Off the Woodwork

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.

On The Morning Shift, Mike Johnson and Beau Morgan spend some time with 92.9 The Game's own Host, Producer and soccer insider Abe Gordon! Mike, On The Morning Shift, Beau, and Abe discuss how Abe feels about how the quarter-final matches played out in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, how Abe feels about the semi-final matchups, how Abe feels about the four best teams all making it to the semi-finals, if Abe thinks England has won their matches in a similar fashion to Argentina, if Abe thinks there's a gap between England and the other three teams in the FIFA World Cup semi-finals, if Abe thinks France and Spain are the two best teams in the World Cup right now, if the winner of the France and Spain semi-final match will end up winning the World Cup, preview the semi-final matchup between France and Spain, discuss who Abe thinks has been the best player in this year's FIFA World Cup, discuss which teams Abe thinks will make it to the 2026 FIFA World Cup finals, and talk about how Abe feels about how the Connor McGregor vs. Max Holloway fight went over the weekend.

Jason Longshore's Atlanta Soccer Tonight goes deep into the history books on the semifinalists of this year's World Cup, talks about what we've learned so far at the competition, and finishes with the 3-4-3.

Jason Longshore takes you through the night at the World Cup as it happens. Argentina survives, England does too, and they'll meet in Atlanta on Wednesday with a spot in the World Cup final on the line.

Spain survives a scare from Belgium's golden generation, 2 to 1, on a late Mikel Merino winner, and the goodbyes start piling up on the losing side. Jason breaks down what's next for Luis de la Fuente's Spain, now unbeaten in 13 straight major tournament matches, as they set up a Bastille Day semifinal with France. Then a full preview of Saturday's quarterfinal doubleheader, Norway vs England in Miami and Argentina vs Switzerland in Kansas City, with both winners headed to Atlanta for next week's semifinal. Plus the 3-4-3 to close it out.

On The Morning Shift, Ali Mac and Mike Johnson spend some time with 92.9 The Game's own soccer insider Madison Crews! Mike, Ali, and Madison discuss the U.S. Men's National Team's 4-1 loss to Belgium in the Round of 16 in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Christian Pulisic's injury and the criticism he's gotten after the world cup, and what 2026 FIFA World Cup semi-final matchup she would like to see here in Atlanta.

Atlanta Soccer Tonight merges with The Intersection and Noel White joins the show as the World Cup excitement is heating up. In the first segment, Jason breaks down Kylian Mbappé's day as France advances to the Quarterfinal round of the World Cup. Kylian Mbappé's greatness continues with another World Cup goal! In the second segment, Jason breaks down what he saw during Atlanta United's friendly. Atlanta United prepares to return with a friendly against Sporting KC. Plus, what were the three things that made Jason smile? Have you Googled Erling Haaland today?

On The Morning Shift, Ali Mac and Mike Johnson spend some time with former 12-year professional soccer player and now Audacy soccer insider and analyst Jamie Watson! Mike, Ali, and Jamie discuss if yesterday's Round of 16 match between Argentina and Egypt here in Atlanta, Georgia was Jamie's favorite match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup so far, if Jamie gives more credit to Argentina for their 3-2 comeback win over Egypt yesterday in their Round of 16 match, or if Jamie thinks Argentina's comeback was more a result of Egypt not getting any calls go their way. Mike, Ali, and Jamie also talk about what it's like for guys on Egypt who were on the wrong side of that comeback yesterday, if Jamie is a guy that likes to see the team that beats the team he plays for or roots for go on to win the championship or get blown out and lose in the next round of the postseason or tournament, the U.S. Men's National Team's 4-1 loss to Belgium in their Round of 16 match on Monday night, which team he thinks is the best team left in the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Jamie loving the city of Atlanta, and Atlanta being a great host city in the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Atlanta Soccer Tonight with Jason Longshore and Jarrett Smith discussing the USMNT at the World Cup this summer. The good, the bad, what's next, and more.

Atlanta Soccer Tonight merges with The Intersection and Noel White joins the show as the World Cup excitement is heating up. In the first segment, Jason breaks down Argentina's incredible comeback to make the quarterfinals. In the second segment, Jason and Noel wonder if Messi is finally winning over America. Are Americans finally understanding Messi's greatness? Plus, what were the three things that made Jason smile? Could Norway upset England?

Brazil is out. Neymar is done with the national team, in tears, after a stoppage time penalty in a 2-1 loss to Norway. Jason breaks down Ancelotti's tactical gamble and the penalty order controversy, then digs into the Folarin Balogun ruling that has Belgium furious and has World Cup history from 1962 back in the conversation. Plus a full look at every remaining Round of 16 matchup, Madison Crews joins live to preview USA vs. Belgium, the greatest Golden Boot race the World Cup has ever seen, and live reaction throughout as Mexico and England play an instant classic at the Estadio Azteca.

Two big favorites survived the World Cup round of 16 on July 4th, but neither made it look easy. Jason breaks down France's 1 to 0 escape against a Paraguay team that came to brawl, the wildly different reactions to it across Europe and South America, and Morocco's 3 to 0 win over Canada behind an Azzedine Ounahi brace. Then it's a full look ahead at Thursday's blockbuster quarterfinal between France and Morocco, plus everything coming this weekend: Mexico vs England at the Azteca, Brazil vs Norway, Portugal vs Spain, USA vs Belgium, and more. Closes out with the 3-4-3.

Argentina needed extra time and a own goal off Diney Borges to survive Cabo Verde 3-2 in one of the great World Cup matches in memory, with Vozinha making 18 saves and Lisandro Martínez turning a personal comeback story into the winning goal. Jason breaks down how Cabo Verde earned every bit of that match, previews Egypt's arrival in Atlanta for Tuesday's Round of 16 clash after their penalty shootout win over Australia, checks in on Colombia's push past Ghana, and sets up a stacked Saturday slate: Morocco vs Canada in Houston and France vs Paraguay in Philadelphia heat. Plus headlines on Germany parting ways with Julian Nagelsmann, Jürgen Klopp's name entering the picture, and Folarin Balogún's suspension ahead of USA vs Belgium. It all closes with the 3-4-3, presented by Ford.