Stay ConnectedFull Time is The Athletic’s dedicated podcast for the U.S. women’s national team, the National Women’s Soccer League, and the larger world of international women’s soccer. Three times a week, join Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin and Jillian Sakovits as they tackle the culture, context, and conversations about the sport here in America and beyond, with help from fellow writers, guests and insiders from all corners of the game.
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Cat Macario has been left off Chelsea’s squad list for the UEFA Women’s Champions League knockout rounds. So, what does this say about the future of the U.S. women’s national team forward and her Chelsea contract that will expire in the summer?
On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin break down Macario’s ongoing absence from the Chelsea squad and what it means for head coach Sonia Bompastor to get a new contract through June 2030. Alongside Producer Theo, the trio also get into Arsenal snapping Manchester City’s 13-match winning run and a surprise appearance by pop music legend Madonna at Tottenham Hotspur's 2-0 defeat to Chelsea.
After that, it’s time to talk European continental club soccer as the UEFA Women’s Champions League returns this week with the first-ever playoff knockout rounds. Who are the players to watch, and what excites us most about the tournament’s return?
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HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
Chelsea head coach Sonia Bompastor agrees contract extension to 2030
Arsenal’s Olivia Smith and the surprise new role that helped beat WSL leaders Man City
Wasteful, disjointed, beatable: What’s to blame for Chelsea’s back-to-back defeats?
How far away are Tottenham from catching up with the WSL’s elite?
Chelsea part ways with head of women’s football Paul Green
Madonna, soccer mom: Why the Queen of Pop was watching Tottenham’s Under-14 girls’ team
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The winter transfer window closed in Europe shut this week, but who won the window? And, does it really matter? Why do we obsess so much over transfers and transfer windows? Do they matter?
On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin arejoined by The Athletic’s Melanie Anzidei to analyze the top transfers from the January transfer window. Who will have the biggest impact in 2026? Who is not getting enough people talking? What was the most surprising transfer?
After that, the pod looks ahead to the summer transfer window and the many superstar players who have a contract that expires in 2026. Which players could be heading to the NWSL? Which U.S. women’s national team players need to make a move to solidify their chances of making the roster for the 2027 World Cup?
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HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin
GUEST: Melanie Anzidei
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
Who won the WSL transfer deadline day? A better question: Does it matter?
To celebrate ex-USWNT Crystal Dunn’s career is to also acknowledge how others failed her
Triple Espresso returns: Trinity Rodman, Sophia Wilson, Mal Swanson reunite ahead of NWSL comebacks
Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
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Arsenal are the inaugural winners of the FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, after defeating Corinthians 3-2 after extra time on Sunday. But does being crowned world inter-continental champions mean anything for the Gunners and their place in global women’s soccer?
On this episode of Full Time, Producer Theo is joined by The Athletic’s Charlotte Harpur and Megan Feringa, to analyze the 2026 FIFA Women’s Champions Cup, where it succeeded and where it failed after a dramatic finale.
After that, the trio digs into another memorable weekend in the English Women’s Super League, where Manchester City thrashed Chelsea 5-1, firming up their grip on the title. What makes the City team so special? Can anyone stop them? Is Chelsea manager Sonia Bompastor’s future in doubt? And, how will Arsenal and City match up when they meet next weekend?
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HOST: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
GUESTS: Charlotte Harpur, Megan Feringa
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
The Champions Cup is here to stay, but FIFA must learn lessons from London teething trouble
Arsenal beat Corinthians to win inaugural Women’s Champions Cup and $2.3m in prize money
Corinthians stun Gotham 1-0, will meet Arsenal in FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final
This Manchester City side is a beast – Chelsea were just its latest prey
Sonia Bompastor ‘happy’ to leave Chelsea ‘if people think I’m not the right person’
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
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Take The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here
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On Thursday, we saw one of the greatest U.S. women’s national team players of all time hang up their cleats. At age 33, Crystal Dunn has decided to retire from professional soccer.
So, on this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin and Melanie Anzidei, as well as Claire Watkins from Just Women’s Sports, to unpack what Dunn’s legacy will be now that she is retiring. What trail did she blaze as a Black player on the USWNT? How did she carve out a unique team-first leadership style? Was she the greatest NWSL player ever? The podcast gets into all that, as well as how Emma Hayes and the next generation will have to try and evolve to fill her spot.
PLUS: Producer Theo was in London to catch SC Corinthians Paulista stun NJ/NY Gotham FC in the inaugural FIFA Women’s Champions Cup. Sports Illustrated contributor and Gotham beat writer Jenna Tonelli hopped on the show to discuss what the defeat means for the NWSL.
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HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Tamerra Griffin, Claire Watkins, Jenna Tonelli
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
USWNT star Crystal Dunn announces retirement from soccer aged 33
USWNT’s Trinity Rodman scores goal in first game as captain
Corinthians stun Gotham 1-0, will meet Arsenal in FIFA Women’s Champions Cup final
FIFA Women’s Champions Cup: Who’s competing, where – and what is it?
Emma Hayes’ experimental window is over. Now the USWNT sets its sights on the World Cup
USWNT’s Emma Hayes on the fatal Minnesota shooting: ‘It’s upsetting on so many levels’
Ayo Oke ready to impress Emma Hayes after surprise USWNT call-up: ‘I thought I was dreaming’
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
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Take The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here
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In the first of two January friendlies – the least-capped U.S women’s national team starting XI in 25 years thrashed Paraguay 6-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park.
On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Melanie Anzidei to break down what we learned from that friendly and Trinity Rodman’s first time walking out as captain of the USWNT.
After that, Ayo Oke, who is out with the USWNT in California, joins the show to talk about her surprise inclusion in the January camp, what it means to be following her dreams on the national team, and why she left Pachuca for Denver Summit.
Then, to close out the show, Producer Theo caught up with The Athletic’s Cerys Jones and Megan Feringa to analyze an enthralling weekend of action at both ends of the table in the English Women’s Super League.
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HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits
GUESTS: Ayo Oke, Melanie Anzidei, Cerys Jones, Megan Feringa
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
USWNT’s Trinity Rodman scores goal in first game as captain
Trinity Rodman could have left the NWSL. The Spirit community made it impossible to leave
Inside Trinity Rodman’s record new deal and what happens next with the High Impact Player rule
Being in WSL is a privilege not a right – relegation risk should be taken seriously
Beth Mead still has huge value to Arsenal, despite questions over her future
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
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The Trinity Rodman contract saga is over. After two months of drama, the U.S. women’s national team forward is staying with the Washington Spirit, signing a new three-year contract to stay with the team through 2028.
So, what does this record-breaking contract mean for the payer, the National Women's Soccer League and global women's soccer?
On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits and Theo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by the co-host of the Hey Spirits podcast and contributor to The District Press to break down Rodman's new contract and what it all means. Was it a surprise to see such a high salary figure quoted by Rodman's agent? Is this a win for the NWSL? How will the global women's soccer market react? What can we expect from Rodman on the pitch in 2026?
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HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits
GUEST: Annie Elliot
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit agree on record three-year deal to keep USWNT star in NWSL
Trinity Rodman’s new Spirit deal and what it means
Why the Women’s League Cup will exclude Champions League clubs from next season
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
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After a record-breaking season, the Kansas City Current made a shock head coaching switch and in came Chris Armas for his first-ever job in professional women's soccer. So, who is this U.S. men's national team Hall of Famer turned MLS coach who has scored one of the biggest club jobs in the women's game?
On this episode of Full Time, host Jilian Sakovits sits down for a personal one-on-one interview with Armas to discuss his journey to Kansas City and the NWSL. How does he view himself as an elite coach with a lot to learn about the league and his players? Why did he take the position? Is he aware of his position as an "outsider"? How will Armas and former head coach turned global sporting director Vlatko Andonovski collaborate?
After that, it's time to go from one 2025 NWSL trophy winner to another. Theo Lloyd-Hughes caught up with Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amoros from the team's preseason camp in Spain. After a brief 41-day offseason, the reigning NWSL Champions are back together and preparing for the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup and what could be 42 games in 10 months in 2026.
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HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Theo Lloyd-Hughes
GUESTS: Chris Armas, Juan Carlos Amoros
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
KC Current coach says timing of NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga’s return ‘still unclear’
Former USMNT midfielder Chris Armas named Kansas City Current head coach
NWSL releases 2026 schedule: Challenge Cup changes, Rivalry Week and men’s World Cup impact
Gotham FC get NWSL Championship celebrations right second time around
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Take The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here
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Manchester City are six points clear at the top of the English Women's Super League table, but they're not stopping there. What does the blockbuster arrival of U.S. women's national team midfielder Sam Coffey, for $875k from the Portland Thorns, mean for City's title aspirations and the rest of the WSL?
On this episode of Full Time, Producer Theo is joined by The Athletic's Megan Feringaand Charlotte Harpurto get into all the biggest stories from the WSL as the second half of the season gets underway. Is the title race down to two contenders? Why has Chelsea fallen behind? What's going on with Arsenal and their decision to renew the contract of head coach Renee Slegers? How bold is the investment in Manchester United this January? What has been key to the renaissance at Spurs?
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HOST: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
GUESTS: Megan Feringa, Charlotte Harpur
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
Manchester City sign USWNT’s Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns for $875k
The WSL’s top-four battle has been split in two
Arsenal leading race for Georgia Stanway as midfielder confirms Bayern Munich summer exit
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers signs new long-term contract
Manchester United Women sign Hanna Lundkvist, Lea Schuller on deals to 2029
Chelsea’s attack is key in the Champions League. Will the handbrake be released?
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
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NWSL expansion team Denver Summit got its hometown star, announcing this week that U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps is headed home this summer. So why did Heaps make the move to swap Champions League to the Centennial State?
On this episode of Full Time, The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei sat down with Heaps to go inside the big signing and why the 31-year-old was sold on the Summit and the opportunity to launch women's soccer in her home state. How will the move affect Heaps's USWNT ambitions? What has changed in the NWSL since Heaps left the Portland Thorns in 2022?
PLUS: After that, The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin is joined by Angel City sporting director Mark Parsons for an in-depth look inside the Los Angeles club's offseason business, headlined by the statement transfer of USWNT defender Emily Sams from Orlando Pride for $650,000.
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HOSTS: Theo Lloyd-Hughes, Melanie Anzidei, Tamerra Griffin
GUESTS: Lindsey Heaps, Mark Parsons
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps to join Denver in June: ‘Everything seems right to come home’
Angel City acquires USWNT defender Emily Sams in trade with Orlando for $650,000
USWNT star Lindsey Heaps is coming home. Plus: Trinity Rodman returns to U.S. squad
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
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Emma Hayes has announced her first U.S. women's national team roster of 2026 and it looks a bit different from normal. So, what's the method behind this experimental January camp?
On this episode of Full Time, Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei to break down the USWNT's January roster and dive into what we learned from Hayes's press conference on Thursday. What young players need to step up? Why is this window different for Trinity Rodman? What next for the absent Sam Coffey?
PLUS: After that, Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce joins the show to talk about her debut season playing in the UEFA Women's Champions League, the return of the English Women's Super League from its winter break this upcoming weekend and her scientific approach to life and improving as a soccer player. Tullis-Joyce is one of several European-based USWNT players unable to join the January window, so she also opens up about how she stays in contact with Hayes and her teammates when she can't report to camp.
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HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Phallon Tullis-Joyce
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
Trinity Rodman returns to USWNT roster for January camp, four first-time call-ups included
Manchester City in advanced talks to sign USWNT’s Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns
Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers signs new long-term contract
Former USMNT midfielder Chris Armas named Kansas City Current head coach
NWSL adds rule allowing stars to be paid $1m above cap despite players’ union opposition
NWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
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