Podcasts about Soccer America

Paul Kennedy has been covering American soccer for 55 years, from the days when finding a game on TV was nearly impossible to the 2026 World Cup. He joins Open Mic to share the stories from his career, the people and games that stuck with him, and his perspective on American soccer today.0:00 Intro0:46 How Paul Kennedy Became a Soccer Writer9:22 Finding the Game Through College Soccer13:24 From Law School to Soccer America16:13 Covering Soccer in the 80s21:08 Career Highlights, Favorite People & Games27:17 The Great “What If?”33:05 Unsung Heroes of Soccer in the U.S.36:17 The USMNT Before the 1990 World Cup39:54 Has Soccer Made It in America?44:39 The Future of American Soccer51:48 55 Years of Soccer America & Paul's Favorite StoryFor the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we've got you covered:https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

U.S. Youth Soccer, the organization under which 2.5 million kids play across the country, will be integrated into U.S. Soccer. Doesn't seem too meaningful on its face but it's major news across the grassroots and development landscapes. Mike Woitalla, the executive editor of Soccer America, joins Belz to walk through it. J.T. Batson called it a "defining moment," but it turns out, as with many things, the defining moments will be the quiet ones, behind the scenes, over the next several years.Woitalla's piece on the topic: https://www.socceramerica.com/can-u-s-soccer-tame-the-wild-west-of-american-youth-soccer/ Skip the ads! Subscribe to Scuffed on Patreon and get all episodes ad-free, plus bonus episodes. Patrons at $5 a month or more also get access to Clip Notes, a video of key moments on the field we discuss on the show: https://www.patreon.com/scuffedCheck out our store, where you can get Scuffed hats and sweatshirts and other stuff: scuffedpodcast.com/storeAlso, check out Boots on the Ground, our USWNT-focused spinoff podcast headed up by Tara and Vince. They are cooking over there, you can listen here: https://boots-on-the-ground.simplecast.comAnd check out our MERCH, baby. We have better stuff than you might think: https://www.scuffedpodcast.com/store Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

CONNOR HAPPER is the morning host of the sports radioshow “Happer and Schaefer” on 1620 The Zone in Omaha.  Happer has been at the station since 2022, and took over the morning show in early 2026. He and Schaefer had done someradio together at 93.7 The Ticket in Omaha. Happer is an Omaha native, who went to school at UNL. He is the PA voice of Huskers Women's Basketball and does on site work with Creighton University. THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska.John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio andTV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com.

GEOFF EXSTROM is the Director of Communications, Media and Broadcasting for the Major League Volleyball (MLV)team Omaha Supernovas. The team, which plays in the CHI Health Center, is a former MLV champion and has been in the finals twice in its three-year existence. In this conversation we talk about John Cook, one of the team's owners and its general manager, the new coach Chris McGown, Omaha's status as a two-team pro volleyball city, and much more. Recorded August 14, 2026THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska.John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sportsbroadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free-lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com.

NATE ROHR is the voice of the Nebraska softball team, which opens the NCAA tournament as the fourth seed and, according to the coaches poll, the Number One ranked team in the country. Nate has called the games for more than two decades; he is also the stadium Public Address announcer for Nebraska football. He's a native Nebraskan and UNL college of journalism grad. His work can be heard on Huskers.com, the Huskers app and for the tournament on radio at B-107.3 FM.Recorded May 13, 2026 THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska.John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sportsbroadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com.

MATT McMASTER is the midday host at sports radio station 1620 The Zone in Omaha, Nebraska. He's a Chicago native who earned a sports media and broadcasting degree fromthe University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Matt says he has wanted to be a sports radio host since he was about ten years old. He got his start in Omaha working on the morning show with Gary Sharp.  Recorded May 4, 2026THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska.John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. Hewas the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years.John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com.                                         

Soccer America & American Soccer Now Writer Brian Sciaretta returns to chat the latest news and updates on the FIFA World Cup including what could happen if Iran are unable to attend the event & more Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

JAKE BARTECKI, a Chicago native and graduate of the University of Nebraska College of Journalism and Mass Communications, has been calling games and covering newsand sports in Nebraska for five years. He's the Sports Director of KWBE Radio in Beatrice, where he calls games for Beatrice High School, as well as other schools in the area and calls a Doane College game here and there.  Jake also covers the Huskers sports programs and news for News Channel Nebraska. We talk here about covering the Huskers, the state basketball tournaments, about developing a relationship with the audience in a small market and much more. Recorded March 2, 2026WATCH THE MEDIA features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska.John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska.His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com. 

LAUREN MICHELSON is starting her third year as a sports reporter/anchor for KETV Channel 7 in Omaha. She covers almost everything Huskers as well as Creighton and Omaha and high school sports in the area.  The University of Missouri grad worked in Lincoln for two years out of college. In this conversation we talk about her career, building an audience in the 21st century, how to cover sports in this new media era, and much more.Recorded February 5, 2026 THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports mediapeople from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska.John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com.

Woitalla, the executive editor of Soccer America, joined the pod after going to Philadelphia for the United Soccer Coaches Convention. At the event, Matt Crocker said there's still too much yelling in youth soccer, Roberto Martinez was gobsmacked by a Barry Pauwels presentation, Tony Lepore discussed plans to grow the ranks of talent scouts, and US Soccer, for the second straight convention, made a strong effort to be present and accounted for.The Germany trip! Throw your name in the hat: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfI4Cp1VpS2eCphsNjf6QHdaRDq86Tf-FeUhJ2tQ0RzkbxQhw/viewform Skip the ads! Subscribe to Scuffed on Patreon and get all episodes ad-free, plus any bonus episodes. Patrons at $5 a month or more also get access to Clip Notes, a video of key moments on the field we discuss on the show, plus all patrons get access to our private Discord server, live call-in shows, and the full catalog of historic recaps we've made: https://www.patreon.com/scuffedAlso, check out Boots on the Ground, our USWNT-focused spinoff podcast headed up by Tara and Vince. They are cooking over there, you can listen here: https://boots-on-the-ground.simplecast.comAnd check out our MERCH, baby. We have better stuff than you might think: https://www.scuffedhq.com/store Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

ADAM KRUEGER has been the sports director of KMTV Channel 3 in Omaha since August of 2016. He covers the Huskers, Creighton, Omaha and high schools in the Omaha and greater Nebraska market. The graduate of the UNL College of Journalism and Mass Communications worked at Channel 10/11 in Lincoln before moving to Nebraska's biggest city and biggest media market. In this conversation we talk about covering the Huskers, the biggest sports brand in the state, as well as the other things a television sportscaster must do on a regular basis. Recorded January 3, 2026 THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska.John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska.His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com. 

As part of a year-long study into the state of sports journalism and sports media, John Shrader takes a closer look at what he has dubbed the “Sports Attention Industry.” Others have called it the ‘hot take' industry. It is often the business of who yells the loudest; it's about how you get the attention and how you keep it. As you will hear in this report,journalists at both intrigued and concerned.  You will hear from journalist and professor J.A. Adande;Jerry Brewer of the Washington Post, Sarah Spain, podcast host and former ESPN radio and TV host; Chris Myers of Fox Sports; author and journalist Keith O'Brien; sports media journalist and podcast host Jimmy Traina of Sports Illustrated; and author and professor Michael Serazio. John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sportsbroadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio andTV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com.

SEAN CALLAHAN is the owner and publisher of HuskerOnline, part of the On3 Network; a web site dedicated to covering University of Nebraska sports and recruiting. He has covered the Huskers for more than 20 years, also doing work for KFAB Radio, KETV Channel 7 and the Big Red Wrap-Up on Nebraska Public Media. In this conversation we talk about the current state of the Huskers football program leading to the Las Vegas Bowl December 31, including the portal, the coaching, and more. Recorded December 16, 2025 THE SHOW:Features interviewswith sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska. John Shrader is an Emmy-awardwinning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio andTV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com.  

MICHAEL BRUNTZ has been with the CBS Sports outlet Husker 247 for 15 years. He's now in his 19th season covering the Huskers, primarily football and baseball but the other programs as well. In this conversation we talk about the football program, at a time when the coach Matt Rhule has fired three assistant coaches, and is preparing for an appearance against Utah in the December 31st Las Vegas Bowl. We talk about where the program sits, decisions that are being made. Also, the undefeated men's basketball team, women's basketball team and the top-rated Volleyball team are on the docket. Recorded December 10, 2025 THE SHOW:Features interviewswith sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska. John Shrader is an Emmy-awardwinning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska.His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio andTV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com. 

JERRY BREWER has been a sports columnist for the Washington Post since 2015. Before that, he spent eight years as a columnist with the Seattle Times. The Western Kentucky graduate has worked for newspapers in Louisville, Orlando and Philadelphia. While he is watching the business change, Jerry is bullish on newspapers and on journalism. He writes a column but he can also write features and long-form, deep, contextual journalism. In this conversation he talks about what he does, why, how and for whom. Season 11, Episode 40Recorded August 20, 2025 THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska. John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska.His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com

ANDY KENDEIGH has been the sports director at KETV Channel 7 in Omaha for 15 years. He leads a team of three people covering the Huskers, Creighton, high schools and more. The news show at KETV is overwhelmingly the highest rated in the state of Nebraska. He talks about covering the Huskers and high schools, about the groove of the job, building relationships and the changing business in which he works.Recorded November 12, 2025THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska. John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com.

THIS EPISODEGEOFF EXSTROM is the Director of Communications, Media and Broadcast for the professional volleyball team Omaha Supernovas. He is starting his third year with the team that is now in Major League Volleyball (MLV).  He is a graduate of theUniversity of Nebraska's College of Journalism and Mass Communications. Geoff works in nearly all areas of the club, with the exception of team operations.Here, he talks about the addition of John Cook as General Manager and part owner, and helps us understand the national volleyball landscape in 2025-26. Recorded November 5, 2025 THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska. John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com. 

Episode:MIKE'L SEVERE has been in the Omaha media market fornearly a quarter century. He worked as a local TV news reporter (KETV) and a sports talk host (1620 the Zone.) He is now the Executive Director of the Jet Award Foundation, which raised money for students in community colleges who want to work in the technical trades. The foundation isnamed after Johnny “The Jet” Rodgers, a Heisman-trophy winning Nebraska football legend and Omaha native. In this conversation, John and Mike'l talk about the foundation's work, covering Nebraska sports, specifically football, the media market, and much more. Recorded October 23, 2025THE SHOW:Features interviews with sports media people from around the country, regionally and in Nebraska. John Shrader is an Emmy-award winning sports broadcaster and journalist who teaches Sports Media and Broadcasting at the University ofNebraska-Lincoln. His career includes more than 30 years in San Francisco, 15 years at KNBR Radio, the home of the Giants and the 49ers. He was the voice of the San Jose Earthquakes on radio and TV for 15 years; and spent about a decade as voice of San Jose State football and basketball. He was the primary 49ers reporter for KNBR for most of those 15 years. John is a free-lance writer for Soccer America and hosts and produces the weekly Soccer Media Podcast.For more information and inquiries about John's free lance work, go to www.ShraderMedia.com.

This episode is mostly about TAYLOR TWELLMAN. We chatted on the phone about his life and career. How that career ended and why he is so committed to making people aware of TBI (traumatic brain injury.) He talks about his broadcast career, its process and so much more. You can read more about Twellman in a Soccer America profile I wrote, at socceramerica.com. JAKE ZIVIN is Taylor's broadcast partner. A conversation with him follows the Twellman interview. Twellman recorded April 18, 2025Zivin recorded April 23, 2025

Welcome in for another edition of the Morning Espresso from the SDH Network, brought to you by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta's premier undergraduate learning experience and soccer powerhouse.UEFA Champions League quarterfinals start today, and today's matchups are the more tightly contested ones. According to Opta's prediction module, Arsenal-Real Madrid is the toughest quarterfinal to predict. It gets started in London today. Very little history between the two, Thierry Henry led the Gunners to a win in the Round of 16 over the Galacticos in 2006, but that's it. Madrid's defensive woes will be the focus for Mikel Arteta's attack, especially with Bukayo Saka back in action for Arsenal. Bayern host Inter today as well, two of the best defensive teams in Europe this season. However, Bayern are missing Alphonso Davies and Dayot Upemecano to injury so that defense is nowhere near full-strength. Tomorrow's quarterfinals see Barcelona heading to Borussia Dortmund and PSG hosting Aston Villa. In the second legs of the Concacaf Champions Cup quarterfinals tonight, Cruz Azul hosts Club América while the LA Galaxy have to go to Monterrey to face Tigres. Gabriel Pec is back for the Galaxy, but it's a big ask to get past Tigres considering LA has only won one match in ten in 2025.Tomorrow, Pumas will host Vancouver while Miami hosts LAFC.Your Copa Libertadores match to watch tonight is Barcelona SC, led by the dashing Sir Second Alexander Castle (Segundo Alejandro Castillo for newcomers to the Morning Espresso), traveling to Buenos Aires to face River Plate. Can't wait to see what Castillo wears on the touchline, but there won't be any fans in the building to see it as River has to play behind closed doors due to punishments from CONMEBOL dating back to the 2024 Libertadores semfinal that saw many rules violations from the club (fireworks, etc) and racist behavior from the stands. It was reported yesterday that Inter Miami holds the discovery rights to Kevin De Bruyne. However, they don't have a Designated Player slot for him, so he would have to take a maximum TAM deal to sign for the rest of the 2025 season (around $870K). Will he take a deal for that to get a DP deal next year? Lots still to sort out. Big time congrats to Soccer America as they begin their 55th year of publication today. It was on this date that their first edition was published in 1971. The work done by Clay Berling and so many others to cover the game in this country, and what is now being continued by Paul Kennedy and Mike Woitalla and their team, is unmatched and has been essential to growing the game in this country. Soccer America is a must for anyone in the sport in this country. We're not here without them. Thank you to everyone who has ever been associated with SA! More Espresso coming on Thursday on the SDH Network, presented by Oglethorpe University.

Since the early 80's Mike Woitalla has been writing articles for all of our favorite soccer magazine… Soccer America. Before 24/7 coverage of the EPL, of LaLiga, of MLS, and 30 college games a night on everywhere, there was a magazine that brought most of us our soccer fix until the rare US Men's National Team game was occasionally broadcast. Mike talks about the publications path and provides a level of insight second to none thanks to his front row seat to US soccer, polished by his keyboard! Let's go… #socceramerica #magazine #stlmade #collegesoccer #usmnt #tabramos

It's been about one week since Gregg Berhalter was relieved of his head coaching duties for the USMNT. Matt Crocker, the Sporting Director for U.S. Soccer, has said that he'd like to have a new coach in place before the U.S. plays their September friendlies. Those are currently scheduled for September 7 and 10. On today's show, we're going to dig into the coaching search and sort through some of the potential candidates. To help me do that, I've invited Mike Woitalla to join the show. Mike is the Executive Editor of Soccer America. You can follow Mike on X at: @MikeWoitalla Here And Abroad is produced by me, Frank Garza. You can follow me on X at: @FrankGarza007

[By popular request, an archive re-release from August 2018, featuring our extraordinary conversation with one of the central figures of the original North American Soccer League - from its chaotic formation in 1968 to its untimely demise in 1985.] + + + Soccer America columnist (and Episode #6 guest) Paul Gardner summed up this week's National Soccer Hall of Fame guest in his May 2015 commentary: “The debt owed by American soccer to Clive Toye is a vast one. It is not too much of an exaggeration to say, flatly, that without Toye's blind faith in the sport in the 1970s, pro soccer in the USA would have withered and died. Yes, Phil Woosnam and Lamar Hunt and Bob Hermann were there too. But in those unpromising years it was Toye's voice -- it came in a steady flow of ridiculously optimistic press releases and grandiose plans for a future that few others even dared to ponder -- that called loudest. “The New York Cosmos general manager credited with turning that league's fortunes around when he signed Pele to a contract in 1975. Toye, who was born in England and came to the United States in 1967 at the age of 33, was president of three North American Soccer League teams – the Cosmos, Chicago Sting and Toronto Blizzard – and general manager of the [original National Professional Soccer League and subsequent NASL] Baltimore Bays.  [He] was an official of the NASL in helping it through its crisis year of 1969 and in its final months in 1985 – and helped to found the third American Soccer League in 1988. “There has always been the spirit of a showman in Toye, and surely it was that spirit that enabled Toye to overlook the virtual collapse of the old North American Soccer League and to see instead a glittering future for the sport in the USA, even to declare to anyone who was listening -- and not many were in those days -- the preposterous notion that the USA should begin preparing to stage the World Cup. “And when the NASL, by the skin of its teeth and by the mad devotion of Toye et al., did survive, it was Toye who gave the reborn league its glittering image with his invention of the Cosmos, with his canny maneuvering and dealing, who brought Pele and Beckenbauer to New York.  Showmanship indeed.” Toye (A Kick in the Grass: The Slow Rise and Quick Demise of the NASL; Anywhere in the World) joins host Tim Hanlon for a lyrical and anecdote-filled journey through the pro league that he helped create, later put to rest, and which ultimately shored up the long-term foundation of the “beautiful game” in America. + + + SUPPORT THE SHOW: "Good Seats" Show & Defunct Team Merch:  http://tee.pub/lic/RdiDZzQeHSY Buy Us a Coffee: https://ko-fi.com/goodseatsstillavailable BUY/READ EARLY & OFTEN:  A Kick in the Grass: The Slow Rise and Quick Demise of the NASL (2006): https://amzn.to/3Ln1KAt Anywhere in the World (2015): https://amzn.to/3Y3TD3A SPONSOR THANKS: Royal Retros (promo code: SEATS): https://www.503-sports.com?aff=2 Old School Shirts.com (promo code: GOODSEATS) https://oldschoolshirts.com/goodseats   FIND & FOLLOW: Website: https://goodseatsstillavailable.com/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoodSeatsStill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodseatsstillavailable/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodseatsstillavailable Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodSeatsStillAvailable/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@goodseatsstillavailable

Mike Woitalla, Executive Editor of Soccer America, joins Kevin and Dave to review the USMNT's recent performance. They analyze the team's lackluster game against Colombia and the friendly match against Brazil. The discussion also includes predictions on the significance of the 2024 Copa América for Coach Gregg Berhalter.With decades of soccer journalism experience, Mike brings deep insights into game highlights, player transfers, and referee decisions. Additionally, he's an active volunteer coach, referee, and photographer with SWB Oakland, contributing to the sport from youth leagues to the professional level.Kevin highlights the tactical adjustments needed for the USMNT to compete effectively on the global stage, emphasizing the importance of a solid defensive strategy and creative midfield play. Dave counters with a focus on improving player development programs within the US, suggesting a long-term approach to cultivate homegrown talent capable of succeeding internationally.Mike and the hosts delve into the potential impact of upcoming international fixtures and tournaments, providing a comprehensive overview of the challenges and opportunities awaiting the USMNT. Their conversation underscores the critical role of strategic planning and consistent performance in elevating the team's global standing.

Welcome to Season 10 of the GP Soccer Podcast! Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience with an overview of the show and shares a piece from Soccer America on bad adult behavior. This week's "Conversation with the Coach", or in this case artist, features Soren Meibom, founder of Soccer SciArt.  "Coaches Corner" will feature UCONN Womens Basketball Coach Geno Auriemma on the lack of fundamentals amongst young players. News and Analysis will feature stories from the AP and the great Rob Ellis in his Euro Soccer Report will feature a review of the top players in this year's EPL campaign. The GP Soccer Podcast features new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to be GP Soccer Podcast super spreaders by sharing the show among those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the GP Soccer Podcast can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com. And be sure to check out the show website at www.gpsoccerpodcast.com. Next week's guest in the "Conversation with the Coach" segment will be host Giovanni Pacini being interviewed by AI. Not to be missed!Enjoy the show!

This is a special, guest star appearance for me on the "Over the Ball" podcast which is sponsored by Soccer America. It was a fun conversation and I hope I represented the 3rd team well. This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's felt the surge of emotion at a contentious offside call or debated a referee's split-second decision. We delve into the intricacies of VAR technology and its diverse applications across leagues like the MLS and Premier League, offering a rare glimpse into the ways referees are adapting to the digital age while striving to preserve the game's human element. Plus, we unpack the pressures of officiating at various levels, discussing the often overlooked aspects of referee development and the personal toll of sideline abuse.Join us as we round out our exploration with a look at the role referees play in shaping soccer's future. We reflect on the evolution of officiating, the contrasting styles from icons like Pierluigi Collina to today's referees, and the pressing need for investment in their development. With a combination of personal anecdotes, expert analysis, and heartfelt advocacy from David, you'll come away with a deep appreciation for the unseen heroes of the pitch and the essential role they play in ensuring fair play and respect in the sport.

We celebrate the 94th birthday of legendary Soccer America columnist Paul Gardner (The Simplest Game: The Intelligent Fan's Guide to the World of Soccer; Soccer Talk: Paul Gardner on Soccer) with this special archive re-release (and our 6th-ever episode!) from 2017. The universally acknowledged "dean" of American soccer writers waxes nostalgic on his unlikely journey from fledgling British pharmacist to the States' most persistently influential commentator on the "beautiful game."  Gardner: Recounts the chaotic formation of the modern professional game in the U.S. during the 1960s; Recalls how ambitious sports entrepreneurs like the International Soccer League's Bill Cox, and greedy corporate owners like the United Soccer Association's Madison Square Garden were quickly chagrined by the machinations of soccer's international governing body; Describes how a complex Welsh-born, player-turned-NASL-commissioner curiously nudged him into national TV game commentating; Remembers when he first recognized pro soccer had finally “arrived” in America (ironically, while out of the country); and Suggests that a revised U.S. corporate tax code may have helped hasten the demise of an already-wobbly NASL as the 1980s beckoned. + + +   SUPPORT THE SHOW: Buy Us a Coffee: https://ko-fi.com/goodseatsstillavailable "Good Seats" Merch: http://tee.pub/lic/RdiDZzQeHSY   SPONSOR THANKS: Old School Shirts.com (promo code: GOODSEATS) https://oldschoolshirts.com/goodseats Royal Retros (promo code: SEATS): https://www.503-sports.com?aff=2   BUY/READ EARLY & OFTEN: The Simplest Game: The Intelligent Fan's Guide to the World of Soccer (1996): https://amzn.to/3yhjJFc Soccer Talk: Paul Gardner on Soccer (1999): https://amzn.to/44AoHsV   FIND & FOLLOW: Website: https://goodseatsstillavailable.com/ X/Twitter: https://twitter.com/GoodSeatsStill Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/goodseatsstillavailable/ Threads: https://www.threads.net/@goodseatsstillavailable Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/GoodSeatsStillAvailable/ YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@goodseatsstillavailable

For the third consecutive time, the USMNT has won the Concacaf Nations League. After squeaking by Jamaica in the semifinal, they beat Mexico 2-0 in the Final on Sunday night. On today's show, we're going to break down the USMNT's performance across the two matches and discuss what's next for the team. To help me with that, I've invited Mike Woitalla to join the show. Mike is the Executive Editor of Soccer America. You can follow Mike on X at: @MikeWoitalla Here And Abroad is produced by me, Frank Garza. You can follow me on X at: @FrankGarza007

On today's show, we are going to break down the USMNT's recent friendly against Slovenia which they lost 0-1. We'll also look ahead to their next window which will be the Nations League Finals in March. To help me do all that, I've invited Paul Kennedy to join the show. Paul is the Editor in Chief & General Manager of Soccer America. He began writing for Soccer America in 1974 and has been its editor since 1985. He started writing on soccer for France Football in 1978 and has been on its Ballon d'Or jury since 2007. He resides in Albany, California, where Soccer America was founded in 1971. You can follow Paul on X at: @pkedit Here And Abroad is produced by me, Frank Garza. You can follow me on X at: @FrankGarza007

The legendary editor of Soccer America joins the podcast to discuss soccer, the upcoming World Cup, and the state of soccer journalism. 

Welcome back soccer lovers, to another exciting episode of Over The Ball. This week, we have a special guest who will surely spark some nostalgia for our die-hard listeners. He's a former national team player and winner of the prestigious Herman Trophy - none other than Bruce Murray himself! Joined by your favorite hosts Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego, this episode is filled with insightful conversations about his illustrious career in soccer, playing overseas professionally, and the importance of having an underdog mentality on the field. The boys also pay tribute to the late Franz Beckenbauer and his impact on the game. The conversation covers Beckenbauer's revolutionary role as a sweeper and his English language lessons. Kevin and Dave also announce the winner of a competition, preview next week's guest and conclude with a discussion on recent Premier League soccer matches.

Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast! Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience to the show. Opening comments feature a piece from Soccer America about the lies folks in the game tell. This week's "Conversation with the Coach" will feature Steve Russo, the Goalkeeper Coach at Masconomet Regional HS where he coaches his son Marco, the starting goalkeeper on the team. "Coaches Corner" will feature a Unisport segment on playing without making mistakes. The great Rob Ellis will share his European Soccer Report in the last block of the show. So much great stuff!The GP Soccer Podcast will feature new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to be GP Soccer Podcast super spreaders by sharing the show among those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the GP Soccer Podcast can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com.Enjoy the show!

Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast! Host Giovanni Pacini welcomes his worldwide audience to the show. Opening comments feature a piece from Soccer America about the lies folks in the game tell. This week's "Conversation with the Coach" will feature John Barata, the Head Boys Soccer Coach at Oliver Ames HS in Easton, MA where the discussion will be what it's like to coach a defending state championship team. "Coaches Corner" will feature a Unisport segment on playing without fear. The great Rob Ellis will share his European Soccer Report in the last block of the show. So much great stuff!The GP Soccer Podcast will feature new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Listeners are encouraged to be GP Soccer Podcast super spreaders by sharing the show among those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the GP Soccer Podcast can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com.Enjoy the show!

The USMNT plays Uzbekistan this Saturday, September 9 and Oman the following Tuesday, September 12. This marks the official beginning of Gregg Berhalter 2.0 as the head coach returns to the sidelines for the first time since losing to the Netherlands at the World Cup. On today's show, we'll preview the two friendlies and what to expect from Berhalter 2.0. My guest today is Mike Woitalla. Mike is the Executive Editor of Soccer America. You can follow him on Twitter at: @MikeWoitalla Here And Abroad is produced by me, Frank Garza. You can follow me on Twitter at: @FrankGarza007

Marcio Chaer joins Todd with interviewing Hartwick College Legend Billy Gazonas In 1977 Billy was the Herman Trophy winner  Soccer Monthly Magazine College Player of the year  Division 1 first team all-American team selected by the National Soccer coaches association Soccer America magazine selection as on of the nations top ten players National Champion at Hartwick College  NASL 1978-1980 - Tulsa Roughnecks 1981 - Calgary Boomers 1981-1982 - New York Arrows - MISL Champions 1982-1984 - Kansas City Comets --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/foxxdensports/support

The editor of Soccer America first interacted with the U.S. Soccer Federation when it was run out of a leased office at the Empire State Building, and he remains one of the organization's closest observers 50 years later. He joined Watke and Belz to discuss Berhalter's re-hiring, the search, federation finances, equal pay, NWSL finances, and much more. Second half of the interview is available only to patrons. Link below.---- 

Welcome to this special edition of the GP Soccer Podcast. Host Giovanni Pacini will moderate a two-episode discussion surrounding the increase in violence within youth sports. Last week's episode focused on the contributing factors and today the emphasis will be on solutions. Pacini has assembled an outstanding panel of experts of whom include- Skip Gilbert, CEO of USYS, Mike Woitalla, Executive Editor at Soccer America, and Dr. Bill Steffen, Assistant Professor of Sports Science at Wingate University and is a member of the United Soccer Coaches National Staff.The GP Soccer Podcast will continue to feature expert guests, outstanding commentary, and high-quality information for all those involved in the game. Listeners are encouraged to be GP Soccer Podcast super spreaders by sharing the show among those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the GP Soccer Podcast can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com and for Direct Kick on WMEX, contact show producer Ben Rabinovitz at excitedsounds33@gmail.com. The GP Soccer Podcast will feature new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Direct Kick on WMEX AM 1510 and wmexboston.com airs every Tuesday from 6-7 PM. Follow both shows on Facebook , Twitter (@gpacini155), LinkedIn, Instagram and Linktree. Check out the show website at www. gpsoccerpodcast.com as well!Enjoy the show!

Welcome to this special edition of the GP Soccer Podcast. Host Giovanni Pacini will moderate a two-episode discussion surrounding the contributing factors related to the increase in violence within youth sports. Today's episode will focus on the contributing factors. Pacini will moderate an outstanding panel of experts of whom include- Skip Gilbert, CEO of USYS, Mike Woitalla, Executive Editor at Soccer America, and Dr. Bill Steffen, Assistant Professor of Sports Science at Wingate University and is a member of the United Soccer Coaches National Staff.The GP Soccer Podcast will continue to feature expert guests, outstanding commentary, and high-quality information for all those involved in the game. Listeners are encouraged to be GP Soccer Podcast super spreaders by sharing the show among those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the GP Soccer Podcast can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com and for Direct Kick on WMEX, contact show producer Ben Rabinovitz at excitedsounds33@gmail.com. The GP Soccer Podcast will feature new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Direct Kick on WMEX AM 1510 and wmexboston.com airs every Tuesday from 6-7 PM. Follow both shows on Facebook , Twitter (@gpacini155), LinkedIn, Instagram and Linktree. Check out the show website at www. gpsoccerpodcast.com as well!Next week's show has the panel returning and the discussion shall focus on solutions relative to this issue. Don't miss it. Enjoy the show!

Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast! Todays' show features a conversation that host Giovanni Pacini had with former soccer official Mary Fitzgerald a few years back. The conversation serves as an appropriate set up for the upcoming two-episode series surrounding the increase in violence within youth sports. Next week's episode will  focus on the contributing factors and the following week the emphasis will be on solutions. Pacini has assembled an outstanding panel of experts of whom include- Skip Gilbert, CEO of USYS, Mike Woitalla, Executive Editor at Soccer America, and Dr. Bill Steffen, Assistant Professor of Sports Science at Wingate University and is a member of the United Soccer Coaches National Staff. The third block shall feature the ever popular EPL / Euro Report which once again will be delivered by Giovanni Pacini while regular host Rob Ellis is away. The GP Soccer Podcast will continue to feature expert guests, outstanding commentary, and high-quality information for all those involved in the game. Listeners are encouraged to be GP Soccer Podcast super spreaders by sharing the show among those within their social media network! Those interested in advertising on the GP Soccer Podcast can contact host Giovanni Pacini at gp4soccer@yahoo.com and for Direct Kick on WMEX, contact show producer Ben Rabinovitz at excitedsounds33@gmail.com. The GP Soccer Podcast will feature new shows every Wednesday and can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. Direct Kick on WMEX AM 1510 and wmexboston.com airs every Tuesday from 6-7 PM. Follow both shows on Facebook , Twitter (@gpacini155), LinkedIn, Instagram and Linktree. Check out the show website at www. gpsoccerpodcast.com as well!Enjoy the show!

Mike Woitalla talks about the Reynas and Gregg Berhalter, at length and with deep knowledge. We also talk about news from FIFA and women's soccer and American investment. And we chat about Grant Wahl, the great American soccer reporter who passed away while covering the World Cup in Qatar. Show Notes 1:00     Gregg Berhalter and the Reynas, the drama that played out during and after the recent WC 12:00   World Cup news from FIFA, men in US, Mexico and Canada and 2023 Women's WC 23:00   Grant Wahl, the late sports reporter and writer and his impact on American soccer 28:00   Investment in women's soccer 33:20   Encouraging atmosphere in American soccer, women and men

[We celebrate the amazing life of the legendary Pelé with a reissue of our 2018 conversation with the man chiefly responsible for coaxing the "Black Pearl" out of retirement in 1975 to join the NASL's then-fledgling New York Cosmos - Clive Toye!] + + + Soccer America columnist (and Episode #6 interviewee) Paul Gardner summed up this week's Hall of Fame guest in his May 2015 commentary: “The debt owed by American soccer to Clive Toye is a vast one. It is not too much of an exaggeration to say, flatly, that without Toye's blind faith in the sport in the 1970s, pro soccer in the USA would have withered and died. Yes, Phil Woosnam and Lamar Hunt and Bob Hermann were there too. But in those unpromising years it was Toye's voice -- it came in a steady flow of ridiculously optimistic press releases and grandiose plans for a future that few others even dared to ponder -- that called loudest. “The New York Cosmos general manager credited with turning that league's fortunes around when he signed Pele to a contract in 1975. Toye, who was born in England and came to the United States in 1967 at the age of 33, was president of three North American Soccer League teams – the Cosmos, Chicago Sting and Toronto Blizzard – and general manager of the [original National Professional Soccer League and subsequent NASL] Baltimore Bays.  [He] was an official of the NASL in helping it through its crisis year of 1969 and in its final months in 1985 – and helped to found the third American Soccer League in 1988. “There has always been the spirit of a showman in Toye, and surely it was that spirit that enabled Toye to overlook the virtual collapse of the old North American Soccer League and to see instead a glittering future for the sport in the USA, even to declare to anyone who was listening -- and not many were in those days -- the preposterous notion that the USA should begin preparing to stage the World Cup. “And when the NASL, by the skin of its teeth and by the mad devotion of Toye et al., did survive, it was Toye who gave the reborn league its glittering image with his invention of the Cosmos, with his canny maneuvering and dealing, who brought Pele and Beckenbauer to New York.  Showmanship indeed.” Toye (A Kick in the Grass: The Slow Rise and Quick Demise of the NASL; Anywhere in the World) joins host Tim Hanlon for a lyrical and anecdote-filled journey through the pro league that he helped create, later put to rest, and which ultimately shored up the long-term foundation of the “beautiful game” in America.

Kevin and Chris take a look at the day's action, as the CONCACAF teams remain winless. The boys were impressed by Japan in their 2-1 win over Germany. Even more so by Canada in their loss to Belgium. They fell asleep during the Spain 7-0 trouncing of Costa Rica. Think the 12 million estimated viewership across Univision, Fox, and Peacock is likely understated. And Kevin vehemently disagrees with Soccer America's Mike Woitalla's assessment of Zimmerman in the USMNT game against Wales. That and more on OTB.

Soccer America's Senior Editor Mike Woitalla joins OTB hosts Kevin Flynn and Chris Chamides to announce a daily OTB podcast series that will air during the World Cup games starting this Monday, November 21, as the USMNT squad kicks off their 2022 FIFA World Cup against Wales.

A complete excitement-filled recap of the 2022 MLS Cup featuring LAFC and Philadelphia Union. Soccer America's Mike Woitalla joins Kevin to discuss the incredible atmosphere and the one-of-a-kind stadium environment at Banc of California Stadium on Saturday for the MLS Cup featuring the glamorous and stylish LAFC taking on the more physical Philadelphia. The game absolutely lived up to the hype with an epic, back-and-forth 3-3 match -- tied at regulation, the game goes into extra time and ends with an incredible penalty kick shootout. An unforgettable true Hollywood ending for two of the MLS' best teams. #MLSCup2022

MIKE WOITALLA Has covered soccer for more than 35 years for Soccer America magazine. SHOW NOTES :40 World Cup in Qatar and the US in it and how it impacts MLS 4:00 US should have good showing in Qatar 5:45 Does world take US soccer more seriously? 13:40 Clubs around the world want a piece of the US market? 18:50 Who is driving the increase in soccer interest in the US 22:00 USA still the standard for women's soccer around the world? 25:00 US training for young soccer players 27:30 US and MLS getting talent players from South and Central America 31:00 The socialism of sports in America 34:00 MLS had a great plan and it's working well

Kevin and Chris help celebrate the 92nd birthday of a true living soccer legend, Soccer America's Paul Gardner. Having covered eight FIFA World Cups, ten FIFA Under-17 World Cups, and interviewed the game's greatest players like Pele, Carlos Veja, Franz Beckenbauer, and Diego Maradona, Paul has also overseen the transformation of the game inside the U.S.A. from the late '60's to today. Don't miss this legendary OTB episode.

On this special edition of OTB, Kevin welcomes Soccer America's Senior Editor Mike Woitalla for some quick analysis of the USMNT draw vs Mexico at Estadio Azteca.Call or Text us - 424-229-2247

Welcome to the GP Soccer Podcast with your host Giovanni Pacini! Opening the show, Giovanni spends a bit of time tackling a Paul Gardner commentary in Soccer America.  This episode's interview guest in the second block is Derek Broadley, Technical Director for the Charleston Soccer Club. Closing the show in the end block, Giovanni discusses a troubling incident involving racism during a high school soccer match in a Vermont community.Be sure to support the show sponsors- The DiBernardo School of Soccer, Ohio University's On-Line Master Degree Program in Soccer Coaching, GP Voice Over Services, and Help You Find Me where creating an account earns you a 20% membership discount for life at helpyoufind.me/GPSoccer.The GP Soccer Podcast features new episodes every Wednesday that can be found anywhere you listen to your podcasts. It is always appreciated when listeners of the show share it among those within their own social media network. Follow the show on Facebook, Twitter (@gpacini155), LinkedIn, and Instagram. Enjoy the show!

Is 13 America's number? If you're going to be THAT boring, just stay home What did you think? Get vaccinated? Christopher doesn't go the the hospital, except for when he does Doctors are full of shit Our expert opinion on the uselessness of doctors Christopher is waiting to go to the doctor until he is 60 Too many vaccines Christopher doesn't think people are stupid There are no stupid decisions, only stupid people Texas woman convicted of a felony for not returning a VHS tape Renting from the front of the store The Super League disaster (Soccer) (America (the best)) Football isn't socialist What kind of sport ends in a tie? The Phoenix Wranglers (with cheerleaders) Good players got wrangled How many types of (real) Football did we have? Christopher: SportsMan Live sports aren't boring in person Christopher: "Remember when David Ortiz broke Ted Williams record?" - James: blank stare Why is the potato gendered? The Mr. in Mr. Potato Head is actually funny and important The story of Christopher's Lemon Pig Scouts is better without the "Boy" BSA created a lot of the early safety procedures for working with kids Christopher dances around the Maypole Christopher loves (modern) Germans