Off the Woodwork

Jason Longshore reacts to the USMNT's 4-2 win over Chile and looks beyond the result at what the first two matches of the new World Cup cycle are revealing. Sebastian Berhalter and Malik Tillman continue to strengthen their cases, young players are being tested at the international level, goalkeeper and captain remain open questions, and growing depth is creating new decisions for Mauricio Pochettino ahead of matches with Mexico and Canada. Plus, Jason shares his thoughts on the Atlanta City FC name, crest and branding, and examines Atlanta United's continued improvement following its draw with New York City FC.

Abe Gordona and Jon Nelson break down United's comeback effort to force a draw against New York City FC! They also discuss Atlanta's slimming chances for the final playoff spot!

This week on the SDH Week in Review, we bring you some of the best conversations from SDH AM. Glenn Crooks, the play-by-play voice of NYCFC, joins us for opposition research ahead of Atlanta United's matchup with New York City, including the impact of international absences, NYCFC's recent struggles and how both sides could adjust their lineups. US Soccer Hall of Famer Marcelo Balboa drops by to discuss the USMNT, the packed international calendar and the latest around Major League Soccer, including San Diego FC and Austin FC. Then we continue an important conversation across the SDH Network about the growth and challenges of soccer at HBCUs. Arkansas-Pine Bluff women's head coach Fred Locario takes us inside the process of building a program, recruiting nationally, developing the sport on campus and why greater investment in soccer at HBCUs matters. The SDH Week in Review is just a sample of what we do every week across the Soccer Down Here Network. Watch or listen to SDH AM every weekday beginning at 9:05 a.m. ET for conversations from Atlanta, across American soccer and around the world. You can find the show live on the SDH YouTube channel and across our platforms, with the audio available on your favorite podcast app. And start your day with Morning Espresso, our daily newsletter bringing together the stories, context and conversations you need from across the soccer world. Follow Soccer Down Here across our platforms for daily shows, interviews, match coverage, original reporting and more from every level of the game. soccerdownhere.net & @soccerdownhere on your social media platforms.

Atlanta United turned control into three points in Portland. Giuliano Galoppo impressed in his debut, Alexey Miranchuk scored the winner, and Matt Edwards came off the bench to win his battle with Kristoffer Velde. Jason Longshore breaks down the 1-0 win, the international call ups that will leave Atlanta shorthanded against NYCFC on Saturday night, and which Atlanta United 2 players could step in. Then it's a historic weekend for Atlanta United 2: a 4-2 Decision Day win at Orlando City B, a first ever playoff berth, a home playoff match on October 18, a Golden Boot for Arif Kovac and Playmaker of the Year for Cameron Dunbar. The 3-4-3 covers Georgia State, Kennesaw State, Federico Higuaín's firing at Columbus Crew 2, Argentina's players backing Lionel Scaloni, the return of the Women's Champions League and the NWSL's new player development rule.

Abe Gordon and Madison Crews breakdown United's 1-0 win on the road over the Portland Timbers, and how it keeps their playoff hopes alive!

Jon Nelson leads off with Timber Review Radio's Adam Susman for an oppo research deep dive on Portland ahead of Atlanta United's trip to Providence Park, covering the tactical shift under new Timbers head coach Marti Cifuentes, the return of striker Vincent Janssen, and a shaky Timbers back line. Apple TV's Christian Miles joins for a MLS check in, covering Dallas and Houston's surprise campaigns, Antoine Griezmann's brilliant form for Orlando City ahead of a trip to New England, and a swing through Serie A and the wild top of the Argentine table. Then it's down to the Peach Belt Conference, where the Columbus State University head coach Jay Entlich breaks down a freshman heavy roster fighting through injuries and his program's study abroad tradition in Oxford, England.

Atlanta United dominated DC United and still walked away with nothing, and now sit nine points out of a playoff spot with nine games left. Jason breaks down the three moments that decided the draw, what Giuliano Galoppo brings as he finally becomes available for Saturday's trip to Portland, why nobody in Serie A can play to a 0-0 anymore, why out-swinging corners are disappearing across the sport, and closes with the 3-4-3: local college honors, Manchester Derby fallout, Luis de la Fuente's new deal, and Lionel Messi's Argentina farewell.

Abe Gordon and Madison Crews recap United's 0-0 draw on the road against D.C. United, and Luke Brennan's last secodn header that almost won Atlanta the match!

This week's SDH Week in Review goes from Washington, D.C. to Chicago and back home to Georgia. Legendary broadcaster Dave Johnson joins us for opposition research ahead of Atlanta United's trip to face DC United, breaking down DC's recent improvement, Ty Baribo's impact, the club's roster building and the bigger picture for Major League Soccer as it continues to grow. Apple TV's Jake Zivin checks in from his hometown of Evanston after calling Chicago Fire vs. Inter Miami. Jake talks about growing up a Fire supporter, the club's future in Chicago, the early MLS teams that shaped how he sees the game and a high school rivalry he still hasn't forgotten. Then Georgia Southwestern head coach Bailey Guffin joins us from Americus to discuss returning home to Georgia, building a new program with a transfer-heavy roster, competing in the Peach Belt Conference and the growing soccer culture around GSW. It's another week of conversations from across the soccer landscape on the SDH Network. Watch/listen to SDH AM every Monday-Friday starting at 9:05 on youtube.com/soccerdownhere.

Abe Gordon and Jon Nelson break down what could prove to be a crucial 3-2 loss at home to Orlando City SC. We recap the match and take a look at the standings and if United's playoff hopes are completely wiped out!

Atlanta United fought back twice for a 2-2 draw at Inter Miami, with Breel Embolo winning and converting the equalizing penalty in his full 90-minute debut. Jason breaks down what a stacked summer transfer window, five potential new starters, means for this team right now, plus a heated moment between Júnior Alonso and Lionel Messi. Then it's Atlanta United 2's historic season, previews of the two-game week against Orlando City and D.C. United, and the 3-4-3: college soccer around Georgia, Mbappé and Haaland headlining Champions League matchday one, Arsenal's win over Chelsea, Barcelona's rout of Valencia, and the Ballon d'Or nominees.

Atlanta United heads south for a Saturday night showdown with Lionel Messi and Inter Miami, and SDH Week in Review gets you ready for the matchup. Miami Herald beat writer Michelle Kaufman joins Jon Nelson for an in-depth look at a busy week for Inter Miami, from roster moves and another coaching change to the strengths, and defensive vulnerabilities, Atlanta could look to exploit. Apple TV's Callum Williams breaks down Atlanta-Miami along with NYCFC-Nashville and talks about life as one of the busiest broadcasters in the game. Ross Smith also stops by to talk Portland-Minnesota, his move back home to Canada, and, naturally, a little music along the way. It's the best of the week from SDH AM on the Soccer Down Here Network. Catch the show live starting at 9:05 a.m. on the Soccer Down Here YouTube and Twitch channels Monday-Friday.

Jason Longshore and Madison Crews break down Atlanta United's three-game winning streak snapping in a 2-0 loss to Charlotte FC, and preview Saturday's trip to Inter Miami, the first match since Lionel Messi's emotional retirement from Argentina's national team. Plus a wild week in Georgia college soccer, No. 25 Georgia's win over Mercer, Georgia State's comeback draw at Auburn, and more, Atlanta United 2's first shootout win of the season, and the 3-4-3 with transfer deadline day headlines: Enzo Fernández's British-record move to Manchester City, Folarin Balogun's Everton deal collapsing, and Julián Álvarez staying at Atlético Madrid.

Abe Gordon and Jon Nelson, of Soccer Down Here, recap Atlanta United's 2-0 loss to Charlotte FC despite riding a three match win streak!

It's another SDH Week in Review, bringing together some of the best conversations from SDH AM. Charlotte FC play-by-play voice Will Palaszczuk joins Jon Nelson for opposition research ahead of Atlanta United's matchup with Charlotte, breaking down Pep Biel, Allan Saint-Maximin, Charlotte's young forwards and what to expect at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Lori Lindsey checks in during a busy weekend covering both the NWSL and MLS, with thoughts on Gotham, Portland, Philadelphia and the Red Bulls. She also reflects on what she has learned from longtime broadcast partner JP Dellacamera. Then, MLS legend Kai Kamara joins the show to discuss life on the other side of the microphone. Kamara talks about joining the MLS 360 crew, learning the rhythms of studio television, doing the research instead of playing the matches, and his journey from Cal State Dominguez Hills to a two-decade professional career and now broadcasting.

Atlanta United has won three straight, climbed within three points of the playoff line and added Breel Embolo to an attack suddenly playing with confidence. Jason Longshore and Madison Crews break down what Embolo brings to Tata Martino's side, why Atlanta's recent run deserves to be enjoyed without qualifiers and what Saturday's matchup with Charlotte could mean. Plus, Madison looks back at Georgia's record-setting night at Sanford Stadium and the Bulldogs' strong start, Jason and Madison go around the college soccer scene in Georgia, and the 3-4-3 covers Atlanta United 2's playoff push, Atlanta's academy, Georgia State, the latest international headlines and more.

Jason Longshore joined Chris Thomas Tonight to discuss Atlanta United's impressive three-game win streak and the impact of recent roster moves on team culture.

Jon Nelson recaps a record setting week for soccer, starting with the night at Sanford Stadium in Athens, where just over 25,000 fans set a new NCAA attendance mark as Georgia hosted James Madison. UGA head coach Keidane McAlpine joins to talk about the buildup to that match and what it meant for the program and the sport. Then Jon catches up with Carlos Mauricio Ramirez ahead of his first English language play by play call for Apple TV, as Orlando City hosts Real Salt Lake, plus the cross country move from California to Florida that got him there. Brian Dunseth crashes the show for a wide ranging conversation on Real Salt Lake's roster questions, LAFC's recent form, Portland under Marti Cifuentes, and the case for Clive Charles in the National Soccer Hall of Fame.

Abe Gordon and Jon Nelson breakdown Atlanta United's 2-1 road win over Minnesota United FC and how they could be turning around what was once thought to be a lost season!

Atlanta United finally beat the Red Bulls, a team they'd never beaten in MLS play, and Adrian Gill's story (Barcelona academy, two knee surgeries, a debut that included 41 of 43 passes) is why. Jason Longshore breaks down Tata Martino's halftime adjustment, Almiron's record-tying assist, and Muyumba's 100th-appearance equalizer, then previews Wednesday's trip to Minnesota. Plus the Breel Embolo saga takes another turn: L'Equipe says Ipswich is the frontrunner, Ipswich's own beat reporter says otherwise, and Rennes just benched him to force a resolution. From there it's a trip to Fayetteville for the U-17 Women's National Team's World Cup dress rehearsal and a wider look at how the Arthur M. Blank U.S. Soccer National Training Center is reshaping U.S. Soccer's youth pipeline, before closing with the 3-4-3: Andrew Jardines' first pro contract, Atlanta United 2's sweep of Chicago, Georgia soccer's shot at an NCAA attendance record at Sanford Stadium, and a Premier League preview.

Abe Gordon and Jon Nelson, of Soccer Down Here, recap Atlanta United comback victory over the Red Bulls for just their 4th win against the club all-time. Can this be a turning point in the season for United?!

Mike Conti and Jason Longshore are joined by newly named AMB Sports & Entertainment President of Soccer, Mauricio Culebro, to talk about his role with the organization!

Jon Nelson hosts the best of SDH AM from the Soccer Down Here Network, with three guests who each bring a different corner of the soccer world into focus. Danny Higginbotham joins to react to the reported €18 million move that could bring Breel Embolo to Atlanta United, then breaks down what Saturday's Nashville SC matchup with Inter Miami at GEODIS Park will hinge on, from Lionel Messi's emotional return following his father's health scare to the absence of one of Miami's most consistent defenders. Diego Pessolano, Spanish language play by play voice for Apple TV and Fútbol de Primera, talks about calling more than twenty World Cup matches this summer, his lifelong devotion to Argentina and Boca Juniors, and why the Leagues Cup format rewards teams that can win under pressure. And Ali Howorth walks through the Women's Africa Cup of Nations semifinals, where Malawi, ranked 153rd in the world and playing in their first ever WAFCON, have already qualified for next year's Women's World Cup behind sisters Temwa and Tabitha Chawinga, a story that traces back to a single academy coach in Malawi who paid for their flights to Europe out of his own pocket.

Atlanta United is finally back at Mercedes-Benz Stadium this weekend, and Jason Longshore breaks down what Júnior Alonso and Luke Brennan said at training, where Paulo Díaz and new signing Mauricio Amaro fit into the picture, and what it means for Saturday's game against the New York Red Bulls. Then it's a trip across the Atlantic for the Jeff Bezos led consortium eyeing a stake in Liverpool, Rodri's looming move from Manchester City to Barcelona, Real Madrid's record breaking Yan Diomande signing, the Enzo Fernández rumors swirling around Manchester City, and a tale of two Premier League clubs in Tottenham's big spending and Newcastle's total roster overhaul. It all closes with the 3-4-3: Atlanta United 2's tough night in Chattanooga, Mercer soccer's deepest roster in years, the 30th anniversary Soccer in Sanford event at Georgia, Olivia Moultrie's ACL tear, Alexis Sánchez to CF Montréal, Mexico's win over the USA in the Concacaf U-20 final, and the WAFCON semifinal picture.

Jon Nelson brings you the best of SDH AM from the week of August 7, 2026. Three conversations worth your time heading into the weekend. First, Kacey White joins to break down Houston Dynamo's win over Sporting Kansas City, walking through Guilherme's opening goal, a costly turnover from Calvin Harris that turned into Houston's second, and what a second half red card meant for Sporting Kansas City down the stretch. She also previews her stacked Leagues Cup week across Dallas and Austin, touches on the NWSL's growing transfer market, and reacts to new fan rules at Como under Cesc Fàbregas. Then, Guardian senior soccer editor Alex Abnos joins for a look inside the sourcing and verification behind his and Pablo Mauer's investigation into the youth academy at Austin FC, currently under review by police and the FBI. Abnos walks through the difference between off the record, on background, and on the record reporting, and what it takes to get a story like this over the line responsibly. To close, Santiago López of El Farolito checks in after the club won back to back NPSL national titles, this time beating Bristol Rhythm FC in the final, while also making a run to the semifinals of the Amateur Cup with a rotated roster. López talks the logistics and toll of fielding two teams at once, what he learned about himself as a coach, and what it means to carry on the legacy his father started with El Farolito in San Francisco's Mission District. Soccer Down Here covers the beautiful game from a Southern perspective. Find the Morning Espresso newsletter, SDH AM, podcasts, features, and more at soccerdownhere.net and on social media at @soccerdownhere.

Major League Soccer has a new commissioner. Jason breaks down Larry Berg's path from LAFC ownership to the top of the league, what it means for the looming roster rule overhaul, and where Don Garber's twenty seven year run fits into it all. Then, Mauricio Pochettino is back for a second cycle with the U.S. men's national team, signed through the 2030 World Cup, and Jason lays out exactly what the expectations should be this time around. What's on Tap brings the four fall fixtures against Peru, Chile, Mexico, and Canada, and the 3-4-3 closes the show with Atlanta United's brutal collapse in Philadelphia, Georgia soccer's historic night coming to Sanford Stadium, and a lot of reasons to smile about where the game is in this country right now.

Abe Gordon and Madison Crews share their thoughts on a disapointing finish after Atlanta United drops 3-2 against the Philadelphia Union despite leading 2-0 with less than five minutes left in the match.

Jon Nelson breaks down a loaded week on the SDH Week in Review, some of the best interviews from SDH AM. Listen live at 9:05 Monday-Friday on the Soccer Down Here YouTube or Twitch channels. Philadelphia Union play-by-play voice Dave Leno joins for Oppo Research ahead of Saturday's clash with Atlanta United, unpacking Kai Wagner's return, Ryan Richter's interim impact, and the Milan Iloski scoring surge. Then Apple TV's Steve Cangialosi previews FC Cincinnati hosting San Jose, diving into Dado Valenzuela's suspension, Bruce Arena's roster philosophy, and whether the Quakes can keep pace atop the Western Conference. Plus, NPSL Golden Gloves winner Noe Delmotte of Bristol Rhythm AFC previews his club's national championship match against El Farolito.

Atlanta United split a brutal week, a road comeback in Charlotte and a lopsided loss in Foxborough, and Jason breaks down why this team lives and dies with striker play, plus the latest on Darwin Núñez and Breel Embolo as designated player targets. Then, a Mauricio Pochettino contract update and the real story behind the Breel Embolo red card controversy, which traces back to Atlanta's own Miguel Almirón in the World Cup opener. Plus MLS's proposed salary cap overhaul, Zinedine Zidane and Roberto Mancini taking over as national team coaches, and the 3-4-3 to close it out.

Abe Gordon and Madison Crews have you covered after United's 4-1 loss to the New England Revolution and now sit at the very bottom of the league. The good news, United has nowhere to go but up from here.

Abe Gordon and Madison Crews do their best to make sense of what happened after Atlanta United stormed back against Charlotte FC in the second half to pull out a draw after trailing two goals at halftime, despite some questionable officiating...again.

On The Morning Shift, Ali Mac, Mike Johnson and Beau Morgan spend some time with Atlanta United Color Analyst, Host of Atlanta Soccer Tonight, and 92.9 The Game's own soccer insider and analyst Jason Longshore! Ali, Mike, Beau, and Jason discuss if Jason thought the first ever FIFA World Cup Halftime Show interfered with the match at all, if Jason thinks Spain beating Argentina in the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final match 1-0 in extra time yesterday came down to Spain just being the better team, having the better roster, and taking down a team in Argentina that was just a good team with the best player of all-time on it, Spain not going anywhere between now and the 2030 FIFA World Cup, and where Lionel Messi's 2026 FIFA World Cup performance ranks among his career.

Spain are World Cup champions for the second time, beating Argentina 1-0 in extra time behind Ferran Torres' late winner. Jason Longshore, Jon Nelson, and Madison Crews break down how España dominated the tournament defensively, why Rodri earned the Golden Ball, and where things stand for Lionel Messi and Argentina after their run finally ended. Plus, a full look at what this summer meant for US Soccer, from Mauricio Pochettino's tenure to the talent pipeline behind the next generation. Live from the Brewhouse Cafe in South Downtown, closing out fifty straight days of World Cup coverage on Atlanta Soccer Tonight.

Ten years after announcing his international retirement in that very building, Lionel Messi returns to MetLife Stadium with a chance to close the loop. Jason Longshore and Madison Crews revisit that full circle story before Oglethorpe head coach Jon Akin joins to break down the tactical battle to watch tomorrow, from Rodri's control of tempo to Argentina's aggressive man marking. Plus, the 3-4-3: three players to watch, four headlines including Kylian Mbappé's new World Cup scoring record, and three things that made Jason smile heading into the final.

One more sleep before Spain and Argentina play for the World Cup at MetLife Stadium. Jason Longshore and Madison Crews break down the stakes of a final between two teams who have met just fourteen times in seventy four years and never once in a World Cup knockout match, dig into the surprising bond between Spain boss Luis de la Fuente and Argentina's Lionel Scaloni, and tackle the physicality debate surrounding Argentina head on, stats included. Plus, thoughts on that wild third place game between England and France.

Abe Gordon and Madison Crews try to make sense of United's 1-0 loss to Nashville SC after dominating for most of the match.

On The Morning Shift, Mike Johnson and Beau Morgan spend some time with 92.9 The Game's own soccer insider Madison Crews! Beau, Mike, and Madison discuss what Madison's takeaways were from the 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final match between Argentina and England here in Atlanta, Georgia, what she thinks about how England tried to defend Lionel Messi and the Argentina attack, what Madison thinks about the adjustments Argentina made to address the way England was defending them, how Madison feels about the 2026 FIFA World Cup final match between Spain and Argentina, why the final is being played in New York/New Jersey instead of Texas or Atlanta, the England soccer team having a lot of questions to answer over the next four years, how Madison feels about Atlanta United, what Madison thinks United can do in the rest of their season, and The Five Stripes having three matches in the next seven days.

Atlanta Soccer Tonight merges with The Intersection and Noel White joins the show as the World Cup is finally down to the last match! In the first segment, Jason breaks down Argentina's greatness in their semifinal match against England. The World Cup Final is set: Messi and Lamine Yamal are in, Kane and Mbappé are out! In the second segment, Jason talks with Atlanta United's Cooper Sanchez ahead of their match with Nashville. How has Atlanta United's Cooper Sanchez prepared for the restart of MLS? Plus, what were the three things that made Jason smile? Can I Kick It?: MLS is ready to take over soccer fever!

Jason Longshore recaps another thrilling Argentina win, this time over England in the WC semis. The World Cup Final is set, with Spain set to tangle against Argentina. We preview that matchup, look at how a change in styles doomed England today, and offer last thoughts on the USMNT run this summer.

On The Morning Shift, Mike Johnson and Beau Morgan spend some time with Atlanta United Color Analyst, Host of Atlanta Soccer Tonight, and 92.9 The Game's own soccer insider and analyst Jason Longshore! Mike, Beau, and Jason discuss Spain advancing to its first FIFA World Cup final, since winning it in 2010, with a 2-0 victory over France yesterday, how Spain was able to really neutralize Kylian Mbappé, how Jason felt about the penalty kick call against France that gave Spain their first goal of the match in the 22nd minute, preview today's semi-final match here in Atlanta between Argentina and England, talk about what Jason expects to see in the match, talk about the magnitude of having this match in Atlanta, discuss if there is anything England can do to slow down and neutralize Lionel Messi in their match today similar to how Spain slowed down and neutralized Kylian Mbappé yesterday, discuss who Jason thinks will win today's semi-final match between England and Argentina, and then Jason closes out the interview by predicting who he thinks will end up winning this year's World Cup.

Spain put together their best performance of the tournament, dominating France 2 to 0 behind Pedro Porro's overlapping runs and Rodri's control in midfield, while Didier Deschamps drew criticism for blaming the referee afterward instead of crediting a better team. Then Jason Longshoe and Madison Crews dig into the biggest match in Atlanta sports history: Argentina and England meet in a World Cup for the first time since 2002, with Lionel Messi facing England for the first time in his career. They trace the rivalry's roots from the 1966 quarterfinal and the Falklands War through Maradona's Hand of God and David Beckham's fall and redemption, then break down the tactical questions facing both sides, including whether Lionel Scaloni benches Rodrigo De Paul and how Argentina plans to handle Anthony Gordon.

The World Cup semifinals arrive this week, and Jason breaks down both. France chases a third straight final against the one team that keeps beating them, Spain, with the mental war, the Rajoy controversy, and the tactical keys to Tuesday's match in Dallas. Then it's the match twenty one years in the making: Lionel Messi finally plays England, right here in Atlanta on Wednesday. Jason covers the full history of one of the sport's fiercest rivalries, Jude Bellingham's Maradona level stat, and the bulletin board material coming out of the English media. Plus, Atlanta United makes it official on center back Júnior Alonso, Atlanta United 2 routs Inter Miami II, MLS launches the biggest campaign in league history, and the USWNT sets a huge October date against Spain. It all closes with the 3-4-3.