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The 2025 USL Jägermeister Cup is underway.  Tonight we will review the competition format, review the results of the first round, and preview what to expect in the remaining round-robin games.

LGS Pod: Question of the Week:

The 2025 US Open Cup resumes with the Round of 32 next week.  Each lower league team will be paired with an MLS team for this round.  So, our question this week is this: How many lower league teams will advance to the Round of 16?

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your answers - or us the link to send us any questions, comments, or feedback you have about the show.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment (Use the SEND US A TEXT link above)

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

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This week on the LGS Pod we return to the 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  We'll recap Round 3 and give our thoughts about the Round 32.

LGS Pod: Question of the Week:

A few week's back we asked our listeners how many lower league teams would advance out of the round of 32.  Our answers mostly ranged from around 4-6 teams (or about 25% to 38%).  Now that we know the match-ups and the hosting priorities for the Round of 32 and the Round of 16 we would like our listeners to revisit this question again and see if (based on form, host, match-ups, etc.) if you answer has changed.  So, rather than just give us a number, please share with us which lower league teams you think will advance to the Round of 16 in this year's Open Cup.

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your answers - or us the link to send us any questions, comments, or feedback you have about the show.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

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The National Amateur Cup is one avenue for amateur teams to qualify for the US Open Cup - but do you know it's history?

This week on the LGS pod we will dive into the 100 years of National Amateur Cup history.

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your questions, comments, or general response.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

This week on the LGS Pod we return to the 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  We'll recap Round 2 and give our thoughts about Round 3.

LGS Pod: Question of the Week:

There are several ways to qualify for the US Open Cup proper.  For amateur teams, the winner of the National Amateur Cup provides a guaranteed berth.  In fact, Qualification for the 2025 National Amateur Cup is going on right now and the 2025 winner will be guaranteed a spot in the 2026 US Open Cup.

We've talked a lot about 2025 being the 110th edition of the US Open Cup. So here's out question for this week:

When was the first edition of the National Amateur Cup?

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your questions, comments, or general response.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

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This week on the LGS Pod, John and Dylan review parts One, Two, and Three of the "Soccer: An American History" series from the "It Was What It Was" podcast produced by Overlap.

OVERLAP / IT WAS WHAT IT WAS:
"It Was What It Was" is one of the many shows produced by The Overlap.  It is a "football history" podcast hosted by Rob Draper (The Guardian, "Dear England: The Real Story of the Three Lions Rebirth") and Jonathan Wilson (The Guardian, "Inverting the Pyramid") and can be found on all major podcasting apps.

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your questions, comments, or general response.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

This week on the LGS Pod we'll talk briefly about the USL's desire to introduce pro/rel on the men's side once the new first division launches.  Then we'll switch gears and talk about the 110th edition of the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup.  We'll recap Round 1 and give our thoughts about Round 2.

LGS Pod: Question of the Week:

We're doing something different for the Question of the Week.  Instead of a question we are giving you a homework assignment: go find the "It Was What It Was" podcast (found on all major platforms) and listen to the three episodes about the history of soccer in the United States.  Next week on the LGS pod, we will review those episodes of the IWWIW podcast and answer some of our listener feedback about the podcast. 

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your questions, comments, or general response.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

This week on the LGS Pod we'll once again go back deep into the Soccer Shorts vault and revisit our episode on the San Diego Liverpool Supporter Group.  Current LFC SD leaders will be joining us to review that episode and talk to us about what has changed with LFC SD over the last six years.

After the interview, John and Dylan check out some listener feedback, talk a little Open Cup, and give out the new Question of the Week.

LGS Pod: Question of the Week:

Round 1 of the US Open Cup (proper) starts this week.  Rounds 1, 2, and 3 will all be comprised of lower league teams.  In the Round of 32, 16 MLS will enter the competition with each MLS team facing off against a lower league team.  So, how many lower league teams will make it to the Round of 16 (or, in other words, how many MLS teams will be upset in the Round of 32)? 

Dylan says 3 or 4.  John (boldly) says 9.  How many do you think?  Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your response.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

This week, in honor of Women's History Month, John and Dylan pay tribute to three great players with connections to San Diego.  Two with which you are probably familiar (Alex Morgan and Shannon MacMillan) and one player that you may not be (but really should): Jen Lalor.

To highlight Jen's story we do a Connections-inspired (1979, James Burke) segment that takes us on a 100-year history lesson of women's soccer that starts with Nettie Honeyball and the British Ladies Football Club and ends with Jen and her current role with Gotham NY/NJ in the NWSL.

LGS Pod: Question of the Week:

We highlighted three players in our show (Alex Morgan, Shannon MacMillan, and Jen Lalor).  Who else should be in the conversation to be recognized as one of the greatest female soccer players/coaches/soccer personalities with connections to San Diego?

Use the SEND US A TEXT link above to send in your response.

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

This week on the LGS Pod Dylan and John kick off the show by talking about the the Frontera SD tailgate and dreaded Goalkeeper Chant that marred SDFC's opening match.

The US Soccer AGM wrapped up this past weekend and there was some (potential) good news for fans who would like to see a Women's US Open Cup.

The Men's US Open Cup begins in a couple of weeks.  We'll start by looking back at your answers to last week's question about your greatest Open Cup moment.  Then, we'll dive in to a little USOC history and talk about some of the first round match-ups.

John and Dylan then wrap up the show with some programming updates. (Sorry, we forgot to do our question of the week this week!)

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

HOST & SHOW INFORMATION:
Host: John Cross ([email protected]).  John is the founder of Big Pine Digital (a digital media company that specializes in preserving family history) and Soccer Shorts (a YouTube Channel that specializes in short form documentaries about local, grassroots, soccer culture.

Co-Host: Dylan Wilson

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

Send us a text

This week on the LGS Pod we'll go back in the Soccer Shorts vault and look at the episode that kicked off Soccer Shorts series: the original Bridge Barkada episode.  Joining us will be Paul Nacu, one of the founders of Bridge Barkada.  We'll take a look back at how Bridge Barkada started, talk about some of the highlights over the last seven years, and dig deep into how Bridge Barkada had a positive impact on our local soccer community and the impact this passion project had on Paul's life personally.

John and Dylan then wrap up the show with some listener feedback and share the new question of the week.

TIMESTAMPS:

00:00:00 Welcome and Intro

00:02:32 Paul Nacu and Bridge Barkada

00:52:50 Interview Recap (John and Dylan)

00:54:41 Shout Outs (SDFC Supporters Union, Tony / SanDiego.futbol)

01:00:55 Listener Feedback (Results from last week's question: What/Who should Soccer Shorts profile in 2025?)

01:13:01 Question of the Week: What is your favorite moment from the US Open Cup?

01:17:40 Wrap Up

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

Check out the Soccer Shorts Bridge Barkada Playlist on YouTube

BRIDGE BARKADA:
Follow Bridge Barkada on Socials: @BridgeBarkada

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
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4. Leave a comment

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol

HELP US GROW!
1. Tell a friend
2. Rate & Review
3. Subscribe
4. Leave a comment

SOCCER SHORTS:
Follow on socials:
BlueSky: @SoccerShorts.BigPineDigital.com

Check out the Soccer Shorts YouTube channel
YouTube: @BPDSoccerShorts

PARTNERS:
SanDiego.futbol
Website: https://www.sandiego.futbol/
BlueSky: @SanDiego.Futbol
YouTube: @SanDiego.Futbol