iiinova — where your digital self keeps evolving

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10h

More info: Three Zambian #NWSL players are expected to miss several games due to CDC travel restrictions after playing an Olympic qualifying game in Uganda, barring an unlikely government exception being granted. www.espn.com/soccer/story...

0266 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 15h

The #NWSL just sent out the following statement about availability of Zambia internationals this weekend.

NEW YORK (October 16, 2026) - Following their participation with the Zambian Women’s National Team during the recent international window, several players are currently observing U.S. government public health re-entry protocols required for travelers returning from the East African region.
The NWSL is working with its clubs and U.S. immigration to ensure the players' safe return; all players are in excellent health.

2387 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 16h

#NWSL NEWS: Columbus 2028 has hired Lucy Rushton as its first GM. She was the first GM of Bay FC and part of Atlanta United's expansion launch. Rushton told ESPN that her time at Bay made her "the best version of myself as a GM and as a leader,” and is an advantage with building Columbus.

espn.com

Columbus NWSL expansion club names Lucy Rushton as GM

Lucy Rushton is the first general manager of the forthcoming Columbus NWSL expansion team that will begin play in 2028.

3184 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

I was gone for nine days and I have returned to Connecticut just in time for PEAK, IDYLLIC fall. ☀️🍂😍

0390 0

Reposted by Jeff Kassouf

SickosFC @sickosfc.bsky.social · 15/10/2026

You’ve seen stutter step penalties but how about this stutter walk penalty in the Caribbean Cup semifinal?

86841177 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Crest Cup chatter on stage now at the U.S. Soccer summit. And yes, a fitting background for the name.

1181 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

FWIW, have asked/have been asking about Concacaf qualification for 2027. Still awaiting confirmation. Concacaf pushed '26-27 into '27, which likely cost 2025 Shield/Champ/would-be qualifiers out of a berth. Expectations have been 2026 #NWSL season=qualifying.

1194 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

NEWS: The NWSL + USL Super League cup competition that ESPN first reported in May is now official. The Arthur M. Blank Crest Cup Winner gets a berth in the Concacaf W Champions Cup. $1.7M prize pool. Single elimination Still likely 2028 start www.espn.com/soccer/story...

espn.com

NWSL, USL Super League to face off in new women's cup competition

U.S. Soccer announced a new cup competition between the NWSL and the USL Super League, with the winner receiving a berth to the Concacaf W Champions Cup.

28217 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Emma Hayes praised the #USWNT subs/second-half group as "fearless." They salvaged a 2-2 draw with Spain and nearly won it. "The strength is in the size of our pack," Hayes said, adding that the days of "an 11" are gone.

espn.com

Swanson's late goal, 'fearless' substitutes salvage draw for USWNT vs. No. 1 Spain

Mallory Swanson came off the bench to score her first goal since the 2024 Olympics as the USWNT substitutes rallied for a 2-2 draw with Spain on Tuesday night.

1352 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

The #USWNT went down 2-0 early to Spain again, but this time they fought back for a 2-2 draw. They'll need to play more consistently, of course, but this particular group showed a resolve that needed to be seen. "That's what I've always learned wearing this crest."

espn.com

USWNT's never-say-die DNA on full display in fightback draw with Spain

Emma Hayes' side once again gave up a 2-0 lead to Spain. Then, something familiar returned: the fight and belief that once defined the USWNT's world dominance.

0231 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

FT #USWNT 2, Spain 2 The U.S. claws back from 2-0 down at the half, with eight changes along the way. Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson score for the U.S., who exits this two-game series with a loss and a much-needed draw (and some much needed fight at the end).

2602 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Kate Del Fava had the long ball to put Cooper in behind on the Swanson goal. Against Spain. How about that for a memorable debut?

414312 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Mallory Swanson gets her goal in her return, and the #USWNT has a late equalizer against Spain. 2-2 now.

1524 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Kate Del Fava and Pietra Tordin #USWNT debuts incoming. Emma Sears also getting ready to come on in a triple change. Spain and the U.S. agreed to eight subs for the friendlies.

0270 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Emma Hayes with the rare QUINTUPLE sub for the #USWNT ON: Cooper, A Thompson, Yohannes, Howell, Swanson OFF: Rodman, G Thompson, Heaps, Hutton, Lavelle

1293 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Ashley Sanchez is back on the scoresheet, and the #USWNT is alive. Sophia Wilson with another great spin turn to open things up. 2-1.

0612 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

HALFTIME: #USWNT 0, Spain 2 (Again) A pair of defensive mistakes for the U.S., and very little created offensively. Spain weathered the opening 10 minutes just fine, lulled the game back in their favor with possession, and executed when presented with U.S. mistakes.

1132 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 14/10/2026

Well, the opening few minutes were better for the #USWNT, but they are 2-0 down to Spain again here in the first half after a pair of defensive breakdowns. Slow (no) rotation on the first goal conceded, and then a dangerous giveway from Tullis-Joyce on a relatively innocuous play. Details.

1253 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Lineups are in: Ashley Sanchez STARTS for the #USWNT in a huge vote of confidence. Hayes said last week that new/returning players wouldn't start either game, so that's big. Hutton in for Yohannes in midfield. Gisele Thompson at left back. Phallon Tullis-Joyce in net. Six changes for Spain.

2393 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

It's the nicest day/night you could possibly ask for in Chester in mid-October. (I've certainly been freezing here before around this time.) Idyllic. #USWNT v Spain, Round 2 on tap.

0181 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Boston Legacy says Murphy is "projected to make a full recovery for the start of the 2027 NWSL Regular Season."

1181 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Rewatched USWNT v Spain Rd 1. There is a lot to like about that second half if you're the US, as Hayes has said. They built out how they wanted. One ex: 17-pass build, through Dickey + pressure multiple times leading to Rodman's 58' shot. Multiple examples. Poor team finishing proved costly.

1210 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Good morning from a glorious day south of Philly. #USWNT v Spain, Round 2 tonight. Predictions? I think we'll see a motivated US team, like in Game 2 v Brazil (not as physical as that game). Sure to be changes. Guessing Gisele Thompson at left back, Claire Hutton in midfield (with whom?). GK?

3273 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

Jordynn Dudley (foot fracture) and Bruninha (torn ACL) are both out for the season—the #NWSL playoffs and then some. Two more major losses for the Shield leaders and defending champions. Dudley might be the Rookie of the Year. She's a starter among stars.

espn.com

NWSL leaders Gotham lose Dudley, Bruninha for playoffs

Defending NWSL champions Gotham FC will be without two important players after forward Jordynn Dudley and defender Bruninha suffered season-ending injuries.

0212 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 13/10/2026

#USWNT warmup rondos with a twist on another MD-1.

0181 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

"Do it earlier" and "be more aggressive" are the #USWNT's prevailing themes ahead of the rematch with Spain. Emma Hayes also pushed back against talking only about the score of Saturday's 2-0 loss to Spain, reiterating that the #USWNT is in the middle of a process ahead of a World Cup.

espn.com

Hayes wants fast start from USWNT in second game against Spain

USWNT before second Spain friendly

2233 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 12/10/2026

Spain's Oihane Hernández on what she expects from the #USWNT in Tuesday's rematch: "I honestly expect like a really more physical game. I think they're gonna be more aggressive." (I would expect the same.)

0292 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

#USWNT head coach Emma Hayes: "I'm frustrated. I'm disappointed. But I'm not deterred." "I think we're much closer to them than we were three years ago definitely." Hayes was happy with the chances her team created, but not the poor finishing. Players said the finer details were lacking early.

espn.com

USWNT 'frustrated' but 'not deterred' by loss to world champions Spain

USWNT coach Emma Hayes lamented her team's lack of goalscoring in a 2-0 loss to Spain on Saturday, but saw signs of progress ahead of next year's World Cup.

3467 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 11/10/2026

The #USWNT knew that one momentary lapse could cost them against world champs Spain. They lapsed twice in the first 14 minutes. The US was dangerous but wasteful the rest of the game. These are the fine details that Spain mastered—and the US is relearning.

espn.com

Clinical Spain show USWNT what it takes to be world champions

The gap between the USWNT and world champions Spain may be small, but Saturday night was a lesson in how a world-class team takes their chances.

0304 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

FT: #USWNT 0, Spain 2 Spain scored twice early as the U.S. struggled to find this game in the opening 15 minutes. The U.S. was much improved in the second half -- nearly 2.0 xG to Spain's <0.5, and U.S. had a penalty saved -- but they couldn't convert. They meet again Tuesday.

4233 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

90th minute red card to Spain: Athenea is sent off for pulling Michelle Cooper's hair, after review.

0130 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

USWNT has been knocking on the door throughout the second half. Sophia Wilson earned the penalty, but Adriana Nanclares saves Lily Yohannes' attempt and keeps this game 2-0 Spain. Much better this half from the U.S. in patterns of progression, but still nothing to show for it.

0201 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Triple change for the #USWNT: Ashley Sanchez, Mallory Swanson and Claire Hutton are on for Rose Lavelle, Alyssa Thompson and Lindsey Heaps. Sanchez and Swanson are back on the field for the United States for the first time in two years.

0311 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Halftime changes: Gisele Thompson is on for Avery Patterson at left back for the #USWNT Clara Serrajordi is on for Patri Guijarro for Spain

1120 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Halftime: #USWNT 0, Spain 2 Spain scored twice on 0.24 xG. Central errors by the U.S., Spain pounced as everyone knows they can and will. A key difference has also been Spain's ability to hold possession high up the field. U.S. has to start finding feet to keep the ball in the second half.

1336 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Spain is playing a high line despite the pace of this U.S. front line, and it has made this a very open game. Thompson in behind multiple times, but the US has nothing to show for it. Spain has taken advantage of it, especially on their second goal.

0181 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

2-0 Spain after 14 minutes, and the #USWNT is huddled up trying to sort things out. Parauellelo gets Davidson isolated on the left, hits a cross to a wide open Eva Navarro, making a secondary run out of midfield.

0130 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

GOAL Spain - 3 minutes in! Patri Guijarro has space outside the box and nails a shot inside the far post. Dream start for Spain. Early letdown for the #USWNT, especially for such an emphasis on getting pressure on the ball in the middle of the park.

0130 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

And it is Rodman on the left to start out. #USWNT

170 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Helicopter flyover done, here we go. #USWNT v Spain is underway.

050 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

#USWNT XI to face Spain. This is how they trained this week in Georgia. We'll see if they add this wrinkle today: Rodman on the left to cut inside.

0236 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

#USWNT v Spain, Round 1, in a few hours here on a cloudy fall day in DC. World No. 1 v No. 2. World Cup champs v Olympic champs. The most exciting U.S. domestic friendly in a long time (and there's a rematch in three days). US keys to the match: Pressure, Patience, Possession.

0201 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Jamaica beat Mexico 4-3 on Friday in the first of 2 meetings ahead of next month's World Cup qualifying. Reminder that Jamaica got out of a group w/Brazil + France @ 2023 WC. Mexico did not qualify (when 6 of 8 Concacaf ultimately did, and Mexico hosted). Mexico v Haiti in win-and-in quarterfinal

youtube.com

Match Highlights || Mexico 3-4 Jamaica FIFA International Woman Friendly.

YouTube video by Jamaica Football Facts

0151 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Interesting. There was a noticeable presence around town when I was there for the March opener -- highway billboards, events, lots of people in jerseys in everyday locations. Not so much the airport, but the scale of that airport is day and night to DCA/KC others.

100 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Jamaica leads Mexico 3-2 ‼️ ...at halftime ‼️ ...in Mexico ‼️ Friday Night Lights, Concacaf edition

0321 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 10/10/2026

Immediately saw Spirit ads at DCA. Like in KC, where the Current branding hits you starting at the airport. No coincidence that those teams have become part of the fabric of their respective cities. #NWSL

1710 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Trinity Rodman told Ali Krieger that she has found a new "freedom to be myself" with the #USWNT. They also spoke about being less predictable and more connected to teammates on the field, reuniting with Ashley Sanchez, and that crazy day going from DC⚽️✈️➡️ NY 🎾 FULL Futbol W interview 👇

youtu.be

Trinity Rodman EXCLUSIVE: 'I'm happy that I have that freedom to be myself' with USWNT

YouTube video by Jeff Kassouf

0292 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

Both implicitly and explicitly, on the field and in player development, Spain is a model of what the #USWNT has worked toward in its identity overhaul. What more can the U.S. learn? Patience, in more ways than one. More before the world 1v2 clash:

espn.com

What can the USWNT learn from World Cup champions Spain?

The No. 2-ranked U.S. women's national team faces No. 1-ranked Spain. What can the Americans learn from soccer's new standard bearers?

0213 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

#USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps spoke to Ali Krieger about playing Spain, coming home to Denver and back to #NWSL, and leadership: "I think [Emma Hayes] brings out a different type of leadership that maybe I didn’t know was possible, and given me the confidence in that leadership to be myself."

youtube.com

USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps: Emma Hayes has 'given me new confidence in my leadership'

YouTube video by Jeff Kassouf

0121 0

Jeff Kassouf @jeffkassouf.bsky.social · 09/10/2026

WATCH: Full special episode of Futbol W from #USWNT camp. Interviews with Trinity Rodman, Lindsey Heaps, Alyssa Thompson. USA v. Spain tactical previews. An inside look at U.S. Soccer's new training facility. 🔗👉 www.espn.com/watch/catalo... Futbol W: Tuesdays, 8:30pm ET, ESPN+

091 0