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.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Copyright: © 2020 - The Athletic
Over the last few weeks, the NWSL has debated flipping its Spring to Fall season calendar and instead aligning itself with other top European leagues and the FIFA international schedule by using the Fall to Spring calendar. Ultimately, the NWSL has put the brakes on making any such decision. At least, for now.
On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin were joined by Melanie Anzidei to debate all the angles of what flipping the calendar could mean for the NWSL, its players, teams, fans, stakeholders, stadiums & more. From climate to commercial interests. From wet bulbs to World Cups. When is the right time to make a calendar move? What needs to be figured out before then? And, how does Major League Soccer’s decision to flip to a Fall to Spring calendar in 2027 affect any potential decision for the NWSL?
_______________
HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin
GUEST: Melanie Anzidei
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Referenced on the show:
NWSL tables vote on flipping schedule to fall-to-spring: Sources
Majority of NWSL players oppose calendar flip, cite concerns over cold-weather conditions
MLS owners vote to flip schedule to European calendar, change format starting in 2027
_______________
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After 540 days, Sophia Wilson is back scoring in the NWSL. So, what does it mean for the former MVP to net her first goal since returning from the birth of her first child?
Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Asli Pelit to break down the top two games from the NWSL weekend. The Washington Spirit’s 4-0 win over the KC Current at a sold-out Audi Field, and the Portland Thorns’ 2-1 road win over Angel City FC in Los Angeles, where Wilson marked her return. Asli was even in D.C. on Friday to get the scoop on what is behind the Spirit’s two-game win streak that snapped a four-game winless run to start 2026. Who is the Spirit’s new lucky mascot, Jose the coyote?
PLUS: Jill and Theo recap a wild round of first-leg semifinals in the UEFA Women’s Champions League. What happened in Munich and London, and who is poised to advance to the final?
_______________
HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUEST: Asli Pelit
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Referenced on the show:
Washington Spirit cruise beyond Kansas City Current to maintain José the Coyote’s lucky streak
Portland’s Sophia Wilson scores 95th-minute game winner for first goal as a mom
_______________
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with USWNT and Portland Thorns midfielder Olivia Moultrie for a one-on-one interview. The duo chats about the 20-year-old’s open and honest relationship with Emma Hayes, which started with an email and is now all about how Moultrie can help win a fifth World Cup for the United States. Plus, hear about Moultrie’s journey from being 13 years old in an NWSL locker room, what her best position on the pitch is, and what’s new in Portland after their tremendous start to 2026.
_______________
HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUEST: Olivia Moultrie
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Referenced on the show:
The pieces are falling into place for Portland Thorns after a preseason of uncertainty
USWNT’s Olivia Moultrie agrees to contract extension with Portland Thorns through 2029
USWNT bounces back against Portugal with 2 goals from 20-year-old Olivia Moultrie
_______________
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The NWSL officially has its 18th team. On Tuesday, commissioner Jess Berman announced that Columbus would be joining the league in 2028. The Athletic also understands that the ownership group, Haslam Sports Group (HSG), Nationwide and Drs. Christine and Pete Edwards, have paid a record $205 million in expansion fees to make that happen.
So, how did Columbus win the race to be the NWSL’s 18th team? What was behind their pitch, and what do they intend to bring to the league?
On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin were joined by Asli Pelit and Melanie Anzidei to go inside the 2028 expansion news. From what they learned from sitting down with the team owners and the league commissioner, to reflecting on time spent in Columbus, the city’s unique fanbase and state-of-the-art facilities, as well as the tumultuous city council vote and questions from the local community about promises not being kept.
_______________
HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin
GUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Asli Pelit
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Referenced on the show:
Columbus is coming to the NWSL. Some locals are conflicted about it
NWSL awards expansion team to Columbus for record $205 million fee
_______________
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Another U.S. women’s national team window is in the books. Which means there are now just five FIFA international breaks remaining until Emma Hayes will name her USA squad for the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil.
So, fresh off the USWNT’s three friendlies against Japan, the Full Time podcast gives their latest predictions on who is trending in and out of the roster.
Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin and Melanie Anzidei to analyze their 23-payer predictions. Who is leading the goalkeeper rankings? How much does Hayes value versatility in defense? What is the best midfield combination right now? Does there need to be more goal scorers in the forward core?
PLUS: The first round of Concacaf World Cup qualifying concluded during this FIFA window, and the last remaining eight nations now know their fates for November’s elimination tournament, including who the USWNT’s opponent will be.
_______________
HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin, Melanie Anzidei
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Referenced on the show:
USWNT beats Japan 3-0, displaying dominance after Tuesday’s loss
Emma Hayes’ tricky balancing act as USWNT strive for that ‘secret sauce’
USWNT defender Gisele Thompson is finding her way alongside sister Alyssa
_______________
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica were expected to be confirmed as the hosts of the 2031 Women’s World Cup at the end of April 2026. However, FIFA has suddenly postponed plans for any imminent announcement. So, what’s the holdup?
On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Henry Bushnell and Melanie Anzidei to dive into the long runway to the 2031 Women’s World Cup and what is going on behind the scenes at FIFA and U.S. Soccer. When will the host of the tournament be confirmed? What role do government guarantees play? What lessons will need to be learned from the 2026 Men’s World Cup? What does the departure of U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Matt Crocker mean for the U.S. women’s national team?
_______________
HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUESTS: Henry Bushnell, Melanie Anzidei
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Referenced on the show:
Matt Crocker’s abrupt U.S. Soccer departure brings many questions. Here are the answers
‘Hard to not feel scammed’: World Cup fans say FIFA misled them with ticket allocations, seat maps
U.S. 2031 Women’s World Cup bid waiting on Trump guarantees while host cities want better deal
How a $150 train ticket caused a fight between FIFA and New Jersey’s governor
White House wants FIFA to change transgender policy, with Women’s World Cup guarantees on the line
_______________
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
After a 1-0 defeat to Japan, U.S. women’s national team head coach Emma Hayes confessed that she is prioritizing development over results right now. So, is that the right move for the team 14 months out from the next World Cup?
On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin to unpack the lessons learned from a soggy night inSeattle, Wash., at Lumen Field, where Hayes made 11 changes to her starting XI. What did we learn about the USWNT’s depth and second-string lineup? How much pressure is on the third and final friendly against Japan?
PLUS: Producer Theo checks in from a momentous night at Wembley Stadium and England’s World Cup qualifier against Spain, as well as the latest on which teams have already qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil.
_______________
HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Referenced on the show:
Emma Hayes’ tricky balancing act as USWNT strive for that ‘secret sauce’
England’s win over Spain proves small details, like set pieces, make all the difference
Spain need to be more Spanish to beat England
USWNT 2, Japan 1: Rose Lavelle scores in 100th start, Sophia Wilson returns
USWNT’s next test: Japan, champions of Asia, with a roster of international stars in the making
_______________
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
The U.S. women’s national team defeated Japan 2-1 over the weekend, getting revenge for a 2025 loss by the same scoreline to the same opponent. But, is this result proof that Emma Hayes’s team has progressed?
On this episode of Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin, who was out in San Jose, Calif., to take in the USWNT’s first of three friendlies against Japan. Who were the USWNT’s top performers? How did Japan test the USA? What did the pod make of Sophia Wilson’s first USWNT start since 2024? Did we get closer to understanding the status of Hayes’s A and B teams? And, what changes to the starting XI will she make for Tuesday’s trip to Lumen Field in Seattle?
_______________
HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Referenced on the show:
USWNT 2, Japan 1: Rose Lavelle scores in 100th start, Sophia Wilson returns
USWNT’s next test: Japan, champions of Asia, with a roster of international stars in the making
Claire Hutton interview: Ronaldinho influence, USWNT leadership and Japan test
Emma Hayes’ rebuild of the USWNT is taking shape – and already reaping rewards
_______________
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
So what makes the youngest-ever captain in U.S. women’s national team history so wise beyond her years?
On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with USWNT and Bay FC midfielder Claire Hutton for a one-on-one interview. The duo chat about what was behind Hutton’s decision to turn pro at 17, her soccer role models, what it is like to be inside Emma Hayes’s leadership group on the USWNT, and how she’s grown after moving from the Kansas City Current to Bay FC in the NWSL.
_______________
HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUEST: Claire Hutton
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Referenced on the show:
Claire Hutton trade was just Bay FC’s latest move as it begins new chapter with plenty to prove
Bay FC signs USWNT midfielder Claire Hutton in $1.1 million deal with Kansas City Current
Emma Hayes’ rebuild of the USWNT is taking shape – and already reaping rewards
USWNT head coach Emma Hayes looks to ‘bridge a gap’ for ‘lost generation’ with Futures Camp
_______________
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
This April, United States Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes has booked three friendlies against Japan with the intention of giving her team the perfect preparation for next summer’s Women’s World Cup. So, what makes Japan the ideal opponent for the USWNT to go head-to-head with? How will the three lineups look different? And, what is it about Japan’s style of play that will help iron sharpen iron?
On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin look into the past, present, and future of the rivalry between the United States and Japan. From the three consecutive finals between 2011 and 2015, to the nail-biting recent encounters, including their most recent bout at the SheBelieves Cup, where Japan upset their hosts 2-1. Hayes believes that Japan are a strong contender to win the 2027 World Cup, but does the podcast panel agree?
_______________
HOST: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
_______________
Referenced on the show:
Sophia Wilson back with USWNT: ‘I’m in a really great place right now’
World Cup prep continues vs. Japan
_______________
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
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Our TOPPODCAST Picks 
