Last week, Aitana Bonmati won her third consecutive Ballon d’Or – essentially crowning her as the best player in the world for a third consecutive season. Understandably, that got the whole world talking about how we judge individual awards in soccer and what it means to be at the top of that list? The Full Time podcast included.

So, on this week's Full Time podcast, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan are joined by esteemed panel of guests, including Ballon d'Or voters Annie Peterson and Soph Downey, and The Guardian Top 100 Women's Footballers coordinator Rich Laverty, to try and figure out whether we can fix women's soccer awards voting.

What issues currently exist in the voting format? How are biases exposed in the voting and the awards themselves? Is is it even possible to be objective? And, what role does accessibility and national team performance in determining which players get their flowers?

_______________

Referenced on the show

Ballon d’Or voting: Dembele’s dominance, how Bonmati won and other key takeaways

Aitana Bonmati’s third consecutive Ballon d’Or exposes voting flaws

How Ousmane Dembele and Aitana Bonmati won top 2025 Ballon d’Or awards at Paris ceremony

The Ballon d’Or and why football has become so obsessed with individual awards

What it’s like to vote for Ballon d’Or Feminin: The Athletic’s Steph Yang shares some insight

______________

HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan

GUESTS: Annie Peterson, Soph Downey, Rich Laverty

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

_______________

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

One month ago, NJ/NY Gotham FC was sitting eighth in the NWSL standings and questions were mounting about their playoff credentials and who would be scoring goals behind leading scorer Esther Gonzalez.

Now, Juan Carlos Amoros' team is up to third place with Rose Lavelle in the form of her NWSL career collaborating brilliantly with blockbuster new signing Jaedyn Shaw.

On this week's Full Time Review, Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei to reflect on Gotham's 3-0 win over the Portland Thorns last weekend, and the burgeoning relationship on the pitch between Lavelle and Shaw. What makes Gotham so good in the second half of seasons? And, how do they matchup against the second place Washington Spirit?

Speaking of the Spirit, the East coast rivals are also playing their best soccer of the season. Jillian and Melanie also get into two teams' upcoming Concacaf W Champions Cup fixture and the record-breaking forward Gift Monday.

_______________

Articles mentioned on the show:

Nigerian striker Gift Monday scores fastest NWSL hat trick, helping Spirit clinch playoff spot

USWNT’s Korbin Shrader hat trick, Lindsey Heaps’ goal help OL Lyonnes surge past PSG 6-1

_______________

HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUEST: Melanie Anzidei

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

_______________

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Bay FC invited The Athletic to join them on this road trip to Orlando, Florida, to get a closer look at the culture it is building. It was a whirlwind, an inside look on the unique operation that is elite professional sports. Hotels and high-performance.

On this week's episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Tamerra Griffin, fresh her weekend as a member of Bay FC's traveling party, to talk about what it is like to spend 39 hours on the road with an NWSL team. From the tarmac of a chartered flight from San Jose on 8:20 a.m. on a Friday morning, to the that same spot 11:00 p.m. the next night, and everything in-between.

PLUS: Get focused with Full Time's 1-2-3 of what to watch this weekend from the a sneaky spicy revenge match in New Jersey, to a 'get right' game for two of the NWSL's recent strugglers, and a big opportunity for the Houston Dash at Audi Field.

_______________

Referenced on the show:

Two cross-country flights and a game all inside 39 hours. What it’s like on a Bay FC road trip

_______________

HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUEST: Tamerra Griffin

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

_______________

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2025, the Kansas City Current has dominated the NWSL and shattered records. So, after topping the standings in the regular season, and lifting the NWSL Shield trophy with a record five games to spare, it's time to go inside the club and find out what has come together to make this team so remarkable this season.

On this week's Full Time podcast, hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan are joined by captain Lo LaBonta, reigning MVP Temwa Chawinga, general maanger Caitlin Carducci, and team owners Angie and Chris Long to take the listener inside the KC Current and their incredible year blazing a trail atop the NWSL. From what it means to be a Current player and how to gel in the relentless out-of-possession system, to why the team's disappointing end to 2024 sparked new levels of commitment and energy, and to how the club sees itself as a global women's soccer powerhouse on and off the pitch.

_______________

Referenced on the show

Kansas City Current clinch NWSL playoff spot with 8 weeks to spare

After her first USWNT call-up at 32, Lo’eau LaBonta expects nothing, ‘willing to give everything’

KC Current owners Angie and Chris Long expand to multi-club model, purchasing Danish club HB Koge

______________

HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan

GUESTS: Lo LaBonta, Temwa Chawinga, Caitlin Carducci, Angie Long, Chris Long

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

_______________

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On Saturday, soccer lost one of its most beloved coaches. This weekend's devastating news that former Liverpool women head coach Matt Beard had died at the age of 47 sent shockwaves across the English Women's Super League and the National Women's Soccer League.

On this week's Full Time Review, Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Charlotte Harpur to remember Matt Beard, and look over the tributes that poured in over the weekend. How he cared so much for players, past and present. The ways he invested in women's soccer before many in England did. And why he was one of the great connectors amongst coaches across the globe. Wherever Beard went he brought smile and warmth.

After that, soccer reporter for the Kansa City Star, Daniel Sperry, comes on the podcast to talk about the KC Current winning its first major trophy on Saturday night, clinching the NWSL Shield with five games to spare. The conversation takes you inside the nerves and jubilation at CPKC Stadium, as well as Vlatko Andonovski's close connection with star striker Temwa Chawinga.

_______________

Articles mentioned on the show:

Matt Beard was a ‘special’ man who helped transform English women’s football

Former Liverpool women head coach Matt Beard dies aged 47

_______________

HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUESTS: Charlotte Harpur, Daniel Sperry

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

_______________

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It was a big week of NWSL news, with plenty of updates and glimpses into the league's future plans. So, on this week's Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits dives into what we learned from the NWSL’s Autumn press conference, where commissioner Jess Berman answered lots of questions regarding the salary cap, player safety, expansion and her future plans to stay on. Alongside Jillian is Melanie Anzidei and Asli Pelit, who were at the league headquarters in New York City covering the press conference for The Athletic.

After that, Megan Feringa also comes on the show to join Melanie and Asli for a round table discussing the 2025 women's Ballon d'Or, the biggest talking points and who deserves to take home the crown on Monday night.

PLUS: Get focused with Full Time's 1-2-3 of what to watch this weekend from the Houston Dash's NWSL playoff dreams needing a jolt, an early NWSL playoff 'get-right' game in the Rose City, and a top four clash in the English Women's Super League.

_______________

Referenced on the show:

NWSL Commissioner Jessica Berman says she ‘intends to be around’ as 4-year contract nears end

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman talks expansion, salary cap and player safety

NWSL to launch pair of combines to help identify prospective players

Reign defeat Racing in resumed match after Savannah DeMelo’s medical emergency

Inside Alyssa Thompson’s move to Chelsea: Tearful goodbyes, late nights and customary pizza

Who should win the women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmati, Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly?

_______________

HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Asli Pelit, Megan Feringa

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

_______________

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's Hispanic Heritage Month, and on this week's Full Time podcast, Melanie Anzidei sits down for three special interviews that explore Latin culture and identity in the NWSL.

Melanie is first joined by 9-year NWSL veteran, Costa Rica international and Kansas City Current midfielder Rocky Rodriguez. After that, she caught up with a new face to the NWSL – Guatemala and Utah Royals forward Aisha Solorzano. That duo were the first Costa Rican and first Guatemalan to feature in the NWSL respectively.Then, Melanie closes out with Portland Thorns defender Reyna Reyes, and learn more about what it means to be a Texan who represents Mexico on the international stage.

All three interviews shine a different light on what it means to represent your country, your family, inspire the next generation, fight for change, and embrace the beautiful diversity of Latin soccer culture while playing in the United States.

_______________

Referenced on the show

Hispanic Heritage Month 2025 | San Diego Community Resource Guide

Noche Latina in Houston

_______________

HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Rocky Rodriguez, Aisha Solorzano, Reyna Reyes

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

_______________

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The NWSL match between Racing Louisville and the Seattle Reign was postponed Sunday after a medical emergency involving Savannah DeMelo. The swift response from the league set a new precedent for player safety after a season where incidents have created frustration around the league.

On this week's Full Time Review, Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin to unpack what happened at Lumen Field in Seattle on Sunday, why the NWSL acted so swiftly and what it means.

Tamerra and Jill also get into the top talking points from around the NWSL weekend, from the KC Current's imperious defense to Jaedyn Shaw's emotional debut for Gotham FC.

PLUS: Producer Theo reports from Villa Park, where Sam Kerr scored her 100th goal for Chelsea on her return to soccer after 634 days away.

_______________

Articles mentioned on the show:

USWNT’S Savannah DeMelo ‘stable and alert’ after collapsing on pitch

Sam Kerr scores in her first game for Chelsea in 634 days, completing a long awaited injury return

_______________

HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUEST: Tamerra Griffin

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

_______________

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

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.