The NWSL has always prided itself on chaos. A league where anyone can beat anyone.

But five weeks into the 2025 season, things are looking awfully similar to 2024. Four teams (Kansas City Current, Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit, and NJ/NY Gotham FC) are breaking away at the top of the standings, sweeping the other 10 teams in their path.

This week, Full Time hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan discuss whether the NWSL is losing its chaos. What has happened to the parity in the league? Should fans, broadcasters or the league itself be concerned? And, what are these four elite teams doing so right to blaze ahead? The Athletic's staff writer Jeff Rueter, also joins the debate to help analyze the past, present, and future of the NWSL's competitive balance.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

USWNT captain Lindsey Heaps says salary cap issue to blame for NWSL departures

State of the League: Before the NWSL can take on the world, it must find its place in the U.S.

Depleted Spirit defeats reigning NWSL champion despite Trinity Rodman’s absence

Put the Washington Spirit in bubble wrap. Plus, NWSL’s coaching pipeline problem

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HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan

GUESTS: Jeff Rueter

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Get in touch: [email protected]

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 Orlando Pride looked unbeatable through four weeks of the NWSL. Then, a depleted Washington Spirit, missing 11 players including Trinity Rodman, came along.

On this week's Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits discusses how the Spirit pulled off the biggest result of the 2025 season so far, as well as the other top stories from the NWSL weekend.

PLUS: The Athletic's Laia Cervello also joins the podcast to report on the UEFA Women's Champions League semifinal first legs, where Barcelona humbled Chelsea.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

Trinity Rodman stepping away from Washington Spirit to address back issues

Depleted Spirit defeats reigning NWSL champion despite Trinity Rodman’s absence

USWNT’s Trinity Rodman: ‘I don’t know if my back will ever be 100 percent’

Barcelona punish Chelsea to take three-goal lead in Women’s Champions League semi-final

Arsenal endure their reminder of Lyon’s pedigree but still go to France with hope

Arsenal edged out by Lyon in first leg of Women’s Champions League semi-final

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUEST: Laia Cervello

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Get in touch: [email protected]

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.

Angel City FC has hired a new head coach. On June 1, Alexander Straus will leave Bayern Munich for Los Angeles and the NWSL.

But what was it about Straus that got him the job? What was ACFC's search and interview process like? How will the coach and the club match their visions?

On this week's Full Time Focus, host Tamerra Griffin discusses the Straus hire fresh from a press conference with ACFC sporting director Mark Parsons and club president Julie Uhrman.

Later on, Talia Barrington joins the show to take the listener inside the launch of Canada's Northern Super League. Then, Andre Carlisle hops on to give insight into the mindset of the Washington Spirit ahead of its marquee match against the Orlando Pride this weekend — a rematch of the 2024 NWSL Championship final.

PLUS: Tamerra and Producer Theo preview the upcoming UEFA Women's Champions League semifinal first legs that will see Arsenal host Lyon and Barcelona welcome Chelsea.

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Mentioned on the show:

Alexander Straus to become Angel City head coach in June

Inside Canada’s Northern Super League: A new soccer competition created by players for players

Thorns forward Deyna Castellanos unable to join team abroad due to potential travel ban

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HOST: Tamerra Griffin

GUESTS: Talia Barrington, Andre Carlisle

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Get in touch: [email protected]

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 is coveting new eyeballs and growth. But, after an announcement that the league would be establishing a "league supporter's group" as a sponsorship collaboration with an energy drink named Unwell, many are wondering if the NWSL actually understands soccer fans.

This week, Full Time hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan discuss tension in the relationship between the league and its supporters. With the help of voices from four different NWSL supporter's groups from across the country, Tamerra and Meg unpack what values are most important to key community stakeholders and where the NWSL might well be falling short.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

Full Time Newsletter: Feeling ‘Unwell’ about a brand activation

Fan who used hateful language toward Barba Banda banned by Gotham FC

NWSL missed a chance to help Barbra Banda amid bad-faith attacks. More are inevitable

State of the League: Before the NWSL can take on the world, it must find its place in the U.S.

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HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan

GUESTS: Jaimie Calderon, Tina Ettlin, Douglas Reyes-Ceron, Kirsten Ross

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Get in touch: [email protected]

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.

After 385 days, Midge Purce is back. On Sunday, the USWNT forward made her NWSL return from an ACL injury.

But what does Purce's return mean for Gotham FC? A club

On this week's Full Time Review, staff writer at The Athletic Asli Pelit hosts a discussion of the weekend's NWSL action. Starting with the scene in New Jersey to witness Purce's comeback and Gotham's first win, then moving to the continued perfection of Orlando Pride and KC Current at the top of the standings and signs of life for the Chicago Stars.

PLUS: Megan Feringa hops on the pod to give her verdict on the English women's FA Cup semifinals, Olivia Smith's determination, and another Phallon Tullis-Joyce masterclass.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

Gotham FC forward Midge Purce returns to the field a year after ACL injury

Alanna Kennedy, toughest player in women’s soccer?

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HOST: Asli Pelit

GUEST: Megan Feringa

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Get in touch: [email protected]

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.

Women's sports may be booming, but establishing a bright future might rely on understanding the past.

On this week's Full Time Focus, host Jilian Sakovits is joined by Meg Linehan, who last week sat down for a one-on-one interview with sports icon Billie Jean King in Los Angeles to talk all things women's sports. With clips from that conversation interspersed, Meg talks about how BJK emphasized the importance of knowing your history, investment, and the need for women's sports to progress even faster.

PLUS: Jilian and Producer Theo give their women's FA Cup semifinal predictions and look ahead to Week 4 of the NWSL.

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Mentioned on the show:

Emma Hayes is putting her USWNT players in the frying pan. Who can handle the heat?

Michele Kang on $25 million U.S. Soccer investment: ‘It’s a very critical moment for all of us’

Who is Emma Hayes building the USWNT around?

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUESTS: Meg Linehan

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Get in touch: [email protected]

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 USWNT's April window is over. A California double-header against Brazil resulted in one win and one defeat.

So, what have we learned from these two matches? As Emma Hayes continues her year of discovery, who is at the core of her roster? Who is she building the future USWNT around?

This week, Full Time hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan are joined by The Athletic's Jeff Rueter to analyze the USA's two performances against Brazil while also trying to answer some big questions about the present and future of this roster.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

Emma Hayes is putting her USWNT players in the frying pan. Who can handle the heat?

USWNT forward Alyssa Thompson’s resurgence on the field is a lesson in resilience

Washington Spirit owner Michele Kang invests $25 million in U.S. Soccer for women’s soccer development

Michele Kang on $25 million U.S. Soccer investment: ‘It’s a very critical moment for all of us’

Trinity Rodman scores in first game back with USWNT, helping defeat Brazil 2-0

USWNT no longer has a goalkeeping succession plan, leaving opportunity in net wide open

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HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan

GUEST: Jeff Rueter

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

_______________

Get in touch: [email protected]

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 this week's Full Time Review, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by staff writer at The Athletic Tamerra Griffin to discuss the USWNT's 2-0 win over Brazil at SoFi Stadium.

How did SoFi Stadium handle its first-ever women's sports event? How important was Trinity Rodman on her return? Did Los Angeles local Alyssa Thompson have her best international performance yet?

Ahead of the second friendly with Brazil on Tuesday in San Jose, Tamerra also ponders what USWNT head coach Emma Hayes still needs to see from her developmental squad.

PLUS: Jillian and Producer Theo round up some eye-catching results from around the world of international soccer. From an eclectic friendly in Kansas City to a surprise intercontinental result in Osaka.

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Articles referenced on the show:

Trinity Rodman scores in first game back with USWNT, helping defeat Brazil 2-0

USWNT no longer has a goalkeeping succession plan, leaving opportunity in net wide open

USWNT forward Alyssa Thompson’s resurgence on the field is a lesson in resilience

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUEST: Tamerra Griffin

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

_______________

Get in touch: [email protected]

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 USA is all but confirmed to co-host the 2031 Women's World Cup.

The news is not official just yet but comes after FIFA president Gianni Infantino said in an address that the Americans were part of a lone bid for 2031, while the UK was the sole bidder for 2035.

On this week's Full Time Focus, host Jilian Sakovits and the newest member of The Athletic's global women's soccer team, Asli Pelit Basker, react to the news, break down the procedure that remains to ratify the decision while also unpacking what FIFA, U.S. Soccer, and Concacaf need to overcome.

PLUS: Charlotte Harpur joins the show to analyze Manchester United's decision to extend the contract of head coach Marc Skinner.

Jilian and Producer Theo touch on more NWSL news and what they're looking out for when the USWNT faces Brazil this weekend.

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Articles from the show:

FIFA confirms U.S.-Mexico, UK as sole bidders for 2031, 2035 Women’s World Cups

For 2026 World Cup traveling fans, U.S. visa policy, wait times present roadblocks

Women’s World Cup: Why U.S./Mexico pivoted from 2027 to ‘record-breaking’ bid for 2031

Zambia withdraws four NWSL players from matches in China over United States ‘travel measures’

Fan who used hateful language toward Barba Banda banned by Gotham FC

Viral goal puts Gerard Pique’s women’s soccer league in the spotlight

Manchester United head coach Marc Skinner signs new two-year contract

Podcast episodes mentioned on the show:

Lily Yohannes: How the teenage USWNT star is meeting the moment

USWNT roster breakdown and strategy for Brazil friendlies

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUESTS: Asli Pelit Basker, Charlotte Harpur

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Get in touch: [email protected]

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.

Ajax and USWNT midfielder Lily Yohannes joins the Full Time podcast for a special interview this week.

The teenager talks about her extraordinary rise, her focus on living in the moment, her relationship with Emma Hayes, her life in Amsterdam, and her experience developing in the European academy system.

Hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan also share their reflections on watching Yohannes emerge and how the upcoming Brazil friendlies are yet another spotlight for her to step into.

Plus, Tamerra talks about her exciting new announcement at The Athletic's global women's soccer team grows.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

Who is Lily Yohannes? The 16-year-old USWNT goal-scorer breaking through at Ajax

Previewing USWNT’s gold medal rematch. Plus, meet our new writers!

Lily Yohannes picks USWNT over Netherlands: What Ajax teen’s decision means for Emma Hayes’ squad

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HOSTS: Tamerra Griffin, Meg Linehan

GUEST: Lily Yohannes

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Get in touch: [email protected]

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.