Full Time with Meg Linehan: A show about women's soccer

On this edition of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan evaluate what we know about the five expansion bids to become the 16th team in the NWSL. What is the league looking for when it comes to bids? How important is location, an independently owned stadium, an enticing media market or deep pockets? While Tamerra and Meg try to answer that, they also play a quick game of build your own NWSL expansion club. Where will their fictional clubs be located? And, who will be their celebrity owner and marquee player? PLUS: Previewing the final weekend of the NWSL regular season, what the three remaining playoff hopefuls need, a final Portland goodbye for Christine Sinclair, Ballon d'Or takeaways, and producer Theo hops on to try and make sense of the Summer Cup. _______________ HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Ballon d’Or misses mark with timing … again. Plus, a breakout USWNT star? What it’s like to vote for Ballon d’Or Feminin: The Athletic’s Steph Yang shares some insight NWSL expansion: Where things stand as the league looks to add a 16th team _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the Full Time Review! This time, a FIFA international window edition. Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan recap the USWNT's two friendlies against Iceland, as well as analyze some of the best individual performances and most intriguing takeaways. Then, hear from The Athletic's Megan Feringa, who was at Wembley Stadium to watch England lose 4-3 to Germany in a match she dubbed a "wake-up call" to Lionesses manager Sarina Wiegman. After that, Tamerra runs through a couple of other major talking points from around the globe and the latest on NWSL coaching hires and the Summer Cup final. _______________ HOST: Tamerra Griffin GUESTS: Meg Linehan, 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Change is upon us. In the NWSL and on the U.S. women's national team. This week, on the Full Time podcast, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan delve into what this means both on and off the pitch. Who will step into the spotlight? Who will be the new culture bearer? Who has that dawg in them? What should fans be looking out for as Emma Hayes utilizes an experimental roster during the October international friendlies? A new generation is taking over as legends take one final bow and retire. Now over a decade old, the NWSL is the first U.S. women's soccer league to reach this natural point in a cycle. There's also the matter of the Chicago Red Stars' rebrand, featuring a new crest and name: Chicago Stars FC. Steph Yang joins the podcast fresh from speaking to club executives about the intentional decisions that went behind the controversial move. Then, Chicago native and CBS Sports writer and broadcaster Sandra Herrera pops in to share her perspective from the Windy City. _______________ HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan GUESTS: Steph Yang, Sandra Herrera PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Rueter: Fans chose the Red Stars’ name years ago. Now, Chicago is leaving both behind Chicago Red Stars unveil new name and crest, dropping ‘Red’ and ushering in next chapter Desiree Scott on retiring after six months of heartbreak: ‘You kind of know it’s coming’ USWNT head coach Emma Hayes names 26-player roster for October friendlies Orlando Pride’s Marta says she wants to play ‘at least two more years’ _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to the Full Time Review! The Athletic's Monday morning podcast that brings you a recap of the weekend's NWSL action and more from the women's soccer world in under 15 minutes. This week, Tamerra Griffin set the scene as big wins for Racing Louisville and Bay FC meant that the final two NWSL playoff spots are still up for grabs. Would it even be a Full Time podcast if we didn't talk about Temwa Chawinga? We have the latest on the record-breaking KC Current forward, who scored her 20th goal of the season against the San Diego Wave and by doing so completed a sweep of notching at least one goal against all 13 opposing clubs in the league. Plus: The rest of the chaos from around the NWSL, a continental champion was crowned in South America, and some WNBA-NWSL crossover. _______________ HOST: Tamerra Griffin GUEST: Meg Linehan 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On one of the most jam-packed Full Time podcasts ever, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan unpack the team name launch of the Boston-based BOS Nation FC, the NWSL's 15th expansion club. What was behind the now redacted 'Too Many Balls' marketing campaign? Who are the owners trying to appeal to? How will Boston look to make amends after hurting its fanbase, and current players in the league, during a tumultuous 48 hours? Adding an on-the-ground perspective, Steph Yang joined the podcast fresh from attending the BOS Nation launch event, where she spoke to the Boston Unity Soccer Partners ownership group as well as local fan groups. Later on, it was time to give Temwa Chawinga her flowers. Tamerra spoke with the record-breaking woman of the moment and fellow KC Current teammate Mwanalima Jereko. Last week, Chawinga scored her 19th goal of the 2024 season, breaking Sam Kerr's record of 18 in a single NWSL season. The two African-born players talked about their chosen family sisterhood as teammates, their favorite foods that African fans bring for them after matches, the secrets behind their joyous goal celebrations, and what the real Chawinga is like off the pitch. Plus, San Diego Wave and the NWSL are being sued by five former Wave employees, and Merritt Mathias announced her retirement. _______________ HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan GUESTS: Steph Yang, Temwa Chawinga, Mwanalima Jereko PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ San Diego Wave and NWSL face discrimination lawsuit filed by five former club employees Merritt Mathias will retire as a truly authentic NWSL original Linehan: Boston NWSL club misses the mark with BOS Nation FC and marketing campaign Boston NWSL team to be known as BOS Nation Football Club, with green as primary color BOS Nation, a publicity campaign gone wrong and an apology for the hurt it caused _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome back to Full Time Review, your Monday recap of all the best women's soccer action from the weekend in under 15 minutes. This week, Theo Lloyd-Hughes rounds up the NWSL weekend, starting with the Portland Thorns stunning the Orlando Pride on Friday night, and handing Seb Hines' team their first defeat in over a year. Then, the Kansas City Current's Temwa Chawinga continued her extraordinary 2024 when she smashed home her 19th goal of the season against Bay FC — breaking the record for the most goals ever in an NWSL season by doing so. Meg Linehan pops in to go deeper on why the big goals and milestones this weekend mean so much, and the emotion that erupted from Christen Press getting on the scoresheet for the first time this season for Angel City. To close out, The Athletic's Art de Roche reports from London to give an update on the increased pressure on Arsenal head coach Jonas Eidevall following a 2-1 defeat to Chelsea in the WSL. _______________ HOST: Theo Lloyd-Hughes GUEST: Meg Linehan, Art de Roche 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The unbeaten Orlando Pride has just lifted the 2024 NWSL Shield. But their history, on the pitch, in this league is one filled with many more downs than ups. This week on Full Time, Meg Linehan and Steph Yang trace the Pride's journey from an awkward expansion club, to now sitting at the top of the standings at the end of an unprecedented 2024 season. To help answer the question of how Orlando achieved this transformation, general manager Haley Carter joined the show to take us inside the Pride's emergence since her arrival in January 2023. What kind of soccer club did Carter see when she walked in the door? How have the players changed and adapted to her and head coach Seb Hines' management style? Plus, Steph reports back from her one-on-one with Commissioner Jessica Berman and the additional information she learned about the Angel City points deductions. What does it mean for the rest of the league, and the NWSL's image regarding rule-breaking? There's also time to preview the upcoming NWSL weekend, the Portland Thorns' plans to make a change at GM, and whether Temwa Chawinga will hit goal number 19! _______________ HOST: Meg Linehan GUEST: Steph Yang, Haley Carter PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Angel City salary-cap violation was revealed by former player, says NWSL commissioner Portland Thorns’ Karina LeBlanc leaving GM role at end of season Spirit’s Andi Sullivan out for season with torn ACL: What it means for ailing squad ahead of playoffs _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Welcome to the first-ever edition of Full Time Review! A new podcast from The Athletic that brings you a quick review of all the weekend’s NWSL action in under 15 minutes. Every Monday, we'll keep you updated on the biggest news stories, results, off-field moments, breathtaking goals, press conference reactions, and maybe some tidbits from Europe and international matches too. On the inaugural episode, Meg Linehan was joined by Steph Yang, who was in Orlando on Sunday night to witness Marta and the Pride lift their first-ever NWSL Shield. It was a soggy, emotional, and historic night to remember in central Florida. After that, Meg breaks down the crucial details of Angel City's unprecedented sanctions for breaching the salary cap rules, Temwa Chawinga equaling Sam Kerr's single-season goal record, and so much more from a suitably busy weekend in the NWSL. _______________ HOST: Meg Linehan GUEST: Steph Yang 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's all to play for. With four matches of the NWSL regular season remaining, it's time we got serious about the teams still trying to book their tickets to the postseason. This week on Full Time, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan break down the four teams, the Chicago Red Stars, the Portland Thorns, Bay FC, and Racing Louisville, that are trying to squeeze into the final three NWSL playoff spots (sixth, seventh and, eighth place in the standings). What are the major questions that need answering? How will form and injuries come into play? Which team is trending up at crunch time? And, which is falling apart at the worst possible moment? During the show, NWSL Best XI candidate Taylor Flint stopped by to take us inside her impressive season, the positional tweaks she has had to incorporate under head coach Bev Yanez, as well as offer a behind-the-scenes view of Racing Louisville's quest for a first-ever playoff berth. All of that plus Fran Alonso departing the Houston Dash, Christine Sinclair's retirement announcement, UWCL Group Stage draw takeaways, and a new NWSL Shield trophy! _______________ HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan GUEST: Taylor Flint PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Articles mentioned on the podcast: Emma Hayes tours the U.S: Players the USWNT coach could consider for the team’s future NWSL, Tiffany & Co. unveil redesigned Shield, MVP awards: ‘The most majestic, iconic trophies’ NC Courage's Hurricane Helene relief efforts with United Way _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Fresh from their best finish at a U-20 World Cup in over 10 years, it is time to take a closer look at the state of the women's USYNT. On a very special episode of Full Time, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan were joined by three guests to go deeper into the world of U-20 international soccer. Former USWNT legend Heather O'Reilly hopped on the podcast to talk about her time spent working for FIFA in Colombia at the U-20 World Cup, and the data behind the nations that impressed at the tournament. Then, former U-20 USWNT head coach Laura Harvey explained some of the key cultural and technical changes that have slowly been developed at the U.S. soccer federation over the past half-decade. In 2024, how important are pathways to the senior team and principles of play when it comes to the youth levels? Finally, the current head coach of the U-20 USWNT, Tracey Kevins, discussed the instantly legendary campaign, some of the special moments the team shared along the way, and all the emotions of the 'Miracle in Cali' -- which saw the USA storm back from 2-0 down in second half stoppage time to beat Germany. If all that wasn't enough, there's still a bit of time on the podcast for Tamerra and Meg to unpack Twila Kilgore's departure from the USWNT setup and the biggest NWSL matchup of the weekend. _______________ HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan GUESTS: Heather O'Reilly, Laura Harvey, Tracey Kevins 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week's Full Time podcast has a bit of a Seattle feel. Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan caught up with Seattle Reign general manager Lesle Gallimore to learn more about how the NWSL club's recent ownership change has affected their 2024 season in both frustrating and exciting ways. Gallimore also opened up about her decision to feature in the new Netflix documentary 'Untold: Hope Solo vs. U.S. Soccer' -- she unpacked some of her feelings on the legendary USWNT goalkeeper too. Before being at the helm of the Reign, Gallimore was at the University of Washington for 25 seasons. There, she coached Solo in the early 2000s. Tamerra and Meg also weighed in on the documentary and some of its glaring journalistic deficiencies. After all that, there's still time to talk NJ/NY Gotham FC becoming the first NWSL club to visit the White House, the curiosities of ESPN's GM survey, and the return of the English Women's Super League. _______________ HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan GUEST: Lesle Gallimore PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Articles mentioned on the podcast: Gotham FC will be the first NWSL team to visit the White House for championship celebration Are Sonia Bompastor’s new-look Chelsea ready for their WSL title defence? _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In San Diego, CA, on a sweltering Sunday in September, Alex Morgan hung up her cleats. With just a few days' notice, the two-time World Cup winner, Olympic gold-medalist, and NWSL Champion said goodbye to playing soccer. On this week's episode of the Full Time podcast, it's all about digging into this moment. Starting with Morgan's retirement video, which sent shockwaves around the world, and finally, the extraordinary emotional serenade that saw her walk off into the sunset. Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan -- who was reporting from San Diego, having flown out to witness history at Snapdragon Stadium up close -- grapple with everything leading up to Sunday's finale as well as the send-off match itself. Also on the show, broadcaster and former NWSL player Jordan Angeli stopped by to talk about what it was like to commentate on the final-ever Alex Morgan match, while also reminiscing about playing alongside the USA legend back when she was breaking out in the early 2010s. _______________ HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan GUEST: Jordan Angeli PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Articles mentioned on the podcast: Alex Morgan ends soccer career with a final 13 minutes for the Wave against the Courage Alex Morgan’s final NWSL game to be presented across multiple channels, streaming services Alex Morgan reminisces before final game: ‘I hope my legacy is that I pushed the game forward’ Alex Morgan, USWNT and NWSL star, announces retirement from soccer, pregnant with second child _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With 2025 NWSL free agents officially being able to negotiate with new clubs as of September 1st, it was a good time for the Full Time podcast to do a deep dive on the players set to hit the market. Whether you're a general manager in training or a first-time free agency enjoyer, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan break down all the key concepts, and things you need to know. Then, the duo takes a look back at the first two years of NWSL free agency and what might look different in 2025. Tamerra and Meg also threw out some of the marquee names fans need to be watching and then were joined on the show by The Athletic's Jeff Rueter who offered up some of his data analysis to highlight some of the secret superstars that are ready to make a splash in 2025 free agency. All that, plus the latest talking points on the Ballon D'or nominations, a wild record-breaking weekend in the NWSL, and the podcast's favorite transfers of the league's summer window that just closed last week. _______________ HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan GUEST: Jeff Rueter PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Articles mentioned on the podcast: NWSL free agency watchlist: Standouts who could capitalize on career-best seasons Midge Purce and Sophie Schmidt are free agents – here’s what that means _______________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

This week, a trio of top European clubs toured the United States. But why? Meg Linehan and Steph Yang unpack why Arsenal, Barcelona, and Chelsea's women's teams are making sure to have pre-season friendlies across the Atlantic, and what the trend might be a sign of bigger things to come. What can we learn from analyzing both the on-pitch and off-pitch strategy? Should we be talking more about player load and fixture congestion? Is the NWSL a threat or an inspiration to the WSL's commercial targets? Having been in Washington D.C. to cover Arsenal and Chelsea's co-tour, Steph expands on what she learned from spending time with the WSL coaches. She also shares some of the details of cross-club business growth from her sit down with Washington Spirit owner Michelle Kang. One of The Athletic's Arsenal writers, Are de Roché then joined the podcast to compare and contrast previous U.S. tours involving the Gunners' men's team. In addition to all that, there's also time to talk about the Abby Dahlkemper trade, Megan Rapinoe's jersey retirement, and so much more NWSL action. _______________ HOST: Meg Linehan GUEST: Steph Yang, Art de Roché PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Articles mentioned on the podcast: Michele Kang’s global investment in women’s soccer on display with Arsenal, Chelsea friendlies NWSLPA announces initial list of players eligible for league’s first free agency under new CBA ________________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It is another monumental day for the National Women's Soccer League Players Association. On Thursday, the NWSLPA announced that it had agreed terms for a new collective bargaining agreement through the 2030 season. The new CBA is effective immediately and comes just two years after the NWSL and its players signed the first-ever union contract in the league's history. So, on this week's Full Time podcast, Meg Linehan and Steph Yang broke down what this landmark CBA means for the league and the players. From new minimum salaries to the major decision to abolish the draft, and a milestone revenue-sharing model. Why change the CBA now? And why these specific changes? Later on, to help take the listener inside the negotiations, NWSL PA representative and North Carolina Courage midfielder Brianna Pinto also joined the podcast. She shared the players' point of view on how the new CBA was drawn up, what demands were essential for a better league, and what it was like to be a part of the five-player group that went to the table with the league to broker the deal this past July. Before closing out the show, Meg and Steph give their thoughts on the San Diego Wave's hiring of Landon Donovan as the club's new interim head coach. While also debating what the new CBA means for the teams at the bottom of the NWSL standings. Which of the struggling clubs (if any) will be able to crash the playoffs? _______________ HOST: Meg Linehan GUEST: Steph Yang, Brianna Pinto PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen _______________ Articles & previous shows mentioned on the pod: 2022 Full-Time episode: Let's Break Down The NWSL CBA! NWSL Players Association ratifies first collective bargaining agreement Why USL Super League isn’t looking to compete with NWSL: What to expect from new league Landon Donovan acknowledges ‘steep’ NWSL learning curve as Wave’s interim head coach ________________ Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.com Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime Subscribe to the Full Time newsletter here. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices