Soccer 2 the MAX

Ghana made it through their qualifying campaign thanks to an away goal from Thomas Partey and now find themselves in Group H with Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea. This is Know Your Teams where history, the route to the tournament (in this case the 2022 FIFA World Cup), coaching, players, and opponents are detailed and discussed in how it could all make a difference in how far they could go. So be sure to subscribe as this weekly team preview series continues. You can watch this in video format here: https://youtu.be/XKSLZgftaEIAlso, since Ghana has so many rumored players that may wind up making a decision to play for the team prior to the World Cup, this is discussed as well before making a final decision on a best-case scenario for the tournament too, which is the main reason why this is episode goes over the hour mark. * This was recorded on the same day Eddie Nketiah and Callum Hudson-Odoi had confirmed they would play for Ghana. At that time the other players mentioned at the end of the video including Tariq Lamptey had not been confirmed yet. I will be giving updates to any teams that are covered in this series in later podcasts. *

On the fifth time of asking a Major League Soccer club has finally won the CONCACAF Champions League. Seattle Sounders FC came in as favorites and came through some adversity with injuries early on, but in the end, their depth and quality shone through with a 3-0 win on the night and 5-2 on aggregate, the gold standard of MLS become the first US side to win the CCL. Erik and Sean discuss how big the moment really is, the players that made it happen, and what it means to be going to the FIFA Club World Cup as well. Also, the UEFA Champions League has an England vs Spain final as Liverpool dispatched Villarreal 5-2 on aggregate after a nervy first half that saw the Yellow Submarine make a comeback. However, this pales in comparison to the comeback the Spanish champions Real Madrid pulled off against Manchester City. After a quiet game, they exploded at the last minutes to force Extra Time and win it, in the end, to compete for their potentially 14th Champions League crown. Russia receives further bans from UEFA removing the Women's team from this summer's Women's EURO 2022, relegating the Russian Men's side to the third tier of the Nations League, and even banning them from UEFA Youth competitions too.You can also watch the show on video here:  https://youtu.be/e6_iK4IK_nQ

The Islamic Republic of Iran qualified not only at the top of their group in the 2022 Asian Football Confederation World Cup Qualifying but also as the overall best team in said qualifying, and they are the top-ranked Asian side as well.Drawn in Group B with England, USA, and TBA team of either Scotland, Wales, or Ukraine, Team Melli looks to make it to the Round of 16 for the first time ever. This is Know Your Teams, a weekly series on each team competing at the FIFA World Cup 2022. Sean and Erik go through each team's World Cup history, the road to the FIFA World Cup 2022, discuss the coach, some of the major and perhaps lesser-known players, formations, style of play, and of course also have a best-case scenario for each team as well.You can watch the show on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/dxtMrwLqwdg

Two Major League Soccer clubs have decided to make coaching changes with the San Jose Earthquakes sacking Matias Almeyda and D.C. United is due to sack Hernan Losada. Sean and Erik some of the story behind both firings, how Erik, as a DC United supporter feels about the move, and which team would be a better option for coaches looking at either job? The CONCACAF W Draw is done and joining the United States Women's National Team are rivals Mexico, the 2019 World Cup debutants Jamaica, and Haiti. Should there be any concern with the USWNT drawing the tougher teams out of the two groups? Is there a chance that anyone but Mexico going through this? Also, Group B sees Canada facing Costa Rica, Panama, and Trinidad & Tobago. Some Way Too Early Predictions are on the way. Finally, head scouts take their leave for Manchester United as Erik Ten Haag is all but appointed as the new United manager. After the whooping the squad received at the hands of Liverpool 4-0 there's a lot of talk about a sweeping revolution. Who are the players soon to be out, who should be sold, and could we really see 10 new players in one transfer window?Apologies for the background noise when Erik speaks in the first 5 to 8 minutes of the show, as Sean started recording as a family get-together was ending.The link to watch the episode on YouTube is here: https://youtu.be/8fSIR6ppIHEAnd while you're here, join us on Discord! https://discord.gg/aydMgvUN9d

There is just so much to talk about on this midweek edition of the Pod, as the CONCACAF Champions League Final is set with two longtime stalwarts of the respective leagues, Pumas U.N.A.M. vs. Seattle Sounders FC. However, the UEFA Champions League is what has grabbed the biggest headlines with some superb games, a major upset, and even some actual fighting too. The United States Women's National Team finish possibly their last window of victorious friendly matches with an 18-1 (9-1 and 9-0) over Uzbekistan. Can the young team take that forward into the upcoming CONCACAF W tournament in July? Speaking of, the field is now complete and all of the squads now know who will compete in Mexico to determine who winds up representing CONCACAF in the 2023 FIFA Women's World Cup. Who could deliver a surprise? Is there a chance for any upsets? Or will it remain as you expected? There's also the verbal agreement with Manchester United and Erik Ten Haag, Gio Reyna is injured again and is out for the rest of the club season, New England's freefall in MLS, and the announcement of a FIFA streaming service too.You can also watch the episode on Youtube here: https://youtu.be/lXR66ajmV94And while you're here, join us on Discord! https://discord.gg/aydMgvUN9d

The group stage is set and there are some tasty matchups everywhere, as Sean and Erik go through each one. Discussing the way too early chances for teams, way too early predictions, and way too early analysis of the squads. Obviously, there's a major focus from us on the three and potentially four CONCACAF teams, the United States, Canada, Mexico, and Costa Rica. Where they landed, their chances of getting out of groups, and if there are any surprise runs that could happen. Get ready as this is just the tip of the iceberg when it comes to looking at the World Cup from us, as eventually, we will have closer looks at each team historically, how they play, and players to highlight before the final squads are named.

The United States Men's National Team only had to avoid defeat by six goals or more and they would return to the World Cup. Mission accomplished with only a 2-0 loss to a younger and more fiery Los Ticos side on the night. And while the game is ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of things, Sean and Erik still a have few things to ponder in regards to what occurred. Should the USMNT's away form during qualifying be of any concern? How big a deal is it that the USMNT does not have a solidified striker as of yet and there are only two FIFA windows from here to when the 2022 FIFA World Cup begins on November 21 in Qatar. Should there be worry about the Goalkeeper position after two not so confident performances from Zack Steffen? Plus, one final look around CONCACAF as Mexico takes care of business against El Salvador in Azteca to actually finish in second place ahead of the USMNT. Canada loses in their final game as well and top the octagonal in the first place. Is it a done deal for Costa Rica against New Zealand? Not to mention, a look ahead to the World Cup Draw on Friday, the pots the teams are in, and the rest of the landscape around the globe for World Cup Qualifying too.Remember you can also watch Soccer 2 the MAX in video format here:  https://youtu.be/3oXvoBPav-YSean and Erik will be back sometime between Friday and Saturday to discuss the 2022 FIFA World Cup Draw, where the CONCACAF teams landed, and make some WAY TOO EARLY predictions on who gets out of the groups too. While you're here, check us out on Discord! https://discord.gg/aydMgvUN9d

The United States Men's National Team replicated their feat from 2017 in getting a blowout victory against Panama in the final home game of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. Thus, eliminating said team in the process and putting the USMNT a mere 90 minutes and some decent play away from punching their ticket to the 2022 FIFA World Cup in Qatar. Christian Pulisic got the Hat Trick, and the FC Dallas duo of Jesus Ferreira and Paul Arriola nabbed the other two goals in the process. How much should we take from the win? Should there be worries about the sloppy play? Or is this all about the positives of less possession but more chances? Of course, there has to be some discussion on the individual performances too. Plus, thoughts on who should start on Wednesday and we go around CONCACAF as Canada officially qualifies to their first World Cup since 1986 after a 4-0 thrashing of Jamaica. Mexico grinds out another one in a 1-0 win against Honduras, and Costa Rica guarantees themselves at least an intercontinental playoff spot with a 2-1 win over El Salvador.

Sean and Erik discussing the USMNT's 3-0 victory over Honduras on a four-degree evening in St. Paul Minnesota.Set Pieces make their return as a prevalent story, Christian Pulisic doesn't start, is Kelyn Acosta now someone you have to think of as a specialist for the team, is Weston McKennie now the USA's best player?Plus, one final trip around CONCACAF as the stage is set for the final round in late March. Canada is extremely close to qualification. while the USA, Mexico, Panama, and Costa Rica all fight for the remaining three spots.

On a chilly day in Hamilton Ontario playing on concrete, the Canadian Men's National Team gets a huge win over the United States Men's National Team. An early goal set the stage for a tough afternoon for the USMNT as they had to deal with a team that was happy to sit back and soak up pressure. The USA had a lot of possession but don't do much with it. Is this down to the players or coach Gregg Berhalter in being married to his system? Did he wait too long to bring on substitutions? Or was it all wrong from the start instead. Do the USA have any shot at grabbing the top spot? Or is this all about Canada from here on out? Sean and Erik also go around CONCACAF and discuss Costa Rica's hard-fought draw with Mexico at the Azteca. Panama taking it to Jamaica and VAR finally making its presence felt in these qualifiers. Also, can't forget to mention a HUGE win for La Selecta as El Salvador firmly end Honduras hopes and now give themselves a chance with 9 points to possibly make a leap up the standings. All of this and of course thoughts on what lies ahead for crucial games on Wednesday night as CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying comes down to the wire.

Soccer 2 the MAX returns to discuss the first of three games in this window of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers which begins with the United States Men's National Team getting a win by the slimmest of margins over El Salvador in Columbus, Ohio. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins ponder if the team perhaps plays more freely without Christian Pulisic starting. What about Jesus Ferriera starting instead of Ricardo Pepi? Has Antonee Robinson solidified his spot as the most vital defender? What matters more? Consistency in victory? Or not doing more against the quality of opposition? They also go around CONCACAF and look at what happened in the other games, including the huge win for Costa Rica over Panama and what this means for their game against Mexico. Is the USMNT vs Canada game the biggest match left? Will Panama deliver the final blow to Jamaica's World Cup chances?

The NWSL Expansion Draft and the 2022 NWSL College Draft delivered some big trades and major surprises, along with controversy as well. I guess you could say there was a little bit of everything. Rachael Kriger joins Sean and Erik to discuss the big happenings, the trades, some of the players drafted, and also the controversy that ensued afterward involving the Portland Thorns as well. Not to mention, the news of NWSL now taking on United States Women's National Team salaries and the NWSL schedule framework too. Major League Soccer also ushered in a new team in Charlotte FC and they had an Expansion Draft as well, although trades made it to where they actually wound up only picking three players ultimately. But on the bright side, a largely MLS-based squad helped the United States Men's National Team get to 17 wins on the year with a 1-0 over Bosnia Herzegovina. Although the game wasn't much to talk about, Jordan Morris certainly had some nice moments at least. Also, USMNT players could be on the move in the January Transfer Window with Barcelona looking to move Serginio Dest, but actually want Christian Pulisic? Would it be a good fit for him in Barcelona? What about Ricardo Pepi at Atletico Madrid? And could Weston McKennie join Tottenham too?

Portland ultimately was not able to take advantage of their home-field advantage and lost in penalties to a feisty New York City FC side with captain Sean Johnson making two huge saves and led by MLS 2021 Golden Boot winner Valentin Taty Castellanos on the scoring end, the boys from the Bronx claim Major League Soccer's ultimate prize. NYCFC MLS Cup Champions is how the year ends, but of course what's next for MLS and NYCFC? Sean and Erik discuss the game, the standout performances, and if there are any leads for a new stadium for NYCFC. They also go through the highlights of Don Garber's "State of MLS" address which includes the upcoming MLS TV rights deal, MLS Next PRO, Las Vegas being team # 30, Don's thoughts on the Biennial World Cup idea, and more. Plus the NWSL keeps making big moves and now Alex Morgan literally joins the San Diego Wave, Jesse Marsch is out at RB Leipzig, Chris Armas is in as Manchester United assistant, and the final USMNT squad of 2021 prepares for a friendly against Bosnia & Herzegovina this week. Of course, our Manchester United Moment is an interesting one as Ralf Rangnick's first week is eventful with two wins and a draw that doesn't really matter. Are there any positives to take from what's happened so far? Should there be a lot of concern with Brentford and Brighton coming up? And is it Bruno or Ronaldo? Who's the actual problem in the team?

On the other side of the pond, Manchester United has their man for the interim job as Ralf Rangnick joins the Red Devils to finish the season. Is the father of the gegenpress the right man to see things out? Should Ronaldo be concerned due to this drastic change in style? And will this actually galvanize the players to be more cohesive and actually play like a team? Plus, thoughts on the most recent game against Arsenal and Michael Carrick saying goodbye to the club.Despite losing their star man Taty Castellanos to a late second yellow card, NYCFC soldiered on and put their foot down in penalties to make their first-ever Eastern Conference finals appearance and oust the record-breaking supporters shield winners New England Revolution in the process. Now the MLS Cup Semifinals are set with Portland and Real Salt Lake set to square off on one side and the Philadelphia Union matchup against NYCFC on the other. Plus, the Intercontinental and European playoffs for crucial spots in the 2022 World Cup have been drawn. How are excited are CONCACAF at what's transpired? And should Portugal and Italy feel wronged? Or are their results more to blame? Some good and very bad for the NWSL since the end of the season with a terrible revelation that now-former Chicago Red Stars coach Rory Dames emotionally and verbally abused players. Will this finally lead to changes in the way teams pick their head coaches? There were at least some big trades already and the United States Women's National Team won and drew in their series against Australia too.

It has finally happened, Manchester United ripped off the band-aid and deliver the message, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Out! After their 4-1 loss to Watford. However, this goes beyond just one result, it has been a long time coming. Sean and Erik go through the game, the talk from the players, Ole himself, and this idea of two interim managers and who in the world would want to come to take the job from Michael Carrick, and of course who winds up the next full manager for the club. The Washington Spirit fulfilled their tagline as the "Team of Destiny" as Trinity Rodman willed the team to victory with two important setups that turned into the two goals that gave The Spirit a 2-1 win over the Chicago Red Stars. The Spirit now become the 5th team to win the NWSL Championship and now attention turns to the off-season where an expansion draft looms as well. All of this, plus NBC retaining the rights to the English Premier League for another six years after they paid 2.7 Billion to stave off approaches from CBS, ESPN, and even Warner Media. FIFA has made a big change to the Intercontinental Playoffs and more.

A super eventful 8th round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers give us a new leader at the top of the table to finish out 2021 as Canada bests Mexico 2-1 on a frigid night in Edmonton to get 16 points. The game had drama from the 1st minute until the 95th minute and so much happening in-between too. Elsewhere, the United States Men's National team only manage a draw at The Office in Kingston Jamaica as once again some Michail Antonio magic helps the Reggae Boyz pick up another point, as the USA suffers yet another lackluster showing away from home. Considering the US have more away games left than home games, is there a way to solve this problem? Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins go through the talking points and performances from both of the big games on the night. Plus, a customary trip around CONCACAF sees things get even tighter at the top and another squad creates a small window of distance from the other squads at the bottom. There's plenty to talk about as it is past the halfway point in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying.

On a rainy, at times even chilly night in Cincinnati, the United States Men's National Team faced their eternal rival in Mexico and came out the clear winners. Goals from substitute Christian Pulisic and Weston McKinnie are what appear on the stat sheet, but there's a lot to take from this game in the way the team played, in who stood out, and perhaps who has really cemented their spots in the squad. But what about Mexico? Is Tata Martino to blame for the loss? Or is it more about the players? And should there be some worry considering who they play in their next game? There's also the traditional trip around CONCACAF for Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins as they discuss the 1-0 victory for Canada over a younger Costa Rica. Panama going to San Pedro Sula and stealing the game away from Honduras. Plus, Alex Roldan rescues a point at home against Jamaica too.

There is a lot to get to in this episode that is, unfortunately, a day later than expected, but nonetheless, the playoffs are happening for the NWSL and MLS has reached Decision Day where now everything is set for their playoffs too. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins go through the ups and downs of some of the teams including Erik's own Orlando City making it in and D.C. United narrowly missing out. Although Sean's FC Dallas has long been eliminated, he still finds some interesting things to discuss, along with the two big games in NWSL as well. Of course, the US Men's National Team Squad has been named for the two games coming up against Mexico and Jamaica. Are there are any surprises? Any big misses? And any players that are question marks? Plus, the US Men's U-20 Squad gets a new coach and starts playing pretty soon in the Revelations Cup, FOX owns major National team soccer almost with their big grab of everything UEFA, the Manchester United Moment, and more!Timestamps: (1:20) MLS Decision Day 2021(23:15) NWSL Playoffs 2021(28:35) USMNT WCQ November Squad(48:40) US Men's U-20 New Coach and Squad for Revelations Cup(54:00) FOX Gets Rights to Everything UEFA from 2022 to EURO 2028(1:03:30) Manchester United Moment: Two Games, Same Ole United

New England Revolution break the single-season points record after officially winning Supporter's Shield last week. Will it actually mean anything? History kinda shows it may not. Plus the playoff field narrows with one week left. Juventus and Napoli are perhaps involved in another scandal. This time it is overestimating transfer fees for players to cook the books. The Manchester United Moment sees Ole get a small form of redemption thanks to a strike partnership that is the combined age of 70 and an awful Tottenham side too. Carli Lloyd officially played her last game for the United States Women's National Team, Ronald Koeman's sacking possibly making way for an old Barcelona legend, and more.

Ricardo Pepi looks to possibly have a move to VFL Wolfsburg possibly done soon, but with interest from Ajax, Genoa, and other clubs there's plenty of opportunities for him to go learn and ply his trade. However, with the 2022 World Cup looming playing time is also of the utmost importance. So Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss who could be the best fit for the USA's star striker, if making a move soon is the best decision, or if perhaps staying in MLS for another year may be a better option. They get into the latest with what's been happening in the NWSL, Europe and South America looking at blocking the proposed Biennial World Cup, and if Arsene Wenger's one-month international break is a good idea or not. Plus, Supporters Club, the Manchester United Moment, Hernan Dario Gomez becoming the new coach of Honduras, and more!