Podcast
Full Time: A show about women's soccer
Hosted by The Athletic · EN
Full 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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79episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
A Champions League final of cinematic proportions
May 400:48:28Tap to summarizeGird your loins because the UEFA Women's Champions League final is set between rivals FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes and the only word to describe it is cinematic. But how did we get here?Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin to break down the semifinal results. Our experts on the ground also chime in. Megan Feringa is talking all things Lyon, and our resident Spanish expert Laia Cervelló Herrero explains the uncertainty that remains despite Barcelona's dominance. Will this year's European final be Alexia Putellas' last with the Spanish giants? Meanwhile, Megan discusses why Michele Kang's vision is going exactly as planned in France. PLUS: Jill and Tamerra discuss Boston Legacy's first NWSL victory and a pair of legends inducted into the National Soccer Hall of Fame. _______________HOST: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra GriffinGUEST: Megan Feringa, Laia Cervelló HerreroPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Chelsea legend Millie Bright's legacy
May 100:17:56Tap to summarizeOn this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits and The Athletic's UK soccer writer Cerys Jones discuss Chelsea defender Millie Bright's retirement. Bright has been a key figure in women's soccer, especially in England, across a period of great evolution. The duo discusses the former England and Women's Super League defender's legacy and what yet another departure means for Chelsea as the club continues to navigate a period of transition. _______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUEST: Cerys JonesPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Chelsea’s Millie Bright retires with immediate effect: How she’ll be remembered_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Should the NWSL flip its calendar?
Apr 2900:33:58Tap to summarizeOver 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 GriffinGUEST: Melanie AnzideiPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:NWSL tables vote on flipping schedule to fall-to-spring: SourcesMajority of NWSL players oppose calendar flip, cite concerns over cold-weather conditionsMLS owners vote to flip schedule to European calendar, change format starting in 2027_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Sophia Wilson’s first goal as a mom & who is Jose the Coyote?
Apr 2700:27:00Tap to summarizeAfter 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 SakovitsGUEST: Asli PelitPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Washington Spirit cruise beyond Kansas City Current to maintain José the Coyote’s lucky streakPortland’s Sophia Wilson scores 95th-minute game winner for first goal as a mom_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Olivia Moultrie interview: Growth with the Portland Thorns & inside her USWNT development
Apr 2400:28:41Tap to summarizeOn 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 SakovitsGUEST: Olivia MoultriePRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:The pieces are falling into place for Portland Thorns after a preseason of uncertaintyUSWNT’s Olivia Moultrie agrees to contract extension with Portland Thorns through 2029USWNT bounces back against Portugal with 2 goals from 20-year-old Olivia Moultrie_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →How Columbus won their 2028 NWSL expansion bid
Apr 2200:44:26Tap to summarizeThe 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 GriffinGUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Asli PelitPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Columbus is coming to the NWSL. Some locals are conflicted about itNWSL awards expansion team to Columbus for record $205 million fee_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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USWNT 2027 World Cup roster predictions 3.0
Apr 2000:27:31Tap to summarizeAnother 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 AnzideiPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:USWNT 2027 World Cup roster predictions 3.0: Wilson and Davidson return, a possible goalkeeper shift?USWNT beats Japan 3-0, displaying dominance after Tuesday’s lossEmma 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.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Why hasn’t the host of the 2031 Women’s World Cup been confirmed?
Apr 1700:33:30Tap to summarizeThe 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 SakovitsGUESTS: Henry Bushnell, Melanie AnzideiPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE 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 mapsU.S. 2031 Women’s World Cup bid waiting on Trump guarantees while host cities want better dealHow a $150 train ticket caused a fight between FIFA and New Jersey’s governorWhite House wants FIFA to change transgender policy, with Women’s World Cup guarantees on the line_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Transcribe →Should the USWNT prioritize development over results?
Apr 1500:42:59Tap to summarizeAfter 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 in Seattle, 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 GriffinPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE 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 differenceSpain need to be more Spanish to beat EnglandUSWNT 2, Japan 1: Rose Lavelle scores in 100th start, Sophia Wilson returnsUSWNT’s next test: Japan, champions of Asia, with a roster of international stars in the making_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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Have the USWNT progressed since the 2025 defeat to Japan?
Apr 1300:33:25Tap to summarizeThe 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 GriffinPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:USWNT 2, Japan 1: Rose Lavelle scores in 100th start, Sophia Wilson returnsUSWNT’s next test: Japan, champions of Asia, with a roster of international stars in the makingClaire Hutton interview: Ronaldinho influence, USWNT leadership and Japan testEmma Hayes’ rebuild of the USWNT is taking shape – and already reaping rewards_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to our Youtube channel: hereSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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