Presented by adidas

Produced by Storied Sports

Executive Producer: Michelle Akers

Episode 4 drops listeners into Jesolo, Italy, where the 85ers arrive for the 1985 Mundialito (“little World Cup”) and experience a world none of them had ever seen before — sea-air-filled hotel rooms with shuttered windows, endless cappuccinos, topless sunbathers, and food so good it felt unreal. But the wonder of Italy contrasts sharply with a sobering question: Why was the U.S. so late to women’s international soccer in the first place? Erin and Jane weave in crucial historical context, notably the English and Brazilian bans on women’s soccer - painting a picture of how deeply the sport had been suppressed worldwide. Against that backdrop, the 85ers very presence in Italy becomes revolutionary. The episode culminates with an unforgettable moment: Coach Mike Ryan lining the team up in an empty stadium and forcing them to sing the national anthem at full volume. What begins as an awkward drill turns into a profound realization — they’re not just a team, they’re representing an entire country. How did the 85ers do against Italy in game 1? Listen to find out! 

00:00 – The 85ers’ impossible international journey 

02:00 – Why the U.S. was invited to Italy

04:20 – How women’s soccer was suppressed for decades

07:40 – Stepping into Jesolo, Italy

09:45 – Food, cappuccinos, & Italian craft

10:50 – “Where did Ruth go!?” 

12:40 – Italian beach culture shock 

15:00 – Learning what it means to represent the U.S.

18:30 – First game day vs. Italy

25:30 – A brutal introduction to international play

31:40 – “OOSA! OOSA!”

34:00 – The real origin of the USA chant

36:40 – The goal, the missed PK, and the final score

43:50 – Proof the world took notice

Featuring (in order of appearance):

• Erin Foley: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Comedian & TV Writer

• Jane McManus: Host Of Origin Story: The 85ers | Sports Journalist & Academic

• Brenda Elsey: History Professor, Hofstra University 

• Meghann Burke: Executive Director, NWSLPA | Retired WPS Goalkeeper

• Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina

• Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year

• Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach 

• Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion

• Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer

• Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion

• Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer

• Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History

Episode 5: 12.17.25

Episode 6: 12.18.25

Episode 7: 12.19.25