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

Moments after the USA's confident 4-1 win over Germany at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Tamerra Griffin and Steph Yang jump on the Full Time podcast to break down all the action. Why does the Americans' front three look so cohesive right now? Is there anyone that... more

Immediately after the USA's 3-0 win over Zambia at the 2024 Paris Olympics, Tamerra Griffin and Steph Yang sit down to react to all the action. How did Emma Hayes appear in her first major tournament game? Did the USA's attack do enough against 10 players?... more

Tamerra Griffin and Steph Yang host a special episode of the Full Time podcast that previews the entire 2024 Paris Olympics soccer tournament. With the help of three additional experts, from The Athletic's soccer desk, the crew breaks down everything you need... more

This week, Meg and Tamerra analyze how the U.S. women's national performed in their final two dress rehearsals, against Mexico and Costa Rica, ahead of the start of the 2024 Paris Olympics. There may just be a growing concern that the USA's midfield is, in... more

This week is the 25th anniversary of the U.S. women's national team winning the 1999 World Cup, so what better way to celebrate than by bringing two legendary players from that team onto the podcast? Hall of Famers Julie Foudy and Briana Scurry joined... more

With just over half the season played - and the month-long Olympic break on the horizon - it is the perfect time to zoom out and have a healthy debate on the state of the 2024 NWSL season. Hosts Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan are joined by former player... more

The USA's 2024 Paris Olympics roster is finally here. So, Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan take a deep dive into the major takeaways, leading with head coach Emma Hayes' big decision to leave behind veteran forward and co-captain Alex Morgan. Was it the... more

To celebrate Juneteenth, Tamerra Griffin hosts a special episode of the podcast to explore the holiday and Blackness in the NWSL. Alongside Tamerra's musings on the history of Juneteenth, commitment to liberation, and the importance of telling Black stories... more

Ahead of Bay FC's first game against Utah Royals in the NWSL, Tamerra and Meg take a closer look at the newest expansion teams in the league. As we approach midseason, what are the two clubs doing similarly, and how are their approaches unique? To help get... more

In the immediate aftermath of the USWNT's victories over South Korea, Meg Linehan and fellow Athletic writer Steph Yang joined podcast host Tamerra Griffin live from Allianz Field, in Saint Paul, MN, for a roundtable discussion of the biggest moments and... more

At long last, Emma Hayes is in the United States to officially begin her tenure as the head coach of the U.S. women's national team. And, there is a lot to talk about. Tamerra Griffin and Meg Linehan debate whether there has ever been an incoming coach with... more

It's a new era for the U.S. women's national team, and it's also a new era for Full Time with Meg Linehan. On the first episode back, new podcast co-host Tamerra Griffin and Meg analyzed the names that made the cut, and some notable absentees, from Emma... more

We're so excited to announce that Meg and the show are back and bigger than ever on May 23.

Here's a little trailer explaining what to expect from the show and why we're so excited to return.

Thanks for listening.

Meg joins Sophie Penney to talk about Megan Rapinoe's final professional game and the legacy she leaves behind.

Adam Crafton, Meg Linehan and Charlotte Harpur are with Sophie Penney to digest the big news that Emma Hayes is leaving Chelsea, likely for the U.S. Women’s National Team (USWNT). After 11 years at Chelsea, winning 13 major trophies, Hayes is primed to... more

Meg and Steph are in Cincinnati for USWNT vs. South Africa. They react to the news of the NWSL coming to Boston! How big is it for the city and what's next? Boston’s NWSL ownership made ‘full sprint’ for its bid: An investor explains how it came together:... more

Meg is joined by Angel City FC co-founder Kara Nortman to talk about her recent column on Yahoo Sports, "With the Women’s World Cup now over, here are 5 big soccer predictions". Takeaways from the World Cup, the future of the NWSL, and the current situation... more

Meg Linehan and Jeff Reuter react to the resignation of USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski. What went wrong for Andonovski during his tenure? What is the future of Kate Markgraf? Plus, who are some candidates to be the next USWNT head coach? USWNT’s... more

Meg Linehan and Kim McCauley discuss where the USWNT goes from here. What is the future of Vlatko Andonovski? Where do the issues in the program stem from? Plus, a recap of Spain's thrilling extra time win over the Netherlands, and Sweden's 2-1 win over... more

Meg Linehan and Steph Yang react to the USWNT's stunning loss to Sweden in the Round of 16 in the 2023 Women's World Cup. Naomi Girma was the shining light for the US, but what were the biggest issues for the Americans?

Meg Linehan and Steph Yang get you ready for the USWNT's Round of 16 matchup against Sweden. What has changed with the US? Can they bounce back from an unimpressive group stage?

Plus, an overview of the tournament — Is this the best Women's World Cup ever?!

Meg Linehan and Emily Olsen react to the USWNT's 0-0 draw against Portugal to advance to the Round of 16. The US narrowly escapes crashing out of the tournament — How do the Americans bounce back? Can they fix the issues? Is the disconnect between NWSL and... more

Tanya Hvizdak, Vice President of Global Women's Sports Marketing at Nike, joins Meg Linehan on Full Time to dive into all of Nike's on-the-ground commitments at the Women's World Cup in Australia and New Zealand. Learn about Nike's base camps: How Nike is... more

Meg Linehan and Steph Yang bring you Full Time's reaction to the USWNT's 3-0 win against Vietnam in their opening match of the 2023 Women's World Cup. First up, a deep-dive into the US performance: -Sophia Smith's memorable World Cup debut -Rose Lavelle... more

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Meg Linehan and Steph Yang are on the ground in Australia and New Zealand for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. They bring you first impressions of the host countries, matches... more

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Michelle Owen is joined by Charlotte Harpur, Meg Linehan and Michael Cox to give you the perfect preview guide to the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup. We run through every single... more

Alan Waxman, co-chair of Bay FC and co-founder and CEO of Sixth Street, joins Full Time to discuss the ongoing NWSL expansion efforts in the Bay Area, following the new team’s branding reveal and CEO/general manager hires. From the team’s approach to player... more

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Sam Mewis joins Full Time to discuss her recent trip to Amsterdam for a conference with global player union FIFPro, how the USWNT players association tries to share their... more

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Meg is joined by Steph Yang and Jeff Rueter to discuss the final USWNT roster for the 2023 World Cup, player by player and position by position. From the team’s depth, to major... more

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Meg is joined by Canadian and Portland Thorns forward Janine Beckie — currently rehabbing her ACL injury — to preview Canada’s World Cup — including their journey through the... more

Steph Yang talks with "Angel City" director Arlene Nelson about how she spent 1+ year filming the team, the ways she wanted to bring viewers into the experience, and a possible season 2.

Watch interview: https://youtu.be/e5ET1sX1x60

Steph Yang talks with Julie Uhrman, Angel City co-founder and president, about wanting people to see the difficulties of creating an expansion club, and her thoughts on the future direction of the NWSL.

Watch interview: https://youtu.be/Hq1Ou9cVCEk

Steph Yang talks with Angel City FC co-founder and owner Natalie Portman about why she wanted to make the HBO documentary, "Angel City", the importance of story-telling, and being the "cool sports friend" now.

Watch interview: https://youtu.be/I49gSTNHLds

Steph Yang talks with Angel City FC forward Jasmyne Spencer about what it was like filming HBO's docuseries "Angel City", and the stories that she hopes continue to be told in women's soccer.

Watch interview: https://youtu.be/38LaUNg3jhg

This is a special "Journey to the Cup" episode brought to you by Google Chrome. Meg is joined by Charlotte Harpur and Steph Yang to discuss everything happening with the French women’s national team — from multiple players stepping away from the team over... more

Meg checks in from New Zealand where she's on USWNT duty, and has audio from the post-game press conferences from the first match of the World Cup year for both the U.S. and the New Zealand Football Ferns. Vlatko Andonovski and Mal Swanson offer their thoughts... more

Meg and Steph are back for 2023, with so much happening on the first real Monday of the year that we needed an emergency pod. First up, new Portland Thorns FC head coach Mike Norris, then a discussion of the corrective actions and sanctions announced by the... more

Following the release of the NWSL/NWSL PA joint investigation report that found “widespread misconduct” across the league, Meg and Steph discuss their reactions to the report, the timing of its release, and the major findings and how they’ll impact the league... more

It’s time to catch up with Steph Yang! First, we discuss the new partnership between The Athletic and Google and reflect on what it means about where we’ve been and where we’re going. Then, tons of topics from the NWSL championship, NWSL fines, the USWNT’s... more

Let’s talk about some numbers! National Research Group’s Jay Kaufman (Executive Vice President and Head of Sports) and Mary Moczula (Global Marketing and Communications Director) join Full Time to discuss NRG’s recent study on women’s sports titled Leveling... more

Becca Roux, executive director of the USWNT Players Association, joins Full Time to discuss the collective bargaining agreement between the USWNT and U.S. Soccer, now available for everyone to read. From equal pay and equal prize money to safe working... more

We survived the NWSL Championship, and we’ve got one of the Championship winners on this week’s show! Janine Beckie is here to discuss the big game, the vibe in DC, the celebrations and what’s coming up in the off-season for her (spoiler: naps). Plus… we had... more

Meg’s on the move in DC this week ahead of the NWSL Championship. This week, players from the Portland Thorns and Kansas City Current, live from media day, answer questions about this weekend’s final. Follow our NWSL coverage at The Athletic:... more

Claire Watkins is back on Full Time to discuss the Chicago Red Stars, following the release of her exhaustive investigative report on the team this week. We discuss her new full time role at Just Women’s Sports, her reporting, and what comes next for the Red... more

Eni Aluko, Angel City Sporting Director and former Lioness, joins Lynsey Hooper and The Athletic’s UK and U.S. football reporters Charlotte Harpur and Meg Linehan for this one. All fresh from Wembley they digest the European Champions’ victory over the World... more

The report from the U.S. Soccer independent investigation, led by Sally Yates is in. Meg and Steph discuss the key findings, detailed in the report’s executive summary, as well as the systemic recommendations. Content warning: this podcast discusses sensitive... more

Kansas City Current head coach Matt Potter joins Full Time to discuss his path to the NWSL via NCAA and U.S. Soccer roles, the team’s culture and approach to external narratives and a chaotic end to the NWSL regular season, plus a whole lot more including a... more

Steph Yang is back! There’s a ton to cover since the last time she was on the show, from the congested NWSL table and race to the playoffs (plus a celebration of the wild 4-3 Spirit vs. Wave match) to the USWNT friendlies against Nigeria, and their upcoming... more

The USWNT won back-to-back games against Nigeria in Kansas City and Washington D.C. This week, we’re going to the mixed zone and press conference at Audi Field to not just get some questions in about the soccer, but the big event of the USWNT and USMNT... more

Ryan Clarke of the Oregonian joins Full Time to discuss his recent investigation reports concerning the Portland Thorns and Timbers organization, from last month’s story on former employees describing a toxic work environment for women and working mothers, to... more

We’re shifting our focus to another NWSL team this week, with Houston Dash president Jessica O’Neill joining the show to discuss the growing ambitions in Houston. After winning the first Challenge Cup, and under (relatively) new ownership in Ted Segal, the... more

Sophie Sauvage, head of international football for Olympique Lyonnais, discusses her role with both OL Reign in the NWSL and Lyon in Division 1 Féminine. From what lessons can be shared on both sides of the organization to strategy and growth of the women’s... more

Jenna Tonelli of All for XI/Nets Republic joins Meg and Steph to discuss Thursday’s breaking news that Gotham FC and head coach Scott Parkinson have parted ways, from what comes next to interim head coach options to offering up some possible solutions on the... more

England’s Euro 2022 triumph has captured the hearts of the nation, and it seems like it could lead to lasting change in women’s soccer in that country and beyond. But while many are comparing it with the USA’s win in the 1999 World Cup, there are some key... more

Meg and Steph are in Monterrey and checking in after the group stage of the CONCACAF W Championship. The USWNT, Canada, Costa Rica and Jamaica have booked their spots for the 2023 World Cup, and there’s still Olympic qualifying on the line. From Mexico’s... more

Ally’s Chief Marketing Officer Andrea Brimmer joins the show to dig into their sponsorship of the NWSL, a new pledge to equally spend on men’s and women’s sports over the next 5 years in media buys, and how they hope to challenge others to join them in backing... more

The Orlando Pride have placed head coach Amanda Cromwell and first assistant coach Sam Greene on administrative leave, all pending the results of an investigation into allegations of retaliation. It’s the latest in a long run of NWSL coaching suspensions,... more

A long, long journey is finally at its end. The United States men’s and women’s national teams have agreed to a first-of-it’s kind joint collective bargaining agreement – one which guarantees equal compensation for both teams. Meg Linehan has covered this... more

Steph Yang returns to discuss all things NWSL, from the soccer itself to the second half of that Challenge Cup final. From the airing of grievances with Gotham to some processing and “I feel” statements, we’ve got it all this week. Follow Steph on Twitter:... more

Meghann Burke, executive director of the NWSL Players Association, joins Full Time to walk everyone through the collective bargaining agreement — just signed on Friday night at Angel City’s first regular season match. Follow the NWSLPA on Twitter:... more

Sandra Herrera from CBS Sports joins to discuss the CONCACAF W Championship draw and how the new tournament is changing, plus some quick NWSL thoughts to send us into another week of the Challenge Cup. Follow Sandra on Twitter:... more

The U.S. women’s national team just cruised to a pair of victories against Uzbekistan with a combined score of 18-1. So what did we actually learn? Steph Yang is back to discuss the takeaways with Meg as this summer’s World Cup and Olympics qualifying draws... more

The NWSL challenge cup is just a handful of games old, but just in the past week there have been three separate season-ending injuries that could impact the players’ clubs and the U.S. women’s national team. Meg Linehan is here to tell us all about it. Also,... more

“Long time, no see.” Ada Hegerberg recently announced her return to the Norway women’s national team, and is prepping for the second leg of Lyon’s Champions League quarterfinal against Juventus — but she stopped by Full Time to discuss the reaction to her big... more

Susie Piortkowski, head of women’s team sports at Octagon, joins Full Time this week to discuss the growth of the NWSL and women’s sports, the role of sponsorships, and, of course, sneakers. Follow Susie on Twitter: https://twitter.com/susiepio Read more... more

Meg is joined by Steph Yang on a special live room edition of Full Time. They go through the entire NWSL league and preview the Challenge Cup. What should we expect? Which teams are the favorites?

On Wednesday, the NWSL announced they had found their new commissioner — and Jessica Berman joins Full Time on day one (though her official start date isn’t until April 20 ahead of the regular season). It’s a giant role to step into considering the events of... more

Paul Tenorio is back and ready to discuss all things U.S. Soccer — from how the men’s national team will play a role in the USWNT equal pay settlement and CBA negotiations, to the new TV deal for the USMNT and USWNT, to the upcoming presidential election... more

Meg Linehan and Steph Yang react to the USWNT players settlement with U.S. Soccer on a brand new live room on The Athletic! Meg's story:... more

This week’s guest is Molly Hensley-Clancy of the Washington Post, who discusses her investigative reporting on former Chicago Red Stars head coach Rory Dames at the NWSL and youth levels and the 2018 investigation done by U.S. Soccer, as well as the news of... more

Sarah Gregorius, FIFPRO’s Director of Policy & Strategy for Women’s Football, joins Full Time to discuss a new report from the organization on player workload. We focus in on the NWSL and the USWNT, and discuss how the schedule is ultimately the key to... more

It’s 2022, and Full Time is back! Meg and Steph catch up on the major events of the year so far, especially the ongoing collective bargaining negotiations between the players’ association and the NWSL, plus the ongoing ownership saga of the Washington Spirit... more

NWSL Players Association executive director Meghann Burke and former player Mana Shim join Full Time to discuss a new initiative designed to support NWSL players: an emergency fund that will assist current and former players with financial hardships, from car... more

The trades are done (for now, sort of) and Meg and Steph immediately hopped on Zoom to react to the protected and unprotected lists for the upcoming NWSL Expansion Draft as soon as they dropped on Friday. Real-time reactions, ruminating about the nature of the... more

Meg and Steph tackle the new-look USWNT’s performance in the final games of the year against Australia, before digging into one of the wildest NWSL trade windows ever (and it’s not even quite done yet) ahead of the NWSL expansion draft for Angel City FC and... more

The NWSL went from the high of the NWSL Championship in Louisville on Saturday to the all-too-familiar low of yet another investigative report concerning the misconduct of a head coach. Claire Watkins is here to process the news around Rory Dames following... more

Meg’s in Portland, Steph’s at home, and we’re back to discuss the NWSL semifinals, the USWNT roster and some of the latest news around the league — plus, some thoughts on Red (Taylor’s Version) because it’s currently on repeat when we’re not recording... more

After an unplanned week off, Full Time is back in a big way with Alex Morgan, Rachel Daly and Lynn Williams joining the pod to have a discussion about the NWSL and plans for 2022 — with a crowded summer of international matches and World Cup qualifiers, how... more

Just a quick check-in from Meg this week with the latest news, plus hear from new interim CEO of the NWSL Marla Messing, who spoke to the media for the first time on Wednesday. We’ve got some of her comments this episode covering the ongoing investigations... more

Meg and Steph Yang catch up to discuss both the fall-out across the NWSL (including the relocation of the NWSL Championship) but also the games and the playoff picture — plus discuss some candidates for NWSL MVP, and what we consider “most valuable.” Plus:... more

Meg and Katie Strang discuss their reporting on Thursday’s story: ‘This guy has a pattern’: Amid institutional failure, two former NWSL players accuse prominent coach of sexual coercion at The Athletic.

Read the story here: https://theathletic.com/2857633/

Meg and Steph Yang both made trips to Ohio for the USWNT friendlies against Paraguay, and compare notes in today’s show, before discussing the emotions around player retirements, a diversion on the latest episode of Ted Lasso (spoilers!), and then circling... more

The IX Newsletter’s Howard Megdal is here to discuss the latest on equal pay, with U.S. Soccer trying to take some big steps in collective bargaining negotiations and in the public sphere, plus the role of the equal pay documentary, public statements and... more

Sometimes you just want to talk about things that make you happy — so Kavitha Davidson, our culture writer at The Athletic, joins Full Time to discuss the second season of Ted Lasso, from appreciating the weekly nature of the show to a new appreciation for... more

Meg is back from vacation and Steph Yang joins the show to help her catch up on another absolutely wild week in the NWSL. Plus, Douglas Reyes-Ceron from the Rose Room Collective joins Full Time to provide some supporter perspective on what’s happening with the... more

Meg and Steph are in Portland for the Women’s International Champions Cup, and discuss the tournament’s opening matches between Lyon and Barcelona and Portland and Houston. We check in on the latest from the Washington Spirit as well and their sponsorship... more

Pablo Maurer and Steph Yang join Full Time to discuss our reporting around the coaching situation happening with the Washington Spirit, after head coach Richie Burke was suspended pending an investigation by the team this week. Plus, we take a step back to... more

Steph Yang and Meg are here with the final edition of our Olympics coverage on Full Time, with a very happy Steph celebrating Canada’s victory over Sweden via penalty kicks to win Gold. We’ve got some thoughts on the match, a little bit of reflection about... more

Steph Yang and Meg are here with another early morning reaction to a USWNT match — and we finally got a good 4 a.m. game, with the U.S. sneaking past Australia to win bronze in a “no defense, just vibes” 4-3 affair. For all our Olympic women’s soccer... more

Jeff Rueter of The Athletic joins Full Time for our final matchday minus-one preview episode ahead of the bronze and gold medal matches on Thursday. We talk about joy and some of the overall impressions of the USWNT through this tournament and what comes next,... more

Jamie Wine, partner at Latham & Watkins, joins Full Time to provide some perspective from the U.S. Soccer Federation on the USWNT players’ appeal in the equal pay lawsuit, following the opening brief from the players’ legal team and six amicus briefs... more

Sweden and Canada picked up semifinal wins to advance to the Gold medal match in Japan, while the USWNT and Australia will play for bronze on Thursday morning (4 a.m. ET). Steph Yang joins the pod for our game day breakdown of the historic result for Canada,... more

It’s USA vs. Canada in the semifinals, what Meg has decided to call the Battle of the Bagels but also serves as a perfect rematch of the epic 2012 Olympic semifinal between the two teams. Preeminent Canadian Shireen Ahmed joins the pod to determine the stress... more

Four teams have moved on in the Olympics, with the USWNT, Canada, Australia and Sweden all now looking to bring home some medals. Steph Yang is back, and we discuss all four quarterfinals, how watching overlapping knockout rounds destroyed us, Alyssa Naeher... more

Big news, which means a bonus pod! Founder and CEO of Title Nine, Missy Park, joins the show to discuss her company’s one million dollar contribution to the USWNT Players’ Association to help close gap for equal pay, plus discusses how watching LFG played a... more

Meg and Steph are back to break down the final day of group stage matches from Japan, including the USWNT’s uninspired 0-0 draw with Australia, setting up a quarterfinal against the Netherlands (and a rematch of the 2019 World Cup final). We bid farewell to... more

Meg flies solo today with your Olympic preview for the final day of the group stage for the Olympic tournament, plus the latest from the equal pay lawsuit between the players of the USWNT and U.S. Soccer and a round-up of news from across the NWSL. For all... more

The USWNT course corrected on Saturday with a 6-1 win over New Zealand, and Meg and Steph Yang are back with analysis of the second day of group stage matches from the Tokyo Olympics. Plus, from Barbra Banda to Brazil to Blackstenius, we review all the action... more

Full Time is back for a preview of the second day of group stage matches, and The Athletic’s Matt Pentz joins for what we’re watching for as the USWNT plays New Zealand on Saturday. The team itself wants to be “absolutely ruthless” as they try to start digging... more

The USWNT got a rude awakening to the start of their Olympic tournament, with Sweden dismantling them on Wednesday in a 3-0 win. Steph Yang joins for the first match-day reaction pod here at Full Time, where we try to make sense of the defeat and figure out... more