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

TSS, The Athletic

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Long-running American soccer show covering the USMNT, Premier League, Champions League, MLS, and more. If you enjoy analysis and silliness in equal measure, we're the podcast for you.

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1369 episodes

The Big Thing: will Arsenal win the Premier League title this season?

With Arsenal top of the table and a looming clash with Manchester City, we thought it was time to take a look at their season so far to determine if this can be their year! How massive could this weekend's match actually be, and how do we see it playing out? Is Arteta v Pep now the biggest managerial rivalry in the Premier League? Have Arsenal progressed mentally from this time last year, and how much have they learned from that campaign? All that and much much more! --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

52m
Mar 29
International Break Round-Up: Euro 2024 qualification set, England's difficult decisions & the world's worst team!

Ryan and Graham are here to look back over all the non-USMNT news from the international break, including the conclusion of Euro 2024 qualification, big friendlies for England and Germany, and the team whose 20-year winless streak continued! --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

50m
Mar 28
Listener Questions! Newcastle’s flaws, the importance of managers, MLS’s schedule & much more

We're back with another listener questions episode! Ryan, Graham, and Joe combine to answer... 1) How much stronger is today’s USMNT than the one we saw at the 2022 World Cup? 2) With so many international tournaments happening this summer, is this the year MLS reconsiders their schedule? 3) What amenities are crucial for lower-division stadiums? 4) What impact would implementing basketball style substitutions have on soccer? 5) What’s wrong with Newcastle? 6) Are managers more or less important than we think? --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 1m
Mar 27
More USMNT v Mexico chat, plus an abbreviated MLS weekend review

Taylor is joined by Joe and David to spend even more time on the USA's 2-0 win over Mexico in the Nations League Final. Gass tries to claim the Number 1 spot in Tyler Adams fandom, and has praise for a few players we were more negative about in our initial reviews. We also focus on standout performers, as well as areas of vulnerability ahead of the Copa America this summer. Plus, we drill deeper into the perceived gap between the USA and Mexico, and try to identify the least error-prone players for the USMNT. And then we close things out in the final segment with an abbreviated looked around MLS, including concerns for Toronto, big performers for RSL and Portland, and impressive wins for LAFC and the Red Bulls. --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 18m
Mar 26
USMNT v Mexico deep-dive review: Tyler Adams' incredible strike, Gio Reyna's role & so much more

Taylor and Joe are here to break down the USMNT's 2-0 win over Mexico in the Concacaf Nations League final. What went right for the U.S. in their third-straight Nations League win? And what's still left to be done before the Copa America? Plus, is Tyler Adams the greatest soccer player of all time? All that -- and more -- on the show. --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 17m
Mar 25
USMNT v Jamaica: deep-dive review on a totally normal game of soccer

No spoilers! Until here... Joe and Taylor spend over an hour trying to figure out what exactly happened (and didn't happen) in the USA's 3-1 win over Jamaica in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal. How good was Gio Reyna and can he please please stay healthy? What went wrong for the US on the Jamaica opener, and why did it take them so long to turn things around? What are the major lessons we learned in this one? Which individuals improved their stock, and which ones hurt their future chances? We get into all of that, and much much more! --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 13m
Mar 22
The 2024 TSS SuperDraft!

We're doing something a little different today: a fantasy draft with some very unique rules! Based on a request from our Discord (thanks Kenneth Seiden!) the TSS gang is drafting XIs with the following rules: Each of us can only draft one player from any given club Each of us can only have one player of any given nationality Each of us must pick a player from each of the six FIFA confederations Head to the Discord to vote on your favorite team! (Access details below!) --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49m
Mar 21
Listener Questions! Jesse Marsch’s next step, how Real Madrid can afford Mbappe, and much more

It's listener question time! Our foursome gathers around to answer your lovely inquiries: 1) What do our combined USMNT/Canada and USMNT/Mexico lineups look like? 2) Would Jesse Marsch’s career be helped or hurt by a return to MLS? 3) How can Real Madrid afford Mbappe? 4) Which players are viewed as one-trick ponies, but shouldn’t be? 5) If Liverpool and Leverkusen (Klopp and Alonso!) were to meet in the Europa League final, would that game outshine this year’s Champions League final? 6) Other than “The Hand of God”, what soccer phrases are identified with iconic moments in the sport’s history? --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 2m
Mar 20
Inter Miami’s Julian Gressel on playing with Messi and the Barca Boys! Plus, previewing USMNT vs. Jamaica

We’ve got a fun one for you today! Joe Lowery is joined by Julian Gressel to talk all about what it’s like playing for the highest-profile club in North America. Has Inter Miami embraced playing the villain? And how does playing with the Barcelona foursome change how you perform on the field? There’s tons more in the Gressel chat, including his own entrepreneurial podcasting journey with the excellent new Player/Manager show, before Joe and Taylor get to previewing the USMNT’s Concacaf Nations League semifinal clash with Jamaica.  --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

55m
Mar 19
Weekend Review: An FA Cup thriller, a USMNT game winner & NWSL returns!

The TSS Gang are here to review a busy weekend of soccer, in which the FA Cup delivered thrills and surprises in equal measure. Haji Wright delivered a huge game-winning goal, Christian Pulisic found the net once again and NWSL made its welcome return! --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 5m
Mar 18
The Big Thing: Everything You Need To Know About The 2024 NWSL Season

NWSL returns for its 12th season this weekend! There's new teams, a new broadcast deal and new players who have arrived on record-breaking transfers! Taylor, Graham, Joe and Ryan are here to discuss the new season, with a preview of each and every team! --- Today's show is brought to you by... Indochino! Level up your game with Indochino. Go to Indochino.com and use code ATHLETIC to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more.  LinkedIn! Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/TSS! --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 0m
Mar 15
Champions League review: Atletico Madrid and Arsenal practiced their penalties, Dortmund do enough against PSV, and Barcelona rise to the occasion

Ryan is joined by Graham, Joe and Taylor to discuss this week's Champions League action! Just how good was Martin Odegaard versus Porto? What did Atletico get right and Inter Milan get wrong? Can Dortmund keep the good times rolling? And what can we take away from Barcelona's resounding win over a less-than-stellar Napoli? --- Today's show is brought to you by... Indochino! Level up your game with Indochino. Go to Indochino.com and use code ATHLETIC to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more.  LinkedIn! Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/TSS! --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

57m
Mar 14
Listener Questions! What’s happening with Graham Potter, Christian Pulisic’s historic season & much more

It's listener question time! You can find the full list that our foursome discussed down below: 1) What’s the best season ever by a USMNT attacker in Europe? 2) Which managers have successfully replaced legendary managers? 3) What’s happening with Graham Potter? 4) Which European clubs most consistently outperform their wage bill? 5) Why do big clubs in Italy share stadiums? 6) What are our favorite stories of soccer making the world a better place? --- Today's show is brought to you by... Indochino! Level up your game with Indochino. Go to Indochino.com and use code ATHLETIC to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more.  LinkedIn! Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/TSS! --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

57m
Mar 13
Building our USMNT rosters for the Concacaf Nations League Finals! Plus, quick hits from around MLS

With the Concacaf Nations League final four kicking off next week (the USMNT take on Jamaica on Thursday, March 21), Taylor, Gass, and Joe build their U.S. rosters. Who are the strikers? Should Gregg Berhalter bring Tyler Adams? And is the goalkeeping job still Matt Turner’s? All that — plus an MLS roundup — on the show! --- Today's show is brought to you by... Indochino! Level up your game with Indochino. Go to Indochino.com and use code ATHLETIC to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more.  LinkedIn! Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/TSS! --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 6m
Mar 12
Weekend Review: Liverpool and Man City play a thriller, USWNT go for Gold

The TSS gang look back upon a weekend in which the biggest Premier League game of the season did not disappoint! Meanwhile, Bayern Munich went goal crazy, Inter Milan's dominance continued and the USWNT lifted the inaugural W Gold Cup. --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 1m
Mar 11
The Big Thing: How good is Inter Milan right now?

Inter Milan are running away with the scudetto race this season and looking to go a step further than the runners-up spot they earned in the Champions League last season. But how good is Simone Inzaghi's side, and how far can they go? The TSS Gang are here with their thoughts... --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49m
Mar 08
Champions League review: plucky underdogs Bayern Munich, PSG, Real Madrid and Manchester City find a way to the next round

Your four friends are together again to discuss this week's Champions League action! Were Real Madrid fortunate to get by RB Leipzig? Has Luis Enrique found a new approach with PSG? Have Bayern turned a corner, yet again? All that, plus praise for the all-conquering team in sky blue, Man City. --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

46m
Mar 07
Listener Questions! U.S. Open Cup format, Bologna’s improvement, Premier League relegation & much more

Ryan, Graham, and Joe are here to answer your listener questions! From a new U.S. Open Cup format to comparing two historic Dutch clubs to Bologna’s improvement in Serie A to relegation to pay to play, we covered a ton of ground! --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

58m
Mar 06
MLS news and notes! Inter Miami trade DeAndre Yedlin to FC Cincinnati, referee controversy for SKC, Vanni Sartini's tactical transparency & so much more

Taylor and Joe are here to break down the latest from the wide world of MLS! From refereeing controversies to big trades to potential DP signings to big results, there was plenty to cover. --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 8m
Mar 05
Weekend Review: Man City dominate the derby, Real Madrid's surprise ending & snow in Utah!

The full complement of TSS hosts are here to review a weekend in which Man City got the better of their red neighbors, there was a controversial ending for Real Madrid and a good ol' fashioned snow game in Utah! --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 9m
Mar 04
The Big Thing: Is Man City destined to win another treble?

Manchester City are favorites to win the Premier League, Champions League and FA Cup - and you wouldn't put it past them to win them all. However, winning a second consecutive treble would be completely unprecedented. Can Pep's team do it all again? And if not, what is stopping them? --- Today's show is brought to you by... Indochino! Level up your game with Indochino. Go to Indochino.com and use code ATHLETIC to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more.  --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

49m
Mar 01
Take It or Leave It: Kevin De Bruyne's GOAT status, PSV's fit in the Premier League & so much more

We're back with one of our favorite recurring series: Take It or Leave It! On this episode, Ryan, Graham, and Joe dig into your spiciest takes. From KDB's greatness to Emil Forsberg's chances of winning MLS MVP to whether analytics are ruining soccer, there was plenty to discuss (and debate)! --- Today's show is brought to you by... Indochino! Level up your game with Indochino. Go to Indochino.com and use code ATHLETIC to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more.  --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

56m
Feb 29
Listener Questions: Leverkusen going undefeated and the best way to take a corner!

The TSS Gang dive into the mailbag and answer your questions, including our thoughts on Bayer Leverkusen emerging this season as Invincibles, Wilfried Nancy's European career prospects and our favorite snippets of soccer in movies and on TV! --- Today's show is brought to you by... Indochino! Level up your game with Indochino. Go to Indochino.com and use code ATHLETIC to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more.  --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

52m
Feb 28
MLS is back! Columbus Crew dominate, Inter Miami’s flaws, a new coach arrives in Minnesota & much more

Taylor, Joe, and Gass are here to run through the first weekend of MLS action! We chat about the Columbus Crew's win over Atlanta United (the Crew looked reaaaaaal good), Cincy's struggles vs. Toronto FC, a new-look LAFC, DC United's big victory, Minnesota United's managerial hire, the Galaxy's 1-1 draw with Inter Miami, and so much more. --- Today's show is brought to you by... Indochino! Level up your game with Indochino. Go to Indochino.com and use code ATHLETIC to get 10% off any purchase of $399 or more.  --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 4m
Feb 27
Weekend Review: Liverpool's young guns triumph at Wembley and MLS returns!

Liverpool headlined the weekend with their against-the-odds-injury-laden League Cup Final victory over Chelsea! The TSS gang also discuss the Premier League, Liga, Bundesliga, Serie A, and the glorious return of Major League Soccer! --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

54m
Feb 26
The Big Thing: What should we expect from Inter Miami and Leo Messi this season?

The 2024 Major League Soccer season is underway and Inter Miami already has its first win under its belt! In its 29-year existence, the league has never seen so much hype about a team going into a campaign — so what should we expect to see from Messi and his South Florida in 2024? --- Today's show is brought to you by... Fum! Start the Good Habit at tryfum.com/SOCCER to save 10% off the Journey Pack today! LinkedIn! Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/TSS! Terms and conditions apply. --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

58m
Feb 23
Champions League review: Inter staking a claim, USA vs Dortmund, and Napoli and Barcelona clash in the Battle of the Chaos Seasons

It was the type of Champions League match week that makes Graham Ruthven say, "Meh." But never mind that because the rest of us are excited to talk about this week's matches, including Napoli and Barcelona trying (and maybe somewhat kind of succeeding) to get their respective seasons back on track, PSV failing to take their chances versus Dortmund, Inter Milan generating some "they could actually go all the way buzz," and Arsenal and Porto playing 50ish minutes of actual soccer. Plus, the debut of Joe's Concacaf Champions Cup Corner. --- Today's show is brought to you by... Fum! Start the Good Habit at tryfum.com/SOCCER to save 10% off the Journey Pack today! LinkedIn! Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/TSS! Terms and conditions apply. --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

53m
Feb 22
2024 MLS Western Conference Preview: Diving into each and every team!

We've got another big boy. On today's show, Ryan Bailey, Taylor Rockwell, David Gass, and Joe Lowery preview all 14 MLS teams in the Western Conference ahead of tonight's 2024 season kickoff. We dig into the big-picture headline, key offseason moves, tactics, hopes, and fears for each team in the East -- and toss out our Very Specific Predictions, too! --- Today's show is brought to you by... Fum! Start the Good Habit at tryfum.com/SOCCER to save 10% off the Journey Pack today! LinkedIn! Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/TSS! Terms and conditions apply. --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 41m
Feb 21
2024 MLS Eastern Conference Preview: Diving into each and every team!

This one's a big boy. On today's show, Ryan Bailey, Taylor Rockwell, David Gass, and Joe Lowery preview all 15 MLS teams in the Eastern Conference ahead of tomorrow's 2024 season kickoff. We dig into the big-picture headline, key offseason moves, tactics, hopes, and fears for each team in the East -- and toss out our Very Specific Predictions, too. Stay tuned for our Western Conference preview dropping on the feed tomorrow. --- Today's show is brought to you by... Fum! Start the Good Habit at tryfum.com/SOCCER to save 10% off the Journey Pack today! LinkedIn! Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/TSS! Terms and conditions apply. --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 37m
Feb 20
Weekend Review: More trouble for Bayern, but Arsenal are flyin'!

The TSS Gang is here to review an action-packed weekend in which Bayern Munich lost its third match in a row, while Bayer Leverkusen continued their hot form! In the Premier League, Man City and Chelsea were held to a draw, while Arsenal were among the 5-0 victors. --- Today's show is brought to you by... Fum! Start the Good Habit at tryfum.com/SOCCER to save 10% off the Journey Pack today! LinkedIn! Post your job for free at LinkedIn.com/TSS! Terms and conditions apply. --- JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusive Discord, blog posts, videos, and much more. Become a member today at patreon.com/totalsoccershow! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

1h 1m
Feb 19