NWSL This Week Podcast

This week, Dan and Michael discuss potential rebirths for Kansas City and Washington, stoppage time thrillers in Orlando and Houston, and the legend of Manaka Matsukubo. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, the situation in Kansas City turns alarming, Gotham’s scoreless drought reaches 3 games, and the Spirit are still searching for a win. In Denver, a crowd of more than 63,000 obliterated the NWSL attendance record, and the Summit are looking good so far! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, red cards are all the talk around NWSL including two at the Cascadia showdown. And the Stars pull a shocker to take down the Shield winners in their home opener. And did you say Angel City and the Dash are atop the table? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week the crew reviews Week 1 including a massive crowd in Boston, the return of Savy King (heart surgery) and Sophia Wilson (maternity), and the rough start of the season for the Spirit and Stars. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week Dan, Bekki, and Michael make final preparations for the 2026 NWSL season with previews of last year’s 8 playoff teams. Find out who thinks Kansas City won’t win the Shield, who thinks the Summit are a playoff team, and who thinks those playoffs won’t pass through Audi Field this season. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, NWSL historian Jen Cooper joins Dan and Michael to discuss her evolution from Dash broadcaster to the provider of stat nuggets for all NWSL broadcasts. Find out details about NWSL sisters plus lots of other random facts. And a major injury scare involving Trinity Rodman. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, a pair of trades jolt the NWSL with Claire Hutton heading to Bay FC and the Current shipping most of the money to Washington to acquire Croix Bethune. What does it all mean? And is Catarina Macario the next star headed for NWSL? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week Dan, Bekki, and Michael discuss who among NWSL players they would select with the first pick at each position in a fictitious draft. Also what will make commissioner Jessica Berman’s next three years successful. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week Crystal Dunn announced her retirement and Gotham came in third in the first-ever Champions Cup. Dan Lauletta also took a trip to NWSL Media Day and brought back some exclusive content from Avery Patterson, Casey Murphy, and Paige (Monaghan) Cronin. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, Dan and Michael discuss the end of the Trinity Rodman contract saga and analyze some of the soccer components (including Michael’s bold prediction!) Also the Courage have a coach, but one team still doesn’t, the Ally Sentnor conundrum, and Delfine Cascarino bids the NWSL adieu. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, the 2026 NWSL schedule is out! Also the Players Association has filed a grievance meant to block the new HIP rule, Sam Coffey is off to England, Lindsey Heaps is coming home, and marquee players make tantalizing, intra-league moves. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

In this special episode, Dan, Bekki, and Michael discuss the new High Impact Player Rule and the impact of NWSL deciding which players can--and which players cannot--earn money above and beyond the salary cap. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

On this special episode, Dan is joined by Marisa Ingemi from the San Francisco Chronicle to discuss all things Bay FC after the club announced Emma Coates as head coach. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, the parameters of a new rule that will allow Trinity Rodman to remain in NWSL are falling into place. Plus the transaction wire remains busy and three coaching openings remain around the league. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, Dan and Michael break down all angles of the ever-evolving Trinity Rodman situation? Will NWSL tweak its rules to allow the Spirit to pay her? Or will the face of American soccer soon be plying her trade in Europe? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, Dan and Jenna debate the merits of letting 8 teams in the NWSL postseason tournament. Plus is Trinity Rodman leaving and how soon will be know? and the latest coaching vacancy has emerged in Portland where Rob Gale was fired this week. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

The dust has settled on the 2025 season, and 8th seed Gotham have come out as champions after defeating the Washington Spirit, who have to settle as runners up for the second year in a row. We break down the match and the subs and lack of subs that ultimately determined this match, as well as discuss the end-of-the-year awards. It might be a wrap for 2025, but we will still be coming at you with new episodes sporadically through the off-season. So stay tuned! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, the Spirit and Gotham secure semifinal victories and will meet for the NWSL Championship this weekend in San Jose. It will be their 44th meeting across all competitions since 2013. The gang breaks down the games and discusses the surprise coaching vacancy in Kansas City and much more! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, the Shield winning Current crash out with first home loss in 16 months while the Spirit, Thorns, and Pride also advance to the semifinals. Olivia Moultrie, Marta, and Aubrey Kingsbury were among the weekend’s stars. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

Racing Louisville head coach Bev Yanez visits NWSL This Week to talk about Racing making the playoffs for the first time, how they turned their season around after a slow start, and how she helped her players buy into a winning mentality. She also walks us through some of her experiences in the NWSL playoffs as a player and how those experiences have helped inform her role as a head coach. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, Ella Hase’s 1st NWSL goal lifts Racing Louisville into the playoffs for the first time while a victorious Courage side falls short. The playoff field is set now with quarterfinals in Kansas City, Washington, Portland, and Orlando. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

After a series of unfortunate events, Michael Minnich goes solo this week to discuss all the upcoming Decision Day games and to interview NWSL broadcast commentator Jessica Charman. We had numerous audio issues this week and lost some audio to close out the Charman interview, so please bear with us. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, Dan and Michael recap the key happenings across Week 25 that saw all but one playoff spot clinched. The Current and Spirit already had the top two spots locked but injuries to Temwa Chawinga and Trinity Rodman could alter the landscape ahead of the playoffs. Meanwhile, Christen Press played her final home match for Angel City. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

There are only two weeks left in the NWSL’s regular season, but a handful of playoff spots remain open. (Note: We mistakenly didn’t realize Orlando clinched this week in our recording) The San Diego Wave, Orlando Pride, and Angel City got crucial wins to keep their playoff dreams alive while Racing Louisville, the North Carolina Courage, and Seattle Reign settled for a critical point apiece. The stakes are higher than ever with the playoff line climbing to 33 points. Who is in a position to clinch their spot next week? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

Braces decided games this week as Emma Sears’ led Racing to their first win in Cary, North Carolina and kept them in playoff contention, Olivia Moultrie’s brought Portland ahead of Bay, and Rose Kouassi’s earned the Spirit all three points after a late equalizer from San Diego. In other news, Boston makes some signings and Portland sends Hina Sugita to Angel City in return for M.A. Vignola. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, a Gift Monday hat trick sends the Spirit back to the postseason, Gotham roll Portland to make their case as contenders, and all three California teams come up empty. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week the Current secure *another* clean sheet and brought the NWSL Shield to Kansas City. Also, Savannah DeMelo goes home, Jessica Berman speaks, and the middle of the table is as muddled as eveer. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

A frightening medical emergency with Racing Louisville midfielder Savannah DeMelo leads to the suspension of Louisville’s match against Seattle Reign. Has the league learned from the debacle with Angel City’s Savvy King’s illness earlier this season? Also, have the San Diego Wave crashed? Is Jaedyn Shaw back? And did we get a preview of this year’s final in the 0-0 draw between the Washington Spirit and Kansas City Current? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

On this special episode, Bay FC announces organizational changes that will include a new head coach in 2026, and ESPN has reported that Jaedyn Shaw is being traded to Gotham! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, the Stars give their 2026 venue a test run by putting 5 goals on the defending champs, Vlatko Andonovski wins his 100th NWSL match, and much more from Round 19. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, as rumors swirl around Alyssa Thomson, Angel City scratches her as an excused absence for win over Bay FC. Elsewhere, the Current clinched a playoff berth, the Royals shock win in Portland, and Racing has now dropped 6 points from winning position at in stoppage time over their last 4 matches. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

In this week’s jam packed episode, Barbra Banda is on SEI (but Jacqui Ovalle is coming!), the Stars play a pair of wild, 3-3 draws, the the Kansas City heat controversy continues to build. Plus more than 40,000 turn out to watch Bay FC at Oracle Park. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, weather wins in Kansas City as Current/Pride showdown falls off CBS. Elsewhere the Stars have a new coach for 2026, the Spirit narrowly avoid defeat, and the Wave move into 2nd place. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

Dan, Bekki, and Michael examine the unusual circumstances surrounding the dismissal of Sean Nahas in North Carolina. Plus NWSL Rivalry Week saw the Thorns run it up on the Reign, Gotham stick it out with 10 players, and penalty drama in Orlando. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

The NWSL is back and looking a bit rusty after the long midseason break. Highlights of the week include a blockbuster trade sending Ally Sentnor from Utah to Kansas City and Trinity Rodman scoring a game-winning banger in her first match since April. All this, plus recaps of all the week’s matches in the new episode. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

A little bit of everything is discussed in this episode, including the branding of the newly named Denver Summit, the second half of our discussion on who is the face of each top seven teams, and the Guardian’s report on a sexual assault investigation in San Diego from back in 2024. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, Dan, Bekki, and Michael fight through some audio issues to discuss the state of American goalkeepers in NWSL. Also, Jenna checks in from Switzerland after the quarterfinal round of the Euros. And who is the face of your favorite franchise? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

Plenty of news on tap after taking a week off for July 4th. In particular, Bay FC’s coach Albertin Montoya was cleared of violating the league’s anti-harassment policies, Mia Fishel signed a record contract with Seattle Reign, and legend Tobin Heath officially retired. We also discuss Boston’s first signings, the current free agency weirdness, and the 2026 schedule footprint. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, Dan, Michael and Jenna discuss midseason MVP picks, biggest surprises and disappointments, and other thoughts on the NWSL season at its midway point. And Bekki sent her picks from afar plus an appearance from Michael’s cat. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, Racing makes a statement with a win over the Pride, the Courage rally behind goals from two players who really needed them, and the Current extend their lead at the top of the table. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, Gotham see out their win in Utah with—8 players? Meanwhile the Spirit just can’t win in Orland, the Reign stun the Stars late, and the 2025 NWSL Championship site is set. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

While the top teams mostly remain the same, there are some shakeups further down the table as the Seattle Reign and Racing Louisville surge into fifth and sixth place respectively and Gotham and the North Carolina Courage remain mired in 10th and 11th place. What other shifts will we see before the long summer break? This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, Dan and Michael discuss the impending fallout from what appears to be a Jonatan Giraldez move to Lyon before the Summer break. Plus Denver hires a GM, Boston gets a temporary venue, and Kayla Fischer gets a suspension. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com

We’re 10 games into the regular season and with top teams decisively beating bottom-ranked teams, we need to ask: is parity still a thing in the league or is it starting to slip away? Gotham lifts a CONCACAF trophy and San Diego is the only team to win at home this week in their 5-2 whooping of North Carolina. Meanwhile, Angel City, Bay, and the Reign continue to struggle to meet their early potential and seem trapped in the sphere of mediocrity. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit nwslthisweek.substack.com