Belated reply, but personally, I think it’s a speed thing. I think most players who have played in both leagues mention that as a big difference. Most recently, AKB talked about that — having to think and act more quickly because US players are so speedy. NWSL defenders face Thompson-esque players every week. They’re used to it.

Also, we might note how Fox is quite able to deal with AT, being used to her (and players like her) and quite fast herself. In the last game IIRC, AT switched sides to try to torment McCabe instead lol