USA Soccercast
By Donald Wine II
USA SoccercastMar 31, 2023
#101 - Welcome to the USA Soccercast!
As many of you know, back in late January, the Stars & Stripes FC Podcast was among many entities that were a part of the layoffs by SB Nation and Vox Media. We address the future of the show on Episode 101, which serves as both an introduction and a re-introduction.
The date of the podcast’s separation from the SB Nation Podcast Network had originally been the end of February, but that date was pushed back to today. And today’s as good a time as any to announce that we’re changing the name of the show: the USA Soccercast!
The USA Soccercast will continue to bring you analysis on the USMNT, USWNT, and the players that comprise those teams. However, with the move to the new name, the analysis will extend to Major League Soccer, the NWSL, USL Championship and League One, and anything else that could impact soccer in America. From the Women’s World Cup to Leagues Cup, we’ll discuss it all, and hopefully have some special guests along the way.
We also have a new Twitter account, so give @USASoccercast a follow, and of course, please subscribe if you aren’t already! If you have topic suggestions, please drop me a line at USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com. We’ll also have a new logo that’s currently under construction but coming soon.
Welcome to the new show, same as the old show but with a new name and home. Thanks for the support!
#100 - Breaking down the Concacaf Nations League changes
The format changes to the Nations League sees League A expand to 16 teams starting in September. They are also adding a quarterfinal leg that is a two-legged, home-and-away format. However, this format change sees the top 4 teams in Concacaf, including the USMNT, skipping the group stage and entering at the quarterfinal stage. This means they’ll only need to play 2 games potentially to qualify for the Nations League Finals as well as the 2024 Copa América.
After the break, we discuss the fact that while it’s better for the USMNT from a preparation standpoint for the 2026 World Cup, it really stinks that we don’t get to participate in the group stage anymore of truly the greatest tournament on the planet. Traveling to islands to play is something that most big teams in the rest of the world don’t get to do, and it’s fun too. The level playing field that was supposed to define the Concacaf Nations League appears to be gone, at least for the next two editions of the tournament.
We end with some thanks to everyone who’s ever listened to the show, all our guests, and some people who provided some extra help or encouragement along the way. It’s been a thrill to bring 100 episodes of this show to the masses, and it’s truly an honor to know that so many of you willingly listened and have enjoyed it along the way. The show goes on...here’s to the next 100!
Hit the comments to discuss the episode and continue the Nations League talk.
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#99 - USWNT make SheBelieves statement
The USWNT may have shown the world that despite some of their struggles and all of the injuries, they’re still the favorites to win this summer’s Women’s World Cup when they put it all together. Mallory Swanson is carrying the scoring load so far in 2023, but the team also answered each of the tests that Canada, Japan, and Brazil presented them.
However, with the announcement that the USWNT will play Ireland in two home matches in April, it represents the last official window for players to show that they should be one of the 23 that make the trip to New Zealand and Australia this summer. With the NWSL starting at the end of March, the race is on to put enough out there that these players get one of those camp calls and show Vlatko that they can contribute to a potential 3-peat. We also discuss some of the questions surrounding the midfield and the forwards and what can be done to keep the creative players on the field.
Hit the comments to discuss the USWNT and what you think they need in advance of the World Cup this summer.
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#98 - Looking back on Black American soccer history
This week, we have 8 stories that we briefly discuss and why the stories were important to tell:
Kim Crabbe being the 1st Black woman called into the USWNT
Sandi Gordon becoming the 1st Black woman to earn a USWNT cap
An interview we did with Desmond Armstrong about being one of the first African Americans on the USMNT and becoming the first American to play in Brazil
The 1971-1974 Howard Bison team that won a national title, saw it vacated by the NCAA, and winning another one a few years later
Bill Hamid’s greatness and becoming the youngest goalkeeper in MLS history
Elliot Barr’s incredible efforts to bring you Black soccer history stories through the Can I Kick It FC Podcast
Crystal Dunn being the greatest talent America has produced
How the Black Players for Change had one of the most important moments in American soccer history and the work they’ve done to bring change to our soccer culture
Again, there are many other stories that are worth sharing, and we encourage you to read them all. As we move towards the end of Black History Month, we’ll continue to bring new stories while resharing others that we’ve done over the years.
Hit the comments and let us know the Black American soccer stories you’ve enjoyed the most over the years or some of the stories or players that you would love to see covered in a future article.
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#97 - SheBelieves serves as a major USWNT test
The 23 players who will compete in the tournament for the USWNT are basically the same set of players we’ve seen over the past few months. With Rose Lavelle out for the first match due to a knock she picked up in training this week, the midfield will have even more questions as they presumably attempt to insert Taylor Kornieck at the 6 to fill the void created by the absence of Julie Ertz and Sam Mewis.
We also take a deeper look at that midfield, focusing on how the team played last month and where the goal contributions were created from the midfield players in 2022. Spoiler: the player who logged far and away the most caps and minutes had the fewest goal contributions of the main midfielders. What does the USWNT need to do in order to create more opportunities while also tracking back on defense.
Send questions and topic suggestions to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com. As we continue to evaluate our options for how this podcast moves forward, we will update you all!
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#96 - Reliving some famous Black History stories
There are 6 stories that we look back on, either because they were important moments or a cross section of how Black culture and soccer go hand in hand. Those stories are:
Bob Marley and how his love for music was equaled by his passion for soccer
The day Marc-Vivien Foé died on the field at the 2003 Confederations Cup
When Siphiwe Tshabalala scored the opening goal in the 2010 World Cup for all of Africa
Didier Drogba uses his voice and platform and stops a civil war, bringing peace to the Ivory Coast
How the Kaizer Chiefs have a link to the NASL and American soccer
The Boateng brothers make history at the World Cup.
There are so many other stories worth reliving, and over the course of the month, I’ll continue to bring more, hopefully every day, where we learn about some of the most important stories of our time involving Black athletes. And, we’ll do more reliving on the podcast as well as we move towards the end of the month. Black history is American history. Black History is world history. And it’s no different in soccer, where some of the great players and moments of the game’s history wouldn’t occur with the accomplishments of Black athletes.
Hit the comments and let us know the stories you’ve enjoyed the most over the years or some of the stories or players that you would love to see covered in a future article.
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#95 - Wrapping January Camp for Leeds United States
The USMNT had friendlies last week against Serbia (2-1 loss) and Colombia (0-0 draw), but while the results on the field weren’t great, it was a chance for some players in their first national team camp to have an opportunity to show that they can be a part of the player pool moving forward. We use that opportunity to push back on Herculez Gomez’s belief that January Camp has jumped the shark and should be repurposed as a U-23 camp. Many players have stressed the importance of the camp, and we discuss why.
After the break, Weston McKennie is headed to Leeds United in a loan deal to team up with his USMNT friends Tyler Adams and Brenden Aaronson. We discuss the implications of seeing most of the the USMNT midfield playing and training together every day at Elland Road.
The podcast will be back soon, but a reminder to send all questions and topic suggestions to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#94 - Copa America arrives, Earnie Stewart departs
After the break, U.S. Soccer is set to lose Earnie Stewart as the federation’s sporting director will depart next month. USMNT general manager Brian McBride is also out at the end of this month, and Anthony Hudson is the interim USMNT head coach for the foreseeable future. Now that we have a loaded schedule of competitive matches, the pressure is on the federation to be efficient in hiring a new sporting director and head coach, because fans are starting to have the same feeling that they had in 2018.
We will be back real soon to recap the MNT January Camp as well as the USWNT matches from earlier in the month. Episodes will be coming quickly as we determine the future of this show, so please send questions or topic suggestions to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#93 - A word on the Pod's future
#92 - USWNT ready to take New Zealand to the Max!
The USWNT called in a roster of 24 players, and we go through who made the trip to Auckland and Wellington:
Goalkeepers (3): Adrianna Franch (Kansas City Current), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars)
Defenders (8): Alana Cook (OL Reign), Crystal Dunn (Portland Thorns), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Hailie Mace (Kansas City Current), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC), Emily Sonnett (OL Reign)
Midfielders (7): Sam Coffey (Portland Thorns FC), Lindsey Horan (Olympique Lyon), Taylor Kornieck (San Diego Wave FC), Rose Lavelle (OL Reign), Kristie Mewis (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Ashley Sanchez (Washington Spirit), Andi Sullivan (Washington Spirit)
Forwards (6): Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Midge Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Mallory Swanson (Chicago Red Stars), Lynn Williams (NJ/NY Gotham FC)
After the break, we discuss how you can watch these matches. With HBO Max and TNT winning the English language broadcast rights for U.S. Soccer for the next 8 years, this will be the first set of matches that will feature on the streaming platform. However, it’s not readily available in bars, leaving many in a panic ahead of next week’s matches. We discuss why bars have been shut out of HBO Max and some potential solutions that could help as we dive into 2023.
If you have any topic suggestions or questions that you want to have answered on a future show, drop us an email at SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#91 - Berhalter vs. Reyna: The breakdown
The events of last week involving USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter being put under investigation for a 1991 domestic violence incident and then finding out it was Danielle and Claudio Reyna - Gio’s parents and ex-national team players - that gave U.S. Soccer the information took the internet by storm. It was important to recap the entire timeline, starting from before the 2022 World Cup, to understand the full course of events. What we know now is interwoven with what we knew at the time to paint the full picture.
After that, we have to get into the culpability of all parties, from Berhalter to the Reyna family to people at U.S. Soccer who were talking with the Reynas about Gio’s role on the team. There’s a lot of people who could have done things differently where this whole saga could have been avoided, and there’s one person - Rosalind Berhalter - who absolutely didn’t deserve to be thrust into the middle of this.
After the break, we discuss what all of this means for the USMNT head coaching search. With Zinedine Zidane reportedly contacted by U.S. Soccer to gauge his interest in speaking about the job, it looks like U.S. Soccer could be aiming high and casting a very wide net. However, this scandal will not only affect how U.S. Soccer has to approach this hiring process, but also how Gio Reyna especially will be handled moving forward. There’s also the added element of what happens if Gregg Berhalter is retained as the coach for the next cycle.
There are several more layers to this and we will continue to track it all. Until then, hit the comments, and if you have topic suggestions for the next show, send an email to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#90 - Look back at 2022, prepare for 2023
The USMNT, USWNT, and the youth national teams had a lot of successes and some down moments in 2022. We start by quickly recapping what each team accomplished last year. The USMNT qualified for and competed in the 2022 World Cup, the USWNT won the Concacaf W Championship and qualified for the 2023 Women’s World Cup as well as the 2024 Olympics, and the USMNT U-20s qualified the United States for the 2024 Olympics in men’s soccer for the first time since 2008. There were obviously some down moments, and we discuss those as well.
After the break, we look forward to what 2023 has in store for us. It’s a Women’s World Cup year, and that’s the biggest tournament on the schedule for U.S. Soccer. For the USMNT, Nations League and the Gold Cup are on the horizon, but the biggest question is who the coach will be moving forward. The men’s U-20s play in a World Cup this year, and the men’s U-17s will need to qualify for their World Cup. There’s a lot of soccer to excite fans, and we hope 2023 is a great year for all our national teams!
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#88 - Remembering Grant Wahl
#87 - 1 cycle coaches and Copa Américas
USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter has reportedly begun preliminary talks with U.S. Soccer over a contract extension, and we discuss that history provides us evidence that a coach should not last beyond one World Cup cycle. No matter what you think of his performance in Qatar, the evidence is there that, at least for the USMNT, 2 cycle coaches just don’t pan out.
After the break, we get into the rumor that not only will the USMNT be in the 2024 Copa América, they will also host the tournament. We opine that getting into Copa América is going to be a great thing for the team to test itself against some of the strongest teams in the world. However, they should be focused on playing South America’s tournament in South America, not asking the continent to move their tournament here.
The SSFC Podcast will continue on as we have more World Cup to discuss. For any questions or topic suggestions, send them to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#86 - USMNT's World Cup run ends in Round of 16
The USMNT started out with some confidence, but the Oranje had their number all night on the counterattack, with incredible efficiency on the offensive end. The USMNT just couldn’t match that, and even with some second half subs and a Haji Wright goal to give them some hope, it wasn’t enough as Denzel Dumfries, Memphis Depay, Daley Blind, and the rest of the Dutch squad were too much for the young American team.
After the break, the next World Cup cycle is around the corner, and it’s an important one for the USMNT. With them co-hosting the 2026 World Cup, the time is now for U.S. Soccer to start preparing the nation to support the team and to help the team get ready for the rigors of high expectations. We look at what tournaments await the USMNT in the next cycle, and a big tournament that the team needs to try and enter. In the end, the idea should be for U.S. Soccer to start packing football stadiums full of fans to get them excited about this team and gain some momentum as we head towards 2026.
Have questions or topic suggestions for the show? Send them to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#85 - Let's squeeze the Oranje
The USMNT have some injury questions answered, namely the health of winger Christian Pulisic. Josh Sargent’s injury is more of a question mark, and he’s likely doubtful for tomorrow. We discuss from the USMNT’s perspective what they need to do in order to get a victory and advance to the quarterfinals for the first time since 2002. That includes being assertive in creating the attack, keeping the Dutch forwards in front of them, and embracing the moment of being in the knockout stage, where anything can happen.
After the break, we get into the discussion of what it was like being at the World Cup. From a fan perspective, there were some good things about being at the World Cup, some unique moments that fans could take advantage of while they were there. There have obviously been some incredible matches during the World Cup, and fans were able to experience many of them. However, there was also the bad and the ugly from this World Cup, from inconsistent security to detention for allowed items. We briefly discuss those bad and ugly things as well.
We’ll be back towards the end of the weekend to recap the Round of 16. Any questions or topic suggestions, send them to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#84 - USMNT to the Round of 16!
The USMNT entered the World Cup with many questions, but they have played inspired soccer on their way to 2 draws and a win during the group stage. We recap the team’s performances against Wales, England, and Iran that helped propel them to the knockout stage. We also discuss some key players who have had standout performances for the USMNT during those matches.
After the break, we discuss the rest of the World Cup field, as half of the Round of 16 is complete. The USMNT is currently carrying Concacaf on its back, with Mexico and Canada already eliminated and Costa Rica needing a win against Germany to move to the knockout stage. We discuss some of the other teams that have made it to the knockout stage, including a team that makes it out of the group for only the second time in their history.
The next episode of the SSFC Podcast will be coming in the next couple of days, as we preview the USMNT’s Round of 16 matchup with the Netherlands and we discuss what it was like to be at the World Cup in Doha...the good, the bad, and the ugly. If you have questions or topic suggestions about the World Cup, drop a line to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#83 - Preparing for the 2022 World Cup
#82 - Dissecting the WNT roster w/ Shea Butter FC!
#81 - Putting the 2022 U.S. Soccer jerseys on trial
With so much going on, there was one big topic that got the podcast back in the booth: the 2022 U.S. Soccer jerseys.
They have been the talk of the USMNT and USWNT fanbase all week, and not because they’ve been universally loved. We are a month away from their release, and fans are upset at the result of these designs.
We dive into the jerseys, from their design elements to what people don’t like about them. We also get into the design process and how it generally works, and how a jersey goes from drawing board to the soccer field. As we approach the World Cup, we give our thoughts on the jersey designs, and how U.S. Soccer and Nike can bring several parties into the process in order to develop a jersey identity that we can be proud to have, and spoiler alert: we’re talking about the Waldos.
If you have questions that we can answer on future shows, topic suggestions, or even proposed guests, drop us a line at SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#80 - Investigating the state of American soccer
Who’s going to pair with Walker Zimmerman at centerback when the USMNT heads to Qatar for the World Cup? Where would be the best destination for Christian Pulisic this summer? Is riding the bench in Europe really better than playing regularly in Major League Soccer? Why does California never get any “important” matches? These are some of the topics that have caused debates all over the country, and we take the time to give our take as well.
These questions will surely continue throughout the summer, so don’t wait for another episode to get your question in! Send them to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com, and we will answer them on a future show.
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#79 - USMNT nuggets, rumored U.S. jerseys are back
We begin with the June double window, which sees the USMNT have 4 matches: 2 friendlies and 2 Concacaf Nations League group stage matches. Berhalter gives a glimpse of who we could see included on the roster for those matches, as well as who may miss the cut either due to injury or other reasons.
We then move to the September window, in which we learn that Spain and Germany are the potential places where we could play matches against teams from Asia. Who could those teams be? What stadiums are under consideration? Some research is done to give some educated guesses.
After the break, the USMNT and USWNT will have new jerseys this fall, and while it was discussed initially on Episode 67, we once again discuss how plain they look. The United States needs a jersey identity, but these aren’t it. We’ve opined on this before, but we’ll say it again: just bring back the Waldos. Everyone wants them back, so make it so!
Next week, we will do a mailbag episode, so get those questions in! Send them to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#78 - Concacaf W Championship Draw, USWNT scheduling
#77 - Qualified! World Cup bound and Nations League Draw!
There’s a lot of ground to cover on this episode. The USMNT secure their World Cup spot, there was a World Cup draw, a Concacaf Nations League draw, and we react to all of it, beginning with the recap of the last international window for the USMNT. We go through the draw at Azteca, the win over Panama, and the loss to Costa Rica, probably the best loss in USMNT history. That loss was enough to give the USMNT 3rd place in the Octagonal and a spot in the World Cup.
The World Cup draw was just a few days later, and Donald was in the building in Doha to watch it all go down. The USMNT draw England, Iran, and the Wales/Scotland/Ukraine playoff winner in Group B, and it’s a group that the U.S. can manage if they play at full strength. Still, there will be a lot of questions to answer between now and November.
After the break, the Nations League draw also took place earlier this week in Miami, and the USMNT drew El Salvador and Grenada in Group D. We look at the schedule and what it means for the United States.
Finally, there are rumors circulating that the United States is pushing to host the 2024 Copa America. We dispel those rumors for now and discuss the fact that the USMNT need to test themselves more on the road.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, rate, and review the show. And give us your questions and topic suggestions! Send an email to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#76 - USMNT roster released, new U.S. Soccer media rights deal
#75 - SheBelieves Cup recap w/ Shea Butter FC!
We start with the SheBelieves Cup, where the USWNT had a 0-0 draw against the Czech Republic, a 5-0 win over New Zealand, and a 5-0 win over Iceland to close out the tournament. Skye and Sylvs discuss the good and the bad of the USWNT’s performance in each match in detail, from some of the link up play to how the team should consider moving forward with the makeup of its roster.
We also take some time to learn more about their show, the Shea Butter FC Podcast, and what motivated them to enter the podcasting space. We talk about some of the important topics they discuss and the lane they’ve already created to shine a light on all the Black players, executives, and supporters groups that are taking over the game. It’s a fun interview but it’s also an important one, and you don’t want to miss it!
Follow the Shea Butter FC Podcast on Twitter at @SBFC_Podcast, and definitely give Sylvs (@southernsylvs) and Skye (@skyfyefutbol) a follow to continue the conversation. And, hit the comments to discuss what you saw from SheBelieves Cup and the USWNT.
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#74 - Preparing for SheBelieves
#73 - Reviewing the Winter WCQ window
After the break, the Concacaf Nations League is back! We review details of the next edition of the tournament. The draw takes place April 4th and matches begin in the May/June window. We see what the draw could look like in April as well as what the USMNT could be facing for their summer and fall schedule.
Finally, the USWNT roster is out for SheBelieves Cup! We quickly look at the players that Vlatko Andonovski is bringing to camp, and it appears it’s a mix of veterans and young players looking to break through and become full time members of the team going forward.
We will preview SheBelieves Cup early next week, but until then, send ideas for topics or any questions to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#72 - Preparing for January WCQs
We are also joined by Adam Palermo of Waking The Red, who gets us ready for the big match of the entire window, Canada vs. USA in Hamilton (note: the interview was recorded before the announcement that the match will operate at 50% capacity). He gives us an inside scoop at how Canada has been so successful thus far in World Cup qualifying and how they will cope without Alphonso Davies in the lineup. He also gives us some players for American fans to watch as the USMNT try to get a big win on the road.
We will attempt to do a Twitter Spaces from the road during the window, but there will also be tons of coverage on SSFC, so make sure you’re locked in and we’ll make sure you’re prepared for the USMNT’s important week!
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#71 - MNT World Cup qualifying roster released!
We also hear from Berhalter, as we play some sound from his press conference this afternoon. There, we’ll get some of his thinking behind the decisions he had to make on which players to bring to camp.
After the break, the USMNT will be headed to Orlando for their final home match of World Cup qualifying in March against Panama. We discuss that selection of Exploria Stadium and its potential to be the venue where the USMNT could clinch a spot in the 2022 World Cup.
We will be back on Tuesday morning to preview the upcoming World Cup qualifiers, including a special focus on the USA-Canada match. We’ll have a special interview to get us ready for that match as we enter the international window!
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#70 - USWNT releases training camp roster
The USWNT U-23s are also headed to Austin for 5 days of training, and there are 3 players on that roster who have USWNT camp experience. We quickly cover that group and what it means for Vlatko to be able to evaluate the young talent that could form the core of the USWNT’s future.
We want to hear from you! Are there topics you wish for the podcast to cover? Send an email to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com. We’ll talk about anything that’s national team related or adjacent on this show! Also, subscribing to the podcast and telling your friends about it really helps. Are there people you’d like to see on the show? Hit up the email and let us know!
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#69 - Transfer season, MNT training camp, SheBelieves Cup venues announced
The January transfer window is open and it has already been busy for Americans. We’ve seen Daryl Dike move to West Bromwich Albion and James Sands go to Rangers FC on loan. But, the biggest transfer so far has been Ricardo Pepi moving to FC Augsberg for a MLS record transfer fee. We discuss those moves and what it means for those players.
After the break, the USMNT are convening a training camp for domestic players ahead of the World Cup qualifying window in an effort to boost their match readiness during the MLS offseason. 19 players have been called into camp, and we go through the roster who will head to Phoenix for 2 weeks to compete for a spot on the main roster when it’s released in a couple weeks.
Finally, we now have the dates, venues, and opponents for the USWNT as they compete next month in the 2022 SheBelieves Cup. Joining the best team in the world are the Czech Republic, New Zealand, and Iceland. We discuss the tournament and how it’s a good thing to switch it up this year and play some unfamiliar teams.
We’ll be back next week, so in the meantime, let us know if you have questions or topic suggestions by sending an email to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#68 - End of year recap, mailbag time!
The USWNT had an up-and-down year, despite matching the USMNT in wins. They won SheBelieves Cup, but had to settle for bronze at the Olympics. We analyze their year, with goalscorers. We also quickly discuss the youth national teams, with the MNT U-23s missing out on yet another Olympics and the rest of the youth national teams coming back online after almost a 2 year hiatus.
After the break, we dip into the mailbag. We received a ton of questions dealing with the strength of different leagues, the upcoming transfer window, how the emergence of new women’s leagues will affect the NWSL, who the true MNT and WNT players of the year were, and more. All of these questions will merit a lot of discussion, so continue that in the comments below.
Continue to send in questions, and we’ll have another mailbag episode very soon!
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#67 - WNT recap, rumored new U.S. jerseys
After the break, we move to the USMNT, who have 3 World Cup qualifiers in January. The venues were recently announced, and we discuss the choices of Columbus and St. Paul for the home matches on January 27th and February 2nd, along with Canada selecting Hamilton as the site of their home match against the USMNT on January 30th.
Finally, we get into the rumored 2022 home and away jerseys for U.S. Soccer, and it’s time to opine that blank white or royal jerseys are not enough, and we must do better.
Keep the discussion going in the comments, or send an email to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com!
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#66 - Dos A Cero otra vez, Draw at The Office
After the break, we get into the draw down at The Office to Jamaica. While it was a hot and muggy night, the team looked sluggish for most of the match. Still, the draw puts the USMNT in a great position to potentially qualify for the World Cup in January if they can run the table and get some help from others.
We encourage you all to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts and keep the discussion going on the November window in the comments! If you have questions or topic suggestions, send an email to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#65 - Preparing for USMNT vs. Mexico and Jamaica
We begin by previewing the latest edition in the USA-Mexico rivalry. We review the USMNT roster and discuss some of the players that could be called upon for this match. It’s a big time matchup, and it may mean that experience will win out in lineup determinations for head coach Gregg Berhalter.
After the break, we get into the Jamaica match, including fans being allowed to be in The Office on Tuesday night for the first time since the beginning of the pandemic. Jamaica finally has their full squad in camp, so this will be a different team than the one the USMNT faced in Austin last month. We discuss that matchup and the necessity for the team to bring the intensity to both matches.
Don’t forget to subscribe wherever you find your podcasts! We will be back after the close of the window to recap it all and see where the USMNT stands in the Octagon through 8 matches.
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#64 - MNT Mailbag!
With all of the questions centered around the U.S. Men’s National Team, we focus on that as we prepare for a huge World Cup qualifying window, at home against Mexico and away to Jamaica. Some of the questions target some of the questions we have at the striker position, whether we have a clogged midfield, and who the best centerback pairing should be. We also opine as to which players will not be able to travel with the squad to Jamaica due to Covid restrictions that have forced the match to be played behind closed doors. We end with a question about the best food city that the USMNT or USWNT have traveled to so far in 2021.
If you have questions or topic suggestions for future shows, send them to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com. We’re taking the week off next week, but a full preview of the World Cup qualifiers will come the week after that. Enjoy!
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#63 - WCQ recap & the lunacy of a biennial World Cup
After the break, we briefly discuss FIFA’s insane plan to convert the World Cup to every 2 years. Why does FIFA insist on doing this? Why are they watering down the competition. We have a mini rant on how wild this plan is and how it would hurt the prestige of the world’s most popular tournament.
The next episode will be a mailbag episode, so submit questions via Twitter using the hashtag #SSFCPodcast. You can also email questions to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com.
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#62 - MNT World Cup qualifying roster released
There were several players who were included on this roster that did not make it in the September window: Paul Arriola, Tim Weah, Gyasi Zardes, Luca de la Torre, Matthew Hoppe, Shaq Moore, Yunus Musah, Chris Richards, and Gianluca Busio. While Gio Reyna and Christian Pulisic were not included due to injury, Jordan Pefok, Josh Sargent, Ethan Horvath, and Konrad de la Fuente were also left off the roster. There are also others who were not on either roster that fans may think should have been brought into camp. We discuss it all briefly on this episode.
We close out this episode with a personal tribute to Martin Huschka, an inspirational young boy in the American soccer family who passed away late last week due to complications from a neurodegenerative disorder that was so rare, there have been only 14 cases worldwide. I tell the story of Martin’s journey, what he meant to me and why he is the strongest boy that I’ve ever met. Martin is going to be missed by so many, but the joy that he shared is something that will remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to meet him or be inspired through his story.
If you are so inclined to also pay tribute to Martin’s memory, his family requests that you make a donation to Gilda’s Club of Metro Detroit, Angela Hospice, or Rainbow Connection.
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#61 - Digging into the WCQ mailbag
We have questions about the tactics of Gregg Berhalter, from why he decided to play Tyler Adams on the right against Honduras to what he needs to do in order to get the team to play at its highest level. We also discuss what the striker depth chart should look like as we move forward. Finally, we get into the real questions about food and beverages that were amazing in San Salvador, Nashville, and San Pedro Sula.
We’ll be back next week with a new episode, but we will do another mailbag soon! Email any questions to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com, or on Twitter you can submit them using the hashtag #SSFCPodcast!
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#60 - World Cup qualifying recap, World of Concacaf interview
First, I give my take on what it was like to be in the stands for all 3 matches and how we played from that vantage point. Of course, there are topics that we dive into while discussing those matches, like the amazing reception we received from fans in San Salvador, Weston McKennie being removed from the team for violating team protocols, and even pushing back on disrespectful rhetoric surrounding the match in Honduras.
After the break, I welcome Eric Schmitz, co-host of the World of Concacaf Podcast, to the show to get his take on the three matches. He also traveled to each match and I ask him about his experiences not just traveling to El Salvador and Honduras but also his experience hosting the nation in Nashville for the match against Canada. He also breaks down the art that is Power Chicken, so you don’t want to miss that!
Don’t forget to subscribe to the SSFC Podcast, and 5-star ratings and reviews are very helpful! On Sunday, we will have a mailbag episode, so stay tuned for that as well!
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#59 - World Cup qualifying begins!
First, we analyze the roster and where there could be some rotation for the USMNT. We have a legit goalkeeper competition, and the question will be who gets the start on Thursday against El Salvador, Sunday against Canada, and next Wednesday against Honduras. We also have a couple of guys on this roster that were not on the Nations League roster or the Gold Cup roster, Ricardo Pepi and Konrad de la Fuente. We’re excited about them as well. Finally, while Tim Weah had to withdraw from the roster due to an injury he suffered with Lille, Christian Pulisic has been cleared from his positive Covid-19 diagnosis and is in camp.
After the break, we go through the schedule, looking quickly at the teams that we will play during this window: on the road at El Salvador and Honduras and hosting Canada in Nashville. It should be a fun week, but the hard work begins now for our national team!
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#58 - Concacaf introduces W Championship, W Gold Cup
The USWNT’s path to the 2023 World Cup hasn’t changed much, but with the expanded World Cup field, it has become slightly easier. We examine how it has changed for them. In any case, next summer has become super important for the USWNT, as they will seek to qualify for the two major tournaments on the FIFA women’s calendar in one shot: the 2023 World Cup and the 2024 Olympics. We also examine how this changes things for the other teams that also have dreams of qualifying for either the World Cup, the Olympics, or the new W Gold Cup.
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#57 - The Cooligans are here!
They have a TV show that airs Thursday nights on Fubo Sports Network, they have a podcast, and have been able to mix the funny with the soccer in a way that no one else on this side of the pond dares try. But, on top of it, they’re fans of the game and that inspires them to talk about it in the best way. We start the interview with how The Cooligans came to form, and how they focus on being funny over bringing the stats to a conversation. They also get into how they’ve been able to interview so many athletes and how that shapes how they view the game. We also discuss the summer for the USMNT and the USWNT and the excitement they have for American soccer as a whole.
We then get into some soccer-adjacent topics, like the best pizza outside of New York/New Jersey, jersey swag, and who inspires their comedy. It’s a fun interview that is certain to make you laugh at times, but you will also be able to feel their emotion at times as they discuss their love for the game!
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#56 - Gold Cup champions, Olympic bronze medalists
After the break, we get into the Olympics for the USWNT, who got a bronze medal instead of the gold they were coveting. We discuss where they slipped up along the way and how they recovered to win bronze in Tokyo. We also discuss what they need to do in order to turn the page to World Cup qualifying, which will begin next year.
This week will be a double episode week (we have to catch up!), so look for a new episode on Thursday afternoon. It will be a fun interview that you won’t want to miss!
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#55 - WNT Olympic roster, MNT Gold Cup roster predictions
After the break, we get into the USMNT. The 23-man Gold Cup roster will be released tomorrow, and we go through the provisional roster to see which players would make interesting picks for head coach Gregg Berhalter.
As always, subscribe to the podcast and tell your friends about it as well! SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com is the email address for any questions or topic suggestions!
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#54 - Juneteenth Crossover w/ Can I Kick It FC Podcast!
We’re honored to use our platform to re-air the first episode of the Can I Kick It FC Podcast, which debuted a year ago today. Co-hosts Elliot Barr (who appeared on Episode 42 during Black History Month) and Chenier Durand II take the floor and debut this podcast with a USMNT legend, DaMarcus Beasley.
Follow them on Twitter, and do subscribe to the podcast. It’s a favorite of ours and it’s one where you will learn something new every single episode. We also encourage you to take some time today to educate yourself on the history behind Juneteenth, what it means for Black Americans, and really how it fits in the American history books. We highly encourage you to support a black-owned business or charity. There are plenty out there, so find one in your community and show it some love. We hope you have a wonderful Juneteenth, and may we always commemorate through education, support, and the celebration of our nation’s Black people.
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#53 - USMNT are Nations League champions!
We focus mainly on the Nations League matches and just everything that we saw during those two matches. It was as Concacaf-y of a tournament as Concacaf has ever had. It had it all - time wasting, fights, VAR disallowing goals, VAR allowing 2 penalties, a penalty save, mistakes, and above all energy and passion. And, the USMNT displayed the fight and tenacity that many fans have been waiting for a long time to see.
Don’t forget to like, subscribe, rate, and review the podcast! We’re going to try and land a guest for next week to discuss the Octagon, as we’ll know then which final 3 teams will be in with the USMNT, Mexico, Jamaica, Costa Rica, and Honduras this fall!
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#52 - MNT roster released for Switzerland friendly
Of course, some names are off this list, like Christian Pulisic and Zack Steffen (Champions League final), and Aaron Long and Jordan Morris (injury). Despite injuries, Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie made the roster. We’ll see who else will form the final 23 when it is submitted on May 24th.
Justin Che and Matthew Hoppe get their first crack at the senior national team, while the team also welcomes back guys like Julian Green and DeAndre Yedlin. Who from this roster will make the plane to Denver? We’ll find out in just a few days.
Remember to subscribe, and rate and review 5 stars if you are so inclined. SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com is where you should send questions or topic suggestions!
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