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Part 5: The Tiny Prophet
Season 2 · Episode 5

Part 5: The Tiny Prophet

Longshot: Payback

April 12, 202231m 47sExplicit

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Show Notes

In 2010, Jessica McDonald is drafted by the Chicago Red Stars of WPS, the women’s professional soccer league. The WPS acts as a feeder system for the larger U.S. national team, and McDonald is poised to become the fresh blood the USWNT needs. But in her first pro start, McDonald tears the patellar tendon in her left knee. The best-case prognosis: an 18-month-long recovery. Worst-case? Her soccer career is over. Then, during rehabilitation, perhaps the biggest surprise of the 23-year-old McDonald's life: an unplanned pregnancy.

New episodes coming each Tuesday, through May 17.

To continue supporting journalism like this, visit charlotteobserver.com/payback or newsobserver.com/payback . 

Payback is hosted by Alex Andrejev. It's produced by Kata Stevens, Casey Toth, Julia Wall, and executive producer Davin Coburn. The executive producer for iHeartRadio is Sean Titone.

See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Topics

longshotpaybackUSWNTJessica McDonaldNWSLnational women's soccer leaguecourageLouisvilleThornsUNCNorth Carolinasoccerwomen's soccerWorld CupRapinoeAlex MorganJulie FoudyMichelle AkersJoy FawcettCindy Parlow ConeAnson Dorrnacelawsuitequal paygenderpay gapsettlementus soccerArizonaPhoenixhomelessCactus High SchoolSereno Socer Club