Blair Newman
@secondball.bsky.social
Women's football. Write for The Equalizer. Guardian Top 100 panelist. Worked as next opponent scout for SPFL teams. PFSA Level 2 qualification: Talent ID, Technical scouting.
Messiah Bright matches her real-life total for 2025 in my first friendly in charge of Houston Dash. Alozie with assists for both. FM has become very complicated over the years but this was fun. Considering signing Mandy Freeman and an offer is there for freebie Tziarra King. Puntigam off to Brighton
December 24, 2025 at 5:28 AM
Messiah Bright matches her real-life total for 2025 in my first friendly in charge of Houston Dash. Alozie with assists for both. FM has become very complicated over the years but this was fun. Considering signing Mandy Freeman and an offer is there for freebie Tziarra King. Puntigam off to Brighton
Every damn year with the NWSL, brings excitement and opportunity and oh fuck more new wells to fall down backwards tripping over the big shoes in the clown costume
a man in a suit and tie is sitting at a table .
ALT: a man in a suit and tie is sitting at a table .
media.tenor.com
December 23, 2025 at 9:28 PM
Every damn year with the NWSL, brings excitement and opportunity and oh fuck more new wells to fall down backwards tripping over the big shoes in the clown costume
Enjoyed some Ninja, with City beating Victory in the Melbourne derby. A-League really does deserve full professionalism. Lots of quality players coming through all the time and a lifestyle that a lot of players are attracted to. Here's my brief match report
December 23, 2025 at 7:42 AM
Enjoyed some Ninja, with City beating Victory in the Melbourne derby. A-League really does deserve full professionalism. Lots of quality players coming through all the time and a lifestyle that a lot of players are attracted to. Here's my brief match report
Who could be Emma Hayes' next USWNT call-up in 2026? My latest for @equalizersoccer.bsky.social 👇
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/22/w...
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/22/w...
Who could be Emma Hayes’ next USWNT call-up in 2026?
Eight players from the NWSL could make their mark on the senior national team sooner rather than later.
equalizersoccer.com
December 23, 2025 at 2:20 AM
Who could be Emma Hayes' next USWNT call-up in 2026? My latest for @equalizersoccer.bsky.social 👇
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/22/w...
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/22/w...
Reposted by Blair Newman
Emma Hayes isn't afraid to call up new talent to the #USWNT 🇺🇸
Eight players from the #NWSL could make their mark on the senior national team sooner rather than later, writes @secondball.bsky.social.
Subscribe to EQZ Extra to read! 🔐
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/22/w...
Eight players from the #NWSL could make their mark on the senior national team sooner rather than later, writes @secondball.bsky.social.
Subscribe to EQZ Extra to read! 🔐
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/22/w...
Who could be Emma Hayes next USWNT call-up in 2026?
Eight players from the NWSL could make their mark on the senior national team sooner rather than later.
equalizersoccer.com
December 22, 2025 at 8:45 PM
Emma Hayes isn't afraid to call up new talent to the #USWNT 🇺🇸
Eight players from the #NWSL could make their mark on the senior national team sooner rather than later, writes @secondball.bsky.social.
Subscribe to EQZ Extra to read! 🔐
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/22/w...
Eight players from the #NWSL could make their mark on the senior national team sooner rather than later, writes @secondball.bsky.social.
Subscribe to EQZ Extra to read! 🔐
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/22/w...
My fave African players as a kid. First is Mustapha Hadji. I got a VHS (!) of '98 World Cup highlights, saw this goal 🤤 & Morocco beating Scotland 3-0. Hadji was a superstar to me. Played alongside compatriot Youssef Chippo at Coventry, leading some Cov fans to wear fezzes
youtu.be/nAqXbXc3Jlw?...
youtu.be/nAqXbXc3Jlw?...
Norway vs Morocco Group A World cup 1998
YouTube video by HistoryFull Worldcup
youtu.be
December 21, 2025 at 7:27 AM
My fave African players as a kid. First is Mustapha Hadji. I got a VHS (!) of '98 World Cup highlights, saw this goal 🤤 & Morocco beating Scotland 3-0. Hadji was a superstar to me. Played alongside compatriot Youssef Chippo at Coventry, leading some Cov fans to wear fezzes
youtu.be/nAqXbXc3Jlw?...
youtu.be/nAqXbXc3Jlw?...
DCL reminding us all of the good times
Dominic Calvert-Lewin becomes just the fourth different Leeds United player to score in five consecutive Premier League appearances after Mark Viduka (2003 x2), Jimmy Floyd Hasselbaink (1998) & Rod Wallace (1993).
His two goals vs. Crystal Palace takes his tally to seven in 14 games against them.
His two goals vs. Crystal Palace takes his tally to seven in 14 games against them.
December 20, 2025 at 9:57 PM
DCL reminding us all of the good times
Forgot to come back to these...Got KC & Angel City. Right ballpark on Washington, Orlando, Seattle, Utah, Chicago. North Carolina a lot worse than expected while Louisville were a nice surprise, hence why Yanez was my coach of the year
My NWSL 2025 predictions, publicised for the full egg on face experience. 🥚👊🤕
14) Louisville
13) Utah
12) Chicago
11) Angel City
10) San Diego
9) Bay
8) Portland
7) Houston
6) Seattle
5) North Carolina
4) Gotham
3) Washington
2) Orlando
1) Kansas City
14) Louisville
13) Utah
12) Chicago
11) Angel City
10) San Diego
9) Bay
8) Portland
7) Houston
6) Seattle
5) North Carolina
4) Gotham
3) Washington
2) Orlando
1) Kansas City
December 18, 2025 at 12:53 PM
Forgot to come back to these...Got KC & Angel City. Right ballpark on Washington, Orlando, Seattle, Utah, Chicago. North Carolina a lot worse than expected while Louisville were a nice surprise, hence why Yanez was my coach of the year
Reposted by Blair Newman
Jenna Nighswonger may no longer be in the plans at Arsenal. But before she finds her next spot, she needs to solidify her position, writes @secondball.bsky.social.
Subscribe to EQZ Extra to read Blair's latest analysis! 🔐
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/15/j...
Subscribe to EQZ Extra to read Blair's latest analysis! 🔐
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/15/j...
Jenna Nighswonger: Left-back or attacking midfielder?
Jenna Nighswonger may no longer be in the plans at Arsenal. But before she finds her next spot, she needs to solidify her position.
equalizersoccer.com
December 15, 2025 at 4:30 PM
Jenna Nighswonger may no longer be in the plans at Arsenal. But before she finds her next spot, she needs to solidify her position, writes @secondball.bsky.social.
Subscribe to EQZ Extra to read Blair's latest analysis! 🔐
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/15/j...
Subscribe to EQZ Extra to read Blair's latest analysis! 🔐
equalizersoccer.com/2025/12/15/j...
Doing some research, found this old game from 12 years ago, Hibernian vs Hamilton.
Hibs win 4-1. Claire Emslie scores their first and third, sets up Caroline Weir for the second, and Weir assists the fourth. Wonder what happened to them?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLjW...
Hibs win 4-1. Claire Emslie scores their first and third, sets up Caroline Weir for the second, and Weir assists the fourth. Wonder what happened to them?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLjW...
Hamilton v Hibernian, Premier Division 24th May 2013
YouTube video by Scottish Women's Football
www.youtube.com
December 13, 2025 at 3:58 AM
Doing some research, found this old game from 12 years ago, Hibernian vs Hamilton.
Hibs win 4-1. Claire Emslie scores their first and third, sets up Caroline Weir for the second, and Weir assists the fourth. Wonder what happened to them?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLjW...
Hibs win 4-1. Claire Emslie scores their first and third, sets up Caroline Weir for the second, and Weir assists the fourth. Wonder what happened to them?
www.youtube.com/watch?v=rLjW...
I saw Bourne Identity when it came out and 99% convinced myself that Michael Ballack did some acting on the side.
Raising the always fun question: What are your most memorable theater-going experiences?
Mine also include The Matrix, Blair Witch, and being way too stoned in Belgium when Fellowship of the Ring was sold out so we sat in the back row for Mulholland Drive instead.
Mine also include The Matrix, Blair Witch, and being way too stoned in Belgium when Fellowship of the Ring was sold out so we sat in the back row for Mulholland Drive instead.
It was hands-down one of the most memorable theater-going experiences I can remember, a collective 30-minute butt-clench/armrest-grab for the final climb. And we knew he lived! Wild.
December 12, 2025 at 10:55 PM
I saw Bourne Identity when it came out and 99% convinced myself that Michael Ballack did some acting on the side.
My favourite Caroline Weir goal recently. The movement into space, the first touch and swivel, and the curl on that shot into the top corner. A stunning strike, a Weir classic.
December 12, 2025 at 4:20 AM
My favourite Caroline Weir goal recently. The movement into space, the first touch and swivel, and the curl on that shot into the top corner. A stunning strike, a Weir classic.
La Cabra talking about her time playing at Man City. "Quite structured in how we played." Compares it with Real Madrid where "you can go to that side of the pitch if you want".
youtu.be/cN_uhOf-FFQ?...
youtu.be/cN_uhOf-FFQ?...
Pride of Scotland, Caroline Weir on becoming Real Madrid's all-time top scorer and her Man City days
YouTube video by The Women's Game
youtu.be
December 11, 2025 at 9:30 PM
La Cabra talking about her time playing at Man City. "Quite structured in how we played." Compares it with Real Madrid where "you can go to that side of the pitch if you want".
youtu.be/cN_uhOf-FFQ?...
youtu.be/cN_uhOf-FFQ?...
Reposted by Blair Newman
Full episode with Sam and Caroline on YouTube or wherever you get your podcast:
📺: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN_u...
🎧: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
📺: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN_u...
🎧: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
Pride of Scotland, Caroline Weir on becoming Real Madrid's all-time top scorer and her Man City days
YouTube video by The Women's Game
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 7:30 PM
Full episode with Sam and Caroline on YouTube or wherever you get your podcast:
📺: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN_u...
🎧: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
📺: www.youtube.com/watch?v=cN_u...
🎧: podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/f...
Lots said, but always got to try and read between the lines with these introductory pressers.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fipo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fipo...
Bay FC Head Coach Emma Coates Press Conference
YouTube video by Bay FC
www.youtube.com
December 11, 2025 at 3:52 AM
Lots said, but always got to try and read between the lines with these introductory pressers.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fipo...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=Fipo...
Nighswonger on the move? My hope is she goes somewhere not only for minutes, but to play attacking mid. Did a job at left-back to break in at Gotham, but not a natural & height is always going to be a target. She has a lovely left foot, can be a game-changer, not a squad player, for a few NWSL sides
December 2, 2025 at 2:56 AM
Nighswonger on the move? My hope is she goes somewhere not only for minutes, but to play attacking mid. Did a job at left-back to break in at Gotham, but not a natural & height is always going to be a target. She has a lovely left foot, can be a game-changer, not a squad player, for a few NWSL sides
My report on the USWNT U-23's win over England, and specifically the difference in attacking levels between the two sides that defined the game.
wosoreport.com/2025/12/02/c...
wosoreport.com/2025/12/02/c...
Clinical
Bill Shankly: “A football team is like a piano. You need eight men to carry it and three who can play the damn thing.” The U.S. women’s national under-23 team defeated England 4-2 at Accrington Sta…
wosoreport.com
December 2, 2025 at 2:43 AM
My report on the USWNT U-23's win over England, and specifically the difference in attacking levels between the two sides that defined the game.
wosoreport.com/2025/12/02/c...
wosoreport.com/2025/12/02/c...
My thoughts on football: The game and how to play it
Rambling through some ideas on my favourite sport. Calling on experiences playing, scouting, coaching, reading, writing, watching and listening.
wosoreport.com/2025/11/26/m...
Rambling through some ideas on my favourite sport. Calling on experiences playing, scouting, coaching, reading, writing, watching and listening.
wosoreport.com/2025/11/26/m...
My thoughts on football: The game and how to play it
Visit the post for more.
wosoreport.com
November 26, 2025 at 10:09 PM
My thoughts on football: The game and how to play it
Rambling through some ideas on my favourite sport. Calling on experiences playing, scouting, coaching, reading, writing, watching and listening.
wosoreport.com/2025/11/26/m...
Rambling through some ideas on my favourite sport. Calling on experiences playing, scouting, coaching, reading, writing, watching and listening.
wosoreport.com/2025/11/26/m...
There was a time when the Thorns' standards were probably maintained by likes of Sinclair, Sauebrunn, Klingenberg, Dunn, Menges, and the team all but picked itself. Could get away with internal promotions, unproven coaches. But I think they need more direction now.
The Portland Thorns have dismissed head coach Rob Gale, the club announced today. First assistant Adam Day is exiting as well. Sarah Lowdown will serve as interim head coach for the Thorns while a coaching search commences.
Thorns dismiss Rob Gale as head coach
Led Thorns to a 22-17-10 regular season record over nearly two seasons
equalizersoccer.com
November 26, 2025 at 2:07 AM
There was a time when the Thorns' standards were probably maintained by likes of Sinclair, Sauebrunn, Klingenberg, Dunn, Menges, and the team all but picked itself. Could get away with internal promotions, unproven coaches. But I think they need more direction now.
An excellent dissection of Esther Gonzalez and what makes her so dangerous, including her movement and heading technique, both of which are exemplary.
I started working on an Esther piece during the EUROs. At that point, she was one of the most in-form forwards on Earth. Time has passed since then, but she still has a few more important games ahead. So I discussed her, those games, and Mako sharks:
medium.com/@Observation...
medium.com/@Observation...
Esther González: Mako
Esther González: Mako Shortfin Mako Sharks are speedy, powerful opportunists in the open ocean. With the ability to maintain a body temperature warmer than the surrounding water, clever hunting …
medium.com
November 24, 2025 at 8:10 AM
An excellent dissection of Esther Gonzalez and what makes her so dangerous, including her movement and heading technique, both of which are exemplary.
Game-changing moment. Can't blame goalies, it's autocrat coaches through recent history telling players to do something utterly counterintuitive in the name of "trust the process". Crossing a busy road to pick up a tenner.
Worst pass in footy, that. Goalie short to a midfielder back to goal, marked, centre-backs split. Hospital ball.
November 23, 2025 at 3:17 AM
Game-changing moment. Can't blame goalies, it's autocrat coaches through recent history telling players to do something utterly counterintuitive in the name of "trust the process". Crossing a busy road to pick up a tenner.
Worst pass in footy, that. Goalie short to a midfielder back to goal, marked, centre-backs split. Hospital ball.
November 23, 2025 at 2:54 AM
Worst pass in footy, that. Goalie short to a midfielder back to goal, marked, centre-backs split. Hospital ball.
Raheem Sterling was the key player in England's Euro 20 run. He was messed around & forgotten about quickly after. Everything I've seen from Bellingham puts him in the Zidane category; make room for him because he'll win you a game. But the room does seem to feel a bit smaller when they aren't white
This is a remarkable clip from The Overlap football podcast. Ian Wright talking passionately and with real emotion about the treatment Jude Bellingham is currently getting around his personality and playing fro England. Fuck this is powerful
youtube.com/shorts/bDGj4...
youtube.com/shorts/bDGj4...
Ian Wright’s powerful message to Jude Bellingham.
YouTube video by The Overlap
youtube.com
November 21, 2025 at 7:39 AM
Raheem Sterling was the key player in England's Euro 20 run. He was messed around & forgotten about quickly after. Everything I've seen from Bellingham puts him in the Zidane category; make room for him because he'll win you a game. But the room does seem to feel a bit smaller when they aren't white
Reposted by Blair Newman
Leading Louisville to their best year yet. 🔥
That’s 2025 Coach of the Year Bev Yanez to you.
That’s 2025 Coach of the Year Bev Yanez to you.
November 19, 2025 at 11:17 PM
Leading Louisville to their best year yet. 🔥
That’s 2025 Coach of the Year Bev Yanez to you.
That’s 2025 Coach of the Year Bev Yanez to you.
Weir's volley reminded me of this. Same energy re: thump, home fans bewildered.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqzN...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqzN...
batistuta
YouTube video by ivanau88
www.youtube.com
November 19, 2025 at 9:22 PM
Weir's volley reminded me of this. Same energy re: thump, home fans bewildered.
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqzN...
www.youtube.com/watch?v=UqzN...