Melanie Anzidei

The NWSLPA has filed a grievance with the NWSL on behalf of Trinity Rodman, arguing the league violated at least five different sections of the current collective bargaining agreement when it vetoed a proposed four-year, multi-million dollar deal between Rodman and the Washington Spirit.

Players union says NWSL engaged in ‘flagrant’ violation of Trinity Rodman’s free agent rights The NWSLPA says the league violated at least five different sections of the current collective bargaining agreement.

NEW: Players union says NWSL engaged in ‘flagrant’ violation of Trinity Rodman’s free agent rights

www.nytimes.com/athletic/686...

Trinity and I have been speaking every week to see the progress of her situation. She was fortunate to get a few minutes the other day [in Spirit-Thorns], but she's still working her way back. And the reality is, we felt together that with an important camp, and with big game minutes required, she's not in a position to do that. I think Trin, more than anyone, wants to be playing with the national team. So we hope that can happen again in the new year. But it's just come too soon, to be honest, and her well-being and welfare are of importance to me. I think when it comes to the upcoming weekend, you'll have to ask Washington what their plans are for her. But with regards to two games against Italy, that was definitely considered to be too much at this time.

"It's just come too soon, to be honest."

Emma Hayes on why Trinity Rodman didn't make this #USWNT roster, in response to @melanieanzidei.bsky.social's question:

Trump threatens World Cup host cities over 'safety' concerns, announces visa scheme for fans

A news conference started well for Gianni Infantino. Then Trump reiterated threats to relocate World Cup games from LA and Seattle. And then the likely recipient of FIFA’s peace prize didn’t rule out launching strikes on World Cup co hosts Mexico.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/681...

MLS owners vote to flip schedule to European calendar, change format starting in 2027 MLS will soon align with leagues that play from the fall to the spring after a transformational decision made by its owners

BREAKING: MLS owners officially voted to flip to a "summer-spring" format beginning in mid-July and running through the end of May. Will start in 2027.

Also voted on the regular season format.

Details and quotes here from Palm Beach.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...

Sources: MLS owners set to vote on season calendar, format changes Thursday

Sources: MLS owners are expected to vote on flipping to fall-spring calendar at Thursday's BOG meeting. Could happen as soon as 2027.

Also: Changes to competition format expected too, including single league table + divisions.

w/ @paultenorio.bsky.social
www.nytimes.com/athletic/680...

NWSL’s lack of gender eligibility policy leaves players vulnerable – just not in the way you think An op-ed from Angel City midfielder Elizabeth Eddy called for "a clear standard" to address a problem that doesn't currently exist.

The NWSL's silence on its gender eligibility approach has invited harassment of players — and now, an op-ed from a current player calling for "a clear standard" to address a problem that doesn't exist.

Statements from NWSL, NWSLPA & thoughts from me @theathletic.com
www.nytimes.com/athletic/675...

United States, Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica announce joint 2031 Women’s World Cup bid Hosts will be officially confirmed at the FIFA Congress on April 30, 2026 in Vancouver.

The United States Soccer Federation formally shared its plans to co-host the 2031 women’s World Cup with Mexico, Costa Rica and Jamaica, the federation announced on Monday.

✍️ @melanieanzidei.bsky.social & @henrybushnell.bsky.social

The beginning, the middle, the end.

Christen Press has announced her retirement. The USWNT star reflects on her career with three letters addressed to Little Christen, football and fans. Read them exclusively at The Athletic ⤵️

http://dlvr.it/TNhSW5

remind me next time to bring binoculars!

Full Time: A show about women's soccer: Exploring Hispanic culture and identity with Rocky Rodriguez, Aisha Solorzano & Reyna Reyes It's Hispanic Heritage Month, and on this week's Full Time podcast, Melanie Anzidei sits down for three special interviews that explore Latin culture and identity in the NWSL.Melanie is first joine...

🌎 Happy Hispanic heritage month — this week’s Full Time proper especial sees the brilliant @melanieanzidei.bsky.social sit down with Rocky Rodriguez, Aisha Solorzano + Reyna Reyes to talk culture, footy and family! #NWSL

🇨🇷 🇬🇹 🇲🇽 Listen now ⤵️
podfollow.com/full-time-wi...

Inside Alyssa Thompson’s move to Chelsea: Tearful goodbyes, late nights and customary pizza The transfer of the USWNT forward from Angel City to Chelsea came together with 30 minutes to spare

Inside the deal of Alyssa Thompson's move from Angel City to Chelsea.

With @melanieanzidei.bsky.social &@tamerra-griffin.bsky.social for @theathleticfc.bsky.social

www.nytimes.com/athletic/662...

EXCLUSIVE: New York City mayoral candidate Zohran Mamdani is calling on FIFA to end dynamic pricing on World Cup tickets.

His petition “Game Over Greed” also demands that FIFA reinstates a cap on ticket resales and sets aside 15 percent of tickets for local residents at a discount.

Courage agree to trade USWNT star Jaedyn Shaw to Gotham FC in record deal The transfer fee for Shaw would be more than double the previous intra-league record.

The North Carolina Courage have agreed to trade U.S. midfielder Jaedyn Shaw to NJ/NY Gotham FC for a record $1.25 million transfer fee.

This more than doubles the previous intra-league record set last month.

✍️ @melanieanzidei.bsky.social

NEWS: Chelsea have reached a verbal agreement with Angel City to sign United States international Alyssa Thompson, sources tell The Athletic.

The Women's Super League club will pay just under £1 million for Thompson, who has already agreed a five-year contract.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/659...

NWSL commissioner Jessica Berman threatened to fine the Kansas City Current after a disagreement over extreme heat procedures that delayed a match against Orlando Pride roughly three and a half hours, sources told The Athletic.

Full Time: A show about women's soccer: Crowning the best in the region: Concacaf W Champions Cup explained On Full Time this week, host Jillian Sakovits is joined by Tamerra Griffin and Melanie Anzidei to unpack the Concacaf W Champions Cup, the North and Central American and Caribbean women's club socc...

Full Time pod goes full Concacaf this week, diving into the past, present + future of the W Champions Cup.

Chat with Concacaf general secretary Philippe Moggio, and the crew @jilliansakovits.bsky.social + @tamerra-griffin.bsky.social + @melanieanzidei.bsky.social
podfollow.com/full-time-wi...

Orlando Pride finalizing world-record transfer for Mexico’s Lizbeth Ovalle The Pride, who play in the National Women's Soccer League (NWSL), is expected to spend $1.5 million in fees to acquire the forward.

The Orlando Pride are finalising a deal to sign Mexican international Lizbeth Ovalle from Tigres in a deal that would represent a world-record transfer fee in women’s soccer.

More from @tamerra-griffin.bsky.social & @melanieanzidei.bsky.social ⤵️

NEW: La Liga want to play Villarreal v Barcelona in Miami in December. To be discussed at Spanish FA meeting on Monday. US Soccer will not oppose following settlement with (promoter) Relevent this year.

www.nytimes.com/athletic/654...

Kansas City Current acquire Ally Sentnor from Utah Royals: Sources Sentnor's career hit a rapid ascent last summer, playing in the FIFA U-20 Women's World Cup before making her full USWNT debut in November.

NEW: Ally Sentnor is joining the Kansas City Current, sources tell @meganferinga.bsky.social, @meglinehan.com and me. Unclear what Utah Royals are getting in return.

The reigning USWNT Young Player of the Year joins the Shield frontrunner. Get your popcorn ready. www.nytimes.com/athletic/653...

The NWSL is back, six days after the Euros final. Are players getting enough rest? With more international players in the NWSL, conversations about the soccer calendar are becoming ever more tricky.

The NWSL returns after a month-long pause. But the cramped international calendar raises questions about players’ time off.

Only six days ago, Jess Carter was playing in the Euro 2025 final.

Now she is back with her team.

Are soccer players getting enough rest?

📝 @melanieanzidei.bsky.social

Trinity Rodman spoke with press at Spirit training!

Talked about her recovery, said Spirit trusted her a lot in process, & she’s been pain-free for a couple months.

Said she had been “trying to gaslight herself” about the pain but now recognizes the difference.

(Q via @jasondcsoccer.bsky.social)

the absence of VAR in this group stage has been so apparent and so disappointing

Brazil’s Lorena is shown a red card for a hand ball outside the box in the 24th minute!

Brazil, who already qualified for semis, are now playing without their starting keeper and with only 10 players against Colombia, a favorite to dethrone the 8-time champions.

What a time. #CopaAmericaFemenina

Messi, Jordi Alba suspended by MLS for skipping All-Star Game Both stars skipped MLS's All-Star Game despite being fit to play, and they've been punished in accordance with league rules

NEWS: MLS suspends Lionel Messi and Jordi Alba for Saturday's match against FC Cincinnati after they skipped All-Star Game, enforcing rule that players must take part.

I spoke with commissioner Don Garber about what he called a "very difficult decision."

www.nytimes.com/athletic/651...

Yasmim!!! The 28-year-old has scored a brace for Brazil with two nearly identical left-footed free kicks, 12 minutes apart ⚡️⚡️

It’s been 173 days since the NWSL awarded its 16th expansion club to Denver.

Now that team has its name: Denver Summit FC.

More on the reveal ⤵️

http://dlvr.it/TM3G4P

Age is but a number.

Italy relied on a mix of youth and experience to hold off Norway to advance on Wednesday to their first semi-final appearance since 1997.

More from @tamerra-griffin.bsky.social ⬇️

🔗 www.nytimes.com/athletic/649...

“It’s a strange thing to see a little girl score an overhead kick, let’s say she was already famous back in the day.”

@theathleticfc.bsky.social spoke to Cristiana Girelli and her sister Nicole in 2022.

Read their story here:

www.nytimes.com/athletic/340...

World Cup 2026: What lessons can be learnt from the Club World Cup? Ticket pricing, adverse weather, pitches, travel problems - there is much to be worked on before next summer's international tournament

Gianni Infantino and Donald Trump were united in their praise for the Club World Cup.

But from storm delays to intense heat, and dynamic pricing to empty stadiums, there were plenty of concerns.

With the World Cup just a year away, @adamcrafton.bsky.social looks at what FIFA can learn.