Jason is out today so Robert Kerr welcome professional scout Brooks Laimbeer to the show to talk about changes that are gaining momentum in college soccer, including a longer schedule. The pair also look ahead to the fourth round of the U.S. Open Cup, a potential Santa Rosa expansion team in the USL, and more.

Jason doesn't fully take the day off, though. He did do an interview with Cesar Hernandez about the state of promotion and relegation in Mexico and how it relates to the USL's recent announcement brining the system to American soil.

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Robert Kerr and Jason Davis rap about the U.S. Open Cup third round and some of the memorable moments from the first day of action. Also, the WPSL announced they will begin a second division pro women's league in 2026 and Gianni Infantino confirmed that there will be a plyoff between LAFC and Club America for Club Leon's spot in the Club World Cup should the CAS side with them in their court case in the coming weeks.

The guys also weigh the pros and cons of MLS switching the a fall-spring calendar, complete with AI shenanegans, and take to Peter Marlette about his new soccer stadium project and his USL expansion side in Buffalo.

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American soccer is often consumed by conflict with itself and Robert Kerr and Jason Davis do not like this state of affairs. The guys take this show to rundown the things that are working well in the game today and look into how that conflict is ultimately silly. Also, The U.S. Open Cup is back this week to showcse the game's growth at the lower league and grassroots levels. In the same vein, the USL's Buffalo expansion teased some stadium renderings that look exciting.

MLS is nearting the end of the first quarter of the season so Robert and Jason also look at which teams are failing to live up to expectations and which team they would rather have in a on-off Mortal Kombat match, figuratively speaking.

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Lots to do on a Friday edition of Morning Kickaround. Robert Kerr and Jason Davis break down USL's impressive television ratings and whether or not the league has the potential to out pace MLS in terms of popularity. This comes after a discussion about how MLS discussing a calendar switch is more complicated than it seems.

Before that, however, the USMNT learned its opponents for this summer's Concacaf Gold Cup, there will be an MLS team in the Concacaf Champions Cup Final, and they pick four games to watch in American soccer this weekend.

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Promotion and relegation is central to today's show as Robert Kerr and Jason Davis discuss the original plan for the concept here in the USA. It was created back in the 1980s, believe it or not. The guys explain the concept and try to carve today's landscape into that plan.

Before that, though Jeremiah Oshan from Sounder at Heart comes on the discuss soccer in the Pacific Northwest and, as per the theme, promotion and relegation. Catch the entire video on the Morning Kickaround Ko-Fi page!

Before all that, however, Daniel Gazdag moved from Philly to Columbus in a blockbuster cash trade in MLS, it was revealed that Inter Miami holds the discovery rights to Kevin De Bruyne, and the USWNT fell to Brazil on a late goal in the second of two friendlies between those two storied nations.

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On the heels of Alex Ovechkin breaking a record that was once thought untouchable, Robert Kerr and Jason Davis ask if anyone could possibly break Chris Wondolowski's scoring record and how that potential record chase is different from what Ovechkin accomplished.

Before that, though, Daniel Sperry of the Kansas City Star joins the program to talk about life after Peter Vermes at Sporting Kansas City and what is next for the storied MLS club and their former coach.

Also, The USWNT took down Brazil thanks in large part to the return of Trinity Rodman, Toronto FC took a point home from Miami on Sunday Night Soccer, and which other MLS head coaches could be joining the unemployment line in the near future?

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Friday's Morning Kickaround!

In Long Balls, Jason and Robert ponder Kevin De Bruyne and Thomas Mueller landing in MLS, break down FIFA's shady Club World Cup ticket offer, and discuss the news that the 2031 World Cup is (probably) coming to America.

Then Elliot "Yogi" Barr joins the show to break down the top 5 moments from the second round of the 2025 US Open Cup. Flag drama. Red cards. Burritos.

Finally, Jason and Robert ask a Big Question: Which will be bigger for American soccer, a European calendar for MLS or pro/rel in USL?

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Inter Miami has put a stop to any fantasies Robet Kerr and Jason Davis may have had about Messi's bodyguard duking it out with Logan Paul out on the pitch. The club has banned hom from the field and will handle security themselves. Also, the Concacaf Champions Cup gave us a pair of scoreless draws last night. Can anyone find the back of the net in tonight's quarterfinals?

The U.S. Open Cup is also back this week with a unique American intra-city rivallry match as Chattanooga FC and the Chattanooga Red Wolves meet each other for the very first time.

Finally, the guys look at how different MLS is now compared to 2009, when now former Sporting Kansas City head coach Peter Vermes first started.

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Robert Kerr and Jason Davis look back on the MLS weekend that was, including an emphatic win for San Diego FC over LAFC. Atlanta United also won a barn burner against New York City while Leo Messi scored for Inter Miami in a top of the table showdown with Philly. Oakland Roots got into a bit of social media banter with the Las Vegas Lights before their match at the Colisium.

Also, in an incredible coincidence, Peter Vermes reportedly got the axe while the guys are digging into which MLS coaches are on the hot seat.

Finally, Robert and Jason pick their riger squads for the U.S. Open Cup.

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A week after Jason Davis ailed on MLS for playing through the international break, him and Robert Kerr get ready for a more normal weekend of Major League Soccer with their fab four of games to watch.

Also, Logan Paul and Leo Messi'a body guard apparently have beef over energy drinks and Messi's man has challenged Paul to a trial by combat over it. Johnny Cardoso could be moving to the Premier League with Tottenham. Finally, the U.S. Open Cup has themselves a shiny new streaming deal and Rob and Jason react to some listener comments on the USL, Pro/Rel, and more.

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