Discover
Inside American Soccer with Tom Bogert and Tab Ramos
Inside American Soccer with Tom Bogert and Tab Ramos
Author: iHeartPodcasts
Subscribed: 9Played: 135Subscribe
Share
2026 iHeartMedia, Inc. © Any use of this intellectual property for text and data mining or computational analysis including as training material for artificial intelligence systems is strictly prohibited without express written consent from iHeartMedia
Description
Inside America Soccer with Tom Bogert and Tab Ramos, the serious fan’s go-to source for USMNT news, analysis and informed opinions.
23 Episodes
Reverse
Clint Mathis returns for an extended conversation with Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos, diving deep into one of the most fascinating careers in U.S. Soccer history. From growing up in Conyers, Georgia where the odds of becoming a professional soccer player were slim, to emerging as one of the game’s most electrifying talents, Clint shares his full journey. The group revisits his legendary run with the New York/New Jersey MetroStars, his on and off-field connection with Tab, and the unforgettable goals that defined his MLS career. Clint also relives his iconic strike against South Korea at the 2002 FIFA World Cup, a moment that helped push the U.S. out of the group stage, along with memories from the clashes against Mexico and Germany and just how close that team came to the World Cup Final. Off the field, Clint opens up about life in New York City, his “rockstar” persona, and how it may have impacted the length of his career. Plus, he reveals his All-Time USMNT Starting XI and shares the story of how close he came to joining Bayern Munich.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos react to another disappointing USMNT performance against Portugal, questioning the tactical approach from Mauricio Pochettino, including the decision to deploy Christian Pulisic as a lone forward in a false 9 role. Tab voices concerns over the lack of a clear identity, while Matt breaks down exactly what went wrong tactically. They also react to Pochettino’s eye-opening claim that the U.S. doesn’t have a single player among the world’s top 100, and what that says about his coaching style. Looking ahead, Tab reveals his projected Starting XI for the FIFA World Cup and dives into the toughest roster decisions facing the USMNT. Plus, an early scouting report on Turkiye, as they claim their spot as the U.S.’s third opponent in Group D.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tab Ramos and Matt Doyle react to the USMNT’s disastrous second-half collapse in a 5–2 loss to Belgium. Tab breaks down what went wrong, what Mauricio Pochettino could have done differently to slow down Jérémy Doku, and shares his growing concerns about Christian Pulisic, and why the U.S. needs more from “Captain America.” Looking ahead to the clash with Portugal, Tab reveals his projected Starting XI, evaluates which players are still fighting for roster spots, and outlines what must change immediately... from tactics to mentality… and even the jersey situation.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos break down Christian Pulisic and the importance of him returning to top form, including why building the USMNT attack around his skill set could unlock the team’s full potential. They explore how a core attacking group featuring Folarin Balogun, Weston McKennie, and Pulisic can transform the final third, and dive into the ongoing question surrounding Tim Weah, where is he most effective for the U.S.: as an attacker or in a deeper defensive role? The conversation then shifts to the global stage, as Tab and Tom rank their Top 5 dark horse contenders for the FIFA World Cup. Including why they both put the U.S. on the their lists. Plus, Tab offers a detailed look at how the U.S. approached scouting during the 2014 World Cup, revealing the level of preparation required to compete at the highest level.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
As the countdown to the 2026 World Cup heats up, the USMNT March friendlies roster might be our clearest signal yet of what’s to come. On this episode of Inside American Soccer, Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos react to the latest squad under Mauricio Pochettino. They break down what this roster tells us about the U.S. squad for the World Cup, including notable omissions like Yunus Musah, Diego Luna, Alex Zendejas, and Haji Wright—and the surprises that made the cut, including Gio Reyna, Sebastian Berhalter, and Johnny Cardoso. Plus, who needs a massive performance this window to stay in the World Cup picture—and which players are already locked in no matter what? They also build their projected Starting XI for the upcoming match against Belgium, just days away, and Tab shares a personal story about the pressure of fighting for a spot on the 1998 FIFA World Cup roster.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
This week on Inside American Soccer, Tom Bogert and Tab Ramos welcome back USMNT legend Tony Meola. Tony reflects on his unlikely journey, from playing center forward at Kearny High School in New Jersey, to attending the University of Virginia on a dual baseball and soccer scholarship, to the disappointment of being cut from the 1988 Olympic team. He opens up about the greatest performance of his national team career, the life-changing impact of the 1994 World Cup, and the emotional pump-up video the team watched inside the Pontiac Silverdome the night before their opening match against Switzerland. Plus, Tab and Tony reveal their All-Time USMNT Starting XIs, and Tony shares the story of becoming the unlikely star of a “Broadway” play.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos dive into the dual-national panic surrounding Noahkai Banks, break down Johnny Cardoso starring in the UEFA Champions League for Atlético Madrid, and examine how Weston McKennie’s new four-year contract with Juventus could shape his role with the USMNT moving forward. They then rank their Top 5 Most Underrated USMNT players of the last 40 years, featuring names like Jermaine Jones and Benny Feilhaber, along with a few very familiar picks for Inside American Soccer listeners. Plus, Tab offers a timely and personal look back at the United States vs. Iran match at the 1998 FIFA World Cup, sharing his inside perspective on one of the most politically and emotionally charged games in U.S. Soccer history.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tab Ramos and Matt Doyle examine the impact of Josh Sargent’s move to Major League Soccer and where he fits in the USMNT No. 9 depth chart behind Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi. They also raise concerns about Tyler Adams’ return to the Premier League and discuss potential World Cup replacements if needed. The duo ranks their Top 5 MLS players who must impress Mauricio Pochettino to earn a look in the March friendlies, and Tab shares the story of when U.S. Soccer made the leap from likable underdog to true professionals. Plus, they break down the next step the United States must take to become a genuine global soccer power.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tab Ramos and Matt Doyle break down the USMNT depth chart at the No. 9 position. With Haji Wright coming off a hat-trick and Patrick Agyemang reaching double-digit goals in the Championship, they analyze how each striker fits into Mauricio Pochettino’s system along with Folarin Balogun and Ricardo Pepi — both for the upcoming March friendlies and the 2026 World Cup. Doyle unveils his projected Starting XI for the friendlies, while Tab explains the potential role Noahkai Banks could play for the national team moving forward. The episode also features an in-depth tactical discussion focused on the partnerships and positional balance that could define the U.S. team’s World Cup success.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Matt Doyle and Tab Ramos are joined by USMNT legend and World Cup goal-scorer Clint Mathis for a wide-ranging conversation about one of the most iconic eras in American soccer. Clint breaks down what made the 2002 U.S. team so special, shares the story behind his Sports Illustrated cover, and explains how his famous mohawk landed him in trouble. Tab reveals why Clint is his favorite American player of all time, and the group offers predictions for how the USMNT will finish at this year’s World Cup. They also dive into the latest headlines, including rumors surrounding Christian Pulisic’s potential move to Tottenham, Weston McKennie’s contract situation at Juventus, and Clint’s ideal Starting XI for the 2026 World Cup.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
With Tom on paternity leave for a few weeks, Tab Ramos teams up with MLS Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle, and they are joined by USMNT legend Marcelo Balboa for an epic show! They discuss the pressure on the current National Team to at least reach the Quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, and why it was easier being the underdog back in the day. Tom and Marcelo talk about how Pochettino should have handled the ticket prices comments from Tim Weah, the Alex Freeman move to Villarreal, plus Ricardo Pepi's failed move to Fulham and it's impact on his place on the USMNT roster. We also get Marcelo's Starting XI for the U.S., his advice for the 2026 squad, and the behind the scenes details of his legendary near miss bicycle kick goal vs Colombia in the 1994 World Cup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom Bogert and Tab Ramos are joined by USMNT analyst Brian Dunseth for a wide-ranging conversation on U.S. Soccer. The group revisits Tab’s legendary Snickers commercial, breaks down the latest transfer news involving Alex Freeman, Ricardo Pepi, and Patrick Agyemang, and digs into the biggest culture shift Mauricio Pochettino has brought to the national team. Dunseth unveils his USMNT Starting XI, sparking a debate about Weston McKennie’s role and why his presence on the field is essential. Plus, Dunny shares unforgettable stories from the 2000 U.S. Olympic team, including Landon Donovan's juggling, John O’Brien's fashion, and Clint Mathis' rock star status!See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom and Tab are joined by Paul Tenorio of The Athletic to discuss the latest news on Josh Sargent's struggle to get to MLS, Weston McKennie's leverage over Juventus and Paul's Top 5 USMNT Things to Watch before the World Cup. Tab is honest about Gio Reyna and where he can be useful for the US Team, and Tab also tells an incredible story about the 1990 World Cup and how the US was unprepared for what was coming. Plus, we dive into the bizarre stealing of towels situation at the AFCON Final and talk about Paul's new book, The Messi Effect.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom and Tab get into the Pepi injury fallout, Josh Sargent's potential move to Toronto FC, what to make of Weston McKennie's goal scoring surge and when Christian Pulisic will come home to MLS. They answer your mailbag questions about the World Cup roster, players that didn't develop they way they thought and why Gio Reyna's run at Azteca sums up the current generation of USMNT players. Plus Tab goes back to Trinidad in 1989 for stories from the game that changed everything for U.S. Soccer with the "Shot Heard Round the World," and why Tab's pass may have been the key to Paul Caligiuri's legendary goal. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom and Tab welcome in their first guest, USMNT legend and one of New Jersey's finest Tony Meola. Tony and Tab talk about growing up in Kearny NJ, and how the soccer loving town played a role in their development. Then they discuss their plans for building a professional team in Kearny in the near future. Tony talks about why Tab is the greatest USMNT midfielder of all-time, and goes deep on the pressure Matt Freese will be facing at the World Cup this summer. Plus, Tony talks about his worst mistake on the biggest stage and how he handled everything. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom and Tab discuss the latest on Americans playing abroad as well as the most up to date news on injuries and transfer rumors. Should Mauricio Pochettino switch to a 3-5-2 formation and build the system around Christian Pulisic, should Ricardo Pepi move to the Premier League before the World Cup, and how do Weston McKennie, Brenden Aaronson and Patrick Agyemang fit in with the USMNT... Plus, what the U.S. need to improve on the most in 2026, Tab tells an incredible story from his career at N.C.State and why we should all be concerned about Tyler Adams' MCL injury as we approach the World Cup. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom and Tab discuss all the latest transfer rumors surrounding the USMNT players. Who is moving, who is staying, where might they go, and what decisions need to be made in January. They cover Christian Pulisic and Tyler Adams Manchester United rumors, Weston McKennie's contract issues with Juventus, if Alex Freeman should leave MLS for Spain, Haji Wright's chances of gong to the Premier League and Sebastian Berhalter looking closely at European opportunities. Tab also tells some incredible stories about his transfers to Real Betis, Tigres and then becoming the first player ever signed by MLS.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom and Tab do their USMNT Year in Review Special! They grade the overall performance of the team during 2025, with some harsh words for Maurcio Pochettino. Both then give their Top-5 USMNT Players and Moments of the Year, including Tab's surprising #1 pick which changed everything for U.S. Soccer. Tab tells an incredible story from U20 World Cup Qualifiers in CONCACAF, and Tom gives all the latest info on the Tyler Adams injury. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom and Tab react to the USMNT's very favorable World Cup draw, breaking down the matchups with Paraguay, Australia, and likely Turkiye. They get into why expectations for the team are now raised, and how the draw will impact the team selection and lineups. Tab tells a couple of incredible stories about qualifying and preparing for the 1990 World Cup, and how much different things were for U.S. Soccer. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.
Tom and Tab go through the very interesting weekend for Americans abroad, including Christian Pulisic sitting out, Ricardo Pepi and Tyler Adams scoring beautiful goals, Weston McKennie playing Right Wing Back and Tanner Tessmann at Center Back. They also discuss the USMNT players in MLS Cup, focussing on Brian White's chances of making the World Cup roster in the summer. They break down the Pot system and Preview the World Cup Draw. Plus, the Big Question of the week is based off of Mauricio Pochettino's comments about winning the World Cup. What would be considered a success for the U.S. at the World Cup this summer?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.




