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The Late Sub with Claire Watkins

The Late Sub with Claire Watkins

Written by: Just Women’s Sports
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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. You can find The Late Sub wherever you get your podcasts. Follow Claire on X/Twitter @ScoutRipley and subscribe to the Just Women’s Sports newsletter for more.2024 Just Women’s Sports Football
Episodes
  • Has Emma Hayes Been Playing the Wrong Players? USWNT vs Spain Has us Asking Questions | The Late Sub

    Has Emma Hayes Been Playing the Wrong Players? USWNT vs Spain Has us Asking Questions | The Late Sub
    Oct 15 2026
    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?
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    36 mins
  • What Went WRONG for the USWNT Against Spain? ft. Jess McDonald | The Late Sub

    What Went WRONG for the USWNT Against Spain? ft. Jess McDonald | The Late Sub
    Oct 12 2026
    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?
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    49 mins
  • Ashley Sanchez, Trinity Rodman & Sophia Wilson: The USWNT Attack We NEED to See | The Late Sub

    Ashley Sanchez, Trinity Rodman & Sophia Wilson: The USWNT Attack We NEED to See | The Late Sub
    Oct 8 2026
    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?
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    28 mins
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