NWSL This Week Podcast

This week, Dan and Michael discuss the complete NWSL playoff field and how we got here. Plus previews of this weekend’s quarterfinal matchups and a look at ESPN’s whip around show

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

As the NWSL regular season approaches its final week, Dan and Michael go deep on a two-team Shield battle, three-team tussle for the final playoff spot, plus Croix Bethune breaking the assist record and Ashley Sanchez’s continued pursuit of the single-season goals scored record.

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

This week, Dan, Bekki, and Michael discuss the Spirit cracking Gotham to clinch a playoff berth, the Pride getting eliminated, and the new Crest Cup that will pit NWSL clubs against Super League counterparts. Also, a quarantine keeps 3 players out of action and will the Reign really root for the Thorns this weekend?

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

This week, Dan, Bekki, and Michael discuss the Reign’s pivotal victory over the Courage, the Current scoring 5 unanswered against a toothless Bay side, and the long-awaited return of Savannah DeMelo.

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

On this special episide, Dan speaks to Atlanta City FC’s Chief Business Officer, Deandra Duggans about the club’s new crest and branding and about what lies ahead of the NWSL’s 17th club.

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

This week, Dan, Bekki, and Michael discuss streaking Angel City, Jess Fishlock edging Christine Sinclair — and gets compared to Megan Rapinoe — and Ashley Sanchez sets a record but her team falls out of the Top 8. Plus — Atlanta City FC!

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

This week, Dan and Michael discuss the best week in Angel City history, Vlatko Andonovski taking charge of the soccer operations in Chicago, plus the Summit are still in the mix ahead of their weekend trip to Kansas City.

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

They say any team can win the NWSL in any given week and this week proves it. Portland has to settle for a 1-1 draw against last place Chicago, Boston topples Washington 3-0, and Kansas City has to fight back to earn a 2-2 draw against Orlando. Coaching upheavals continue with Gautrat and Kilgore out in Houston and Cat Macario announces she not play for San Diego at all in 2026. All this and more in this week’s episode.

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

This week, the Spirit break their Portland jinx to close in on Gotham in the Shield race, the Stars concede 6 (yes, again!), 3 of them to boot leader Ashley Sanchez, and Vlatko Andonovski parts ways with the KC Current. And the Royals acquire Jameese Joseph for the stretch run.

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

Shocking news out of Orlando this Monday: Seb Hines has been fired from the Pride. We discuss this and all results of the week!

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

Happy 100th episode, everybody! It was an exciting week of games with some upsets and some very tight score lines. San Diego kept their win streak against Utah alive in one of their best performances of the season; Orlando triumphed over a tepid Washington, and Chicago scored a surprising three goals to topple Racing Louisville and end their winning streak. All this and more in the NWSL this week!

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

This week in the NWSL, Gotham extended their lead for the Shield with their chippy win over Kansas City; Utah eke out a win despite a strong showing from Bay; Houston fight until the last minute to topple the Courage; and Racing Louisville earns their third consecutive win. We also saw some huge returns from players like Ashley Hatch, Savvy King, Sydney LeRoux, and, of course, Caiya Hanks who scored the game winner for Portland after more than 400 days away.

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

In this special midweek podcast, Dan and Michael go deep on the latest change in Chicago — the firing of Martin Sjogren after 18 games (13 of which saw the Stars fail to score). And what in the world is an interim director of coaching? They also briefly touch on the season-ending injury to Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie.

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

This week, Dan and Michael discuss two of the quickest starts in NWSL history and the wild finishes that ensued. Plus Gotham get some breathing room at the top, Mia Fishel is alive and well, and the 2027 opener will be part of Super Bowl week!

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

The gang’s all here this week to discuss a wild weekend that saw Jess Fishlock fire the Reign to the brink of playoff position while the Pride tumbled to 10th. Elsewhere the Royals ran it up on the Thorns and the Wave stayed in touch with the Shield race. Plus Dan and Michael discuss their trip to Denver.

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

This week, Dan and Bekki discuss Gotham’s second straight wild week (Kerr’s goal, Sonnett’s injury, Esther’s departure), the Spirit hitting the top of the table, Laura Harvey’s 100th win as Reign coach, paternity leave, 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 https://nwslthisweek.substack.com

This week, Dan and Michael go deep on Gotham’s incredible week which saw them pack Citi Field in Queens where they beat the Spirit, and then dug out of a 2-0 hole to overcome the Reign just three days later. Also, Angel City’s 3rd straight shutout puts them above the playoff line, and Bay rolled over the Courage (again).

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

This week, Dan and Michael are joined by Kari Anderson from Yahoo! Sports to discuss a season-saving win for the Reign, a second straight shutout win for Angel City, Racing approaching rock bottom, and more!

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

This week, Dan and Bekki discuss the return of NWSL, from Trinity Rodman’s brace to Mal Swanson’s dominance, and Sophia Wilson’s 50th career goal. Not to be forgotten, the Courage win again after losing Manaka Matsukubo, Angel City wins for their interim coach, 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 https://nwslthisweek.substack.com