U.S. Soccer Podcast

Have you ever wondered who’s next to head coach Mauricio Pochettino on the bench during a U.S. Men’s National Team match? Get to know Jesús Pérez, USMNT assistant coach, Pochettino’s right-hand man and this week’s featured guest on the U.S. Soccer Podcast. Since joining Pochettino nearly 15 years ago at his first managerial job in Europe, Pérez has supported Pochettino at each successive stop on the European club circuit and now serves alongside him on the U.S. staff preparing the National Team for the FIFA 2026 World Cup.  0:30 – Intro with David Gass, Alejandro Bedoya and Meghan Klingenberg  2:18 – Ale interviews U.S. Men’s National Team assistant coach Jesús Pérez   3:03 – Pérez shares his soccer journey growing up in Barcelona and playing right wing  6:00 – Meeting Mauricio Pochettino for the first time at Espanyol and early coaching days in La Liga  13:00 – Pérez on what impresses him most about Pochettino  15:12 – How the USMNT coaching staff utilizes data analytics and the role it plays in roster selection   24:40 – What is Team USA’s tactics and philosophies?   27:00 – Pérez discusses the FIFA 2026 World Cup: "We really believe that we can win it”  31:00 – Working with swimmers and how that shaped his coaching perspective  33:40 – Gass and Kling react to the interview (they're fired up!), then Kling and Ale name the assistant coaches, including Pat Noonan, who impacted their careers  39:40 – Show your fandom and shop official U.S. Soccer gear this holiday season  40:00 – Join our World Cup Group Draw experience in Times Square in New York City  40:25 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts  47:30 – Ale Bedoya looks back on the 2025 MLS season for Philadelphia Union and reacts to the season coming to an end in the MLS Cup Playoffs    The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Alejandro Bedoya, David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg  Guest: Jesús Pérez  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  ###  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two of our hosts go head-to-head in the latest episode of the U.S. Podcast! In front of a live audience at Subaru Park, Pennsylvania native Meghan Klingenberg interviews Philadelphia Union star and co-host Alejandro Bedoya about his favorite memories over the years playing soccer for club and country.  0:26 – Intro with David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya  3:45 – Kling interviews Ale, co-host and Philadelphia Union midfielder   5:20 – Growing up in a soccer household  10:00 – North Jersey, playing for the Clifton Stallions  11:15 – Why Bedoya chose not to enter the MLS SuperDraft  15:25 – Collecting rejection emails  17:30 – The racquet sport of 'padel’  22:35 – Sweden and speaking Swedish  25:40 – Rangers FC and the rivalry with Celtic in Scotland   32:45 – Developing as a player in Europe  36:55 – Red card or play on?  41:30 – U.S. Men’s National Team callups  44:00 – 2014 World Cup in Brazil  49:00 – Major League Soccer and signing with Philadelphia Union  56:00 – What gives Alejandro Bedoya joy  59:15 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts  This episode was recorded in front of a live audience prior to the matchup between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Paraguay on Nov. 15 at Subaru Stadium in Chester, Pennsylvania. Learn more on how you can be part of upcoming live shows by becoming a U.S. Soccer Insider.  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass, Alejandro Bedoya  Guest: Alejandro Bedoya  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

What happens when two quality left fullbacks sit down in the same room? The answer is in this week’s episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast when host, former USWNT player and World Cup winner Meghan Klingenberg chats with U.S. Men’s National Team defender Antonee “Jedi” Robinson. They discuss the nuances of their shared position, unpack the lore of Robinson’s “Jedi” nickname, look ahead to the 2026 World Cup, and much more.  0:16 – Intro with David Gass and Meghan Klingenberg  1:52 – Kling interviews USMNT and Fulham defender Antonee “Jedi” Robinson  2:30 – Memories of Marcelo  3:50 – What makes the left fullback position unique  8:08 – Star Wars and becoming a “Jedi”   14:15 – Jedi’s “Roman Empire”  15:30 – Returning to USMNT Camp  17:52 – Fulham with Tim Ream & the English Premier League  22:00 – Golf, family and finding joy  23:25 – Thailand   24:50 – Looking ahead to World Cup 2026  27:35 – USMNT vs. Uruguay on Wednesday, Nov. 18 at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, Florida  29:25 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Antonee "Jedi" Robinson  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sam Coffey is a woman of many talents, as we learn in this giggle-filled and thoughtful episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast.  Straight from October camp with the U.S. Women’s National Team, the USWNT and Portland Thorns midfielder talks about the team’s preparations heading into next year's qualifying matches for the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil (0:30) and how she saw this young group come together to earn back-to-back wins against Portugal on Oct. 26 (where Coffey scored a late goal) and New Zealand on Oct. 29.   Then, host and former Thorns teammate Meghan Klingenberg asks Coffey about her distinctive, on-field style (2:30) which features an iconic scrunchie and tucked-in shirt, and how she defines joy (8:15). Coffey shares the pride she feels being part of a family of artists and creators and how that inspired her many, many hobbies outside of soccer (20:00), including playing piano (36:19). Finally, the two end their conversation on a positive note with reflections on their friendship.   The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Sam Coffey  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  ###  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alyssa Naeher, one of the greatest goalkeepers in U.S. and world history, continues her two-part conversation on the U.S. Soccer Podcast.  Click here for Part 1 with Alyssa Naeher  The legendary USWNT goalkeeper talks through the highs and lows of her career with host Meghan Klingenberg (2:15). The two friends and former teammates jump right in to discuss Naeher’s favorite memories from the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup (2:30), why Naeher joined the fight for equal pay (8:15), and the penalty kick shootout during the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup that was decided by millimeters versus Sweden – and the devastation that followed (14:20).  Naeher chats further about the next generation of players for the U.S. Women’s National Team (25:15) and what it takes to earn her trust (27: 31). Finally, Naeher explains the thought process behind her decision to retire from international soccer (30:00) and what she walks away most proud of (44:50).  Later, Kling and David Gass show off their own personalized bricks, which are part of the U.S. Soccer Brick Program, and talk about what it means to be engrained in U.S. Soccer history (51:00). Our hosts close out the show discussing Kling's favorite memory from playing with Alyssa (53:15) and answering fan questions on our weekly segment Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts (55:20).  Learn more about the U.S. Soccer Brick Program - https://ussoccerbricks.com/  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Alyssa Naeher  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Alyssa Naeher, one of the greatest goalkeepers in U.S. and world history, joins the U.S. Soccer Podcast for the first of a two-episode interview.  The legendary USWNT goalkeeper sits down with friend, host and former teammate Meghan Klingenberg (2:35). The two have known each other since they were 12 years old and reminisce on some of their favorite memories growing up together playing soccer, including the confident letter they penned asking FIFA to implement a U-17 Women’s World Cup (13:00).   Naeher goes into further details about her career and her position, including what first drew her to the controlled chaos of goalkeeping (17:00). She delves into some of the lesser-known moments of her career, including her stint with the Boston Breakers in the WPS (37:00) and what she learned serving as a backup goalkeeper in the USWNT’s run to FIFA 2015 World Cup champions (43:20).  Naeher also talks about growing up a coach’s kid in Connecticut, where she will be honored before the upcoming U.S. Women’s National Team match against Portugal on Sunday, Oct. 26 at Pratt & Whitney Stadium at Rentschler Field in East Hartford, Connecticut.  View Tickets   Kling and David Gass close out the episode with their reaction to U.S. Soccer’s official bid to host the 2031 FIFA Women’s World Cup (53:00). Then, they answer fan questions on our weekly segment Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly’s (56:40).  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Guest: Alyssa Naeher  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The latest episode of the U.S. Podcast features none other than USMNT and soccer legend Landon Donovan.  In the revealing and open conversation (2:08), which includes talk about his new hair, Donovan takes us behind the scenes of his incredible career, beginning as a 16-year-old part of a U.S. Soccer residency program (7:05) to some of the most memorable moments including the 2002 FIFA World Cup (17:25) and 2010 FIFA World Cup (37:45). Donovan also touches on being one of the first men’s soccer players to open up about mental health (31:30), retirement advice for Meghan Klingenberg (43:20) and his ventures into coaching (45:30).  The interview includes a lot of fun moments along the way including which city in America has the best tacos (23:20) and Donovan answering questions straight from the fans (52:50). Finally, Donovan previews his new book, coming out next spring, and reveals why he decided to write it (25:30).  Pre-order Landon’s book here: https://landondonovan.com/#stores  This episode was recorded in front of a live audience prior to the matchup between the U.S. Men’s National Team and Ecuador on Oct. 10 in Austin, Texas. Learn more on how you can be part of upcoming live shows by becoming a U.S. Soccer Insider.  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg  Guest: Landon Donovan  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Philadelphia Union won the 2025 Supporters’ Shield in MLS this past weekend, and we have a behind-the-scenes perspective from our very own Alejandro Bedoya, who took a bloody nose in the Union’s title-clinching night. Bedoya takes us through the emotions of capturing the second Supporters’ Shield in club history, and Meghan Klingenberg reveals what Women’s World Cup celebration she remembers (or doesn’t) most vividly (5:00).  Our hosts preview the upcoming Men’s National Team cycle, which features two friendlies against World Cup-bound opponents: Ecuador on Oct. 10 in Austin, Texas and Australia on Oct. 14 in Commerce City, Colorado. One player part of the most recent MNT camp in September joins the U.S. Soccer Podcast in this week’s episode. Jack McGlynn, the 22-year-old midfielder, talks memories from his first call-up (13:20), his connections to Ireland and New York (17:50), the value of being left-footed – but not left-handed (20:00), his favorite video games (25:00) and his keys to fantasy football success (28:30).   Then, McGlynn gives a firsthand update on the recent injury that kept him out of USMNT October camp (34:00).  Our hosts wrap up taking questions in ‘Ask the Pros’ presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts (41:40). Then, we give a shoutout the United States U-20 Men’s National Team, which is currently competing in the U-20 FIFA World Cup in Chile. The United States won their group to advance to the Round of 16 (48:00).  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg, Alejandro Bedoya  Guest: Jack McGlynn  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

From the United Nations Headquarters in New York City, host David Gass sits down with Executive Director of the Soccer Forward Foundation Lex Chalat to discuss how U.S. Soccer is making the sport more accessible everywhere for everyone  This week, U.S. Soccer is at the United Nations Headquarters in New York City.  From the UN, host David Gass sits down with Lex Chalat, Executive Director of the Soccer Forward Foundation at U.S. Soccer. Lex explains Soccer Forward and the initiatives that are working to expand soccer access leading to the 2026 FIFA World Cup (5:00). The foundation aims to support community soccer, evident with the inclusive and enriching Resource Hub, a free tool that launched its first phase this week.  Visit the resource hub: https://www.ussoccer.com/soccer-forward/resource-hub  Later, co-host Meghan Klingenberg hops on to preview the Open Cup Final which kicks off from Q2 Stadium at 8:00 p.m. ET on October 1. The match will make history not only for the winner between Austin FC and Nashville SC but also for the all-female officiating crew refereeing the game. Our hosts close the show with the segment Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts, answering your questions (36:20).  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg  Guest: Lex Chalat, U.S. Soccer Executive Director, Soccer Forward Foundation  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

USMNT and Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan joins the show to celebrate Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15; Alejandro Bedoya shares his admiration for iconic Colombian footballer Carlos Valderrama  On today’s episode, we’re celebrating Hispanic Heritage Month, which runs Sept. 15-Oct. 15.   Our three hosts begin the show talking about their heroes. Alejandro Bedoya shares his admiration for footballer Carlos "El Pibe" Valderrama – hair and all – and what it was like to meet the Colombian icon (2:00). Meghan Klingenberg reveals which USWNT legend’s jersey (6:10) she grew up wearing.  Then, USMNT and Seattle Sounders midfielder Cristian Roldan joins Bedoya to talk more about the impact of Hispanic heritage on their game (10:40) and the upcoming World Cup in the United States, Canada, and Mexico. Roldan discusses his early soccer memories, the community in Pico Rivera, California where he grew up (14:30), the influence of his Latin heritage on his playing style and which delicacy he craves the most (27:00).  The hosts close the show taking questions from supporters with Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly’s (29:15) where Klingenberg reveals the latest fusion she’s cooking up in the kitchen (34:50).  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Alejandro Bedoya, David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg  Guest: Cristian Roldan  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Host Alejandro Bedoya checks in from the Philadelphia Union’s clash with Nashville SC in the first semifinal matchup in the 2025 Lamar Hunt Open Cup; an exclusive interview from head coach & sporting director Bobby Murphy and forward Jake Keegan of Portland Hearts of Pine, the USL League One club that made their Open Cup debut in 2025  We’re celebrating all things U.S. Open Cup on this week’s episode! As the 2025 semifinals kick off in Nashville and St. Paul this week, the first round of qualifying is already underway for the 2026 edition.  We dial in host Alejadro Bedoya straight from Philadelphia Union’s semifinal clash with Nashville SC at GEODIS Park. Later, our hosts David Gass and Meghan Klingenberg speak to one of the darlings of this year’s tournament, Portland Hearts of Pine. The head coach and sporting director Bobby Murphy and forward Jake Keegan talk about the magic of the tournament, the soccer community in Maine and what it meant for their club to make their first appearance in the historic competition.  Learn more about the U.S. Open Cup: https://www.ussoccer.com/us-open-cup  View the 2026 Qualifying Round Schedule: https://www.ussoccer.com/us-open-cup/qualifying-round-schedule  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Alejandro Bedoya, David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg  Guest: Bobby Murphy, Jake Keegan  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On this week’s episode, we’re wrapping up the latest from the U.S. Men’s National Team camp with an engaging conversation with one of the players featured in September’s two-match set, captain and center back Tim Ream.  First, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya react to the USMNT’s big win over Japan in Columbus, Ohio on Tuesday night and offer their analysis following the result. Then, Klingenberg goes one-on-one with Ream, as the two leaders reflect on their own paths in the sport, from their childhood dreams of playing professional soccer (2:00) and competing in the World Cup (8:00) to Klingenberg’s eventful day watching the 1999 Women’s World Cup and how fatherhood has changed Tim’s perspective on leadership and vulnerability (19:30). Finally, they wrap up with the question everyone wants answered: what is Tim's hair regimen? (Hint: His answer may surprise you.)  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, Alejandro Bedoya  Guest: Tim Ream  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The U.S. Men’s National Team is prepping for two September friendlies against World Cup-bound opponents Korea Republic on Sept. 6 in Harrison, New Jersey and Japan on Sept. 9 in Columbus, Ohio.  TNT soccer analyst and 10-year MLS veteran Brian Dunseth joins the U.S. Soccer Podcast to talk about what he’s looking for out of Mauricio Pochettino’s group this camp (3:20), what he’s hoping to see out of Christian Pulisic (8:30), which uncapped players could get some playing time (29:00), and what to expect from the two World Cup-qualified opponents Korea Republic and Japan (39:30).  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  View the full roster: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/08/usmnt-head-coach-mauricio-pochettino-23-players-september-training-camp-ahead-of-matches-world-cup-qualified-korea-republic-japan  Hosts: Alejandro Bedoya, Meghan Klingenberg  Guest: Brian Dunseth  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The September roster is here! This week, U.S. Soccer announced which 23 players will represent the Men's National Team for two friendlies against Korea Republic on Sept. 6 and Japan on Sept. 9.   Our hosts share their instant reactions to the announcement before diving into a conversation with Everett Palache, head coach of the U.S. Men's Deaf National Team. Palache highlights his team’s preparation for their upcoming doubleheader with the U.S. Women’s National Team on October 26 and the Deaflympics, which kicks off in Tokyo in November. The conversation also touches on the broader impact of the Deaf National Team and the importance of representation and inclusivity in sports.  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg  Guest: Everett Palache  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The college soccer season kicks off this month for NCAA men’s and women’s teams, and we’re celebrating the occasion with a lively conversation with Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak, an Olympic gold medalist, World Cup champion, two-time NCAA champion and current head coach of the women's soccer team at the University of Central Florida.  In the episode, Sahaydak shares her journey from playing on boys' teams to becoming a professional (2:50). Then, she recounts her experiences as a soccer player, including the 1999 World Cup (20:18), the formation of the WUSA (24:20), and the challenges of maintaining a professional career. Throughout the conversation, Sahaydak puts on her coach’s hat, emphasizing the importance of teamwork, resilience, role models and how UCF can beat top-ranked UNC, where Sahaydak won two national championships as a student-athlete.  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg  Guest: Tiffany Roberts Sahaydak  Producer: Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we’re joined by a very special guest: Don Garber, Commissioner of Major League Soccer, which is celebrating its 30th season in 2025. Talking to David Gass and Alejandro Bedoya, the commissioner engages in a wide-ranging conversation that covers a variety of topics important to American soccer today: the growth of MLS (2:00), what he hopes the league looks like in the future (13:15), recent high-profile signings of Thomas Müller and Son Heung-Min (15:10), the global nature of competitive tournaments like Leagues Cup (23:30) and the Apple TV deal (27:10). Then, the commissioner shares some of his favorite things outside of soccer, including what music he can’t stop listening to and a book recommendation every soccer fan will enjoy (40:00).  It all leads to a great conversation about America’s top-flight professional soccer league.  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Alejandro Bedoya  Guests: Don Garber  Producers: Matthew Nelson, Brad Fosler  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week, we celebrate two champions of the summer: Vermont Green FC in Burlington and Hickory FC in South Carolina. Adam Pfeifer, sporting director of Vermont Green FC, joins the show (6:00) to reveal how he put together a roster that went undefeated and won the USL League 2 championship. Then, Hickory FC head coach Carlos Rubio shares his team’s journey to a historic 3-2 win over defending champion El Farolito to capture the National Premier Soccer League title in only the program’s second year (26:30).  We wrap up with an interview with Ross Brady, head coach of the United States Boys’ U-15 national team that seeks to defend their crown at the Concacaf Boys’ U-15 Championship in Costa Rica (40:00). The U.S. won their opening match, and the tournament continues through August 10.  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Alejandro Bedoya  Guests: Adam Pfeifer, Carlos Rubio, Ross Brady  Producers: Brad Fosler, Matthew Nelson  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

You’ve heard of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, but did you know that U.S. Soccer has nine extended national teams? They include beach, futsal, cerebral palsy, deaf and power soccer. Stuart Sharp, Head of Extended National Teams at U.S. Soccer, joins this week’s show to provide a comprehensive overview of the program, including the cerebral palsy team he also manages, world rankings, major competitions and how to get more involved.   Later, our hosts enjoy a conversation with the technical director behind one of these Extended National Teams (45:05). Morgan Church, head coach of the U.S. women’s beach soccer national team details the sport’s unique rules, the Acapulco Cup and where to sign the petition to start a Women’s World Cup for beach soccer. (There is one for men’s beach soccer, after all.)  Become a U.S. Soccer Insider into greater detail with our two guests as they discuss tactics, how players qualify for the team and where you can go to play beach soccer.   The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Click here to learn how you can support U.S. Soccer’s ENTs.  Hosts: David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg  Guests: Stuart Sharp, Morgan Church  Producer: Brad Fosler  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's MLS All-Star Week, and we're covering the highly anticipated event in Austin, Texas on this week’s episode. One of the players who earned a spot on the All-Star roster is today’s featured guest, Sebastian Berhalter. The USMNT and Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder joins the show to share about his life in Vancouver (2:47), the significance of representing the USMNT for the first time (6:06) and the excitement surrounding MLS All-Star (13:00).   Later, reporter Ryan Tolmich from Goal.com joins the show (21:30) to recap an epic summer of soccer. He gives his takes on the USMNT’s Gold Cup journey, and which young talent stood out the most (23:22), then dives into the significant transfers of players like Patrick Agyemang, Malik Tillman, and Johnny Cardoso to European clubs (29:12) and the evolving perception of American soccer talent on the global stage.  Become a U.S. Soccer Insider to hear Berhalter talk about his excellent set piece service and how it became an integral part of his game.  The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Alejandro Bedoya  Guests: Sebastian Berhalter, Ryan Tolmich  Producer: Brad Fosler  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Six players from the most recent USMNT camp are headed to the MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas on July 23. Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati) and Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps) will have the chance to represent their clubs at the highly anticipated event.  Patrick Agyemang was also named an MLS All-Star but transferred from Charlotte FC to Derby County in the EFL Championship on July 15.  On this week’s episode, hosts David Gass and Alejandro Bedoya preview the All-Star Game, breaking down the MLS seasons for each of our six All-Stars and discussing how they contributed to the United States’ run to the Concacaf 2025 Gold Cup Final.   Later, one of these All-Star selections joins the pod (22:00). Columbus Crew midfielder Max Arfsten takes us behind the scenes of the USMNT's Gold Cup journey and his rise to MLS All-Star status. From laundry struggles to scoring goals, Arfsten shares candid insights on team chemistry, his defensive evolution and freestyle juggling skills.   To get more exclusive content, including a fun preview of the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, become a U.S. Soccer Insider.   The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Alejandro Bedoya  Guest: Max Arfsten  Producer: Brad Fosler  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices