What it’s like on a road trip with Bay FC
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 SakovitsGUEST: Tamerra GriffinPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Inside the KC Current's dominance
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 showKansas City Current clinch NWSL playoff spot with 8 weeks to spareAfter 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 LinehanGUESTS: Lo LaBonta, Temwa Chawinga, Caitlin Carducci, Angie Long, Chris LongPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Remembering Matt Beard & the KC Current lifts first major trophy
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 footballFormer Liverpool women head coach Matt Beard dies aged 47_______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Charlotte Harpur, Daniel SperryPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Commissioner Jess Berman talks NWSL salary cap and expansion, plus Full Time's Ballon d'Or predictions
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 endNWSL commissioner Jessica Berman talks expansion, salary cap and player safetyNWSL to launch pair of combines to help identify prospective playersReign defeat Racing in resumed match after Savannah DeMelo’s medical emergencyInside Alyssa Thompson’s move to Chelsea: Tearful goodbyes, late nights and customary pizzaWho should win the women’s Ballon d’Or: Aitana Bonmati, Alessia Russo, Chloe Kelly?_______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Asli Pelit, Megan FeringaPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Exploring Hispanic culture and identity with Rocky Rodriguez, Aisha Solorzano & Reyna Reyes
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 showHispanic Heritage Month 2025 | San Diego Community Resource GuideNoche Latina in Houston _______________HOST: Jillian SakovitsGUESTS: Melanie Anzidei, Rocky Rodriguez, Aisha Solorzano, Reyna ReyesPRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-HughesVIDEO PRODUCER: Lia GriffinEXECUTIVE PRODUCER: Emily Olsen_______________Get in touch: fulltime@theathletic.comFollow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltimeSubscribe to the Full Time newsletter hereVisit the Yahoo Women's Sports hub here Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.