The Late Sub with Claire Watkins

The USWNT fought back from a 2-0 deficit to earn a dramatic draw against Spain, but did the comeback answer any of the biggest questions facing Emma Hayes? Claire breaks down the good, the bad, and the concerning from the USWNT's two matches against Spain, and what they reveal about the team's chances at the 2027 Women's World Cup.

Ashley Sanchez and Mallory Swanson deliver huge goals, but questions remain about Lindsey Heaps' role in the midfield, the USWNT's defensive struggles, and whether Claudia Dickey has emerged as the clear No. 1 goalkeeper. Plus, which players made their case for a World Cup roster spot, why the USWNT's attacking depth could be its biggest strength, and whether Emma Hayes needs to rethink her approach against the world's best teams.

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:02 USWNT's Dramatic Spain Comeback
02:58 Emma Hayes' Bigger Picture
09:51 Breaking Down Spain
12:23 The Lindsey Heaps Problem
16:23 USWNT's Defensive Struggles
18:52 World Cup Roster Locks
20:01 The Goalkeeper Battle
22:47 Ashley Sanchez Shines
26:16 Mallory Swanson Is BACK
27:28 Impact Subs
30:46 Can the USWNT Evolve?

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?

The USWNT's biggest test yet ends in a 2-0 loss to Spain, and there are some BIG questions for Emma Hayes. Claire Watkins is joined by World Cup champion and three-time NWSL champion Jess McDonald to break down what went wrong, why the midfield struggled, and what this result means for the USWNT's preparations for the 2027 World Cup.

From Lindsey Heaps and Lily Yohannes struggling to find their rhythm to the tactical decisions behind Trinity Rodman and Alyssa Thompson switching wings, Claire and Jess debate whether the USWNT's problems are about personnel, tactics, or simply growing pains against the best team in the world.

Plus, why Sophia Wilson might have been the best player on the pitch despite the scoreline, the case for giving Jaelin Howell a start, and what Emma Hayes needs to change before the USWNT gets another shot at Spain.

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC.
Chapters

00:00 Introduction
02:10 World Cup Champion Jess McDonald Joins
04:50 Trinity Rodman & Alyssa Thompson Switching Wings
08:01 Why Losing Can Be Good Before a World Cup
10:59 What's Wrong With the USWNT Midfield?
14:33 Lindsey Heaps' Role Moving Forward
19:00 Does Jaelin Howell Deserve a Shot?
24:11 Bright Spots From the USWNT's Second Half
26:15 Sophia Wilson's Impact
32:38 Goalkeeping, Claudia Dickey & Spain's Goals
37:45 Why Can't the USWNT Finish Its Chances?
42:36 How Important Is a Bounce-Back Win?
45:44 Who Should Emma Hayes Start Against Spain?

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?

The USWNT is gearing up for its biggest test yet against world No. 1 Spain, but injuries to Naomi Girma and Sam Coffey have left Emma Hayes with some major decisions to make. Claire breaks down her ideal starting XI, why Ashley Sanchez deserves to start alongside Trinity Rodman and Sophia Wilson, and how the USWNT can compete without two of its most important players.

Plus, start Lily Yohannes over Lindsey Heaps, who should step up in Girma’s absence, and how the USWNT can disrupt Spain’s dominant midfield to pull off a statement win ahead of the 2027 World Cup.

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:06 USWNT Not Healthy…
06:17 The Case for Ashley Sanchez
10:30 Forwards Off the Bench
11:45 Midfielders
17:38 Defenders
22:06 Outside Backs
24:28 Goalkeepers

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 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.

Plus, why Jaedyn Shaw and Ally Sentnor are headed to the U23s, how Mallory Swanson’s versatility could change her role with the USWNT, and why these two games against Spain might be the biggest test yet for Emma Hayes and this new-look player pool.

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
04:30 Evelyn Shores
09:17 Trinity Byars
10:14 Pietra Tordin
11:31 Jordan Silkowitz
15:00 Players who EARNED it
17:18 Mal Swanson in the Midfield?
21:05 Sears & Rudd
22:29 Biggest Roster Snubs

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?

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.

Plus, Jaedyn Shaw and Croix Bethune continue to make their cases, Jordynn Dudley is turning heads in her rookie season, and some familiar USWNT names could be playing their way out of the picture. Who deserves a spot, and who might be running out of time?

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
02:26 Absences for Injuries
04:38 Ashley Sanchez
07:16 Jaedyn Shaw
09:19 Croix Bethune
11:01 New Goalkeepers?
15:11 Stars of Tomorrow?
19:44 Rookie of the Year Lock???
23:18 Players Trending Down…
28:37 Keeping Themselves in the Conversation

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?