Congrats to Lo’eau LaBonta, Pasta Power Moves, and the Road to TST

Lo’eau LaBonta is finally getting her USWNT moment — and could make history. This week, Lori and Christina dive into the Emma Hayes callups, preview the team’s friendlies, and get a surprise visit from Heather O’Reilly. She joins live from the dentist’s office to share the inside story of Como 1907, life as a team exec, and how her job in Italian football began with an 8–1 loss and a pasta party. Plus: the TST preview, tournament costs, and a chaotic candy confession.⏱️ Time Code Highlights – The Soccer Podcast USA (May 27th Episode)0:00 – Welcome Back! Chaos, Calendar Confusion & Secret Guest Teased 1:44 – Lori’s Hair Evolution + Christina Proposes an “Awkward Meter” 2:48 – Candy Confessions: Werther’s, Gummy Worms & Scuffed Rims 4:25 – LIVE from the Dentist: Heather O’Reilly Joins the Show 5:58 – Weekend Wins: Arsenal Women & UNC Lacrosse Titles 6:38 – Lori’s TST Team: GM Mode, Multi-Club Life, and Michelle Kang Jokes 7:39 – The Road to TST: From Underdogs to Defenders of the Crown 10:12 – What It Really Costs to Field a TST Team (Spoiler: It’s a Lot) 13:48 – Women’s Soccer Economics: What Players Should Know 15:22 – Pasta, Fabregas & Como 1907: Heather’s Italian Job 18:07 – Building a Club Abroad: Challenges, Culture, and a 5-Year Plan 20:26 – Dream Stadium on Lake Como & Heather’s Vision for Serie A 22:00 – Tampa Preseason Invite? Christina Shoots Her Shot 23:41 – Will Heather Come Out of Retirement Again? 24:31 – TST Strategy: Target Scoring, Sub Patterns & Veteran Wisdom 25:44 – Champions League Pride: Arsenal Wins, Tar Heels Shine 27:20 – Ref Storytime: Heather, Offside, and the 5-Minute Stare 30:01 – Leadership Lessons & Adjusting Abroad 31:03 – "It Started with Pasta": How the Italian Deal Was Born 31:38 – Ask the Ref: Why Offside Flags Are Delayed (And Why It's Fine Now) 33:43 – USWNT Call-Ups: The Lo’eau LaBonta Era Begins 36:21 – Youth, Veterans, and the Emma Hayes Development Pipeline 37:40 – Expanded Player Pool = No More Complacency 38:52 – Contract Culture Shift: No More "Locked-In" Status 40:22 – China v USA Preview: A Resurgent Rivalry 41:51 – USMNT Chatter: Culture Reset & Clock Ticking 43:39 – Summer of Soccer: What’s Coming Up 44:46 – Lori’s Travel Plans & TST Prep 46:01 – Shoutout: Tampa Bay Sun Clinch Playoffs & Sell Out Again 46:57 – Signing Off: Birthday Month, Werther’s Wisdom, and What’s Next Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.