The Extended National Teams You Need to Know + Head Coach of the ‘Sand Squad’
You’ve heard of the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams, but did you know that U.S. Soccer has nine extended national teams? They include beach, futsal, cerebral palsy, deaf and power soccer. Stuart Sharp, Head of Extended National Teams at U.S. Soccer, joins this week’s show to provide a comprehensive overview of the program, including the cerebral palsy team he also manages, world rankings, major competitions and how to get more involved.
Later, our hosts enjoy a conversation with the technical director behind one of these Extended National Teams (45:05). Morgan Church, head coach of the U.S. women’s beach soccer national team details the sport’s unique rules, the Acapulco Cup and where to sign the petition to start a Women’s World Cup for beach soccer. (There is one for men’s beach soccer, after all.)
Become a U.S. Soccer Insider into greater detail with our two guests as they discuss tactics, how players qualify for the team and where you can go to play beach soccer.
The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.
Click here to learn how you can support U.S. Soccer’s ENTs.
Hosts: David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg
Guests: Stuart Sharp, Morgan Church
Producer: Brad Fosler
To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast
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1:22:32
Why MLS All-Star Sebastian Berhalter calls Vancouver ‘home’ PLUS Summer Transfer Round-Up
It's MLS All-Star Week, and we're covering the highly anticipated event in Austin, Texas on this week’s episode. One of the players who earned a spot on the All-Star roster is today’s featured guest, Sebastian Berhalter. The USMNT and Vancouver Whitecaps FC midfielder joins the show to share about his life in Vancouver (2:47), the significance of representing the USMNT for the first time (6:06) and the excitement surrounding MLS All-Star (13:00).
Later, reporter Ryan Tolmich from Goal.com joins the show (21:30) to recap an epic summer of soccer. He gives his takes on the USMNT’s Gold Cup journey, and which young talent stood out the most (23:22), then dives into the significant transfers of players like Patrick Agyemang, Malik Tillman, and Johnny Cardoso to European clubs (29:12) and the evolving perception of American soccer talent on the global stage.
Become a U.S. Soccer Insider to hear Berhalter talk about his excellent set piece service and how it became an integral part of his game.
The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.
Hosts: David Gass, Alejandro Bedoya
Guests: Sebastian Berhalter, Ryan Tolmich
Producer: Brad Fosler
To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast
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Max Arfsten Talks MLS All-Star Dreams & Gold Cup Journey
Six players from the most recent USMNT camp are headed to the MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas on July 23. Max Arfsten (Columbus Crew), Sebastian Berhalter (Vancouver Whitecaps), Alex Freeman (Orlando City SC), Diego Luna (Real Salt Lake), Miles Robinson (FC Cincinnati) and Brian White (Vancouver Whitecaps) will have the chance to represent their clubs at the highly anticipated event.
Patrick Agyemang was also named an MLS All-Star but transferred from Charlotte FC to Derby County in the EFL Championship on July 15.
On this week’s episode, hosts David Gass and Alejandro Bedoya preview the All-Star Game, breaking down the MLS seasons for each of our six All-Stars and discussing how they contributed to the United States’ run to the Concacaf 2025 Gold Cup Final.
Later, one of these All-Star selections joins the pod (22:00). Columbus Crew midfielder Max Arfsten takes us behind the scenes of the USMNT's Gold Cup journey and his rise to MLS All-Star status. From laundry struggles to scoring goals, Arfsten shares candid insights on team chemistry, his defensive evolution and freestyle juggling skills.
To get more exclusive content, including a fun preview of the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge, become a U.S. Soccer Insider.
The U.S. Soccer Podcast is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, Meghan Klingenberg and Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast tells stories in service to soccer and the people who live it, amplifying player voices and the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.
Hosts: David Gass, Alejandro Bedoya
Guest: Max Arfsten
Producer: Brad Fosler
To learn more, visit ussoccer.org/podcast
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45:09
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45:09
Gold Cup Reflections with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino
USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino joins the U.S. Soccer Podcast for an exclusive interview as he reflects on the latest international window, including the USA’s gritty run in the 2025 Concacaf Gold Cup that ended Sunday night with a 2-1 loss to rival Mexico in an electric match in Houston, Texas.
In conversation with host Alejandro Bedoya, Pochettino talks about his first year as head coach of the USMNT (2:55) and highlights his team's growth over a 40-day camp, emphasizing the importance of player development and team cohesion (5:05). Pochettino speaks on the USMNT’s breakout stars from this year’s tournament (11:27), the cultural diversity of American cities (19:21) and what he hopes people take away from watching U.S. Soccer next summer in the FIFA World Cup (21:27).
Later, we hear straight from some of the players who led the USMNT to the program’s 13th Gold Cup Final. We caught up with Tyler Adams, Matt Freese, Patrick Agyemang, Chris Richards and captain Tim Ream right after the match at NRG Stadium for their instant reactions (23:59).
To get more exclusive content, including how players responded to Pochettino’s passionate post-match press conference, become a U.S. Soccer Insider.
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 the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.
Hosts: David Gass, Alejandro Bedoya
Guest: Mauricio Pochettino
Producer: Brad Fosler
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33:53
Inside the USWNT-Canada Rivalry with Lynn Biyendolo & Jordyn Bugg
In a summer full of soccer, there’s one match that stands out among the rest. The rivalry between the U.S. Women’s National Team and Canada is one of the fiercest and most storied in women’s soccer. And with the 67th edition on July 2 in the Allstate Continental Clásico, two players are on this week’s episode to share their very different perspectives from differing sides of the program: Lynn Biyendolo, the veteran forward who recently captained the USWNT for the first time, and defender Jordyn Bugg, who at 18 years old just made her first career start.
Together, they join David Gass and Megan Klingenberg to discuss the 600th win in USWNT history (6:30), the superpowers of a soft-spoken leader (15:30), Lynn’s thoughtful choicedecision to change the name on her jersey (17:00) and Jordyn’s decision to go pro at 17 years old (19:15) before diving into the rivalry with Canada (23:05). Then, the group concludes with some fun rapid-fire questions (34:00) including their takes on ‘Love Island USA’ Season 7.
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 the stories behind the game. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.
Hosts: David Gass, Megan Klingenberg
Guests: Lynn Biyendolo, Jordyn Bugg
Producer: Brad Fosler
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.
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