Origin Story: The 85ers

Episode 7: OOSA Forever

Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers The final episode brings the story full circle by returning to the cheer — Oosa! — that began as a mispronunciation from the Italian crowd in 1985 and evolved into a sacred team tradition passed down for four decades. Erin and Jane reveal that nearly every modern USWNT player knows the chant, but almost none knew its origin. From there, Episode 7 charts the path from the raw beginnings of 1985 to the seismic breakthrough of the 1991 Women’s World Cup. The appointment of Anson Dorrance transforms the national team into winners — they would dominate it, all while decked out in adidas. Players from the ’85 team who stayed on carried the sting of Mundalito loss with them, fueling the gut-level grit that powered the U.S. toward its first world championship. But even after winning it all, they still faced second-class treatment, long commercial flights home without media, and minimal federation support. The importance of sponsors like adidas is discussed in the context of the growth of women’s sports since the 85ers played. The episode closes by connecting “The 85ers” to everything that came after — the Olympics, the 1999 team, the modern program — and by restoring their place in history. Their legacy isn’t just that they were the first. It’s that they created the culture, the attitude, the fight, and the sisterhood that the USWNT still carries today. 00:00 — When “Oosa” was a mistake 01:45 — A rally cry is born 02:45 — The “Oosa” that never left 03:30 — Success without recognition 04:30 — Grit, redemption, and the 1986 return 05:55 — 1991: World Champions, still invisible 07:45 — From 1999 glory to lingering issues 08:30 — A history forgotten 10:00 — Fighting to be written back in 15:10 — Barriers, Hall of Fame, and double standards 17:55 — The spark: a jersey, a reunion, a movement 24:20 — Seattle with the 85ers - 40 years later 31:45 — Soccer family, legacy, and the next generation 37:10 — What the 85ers built 39:40 — Oosa forever! 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 * Michelle Akers: Midfielder/Forward | Fifa Co-Player of the Century | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion * Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion * Ruth Harker: Goalkeeper | Member Of The 1985 USWNT | St. Louis Soccer Hall of Famer * Linda Gancitano: Defender | 1985 Olympic Sports Festival MVP | First Sub in USWNT History * Becky Sauerbrunn: USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion * Sam Meza: Current USWNT Midfielder * Julie Foudy: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion * Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT * Kristine Lilly: Most Caps in International Soccer History  * 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 * Maya Mendoza-Exstrom: Seattle Sounders FC Chief Operating Officer * Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT * Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year * Emily Sams: Current USWNT Defender * Lindsey Heaps: Current USWNT Captain & Midfielder | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion * Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach * Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  * Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History Abby Wambach: USWNT’s All-Time Leading Scorer

Episode 6: Coming Home

Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers Episode 6 opens with an anecdote we’d hardly believe today: Kim Wyant being summoned to the cockpit of a 747 by a pilot who can’t quite believe women play soccer at such an elite level. That moment of patronizing curiosity becomes the metaphor for what “The 85ers” face when they return to the U.S. — no media coverage, no fanfare, barely anyone who even knew they’d been gone. The episode dives deep into how the players processed the tournament: pride in hanging with world-class teams, disappointment in the results, and Michelle Akers’ trademark uncompromising take — “a loss is a loss, no matter the score”. But the heart of this chapter is the tension between failure and foundation. Some of “The 85ers” wonder whether they “did enough” to keep the program alive. Others feel the tournament lit a fuse — a hunger for redemption that would drive the next generation. By the end, the episode reframes Italy not as an ending, but as the catalyst for what would become the most dominant program in women’s sports. The dynasty didn’t start in triumph — it started with 17 women flying home in silence, determined to make sure the world would one day pay attention - and they’d get the respect they deserved. 00:00 — Celebrities in the sky 03:05 — Returning with pride (and questions) 05:30 — Moral victories vs. winning 07:00 — Michelle Akers’ relentless standard 09:25 — The weight of letting future generations of women down 11:55 — No headlines, no homecoming 14:10 — Was this the end of it all? 16:20 — Life after the National Team 18:55 — “Soccer will not love you back” 22:40 — Realizing greatness 25:05 — Ripples through generations 30:10 — Knowledge that changed the game 33:05 — The legacy lives on Featuring (in order of appearance): * Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  * 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 * Cindy Gordon: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT * 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 * 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 * Michael Lewis: Award-Winning Soccer Writer/Editor * Brandi Chastain: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & 2x World Cup Champion * Lori Bylin Sweeney: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT * Denise Bender: Defender | First USWNT Captain * Tara Buckley O’Sullivan: Midfielder | 4x All-American & 1982 Honda Award Winner * Denise Boyer Merdich: Forward | First USWNT Player of the Game * Ann Orrison Germain: Defender | Member of the 1985 USWNT * Margaret “Tucka” Healy: Forward | University of California Soccer Hall of Famer * Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT * Cindy Parlow Cone: USWNT 2x Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion | U.S. Soccer Federation President * Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach * Kathy Ridgewell-Williams: Forward | Member of the 1985 USWNT Episode 7: 12.19.25

Episode 5: Italian Lessons

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

Episode 4: Ciao, Bella

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

Episode 3: A Team in Three Days

Presented by adidas Produced by Storied Sports Executive Producer: Michelle Akers With the Olympic Sports Festival in Baton Rouge barely over, the newly named 85ers are thrown into a whirlwind: no rest, no recovery, barely any instructions — just a plane ticket to New York and three days to become a national team before flying to Italy for their first international tournament. Episode 3 captures the exhaustion and disbelief players felt as they scrambled for passports, hemmed team uniforms and got the first bag of official team gear including cleats from the first USWNT sponsor – adidas. They arrived at a training camp full of cheerleaders practicing outside their dorm windows at 6 a.m. Current USWNT stars like Lindsey Heaps, Sam Meza, and Emily Sams react with awe at what their predecessors endured. The episode also introduces the team’s complex, gruff, and influential first coach, Mike Ryan: a man with a thick Irish accent, fiery sideline energy, and a deep belief in the women he pushed to their limits. We can’t forget the remarkable story of goalkeeper Ruth Harker, whose quiet toughness included playing at the highest level while blind in one eye — a secret she kept for decades. Together, these stories paint the portrait of a team forged under impossible circumstances, driven by heart, grit, and the urgency of a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity. 00:00  — The impossible task: become a National Team  00:17  — Player Reactions: “This Is Nuts” 01:10 —  Modern USWNT weighs in 02:04  — Arrival at C.W. Post 03:38  — Gear problems & mismatched uniforms 04:59  — Fierce personalities & clashing styles 06:16  — Ruth Harker’s half-blind secret 09:41 — Coach Mike Ryan: gruff but pivotal 18:54  — Enter Chuck Blazer 22:32  — Adidas saves the day 26:45  — Building chemistry under chaos 36:29  — The leap of faith: The yes that changed everything 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 * Sharon McMurtry: Midfielder | 1985 U.S. Soccer Female Athlete of the Year | First-Ever U.S Soccer Female Athlete of the Year * 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 * Emily Sams: Current USWNT Defender * Lindsey Heaps: Current USWNT Captain & Midfielder | USWNT Olympic Gold Medalist & World Cup Champion * Sam Meza: Current USWNT Midfielder * Stacey Enos: Midfielder | Member of the 1985 USWNT | 3x NCAA Champion - University of North Carolina * Lori Henry: Defender | Former USWNT Captain & World Cup Champion * Anson Dorrance: USWNT Head Coach 1986-1994 | 65–22–5 Record with USWNT * Kim Wyant: Goalkeeper | First GK Win in USWNT History | NYU Men's Soccer Head Coach  * Bernadette Noonan: Early Architect of Seattle Women's Soccer * Emily Pickering Harner: Midfielder | First Assist In USWNT History * Cindy Gordon: Member of the 1985 USWNT | Western Washington University Hall of Famer * Kim Favorite: First USWNT Head Athletic Trainer * Emma Hayes: Current USWNT Head Coach * Meghann Burke: Executive Director, NSWLPA | Retired WPS Goalkeeper Episode 4: 12.16.25 Episode 5: 12.17.25 Episode 6: 12.18.25 Episode 7: 12.19.25