Cleared Off The Line

This week on Cleared off the Line...

Why the United States is way ahead of the rest of the world, especially England, in one aspect of professional soccer.

Hear how a small university in Alabama is trailblazing into Europe to show its students how to be the next generation of soccer and sports business professionals to grow our game.

I speak to Professor Darin White of Samford University about how he's dotted the map working with soccer clubs that are household names across the pond, his past life as a successful soccer coach and what footy fans should look for to know soccer is growing.

Lastly, as the USLC CBA negotiations continue and some progress is being made, I tell you what I think will make the difference in the negotiations from a public perception stand point now that the league has started its 2026 season.

Hint-- you may have already seen it.

This week on Cleared off the Line...

One USL Championship player teaches us why trusting yourself and being patient can lead to a full circle moment that makes all the struggle worth it.

When that moment is winning a league title for your hometown team it's a perfect way to show that everything happens for a reason.

Pittsburgh Riverhounds midfielder Robbie Mertz joins the show to talk about how his past prepared him to lead the Black and Yellow into Tulsa and leave with a title. Plus, what's ahead for the native Pittsburgher.

This week on Cleared off the Line...

How a former MLS player is helping literally construct teams and leagues with risk management. He's using his experience as a player during a period of extreme growth for the American top flight to ensure young players have a secure pathway to the pros.

Former Rev and Sounder Kelyn Rowe is ready to tell us about that, what he saw in a young Obed Vargas and some quickfire question answers you're gonna want to hear.

Plus, who is the hottest team in La Liga right now and why does it matter to Americans? I'll tell you about the New Jersey native at the helm who may one day manage the USMNT. That's ahead in the Soccer Explainer.

This week on Cleared off the Line...

How does the business side of a professional football club market itself to existing and potential fans on a tight budget by building lasting community partnerships?

Tanner Clay-- the Charleston Battery's business guru-- joins me to tell you how he fills the seats of a stadium and the wallets of the club to win championships.

That's ahead in our interview segment.

Also, there is a soccer term that's crept into the American fan vernacular and it is absolutely terrible.

I tell you what it is, why it makes no sense and what clubs should've done to avoid it in Tuck's Takes.

This week on Cleared off the Line...

The day has finally come! Did you hear the spectacular news?

Soccer has surpassed baseball in popularity across the United States not a moment too late as the World Cup comes to America in months. I'll tell you why this is obviously important and how soccer could have to overcome some of baseball's "boring" issues in Tuck's Takes.

Plus, what team is a somewhat surprising favorite to win the second year of the Gainbridge Super League? Lexington Sporting Club has transformed with a makeover that's propelled them to the upper echelons of the league table this season. Forward Cat Barry joins to discuss their rise.

Lastly, have you seen soccer players near and far cut holes in their socks? What about cutting off the toe of socks? At this point I'm sure you have and if you're confused I have you covered in the Soccer Explainer.

This week on Cleared off the Line...

Where do things stand with one of America's biggest professional soccer leagues and its CBA negotiations as the clock ticks down to the current agreement expiring on December 31st?

The United Soccer League Championship's players are in slow moving talks with the league on a new agreement that's been negotiated over the past year.

Connor Tobin-- the Executive Director of the United Soccer League Players Association-- speaks with us about what footballers are fighting for and why.

Plus, why the USMNT's group for the 2026 World Cup is the perfect trap that Manager Mauricio Pochettino is not buying into? I tell you about the gaffer's thoughts on the team's mentality going forward.

Finally, what are the key historical takeaways we have witnessed so far in Messi Mania as the most decorated player ever lifts MLS Cup? I give you my take.

This week on Cleared off the Line...

Major League Soccer has made a change many thought would never happen and it is literally going to change everything.

The leagues owners have voted to move the calendar of the season to align with world football.

I'll tell you what that means, why it is not set in stone yet and how I view the change in Tuck's Takes.

Take a trip down memory lane with me to World Cups of years and eras past with me in the Soccer Explainer too.

I tell you about the highlights that you just have to know about.

Continuing our interview series with another look at the people who help grow the game in the US as we talk to someone who literally uses his voice to do so.

Louisville City and Racing Louisville's Stadium Voice, Jordan Rivers, joins the show.

This week on the Cleared off the Line Podcast…

How a Twitter exchange between two soccer journalists turned into a podcast segment on the status of soccer literacy in the U.S.

Jose Nunez, who covers the current Supporter’s Shield Champions Philadelphia Union in Major League Soccer, joins me to talk about why we are both upset with two ESPN talents… the issues surrounding Americans learning about soccer… and how that’s being improved.

Our interview series gives us those answers.

Then, I discuss the hottest name on the U.S. Men’s National Team this month, one Gio Reyna, as he is back in camp for the first time since that disastrous CONCACAF Nations League fourth place finish in March and after he had some trouble finding a new team in Europe when he was not getting minutes at Borussia Dortmund.

After being out of Pochettino’s picture for so long, I ask what are his chances of making the World Cup roster?

That’s ahead in the Red White and Blue Report.

Speaking of the World Cup– let’s get you educated on a few key things to know about the competition to boost your vocabulary from the trophy to a type of group we don’t want to see the USMNT in at all.

That’s in the Soccer Explainer.

That’s all ahead on Cleared off the Line.

This week on Cleared off the Line...

I tell you about a soccer league in the States that you've never heard of before, introducing you to some of its most well known players and coaches, all while giving you insight into why this competition is making a difference.

The MLS Cup Playoffs are ongoing and we are right in the middle of the first round after the wild card games. I'll break down the three key reasons that this system is unique in the Soccer Explainer.

Also, have you seen the official ball for the World Cup next summer? I have... and I have a quick take on why it's just okay.

That and more ahead on Cleared off the Line.

This week on the Cleared off the Line Podcast…

The USMNT is unbeaten in three matches under Mauricio Pochettino and it's their most recent good run of form.

The Yanks beat Japan and Australia along with a draw to Ecuador in September and October. 

Those results have shown that this team is taking great steps forward to become a World Cup winning contender. 

I’ll explain why that is and how they can keep up the positive momentum in the Red White and Blue Report.

I also break down another key piece of soccer knowledge— the American women’s pro soccer pyramid— in the Soccer Explainer so you can know all about the ins and outs of the women’s game.

Lastly, several cities across the country are trying to grow the game by starting professional teams but one has the unique challenge of doing that in a town where sports fans have been downtrodden for decades. 

If you guessed that town is Cleveland, Ohio you are on the money. 

Gina Prodan-Kelly, the Chief Marketing Officer from Cleveland Pro Soccer, joins the show to give us an inside look at how an expansion team finds it’s identity from scratch, how they’re actually listening to fans opinions and when you can see them play on the pitch.