sonia, pls

Not gonna lie to y’all, it’s been one of those times when the weight of ~everything~ is really on my brain. This isn’t excuse-making, it’s just reality. Last time this country chose the dumbest possible option, I spiraled. It wasn’t a ‘we’re better than this’ spiral, because I’ve been Black in this country all my life—I know what we are.

My reaction was terror at the backlash being much dumber and more severe than anticipated. This time around I’ve been determined to not give them more than they’re trying to take. I also know that if we’re downtrodden and hopeless, things get so much easier for them, and more people are hurt.

But most of us are still human, and if you’re the type of human who gives a shit about other humans, this is very hard. Feeling that is okay, because it only makes the most sense in the world. I believe the best long-term counter is to invest time, effort and/or money into an ongoing initiative to fight back. Though also, sometimes, you’re a mess and just need to be a mess for a minute. That’s where I’m at right now.

Thankfully, woso. Let’s get to it.

upcoming matches for your eyeballs

today

If you saw this in last week’s email, no you didn’t. Anyway, Potsdam are at the very bottom of the table, without a win, and a goal difference, across 19 games, of -58 (4 scored, 62 conceded). The reason to have this match on is clearly not them, because that’s just sad.

But Leverkusen are 4th on the table and have one of the youngest squads in domestic woso. They faced Bayern at the end of March and six of their ten outfield players were under 23, including three players 20 or under. If you wanna see some upcoming German talents, watch.

After being squished by Gotham, the Dash couldn’t respond and got worked by Angel City. Last weekend they were dominated by Kansas City, and now get to face the Royals. Responding after tough games is a key part of development, and Houston really need to get back to their early season form.

I’m more hype than I should be for the Pride/Angel City, but part of that is because Alyssa Thompson is off the availability report. She’s been carrying the team, and they did not look great without her last week. Orlando know how to cope with one superstar, but I wouldn’t mind a Banda/AT21 NWSL After Dark Show.

saturday, april 26

Spirit v. Gotham is a playoff semifinal rematch and a match against two teams who’ve recently had somewhat shocking results, but on opposite ends of the spectrum. Washington beat Orlando at home, while Gotham got rekt by Portland.

The Courage are the only winless team left in the NWSL and have to face the only team that hasn’t lost yet, Kansas City (lol). Chicago found a nice little duo with Jameese Joseph and Ludmila, but will need to be clinical because San Diego is tied for third most goals in the league. The Wavé will likely score, can/will Chicago respond?

Bay have hit a weird slump, and it doesn’t seem like Albertin Montoya has found a combination of attacking players that he likes. It’s a good group of players, so that’s a little odd. Reign seem to be going the other way. Lynn Biyendolo got her first start and is settling in, and Laura Harvey is letting Lynn and the kids run.

sunday, april 27

There are only three matchdays left and Bayern have an eight point lead at the top of the table, and (by current standings) this is their toughest remaining game. I expect Bayern to win and lift the trophy next weekend, but Freiburg could spoil those plans if they’re in the mood.

Chelsea don’t have a shot at turning that sort of deficit around against Barcelona. After going down in the first leg, it was vital to keep the score close, and they didn’t. An early goal or penalty could make it interesting, but ultimately it’s going to be another UWCL embarrassment at the hands of Barcelona.

Somewhat surprisingly, Arsenal are still very much in with a chance against Lyon. I don’t necessarily expect it, Lyon are the more talented team, but I will always subscribe to more Champions League drama. Arsenal can’t go with the forward line they tried in leg 1, they have to get Chloe Kelly out there to start breaking things down 1v1.

The Thorns found a new midfield structure and a rookie sensation, all in one game against Gotham. Keeping that up against Loovull shouldn’t be hard, especially if they’re without Taylor Flint again.

wednesday, april 30

There’s a very good chance both Arsenal and Chelsea will be hurt and bounced from the UWCL by the time these games kick off, which means full focus will have to be on the league.

Arsenal have the easier game, as Aston Villa are 11th. Of 12. Oof. Chelsea, meanwhile, have to face the best defense, and goalkeeper, in the league. Manchester United have only conceded nine (9!) goals in nineteen (19!) matches. Somehow, and in a way that somehow perfectly encapsulates Marc Skinner, that’s only good enough for third on the table.

Chelsea have a six point gap to Arsenal behind, so if this is going to become another WSL season in which the title is won and/or lost on the final matchday, United need to get all three points.

stuff to read…

2025 nwsl week 5: xG race charts & g+ pass networks

The Tuesday game threw things off a bit but we’re back with all the data from week 5 int he NWSL. The marquee result was the Spirit over Orlando, and the pass networks show how Washington achieved something that’s one been done to the Pride three times in the last three seasons.

Beyond that, we also have Kansas City juggernauting, Utah and Bay wasting everyone’s time, the Thorns discovering that midfield structure is good, Rahsing deciding to fill Taylor Flint’s role with hope, Sam Laity’s weird solution to not having Alyssa Thompson, and more.

Here’s everything from week 5, including Tuesday’s match, in xG race charts and g+ pass networks.

more #content you might be into

Hey Spirits: “I’m also a Hatch Truther” (w/ Jenna Tonelli) [Spirit v. Gotham Preview]
🍎 Apple | 🟢 Spotify

Annie, Ella & I are joined by Jenna Tonelli for a match preview! Is this a rivalry? What's with Gotham's ⬆️⬇️ results? Plus Hatch, the Howellaissance, candy corn, and more.

Diaspora United: Sonia Bompastor: Football Terrorist (w/ Sylvs, from Shea Butter FC)
🍎 Apple | 🟢 Spotify

Sylvs joined me for a UWCL review + look ahead! Wanna hear two Chelsea fans try to give Arsenal hope? Wanna hear them hurt, again, by Barca? Plus, NWSL ‘Big 4 (3?)’ talk.

gif time

Pure joy cellies are among my favorite cellies.