Off the Woodwork

Jason Longshore and Madison Crews break down a stacked World Cup Tuesday. Kylian Mbappé becomes France's all-time leading scorer and climbs into the top tier of World Cup history in a 3-1 win over Senegal, Lionel Messi earns his 200th cap as Argentina opens the defense of their title against Algeria, and the USMNT gear up for Friday's match against Australia off the back of the most-watched FIFA Men's World Cup telecast in U.S. history. Plus, an injury crisis hits England's defense, Cape Verde's goalkeeper has a moment that's gone viral, Colombia walks into the altitude at the Azteca, Cristiano Ronaldo's final World Cup begins in Houston, and it all closes out with the 3-4-3.

On The Morning Shift, Mike Johnson, Beau Morgan and Ali Mac spend some time with 92.9 The Game's own soccer insider Madison Crews! Mike, Beau, Ali, and Madison discuss what Madison thought about Team USA's 4-1 win over Paraguay on Friday in their opening 2026 FIFA World Cup match, what has been the biggest surprise of the 2026 FIFA World Cup for Madison so far, how important Tim Ream has been to Team USA as their captain, what Australia's kind of surprising 2-0 win over Türkiye last night means for Team USA and their group, Group D, which 2026 FIFA World Cup teams are flying under the radar right now that people should start paying attention to, if Germany's 7-1 win over Curaçao yesterday is more a result of who Germany played or proof of how much of a force Germany will be in this year's World Cup, and what non Team USA FIFA World Cup match Team USA fans should take time to watch.

Jason Longshore and Madison Crews break down the chaos of World Cup Monday, starting right here at home. Cabo Verde held Spain to a stunning 0-0 draw at Atlanta Stadium, with 40 year old goalkeeper Vozinha making save after save and becoming an overnight social media sensation. Jason and Madison dig into how Cabo Verde's defensive discipline neutralized Spain's possession, what the Spanish press is saying about the result, and why Vozinha's story, complete with a name inspired by a Brazilian World Cup legend, is one of the best of this tournament so far. Plus, Belgium needed a bizarre own goal off Romelu Lukaku's bench impact to draw Egypt, Saudi Arabia's goalkeeper stole a point off Uruguay, and Iran and New Zealand put on an instant classic. All four matches on the day ended in draws, the first time that has happened at a World Cup in 68 years. The 3-4-3 covers Christian Pulisic's calf injury, Neymar's ongoing absence from Brazil training, Tunisia's reported mid-tournament coaching change, and a preview of Argentina's title defense opener against Algeria. Atlanta Soccer Tonight airs nightly on 92-9 The Game throughout the World Cup. Subscribe to Morning Espresso at soccerdownhere.net for daily World Cup coverage.

Full Day 4 recap including Japan's 89th-minute equalizer against the Netherlands, Germany's statement win in Houston, Scotland's return after 28 years, and a preview of tomorrow's noon kickoff at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

Jason Longshore breaks down the United States' historic 4-1 World Cup opening win over Paraguay on the first full Atlanta Soccer Tonight of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Folarin Balogun scored twice for the first multi-goal World Cup game by an American since 1930, Gio Reyna capped the night with a trivela in stoppage time and a baby announcement, and Chris Richards set a World Cup passing record going back to 1966. Madison Cruz joins live from Athens ahead of calling Atlanta United 2 to break down the tactics that made the U.S. performance so dominant. Jason also tracks Brazil and Morocco live from MetLife Stadium as it finishes 1-1, gives you everything you need for Haiti-Scotland at 9 PM in Foxborough and Australia-Türkiye at midnight in Vancouver, and works through the biggest World Cup news of the day: Qatar's stunning stoppage-time point against Switzerland, the VAR controversy from the U.S. match, Spain and Germany using ice vests in the Southern heat, England's gear theft in Kansas City, and the Roberto Lopes LinkedIn story you need to hear before Monday's Spain-Cape Verde match in Atlanta. The 3-4-3, brought to you by Ford, closes the show with Balogun, McKennie, and Richards as standout performers, the night's biggest headlines, and three smile stories including Gio Reyna's baby announcement, Roberto Lopes, and the Georgia Soccer and SDH Network Soccer for All partnership. Atlanta Soccer Tonight airs nightly on 92.9 The Game and the Audacy app through the World Cup Final on July 19.

On The Morning Shift, Grant McAuley, filling in for Mike Johnson, Ali Mac, and Beau Morgan spend some time recapping the opening day of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, previewing the 2026 FIFA World Cup as a whole, and previewing the U.S. Men's National Team's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup with Paraguay tonight with Atlanta United Color Analyst & Host of Atlanta Soccer Tonight Jason Longshore! Grant, Ali, Beau, and Jason discuss how excited Jason is to finally have the 2026 FIFA World Cup underway, what the expansion of the FIFA World Cup means for the tournament, why Jason thinks the U.S. Men's National Team should win their group, which of the U.S. Men's National Team players could become household names by the end of this year's FIFA World Cup, how excited Jason is to have matches in the 2026 FIFA World Cup be in his own backyard in Atlanta, Georgia, and why Jason thinks the U.S. The Men's National Team's group, Group D, is the group of death in this year's World Cup.

World Cup 26 is officially underway, and Jason Longshore breaks down a chaotic opening day from Estadio Azteca, where Mexico cruised past a too cautious South Africa behind a strong showing from Julián Quiñones and a Raúl Jiménez header, even amid two red cards and a late one for Mexico captain César Montes. Jason and Noel White also recap a wild scene downtown, from a packed Brewhouse Cafe to Mexican and Korean fans colliding across Atlanta. Madison Crews joins to preview tomorrow's massive USA vs. Paraguay opener in Inglewood, talking Alex Freeman, Sergiño Dest, Ricardo Pepi, and what Mauricio Pochettino's team needs to get right against a side that gave them fireworks last fall. Plus, the Czechia and South Korea thriller that closed out the night, World Cup pin and Panini sticker talk, and a full look ahead at Saturday's stacked slate.

Atlanta United Analyst Jason Longshore talks about how big the World Cup is starting to feel, why he likes Spain over France or Argentina, some of the issues France needs to work out in the Group Stage, some of the criticism of Mbappe, players who will break out, Messi's age limiting him throughout the tournament, how the weather and conditions will be a factor throughout the tournament, and what to look for from the USMNT against Paraguay on Friday.

The 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off tomorrow, and Atlanta Soccer Tonight spends the eve of the tournament soaking it all in. Jason Longshore opens with a love letter to Atlanta, tracing the city's soccer history from the Atlanta Chiefs in 1967 through the 1996 Olympics to the moment the world arrives at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Clips from Georgia State coaches Ed Joyce and Brett Surrency and Atlanta United director of methodology Javier Pérez set the tone, along with a conversation with two-time World Cup referee Matthew Conger on what it takes to officiate on the biggest stage. Then Kevin Egan, voice of MLS on Apple TV, joins the show fresh off a busy World Cup week. He's hosting the FIFA Fan Festival at Centennial Olympic Park and co-owns the Irish Exit, opening this weekend in Centennial Yards. Kevin shares his World Cup picks, with a potential negative surprise, gives two players to watch, and picks ______ to lift the trophy (no spoilers here, listen to the episode). Jason closes with the 3-4-3: three surprise teams, four players who will define the tournament, and his predictions for top three finishers in this summer's tournament. Stoppage Time goes deep on group-by-group rooting interests, a full schedule breakdown for the opening weekend, and a few packs of Panini stickers to send everyone off right.

Less than 48 hours from kickoff and the World Cup is already delivering. Jason Longshore breaks down the pre-tournament storylines: Lionel Messi scoring a penalty at Jordan-Hare Stadium in Auburn as Argentina cruised past Iceland, a chaotic US women's win in Brazil that ended with red cards raining down on the Brazilian bench, and the controversy surrounding Somali referee Omar Arten being denied entry into the United States. Jason also covers the managerial carousel in Spain with José Mourinho heading back to Real Madrid and Marco Silva taking over at Benfica, Atlético Madrid's very entertaining response to Real Madrid's 150 million euro bid for Julián Álvarez, and England's women heading to the playoffs despite winning five of six qualifiers. Then Madison Crews and Sofia Cupertino join for a Panini World Cup sticker pack opening, plus a preview of where the crew will be for the opening days of the tournament.

Jason Longshore breaks down the final round of World Cup warm-up matches with the tournament just days away. Spain rolls Peru 3-1 in Puebla in their last dress rehearsal before opening against Cape Verde in Atlanta next Monday, and Jason digs into what makes this La Roja squad so dangerous, why the Lamine Yamal and Nico Williams injury timeline is actually reassuring, and what to expect when they arrive at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Plus, Colombia looked sharp against Jordan, Croatia bounced back with a Modrić masterclass against Slovenia, the Netherlands needed two Gakpo penalties to escape Uzbekistán, and France got a Michael Olise hat trick in a 3-1 win over Northern Ireland while their defensive numbers keep trending the wrong way. In the 3-4-3 presented by Ford: the three tallest players at the World Cup, Jim Curtin heads to Austin FC, Jurriën Timber is officially out for the Netherlands, encouraging news on Neymar, and Scotland creates a mess with Norway before the tournament even starts. Plus three things that made Jason smile, including Haiti back at the World Cup for the first time in 52 years. World Cup coverage will be a team effort, you'll be able to end your night with us on AST throughout the next month plus. You can wake up with a morning read by subscribing to Morning Espresso at soccerdownhere.net and catch SDH AM with John Nelson daily at 9:05 through the World Cup final.

Jason Longshore breaks down The US men's national team's 2-1 loss to Germany at Soldier Field, including audio from the mixed zone with Antonee Robinson, Christian Pulisic, and Alex Freeman. Plus: Argentina's anthem mix-up in College Station, Brazil's win over Egypt and Wesley's World Cup-ending injury, Scotland's statement performance over Bolivia, England's unconvincing win and the Raymond James Stadium scoreboard disaster, and a deep dive on France's internal drama heading into the tournament. What's on Tap goes goals edition: best goals of 2022, players to watch, and which teams score and concede the most. The 3-4-3 closes it out with Atlanta United 2's big win in Athens, Eriksen's collapse in Odense, EA Sports FC's World Cup prediction, Florentino Pérez's re-election at Real Madrid, and three things that made Jason smile including Curaçao's school bus arrival, Free Bird at Soldier Field, and the Chicago Bulls-style USMNT introductions.

Jason Longshore breaks down everything happening in the final week before the World Cup. The defending champion Argentines arrive in College Station carrying real injury concerns and the emotional weight of Indio Solari's death and his unsent message to Lionel Messi. Plus, Julio Enciso's injury scare for Paraguay, Lamine Yamal wins LaLiga Player of the Year, Norway's Viking squad photo, the Nike Rip the Script commercial, FIFA's new pre-match ceremony, and three big warmup games to watch this weekend including US vs. Germany.

Jason Longshore and Noel White team up for a full Intersection crossover edition of Atlanta Soccer Tonight, one week before the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off. The show breaks down what the US 3-0 win over Senegal revealed about Mauricio Pochettino's squad, which teams in Group D pose the biggest threat to the US, and the Matt Turner vs. Matt Freese goalkeeper debate heading into Saturday's match against Germany. Jason and Noel dig into the best kits of the tournament, from Japan and Mexico to the US home and away, plus the Adidas Originals x Thrasher Argentina collab and Jordan Brand's work with Brazil. The Three-Four-Three covers the three youngest players in the tournament, Liverpool's new manager Andoni Iriola, Japan's training camp drama in Monterrey, the wild ongoing saga of John Textor and Botafogo, and the visa situation that nearly kept Switzerland striker Breel Embolo out of the World Cup. Stoppage time goes deep on Atlanta's World Cup infrastructure, the NWSL's opportunity this summer, the legacy of the 1994 World Cup, and the very important question of what an Atlanta NWSL team should be called.

The World Cup is eight days away and the pre-tournament window just delivered its biggest result. Algeria beat the Netherlands 1-0 in Rotterdam, with Feyenoord winger Anis Hadj Moussa scoring a stunning 86th-minute curler at his own club's stadium for his first international goal. Jason breaks down what it means for Algeria heading into Group J against Argentina, Austria, and Jordan, and why Argentine media was treating it as breaking news. Also on the show: Lamine Yamal's injury update ahead of Spain's opener, the DR Congo Ebola situation threatening their World Cup prep, Real Madrid's contested presidential election, and André Jardine parting ways with Club América after three Liga MX titles. Plus, Atlanta's World Cup history — how the city went from not having a seat at the table in 1994 to hosting a semifinal in 2026. The 3-4-3 covers the three oldest players in the tournament, four headlines, and three things making Jason smile, including Greenville Triumph opening their new stadium and Bank of America's free ticket program for veterans and first responders. Stoppage Time goes long on Atlanta United's transfer window, the state of the club since 2018, and the pure joy of what this World Cup moment means for soccer in this country.

Jozy Altidore joins Jason Longshore at Sogility in Fayetteville, Georgia for a wide-ranging conversation ahead of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Jozy shares what the players are feeling now that the roster is set, why Mauricio Pochettino's "be nasty" message resonates with him, and what it will take for the guys around Christian Pulisic to step up on the biggest stage. He also opens up about the training philosophy behind Sogility, how gamified data-driven sessions are developing creative, confident players from a young age, and why he thinks an MLS salary cap overhaul is overdue. Plus, memories of those 2017 Toronto vs. Atlanta United classics and what made that Toronto side one of the best in league history.

Jason Longshore kicks off the daily World Cup format of Atlanta Soccer Tonight with a passionate defense of MLS and the players representing the league on the world stage. Then, why dribblers could be the difference-makers this summer, with a spotlight on Rayan Cherki, Sergiño Dest, and Lionel Messi. The 3-4-3 features three potential breakout players, four headlines including the Andoni Iraola to Liverpool reports and Romelu Lukaku's record-breaking return for Belgium, and three things that made Jason smile. In Stoppage Time: Jozy Altidore on the USMNT's newfound nastiness, Christian Pulisic, and the growth of MLS, plus Panini sticker madness and the incredible story of Tim Payne, the New Zealand defender who became a celebrity in Argentina without leaving the pitch.

Jason Longshore and Madison Crew break down a strong USMNT performance in a pre-World Cup friendly win over Senegal, highlighting Christian Pulisic's goal and assist, Folarin Balogun's near hat trick, and why Alex Freeman has locked up a must-start role in Mauricio Pochettino's three-back system. The conversation also digs into the PSG and Arsenal Champions League final, including Luis Enrique's fascinating postgame philosophy on control and unpredictability. The show's first 3-4-3 of the World Cup summer covers standout US players, four global headlines including Canada's injury woes and Germany's momentum, and three things that made us smile. Plus, Panini sticker pack live breaks and a look at what's ahead before June 11 when the World Cup starts.

Jason Longshore and Madison Crews get you ready for World Cup action breaking down everything from the USMNT defeating Sengal, to the Champions League results, and much more!

Jason Longshore gives you his thoughts on the USMNT 3-2 win over Senegal in an international friendly as they prepare for the 2026 World Cup. AST goes nightly on 92.9 The Game and the station's YouTube channel starting tomorrow night for the entirety of the World Cup.

Abe Gordon and Jason Longshore discussed what the expectations are for the USMNT ahead of the World Cup, reacted to the roster drop, previewed what we can look at this summer, and talked some Atlanta United action, too.

Jon Nelson brings you the best of SDH AM this week with three guests worth your full attention. Marcelo Balboa drops in before heading to CBS's World Cup coverage in Connecticut, sharing his read on the USMNT camp in suburban Atlanta, the Pochettino roster cut controversy, and what this group needs to do to go deep in the tournament. Then Michael Parkhurst of Beyond Goals Mentoring breaks down what it feels like to wear the national team jersey, how chemistry gets built under pressure, and why the feedback loop between coaches and players matters more than most people realize. Finally, Philip Poole, head coach and general manager of the Carolina Ascent, talks about building a club from scratch, staying true to an identity through two rough patches in the season, and what it takes to get to a Cambridge Super League final. All that plus a USL Super League title on the line Saturday night in Lexington, Kentucky.

Mauricio Pochettino named his 26-man USMNT roster for the 2026 World Cup, and Jason Longshore breaks down every key decision: the bold inclusion of Gio Reyna over Diego Luna, Alejandro Zendejas earning his spot, the tactical vision behind the Robinson and Dest wingback system, and what the midfield construction tells you about how Pochettino plans to play in Group D. Then, the latest World Cup updates including Sunday's USA vs. Senegal send-off match in Charlotte and everything else happening around the globe ahead of June 12. The 3-4-3 covers Atlanta United's rough close to the first portion of the season, the WPSL kicking off locally this weekend, and the LSA Mustangs hosting the El Salvador U20 national team Sunday night at Meadowcreek High School. In Stoppage Time: a deeper look at Pochettino as a manager, his philosophy, and what his tenure so far tells us about how he will handle the pressure of a home World Cup. Then, a full halftime report on Atlanta United: the first 14 games, what has worked, what has not, and what the club needs to figure out across 20 matches after the World Cup break to make a real push in the second half of the season. Atlanta Soccer Tonight airs nightly on 92.9 The Game starting June 1 through July 19. Full show and Stoppage Time available every night on the 92.9 The Game YouTube channel and on demand here on the Off The Woodwork podcast.

Abe Gordon and Madison Crews recap Atlanta United's final match before the World Cup break! Abe and Madison discuss the tale of two halves that saw United fall 2-0 in the first half but respond in the second despite being shutout.

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best segments from SDH AM (Monday-Friday, 9:05 start time on the Soccer Down Here YouTube and Twitch channels). In this week's editions, Columbus radio commentator Chris Doran gets you caught up on the Crew ahead of Atlanta United's visit on Sunday, Apple TV's Sammy Sadovnik looks around MLS in the final weekend before the World Cup break, and Jon introduces you to the amazing story of Brooklyn FC's Taimo Okiyoshi.

Abe Gordon and Madison Crews are back, and do their best to try to make asense of what was possibly the most embarrassing performance in Atlanta United history after falling 4-1 to Orlando City SC.

Its a Soccer Down Here takeover! Maddison Crews and Jon Nelson recap Atlanta United's 1-1 draw against Orlando City SC and what to expect as the club continues on its long road-trip.

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best interviews from this week on SDH AM. Watch every Monday-Friday starting at 9:05 on the Soccer Down Here YouTube and Twitch channels. This week, hear about Orlando City from Mike Gramajo ahead of tonight's match, UGA hosting a soccer match at Sanford Stadium from head coach Keidane McAlpine, and FIFA's grant to Atlanta non-profit Field of Dreams Academy.

Thirty days from kickoff, Telemundo's Luis Omar Tapia and Miguel Gurwitz are here to talk about what they're watching, who they're following, and what their World Cup coverage looks like. Plus: Jefferson girls and Islands boys win first-ever state titles in Duluth. Atlanta United's territorial dominance against LA Galaxy that never became control. And a 3-4-3 with Barcelona's Clásico title, Florentino Pérez making a fool of himself on live television, and Botafogo's third FIFA transfer ban in a case that still has Atlanta United's paperwork attached to it.

Jason Longshore joins Chris Thomas Tonight to discuss a tough 2-1 loss to LA Galaxy

Abe Gordon and John Nelson have you covered and recap Atlanta United's loss to LA Galaxy after a controversial disallowed goal robs United of a point and sees Atlanta fall 2-1 in the second half!

Jon Nelson gets you ready for the weekend ahead in MLS with the SDH Week in Review. Apple TV commentators Ramses Sandoval and Kacey White, along with Pulso Sports' Niko Moreno, discuss all the latest around the league.

Ted Turner died today at 87. The tributes will celebrate CNN, the Braves, the superstation that changed American television, and the America's Cup. All of it is deserved. But there is a soccer chapter in his legacy that belongs to Atlanta specifically, and it is not making it into the obituaries. In 1978, Turner quietly invested $1.5 million to bring professional soccer back to Atlanta. He denied any involvement to the press while his lawyers were already filing the partnership paperwork with the NASL. The league voted 22 to 2 to block the deal because they were terrified of his superstation. He educated them, won the unanimous approval two months later, and funded the Atlanta Chiefs for three seasons. He was right about soccer. The market just needed four decades to catch up. Jason Longshore tells the full story today, drawing on legal documents from Dick Cecil's archived papers at Emory University and a conversation with Chiefs broadcaster and GM Terry Hanson, in this special tribute edition of Off The Woodwork. Rest well, Ted. Atlanta soccer owes you more than it knows.

Carlos Bocanegra joins Jason Longshore to talk about Atlanta FC, his new boutique youth club built on a model American youth soccer rarely sees: one team per age group, one dedicated coach per team, and a family-first environment where parents get the training session plan after every practice and are welcome at team talks. Bocanegra talks about why he stopped playing soccer for nine months in high school because of a bad coaching experience, why the late bloomer is the player most at risk in the current system, and what he hopes Atlanta FC can do to start changing the culture of youth development nationally. Jason adds context on the staff: Liam Curran, nine years at Atlanta United and currently working with U.S. Youth National Teams, as Director of Goalkeeping, and Dr. Ryan Alexander, founding High Performance Director at Atlanta United, in the same role at Atlanta FC. Tryouts are May 18 through 20 at Oglethorpe University in Brookhaven. More at atlantafootballclub.com. Then it's What's On Tap, sponsored by Michelob Ultra, official beer sponsor of FIFA World Cup 26. Arsenal are going to Budapest for their first Champions League final in 20 years. Jason breaks down the most statistically dominant European campaign any English club has put together in the modern format, what Mikel Arteta has had to manage to get there, and why dismissing the PSG-Bayern first leg as poorly defended is the wrong take entirely. Preview of tomorrow's second leg in Munich, where Bayern need two goals and both managers have said neither team is coming to defend. The 3-4-3, brought to you by Ford, closes the show. Local stories cover the AU2 road win over Carolina Core, the full boys high school quarterfinal bracket with all four classifications, and the girls semifinal picture including Model's 6-0 win in Rome with Emily Gentry's first-half hat trick. Four headlines: Arsenal's Premier League title door opens wider after City drop points against Everton, the Neymar assault allegation at Santos involving Robinho Jr., Mourinho extension talks accelerating at Benfica with Real Madrid circling and a ten-day release clause window approaching, and Hearts three points clear of Celtic with three matches left chasing the first Scottish title by a club outside the Old Firm since Sir Alex Ferguson's Aberdeen in 1985. Three smile stories: the Rosario Central dog who turned out to belong to a Newell's Old Boys family, Cooper Sanchez getting better every single match and deserving national attention he is not getting, and the crowd in Rome for Model's state quarterfinal win.

Atlanta United have won three in a row across two competitions, and Jason Longshore breaks down how each win came in a different way, the gritty Toronto result, the controlled Open Cup win in Charlotte, and the comeback against Montreal that showed a team with a new level of confidence and connection. The schedule ahead: LA Galaxy on Saturday, then three road matches before the World Cup break. Then Jason pulls from the Josh Blank media roundtable at the Arthur M. Blank Foundation: why the fan festival at Centennial Olympic Park may matter more for long-term fandom than the matches themselves, what AMBSE controls when FIFA controls ticket pricing, the '96 Olympics as the benchmark for what 2026 can do for Atlanta's global brand, the Spain connection across both soccer and business, and what MLS has to solve before the 2029 media rights negotiation. The segment closes with the full NWSL build: where the franchise stands on hiring, what the fall brand reveal means for the runway to 2028, the Georgia player pipeline already in place, and why Josh Blank says this launch is being built more intentionally than Atlanta United was from the start.

Atlanta is about to take center stage. Arthur and Josh Blank join Mike Conti to discuss why the 2026 World Cup is a milestone moment for Georgia. Mercedes-Benz Stadium has hosted the Super Bowl and Final Four, but the World Cup is a different beast. Hear how Atlanta is preparing for 8 matches.

Abe Gordon and John Nelson recap and listen to sounds from the players after Atlanta United has officially gone STREAKING! Atlanta United rallied after giving up an early goal to pull out the 3-1 win over CF Montreal! Is this the turning point of the season for Tata and Company?

In the second hour, Jason gets the city prepared for Atlanta United's trip up I-85. Atlanta United heads to Charlotte as the U.S. Open Cup continues! In the second segment, Jason updates the city on the happenings of the Champions League. How is PSG doing in the Champions League? Plus, in the 3-5-3, Tuskegee University is doing what?! Tuskegee University launching soccer program?!

Jason Longshore is in on a Monday night ahead of a US Open Cup match with Charlotte FC after a much needed win in Toronto. Atlanta United wins in Toronto! In the second segment, Jason gives updates on Women's soccer as the Washington Spirit are 4-0 and Atlanta takes another step towards their NWSL franchise. NWSL continues to grow as Atlanta breaks ground on its new training facility. Plus, we enter Noel's World for the first time on AST as she asks Jason his opinion on Lamine Yamal's injury ahead of the World Cup as well as checking out adidas' “Bringback” jersey collection. Have adidas been listening to Jason and Noel?

Jon Nelson brings you the best of SDH AM from the week of April 24, 2026. Three conversations worth your time heading into the weekend. First, Craig Forrest and James Charman from Footy Prime join for opposition research ahead of Atlanta United's Saturday matinee at BMO Field. The Toronto FC breakdown covers Josh Sargent's early impact, Daniel Shalloway's emergence as a goal-scoring star, the back line questions Robin Fraser is still working through, and Luca Gavrón's keeper goal that nobody saw coming. Then, Atlanta United director of methodology Javier Pérez drops in on short notice to talk about two years of building the academy and twos from the ground up. He covers the U-16 side's GA Cup championship run, a competitive showing against Valencia CF at U-15, and where he sees the next wave of first-team talent coming from, including Cooper Sanchez as exhibit A. To close, Front Office Sports reporter Margaret Fleming joins to break down the NWSL's announcement of its 18th franchise in Columbus, Ohio. The conversation covers rising expansion fees, how Atlanta's 2028 entry raises the bar for facilities league-wide, venue sizing concerns in Denver and Boston, and why the league might be better served consolidating now rather than continuing to expand. Soccer Down Here covers the beautiful game from a Southern perspective. Find the Morning Espresso newsletter at soccerdownhere.net.

Abe Gordon and John Nelson breakdown a gut-wrenching loss by United, after falling 2-1 to the New England Revolution, in a match that was largely dominated by Atlanta United until the second half!

On this episode of Atlanta Soccer Tonight, Jason Longshore digs into Atlanta United's biggest problem right now: a lack of attacking threat. He breaks down the loss to Nashville, what Tata Martino and Cooper Sanchez had to say, and why the first goal against New England could define the night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Plus, Columbus officially joins Atlanta in the NWSL for 2028, Jason looks at what that means for the league and how the two markets have handled the moment differently, and he makes the case that coaches across the sport take too much blame and not enough credit. The show also includes an MLS whiparound with San Jose, Vancouver, Inter Miami, and more.