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Full Time Newsletter 
| This is The Athletic’s weekly women’s soccer newsletter. Sign up here to receive Full Time directly in your inbox.
I’m always looking for new hobbies. After reading about the rise of fans knitting their own jerseys, I might need to pick up the needles. In the meantime … maybe I can just buy the Marta one.
In today’s Full Time:
Big transfers
Last experimental USWNT roster
First-time NWSL coach
Let’s start with the news of the day …
Heaps’ Denver homecoming
For once, we are starting with a U.S. women’s national team player heading back to the NWSL rather than away from it.
Expansion team Denver Summit got its hometown star, announcing today that U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps is headed to the Centennial State this summer on a 3 1/2-year deal. While the initial agreement is not a High Impact Player contract, per se (that disagreement with the NWSLPA still lingers), general manager Curt Johnson did not close the door to implementing the new roster mechanism later this year.
It’s a significant move for both Heaps and the league, and fitting that the 31-year-old is once again breaking from the norm: You may remember she was the first American woman to forgo college to play abroad, joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2012 at 18 years old.
Heaps then came back to the States in 2016 in part to prepare for the Olympics and 2019 World Cup. She won two NWSL Shields and championships, and the 2018 MVP award, and now returns a year before the next World Cup in Brazil.
Heaps, who moved to OL Lyonnes in 2022, has scored 38 U.S. goals and recorded 37 assists in 170 appearances. She was part of Lyon’s record eighth European title in 2022.
A few more details about the move to Denver:
Heaps will finish the 2025-26 season in France with OL Lyonnes before coming over to the NWSL in the summer. The French club is once again up for four trophies, including the league championship and the UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
OL Lyonnes CEO Vincent Ponsot said he was surprised by the move because Heaps is “totally in line with our project, our DNA, our mentality” in France. However, he understands a player’s desire to go home and represent their roots.
The midfielder will have extra insight into building an expansion team as her husband, Tyler Heaps, is the sporting director of San Diego FC, MLS’ newest team.
Full details here.
Before we move on, you have to watch Heaps’ parents find out she is coming home in this sweet video from Denver. Just make sure you have a tissue box ready.
More NWSL transfers
Heaps isn’t the only Denver native returning to help launch one of the two newest NWSL teams.
Canadian defender Janine Sonis, who grew up in Highlands Ranch just outside of Denver, is also making the move after less than two seasons with Racing Louisville. A proven winner at both the club and international levels, the 31-year-old also brings an Olympic gold medal and an NWSL championship to the team.
The Summit also recently announced the signing of 22-year-old Ayo Oke from Pachuca in Mexico. The transfer fee is the highest for an American player in NWSL, according to ESPN.
There was plenty of movement in the NWSL last week. Here are some other non-Denver transfers that went down:
Angel City announced five signings, including Ary Borges, who last played for Racing Louisville, and USWNT defender Emily Sams from the Orlando Pride. Tamerra Griffin spoke to general manager Mark Parsons about the team’s vision.
After her shocking exit from the San Diego Wave, Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan has signed with the North Carolina Courage through 2027.
Bay FC has been a little quiet this offseason while building under new head coach Emma Coates, but the team recently signed 18-year-old forward Alex Pfeiffer through 2028. Pfeiffer was the fourth-youngest signing in NWSL history when she joined the Kansas City Current in 2023 and went on to become the youngest goal scorer in her debut (a record that has since been beaten multiple times).
Even more transfers
While the offseason is in full swing in the U.S., the Women’s Super League window is also wide open until Feb. 3 in England. The potential move of USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey to Manchester City leads the way on the intrigue meter, but here are a few more moves ranked by interest (my interest, that is — this is not a scientific system):
This one is a bit older, but Manchester United Women signed Swedish right back Hanna Lundkvist after her time with San Diego Wave and Bayern Munich forward Lea Schuller. It’s a really smart move to sign Schuller, so maybe I’m being too harsh here.
Manchester United forward Geyse is set to join Mexican side Club America on a permanent deal after her loan to Gotham FC.
Aston Villa signed defender Jenna Nighswonger on loan from Arsenal for the remainder of the season. This is just the move to get the U.S. defender back in Emma Hayes’ picture.
Arsenal lead the race for Georgia Stanway as the midfielder confirmed her Bayern Munich summer exit last week. I’m actually very surprised by this one and looking forward to seeing how it pans out.
We are also keeping a close eye on Cat Macario, who was not included in Chelsea’s game day roster over the weekend.
Unattached Rodman returns to U.S. squad
It’s the disclaimer no Washington Spirit fan wanted to see, but knew was coming: Trinity Rodman has returned to the U.S. women’s national team picture, but without a team. The 23-year-old free agent will attend her first camp since April of last year at the end of the month. But her next club is still a mystery.
Hayes also handed debut call-ups to four players: Seattle Reign forward Maddie Dahlien, 21, and midfielder Sally Menti, 23, Portland Thorns forward Reilyn Turner, 23, and North Carolina Courage midfielder Riley Jackson, 20.
Coffey, a recent staple for the national team, was not included. But we now know that probably has something to do with her trip to Manchester this weekend.
Because the January friendlies are taking place outside of a FIFA window, Hayes has named a roster consisting entirely of NWSL players, meaning U.S. regulars such as Heaps, Lily Yohannes, Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma and Macario are not included.
How to watch
These games aren’t until two weekends from now, but we wanted them on your radar early:
USWNT vs. Paraguay
Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m. ET on TNT and TruTV
USWNT vs. Chile
Jan. 27 at 10 p.m. ET on TBS
This camp is the last before Hayes stops experimenting and starts dialing in her roster for World Cup qualifying later this year. And in case you were wondering if the NWSL’s new High Impact Player rule has any effect on who gets a start — because one of the qualifying criteria for a better NWSL contract involves USWNT minutes — Hayes’ answer is “no.”
We also now have the full schedule for the 2026 SheBelieves Cup in March (all times ET). Here are the U.S. games:
March 1: U.S. vs. Argentina – Geodis Park – 5 p.m.
March 4: U.S. vs. Canada – ScottsMiracle-Gro Field – 6:30 p.m.
March 7: U.S. vs. Colombia – Sports Illustrated Stadium – 3:30 p.m.
Listen to the latest from the “Full Time” podcast for a full January roster breakdown.
New hire: The Kansas City Current hired former U.S. men’s national team midfielder Chris Armas as its new head coach. This is Armas’ first head-coaching job in women’s soccer after stints with the New York Red Bulls and the Colorado Rapids in MLS and in Europe as an assistant coach with Leeds United and Manchester United.
New digs: The Chicago Stars announced plans for their very own training facility, just a few months before a key 2026 season for the NWSL original. The privately funded performance center will serve as the club’s team hub starting in 2027. We’ve come so far from the days of SeatGeek Stadium and getting temporarily bumped by RiotFest.
New deal: Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers, 36, has signed a new contract through to 2029. The team also announced that Jodie Taylor, 39, has been appointed technical director. Megan Feringa says the move is a “show of faith and intention” for the young coach and director.
New schedule: The NWSL teased its 2026 schedule release for Thursday, which is good because I was about to bug Meg Linehan for it while she’s away with baby Salem! (IYKYK)
Love Full Time? These stories can also be found on Yahoo’s women’s sports hub, in partnership with The Athletic. Also, check out our other newsletters.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
US Women's national team, NWSL, Full Time Newsletter
2026 The Athletic Media Company
Continue reading...
| This is The Athletic’s weekly women’s soccer newsletter. Sign up here to receive Full Time directly in your inbox.I’m always looking for new hobbies. After reading about the rise of fans knitting their own jerseys, I might need to pick up the needles. In the meantime … maybe I can just buy the Marta one.
In today’s Full Time:
Big transfersLast experimental USWNT roster
First-time NWSL coachLet’s start with the news of the day …
Making Moves
Heaps’ Denver homecoming
For once, we are starting with a U.S. women’s national team player heading back to the NWSL rather than away from it.
Expansion team Denver Summit got its hometown star, announcing today that U.S. captain Lindsey Heaps is headed to the Centennial State this summer on a 3 1/2-year deal. While the initial agreement is not a High Impact Player contract, per se (that disagreement with the NWSLPA still lingers), general manager Curt Johnson did not close the door to implementing the new roster mechanism later this year.
It’s a significant move for both Heaps and the league, and fitting that the 31-year-old is once again breaking from the norm: You may remember she was the first American woman to forgo college to play abroad, joining Paris Saint-Germain in 2012 at 18 years old.
Heaps then came back to the States in 2016 in part to prepare for the Olympics and 2019 World Cup. She won two NWSL Shields and championships, and the 2018 MVP award, and now returns a year before the next World Cup in Brazil.
Heaps, who moved to OL Lyonnes in 2022, has scored 38 U.S. goals and recorded 37 assists in 170 appearances. She was part of Lyon’s record eighth European title in 2022.
A few more details about the move to Denver:
Heaps will finish the 2025-26 season in France with OL Lyonnes before coming over to the NWSL in the summer. The French club is once again up for four trophies, including the league championship and the UEFA Women’s Champions League title.
OL Lyonnes CEO Vincent Ponsot said he was surprised by the move because Heaps is “totally in line with our project, our DNA, our mentality” in France. However, he understands a player’s desire to go home and represent their roots.
The midfielder will have extra insight into building an expansion team as her husband, Tyler Heaps, is the sporting director of San Diego FC, MLS’ newest team.
Full details here.
Before we move on, you have to watch Heaps’ parents find out she is coming home in this sweet video from Denver. Just make sure you have a tissue box ready.
More NWSL transfers
Heaps isn’t the only Denver native returning to help launch one of the two newest NWSL teams.
Canadian defender Janine Sonis, who grew up in Highlands Ranch just outside of Denver, is also making the move after less than two seasons with Racing Louisville. A proven winner at both the club and international levels, the 31-year-old also brings an Olympic gold medal and an NWSL championship to the team.
The Summit also recently announced the signing of 22-year-old Ayo Oke from Pachuca in Mexico. The transfer fee is the highest for an American player in NWSL, according to ESPN.
There was plenty of movement in the NWSL last week. Here are some other non-Denver transfers that went down:
Angel City announced five signings, including Ary Borges, who last played for Racing Louisville, and USWNT defender Emily Sams from the Orlando Pride. Tamerra Griffin spoke to general manager Mark Parsons about the team’s vision.
After her shocking exit from the San Diego Wave, Canadian goalkeeper Kailen Sheridan has signed with the North Carolina Courage through 2027.
Bay FC has been a little quiet this offseason while building under new head coach Emma Coates, but the team recently signed 18-year-old forward Alex Pfeiffer through 2028. Pfeiffer was the fourth-youngest signing in NWSL history when she joined the Kansas City Current in 2023 and went on to become the youngest goal scorer in her debut (a record that has since been beaten multiple times).
Even more transfers
While the offseason is in full swing in the U.S., the Women’s Super League window is also wide open until Feb. 3 in England. The potential move of USWNT midfielder Sam Coffey to Manchester City leads the way on the intrigue meter, but here are a few more moves ranked by interest (my interest, that is — this is not a scientific system):
This one is a bit older, but Manchester United Women signed Swedish right back Hanna Lundkvist after her time with San Diego Wave and Bayern Munich forward Lea Schuller. It’s a really smart move to sign Schuller, so maybe I’m being too harsh here.
Manchester United forward Geyse is set to join Mexican side Club America on a permanent deal after her loan to Gotham FC.
Aston Villa signed defender Jenna Nighswonger on loan from Arsenal for the remainder of the season. This is just the move to get the U.S. defender back in Emma Hayes’ picture.
Arsenal lead the race for Georgia Stanway as the midfielder confirmed her Bayern Munich summer exit last week. I’m actually very surprised by this one and looking forward to seeing how it pans out.
We are also keeping a close eye on Cat Macario, who was not included in Chelsea’s game day roster over the weekend.
USWNT Roster
Unattached Rodman returns to U.S. squad
It’s the disclaimer no Washington Spirit fan wanted to see, but knew was coming: Trinity Rodman has returned to the U.S. women’s national team picture, but without a team. The 23-year-old free agent will attend her first camp since April of last year at the end of the month. But her next club is still a mystery.
Hayes also handed debut call-ups to four players: Seattle Reign forward Maddie Dahlien, 21, and midfielder Sally Menti, 23, Portland Thorns forward Reilyn Turner, 23, and North Carolina Courage midfielder Riley Jackson, 20.
Coffey, a recent staple for the national team, was not included. But we now know that probably has something to do with her trip to Manchester this weekend.
Because the January friendlies are taking place outside of a FIFA window, Hayes has named a roster consisting entirely of NWSL players, meaning U.S. regulars such as Heaps, Lily Yohannes, Alyssa Thompson, Naomi Girma and Macario are not included.
How to watch
These games aren’t until two weekends from now, but we wanted them on your radar early:
USWNT vs. Paraguay
Jan. 24 at 5:30 p.m. ET on TNT and TruTV
USWNT vs. Chile
Jan. 27 at 10 p.m. ET on TBS
This camp is the last before Hayes stops experimenting and starts dialing in her roster for World Cup qualifying later this year. And in case you were wondering if the NWSL’s new High Impact Player rule has any effect on who gets a start — because one of the qualifying criteria for a better NWSL contract involves USWNT minutes — Hayes’ answer is “no.”
We also now have the full schedule for the 2026 SheBelieves Cup in March (all times ET). Here are the U.S. games:
March 1: U.S. vs. Argentina – Geodis Park – 5 p.m.
March 4: U.S. vs. Canada – ScottsMiracle-Gro Field – 6:30 p.m.
March 7: U.S. vs. Colombia – Sports Illustrated Stadium – 3:30 p.m.
Listen to the latest from the “Full Time” podcast for a full January roster breakdown.
Full Time First Looks
New hire: The Kansas City Current hired former U.S. men’s national team midfielder Chris Armas as its new head coach. This is Armas’ first head-coaching job in women’s soccer after stints with the New York Red Bulls and the Colorado Rapids in MLS and in Europe as an assistant coach with Leeds United and Manchester United.
New digs: The Chicago Stars announced plans for their very own training facility, just a few months before a key 2026 season for the NWSL original. The privately funded performance center will serve as the club’s team hub starting in 2027. We’ve come so far from the days of SeatGeek Stadium and getting temporarily bumped by RiotFest.
New deal: Arsenal head coach Renee Slegers, 36, has signed a new contract through to 2029. The team also announced that Jodie Taylor, 39, has been appointed technical director. Megan Feringa says the move is a “show of faith and intention” for the young coach and director.
New schedule: The NWSL teased its 2026 schedule release for Thursday, which is good because I was about to bug Meg Linehan for it while she’s away with baby Salem! (IYKYK)
Love Full Time? These stories can also be found on Yahoo’s women’s sports hub, in partnership with The Athletic. Also, check out our other newsletters.
This article originally appeared in The Athletic.
US Women's national team, NWSL, Full Time Newsletter
2026 The Athletic Media Company
Continue reading...
