Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast

Greetings once again, soccer fans! Welcome back to The Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast. In this episode, we discuss the latest coaching hires in Major League Soccer (MLS) and review the latest United States Men's National Team (USMNT) roster.

Chicago Fire FC have hired Raphael Wicky as their latest manager. He brings a solid resume, having coached FC Basel in Switzerland and most recently had a 9 month stint as the U-17 USYNT coach. He should bring a higher degree of technical ability and sound tactics back to Chicago, and fans can expect a disciplined team. But can they expect to win? For that, they'll need to sign some DPs, which may come from Germany based on the hiring of the new technical and sporting directors. Tune in for the details!

Inter Miami CF have hired Diego Alonso, a coach that has bounced around Mexico and South America, but has had recent success in Concacaf Champions League (CCL). While that's certainly appealing to MLS clubs, hopefully Alonso has a plan to qualify for CCL and not bottom out like recent expansion teams. However with his playing and coaching experience, he should fit in well with the Latin-influenced roster of Inter Miami.

Speaking of rosters, Gregg Berhalter has announced a group of young MLS players for the USMNT January camp. The next generation of talent has the opportunity to impress in friendlies against Costa Rica and the Netherlands, with more games sure to be announced. Let's temper our expectations for results and just enjoy some fresh faces in the USMNT camp.

Thanks for listening, and please let us know your feedback! Be sure to join the conversation and keep up with our social media:

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Hello once again, soccer fans! Tonight, our hosts answer listener questions on trades and signings from around Major League Soccer (MLS). What are the key points and what makes them different from other American leagues? While they bargaining and goals are the same (get the best players for the best value) there are a lot more bargaining chips in the MLS - TAM, GAM, and international roster spots, to name a few. Also, MLS franchises can scout the entire world for soccer talent, where other American leagues have a much more limited player pool.

Specifically, our hosts address the signings of:

* Lucas Cavallini, Vancouver Whitecaps

* Diego Valeri, Portland Timbers

* Francisco Ginella, Los Angeles FC

* Adam Buksa, New England Revolution

In the 2nd half of the show, Nick and Mike give their thoughts on the upcoming CBA negotiations and the anticipated issues between the MLSPA and the league. The focus of the negotiations will likely revolve around free agency, salaries, and ... chartered flights!? Yes, with increased revenue, the league is going to have a much more difficult time not raising the salary cap, minimum salaries, or allowing chartered flights.

The show wraps up with thoughts on further expansion and what the future structure of the league might look like. With Charlotte being just announced as the MLS' 30th franchise, the Major League Soccer is at the size of most other American sports leagues, but much larger than any other soccer league in the world. Are they at a breaking point? Or is a restructure on the horizon? Tune in for some scenarios that Nick and Mike think could happen.

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Greetings, soccer fans, and welcome back to The Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast. In this episode, your hosts review the draw for the 2020 CONCACAF Champions League (CCL) and give their picks and preliminary positions. Tune in to hear about the favorites, the dark horses, and the teams that could surprise. If you're not familiar with the tournament, this episode will give you all the knowledge to confidently rant about the games on social media.

In the second half of the show, Nick and Mike discuss the latest headlines from around Major League Soccer (MLS). Tonight, they focus on big names and big money as Sporting KC, Toronto FC, LA Galaxy, and San Jose Earthquakes all made recent headlines. Quickly:

* SKC sign Alan Pulido

* TFC sign Michael Bradley

* LA Galaxy sign Sacha Kljestan

* San Jose Earthquakes sign Cristian Espinoza

* Barcelona (rumored to) sign Carlos Vela

These teams have broken the bank to get these players. Will it pay off? Let Nick and Mike give you their unfiltered opinion on the signings ... along with which teams have missed out so far (ahem ... Chicago).

Be sure to join the conversation and keep up with our social media:

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Greetings, soccer fans! Welcome back to The Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast. In tonight's episode, Nick and Mike give their opinions on what is a good contract or a bad contract. For Mike, good contracts are all about player production, while Nick looks at the value of the contract and how teams can move players for transfer fees. Thanks to new listener David Ruffin for the email and the conversation starter!

Next, the hosts recap the Major League Soccer Re-Entry Draft, and break down the picks from Stage 1 and 2 of the event. Most notably, Toronto FC pick up Juan Agudelo and FC Cincinnati sign Saad Abdul-Salaam. Both signings are at worst depth signings, and at best can be immediate impact players. Agudelo can provide a goal-scoring presence in place of injury-plagued Jozy Altidore, and Abdul-Salaam can help shore up a league worst defense. Finally, the Sons of a Pitch highlight Real Salt Lake signings on the pitch and on the staff, and they discuss Chicago Fire's link to Chivas striker Alan Pulido.

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Welcome back to The Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast. In their latest episode, our hosts Nick and Mike bring you the latest Major League Soccer news and headlines, including:

* Fire Fail: What went wrong with the new logo. (Spoiler alert: everything!)

* Expansion Updates: How Inter Miami and Nashville used their expansion draft picks

* Staying on Top: What Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC look to do in the off-season

* Roster Moves: How the Colorado Rapids, Red Bulls New York, and Chicago Fire will have new identities next season.

Stay tuned for all this and more from The Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast.

Be sure to join the conversation and keep up with our social media:

* Twitter: @SOPSoccer

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Hello, soccer fans! Welcome to The Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast. Tonight, our hosts preview the eligible players in the Major League Soccer (MLS) Expansion Draft. Who will be the next group to join expansion sides Nashville SC and Inter Miami FC? Will your favorite players be protected? Tune in as Nick and Mike break down the current rosters of the expansion teams and their possible expansion draft picks.

Next, they review the biggest headlines from the MLS:

* Thierry Henry is the new head coach of the Montreal Impact: How will he fare?

* Brian Fernandez' contract terminated, released from Portland Timbers roster: How does Portland replace him? Should they just rebuild?

* Do these teams need to go big or slow build? Tune in and find out!

Finally, The Sons of a Pitch go international. Nick and Mike recap the second Nations League meeting between the United States Men's National Team (USMNT) and the Canadian Men's National Team (CanMNT). After stunning the US 2-0 in Toronto, the Americans jumped out to an early lead and never looked back. Zardes and Morris shined in a 4-1 victory, and the defense held. Then, they take a deep dive into the Concacaf Nations League. They analyze the current tournament, its impact on the confederation, and how it affects World Cup qualifying. They also provide a look at how the new FIFA ranking system works and the algorithm used to determine the points for each game. Is it fair? Are there still bugs? You'll hear all about it in tonight's episode.

Be sure to join the conversation and keep up with our social media:

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Welcome back, soccer fans, to the Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast. The MLS has its newest champion in the Seattle Sounders, after their 3-1 victory over Toronto FC. While TFC may have looked the better side, Seattle got the better of the goal-scoring opportunities to earn their second MLS Cup in team history. Our condolences to our host Mike, a Toronto superfan, but at least he got his pick right.

In the second half of the show, our hosts review the latest headlines from around Major League Soccer, including:

* Chicago Fire clean house - head coach Paunovic and entire staff let go. Is GM Rodriguez next?

* Nagbe returns to Columbus for a hefty sum - Did the Crew overpay?

* Inter Miami acquire TFC midfielder Jay Chapman - experience key for the expansion squad

* Houston increase its attacking potential by trading for Darwin Quintero - doubtful that Adrian Heath is upset

Be sure to join the conversation and keep up with our social media:

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Welcome back, soccer fans, to the Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast. In our 100th episode spectacular, Nick and Mike discuss the various headlines from around Major League Soccer (MLS), including:

Possible strategies for new Chicago Fire owner Joe Mansueto

Adam Lallana rumored to MLS

Should Toronto FC get a CCL berth if they win the MLS Cup?

Nashville acquires McCarty (CHI) and Romney (LAG)

Tab Ramos adds Namazi, Mastroeni to Houston Dynamo coaching staff

Reports of Dome Torrent resigning as NYCFC head coach

In the Second Half of the show, the hosts break down the playoff runs of MLS Cup Finalists Toronto FC and Seattle Sounders and just how amazing these post-seasons have been. They also give their expectations of the final, and both hosts predict that Seattle will end up raising the cup.

Be sure to join the conversation and keep up with our social media:

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Welcome back to The Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast. In tonight's episode, our hosts recap all the headlines from around Major League Soccer, including:

* Sacramento Republic FC's natural rivalry with the San Jose Earthquakes

* Houston Dynamo hire Tab Ramos as head coach

* Sergino Dest to play for USMNT

* MLS Best XI: who else could've made the list?

In the second half of the show, Nick and Mike also round up the MLS Cup Playoffs giving their takes on:

* LAFC v. LA Galaxy: Goals, goals, and goals

* Seattle vs. RSL: Sounders to much to handle for Real Salt Lake

* Atlanta vs. Philly: Doop's run comes to an end, but a season to build on

* NYCFC vs. Toronto: New York can't get the playoff monkey off their back (What with the northeast and not winning cups?)

The hosts also give their prediction for the next round. Follow along on social media and let us know your thoughts. Thanks for listening!

* Twitter: @SOPSoccer

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* Youtube: Sons of a Pitch

* Email: [email protected]

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The playoffs are here, and the Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast has them covered! Tune in for all the action as the MLS is rewarded for their change to a one-and-done playoff format. There were 90+ minutes of exciting soccer in each and every one of the six matches played, and fans in both the Eastern Conference and Western Conference were treated to great atmospheres in the stands and play on the pitch. Home teams won five of the six 1st round games, with the Galaxy winning on the road to set up El Trafico: Playoff Edition.

Our hosts also discuss the headlines from around the American soccer landscape, including:

* Expansion announcement: Sacramento Republic to become 29th league franchise

* NWSL Update: Chicago Red Stars to take on North Carolina Courage in finals

* Philadelphia Union make history with 1st playoff win...DOOP, DOOP, DOOP!

* Wondo signs a 1yr contract with San Jose Earthquakes

Thanks for listening, and be sure to join the conversation:

* Twitter: @SOPSoccer

* Facebook: @sonsofapitchsoccer

* Youtube: Sons of a Pitch

* Email: [email protected]

* Swag: Redbubble SOP Page