Ashley Sanchez on her incredible 2026 and USWNT ambitions

Ashley Sanchez on her incredible 2026 and USWNT ambitions

Author: The Athletic August 14, 2026 Duration: 22:49

Ashley Sanchez has been one of the best players of the 2026 NWSL season. In a career year for the 27-year-old North Carolina Courage attacker, the conversation is turning to whether it is time for a return to the U.S. women’s national team.


On this episode of Full Time, Jillian Sakovits is joined by Sanchez to talk all about her incredible 2026. From what new head coach Mak Lind has brought to North Carolina, to how she has refined her game on the pitch, and enjoyed major life changes off of it. She also unpacks what it would mean to win a first-ever NWSL Golden Boot trophy and the latest on whether USWNT head coach Emma Hayes has been in touch.


PLUS: The news that the Chicago Stars have parted ways with head coach Martin Sjögren after just 18 matches in charge.

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HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUEST: Ashley Sanchez

PRODUCER: Theo Lloyd-Hughes

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Referenced on the show:

NWSL Golden Boot race: Can anyone overtake Temwa Chawinga or Barbra Banda?

Chicago Stars fire Martin Sjögren, name Karina Báez interim head coach

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For anyone who lives and breathes the beautiful game as played by women, Full Time: A show about women's soccer is your essential audio companion. This isn't just a recap show; it's a deep, thoughtful, and often lively exploration of the entire ecosystem. Produced by the journalists at The Athletic, the podcast delivers expert analysis and storytelling you can trust, moving seamlessly from the latest U.S. women’s national team drama to the week's pivotal NWSL results and major stories from leagues across Europe and the globe. Three times a week, hosts Meg Linehan, Tamerra Griffin, and Jillian Sakovits break down the matches, but more importantly, they dig into the culture, context, and consequential conversations that define the sport's moment. You'll hear from fellow reporters, players, coaches, and insiders who provide unique perspectives you won't find anywhere else. Whether it's a transfer saga, a tactical revolution, or a discussion about the broader impact of the game, this is where the narrative gets unpacked. Tune in for a blend of immediate reaction, investigative reporting, and the kind of informed debate that mirrors the passion of the fans themselves. This podcast goes beyond the final whistle to deliver the full story.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Full Time: A show about women's soccer
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