The NWSL Is Coming To Twitch

The NWSL have recently announced that International fans (like us) will be able to watch all the NWSL games for the upcoming season through the popular streaming site Twitch. 


Twitch is widely known for its video game streams with some big names using the app to play live games to a wider audience, it is easy to get hooked on watching once you get started. There is plenty of content on the site and the site is definitely trying to branch into different genres, they have had the NWHL (hockey) broadcast on the site so now it is the turn of the NWSL.


This is a brilliant move from the league as last season it was getting increasingly difficult to watch games if you were based internationally. In the UK BT Sport was the only place you could watch and that is if they wanted to add a game that week which wasn't always the case and us fans were missing out. At least now with Twitch, each game will be broadcast live and the games are also going to be archived, meaning access just got even easier. 


Say you can't stay up really late to watch the game due to commitments the next day at least all you have to do when you get the time is head to their Twitch channel & head to the archives to catch up on everything you missed. The league have also said there will be extra content added so you can keep up with the league a lot better than in the past.


So here is how to get started on the site so you can get access to all the NWSL goodness at no cost...




 Step 1 : Nice and simple just head to www.twitch.tv where you will be shown a home screen a little like this. It will probably be showing one of their featured streamer but take no notice of that, unless it is something you may be interested in. 




Step 2 : On the right of the screen you will see a couple of buttons, you want to be heading over to the sign up one, don't worry this isn't going to cost you anything.



 Step 3 : Once you have clicked that sign up button a box like the above will appear, all you need to do is pick a username & password, enter your date of birth (some things on the site can be age restricted) and enter your email it is as simple as that. You will need to enter a verification code once you have done this to move onto the next step but don't worry that comes through basically instant. 




Step 4 : Once you are all signed up head back to the top of the page and go to the search bar. Type in nwslofficial or just click the link which will take you direct to the NWSL channel.



Step 5 : Once you are on the channel simply hit follow in the top right, this will make sure you are following the account and it will show them on the left hand side of the page when you log in, so you can just click there and watch the videos. As you can see they already have a few videos on there to get you going ready for the start of the season.


You are going to want to make sure that next to the follow/unfollow button the little bell button is switch to notifications on, that way the app will let you know when they have gone live  or you will receive an email saying they are live so you never miss a game.

So signing up is literally as simple as that and doesn't cost a penny yet you get access to so much great football and get to see some of the worlds best playing week in week out. There is now even more reason for me to be glued to my PC. 


Whilst you are on the site why not give a couple of other streams a try? There are plenty of great streamers for FIFA, Pro Evolution & Football Manager on this platform so just type in the game and see who you come across... you wont be disappointed. I have come across random streamers in the past and ended up watching far too many streams so you never know what you will come across.


If you need anymore help with Twitch feel free to get in touch with us and we will try help you as much as we can. If possible we will hopefully be hosting some of the games on our channel & some other football related streams so don't forget to give us a follow too at www.twitch.tv/edgeofthearea.
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She Believes Cup Predictions



Photo Credit US Soccer WNT Twitter

The 2020 She Believes Cup kicks off tonight with newcomers Spain taking on Japan before England take on the USA in the early hours of tomorrow morning. England are going into the competition as last year's winners where as Spain are bringing a whole new challenge to the competition. So here is a bit of a breakdown of the teams:

England
England won the competition last year and who knows maybe Dawn Scott's addition to the backroom staff may work in England's favour, as after all she was an integral part to the USWNT's back to back World Cup wins. The Lionesses are without Lucy Bronze for this tournament so this could really be a chance for others to shine in that right back (or midfield, who knows with Phil Neville) position, I have my fingers crossed that Rachel Daly really gets to show her worth in a starting line up as a right back as she can very easily play in defence or upfront. I just hope he doesn't try experiment too much and ruin the tournament for some players (those who are way too out of their depth in a right back position) as some just aren't made to be defenders and it could end up making the team look a laughing stock. Plus it is time we started getting that ranking back up and the team are back where they should be. It is a chance to show what we are made of after last year's World Cup and how we will be back fighting showing what we are made of. 

Spain
Spain have been one of those teams in recent years you can easily write them out of a game but they will happily prove you wrong. We saw that when they kept pushing the USWNT and only lost out due to two unfortunate penalties. They have a great roster of players but a stand out to watch is definitely Jennifer Hermoso she is an absolutely brilliant stand out player and can score some fantastic goals just like she did against the USWNT in the World Cup. I am glad to see them taking part in this years She Believes tournament as they can definitely create a new challenge for the other teams taking part and it can also help boost their profile a bit more.

Japan
I don't know what it is with Japan lately but they just don't seem to be impressing as much as they have in previous years. Yes they made it to the round of 16 in last years World Cup but their performances were nothing spectacular as apposed to previous years where they made the finals. Even in last years She Believes Cup they didn't really stand out for me especially in the game against England where they fell to a 3-0 defeat. Maybe though this year they will be a bit of a comeback for them though as these players will be fighting to represent their country in the 2020 Olympics, which is being held in Japan, you wouldn't want to lose your opportunity to represent the home nation surely.

USA
The USA are already showing what they can do without Alex Morgan and it really has become Christen Press who is stealing the show. Vlatko already seems to be showing a lot of faith in Christen and I think she could definitely be a stand out in this tournament. The team are linking up well and Vlakto is carrying out some pretty interesting experiments with his starting line up which seem to be really working in his favour. with the depth of the squad he has and the talent all those players hold everyone is giving 100% as they want to show what they are made of in the run up to the Olympics.

Here is how I think the She Believes Cup will go...
I think the USWNT will win, as their squad at the moment just has so much depth and talent even without Alex Morgan their attacking threat is sky high. Plus they seem to have connected well with Vlatko already. I think England will be 2nd in the competition as long as the correct & strongest team is picked on the day, no more silly player experiments and just get showing what we are capable of. It is a hard choice for who I think may come in 3rd but I am going to put it out there as I really do believe Spain are more than capable of getting results behind them and putting up a fight, just look at what they did in the World Cup against the USWNT last year. Then I think Japan will end up coming 4th, I just don't think in recent years they have been as good as you would expect from them, teams have really caught them up.

Some games are going to be on far too late for me with me having work the next day but thanks to the BBC I will be able to record these games and watch them the next day, so I won't be missing out. 
Will you be watching the She Believes Cup?
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Football Kit Con 2020

I never thought that I would be heading all the way to Edinburgh to see some football shirts but now I am on countdown to March 29th all thanks to Twitter.


On March 29th Football Kit Con will be taking over the BT Murrayfield Stadium (ironically that is a rugby stadium) to show off over 600 shirts, guest speakers will be there, a film will be shown, but that isn't all as there is so much going. In fact there is that much going on the hours have had to be extended so the event will now run 1-7pm. There has also been that much of a demand for tickets the event has been sold out twice but luckily they have been able to expand to accommodate everyone, there will now be a shirt room, a talk room & an entertainment room.  Tickets are priced at just £12 (plus £1.25 booking fee) and include a free programme (you may see a nice little ad from us in there) and a bar will be open throughout the event, so you can have a drink and hopefully meet new people who enjoy the same things as you.

There might be over 600 shirts on display but there will be a lot more as attendees have been given a dress code of football shirts, nothing current but retro or their favourite shirts, it is going to be a hard task for me to narrow down which I want to wear. There will also be shirts for sale on the day with a swap shop also taking place.

It isn't just shirts though as there will be exclusive talks and guest speakers throughout the day, there will also be books at the event with Football Attic will be launching their new book 'A-Z of Football Shirts' book at the event. I can't wait to pick this up and give it a read, if I do get a copy keep an eye out for a review very soon. There will also be art at the event which no doubt I will end up purchasing even though space in the house it  At the event there will also be an auction for the charity Back On Side who support people with mental health issues & challenging life circumstances.

We are making a weekend of it by heading up on the Friday night, having a day exploring Edinburgh on Saturday and then heading to the event on Sunday. Whilst exploring on the Saturday I am hoping we can get to the 6 yard box shop to see what they have to offer, I guess I will be needing to take a fair bit of money with me. On the Sunday straight after the event we will be heading back home where luckily I have the day off as it is definitely going to be a long journey home, but keep an eye on the blog as I will be using this time to do a write up of the event.


If you want to attend be quick as tickets are selling fast, I can't wait to meet some absolutely fantastic people I have spoken to on Twitter since starting the blog.

Where : BT Murrayfield - Edinburgh

When : 29th March

Times : 1pm- 7pm

Find out more : www.footballkitcon.com
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I Only Read Football Books These Days


I haven't actually read properly since I left school (a whole 9 years ago) but this year I am trying my best to get through as many of the books in our ever growing collection as I can. When I have actually sat and looked at our collection I have realised we actually have a lot of football related books, with possibly even more at my parents. Some books I have read recently and some go back years, so here are the football books we currently have in our collection at our own house (I will dig around in my parents loft another day)...



Giggsy - If I remember correctly this book actually came from the pound shop quite a few years ago. Granted it isn't an autobiography but growing up Giggs was one of my favourite players so I really do need to finally get around to reading this. Although I am sure by now there will be some more updated versions around.

Alex Ferguson - An absolute legend of the game is Sir Alex Ferguson of course I was buying his book as soon as we saw it. I have always classed Manchester United as my second team for the men's game so I have grown up watching their games and even going to some when we have had chance. Ferguson has always been one of my favourite managers and the first time around this book was a great read... I just want to read it again now to refresh myself.

Juan Mata - Liam actually treated me to this one a few months ago. Mata may be an ex Chelsea player but I really do think he is a fantastic player. He is always on of the first to mention the women's team too which is great to see as most male players still distance themselves from the women's game. I can't wait to sit down and give this a read.


Rio Ferdinand - This books is definitely outdated now, in fact I think there are two more new ones that I need to pick up. Rio is one of the first defenders I actually took notice on how they played, growing up I was more fascinated by the attacking side of the game I often overlooked defenders and how good some actually were. I have to say he is possibly still one of my all time favourite center backs. I remember reading this book years ago but again I would love to give it another read and possibly purchase the other books he has out. 

Torres -  One of the very few Liverpool players, past or present, I actually like is Fernando Torres. I think it is because at tournaments in the men's International game I would always pick to follow Spain (don't ask me why as I really don't have the answer). Torres was an absolutely fantastic player and I will admit I fancied him a bit so of course I bought his book. It was a really good read and my sister actually ended up borrowing it from me for a while (she takes after my dad by being a Chelsea fan) but I finally have it back now and no doubt will end up picking it up to read once again.


Abby Wambach - One of the first women's football books I read was Abby Wambach's autobiography and it had me hooked. Abby is a player who scored plenty of goals but as you read in the book it wasn't always easy for her, she had plenty of struggles. This is a book I would definitely read again. 

Hope Solo - Solo is the latest book I have finished and I will actually have a review going up for you very soon. Hope is definitely considered outspoken and controversy seems to have followed her a fair bit through her life but this book gives a great insight into her growing up, but more on that in the review. 

Alex Morgan - I found that this one maybe suited to younger readers (teenage years) but it was really easy reading and I basically flew through it. The book is all about Alex's life and gives tips on dealing with rejection, pressure and much more. By reading this book you really start to understand why Alex is where she is in her career to date. 


Carli Lloyd - I have actually already reviewed this book which you can read here, it was a brilliant read and gives a really good insight on how Carli became one of the world's greatest players. Give the review a read and you will see all my thoughts on the full book. 


Under the Lights and in the dark - I have already read this book twice but you know what... I love it so much I will be reading it plenty more times. I even recommend this to a lot of people on Twitter as it is a book that shouldn't be slept on. Giving insights into different leagues around the world it really shows how the female players are treated and what is expected of them, my particular favourite chapter is about Allie Long playing in the underground league.

The making of the women's world cup - I picked this up before the World Cup in 2019 and still haven't got around to reading it. I am looking forward to reading little snippets from world cups gone by. 

Eni Aluko - Another purchase by Liam, for my birthday back in September he got me a copy of Eni Aluko's book and he was lucky enough to find a signed copy for me. It seems to be a case of issues Eni spoke about took center stage and people forgot just how great of a career she had, this book was brought out before her retirement and I am actually looking forward to reading about the things she went through in her own version of events rather than the medias. 

So there you have it that is our current football book collection or at least what we can find of them. There should be plenty of book reviews coming your way in the future. Can you recommend any books we could add to this? Let us know.
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MLS 2020 Jerseys : The Jerseys For The 25th Season

The new seasons MLS shirts were finally released at an event in New York this week. This event was the kick off for the MLS's 25th season which begins on the 29th February so we don't have much longer to wait to see who is going to make an impact & if Orlando will finally pick back up and do any better than last season. The shirts are fashioned on the 1996 season when the MLS began & all the shirts have the classic 3 stripes across the shoulder but each is adapted to fit the kit nicely. 


Atlanta - The kings kit - Nice and simple with the white and gold. The shirt still subtly features the 5 stripes but keeps in with the simplicity. The details I love how the stripes are gold to fit in with the detailing and how just the little details add the character to the shirt. The little United & conquer coin on the jock tag, along with the Atlanta spike icon on the back of the shirts neck, just add the City's personality to the shirt. 

Colorado Rapids - The Nine Six - The shirt is burgundy with sky blue accents which if made right could work really well together. The Rapids are one of the league's founding clubs and to commemorate this the shirt will carry the silver nine-star founding club mark that will be exclusive to authentic shirts of the founding clubs. This shirt also features the recent editions of the Colorado stage flag on the jock tag along with the state flag's C on the back neck.  

Columbus Crew - This shirt is in the black just like what the Crew have worn in recent years. However, this year it will have a bit of a different look as it will have a checkerboard print to match the checkerboard pattern of the clubs badge. Again as they are one of the founding clubs the shirt will also feature the silver nine-star.  Another element on this 'Heritage' shirt is the state of Ohio on the back neck with a star representing the city of Columbus. 

FC Cincinnati - Bold kit - It seems that 2020 is a fresh start for FC Cincinnati, this season they will be wearing a 'Bold Kit' which a half-half shirt. It is in a navy & royal blue colour with the orange 3 stripes on the shoulder. There are a few other features on this jersey such as the Juncta Juvant (Strength in Unity) motto that is on the inside of the neck tape & the raised crown at the back which is part of the clubs badge. 

DC United - D.C. United are back in the same colours this season as they were in for the 1996 season. With three white stripes running across the shoulders and red on the bottom of the sleeves this shirt looks great. As they are another founding club this shirt will also feature the silver nine-star along with D.C. United in a bold white lettering across the back neck. The front also has the Unite the District jock tag on the front. A classic black, white and red shirt is just what you like to see. 

FC Dallas - The Legacy EQT shirt is designed to celebrate the club history of FC Dallas. With a hoop design which they have had in previous years mixed with the clubs main red and blue colours. FC Dallas also get one of the silver nine-stars as a nod to FCD's charter-member status. There is the Texas state flag is on the back neckline of the shirt & the LH patch will be on the front of the shirt to remember their late owner Lamar Hunt.


Houston Dynamo - With what looks to be a new-look Dynamo under first-year manager Tab Ramos the club are also launching a new HTX 15 shirt to go along with the occasion. The design is an upgraded version of the black shirt Dynamo wore last season. It has the 3 orange stripes on the shoulder and has an orange graphic print across the black fabric which is apparently designed to represent a city that never sleeps. It is definitely a shirt that will send your eyes funny after while but I quite like it. This shirt also has the Texas state flag on the lower jock tag.

LA Galaxy - LA Galaxy are another one of the founding clubs for the MLS so their shirt will also feature the silver nine-star mark. Galaxy will be celebrating the 25th season of the MLS in a classic white shirt with a silver sash design. Also in the silver will be the three Adidas stripes over the shoulder. The shirt will also feature 5 stars above the crest to represent the clubs record of 5 MLS Cups.

Inter Miami FC- The club part owned by footballing legend David Beckham will make their MLS debut in 2020. Their first away jersey is black with a bit of pink to add the mark of South Florida. After looking at pictures of Beckham in the stadium in Fort Lauderdale this pink will match perfectly with the seats of the stadium too. The stripes on the shoulder are also in pink, in keep with the pink & black simple design. To be honest I am a little let down by this as their 1st away shirt.

Sporting Kansas City - Another club who will have the founding club mark is Sporting Kansas City. They will also have a new dark indigo & sporting blue-dotted kit. This was apparently inspired by the iconic silver metal fins that make up the of Children's Mercy Park.

LAFC - Shoulder to Shoulder - This new primary shirt celebrates the 2019 Supporters' Shield winners' deep ties to the LA community  & it's supporters. It retains the classic black look that they wore while breaking records last season. Also on the shirt there are bits of gold including the gold neck tape which has the words Shoulder to Shoulder on it, this is to symbolise the commitment of the club & the independent supporters union for the club the 3252.

Minnesota United - Minnesota reached the playoffs for the first time in 2019 and in 2020 they will be taking to the field in a new away shirt that has the unmistakable mark of their 'Loons' nickname. The state bird is represented with a large loon wing sweeping across the grey shirt. Not only is the shirt grey but it has the light blue 3 stripes.  As a sign of unity shared with their 'Wonderwall' singing fans the shirt has the clubs' slogan 'Forever United is across the inside neck tape.


Montreal Impact - Not only are the Impact heading into the new season with the legend Thierry Henry as their manager but they are also going to have a nice new away shirt to go along with his appointment. This simple shirts features white pinstripes & the 3 stripes in black across the shoulder. Passion - Fierte- Authenticite which is the clubs' slogan is on the inside neck tape.

New England Revolution - A team bringing a classic look back in 2020 is New England Revolution. They will be wearing an updated version of their classic red, white and blue flag look from the 1996 season, this will be called 'The Original'. To go along with this shirt they will also be wearing red shorts for the first time.

New York Red Bulls - The New York Red Bulls have opted to go dark for 2020. Their shirt is black with red accents which pays homage to the club's original colours. This shirt is called 'Dark Mode'. It features a raised, all red club crest and of course it has the nine-star mark as they are one of the original teams.

 Nashville SC - Another team who are being welcomed to the MLS for the first time is Nashville SC, for their first season they will be having 2 shirts, the home one named Forever Gold takes the colours from the 'Electric Gold' badge with a blue trim. But that isn't the best shirt for me the best is the 'Nashville Vide' this reverses the colour pattern with the blue taking centre stage. Both these shirts will have the Tennessee Tri-Star flag on the jock tag.

New York City FC - New York City FC have taken some inspiration from their vibrant home city for their away shirt that they have called 'The Gotham Kit'. The front of the shirt is inspired by the architecture of the Brooklyn Bridge and other details are drawn from the scenery of New York Harbor. It has the NYC monogram on it flanked on either side by 5 cables to represent each borough in the colours of the city flag.

Orlando City - Now to my favourite team, Orlando's 2020 shirt features one of the great aspects of Florida.... the sunshine. The 'Heart and Sol' shirt features a print of a purple sun that radiates from the clubs badge. The jock tag features the state of Florida with OCSC placed over Orlando. But that isn't it the inside neck tape also features a special message to the fans in English and Spanish.


Portland Timbers - The new Timbers shirt pays homage to one of the most iconic stadiums in the MLS (and also the NWSL). The shirt has wood grain lines that make up the grey hoops on the shirt, this is in reference to the wood forms seen through Portland's Providence Park stadium. The Timbers are celebrating their 10th season in the league and they are commemorating this on the jock tag. The words 'Forever Green and Gold' are on the inside neck tape.

Real Salt Lake - Keeping the theme along the lines of their City's unique landscape, Real Salt Lake are paying homage to their their home with their new 2020 shirt. Their new claret & blue kit is definitely a stand out shirt, on the jock tag it also features a raised 05 sitting on a beehive, which is the state emblem for Utah.

Seattle Sounders - The Sounders will take on their title defense in a usual green shirt complete with the Cascadia flag at the back neck. This shirt design embodies everything the club stands for and has another star on for the reigning MLS Cup champions. 

Vancouver Whitecaps - The motto for the city is 'By Sea Land and Air we Prosper' and the Whitecaps have looked to capture that sentiment in their new shirt. The shirt has taken inspiration from their home's natural beauty with snow-capped peaks & white-crested waves on the light blue shirt. The waves in the design pay homage to the Vancouver flag. 

Philadelphia Union - The 'Forever Faithful' kit features the club's famous snake talisman which covers the front of the shirt, which also has some gold accents. On the back of the neck there will be an infinity snake with honours the clubs supporters 'Ad finem fidelis' or 'Faithful 'Til the End'.

San Jose Earthquakes - This seasons shirt embodies the club's slogan which is the rallying cry 'Vamos San Jose', Inspired by the San Jose flag the shirt sports a yellow, white and blue colour scheme and pattern. The clubs authentic kit  will also feature the nine-star founding club mark. 

Toronto FC - For the 2020 season Toronto FC are going grey as they look to embody the culture of Toronto into their kit with their traditional red highlighting the grey shirt. It also features the Toronto flag along with the words 'All for One'  which is a nod to all the surrounding cities where Toronto FC pull fans from


So there you have it those are the shirts that were released at the recent MLS 25 event and here are some of my favourite shirts from this release are:

Houston Dynamo 
Orlando City
D.C. United
New York Red Bulls
Vancouver Whitecaps

But I have to say my overall favourite would have to be the New York Red Bulls shirt as it is simple in terms of the colours used but is bold enough to catch your eye with the classic black and white. 

I was a bit worried with all the clubs using the same template that they may have all just ended up looking the same but each team seems to have really made the shirts their own.

The season kicks off on the 29th February as the Colorado Rapids face D.C. United at Audi Field. I am really looking to properly following the MLS season this season. My team will always be Orlando City but who are you supporting?
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