The Late Sub with Claire Watkins
Episodes
Three takeaways from a chaotic NWSL start
25 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode, Claire breaks down three of the NWSL weekend’s trends as the chaos begins in earnest, including red cards galore, talent eval...
Catarina Macario shows tide turning in NWSL
18 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this weeks episode, Claire breaks down the big picture of Catarina Macario’s impending debut in the NWSL, in the context of last years USWNT exod...
Who’s ACTUALLY going to be good in the NWSL this season
10 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
The NWSL season has arrived and we've got everything you need to know on this week’s episode of The Late Sub. Who’s improved, what can fans expect...
The good and the bad of the SheBelieves cup
05 Mar 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, Claire takes a look at the USWNT's first two SheBelieves Cup games, crediting the team's control, ability to turn the field, a...
How USWNT stars abroad are performing
24 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire checks in on how USWNT players have been faring in Europe, as they prepare to rejoin the U.S. prior to this weekend’...
European stars return to the USWNT
18 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Claire takes a deeper look at the upcoming USWNT SheBelieves Cup roster: who's in, who's out, with notes from Emma Hayes’s pre...
Triple Espresso’s return is imminent
09 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire breaks downs the ins and outs of NWSL media day, the return of Triple Espresso, some key injury updates, and some int...
Is Arsenal the best team in the world?
04 Feb 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Claire reflects on the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup: what Arsenal's victory means, some of the logistical hiccups shaping ...
Winners and Losers of USWNT Jan Camp
28 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, Claire takes a big picture look at the USWNT's January camp in its entirety after two dominant wins against Paraguay and Chile...
Captain Trinity Rodman returns to the US
25 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Claire gives her immediate takeaways from the USWNT's 6-0 win over Paraguay. New leadership structures, a wealth of versatility, a...
Three USWNT players to watch
20 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire digs into the USWNT’s January camp roster, pointing out one player from each positional line that she’d like to s...
What Lindsey Heaps’s transfer means for the NWSL
13 Jan 2026
Contributed by Lukas
We're back! In this week’s episode, Claire ranks her favorite offseason NWSL transactions: the good, the pretty good, and the headscratchers. She ta...
Five bold women’s soccer predictions for 2026
17 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
We're closing out 2025 with a bang! In this week’s episode, Claire makes a few predictions for 2026, chatting about transfer possibilities, World Cu...
The NWSL is failing Trinity Rodman
11 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire runs down the timeline that’s led to Trinity Rodman’s contract dispute with the NWSL, where the league is falli...
The 4 BIGGEST takeaways from the USWNT vs Italy
04 Dec 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Subscribe: https://pod.link/1563105123 In this week’s episode, Claire breaks down the USWNT friendlies against Italy. Claire shares her biggest tak...
Gotham gamed their way to a title!
24 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire breaks down NWSL championship weekend, on getting a sense of both Washington and Gotham’s dynamics going into Satur...
The Spirit are peaking at the right time!
18 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire breaks down last weekend’s semifinal action, and previews a championship game between two of the more ambitious clu...
How Gotham SHOCKED the KC Current
13 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire breaks down what she got right and what she got very wrong about the NWSL quarterfinals, which team has the biggest c...
Four bold predictions for the NWSL Playoffs
06 Nov 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire roots for chaos as the NWSL postseason begins by making four bold predictions about the upcoming quarterfinal round. ...
The USWNT has decisions to make
30 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this week’s episode, Claire breaks down the second two matches in the USWNT’s October window: who stood out, what question marks remain, and w...
Is the USWNT taking a step backwards?
24 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today's episode, Claire goes long on the USWNT opening the October window with their first-ever loss to Portugal: why the team's setup didn't help ...
The USWNT October roster is here!
16 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
*Note: This episode was recorded before Trinity Rodman left Wednesday's game with an injury* This week, Claire breaks down the roster for the USWNT...
How did US stars play in the Champions League?
10 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Claire breaks down the first week of 2025/26 UWCL action, as the USWNT contingent in the competition grows in size every year. S...
NWSL changing of the guard
02 Oct 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Claire reflects on the retirement of Angel City captain Ali Riley, amidst a larger generational shift in the NWSL that has seen giants of t...
Do better, Ballon d'Or...
25 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire reflects on this week’s Ballon d’Or ceremony, breaking down the issues with modern football awards that can leave...
Can the NWSL salary cap keep up with stars like Jaedyn Shaw?
11 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire reflects on the news Jaedyn Shaw is making a record NWSL transfer to Gotham FC, breaking down how million dollar trad...
Alyssa Thompson's transfer is concerning for NWSL
04 Sep 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire discusses the implications of Alyssa Thompson’s possible impending transfer to Chelsea, with the WSL season upon us...
Kansas City Current: Championship or Bust | The Late Sub
28 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire takes a deeper look at Kansas City’s historic success this season, what on-field tweaks Vlatko Andonovski has imple...
NWSL trades we'd like to see!
21 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Claire takes a look around the NWSL and proposes a few suggestions to a hypothetical league-wide trade market after the return from the int...
Is Portland back? A deep dive into the Thorns
14 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week's episode, Claire takes a deeper look at the Portland Thorns after their expectation re-setting win over Seattle. She talks through why o...
Ranking the NWSL rivalries
07 Aug 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire breaks down NWSL Rivalry Week, ranking each of this weekend’s matchups into tiers based on drama potential, nationa...
The NWSL returns! A preview into the remainder of the season
31 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The NWSL is back, and we’ve got a lot to catch up on! This week, Claire takes a trip through the NWSL standings, talking first half surprises, disap...
Can England upset Spain? A look into the Euros final
24 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
The Euros final is here, with two usual suspects matching up in a World Cup rematch that features two very different styles of football. Claire breaks...
Who's going to win the Euros?
16 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire looks back on the 2025 Euro’s group stage, challenging her own pre-tournament predictions, underdog stories and hea...
Way too early USWNT World Cup qualifying roster
10 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire takes a look at the larger USWNT player pool and compiles her way too early World Cup qualifying roster. She talks ho...
Who Stood Out for the USWNT
03 Jul 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Claire breaks down another very strong international window for the USWNT after they looked dominant against Ireland and Canada. She talks ...
A USWNT fan's GUIDE to the Euros
26 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Claire takes a break from soccer action in the U.S. to give an American soccer fans perspective on the upcoming Euros: favorites, underdogs...
Rose Lavelle’s return to the USWNT
18 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire breaks down the recently-announced USWNT roster for three upcoming friendlies - talking about how to avoid player bur...
Where does the Washington Spirit go from here?
12 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
On this weeks episode, Claire sits down with USA Today and Pro Soccer Wire writer Jason Anderson, to talk about Washington Spirit manager Jonatan Gira...
Who is stepping up for the USWNT
04 Jun 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 i...
USWNT roster: Who’s in and who’s out
29 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 effec...
Is Debinha running away with NWSL MVP? A look into the current top candidates
15 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 r...
Everyone gave up on the San Diego Wave way too quickly
08 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 losi...
The Gotham FC superteam experiment was a failure
01 May 2025
Contributed by Lukas
Subscribe: https://pod.link/1563105123 In this week’s episode, Claire breaks down what happened to Gotham's superteam, and whether the NWSL is buil...
What Trinity Rodman’s injury means
24 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
In this week’s episode, Claire breaks down Trinity Rodman’s newly reported indefinite absence from the Washington Spirit, as she rehabs an ongoing...
Angel City: The good and the bad, a deep dive into the future of the club
17 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 ea...
The USWNT's youth movement hits a bump in the road
10 Apr 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 succe...
NWSL predictions: Champion, Shield, MVP and more
18 Mar 2025
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
Women’s Sports Wishlist: A look into 2025
31 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
It’s the final Late Sub of the season, and Claire is looking ahead. She talks wishes for 2025 including USWNT experimentation, NWSL parity, WNBA tac...
What a year for women's sports: an end end of year recap
23 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. ...
Lynn Williams is traded to Seattle, plus a nice salute to USWNT legend Becky Sauerbrunn
20 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Is Hannah Hidalgo National Player of the Year?
17 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 encouragin...
Building a basketball team with Natalie Nakase
12 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ta...
Don’t count out South Carolina, plus a quick look in NCAA soccer & volleyball, the PWHL, and NWSL free agency
10 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 th...
BIGGEST college basketball surprises, plus a quick dive into the WNBA, PWHL, and college volleyball
05 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 chat...
The USWNT survives their final game of the year
04 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The USWNT says goodbye to Naeher
01 Dec 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 reti...
MARTA DID IT! An NWSL Championship Recap
26 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
On today’s episode, Claire recaps another wonderful wild NWSL championship weekend, the before, during, and after of Orlando’s historic win in the...
NWSL Championship: Banda vs Rodman, plus a quick look into college basketball, NWSL awards, and the new WNBA hires
21 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 c...
Triple Espresso takes a break: a look into the USWNT roster drop; plus a recap of the NWSL semifinal games
19 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 streng...
NWSL Awards: Snubs and Surprises, plus a preview going into the NWSL semifinal round
14 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Bay FC ALMOST pulls it off, plus a special interview with Bay FC midfielder Kiki Pickett
12 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Claire recaps the quarterfinal round of the NWSL playoffs, talking through blowouts, surprises, emptying the tank and why the to...
Can Sophia Smith UPSET Gotham? Plus a special interview with Olympic bronze medalist rugby player Sammy Sullivan
07 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Is it NATTY or BUST for Paige Bueckers and UConn? | The Late Sub
05 Nov 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Subscribe: https://pod.link/1563105123 On todays episode, Claire previews the top teams in women's college basketball season tips off, can South Caro...
Naomi Girma can do it all, plus a final look at the NWSL regular season
31 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
USWNT: It's a mental game, plus a chat with Olympic gold medalist Gabby Thomas
28 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 rota...
The USWNT is BACK!
25 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
The Liberty survive game 5, plus a quick wish list for the end of the NWSL regular season
22 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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, officia...
What's next for the USWNT? Plus an analysis of the WNBA Finals as it nears the end
17 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 f...
Banda vs. Chawinga for MVP? Plus a look at the first two WNBA Finals games
15 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 me...
Do the Liberty take it all? Plus a recap of NWSL news this week in preparation for playoffs
10 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Marta’s Orlando dream comes true, plus Claire gives a postmortem on the Las Vegas Aces
08 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Claire gives her own postmortem on this particular era of the Las Vegas Aces, claims the Liberty as championship frontrunners an...
Sabrina Ionescu and the Liberty look for a sweep, plus a look into the Orlando Pride's potential shield win
03 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
Can the Aces bounce back? Plus a look into NWSL playoff possibilities
01 Oct 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
WNBA underdogs struggle, plus a look into the NWSL playoff landscape
24 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Trinity Rodman is a superstar, plus a look into why a WNBA season expansion is a good thing
17 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Alex Morgan’s final game, plus a look into Angel Reese's injury, the U.S. Open, and the Paralympics
10 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 Morga...
The NWSL playoff race begins, and a chat with NWSLPA President Tori Huster
03 Sep 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The new NWSL CBA changes everything, plus a Q+A to answer your women's sports questions
27 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
The New York Liberty clinch first, plus a look into the NWSL starting back up
20 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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. T...
USA basketball gets it done, plus a chat with Arsenal forward Alessia Russo
13 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 nobod...
Simone Biles's legacy grows, plus a preview of the USWNT's semifinal matchup
05 Aug 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 e...
The USWNT always bounces back, and the Olympics always bring the drama
29 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 quarterfin...
Can the USWNT medal? Plus a look into WNBA All-Star Weekend
23 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
This is Sophia Smiths USWNT attack now, and a brief look at WNBA all-star
16 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 ...
How well did the NWSL and WNBA prepare its players for the Olympics?
09 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 o...
How the Orlando Pride became a contender with Haley Carter and Ally Watt, plus a quick look into the WNBA as the Olympic break approaches
03 Jul 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 t...
Is it the right choice leaving Alex Morgan? Unpacking the USWNT Olympic roster drop
26 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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 exper...
Talking USWNT and Rookie of the Year goals with Croix Bethune, plus the rookie of the year race is on in the WNBA
25 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
In today’s episode, Claire talks through the widening gap between top NWSL contenders and the rest of the pack after more statement performances fro...
“This year is completely different” with Lo’eau LaBonta
18 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
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...
Sophia Smith is innocent: an NWSL recap, and the surprises and snubs of the USA women’s basketball Olympic roster
11 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Claire talks through a wacky NWSL weekend, where attendance records, baseball celebrations, and strange red cards reigned. She discusses wh...
Emma Hayes’s USWNT looks ready to roll, and the Indiana Fever finally end their early-season gauntlet
04 Jun 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Claire talks through the USWNT’s first friendly under new manager Emma Hayes, with a dominant 4-0 win over South Korea. She talks through...
Angel Reese is earning Chicago wins, and Orlando stakes their claim for best team in the NWSL
29 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Claire breaks down a wild week in the WNBA, with MVP level performances, a few hard fouls, and a wide-spread impressive start from the 2024...
Which NWSL coaches are in the hot seat, and how this WNBA season’s rookie class continues to stand out
21 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Claire talks this week’s NWSL snapshot through the context of the league’s coaches, discussing her early coach of the year shortlist, with both su...
A’ja Wilson looks MVP caliber already, and Gotham has started pulling it together
16 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Claire watched every game of WNBA opening tip-off on Tuesday and she has some things to say! Connecticut dampened Caitlin Clark’s big debut (but the...
Caitlin Clark and the WNBA rookies settle in, while Barbra Banda and Orlando take off in the NWSL
07 May 2024
Contributed by Lukas
This week, Claire takes a look at the first weekend of WNBA preseason, as fans saw first glimpses of Caitlin Clark and the rest of her draft class aga...
Sophia Smith and Jaedyn Shaw make their Olympics case, and reactions to Candace Parker’s surprise retirement
30 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Claire takes a look at the weekend’s NWSL action through the lense of the USWNT’s next era, with permanent manager Emma Hayes’ first roster rapi...
NWSL early storylines and surprises, plus what Caitlin Clark’s Nike deal means for the WNBA
23 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Claire goes deep on a number of NWSL teams, including why she likes Angel City’s recent trades, what Washington is doing right, and what Vlatko Ando...
Winners and question marks from the WNBA draft, plus reacting to Thorns' coaching change
17 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Claire recaps the WNBA Draft, discussing both the winners as well as the surprises from draft night. She breaks down what Caitlin Clark brings to the ...
Dawn Staley masterclass delivers South Carolina a title. Plus: USWNT SheBelieves Cup thoughts
09 Apr 2024
Contributed by Lukas
Live from Ohio, Claire breaks down a blockbuster NCAA Championship between South Carolina and Iowa — and why losing her entire starting five from la...