The Late Sub with Claire Watkins

Claire breaks down the surprise call-ups, the biggest snubs, Ashley Sanchez’s return to the national team, and why the USWNT worry meter is still ticking up at a few key positions.

The USWNT roster announcement is just around the corner, and Ashley Sanchez is making it impossible for Emma Hayes to ignore her. Claire breaks down why Sanchez has earned another call-up, which NWSL stars deserve a shot against Spain, and whether Hayes needs to rethink her player pool ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

The NWSL coaching carousel is in full swing, and Vlatko Andonovski’s exit from the Kansas City Current might be the most confusing move yet. Claire breaks down why KC moved on after so much recent success, what the players’ reactions say about the decision, and whether all of this change could come back to haunt them in the playoff race. Plus, Seb Hines is out in Orlando, Houston and Chicago are making changes of their own, and Utah might be proving that sometimes the smartest move is simply sticking with the plan.

The NWSL Shield race looks like it’s down to two teams, Gotham and the Washington Spirit. While they are both battling at the top of the table, Claire takes this week to look at some of their differences and how two teams so similar couldn’t be MORE different.

Claire breaks down everything USWNT fans need to know as the WSL looks to kick off. Some of the world’s best stars have made their way to England! Here’s everything you need to know to become a WSL fan ahead of the World Cup.

Ashley Sanchez is having an NWSL season to remember. After falling out of the USWNT, Sanchez is making a case that she can't be ignored. Claire takes this week to put the spotlight on Sanchez and why Emma Hayes should call her up for the next camp.

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

01:42 Ashley Sanchez’s MONSTER Season

06:57 The Sanchez Story

09:31 Why Can’t She Make the Emma Hayes Roster?

11:30 Complete Courage Overhaul

14:52 Her Case for the USWNT

21:14 The WILD MVP Race

Just Women’s Sports is the leading digital media platform dedicated exclusively to women’s sports. In a world where women’s sports have been historically underfunded and under-promoted, Just Women’s Sports exists to shine a light on all the stories, athletes and moments that define and fuel the space. Through original podcasts, premium video programming, social media, editorial content, a newsletter, and exclusive merchandise and live events, Just Women’s Sports is committed to making it both easy and fun to be a women’s sports fan.

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Claire takes this week takes the time to do a deep dive into the troubles in Louisville. Racing has a fan attendance problem, but is ownership making fans the scape goat for their errors? Bev Yanez has the team on a 4 game winning streak, is there still time to right the ship?

Claire takes this week to zoom out on the NWSL and see how five teams are trending. With Olivia Moultrie out for the season, an already struggling Portland Thorns team could be on a skid. Washington is feeling the burn out from a packed schedule. Seattle is looking like the Reign of old, and Gotham sits atop the table with the league’s best defense.

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

04:39 Portland Fading FAST

06:34 Spend & Save

10:18 Washington Spirit Fall Short

14:27 Is Seattle Making a Run?

21:15 Gotham’s Defense Has them at the TOP of the Table

Just Women’s Sports is the leading digital media platform dedicated exclusively to women’s sports. In a world where women’s sports have been historically underfunded and under-promoted, Just Women’s Sports exists to shine a light on all the stories, athletes and moments that define and fuel the space. Through original podcasts, premium video programming, social media, editorial content, a newsletter, and exclusive merchandise and live events, Just Women’s Sports is committed to making it both easy and fun to be a women’s sports fan.

Add us on:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justwomenssports/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/justwsports

Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justwomenssports?

Claire digs into all the action at W AFCON. With a stacked group C and a tournament filled with some of the BEST NWSL talent, could one of these nations be the surprise of next year’s World Cup?

With Emily Sonnett down with an undisclosed knee injury, Claire takes this moment to dive into the injury window. How can Gotham keep up with a back line that's looking thinner by the moment? What other teams are plagued by injury? And most importantly, what World Cup implications do injuries have from here on out?

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC

Chapters

00:00 Introduction

00:49 NWSL Injuries & International Implications

06:52 Emily Sonnett Stretchered Off

11:09 Esther Leaves Gotham

15:10 San Diego Injuries

18:54 Poor Chicago

22:31 Angel City Wonky Roster