Beyond the 90 Podcast

For the most part to this point, we have seen the conversation about the extension of the D1 NCAA men’s college soccer season to be self-congratulatory and focus on the biggest programs and the highest level players that play college soccer.

I agree with much of this analysis, but there is a lot to pick at that could go wrong as a result of this.

Why is NWSL in the position it is today? Because they were given a long runway by US Soccer in addition to being effectively subsidized. USL Super League hasn’t had those luxuries. USL is aware of the issues and is working toward resolving it.

BroSo Summer Elimination Charts

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1II_PDABp0L20UaQPpEwDqGgc7qfQnv2_pLI2sgkHqa0/edit?gid=0#gid=0

WoSo Summer Elimination Charts

https://docs.google.com/spreadsheets/d/1oeDh0WMPnHTM1fw-QiTdi0SeJCZ3MAHljE_Zs3mgqXM/edit?gid=1854088927#gid=1854088927

We sit down with Nick Greene, the author of the fantastic new book on the sport, How to Watch Soccer Like a Genius. The book is an offbeat, eccentric look at the history of the sport and is truly one of the best reads I have had on football. Written from an American perspective but without the “dumbing down” you usually get with explanatory narratives (especially on FOX and CBS), Greene goes far and wide to explain the history of the sport, its tactical and rules evolutions, its global appeal and why it caught on later in the US.

We’re back at the Florida Soccer Report and we take a quick half hour trip through the biggest story lines from the last few days.

Many of you have privately messaged me about Spokane’s folding and felt I was pulling punches. I wanted to give USL the space of the playoffs before discussing these matters but unfortunately it feels like it is time to discuss these matters. We also preview the Carolina-Lexington final.

The UK media’s hysterical response to Thomas Tuchel’s 2026 World Cup selection is broken down.

Some thoughts on tactics and greatness. And how John Stones helped make Kyle Walker the ultimate inverted fullback.

We breakdown the way Vincent Kompany set up Bayern in this record shattering season.