NWSL This Week Podcast

By Dan Lauletta, Bekki Morgan, and Michael MinnichSports Soccer

NWSL This Week Podcast episodes

November 03, 2025 Episode 62: Racing Grab Final Playoff Spot
This week, Ella Hase’s 1st NWSL goal lifts Racing Louisville into the playoffs for the first time while a victorious Courage side falls short. The playoff field is set now with quarterfinals in Kansas City, Washington, Portland, and Orlando.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com
59 min
October 27, 2025 Episode 61: Decision Day Looms
After a series of unfortunate events, Michael Minnich goes solo this week to discuss all the upcoming Decision Day games and to interview NWSL broadcast commentator Jessica Charman. We had numerous audio issues this week and lost some audio to close out the Charman interview, so please bear with us.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com
46 min
October 20, 2025 Episode 60: As playoff field fills up, key injuries mount
This week, Dan and Michael recap the key happenings across Week 25 that saw all but one playoff spot clinched. The Current and Spirit already had the top two spots locked but injuries to Temwa Chawinga and Trinity Rodman could alter the landscape ahead of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Christen Press played her final home match for Angel City.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com
1 hr 4 min
October 13, 2025 Episode 59: Orlando clinches, Utah is eliminated, and five playoff spots are still up for grabs
There are only two weeks left in the NWSL’s regular season, but a handful of playoff spots remain open. (Note: We mistakenly didn’t realize Orlando clinched this week in our recording) The San Diego Wave, Orlando Pride, and Angel City got crucial wins to keep their playoff dreams alive while Racing Louisville, the North Carolina Courage, and Seattle Reign settled for a critical point apiece. The stakes are higher than ever with the playoff line climbing to 33 points. Who is in a position to clinch their spot next week?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com
1 hr 14 min
October 06, 2025 Episode 58: Brace yourself
Braces decided games this week as Emma Sears’ led Racing to their first win in Cary, North Carolina and kept them in playoff contention, Olivia Moultrie’s brought Portland ahead of Bay, and Rose Kouassi’s earned the Spirit all three points after a late equalizer from San Diego. In other news, Boston makes some signings and Portland sends Hina Sugita to Angel City in return for M.A. Vignola.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com
57 min
September 29, 2025 Episode 57: Spirit clinch, Gotham roll Thorns
This week, a Gift Monday hat trick sends the Spirit back to the postseason, Gotham roll Portland to make their case as contenders, and all three California teams come up empty.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com
1 hr 6 min
September 22, 2025 Episode 56: The Shield heads to Kansas City
This week the Current secure *another* clean sheet and brought the NWSL Shield to Kansas City. Also, Savannah DeMelo goes home, Jessica Berman speaks, and the middle of the table is as muddled as eveer.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com
1 hr 3 min
September 15, 2025 Episode 54: Medical emergency suspends Seattle versus Louisville
A frightening medical emergency with Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo leads to the suspension of Louisville’s match against Seattle Reign. Has the league learned from the debacle with Angel City’s Savvy King’s illness earlier this season? Also, have the San Diego Wave crashed? Is Jaedyn Shaw back? And did we get a preview of this year’s final in the 0-0 draw between the Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current?

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com
54 min
September 09, 2025 Special Episode: Montoya leaving, Shaw moving
On this special episode, Bay FC announces organizational changes that will include a new head coach in 2026, and ESPN has reported that Jaedyn Shaw is being traded to Gotham!

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com
23 min
September 08, 2025 Episode 53: Stars get new venue, win over Orlando
This week, the Stars give their 2026 venue a test run by putting 5 goals on the defending champs, Vlatko Andonovski wins his 100th NWSL match, and much more from Round 19.

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com
58 min