Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ...

Before discussing some of the biggest off-the-field news in Major League Soccer, Paul and Sam sink their teeth into the most recent MLS Cup Playoff games, talking rosters, tactics, and more. 

0:45 - With their roster turnaround and their recent on-field performance, it’s time to give Adrian Heath, Mark Watson, and Minnesota United the credit they deserve. 

19:55 - Some rapid-fire analysis of Seattle Sounders versus FC Dallas - and then some Western Conference Final previewing.

23:53 - You thought this show was going to be all Western Conference, didn’t you? Well, never fear! Eastern Conference chat is here, featuring the New England Revolution and the Columbus Crew.

37:28 - Greg Vanney has officially left Toronto FC. Who should replace him as Toronto’s head coach? Plus, analysis of the other coaching vacancies around MLS.

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It’s a Dirty Tackle reunion of sorts on today’s episode of TSS! Ryan Bailey is joined by DT founder Brooks Peck to look at some weird and wonderful recent stories from the beautiful game, including Joleon Lescott’s accidental comeback and the bizarre world of “Socker Slam”! 

Listen carefully, and DT fans may hear an appearance from a familiar special guest, too…

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Earlier this week, U.S. Soccer gave us all an early Christmas present: a shiny, brand-new USMNT roster for the United States' game against El Salvador on December 9th. The roster is almost entirely made up of domestic-based, Olympic-eligible players, so it's an exciting group!

Joe Lowery is joined by Bobby Warshaw to break down the roster and pick their preferred starting elevens for the 9th.

Way more important and way more exciting than the USMNT roster: congratulations to Taylor and Margaret Rockwell on the birth of their daughter! We’re so, so happy for the Rockwell family and grateful that both mom and baby are healthy.

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Joe Lowery is joined by The Athletic’s Meg Linehan to talk about all things United States Women’s National Team! Joe asks Meg about the U.S.’s first game in 8 months, the emerging young talent in the player pool, and the differences between Vlatko Andonovski and Jill Ellis.

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Ryan Bailey and Graham Ruvthen put the world to rights b y breaking down the biggest games of the weekend:

4:00 - Chelsea vs. Tottenham: How was Harry Kane kept quiet, and which manager is happier with a Stamford Bridge stalemate?

20:32 - Southampton vs. Manchester United: Ole’s hands slipped off the whee; but Edinson Cavani was there to place them back! 

36:50 - Real Madrid vs. Alaves: Zinedine Zidane had a few key players missing as the Spanish giants dropped points. Again.

46:47 - Borussia Dortmund vs. Köln: Lucien Favre’s job prospects took a hammering as Cologne left a bad smell at the Westfalenstadion. 

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Paul and Sam are recording Tuesday for a Thursday release, so they're breaking down the Tuesday night names.

0:00 - Recapping the weekend's playoff games, and the intense entertainment therein, featuring a whole lot of Orlando City-NYCFC. What happened behind the scenes of one of the wildest games in MLS history? Why did Oscar Pareja go running into the dressing room? How many times did we think the game was over? What will happen next for Orlando with two starters suspended for the next round?

21:15 - The Wondo Love Machine rolls on, even if San Jose does not: Sporting KC vs San Jose review, plus a strange analogy involving bad breath from Sam. Also, where do San Jose go from here and will Wondo be back?

33:02 - Fast forwarding past Minnesota United to talk Portland v Dallas. How Portland's major problem this season was on display against Dallas, plus another incredibly dramatic penalty shootout and the glory of centerback penalties.

38:52 - Taking a look back at the teams who are out of the playoffs and where they go from here next season, featuring Miami, NYCFC, NY Red Bulls, and more!

49:48 - Things Paul and Sam are thankful for, including Orlando City, the USMNT, and MLS in general.

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It's a TSS Thanksgiving extravaganza! Joe Lowery is joined by Adam Snavely to talk about all of the soccer things that they're thankful for. From a promising addition to the USWNT player pool, to the goal of the decade(?), to a heartfelt thank you to the American soccer community, Joe and Adam run through their respective Lists of Thankfulness™.

And, as discussed on the show, you can honor Daryl and support his wife Shannon by buying a "Hello and Welcome" patch: https://onthevolleyapparel.com/products/cooligans-otva-collab-racer-back-tank-top

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ESPN commentator and pundit Matteo Bonetti joins Ryan Bailey to answer listener questions and shoot the breeze about all things Serie A. You’ll find out how Milan are topping the table (spoiler: it's not all about Zlatan), what Weston McKennie will offer Juventus going forward, and which Italian team the skinny-jeans-and-oat-milk-latte crowd will be following now that Atalanta have gone mainstream.

Today’s show is sponsored by…

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Joe Lowery is joined by Jordan Angeli to answer all of your tactical listener questions!

3:52 - What is a false nine, how was it popularized, and how do you play with one?

10:51 - What makes it a double pivot? 

18:59 - What happens when you play with four central midfielders? Plus, examples of teams that do just that!

24:27 - What is an overload? And what does it have to do with Nani?

28:36 - What’s a defensive rotation? 

35:24 - What are pressing cues?

41:00 - What is tactical periodization? Or is it tactical prioritization…

47: 10 - What is the Manchester City zone (aka Kevin De Bruyne’s happy place)? 

54:05 - What’s the difference between a wingback and an attacking fullback?

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On today's Weekend Review edition of The Total Soccer Show, Ryan Bailey and Graham Ruvthen break down 4 big games from this past weekend:

0:00 - Tottenham vs. Manchester City: What is Mourinho doing right—and what is Pep doing wrong? 

28:20 - Liverpool vs. Leicester: Despite having three quarters of the defense, the captain and the top goalscorer out of action, Liverpool dominated Leicester. Rumors of their impending demise have been greatly exaggerated. 

49:53 - Atletico Madrid vs. Barcelona: Mid-table La Liga chancers Barcelona suffer their first league defeat to title challengers Atleti in a decade. It’s getting *Messi* in Catalunya. 

1:02:32 - Napoli vs. Milan: Zlatan is still running the show for league leaders Milan, but they’re far from a one-man team.

Sponsors! Today's episode is brought to you by...

Credible! Visit Credible.com/TSS and get a $200 gift card when you refinance your student loans

Artifact! Check out HeyArtifact.com/TSS to get $40 off your first order.

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