The TopDrawerSoccer Show: focus on the future with Top Drawer Soccer

J.R. Eskilson joins the show to review the first two games for the United States at the U17 World Cup. What went right (not much), what went wrong, and how to keep perspective as the U.S. looks to stay alive in Brazil.

Stade de Reims goalkeeper Phallon Tullis-Joyce discusses life in France's Ligue 1 Feminie, where she moved after playing for the University of Miami earlier this year. Find out what it's like to be a young American (woman) playing abroad, how it's helped her grow as a player and person and some insights on developing as a goalkeeper.

Taylor and Travis break down the US U17 World Cup roster. Who is in, who is out, and who will need to have a strong tournament to help the US make a deep run. They also preview a few other potential head-turners at the tournament, and answer some U17-themed listener questions.

Some of the players Travis previewed are:

1) Adil Aouchiche (France)

2) Sebastian Esposito (Italy)

3) Efrain Alvarez (...Mexico)

4) Pablo Moreno (Spain)

5) Matias Palacios (Argentina)

6) Steve Mvoue (Cameroon)

7) Johan Mina (Ecuador)

8) Talles Magno (Brazil)

Jeff Kassouf of Equalizer Soccer joins the show to discuss the next stars of the NWSL, the status of the US Women's national team coaching search, and much more!

Taylor and Travis start off by analyzing the 25 names included on Jason Kreis' 25-player squad for the US U23 national team ahead of its upcoming friendly against El Salvador. Who's in, who's out, and who could still surprise in time for the Olympics?

After that, T&T do their best to select the 21 players they think are most likely to end up making the Raphael Wicky's squad for the U17 World Cup later this month. Lots of names suggested but only a few can make the cut!

Travis talks to Mexico international (and former US youth international) Jonathan González about how he became a professional player, what his time in Mexico has been like, and what advice he would give youngsters considering a pro career. He also gets into the decision he made as a dual national to represent Mexico and gives additional advice to players out there faced with a similar decision.

The interview with Jonathan starts at 16:49. If you'd like more information about the Alianza Showcase, you can find Travis' article explaining all the details here: http://bit.ly/2mEXNzb

Prior to the interview, Taylor and Travis discuss the showcase itself, why it exists, and what role it plays in filling in some of the cracks in the US Soccer landscape. There's also some dual national chat in there as well, mostly focused on what could be done to keep talents like Richie Ledezma and Diego Pepi from wandering over to El Tri.

On this week's show, Virginia women's head coach (and USWNT assistant) Steven Swanson breaks down his team's early success in the 2019 DI season, the quality of the ACC, his team's attacking playing style, and some of the keys to this summer's World Cup triumph in France.

Taylor and Travis attempt to cure their USMNT Blues by taking a prolonged look at the next generation of talent coming through.

The U17 World Cup starts in late October. How is the team preparing and who are we most excited to see in that competition?

The U23s face Olympic qualifying in the spring of 2020. How big of a deal is the qualifying process, should they call up all age-eligible players, and which U23s might get looks at senior level in the near future?

The U20s have started a new cycle with Tab Ramos still in charge. Who are the next big names listeners might want to keep an eye on? Hint - League One might be the place to be!

All that plus listener questions and a somewhat extended Mighty Ducks 2 analogy!

Taylor talks to Ira Jersey of The League One Fun podcast about the best young players currently employed by each and every USL League One side. Ira also provides excellent insight into the teams themselves, their playing styles, and how these youngsters have risen to the top of the league.

Here's a link to their site on the Beautiful Game Network: https://www.bgn.fm/league-1-fun/

Travis talks to Soccer America's Mike Woitalla about the start of the 2019 Development Academy season, as well as the changes that have been implemented for the upcoming campaign.

If you'd like to learn more, here are the links to a few of the articles discussed in this episode:

https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/83318/crossfires-bernie-james-details-his-disappointmen.html https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/83165/boys-development-academy-shakeup-us-soccer-move.html https://www.socceramerica.com/publications/article/83223/the-das-new-tiered-format-the-stigma-of-relegati.html

REMINDER! For more club and player-centric DA previews, check out TopDrawerSoccer.com AND save 20% on a subscription with the promo code "podcast"