Snacks

This week, Claire digs into the performances that stood out in two big USWNT wins to close out the international break, including a big step forward in the goalkeeping race and a midfield project with many layers. She also lists her missed opportunities, as the year of great roster experimentation crosses the six month mark.

In today's episode, Claire discusses the quiet importance of this weeks international window for the U.S., as Emma Hayes's system takes full effect. She talks about players who missed the cut, fresh faces ready for a chance to shine, and what the team can expect in their two upcoming friendlies. Note: this episode was recorded before Gisele Thompson was pulled from the USWNT camp due to injury.

On this week's episode, Claire presents her MVP candidate shortlist as the NWSL season dips into the second third of the year. Attackers have been reigning supreme, but which pros and cons could lead to the biggest individual award of 2025?

Subscribe: https://pod.link/1563105123 In this week's episode, Claire breaks down what many believed to be the implosion of the San Diego Wave losing the likes of Alex Morgan and Naomi Girma, but did we assume to much. With this season's start, it may show they are set up for success. Subscribe to The Late Sub to never miss an episode. Follow Claire on Twitter/X (@scoutripley) and sign up for the Just Women's Sports newsletter at justwomenssports.com/newsletter/ The Late Sub with Claire Watkins brings you the latest news and freshest takes on all things USWNT, NWSL and whatever else is popping off in women's soccer each week. Special guest appearances with the biggest names in women's sports make The Late Sub a must-listen for every soccer fan. 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. Listen to The Late Sub with Claire Watkins here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-late-sub-with-claire-watkins/id1563105123 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4n4ZxsVs1Ix9DY9E0KPSc6 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-late-sub-with-claire-81239737/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c457a882-c376-4e46-8380-d7471ed29d4c/the-late-sub-with-claire-watkins Add us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justwomenssports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/justwsports Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justwomenssports?

Subscribe: https://pod.link/1563105123 In this week's episode, Claire breaks down what happened to Gotham's superteam, and whether the NWSL is built for them. With this season's start, it may show they are better off than they were last season. Subscribe to The Late Sub to never miss an episode. Follow Claire on Twitter/X (@scoutripley) and sign up for the Just Women's Sports newsletter at justwomenssports.com/newsletter/ The Late Sub with Claire Watkins brings you the latest news and freshest takes on all things USWNT, NWSL and whatever else is popping off in women's soccer each week. Special guest appearances with the biggest names in women's sports make The Late Sub a must-listen for every soccer fan. 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. Listen to The Late Sub with Claire Watkins here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-late-sub-with-claire-watkins/id1563105123 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4n4ZxsVs1Ix9DY9E0KPSc6 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-late-sub-with-claire-81239737/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c457a882-c376-4e46-8380-d7471ed29d4c/the-late-sub-with-claire-watkins Add us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justwomenssports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/justwsports Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justwomenssports?

In this week's episode, Claire breaks down Trinity Rodman's newly reported indefinite absence from the Washington Spirit, as she rehabs an ongoing back injury that could reshape the prospects of both the Spirit and the USWNT.

On today's episode, Claire takes a look at Angel City's early success in the young 2025 NWSL season, starting from the carousel of the club's early days to a young core ready to take the next step. Could the playoffs be back in Angel City's future?

Welcome back to another season of The Late Sub! Claire sits down to talk through the USWNT's youth movement, the search for Alyssa Naeher's successor, Trinity Rodman's return and more.

The NWSL is back for 2025, and so are we! Claire hops on the mic to chat NWSL opening weekend, way too early predictions, teams rising, falling, and everything in between.

Description

In this week's episode, Claire takes a trip down memory lane, talking through her favorite and most memorable women's sports stories of the year. She talks the explosion of basketball, the transformation of the USWNT, an Olympics to remember and more.

In today's episode, Claire gives a salute to the career of USWNT legend Becky Sauerbrunn, and reflects on the end of an era for both the NWSL and the US as titans of the game step away. Then, she gives initial reactions on a major NWSL trade that's sending Lynn Williams to Seattle, sets up a quick viewing guide for the weekend, and more.

In today's episode, Claire takes a deeper look at Notre Dame's big win over UConn, what it means for the early NPOY race, and some very encouraging signs for TV viewership. Then, she touches on the Euros draw, the NCAA volleyball tournament, college prospect signings in the NWSL, and more.

In today's episode, Claire hits a few big women's sports headlines before sitting down with Golden State Valkyries head coach Natalie Nakase to talk through the expansion draft, building a roster from scratch, how she'd like her team to play and the fundamentals that she thinks will build a lasting locker room culture of winning.

In today's episode, Claire takes a look at Golden State's expansion draft and South Carolina's great week dominating two Top 10 matchups. She then takes a trip around the world of women's sports, including NWSL free agency, and more notes on college soccer, NCAA volleyball, PWHL hockey and more.

In today's episode, Claire takes a break from the soccer trenches to catch up on all the goings on in other women's sports in the states. She chats college hoops, WNBA upheaval, hockey stars, volleyball conference dominance and maybe just a little bit of soccer updates because who can stay away.

In today's episode, Claire wraps up a wild year of the USWNT, as their very dramatic 2-1 win over the Netherlands showed how far they've come and what they'll need to continue to progress on in 2025. She chats midfield lessons, club vs national team form, and yet another epic Alyssa Naeher performance that only underlines how much she'll be missed in retirement.

The USWNT played to a scoreless draw against England on Saturday, and Claire hops on immediately after to give her thoughts! On Alyssa Naeher's retirement, the pros and cons of playing the veteran midfield, attacking inexperience and why the U.S. should feel fine with the result.

On today's episode, Claire recaps another wonderful wild NWSL championship weekend, the before, during, and after of Orlando's historic win in the title game. She talks industry events, Marta lore, officiating, big defense moments and more. We had a blast during the 2024 NWSL season and we can't wait to do it again.

On today's episode, Claire breaks down the ins and outs of the NWSL championship matchup between the Orlando Pride and the Washington Spirit - key contributors, where on the field the game might be won, and what a title win would mean to either franchise after historically strong seasons. Then she does a quick news roundup touching on college basketball, NWSL awards, and the WNBA going analytic with new coaching hires.

In today's episode, Claire breaks down the USWNT's November roster, how manager Emma Hayes is able to give new opportunities from a position of strength, and which players Claire is most excited to see out on the pitch against England and the Netherlands. Then, she revels in the incredible NWSL semifinal round, breaking down all the magic that led the Orlando Pride and the Kansas City Current to the NWSL championship game.

On todays episode, Claire takes a deep dive into the NWSL end of season awards, comparing her ballot with the announced finalists and giving her final picks in a very deep year with many impressive performances. Then, she previews the blockbuster semifinal matchups between the NWSL's top four, and gives her picks for who will be battling it out in Kansas City for a championship.

In today's episode, Claire recaps the quarterfinal round of the NWSL playoffs, talking through blowouts, surprises, emptying the tank and why the top four teams continue to stand out in 2024. Then, she has a chat with Bay FC midfielder Kiki Pickett, on the team's turnaround in the second half of the season, why they're a great NWSL underdog, and what the club is most proud of after a record breaking inaugural season.

In today's episode, Claire breaks down the ins and outs of every NWSL quarterfinal, who to keep on upset watch and what to expect tactically between the lines. Then, she has a lovely conversation with Olympic bronze medalist rugby player Sammy Sullivan about the future of rugby in the U.S., balancing the spotlight of the Olympics boost with the day to day of being a pro athlete, and how fans can keep up with Team USA rugby year round.

Subscribe to The Late Sub to never miss an episode. Follow Claire on Twitter/X (@scoutripley) and sign up for the Just Women's Sports newsletter at justwomenssports.com/newsletter/ The Late Sub with Claire Watkins brings you the latest news and freshest takes in women's sports. This is the weekly rundown you've been missing, covering the USWNT, NWSL, WNBA, college hoops, and whatever else is popping off in women's sports each week. Special guest appearances with the biggest names in women's sports make The Late Sub a must-listen for every fan. Follow Claire on X/Twitter @ScoutRipley and subscribe to the Just Women's Sports newsletter for more.  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. Listen to The Late Sub with Claire Watkins here: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/the-late-sub-with-claire-watkins/id1563105123  Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4n4ZxsVs1Ix9DY9E0KPSc6 iHeart: https://www.iheart.com/podcast/1119-the-late-sub-with-claire-81239737/ Amazon Music: https://music.amazon.com/podcasts/c457a882-c376-4e46-8380-d7471ed29d4c/the-late-sub-with-claire-watkins Add us on: Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/justwomenssports/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/justwsports Tik Tok: https://www.tiktok.com/@justwomenssports?

On todays episode, Claire wraps up the USWNT October window with look at the team's 3-0 win over Argentina, how rotation became the US's strength and how Naomi Girma can truly do it all. Then she redirects attention back to the NWSL, where we say goodbye to a few clubs after the weekend, and watch a playoff race that may or may not come down to the final matchday.

In today's episode, Claire talks through the USWNT's 3-1 comeback victory over Iceland on Sunday, how the team slightly struggled with roster rotation and how their second half stabilizing showcased the team's underlying strengths. Then she has a chat with three-time Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas about her whirlwind summer after starring in Paris, and her off-track interest in global health.

On today's episode, Claire breaks down the USWNT's 3-1 win over Iceland, talks through how Emma Hayes is continuing to put her stamp on her team even as they keep winning, shouts out top performers and looks at where the US could still improve. Then she takes a moment to give her take on the Chicago Red Stars rebrand, as the NWSL loses some of its history in a bid towards the future.

On today's episode, Claire goes long on the epic final game that clinched the New York Liberty's first-ever WNBA title. She talks defense, officiating, rotations, and a little bit of luck, as well as a wrap up of the larger emotions in this monumental season ending. Then she gives a quick wish list of what she'd like to see from the final NWSL regular season weekend, as teams tune up for the postseason.

In today's episode, Claire runs down the USWNT's October roster, alongside quotes from Emma Hayes that appear to lay out the vision for the next few years in the team's progress as they begin the long preparation for the 2027 World Cup. She also marvels at another incredible WNBA Finals showdown, as the Liberty take a crucial advantage in their search for their first championship title.

On today's episode, Claire talks through whether she needs to amend her WNBA Finals prediction, and notes both the resiliency of the Lynx and the mentality of the Liberty. She then hits all the major storylines of the NWSL weekend, including broken individual records, streaks both snapped and saved, playoff spots clinched and lost, and off the field happenings that shape the larger conversation.

In today's episode, Claire ponders another Sun postseason exit, and the risks and rewards of blowing things up in the pursuit of playoff glory. She then previews the finals between the Lynx and the Liberty, with one key element she believes will earn one of the teams a title. She closes with some of the NWSL news of the midweek, which feels destined to shape the postseason and beyond.

In today's episode, Claire gives her own postmortem on this particular era of the Las Vegas Aces, claims the Liberty as championship frontrunners and preps for Game 5 between the Lynx and the Sun. Then, she chats Orlando's incredible run to the 2024 NWSL shield, individual records being broken, and aimlessness further down the league table.

Today, Claire takes a closer look at what's gone wrong for the Las Vegas Aces in their semifinal against the Liberty, as well as dissecting some of head coach Becky Hammon's postgame quotes following their Game 2 loss. She then salutes the job Cheryl Reeve has done with the Minnesota Lynx, prepares for an Orlando Pride shield win, and discusses Racing Louisville's prospects at their first NWSL postseason berth.

In today's episode, Claire takes a look at both Game 1's of the WNBA semifinals, and whether or not Aces and Lynx fans can find silver linings in falling short with hope for Game 2. Then, she shouts out the big winners and losers of the NWSL match weekend, including the race for golden boot history and the race for final playoff clinchers.

This week, Claire discusses the first day of games of the WNBA playoffs, where postseason experience is key in a short set of series' that could see some of our faves go home. Then, she takes a deeper look at Kansas City's big win over Washington in the NWSL, and makes a case for the Current's chances in the playoffs. She closes us out with quick updates on volleyball, college soccer, and a salute to the U-20 USWNT.

This week, Claire takes a snapshot look at the NWSL, where sometimes single games can tell you a whole lot more about a team than just the final score. She chats Orlando and KC's special success, Portland's ongoing troubles, and which players lit up the highlight reel. Then she talks through remarkable WNBA performances, why the expanding season is a good thing, and the surge of the Washington Mystics. Then she reads a few listener comments on volleyball, and tells how she was hoodwinked by the U20 USWNT on Tuesday.

This week, Claire takes a moment to talk about the final few days of Alex Morgan's professional career, how the soccer world has changed since Morgan's debut and how the star herself spoke about what's next. Then, she discusses what Angel Reese's season ending injury means for the WNBA playoff race, salutes the U.S. Open and the Paralympics and more.

This week, Claire checks in on the big picture for both the NWSL and the WNBA, as title contenders emerge, playoff spoilers make their case, and some teams begin to plateau at an inopportune time. Then, she has a chat with NWSLA President Tori Huster about the league's landmark CBA, and how concerns about parity might be overstated.

This week, Claire breaks down the new NWSL CBA that will change just about everything about how the league runs, she thinks, for the better. Then she takes listener questions on struggling NWSL clubs, player contracts, looking ahead for the USWNT and more.

In today's episode, Claire says a happy welcome back to the WNBA, as teams battle for postgame positioning in the final month of the regular season. The New York Liberty look like the team to beat, but how are other teams progressing, and are there teams that should be worried about slipping in the standings? Then, Claire looks at her wishlist for the rest of the 2024 NWSL season, as teams gear up for their first regular season matchups since before the Olympics.

In this weeks episode, Claire talks through the final few days of the 2024 Olympics, a gold medal basketball game that went the distance in ways nobody expected, big winners and losers from the Olympic soccer tournament and more. Then, she has a lovely chat with Arsenal and Lionesses forward Alessia Russo about returning to the U.S. after spending her college days in Chapel Hill for her club's upcoming friendly matchup against the Washington Spirit.

This week, Claire takes a deep breath and looks at what we've seen in women's sports so far in the Olympics, including generational talents and both established and brand new stars to follow. She hypes up the U.S. gymnastics squad, asks who really rules the pool, and shouts out newcomers to the international stage that became the surprise hits of the Games. Then she previews the USWNT's upcoming semifinal against Germany, as the soccer Olympics field braces for two rematches.

On today's episode, Claire takes a look at the USWNT's performances in their first two Olympic soccer matches, as the team cruises to a quarterfinal spot with a game still to play in the group stage. She talks through the team making their own luck, some touchy moments in defense, and what to make of the team's ever-shifting midfield. Then she hits on a few of the biggest Olympic storylines of week one, including a battle in the pool, a historic moment in gymnastics, and the ongoing Canada soccer drone-gate saga.

This week, Claire discusses WNBA All-Star weekend, which felt both like a celebration of how the league has grown over the past year and set Team USA up for a particularly competitive Olympics. Then, she reviews the field for the Olympic soccer tournament, pointing out her personal Group of Death and seeing how the U.S. might still be in the medal conversation despite their current rebuild under Emma Hayes.

This week, Claire breaks down in depth the days prior to the USWNT's first send-off series game, also discussing performances, what worked and what still needs developing, as the team moves towards a crucial Olympic competition that will dictate the future of the team. She then turns toward WNBA All-Star weekend, with a short chat with Gatorade women's basketball player of the year Joyce Edwards alongside former WNBA All-Star and Dallas Wings star Satou Sabally.

This week, Claire takes the solo mic to break down a beautiful new rivalry between the Orlando Pride and the Kansas City Current, while taking stock of where every NWSL team has landed going into the leagues regular season Olympic break. Then, she does the same with the WNBA, looking at small shifts that could impact the standings after Paris. She takes stock of individual performances in the context of the two WNBA all-star teams, and takes the temperature for just how prepared both the NWSL and WNBA have gotten their athletes for the Olympics.

This week, Claire hones in on the upcoming marquee NWSL matchup between Orlando and Kansas City by pondering the question: how did the Orlando Pride transform into a contender? She speaks with Pride general manager Haley Carter about the construction of Orlando's turnaround, and then chats with Pride forward Ally Watt about the team's transformation on the field. Off the soccer field, Claire then does a check in on where the WNBA is trending as they near a significant Olympic break.

Claire hops on to react to the 2024 USWNT Olympic roster, with one big omission marking a new era of the team. She chats through the benefits of experience vs potential, versatility and fitness, and how this team will continue to gel while meeting the internal expectations of new manager Emma Hayes, which might not always coincide with what the fans want out of a major tournament.

In today's episode, Claire talks through the widening gap between top NWSL contenders and the rest of the pack after more statement performances from Kansas City and Orlando. Then, she chats with Rookie of the Year (and possibly MVP?) frontrunner Croix Bethune about playing with joy, what makes the Washington midfield tick and more. And then finally she breaks down the current state of the WNBA, where mid-standings rivalries are just as exciting as the title contenders. 

In this week's episode, Claire sits down with Kansas City midfielder Lo'eau LaBonta to understand what's driving the Current's unbeaten streak, celebration culture, goals under Vlatko Andonovski and more. Then Claire takes the mic alone to look at the state of the WNBA, which teams are surging and which could use a reset after another week of highs and lows.