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Als der 1. FC Saarbrücken 92/93 letztmals in der 1. Bundesliga spielt ist er der große Held: Eric Wynalda, der Sonnyboy aus Kalifornien. Die Geschichte eines Höhenfluges, der leider in der Tristesse endete. Auch wenn Wynalda immer wieder seine Phasen hatte, die ihn gar bei internationalen Topteams in die Notizbücher geschrieben haben. Wo findet man mich auf Social Media? Footballjessy (Twitter) Footballjessy (BlueSky) BundesligaCards (Twitter) BundesligaCards (BlueSky) Retroball (Instagram) Meine Football-Podcasts: HUT - Huddle Up Talk - wöchentlicher Podcast zum NFL-Geschehen. Touchdown Trivia - unregelmäßiger Podcast zu Football-Geschichte auf und neben dem Platz. Danke an @HerrMoosbach (zu finden auf den geläufigen Plattformen) für seine Einsprecher! Intro & Outro: Funk in Kingdom von ...Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen? Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich. Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.Gern unterstützen wir dich bei deiner Podcast-Produktion.
Als der 1. FC Saarbrücken 92/93 letztmals in der 1. Bundesliga spielt ist er der große Held: Eric Wynalda, der Sonnyboy aus Kalifornien. Die Geschichte eines Höhenfluges, der leider in der Tristesse endete. Auch wenn Wynalda immer wieder seine Phasen hatte, die ihn gar bei internationalen Topteams in die Notizbücher geschrieben haben. Wo findet man mich auf Social Media? Footballjessy (Twitter) Footballjessy (BlueSky) BundesligaCards (Twitter) BundesligaCards (BlueSky) Retroball (Instagram) Meine Football-Podcasts: HUT - Huddle Up Talk - wöchentlicher Podcast zum NFL-Geschehen. Touchdown Trivia - unregelmäßiger Podcast zu Football-Geschichte auf und neben dem Platz. Danke an @HerrMoosbach (zu finden auf den geläufigen Plattformen) für seine Einsprecher! Intro & Outro: Funk in Kingdom von ...Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen? Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich. Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.Gern unterstützen wir dich bei deiner Podcast-Produktion.
Drübergehalten – Der Ostfußballpodcast – meinsportpodcast.de
Als der 1. FC Saarbrücken 92/93 letztmals in der 1. Bundesliga spielt ist er der große Held: Eric Wynalda, der Sonnyboy aus Kalifornien. Die Geschichte eines Höhenfluges, der leider in der Tristesse endete. Auch wenn Wynalda immer wieder seine Phasen hatte, die ihn gar bei internationalen Topteams in die Notizbücher geschrieben haben. Wo findet man mich auf Social Media? Footballjessy (Twitter) Footballjessy (BlueSky) BundesligaCards (Twitter) BundesligaCards (BlueSky) Retroball (Instagram) Meine Football-Podcasts: HUT - Huddle Up Talk - wöchentlicher Podcast zum NFL-Geschehen. Touchdown Trivia - unregelmäßiger Podcast zu Football-Geschichte auf und neben dem Platz. Danke an @HerrMoosbach (zu finden auf den geläufigen Plattformen) für seine Einsprecher! Intro & Outro: Funk in Kingdom von ...Du möchtest deinen Podcast auch kostenlos hosten und damit Geld verdienen? Dann schaue auf www.kostenlos-hosten.de und informiere dich. Dort erhältst du alle Informationen zu unseren kostenlosen Podcast-Hosting-Angeboten. kostenlos-hosten.de ist ein Produkt der Podcastbude.Gern unterstützen wir dich bei deiner Podcast-Produktion.
Eric Wynalda a marqué très fort le soccer américains en devenant le tout premier buteur du championnat de MLS qui venais d'être tout juste crée ( 1996 ) il a aussi marqué les esprit avec des passage fort sur le sol allemand un fait qui étais rare a son époque de joué hors sol USA il a fait trois mondiale dont une a domicile c'étais plus précisément lors de l'été 94 il est parmi les joueurs le la team USA les plus capé pour lui c'est 106 sélections bref en résumé il a une carrière tout a fait honorable et fait la fierté du foot de sont pays clairement.
Link to bioRxiv paper: http://biorxiv.org/cgi/content/short/2023.08.02.551665v1?rss=1 Authors: Bouarab, C., Wynalda, M., Thompson, B. V., Khurana, A., Cody, C. R., Kisner, A., Polter, A. M. Abstract: Dysregulation of the mesolimbic reward circuitry is implicated in the pathophysiology of stress-related illnesses such as depression and anxiety. These disorders are more frequently diagnosed in females, and sex differences in the response to stress are likely to be one factor that leads to enhanced vulnerability of females. In this study, we use subchronic variable stress (SCVS), a model in which females are uniquely vulnerable to behavioral disturbances, to investigate sexually divergent mechanisms of regulation of the ventral tegmental area by stress. Using slice electrophysiology, we find that female, but not male mice have a reduction in the ex vivo firing rate of VTA dopaminergic neurons following SCVS. Surprisingly, both male and female animals show an increase in inhibitory tone onto VTA dopaminergic neurons and an increase in the firing rate of VTA GABAergic neurons. In males, however, this is accompanied by a robust increase in excitatory synaptic tone onto VTA dopamine neurons. This supports a model by which SCVS recruits VTA GABA neurons to inhibit dopaminergic neurons in both male and female mice, but males are protected from diminished functioning of the dopaminergic system by a compensatory upregulation of excitatory synapses. Copy rights belong to original authors. Visit the link for more info Podcast created by Paper Player, LLC
On today's "Beautiful Bets," Eric Wynalda and TommyFreezePops (filling in for Andrew Beasley) dove into the latest odds, best bets, props and trends across the soccer landscape!TOPICS: • Thierry Henry's comments regarding Christian Pulisic (01:20)• Newcastle United vs. Brentford (04:35)• Manchester City vs. Southampton (06:40)• Huge clash between Liverpool and Arsenal (09:45)• Who will win Der Klassiker? (13:18)• Long shot bet involving VfL Bochum (15:45)• Brenden Aaronson & Tyler Adams prospects at the World Cup (17:55)• Is Gregg Berhalter the right fit going forward for the USMNT? (19:40)• Can Giovanni Reyna's fitness & form be trusted ahead of the World Cup? (27:10)• Wynalda's best bet for the weekend involving Chelsea and Christian Pulisic (30:10)Follow @VegasInsiderPod on Twitter: https://twitter.com/VegasInsiderPod*timestamps could be impacted by automatic ad placements
So excited to have Patrick Ellis @loose_spokes and Bob from Common Bond Bike Shop @commonbondbikeshop to guest on this very special episode! Check out our new sponsor: https://www.myaderm.com/ PROMO CODE: "ROOTS" for 20% off --- Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/localroots/support
To read the show notes for this episode, please click HERE.
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric goes over results from various leagues from the past weekend, and has a story to tell from over the weekend coaching in Arizona. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric dives into the transfer saga surrounding Ricardo Pepi and his concerns regarding his future, while also taking a look into other U.S. Player transfers throughout the years. Wynalda also continues to dissect Ralf Rangnick's tenure so far at Manchester United. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric answers questions from his twitter followers with topics ranging from MLS Next, to "Moneyball" in Soccer. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric breaks down his favorite matchups for the Round of 16 in the Champions League. Wynalda also dives into the latest in Transfer Rumors - including Christian Pulisic to Barcelona? - and gives his reaction to the MLS Cup Final. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric takes a deep dive into the criticism of Ralf Rangnick hiring Chris Armas to his staff at Manchester United. Wynalda also takes a look into the results from the past weekend. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric has some feelings to share on U.S. Soccer fandom regarding Christian Pulisic. Wynalda also gets into Conte at Tottenham, Xavi at Barcelona, and gives a preview of the upcoming MLS playoffs. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric talks the appointment of Antonio Conte at Tottenham, the MLS as the regular season is coming to a close, and the most recent roster selection for the USMNT. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric is joined by Herculez Gomez to talk USMNT and MLS. Eric also touches on the situation with Barcelona, and is MLS coming to Vegas? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric breaks down the 5-0 result for Liverpool at Old Trafford, and the drama surrounding Manchester United manager Ole Gunnar Solskjaer. Eric also breaks down the results from this past weekend in the Premier League and Bundesliga. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this special episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric sits down with former USMNT teammate Alexi Lalas to talk all things US Soccer, including the rise of Ricardo Pepi, Gregg Berhalter, and discuss the topic of the World Cup happening every two years. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric is joined by FC Dallas analyst Steve Davis to talk the rise and rumors surrounding Ricardo Pepi, and recalls stories of transfers that were and weren't for other American stars. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric breaks down the win for the USMNT against Costa Rica, and previews what's next for the team. Also Eric discusses the Newcastle Manager rumors. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric reacts to a disappointing loss for the U.S. Men's National Team against Panama in World Cup Qualifying, and discusses what impact this match has on the future of coach Gregg Berhalter going forward. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric gives his reaction to the USMNT win over Jamaica in World Cup Qualifying. Also Wynalda gives his take on the Newcastle ownership situation and the developing NWSL story. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this edition of "Wynalda For The Win" Eric provides his expectations and analysis of the USMNT going into its next three World Cup Qualifying games, and also gives his perspective on the situation happening in the NWSL. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win," Eric is joined by ESPN.com's Jeff Carlisle to talk the recent USMNT roster selection. Eric also recaps the week's Champions League fixtures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win," Eric breaks down his thoughts on the biggest fixtures of the weekend, including Manchester City beating Chelsea. Eric also dives into the situation at FC Cincinnati, and previews the big Champions League fixture between PSG and Man. City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this episode of "Wynalda For The Win," Eric goes over personal news over the past week, talks MLS' potential of moving to Vegas, the discussion of the World Cup happening every 2 years, and previews the weekend's upcoming fixtures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this Episode of 'Wynalda For The Win,' Eric talks his recent twitter interactions, MLS and recaps the latest European Fixtures. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On this edition of 'Wynalda For The Win,' Eric dives into Cristiano Ronaldo's return to Manchester United, breaks down the USMNT players playing in the Champions League, and pledges allegiance to a local Las Vegas team. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
On Episode 1 of Wynalda For The Win, Eric recaps the most recent round of World Cup Qualifying for the USMNT, dives into Gregg Berhalter's performance, fandom of the USMNT, and looks ahead to the weekend's top matchups. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Former USMNT player and soccer analyst Eric Wynalda returns with a new show 'Eric Wynalda For The Win.' Here's a sneak peak of what you can expect from the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Spitting Fire with TyrusRose and MenInRed on everything Chicago Fire you've ever wanted to know (or suspected). Timestamps below. Fire for Food Campaign: https://www.myfooddrive.org/drive.php?4690cd7b4d "Take a few minutes today to consider our friends and neighbors suffering from food insecurity during a pandemic. The #FireForFood drive has done tremendous work..." ---- Links referenced: https://twitter.com/TyrusRoseCF97 https://twitter.com/meninred97 -- Timestamps (so far) 17:25 Show start, 23:24 -Coaching almosts and alternatives, Nowak, Wynalda, Armas, Brown, Razov, and what happened?, 34:16 Dax McCarty, Bastian Schweinsteiger, and Velkjo Paunovic dynamic explained., 40:09 transfer rumors, new DP, and swings & misses., 46:40 new location?, training facility? Soldier Field future?, Bridgeview?, CONNECTICUT?, new or used stadiums? 50:50 Chicago Fire logo / crest update and plans to work with fans., 1:00:42 any transfers or roster changes coming? Signing struggles and Covid's impact, How many games left til Playoffs? Where to watch today's game?, 1:03:30 Fire Goalies, salary cap issues and Coaching., 1:11:35 Collier, Frankowski and pace, Calvo and Kappelhof., 1:16:10 Peter Wilt's potential NISA Chicago soccer team, Djordge Mihailovic, Kappelhof cont. --- This episode is sponsored by · Anchor: The easiest way to make a podcast. https://anchor.fm/app Support this podcast: https://anchor.fm/spittingfireyt/support
John and Dan try to catch up on all the news of this week: Independent Cup action, DCFC sale, Wynalda to NAFC, Bobcats application, Fall Schedule announcement.
This week on JD & The Rod, a show that contains multitudes, the boys start with some talk about MLS players inside the MLS Is Back bubble and how their urges could be a problem. Then Jason and Jared hit on the breaking news that Eric Wynalda is out at the Las Vegas Lights. There's some talk about the Americans in the Bundesliga (shouts to Weston and Tyler) before we move onto the important issue of MLS coach fashion in Orlando. There's a USMNT hypothetical and a rant about the striker pool before some talk about Andy Najar and LAFC's defender corps. Shoutout Nick Seuberling for his production work. Check out Cincinnati Soccer Talk, Nick's FC Cincinnati podcast. We have a Patreon page where you can support the show, join our JD&TR community, and get access to bonus content--we put out a second show every week just for Patrons. Check it out. Please head over to our YouTube channel and subscribe! We'll consider it a favor. Twitch Twitter YouTube Go get yourself a soon-to-be-a-collector's item t-shirt at On The Volley Apparel (show names being fluid and all). https://onthevolleyapparel.com/collections/tees/products/jdrod-show Leave a rating and a review wherever you can. It's a big help to the show.
Wynalda, 51, was hired in October 2018 ahead of the team’s second season in the second-tier league. The team made the announcement on Twitter. Las Vegas finished 13th among 18 teams with the Western Conference, with 11 wins, 15 losses and eight draws.
Wynalda, 51, was hired in October 2018 ahead of the team’s second season in the second-tier league. The team made the announcement on Twitter. Las Vegas finished 13th among 18 teams with the Western Conference, with 11 wins, 15 losses and eight draws.
Today on ST,Kevin and Duane give the latest news regarding MLS and their targeted return date and travel back in time to April 6th, 1996 to watch the first-ever game in Major League Soccer history. The fashion, the music, the movies, welcome to 1996!A great show as always, check it out!If you are in a position to help someone affected by COVID-19 and its ramifications, please consider helping.Consider supporting us through these times, if possible.Become a VIP and get access to exclusive content on top of supporting independent journalism.http://patreon.com/sportspodcastingnetworkThe world of football with a soccer perspective, this is Soccer Today! on the Sports Podcasting NetworkLIVE at 11 am E / 8 am P Monday to Friday on Twitter/Periscope @SoccerTodaySPNHosted by Duane Rollins @24thminute and Kevin Laramée @kevlarameehttps://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/soccer-today!-on-spn-radio/id1123104604?mt=2https://sportspodcastingnetwork.com/
Today on ST,Kevin and Duane give the latest news regarding MLS and their targeted return date and travel back in time to April 6th, 1996 to watch the first-ever game in Major League Soccer history. The fashion, the music, the movies, welcome to 1996!A great show as always, check it out!If you are in a position to help someone affected by COVID-19 and its ramifications, please consider helping.Consider supporting us through these times, if possible.Become a VIP and get access to exclusive content on top of supporting independent journalism.http://patreon.com/sportspodcastingnetworkThe world of football with a soccer perspective, this is Soccer Today! on the Sports Podcasting NetworkLIVE at 11 am E / 8 am P Monday to Friday on Twitter/Periscope @SoccerTodaySPNHosted by Duane Rollins @24thminute and Kevin Laramée @kevlarameehttps://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/soccer-today!-on-spn-radio/id1123104604?mt=2https://sportspodcastingnetwork.com/
Today on ST,Kevin and Duane give the latest news regarding MLS and their targeted return date and travel back in time to April 6th, 1996 to watch the first-ever game in Major League Soccer history. The fashion, the music, the movies, welcome to 1996!A great show as always, check it out!If you are in a position to help someone affected by COVID-19 and its ramifications, please consider helping.Consider supporting us through these times, if possible.Become a VIP and get access to exclusive content on top of supporting independent journalism.http://patreon.com/sportspodcastingnetworkThe world of football with a soccer perspective, this is Soccer Today! on the Sports Podcasting NetworkLIVE at 11 am E / 8 am P Monday to Friday on Twitter/Periscope @SoccerTodaySPNHosted by Duane Rollins @24thminute and Kevin Laramée @kevlarameehttps://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/soccer-today!-on-spn-radio/id1123104604?mt=2https://sportspodcastingnetwork.com/
The Two Solitudes Soccer Podcast – Sports Podcasting Network
Today on ST,Kevin and Duane give the latest news regarding MLS and their targeted return date and travel back in time to April 6th, 1996 to watch the first-ever game in Major League Soccer history. The fashion, the music, the movies, welcome to 1996!A great show as always, check it out!If you are in a position to help someone affected by COVID-19 and its ramifications, please consider helping.Consider supporting us through these times, if possible.Become a VIP and get access to exclusive content on top of supporting independent journalism.http://patreon.com/sportspodcastingnetworkThe world of football with a soccer perspective, this is Soccer Today! on the Sports Podcasting NetworkLIVE at 11 am E / 8 am P Monday to Friday on Twitter/Periscope @SoccerTodaySPNHosted by Duane Rollins @24thminute and Kevin Laramée @kevlarameehttps://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/soccer-today!-on-spn-radio/id1123104604?mt=2https://sportspodcastingnetwork.com/
Today on ST,Kevin and Duane give the latest news regarding MLS and their targeted return date and travel back in time to April 6th, 1996 to watch the first-ever game in Major League Soccer history. The fashion, the music, the movies, welcome to 1996!A great show as always, check it out!If you are in a position to help someone affected by COVID-19 and its ramifications, please consider helping.Consider supporting us through these times, if possible.Become a VIP and get access to exclusive content on top of supporting independent journalism.http://patreon.com/sportspodcastingnetworkThe world of football with a soccer perspective, this is Soccer Today! on the Sports Podcasting NetworkLIVE at 11 am E / 8 am P Monday to Friday on Twitter/Periscope @SoccerTodaySPNHosted by Duane Rollins @24thminute and Kevin Laramée @kevlarameehttps://itunes.apple.com/ca/podcast/soccer-today!-on-spn-radio/id1123104604?mt=2https://sportspodcastingnetwork.com/
The wait is finally over and Mo & Mel finally welcome LV LightsFC Head Coach & Technical Director, Eric Wynalda, to the show! For all of you not in Las Vegas and haven’t been caught up on your soccer 101, Eric is the former All-Time leading goalscorer for the US Men’s National soccer team. He played in the 1990, 1994 & 1998 FIFA World Cups, was elected to the National Soccer Hall of Fame in 2004 and previously was an analysts and commentator for Fox Sports & ESPN soccer coverage. The ladies have been waiting to have Coach on the show for some time, and wanted to get to know more about him and here some of his experience as a player, father, coach and radio host (formerly of “WTF, Wynalda Talks Football" on SiriusXM). And boy, Coach did not disappoint! From talking inept about the Llamas of the LightsFC, Dolly & Dotty, to the ups & downs coaching this season to having just left bathing his youngest two kids to get to the studio…we learn and really get to know Eric Wynalda! This episode is full of laughs, we here about his buddy Flava Flave, running on the Rose Bowl grass barefoot during the World Cup, kissing a Llama, being a parent to 6 kids and just being able to be an ear for the guys he coaches on the team. It’s a great show and we hope you enjoy it as much as Mo & Mel did! We are #LIVE on Facebook LIVE each Wednesday through the Guerilla Cross Radio or GirlChatSports Facebook pages. CALL IN 702-608-3259 during the live show to say hi, ask questions or give a topic to chat on! Also download the Guerilla Cross App in your App Store & Listen live. Miss the LIVE show? Don’t worry we can also be found on the Anointed Radio Saturdays at 7pm PST @lvanointedradio or on any of our platforms (iHeart Radio, Google Play, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Podomatic & watch on our YouTube channel) . We can't wait to hear from you! #Subscribe #Listen #Follow #Like & #Share Reach out to us on Social Media or email GirlChatSports@gmail.com to give us your feedback and any topics you would like to have addressed.
We are joined by Daniel Workman from The Daniel Workman Show for an interview. We discuss managing a US Soccer Presidential campaign, his role in the pro/rel letter sent to Gianni Infantino, his daily soccer show, and more. Links: - Website: https://www.danielworkman.com/ - Twitter: https://twitter.com/danielworkman - Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/danielworkman/ - Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/wrkmn Visit the Bros Talking Soccer website: https://www.brostalkingsoccer.com/
When the U.S. men’s national team departed JFK International Airport for France on June 5, 1998, many players assumed they were headed straight into the heart of World Cup action. Fourteen hours later, they arrived in the middle of nowhere. It’s common for elite national teams to train in isolation during the final days before the World Cup. Argentina was holed up in the town of L’Etrat, in the Loire Valley. The English were hiding out on a golf resort an hour west of Nantes. U.S. head coach Steve Sampson wanted the same thing for his players. “We were staying at the Chateau de Pizay, in one of the finest hotels in the world,” he tells Roger Bennett in episode 5 of American Fiasco. “We had a five-star chef preparing meals for these players. We had a magnificent training ground. France, Brazil and England all stayed there and I felt it was good enough for our national team.” However, the Chateau de Pizay was surrounded by 130 acres of beaujolais vineyards in Saint-Jean-d'Ardières, four hours away from Paris. Defender Marcelo Balboa remembers his frustration. “You're like, 'We're isolated up in a mountain, in a vineyard where I have to ride a bike into town 10 minutes just to get out and go do something.' We were like, 'Why are we being isolated? Why are we being secluded? Why are we being put by ourselves out here?'” Jeremy Schaap, then an ESPN reporter embedded with the team, explains: “Look, mostly these were guys who were expecting something out of the World Cup akin to what Olympic athletes get out of the Olympic Village.” “We wanted this to be ridiculously special for the players,” says Sampson. “It cost the Federation a lot more money than they anticipated.” But his players just couldn’t -- or wouldn’t -- hack it. In the Chateau, their gilded prison, the inmates were going a little batty. “It looked great from the outside,” remarks forward Eric Wynalda. But inside? “It was Hotel California, man, and we were inside those walls trying to figure out how we could just get through the next day.” Everyone had their way of coping. High-stakes poker games were popular. Midfielder Preki Radosavljevic soon amassed enough cash to fill a sock he slung over his shoulder. (“Most of it was mine,” notes Wynalda.) Once, press officer Jim Froslid saw a pot that was about half his salary. Needless to say, he didn’t join the game. Forward Brian McBride read the New Testament cover to cover for the first (and only) time. Midfielder Brian Maisonneuve told a reporter he was reading les pages jaunes … the yellow pages. Meanwhile, veteran midfielders Cobi Jones and Earnie Stewart were spotted having conversations with the local ducks. Each of these men, everyone on that team, had devoted his professional and personal life to this moment. They’d all made enormous sacrifices to be here, had beaten out every other American to make the squad, and then competed against each other to lock down starting roles. They’d desperately tried to impress their coach even when they did not understand what he wanted from them. They had lost their captain. And now, they felt they were losing their minds. On June 14th, 1998, the first kick-off was just a night away. Come morning, the U.S. would battle Germany on the football field. The whole world would be watching.
On June 15, 1998, the U.S. men’s national team was waiting to kick off their first World Cup game. The players warmed up in the tunnel before taking the field at Parc des Princes stadium in Paris. Their German opponents were waiting there as well. Of the three games the Americans were set to play, this first one was expected to be the hardest. Germany was (and still is) one of best national teams on the planet. The U.S. team was hoping for a tie, to stay in the running for the tournament’s next round. Striker Eric Wynalda had played professionally in Germany, and he knew how good these guys were. “I knew Olaf Thon and Kohler. Christian Wörns. Those guys were laughing at me. And I'll never forget Kohler saying, ‘Got no chance. It's one against three.’ I think I just responded, ‘I know. You're right.’” Specifically, the Germans were laughing at the American’s team’s new on-field formation, the 3-6-1. As implemented by U.S. coach Steve Sampson, the strategy called for three defenders, six midfielders and just one striker to carry the scoring burden. Wynalda was that lonely striker, whose only company would be three intimidating German defenders. This 3-6-1 was rarely used in international soccer. It relies heavily on youth and speed. It requires players to be well-drilled in their roles and understand each other’s positions. When the 3-6-1 works, the formation is fast and lethal. But when it doesn’t, it can destroy the team almost before kick-off. Most important: A complex strategy change requires buy-in from players, something that was in short supply on Sampson’s roster. Lest we forget: The team’s veterans were on the bench, the newbies were on the field, and everyone had been going stir-crazy in a secluded chateau. So it wasn’t surprising that early on, in the 9th minute, the Germans took the lead with a corner kick. And in the 65th minute, they stole another goal. The Americans were outclassed and they were learning it in the worst way possible. Try as they might, the Americans couldn’t redeem the score. After 90 minutes, the game ended at 2-0. Yet the loss gave the embittered veterans the opportunity they wanted: an opening to vent. Even though the U.S. team was still in the running for the trophy, some players went straight to the media. Alexi Lalas blamed the chateau: "We were isolated in the middle of France, then plopped down in the middle of Paris where it's like a circus." Roy Wegerle lambasted the 3-6-1, saying it was "twice the work and half the help.” Eric Wynalda blamed the inexperienced starters. "You could tell some of us were playing for the first time in a World Cup," he told the LA Times’ Mike Penner. Tab Ramos criticized Sampson’s decision to bench veterans Lalas, Balboa and Agoos. He told the Washington Post: “Obviously, you don't have to agree, and I don't.” Weeks of the team’s internal grumbling, sniping and bad blood was now making headlines back home. Not only had the team lost their first game on the world stage, but they’d also lost their unity. How could they pull it together in time for their next two games against Iran and Yugoslavia? In each case, they had a chance of winning. But the team had become its own worst enemy.
1994 World Cup? America nailed it. Regional rival Mexico? Crushed ’em in D.C.! Now it was time for the United States national team to prove it could be successful outside the U.S. In July 1995, the team traveled to Uruguay for the Copa America, a battle royal among South American nations. The U.S. was an invited guest that would face some of the toughest teams in the world. Little did the players know they would also have to scrap with their bosses at the U.S. Soccer Federation. It all started on the flight to the tournament. There hadn’t been time to finish negotiating players’ contracts before the flight took off. Six hours into the flight, a piece of paper with the Federation’s terms began circulating among the players. They gathered in the back of the plane to discuss a major sticking point in the proposal: Players would not be compensated equally. Instead, a sliding scale based on experience with the national team would dictate compensation. “It was divide and conquer,” explains star forward Eric Wynalda, noting that younger players with few games under their belts were being asked to play for glory – and nothing else. “It was, let’s get the veteran players to comply and screw everybody else.” Even those who would benefit knew it would go against the very thing that had made them successful: being a team. That team, as a whole, made the decision that they would not play, much less practice, until the issue was resolved. Upon their arrival in Paysandu, Uruguay, the players’ bus was met with a crowd of soccer-obsessed locals bearing signs and warm regards. This unexpected celebrity treatment was due, in part, to the high visibility of American stars like Alexi Lalas during the previous summer’s World Cup. But also, the Americans were slated to play Uruguay’s archrival, Argentina, in the Copa. The enemy of my enemy is my friend, as the old saying goes. The people of Paysandu began to follow the team around town. The hotel where the U.S. was staying had windows across the front and adoring locals would press their noses to the glass to watch the players hang out as long-distance negotiations took place via fax. “We played a lot of backgammon and we drank a lot of cappuccinos in that lobby,” says Wynalda. Adds Lalas: “It was almost like a museum exhibition. ‘Come see the Americans!’” Back home, Federation secretary general Hank Steinbrecher saw the negotiations differently. From his perspective, U.S. Soccer had invested a lot in these players and now thought they were an “ungrateful lot.” Many faxes later, Steinbrecher had had enough: “You’re going to put a noose over our neck and a bullet to our head? Screw you. You’re finding your own way home and I’m bringing down the Olympic team.” Faced with the threat of scabs, the players reacted with, “Great. Go for it.” They felt confident that if crowds of Uruguayans came to the hotel just to watch Marcelo Balboa, Alexi Lalas and Eric Wynalda sip coffee, Steinbrecher wouldn’t actually replace them in the biggest tournament in South America. Some believe Steinbrecher blinked first. Steinbrecher says they “came to a compromised position.” In either case, the players got their money. There was time for just one practice before the first game of the Copa and Coach Steve Sampson warned his players, “You better go out and prove that you deserve that money.” And prove it they did. They won their first game 2-1, against Chile. It was the first time the U.S. had beaten a South American team on South American soil since the inaugural World Cup in 1930. After a brief 1-0 setback against Bolivia, all thoughts were on their next opponent, Argentina. The Argentine playing style is singular – as brutal as it is beautiful. No player personified both sides of this style more than the legendary Diego Maradona. His playing days were over and he was watching from the stands. But the team on the field was no less fearsome. One of their most talented and ruthless players was another Diego: Diego Simeone. Warming up in the tight confines of the hallway outside the locker room, Simeone started talking trash to Wynalda. A few stretches later, Wynalda warned Simeone, “I’m going to rip your face off.” Then Wynalda grabbed Simeone by the throat. All of this was before the game even started. The truth is, the U.S. team would have been happy with a tie. The players had grown up watching the Diego Maradona era of Argentine soccer. When Alexi Lalas was 16, he watched Argentina play in the World Cup in person. Nine years later, he would score a goal against them. The U.S. struck twice in the first half, then Wynalda tacked one on, making the final score 3-0. The Americans had never dominated an opponent this powerful in quite this way. What happened on the field was impressive, but what came next is soccer lore. The guys were boisterously celebrating with cold beers, when the room suddenly went quiet. The crowd parted to make way for none other than Diego Maradona, who emotionally shook each player’s hand. “I’m not crying because Argentina has lost,” he explained. “I’m crying because the Americans played such beautiful football.” The U.S. ended up placing fourth at the Copa, which was an astonishing feat. They beat a team no one had thought was touchable. And they coaxed tears from a legitimate soccer god. They were starting to believe in themselves and work as a team, on and off the field.
John Harkes was off the team. It didn’t make any sense. Harkes was practically born to play on the national team. He grew up in Kearny, N.J. -- nicknamed “Soccertown U.S.A.” -- where everyone he knew was the kids and grandkids of Scottish and Irish immigrants, and a love of soccer was in their DNA. “We played constantly,” remembers Harkes. “We got kicked off the baseball fields, we got kicked off the American football fields, we got the ball stolen by the police and then had to have our dads go down and get the ball back again so we could play again that night.” That non-stop playing paid off. Harkes was recruited by the University of Virginia and in his senior year, he quit college and joined the U.S. national soccer team. In 1990, the 23-year-old helped the team qualify for the World Cup for the first time in four long decades. He was so good that he got picked up by one of the oldest pro teams in England, Sheffield Wednesday. It was a tough initiation for the young American, but he found a way to prove himself: with a blast from 35 feet out that flew past one of England’s best goalkeepers of all time, a legend name Peter Shilton. It was Harkes’ way of saying, “Hey, Americans can do it.” But there was no time for celebrating. “Don’t get caught up in your emotions,” he told himself. “You’re an American. You’re trying to break in here. Get back to business.” Because professional soccer has an unforgiving, unsentimental culture. All that matters is the game. By the time Harkes returned to the U.S. in 1996 to play for the shiny new Major League Soccer, he had become a legit international star – as well as one of People magazine’s 50 Most Beautiful – and was named Captain for Life by team manager Steve Sampson. Harkes was funny, confident, well-liked and respected by his teammates. And he was Eric Wynalda’s best friend. They had been teammates for eight years and worked well together. Harkes could take the pressure off when Wynalda got too intense. They were partners in locker-room comedy and on the team bus did scenes from Dumb and Dumber or Ace Ventura: Pet Detective. But Steve Sampson didn’t always appreciate Harkes’ breezy personality. And on April 14, 1988, Sampson called a press conference and announced that John Harkes – the man who’d become arguably the centerpiece of American soccer – was off the team. The announcement shocked everyone – reporters, fans, players and Harkes himself: “I was just like, ‘Wow. I don’t understand.’” At the time, Sampson vaguely cited discipline and leadership issues. In American Fiasco, Sampson boils his decision down to three strikes -- only two of which were made public at the time of Harkes’ ouster. Strike one: Sampson says Harkes, a midfielder used to playing at the center of it all, initially refused to move to left back during an exhibition match against Holland. (Harkes disputes this, saying he was merely reluctant.) Strike two: Two days later, Sampson says Harkes and other players went out on the town and trashed a hotel room. (Harkes also disputes this.) Strike three is a longer story. The last straw for Sampson involved allegations that Harkes was having an affair with another player’s wife. Upon hearing the news, Sampson says he knew immediately that he’d have to kick Harkes off the team. “There were lines that you do not cross over. You don’t have an affair with another player’s wife." And it wasn’t just another player, but his best friend, Eric Wynalda. The story behind that third strike wasn’t made public for 12 years, until Wynalda himself revealed it on his soccer talk show, Fox Football Fone-in. He and co-host Nick Webster were discussing an English player being accused of having an affair with the ex-girlfriend of a teammate. Webster said, “Well, you’ve had experience with this, Eric.” At that point, Wynalda explained to viewers, “there were allegations that John Harkes had been, had an inappropriate relationship with my wife and he was removed from the team for that reason.” Sampson then broke his silence about the matter and spoke to reporters. “It was a relief, for me, because, finally, people heard the truth,” he says. (John Harkes declined to discuss allegations of an affair.) Many players were surprised to learn an off-field issue had subtracted Harkes’ on-field skills and leadership from the team. Alexi Lalas was angry. Had he known the reason at the time, he says he would have said, “I want him on my team because he’s a good soccer player. As a professional, I will forgive you a lot as long as you’re going to help me win.” Even Eric Wynalda was against Harkes getting sacked. “I thought that if I can handle it, Steve should have been able to handle it. Ripping John off that team was ripping the heart out of our team.” All these years later, Steve Sampson doesn’t regret his decision, but he’s learned an important life lesson from it: “That to be a principled man, always comes with consequences.”
Jason Davis spends 10 hours a week talking in public about American soccer on his Sirius radio show. Now that the field has been narrowed to eight candidates, he and George discuss what could happen, what’s likely to happen, and what they hope will happen. They also discuss what a Wynalda or Carter presidency would mean for Major League Soccer and more broadly for the future of the game in the US. We released the cover of our new issue today. You can save 15% on a subscription (or a gift) with code GIVEAHOWLER at fifa.wtf/gethowler. Support the show for as little as $3 per month and you can send in questions and comments for the new “Ask a Dummy” segment at the end of each episode. fifa.wtf/supportdummy. Thanks! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
November 12, 2017, Lessons From Opening Day, Proverbs 7, Rob Wynalda
August 13, 2017, Rob Wynalda, Reflect on These Things, 2 Timothy
June 18, 2017, The God of the Mountain, Deuteronomy 6:4–9, Rob Wynalda
April 2, 2017, Rob Wynalda, “Remember” Deuteronomy 7–9
Rob Stone of Fox Sports is the guest on the Awful Announcing podcast this week and if you like hearing about the ins-and-outs of sports television, this is as in and out as it gets. We talk FIFA World Cup, Fox, U.S. Soccer, haircuts, bowling and a whole lot more.