Soccerwise | U.S. Soccer, MLS, NWSL

The NWSL is getting weird and crazy, and Jordan Angeli and David Gass are back together to try and make sense of this unpredictable league. Houston is searching for a new direction, Orlando makes a major commitment to Barbra Banda, and the playoff race is tightening every week. The stretch run is here, and nobody seems ready to make it easy. 0:00 Intro 0:42 Gass is Back 4:34 Houston Cleans House 20:42 Utah Finds a Way 29:09 Barbra Banda is Staying in Orlando 37:01 Washington’s Missing Piece 45:24 Macario Out, Bonansea In 53:18 Is San Diego Peaking? 57:05 Angel City & Denver Go Wild 1:04:32 Playoff Race Heats Up For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

Cavan Sullivan is making his case for the USMNT after another jaw-dropping performance, St. Louis is the hottest team in MLS and the Western Conference race is getting interesting. David Gass, Matt Doyle and special guest Andrew Wiebe discuss the Shield race, a surging FC Dallas and some intriguing games on the docket for this week, including the U.S. Open Cup semifinals. 0:00 Intro 5:15 Soccerwise MLS Media Collective 15:43 Rebirth of San Jose Earthquakes 25:25 Sporting KC Gets A Win 34:49 Cavan Sullivan is Cinema 55:42 St. Louis Keeps Rolling 1:08:28 Here Comes Dallas & Logan Farrington 1:17:03 Nashville In the Shield Driver’s Seat 1:21:53 Columbus vs. Orlando in Open Cup 1:27:08 Open Cup Semis: Colorado vs. St. Louis 1:33:43 Canadian Championship & Campeones Cup For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

Mary Harvey has seen the women’s game from almost every angle in her career, as a USWNT goalkeeper to FIFA leader and WPS executive. Today, she leads the Center for Sport and Human Rights, and she joins Open Mic to talk about the evolution of women’s soccer, the lessons of its past and where the game goes next. 0:00 Intro 1:26 The 1991 World Cup 4:57 Harvey’s Journey to the USWNT 7:58 How 1991 Changed Women’s Soccer 11:53 Inside the 1996 USWNT 16:25 From Player to FIFA Leader 24:11 How World Cups Drive Development 28:26 What Happened to WPS? 35:12 The Future of the Women’s Game 41:51 The Responsibility of Each USWNT Generation 44:46 Sport, Human Rights & the 2026 World Cup 57:30 Harvey’s Favorite Sporting Events For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

David Gass is back and is joined by Matt Doyle to break down MLS’ summer transfer window, the record spending, and the league’s place in the global market. Then they dive into the playoff race, from Nashville vs. Vancouver for the Supporters’ Shield to the contenders and the teams that could make a run to the postseason. 0:00 Gass is Back from Peru 7:28 What Happened in the MLS Transfer Window? 11:30 The Numbers & MLS in the Global Market 20:11 The MLS Grind is Setting In 25:57 Battle for the Shield: Nashville vs. Vancouver 33:57 Western Conference Contenders 39:00 Can San Jose Put It All Together? 42:49 Colorado, Seattle & West’s Playoff Picture 47:35 Philadelphia & Orlando’s Postseason Prospects 52:02 Toronto FC & Josh Sargent’s Fever Dream 55:50 Final Musings For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

What comes next for the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams? David Gass and Brian Dunseth look at Mauricio Pochettino’s second cycle with the USMNT, the players that are pushing to get into the team and what it could like for the next four years. Then, Michelle French, who coached the U.S. U-20s at two World Cups and was an assistant with the USWNT in 2015, joins Gass to talk about her experience, the decisions young players face between college, club and country and the path to the USWNT. 0:00 Intro 2:34 Pochettino’s Second Cycle 8:27 Players Left Off the World Cup Roster 12:23 How the USMNT Core Evolves 16:56 Reshaping U.S. Soccer 21:42 Building the Player Pathway 25:11 Win Now or Build Mode 29:26 What Will the September Camp Look Like? 43:11 Testing the USMNT Against Different Competition 49:40 Michelle French on the U-20 World Cup 52:41 Balancing College, Club & Country 56:41 The Evolution of Youth National Teams 59:22 College Soccer’s Strength 1:03:54 The Evolution of Women’s Soccer in the US For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

Jordan Angeli and Jill Loyden are back to breakdown a wild, long weekend in the NWSL. They dive into Vlatko Andonovski’s departure from Kansas City and Jameese Joseph’s move to Utah to Ashley Sanchez’s historic run and Denver’s statement win over Gotham. The race for the playoffs is tighter than ever as they recap the weekend’s biggest results and look ahead to another huge slate of games with playoff positioning on the line. 0:00 Intro 3:22 Vlatko & KC Part Ways 11:18 Jameese Joseph to Utah 22:46 Denver Stuns Gotham 26:19 The Ashley Sanchez Show 31:46 Orland’s First Win Under Yolanda Thomas 38:20 Four Huge NWSL Games This Weekend For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

Susannah Fuller chats with former Arsenal and England defender Kieran Gibbs to talk about his path from pro player to co-founding ONE FC , a youth soccer academy in Miami. Gibbs shares his approach to player development, how he hopes to bring his own experiences to the U.S. and where the project is now and going in the future. Plus, they discuss the 2026 World Cup and talk about Arsenal’s chance of repeating as Premier League Champions. 0:00 Intro 1:24 ONE FC Origin Story 6:03 Lessons from European Academies 8:26 The ONE FC Approach 10:59 Identifying Soccer Talent in the U.S. 14:36 Growing ONE FC 18:38 The 2026 World Cup Experience 25:26 Can Arsenal Repeat? 30:05 Where to Find Out More About ONE FC For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

The clock is ticking down on the 2026 MLS Transfer Window and the "Ice Cream Shop" is open. Tom Bogert hosts while also taking 15 phone calls, with Matt Doyle and Brian Dunseth alongside to break it all down as the scoops come in live. For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

US Soccer is making major changes to the youth soccer landscape, while a new generation of young players is getting ready for its own opportunity on the international stage. David Gass is joined by The Athletic’s Henry Bushnell to break down U.S. Soccer’s move to take control of U.S. Youth Soccer (USYS), then he sits down with U-20 World Cup-bound stars Emeri Adames of the Seattle Reign and the Chicago Stars Micayla Johnson to discuss their journeys, the tournament and what it means to represent the U.S. 0:00 Intro 1:17 The Subs Bench: Transfer Deadline Day 10:50 Henry Bushnell on US Soccer Taking Control of USYS 18:44 The Future of Club Soccer in the U.S. 26:16 The Process Behind U.S. Soccer’s Youth Changes 30:44 What Comes Next for U.S. Soccer? 33:44 U-20 Women’s World Cup Preview 35:29 Emeri Adames: Youngest Player to U-20 Leader 47:26 Micayla Johnson: From U-17 World Cup to the Pros For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

Seb Hines is out in Orlando less than two years after leading the Pride to the NWSL Shield and Championship. David Gass and Jill Loyden break down Orlando’s struggles, the decision to move on from Hines and what comes next for the Pride. Plus, Rose Lavelle re-signs with Gotham, some rumors floating around as the NWSL transfer window is closing soon, and the biggest takeaways from another wild weekend in the NWSL. 0:00 Intro 2:35 Orlando’s Fall From the Top 13:37 Yolanda Thomas Takes Over the Pride 18:06 Rose Lavelle Re-Signs With Gotham 24:49 NWSL Transfer News & Coaching Rumors 31:48 Denver & Angel City Goal Fests 37:04 Kansas City Keeps Finding Ways to Score 44:14 Seattle’s Playoff Push & San Diego’s Comeback For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

The MLS transfer window is in its final days, and there’s plenty to sort through. David Gass, Tom Bogert and Matt Doyle break down St. Louis City’s record move for Rafael Navarro, what’s next for Colorado and the latest moves around MLS. Plus, Inter Miami’s coaching change, RSL’s struggles and a wild weekend across the league, from San Diego and Minnesota to another big performance from Cavan Sullivan. 0:00 Intro 5:06 MLS Transfer Record for Rafa Navarro 15:35 St. Louis Expectations Moving Forward 19:23 Colorado's Rebuild 27:29 RSL's Death Spiral 32:14 Inter Miami's New Coach 36:21 Jack McGlynn & Luca Bombino Head to Stoke 46:57 LAFC's Big Decision 54:01 Daniel Gazdag to New England 58:13 Santiago Rodríguez to Columbus 1:03:54 The Best Things We Saw 1:09:06 Cavan Sullivan and Philly Keep Rolling 1:13:33 More Weekend Notes & More Transfer News For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

David Gass sits down with KC Current owner Angie Long and GM Ryan Dell to talk about the club's ambitions in Kansas City and beyond. From the rise of the NWSL and the club's approach to women's soccer to HB Køge, youth development and creating a pathway to the professional game, Long and Dell offer insight into how they're building the club and creating new opportunities in women's soccer. 0:00 Intro 1:41 Angie Long on Owning a Pro Sports Team 3:51 Kansas City is a Soccer City 8:41 Why KC Current Went Global 14:13 Building a Player Pathway 19:52 Temwa Chawinga, Malawi & the 2027 Women's World Cup 25:35 Ryan Dell on Building KC Current 29:49 The Youth Development Gap 35:17 Creating an Academy-to-Pro Pipeline For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

The MLS transfer window is heating up, with record-breaking fees and major moves reshaping clubs across the league. David Gass and Tom Bogert break down Kevin Kelsy’s $13 million move to Rangers, Owen Wolff’s record U22 Initiative transfer to Sporting KC, Julian Hall’s new deal, Austin FC’s overhaul and more before diving into MLS’s Leagues Cup collapse and the weekend ahead. 0:00 Intro 6:24 Portland’s Kevin Kelsy to Rangers 17:03 Owen Wolff to Sporting KC 32:49 Colorado’s Big U22 Signing 37:02 Julian Hall’s New Deal 43:41 LAFC & Orlando Make Moves, Players Head Abroad 52:48 Liga MX Sweeps the Leagues Cup Quarterfinals 1:04:08 The Austin FC Rant 1:14:35 Weekend Watchlist For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

College soccer remains a major part of the American soccer ecosystem, but the pathway to the pros and national teams is changing. David Gass talks with Philadelphia Union sporting director John Scheer and former Florida State head coach and Washington Spirit GM Mark Krikorian about where college soccer fits now, what it provides players and coaches, and how the U.S. can make the most of multiple pathways to the next level. 0:00 Intro 2:18 The Subs Bench: Jedi, Pukštas, 2027 World Cup & Yanks Abroad 19:35 John Scheer: Why College Matters 23:56 College Development & Scouting 28:24 Blending Pro & College Pathways 34:54 College’s Role for Coaches 39:27 Mark Krikorian: The Best Path for the Women’s Game 42:41 The Jump from College to the Pros 46:01 Can the NWSL Develop Young Players? 48:16 College Soccer vs. the World 52:39 College Soccer's Development Challenges 1:00:15 Can College Soccer Still Thrive? For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

Ashley Sanchez is putting herself right in the USWNT conversation, Boston is still trying to figure things out and the NWSL standings are getting very interesting. David Gass and Jordan Angeli dig into where the league stands, from Gotham's incredible run to San Diego's statement win over Utah and North Carolina's wild finish against Boston. 0:00 Jordan's Favorite Form of Transportation 2:42 Ashley Sanchez's USWNT Case 6:59 Sarah Schupansky to Boston 16:09 Esther González Heads to Saudi Arabia 21:23 The NWSL's New Tiers 32:56 San Diego Breaks Through Utah 42:43 Orlando's Defensive Masterclass 47:38 Croix Bethune Is on Fire 53:24 North Carolina's Wild Finish 1:00:05 Chicago Finds Goals & Games to Watch For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

The MLS transfer market is moving fast, and Tom Bogert has plenty of scoops to break down. David Gass and Matt Doyle join him to dig into Seattle’s move for Dejan Joveljić, Eduard Löwen heading to San Jose and what the latest moves mean for the teams involved. Then they turn to the weekend, including Nashville’s record-setting pace and more from around MLS. 0:00 Intro & Leagues Cup Quarterfinals 5:56 Dejan Joveljić to Seattle 14:58 The Puzzle of Sporting KC’s Transfers 24:39 Eduard Löwen Heads to San Jose 33:03 St. Louis Expectations 42:23 Santi Rodríguez to Columbus 47:37 NYCFC's Nico Fernández Mercau Stays Put 52:10 Breel Embolo Arrives in Atlanta 57:33 Khaled El-Ahmad Moves from Minnesota to Austin 1:10:02 Nashville Riding Historic Pace 1:14:10 More MLS Weekend Notes For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

David Gass sits down with former Vancouver Whitecaps FC head coach and current Halifax Wanderers GM and head coach Vanni Sartini for the debut episode of Open Mic. Sartini opens up about his coaching journey, the USMNT, MLS and his vision for the future of the game in North America. 0:00 Welcome to Open Mic 2:20 New Chapter in Halifax 4:42 The Growth of Soccer in Canada 11:32 His Coaching Journey 14:55 Developing Better Coaches 19:40 Building the USMNT Identity 26:36 Fixing Italian Soccer 30:56 Inside the Vancouver Years 40:32 MLS Is the Best Place to Coach 45:05 Promotion & Relegation in MLS For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

MLS is considering major changes to its playoff format, and David Gass and Tom Bogert dig into what it could mean for the league. They also discuss Mark McKenzie's move back to Philadelphia, Nashville's Shield push and the fallout from a heated Philadelphia-Miami matchup. 0:00 Intro 6:16 MLS Playoff Changes: Is It Too Much? 16:19 Mark McKenzie Coming Home 24:37 Sporting KC's Record Signing 29:46 Tom’s Ice Cream Shop Scoops 42:39 Nashville's Quest for the Shield 50:20 Philadelphia vs. Miami Gets Heated 1:00:21 Houston's Statement Win Over Vancouver 1:05:43 Midweek Games Rapid Fire For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

The USMNT’s next chapter is already taking shape. David Gass and Brian Dunseth take a look at the Americans abroad to keep an eye on as the new European seasons get underway, examining their performances, development and what could be next for them with the USMNT. On the women’s side, David Gass and Jordan Angeli begin building the USWNT’s 2027 World Cup roster. They break down the depth chart position by position, examine the biggest position battles and look at the players who could force their way into the conversation. Welcome to U.S. Soccerwise, our new weekly show covering the biggest stories and conversations across the U.S. men's, women's, and youth national teams. 0:00 Intro 2:38 Building the USWNT's 2027 World Cup Depth Chart 6:08 Who Should Start in Goal? 8:45 Defenders: Centerbacks & Outsidebacks 13:38 The Midfielders 18:45 The Attackers 27:01 Brian Dunseth joins the Soccerwise family 29:28 USMNT Under Pochettino 36:14 Folarin Balogun’s Next Step? 44:20 Seb Berhalter’s Big Move to Boro 47:15 Max Arfsten’s Opportunity 50:29 Gio Reyna to RC Strasbourg 56:16 Alex Freeman’s Challenge 1:01:51 The Next Players to Emerge 1:06:09 The Subs Bench For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered: https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq

Utah keeps making a case that it belongs in the Shield conversation, while Gotham is starting to look like the team many expected them to be. David Gass and Jordan Angeli discuss what's behind both teams' recent form, plus the emotional return of Caiya Hanks for Portland and the continued emergence of Mel Barcenas in San Diego. 0:00 Intro: Across the NWSL in 72 Hours 2:46 Utah's Wild Win Over Bay FC 17:06 Gotham's Best Soccer of the Season? 24:32 Caiya Hanks' Storybook Return 31:42 Angel City & Washington Play to a Draw 38:26 Mel Barcenas Is Must-See TV 42:56 Midweek Matchups: Louisville vs. Seattle & Chicago vs. Houston 50:54 Power Rankings 👍 Like • Subscribe • Listen • Follow 🎧 Listen & follow Soccerwise on your favorite podcast app: https://soccerwise.captivate.fm/ 🎥 Watch full video episodes on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@SoccerwiseHQ 🌐 Visit Kickback Soccer for more podcasts, news, and coverage: https://kickbacksoccer.com 📰 Subscribe to The Kickback newsletter: https://the-kickback.ghost.io 📲 Follow Soccerwise on social media: Instagram: swwomenfc https://www.instagram.com/swwomenfc/ Bluesky: https://bsky.app/profile/soccerwisehq.bsky.social