The Late Sub with Claire Watkins

This week, Claire breaks down another very strong international window for the USWNT after they looked dominant against Ireland and Canada. She talks impressive performances, the return of set pieces, and a few minor tweaks still to be made before things get serious in October.

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, NWSL connections, and who might be in danger of crashing out of the group stage.

In this week’s episode, Claire breaks down the recently-announced USWNT roster for three upcoming friendlies - talking about how to avoid player burn out, happy returns, fresh faces, which positional groups are still up in the air and which areas are beginning to feel a little more set.

On this weeks episode, Claire sits down with USA Today and Pro Soccer Wire writer Jason Anderson, to talk about Washington Spirit manager Jonatan Giraldez jumping ship for OL Lyonnes, including this means for the team’s roster, how this impacts Michele Kang’s multi club ownership, and just how salty about this move fans should be.

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...

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 justwom...

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.

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 tactical evolution and more. Thanks to everyone who listened this year!

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 wi...

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 t...