U.S. Soccer Podcast

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

USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino joins the U.S. Soccer Podcast for an exclusive interview as he reflects on the latest international window, including the USA’s gritty run in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup that ended Sunday night with a 2-1 loss to rival Mexico in an electric match in Houston, Texas.  In conversation with host Alejandro Bedoya, Pochettino talks about his first year as head coach of the USMNT (2:55) and highlights his team's growth over a 40-day camp, emphasizing the importance of player development and team cohesion (5:05). Pochettino speaks on the USMNT’s breakout stars from this year’s tournament (11:27), the cultural diversity of American cities (19:21) and what he hopes people take away from watching U.S. Soccer next summer in the FIFA World Cup (21:27).  Later, we hear straight from some of the players who led the USMNT to the program’s 13th Gold Cup Final. We caught up with Tyler Adams, Matt Freese, Patrick Agyemang, Chris Richards and captain Tim Ream right after the match at NRG Stadium for their instant reactions (23:59).  To get more exclusive content, including how players responded to Pochettino’s passionate post-match press conference, become a U.S. Soccer Insider.   The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Megan 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: Mauricio Pochettino  Producer: Brad Fosler  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

In a summer full of soccer, there’s one match that stands out among the rest. The rivalry between the U.S. Women’s National Team and Canada is one of the fiercest and most storied in women’s soccer. And with the 67th edition on July 2 in the Allstate Continental Clásico, two players are on this week’s episode to share their very different perspectives from differing sides of the program: Lynn Biyendolo, the veteran forward who recently captained the USWNT for the first time, and defender Jordyn Bugg, who at 18 years old just made her first career start. Together, they join David Gass and Megan Klingenberg to discuss the 600th win in USWNT history (6:30), the superpowers of a soft-spoken leader (15:30), Lynn’s thoughtful choicedecision to change the name on her jersey (17:00) and Jordyn’s decision to go pro at 17 years old (19:15) before diving into the rivalry with Canada (23:05). Then, the group concludes with some fun rapid-fire questions (34:00) including their takes on ‘Love Island USA’ Season 7. The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Megan 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, Megan Klingenberg Guests: Lynn Biyendolo, Jordyn Bugg Producer: Brad Fosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Head coach Emma Hayes is bringing a new level of mindfulness and intention to the United States Women’s National Team, evident in this week's enlightening conversation with hosts David Gass and Megan Klingenberg. As the featured guest, Hayes shares what she calls the ‘WNT Way,’ focused on prioritizing the culture and figuring out what’s best for women and female athletes through a range of topics such as wellness (2:50), “champagne moments” (12:55), individual coaching (15:50) and even karaoke. The group finishes with some rapid-fire questions for Hayes like who’s the funniest player in USWNT camp (28:12).  Later, our hosts open the discussion to reflect and preview the three-match window for the USWNT against Ireland on June 26 in Commerce City, Colo. and June 29 in Cincinnati and against rival Canada on July 2 in Washington D.C. (34:14)  “The U.S. Soccer Podcast” is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Megan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: David Gass, Megan Klingenberg  Guest: Emma Hayes  Producer: Brad Fosler  To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast   Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Two USWNT captains, past and present, join us on this week's episode of “The U.S. Soccer Podcast.” First, Becky Sauerbrunn sits down to support co-host Megan Klingenberg’s emotional decision to retire (4:40). The two recall memories from their time together as teammates, including some competitive escape room outings (16:30) and the surprising story behind Klingenberg’s second cap (13:15). Finally, the conversation concludes on the topic of legacy, and how the two recent retirees plan to approach the next phase of their careers (21:16). Later in the episode, Lindsey Heaps joins our hosts (39:50) to discuss her path to becoming USWNT captain, which began with her first call-up and first cap in the 2013 Algarve Cup. Then, the midfielder shares what she’s learned from her own conversations with Sauerbrunn (44:02), how she’s seen leadership out of teammates such as Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett (48:00), and the importance of driving a competitive, winning culture for a new generation (50:10). “The U.S. Soccer Podcast” is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Megan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. Hosts: David Gass, Megan Klingenberg Guests: Becky Sauerbrunn, Lindsey Heaps Producer: Bradley Fosler Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the U.S. Soccer Podcast! We’re one year out from the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, and to celebrate the countdown, we’re launching the first episode of our brand-new podcast.   In this special inaugural episode, host David Gass welcomes everyone to the podcast (0:05) and sets the table for future episodes. Then, he turns it over to four World Cup veterans who contributed to some of the biggest moments in USMNT history: 1994 World Cup veteran Cobi Jones (1:44), his teammate and 3x World Cup veteran Tony Meola (2:10), 2010 World Cup veteran Benny Feilhaber (2:29), and 2010 World Cup veteran and podcast co-host Alejandro Bedoya (2:45).   Our guests share memories of their various World Cup experiences, taking us through unforgettable moments on the pitch and in the locker room. Then, they give us a sense of what to expect next summer when the world's biggest soccer tournament comes to American soil for the second time in history.   “The U.S. Soccer Podcast” is a production from U.S. Soccer launching June 11. The podcast hosted by David Gass alongside co-hosts Megan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya will tell stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Host: David Gass  Guests: Cobi Jones, Tony Meola, Benny Feilhaber, Alejandro Bedoya  Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Step inside the heart of soccer in America with the U.S. Soccer Podcast. Every Wednesday, host David Gass sits down for honest, uplifting conversations with voices from across the soccer landscape. We'll be introducing you to the people working to grow the game at every level from the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams to the Youth and Extended National Teams and beyond. The conversations bring you closer to the players, coaches, and personalities shaping the game in communities across the country, exploring the moments, ideas, and the influencers driving the sport forward. This is where soccer stories live. New episodes drop every week. Join us. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices