Sons of a Pitch: An American Soccer Podcast

The USMNT finished their pre-World Cup friendlies against a solid UEFA opponent in Ireland and a World Cup favorite in France. Oddly, they lose to Ireland 2-1 and draw France 1-1 The hosts break down the goals and the line-ups, and discuss the future of the USMNT players and coaches. Wil Trapp captained the team amid speculation of a move from Columbus to Europe. Bill Hamid and Zack Steffen started in goal, and the hosts discuss how Steffen and Alex Bono are the keepers of the future.

Also, the United Bid of Canada, USA, and Mexico won the right to host World Cup 2026. The news came the morning after our recording, and we at Sons of a Pitch are very excited to watch the greatest players in the world in our backyard (albeit in 8yrs or so).

What are your thoughts on the USMNT roster and coaching candidates? Are you done seeing Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wood, like Nick? Do you want a European style coach, like Mike? Let us know in the comments below.

MLS Week 16 is in the books, and we recap all the action right here!

What a weekend for Eastern Conference! Contenders Atlanta visit NYCFC and Columbus hosts NYRB. Both games are potential conference finals match-ups, but we hope to see more goals the next time we see them play. Selfishly, Nick hopes Columbus makes a great playoff fun just to see more soccer in the original MLS team's home city. The hosts have given up the #SavetheCrew movement and are waiting for the Crew to make their move to Austin. Meanwhile, the middle of the conference keeps getting tighter with a TFC win and Fire/Revs draw.

Dallas jumps ahead in the Western Conference as SKC only takes a point against Portland. Nick gives a complete breakdown of his game of the week: RSL vs. LA Galaxy. Zlatan Ibrahimovic has a game to remember both for his scoring and his personality, and Michael Ciani puts Bofo Saucedo in his place. Also, the hosts question whether Montreal need to start shopping Piatti.

 

Also, Wondo Watch continues, and all-time foul leader Diego Chara gets a mention.

*These are taken from the official MLS Fact and Record Book. Not sure when it was last updated.

 

It's almost here! World Cup 2018 kicks off June 14, and we at Sons of a Pitch Soccer couldn't be more excited! In this episode, the hosts review the 2026 bid process between the United Bid (United States, Canada, and Mexico) and Morocco, comparing their ratings, infrastructure and stadiums, and global impact. Next, we break down all the MLS players and who could make the biggest impact for their respective countries. And if that wasn't enough ...

Mike ran a complete WC 2018 simulation on FIFA 2018, and we go over his predicted group winners and his surprising final matchup. Nick tells him where the video game is wrong, and we review the actual favorites. Who is your favorite to win? Who will most likely surprise the field? Leave your comments below, and enjoy the greatest sports tournament in the world!

 

*Editor's Note: Since recording, Belgium's Laurent Ciman has been named an alternate to their World Cup roster and is not on the final, 23-man roster. Sorry for any confusion. (We just really like him.) Here is FIFA's official rosters page.

Mike and Nick recap and review all the Week 14 action in Major League Soccer. Josef Martinez sets an MLS record, Sporting Kansas City and FC Dallas are the best in the West, while Atlanta United and New York City FC are the class of the East. And what's going on in Colorado? (Spoiler Alert: It's a lack of talent.) Be sure to comment below on whether you think any teams will challenge ATL and SKC (Nick doesn't think so), and look out for our next twitter polls before the next slate of games.

 

Finally, keep an ear out for all of Nick's puns. He knows they're terrible, but hopes you'll laugh anyway.

The United States Men's National Team (USMNT) hosted Bolivia with a young roster and came back with a 3-0 victory! The hosts break down the game, the goals, and take an in depth look at the US roster and who they would like to see earn minutes in upcoming friendlies. Mike gives his projected Starting XI for the next World Cup qualifying cycle, Nick reviews each player's current club, and he adds a few names to keep an eye on in Major League Soccer (MLS).

 

Speaking of names, the hosts can barely pronounce a single one. (Special apologies to Eric Lichaj.)

All your MLS Week 13 action in one place! This week's trends include missed PKs and road wins. The Western Conference gains some ground on the East, with Houston, Dallas, and Vancouver all taking points against Eastern Conference opponents. Mike begrudgingly admits that Toronto FC isn't good this year, and Minnesota United take three points against a struggling Montreal Impact.

Also, is someone from the Chicago Fire listening? Nikolic hasn't been offside since we started tracking it.

And on a final note: Brek Shea, cut your hair. #whiteguycornrows

... but who watches the watchmen?

Nick and Mike provide a summary of MLS rules governing Video Assistant Referee (VAR), and share their thoughts on its role, effectiveness, and how it could possibly change the game of soccer. Throughout the piece, Nick compares MLS' VAR policies to those of other professional American sports, specifically the NFL and MLB. The hosts discuss the potential impact of video review on the World Cup and how its performance could impact VAR's future. Finally, Mike shares a list of his Best Five and Worst Five head referees (please excuse the Toronto FC biases), highlighting officiating errors which may have influenced the introduction of VAR in the league.

 

The guys also try to make a couple lawyer jokes. (Emphasis on the word "try.")

All the Major League Soccer (MLS) action from Week 12 in one convenient podcast. In the Eastern Conference, the hosts discuss whether other teams will copy the Red Bulls tactics against Atlanta United, Toronto FC get back to their winning ways, and Columbus wins again. Out West, Minnesota United might be building some momentum, Portland Timbers play a great game against LAFC, and the LA Galaxy finally win ... without Zlatan!

 

Also, the hosts discuss the pros and cons of DC United signing English striker Wayne Rooney, and Mike introduces you to a host of players who scored, but that you might not recognize.

The hosts provide a more in depth at Toronto FC and their international star Sebastian Giovinco, breaking down his stats, recent performances, and where he ranks on MLS' all time list of greats. They also discus the career of Nick Rimando, who is coming off his 200th career win, and ask whether his record setting career is simply a product of longevity. Mike breaks down the current playoff picture and picks Sporting KC to win the Supporters' Shield.

 

And Nick tells everyone exactly what he thinks about Kyle Beckerman's style of play ... and his hair.

The hosts recap and analyze of all the MLS Week 11 games. Mid-week play has started, and there was a ton of action. SKC vs. Atlanta and LAFC vs. NYCFC highlighted potential MLS Cup Finals. Toronto FC hosted Seattle in a re-re-match of the last two MLS Cups. Be sure to listen to find out the results from the weekend, as well as commentary on TFC's struggles, Columbus' resurgence, and Real Salt Lake's playoff chances. Also, do the LA Galaxy keep losing?

 

Yes, yes they do. (And Mike predicted it!)