The NWSL is back! To kick off the 2026 season, we saw 19 goals, two red cards and not a single tie in the first-ever 16-team and eight-match opening weekend.
On this episode of Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Melanie Anzidei, fresh from criss-crossing the East Coast as she covered two games in-person in less than 24 hours, and Producer Theo to unpack all the top storylines from opening weekend.
Have we underestimated a Portland Thorns team that can silence Audi Field? How much does the Washington Spirit miss Croix Bethune? How were the vibes at Boston Legacy’s first-ever match? What does it mean to have Savy King, Sophia Wilson and Barbra Banda all back on the pitch again?
After that, Jillian is joined by The Athletic’s Megan Feringa to analyze Sunday’s English Women’s League Cup final, which ended with Chelsea winning 2-0 over Manchester United. Can a trophy snap Chelsea out of their crisis? How important is Lauren James? What can Manchester United do to become elite?
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HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Megan Feringa
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Referenced on the show:
NWSL 2026 opening weekend: Big comebacks, red cards and packed stadiums
For Manchester United, the riddle remains: how do you beat Chelsea in a cup final?
NWSL storylines to follow for the 2026 season: Rule changes, World Cup moves and seven new coaches
Angel City defender Savy King returns 10 months after collapsing during cardiac event
The pieces are falling into place for Portland Thorns after a preseason of uncertainty
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