Two USWNT captains, past and present, join us on this week's episode of “The U.S. Soccer Podcast.” First, Becky Sauerbrunn sits down to support co-host Megan Klingenberg’s emotional decision to retire (4:40). The two recall memories from their time together as teammates, including some competitive escape room outings (16:30) and the surprising story behind Klingenberg’s second cap (13:15). Finally, the conversation concludes on the topic of legacy, and how the two recent retirees plan to approach the next phase of their careers (21:16).

Later in the episode, Lindsey Heaps joins our hosts (39:50) to discuss her path to becoming USWNT captain, which began with her first call-up and first cap in the 2013 Algarve Cup. Then, the midfielder shares what she’s learned from her own conversations with Sauerbrunn (44:02), how she’s seen leadership out of teammates such as Naomi Girma and Emily Sonnett (48:00), and the importance of driving a competitive, winning culture for a new generation (50:10).

“The U.S. Soccer Podcast” is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Megan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.

Hosts: David Gass, Megan Klingenberg

Guests: Becky Sauerbrunn, Lindsey Heaps

Producer: Bradley Fosler

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Welcome to the U.S. Soccer Podcast! We’re one year out from the kickoff of the 2026 World Cup, and to celebrate the countdown, we’re launching the first episode of our brand-new podcast.  

In this special inaugural episode, host David Gass welcomes everyone to the podcast (0:05) and sets the table for future episodes. Then, he turns it over to four World Cup veterans who contributed to some of the biggest moments in USMNT history: 1994 World Cup veteran Cobi Jones (1:44), his teammate and 3x World Cup veteran Tony Meola (2:10), 2010 World Cup veteran Benny Feilhaber (2:29), and 2010 World Cup veteran and podcast co-host Alejandro Bedoya (2:45).  

Our guests share memories of their various World Cup experiences, taking us through unforgettable moments on the pitch and in the locker room. Then, they give us a sense of what to expect next summer when the world's biggest soccer tournament comes to American soil for the second time in history.  

“The U.S. Soccer Podcast” is a production from U.S. Soccer launching June 11. The podcast hosted by David Gass alongside co-hosts Megan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya will tell stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays. 

Host: David Gass 

Guests: Cobi Jones, Tony Meola, Benny Feilhaber, Alejandro Bedoya 

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Step inside the heart of soccer in America with the U.S. Soccer Podcast. Every Wednesday, host David Gass sits down for honest, uplifting conversations with voices from across the soccer landscape. We'll be introducing you to the people working to grow the game at every level from the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams to the Youth and Extended National Teams and beyond. The conversations bring you closer to the players, coaches, and personalities shaping the game in communities across the country, exploring the moments, ideas, and the influencers driving the sport forward. This is where soccer stories live. New episodes drop every week. Join us.

Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices