We Are Soccer

In this episode, Brooks sits down with Brian Bunk, Senior Lecturer at the University of Massachusetts and author of The Shortest History of Soccer: From Ancient Kicking Games to the World's Most Popular Sport. Brian takes us on a fascinating journey through the history of the world's most popular sport — from its ancient roots to the multi-billion dollar global industry it has become today. Along the way, he dives into the rise of pay-to-play culture, the darker side of the beautiful game, and how soccer has transformed into one of the most powerful businesses on the planet. In this conversation, Brian opens up about:

• 📖 What inspired him to write the book
• ⚽ The moment he truly fell in love with soccer
• 🔍 The research process behind compiling a complete history of the sport

📚 Pick up Brian's book at bookshop.org


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Join Craig, Brooks, and Luke of the We Are Soccer crew LIVE at 9 PM EST as we break down the biggest stories from around the world and right here in Detroit. Tonight's Topics: 🇺🇸 USMNT 4-1 Paraguay -Was this the perfect start to the World Cup? -Who impressed the most? -Can the USA keep the momentum going? 🌎 World Cup Headlines -Celebrities spotted at matches -England's gear gets stolen 😳 -Scotland earns its first World Cup win since 1990 -Brazil held to a draw -VAR outage... coincidence or conspiracy? 👀 🏙️ Local Detroit Soccer News & Updates 🎙️ Plus all the banter, hot takes, predictions, laughs, and random soccer conversations you've come to expect from We Are Soccer. 💬 Join the conversation! -Who impressed you most for the USMNT? -Can the USA make a deep run? -What's the craziest World Cup story so far? 👍 Like the stream 🔔 Subscribe to We Are Soccer 💬 Jump into the live chat LIVE TONIGHT • 9 PM EST #USMNT #WorldCup2026 #WeAreSoccer #USAParaguay #USAvAustralia #VAR #England #Scotland #Brazil #DetroitSoccer

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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

If you loved this episode, drop us a review and rating — it genuinely helps us grow! ⚽🙏

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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.

If you loved this episode, drop us a review and rating — it genuinely helps us grow! ⚽🙏

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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


If you loved this episode, drop us a review and rating — it genuinely helps us grow! ⚽🙏

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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


If you loved this episode, drop us a review and rating — it genuinely helps us grow! ⚽🙏

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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.

If you loved this episode, drop us a review and rating — it genuinely helps us grow! ⚽🙏

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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!

If you loved this episode, drop us a review and rating — it genuinely helps us grow! ⚽🙏

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