Presented by adidas

Produced by Storied Sports

Executive Producer: Michelle Akers

After a tough opening loss to Italy, Episode 5 celebrates the glorious chaos of being twenty-something years old at an international tournament with almost zero oversight. With no curfews, no social media, and no federation breathing down their necks, “The 85ers” discover nightclubs aka “discothèques”, siestas, beach culture, and a sense of freedom none of them had imagined. But the heart of the episode is game two vs. Denmark — and the birth of the now-iconic “Oosa!” chant, inspired by Italian fans in game one. This becomes the pregame ritual that will last for the next 40 years of the USWNT. On the field, Michelle Akers unleashes the tornado of intensity that would define her career, scoring what teammates later confirm was the first goal in USWNT history. The team trainer, Kim Favorite, goes home with an empty adidas bag because everyone needed extra gear. The team battles to a 2–2 draw against a powerhouse Denmark squad, impressing even Danish legend Lone Schmidt Nielsen. It’s the moment “The 85ers” finally feel the rhythm of international soccer — and prove to themselves they belong.

00:00 — Half business trip, half Spring Break!01:30 — No curfews, no GPS, no rules

02:20 — Game 2 vs. Denmark & the birth of the “OOSA!”

03:55 — Michelle Akers returns with something to prove

04:40 — Playing your heroes while fighting for your spot

05:30 — Denmark’s physical reality check

07:55 — Breakthrough goals & vindication

09:25 — Missed chances & lingering “what ifs”

10:55 — A 2–2 tie that felt like a win

11:35 — An opponent takes notice

13:45 — Italy shenanigans, beach days & chaos

21:30 — Lost bus, no warm-up & tournament turning point

29:35 — Denise Boyer’s full-circle moment

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

• Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History

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

• Denise Bender: Defender | First USWNT Captain

• Margaret “Tucka” Healy: Forward | University of California Soccer Hall of Famer

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

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

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

• Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer

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

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

• Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT

• Cindy Gordon: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT

• Marieanne Spacey-Cale: Striker | English Football Hall of Famer |  Member of 1985 England National Team

• Denise Boyer Merdich: Forward | First USWNT Player of the Game

Episode 6: 12.18.25

Episode 7: 12.19.25