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The 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 Griffin GUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Asli Pelit PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: Columbus is coming to the NWSL. Some locals are conflicted about it NWSL awards expansion team to Columbus for record $205 million fee _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Another 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 Anzidei PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE 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 loss Emma 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: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 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 Sakovits GUESTS: Henry Bushnell, Melanie Anzidei PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE 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 maps U.S. 2031 Women’s World Cup bid waiting on Trump guarantees while host cities want better deal How a $150 train ticket caused a fight between FIFA and New Jersey’s governor White House wants FIFA to change transgender policy, with Women’s World Cup guarantees on the line _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

After 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 Griffin PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE 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 difference Spain need to be more Spanish to beat England USWNT 2, Japan 1: Rose Lavelle scores in 100th start, Sophia Wilson returns USWNT’s next test: Japan, champions of Asia, with a roster of international stars in the making _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 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 Griffin PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: USWNT 2, Japan 1: Rose Lavelle scores in 100th start, Sophia Wilson returns USWNT’s next test: Japan, champions of Asia, with a roster of international stars in the making Claire Hutton interview: Ronaldinho influence, USWNT leadership and Japan test Emma Hayes’ rebuild of the USWNT is taking shape – and already reaping rewards _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

So what makes the youngest-ever captain in U.S. women’s national team history so wise beyond her years? On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with USWNT and Bay FC midfielder Claire Hutton for a one-on-one interview. The duo chat about what was behind Hutton’s decision to turn pro at 17, her soccer role models, what it is like to be inside Emma Hayes’s leadership group on the USWNT, and how she’s grown after moving from the Kansas City Current to Bay FC in the NWSL. _______________ HOST: Jillian Sakovits GUEST: Claire Hutton PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: Claire Hutton trade was just Bay FC’s latest move as it begins new chapter with plenty to prove Bay FC signs USWNT midfielder Claire Hutton in $1.1 million deal with Kansas City Current Emma Hayes’ rebuild of the USWNT is taking shape – and already reaping rewards USWNT head coach Emma Hayes looks to ‘bridge a gap’ for ‘lost generation’ with Futures Camp _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This April, United States Women’s National Team head coach Emma Hayes has booked three friendlies against Japan with the intention of giving her team the perfect preparation for next summer’s Women’s World Cup. So, what makes Japan the ideal opponent for the USWNT to go head-to-head with? How will the three lineups look different? And, what is it about Japan’s style of play that will help iron sharpen iron? On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin look into the past, present, and future of the rivalry between the United States and Japan. From the three consecutive finals between 2011 and 2015, to the nail-biting recent encounters, including their most recent bout at the SheBelieves Cup, where Japan upset their hosts 2-1. Hayes believes that Japan are a strong contender to win the 2027 World Cup, but does the podcast panel agree? _______________ HOST: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: Sophia Wilson back with USWNT: ‘I’m in a really great place right now’ Nils Nielsen leaves Japan 12 days after Asian Cup win, Michihisa Kano to take charge of U.S. friendlies World Cup prep continues vs. Japan _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Temwa Chawinga is back. After 168 days out with an injury, the two-time NWSL MVP and Golden Boot winner made her return to the pitch with the Kansas City Current in their 2-1 comeback win over Gotham FC this past weekend. So, what does it mean for the Current and the NWSL to have Chawinga back? On this episode of the Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Melanie Anzidei to discuss Chawinga’s return, as well as Kansas City’s revenge match against Gotham, and how much struggling Current head coach Chris Armas needs his star after suffering an early-season three-match losing streak. PLUS: What is behind Gotham’s continued struggles in front of goal? What does it mean for Angel City to drop its first game of the season, leaving no undefeated teams remaining in the NWSL? Is it time to believe in the San Diego Wave? _______________ HOST: Jillian Sakovits GUEST: Melanie Anzidei PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Join the Full Time fantasy league: here League Code: UOBDVD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinals are in the books. But did the four semifinalists, Arsenal, OL Lyonnes, FC Barcelona and Bayern Munich, deserve to advance? On this episode of Full Time Focus, Producer Theo Lloyd-Hughes and Tamerra Griffin break down all four of this week’s quarterfinal second legs, with the help of The Athletic’s Cerys Jones, from Stamford Bridge in London, and Laia Cervello, from the Nou Camp in Barcelona. Just how wasteful were Chelsea with their chances? Did Sonia Bompastor’s fury at the referees overshadow the match? How special was Barcelona’s return to the Nou Camp, where Alexia Putellas celebrated her 500th match in style? Did Lyon disappoint despite advancing? What is Bayern Munich’s secret weapon? PLUS: What does the pod make of Nils Nielsen suddenly stepping down as the head coach of Japan’s women’s national team just 12 days after winning the Asian Cup? _______________ HOSTS: Theo Lloyd-Hughes, Tamerra Griffin GUESTS: Laia Cervello, Cerys Jones PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: Chelsea 1-0 Arsenal: Sonia Bompastor sent off after Katie McCabe’s hair pull in fiery finale Why Arsenal may need to show a bit more caution in the Champions League semi-finals Chelsea’s Champions League exit underlines the need for summer transition The night Barcelona crowned Alexia Putellas their queen at the new Camp Nou Champions League: Barcelona dominates, makes semifinals with Bayern, Arsenal and OL Lyonnes Nils Nielsen leaves Japan 12 days after Asian Cup win, Michihisa Kano to take charge of U.S. friendlies _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Undefeated with a perfect three wins from three in the NWSL, the time has come to wonder: What is Angel City’s ceiling? On this episode of Full Time, hosts Jillian Sakovits and Tamerra Griffin analyze a captivating press conference from ACFC head coach Alex Straus and what the Los Angeles team’s impressive start means for their contender status in the NWSL. Tamerra also takes the listener inside her trip to San Diego, where she sat down one-on-one with U.S. women’s national team star Cat Macario to talk about her historic transfer to Wave FC. PLUS: Who is Erica Meg Parkinson? The pod unpacks the surprise 17-year-old debut call-up by Sarina Wiegman for England’s upcoming Women’s World Cup qualifiers. _______________ HOST: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: USWNT’s Catarina Macario on returning home to San Diego, leaving Chelsea and ‘having fun’ again One team remains undefeated in NWSL. Is it parity or time to panic? Arsenal’s Beth Mead back in England squad as Erica Meg Parkinson gets first call-up _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was another record-breaking weekend in the NWSL. While we’ve got used to professional women’s sports attendance records getting smashed every year, this one felt quite different. When Denver Summit FC took on the Washington Spirit Saturday afternoon, 63,004 people showed up to Empower Field at Mile High, eclipsing the record set by Bay FC season at Oracle Park by more than 22,000 fans. So, what does it mean for the NWSL and women’s sports in the U.S. to have Denver to enter the league with such a spectacle? On this episode of the Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by three different voices who all coalesced at the Summit’s inaugural home opener to witness history. Hear from Summit cofounder, broadcaster, and former NWSL player Jordan Angeli, The Athletic’s Tamerra Griffin in the press box, and co-host of the Summit Up podcast, Hallie Guardo, fresh from the stands. _______________ HOST: Jillian Sakovits GUESTS: Kelley O’Hara, Asli Pelit PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: Denver Summit FC shatters NWSL attendance record in home opener Denver Summit set the NWSL attendance record at 63,004, raising the bar for future expansion _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Join the Full Time fantasy league: here League Code: UOBDVD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Stina Blackstenius and Alessia Russo were ruthless in front of goal in Arsenal's 3-1 win over Chelsea in the UEFA Women’s Champions League quarterfinal first legs. Did that performance highlight the exact sort of clinical forward play Chelsea have been missing? On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Charlotte Harpur, fresh from the Emirates Stadium in London, to break down what we learned from a quarterfinal classic between Arsenal and Chelsea, and what the latest news is on Sam Kerr’s future with the Blues. Jillian and Charlotte also get into the other midweek European matches, from a historic yet bitter night in Manchester, and an upset in Wolfsburg. PLUS: Melanie Anzidei also hops on the pod to get into the Denver Summit’s historic first-ever win. Melanie was in New Jersey to catch the 2026 NWSL expansion team down the reigning champions, Gotham FC. The pod also discusses a chaotic midweek slate in the NWSL, where many teams rotated out their stars. _______________ HOST: Jillian Sakovits GUESTS: Charlotte Harpur, Melanie Anzidei PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: Ruthless Arsenal expose Chelsea’s need for a clinical finisher UWCL first-leg defeat to Bayern shows Manchester United must narrow the small margins Women’s Champions League: 18 goals as Bayern Munich, Arsenal and Barcelona find a scoring streak Denver Summit shuts out defending champion Gotham FC to earn first NWSL win in big way _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2026 NWSL season is two weeks old. The chaos is chaosing, the takes are taking, and the narratives are...well...flying. Yes, on this episode of Full Time, it’s time to figure out what we’ve learned so far, and forecast which early-season narratives the podcast panel is buying and selling. Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin and Producer Theo discuss who the best team in the NWSL is right now, is this the year Gotham FC cracks an attendance above 10,000, are the Kansas City Current about to flop, will we see a head coach fired before midseason, and so much more. _______________ HOST: Jillian Sakovits, Tamerra Griffin PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: 6 red cards in the first 16 games of the NWSL season: ‘You OK, sis?’ Gotham FC’s long-term ‘puzzle’ Shorthanded Portland Thorns beat Seattle Reign despite two red cards Summit sign USWNT forward Yazmeen Ryan and midfielder Delanie Sheehan in deal with Dash Kelley O’Hara on red cards, NWSL Atlanta & her switch to broadcasting _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kelley O’Hara has almost everything there is to win. But which trophy in her cabinet means the most? On this episode of the Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by O’Hara for a one-on-one interview with the USWNT legend turned CBS Sports broadcaster. The two-time World Cup winner talks about the NWSL’s recent uptick in red cards, how she made the jump to broadcaster after hanging up her cleats, who she’s picking to win the UEFA Women’s Champions League, and what it means for professional women’s soccer to be coming to her hometown of Atlanta in 2028. PLUS: The Athletic’s Asli Pelit hops on the show to talk about the biggest winners from the NWSL weekend. The magic of Tessa Dellarose’s debut goal as the Chicago Stars upset the Kansas City Current and the long-awaited return of a USWNT star for NJ/NY Gotham FC. _______________ HOST: Jillian Sakovits GUESTS: Kelley O’Hara, Asli Pelit PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: Shorthanded Portland Thorns beat Seattle Reign despite two red cards Tessa Dellarose scores first pro goal as Chicago Stars upset Kansas City Japan win Women’s Asian Cup with victory over Australia Gotham captain Tierna Davidson makes first appearance since ACL tear last year How Gotham’s 2025 championship ring reflects past glory and future ambition _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Join the Full Time fantasy league: here League Code: UOBDVD Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When five players made their decision to defect in the 24 hours following Iran’s final match of the 2026 Women’s Asian Cup, a 2-0 loss to the Philippines, they faced a near-impossible choice. Return to a war zone or leave everything behind and stay in Australia. If they remained in Australia, they had to consider the risks faced by their family back home. On this episode of the Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Jacob Whitehead to discuss his extensive reporting on the journey of Iran women’s national team at the Asian Cup. The Athletic has spoken to over two dozen sources with knowledge of the team’s experience at the Asian Cup, including people close to the women who defected. In the end, seven members of Iran’s group defected, but five changed their minds and returned home, with two remaining in Brisbane, Australia. PLUS: The latest on this year’s Asian Cup ahead of Saturday’s final in Sydney, Australia, and the six teams who have qualified for the 2027 World Cup in Brazil. _______________ HOST: Jillian Sakovits GUEST: Jacob Whitehead PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Referenced on the show: The Iran women footballers faced with an impossible choice: Defect or return to a war zone Iran football team returns home after week-long journey, two players remain in Australia Five Iran Women soccer players defect with help of police following Asian Cup in Australia FIFA, Australian government hold urgent talks over Iran women’s team’s future after Asian Cup exit _______________ Get in touch: ⁠⁠[email protected]⁠⁠ Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter ⁠⁠here⁠⁠ Visit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub ⁠⁠here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.