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Being a trailblazing World Cup referee with Tori Penso
52:18|This summer, Tori Penso became the first American woman to be a head referee at a men’s World Cup match. That piece of soccer history followed on from her taking the women’s World Cup final in Sydney, Australia, three years ago. Along with her assistants, Brooke Mayo and Kathrin Nesbitt, Penso has been blazing a trail for women referees in the men’s and women’s games. So, what is it like to referee at a World Cup?On this episode of Full Time, hosts Meg Linehan and Tamerra Griffin are joined by Penso to take the listener inside the World Cup from a referee’s perspective. The interview also unpacks Penso’s journey to being one of the world’s elite officials, how technology is impacting her profession, and what she wants fans and players alike to know about what it’s like to be under so much scrutiny on the pitch. ______________HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Tamerra GriffinGUEST: Tori PensoPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes______________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
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What lessons will FIFA and the NWSL learn from the 2026 men's World Cup?
30:22|After 104 matches in 39 days, the 2026 Men’s World Cup is officially in the books. Up next - less than one year away - the countdown to the 2027 Women’s World Cup in Brazil has now officially begun.On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Meg Linehan and Melanie Anzidei to discuss what lessons are to be learned from the 2026 Men’s World Cup, what impact this summer will have on the women’s game, and how the NWSL can keep the momentum going all the way into Brazil 2027. PLUS: Jill, Meg and Melanie discuss their picks of the best moments from the NWSL weekend. From Rose Lavelle buzzer beaters to a homecoming in Colorado._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Meg Linehan, Melanie AnzideiPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes_______________Referenced on the show:The 1994 World Cup influenced a generation of Americans. What will 2026’s impact be?USWNT star Lindsey Heaps makes Denver Summit debut in hometown return to NWSLThe 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup is less than a year away: Key questions for the USWNTWhich countries have qualified for the 2027 Women’s World Cup?: Countdown to Brazil_______________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
Vermont Green, Salmon Bay and the importance of grassroots soccer
35:37|The USL W League national final between Vermont Green FC and Salmon Bay FC is this Saturday evening. What is the significance of this matchup in the broader American soccer landscape?Hosts Meg Linehan and Tamerra Griffin discuss the developmental value of this pre-professional league and the opportunities grassroots soccer clubs offer players and coaches. Then, Meg and Tamerra are joined by Vermont head coach Abby Carchio and Salmon Bay head coach Malia Arrant to preview the championship match – which could feature an appearance by former Seattle Reign great Lauren “Lu” Barnes._______________HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Tamerra GriffinGUESTS: Abby Carchio, Malia ArrantPRODUCER: Karan Lodha_______________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 hereWhat does it mean for Gotham and the NWSL to move into NYC?
49:29|As the women’s soccer world prepares for its first-ever NWSL match in the Big Apple, Wednesday’s ‘Queens Classic’ between Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit, it’s time to zoom out and look at the big picture of what is going on between the league and the largest – and arguably most influential – city in the United States. What does it mean for Gotham and the NWSL to move into NYC?Hosts Jillian Sakovits and Meg Linehan talk to Gotham owner Carolyn Tisch Blodgett about how they created their marquee matchup in NYC the same week as the men’s World Cup final, as well as how the club is trying to match ambition with infrastructure by building a new training center and moving the club to a new New York City stadium permanently in 2028.After that, NWSL Chief Operating Officer Sarah Jones Simmer and Vice-President of Sporting Sarah Gregorius join the show to unpack how the league is trying to keep the momentum of the ‘Queens Classic’ and the men’s World Cup rolling, as well as the importance of sporting and business symbiosis with European soccer.______________HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Meg LinehanGUESTS: Carolyn Tisch Blodgett, Sarah Jones Simmer, Sarah GregoriusPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes______________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
Ally Sentnor on joining Angel City and USWNT ambitions
22:13|Ally Sentnor and Angel City are 2-0 since the club dismissed head coach Alex Straus. What is the club’s outlook for the rest of the season with the new midfielder in tow?Hosts Jillian Sakovits and Meg Linehan evaluate the changes in Los Angeles and discuss Sentnor’s midseason arrival. Then, Sentnor joins the show to share her perspective on her career with the Utah Royals, Kansas City Current and the U.S. women’s national team as well as her expectations for Angel City. PLUS: Meg and Jill discuss the recent announcement of the two friendly matches scheduled for October between the second-ranked USWNT and top-ranked Spain and what they might tell us about the team’s ambition in the lead-up to the 2027 World Cup._______________HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Meg LinehanGUESTS: Ally SentnorPRODUCER: Karan Lodha_______________Referenced on the show:USWNT will host Spain twice in October for World Cup qualifying preparation_______________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
Alexia Putellas interview: Life, legacy and London City
27:53|How did London City and owner Michele Kang sign Barcelona and women's soccer legend Alexia Putellas?Hosts Jillian Sakovits and Meg Linehan go behind the scenes to explain how the former Barcelona midfielder and two-time Ballon d’Or winner ended up in England's Women's Super League despite strong interest from several clubs on both sides of the Atlantic. Then, Putellas sits down with The Athletic’s Laia Cervelló Herrero for an exclusive interview about her momentous decision._______________HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Meg LinehanGUESTS: Alexia Putellas, interviewed by Laia Cervelló HerreroPRODUCER: Karan Lodha_______________Referenced on the show:How Michele Kang convinced two-time Ballon d’Or winner Alexia Putellas to join London CityAlexia Putellas’ London City Lionesses transfer moves the dial for the club and the WSL_______________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 hereDoes women's soccer have a women's coaching problem?
51:22|Four women are leading four different NWSL teams this season. But are the league and its clubs doing enough to empower women to obtain those positions?Hosts Jillian Sakovits and Meg Linehan talk to Seattle Reign’s Laura Harvey, Bay FC’s Emma Coates and San Diego Wave’s Becki Tweed to discuss the hiring trends in the NWSL and whether the issues are unique to the United States. The guests also share their perspective on the women who have mentored and supported them and propose improvements to increase the share of female coaches.______________HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Meg LinehanGUESTS: Laura Harvey, Emma Coates, Becki TweedThis podcast was produced by The Athletic.______________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