In the first of two January friendlies – the least-capped U.S women’s national team starting XI in 25 years thrashed Paraguay 6-0 at Dignity Health Sports Park.

On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Melanie Anzidei to break down what we learned from that friendly and Trinity Rodman’s first time walking out as captain of the USWNT.

After that, Ayo Oke, who is out with the USWNT in California, joins the show to talk about her surprise inclusion in the January camp, what it means to be following her dreams on the national team, and why she left Pachuca for Denver Summit.

Then, to close out the show, Producer Theo caught up with The Athletic’s Cerys Jones and Megan Feringa to analyze an enthralling weekend of action at both ends of the table in the English Women’s Super League.

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HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits

GUESTS: Ayo Oke, Melanie Anzidei, Cerys Jones, Megan Feringa

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

USWNT’s Trinity Rodman scores goal in first game as captain

Trinity Rodman could have left the NWSL. The Spirit community made it impossible to leave

Inside Trinity Rodman’s record new deal and what happens next with the High Impact Player rule

Being in WSL is a privilege not a right – relegation risk should be taken seriously

Beth Mead still has huge value to Arsenal, despite questions over her future

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Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠

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

Take The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here

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

The Trinity Rodman contract saga is over. After two months of drama, the U.S. women’s national team forward is staying with the Washington Spirit, signing a new three-year contract to stay with the team through 2028.

So, what does this record-breaking contract mean for the payer, the National Women's Soccer League and global women's soccer?

On this episode of Full Time, host Jillian Sakovits and Theo Lloyd-Hughes are joined by the co-host of the Hey Spirits podcast and contributor to The District Press to break down Rodman's new contract and what it all means. Was it a surprise to see such a high salary figure quoted by Rodman's agent? Is this a win for the NWSL? How will the global women's soccer market react? What can we expect from Rodman on the pitch in 2026?

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HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits

GUEST: Annie Elliot

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

Trinity Rodman, Washington Spirit agree on record three-year deal to keep USWNT star in NWSL

Trinity Rodman’s new Spirit deal and what it means

Why the Women’s League Cup will exclude Champions League clubs from next season

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Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠

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

Take The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here

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

After a record-breaking season, the Kansas City Current made a shock head coaching switch and in came Chris Armas for his first-ever job in professional women's soccer. So, who is this U.S. men's national team Hall of Famer turned MLS coach who has scored one of the biggest club jobs in the women's game?

On this episode of Full Time, host Jilian Sakovits sits down for a personal one-on-one interview with Armas to discuss his journey to Kansas City and the NWSL. How does he view himself as an elite coach with a lot to learn about the league and his players? Why did he take the position? Is he aware of his position as an "outsider"? How will Armas and former head coach turned global sporting director Vlatko Andonovski collaborate?

After that, it's time to go from one 2025 NWSL trophy winner to another. Theo Lloyd-Hughes caught up with Gotham FC head coach Juan Carlos Amoros from the team's preseason camp in Spain. After a brief 41-day offseason, the reigning NWSL Champions are back together and preparing for the inaugural FIFA Women's Champions Cup and what could be 42 games in 10 months in 2026.

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HOSTS: Jillian Sakovits, Theo Lloyd-Hughes

GUESTS: Chris Armas, Juan Carlos Amoros

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

KC Current coach says timing of NWSL MVP Temwa Chawinga’s return ‘still unclear’

Former USMNT midfielder Chris Armas named Kansas City Current head coach

NWSL releases 2026 schedule: Challenge Cup changes, Rivalry Week and men’s World Cup impact

Is Gotham a dynasty now?

Gotham FC get NWSL Championship celebrations right second time around

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Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠

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

Take The Athletic's 2026 Listener Survey here

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

Manchester City are six points clear at the top of the English Women's Super League table, but they're not stopping there. What does the blockbuster arrival of U.S. women's national team midfielder Sam Coffey, for $875k from the Portland Thorns, mean for City's title aspirations and the rest of the WSL?

On this episode of Full Time, Producer Theo is joined by The Athletic's Megan Feringa and Charlotte Harpur to get into all the biggest stories from the WSL as the second half of the season gets underway. Is the title race down to two contenders? Why has Chelsea fallen behind? What's going on with Arsenal and their decision to renew the contract of head coach Renee Slegers? How bold is the investment in Manchester United this January? What has been key to the renaissance at Spurs?

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HOST: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

GUESTS: Megan Feringa, Charlotte Harpur

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

What we’re hearing in women’s football: Latest on Cat Macario, Katie McCabe, Alexia Putellas, and more

Manchester City sign USWNT’s Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns for $875k

The WSL’s top-four battle has been split in two

Arsenal leading race for Georgia Stanway as midfielder confirms Bayern Munich summer exit

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers signs new long-term contract

Manchester United Women sign Hanna Lundkvist, Lea Schuller on deals to 2029

Chelsea’s attack is key in the Champions League. Will the handbrake be released?

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Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠

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.

NWSL expansion team Denver Summit got its hometown star, announcing this week that U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps is headed home this summer. So why did Heaps make the move to swap Champions League to the Centennial State?

On this episode of Full Time, The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei sat down with Heaps to go inside the big signing and why the 31-year-old was sold on the Summit and the opportunity to launch women's soccer in her home state. How will the move affect Heaps's USWNT ambitions? What has changed in the NWSL since Heaps left the Portland Thorns in 2022?

PLUS: After that, The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin is joined by Angel City sporting director Mark Parsons for an in-depth look inside the Los Angeles club's offseason business, headlined by the statement transfer of USWNT defender Emily Sams from Orlando Pride for $650,000.

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HOSTS: Theo Lloyd-Hughes, Melanie Anzidei, Tamerra Griffin

GUESTS: Lindsey Heaps, Mark Parsons

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps to join Denver in June: ‘Everything seems right to come home’

Angel City acquires USWNT defender Emily Sams in trade with Orlando for $650,000

USWNT star Lindsey Heaps is coming home. Plus: Trinity Rodman returns to U.S. squad

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Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠

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.

Emma Hayes has announced her first U.S. women's national team roster of 2026 and it looks a bit different from normal. So, what's the method behind this experimental January camp?

On this episode of Full Time, Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei to break down the USWNT's January roster and dive into what we learned from Hayes's press conference on Thursday. What young players need to step up? Why is this window different for Trinity Rodman? What next for the absent Sam Coffey?

PLUS: After that, Manchester United goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce joins the show to talk about her debut season playing in the UEFA Women's Champions League, the return of the English Women's Super League from its winter break this upcoming weekend and her scientific approach to life and improving as a soccer player. Tullis-Joyce is one of several European-based USWNT players unable to join the January window, so she also opens up about how she stays in contact with Hayes and her teammates when she can't report to camp.

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Phallon Tullis-Joyce

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

Trinity Rodman returns to USWNT roster for January camp, four first-time call-ups included

Manchester City in advanced talks to sign USWNT’s Sam Coffey from Portland Thorns

Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers signs new long-term contract

Former USMNT midfielder Chris Armas named Kansas City Current head coach

NWSL adds rule allowing stars to be paid $1m above cap despite players’ union opposition

NWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose

_______________

Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠

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 NWSL Players' Association has opposed the league's new High Impact Player rule, but what exactly is at the root of the opposition? And, what is the timeline for a resolution?

On this episode of Full Time, The Athletic's Tamerra Griffin is joined by the executive director of the NWSLPA, Meghann Burke, to talk through the union's stance and what comes next. What part of the Collective Bargaining Agreement is being contested? How does the NWSLPA interpret things differently from the league? Can NWSL players sign High Impact Player contracts despite the NWSLPA's stance? What comes next for Trinity Rodman and the ongoing grievances between the league and NWSLPA?

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HOST: Tamerra Griffin

GUEST: Meghann Burke

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

NWSL’s new ‘high impact’ rule prioritizes a small pool of superstars – and they must be marketable

NWSL adds rule allowing stars to be paid $1m above cap despite players’ union opposition

NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itself

NWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose

Trinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?

_______________

Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠

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.

Last week, the NWSL announced it had introduced a roster mechanism to allow teams to pay certain players up to $1 million above the current salary cap. This new rule would be known as the High Impact Player rule.

But within hours of that announcement, the NWSLPA responded by saying it opposed the NWSL’s decision to move forward with the new rule without formally bargaining with the players' association. This new rule comes after weeks of speculation about the Trinity Rodman’s future in the NWSL with the Washington Spirit.

So, on this episode of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin digs into what all this means. What is the criteria to be a High Impact Player and who does this new rule benefit? Why isn't the NWSL raising the salary cap? How will it affect the NWSL and the global soccer transfer market? What solution is the NWSLPA putting forward and could we see a resolution?

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HOST: Tamerra Griffin

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Referenced on the show:

NWSL’s new ‘high impact’ rule prioritizes a small pool of superstars – and they must be marketable

NWSL adds rule allowing stars to be paid $1m above cap despite players’ union opposition

NWSL said it would fight for Trinity Rodman. It’s only fighting with itself

NWSL can’t keep Trinity Rodman and its current salary cap. It’s up to the league to choose

Trinity Rodman receives contract from Super League team larger than NWSL can match: Sources

Trinity Rodman negotiations explained: Why did NWSL reject the Spirit’s offer and what’s next?

_______________

Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠

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.