Mallory Swanson makes her NWSL return

Mallory Swanson makes her NWSL return

Author: The Athletic May 19, 2026 Duration: 33:20

It was a weekend marked by returns in the NWSL and farewells in the WSL.


Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic’s Asli Pelit to discuss Mallory Swanson’s first appearance for the Chicago Stars since becoming a new mom and Temwa Chawinga’s continued scoring binge for the Kansas City Current. They also break down the Utah Royals’ eight-match unbeaten streak and what might explain their success. Then, The Athletic’s Cerys Jones joins Jillian to look back at the final matchday for the WSL. They review Sam Kerr’s record-tying goal for Chelsea, whether Khadija “Bunny” Shaw might still find a home at Manchester City and what’s next for Manchester United after finishing fourth in the league table.

_______________

HOST: Jillian Sakovits

GUESTS: Asli Pelit, Cerys Jones

This podcast was produced by The Athletic.

_______________

Referenced on the show:

Mallory Swanson makes long-awaited return to Chicago Stars after 554 days away

Man United have been close to the top for so long. Is their current approach enough to change that?

_______________

Get in touch: ⁠⁠fulltime@theathletic.com⁠⁠

Follow on Instagram and TikTok: @tafulltime

Subscribe to our Youtube channel: here

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.


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: 100

Full Time: A show about women's soccer
Podcast Episodes
Is Gotham FC moving to New York City? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:22
Is Gotham FC headed to the city of bright lights?On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with The Athletic's Melanie Anzidei for a conversation about the reports that 2025 NWSL champions could…
Boston Legacy's Nichelle Prince and the art of betting on yourself [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 22:51
On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits sits down with Canadian international and Boston Legacy forward Nichelle Prince for a one-on-one interview. The duo chats about the Legacy's first win of the seas…
Emma Hayes' NWSL road trip: Soccer, drums and babies [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 37:53
Over the last few weeks, U.S. women's national team head coach Emma Hayes has toured the NWSL, attending matches, playing the drums and holding babies. While it's not out of the ordinary for coaches to do such scouting t…
A Champions League final of cinematic proportions [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:28
Gird your loins because the UEFA Women's Champions League final is set between rivals FC Barcelona and OL Lyonnes and the only word to describe it is cinematic. But how did we get here?Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by…
Chelsea legend Millie Bright's legacy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 17:56
On this episode of Full Time Focus, host Jillian Sakovits and The Athletic's UK soccer writer Cerys Jones discuss Chelsea defender Millie Bright's retirement. Bright has been a key figure in women's soccer, especially in…
Should the NWSL flip its calendar? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:58
Over the last few weeks, the NWSL has debated flipping its Spring to Fall season calendar and instead aligning itself with other top European leagues and the FIFA international schedule by using the Fall to Spring calend…
Sophia Wilson’s first goal as a mom & who is Jose the Coyote? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 27:00
After 540 days, Sophia Wilson is back scoring in the NWSL. So, what does it mean for the former MVP to net her first goal since returning from the birth of her first child? Host Jillian Sakovits is joined by The Athletic…