U.S. Soccer Podcast
U.S. Soccer Podcast
US Soccer | Cumulus Podcast Network
Step inside the heart of soccer in America with the U.S. Soccer Podcast. Every Wednesday, host and Women’s World Cup winner Meghan Klingenberg 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 wherever you get your podcasts. Join us.
From USWNT to The Amazing Race: Ali Krieger & Jo Lohman Go Behind the Scenes
Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman join Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast for a special episode recorded live in New York City, as the two U.S. Women's National Team stars share their experience competing on this season of The Amazing Race. Ali and Jo take fans behind the scenes of their time on the show, reflecting on the challenges, unexpected twists, and unforgettable moments that came with racing around the world. They share what it was like stepping outside their comfort zones, navigating the competition as teammates, and putting their skills to the test in a whole new way. Plus, the two open up about their friendship, how their soccer backgrounds prepared them for the race, and what they learned about each other along the way. From the pitch to the race course, Ali and Jo give fans a look at a side of their personalities and partnership they don't always get to see. 00:00 Welcome to the U.S. Soccer Podcast 02:04 How the guests got into reality TV 04:17 Watching themselves on The Amazing Race—and keeping it positive 06:37 The Boss Lady Alliance and their team dynamic 07:37 Unseen race moments: camel saddles and teammate strengths 10:46 Confessionals and the “soccer girls” 12:09 Fan reactions, trust, and communication 14:38 The athletes’ advantage and favorite challenges 17:46 The sweaty receipt and carrying boxes uphill 20:35 Race prep: dance lessons, stick shift, and puzzles 22:05 The U-turn, rival teams, and race strategy 24:38 Recovering from tough legs and finding confidence 27:38 The fish challenge and winning a trip to New Zealand 30:07 Matt and Michelle’s elimination and the Laos leg 38:27 Anwar, Traitors, Ask the Pros, and audience Q&A Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 12
53 min
Daniel Edelman on U.S. Open Cup Glory & Life in St. Louis
Daniel Edelman joins Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast for a conversation about his journey with St. Louis CITY SC, winning the U.S. Open Cup, and the experiences that have shaped his career.Daniel reflects on the championship final, what it took to come out on top, and how his time in St. Louis has shaped him both on and off the field. He also shares what he's learned along the way, how he's adjusted to life with the club, and what it means to be part of a championship-winning team.Plus, Daniel opens up about his family life, the people who have supported him throughout his journey, and what he likes to do when he's away from the pitch. From life in St. Louis to the moments that make him who he is beyond soccer, Daniel gives fans a closer look at the person behind the player.Stay tuned for Ask the Pros, when Meghan answers questions from U.S. Soccer fans. Chapters 00:00 Cold open, Halloween, and podcast announcement 01:51 Candy talk and Daniel Edelman joins the show 04:02 Winning the Open Cup with a penalty kick 05:13 Penalty-kick nerves and Megan’s Rio experience 07:16 What the trophy means and learning from a past final 10:45 Extra time, penalty kicks, and the old MLS shootout 14:08 “Champions do more”: work ethic and staying hungry 16:35 Family influence and growing up playing multiple sports 20:00 Family life and Daniel’s soccer hero 23:10 Downtime, hobbies, and winding down after games 25:13 Adjusting to life and food in St. Louis 27:14 Daniel’s state-capitals fun fact and closing remarks Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Nov 4
36 min
Sebastian Berhalter on the USMNT, Middlesbrough & Life in England
Sebastian Berhalter joins Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast for a conversation about his move from MLS to England and the moments that have made him one to watch for the U.S. Men’s National Team. Sebastian shares what it’s like playing for Middlesbrough FC, how the intensity of English soccer compares with MLS, and what he’s learned from living abroad alongside fellow American players like Aidan Morris and Max Arfsten. He also reflects on the USMNT’s recent momentum with four straight wins in fall camp, stepping into a leadership role with younger players and the latest edition of the USA–Mexico rivalry. Plus, Sebastian reveals the story behind the viral TikTok with his teammates, talks books and morning routines, and opens up about the self-belief and hard work that helped him keep pushing toward his goals. He also shares how his relationship with his dad, Greg Berhalter, has evolved. Stay tuned for Ask the Pros, when Megan answers questions from U.S. Soccer fans. Chapters 00:00 – Meet Sebastian Berhalter 01:32 – Halloween candy & life in England 06:18 – Who would be his partner on the Amazing Race? 07:23 – Why did Seb make the move to England? 08:16 – MLS vs. English soccer 09:32 – Thomas Müller, teammates and life abroad 13:16 – The story behind his viral TikTok moment 14:29 – The USMNT’s new generation 17:12 – Breaking down USA–Mexico 20:23 – Books, mindset, morning routines 23:21 – What dad Gregg Berhalter taught him 27:39 – Ask the Pros with Meghan Klingenberg Subscribe for more conversations with the players and people shaping U.S. Soccer. #SebastianBerhalter #USMNT #USSoccer #soccer #middlesbroughfc #middlesbrough #usavsmexico More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 28
33 min
Matchday Recap: St. Louis CITY SC Wins 2026 U.S. Open Cup Final on Penalties
St. Louis CITY SC are 2026 Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup champions! On the debut episode of Matchday Recap, we look back at the Open Cup Final as St. Louis CITY SC defeated the Columbus Crew 5-3 on penalties following a scoreless 120 minutes in Columbus, Ohio. From the key saves to the decisive penalty kick, get caught up on the biggest moments from a historic night as St. Louis claimed the first trophy in club history. Read the full Game Story from Columbus, Ohio For more information on the U.S. Open Cup, visit usopencup.com Matchday Recap is part of the U.S. Soccer Podcast Network. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 22
14 min
Charlie Davies on Playing for the USMNT, Becoming a Soccer Analyst & What Comes Next
Charlie Davies joins Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast for a conversation about resilience, his U.S. Men’s National Team career and the comeback that changed his life. Charlie also looks back on the 2026 FIFA World Cup and the experience of sharing a match with his family, explains why the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup matters to the future of American soccer and offers advice to the next generation of U.S. players. Plus, hear how he went from the pitch to the broadcast booth, his full-circle return to the U.S. Soccer Podcast, and some fun stories about family life. Chapters00:00 – Meet Charlie Davies01:49 – Charlie's second chance06:10 – Who would be his Amazing Race partner?09:23 – Returning to the U.S. Soccer Podcast12:36 – His advice for Kling17:20 – Favorite memories from the 2026 FIFA World Cup22:38 – Why the U.S. Open Cup matters27:06 – Advice for young U.S. players30:15 – Overcoming adversity: the accident & cancer44:42 – His emotional return to the field48:30 – Life as a dad to twins55:00 – Ask the Pros Subscribe for more conversations with the people shaping U.S. Soccer. More: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 21
1 hr 3 min
Gisele Thompson on USWNT-Spain, Her Journey & World Cup Ambitions
USWNT fullback Gisele Thompson joins host Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast to talk about her journey with the U.S. Women's National Team, growing up alongside sister Alyssa Thompson and chasing her dream of playing in the 2027 FIFA Women’s World Cup in Brazil. The young Angel City FC defender reflects on playing with boys as a kid, modeling her game after USWNT legend Crystal Dunn and learning to adapt to play different positions. She also shares what it’s like to compete with Alyssa, make history as a young Nike NIL athlete and prepare for the demands of international soccer. Which USWNT legend would Gisele love to ask for advice? Listen to find out! Chapters: 00:00 – Meet Gisele Thompson 01:48 – Why did Gisele choose soccer? 06:34 – What it's like being Alyssa Thompson’s sister 12:04 – Which USWNT players inspired her? 16:31 – Preparing for World Cup Qualifying 20:28 – Chasing her World Cup dream 22:00 – Life beyond soccer 26:34 – The USWNT legend she'd like to get advice from 28:15 – Ask the Pros More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 14
35 min
Crystal Dunn on Her USWNT Journey, 2019 World Cup & Life After Soccer
Ahead of her career celebration at the USWNT match vs. Spain in Washington D.C. on Oct. 10, Crystal Dunn joins Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast to reflect on an incredible career with the U.S. Women’s National Team, from becoming one of the most versatile players of her generation to winning the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup and Olympic gold. Dunn opens up about the experiences that shaped her career, including being left off the 2015 World Cup roster, playing overseas with Chelsea, adapting to different positions and ultimately earning her place on the 2019 World Cup team. She also reflects on how her definition of success has changed, developing a healthier relationship with social media and the importance of representation in the USWNT. Now retired from professional soccer, Dunn discusses her next chapter, staying connected to the game and what she's learned from stepping away. Plus, Crystal and Kling talk retirement, dancing, cheeseburgers and answer fan questions in Ask the Pros. Chapters: 00:00 – Crystal Dunn on her career & life after soccer 06:52 – Becoming a versatile player 09:46 – How Crystal's definition of success changed 13:33 – Life after soccer & what's next 17:13 – The 2015 World Cup setback 21:55 – Chelsea, 2019 & winning the World Cup 28:00 – Representation & her legacy 37:00 – Is retirement a graduation or a funeral? 49:23 – What makes Crystal Dunn most proud? 52:08 – Ask the Pros More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Oct 7
1 hr
Ali Krieger & Joanna Lohman: From Soccer Teammates to The Amazing Race
Former teammates Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman join host Megan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast to talk about taking their partnership from the soccer field to The Amazing Race on CBS. The longtime friends reflect on what it was like to see themselves on TV, navigate unfamiliar challenges, and discover how their communication and teamwork changed when the stakes were completely different. They discuss the decision to compete together, their championship mentality, the challenges of managing different personalities under pressure and why Ali says the race was even more difficult than playing in a World Cup. The pair also talks about what it means to represent queer athletes and communities through their journey. Plus, Meghan catches up on the latest USWNT storylines and discusses emerging talents Alyssa Thompson and Cavan Sullivan. Watch Ali Krieger and Joanna Lohman on The Amazing Race which premieres on Wednesday, Sept. 30 and Thursday, Oct. 1, 2026 on CBS and Paramount Plus. Chapters: 00:00 – Ali & Joanna take on The Amazing Race 10:00 – How they got cast 14:25 – From teammates to race partners 27:12 – How soccer prepared them for the Race 38:18 – Representing the LGBTQ+ community 44:18 – What they learned about themselves 49:29 – Was The Amazing Race more difficult than the World Cup? 54:57 – Who are some young USWNT & USMNT players to watch? More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Subscribe to U.S. Soccer on YouTube! http://www.youtube.com/subscription_center?add_user=ussoccerdotcom Follow U.S. Soccer on Socials: ► Follow on Instagram: http://www.instagram.com/ussoccer ► Follow on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@ussoccer ► Follow on Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/ussoccer ► Follow on X: https://x.com/ussoccer Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 30
1 hr 2 min
Hugo Pérez on 1994, Developing New Talent & the Future of U.S. Soccer
Hugo Pérez joins Meghan Klingenberg on the U.S. Soccer Podcast for a wide-ranging conversation about his playing career, coaching philosophy and vision for the future of U.S. Soccer. A member of the U.S. Men's National Team at the 1994 FIFA World Cup, Pérez reflects on that historic generation and how the tournament helped accelerate the growth of soccer in the United States. As a player turned coach, Pérez also shares what he believes young players need to reach their potential, from having the freedom to experiment and make mistakes to building confidence and trusting their creativity. He reflects on coaching Christian Pulisic, Tyler Adams and other future professionals at the youth national team level, and explains why coaches should prioritize development and enjoyment alongside results. Plus, Pérez discusses the evolution of the USMNT, the potential of the current generation of American players, the influence of women's soccer on the growth of the game in the United States and what it will take for the U.S. to compete for a FIFA World Cup title. Chapters: 00:51 - Welcome + Hispanic Heritage Month 02:11 - Hugo's impressive resume: Hall of Fame, 73 caps 05:03 - July 4, 1994: USA vs. Brazil at Stanford Stadium 11:30 - Growing up in El Salvador 13:03 - Watching the 1970 World Cup, making a promise 16:27 - Why kids need freedom to get it wrong 30:42 - The L.A. Aztecs and training with Johan Cruyff 31:37 - A Tampa Bay trial and the NASL 34:46 - The U-14 camp that featured Pulisic and Adams 41:23 - The women won it. Can the men? 49:32 - Kling previews the next USMNT cycle More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 23
56 min
Paxten Aaronson on Returning to MLS, Open Cup Semifinals & Brother Brenden
Paxten Aaronson signed his first pro contract at 16, won the Golden Boot AND the Golden Ball at the 2022 U-20 Concacaf Championship, played a German Cup final in front of 100,000 people in Berlin, and represented the USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics — all before turning 24 years old. Now he's the man in the middle for the Colorado Rapids. And he wants the pressure. Host Meghan Klingenberg sits down with the Rapids midfielder for a wide-ranging conversation about the journey to this point. Paxten also opens up about growing up as Brenden Aaronson's "annoying little brother," what it felt like to watch his brother live out a home World Cup dream this past summer, and the one story he'll never let him forget — beating him at golf on his wedding day. Paxten and the Colorado Rapids take on St. Louis CITY SC in the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. MT on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+. 01:25 - Meghan Klingenberg opens the show 02:35 - Growing up with Brenden: the annoying little brother 06:10 - Watching his brother play a home World Cup 07:03 - The wedding — and beating Brenden at golf 09:03 - Leaving home at 13 for the Philadelphia Union Academy 16:45 - Playing with Alejandro Bedoya and the club's brand of belief 20:50 - 2022 U-20 Concacaf Golden Boot & Golden Ball 25:24 - Paris 2024: France in Marseille with the U.S. crest on the chest 29:11 - Culture shock in Frankfurt: 100 degrees and no AC 31:25 - Why he came back to MLS 33:14 - Denver Summit, Mile High and a growing soccer city 34:52 - Downtime isn't free time: recovery, hikes and video games 37:41 - Open Cup semifinal vs. St. Louis — what has to change 44:42 - When do you trust a young player in a knockout game? More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
Sep 16
49 min
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