Podcasts about american soccer

I sat down with Benjamin Ifada, whose soccer journey took him from playing in Nigeria to England and France before landing here in the US, where he now coaches at Legends Football Club.We trace how each of those systems shaped the way he sees the game — how talent gets found, how players get developed, and where parents fit into the picture.Benjamin doesn't hold back on what he thinks US youth soccer gets wrong, and offers some pointed ideas on what he'd change if he ran the show. It's a rare chance to hear an outsider's view on a system most American soccer parents have never had to question.

Carl and Mike get back to more World Cup as they share thoughts on the gap between America and many other countries in developing young talent for national teams and agree there needs to be a shift in America towards a better development system. They then share thoughts on Drake London not being ranked in a recent Top 10 wide receivers list, despite recently getting a new deal which makes him the third highest paid WR on an annual basis.

Send us Fan Mail                    Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E20)                                    Bonus World Cup Coverage!Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Welcome to this special edition of the GP Soccer Podcast! Listeners of the show can now enjoy bonus content featuring- "Stories from The World Cup". Host Giovanni Pacini each week will highlight World Cup stories that typically don't get front page coverage but are interesting and fascinating nonetheless!The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingHost Giovanni Pacini's new book- "The Importance of Unstructured Free Play: Coaching with a Street Soccer Mentality is now available on Amazon!GP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

This is a preview of a bonus episode! Check it out on our patreon! This week, we're joined by Bloomberg senior reporter Amanda Mull, to talk about the FIFA World Cup and the way it's been watched and interacted with online. We talk about the significance of the 2026 cup taking place in America, awhy the Trump administration doesn't really care about football & the ways that international influencers, including fake ones, are being used to try tell the world the US is doing just fine. We also talk about Amanda's recent article in Bloomberg, in which she explores the deep wealth disparity in American society as reflected by who gets to attend World Cup matches, and how they are seated.  Read Amanda's article: https://www.bloomberg.com/news/features/2026-06-11/world-cup-2026-what-the-most-expensive-tickets-buy-at-gillette-stadium?srnd=undefined -------- LEBANON AID LINKS Here are some fundraisers to support collective rebuilding and survival efforts on the ground in Lebanon. -Beit El-Baraka started out as a food bank, but has grown to help people afford rent, cover their essentials, and live with dignity.  https://beitelbaraka.org/donate-directly/ or donate in general https://beitelbaraka.org/donate-now/ -LiveLove was a charity for a number of other matters, but since 2024 has been solely comitted to helping people displaced by Israeli attacks. https://livelove.org/donate -Lebanese Food Bank supports displaced and impoverished people https://lebanesefoodbank.org/take-action/donate/ Solar Powered Lebanon is an initiative to restore people's power using solar panels, since larger infrastructure is at constant risk of attack. https://fundahope.com/en/campaigns/solar-powered-lebanon ----- PALESTINE AID LINKS These are some general links you can support collective efforts with! -The Palestinian Communist Youth Union is doing a food and water effort, and is part of the official communist party of Palestine https://www.gofundme.com/f/to-preserve-whats-left-of-humanity-global-solidarity -Water is Life, a water distribution project in North Gaza affiliated with an Indigenous American organization and the Freedom Flotilla https://www.waterislifegaza.org/ -Vegetable Distribution Fund, which secured and delivers fresh veg, affiliated with Freedom Flotilla also https://www.instagram.com/linking/fundraiser?fundraiser_id=1102739514947848 ----- PHOEBE ALERT Okay, now that we have your attention; check out her Substack Here! Check out Masters of our Domain with Milo and Patrick, here! -------- Ten Thousand Posts is a show about how everything is posting. It's hosted by Hussein (@HKesvani), Phoebe (@PRHRoy) and produced by Devon (@Devon_onEarth).

They explore the impressive experience at Atlanta's new Cosm sports bar before diving into the USMNT's disappointing performance. The discussion highlights Landon Donovan's criticism of the U.S. youth soccer pay-to-play model and compares it to Norway's successful participation-based approach. 01:00 - Atlanta's Economic Impact & Cosm 04:59 - USMNT Struggles and Narratives 08:54 - Youth Soccer Pay-to-Play Debate

In this episode of THE MENTORS RADIO, Host Dan Hesse talks with Ed Hawkins, former All-American soccer player and Founder and CEO of SixBeacons Partners. As we watch the World Cup, it’s fitting that Ed Hawkins, a former All-American soccer player and the first US born African-American to wear the USA jersey, joins Dan Hesse on The Mentors Radio to describe the business lessons that the game of soccer can teach us. Ed explores how leadership, culture and human development intersect in organizational life. He's the CEO of SixBeacon Partners where his work focuses on helping organizations design environments that allow people and systems to grow with purpose in the age of artificial intelligence. They discuss Ed’s fourth book, Beacon of Hope—Cultivating Excellence Across Generations, which also serves as a tribute to a special mentor.  LISTEN TO this radio broadcast live on iHeart Radio, or go to “THE MENTORS RADIO” podcast any time, anywhere, on any podcast platform – subscribe here and don't miss an episode! SHOW NOTES: BIO: Bio: Edward “Ed” L. Hawkins BOOKS: Creating Amazing Customer Experiences Using Sustainable Frameworks, by Ed Hawkins GLOW: The Humanization of Intelligence, by Ed Hawkins Silicon Heart Reclaiming Humanity Through AI, by Ed Hawkins Beacon of Hope: Cultivating Excellence Across Generations, by Ed Hawkins WEBSITE: https://www.sixbeacons.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/hawkinsthoughts/

On today's show Andrew and Ben begin with a look at the state of Meta. Topics include: Mark Zuckerberg's sins of commission vs. omission as a messenger, Meta's AI opportunity, directionally correct investments, the problems with Meta as a cloud provider, and the absence of religion in Menlo Park. From there: Why Microsoft should move on from the XBOX era, and the shift in gaming habits that doomed Game Pass from the outset. At the end: OpenAI introduces GPT-Live, a question about the cost of Ben's vibe coding adventure spawns a digression on future token costs, the cost of youth sports, American soccer and learning Chinese, tech weirdos and the future of normie app building, and Ben gets castigated for bringing a Starlink on vacation.

The U.S. Men's National Team is out, and the disappointment is loud. In this episode of MX3 Podcast, we break down the 4-1 loss to Belgium, why the game felt worse than the score, what went wrong on the field, and whether American soccer has a deeper culture problem.We discuss the USMNT statement after the loss, the reaction from fans, the coaching questions, the physicality of international soccer, and why millions of American kids play soccer but the national team still struggles to match the world's best when it matters most.At MX3 Podcast, our mission is discussing money, motivation, and relevant events with honest conversation and real perspective.What do you think is the biggest problem with U.S. men's soccer: coaching, culture, player development, or something else? Drop your thoughts in the comments.Visit us at www.mx3.vipLike, comment, subscribe, and share this episode with someone who still believes American soccer can turn the corner.Support the showMX3 Podcast on Youtubewww.youtube.com/@mx3podcastContact MX3 PodcastTweet us: @mx3podcastEmail us: info@mx3.vipLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-w-wright-9397b23a/Thanks for listening & keep on living your life the Wright way!

The America 250 celebration gives the guys a patriotic jump-start as Zach brings back a firsthand report from Washington, D.C., including a moving visit to the Museum of the Bible, run-ins with secret service, and the world's largest-ever fireworks show. Jase, Al, and Zach connect America's story to the deeper foundation of Scripture, tracing how God's Word has endured through history and still points people toward the source of real freedom. Jase follows a biblical trail showing how Jesus fulfills the 10 words of creation, the 10 commandments, and the “I am” statements that reveal his divine identity.  In this episode: James 2:8; 1 Corinthians 15:3-4; James 2:22-23; Matthew 5:17; Luke 24:44; John 1:1, 14; Genesis 1:3, 6, 9, 11, 14, 20, 24, 26, 28-29; Exodus 3:2-6, 14; John 6:35; John 8:12, 24, 28, 58; John 10:7, 11; John 11:25; John 14:6; John 15:1; John 3:14, 19-21; John 12:32; James 4:10; Philippians 2:8-9; Hebrews 13:8; John 17:5; Matthew 28:18-20; Hebrews 10:28-29 “Unashamed” Episode 1372 is sponsored by: https://cozyearth.com/unashamed — Get up to 20% off when you use our link and code UNASHAMED!  https://chministries.org/unashamed — Get a better solution at half the cost of traditional healthcare! http://unashamedforhillsdale.com/ — Sign up now for free, and join the Unashamed hosts every Friday for Unashamed Academy Powered by Hillsdale College Listen to Not Yet Now with Zach Dasher on Apple, Spotify, iHeart, or anywhere you get podcasts. Check out At Home with Phil Robertson, nearly 800 episodes of Phil's unfiltered wisdom, humor, and biblical truth, available for free for the first time! Get it on Apple, Spotify, Amazon, and anywhere you listen to podcasts! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/at-home-with-phil-robertson/id1835224621 Chapters 00:00 Jase Gets Sucked into the World Cup 06:18 Jase Solves the Problem of American Soccer 11:20 Al's Grandson Takes the World Cup Loss Hard 14:27 Zach's Wild Fourth of July Trip to D.C. 21:13 Fulfilling the “Royal Law” of Scriptures 29:29 The 10 Words of Creation & the 10 Commandments 34:53 Jesus' 10 “I Am” Statements in John 40:10 The Identity of Jesus in the Father 47:05 Jesus as the Fulfillment of Moses and Abraham — Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

It's Episode 489 and Team USA, yet again, can't crack the top 8 in the World Cup. We cover the last week in the tournament where we're left with just 8 teams. We also get into the latest NBA offseason moves as well as a key decision that needs to be made in the NHL.

Send us Fan Mail                    Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E19)                                    Bonus World Cup Coverage!Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Welcome to this special edition of the GP Soccer Podcast! Listeners of the show can now enjoy bonus content featuring- "Stories from The World Cup". Host Giovanni Pacini each week will highlight World Cup stories that typically don't get front page coverage but are interesting and fascinating nonetheless!The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingHost Giovanni Pacini's new book- "The Importance of Unstructured Free Play: Coaching with a Street Soccer Mentality is now available on Amazon!GP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

Carl and Mike open the show with thoughts on the World Cup and the USMNT's win over Bosnia-Herzegovina in which they won, however Folarin Balogun drew a red card resulting in him missing the final 36 minutes and will be out for the team's next match against Belgium. As they discuss, they agree the call was "a bad call" and has the potential to impact their next match.

We get it, we aren't soccer experts, but this Balogun red card just doesn't make sense! The VAR was used incorrectly AND there's no course for the US to appeal the suspension for the round of 16- make it make sense! The NBA world is buzzing over the Jaylen Brown trade- how is it possible that the Sixers got Brown for so little? :30- JACKSON FELTS (World Cup Broadcast) What did Jackson think of the red card situation and was he worried it would cost the US the win? Next up, it's Belgium right here in Seattle on Monday! :45- We close out the show and the short week with one last thing! See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

BRAD EVANS (World Cup Broadcast) Team USA plays tonight against Bosnia-Herzegovina- is there any concern over the loss to Turkiye going into tonight? Is there any way to get rid of penalty kicks t decide these big matches? What makes Bosnia-Herzegovina so tough? There has been so much hype around this US team… but has anyone thought about them possibly not winning? Could this be the World Cup where the script gets flipped on the traditional powerhouses and if so, who can do it? Who will be the key for tonight besides Pulisic? :30- We're ready for the Baseball Brunch starring the Mariners offense, Bryan Woo and Colt Emerson! :45- We've got another movie quote for a grill… can you guess this one? See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan Mail                       Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E18)                                    Bonus World Cup Coverage!Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Welcome to this special edition of the GP Soccer Podcast! Listeners of the show can now enjoy bonus content featuring- "Stories from The World Cup". Host Giovanni Pacini each week will highlight World Cup stories that typically don't get front page coverage but are interesting and fascinating nonetheless!The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingHost Giovanni Pacini's new book- "The Importance of Unstructured Free Play: Coaching with a Street Soccer Mentality is now available on Amazon!GP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

Show Notes   summary- In this episode, we explore Lionel Messi's historic move to Miami, its impact on American soccer, and what it reveals about greatness and influence in sports. Guest Paul Tenorio shares behind-the-scenes insights and the transformative power of one athlete's arrival.   key topics Messi's move to Miami and its significance Impact of Messi on MLS and American soccer Behind-the-scenes stories of Messi's arrival Messi's mentality and drive for greatness MLS's strategic changes prompted by Messi The cultural and business influence of Messi in sports guest name-Paul Tenorio   Sound Bites "Messi's arrival is the biggest story in sports." "He has created a following around his greatness." "Messi always wants to win and be the greatest." Chapters 00:00Introduction to Soccer's Transformation in America 01:39Podcast Outro.mp3 Resources The Global Legends Last Soccer's New Beginning by Paul Tenorio Paul Tenorio - The Athletic Major League Soccer Official Site Guest links Twitter  

Send us Fan Mail                      Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E17)                                    Bonus World Cup Coverage!Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Welcome to this special edition of the GP Soccer Podcast! Listeners of the show can now enjoy bonus content featuring- "Stories from The World Cup". Host Giovanni Pacini each week will highlight World Cup stories that typically don't get front page coverage but are interesting and fascinating nonetheless!The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingHost Giovanni Pacini's new book- "The Importance of Unstructured Free Play: Coaching with a Street Soccer Mentality is now available on Amazon!GP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, recap the USMNT's 2-0 win over Australia in their second match of the FIFA World Cup, preview their final group stage against Turkiye, and discuss the biggest World Cup storylines from the last week!Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros kick off the show with six spicy World Cup takes, headlined by the belief that Mauricio Pochettino has permanently changed soccer in America. The guys discuss how the USMNT's success and Pochettino's mentality have altered expectations around the national team and share several other bold predictions and overreactions from an unforgettable tournament so far. Next, The Cooligans turn their attention to Portugal, who desperately need a result against Uzbekistan to keep their World Cup dreams on track. Christian and Alexis debate which player will be most important for Roberto Martínez's side, with Alexis backing Gonçalo Ramos while Christian believes Cristiano Ronaldo remains Portugal's biggest difference-maker. The guys also examine England's attack following their victory over Croatia and ask whether the Three Lions possess the most dangerous frontline in the tournament. To wrap up the show, the guys preview another massive day of World Cup action. Can Lionel Messi and Argentina continue their march against Austria? Will France keep rolling against Iraq? And can Erling Haaland and Norway overcome AFCON champions Senegal in one of the most intriguing matchups of the tournament? Christian and Alexis break down all the biggest storylines heading into Matchday action.   Timestamps: (2:00) — 6 Spicy World Cup Takes (25:00) - Can Portugal get win against Uzbekistan (33:30) - Do England have the best attack in World Cup? (45:30) - Matchday Preview Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

Sedano and Kap remembered the 1994 World Cup when Team USA made the Round of 16 and inspired generations of American Soccer players. Then, Mason, who was late to his own new segment, did his "musings" with the fellas. Also, the debut of Funch's segment on the YouTube chat. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, recap the USMNT's 4-1 win over Paraguay in their opening match of the FIFA World Cup, and preview their second group stage against Australia!Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Former American goalie Kasey Keller, who played in four World Cups, joins Prater and Mallory for a conversation about this week's World Cup stop in Seattle. Keller is a Seattle area native, covering the tournament for ESPN, and has plenty to say about Monday's Seattle Stadium debut (Belgium-Egypt) and Friday's long-anticipated game (USA-Australia). He also talks about the story behind his minority ownership in AC Boise's new soccer club.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Former American goalie Kasey Keller, who played in four World Cups, joins Prater and Mallory for a conversation about this week's World Cup stop in Seattle. Keller is a Seattle area native, covering the tournament for ESPN, and has plenty to say about Monday's Seattle Stadium debut (Belgium-Egypt) and Friday's long-anticipated game (USA-Australia). He also talks about the story behind his minority ownership in AC Boise's new soccer club.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Send us Fan Mail                          Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E16)Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Welcome to this special edition of the GP Soccer Podcast! This is the "Best of Season 14" where host Giovanni Pacini has selected the theme of street soccer to highlight this week's show. He formally announces the release of his new book- "The Importance of Unstructured Free Play: Coaching with a Street Soccer Mentality" is now available on Amazon! Starting next week, the GP Soccer Podcast will feature World Cup reports every week until the end of the tournament. The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingHost Giovanni Pacini's new book- "The Importance of Unstructured Free Play: Coaching with a Street Soccer Mentality is now available on Amazon!GP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

Hey Peeps! Ty here with some quick thoughts on family and soccer on the eve of the World Cup. I'll be back on twitter @wtppod during the tournament, we hope you say hello! Rate and review on iTunes, which helps us show up when people search for “Soccer”: https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/we-people-usmnt-soccer-podcast/id1019651760?mt=2 Like us on Facebook: https://facebook.com/wtppod Follow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/wtppod USMNT US soccer we the peeps

For the Glory KC is back with the 182nd episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City and the KC Current didn't play matches this week because of the World Cup break, but we're doing something new for us. We interviewed Nate Bukaty on this week's podcast! It's our first ever interview and Nate was a great first ever guest.He was on to promote his new book that he co-authored with Rustin Dodd, "Perfect Pitch: How Kansas City became the Heart of American Soccer and Landed the World Cup."Nate was a delightful interview as we learned about how he got to the job he has today. He talked about the 70+ interviews he did and how he has caught the bug of writing and wants to keep writing. It sounds like he has the material for 10 books considering the folks he interviewed that didn't make it in.I got the chance to talk to Nate about being friends with a bunch of Sporting KC legends and future legends like Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber, Graham Zusi (aka Uncle Graham - you've gotta listen to get that story), Roger Espinoza and more!We learned about Kansas City nearly as much as we learned about soccer. Go follow Nate on Twitter and Instagram. He's also on a mission to find everyone on the cover of his book and give out a copy, so if you recognize anyone above hit us or Nate up!Speaking of free copies of the book, we're going to give away a copy here in the coming weeks if you aren't lucky enough to be able to buy one on your own. Otherwise, hit up your local bookstore or anywhere books are sold and buy "Perfect Pitch" today! Or join the waitlist at the library!Here is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Nate Bukaty Interview - 2:55After Dark Nonsense - 50:00Upcoming GamesThe World Cup starts Thursday! (Full Schedule)As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

Send us Fan Mail        Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast World Cup Special!  (S14 E15)The GP Soccer Podcast is a proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes a stellar panel of soccer professionals to the show for this World Cup Special! Renato CapobiancoFormer Team Administrator for the 1994 USMNT.Former Head Men's Soccer Coach at Regis College (MA).Rob EllisAuthor of the book-m "The Soccer Coaches Toolkit".Former coach with the Chelsea FC Foundation.Current Head Men's Soccer Coach at Imperial College in London, England.Ralph FerrignoFormer Head Men's Soccer Coach at Tufts University (MA).Member of the New England Soccer Hall of Fame, Class of 2016.Current contributor to the GP Soccer Podcast European Report.John DeBenedictisExecutive Director for the National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.Author of the book- "The Last Nine Seconds: The Secrets to Scoring Goals".Founder and director of the "Golden Goal Scoring Course".The GP Soccer Podcast will feature World Cup reports every Wednesday beginning on June 24th throughout the tournament.                    GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingGP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, recap the USMNT's 2-1 loss against Germany and preview their opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay!Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

American soccer isn't failing because of talent — it's failing because of access. In Part 2 of The Interview Sessions, Kevin L. Warren and co-host Dorian "The D.A." Albritton go deeper with Alex Lubyansky — former University of Michigan goalkeeper, European club operator, M&A attorney, and Head Coach/GM of Detroit Metro FC.This one goes straight at the system: promotion/relegation and why it builds accountability, the real reason pro/rel "won't work" in MLS, USL's 2028 pro/rel plan, the truth about pay-to-play and "fully funded" academies, and a full 2026 FIFA World Cup breakdown — Team USA's Group D path against Paraguay, Australia and Türkiye, the new third-place advancement format, plus Mexico, Canada's Jesse Marsch, Brazil, and why Japan is a legitimate dark horse.⭐ HIGHLIGHTED CHAPTER

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, dissect the 2026 USMNT World Cup Roster from top to bottom, recap their 3-2 win over Senegal, and preview what's to come in Chicago against Germany!Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Dr. Joe Machnik has spent more than seven decades shaping and influencing the game of soccer in the United States.In this special episode of We Are Soccer, Craig Hearn sits down with the legendary referee, educator, broadcaster, and author to discuss the beautiful game from every angle. From the evolution of soccer's laws and the challenges facing modern referees, to the impact of VAR and what fans can expect at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Dr. Joe shares a lifetime of knowledge and experience from inside the game.The conversation also explores Dr. Joe's remarkable soccer journey and his new book, From Sandlots to the World Cup: Inside Seven Decades of American Soccer, a fascinating look at the growth of the sport in America through the eyes of someone who helped shape its history. Whether you're a coach, player, referee, parent, or passionate soccer fan, this interview offers a unique perspective from one of the most respected voices in American soccer.

Send us Fan Mail                         Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E14)Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience to yet another exciting show. Don't forget this season will feature World Cup "bonus content" during the World Cup.This week's "Conversation with the Coach" is with legendary US soccer professional Bill Nuttall. "Coaches Corner" features a Unisport segment on playing without fear. "News and Analysis" will feature Giovanni Pacini with news from the AP and the Boston Globe. Ralph Ferrigno checks in with commentary regarding the final matches and tournaments before the World Cup. The "American Soccer Revolution" features Giovanni Pacini discussing the value of young players watching World Cup matches. The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingGP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

Everybody in American soccer loves to say we don't have the right soccer culture. But what happens when someone like Mauricio Pochettino actually brings a higher-level soccer culture into the room? That's where this episode begins. The backlash against Pochettino — over emails, roster decisions, media comments, job rumors, and even who he names captain […]

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, wrap their "Road to '26" interview series with a true icon of the modern American pitch: Jozy Altidore.With 115 caps, an MLS Cup title, and an MLS Cup MVP on his mantle, Jozy stands alone as one of the most dominant forces in national team history. As the third-highest goalscorer in USMNT history with 42 goals, he has summited the highest peaks of the sport and carries a rare, elite understanding of what it actually takes to win on the world stage.Now navigating the boardroom as the Chief Soccer Officer of our show partner, Sogility, Jozy is leveraging state-of-the-art, data-tracked training technology to fundamentally revolutionize how this country develops youth talent.We sit down with the absolute legend to dive deep into his legacy and look ahead to the home crucible of 2026, covering:The CSO Mandate: Unpacking his transition from scoring headlines to corporate leadership. Jozy explains how data and sensory tracking tech are designed to close the global development gap and fix America's historical training deficiencies.The Art of the No. 9: A masterclass on the pure, instinctual mechanics of elite finishing. Jozy details the fine line between clinical execution and overthinking in the box, and breaks down his absolute favorite international career goals.Handling the World Stage: What does it actually feel like to walk onto a pitch with the emotional expectations of an entire nation on your back? Jozy shares the mental adjustments required to handle the pressure cooker of multiple FIFA World Cups.The Pochettino Formula & 2026 Mandate: With the tournament arriving at our front door, Jozy issues a direct, filterless reality check for the current player pool. He reveals the exact baseline trait Mauricio Pochettino's squad needs to adopt to ensure 2026 is a success.Whether you want to hear from one of the greatest strikers to ever wear the crest or see the technological blueprint changing the sport's future, you cannot miss this grand finale.Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, continue their "Road to '26" interview series with St. Louis soccer royalty and a true pillar of the American game—Mike Sorber. Mike didn't just witness the 1994 soccer revolution; he was the tactical anchor and engine room for it. From his legendary days as a SLU Billiken to becoming the first American to play in Mexico's top flight with Pumas, he has navigated some of the toughest, grittiest environments in soccer history. With the World Cup returning to the U.S. in 2026, he joins us at the perfect moment to bridge his historic playing days with his elite coaching career across the USMNT, New York Red Bulls, and St. Louis CITY SC.We get "on the grass" with the mastermind himself to cover:The 1994 Crucible: We dive into what the internal vibe was like in the locker room when players felt they were playing for the literal survival of the sport in the U.S.. Mike breaks down Bora Milutinović's specific tactical mandate for him as the squad's quiet anchor.The St. Louis DNA & Liga MX Trailblazing: We discuss how growing up in the unique St. Louis soccer ecosystem prepared him for a professional career before MLS even existed. He shares how a Midwestern "chip on the shoulder" helped him navigate Mexico's top flight.The Coaching Blueprint: We look at his transition to the tactical board and how much of the high-intensity Red Bull pressing philosophy he injected into the foundation of St. Louis CITY SC. He reveals the behind-the-scenes non-negotiables required to establish a club's expansion identity.The Road to 2026 & Legacy: We ask whether the return of the tournament feels like a true "mission accomplished" moment for his generation. Plus, he reveals the exact trait the current 2026 USMNT roster needs to "steal" from the 1994 squad to achieve real success.Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Send us Fan Mail                         Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E13)Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience to yet another exciting show. Don't forget this season will feature World Cup "bonus content" during the World Cup.This week's "Conversation with the Coach" is with Dan Abrahams, noted sport psychology expert and author of a new book entitled- "Compete". "Coaches Corner" features Paul Robinson where he discusses the importance of arrival activities. "News and Analysis" will feature Giovanni Pacini with news from the AP and Ralph Ferrigno checks in with commentary regarding season ending matches and UEFA competitions. The "American Soccer Revolution" features a piece from Matt Dumouchelle where the topic is retention of youth sports players.The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingGP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

Of the 11 U.S. cities to host FIFA World Cup games, Kansas City is the most unlikely — but also among the most deserving. The story of how KC turned itself into one of the nation's premier soccer cities is the subject of the book: “Perfect Pitch: How Kansas City Became the Heart of American Soccer,” by Nate Bukaty and Rustin Dodd.On SportsBeat KC, the sports podcast of The Star and KCUR (89.3 FM), Bukaty describes the journey, from the early days of immigrants playing on local fields to the first professional teams through the triumphs of Sporting KC and the KC Current. The momentum continued not only with games in the World Cup, but four base camps in the Kansas City area.The world's largest sporting event is coming to the middle of America because, as Bukaty notes, Kansas City earned the bid.SportsBeat KC is the sports podcast of The Kansas City Star and KCUR, hosted by Blair Kerkhoff. It's produced by Hannah Wise, Suzanne Hogan, and Gabriella Lacey, and edited by Jeff Rosen and Scott Chasen.   

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, continue their "Road to '26" interview series with the undisputed "Dean of the Press Box"—Paul Tenorio, a senior writer for The Athletic. Paul doesn't just report on soccer; he explains the complex machinery, roster rules, and boardroom politics that actually make the sport move in this country. With his highly anticipated book, The Messi Effect, set to hit shelves on June 2, 2026, he joins us at the ultimate moment to dive into his reporting.We challenge the insider with some analytical rigor just days ahead of the high-stakes May 26 roster reveal to cover:The Messi Effect & The Business of Soccer: Has the arrival of Lionel Messi permanently rewired Major League Soccer's financial ecosystem, or are we operating in a temporary bubble that risks bursting post-retirement? Paul shares behind-the-scenes boardroom insights from his upcoming book.The Soccer Paradox: We take a hard look at soccer's perception both domestically and globally. Are we really looking at a "golden generation"? Do others see it that way?Defining Success & The Post-World Cup Horizon: Is a Round of 16 exit an objective failure for this generation? We explore where the line sits between a respectable run and a missed opportunity, Poch's future past July, and whether U.S. Soccer infrastructure is genuinely prepared for the post-Messi reality.Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, continue their "Road to '26" interview series with the ultimate insider—the longest-serving President in the history of U.S. Soccer and current Senior Lecturer of Economics at Columbia University, Sunil Gulati. Known as "The Leader" of the modern American soccer infrastructure, Sunil's reign saw the sport take its most significant strides in our nation's history. From the "soccer in a desert" era to spearheading successful World Cup bids, he has quite literally lived it all.We challenge the professor with some analytical rigor and dive deep into his legacy, covering:The 1994 vs. 2026 Contrast: How the global "sales pitch" changed from an era when the American soccer market was purely theoretical to the reality of the upcoming World Cup.The Economist's Lens: The exact economic hurdles and incentive structures that had to be cleared during the early days of MLS and the professionalization of the USSF.Highs & Lows of the Presidency: The proudest moments watching the USWNT reach legendary status, the true directive behind hiring Jurgen Klinsmann, and a candid look back at how the trying times of the 2017 collapse in Trinidad changed his view on player development.Aspirations for 2026: What a "successful" tournament actually looks like for this country on July 20th, 2026, beyond just the performance on the pitch.Whether you want to understand the business behind the beautiful game or get a masterclass in where American soccer has been and where it's going, this is an episode you cannot miss.Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Brando Babini started Youth 4 Youth FC when he was 16 after realizing his own soccer path was changing. Instead of walking away from the game, he built something for the players coming next.Eric Kasimov talks with Brando about player-led development, college soccer recruiting, pay-to-play, MLS, the World Cup, parents, leadership, and why young players need mentorship from people who have lived the journey.Topics covered:Why Brando started Youth 4 Youth FCWhat player-led mentorship looks like in youth soccerHow college soccer recruiting is changingWhy goalkeepers face a difficult pathThe impact of international players on domestic recruitingWhy pay-to-play remains a major problemHow players can take ownership of their journeyWhy street soccer and culture still matterChapters00:00 — Brando Babini, Youth 4 Youth FC, and building while at Brown00:50 — Starting Youth 4 Youth at 1602:15 — A winding recruiting journey and choosing a different soccer path03:23 — When the pro dream shifts into something else04:13 — What Brando wished existed when he was younger05:05 — Street soccer, Nike, and expression beyond exposure05:45 — College soccer recruiting and the transfer portal07:00 — International players and eligibility questions08:00 — Protecting the domestic player pathway08:36 — The goalkeeper recruiting problem11:26 — Building a better domestic soccer system12:00 — MLS, USL, and the future of soccer in the U.S.14:13 — Charlotte FC, accessibility, and the live soccer experience16:20 — Where MLS fits compared to global leagues19:13 — How the World Cup can change U.S. soccer20:00 — Breaking pay-to-play barriers23:08 — Showcases, costs, and why talent should be free to show24:00 — Profit incentives, player development, and investment27:00 — Subsidizing players and creating access28:00 — Game time, competition, and player development31:20 — Parents, pressure, and letting players own the journey34:05 — Scaling Youth 4 Youth through regions36:10 — Brown University, professors, and entrepreneurial flexibility38:00 — Why college can still matter40:30 — Leadership, teammates, and mental toughness43:00 — Internal control and handling adversity47:00 — Content, visibility, and Youth 4 Youth's growth49:00 — Nike Toma, street soccer, and culture51:00 — Messi, Ronaldo, the Premier League, and global soccer52:50 — Best players in the world today54:38 — World Cup predictions and the U.S. path57:00 — How to find Youth 4 Youth FCConnect with Brando Babini | Youth 4 Youth FC Brando Babini on LinkedIn | InstagramYouth 4 Youth FCConnect with Eric & SportsEpreneurSportsEpreneur.com | X | LinkedInEric on LinkedIn | XRelated SportsEpreneur ContentWhen Merit Gets Messy: College Recruiting in Soccer, Hockey, and LacrosseThe State of Youth SportsCollege Recruiting Tips For International Student-AthletesThe Real Cost of Youth Sports in 2026: What Families Actually SpendSoccer Content by SportsEpreneurThe Pressure Placed on Kids in Youth SportsNIL Rules in 2026: What Athletes, Families, and Coaches Need to KnowHigh School Athletes and NIL: The Future of Youth SportsMake Youth Sports Fun Again

Episode 90 of The Mental Game features a riveting conversation with veteran sportswriter Rustin Dodd of The Athletic.Dodd is a senior writer for The Athletic's Peak vertical, covering sports leadership, personal development, and success. His stories have a sharp mental game focus, ranging from how an NFL kicker deals with nerves ahead of the Super Bowl to how a college basketball coach catalogs and learns from mistakes.Dodd came to The Athletic in 2018 after nine years at Kansas City Star. He has also co-authored two books: Kingdom Quarterback: Patrick Mahomes, the Kansas City Chiefs, and How a Once-Swingin' Cowtown Chased the Ultimate Comeback and Perfect Pitch: How Kansas City Became the Heart of American Soccer and Landed the World Cup.In this episode, Dodd:Breaks down the Peak story he's learned the most fromDives deep into some of his most unique reporting, including studying the routine of Seattle Seahawks kicker Jason MyersExplains how studying top athletes can help you do your dishes betterAnd much moreThe Mental Game podcast is produced by Sam Brief and music is courtesy of David Brief and Channel J. You can subscribe on ⁠⁠⁠Apple Podcasts⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Spotify⁠⁠⁠, ⁠⁠⁠Google Podcasts⁠⁠⁠ and ⁠⁠⁠TuneIn⁠⁠⁠.

Send us Fan Mail                           Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E12)Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience to yet another exciting show. Don't forget this season will feature World Cup "bonus content" throughout the season and beyond!This week's "Conversation with the Coach" is with the legendary American soccer broadcaster, JP Dellacamera. "Coaches Corner" features Erik Eisenhut where he talks about the role of the goalkeeper while in possession. "News and Analysis" will feature Giovanni Pacini with news from the AP and Ralph Ferrigno checks in with the European Soccer Report where he talks about Euro teams competing in the World Cup. The "American Soccer Revolution" features Dr. Nick Pocius and the topic of youth sports having a retention problem. The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingGP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

Nate Bukaty, who calls games for Major League Soccer on Apple TV and previously served as a television announcer for Sporting KC, is out with a new book titled "Perfect Pitch: How Kansas City Became the Heart of American Soccer and Landed the World Cup." He'll speak at a Rainy Day Books event with co-author Rustin Dodd on May 28.

Send us Fan MailBall Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, kick off the "Road to '26" interview series with a foundational figure in American soccer, Francisco Carlos. As the founder of what became the United Soccer League (USL) and a 2024 National Soccer Hall of Fame inductee, Francisco provides a masterclass on how the "machine" of the American game was built from the ground up.In this conversation, we dive into:The $15 Investment: How a simple idea and a trip to City Hall in 1986 birthed the Southwest Indoor Soccer League (SISL), the precursor to today's USL.The Architect's Journey: From arriving in the U.S. from Portugal at 16 to his time at Hartwick College, where he balanced the pitch with student journalism and radio, shaping his future in sports PR and publishing.Building the Pyramid: Francisco discusses his role in creating a multi-tiered league system, including the first national youth leagues (Super Y) and the W-League for women, and why the "pyramid" is essential for soccer to thrive in cities like Des Moines and Boise.1994 vs. 2026: Reflections on how the 1994 World Cup redefined the sport's trajectory and what he anticipates for the 2026 tournament, including concerns about ticket prices and the "sheer magnitude" of the event.The Business of "Soccer Wars": Candid thoughts on the friction between competing leagues (MLS and USL) in the same markets, citing examples like St. Louis and Austin, and the need for a unified "soccer family" in the U.S.Lamar Hunt and Legacy: Stories from his time working with Lamar Hunt and the importance of instilling a "24/7 football culture" across the country.Whether you're a tactical nerd or a business-of-sports enthusiast, this episode traces the legacy of American soccer through the lens of one of its most influential builders.Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballwatchingSTL. Be sure to hit subscribe and turn notifications on!Hoffmann Brothers is the 2025 presenting sponsor of Ball Watching! Headquartered right here in St. Louis for over 40 years, Hoffmann Brothers is a full-service residential & commercial provider, providing Heating, Air Conditioning, Plumbing, Drains, Sewer, Water Heaters, Duct Cleaning, Electrical and Appliance Repair services. Visit them online at hoffmannbros.com!Make The Pitch Athletic Club & Tavern (thepitch-stl.com) your St. Louis CITY SC pregame and postgame destination for all your food and drink needs! Tell them your friends at Ball Watching sent you... Shop in-store or online at Series Six (seriessixcompany.com) and receive a 15% discount  on all orders storewide using code "BALLWATCHING" at checkout!

Send us Fan Mail                        Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E11)Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience to yet another exciting show. Don't forget this season will feature World Cup "bonus content" throughout the season and beyond!This week's "Conversation with the Coach" is with Hal Phillips, author of "Sibling Rivalry: How Mexico and the US Built the Most Contentious Feud in World Soccer".  "Coaches Corner" features Erik Eisenhut where he talks about the role of the goalkeeper when dealing with free kicks. "News and Analysis" will feature Giovanni Pacini with news from the AP and Ralph Ferrigno checks in with the European Soccer Report where he talks about Euro teams competing in the World Cup. The "American Soccer Revolution" features a quote from Gianni Infantino regarding pay to play. Secondly, there is content from the Concrete Football Club and the movement towards street soccer.The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingGP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

Send us Fan Mail                         Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E10)Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience to yet another exciting show. Don't forget this season will feature World Cup "bonus content" throughout the season and beyond!This week's "Conversation with the Coach" is with Jim Harte, who returns to the show to talk about street soccer. "Coaches Corner" features TJ Kostecky again as he discusses improving group field vision while under pressure. "News and Analysis" will feature Giovanni Pacini with news from the AP and Ralph Ferrigno checks in with the European Soccer Report with the second installment about the Euro teams competing in the World Cup. The "American Soccer Revolution" features an audio clip from "Coerver Coaching" about letting players learn from their mistakes.  The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingGP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

Brian is joined in studio by his brother, Jim Kilmeade, to discuss the upcoming 2026 World Cup and the state of American soccer. They dive into the "pay-to-play" crisis in youth sports, Jim's new academy for the American Soccer Club, and a decades-old family grudge over a soccer trip to Holland. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Jason goes live on a Thursday night to cover two of the biggest stories in American soccer right now: the ongoing saga around the future of the Vancouver Whitecaps — including a wild "liar liar pants on fire" tweet from someone on Don Garber's account — and the breaking news that private equity giant KKR is investing in MLS Next Pro through a new entity called Hometown Soccer Holdings. He also reacts to comments from USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino about American soccer culture that are, let's just say, bothering him a little. Save the Caps: savethecaps.com Jason's Newsletter: Jason Davis Soccer Eagle (search it, sign up) Morning Kickaround "Stick to Football" podcast: The Overlap with Gary Neville — Pochettino interview Jeff Rueter's writeup of Pochettino's comments: The Guardian The Athletic reporting on the Whitecaps: Tom Bogert, Paul Tenorio, Jeff Carlisle Hometown Soccer Holdings / KKR x MLS Next Pro: mlssoccer.com / Business Wire Simon Evans' Soccer Business Newsletter — recommended by Jason for MLS Next Pro coverage Love the show? Want more Jason Davis in your life? Join the Best Soccer Show Patreon at patreon.com/thebestsoccershow and become a Bestie. Perks include:

Send us Fan Mail                           Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E9)Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience to yet another exciting show. Don't forget this season will feature World Cup "bonus content" throughout the season and beyond!This week's "Conversation with the Coach" is with Jim Harte, one of the key proponents for the organization of a high school "Champions League". "Coaches Corner" features TJ Kostecky again as he discusses improving group field vision. "News and Analysis" will feature Giovanni Pacini with news from the AP and Ralph Ferrigno checks in with the European Soccer Report where he talks about Euro teams competing in the World Cup. The "American Soccer Revolution" features an audio clip from "Unfiltered Soccer" co-host Tim Howard where he describes youth soccer in the US "horrific". The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingGP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show

Send us Fan Mail                       Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast!  (S14 E8)Proud member of the Sports History Network and endorsed by the National                                                  Soccer Coaches Association of Canada.     Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience to yet another exciting show. Don't forget this season will feature World Cup "bonus content" throughout the season and beyond!This week's "Conversation with the Coach" is with "Eyes Up" author, TJ Kostecky where he talks about his most recent trip to Senegal. "Coaches Corner" features TJ Kostecky again as he discusses improving field vision. "News and Analysis" will feature Giovanni Pacini with news from the AP and Ralph Ferrigno checks in with the European Soccer Report where he talks about the UEFA Quarter Final Second Leg. The "American Soccer Revolution" features an audio clip from Harrison Szep where he addresses the issue- "Why rich parents have hacked US soccer".The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to "Like" and "Subscribe" the GP Soccer Podcast and share the show amongst those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the show can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com.                     GP Soccer Podcast enjoys continued support from-United Goalkeeping Alliance - Music Meets Sports - National Soccer Coaches Association of Canada - The Sports History Network - Feedspot.com - GP Voice Over Services - Zone 14 CoachingGP Soccer Podcast welcomes a new sponsor- Zone 14 Coaching! Check it out at Zone14coaching.com. Use promo code GP20 for 20% off!To purchase a signed copy of Dr. Joe Machnik's book- "From the Sandlots to the World Cup: 7 Decades of American Soccer", e-mail "Dr. Joe" at joemachnik@no1soccercamps.com. Be sure to mention the GP Soccer Podcast!Enjoy the show!Support the show