Soccer Down Here

It's a busy Freestye Friday for SDH AMDr. Jen Fry introduces us to her Coordle application as a possible way to organize your World Cup travel plansWe look at a report out of Argentina linking a midfielder to Atlanta UnitedWe check the FA Cup numbers and action for the weekendIslands High HC Justin Brantley joins from the bus as the Sharks head to Atlanta for the 2026 Creek Cup and an opening round matchup with GMC Prep- and we look at Match Day 1, previewing Match Day 2And all your AM news for your weekend

The Northern Super League arrived with a clear purpose: build something lasting for women's soccer in Canada.On this episode, Jon Nelson catches up with Kelly Shouldice, VP of Brand and Content for the NSL, to reflect on what the league learned in its first season, from surpassing viewership expectations to proving that the fandom was already there waiting.Kelly shares how the NSL is investing deeper into storytelling, analytics, broadcast growth, and digital platforms heading into Season Two, with an ambition that keeps getting louder: not just becoming one of the top five leagues in the world, but אולי even pushing higher.A conversation about momentum, infrastructure, and why this league is becoming a real part of the global women's soccer landscape.

Atlético Madrid detonated their Copa del Rey semifinal with a stunning four-goal first half against Barcelona, leaving the tie tilted firmly toward Diego Simeone's side. In Atlanta, World Cup preparations are shifting fully into tournament-time operations, with MARTA, the airport, and downtown mobility plans taking center stage. Plus, River Plate's crisis deepens in Buenos Aires, key USMNT transfer storylines emerge, and the Refill takes you through the latest from around the world.

Sounder at Heart and Pulso Sports Niko Moreno looks at the pre-season in MLS one week out from the regular season start and gives his early thoughts on who he thinks is on the right path, who could be on the right path, and who has him worried out of the gate chasing success in 2026Plus, a little CONCACAF review heading into the round of 16 

It's a big Thursday Thoughts on SDH AMWe start looking at the sackings in England and who may be the new managers at Spurs and ForestCONCACAF has more teams heading into the next round after last nightA big trade goes down in the NWSL in Hour 1Hour 2 is the Power Hour with Nino Torres talking South America, Portugal, and telling World Cup Chronicles and Sounder at Heart/Pulso Sports Niko Moreno looks at everything MLS as we're a week away from the beginning of the 2026 season...Added Time has NSL VP, Branding and Content Kelly Shouldice looking back at year one and looking forward at year two... 

Croix Bethune, the Georgia native and USWNT rising star, headlines a million dollar NWSL trade to the Kansas City Current as the league's transfer market continues to surge. Nottingham Forest hit reset again with Sean Dyche dismissed, while Thomas Tuchel commits to England through Euro 2028. Plus, Atlanta United rally past the Red Bulls in preseason, Creek Cup kicks off the Georgia high school season, and the Refill covers the latest from Europe and beyond.

Aaron Adams drops by SDH AM to introduce his idea to bring the sport of soccer to underserved areas (currently) in the state of GeorgiaWe look at his origins, the triumphs, and what it means to bring the game to smaller towns outside of metro areas...

Ronan Wynne was given the chance to go home for the first time in five years for his new chapter in soccerAuckland FC and the OFC Pro League are the new home- and the old home- for him... starting something new on the field and off...He joins fro New Zealand to check in on his new challenge

Portland Hearts of Pine made a phone call and have give Lagos Kunga his next opportunityWhat does it hold for him in USL League One...? Lagos joins to look at a long 2025 and a lot to work toward n 2026

Sportico has released their new round of MLS franchise evaluationsKurt Badenhausen visits SDH AM to look at the numbers, the trends, and what the future could look like...

Presented by Kaiser PermanenteIt's the fourth year of high school soccer coverage on SDHOur guests to kickoff the 2026 seasonTyler Mayer- boys HC at Lake Oconee AcademyJason Page- girls HC at WaltonJeremy Stille- boys HC and Upper School Dean at Tallulah Falls School andKelly Bowler- boys HC at Johns Creek They join to look at 2025, preview 2026, and also Jeremy and Kelly look at the new edition of Creek Cup coming tomorrow

Wall Pass Wednesday brings stories from all around the world on SDH AMFirst, Sportico's Kurt Badenhausen goes over his Sportico piece detailing the latest round of values for MLS franchises... Up 6-percent in value and five over a billion dollars. But what does it mean...?Portland Hearts of Pine's Lagos Kunga visits to talk about his long 2025 and what he's looking for in 2026Aaron Adams breaks down NXT Soccer and the NXT Soccer Foundation- we look at their outreach away from metropolitan areas and where their path is taking themRonan Wynne visits from Auckland, New Zealand to talk about his new gig back home in OFC Pro League with Auckland FCPlus, your AM news, sackings, scores, and previews  

Professor Myers visits SDH AM to explain what goes into analytics and the sport of soccer...The categories for consideration, how deep the numbers can go, how to measure human error, and how the USMNT could work into those evaluations come the summer...

Tottenham sack Thomas Frank with Spurs sliding toward a relegation fight, while Marseille and Roberto De Zerbi part ways after a brutal loss to PSG. Back home, Atlanta United unveils the Spirit of '96 Community Kit, tying the city's Olympic legacy to the World Cup future ahead. Plus, Sportico's new MLS valuations spotlight the league's growth, widening financial tiers, and Atlanta's place near the top as the season opens with Messi and Son headlining Week 1. All that, Champions Cup and global cup drama, US youth national team news, and more in The Refill.

It's another round of shenanigans and covering the planet plus Picks of the Week...We talk about everything from Europe to the Maldives- and picks go from Eastern Europe to South America and AsiaIt's all in one place plus all the chaos

A busy Tuesday Thoughts for SDH AMWe start with quick notes from USYNT goalkeeper James Donaldson before the U17 group decider in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying from St Vincent and the GrenadinesWe preview all the action in Challenge Cup as well...Hour 2 has Villanova Professor Bret Myers discussing analytics and how it can help on the field and off. Myers looks at everything from which categories he uses to break down data points, to what teams expect in information, plus what he sees in the USMNT from an analytic perspective...And an early look at the MLS evaluations from Sportico- more on that Wednesday...

Atlanta United's 10th season is coming, and the SDH Network is marking the moment with a new series: Atlanta United at 10. We recap the first installment, Ten Defining Goals, and preview today's drop, Ten Defining Homegrown Moments.Plus, San Diego FC faces its first major test in Mexico City as they try to finish the job against Pumas in Concacaf Champions Cup, while Weston McKennie and Christian Pulisic head into pivotal contract storylines in Serie A with 2026 on the horizon.We also cover the growing power struggle in the Women's Bundesliga, a full Domestic Focus, and headlines from Around the World in the Refill.Morning Espresso is brought to you by Oglethorpe University.Join us live on SDH AM at 9:05, and tonight on Atlanta Soccer Tonight at 10pm on 92.9 The Game and the Audacy app.Around the Corner from Everywhere.

It's another Reaction Monday for SDH AM929TheGame's Abe Gordon looks at ATLUTD in Hour 1 inside the Torneo de TejasWe also hear from Maddie and Jason's conversations with Adrian Gill and Ronald HernandezSoccerforUSPod's Bart Keeler walks us through the U17 win in CONCACAF World Cup qualifying, the Cat Macario situation, Weston McKennie's recent scoring streak, cards+calls plus your AM news

Manchester City delivered a stunning late comeback at Anfield as Erling Haaland's stoppage-time penalty flipped the Premier League title race back into chaos. We break down the wild finish against Liverpool and why Pep Guardiola insists the chase is far from over.Plus, Concacaf officially sets the calendar for the 2026–30 cycle, including a new World Cup qualifying format that could reshape the road to 2030. The U.S. U-17s roll to a 10–0 win behind five goals from Malik Jakupovic, and we hit the latest from around the domestic game, MLS, and Europe in The Refill.Morning Espresso is brought to you by Oglethorpe University.Around the Corner from Everywhere.

Howard Hamilton, the founder of Soccermetrics, looks back at the early action of the first preliminary matches that are kicking off the 2026 version of the tournamentIt's the beginning of a long, fun road to a title...

Jon Arnold drops by SDH AM with a look at week one of the CONCACAF Champions Cup- he looks at the bracket, the MLS sides, as well as the grandes in Liga MXHe also glances at the Clausura and the pro-rel talk in Mexico (plus a little Texas Tech football)

Atlanta United's Adrian Gill joins the SDH Network for a conversation about the ideas that shaped his game long before his first minutes in MLS.Gill reflects on his journey from Colorado to Spain, the discipline of La Masia, and the team-first philosophy that defines how he sees football: collective movement, tactical understanding, and responsibility within a system.We discuss positional versatility, the mental challenge of returning from an ACL injury, and why Atlanta feels like the beginning of the real chapter in his professional career under Tata Martino.“What you do yourself is much less important… the more important thing is how the rest of the team moves.”Adrian Gill and the Discipline of the Collective is a conversation about education, resilience, and the mindset Atlanta United is betting on.SDH Network coverage of Atlanta United and soccer across the world.Subscribe for interviews, analysis, and longform storytelling from Around the Corner from Everywhere.

Ronald Hernández has never been the loudest voice in the locker room.But heading into 2026, he may be one of Atlanta United's clearest.In this full SDH Network interview, Hernández reflects on what Atlanta has asked of him over time, not just as a player, but as a man. He speaks about leadership after Brad Guzan, the standards this group must carry in 2026, and the responsibility of being someone teammates can rely on when the season gets hard.“You can count on me,” Hernández says. “I'm not gonna hide.”We also dive into the personal side of his journey, including how family, faith, and daily discipline help ground him through the ups and downs of professional soccer.Topics include:⚽ Atlanta United's identity heading into 2026⚽ Consistency, effort, and being “difficult to play against”⚽ Leadership in a new locker room⚽ Representation and carrying Venezuela⚽ Faith, resilience, and staying grounded⚽ What it means to be counted on in the hardest momentsRead the full feature profile here:https://www.soccerdownhere.net/post/ronald-hernandez-atlanta-united-2026Subscribe for more Atlanta United interviews, analysis, and stories from Around the Corner of Everywhere.

Jaylen Rodwell and Haris Zeb of South Island United join Jon Nelson on SDH AM for a conversation that goes far beyond the touchline.Rodwell is making history as the first professional footballer to represent Niue, carrying the hopes of a nation still building its football future. Zeb, born in Pakistan and raised in Christchurch, speaks to the pride of representing his birth country internationally while helping bring professional football home to the South Island.Together, they share what it is like to live inside a brand new league at its very beginning. The travel, the intensity, the leadership demanded in a new professional environment, and the responsibility of being role models for communities that have rarely had this platform before.From cultural connection to competitive growth across Oceania, this is a window into OFC Pro as it takes its first steps, and the players helping define what it can become.

Greg Garza drops by SDH AM on his way out of the country...He's heading to Mexico to talk about MLS, Liga MX, and how things look with their competition in this hemisphere...We also look at his thoughts on Tata 2.0 and the latest at Beyond Goals

It's a stacked Freestyle Friday for SDH AMWe look at the big win for the USYNT as World Cup Qualifying beginsBeyond Goals Mentoring's Greg Garza visits to talk about the differences between MLS and Liga MX, Tata Martino as a manager, and early thoughts on ATLUTDGetting CONCACAF'eds Jon Arnold visits on the James news, Liga MX, and the CONCACAF Challenge CupWe have your weekend preview and we catch up with South Island United's Jaylen Rodwell and Haris Zeb as they take on the challenge of the OFC Pro League 

A new guest joins the podcast!Bridget Swartwood, host of Our Home Ground podcast, shares her thoughts on the USWNT's two friendlies in January, what we can actually take away, and what it means for the SheBelieves Cup and World Cup qualifying. Support the show: buymeacoffee.com/soccerforuspod

Atlanta United's preseason continues with responsibility at the center, as Ronald Hernández and Adrian Gill reflect on leadership, process, and what comes next before three matches in Texas. Inter Miami heads to Guayaquil for a landmark friendly against Barcelona SC, while Morocco faces uncertainty amid reports Walid Regragui has offered his resignation. Plus, Spain moves toward sanctions after the latest Vinícius Jr abuse incident, a busy Domestic Focus, and the Refill with headlines from Copa del Rey, France, Brazil, and beyond.

Niko Moreno drops by to talk about the big news in the last seven days in MLSFrom Obed Vargas to Atletico Madrid to the idea of James Rodriguez to Minnesota, we go over all the moves and what to anticipate in the next seven days...

Thursday Thoughts take the tour to start your day on SDH AMWe start with the night in CONCACAF- as a grande gets a test early...The USYNT U-17's start their work qualifying for the World Cup in NovemberNino Torres checks in with South America and Portugal news with World Cup stories attached andSounder at Heart/Pulso Sports Niko Moreno drops by to talk the week that was in MLS- From Vargas to James and all points in between

The continental calendar is back in motion. Cruz Azul takes full control of its Concacaf Champions Cup tie in Canada, while Monterrey is pushed hard in Guatemala but escapes with a result. We also look at CONMEBOL's new hydration break rule in Libertadores and Sudamericana play, the growing tension around Cristiano Ronaldo at Al Nassr, and the U.S. U17s beginning World Cup qualifying today with Atlanta United 2 goalkeeper James Donaldson on the roster. Plus, Around the Corner with SDH AM and a busy day ahead at Atlanta United training.

Jake Koenig and Justin Graham from Ball Watching drop by SDH AM to go over the 2025 season and all its upheaval in St Louis- looking at all the changes coming for 2026 and what the expectations might be in the Western Conference

It's a stacked Wall Pass Wednesday on SDH AMWe start with a deep dive into the off-season and 2025 year for St Louis CITY SC- with a lot of help from our friends Jake and Justin at Ball WatchingWe look at the stadium situation in VancouverCONCACAF had a busy first night for the 2026 CCC- we have highlights and post match sound from San Diego after a big night for the franchiseWe also look at the latest in Oceania as the OFC Pro League rolls along and an idea not looked at fondly for the Women's FA Cup as well as the rest of your AM news

San Diego FC announce themselves on the continental stage with a statement win in the Concacaf Champions Cup, while Arsenal book a return to Wembley and keep belief alive across every competition. We also look at major MLS storylines including Minnesota United's talks with James Rodríguez, Newell's long-term dream of a Messi homecoming, and a decisive week at Botafogo as John Textor seeks financial clarity. All that and more in today's Morning Espresso.

Global football executive Jordan Gardner visits SDH AM to discuss his group's most recent investment- Kelty Hearts FC...We get into the "why" specifically investing here, the growth of MCO's, the increase of American group investment in European football, and what he looks for in investment opportunities.We also get into the challenges of Kelty and his time as an executive looking at management and investment in the current football landscape

Tuesday Thoughts on SDH AM take the tour of the planetWe start wrapping up Transfer Deadline Day overseas- and look at the rest of the world's moves still in playWe preview ConcaChampions with the temps in Hamilton in playHearts Football, LLC's Jordan Gardner talks MCO's and his recent pick up of Kelty Hearts in Scotland's League 1- diving into the topic of American ownership in Europe as wellWe wrap with an extended look at the week of John Textor and where things stand with finances and Botafogo

The 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup kicks off with immediate tests across the region. San Diego FC makes its continental debut against Pumas UNAM, Forge FC faces Tigres UANL in brutal conditions, and Olimpia hosts Club América in a history-laden opener. We also look at England's new CTE prevention protocol and why it validates long-criticized U.S. Soccer youth heading rules, plus LA28's expanding Olympic soccer footprint, key MLS moves, and the latest developments in the John Textor–Botafogo saga.

Transfer Deadline Day came and went in most of Europe...Jarrett and Jon look at what went down- especially hitting Seattle in MLS at the end of the dayWe look at the big moves from Europe going east as well as an early look at ConcaChampions and (naturally) a John Textor update

Madison Crews visits SDH AM after the first pre-season action of 2026 for Atlanta UnitedWe look at the younger faces the 17's got to see first-hand in 2025 and how they look under Tata Martino plus the DP's and their look in the 4-0 win on the weekend

Reaction Monday starts your week on SDH AM929TheGame's Abe Gordon and SDH's Madison Crews look at the Atlanta United preseason opener against Lexington SC... checking on the two 45's, the elevens, the young players and the vets learning under Tata MartinoThen, hour 2 has SoccerForUSPod's Bart Keeler looking at the VAR moments from the weekend and explained the rationale (or, in one case "attempted") in how VAR came to be the focus of events on the field. Plus, another interesting move in the NWSL for a new club and what the WCCC means for the league as Gotham finished third...Plus, we go over the recent decision day moves and what to anticipate before the middle of the afternoon in Europe... 

Powered by NoFo BrewingWith the off-season of change and a lot going on in Greenville, South Carolina- both on the field and off- we catch up with new Triumph and Liberty GM/Sporting Director Zach Prince about why he took the job, what he see as the challenges, and what it's like to see the sport grow as a native son to the state

Friend of the Show Seve Cooke drops by SDH AM on matchday for Lexington SC to look at how coaches approach preseason matchday one- what to expect, what to watch for from players, and what the next steps should be in progress getting ready for the regular season...

Dave Dixon takes over as the new head coach for Greenville Triumph in USL League OneWe look at his thoughts on the job so far, the challenges, the expectations, and walking the edge of chaos heading into the 2026 season

The UPSL season is down to the last four in Irvine, CaliforniaNext Level Premier takes on Provo Utah FC and wait for the winner of NY Renegades and Miami UnitedNext Level HC Yago da Sila and Provo Utah FC's James Pena look at their respective seasons and what to expect in the semifinal

Nino Torres stops by SDH AM to look at the state of play in South America- from Peru to River Plate- plus Portugal and his weekly World Cup story for things you may not have known...

It's a full Freestyle Friday on SDH AMSoccerForUSPod's Bart Keeler looks at the week for the USWNT, Crystal Dunn and her legacy, and the news from the US Soccer FederationWe check in with the new head coach of the Greenville Triumph, Dave Dixon, on his new challenge in USL League OneLexington SC Youth and Academy Technical Director Steve Cooke visits to talk about the idea of a preseason opener and what coaches feel going inPlus, your AM news, a Textor update, and transfer updates 

John Textor says he will personally step in to lift Botafogo's transfer ban as court rulings and creditor pressure tighten around the club. We break down what that promise says about trust, structure, and ownership, then shift to FOX's sweeping World Cup 2026 broadcast plans, key domestic moves across MLS and the NWSL, and a look ahead to Atlanta United's preseason match against Lexington SC.

The last four head to Irvine, California for the UPSL National ChampionshipNew York Renegades are a hot team at the right time- winners of six straight, head coach Boris Linares drops by to talk about the season and the matchup with Miami United

Sounder at Heart and Pulso Sports Niko Moreno drops by SDH AM to break down the news in Major League SoccerFrom Seattle to San Jose, RSL to HoustonWe look at the latest news with the Western Conference and work our way East 

SDH has your Thursday Thoughts looking at UCL and previewing UEL Around the world in Hour 2 with Nino Torres and Sounder at Heart/Pulso Sports Niko Moreno looking at everything from South America (Peru and Argentina) to Champions League and MLSAnd the UPSL is down to their final four  NY Renegades FC head coach Boris Linares joins before hopping on a plane heading to southern California

Champions League Decision Day finally delivers drama as giants stumble and the knockout picture comes into focus. We break down the chaos in Europe, then dig into the evolving John Textor situation across Eagle Football, Lyon, and Botafogo. Plus, the FIFA Women's Champions Cup takes shape, MLS and domestic notes, and key stories from around the world in your Morning Espresso.