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Full Time: A show about women's soccer
Naomi Girma's vital role on USWNT & Jonatan Giraldez's shock move
On this week's Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Jeff Rueter to break down the USWNT's 3-0 win over China. What did we learn about the importance of Naomi Girma's role on the USWNT after her first international appearance of 2025? What made Lo LaBonta's history-making debut so special?
PLUS: The latest on the expected imminent departure of Washington Spirit head coach Jonatan Giraldez to OL Lyonnes in France reported in The Athletic this weekend, Marta's comeback with Brazil in Sao Paulo, more headlines from the FIFA international weekend, and Jillian's moment of the week.
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Articles mentioned on the show:
The USWNT basks in the return of Naomi Girma – their ‘security blanket’
USWNT midfield stands out in 3-0 win over China, Sam Coffey tallies second U.S. goal
Joe Montemurro leaves role as OL Lyonnes head coach
Spirit coach Jonatan Giráldez set to take OL Lyonnes job, Adrián González to lead Washington
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HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUEST: Jeff Rueter
PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes
VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen
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Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com
Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime
Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here
Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
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Holiday gifts for every NWSL team
59:35|If you could, what holiday gift would you get for every NWSL team? A gift that would take care of their biggest need ahead of the 2026 season?On this special holiday edition of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Tamerra Griffin and Producer Theo to go shopping for every NWSL team and deliver a festive roundtable discussion, hand-picking the perfect thing for all 16 clubs. Which teams have been naughty, which have been nice? Who needs a practical stocking stuffer? Who is getting spoiled this year? What is the gift that they have been asking for all season but has yet to arrive? _______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUEST: Tamerra GriffinPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily OlsenReferenced on the show:NYCFC’s unbearable wait inches toward its end with a new stadium on the riseColorado native Ally Watt on being Denver Summit’s first signing: ‘I’m coming home’All-time leading goal scorer Christine Sinclair announces retirement, finishing season with ThornsHow can the NWSL adapt to the climate crisis?Trinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?_______________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
Is the new Women's Champions League format a success?
37:37|The first-ever UEFA Women's Champions League Swiss-style league phase is in the books, but was the inaugural campaign in the new format a success? On this edition of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovitz is joined by The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin to analyze how the opening round of the 2025-26 UWCL played out, from looking at the teams that impressed to those that crashed out, and also whether the new format delivered more drama and better matchups.After that, Jillian and Tamerra turn their attention to the draw and break down the bracket for the rest of the tournament. Which of the 12 teams remaining are the favorites to win, and who is the dark horse to watch? What does it mean for Chelsea to finally avoid a semifinal meeting with Barcelona? Which knockout round matchups promise to deliver the best fireworks, food and football?_______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUEST: Tamerra GriffinPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily OlsenReferenced on the show:Chelsea, Bayern reach Women’s Champions League quarter-finals: Who qualified, how do play-offs work?Women’s Champions League draw: Potential Arsenal-Chelsea, Barcelona-Real Madrid quarter-final tiesChelsea’s attack is key in the Champions League. Will the handbrake be released?NWSL Players Association opposes new star player rule change proposal_______________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
What Sophia Wilson returning to Portland means for the NWSL & USWNT
55:22|On this edition of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan unpack the return of Sophia Wilson to the Portland Thorns and what it means for her to exercise her record contract option for the 2026 NWSL season. Why did she choose to stay with the Thorns? What do we know about her record-breaking new deal? And, how does this contract for Wilson affect the ongoing negotiations between the NWSL and fellow USWNT superstar Trinity Rodman?PLUS: Tamerra and Producer Theo analyze some of the other big signings of the free agency period so far, as well as wonder who might win the sweepstakes to pick up the remaining star players available, such as Bia Zaneratto or Ella Stevens._______________HOST: Tamerra GriffinGUEST: Meg LinehanPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily OlsenReferenced on the show:USWNT’s Sophia Wilson returns home to Portland for 2026 season: ‘I miss playing in Providence Park’NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itselfNWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose_______________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
NWSL at a crossroads: How Trinity Rodman's next contract could usher in a new era
54:52|The NWSL is at a crossroads. As the league and the Washington Spirit hash out the ways to keep Trinity Rodman, a new era of superstar spending, salary cap rules and competition with the global market could be on the horizon.On this edition of Full Time, host Meg Linehan is joined by The Athletic's senior writers Paul Tenorio and John Hollinger to reflect on how other U.S. sports leagues have handled rethinking their rules in order to keep superstars and what the NWSL needs to learn from those examples.Is an MLS-style designated player rule something to be embraced or avoided? Why does the NWSL need to think differently about its global market when compared to the NBA? Why could Rodman's next contract similarly change everything like Olivia Moultrie's case against the league did in 2021?_______________HOST: Meg LinehanGUESTS: Paul Tenorio, John HollingerPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily OlsenTobin Heath clip credit: 'A Touch More Live presented by Delta, Google Pixel, and Volkswagen (Vox Media)'Link to that show is here_______________Referenced on the show:NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itselfNWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to chooseTrinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than NWSL can match: SourcesTrinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?Teen soccer phenom Olivia Moultrie sues NWSL for right to play in league_______________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
Why did the NWSL reject the Washington Spirit's contract offer to Trinity Rodman?
37:14|The NWSL is at risk of losing one of its biggest superstars. But what exactly is holding back the Washington Spirit from re-signing Trinity Rodman?On Monday's edition Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Meg Linehan to break down the ongoing contract saga that unfolded last week. Why hasn't the NWSL accepted the Spirit's proposed offer to Rodman? Why is the NWSL players' association filing a grievance against the NWSL on Rodman's behalf? Is the Spirit breaking any salary cap rules with their offer to Rodman? Could Rodman head to Europe?PLUS: Tamerra Griffin checks in from World Sevens Football in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where the San Diego Wave took home the title, $2 million and the tournament continued to grab headlines for its ability to create joy and viral soccer moments. And, in the English Women's Super League, Chelsea's 34-match and 585-day undefeated streak finally came to an end with an unlikely 1-0 home defeat to Everton._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg LinehanPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:The WSL title race has some juice in itNWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to chooseTrinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than NWSL can match: SourcesSan Diego Wave swag surf their way to $2 million prize at World SevensTrinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?Everton end Chelsea’s 34-match Women’s Super League unbeaten run with 1-0 win_______________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
2025 Top Moments, 2026 Hype List & Mailbag
55:31|On a very special episode of the Full Time podcast, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan are on the podcast together for the final time in 2025.To commemorate the occasion, Tamerra and Meg rank their Top 3 moments of 2025 while also ranking the three things they are most hyped about coming up in 2026. After that, the duo answers listeners' questions in one last mailbag to close out the season. From holiday movies that need soccer players in them to future NWSL Championship destinations, you don't want to miss this one.PLUS: Tamerra and Meg delve into the major NWSL news of the week, which saw Haley Carter join the Washington Spirit as their new President of Soccer Operations, and pressure intensifies on Trinity Rodman's future with the team._______________Referenced on the showSpirit hires Haley Carter to lead strategic vision and help retain top talent like Trinity RodmanCopa América Femenina, WAFCON showcase their potential – and a need for more supportMarta won’t exit quietly from NWSL playoffs after Orlando Pride loss: ‘It should not end like this’Jaedyn Shaw free kick sends No. 8 Gotham FC to NWSL championship with win over PrideEuro 2025: How ‘small’ Switzerland came to host a tournament that could spark ‘cultural change’Germany named 2029 women’s European Championship hosts______________HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg LinehanPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Grading the USWNT's 2025
32:40|This week, the USWNT closed out 2025 with two shutouts against Italy. But what did we learn from the two stellar performances in those games, and how do we evaluate this year as a whole for Emma Hayes's team?On this week's Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin, who was in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, on Monday night to witness the USWNT's 2-0 win over Italy, to break down what we learned and why the brilliant goals by Cat Macario and Jaedyn Shaw show us just how much those two players have developed for the USWNT this year.PLUS: Sports Illustrated's Jenna Tonelli also comes on the show to talk about Italy and how, despite their impressive 2025 not quite materializing into a strong showing against the Americans this week, head coach Andrea Soncin will be taking some valuable lessons into next year's World Cup qualifying. Both Tamerra and Jenna also hand out their grades for the USWNT in 2025 as a whole._______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Tamerra Griffin, Jenna TonelliPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Catarina Macario scores again as USWNT shuts out Italy twice to end the yearUSWNT’s early scoring and brace from Catarina Macario lift team over ItalyBallon d’Or winner Aitana Bonmati to undergo surgery on fractured legEngland managed a superb, celebratory homecoming. But is the succession plan clear?_______________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
Briana Scurry & Aly Wagner on how will the past shape the future of women's soccer?
35:40|For the first time, the Full Time podcast hosted a live event at the 2025 NWSL Championship in San Jose, CA, where U.S. women's national team legends Briana Scurry and Aly Wagner discussed how the past can shape the future in women's soccer.Hosted by The Athletic's Meg Linehan and Tamerra Griffin, the conversation touched on the rise and fall of the Women's United Soccer Association, off the back of the hosting and winning the 1999 World Cup, as well as the nuances of why major investors are now entering women's soccer like never before.We hope you enjoy this first live event podcast recording, which was recorded at The Preserve in downtown San Jose, the morning of the 2025 NWSL Championship final, on November 22, 2025.Thank you to all who attended and helped to make it happen.______________HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg LinehanGUESTS: Briana Scurry, Aly WagnerPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here
Haley Carter on leadership, Lauren Holiday talks community, Temwa Chawinga chats greatness & more
47:39|It's a blockbuster episode of Full Time, loaded with special guests and legends of women's soccer.Recorded live from the San Jose Civic in the days leading up to the 2025 NWSL Championship, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan conducted four wide-ranging interviews touching on all parts of the game.Joining the Full Time pod are former Orlando Pride general manager Haley Carter, 2013 NWSL MVP and 2015 World Cup winner Lauren Holliday, alongside 2025 NWSL Impact Award winner Sam Hiatt, Bay FC co-founder Danielle Slaton, and two-time NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga.From how to manage a winning team to why community drives the NWSL, from what makes the Bay Area the U.S. hub for women's sports to what drives an MVP to keep winning, this episode has it all._____________Referenced on the showLauren Holiday reacts to NWSL naming community impact award after her, emphasizes communityOrlando Pride VP Haley Carter stepping down after 3 seasonsCurrent forward Temwa Chawinga wins second consecutive NWSL MVPWhat makes a great women’s sports city? We ranked the top 10 in the U.S.______________HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg LinehanGUESTS: Haley Carter, Lauren Holiday, Sam Hiatt, Danielle Slaton, Temwa ChawingaPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here