Jul 24, 2026; Portland, Oregon, USA; Gotham FC defender Emily Sonnett (6) is attended to during the first half in a game against Portland Thorns FC at Providence Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Wayrynen-Imagn Images
Week 14 saw Leicy Santos turn into a super sub, a heck of a match in Portland, and a reversal-of-form game in Los Angeles.
Here are 11 thoughts from the weekend. We’ll do this every Monday following NWSL match weeks. Some points will be factual, some will be opinion based. And some will just be random statements or observations. Let’s dig in!
I. Now that’s how to change a game
As we know, not all substitutions are created equal. When a squad has as much depth as the Washington Spirit, subs tend to be of a higher quality. Sunday’s insertion of Leicy Santos for Andi Sullivan in the 58th minute may stand up as the most impactful change of the season.
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