The Late Sub with Claire Watkins

The 2026 NWSL Playoffs are HERE! Claire breaks down all four NWSL quarterfinal matchups, ranking them from most to least competitive and predicting who will advance. Can Angel City's 10-game unbeaten streak survive a trip to Kansas City? Will Sophia Wilson and the Portland Thorns pull off an upset against Trinity Rodman and the Washington Spirit? And can Gotham FC overcome another injury setback to keep their championship hopes alive?

Plus, Claire dives into the tactical battles, key players, and injury concerns that could decide each matchup. With the San Diego Wave surging, the Seattle Reign fighting to extend Jess Fishlock's career, and eight teams battling for a spot in the semifinals, who has what it takes to make a run at the NWSL Championship?

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC.

Chapters:
00:00 Intro
02:43 Kansas City Current vs. Angel City FC
11:00 Washington Spirit vs. Portland Thorns
17:56 Gotham FC vs. Seattle Reign
24:16 San Diego Wave vs. Utah Royals

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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NWSL Decision Day is HERE, and the Shield, playoff seeding, and final postseason spot are all on the line! Claire Watkins ranks all eight NWSL matchups from least to most dramatic, breaking down the biggest stakes, potential upsets, and must-watch games ahead of Sunday's regular season finale.

Can Gotham FC hold off San Diego Wave to claim the NWSL Shield? Seattle Reign controls its playoff destiny, but Ashley Sanchez and North Carolina Courage are ready to battle Denver Summit for the final postseason spot. Plus, Angel City FC looks to keep its unbeaten streak alive, Kansas City Current fights for a home playoff game, and Utah Royals could spoil Gotham's Shield dreams.

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC.

Chapters:
0:00 NWSL Decision Day Preview
2:40 Washington Spirit vs. Chicago Stars
6:08 Kansas City Current vs. Racing Louisville
8:36 Portland Thorns vs. Houston Dash
11:51 Angel City FC vs. Boston Legacy
16:33 Seattle Reign vs. Orlando Pride
19:58 San Diego Wave vs. Bay FC
22:20 North Carolina Courage vs. Denver Summit
25:49 Gotham FC vs. Utah Royals

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 breaks down her top five NWSL Rookie of the Year candidates as the 2026 regular season comes to a close! San Diego Wave's Lia Godfrey and Mimi van Zanten have emerged as two of the league's brightest young stars, while Houston Dash's Kat Rader is making a serious case for the award with 10 goals this season.

Plus, Jordan Dudley's season-ending injury could have major implications for Gotham FC's Shield hopes, and Angel City's Taylor Suarez is making a late push into the Rookie of the Year conversation.
Who deserves to take home NWSL Rookie of the Year?

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
00:38 The Rookie of the Year Race
03:53 Leah Godfrey's Breakout Season
06:47 Mimi van Zanten's Dominance
09:19 Ally Outstanding Asset
11:32 Ally Bank
12:03 Kat Rader's Incredible Rookie Season
15:06 Jordan Dudley's Gotham Impact
18:19 Taylor Suarez's Late Surge
20:48 Who Deserves Rookie of the Year?

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

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The NWSL Shield race is coming down to the wire! Claire breaks down the three-way battle between Gotham FC, San Diego Wave, and the Washington Spirit with just two games left in the regular season. After Washington's massive win over Gotham, can the defending champions hold onto their lead, or is San Diego in the perfect position to steal the Shield on Decision Day?

Plus, how Jordan Dudley's season-ending injury is impacting Gotham's attack, what Jaedyn Shaw's potential return means for Sam Kerr and Rose Lavelle, and why Trinity Rodman and the Spirit are finding their rhythm at the perfect time. Claire also breaks down San Diego's five-game winning streak, Melanie Barcenas' incredible goal, and which team looks best positioned for a deep NWSL playoff run.

This episode is presented by Ally Bank, member FDIC.

Chapters
00:00 Introduction
01:55 Gotham Losing Steam?
06:59 USWNT Deja Vu?
11:30 Gotham Injuries Stacking Up
16:20 Gotham’s Path to the Shield
17:26 Ally Award: Tierna Davidson
21:14 Spirit Making a Run?
26:53 San Diego Stealing the Shield?

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/

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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?