The Best Soccer Show

This week's episode hits on all the big stories in American soccer. Thomas Pinzone from The Blazing Musket podcast sits in as co-host to help Jason cover the game from post to post.

We start with Matt Crocker's sudden departure as sporting director from US Soccer. Did Crocker make any headway on the big problems facing the game in the US? How will we judge his tenure?

Then Jason and Thomas discuss Javier Mascherano quitting on Inter Miami seven games into a title defense season. Was there drama behind the scences?

MLS went two-and-two in the quarterfinals of the CONCACAF Champions Cup against Mexican opposition. The guys get into the problems MLS faces in the CCC and the wide issues with a tournament that only two leagues can win.

There's round-up of the US Open Cup action from this week with a special note for the cupsets sprung by lower division teams and some love for the SOCCER HERITAGE moments like the plethora of lines on the surface in Mount Vernon, NY for Westchester SC's match against NYCFC.

Finally, Jason springs on Thomas the story of the Fernando Mendoza photo shoot that has an eerie similarity to a photo shoot featuring the 2002 USMNT. Photogs apparently can't say not to an athlete sipping from a water fountain.

Get access to Jason's weekly Office Hours, other bonus content, the Besties Slack community by signing up for our Patreon page at patreon.com/thebestsoccershow.

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We're dropping a special interview ep of TBSS on you today as Jason sits down with Carlos Mojica to talk about Carlos's new book "Goa! Awesome Soccer Stories and Fun Facts For Kids".

Carlos is an American soccer veteran who turned his lover for the game into a very fun, readable book for kids who want to learn more about the sport.

The book is a steal for $19.99 so go buy one wherever you get books. You can order from Barnes & Noble here: https://www.barnesandnoble.com/w/goal-carlos-mojica/1147519102

Thanks to Carlos for coming on the show.

Remember that you can join the Besties Patreon for extra content and access to the Besties Slack. Check it out at patreon.com/thebestsoccershow

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We've got a special super sized episode of TBSS this week.

Jason starts the show checking in with the Besties about their feelings around the USMNT two months out from the World Cup. What's your DEFCON after the March window?

Then Jared shows up to engage Jason in a blind ranking of 8 MLS Cup champions from years past.

If you want bonus content and an invite to join the Besties Slack community, jump into our Patreon at patreon.com/thebestsoccershow

See you next week.
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After the USMNT's double loss window with just months to go before the World Cup, Jason is joined by Fox Sports' Doug McIntyre to break down the state of Mauricio Pochettino's team.

Big Questions:

1. Do the results matter?

2. Should we worry about Christian Pulisic?

3. Which players hurt or helped their chances of making the World Cup squad?

4. Is Weston locked in as a key figure under Pochettino?

5. What's Gio Reyna's role going forward? Did he help himself?

For more fun and informative soccer things, join the Besties on The Best Soccer Show Patreon page. You get access to bonus content, appearances from Jared DuBois, a pass to Jason's weekly Office Hours hangout, and more. https://www.patreon.com/c/thebestsoccershow

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In this episode, we dive into the biggest lineup questions surrounding the USMNT ahead of its matchup with Belgium. Jason is joined by Jonathan Tannenwald to break down the key decisions facing the coaching staff—from tactical shape to personnel choices—and what it all means for the team’s chances.

We get into the ongoing debates: Who should anchor the midfield? Which attacking options actually complement each other? And how much should recent form versus long-term trust factor into the starting XI? Jonathan brings his usual insight and reporting to help separate the noise from the reality.

If you’ve been second-guessing lineup projections or wondering what the smartest approach is against a top-tier opponent like Belgium, this episode is for you.

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