Stars and Stripes FC: for fans of USA soccer

The United States Men's National Team have a new head coach! We discuss Mauricio Pochettino's hire on Episode 141 of the USA Soccercast. The USMNT are coming off a September window that was not great, but the biggest story occurred just before the match against New Zealand on Tuesday night, when U.S. Soccer confirmed the hire of Mauricio Pochettino. Pochettino is tasked with building the program back up towards the 2026 World Cup and preparing the team to host the world and try to go deep in the tournament. It's a shortened timetable for him with less than two years to go, but we break down what the Argentine coach brings to the table as he takes on the new project. We also answer some listener questions about Pochettino's hire, from how we could play to what kind of formation he could employ to who we could possibly play between now and June 2026. There are a lot of factors that affect the program's trajectory and he will be responsible for addressing them all. With his first press conference coming tomorrow morning, it will be fans' initial chance to hear from the man himself on how he plans to get this team back on track. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links and our Stimulus store! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States Men's National Team is back with a new roster and a new interim coach, and we examine the team on Episode 140 of the USA Soccercast. The USMNT are gathering for matches over the next week against Canada and New Zealand and they're doing so with an interim coach: Mikey Varas. There's also a new roster with some players who have been called in to compete for some depth spots. Also, with some players out due to injury or rest, there's an opportunity for guys to show they should be a part of the main core of the player pool. We also discuss what the team should be looking to accomplish in this window despite the fact no permanent coach is in place. Competition is one thing, but it's a chance to reset and really begin to play with the sense of urgency that's required in every match. The team may have friendlies the next couple of months, but they can still approach those matches like they are World Cup matches. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links and our Stimulus store! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The time has come. Gregg Berhalter has been fired as the United States Men's National Team head coach, and we discuss the fallout on Episode 139 of the USA Soccercast. Gregg Berhalter's tenure is done, which has given a large portion of the fanbase some happiness this morning. We break down what happened and offer a post mortem on Gregg Berhalter's time as USMNT head coach. Make no mistake, despite some of the shortcomings that were held against him, he brought this program back from its lowest point and achieved quite a few goals during his time in charge. He also leaves as one of the winningest coaches in USMNT history. So, we take the time to go through some of his accomplishments as well as some of those shortcomings, including crashing out in the group stage of Copa America. In the end, we wish him well as he departs the team. Now that Berhalter is out, the work begins to find a replacement. Of course, some big names are coveted by the fanbase, but are some of those names realistic? Probably not, but to get to some of the coaches who are, we lay out some criteria that we wish to see in the next coach. The main one: we need a coach who's available who can come in now and get straight to work by the September international window. Then, we offer some possible candidates. In the end, we all have a lot of work to do before the 2026 World Cup arrives, and once the new coach arrives, it's time to get going. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links and our Stimulus store! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back with Episode 138, and we're honored to welcome U.S. Men's National Team legend and Hall of Famer Clint Dempsey to the show! The USMNT are out of Copa América, and we talk to Deuce about what happened to the team and what led to the abrupt exit. We get his take on whether Gregg Berhalter needs to be removed as head coach, and his response is simple: whatever happens, it needs to happen now. Deuce has many comments on what the team needs to do in order to get better, including playing better competition, getting our players in situations where they are on the field consistently for their clubs, and what players he thinks has the same qualities he possessed on the field. It's a great interview that you don't want to miss! Dempsey also discusses his work with DraftKings, where he currently has a promotion for the Copa America and Euro 2024 semifinals. We end with what he hopes people take from his enduring legacy on the field as the theme of his success story. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links and our Stimulus store! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States Men's National Team have crashed out of Copa America, and we have to discuss everything on Episode 137. The USMNT have exited Copa América in the group stage thanks to losses against Panama and Uruguay, and in the aftermath, there are plenty of questions that have to be discused. First, we recap the group stage results, from the win against Bolivia to Tim Weah's red card and a terrible loss to Panama to the match last night against Uruguay. The results on the field were poor, but we still have to go through them. After the break, we get into the questions surrounding the USMNT program, and it includes the big one: should Gregg Berhalter remain as head coach of the United States Men's National Team? We answer that question and break down everything surrounding what changes need to come to move the team forward. It's not just a straight forward answer and there's no fall person. Everyone shares some blame, but a change definitely needs to be made as we begin our advancement towards the 2026 World Cup. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links and our Stimulus store! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States Men's National Team are getting ready to begin Copa America, and we preview the group stage of the tournament on Episode 136. The USMNT enter this tournament as the hosts and wanting to be successful in this tournament. But, what does success look like? We first start with the play on the field and the players, and we discuss what they need to do in order to get out of the group and challenge for the title. It involves limiting mistakes, playing with a sense of urgency, and capitalizing on the chances you create to score goals. On the other side, we look at what success means for head coach Gregg Berhalter and the coaching staff. What kind of success is possible? When is it realistic to have a conversation about the direction of the program? What does the coaching staff have to do to prepare this team for not just Copa América, but beyond? We get into that quickly as the start of the tournament is here and the USMNT's chance on the field approaches. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links and our Stimulus store! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States Men's National Team are preparing for Copa América, and Tyler Adams and Weston McKennie are two of the main players that hope to lead the team to victory. On a special Episode 135, we were able to sit down with the two USMNT midfielders for an exclusive interview! Before the interview, the USMNT had 2 friendlies against Colombia and Brazil as their tune-up matches, and each match had a lot of takeaways for various reasons. We discuss what happened in each match and break down what went right and very wrong in those games. We then get into the full Copa América roster for the United States, highlighting who made it, who was the lone cut from the June training camp, and what question marks still exist for the team. After the break, we get into the interview with Tyler and Wes, which was done as they were doing a promotional tour for an ad for Truly Hard Seltzer that will be released this week. The pair speak on their bond, what's it's like to play on the club level together, and how they hope to be successful this summer and what it will take for them to win. It's a great interview you won't want to miss! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links and our Stimulus store! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States Women's National Team are back in action this weekend against South Korea, and it's the official beginning of the Emma Hayes era. Diaspora United's André Carlisle joins on Episode 134 to give us a glimpse into the possible future of the USWNT! Before André joins, we run through the roster and note some of the changes from the April team that won the SheBelieves Cup. There are a few new faces in camp as the USWNT prepares for two matches against South Korea. We discuss some of the new additions as well as some returning players to the national team. After the break, André is here to discuss Emma Hayes. From her ruthless, relentless philosophy to how she utilizes different tactics for various opponents, Carlisle breaks down some of the changes we can expect to see implemented by Hayes and how this team will line up against the rest of the world. Will change come slowly or quickly? Either way, it's clear that the expectation for Hayes is to return the USWNT to the top of the world rankings and be dominant, but a lot has to change and improve to make that possible. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links and our Stimulus store! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The summer of soccer begins this weekend, but the USWNT or USMNT will not be the first team to take the field and embrace the moment. The U.S. Deaf Women's National Team takes the field at Dick's Sporting Goods Park against Australia this Saturday as part of a historic doubleheader with the USWNT. We welcome Amy Griffin, USDWNT head coach and 1991 Women's World Cup champion, to the USA Soccercast on Episode 133. The Deaf Women's National Team match on Saturday kicks off at 2:00pm ET and will be televised on TruTV. It's the first time an Extended National Team has been broadcast on TV in a US Soccer-controlled match, while Volkswagen's title sponsorship is the first time an ENT match has had a presenting partner. Amy Griffin speaks with us to discuss how the program has been so successful - unbeaten all time in 38 matches and with 3 Deaf World Championships and gold medals at 4 Deaflympics. She also discusses some of the challenges the team faced before they became a part of U.S. Soccer's Extended National Team program in 2022. The platform that they will have being on national TV this weekend is a historic one, but it's also a special one for them. Griffin breaks down some of the nuances of the deaf soccer game and how she had to adapt as a coach, and she even gives fans some tips on how to support the team when they're playing on the field. You won't want to miss this interview ahead of an important match! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States and Mexico announced yesterday that they were withdrawing their bid to host the 2027 Women's World Cup, deciding to instead focus their efforts on the 2031 tournament. On Episode 132, we are joined by Sylvs from the Shea Butter FC Podcast to discuss all the implications and what it could mean for the USWNT program as well as the growth of women's soccer in this country and beyond! The USA and Mexico have decided to hold back from potentially hosting in 2027 a little over a couple weeks before the FIFA Congress casts their votes on it at their next meeting. That leaves Brazil and the joint bid of Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands to duke it out. But, what does it mean for the USWNT and for women's soccer in the United States and Mexico? Sylvs has tremendous knowledge and perspective on this, so she joins after the break to discuss the implications. Brazil is rumored to be the favorite now to host in 2027, and that has us excited. Sylvs discusses what it would mean for Brazil to host and why it would be a good thing for women's soccer worldwide. We also look at the race for 2031 between the USA/Mexico and South Africa, which poses an intriguing matchup: growth of the game vs. equal investment and payouts. We're thankful to have Sylvs come on and kick some knowledge, and be sure to follow the Shea Butter FC Podcast for their continued excellent perspectives on the game. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States Women's National Team have an important week to navigate as we preview the SheBelieves Cup on Episode 131. The USWNT have a difficult 2 matches coming up, as we discuss the change to the SheBelieves Cup format and how the team will need to approach it. While they bring in a really good squad, with some new additions and some returning veterans, the competition for Olympic spots is going to be seriously tight over the next few months, as a national team roster's worth of players was left off the squad. And, they have to come together and beat Japan and either Canada or Brazil to win the trophy. After the break, it's time to discuss Korbin Albert's controversial social media over the last week. It's clear that the team will have to address it this week as they prepare for SheBelieves Cup, and we discuss the implications of her unacceptable social media posts along with her liking a post that joked about Megan Rapinoe's injury. The team that is normally unified has to rebuild that unity as they enter this international window. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States Men's National Team are Concacaf Nations League champions again, and we recap everything on Episode 130! The USMNT went down to Texas with the Concacaf Nations League trophy under their arms, and they left Texas still holding the trophy. It wasn't easy, as they needed extra time to defeat Jamaica before another Dos A Cero against Mexico in the final. We discuss all the heroes from the tournament and how the team overcame a terrible performance to win their 3rd straight Nations League title. After the break, the Olympic draw also took place, and the USWNT and USMNT U-23s learned who they will face in the Olympic tournaments this summer. Both teams will have their work cut out for them, as they drew some difficult teams in their groups. Still, both have a great chance at playing for a medal in Paris. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The USA Soccercast returns with Episode 129 as the Concacaf Nations League Finals are set to begin Thursday in Dallas-Fort Worth! The USMNT roster has been named for the Concacaf Nations League Finals, and it's a strong one. We take a look at the roster and how difficult of a decision it was for head coach Gregg Berhalter. It's a chance for the USMNT to win a trophy, in this case win one for the 3rd straight time. That's not something that many people thought this team could do, but it keeps the team motivated for success as they continue to progress towards this summer's Copa America. The U-23s are also playing this week in two friendlies against some tough opponents that they could see at the Olympics this summer. They also have a loaded roster that has a lot of players with USMNT experience, and they're looking to get even more time together as they head to Paris this summer to try and go for gold. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The USA Soccercast is back with Episode 128, as we discuss the release of the new U.S. Soccer jerseys for 2024. The USMNT, USWNT, and the youth and extended national teams will all wear the new look, and of course it has people talking. We discuss the jerseys and how they look, focusing on the need for U.S. Soccer to develop a jersey identity ahead of the 2026 World Cup (and you KNOW which one is preferred). After the break, we recap the USWNT's win at the Concacaf W Gold Cup to become the inaugural champions. Still, some questions are left about the team's play, their roster construction, and how it changes as we approach this summer's Olympics. The USWNT will have to further reduce the squad from 23 players to 18, and that's with so many players who didn't make the W Gold Cup roster or are returning from lengthy injury absences. Emma Hayes will have her work cut out for her, and time is not a luxury that she will possess. We discuss some of the things the USWNT need to figure out moving forward. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The U.S. Open Cup has been a key topic of discussion in American soccer circles over the past couple of weeks, and on Episode 127, we welcome Michael Battista of Hudson River Blue and TheCup.us to discuss everything that's happening. Battista reported earlier this week that chronicled the potential for the 2024 U.S. Open Cup to be canceled due to U.S. Soccer failing to agree on a format that MLS would accept for its first teams to participate. The league has been public in their desire to field their reserve teams for the tournament, which has been meant with condemnation from fans across the country. Michael speaks on how the discussions have been going thus far and breaks down some of the many reasons why the tournament is in this precarious position. We also consider U.S. Soccer's side and discuss how the negotiations have arrived at this point where we are still wondering as fans whether MLS will be involved. Over the past few weeks, we have grown our affiliate partnership list substantially with the goal to bring you closer to the players and leagues that you love. Whether it's watching some of them play for their clubs on TV, buying the latest gear, or even traveling to watch our national teams play, the hope is that our affiliate links will help save you some money and break down the barriers that exist to watch the game we all love and enjoy. Head to our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and YouTube! Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach wherever you get your podcasts as well as on YouTube. And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 126, we conclude our series of interviews with the candidates for U.S. Soccer Vice President as we have a conversation with Dr. Pete Zopfi. Dr. Zopfi is the chairman of U.S. Youth Soccer and a member of the U.S. Soccer board of directors. He currently serves on the sports medicine research, education, and advisory committee, and the nominating and governance committee. He's also been a part of several other committees and task forces while on the U.S. Soccer board. Through our conversation with Dr. Zopfi, we learn more about his candidacy and why he thinks he is best to serve as the new Vice President alongside President Cindy Parlow Cone and CEO JT Batson. We address topics like youth development, player safety, referee and coaching training, and how to increase fan accessibility and diversity while attempting to keep costs down for the major soccer events that are coming to our shores. We also spend some time discussing the extended national teams, like beach soccer, power soccer, and the deaf national teams, and how to increase their presence here in the United States to gain even more traction. This interview, along with the others, will help fans gain some insight into the governance of U.S. Soccer but also can keep the discussion going over how best to keep soccer growing in this country and to have our teams be the best they can be. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. The holidays are approaching, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! We are finally on YouTube! Find us there and you are able to listen to these episodes on that platform. Rates, reviews, and subscriptions really help our reach. And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

On Episode 125, we continue our interviews on U.S. Soccer governance surrounding the Vice Presidential election with an interview with former candidate Mike Cullina. Cullina is the CEO of US Club Soccer and serves as the Youth Council representative on the U.S. Soccer Board of Directors. Cullina was a candidate for U.S. Soccer Vice President, but decided back on January 13th to withdraw from the race. Still, he appeared on the show to discuss his reasons for getting involved in the race and his work on the board of directors for U.S. Soccer, addressing many questions on several topics that affect the entire umbrella of American soccer. The work that U.S. Soccer has to do in order to grow the game in this country is expansive, and Cullina details some of the many steps they need to take to improve one area of the soccer landscape while working with the numerous member associations so that the game continues to improve in the United States. From referee development and player safety to expanding the resources of our extended national teams, Cullina gives a fascinating interview that is sure to leave everyone with a better understanding of how U.S. Soccer both currently operates and where they can improve operations to keep progress moving forward. We will have our final candidate interview with Dr. Pete Zopfi early next week. We hope to touch on as many topics as we can that are important to fans in an effort to bring you into the governance process. If you have a question for the candidates, submit it on our Google form! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. The holidays are approaching, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

U.S. Soccer will elect a new Vice President at its Annual General Meeting, which runs February 8-10 in Dallas. On Episode 124, candidate Nathán Goldberg, former assistant general manager at NJ/NY Gotham FC, joins the show to answer questions on several topics facing U.S. Soccer. The governance of the federation is something fans should be well informed about, and through our interview with Goldberg, we learn about why he wants to join the Board of Directors as the Vice President and what he hopes to accomplish in the role. We address topics like youth development, player safety, increased fan accessibility, increased diversity and inclusion, how to increase our coaching and referee pool, as well as how to bring each of the member associations together and working with the professional soccer leagues. Goldberg gives us his thoughts on so many questions to showcase why he believes he is best to help lead the federation alongside President Cindy Parlow Cone and CEO JT Batson. We will be hosting interviews over the next week with Dr. Pete Zopfi, the other candidate for U.S. Soccer Vice President going against Nathán Goldberg, as well as Mike Cullina, who was a candidate until he withdrew from the race recently. We hope to touch on as many topics as we can that are important to fans in an effort to bring you into the governance process. If you have a question for the candidates, submit it on our Google form! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. The holidays are approaching, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're back with Episode 123 as we catch up on some topics from the past week! The USMNT opened 2024 with a loss to Slovenia last weekend, but it was a chance for fans to see the future as several players on the roster could be at the Olympics this summer. We quickly discuss the players and how January Camp can serve as a potential springboard to the full national team for players. For the USWNT, SheBelieves Cup will take place in April now, and it will be a mini tournament. Brazil, Canada, and Japan will once again join the USWNT as semifinal matches will take place in Atlanta and Columbus will host the final and 3rd place matches. In another loaded year for the USWNT, SheBelieves Cup once again brings some quality competition. After the break, Sam Mewis announced her retirement last week as her knee injury proved to be too much to return to the field. We pay tribute to one of the most dynamic and dominant midfielders America has ever produced. We'll really miss her on the field. Finally, U.S. Soccer will hold an election to fill the Vice President role at their Annual General Meeting in early February. We will be having interviews with each of the candidates for U.S. Soccer Vice President: Nathán Goldberg and Dr. Pete Zopfi. Mike Cullina, who was a candidate before he withdrew from the race last week, has also agreed to come on the show to answer questions and speak directly to fan issues and topics important to us. If you have a question for the candidates, submit it on our Google form! Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. The holidays are approaching, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We close out 2023 by reviewing some of the rules changes and new tournament formats on Episode 122. Major League Soccer has brought about some rules changes for the 2024 season, and some of them are very intriguing and welcomed. However, the worst change they attempted was to withdraw its first teams from the U.S. Open Cup. U.S. Soccer said nope, and now we have a stalemate. But, we discuss how severely stupid it was for the league to try and withdraw from America's longest running tournament. After the break, FIFA has set up the slots for each confederation for the 2025 Club World Cup. That includes 1 slot for the host country, the United States. Could that be the MLS Cup champion, or will they just figure out a way to get Lionel Messi and Inter Miami in? There's also a new tournament to replace the normal Club World Cup, but the new tournament is set up to fully benefit the UEFA Champions League winner. We discuss that tournament as well. Finally, the 2026 World Cup could have a match schedule very soon. Where could the USMNT play, and where could all the matches be played? We quickly discuss the U.S. venues and how the group stage could set up for the USMNT. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. The holidays are approaching, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're starting to close out 2023, and we begin by recapping the Copa América Draw and the W Gold Cup Draw on Episode 121. The USMNT will host the 2024 Copa América, and we know now where they will play and whom. The USMNT drew Uruguay, Panama, and Bolivia in Group C and will play their group stage matches in Arlington, Texas; Atlanta; and Kansas City. We go through the draw to discuss what the path looks like for the United States and who they could face should they advance to the knockout stage. After the break, we put the W Gold Cup on the stage, as their draw occurred just a few days after the Copa América Draw. The USWNT were matched up with Mexico, Argentina, and the winner of a playoff between Guyana and the Dominican Republic. All group stage matches will take place in Carson, California and will see the USWNT remain in Southern California (LA and San Diego) for the duration of the tournament. We review that draw and what the USWNT should expect in the first edition of the W Gold Cup. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. The holidays are approaching, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're celebrating the potential hire of Emma Hayes on Episode 120 of the USA Soccercast! The shocking news on Saturday morning that Emma Hayes was not only leaving Chelsea FC at the end of the season but also set to become the next U.S. Women's National Team head coach made a lot of fans incredibly excited. We discuss the resume of Emma Hayes and what she's done as a coach leading up to this point. We then get into what makes her a great coach and what USWNT fans can expect from the team with Hayes in charge. There was an excellent article by ESPN's Sophie Lawson that discussed Hayes's tactics, coaching philosophy, and the style of play her teams have. Hayes also likes to develop young talent, and with a program in transition, there will be lots of chances for her to bring along some of the younger players who could form the core of the USWNT moving forward. It's an exciting time and what looks to be a new era of the USWNT, and fans should look forward to watching her operate as she puts her stamp on the USWNT program. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. The holidays are approaching, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The USA Soccercast recaps the USWNT's October window on Episode 119. The October window was a bit of a struggle for the USWNT, as they played Colombia in two friendlies last weekend. The first match was a scoreless stalemate, with the USWNT looking like they had not attempted to change anything from what we had seen this year leading into the Women's World Cup. In the second friendly, the first half repeated some of those failed tactics and personnel decisions. However, with the substitution of a couple of the new young players at halftime, the dynamic changed. We discuss how Mia Fishel and Jaedyn Shaw should prompt a hard review of the program and should renew the desire by many to integrate the youth into the fabric of this team to make it theirs, especially with the W Gold Cup and the Olympics approaching in 2024. After the break, the USWNT head coaching search could be near its end, and U.S. Soccer appears to be down to three finalists: Australia head coach Tony Gustavsson, Juventus head coach Joe Montemurro, and OL Reign FC head coach Laura Harvey. We discuss what some of the pros and cons are with these coaches, as well as what the priorities should be for the program with the hiring of the next head coach. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. The holidays are approaching, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The USA Soccercast is back to jumpstart the weekend with an action packed Episode 118! On this episode, we welcome Eric Schmitz from the World of Concacaf Podcast to help us debate one of the main topics of the week. First, we have discussion on the rumored 2024 home jersey for the USMNT and USWNT. U.S. Soccer needs a jersey identity, and the Waldos are it. However, we discuss the rumored jersey design and explain the need to identify something that U.S. Soccer fans can start to get behind ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Speaking of the 2026 World Cup, the rumors are all over the place: LA out, Vegas potentially in, and AT&T Stadium aka JerryWorld in the driver's seat to host the 2026 World Cup Final. Could SoFi Stadium, the most expensive stadium in the history of the world, really not host matches? It seems possible, and Jerry Jones and the Dallas committee is pulling out all the stops in an effort to host the final. After the break, we are joined by Eric Schmitz of the World of Concacaf Podcast to discuss a debate that was set in motion a couple days ago by Jozy Altidore's appearance on CBS Sports Golazo's “Kickin It” show. Eric Schmitz helps us break down which team could be the better one between the two teams (with some additions to each, because it helps balance how you discuss this). It's an awesome conversation that you won't want to miss. And you should chime in with your thoughts in the comments! Also, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. Fall is coming, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. We'd like to have a mailbag episode, and we could use your questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The USA Soccercast is back with Episode 117, as we get ready for the USWNT's matches against Colombia this weekend as well as dip into the mailbag. The USWNT take on Colombia twice this weekend, with the first one coming tonight in Salt Lake City. We quickly preview the matchup, the USWNT roster, and a few players from Las Cafeteras that fans should pay attention to when they hit the field. These matches are important as we start to see who tries to separate themselves and show they should be on the shortened roster for the Olympics next summer. After the break, we dip into the mailbag for a great question: who is your all-time USWNT gameday roster? That includes the starting XI and your bench. We go through each position in the starting XI and also who would make the bench. Of course, we want to know who your all-time WNT roster would be, so chime in on Twitter or via email! Also, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. Fall is coming, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. We'd like to have a mailbag episode, and we could use your questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We have a cool interview on Episode 116 as we welcome Danny Penza from The Old Lady Speaks Podcast! Juventus is one of the teams that has multiple USMNT players on its roster, with Weston McKennie rejoining the club this summer from his loan stint with Leeds United and Tim Weah moving in a permanent transfer from Lille. However, dreams of these two dynamic players teaming up on the field for the Bianconeri have been shortlived, as the two players have essentially combined to form a tandem at the right wingback position. Danny discusses how each player has been doing for Juve this season, taking a deeper dive on the formation changes and why McKennie has moved into a starting role with Weah being his backup, while both play out of position. We also opine on whether this could change down the road as Juventus attempts to finish in the Top 4 in Serie A this season. To stay up to date on how McKennie and Weah do with Juventus as the season progresses, the people at Black & White & Read All Over do fantastic work. Give them a follow on Twitter at @JuventusNation and Danny Penza can be found at @djp4cal. Also, don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. Fall is coming, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And finally, tag us on Twitter or email USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. We'd like to have a mailbag episode, and we could use your questions! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We are back with on Episode 115 of the USA Soccercast, where we discuss the USMNT, the USWNT, and the federation as a whole as they decide to move down south. The USMNT had a good week against Uzbekistan and Oman during their latest international window, and we recap the matches as well as some of the rationale behind playing these teams as the World Cup cycle begins in earnest. As we move forward, the idea of playing different teams from all confederations that we could see in an expanded World Cup means seeing different styles of play and allowing our team to be ready for any team that may come their way. After the break, the USWNT are back in action this week with 2 matches against South Africa. Their World Cup cycle has also begun, but it begins knowing that the next major test - the Olympics - are less than a year away. And, the USWNT will be entering these matches with an interim head coach as they also say goodbye to Julie Ertz and Megan Rapinoe. We discuss the roster and the upcoming friendlies against a tough Banyana Banyana squad. Finally, U.S. Soccer will be moving to Atlanta in the near future, as they announced a new training center and headquarters will be built there thanks to a $50 million donation from Arthur Blank. We discuss how the move could affect our national teams and how they prepare once it's open. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. Fall is coming, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And, tag us on Twitter with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States Men's National Team has entered the September international window, and we take a look at the roster and the upcoming matches on Episode 114 of the USA Soccercast. The USMNT are back in action against two new opponents in Uzbekistan and Oman. It marks the return of head coach Gregg Berhalter to the sidelines, and he has a new 24-man roster that consists of some of the veterans along with a few new faces. We discuss the roster along with some of the players who are not on this roster due to injury as well as some of the youth that do make this roster. After the break, we have to get into the drama that still surrounds Gregg Berhalter and Gio Reyna. After Berhalter indicated in a Vanity Fair article that he still has not spoken with Gio to clear the air and has consulted mediators in an attempt to be “deliberate and strategic” with his approach. That reconciliation process between Berhalter and Reyna has several moving parts, and it's way more complex than Berhalter just picking up the phone and calling him. We discuss some of the factors that's contributing to the complexity of this reconciliation process. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. Fall is coming, which means a great chance to get some new stuff. Now, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And, tag us on Twitter with any topic suggestions or questions for the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The United States Women's National Team's run at the 2023 Women's World Cup ended in the Round of 16 last week in a loss via penalties to Sweden, and we catch up by doing a full postmortem of the team's performance and what comes next on Episode 113 of the USA Soccercast. The Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. With it about to be back to school season and the European soccer seasons starting up, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel or anything else you're interested in wearing! And, tag us on Twitter with any topic suggestions or questions for the show.

The United States Women's National Team has been formed for the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup, and we discuss the roster on Episode 112 of the USA Soccercast. The and their jersey numbers - we discuss some of the players that Vlatko decided to include. There were some new players that made the roster as well as some veterans, and we sing some of the praises of the players that earned their spot on the plane. There were also players who didn't make the roster, whether it was due to injury or a coach's decision. Some of them are incredible talents who will be missed, like Becky Sauerbrunn, Catarina Macario, Christen Press, Samantha Mewis, or Tobin Heath. Others just didn't feel to be in the plans of head coach Vlatko Andonovski. We discuss some of them and why those players didn't make the cut. Finally, the USWNT are facing a lot of pressure as they try to win a third straight World Cup title, something no men's or women's team has ever done. They've already faced immense pressure as they struggle with the prevailing thought that the world has caught up with them. However, this team has an ability to lock in and focus on the goal in front of them better than most teams in the course of sports history, and that helps us get excited about the tournament as it begins in just under 30 days. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. With the summer almost here and it being full of soccer, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel! And, tag us on Twitter with any topic suggestions or questions for the show.

The United States Men's National Team wins the Concacaf Nations League and re-hires their head coach, so it makes for a full Episode 111 of the USA Soccercast! The Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. With the summer almost here and it being full of soccer, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel! We will be back to discuss the USWNT World Cup roster this evening or tomorrow!

The Concacaf Nations League Finals begin this week in Las Vegas, and we quickly preview the tournament for the who passed away over the weekend after a motorcycle accident. Ben was a friend of the show and his loss is a big one for the Nashville and U.S. Soccer communities who knew him well. We here at Stars & Stripes FC pass along our condolences to Ben's family and those in his various communities who are mourning his loss.

Lionel Messi is coming to Major League Soccer! It's a major moment in the history of the league and we have to discuss it on Episode 109! There were some people who wrongly thought that this would never happen, but Messi to Inter Miami is now a reality. And it has already made a major impact on the profile of the league, to add to the wave of excitement that soccer fans all across the country have that arguably the greatest to ever do it comes to our shores. We discuss what we know about the deal, from the profit sharing with Apple and Adidas to the ownership stake. We also discuss some of the other players who are rumored to want to venture to MLS to play with their friend Leo. However, it's a big moment for the league and they need to figure out pretty quickly how to maximize the impact and make it sustainable. From the facilities to the marketing to even roster rules, MLS has to meet the moment and make this sustain long after Messi hangs up his cleats. Don't forget to follow us on Twitter and to tap into our Linktree, which will give you access to all our affiliate links: Fanatics, Homage, BreakingT, and the MLS Store. With the summer almost here and it being full of soccer, you'll be able to save some money on all the cool soccer apparel! Nations League is around the corner, and we'll be back early next week to preview it all!

The USA Soccercast is back with Episode 108 to recap a busy day in U.S. Soccer! The left his post for a new club job, and BJ Callaghan will replace him for the Nations League Finals and the scheduled domestic friendlies against Germany and Ghana for the October international window. We discuss some history between the United States and those two teams as some quality opponents come to our shores to boast the fall schedule. After the break, the Men's U-20s are at the U-20 World Cup and are through to the quarterfinals for the 4th straight time. We discuss their tournament thus far as well as who could be ahead of them in the quarterfinals and beyond. Finally, the USA Soccercast has some new affiliate links that can help you get the latest gear while also supporting the show! Our newest partners, BreakingT and Homage, join Fanatics and the MLS Store to help bring you all the soccer gear. You can even use those links for gear that isn't soccer-related and it will still help support the show, so check them out! The USWNT jerseys will be re-released on June 5th along with the USMNT 2023 jerseys, and a bunch of new apparel will hit the streets alongside it. You can have it all through these links and, depending on the sales, you can save some money in the process! Don't forget to follow the USA Soccercast! You can find us on Podbean and Linktree, including all of our affiliate links. And, for any topic suggestions, please send questions to USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com or tag us on Twitter!

The USA Soccercast returns with Episode 107 to celebrate the commitment of a Balogun! Folarin Balogun completed his one-time switch to represent the USA Soccercast! You can find us on Podbean and Linktree, including all of our affiliate links with Fanatics and the MLS Store. And, for any topic suggestions, please send questions to USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com or tag us on Twitter!

The USA Soccercast returns with Episode 106! The U.S. Soccer Federation recently linked with the Mexico federation to launch a joint bid for the 2027 Women's World Cup. They also finally made their hire of Matt Crocker as the federation's new sporting director. The 2027 Women's World Cup bid came during the USA Soccercast! You can find us on Podbean and Linktree, including all of our affiliate links with Fanatics and the MLS Store. And, for any topic suggestions, please send questions to USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com.

The USA Soccercast is back with Episode 105! On this episode, the occurred last Friday, and today we learned the venues for the we get ready for that match. We take a look at the roster and give a quick preview of who to watch for when the two teams take the field tomorrow night. It should be a fun one in Phoenix. Don't forget to follow the USA Soccercast! You can find us on Podbean and Linktree, including all of our affiliate links with Fanatics and the MLS Store. And, we want to do a mailbag episode next week, so please send questions to USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com.

The United States Women's National Team enter their final friendlies before the Women's World Cup roster is announced, and we discuss the current roster and upcoming matches on Episode 104 of the USA Soccercast. The 26-player roster in camp, including a few surprise returners like Julie Ertz and Casey Krueger. However, with this being the final international window before the World Cup roster is named, it leaves us with questions about who has the inside track to making the roster and who appears to be on the outside looking in at this point. They face Ireland, who is ranked 22nd in the FIFA world rankings and will also be at the Women's World Cup this summer. Which players should we look out for? What does Julie Ertz's return mean for the shape of this team? We touch on a bit of all of that on this episode. Check us out at our has a Podbean landing page to subscribe on just about any podcatching service out there. Also, hit up our Linktree page that has access to our affiliate links, including Fanatics and the MLS Store. Finally, give us a follow on Twitter, and send any topic suggestions to USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com!

The USA Soccercast is back with Episode 103, and we're discussing a topic that has been on the minds of many over the past few weeks and months: will Lionel Messi actually come to Major League Soccer? I'm here to throw cold water on the idea that Messi will end up at Inter Miami, and there are several reasons why, but many of them center around money. Vast amounts of money, enough to make Scrooge McDuck say “that's a lot of money!” MLS has been doing its best to keep the name of the league attached to Messi as he sorts out his future plans, but in the end, the type of money being offered to Messi by Saudi club Al Hilal might be too much to turn down. We discuss the several scenarios and end with the conclusion that the arguable GOAT coming to America just doesn't feel like it's truly in the cards. The USA Soccercast has a new landing page through the new hosting site, Podbean! Check us out there as we continue to develop it out. There, you'll be able to listen to any of our episodes and subscribe on just about any podcatching service out there. Also, we have a Linktree page that has access to our affiliate links, including Fanatics and the MLS Store. So, if you're getting one of the new Twitter, and send any topic suggestions to USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com.

The new released the new 2023 home and away jerseys late last night, and we're here to discuss them on Episode 102. The USWNT will debut the home jersey this weekend against Ireland, while the Fanatics and MLSStore.com! You can use those affiliate links to purchase the new USWNT kits (there's a one week initial window to order, so hurry over!) or if you want your MLS team's latest gear. And, all purchases using that link also benefit this show, so head on over to get yourself kitted up! Don't forget, the USA Soccercast has a new home! Feel free to follow us on Twitter or send an email with topic suggestions to USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com.

As many of you know, back in late January, the Stars & Stripes FC Podcast was among many entities that were a part of the layoffs by SB Nation and Vox Media. We address the future of the show on Episode 101, which serves as both an introduction and a re-introduction. The date of the podcast's separation from the SB Nation Podcast Network had originally been the end of February, but that date was pushed back to today. And today's as good a time as any to announce that we're changing the name of the show: the USA Soccercast! The USA Soccercast will continue to bring you analysis on the USMNT, USWNT, and the players that comprise those teams. However, with the move to the new name, the analysis will extend to Major League Soccer, the NWSL, USL Championship and League One, and anything else that could impact soccer in America. From the Women's World Cup to Leagues Cup, we'll discuss it all, and hopefully have some special guests along the way. We also have a new Twitter account, so give @USASoccercast a follow, and of course, please subscribe if you aren't already! If you have topic suggestions, please drop me a line at USA Soccercast at Gmail dot com. We'll also have a new logo that's currently under construction but coming soon. Welcome to the new show, same as the old show but with a new name and home. Thanks for the support!

The Concacaf Nations League is undergoing some format changes starting in September, and on a milestone 100th episode of the SSFC Podcast, we dive into what those changes are and what it means for the USMNT. The format changes to the Nations League sees League A expand to 16 teams starting in September. They are also adding a quarterfinal leg that is a two-legged, home-and-away format. However, this format change sees the top 4 teams in Concacaf, including the USMNT, skipping the group stage and entering at the quarterfinal stage. This means they'll only need to play 2 games potentially to qualify for the Nations League Finals as well as the 2024 Copa América. After the break, we discuss the fact that while it's better for the USMNT from a preparation standpoint for the 2026 World Cup, it really stinks that we don't get to participate in the group stage anymore of truly the greatest tournament on the planet. Traveling to islands to play is something that most big teams in the rest of the world don't get to do, and it's fun too. The level playing field that was supposed to define the Concacaf Nations League appears to be gone, at least for the next two editions of the tournament. We end with some thanks to everyone who's ever listened to the show, all our guests, and some people who provided some extra help or encouragement along the way. It's been a thrill to bring 100 episodes of this show to the masses, and it's truly an honor to know that so many of you willingly listened and have enjoyed it along the way. The show goes on...here's to the next 100! Hit the comments to discuss the episode and continue the Nations League talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices