Coffee & Valkyries, Episode 9: The One With Sofia Huerta

After the NWSL Challenge Cup, there was a lot of uncertainty if there would be any more chances for all NWSL teams to get some games in. Some players opted not to wait and see and went abroad on loan spells. Ultimately, the NWSL Fall Series was announced, and OL Reign begin their campaign next Saturday against their Cascadia rivals, the Portland Thorns. Utah Royals will also be in their west region pod. Ahead of OL Reign’s campaign, we chat with forward Sofia Huerta about her experience of the NWSL Challenge Cup bubble, what she is looking forward to in playing in the Fall Series, and more.

And to give you a preview of what our chat with Huerta, here’s what she said about clicking with head coach Farid Benstiti in the short amount of time he’s been OL Reign’s coach, as he himself gets to know his team and the general acclimation of the chaotic energy that is the NWSL.

“Farid’s just a perfect match for me. I think he’s a perfect balance between soccer, obviously he has a lot of knowledge, his resume is extensive and he’s a good coach. But on just a personal level, being able to talk to someone about your dreams and what you want to accomplish, and really knowing they believe in you is I don’t feel like you find often. I think more of in terms of how genuine it is. Of course I’ve had coaches tell me that I can do it, but did I really believe them? Not really, and he’s also seen a lot of good players, so for him to really invest in me and for me to feel he really believes in my ability, how can I not believe in myself again.”

HOSTS

Susie Rantz (@SusieRants)

Jacob Cristobal (@jacobcristobal)

Steve Voght (@voght)

CREDITS

Album artwork: Amy Camber

Music: “Sunglasses” by Loyalty Freak Music