National Women's Soccer League

Esme Morgan on swapping WSL for NWSL: ‘I’ve not had to say the “s-word” so far’

The England player on signing for Washington Spirit, why she left Manchester City, and what it means for her international ambition

Charlotte Harpur10

Landon Donovan named San Diego Wave interim coach for rest of 2024 season

Steph Yang30

USWNT returns to top of FIFA world rankings after Olympic gold

Ali Rampling23

Chicago Red Stars’ stadium clash is solved – but it exposes the hurdles faced by NWSL

Steph Yang18

Canada forward Cloe Lacasse joins Utah Royals from Arsenal

Art de Roché11

Katie Zelem, from Manchester United to the U.S: ‘I’m going to Angel City to win things’

England midfielder on why she’s moving to the U.S, what happened at Manchester United, and her ambitions in Los Angeles

Steph Yang17

Former Manchester United captain Katie Zelem joins Angel City

Angel City have confirmed the signing of former Manchester United captain Katie Zelem on a deal through to 2026. Zelem, 28, joins after leaving United following the expiration of her contract at the end of June, bringing an end to a chapter that saw her make over 160 appearances for the club. A product of United’s academy, Zelem initially left in 2013 due to the absence of a senior women’s team, moving on to Liverpool and later Juventus. However, she rejoined United in 2018 when the club re-established its women’s side, quickly becoming a cornerstone of the squad. Named as…

Omar Garrick17

What we learned from Emma Hayes’ victorious USWNT at the Paris Olympics

The early signs under the new manager could hardly be more encouraging — and she’s only just getting started

Jeff Rueter92

No perfect Olympics ending for Marta – but a silver medal ‘rescue act’ was enough

There was to be no moment of magic on the pitch in Saturday’s final against the USA but the Brazilian veteran’s legacy is secured

Meg Linehan9

USWNT’s Alyssa Naeher is a brick wall to her opponents, her teammates have found a way through

The U.S. goalkeeper is known for her stoic exterior

Meg Linehan37

‘This team has gone through a lot’: How the USWNT overcame a year of change to win Olympic gold

The U.S. bounced back from its World Cup loss to secure gold a year later

Chantel Jennings70

USA 1 Brazil 0: Mal Swanson’s goal wins first USWNT Olympic gold in 12 years

How the U.S. women won Olympic gold at Brazil’s expense – yet again – in Paris on Saturday

Jeff Rueter and Steph Yang392

NWSL and NWSLPA agree terms on new collective bargaining agreement

The National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) and the NWSL Players Association have agreed terms on a new long-term collective bargaining agreement, confirmed to The Athletic by a source with knowledge of the negotiations who was not authorized to speak publicly on the deal. Players plan to announce the new deal later this month. The NWSLPA appeared to respond from an initial report from Sportico on Friday that a new CBA had been agreed, writing on X: “Any news concerning the Players’ lives will be shared directly by them, on their terms. Respect that. Stay tuned. In the meantime,…

Meg Linehan15

How USWNT head coach Emma Hayes brought fun to the Olympics: Karaoke, Lego and nails

The U.S. women might have suffered through wins on the field in France, but they’re still having fun off of it

Meg Linehan25

The Olympics have been a coronation for USWNT’s Naomi Girma and her defensive work

The USWNT defender has solidified herself as a leader on and off the pitch. She has flourished at the Olympic Games so far

Meg Linehan58

USWNT advances to the Olympic final. Plus: Vote on what to call this front line

Welcome to Full Time, The Athletic’s women’s soccer newsletter.

Emily Olsen43

Marta’s legacy is defiance, hunger and joy. But how will it end at the Olympics?

Marta will go down as one of the greatest to ever play. Her international career comes to an end in the Olympic final against the U.S.

Meg Linehan21

Emma Hayes wants the USWNT to ‘suffer,’ but what she’s building is belief

How Hayes has rebuilt the USWNT a year after its early exit from the 2023 World Cup has instilled belief.

Meg Linehan86

Brazil sets up Olympic soccer gold medal match against USWNT after 4-2 win over Spain

The United States beat Germany in the earlier semifinal on Tuesday.

Jeff Rueter and Luke Bosher38

USWNT 1 Germany 0: Sophia Smith’s goal earns U.S. spot in first Olympic gold medal match since 2012

Here’s how the USWNT earned a spot in the Olympic final

Jeff Rueter and Steph Yang163

How the USWNT is managing grueling Olympics format ahead of Germany rematch in semifinal

Several players were dealing with knocks heading into the semifinal

Meg Linehan38

USWNT coach Emma Hayes confident in Olympic line-up choices: ‘I’m paid to do this job’

Rodman’s winner helps backup team’s insistence it has put the 2023 World Cup in the past

Meg Linehan130

Canada’s Olympic gold medal defense ends: ‘To have gotten this far is a testament to our group’

The reigning Olympic champions head home without a chance for a medal, but they’re leaving with their heads held high.

Chantel Jennings78

USWNT 1 Japan 0: Trinity Rodman’s extra-time goal lifts tired U.S. to Olympic semifinals

How the USWNT advanced to the Olympic women’s soccer semifinal

Steph Yang and Jeff Rueter221

USWNT seeing Olympic success without Alex Morgan, but her impact extends beyond on-field wins

The U.S. can exist without Morgan and that’s ultimately for the good

Steph Yang80