It all started with a church league in St. Louis. Now, Daniel Munie is shaking up MLS. From his first touch of a soccer ball at age 5, Munie was destined for something bigger. His path took him through St. Louis Scott Gallagher — one of the nation's elite youth programs — and onto the field at Indiana University, where he sharpened the skills that would catch the attention of the entire league. But soccer wasn't his only calling. A multi-sport athlete from the start, Munie brings an athletic versatility to the game that sets him apart — something the San Jose Earthquakes recognized when they made him the 10th overall pick in the 2023 MLS SuperDraft.

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In this episode, we sit down with Chicago Fire FC left back Andrew Gutman for an honest and inspiring conversation about what it truly takes to make it as a professional soccer player. Andrew's journey is anything but ordinary. From facing humbling challenges at the Chicago Fire Academy to betting on himself as a walk-on at Indiana University, he has spent his entire career proving the doubters wrong. At Indiana, he started 90 matches, racked up 20 goals and 17 assists, and earned college soccer's highest individual honor — the MAC Hermann Trophy in 2018. But the road to the pros brought a new set of challenges. From a stint at Celtic FC across the Atlantic to bouncing between clubs stateside, Andrew's path was winding, uncertain, and at times, brutally difficult.

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Join Brooks, Craig, and the We Are Soccer crew LIVE at 9 PM EST as we break down the biggest stories from around the soccer world and get ready for the biggest sporting event on the planet. 🔥 Tonight's Topics: 🌎 World Cup kicks off in 5 days! 🇺🇸 USA vs Germany reaction and World Cup friendlies roundup 💪 Is the USMNT finally ready for a deep World Cup run? 🏴 England discussion: favorites, squad selections, the heat factor, and those hilarious England player names appearing on stadium board ⚽ TST 7v7 Tournament in Cary, NC — Luke was there and has stories to share 🏙️ Local Detroit soccer news and updates 🎙️ Plus all the banter, opinions, hot takes, and random soccer conversations you've come to expect from We Are Soccer 💬 We want to hear from YOU! Join the live chat and let us know: -How far will the USA go? -Who are your World Cup favorites? -Did England pick the right squad? -What's your biggest prediction for the tournament? 👍 Like the stream 🔔 Subscribe to We Are Soccer 💬 Comment live throughout the show LIVE TONIGHT at 9 PM EST #WeAreSoccer #WorldCup2026 #USMNT #England #USAvsGermany #TST7v7 #DetroitSoccer #WorldCupCountdown #SoccerPodcast #LiveSoccerShow #FootballTalk #SoccerNews #WorldCupLive

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Robbie Mertz never had the typical path to professional soccer. No academy. No guarantees. Just hard work and an unwillingness to quit. The Pittsburgh native sits down with Brooks to share the real story behind his journey — from Pittsburgh to Ann Arbor to Atlanta and back — and why adversity might just be the best thing that ever happened to him.

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Dr. Joe Machnik has spent more than seven decades shaping and influencing the game of soccer in the United States.
In this special episode of We Are Soccer, Craig Hearn sits down with the legendary referee, educator, broadcaster, and author to discuss the beautiful game from every angle. From the evolution of soccer's laws and the challenges facing modern referees, to the impact of VAR and what fans can expect at the 2026 FIFA World Cup, Dr. Joe shares a lifetime of knowledge and experience from inside the game.
The conversation also explores Dr. Joe's remarkable soccer journey and his new book, From Sandlots to the World Cup: Inside Seven Decades of American Soccer, a fascinating look at the growth of the sport in America through the eyes of someone who helped shape its history. Whether you're a coach, player, referee, parent, or passionate soccer fan, this interview offers a unique perspective from one of the most respected voices in American soccer.
📖 Get Dr. Joe Machnik's book:
From Sandlots to the World Cup: Inside Seven Decades of American Soccer
https://a.co/d/0bho7pcB
⚽ Topics Covered:
-The current state of refereeing
-VAR and controversial decisions
-The 2026 FIFA World Cup
-How soccer rules have evolved
-Dr. Joe's incredible soccer journey
-Inside From Sandlots to the World Cup
-The growth of soccer in America
-The future of the game in the United States
🔔 Subscribe to We Are Soccer for interviews, soccer news, coaching insights, player stories, and conversations with some of the biggest names in the game.
#Soccer #WorldCup2026 #USMNT #Referees #VAR #JoeMachnik #WeAreSoccer #FIFAWorldCup #Football #SoccerPodcast #AmericanSoccer #WorldCup


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🎙️ We Are Soccer LIVE Tonight at 9 PM EST!
The countdown is officially on—just 11 days until the 2026 FIFA World Cup kicks off! Tonight we're diving into the biggest stories in soccer, including PSG's historic Champions League triumph, the latest World Cup preparations, and what this tournament could mean for the future of the sport in the United States.
⚽ Tonight's Topics:
-PSG crowned 2025/26 UEFA Champions League Champions
-World Cup kicks off in just 11 days!
-International Friendlies Preview
-USA vs Senegal Discussion
-Will this World Cup permanently change soccer in America?
-TST 7v7 Tournament in Cary, North Carolina
-Local Detroit Soccer News & Updates
-And MUCH MORE!
💬 Join the conversation LIVE!
We want to hear from you:
Can PSG repeat next season?
How far will the USMNT go?
Will the World Cup create a soccer boom in the United States?
Which storylines are you most excited about?
Drop your thoughts in the chat and we'll read the best comments live on air!
👍 Like the stream
🔔 Subscribe to We Are Soccer
💬 Comment and join the discussion
⚽ Be part of the soccer community
LIVE at 9 PM EST


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In this episode, we sit down with West Michigan native BJ Snow, the newly appointed Vice President of Sporting Operations and Strategy for MLS Next Pro expansion side AC Grand Rapids. BJ breaks down what his role looks like day-to-day, how he'll collaborate with Darrius Barnes to build a competitive roster and coaching staff, and what fans in Grand Rapids can expect from this exciting new club. We also dive into the club's plans for developing a grassroots academy deeply connected to the West Michigan soccer community — one built to develop local talent and create a real pathway to the first team. Plus, BJ shares his thoughts on Amway Stadium, the club's brand new 8,500-seat home in the heart of downtown Grand Rapids, and why it could be a game-changer for soccer in the region.

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The Premier League season comes to an end and we're breaking down all the biggest storylines from the final matchday of the 2025/26 campaign. Who exceeded expectations? Who disappointed? And what does it all mean heading into next season? We'll also dive into the latest 2026 FIFA World Cup squad announcements, including reports that the USMNT World Cup roster may have already leaked 👀. Who made the cut? Who got left out? And what does it mean for the United States heading into the biggest tournament in soccer? ⚽ Tonight's Topics: -Premier League Final Matchday Reactions -World Cup Squad Announcements -USMNT World Cup Squad Leak Discussion -MUSL Founders Cup Bracket Breakdown -Hull City Earn Promotion -Harry Kane Hat Trick Powers Bayern to German Cup Glory -Local Detroit Soccer News & Updates -And MUCH MORE!

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Some players are born into the game — Tommy McCabe is one of them. Raised in New Jersey by a father who coached at the legendary St. Benedict's Prep in Newark, Tommy grew up with soccer in his blood. But it wasn't just local fields that shaped him. A stint living in London, time spent playing for a Portuguese club outside Newark, and years at PDA Academy gave Tommy a cultural richness and soccer education that most players never experience. That foundation carried him to the U.S. U17 Residency Academy, then to Notre Dame under the legendary Bobby Clark, and eventually to the professional ranks — selected 29th overall by FC Cincinnati in the 2019 MLS SuperDraft. The road since hasn't always been smooth. Bouncing between clubs, navigating adversity, and finding his footing at the pro level has tested him. But today, Tommy is thriving as a key midfielder for the Oakland Roots in USL Championship under head coach Ryan Martin.

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Brooks Laimbeer sits down with Skip Gilbert, former CEO of US Youth Soccer, for a candid and thought-provoking conversation about the state of youth soccer in America — and what needs to change. Skip recently authored a bold 5-page document titled "The Future of Youth Soccer: A Call for Structural Change," and in this episode, he breaks it all down. From the fragmented landscape of youth soccer organizations to the urgent need for unification under a single governing body — whether that's U.S. Soccer or MLS — Skip makes a compelling case for why structural reform isn't just helpful, it's necessary. The conversation also dives into the value of multi-sport athletes, why specializing too early may be doing more harm than good, and how the soccer ecosystem needs to create meaningful pathways for players who don't reach the elite 11v11 level — because the game should have a place for everyone. Whether you're a parent, coach, club director, or simply passionate about the growth of the game in America, this is a must-listen episode.

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