Soccer 2 the MAX

On this edition of Soccer 2 the MAX, Rachael and Erik discuss the next generation of the US-Mexico rivalry, and give their opinions on the USMNT during the international break. Also, the one bold step...they both give their NWSL playoff predictions.

On this week's episode, Erik and Rachael take the reigns, as they discuss what's right and what's (mostly) wrong with the USWNT roster. They also make sense of the stretch run in the NWSL, and Erik may have found someone else to aim his rage at...for once.

In the absence of awesome producer Sean, Rachael and Erik talk about why Miami really isn't a soccer town, and how the NC Courage upset not one, but two powerhouses to win the Women's International Champions Cup. Also, USWNT head coach Jill Ellis doesn't escapte their grasp, as the duo talk about what happened against Australia, and who needs to be on the pitch for the US to win the Tournament of Nations.

On the final World Cup edition of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins are joined by Last Word on Soccer's Matt Pollard to discuss all things 2018 World Cup Final.

* Sean's audio apparently has a problem where it is scratchy, we apologize for that. Erik and Matt sound just fine though. *

The guys breakdown the game, their thoughts on France and Croatia throughout the tournament. The future of both countries national teams looking ahead to EURO 2020.

Then, things end with a discussion on the 2022 World Cup in Qatar officially being named a winter tournament for the Northern side of the globe. They also give general thoughts on many things about the 2018 World Cup too.

On this World Cup edition of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins, and Rachael McKriger discuss the two Semi-Finals, France and Croatia's road to the Final, and they make predictions on who wins. Not to mention, you want to listen for the big wager between Erik and Rachael depending on who wins as well.

On this World Cup edition of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins, and Rachael McKriger discuss all four of the quarterfinal games. What to expect in the Semi-Finals, and who we could see making it to the Final.

On this World Cup edition of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins, and the "Resident Russian" Rachael McKriger discuss Russia's big upset victory over Spain.

Could Russia really go even further in the tournament? What exactly made Rachael cry when it was all over? And they give a big thanks to the goalkeeper hero.

Well, it was the day for penalties, as Croatia and Denmark was also decided the same way. They discuss if perhaps the better team didn't get the win, is this Croatia's wake up call? And who's got the better opportunity to advance to the Semi-Final?

Finally, they preview the games happening on Monday with Brazil vs. Mexico, and Japan vs. Belgium.

On this World Cup edition of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss what happened in the first set of Round of 16 games.

Lionel Messi's Argentina and Cristiano Ronaldo's Portugal are out. Two of the tournament's biggest stars defeated in the Round of 16. What does it say about both men, and the makeup of their teams. What's next for them when it comes to the international realm, and what do the guys make of their absence in the game that mattered.

On the other end, France and Uruguay both showcased wonderful team play. Luis Suarez and Edinson Cavani put on a master class up top, while their defense was a true wall. France followed the talented toes of Kylian Mbappe for two sublime goals, while another one was made by a defender. The guys discuss how both teams played, a little preview of their match-up, and how the big Cavani injury changes things.

They end the show previewing Spain vs. Russia, and Croatia vs. Denmark too.

On this World Cup edition of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the final group stage games. The FIFA Fair Play tiebreaker made its presence felt, but not in the group you'd expect. Should this be a tiebreaker at all? Or was it really better to draw lots?

The duo also give out their Knockout stage predictions now that it's all set. Who do they have winning the World Cup 2018? Did they stick with their original picks? Or do they make a few surprise choices? Certainly worth a listen to find out.

On this World Cup edition of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins, and Rachael McKriger discuss Russia finally getting a dose of reality, or did they just play into what Uruguay wanted?

France and Denmark doing their best World Cup 1982 impression. While Peru finally gets on the board and wins one for their beloved fans.

Portugal and Spain take VAR to a whole new level in controversy. However, it also made a big decision for Argentina as well. Were all these decisions the right ones though? And did Lionel Messi just get the lifeline to tear it up in the knockout round? We discuss all these things and more.