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USA Soccercast

USA Soccercast

By Donald Wine II

For fans of soccer in the United States. We will cover the U.S. national teams, the players, the leagues, and everything that makes American soccer great, good, and in need of serious improvement.
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#101 - Welcome to the USA Soccercast!

USA SoccercastMar 31, 2023

00:00
04:38
#101 - Welcome to the USA Soccercast!

#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!

Mar 31, 202304:38
#100 - Breaking down the Concacaf Nations League changes

#100 - Breaking down the Concacaf Nations League changes

The Concacaf Nations League is undergoing some format changes starting in September, and on a milestone 100th episode of the SSFC Podcast, we dive into what those changes are and what it means for the USMNT.
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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Feb 28, 202311:02
#99 - USWNT make SheBelieves statement
Feb 24, 202312:14
#98 - Looking back on Black American soccer history

#98 - Looking back on Black American soccer history

A couple of weeks ago, we retold some of the international Black soccer history stories that were among our favorites on the SSFC Podcast. On Episode 98, we bring you the American stories that we’ve done for Black History Month that were among our favorites.
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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Feb 22, 202320:22
#97 - SheBelieves serves as a major USWNT test
Feb 16, 202318:49
#96 - Reliving some famous Black History stories

#96 - Reliving some famous Black History stories

Over the course of Black History Month every year, we’ve done our best to write stories of those players and moments that deserved to be told to a wider audience. Sometimes, it’s good to look back and relive some of those stories, and we do that on Episode 96 of the SSFC Podcast.
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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Feb 10, 202325:34
#95 - Wrapping January Camp for Leeds United States
Jan 31, 202318:20
#94 - Copa America arrives, Earnie Stewart departs
Jan 27, 202315:23
#93 - A word on the Pod's future

#93 - A word on the Pod's future

The SSFC Podcast received some grim news today, as did dozens of people in the various SB Nation communities. This morning, I received an email from SB Nation’s higher ups that let us know that the company, along with its parent company Vox Media, would be undergoing some layoffs as well as other cuts. Unfortunately, those cuts included the end of support for the Stars & Stripes FC Podcast as of February 28th. There were several SB Nation team sites that were also told that their support and funding would end, including many sites focusing on MLS teams. Stars & Stripes FC as a website has not been affected by today’s cuts and our community will remain a part of SB Nation as a fully supported website. This site will continue to bring you all the content on our USMNT and USWNT, and we hope you continue to bring positive contributions to our comments section as well as our Fan Posts. So, today’s a bittersweet day as many of our sister blogs will not continue after the end of February. The future of this podcast is uncertain, but as we figure it out, we will keep you all in the know. The SSFC Podcast is not saying goodbye just yet. But, its future on the SB Nation network does have an expiration date. For now, continue to send any questions you have or topic suggestions to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Jan 21, 202309:24
#92 - USWNT ready to take New Zealand to the Max!

#92 - USWNT ready to take New Zealand to the Max!

The United States Women’s National Team have two friendlies next week against New Zealand, and we discuss their upcoming matches on Episode 92 of the SSFC Podcast. The USWNT are getting a look at two of the stadiums they will call home during the 2023 Women’s World Cup, and will do so by taking on one of the co-hosts to jump start the year.
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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Jan 13, 202312:57
#91 - Berhalter vs. Reyna: The breakdown

#91 - Berhalter vs. Reyna: The breakdown

What a week! The Gregg Berhalter-Reyna family scandal rocked the U.S. Soccer world, and we have to recap it on Episode 91 of the SSFC Podcast.
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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Jan 09, 202343:53
#90 - Look back at 2022, prepare for 2023
Jan 02, 202316:43
#88 - Remembering Grant Wahl

#88 - Remembering Grant Wahl

How do you properly pay tribute to a fallen legend? We pay tribute to Grant Wahl on the latest episode of the SSFC Podcast. Grant Wahl, the incredible soccer journalist and author, passed away early Saturday morning at the age of 49 after collapsing while covering the Argentina-Netherlands match at Lusail Stadium. The news of his death was a complete gut punch for the soccer community. Dr. Céline Gounder, Grant’s wife for 21 years, posted a statement to Grant’s Substack this morning that Grant passed due to “he rupture of a slowly growing, undetected ascending aortic aneurysm with hemopericardium.” While it may give some answers, it probably doesn’t bring comfort to Céline, Grant’s brother Eric, Grant’s brother-in-law, and the scores of colleagues and close friends that knew him well. Grant was such a genuine person, as evidenced by the number of people who have paid tribute to him from all around the country. And, we go through some of the personal interactions that we had with Grant and what made him so great and willing to help out others in this space or to just vibe out on the game we love so much. Everyone here at Stars & Stripes FC continue to send our condolences to Grant’s family and friends. It was a monumental loss for the soccer community, and it’s a void that may never be fully filled. Rest in peace, Grant. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Dec 14, 202216:53
#87 - 1 cycle coaches and Copa Américas
Dec 09, 202215:36
#86 - USMNT's World Cup run ends in Round of 16
Dec 05, 202214:38
#85 - Let's squeeze the Oranje

#85 - Let's squeeze the Oranje

The United States Men’s National Team is set to take on the Netherlands tomorrow in the World Cup Round of 16, and we preview everything on Episode 85 of the SSFC Podcast. In this episode, we analyze what to watch for tomorrow against the Dutch and we examine the World Cup from the fan experience perspective. The Round of 16 is set, so we go over the bracket quickly to see what the road to the World Cup trophy is for the teams remaining.
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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Dec 02, 202222:36
#84 - USMNT to the Round of 16!
Dec 01, 202223:07
#83 - Preparing for the 2022 World Cup

#83 - Preparing for the 2022 World Cup

The 2022 World Cup kicks off in just 3 days, and while it feels like we’re all still getting ready for it in many aspects, we’re here to give a quick breakdown of everything on Episode 83 of the Stars & Stripes FC Podcast. There are 32 teams that will compete for the World Cup trophy, including the United States Men’s National Team. We first begin with a broad overview of the groups, breaking down who the favorites are to win the whole thing and some other contenders that could sneak their way to the trophy. We even discuss the other Concacaf teams (Mexico, Costa Rica, and Canada) and their tough chances to advance out of the group stage. After the break, we put the focus squarely on the USMNT, starting with listing the roster that will represent us at the World Cup. We break down who made the roster and some surprise inclusions and omissions. Then, we get into the group stage and even potential knockout stage opponents for the USMNT and determine what success could mean for the youngest team in the field of 32. Finally, to end, we discuss our coverage of the World Cup amidst all the controversy and just overall awful surrounding the tournament, from the way it was obtained to the thousands of lives lost building the stadiums that will host the games. There will be a lot to discuss in the SSFC community as the tournament begins, and we will be here to provide coverage of the USMNT and the rest of the World Cup, but we completely support all the ways people may choose to watch or not watch this tournament. If you have questions or topic suggestions, send them to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com. There will be more episodes coming as we go through the tournament! World Cup rooting guide We know that most of you already have a rooting interest in the World Cup. But that’s probably just habit. SB Nation has devised a quiz based on your style of sports fandom that will scientifically* decide which team you really should be rooting for. Take it here! *no actual science was used, your mileage may vary Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 17, 202215:26
#82 - Dissecting the WNT roster w/ Shea Butter FC!

#82 - Dissecting the WNT roster w/ Shea Butter FC!

The United States Women’s National Team released its roster earlier Monday for the September international window, and on Episode 82 we welcome back Skye & Sylvs from the Shea Butter FC Podcast to break down the roster in detail! The 23-player roster is the same as from the Concacaf W Championship: GOALKEEPERS (3): Aubrey Kingsbury (Washington Spirit), Casey Murphy (North Carolina Courage), Alyssa Naeher (Chicago Red Stars) DEFENDERS (6): Alana Cook (OL Reign), Emily Fox (Racing Louisville FC), Naomi Girma (San Diego Wave FC), Sofia Huerta (OL Reign), Kelley O’Hara (Washington Spirit), Becky Sauerbrunn (Portland Thorns FC) 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 (7): Ashley Hatch (Washington Spirit), Alex Morgan (San Diego Wave FC), Mallory Pugh (Chicago Red Stars), Midge Purce (NJ/NY Gotham FC), Megan Rapinoe (OL Reign), Trinity Rodman (Washington Spirit), Sophia Smith (Portland Thorns FC) However, there was a notable omission from the roster in Mia Fishel, and Skye & Sylvs go into detail on fan confusion over the standards by which players are selected for the USWNT. As we approach friendlies, USWNT head coach Vlatko Andonovski opted to continue with the roster he already had rather than bring in new talent for evaluation. There’s also a frank discussion on whether the USWNT can stack up against teams like England, who they will play in London on October 7th before a sold out Wembley Stadium. In what will be a major test, will this USWNT roster be the one that can pass that test? We discuss tactics, player selection, how the USWNT matches up against Nigeria and England, and a whole lot more! Give the Shea Butter FC Podcast a follow on social media, as well as Skye & Sylvs for all the women’s soccer analysis from an incredibly unique and needed perspective. And, continue to subscribe to the SSFC Podcast wherever you get your podcasts! We’re also looking for topic suggestions and questions to answer on future shows. Send those to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Aug 23, 202201:02:28
#81 - Putting the 2022 U.S. Soccer jerseys on trial
Aug 19, 202229:34
#80 - Investigating the state of American soccer
May 13, 202234:55
#79 - USMNT nuggets, rumored U.S. jerseys are back

#79 - USMNT nuggets, rumored U.S. jerseys are back

An article earlier this week by Steven Goff of the Washington Post had some incredible nuggets of information about the United States Men’s National Team, and we discuss some of that info on Episode 79! The USMNT only have a double international window in June and a September window before the 2022 World Cup, and Goff gives us some information from Gregg Berhalter about how those windows could shape up.
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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May 06, 202217:53
#78 - Concacaf W Championship Draw, USWNT scheduling
Apr 22, 202218:39
#77 - Qualified! World Cup bound and Nations League Draw!

#77 - Qualified! World Cup bound and Nations League Draw!

The USMNT are in the World Cup, and we recap the final World Cup qualifying window on Episode 77 of the SSFC Podcast!
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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Apr 07, 202221:28
#76 - USMNT roster released, new U.S. Soccer media rights deal

#76 - USMNT roster released, new U.S. Soccer media rights deal

The United States Men’s National Team have a very important window coming up next week, and we discuss the newest roster on Episode 76 of the SSFC Podcast. The USMNT have the last World Cup qualifying window approaching, with an away match at Estadio Azteca against Mexico next Thursday, a home match against Panama on March 27th, and another road qualifier against Costa Rica on March 30th. Today, Gregg Berhalter released his 27-man roster for the window, and we begin by breaking down who made the roster and some players that didn’t. There are some injuries that kept some key players off the roster like Matt Turner and Weston McKennie, and we reveal some of the players who could be called in should Sergiño Dest be deemed out due to the injury he suffered. We also bring up John Brooks once again being left off the roster and the statement he made to fans on his plans to continue to fight for his place on the team. After the break, U.S Soccer has a new media rights deal with TurnerSports, and there’s a discussion on what that means for the USMNT and the USWNT. Get ready to have TNT, TBS, and HBO Max readily available for U.S. Soccer matches starting in 2023. We’ll be back after this important window, but Stars & Stripes FC will have all the coverage during these important World Cup qualifiers. If you have topic suggestions or questions, send them to SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Mar 18, 202218:32
#75 - SheBelieves Cup recap w/ Shea Butter FC!

#75 - SheBelieves Cup recap w/ Shea Butter FC!

The United States Women’s National Team won its 5th SheBelieves Cup title, and we recap the tournament on Episode 75. On this episode, we’re joined by Skye and Sylvs, who are the pair behind the wonderful Shea Butter FC Podcast, which focuses on Black women and non-binary people in soccer. They talk about what they saw from the press box at the first two matches and in general from the USWNT.
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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Feb 25, 202201:09:03
#74 - Preparing for SheBelieves

#74 - Preparing for SheBelieves

The United States Women’s National Team prepare for SheBelieves Cup, and we do a quick preview of all the games on Episode 74. The USWNT will begin their 2022 schedule tomorrow against Czech Republic, continue on Sunday against New Zealand, and end next Wednesday with a match against Iceland. There is excitement around some of the young talent that’s in this camp, like Midge Purce, Trinity Rodman, and Ashley Sanchez. Can they make an impact on this team during this tournament? This year is an important one for the USWNT, with the Concacaf W Championship this summer serving as qualfiying for both the 2023 Women’s World Cup qualifying and the 2024 Summer Olympics. We talk briefly about why the USWNT have ended up drawing the Czech Republic, New Zealand, and Iceland for this edition of SheBelieves instead of the traditional powers that normally participate in this tournament. But, this could serve as a great test for the USWNT, mimicking a theoretical World Cup group. Stay tuned to Stars & Stripes FC for all the coverage around SheBelieves Cup, and hit the comments to discuss the upcoming tournament and what you’re expecting. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Feb 16, 202208:25
#73 - Reviewing the Winter WCQ window
Feb 07, 202224:44
#72 - Preparing for January WCQs
Jan 25, 202224:50
#71 - MNT World Cup qualifying roster released!
Jan 21, 202218:41
#70 - USWNT releases training camp roster
Jan 14, 202211:09
#69 - Transfer season, MNT training camp, SheBelieves Cup venues announced

#69 - Transfer season, MNT training camp, SheBelieves Cup venues announced

Jan 06, 202215:21
#68 - End of year recap, mailbag time!
Dec 29, 202139:53
#67 - WNT recap, rumored new U.S. jerseys
Dec 03, 202128:20
#66 - Dos A Cero otra vez, Draw at The Office
Nov 19, 202127:14
#65 - Preparing for USMNT vs. Mexico and Jamaica
Nov 10, 202118:06
#64 - MNT Mailbag!
Oct 28, 202119:32
#63 - WCQ recap & the lunacy of a biennial World Cup
Oct 20, 202113:00
#62 - MNT World Cup qualifying roster released

#62 - MNT World Cup qualifying roster released

The USMNT roster is here for World Cup qualifying, and it’s time to react to it on Episode 62. The roster was released this morning, and we go through it to highlight who Gregg Berhalter called in and who was not included.
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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Sep 29, 202113:33
#61 - Digging into the WCQ mailbag
Sep 12, 202122:06
#60 - World Cup qualifying recap, World of Concacaf interview

#60 - World Cup qualifying recap, World of Concacaf interview

The first three matches of World Cup qualifying are in the books for the United States Men’s National Team, and we recap it all on Episode 60 of the SSFC Podcast! The USMNT are currently in 2nd place in the Octagonal standings after a draw at El Salvador, a home draw against Canada, and a comeback win on the road at Honduras. I was in the building for all 3 matches, and we break down all the ups and downs from the window.
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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Sep 10, 202155:07
#59 - World Cup qualifying begins!
Sep 01, 202117:07
#58 - Concacaf introduces W Championship, W Gold Cup
Aug 19, 202113:50
#57 - The Cooligans are here!
Aug 12, 202139:58
#56 - Gold Cup champions, Olympic bronze medalists
Aug 09, 202136:54
#55 - WNT Olympic roster, MNT Gold Cup roster predictions
Jun 29, 202115:22
#54 - Juneteenth Crossover w/ Can I Kick It FC Podcast!
Jun 19, 202146:39
#53 - USMNT are Nations League champions!
Jun 11, 202119:19
#52 - MNT roster released for Switzerland friendly
May 20, 202107:19
#51 - Gold Cup schedule announced

#51 - Gold Cup schedule announced

The 2021 Gold Cup schedule has finally arrived...took Concacaf long enough! We go through it on Episode 51 of the SSFC Podcast. First, we talk about how Concacaf completely bungled the announcement of this Gold Cup schedule, including releasing the list of venues without dates or who would be playing there. Less than 2 months before the start of the tournament, we finally learn where teams will be playing, which is making fans scramble to make summer plans. The USMNT has a home base for the group stage this summer, and that base is Children’s Mercy Park in Kansas City, home of Sporting Kansas City. From there, they could go to the Dallas Cowboys’ home, AT&T Stadium, either of Q2 Stadium (Austin FC) or NRG Stadium (Houston Texans), with the final taking place on August 1st at Allegiant Stadium, home of the Las Vegas Raiders. Subscribing helps, rating and reviewing helps, but your support is greatly appreciated! SSFC Podcast at Gmail dot com is the place to send all questions or topic suggestions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
May 14, 202114:34