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Across Grade School → Junior High School → High School, Christina Unkel walks Lori Lindsey through real match scenarios, the laws behind them, and the gray areas where football and refereeing collide.

Act I covers early-career lessons — including a Marta–Heather Mitts moment Christina never shared publicly until now.

Act II breaks down deliberate handball, continuation fouls, and the ethics of a goal scored through broken nets.

Act III goes all in on VAR: why some decisions take so long, what the officials are actually checking, how football understanding informs interpretation, and why referee development in the U.S. still requires patience.

This is the referee classroom the audience has been asking for — honest, detailed, and rooted in what actually happens on the field and in the booth.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They share:

• why Lori’s “tradition” is… not having one
• Christina’s Noche Buena ritual
• the great tamales debate
• favorite holiday foods (yes, dessert counts)
• New Year’s resolutions (or “time sweeps”)
• Christina’s challenge: do one new thing every week
• a reminder that Boxing Day football is the real holiday

A short, festive drop-in from the Soccerish crew — Happy Holidays!

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• Tony Meola remembers the mullet era and how the role has transformed.
• Jill Loyden and Christina Unkel unpack the pressures young keepers face and the bravery the position demands.
• Jenny Nguyen brings humor and honesty about what it means to “dream big” in goal.
• Ann-Katrin Berger shares her philosophy on playing high, her iconic one-handed save at the Euros, and her fight through thyroid cancer — including the tattoos and sign language she uses to honor her sister.
• Danny Higginbotham explains how footwork has become as important as shot-stopping in today’s game.

Across acts — Who’d Be a Goalkeeper, Look No Hands, and A Goalkeeper’s Story — this special weaves technical evolution with human resilience. It’s about gloves, grit, and the courage to stand in hard places.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

You’ll hear:

• Bev Yanez, 2025 Coach of the Year, on balancing leadership, family, and staff trust.
• Laura Harvey, a three-time Coach of the Year, reflecting on authenticity, therapy, evolving with her players — plus her unexpected admission about TikTok dancing and why The Summer I Turned Pretty absolutely does not pass the Harvey test.
• Freya Coombe, who’s lived both the highs of being hired as a head coach and the lows of being fired, sharing lessons in resilience and tactical growth.

Together, they speak intimately to Christina Unkel and Lori Lindsey about hardship, coping, caring, bonding, and success. They reveal what the game means to them, how they manage the relentless demands of coaching, and how they lead with authenticity and vision.

This special isn’t just about soccer — it’s about leadership, vulnerability, and the human side of the NWSL.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In our season finale, they reflect — not with a grand “state of the game,” but a personal one: the moments that surprised them, the stories that stuck, and what they learned from being inside soccer’s biggest stages.

They share:

• calling the Euros and the NWSL Championship
• the rise of Bev Yanez — and why it mattered
• Laura Harvey’s infamous AI moment
• Lori’s childhood mission to become Tony Meola
• Christina’s whirlwind of boat parades, contracts, and financials
• why the MLS Cup not having a neutral site caught them off guard
• what fans quietly tell them about how (and why) they listen
• how they navigated the blur of 2024
• where they hope Soccerish goes next
• and yes, Lori reacts to Christina’s “Chilly Willy” triathlon

Plus: a first look at our December/January special series — Goalkeepers - The Last Defender, Women Who Lead, Soccerish One-ish, and Lori Goes to Ref School.

Chapters (mm:ss)

00:00 Ish-ing around & Thanksgiving reset

01:30 World Cup draw + MLS Cup — Miami–Vancouver, Messi/Alba/Busquets, neutral-site debate

05:00 Personal reflections — Bev Yanez, Laura Harvey & AI, Tony Meola childhood, Rochester Rhinos confusion

08:30 Season recap & the future of Soccerish storytelling

11:00 Grassroots voices — Jenny Nguyen’s Sports Bra, Club Eleven on the road

13:00 Highlights — Euros, NWSL Championship, on-air chemistry

16:00 Life inside the game — boat parade, contracts, stress, boundaries, triathlon

23:30 A shifting year — calendars, parity, expansion across U.S. soccer

27:30 Listener habits & the power of untold stories

32:00 Looking ahead — 2026 plans, World 7, and our specials preview

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

They also revisit the key tactical moment from the NWSL Final: Hal Hershfelt’s injury and the delayed substitution. Lori explains how Washington’s hesitation shifted momentum to Gotham and influenced the winning goal.

From there, Christina and Lori look ahead to the MLS semifinals — San Diego’s stunning expansion-year surge, Inter Miami’s form, and what Messi’s output means at this stage of the season. They close with the USWNT’s upcoming camp under Emma Hayes and what she’ll prioritize in the final window of the year.

And yes, it’s Thanksgiving — so Lori is “bringing the vibes,” Christina is grateful for finally getting her hair cut, and both hosts take a moment to reflect on gratitude, rest, and the massive three-year runway ahead: the Women’s World Cup, Men’s World Cup, and the LA Olympics.

Happy Thanksgiving — and buckle up, buttercups.

Chapters (mm:ss)

00:00 Cold open — “Millions of hats” and Christina’s first haircut in a year

00:34 Thanksgiving intro — What Christina and Lori are grateful for

01:44 “Illuminated year” — Lori on work, balance, and unstructured time

02:15 Friendsgiving plans — Lori brings “the vibes”

02:52 Vibes era — Women’s sports and CBS Championship atmosphere

03:46 Record breaker — Most-watched NWSL match ever

04:29 “We have arrived” — San Diego → KC → San Jose

05:29 The catwalk — Stadium setup and matchday design

05:55 Trinity Rodman — The crossroads

06:40 Player reality — Compartmentalizing during a championship run

07:34 “Generational talent” — Why Lori hopes Rodman stays

08:58 Equal pay to star power — How we got here

09:45 Super League vs NWSL — Parity and the DC Power offer

10:52 Should NWSL adopt a DP rule?

12:26 Salary cap realities

13:40 Locker room dynamics

15:00 Players Association — Protecting parity

17:19 The league is evolving

19:07 Wild West window — Prospects and overseas movement

20:10 Why internationals want to come

20:41 Melting pot future

21:04 Hal Hershfeld injury — The turning point

22:49 The delayed sub — Momentum shifts

23:48 The “gingerly step” — Goal sequence breakdown

24:27 Coaching lessons

24:54 MLS playoffs — Miami and Vancouver–San Diego

25:18 Expansion shock — San Diego hosting a semi

26:07 Messi in form

26:54 Rising expansions

27:08 USWNT — Emma Hayes’ final camp of the year

27:38 Roster management

28:50 Italy preview

29:32 Holiday sign-off — “Buckle up”

29:52 Thanksgiving close

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They preview the NWSL Championship between Gotham and Washington — two very different teams with clear strengths and real questions. Can Gotham handle Washington’s physicality? Will Ann-Katrin Berger steal the spotlight again? And is Trinity Rodman healthy enough to change the match on her own?

Charlie also breaks down the USMNT’s evolving identity and why the real tests come in March against Portugal and Belgium, not in November friendlies.

And they dig into the seismic changes reshaping the domestic game:

• MLS preparing to shift to a fall–spring calendar

• USL pushing ahead with promotion and relegation

• Why these moves finally put U.S. soccer in step with the global game

Plus: the origin of Lori’s “Shut Up, Steve,” and a brief detour into her Tony Meola hair era.

Soccerish at full speed — big matches, big changes, and a national program growing up in real time.

New episodes every Thursday.

Chapters (mm:ss)

00:00 Cold open — Christina and Charlie bond over North Andover and ice cream spots

00:43 Welcome — “1-2-3 go vs 3-2-1 go” and show preview

01:32 NWSL semis — Lori on Gotham/Washington momentum and the Yellow Brick Wall

02:39 VAR chat — the razor-tight offside in Washington’s match

03:24 Gotham’s heroics — Ann-Katrin Berger’s “matrix save”

07:12 Travel panic — Christina freaks out about flights; everyone is flying into SFO

09:01 Picks — Christina leans Washington for the NWSL Championship

10:31 Gotham case — defensive strength vs. season-long inconsistency

10:56 Charlie arrives — “I finally made it to Soccerish!”

11:22 Coaching life — freezing practice, kids’ tournaments

12:11 Career intro — USMNT, Olympics, MLS clubs

14:25 Broadcasting — working with Jimmy Conrad & Tony Meola

14:57 Meola mullet lore — Lori modeled her hair after Tony

15:36 USMNT Paraguay recap — transition into Uruguay preview

16:27 Identity shift — Pochettino’s system, wide-player spacing, Balogun support

18:17 Summer 2026 — belief, injuries, and what’s needed for a run

19:25 Mentality — Charlie on the 2010 underdog mindset

20:10 Confederations Cup — Egypt win, beating Spain, belief they could win a World Cup

22:53 The belief — “We can beat the very best.”

23:11 Statement wins — why Mexico wasn’t enough

23:47 Uruguay — is it a statement win or not?

24:11 Portugal & Belgium — March matches as the real tests

25:25 Shut Up Steve — the Wake Forest backstory and what the USMNT needs

26:28 The brawl — fighting for each other as maturity

27:10 MLS shift — calendar vote and domestic impact

28:26 MLS realignment — why it finally makes sense

31:05 Weather reality — cold markets and scheduling

31:55 Right timing — MLS couldn’t do this before

32:24 Stadium economics — moving beyond NFL dependency

33:42 Fans vs cold — growth vs comfort

34:18 USL pro/rel — intent and pathways for players

36:42 Development — advice for young players and parents

38:00 Coaching kids — foundational ages 6–12

39:10 Writing — how Charlie joined The Athletic

40:20 The book — paused but coming

42:11 Topics — what he writes and why

43:05 Suggestion box — how listeners can pitch ideas

44:31 Final Q — Who wins the NWSL Championship?

45:00 Charlie’s pick — Gotham

46:18 Wrap — US vs Uruguay preview and sign-off

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

This week on Soccerish, the former Stoke City captain and current MLS Season Pass analyst joins Christina Unkel and Lori Lindsey to explain why obsessing over Messi breaks teams before kickoff — and what the real tactical challenge actually is. It’s not about stopping one genius and the game's "greatest player". It’s about denying rhythm, space, and identity to the entire team.

Danny also unpacks the myth of the “cold, rainy night in Stoke,” takes us inside Tony Pulis’s infamous training sessions, and explains why long throws and set-piece chaos are suddenly back in fashion.

Plus: what he misses most as a player, how hypnosis helped him conquer a fear of flying, and what he’s seeing in the MLS Playoffs.

It’s tactics, toughness, and a touch of therapy — Soccerish style.

Chapters (mm:ss)

00:00 Welcome — Christina introduces Danny Higginbotham, former Premier League defender & MLS analyst

02:27 Backstory — Lori recalls their delayed flight from Miami and Danny’s fear of flying

03:30 Hypnosis — how Danny beat flight anxiety and what it taught him about control

04:37 Home base — the basement games room, framed shirts & two floods

06:00 Ref chat — VAR controversy from Cincinnati vs Columbus and what analysts see differently

09:20 Pulis era — 6 a.m. bike rides, grind culture & learning to suffer for fitness

10:10 Stoke style — the long throw, set-piece chaos & why old-school weapons are back

23:45 Messi myth — “Teams try to solve the problem that is Messi… you’re wasting your time.”

25:10 Defending the unstoppable — discipline, distance & structure over fear

44:42 Game evolution — why slower tempo is bringing back box-to-box midfielders

46:20 MLS trends — set pieces, transitions & the return of the gritty team

1:08:20 Hypnosis revisited — panic, respect for anxiety & mental resilience

1:08:43 Airport habits — Christina confesses she arrives 30 minutes before take-off

1:09:22 Playoff preview — Philadelphia vs NYCFC and what to watch for

1:09:39 The joy of live sport — unpredictability and why he still loves the game

1:11:14 Final question — “Which team is the MLS Stoke City?”

1:11:30 Danny’s answer — “Philadelphia Union and Minnesota United.”

1:12:00 Wrap-up — Christina & Lori thank Danny and close with next-week’s tease

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

When Ann-Katrin Berger talks about signing “I love you” to her deaf sister before a match, everything stops — even Christina and Lori. The Gotham FC and Germany keeper opens up about what drives her: surviving thyroid cancer twice, staying calm when the world’s on fire, and why she listens to heartbreak songs before kick-off.

She’s, funny, self-aware, and disarmingly honest — from her tattoos to that one-handed save at the Euros that made the world gasp.

🎙 Hosts: Christina Unkel & Lori Lindsey

🏆 Guest: Ann-Katrin Berger — Gotham FC & Germany NT

New episodes of Soccerish every Thursday on YouTube, Spotify, Apple Podcasts, and soccerishpodcast.com.

#Soccerish #AnnKatrinBerger #Goalkeeper #Germany #WomensFootball #Inspiration #SignLanguage #DeafCommunity

Chapters (mm:ss)

00:00 Cold open — signing “I love you” & the story behind it

01:03 Welcome — Christina introduces Germany & Gotham FC’s No. 1

02:11 Home base — Stuttgart, Mercedes & Porsche pride

02:52 Car chat — “Get her that dealership deal!”

03:55 Match prep — calm, music & pre-game rituals

05:08 Playoff mindset — Adele, Bieber & heartbreak songs

06:13 Euro 2025 save — “It felt like The Matrix”

08:45 Why the Euros hit different — pride, pressure & depth

09:43 Speed vs. space — adapting to NWSL tempo

11:19 Lori joins — U.S. style, youth systems & boxed potatoes

13:15 Adapting across leagues — Germany, France, England, U.S.

16:57 The modern keeper — footwork, risk & composure

18:03 Advice for young goalies — “Play out of goal as long as you can”

20:55 Positioning — stopping attacks before they start

21:36 The save revisited — instinct, defiance & disbelief

24:37 Off-field life — family, sister & sign language

25:03 Growing up together — learning to connect beyond sound

27:40 Empathy — “Who decides what’s normal?”

28:17 Teaching Christina & Lori — how to sign I love you 🤟

31:19 Cancer & courage — speaking out and helping others

35:08 Tattoos — compass, tree & “All we have is now”

38:15 Reflection — resilience, humor & life perspective

39:27 Playoff focus — facing Kansas City next

41:31 Knockout mindset — “You have to beat them anyway”

41:55 Closing — gratitude, humor & no beer in Germany

43:26 Wrap-up — Lori & Christina debrief, viral week recap

47:22 Weekend plans — playoff calls & Racing Louisville shout-out

47:37 Outro — follow, subscribe & thank-yous

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Hosts Christina Unkel and Lori Lindsey draw out Harvey’s trademark mix of honesty and humor: therapy sessions, karaoke misfires, and even enduring The Summer I Turned Pretty just to bond with her Gen Z squad.

This is Laura Harvey unfiltered—funny, reflective, and redefining what modern coaching looks like.

Highlights include:

• 🧠 “I asked ChatGPT what formation to play… and it worked.”
• 💬 Authenticity, leadership, and therapy off the field
• 🎤 Karaoke choices and TikTok dances
• 🍿 “I want my time back.” — on The Summer I Turned Pretty
• ⚔️ Why the Portland–Seattle rivalry is the real deal
• 🕳️ The viral “ghost goal” and lessons in honesty

Chapters (mm:ss)

00:00 Cold open — delayed flights, MLS playoffs & chaos

01:03 Karaoke talk — Adele, Bieber & mic control

02:28 Rolling start — “Wait, are we actually recording?”

02:45 Welcome — Christina & Lori re-introduce Laura Harvey

03:45 Season grind — 12 straight weeks, coast-to-coast travel

05:15 Performance fatigue — introverts in an extrovert job

06:36 Self-care shift — therapy, leadership coaching, boundaries

09:45 Authenticity — “Be you, or players see through it”

13:34 Coaching advice — women, authority & finding your people

16:34 Generation gap — The Summer I Turned Pretty & evolving

18:09 Tactics — ChatGPT formation experiment (and it worked)

21:47 Deception by design — unpredictable systems & open coaching

24:30 Future of NWSL — expansion, youth movement & loyalty

27:02 Team identity — shifting focus from stars to clubs

28:46 Rivalries — Portland-Seattle, “true hatred with respect”

31:44 Outro — laughter, joy & “best job in the world”

32:19 Post-interview — rivalries, storylines & club culture

36:54 U.S. rivalries — geography, coaching personalities & fan energy

37:17 Ghost Goal clip — Doxa FCW vs. Lansdowne Yonkers

38:37 Law 5 debate — no VAR, no replay, pure chaos

40:33 Ethics — should players admit it wasn’t a goal?

41:25 Ref accountability — zip ties, field checks & fairness

47:55 U.S. bid — Women’s World Cup 2031 & CONCACAF vision

49:09 Summer of Soccer — the U.S. decade ahead

50:24 Wrap — gratitude, growth & watch on YouTube

Watch, listen, subscribe and follow

• All episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SoccerishPodcast

• Show notes & clips (Substack) → https://www.soccerishpodcast.com/

• Shorts playlist → https://www.youtube.com/@SoccerishPodcast/shorts

• IG/TikTok/YouTube → @SoccerishPodcast

• Audio podcast → https://pod.link/1786871720

Hosts

Christina Unkel (CBS/ITV rules analyst; FIFA referee) &

Lori Lindsey (CBS/Amazon/Apple analyst; former USWNT)

Contact / bookings

📧 info@thesoccerpodcastusa.com

🎬 Red Card Productions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Inside the episode

• How Racing built a hard-working team identity

• Why Japan “broke” her (and made her better)

• Leading a staff of former head coaches

• Trust, growth, and ownership in the locker room

• The (hypothetical) swear jar — and what it says about authenticity

On the record: Christina Unkel makes a bold call — Bev Yanez as a future USWNT head coach. Do you agree?

Chapters (mm:ss)

00:00 Cold open — proper English weather & hello again

00:40 Welcome — Christina & Lori re-introduce Bev

02:05 Fun fact — only NWSL HC who also played

03:38 Path to coaching — visibility, licenses, Japan spark

05:51 First months as HC — what you don’t see in the chair

07:49 Identity thread — work rate from player to coach

10:17 Box-to-box — effort as a throughline

15:07 Japan — the rondo shock

23:34 Playoff push — the 4–1 reset & principles

25:31 Calling card — “we work for 90-plus minutes”

27:33 Swear jar — authenticity with a bleep

32:49 Christina’s call — USWNT future

42:50 Outro — thanks & sign-off

Watch, listen, subscribe and follow

• All episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SoccerishPodcast

• Show notes & clips (Substack) → https://www.soccerishpodcast.com/

• Shorts playlist → https://www.youtube.com/@SoccerishPodcast/shorts

• IG/TikTok/YouTube: @SoccerishPodcast

-Audio podcast https://pod.link/1786871720

Hosts

Christina Unkel (CBS/ITV rules analyst; FIFA referee) & Lori Lindsey (CBS/Amazon/Apple analyst; former USWNT)

Contact / bookings

info@thesoccerpodcastusa.com | Red Card Productions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In 2025, Club Eleven turned a 1998 school bus named Woody into a rolling newsroom and museum and drove it 9,000 miles across the country, chasing the U.S. Open Cup and collecting stories you won’t find in a press release.

Along the way:

• A tire blowout outside a funeral home
• A block party in Brooklyn with Tim Weah and Allen Lazard
• A USL2 final in Vermont with 5,000 fans—half outside the stadium
• A jersey handed over with flare burns still fresh
• A Bayern Munich event at Rockefeller Center
• And a reminder that soccer in the U.S. isn’t a brand—it’s a habit

Christina Unkel and Lori Lindsey dig in with Pablo on what’s growing, and what actually matters heading into World Cup year 2026. It’s grassroots over glossy. It’s the messy, funny, stubborn version of U.S. soccer you won’t get from a press release. Plus how Neil Armstrong took an Argentinean soccer club pennant to the moon.

Watch. Argue. Believe.

Chapters (mm:ss)

00:00 Cold open — rubber, debris, and the birth of a soccer bus

00:40 Welcome — Christina & Lori introduce Pablo and Club Eleven

02:05 What is Club Eleven — from match-day stories to a bus museum

05:10 The Open Cup thread — choosing a roadmap for the year

06:40 Meeting Christina — the print mag interview in Austin

08:20 Background — Peru → U.S., DC United, and starting Club Eleven

12:45 MLS, regional fandom, and missing stories

15:20 On the road — Nashville oil leak at a funeral home

18:50 Tire blowout — New England detour and making Red Bulls on time

21:40 Manhattan stop — Bayern pop-up; Icarus Cup to Vermont in a day

24:50 Vermont final — 2,500 in, 2,500 on the hill; flare-burn jersey

28:40 “America is a soccer country” — Asheville kids and optimism

33:10 The crew — five friends, one bus, 9,000 miles

35:20 Funding & vision — the “blank check” bus ideas

38:40 Naming the bus — why Woody (and the Neil Armstrong pennant)

40:10 Tally — 9,000 miles, 11 Open Cup games, 17–18 total stops

42:10 Tuesdays in the lot — Open Cup community and first-timers

44:10 Best bars — Phoenix Landing and the Premier League list

46:10 Wrap — gratitude, next plans, and sign-off

Watch & follow

• All episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SoccerishPodcast

• Show notes & clips (Substack) → https://www.soccerishpodcast.com/

• Shorts playlist → https://www.youtube.com/@SoccerishPodcast/shorts

• IG/TikTok/YouTube: @SoccerishPodcast

Hosts

Christina Unkel (CBS/ITV rules analyst; FIFA referee) & Lori Lindsey (CBS/Amazon/Apple analyst; former USWNT).

Contact / bookings

info@thesoccerpodcastusa.com | Red Card Productions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What you’ll hear

• KC Current’s blueprint: culture > clarity > ruthless game management
• “Standards don’t sleep”: work, don’t whine—and double down after you win
• The assistant’s lens: relationships, selection pressure, and set-piece/defensive detail
• Positions explainer: clear, simple breakdown of 6 / 8 / 9 / 10 (no jargon)

Chapters (mm:ss)

00:00 Cold open — Stones night, dawn flight, and a first-impression test

02:00 Stakes — KC’s Shield in September; why this season is different

05:20 Origin beat — the MetLife concert story and what it changed

10:10 Why KC win — standards, rotation, and game-state control

17:10 Inside the staff — defensive detail under Vlatko; clean-sheet mentality

19:30 “They hate me less now” — assistant vs. head coach dynamics

33:20 Culture rules — train like champs; work, don’t whine

36:57 After the Shield — “now is when we double down”

41:40 Listener letter — what a 6/8/9/10 actually do (KC examples)

47:50 Wrap — playoff look-ahead + where to find more

Guest

Freya Coombe — Assistant Coach, Kansas City Current; former head coach at Gotham FC (Sky Blue) and Angel City FC.

Watch & follow

• All episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SoccerishPodcast

• Show notes & clips (Substack) → https://www.soccerishpodcast.com/

• Shorts playlist → https://www.youtube.com/@SoccerishPodcast/shorts

• IG/TikTok/YouTube: @SoccerishPodcast

Hosts

Christina Unkel (CBS/ITV rules analyst; FIFA referee) & Lori Lindsey (CBS/Amazon/Apple analyst; former USWNT).

Contact / bookings

info@thesoccerpodcastusa.com | Red Card Productions

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

What’s inside

• Servant leadership, not ego. Set others up to win; power to do, not power over.
• Unsung heroes. From Willie (Thorns) to Sophie (USWNT): equipment managers, comms, ops, medical—the backbone. Give them their flowers.
• The Emma Hayes effect. Intentionality, women’s health, purpose → performance.
• Parity without panic. Stop doom-scrolling the table; be great today.
• New episodes every Thursday with Christina Unkel & Lori Lindsey.

⏱️ Episode 6 – Sam Coffey | Timecodes

00:00 – Cold open: chaos, tradition vs. “our way” 🎙️

00:48 – Christina + Lori introduce Sam Coffey; pressure of club & country ⚽️

01:25 – Sam arrives (traffic!); first impressions and podcast format 🚦

02:15 – Growing up in a sportswriting family; dinner-table sports talk 📰

04:20 – Family still sports-obsessed; Portland visit stories 🌲

05:30 – Mom’s tennis background; Yankees loyalty 🎾

06:12 – Why Coffey majored in journalism; her sister’s feature writing ✍️

08:28 – “Coffey’s Corner” idea → storytelling beyond soccer 💡

10:36 – Unsung heroes: equipment managers, support staff, behind-the-scenes impact 🧰

12:53 – Gratitude for staff at club and USWNT; “they run the team” 🙌

14:38 – Coffey on leadership style → servant leadership, setting others up 🌟

18:29 – Christina reframes: “It’s power to do something” 🔋

19:05 – Emma Hayes’ influence: female lens, menstrual cycle research, joy in play 🇺🇸

21:40 – Biggest changes in USWNT environment: clarity, intentionality, unity 🧭

24:35 – Barista in camp? Yes → professionalism and comfort ☕️

27:09 – Why details (like coffee!) matter when you play 11 months/year 🔄

28:10 – Pressure of playing while also “building the movement” 🏗️

29:19 – Life after soccer; financial + emotional pressure 💰

30:12 – NWSL playoff race: tight table, mindset of one day at a time 🗓️

33:44 – “Whoever picked us last doesn’t get Portland culture” 🌲

34:27 – Dream guest question: Sam chooses Mikel Arteta (and Declan Rice shoutout) 🔴⚪️

37:15 – Lori’s pick: Megan Rapinoe in a “Gary Neville walk & talk” 🚶‍♀️

37:59 – Wrapping up: NWSL parity, Gotham match preview 🆚

38:32 – Outro: follow Soccerish on YouTube + socials 🔗

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

• USWNT, no spin: Why he believes they’re the world’s best team—and where the goals come from next.
• USMNT reality check: Will the team be World Cup ready? What it takes to light up casual fans (hint: reaching the knockout rounds), plus Shaw’s “perfect World Cup” recipe.
• Ref-cam debate: Cool POV vs clunky hardware—why it helps the fan.
• Naomi Girma: Why he calls her the world’s best defender.
• When you’re wrong on air: Fix it next show. Simple as that.
• Breaking into TV: Work,and coachability, plus the 15-second test that launched Christina's TV career.
• Classic Soccerish chaos: CBS calls mid-record; Lori takes the wheel; Christina pops back in like nothing happened.

If you care about the USWNT/USMNT—and want an insider’s take and how TV frames the game—this one’s for you.

00:00 – Cold open: Champions League day chaos; Christina sets the tone ⚽️

00:37 – Shaw: “I would be shocked if they did not win the ’27 World Cup.” 🇺🇸

01:02 – Lori: “I want to do Champions League games… I need to get in touch with somebody in Europe.” ✨

01:59 – Christina: “I love that you’re eating something. What is it that you’re eating?”

02:07 – Lori: “I’m eating tuna… was engulfed in Champions League… let’s eat some tuna.” 🐟

02:22 – “Is it okay? How do you eat tuna?” → mayo + mustard + “everything”

03:02 – Microwave fish & boxed mash confession 🤢

04:23 – Spaghetti with sour cream (and black beans) — childhood favorite → adult regret

05:23 – “Friend… would eat raw ground beef with salt & pepper.”

06:04 – Christina: “By any chance do you see the guest, Lori?”

06:10 – “Who let this guy in?” → Shaw arrives; “legendary” entrance 🙌

08:09 – “You’re going to have to jump in, Lori…” → Lori takes the wheel while Christina handles CBS 🎛️

09:36 – USWNT under Emma Hayes: depth, direction, expectations

10:18 – “Start seeing real squads… blowing some teams up pretty quickly.”

12:43 – Shaw’s origin story: Ipswich to internships to World Cups 🌍

16:24 – “There’s never been depth like this” (USWNT)

18:48 – Naomi Girma praise + repeat: “I’d be shocked if they did not win the ’27 World Cup.” 🛡️

20:36 – Why U.S. players in Europe matters (keepers, CBs, attackers)

23:56 – USMNT state: roster churn, friendlies vs Ecuador, Australia, Paraguay, Uruguay

26:44 – Christina returns: Real Madrid handball — “It’s not the bracing arm.” 🖐️

32:00 – If you’re wrong on air, fix it next show; “the goal is to be correct.” ✅

34:18 – World Cup résumé: seven men’s, seven women’s

35:37 – Keeping 2026 momentum in the U.S.

36:36 – World Cup “recipe”: USMNT knockouts + a Cinderella + Messi’s last run; ticketing gripe 🎟️

41:12 – Stars sell; MLS = weekly chaos and fun (not always “the best,” always entertaining)

45:39 – Ref-cam: “monstrous” vs why Shaw still likes the POV 🎥

47:57 – Breaking into TV: reps, coachability, honest feedback; Christina’s 15-second test

51:26 – Sign-off: gratitude, “pushing the envelope,” see you next week 👋

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• Kickback & Career: Susannah takes us inside the launch of Kickback Soccer Media, her time at MLS and CBS, and what it’s like living the USL League One “WAG life” while her husband coaches.
• Breaking News Hits: Mid-recording, the Suárez MLS suspension drops. Susannah reacts, sparking a debate on whether MLS needs villains and why Zlatan was the “good” kind.
• Life Beyond Soccer: Susannah opens up about her breast cancer diagnosis, why she chose to share it publicly, and the support she’s found in the soccer community.
• Scoreline Chaos: The crew close with predictions for the USMNT vs Japan—none of which aged well—before Christina’s power cuts out and Lori wraps the show solo.

It’s Soccerish at its best: human, sharp, funny, unflinching, and unfiltered

.⏱️ Time-Coded Highlights

00:00 – Cold open: Would you rather be punched in the face or spit on? 🤔

00:53 – Christina introduces surprise guest Susannah Collins 🎙️

02:26 – Kickback Soccer Media: why Susannah launched it ahead of 2026

05:03 – From CBS mornings to Kickback nights: life after 4 a.m. alarms

09:19 – The Call Up origins: hotel-bar conversations that became a podcast 🍸

13:26 – Breaking news: Luis Suárez suspended mid-recording

14:55 – Susannah on villains in MLS: “I’d rather be punched than spat on” 🥊

21:12 – Zlatan vs Suárez: what makes a good villain

23:17 – Susannah’s path into soccer media (and a DM that changed everything)

26:45 – Life in USL League One: Susannah on being a “WAG” and her husband’s red card 🚩

29:20 – Susannah shares her breast cancer diagnosis and why she went public ❤️

36:31 – The power of community: how soccer rallied around her

38:55 – Shaving her head: family support, laughter, and hidden gray hair ✂️😳

40:21 – The wig reality: “Good Lord, they’re expensive” 💸

40:55 – Charlie Davies’ advice: “Don’t let cancer win” 💪

42:25 – Christina on wanting Storm’s white hair ⚡

43:04 – Susannah: “Lori Lindsey’s my hair inspiration” ✨

43:29 – USMNT vs Japan predictions (none of which aged well) 🇯🇵🇺🇸

45:36 – Christina’s power cut → Lori closes the show solo ⚡

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We’ve been sitting on it ever since. Now the embargo is over, and you’re getting the whole thing: how Welcome to the Party was born at an Angel City game, why Billie Jean is secretly the funniest person in the room, Abby’s golden-retriever energy, and Julie admitting she has “no ..... idea what TikTok is.”

It’s smart, chaotic, and joyful. In other words: peak Soccerish.

⏱️ Time-Coded Highlights

00:00 – Cold open: “How do we win at podcasting? How do we become number one?” 🎙️

00:21 – Soccerish relaunch + surprise guest Julie Foudy joins the party

01:02 – Julie reveals her new podcast Welcome to the Party with Billie Jean King & Abby Wambach 🎉

01:35 – Behind the scenes: how a quiet Angel City moment with Billie Jean sparked the idea

03:08 – The spark turns real: Abby bounds in, they decide to launch together

03:33 – Format preview: 2x weekly shows → interviews, plays, big moments, topical riffs

04:32 – “It’ll be a party”: equal parts smart, ridiculous, and fun

05:23 – Why separate studios, but lots of live events & “watch with us” parties planned 🥳

07:12 – Julie on Glennon Doyle’s influence: “What Glennon did for women’s sports is what Taylor’s doing for the NFL”

08:09 – Abby’s return after a decade: healing, joy, and a new media company launch

08:56 – The grand plan: Treat Media, a women’s sports network run by athletes, not middlemen 💪

09:58 – Christina and Lori tease Kevin as “the good middleman” 😂

10:30 – Julie on the joy of working with Abby and Billie: laughter, hats, and high energy

10:51 – Distribution: YouTube, Spotify, TikTok, video-first production

11:45 – Billie Jean uncensored: “How do we win at podcasting?”

11:52 – Julie: “Have a ton of fun—then you’re number one”

12:15 – Official launch: September 4 in We Can Do Hard Things feed + dedicated Welcome to the Party feed

12:44 – Julie on TikTok: “I have no effing idea what TikTok is” 🤷‍♀️

13:12 – Farewell: Soccerish sends Julie off with congrats & good luck ❤️

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Then there's 40,000+ fans cramming into Oracle Park for Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit—proof the NWSL isn’t just growing, it's booming.

And finally: Jill Loyden joins the mic. Yes, the former USWNT keeper and founder of The Keeper Institute, but also one of the sharpest analysts in the booth—heard everywhere from ESPN and CBS to ION and NWSL. She’s here to dismantle how goalkeeping is actually being taught—science-backed, coach-first, and built to make every kid think, “Yeah, I want to be that last line.”

Refereeing chaos. Stadium-shaking crowds. A kicker (in the literal and metaphorical sense). That’s your episode.

⏱️ Time-Coded Highlights

00:00 – Welcome back: Christina vs. Lori on a controversial Vancouver penalty call 🎥

00:54 – Oracle Park packs 40,000 fans for Bay FC vs. Washington Spirit ⚽🔥

02:40 – Women’s sports boom: rugby shout-out & Christina’s unlucky sports weekend

04:30 – The penalty breakdown: was it clear & obvious or just “unfortunate”? 🤔

06:10 – Lori: “It doesn’t look like a penalty to me” → Christina confirms no-penalty

08:15 – VAR debate: who initiated contact and was the defender allowed that space?

12:20 – Christina on “robot referees” vs. refs who feel the game 🧠

14:02 – Inside the referee world: one mistake sets off a storm of texts & calls 📱

16:30 – Education over punishment: how refs review clips every Monday/Wednesday

19:20 – Why NWSL & USL refs need full-time status (and still aren’t paid like it)

20:25 – Jill Loyden joins: from USWNT keeper to world domination at TKI 🧤

24:00 – Jill’s path: small-town NJ → Hope Solo’s teammate → coach & founder

27:10 – Building The Keeper Institute: from South Jersey to a national brand 🌍

29:45 – The evolution of goalkeeping: shot-stopper era is over, playmakers rise

32:10 – Why England is ahead in keeper development & what the U.S. must fix

33:45 – Jill on training coaches, not just kids: a science-based “coaching college”

37:50 – Success markers: curiosity, bravery, and goalies who want to learn more

40:17 – “Rising tide lifts all ships” – how better coaching raises everyone’s level

42:09 – Who played in every U.S. pro league? Lori reveals the short list 📜

43:30 – Heather Mitts vs. Marta: Christina’s unforgettable yellow-card story 😅

45:01 – Jill’s big picture: building coaches early to change U.S. goalkeeping

46:37 – Would you toss the penalty cheat-sheet water bottle into the stands? 💦

48:09 – Jill: “I don’t care about winning anymore, only development”

49:15 – Farewell to Jill: “One of the best humans in the game” ❤️

50:30 – Christina on goalkeeper initiatives & corporate partners fueling change

51:56 – Looking ahead: Labor Day matches, CBS game, and the grind of ticket sales

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This week on Soccerish: a serious debate about Vegas bookies and plant survival, a nod to Emma Hayes’ calm rebuild and cultural reset of the USWNT, and a philosophical discussion about who does what in a bar fight. Also: Connecticut fireside chats, wine math, how Julie is coping with her daughter leaving for college and why “Soccerish” is the only name that captures this kind of freewheeling conversation.

What did you expect when Christina, Lori and Julie got together? Oh we forgot, there's a running joke about Christina's financials too. And then there's Julie's broadcasting boo-boo....hot mics are dangerous.

⏱️ Time-Coded Highlights

00:00 – “Welcome to… not Gourish!” – Lori and Christina unveil Soccerish

00:40 – Lori: “It means everything we want it to mean” – redefining the show’s scope

01:11 – Christina vs. Werther’s (or “Weathers”) 🍬

01:18 – Christina shows off her gifted plant: El Jefe 🌱

01:48 – “Will this plant survive?” → the first official Soccerish prop bet

03:08 – Girls’ trip at Ojai with Sarah Spain, Aliyah Boston & more ✨

04:14 – CBS talent meeting takeaways: people want more referee talk

05:28 – Julie Foudy appears on screen 🎉

06:06 – Julie on her daughter leaving for college (tears, stories, first day feels)

08:13 – Sarah Spain in a dark alley → “She’s had some bar fights, no question”

09:04 – Roles in a hypothetical bar fight: protector, joker, getaway driver

10:02 – Lori’s “Summer of Lori”: Copa América, Euros, endless games

12:55 – Foudy’s hot-mic college cup story: “Put a pitchfork in her” 🔥

13:59 – KC vs Orlando meltdown, 100° heat, 9-hour delay

15:18 – Christina: “I’m just doing the financials” (again) 💸

16:03 – Lost medals & dirty trophies: why hardware belongs “to the people”

18:16 – Trophy boat parade: beer, tequila, and Mayor Jane chugging 🚤🏆

19:28 – Why Christina built the Tampa Bay Sun when no option existed

19:57 – Fun fact: Lori played in every U.S. women’s pro league but one

22:25 – Early NWSL locker rooms: “basically like a high school gym”

23:11 – From sportsplex chaos to Portland’s world-class facilities

24:20 – Christina on referee abuse, policy, and leaving education behind

25:10 – Christina name-checked in Anson Dorrance’s NCAA email 💥

26:54 – EPL flashback: was that a foul or just keeper weakness?

27:45 – Planning a Soccerish live show around Alex Morgan’s Philly send-off

29:28 – Foudy recalls Becky Sauerbrunn’s surprise ESPNW honor

32:06 – Emma Hayes’ calm rebuild: freedom, joy, and intentional culture reset

34:07 – Foudy signs off: “Congrats y’all on Soccerish!” 🎙️

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this special episode, we’ve divided our favorite clips into four chapters that show the full range of what makes this show unique: surprise guests and unexpected twists; deeply personal stories that reveal the heart behind the game; serious rants and rule debates that prove we know our stuff; and offbeat, weird moments that you won’t find anywhere else.

Whether it made you laugh, think, or say “Wait, did that actually happen?” — these are the moments that defined our first season.

Chapter Breakdown:

1. It’s Surprising — Surprise guests, unexpected moments, and playful unpredictability.
2. It’s Personal — Vulnerability, passion, and stories that reveal the human side of the game.
3. It’s Serious — Rants, rules, and hard takes that prove we’re as smart as we are fun.
4. It’s Different — Offbeat, spontaneous, and wonderfully weird moments that define our unique voice.

Stick around until the end for a sneak peek at what’s coming next. New name? New vibe? New definition of “soccer”? We’re still figuring it out — but we promise it’ll be Soccerish.

New episodes return August 21st. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it.

⏱️ Time-Coded Highlights

🤯 Surprise Guests & Big Reveals

01:11 – Lori meets her “work husband” Chris Wittyngham

02:15 – Jenn Hildreth drops in—CBS crew reunion vibes

03:30 – Mike Grella joins fresh off the pitch

🗣️ Speaking Out & Leading Change

04:00 – Christina on retaliation, lost assignments, and finding a voice through TV

05:19 – Lori: “Different levels of the same fight—WNBA, AFCON, CONMEBOL”

05:40 – Coaching, leadership, and the emotional toll of being ‘always on’

💔 Janelly Farias: The Shoulder, the Tragedy, the Transition

08:06 – Deciding to step away from pro soccer

09:06 – Dislocating her shoulder in her final games

09:45 – A family tragedy shifts her priorities

10:22 – Choosing to be present for loved ones

⚽ Fan Moments & Player Memories

10:40 – Lori’s backyard goal and pretending to be Tony Meola at age 10

11:45 – Posters on the wall—men’s and women’s teams

🌍 The Bigger Picture

12:11 – Why breaks matter: “We’re all human”

13:25 – The Sports Bra origin story: TVs, tears, and women’s sports front-and-center

15:26 – Leaving a legacy: “Better than I found it”

📺 The Netflix Deal & Women’s Game Growth

17:18 – Shannon Boxx on Netflix winning Women’s World Cup rights

18:08 – FIFA finally separates women’s and men’s rights—“Wake up, FIFA!”

18:14 – Brazil players speak out: “Enough is enough”

🧐 Referee Corner

20:16 – Handball controversy vs. Mexico—Christina breaks it down

22:31 – “Is it natural?”—bracing falls vs. deliberate handling

23:49 – VAR delays and decision-making explained

😂 Shut Up, Steve & Other Running Gags

26:33 – The ‘Shut Up, Sandra’ mindset

29:07 – Birth of ‘Shut Up, Steve’ for the USMNT

29:25 – Old people candy: Werther’s Originals nostalgia

🌮 Food, Flights & Flamingos

30:53 – Corn vs. flour tortillas—this could end friendships

32:36 – Philly taco trucks and Italian Market finds

33:11 – Airline sponsor dreams and the “Phoebe the Flamingo” airport

👽 Alien Texts & Random Closer

34:19 – “Have you been taken by aliens?” text mid-recording

34:46 – Final sign-off: “It’s not just soccer—we’re learning about everything”

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Was it a world record? Maybe. Either way, it was The Summer of Lori.

Christina and Lori look back on a ridiculous July, celebrate Trinity Rodman's emotional return, and hype the Seattle-Portland rivalry ahead of a huge NWSL weekend.

Oh—and yeah, this is the end of Season 1.

We’re not done. But something is changing. A new name. A new look. A new season. Coming soon.

🎧 Subscribe now to follow what happens next.

#Soccerish #NWSL #TrinityRodman #LoriLindsey #ChristinaUnkel #WOSO #CopaAmerica #Euros2025

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

🎧 Topics include:

– Why today’s penalty takers are crumbling—and what’s changed in goalkeeping

– How Tony would’ve thrived in the modern game (but not the 300 dives a day)

– What keeps him coming back to the mic—and whether coaching still calls

– Cheat sheets, stutter steps, and the science (and stress) behind modern PKs

It’s a mix of nostalgia, insight, and big energy from three voices who’ve helped shape American soccer on and off the pitch.

📺 Watch full episodes on YouTube

🔗 Follow us on Instagram, TikTok

#TonyMeola #LoriLindsey #ChristinaUnkel #Soccerish #Goalkeeper #USMNT #WOSO #SoccerPodcast #PenaltyKicks #MulletEra

⏱️ Time‑Coded Highlights:

00:00 – England wins the Euros—but Lucy Bronze’s fractured tibia steals the headlines

01:34 – Lori: “It’s heroic—but what message does it send to young players?”

03:51 – Christina: “We need to talk about pain, glory, and responsibility”

05:24 – Chloe Kelly’s penalty routine has entered the cultural chat

06:55 – Special guest Tony Meola joins from a familiar hotel room

09:52 – Christina confesses: “I wanted to be Tony Meola as a kid” 🧤

11:39 – Tony: “Penalties today are harder—goalkeepers have evolved”

13:01 – Lori: “There’s more pressure than ever on women’s players now”

15:29 – What’s on that water bottle cheat sheet? Tony breaks it down

17:44 – Tony: “We didn’t even defend the middle of the goal back in my day”

20:24 – How Tony stumbled into broadcasting (and nailed it)

23:31 – Lori: “What keeps you in the game?” Tony: “The people.”

26:23 – Coaching comeback? Tony still feels most at home on the grass

28:39 – Reinventing adrenaline: Lori, Christina, and Tony on booth vs. pitch

31:30 – Tony on goalkeeping evolution: “I’d have thrived today”

33:17 – “45 minutes—still no hands!” The state of keeper training today

35:06 – Should we ditch penalties? Christina and Tony say no way

36:55 – Christina: “Tampa fans want shootouts—we want the drama”

38:01 – What Tony’s watching: MLS playoffs, EPL chaos, and Serie A heartbreak

39:39 – Christina: “We both won titles this summer—now it’s your turn, Tony”

40:22 – Mullet confirmed: Christina Googles 90s Tony Meola for the win

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⏱️ Time‑Coded Highlights:

00:00 – No guest this week—just Lori, Christina, and a poop emergency 💩

01:14 – Shoutout to Jill Loyden: advocate, goalkeeper, and game-changer

03:39 – Christina: “I still feel like an imposter—even after winning a championship”

04:50 – Tampa Bay Sun's players get a five-week mental reset before the new season

06:29 – Can we revive the I-4 Derby? Fans want it, Florida needs it

07:11 – Euros shine, AFCON & Copa lag behind—why global women's soccer isn’t equal

08:17 – Lori: “It’s disheartening and infuriating—enough is enough”

10:06 – Christina on U.S. vs global disparities: “Some are fighting for rights, some for water”

11:42 – What real accountability would look like in international women’s football

13:21 – Christina couldn’t even get into WNBA All-Star events: “Women’s sports? Sold out.”

15:29 – From Pacers to Fever: How fans grow into women’s sports—and profit from it

17:11 – Lori: “You speak out together—because there’s power in numbers”

19:02 – Christina: “I was retaliated against for advocating as a referee”

22:13 – Giving voice to the voiceless: why Christina went into TV

24:47 – Copa América Femenina: talent, emotion, chaos—and not enough support

26:27 – VAR, adrenaline, and Berger’s epic save vs France 🔥

29:27 – Lori on Sweden’s PK meltdown: “They didn’t even practice penalties?”

31:52 – Lucy Bronze wraps her own leg mid-match. Is this the new normal?

33:01 – “The best save I’ve ever seen”—why Berger’s moment is already iconic

34:21 – A cancer survivor at 34, Berger proves greatness has no age limit

35:53 – Can elite goalkeepers let teams play riskier, higher lines?

36:43 – Lori on tournament burnout: “You crash—then you rise again”

39:26 – Christina: “You can’t sneak out anymore—being a women’s footballer means fame”

39:48 – All-Star Games: fashion, culture, and zero defense 🏀

41:32 – Why All-Star weekends matter: cross-pollination, merch, and megawatt panels

44:07 – Would you rather play the best of your league—or a global powerhouse?

46:29 – Lori’s tournament reset: semi-finals, Copa, and then…NWSL returns

47:28 – Christina: “Boxing Day is sacred. Let’s keep it that way.” 🎁

48:05 – Tactics on the wall? Nah, just hotel art—kind of 😄

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We went to Minnesota.

To a club built in a park.

Powered by over 5,000 community owners.

Run by a group of people that wanted to prove you don’t have to be rich or male to run a team. 

🎙️ Christina Unkel and Lori Lindsey sit down with co founder Andrea Yoch and Head Coach Jen Larrick of Minnesota Aurora FC to talk about what’s really growing the game.

This episode also kicks off our new short-form series: Grassroot Truth—real stories from the front lines of American soccer that reveal where women’s football is, how far it’s come, and what still needs to change.

📌 In this episode:

– Grassroot Truth: Crystal Dunn changed in a porta potty

– Grassroot Truth: 5,000 fans in 5 days

– What it means to be professional—even when players aren’t paid

– The NIL collective, recruiting culture, and training at 8am

– And yes… the Lori Lindsey doll is real, and it’s watching.

This is where the future starts—not with money, but with mission.

#GrassrootTruth #MinnesotaAurora #WomensSoccer #TheSoccerPodcastUSA #LoriLindsey #ChristinaUnkel #USWNT #NWSL #USL #ClubWorldCup #WomensEuros #CrystalDunn

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Christina Unkel (former FIFA ref) and Lori Lindsey (former USWNT midfielder) go head-to-head over a Gold Cup handball call—one says deliberate, the other says natural fall. Jacqui Oatley joins the fray with all the charm, prep, and broadcasting wisdom you’d expect from one of the sharpest voices in the game.

Also in this episode:

– Should you time your emails to avoid freaking people out?

– Why Switzerland and Finland are turning heads at the Euros

– What the BBC got weirdly wrong about Germany

– And how Jacqui went from trademark enforcement to national broadcast booths—via a friend's floor.

There’s no script. Just real talk, real stakes, and real relationships from inside the game.

🎧 Hosted by Christina Unkel & Lori Lindsey

Subscribe now. The name of the show might change—but the vibe definitely won’t.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

The tagline said it all: We Support Women.

In this episode, Jenny shares the real story behind the country’s first bar dedicated to women’s sports. It started as an idea and a pun. It became a national symbol of visibility, equity, and joy.

You’ll hear:

• The quiet moment when she sat alone in the bar and cried, realizing what she’d built
• How she came up with the name
• What it’s like to build a business where the mission matters as much as the margin
• Why representation on the screen—and behind the bar—still matters

This isn’t just a story about sports. It’s about building something that didn’t exist—and discovering how many people were waiting for it.

📺 Watch more: https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoccerPodcastUSA

🎧 Listen & follow on Spotify, Apple, or wherever you get your podcasts

📣 Follow us on Instagram @thesoccerpodcastusa | TikTok: @soccerpodusa

💬 Share the episode, leave a review, and help keep these stories alive.

#TheSportsBra #WeSupportWomen #WomensSports #JennyNguyen #TitleIX #SupportWomen #TheBarIsReady

⏱️ Time‑Coded Highlights:

00:00 – Surprise! Lori’s the guest, Jenny Nguyen’s the co-host—kind of 😅

01:14 – Jenny: “We’ll forget this episode… but Instagram will remember”

01:43 – Meet Jenny Nguyen, founder of The Sports Bra – the first bar for women’s sports

03:59 – The Starting Five: Portland, Vegas, Indy, St. Louis & Boston 🏙️

05:47 – Jenny on growing up in Portland’s women’s sports scene

07:45 – “We were ISO fans”: why The Sports Bra became a community hub

10:18 – Lori invites Jenny to a CBS Thorns game—maybe

11:10 – “Portland is women’s sports”—Christina explains why

13:09 – Can you really play only women’s sports at a bar? Jenny says yes

15:21 – Jenny: “I underestimated everything about The Sports Bra”

18:26 – Franchising without losing soul: Jenny's plan for community-first growth

25:12 – Lori: “You walk in and feel at home—no matter the city”

26:13 – How a pun became a movement: the naming of The Sports Bra

29:42 – The quiet moment Jenny cried under the trophy wall 🥹

32:40 – The raucous moment: FaceTiming The Bra after the Thorns won it all

35:31 – Dream soccer position? Jenny’s a 5’3” goalkeeper 🧤

37:03 – Jenny: “Women’s soccer is just getting started. You ain’t seen nothing yet.”

39:27 – “We’re building a 10-layer cake”: the rise of women’s sports fandom 🎂

40:21 – Bonus: The Sports Bra is headed to London! 🇬🇧

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Why?

🏆 She won a championship

🚤 Led a boat parade

🎥 Invested in a Hershey’s documentary

🗣️ Spoke at a mayor’s convention

💀 And then... she was dead (spiritually)

Lori? She’s training for a half marathon she has zero plans to run.

Also: she’s wearing a hat that says “Freaks.”

What starts as a conversation about fitness quickly unravels into:

• Inventing a Tuesday Morning Half Marathon (with no police)
• Secretly racing retirees on the bike trail
• Gas station barbecue rituals
• Italian piazzas… in Kansas City?

Then broadcaster Nate Bukaty joins the show to explain how KC became the unlikely architectural engine of the 2026 World Cup — and why the world should stop sleeping on the Midwest.

It’s smart, chaotic, and 100% them.

⏱️ Time‑Coded Highlights:

00:00 – Lori’s hat says Freaks; Christina thinks it says Thanks 😅

01:14 – Christina’s WHOOP stats are back in the green: post-championship recovery

04:22 – Why she skipped the sprint triathlon (hint: boat parades + movie deals)

06:08 – “Make Tampa the Mecca of Women’s Sports” — Christina’s plan

07:14 – Lori trains for a half-marathon she has no plans to run 🏃‍♀️

08:34 – Christina proposes an unstructured half-marathon… on a Tuesday

10:29 – “No FIFA, ice cream every day”: a former ref gets real

11:01 – Surprise guest: Nate Bukaty enters the chat

12:23 – How Kansas City went from soccer afterthought to World Cup host

13:24 – The Women’s World Cup watch party that sparked a franchise

15:08 – Interviewing the mayor on the 29th floor 🏙️

16:05 – KC is the global hub for sports architecture (yes, even Wembley)

17:14 – Gas station BBQ and Kansas City hospitality

17:57 – KC’s stadium piazza takes inspiration from Italy 🇮🇹

18:41 – Lori: “That part of town is all Italian—makes sense”

19:18 – Nate’s mission: ride the World Cup wave and tell KC’s story

21:07 – Nate’s Spanish is good enough for MLS post-match interviews 🇲🇽

23:33 – Christina: “Don’t ride the wave—build the base” 🌊

26:42 – What if your city isn’t hosting the World Cup? Build a toolkit

27:35 – No one knows the Club World Cup is happening… unless you’re Latino

28:55 – Why U.S. Soccer should market to the fans already showing up

29:58 – Lessons from the Club World Cup: who’s really buying the tickets?

31:31 – Christina heads into budget season while the staff goes dark

33:01 – Sam Meza gets her USWNT call-up thanks to actual minutes played

36:32 – Lori: some NWSL teams will scrimmage boys clubs to stay sharp

38:41 – Why Tampa’s next season is a full marketing reset

40:43 – Women’s Euros preview: Lori heads to LA, Christina slips a name 🤐

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Christine Cupo checks in mid-drive, in-makeup, and on her way to a comeback game from a brutal ACL/MCL tear. She talks about the mental and physical cost of returning to play, the joy of 3v3, and why she might start a burner account for fake women’s soccer transfers.

Meanwhile, Lori Lindsey says her share of the $1 million TST winnings is officially gone — and she’s headed to Italy.

Also in this episode:

⚽ Tampa’s boat parade celebration

🦵 a full breakdown of elite athlete candy choices

📈 Why Serie A Feminile is the next breakout league

🌊 NWSL heads into summer break

🧠 Is anyone paying attention to the the Club World Cup ? Take 2

👇 Drop a comment:

What’s your emotional support snack — and what soccer are you watching this summer?

#USLSuperLeague #NWSL #ChristineCupo #ChristinaUnkel #LoriLindsey #SoccerPodcast #TST #WomensSoccer #ACLRecovery #SerieAFemminile #ClubWorldCup

⏱️ Time‑Coded Highlights:

00:00 – Christina opens with the trophy: Tampa Bay Sun are champions 🏆

01:10 – Lori crashes the intro: “This should be the CBS podcast!”

02:26 – Christine Cupo joins mid-drive, heading to her first 3v3 since ACL surgery

04:30 – Wearing A3 makeup and ready to foul: Cupo’s game prep 😂

06:54 – What’s lighting Cupo up? NWSL evolution, USL growth, Italy rising 🇮🇹

08:40 – Lori: “Serie A women is going to explode. Watch this space.”

10:05 – Christina on how USL is diversifying the American game

12:36 – “Drinking from a firehose” — why the Club World Cup fell flat

14:10 – The dream job dilemma: Cupo almost misses transfer rumors more than matches

16:34 – “You get paid to talk about football” — Cupo on playing post-injury

19:43 – How Cupo first fell in love with the game

22:27 – Scholes, pageants, and Werther’s: generational soccer memories

24:12 – The elite athlete’s candy drawer: emotional support Skittles 🍬

25:22 – Lori’s share of the $1M prize becomes an Italian vacation

26:09 – Christina: “I’ll probably end up living in Italy”

27:00 – The Tampa boat parade: Champa Bay gets another trophy flotilla

29:00 – Will they etch our names on the trophy?

30:41 – Most proud moment? Grit, hurricanes, and selling out the final

33:04 – Stadium dreams: Tampa’s new stadium includes a poolside view

40:06 – Lori previews NWSL's final weekend before summer break

41:20 – Can Tampa go two‑for‑two? The women’s summer of soccer rolls on 🌞

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In this episode:

• 🏆 Behind the scenes of Lori’s championship run at TST
• 🎤 Special guest Jessica Charman on the joy of chaotic soccer and commentating with flair
• 🧠 The birth of “Shut Up Sandra” — and why every team needs one
• ⚽ Lori’s fix for the U.S. Men’s National Team: “Shut Up Steve”
• 💬 Honest talk on pressure, expectation, and what the USMNT is getting wrong — and right
• 🦎 The wild story behind Soleil, Tampa Bay Sun’s designer-handbag-carrying mascot
• 💰 Why Club World Cup's billion-dollar bet feels… a little soulless

Smart, funny, and dead-on about the state of U.S. soccer, this episode is your full-field view of the summer soccer storm.

🎧 Listen now. Or as Lori says: Shut Up Steve—and press play.

⏱️ Time‑Coded Highlights:

00:00 – Lori returns as a million‑dollar TST winner 🎉

02:00 – Why they smashed the trophy ball (on purpose)

04:05 – Surprise guest Jessica Charman joins

05:04 – Jessica’s wild TST commentary debut: “Smash it! Take a shot!”

07:11 – Aguero own goal… in protest? Target Score chaos explained

08:45 – Christina: TST reffing feels like Miami street soccer

10:05 – Lori’s reffing past: “I once carded 8‑year‑old Lauren Cheney”

13:06 – TST meets grassroots: College kids, parents, and real connection

15:55 – Soleil the mascot’s diva moment: designer bag + helicopter dreams

19:14 – The deeper story behind Soleil—and what she's teaching Tampa

21:06 – Summer of Soccer overload: Euros, Copa América, Gold Cup

25:09 – Jessica on the USMNT: “Too many headlines, not enough soccer”

26:58 – Lori: “We’re not even talking tactics anymore”

29:06 – Christina: “This actually sets American soccer back”

32:56 – What would you do with a magic wand? Lori shares real fixes

36:00 – “Shut Up Sandra” and the mindset behind it

38:34 – New team mantra: “Shut Up Steve” hits the USMNT

38:52 – Club World Cup: Billion‑dollar budget, zero buzz?

41:17 – Christina: “Use it to build momentum — not lose credibility”

44:14 – Florida flex: Both women’s league trophies headed to the Sunshine State

45:06 – Can Christina’s team make it two‑for‑two in Florida?

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Plus: reaction to the USWNT’s two friendlies, and why the Club World Cup continues to struggle for relevance.

⏱️ Time-Coded Highlights:

00:00 – Christina's glam intro and Lori checks-in from TST

01:45 – Mike Grella surprise drop-in: “I played seven minutes—I'll take it”

03:30 – How Grella stays fit (hint: mowing lawns + chasing kids)

05:04 – Lori on retiring from the pitch: “When warmups are a challenge…”

07:05 – Grella's new goal: 100% passing, 0 injuries

10:05 – Life calling Serie A for CBS: “Who doesn’t want to be Italian?”

14:10 – Como + Pizza = How Heather O’Reilly became president of soccer

16:14 – Grella defends Pulisic: “We’re all human. Let the man have his break.”

19:19 – Christina on the demands on players and the Club World Cup

21:48 – Ticket prices slashed? Club World Cup struggles for relevance

23:13 – Do Americans really care about international leagues?

25:13 – Lori on USWNT’s youth surge: “Confidence. Clarity. Smoothness.”

27:27 – LaBonta makes history at 32. Emma Hayes is making her changes.

30:00 – What it really takes to run a million-dollar TST team

31:01 – USL Super League playoff preview— could there be aTampa Bay Sun, Fort Lauderdale match up?

33:55 – USA + Mexico to co-host 2031 Women’s World Cup

35:27 – and...are Lori's team on their way to another championship?

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⏱️ Time Code Highlights – The Soccer Podcast USA (May 27th Episode)

0:00 – Welcome Back! Chaos, Calendar Confusion & Secret Guest Teased

1:44 – Lori’s Hair Evolution + Christina Proposes an “Awkward Meter”

2:48 – Candy Confessions: Werther’s, Gummy Worms & Scuffed Rims

4:25 – LIVE from the Dentist: Heather O’Reilly Joins the Show

5:58 – Weekend Wins: Arsenal Women & UNC Lacrosse Titles

6:38 – Lori’s TST Team: GM Mode, Multi-Club Life, and Michelle Kang Jokes

7:39 – The Road to TST: From Underdogs to Defenders of the Crown

10:12 – What It Really Costs to Field a TST Team (Spoiler: It’s a Lot)

13:48 – Women’s Soccer Economics: What Players Should Know

15:22 – Pasta, Fabregas & Como 1907: Heather’s Italian Job

18:07 – Building a Club Abroad: Challenges, Culture, and a 5-Year Plan

20:26 – Dream Stadium on Lake Como & Heather’s Vision for Serie A

22:00 – Tampa Preseason Invite? Christina Shoots Her Shot

23:41 – Will Heather Come Out of Retirement Again?

24:31 – TST Strategy: Target Scoring, Sub Patterns & Veteran Wisdom

25:44 – Champions League Pride: Arsenal Wins, Tar Heels Shine

27:20 – Ref Storytime: Heather, Offside, and the 5-Minute Stare

30:01 – Leadership Lessons & Adjusting Abroad

31:03 – "It Started with Pasta": How the Italian Deal Was Born

31:38 – Ask the Ref: Why Offside Flags Are Delayed (And Why It's Fine Now)

33:43 – USWNT Call-Ups: The Lo’eau LaBonta Era Begins

36:21 – Youth, Veterans, and the Emma Hayes Development Pipeline

37:40 – Expanded Player Pool = No More Complacency

38:52 – Contract Culture Shift: No More "Locked-In" Status

40:22 – China v USA Preview: A Resurgent Rivalry

41:51 – USMNT Chatter: Culture Reset & Clock Ticking

43:39 – Summer of Soccer: What’s Coming Up

44:46 – Lori’s Travel Plans & TST Prep

46:01 – Shoutout: Tampa Bay Sun Clinch Playoffs & Sell Out Again

46:57 – Signing Off: Birthday Month, Werther’s Wisdom, and What’s Next

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Then, our surprise guest: former Mexican international, TV commentator, and trailblazing voice in the women’s game, Janelly Farías. She opens up about the moment she knew it was time to retire — the injury, the heartbreak, and the family tragedy that made her choose love over the game. Janelly also pulls back the curtain on locker room life in Mexico: low salaries, unequal treatment, and how money can fracture a team with players stopping passing — or even speaking — to each other.

⏱️ Time Stamps – Key Moments

• 00:00 – Cold open, referee talk begins immediately
• 01:45 – The “continuation foul” confusion: Jill Loyden’s penalty box dilemma
• 04:50 – Why only holding counts as continuation (and why everyone gets this wrong)
• 07:00 – Lori's game: handball, bracing arm, and the “new DOGSO interpretation”
• 13:20 – The “quadruple punishment” rule and how it's evolved
• 18:40 – Christina's hilarious rant: “I can’t stand kids’ birthday parties”
• 22:39 – Surprise guest enters: Janelly Farias
• 27:11 – “How did you know it was time to retire?”
• 28:40 – Shoulder dislocation + family tragedy — the moment it became clear
• 31:20 – Salaries in Mexico: from $300 a month to $300k a year
• 34:10 – Locker room resentment and the psychology of unequal pay
• 37:52 – Christina calls for unions in women’s soccer — and explains why
• 41:07 – Janelly’s second career: broadcasting, a new book, and a maybe-cookbook
• 48:00 – “Complacency kills the game”: Why mindset still matters
• 54:00 – Lori and Christina reflect on chasing adrenaline vs. taking time to grieve the game
• 56:00 – Closing updates: where the hosts are headed this weekend

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⏱️ Time-Coded Episode Guide – Ep 11: "Gunner Steals the Show"

00:00 – Welcome to the Mayhem

Christina and Lori tease a surprise guest. Chaos begins instantly. Christina reveals she's training for her first sprint triathlon—after mistakenly thinking she was turning 39 (she’s actually 38).

05:30 – Surprise Guest: Leslie Osborne (and Gunner 🐶)

Former USWNT star and Bay FC co-owner Leslie Osborne joins—interrupted by her protective pup, Gunner.

08:16 – Breaking News: Lori & Leslie to Coach at TST

Christina breaks the news: Lori and Leslie will team up as coach and assistant sporting director at this year’s TST tournament.

11:25 – Soccer Mom Life & NWSL Role Models

Leslie shares the joy of watching her daughters fall in love with the game—and the direct influence today’s NWSL stars have on young girls (and boys). Role models like Oshoala, Cunanagi, and Karlie Lima are household heroes in the Osborne home.

17:50 – Normalizing Women's Pro Sports

A powerful segment on representation, equal pay, and the importance of young boys seeing women as professional athletes—just athletes, full stop.

19:43 – Redefined: Leslie’s New Podcast

Leslie introduces Redefined, her show with Front Office Sports that spotlights athlete-moms, untold mental health journeys, and post-sport pivots. Christina is an upcoming guest.

22:29 – Christina’s Triathlon Panic

Leslie’s podcast inspires Christina as she preps for a June sprint triathlon, with comedic panic over bike transitions and age confusion.

23:54 – Beep Test Trauma, Shared

The trio swap memories—and scars—from their fitness testing days. Beep tests, sprint cones, and the mental toll of being punished for being tired.

31:02 – Banter Breakdown: Beckham vs. Minnesota

Christina and Lori cheer Minnesota United’s cheeky “Pink Phony Club” jab at Beckham’s Miami. Verdict: give that marketing guy a $1,000 bonus.

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Then surprise guest Jimmy Conrad—who proudly dubs himself Conradinho in honor of his inner Brazilian box-to-box midfielder—joins the pod to explain why he's pursuing a UEFA coaching license instead of navigating U.S. Soccer’s bureaucratic maze. The CBS analyst and Call It What You Want host doesn’t hold back on the red tape, and missed chances for ex-players. He also examines what’s gone so wrong with LA Galaxy.

Also: Christina’s team makes USL W history, but not the good kind—she walks us through the first red card and the ethical headache it left behind.

⏱️ Time-Coded Episode Guide:

00:00 — VAR Chaos & “The Touch”

Lori and Christina debate a rescinded PK in Gotham-Chicago—and why balance can backfire.

03:30 — Don’t Say VAR or PKs 🙅‍♀️

Christina’s pronunciation PTSD and secret referee societies.

07:05 — Why VAR’s Not Working in the U.S.

Christina explains the delays, decisions—and why it’ll take 5–10 years to fix.

14:13 — Red Cards & Real Consequences 🚨

Christina on a player on her team receiving the USL W’s first-ever red card—and her ethical dilemma over an appeal.

17:35 — Surprise Guest Call-Up: Conradinho 🎙️

Surprise guest Jimmy Conrad joins the show. He explains why he calls himself “Conradinho”—and how a center back can dream of being a Brazilian midfielder..

22:13 — Ditching U.S. Soccer’s Coaching License

Jimmy reveals why he chose UEFA over USSF—and how ex-players are boxed out.

38:32 — Can the Galaxy Be Saved? 🌌

Jimmy puts on his coach’s cap: good soccer decisions > panic.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

⏱️ Time-Coded Episode Guide:

00:00 — Welcome & Hair Watch

Christina introduces Lori… and her evolving hairstyle.

01:30 — The Great Taco Debate 🌮

Flour or corn? A pantry crisis sparks tortilla loyalties.

04:23 — Pochettino, Pressure & the USMNT

Are expectations too high? Is this déjà vu after Berhalter?

08:18 — The Club vs. Country Dilemma

Why cohesion is hard when players are scattered across continents.

11:32 — Should the U.S. Hire an American Coach?

Christina and Lori on identity, culture, and coaching DNA.

14:00 — MLS to Align with Europe?

A calendar shift? Weather, TV schedules, and cold realities.

20:19 — Surprise Guest Call-Up 🎙️

A broadcast pro joins with stories, perspective, and a bit of mayhem.

40:12 — NWSL Expansion & the Second Division

Why more teams and another league maybe just what the NWSL needs

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Plus:

⚽ Seattle Reign vs Portland Thorns — they hate each other

🔥 Angel City’s bold new hire

🎤 A surprise guest drops in mid-show

📉 What’s going wrong at LA Galaxy?

🎟️ And a new ticket giveaway to support your local team

📺 Watch on YouTube | 🎧 Listen wherever you get your podcasts

📲 @thesoccerpodcastusa

⏱️ Timecodes:

00:00 – Welcome Lori, naked photos, and Pinky and the Brain

02:59 – Seattle stomps on Portland's roses

08:53 –Angel City's new coach

13:00 – The Mystery Guest dials in

34:09– Ray Hudson's greatest line?

41:15 – What's going on with LA Galaxy

47:02 – Butts in seats, win 2 tickets to your favorite team

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In this episode, host Christina Unkel sits down with Kim Shelton, CEO of Lexington Sporting Club, one of the most ambitious new clubs in the country. With professional men's and women’s teams, deep youth investment, and a 150-acre campus, Lexington SC is building a future from the ground up—just as the sport faces a structural revolution.

Could Lexington be the next Wrexham? And can American fans embrace a system built on risk, reward, and relentless competition? This conversation unpacks what pro/rel could mean for U.S. soccer—from business to community to culture.

Timestamps:

⏳ 00:00– 00.37 The highs and lows of promotion and relegation 🎩

⏳ 00:37 – 02:23 A brief history of U.S. Soccer - the booms, busts, passions and flirtations ⚽

⏳ 02.23 – 08.51 Welcome to Lexington.⚽

⏳ 08.51 – 14.21 So let's talk more about this promotion and relegation business ⚽

⏳ 14.21 – 17.12 Winning delivers fans, and fans deserve a good product ⚽

⏳ 17.12 – 18.50 But what happens if you get relegated? ⚽

⏳ 18.50 – 20.30 How will the giants of American sport react? The NFL, MLB, NBA and NCAA?⚽

⏳ 20.30 – 22.34 What about NWSL and MLS? ⚽

⏳ 22.34 – 25.34 Christina's Conclusions ⚽

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

At Brentford, she doesn’t just talk about women’s soccer—she pushes for its future. In a powerful and passionate message to the club’s board, she lays out why investing in the women’s game isn’t charity, it’s business. With new spectators, corporate partnerships, and rising global interest, the clubs that lead this movement will reap the rewards. And Brentford isn’t just talking about change—they’re building it.

Timestamps:

⏳ 00:00– 00.24| Taking your breath away at Manchester United 🎩

⏳ 00:24 – 01:24 The journey begins, Tampa, New York, London, Manchester and a CBS broadcast from an airport lounge ⚽

⏳ 01.24 – 03:21 Brentford FC, a club that's getting it right .⚽

⏳ 03.21 – 03.40 Is it petrol or gas?⚽

⏳ 03.40 – 04.09 Face to Face with a Glazer protest at Old Trafford⚽

⏳ 04.09 – 05.18 The magic of the game, being inside Old Trafford when Bruno Fernandes scores⚽

⏳ 05.18 – 07.55 Onto Wembley, the Vatican of "football" ⚽

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Timestamps:

⏳ 00:00– 02.10| Podcast opening and Christina tells Shannon Boxx "i feared you the most" 🎩

⏳ 02:10 – 05:11 Emma Hayes...everybody expects the team to win, again, and again and again ⚽

⏳ 05.11 – 06:10 So much talent on the USWNT...Sentnor, Yohannes, Ryan, Sams...so much further ahead....⚽

⏳ 06.10 – 06.55 Who's going to step up and challenge Triple Espresso? ⚽

⏳ 06:55 – 08.00 Inside the camp..and style of play..keeping the ball and a transition game ⚽

⏳ 08.00 – 13.20 Learning the lessons from losing. ⚽

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Timestamps:

⏳ 00:00– 0:1.15 | Podcast opening montage and how do you pronounce Yanez? 🎩

⏳ 02:20 – 04:44 | Leaving college and living the dream ⚽

⏳ 05.08 – 07.00 My agent called and 'the league's folded' ⚽

⏳ 07.20 – 14.10 Japan..technical & tactical..'can you play center forward?'..the coacihng lightbulb ⚽

⏳ 14.21 – 17.20 Coaching..self reflection...'how can we make it better' ⚽

⏳ 17.21 – 24.00 Being a head coach is different ⚽

⏳ 24.00 – 28.10 Finding players like Emma Sears ⚽

⏳ 28.10 – 32.30 Advice for aspiring players and coaches ⚽

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Timestamps:

⏳ 00:00– 0:1.28 | Podcast opening montage 🎩

⏳ 1:28 – 06:38 | SheBelieves Cup, why do Julie and Lori say Emma is doing it right? ⚽

⏳ 06:38 – 0.9.40 The importance of U23 players ⚽

⏳ 09.40 – 13.20 Another women's league? ⚽

⏳ 13.20 – 19.13 Billie Jean King's blank canvas ⚽

⏳ 19.13 – 24.43 Blank slate, how do you grow the game? Deep pocketed owners. ⚽

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👽 Plus, Lori reveals a mystery text she received: "Hey, have you been taken by aliens?" (Seriously, what?!)

Timestamps:

⏳ 00:23 – 02:50 | Hot Hat talk, podcast banter, & state of US women's soccer 🎩

⏳ 07.28 – 14:10 | Netflix & the Women’s World Cup deal 📺⚽

⏳ 14.11 – 19.15 | The first million-dollar player & what it means for the sport 💰

⏳ 19.16 – End | Lori’s alien abduction moment & closing thoughts 👽😂

🎧 Listen now and let us know—**is Netflix good or bad for the future of women’s soccer?**👇

#USWNT #JulieFoudy #LoriLindsey #Netflix #WomensSoccer #TheSoccerPodcastUSA #NWSL

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• Her hopes for more women coaches in the game.
• A U23 squad
• Should players go to college or go pro?
• Why happy players are the key to success.
• Her legacy and why she has to keep learning.

At a time when U.S. soccer is experiencing explosive growth, The Soccer Podcast USA is your destination for the stories, strategies, and personalities driving the game forward.

Follow and subscribe to join the conversation as we explore bold takes, big names, and the future of soccer in the USA.

Please send us your feedback or ask questions at https://www.thesoccerpodcastusa.com/

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

In this preview, host Christina Unkel—CBS Sports commentator, former FIFA referee, and lifelong advocate for the game— introduces her exclusive conversation with Emma Hayes. In the full episode Emma outlines her vision for the USWNT, starting with a new U23 program to identify and develop more players for the senior team. She also shares her thoughts on:

• Her hopes for more women coaches in the game.
• The question: should players go to college or go pro?
• Why happy players are the key to success.
• Her legacy and why she has to keep learning.

At a time when U.S. soccer is experiencing explosive growth, The Soccer Podcast USA is your destination for the stories, strategies, and personalities driving the game forward.

Don’t miss Episode 1, dropping this Thursday.

Follow and subscribe to join the conversation as we explore bold takes, big names, and the future of soccer in the USA.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Our mission is to provide a platform that reflects the breadth and depth of soccer in the U.S., from the growth of the men’s and women’s games at all levels to the vital role of grassroots soccer. By spotlighting players, coaches, executives, advocates, and community leaders, we aim to explore the contributions of those shaping soccer both on and off the field.

At a pivotal moment for the sport—with the international success of the USWNT, the upcoming 2026 Men’s World Cup, and the continued expansion of MLS and NWSL—we believe The Soccer Podcast USA can help amplify the narratives shaping the future of soccer in this country. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and balanced dialogue, celebrating the progress of the game while addressing its challenges and opportunities.

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.