a team in the middle of the pack this year, the Phoenix Mercury. Ten and Ten in conference play, 19 and 21 overall this year under head coach Nate Tibbetz, finishing fourth in their division and a potential retirement of Diana Tarasi. Should the Mercury reboot, reload, or rerun?

I'm going with reboot, to be honest. I think they tried to have too many stars, offensive stars, the people that are going to go the points on their team this year. But the way that they're working together, it's just not working for the team. It wasn't really working on defense, and obviously, it wasn't getting it done. So as much as I like them altogether, I think they maybe tried to do a bit too much. I'm not too sure, because when you look at other super teams, you still have big names, but they all play different roles, and I feel like a lot of these players were playing similar roles. So yeah, reboot.

Yeah. I think we have to wait and hear from Diana Tarasi and the franchise is patiently waiting as well. I mean, her decision changes everything, regardless if she stays or goes. But if Diana Tarasi does retire, you are immediately in a reboot. If you didn't know, if Diana Tarasi says, I'm done DT, I'm walking away from the game, whatever franchise she was on is rebooting because now you're talking about culturally stepping into a new era, into a new identity, into a chance to really think about what does the Mercury look like moving forward. And it gives you the room to make a new roster, to try new things. You have Coach Tibbets, who's a brand new coach. Now we can really perhaps build out a vision alongside the GM and nick Yuren and really build out what they want to do for the franchise moving forward. Much like if you remember Kobe with the Lakers at the end, Diana Tarassy, very similar in the sense that they have earned the opportunity here to take their time on their decision. They They put buts in seats. They are the franchise. They are the goats. They are greatest of all time type players.

And at the end, though, and I say this, the words I softly hear, In some ways, it holds the franchise hostage on their way out in the sense of it's hard to move forward until you make room for what your future identity and vision is with them moving out. So this is a really key moment in franchise history for the Phoenix Mercury, and it really rests on what Diana Tarassy decides.

Well, other than the potential of retirement of Diana Tarassy, another key free agent to look out for is Brittany Griner when we're looking at the Mercury. But let's move on to another team. We'll look at someone who finished middle of the range, and that's the Seattle Storm. They took third in the Western conference, going 13 and 7 and 25 and 15 overall, with Jules Lloyd leading in points per game at 19.7. Let's also not forget the Storm had Skyler Diggens-Smith, Eze Magbogor, and Nneka Gumake. Should the Storm Reboot, Reload, or rerun?

Oh, my gosh. I think I'm going to go with reload on this one. Yeah, maybe another mini reload to build around, once again, that core that they had last year. I mean, their record... Sorry, can you say their record again? 25 and 30?

They were 25 Twenty-five and 15 overall.

25 and 15. For some reason in my head, it doesn't seem like that. It seemed like they had a bit worse of a season, especially because before him, we were talking about them competing with the Liberty and the Aces up there, and that's not really what we saw from them. So yeah, I think a reload, they would really benefit from that.

Yeah, and I think so, too. I think, one, we have to see with Nneka Agumake, where she's going to end up. That's huge. And whether she's there, anywhere Nneka is, that team is immediately Immediately better. She's had an all WNBA season, one of her best seasons of her career, but I think it flew under the radar because of the middle success that the Seattle Storm did. With Gabby Williams, every season, it's hard to know, is she going to be available in the US or not? Is she going to want to play or can she? I think Jules Lloyd, some hard questions need to be presented in that she hasn't had an efficient season this season for sure, and she's their franchise, or she's one of the players they're looking to to build around. She must have a better season next year. It can't carry on like this. So there's pressure there. I think Skyler Diggens-Smith will bust out next season. She really used that Olympic break and bust out in the second half of this season. And we saw once she got her lungs and legs and conditioning under her, she was so much improved.

So I think next year, there'll be a lot of growth for this team, but I wouldn't be surprised if we saw some movement. I wouldn't be surprised at all. And I wouldn't be mad at a mini-reboot, a mini Reboot.

All right, for our last team, you all know I'm a California girl, so let's look at the Los Angeles Sparks. The Sparks were last in the conference, going 8:32 overall, which was the worst season in franchise history. They also fired head coach Kurt Miller, and number two overall pick, Cameron Brink, was out most of the season with a torn ACL. Should the Sparks, Reboot, Reload, or Rerun? And for context, two of their key free agents are Keia Ners and Eric McDonald.

Reboot it. That's all I have to say. Keep some players. Keep Cam in there. She deserves to play as she was drafted because she didn't get to play much last year. Reboot. I want to see a completely different team, honestly.

Yeah. And I think the core that you have to build around is really exciting. The And supporting cast, you can plug them in. But again, this is one of those teams where the future is bright. Cameron Brink, hopefully she comes back in a full, healthy, and also fast manner that allows her to be back for the season and hopefully no complications. And Rukia Jackson had an incredible rookie season. And so you've got this great core of talent, of youthful talent. Don't forget, the spark my might end up with the top draft pick because they were so poor. What if Paige Becker is in LA? All of a sudden, you've got this really incredibly talented, power-packed, star-power-packed crew in LA. I mean, the potential is huge. And so I think this is really where your GM shines and putting the right veteran pieces around this group. And an original, historic, legacy franchise in the Sparks has all the potential to be great. So I'm excited.

All right, we're voting full reboot, which I think if I might have been our first full reboot of the game, but I'm with both of you on all of your answers. Cosine, 100 %. But That's it for our game of Reboot, Reload, or Rerun. Coming up, I reveal my DraftKings Picks of the Week, and Logan shares her latest good follow. We'll be right back. Welcome back to Goodfollow. Before we get into our weekly picks, our partners at DraftKings have an offer that's perfect for any game day. Right now, new customers who bet five dollars will instantly get $250 in bonus bets. Download the DraftKings Sportsbook app and sign up using promo code Goodfollow. That's $250 in bonus bets to spend on parlays, live betting, or picking straight up winners after betting just $5. If sports betting is not yet available in your state, you can still join in on all the fun with DraftKings Daily fantasy and have the shot to win cash prizes. Again, download the DraftKings Sportsbook app now and use promo code GoodFollow for $250 in bonus bets instantly after betting just $5, only at DraftKings Sportsbook. Okay, now it's time for this week's DraftKings Sportsbook Picks.

The NWSL regular season comes to close, and the Houston Dash are set to take on Bayes FC at home. Bayes FC secured three crucial points with a one-nil win against NC Courage, thanks to a late goal from Abby Dahlkeember, keeping Bayes FC's playoff hopes alive. Bayes currently sit in eighth place with 31 points, and a win or draw against Houston would secure their spot in the playoffs. With so much hope on the line for Bayes FC in their inaugural season and Houston struggling season, I'm picking Bayes FC to get the three points on the road. I'm also looking out for Asisat Oshala, who has seven goals this season after joining Bayes' seat from FC Barcelona. And on the other side of the ball, that's AbbyDahl-Kemper and Caprice Zydasco will have to frustrate Houston's offense. Logan, what are your keys for Bayes FC to keep their playoff hopes alive?

I feel like I say this every week, But it is crucial that they score goals, like lots of goals, because as we know, the tiebreaker, I think as we'll come up to, the tiebreaker is going to be with goals. So they really need to get that number up. But I honestly don't think they'll have that hard of a time doing it, given that they're playing Houston, who hasn't won in a fair amount of time and hasn't really had a great season.

Well, and also, I actually wish I had prepared the stat prior to this, but there was a point in the season, well into the season, where Bayes hadn't drawn a game. They were either losing games or winning games. And to your point, some of them were just like, we just needed more goals. And it's always such a scary moment when it comes to playoffs, I think, unlike any other sport, when it comes down So you could be right there and it could come down to you just didn't score enough goals or whatever the time breaker may be.

Yeah, I was looking at their recent games on, I think, Monday, and it was either like one nil or two nil, or they were losing one nil. They were not getting numbers on the board, and especially with the teams at the top, they at least have a few games where it's like four goals or even three. It's not that bad. But also when it comes down to that, they're going to have to be great on defense because Once again, they can't have any goals scored against them, and you don't want everything canceling out, and they just end up breaking even again.

Well, let's look at the rest of the competition, because if Racing Louisville win their last game against San Diego and Bayes FC loses, they would end up tied on points, because right now in the standings, Racing Louisville are right below them. And like you said, they would actually take the tiebreaker due to the 11 goal differential. So how do you think this is going to play out with Louisville?

I have no clue. Honestly, in true NWSL fashion, Like Louisville would lose and then Bay with lose or something like that. But San Diego is a tricky team because they have some wins over some decently good teams, especially the ones in the middle of the pack. But then on the other side, Louisville has good wins. And on paper, they should be beating them. So what I think is going to happen is, obviously, they might just both win. I could really see that happening. But this is also the end of your song. We have to be considerate of how much chaos there is.

I was going to say that's what's so hard about NWSL predictions, especially in the playoffs, is it anything can happen. And that is one of the things I love most about soccer and women's soccer is like, nothing is guaranteed. Anything can happen.

And all the teams that were fighting for a playoff spot were super close for a little bit up until last week. That just came down to Bay and racing Louisville. So I wouldn't have expected Bay to be here given the beginning of their season. But with that said, they're also peaking at the right time to make it into that spot.

Totally. And I was so wrong last week. I Angel City was going to do it. And then not only did they knock at the win, but Bay's win actually just eliminated them before they even played against Utah. Well, let's look at Kansas City. Two weeks ago, Temwa Chouenga scored her 19th goal, which broke Sam Kerr's single-season scoring record. And then last weekend, she scored her 20th goal and became the first player to score against every opponent in a single season. Temla is seven goals ahead of Orlando's Barbara Banda in the Golden Boot Race. So ultimately, she secured that title. Now, if she can do this all in her first year in the league, what can we expect from Temla in year two?

I don't even know because we're saying that she's conquered the end of herself because she scored against every team. What comes after conquering the end of- What else can you do? Yeah. But it's so crazy, and I absolutely love to see it. Again, going back to that Bell and Dor snob, that is absolutely insane. But the sky is truly the limit for her. Maybe next year, she aims to score multiple goals against each team. I truly don't know. But we are so blessed to be living in an era that we could watch her just absolutely cook on the field. Her speed is so amazing. And the way that Kansas City uses her is so amazing, and it has really played to their advantage.

Well, I feel like all Casey needs to do is win a Championship this year. And in Temua's first year in the league, she will have done... I mean, maybe other than winning MVP and finals MVP, at this point, every year here on out is just trying to better herself and break her own record. You You already put yourself in a completely different league.

In the next five years, maybe she'll go in net, honestly. Try to get a shutout season. In my eyes, she's superwoman.

Well, let's stay with Kansas City because the current tied the record for most goals scored in a single season at 54. With one game left in the season, they are likely to break it. And the current did this in just their fourth year in the league. So are they the future of NWSL? They have a lot going on for them. I mean, CPK Stadium is the first stadium built specifically for a professional women's team. They're definitely setting the bar when it comes to women's sports.

I think they're up there with the future. I mean, we do have to look back at the results that they've had. I think the first year, they didn't do very well. And then the second, they were runners up, and then they went back to not doing well. And now they're top mid this year. I think they're three right now. I'm interested to see how they do in the playoffs. But I think given that they have their own stadium and the fans are insane, I think it was a 13th sold out match in a row that they just had this weekend. So obviously, the market is there. They love it. We have great ownership and coaching behind it. So I'm really interested to see what they're going to do. And I think whatever it is, it's going to be amazing.

Yeah. And they're in, like you said, such a special market. They're like, KC fans just love their sports no matter what.

And if you want, bring Taylor Swift into the conversation. I know we're both not Swifties, but Let's say she's like, Hey, guys, go to a game. The impact that that will have is massive, and the people already doing that, their impact has been massive. So their future is very, very bright, to say the least.

I agree. Well, actually, let's look on the international stage. Last weekend, Emma Hayes announced her 26th player training camp roster for the current FIFA international window. And the roster includes 18 members of the Olympic roster and six uncapped players, three of them their first US Women's National Team camp. You can tell, based on the roster, that this camp is a time for Emma to experiment with you, I'm sorry, new and young talent. Logan, were there any names that surprised you?

Eva Gattino, I believe her is how you say her name. She plays in PSG. But that, in my mind, is telling me that Emma, we knew she was already looking at the international market or playing overseas, but she's looking there even more because she's come up here and there, but hasn't really been as big of a name as, let's say, Corbin Albert playing with PSG. So I'm excited to see her. And also Alyssa Malanson. I'm not going to lie, I had to Google her name. And even watching as much soccer that I have, for some reason, I haven't heard it before, but she was the first expansion pick for Bay, and she was doing really well at Auburn. So she's playing in the NWSL. I haven't really heard her name, but Emma clearly has. So you could tell that she's been looking at everybody, and there's a trend that these are really young players. So I'm I'm excited to hear those. But also when Olympic players don't have to be on the roster, I don't know what that roster is going to be like, but it's going to be, I feel like an amalgamation of just different players from different league, from different ages, different schools, everything.

What word did you just use?

Amalgamation. My mom used it growing up and it's stuck in my head.

What does that mean? Is it like a smorgas board?

A belting pot?

Okay. A smorgasbord. A combination. Amalgamation?

Wait, now I'm questioning my English.

No, I learned something new today. So that's my key takeaway from this episode. Amalgamation?

Yeah, I believe it's another word for combination.

Okay, we're going with it. Well, thank you for teaching me something new today.

Anytime.

Well, let's close out the show. And as you all know, the foundation of Good Follow is that communities get built one Good Follow at a time. And each week, one of us will highlight a person, page, or brand as the Good Follow of the Week. So, Logan, you're up this week. Who is your Good Follow?

All righty. My Good Follow of the Week is ShannonDomingzel, I believe is how you say it, @ShannonDomingzel on TikTok. She does social for the NFL and blogs her days. So if you've ever seen a viral NFL moment on TikTok, she is most likely the one behind it. Let's take a look at one of her behind the scenes videos.

Come work football Sunday with me at the NFL. So because I work for the league, we have to do every single game on a Sunday. So I'm not working for a particular team where I get to focus just on one game. It is every single game. There's too many things. Another one this year. Dan, Joey, Stan, Pittsburgh. Wait, that would have been so bad. 10:15. I think we're done.

Absolutely insane. I mean, I can barely keep up with Red Zone on NFL Sundays. It is way too much to me. I prefer to just watch one game, but she has to keep up with every single one and post about it. I just think that's honestly having a superpower. But also as somebody who loves the NFL, I love to see women take up space in men's sports and be very, very good at it. So cool to see her running things, and she's funny with it. There was a moment when she was like, Here, damn, when a lot of people were asking for a certain video, I think. And I think that reply went more viral than the video in question. So that is my good follow of the week. Everyone go follow @ShannonDomingsel on TikTok.

I love her. I follow her. Yeah, I just... Also to your point, to To do all of that on a day-to-day basis for your full-time job and then bring us behind the scenes with a vlog is so much work. And the fact that she does it consistently. And also I love her because she's another Filipino in sports and can sing her butt off. So definitely me follow her on TikTok because you're going to get a... What's the word?

Amalgamation.

An amalgamation of content.

I was actually going to ask if you knew if she was Filipino or not.

I I follow her. She goes by Shani, right? Yeah. She will give you an amalgamation of content. So I love the Goodfollow. And we want to hear from you, our fans, who is your Goodfollow?

Send your nominations to @goodfollowshow and tell us why your Goodfollow should be featured on our show.

Goodfollow is brought to you by DravKings. We will see you next week.