This week's Full Time is the first in a two-part 2025 NWSL Season Preview.

Meg Linehan is joined by former NWSL player-turned-broadcaster Jill Loydon and staff writer at USA Today's Pro Soccer Wire Jason Anderson to analyze the seven teams in what the podcast is calling the 'NWSL East'.

How are Orlando Pride, Washington Spirit, NJ/NY Gotham FC, KC Current, NC Courage, Chicago Stars, and Racing Louisville all shaping up before the start of the regular season? Everything you need to know is in this roundtable.

Meg and Jason also preview the 2025 NWSL Challenge Cup, which will see the Pride take on the Spirit in a rematch of the 2024 NWSL Championship. They will be trying to answer some questions about what that trophy means for both the teams involved and the league as a whole. 

PLUS: Meg has the weekly headlines from around the world. From a Goal of the Year contender in LigaMX Femenil to the official delay of the FIFA Women's Club World Cup.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

USWNT’s Sophia Wilson announces pregnancy

FIFA Women’s Club World Cup delay and new Champions Cup explained

Lizbeth Ovalle’s adapted ‘scorpion kick’ – the most startling goal of 2025

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HOST: Meg Linehan

GUESTS: Jason Anderson, Jill Loydon

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Myka Rodriguez

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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In August 2023, on the pitch in Sydney, Australia, Spanish forward Jenni Hermoso's life changed. But not in the way it should have.In a moment that became more widely known as "The Kiss" former Spanish Football Federation President Luis Rubiales, grabbed Hermoso's face and planted a kiss on her lips.

It became front page news around the world.In February 2025, Rubiales went on trial for one count of sexual assault and one of coercion. If he was found guilty of both counts, the prosecution was asking for a two and a half year prison sentence.In the end, following a two week trial, Rubiales was found guilty of sexual assault but not guilty of coercion.

So, how did we get to this ruling?

Meg Linehan guides you through the full story, with the help of The Athletic's Spanish reporters, from the pitch in Sydney, to the hills of south Spain, over to the court room of Madrid. And ultimately ask one question, se acabó? Is it over?

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Credits

Host: Meg Linehan.

Contributors: Dermot Corrigan, Guillermo Rai, Laia Cervello and Tomas Hill Lopez-Menchero.

Producer: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

Executive Producers: Abi Paterson and Emily Olsen

Featuring footage from: ABC News, Sky Sports, Al Jazeera, The Independent, Sky News, France 24 English, Fox, Jenni Hermoso Instagram, RFEF

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This week on Full Time, Meg Linehan and Jeff Rueter break down the USWNT's SheBelieves Cup performance, including the 2-1 defeat to Japan. Is it time to push the panic button? Or do we need to lean into Emma Hayes' call for patience and development?

In addition to picking the bones on the first defeat for the USA under Hayes, Meg and Jeff give their takes on USA newcomers, give lots of flowers to Japan, and debate the state of the USA midfield.

After all that, Angel City FC sporting director Mark Parsons then joins the show for an exclusive interview to talk about his vision for the Los Angeles NWSL club, as well as the latest on their head coaching vacancy.

PLUS: Meg and Jeff close out the show by getting their fashion on. Yes, over a dozen new NWSL kits have been released, and it's time to have some fun unpacking the good, the bad, and the ugly.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

Why USWNT’s loss to Japan in SheBelieves Cup could be a ‘good thing’ for Emma Hayes’ team

2025 NWSL jerseys: What the teams say about the new releases and our favorites

Japan unseats USWNT in SheBelieves Cup, ending 5-year tournament winning streak

Angel City narrows coaching search to 4 candidates, sporting director says

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HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Jeff Rueter

GUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Megan Feringa

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Myka Rodriguez

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Get in touch: [email protected]

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Special guest Becky Sauerbrunn joins host Meg Linehan to talk all things USWNT, the SheBelieves Cup, and her post-career transition to broadcasting with TNT Sports, as well as her podcasting with Sam Mewis. The conversation also dips into being on the other side of the media divide, USWNT leadership, and what Sauerbrunn's latest books and TV recommendations are.

Later on in the show, The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei joins Meg to report on the ground from Houston, Texas, where the SheBelieves Cup kicks off. What is the atmosphere like in camp? How is Emma Hayes and her experimental team approaching these matches? And, could the three visiting nations be in more of a 'win-now' headspace?

PLUS: Meg gets you caught up on all the Luis Rubiales trial, Khadija 'Bunny' Shaw's powerful statement, and other international and NWSL news from another busy week in women's soccer.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

Luis Rubiales guilty of sexual assault and fined €10,000 for kissing Jenni Hermoso at World Cup

Chloe Kelly on Arsenal, England and what happens next: ‘I’m ready to learn and be happy again’

USWNT names to watch during the SheBelieves Cup. Plus, Khadija Shaw’s powerful moment

2025 NWSL Competition Manual: What’s New

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HOST: Meg Linehan

GUESTS: Becky Sauerbrunn, Melanie Anzidei

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Get in touch: [email protected]

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Emma Hayes has a new strategic vision for the U.S. women's national team, called 'The WNT Way'.

Host Meg Linehan is joined by The Athletic's Jeff Rueter to discuss how the new blueprint is attempting to revolutionize the existing approach to women's soccer in terms of anatomy, psychology, coaching and tactics.

The duo also break down the latest USWNT roster for the upcoming 2025 SheBelieves Cup, the importance of a returning Cat Macario, and who are the new faces to watch.

PLUS: Meg and Jeff open the show by examining how the NWSLPA and NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman are responding to the latest government efforts to ban trans athletes.

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HOSTS: Meg Linehan, 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

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This week Full Time unpacks the outcome of a joint investigation by the attorneys general of the District of Columbia, Illinois, and New York into systemic abuse within the National Women's Soccer League from 2013 until 2021.

As a result, the NWSL must create a $5 million player compensation fund as part of a settlement regarding its role in widespread allegations of abuse.

We examine how we got here and what made the 2021 NWSL reckoning so impactful. What does this restitution fund mean for the league and women's soccer worldwide? Why is it important to note that the NWSL Players Association is the one forcing the league to be accountable?

Hear from former players Erin Simon and Tori Huster as well as NWSLPA executive Meghann Burke as they reflect on the week's historic settlement.

PLUS: The trial of former Spanish soccer federation president Luis Rubiales is underway in Madrid. How does it intersect with the NWSL's landmark changes and the broader landscape of making women's soccer safer around the world?

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Articles mentioned on the show:

NWSL agrees to pay $5 million to players who suffered abuse in new settlement

NWSL players pause games in protest as games return in wake of Paul Riley investigation

‘This guy has a pattern’: Amid institutional failure, former NWSL players accuse prominent coach of sexual coercion

Luis Rubiales trial: Jorge Vilda spoke of ‘consequences’ for Jenni Hermoso, claims her brother

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HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Theo Lloyd-Hughes

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

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Denver has officially been announced as the NWSL's 16th expansion team. But how did this ownership group win the bid?

This week on Full Time, Meg Linehan and Theo Lloyd-Hughes focus on understanding what made Denver special.

To help do that, NWSL commissioner Jess Berman joins the show to give the inside scoop on how the league evaluated the bids.

Then, Athletic staff writer Melanie Anzidei discusses her report on the bidding process, the latest news on a stadium, and anecdotes from talking to lead investor Rob Cohen.

Finally, Full Time catches up with For Denver FC co-founder, broadcaster, and Colorado native Jordan Angeli to talk about the community aspect and what NWSL fans can expect as Denver joins the chaos.

There's even time to contemplate who could be Denver's first-ever player.

PLUS: The latest transfer news from around the NWSL, Crystal Dunn and Jenna Nighswonger leave Gotham FC, and plenty of stars extend their contracts, too.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

Inside Denver’s winning NWSL bid: How grassroots and confidence beat stadium plans and Caitlin Clark

After Naomi Girma’s record-breaking transfer, who will be the next major-money move?

Alyssa and Gisele Thompson agree new Angel City contract extensions

USWNT’s Crystal Dunn, Gotham FC agree to mutually part ways

Arsenal and Gotham FC agree to $100,000 transfer of USWNT defender Jenna Nighswonger

Chelsea’s unveiling of USWNT star Naomi Girma, the support act to main event of stamping authority on WSL

Portland Thorns, Sophia Smith agree to contract extension: ‘I’m in the prime years of my career’

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HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Theo Lloyd-Hughes

GUESTS: Jessica Berman, Melanie Anzidei, Jordan Angeli

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

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It's an emergency episode of Full Time. 

On Sunday, Chelsea officially announced the transfer of U.S. women's national team defender Naomi Girma from the San Diego Wave for a record fee of $1.1 million. 

Hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan break down the deal, from the timeline of Girma's transfer request to the chain reaction around the globe. 

Jessy Parker Humphreys joins from Stamford Bridge where Girma was unveiled ahead of Chelsea's WSL match against Arsenal. Then, Matt Slater unpacks the business and economics of this historic transfer. 

Before closing out, Tamerra and Meg discuss listeners' burning questions about the stunning move, and what it means to see one of the biggest USWNT players leave the NWSL. 

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Articles mentioned on the show:

Chelsea and San Diego finalizing record $1.1 million transfer for USWNT’s Naomi Girma: Sources

USWNT’s Naomi Girma completes Chelsea move for record transfer fee in women’s soccer

The first $1m female footballer will be a defender and that feels just right

USWNT defender Naomi Girma as $1m transfer pioneer should surprise nobody

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HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin

GUESTS: Jessy Parker Humphreys, Matt Slater

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.

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This week on Full Time, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan take a deep dive into the new world of NCAA rookie free agency. Since the NWSLPA inked a new CBA with the league in 2024, which abolished the draft, what has it been like to navigate turning pro in this historic offseason?

To help with the discussion, Tamerra and Meg spoke to rookies out of UCLA, Quincy McMahon (now San Diego Wave) and Lilly Reale (now Gotham FC), soccer agent Gabriel Chapman from Inspired XI, and Gotham FC GM Yael Averbuch-West.

PLUS: Meg unpacks her reporting on the impending world-record transfer of Naomi Girma to Chelsea. And, while talking a little NWSL and English WSL crossover, The Athletic's Charlotte Harpur joins the show to give the latest on the title race, an instantly classic Manchester Derby, and what Girma's signing means.

Oh, and yes, the schedule is out. Meg says so.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

Chelsea and San Diego finalizing record $1.1 million transfer for USWNT’s Naomi Girma: Sources

Manchester City complete signing of Kerolin from North Carolina Courage

USWNT defender Naomi Girma as $1m transfer pioneer should surprise nobody

NWSL schedule release: Key matchups, how to watch and the return of Decision Day

Manchester United’s intensity forced City into the errors that sealed historic win

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HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin

GUESTS: Charlotte Harpur, Quincy McMahon, Lilly Reale, Gabriel Chapman, Yael Averbuch-West

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.

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This week on Full Time, Casey Stoney joins the podcast to talk about her brand new job as the head coach of the Canadian women's national team.

Sitting down with Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan, the former Manchester United and San Diego Wave boss reveals her thoughts on why she was the perfect fit, the importance of building trust with players, the legacy she wants to leave in Canada, and how to make the underdog nation a serious contender to win a World Cup in 2027.

And, of course, they make time to chat a little about water coolers and long coats too.

PLUS: Tamerra and Meg unpack and analyze Jaedyn Shaw's transfer from the Wave to the North Carolina Courage, and the Angel City and the community's response to the heartbreaking fires in Los Angeles County.

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Articles mentioned on the show:

Casey Stoney confirmed as new Canada Women head coach

Mark Parsons, former NWSL coach, joins Angel City FC as sporting director: ‘I want to be here for as long as possible’

Canada’s new coach addresses drone scandal: ‘This is an opportunity for us to move forward’

USWNT’s Jaedyn Shaw traded to North Carolina Courage from San Diego Wave

Los Angeles teams, Fanatics donate $11 million in money, merchandise to wildfire victims

Soccer players Carlos Vela and Ali Riley lose homes in L.A. wildfires

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HOSTS: Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin

GUEST: Casey Stoney

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

VIDEO PRODUCER: Lia Griffin

EXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen

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Donations to LAFD foundation: https://supportlafd.org/

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Get in touch: [email protected]

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