NWSL This Week Podcast NWSL This Week Podcast

Episode 104: Angel City soars, Vlatko returns

Sep 22, 2026 · 1h 1m

Summary

The hosts discuss Angel City's historic midweek wins and their surge into the playoff picture, highlighting the impact of their solidified defense and key players like Shores and Sentnor. They analyze Denver's strong start under new management and Seattle's struggles with scoring, while also covering Kansas City's decline and San Diego's bounce-back victory. The episode concludes with a detailed breakdown of Chicago's hiring of Vlatko Andonovski as Chief Soccer Officer, debating whether the move will finally turn the franchise around.

Topics discussed

Factoid of the week: Bay FC's late draw vs Denver Portland Thorns' defensive resilience and Shores' form Angel City's goal differential and upcoming schedule Angel City's roster strategy and Sentinor's confidence McCart's role and Angel City's backline stability Utah Royals' playoff position and chaos Denver's resurgence and future contender status Denver's young talent and defensive build-up Seattle's struggles and Ratcliffe's bench impact Kansas City's decline and coaching changes Kansas City's backline issues and upcoming match San Diego Wave's form and playoff matchups Houston Dash's new coach and transfer market Vodko's move to Chicago and team rebuilding Chicago's infrastructure and player availability Gotham's shield race and star player reliance VAR controversy and hair-pulling rule debate Portland's offensive efficiency and Sophia Wilson Goalkeeper rankings and expansion implications Louisville's defensive errors and future outlook League fatigue, injuries, and final stretch
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