Halifax Tides' Naya Cardoza on Defending the World's Best

Halifax Tides defender Naya Cardoza joins the show to take us inside her journey from Ivy League collegiate powerhouse to the historic Northern Super League in Canadian soccer.In this episode, the former Brown University captain opens up about what it takes to defend the world's best attackers. She shares firsthand insights from her international caps with the Jamaica Women’s National Team (or Reggae Girlz), breaking down the tactical mindset needed to shut down global superstars like Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly, Lizbeth Ovalle, and Marta.Naya also talks about why the Halifax Tides FC and the club’s long-term project was a great fit for her first professional contract and club, the responsibility she feels to inspire the next generation of Canadian soccer talent, and how she navigated the hurdles on the road to going pro that are not always highlighted. Plus, we look ahead to Jamaica’s vital 2027 Women’s World Cup qualifying campaign and close things out with a rapid-fire Q&A!Thank you all for listening! Remember to follow us wherever you get your podcasts, on Instagram (@the_womens_soccer_podcast) and Bluesky (@thewomenssoccerpod.bsky.social). In addition, leave a 5-star review and tell all your friends about our show!