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Full Time: A show about women's soccer
What went wrong for the USWNT against Portugal?
Did the USWNT just put in its worst performance under head coach Emma Hayes?
On this week's Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Henry Bushnell to unpack the USWNT's 2-1 defeat to Portugal on Thursday night. The duo break down what went wrong for the USWNT, who does the blame should fall on and whether there is any panic in the squad. Henry also gets into what the atmosphere was like at Subaru Park as U.S. Soccer honored retired legend Alex Morgan, as well as what he learned about the Americans' performance after talking to Hayes and several USWNT stars post-match.
PLUS: Jill has latest roster updates for the USWNT and beyond, as well as the Full Time's 1-2-3 of what to watch this international weekend from a Wales legend's final bow in her hometown, to an intercontinental battle of the ages.
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Referenced on the show:
The USWNT just gave its worst performance under Emma Hayes. What went wrong against Portugal?
Gotham FC forward Jaedyn Shaw on her road back to the USWNT: ‘I feel very free’
USWNT’s Alyssa Thompson on her Chelsea move: ‘I was expecting it to be more scary’
USWNT 1, Portugal 2: Uncharacteristic mistakes leave the U.S. disappointed in loss
USWNT celebrates Alex Morgan’s ‘legendary’ career as she passes the torch to next generation
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HOST: Jillian Sakovits
GUEST: Henry Bushnell
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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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
Does Gotham's NWSL Championship final win make them a dynasty?
37:07|NJ/NY Gotham FC are the 2025 NWSL Champions. Seemingly, against all odds, the lowest-ever seeded champions just kept on showing up. And now, with two NWSL titles and a Concacaf title across three seasons, is it time to debate if this Gotham team is turning into a dynasty?On a special episode of Full Time Review, recorded at PayPal Park in San Jose, Meg Linehan, and Tamerra Griffin analyze all the big talking points from Saturday's dramatic NWSL Championship final that finished Gotham 1-0 Washington Spirit. How did Rose Lavelle step up to the big occasion to win her first NWSL Championship? Why did Adrian Gonzalez wait so long to take out an injured Hal Hershfelt? What's next for Trinity Rodman after her season ends with injury woes and a final defeat for the second consecutive year? Why did Juan Carlos Amoros tinker with his team, and how did he mastermind bringing on Bruninha?_______________HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg LinehanPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Gotham FC wins NWSL championship on 80th-minute Rose Lavelle goal vs. Spirit‘Eight years in one’: Spirit and Gotham meet in NWSL Championship after long, packed seasonTrinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than NWSL can match: Sources_______________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
Live in San Jose with Midge Purce & Croix Bethune
36:08|Live from the San Jose Civic, it's a very special episode of the Full Time podcast building up to the 2025 NWSL Championship Final in the Bay Area.Hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan take you inside NWSL Awards and Media Day, from the opening two days of events in San Jose, and then dig into commissioner Jess Berman's league address, and the ongoing debates around the salary cap and whether Trinity Rodman will stay in the NWSL.Then, Gotham FC forward Midge Purce stops by to talk about her journey back to the NWSL Championship and the unrelenting belief her team has. After that, it's time for Washington Spirit midfielder Croix Bethune to open up about what it means for her to play in her first final and the joy she finds in her team's style of play._______________Referenced on the showTrinity Rodman focuses on NWSL Championship, says ‘and then we’ll see’ about future with SpiritNWSL commissioner Jessica Berman talks salary cap, calendar changes and transgender inclusionHow Jessica Berman, the NWSL’s influential commissioner, faces her toughest testsUSWNT’s Emma Hayes weighs in on Trinity Rodman’s future, NWSL salary cap______________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
Gotham and Washington Spirit reach final & will Trinity Rodman stay in the NWSL?
27:33|NJ/NY Gotham FC and the Washington Spirit are heading to the NWSL Championship Final. On this week's Full Time Review, Jillian Sakovits is joined by Meg Linehan, and Melanie Anzidei to break down the weekend's dramatic NWSL semifinals. The pod discusses Jaedyn Shaw's buzzer-beater in Orlando and how the 8th-seeded Gotham continued their unlikely journey at the expense of the defending champions, the Orlando Pride. And, whether the Washington Spirit just put in their best performance of the season as they breezed past the Portland Thorns at a sold-out Audi Field.PLUS: What is the latest on Trinity Rodman's contract? After The Athletic reported ongoing interest from Europe, will we see the NWSL change the existing salary cap rules to keep the U.S. women's national team star at the Spirit? _______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Meg Linehan, Melanie AnzideiPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Referenced on the show:Marta 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 PrideNWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to chooseTrinity Rodman negotiations reach NWSL commissioner as English teams express interest in U.S. starWashington Spirit advance to NWSL Championship with 2-0 win over Portland Thorns_______________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