COUNTERATTACK Part 2: The Reality

Sinead Farrelly leaves college early to go pro. But when she arrives, it’s not all it’s cracked up to be. Abysmal pay, poor conditions, and league instability create a culture in which players have little protection or power.

But her coach, Paul Riley, is a soccer legend. He pushes her to play her best—but he also pushes beyond her personal boundaries. At first, she laughs off his inappropriate comments, but eventually his advances cross the line.

This episode brings listeners inside the culture of women’s and girls soccer. Host Briana Scurry explores the undercurrent of sexism that has historically pervaded its power structures, media coverage, and often, coach-player relationships.