The Wait Is Over

Breaking Through

Prior to Monday morning training, the newest call-ups for the US National Team are being feted by their clubs. In Boston, Morgan Andrews and Megan Oyster are congratulated by John and Yael, with Steph, Jessie, Allysha, Abby, and Kyah giving quick words of wisdom to the pair. In Washington, Becky and Lori come out on the field to give the good news to Meggie Dougherty Howard, with Abby Smith, Lindsay Agnew, and Shelina Zadorsky offering their insights of national team duty. Sky Blue's newest national teamer, Sarah Killion, is being given advice by Christie, Jill, Sam Kerr, Kailen Sheridan, and Rocky Rodriguez. The last stop on this tour is Portland, where Daphne Corboz is given the news by Mark Parsons, followed by Nadine Angerer, Allie Long, Tobin Heath, Becca Quinn, and AD Franch, a fellow call-up, providing some inside knowledge of camp to the first-year Thorns player.

***

Following practice in Chicago, Kristie calls Steph at camp in Houston to talk about what to do with the extra money she will get as a result of the call-up.

Kristie: Stephy, your negotiating skills got me a nice $7,000 bonus this season. How should we spend this?

Steph: Don't go running out and spend the whole thing before you even get it. The Red Stars pay out the bonuses after the players return from camp.

Kristie: I didn't know that. At the Spirit, any bonuses from call-ups were deposited immediately to the player's bank account.

Steph: If I were you, I'd bank it as a hedge against next year or stick it into the business as a means of developing a fund to pay you salary from whenever you decide to leave the field and devote yourself full-time to Sporting Chic.

Kristie: You're always thinking ahead. I'd like to actually have some fun with a bit of this.

Steph: What would you consider fun, princess?

Kristie: Maybe a night out with some of our coupled teammates, like Vanessa and Sofia and Gabby and Sarah.

Steph: I think there might be another possible one in the offing.

Kristie: Oh? Got some more gossip?

Steph: Just something I overheard on the plane to Kansas City last week. Danny wanted to talk to Alyssa for a few minutes, and it sounds like her and Arin aren't going to continue, and Alyssa and Jen ain't happening.

Kristie: So Alyssa and Danny, maybe?

Steph: No. Danny and Jen.

Kristie: That would be SO CUTE if it comes off.

Steph: They DO look cute together, and they have a great rapport, even though Jen is shy.

Kristie: When do you return to training?

Steph: In about 15 minutes, so I better start getting ready.

Kristie: Will we get a chance to talk tonight?

Steph: It might be late. Sam and I are getting together with Lindsey and Emily because they want to grill us on wedding prep.

Kristie: Ooooooo. Wish I were there to butt in.

Steph: I'll give you all the dirt afterwards, Mrs. McCaffrey.

Kristie: Awwwww. Love you.

Steph: Love you always.

***

Morgan, Megan, and Jessie are over at Abby's for dinner and a bit of bonding.