Off the Woodwork

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.

Abe Gordon and John Nelson, from Soccer Down Here, discuss Atlanta United's 2-0 loss to Nashville after what looked like a competitive match for the first 30 minutes, and then took a turn.

Jason Longshore joins Chris Thomas Tonight to recap a 3-1 victory in cup play

Abe Gordon and Madison Crews recap Atlanta United's convincing win over Chattanooga FC after rallying from an early 1-0 deficit to secure the 3-1 win!

Atlanta United lost 1-0 in Chicago, dropped to 1-5-1, and play again tomorrow night. Jason breaks down what went wrong Saturday and previews the Open Cup trip to Chattanooga. The Chattanooga head coach absorbed a 6-0 Open Cup loss to Atlanta as a player. An Atlanta United loanee faces his parent club on his 19th birthday tonight. There's a 41-year-old FA Cup winner in goal. Who scores first matters more than the talent gap. Atlético Madrid and PSG are through to the Champions League semifinals. Real Madrid and Arsenal play their second legs tomorrow. Matt Crocker resigned as U.S. Soccer's sporting director today, 59 days before the World Cup, to take a job in Saudi Arabia. Javier Mascherano stepped down at Inter Miami four months after winning the MLS Cup. And Botafogo has sued Lyon for over €125 million. Plus the 3-4-3 to close the night.

Atlanta United played, arguably, their best match of the season despite going scoreless on the road again, falling 1-0 to the Chicago Fire. Abe Gordon recaps the match and tells you if United can maybe gain some momentum after on of their better performances of the season.

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best interviews of this week on SDH AM. Check the show out Monday-Friday on the Soccer Down Here YouTube and Twitch channels or as its own podcast at soccerdownhere.net. This week, he spoke with Chicago Fire radio commentator Max Anderson, Apple TV MLS commentator Steve Cangialosi, and Canadian Premier League Executive Vice President Costa Smyrniotis. Max helps get you ready for Atlanta United's trip to Soldier Field, Steve gives you a look around the league, and Costa discusses the rules trials the CPL is doing this season to help FIFA and IFAB better understand how changes to the offside law might change the game.

Jason Longshore joins Chris Thomas Tonight after a total collapse 3-1 vs Columbus

Jason Longshore breaks down Atlanta United's 3-1 loss to Columbus with Alzate and Báez presser reaction, Champions League quarterfinal results (Bayern at the Bernabeu, Arsenal in Lisbon), an exclusive interview with Valair Shabilla, and a deep dive into the NWSL as a thriving business. Plus What's on Tap presented by Michelob Ultra, the Agyemang injury news, and the 3-4-3 to close it out. Two hours of Atlanta soccer and beyond.

The NWSL is building something different. The attendance records are real. The investment is serious. And Atlanta is positioned better than anyone to take advantage of what's coming. Jason Longshore sits down with Front Office Sports' Margaret Fleming to talk the business of women's soccer, Atlanta's NWSL expansion, and what the World Cup means for the sport's future in America.

Abe Gordon and Jon Nelson recap the 3-1 loss to Columbus Crew and share their thoughts on an Atlanta United season that is starting to feel like last years.

Jon Nelson takes you through the latest SDH Week in Review on Off the Woodwork. Columbus Crew commentator Chris Doran, US Soccer U20 head coach Rob Valentino, and Atlanta United Unified Team head coach Marty Jelleme are this week's guests.

On a huge night in the international game, Jason Longshore and Madison Crews unpack the USMNT's loss to Portugal, the biggest lessons from Mauricio Pochettino's March camp, and why the U.S. still feels close but unfinished against elite opposition. Plus: Italy's latest collapse, Bosnia and Herzegovina's breakthrough, Sweden and Türkiye booking spots, DR Congo returning after 52 years, Iraq getting back in for the first time since Mexico 1986, and the teams whose World Cup stock is rising and falling.

Jason Longshore, Jon Nelson, and Madison Crews share their thoughts about the USMNT loss to Belgium at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, their takeaways, and their concerns. The USMNT is back in action at the Benz on Tuesday night hosting Portugal at 7pm.

Jason Longshore and Madison Crews talk about the scenes ahead of USA vs Belgium, the World Cup playoff matches coming up Tuesday, and AMBSE's new Director of Soccer Mauricio Culebro.

This week's SDH Week In Review covers the game from multiple levels across the American soccer landscape. Apple TV's Kacey White joins the show to break down early MLS storylines, surprise teams, concerns around Orlando City, and the latest from the opening stretch of the NWSL season. We also catch up with Union Omaha sporting director Jamie Henderson for a look at life in USL League One, balancing league play with the US Open Cup, roster turnover, and the club's ambitions on and off the field in Nebraska. Plus, Meadowcreek boys coach Jose Rodriguez joins the show to talk about building one of Georgia's top high school programs, the support around the team, and the growth of the game at the GHSA level.

Jason Longshore and Madison Crews sit down with Atlanta United legend and USMNT veteran Brad Guzan to break down Atlanta's scoreless draw with D.C. United, the progress Tata Martino's team is making, and what the upcoming friendlies mean for Mauricio Pochettino's squad. Guzan also discusses the goalkeeper battle, defensive flexibility, and why Atlanta is ready for a massive summer on the world stage.

Jason Longshore takes you through a full night of Atlanta Soccer Tonight, starting with Atlanta United's early-season profile after five games. The show also includes a Brad Guzan interview, major MLS news, a wide-angle conversation about player development and the evolving American pathway through Atlanta United Director of Methodology Javier Perez, a preview of the week in international soccer, and the closing 3-4-3 with local developments, global headlines, and stories worth carrying forward.

Jason Longshore joins Chris Thomas Tonight to break down the draw to DC and how the team can find more consistency moving forward

Abe Gordon and Jon Nelson recap what looked to be a promising start for Atlanta United but ended in a 0-0 result against DC United!

This week's SDH Week in Review covers three big conversations from across the game. Dave Johnson, the legendary voice of DC United, joins the show for opposition research ahead of Atlanta United's matchup with DC. Then Marietta Daily Journal investigative reporter Hunter Riggall breaks down the Marietta City Council vote tied to NWSL Atlanta's future training ground plans. To close, Apple TV commentator Francisco X. Rivera joins the show to talk MLS, Vancouver-San Jose, and some of the bigger themes developing around the league.

Jason Longshore joins Chris Thomas to break down the club's first win of the season

Atlanta United finally turned progress into points, and Jason Longshore and Madison Crews break down why the win over Philadelphia felt different. They also cover NWSL opening weekend attendance and on-field storylines, Atlanta's World Cup fan festival plans, key USMNT roster debates ahead of the March friendlies, and a Champions League round of 16 full of pressure for England's biggest clubs.

Abe Gordon and Nick Aliffi recap United's first win, and, what was their best performance of a young and slow-starting season, defeating the Philadelphia Union 3-1.

SDH Week in Review goes from the field to the front office this week. Dave Leno previews Philadelphia Union's visit to Atlanta with insight into the Union's shape, their press, and the details that could decide the match. Glenn Davis checks in from Houston with an unvarnished conversation about the Dynamo, the Dash, and the disconnect between soccer potential and soccer leadership. Atlanta United executive Skate Noftsinger closes the show with a look at GA 100, club collaborations, founding member opportunities, and the road to 2026. SDH AM airs Monday-Friday starting at 9:05 on the Soccer Down Here YouTube and Twitch channels and is available as a podcast from soccerdownhere.net.

Abe Gordon and John Nelson, from Soccer Down Here, recap United's 3-2 loss to Real Salt Lake. They discuss the positives from the club as they got their first two goals of the season, as well as, the negatives with them starting 0-3, marking the worst start to a season in club history.

Atlanta United returns home looking for answers after a difficult start to the season, and this week's SDH Week in Review brings insight from the voices who have been closest to the action. Jon Nelson is joined by Apple TV analyst Kacey White, who was on the call for Atlanta United's loss in San Jose, to break down what she saw from the Five Stripes and where the team can improve heading into the home opener. Next, Real Salt Lake radio commentator Landon Southwick joins the show to preview RSL ahead of their trip to Mercedes-Benz Stadium, including how Pablo Mastroeni's side is playing and what Atlanta should expect tactically. Finally, Miguel Gallardo, Spanish-language commentator with Apple TV, discusses calling tonight's match and reflects on one of the wildest moments of last weekend in MLS: Inter Miami's dramatic comeback against Orlando. Three perspectives from three broadcasters across MLS, all focused on the storylines shaping Atlanta United's week. Guests: Kacey White (Apple TV MLS Season Pass) Landon Southwick (Real Salt Lake Radio) Miguel Gallardo (Apple TV Spanish Broadcast)