With Arsenal FC having a lead in the Premier League, we encourage supporters around the globe to hold on tight.

On this episode of New Ground, Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about the Prem, the US National Teams and the top stories in Major League Soccer.

We get into:

• Allen and Jalil discuss all-time favorite boots
• Hold your breath Arsenal fans
• Naomi Girma shows out back with USWNT
• Swag don't lag with Rose Lavelle
• Weston McKennie extended through 2030
• Messi bags a brace or Inter Miami CF
• NY Red Bulls values their youth
• Chicago Fire reestablishing themselves a destination
• DC United flipping the script from '25?
• Does MLS need LIGA MX for All-Star Game?
• Flowers: Giselle Thompson and Community Service

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If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

Is LAFC the 2026 MLS frontrunner after beating defending champs Inter Miami CF in front of 75,000 fans at the LA Memorial Coliseum?

On this episode of New Ground, Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about what was revealed to them after Matchday 1 of the 2026 MLS campaign.

We get into:

• LAFC's Son and Bouanga attacking with venom
• New York Red Bulls' starting 3 teenagers under Matt Bradley
• Nashville SC's 3 Headed Monster with Surridge, Mukhtar, and Espinoza
• Keep on dancing Vini Jr.
• USMNT Player Pool finding their form at the right time
• MLS Matchday 2 Preview
• Flowers; Ray Gaddis and MLS Referees (Tori Penso, Kathryn Nesbitt, Meghan Mullen)

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If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

It's wrong to center Vinícius Júnior in the most recent incident of racial abuse - all attention needs to be on Gianluca Prestianni and the history of abuse on the pitch.

On this episode of New Ground, Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about the on-field incident during a UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica.

We get into:

• Gianluca Prestianni's Role in the Incident
• Jose Mourinho Gaslighting Comments
• USMNT Strikers Finding their Form
• 10 Questions Leading Into MLS Season 31
• Flowers: Savy King (Angel City FC) & CBS Champions League Broadcast Team

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If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

Thank goodness for Bad Bunny because that Super Bowl was not a fun watch.

On this episode of New Ground, Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about the week that was where all eyes were on Super Bowl LX.

We get into:

• Bad Bunny Living His Best Life at the Super Bowl
• Coaching and Managing People
• KC Current Makes Move to Get Croix Bethune
• Does the Super Bowl compare to the World Cup Final?
• Jalil Played for the Kraft Family, but Not Invested in the Patriots
• Preference for How to Lose
• Flowers: DeJuan Jones (San Jose Earthquakes) & Justine Emmanwori

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If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

Ever wondered what legendary MLS and soccer insiders consider their ultimate dream team?

On this episode of New Ground, Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba craft their all-star "family feud" of soccer legends—sharing not just who they'd pick but the secret qualities that make these players unforgettable. From calmness under pressure to relentless professionalism, these insights reveal what truly elevates a player beyond the pitch.

We get into:

• Jalil's MLS Family Feud Team
• Bad Bunny living his best life
• Alex Freeman to Villarreal FC (La Liga)
• Obed Vargas to Atlético Madrid (La Liga)
• Patrick Agyemang to Derby County (EFL Championship)
• Young Talent in the USMNT Player Pool
• Flowers: Oguchi Onyewu, Amir Lowery, & Nashville Workers Aiding in Storm Recovery

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If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

What's the difference between "Doing too much" and "Doing the Most" – which one are you?

Allen and Jalil talk about the ins and outs of MLS Preseason experience and debate what are the important takeaways as organizations ramp up.

We get into:

• MLS Preseason Grind
• Which Things are Actually Important in Preseason?
• CONCACAF Impact to Preseason Ramp Up
• Flowers: Cobi Jones and Andrei Chirilă (FC Cincinnati) and Academy/2nd team players

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If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

Unlock the unexpected truths behind the skills and moments that shape our world—like the hidden art of shorthand, the chaotic beauty of football finals, and the cultural power of African tournaments. In this episode, Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba dive into stories that reveal why forgotten skills still hold immense value, how sports chaos creates legendary memories, and why the passion in African football breaks boundaries and stereotypes.

You'll discover the psychology of hiding money in encyclopedias, the wild unpredictability of finals like Zidane’s infamous headbutt, and how African nations like Senegal are redefining greatness against all odds. Plus, get an inside look at the rising stars of the US men's national team, Wes McKinney and Christian Pulisic, and why their mentality could shape the future of global soccer.

This episode is a must-listen if you crave raw authenticity, fresh perspectives on sport and culture, and stories that remind us why chaos and passion are essential to greatness. Whether you're a soccer fanatic, a sports historian, or someone seeking inspiration from real-life resilience, you'll leave with a new appreciation for the beautiful madness that fuels both game and life.

And for those ready to embrace the mess, the victories, and the stories that keep the world turning—hit play now. Your journey into the heart of what makes sport and culture truly spellbinding starts here.

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WEEKLY FLOWERS:

Attorney and Restauranteur Kevin Kelly & Dr. Diego Gutierrez

Clarity and Intentionality Make or Break Your Soccer Season.

On this episode of New Ground, Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about how the offseason can set up a team for success.

We get into:

• What Are the Ingredients to a Successful Preseason
• One of Jalil's Best Preseasons was Playing International Competition
• USMNT Chris Richards is Ballin' Out at Crystal Palace
• AFCON Updates
• Flowers: U.S. Coaches Convention Attendees & Team Administrators

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If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

We are back and we are better for 2026!

On this episode of New Ground, Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about some MLS preseason activities.

We get into:

• Overcoming EV Range Anxiety
• MLS Rookie Symposium
• African Cup of Nations
• Flowers; AFCON and City of Nashville

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If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

What's our favorite thing about New Ground? Our guests and creating a space for genuine vibes.

On this episode of New Ground, Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba revisit some of our favorite guest conversations from 2025 as well as reflect on the space that they've cultivated with New Ground.

We get into:

• MLS Ironman Kei Kamara goes in depth into how he and his family escaped from the civil war of Sierra Leone and moved to America.
• Calen Carr talks about growing up in Berkeley, California and how he against all odds found soccer. He was hooked and convinced his Mom to travel to Brazil by himself as a teenager so that he could train.
• Former NWSL Champion turned media darling Darian Jenkins gives us her take on the growth of the league and all the nonsense she had to endure back in the day.
• Legend and homie of the show Maurice Edu talks about how quickly his playing days were taken away all at the same time he lost his father.

Thank you everyone for riding with us, We can't wait to see where 2026 will take us!

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If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.