Soccer 2 The Max

After falling behind super early doors 1-0 to Costa Rica, the United States Men's National Team woke up and went after it to get a goal back from an unlikely source in Sergino Dest, and then were able to force a second goal and get the big win to secure six points in this window of three games and sit firmly in second place in the Octagonal. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the game, some of the players that stood out, thoughts on the changes to the squad, and after six games is there a Best XI for the USA? Plus, an overall look at the team as the game against Mexico looms on November 12. Of course, they also go around CONCACAF and discuss the nervy yet comfortable moments for Mexico in San Salvador against La Selecta El Salvador. Canada zooming past Panama for a blowout win, and Jamaica getting their first win in qualifying and sending Honduras straight to the bottom.

The 13-match unbeaten run has ended for the United States Men's National Team as they fall to Panama 1-0 in World Cup Qualifying. Seven changes were made by coach Gregg Berhalter to the starting 11 from the previous match, was that the biggest factor in the loss? How much of the lack of energy and grit applies to the players? And what about the substitutions during the game as well? Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins get into all that, plus praise for Panama, Matt Turner finally looking a little vulnerable, and what is it with these half-time subs as well? The guys also go around the rest of CONCACAF and talk about Costa Rica's big come from behind win against El Salvador. Jamaica and Canada battling to a 0-0 draw, and also Mexico's comfortable win against a 10-man Honduras side too.

Although it took a while for the United States National Team to kick it into gear, once they did, it turned into a commanding performance that wound up being a 2-0 victory that could have been more. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the standout performances, if the USMNT have solidified two of their three starters up-front, was Walker Zimmerman secretly the Center Back the team needed? And of course, it is all aboard the Ricardo Pepi train as he scores two more goals in his home state. Of course, there's also talk about some controversial decisions involving the referee and why no VAR in CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying is an even bigger mystery as well. Plus, we go around CONCACAF talking about the other games that happened on the night including a deeper dive into Canada vs. Mexico and El Salvador's big result against Panama too.

Unfortunately, the major story this week in American soccer is one that involves allegations of verbal and emotional abuse and sexual coercion that have led to the firing of not only former North Carolina head coach Paul Riley, but also former Washington Spirit head coach Richie Burke. This has now gone a step further with Lisa Baird now becoming the former commissioner of the league as well. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the delicate topic, why the league got it wrong on so many levels, and what they are starting to do to ensure it doesn't happen again. The United States Men's National Team also had their World Cup Qualifying squad announced for the next round of games against Jamaica, Panama, and Costa Rica. The guys go over the roster, some surprises, and if there are any major snubs too.Plus, Supporters Club, the Manchester United minute, and what's a bigger disappointment Bayern Munich or Real Madrid from this week?

Is it possible that Cristiano Ronaldo could be the next Manchester United manager when his playing career finally ends? Or is this just speculation of the highest order since once again Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under fire for recent results?Major changes are happening all over the landscape when it comes to CONCACAF competitions as the CONCACAF Champions League changes again and now the League Cup expands to include every single MLS and Liga MX team. Plus, there's also a 2nd division Women's League in the works too. All this plus Luchi Gonzalez fired at FC Dallas in our headlines, Supporters Club, and our biggest winners and losers as well.

Discussing the re-debut of Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United in both Premier League action and UEFA Champions League action. How one game went so right and one went right for about 30 minutes and then horribly wrong. Also, the United States Soccer Federation has offered identical collective bargaining agreements to both the United States Men and Women's National Teams. Going the route of revenue sharing for actual pay and aiming to get the men and women to split FIFA prize money. Is this really a way to get equal pay? Is it actually viable at the moment? Are the USSF trying to find the cheapest way out? Plus, CONMEBOL now changes their mind about the biennial World Cup, while FIFPRO also weighs in on the situation too. All of this while other confederations seem to actually be ok with the idea. Plus, this also gives Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins a chance to discuss the Women's side of the equation and how this could actually benefit them. Of course, we end things with a look at our teams with the Suppo

A tale of two halves it certainly was for the United States Men's National Team in a huge win to bring them level with the other major powers in CONCACAF during this cycle. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the game with their headlines, some players that stood out, the coaching decisions, and also things to be careful of going forward into the next round of games. All of the other CONCACAF teams also played on this night as well. So the duo takes a gander around the confederation as to how the other teams stack up and the standings as they are heading into October.

World Cup qualifying showcased many things about the beautiful game on and off the pitch this past week. Especially in the facet of having global things affect the games themselves. Of course, Brazil vs. Argentina debacle is front of mind as those in charge of Brazil’s medical quadrant got involved and made a fiasco of a huge game that had already started. Plus Erik Watkins has another story that is even bigger than that one. Sean Garmer has a bone to pick with FIFA and why they did not honor the already in place UEFA stadium ban which could have prevented the racial abuse incidents that the England players suffered in their game against Hungary.FIFA has also drawn the ire of UEFA and many others in a grander way as right now Arsene Wenger is leading the charge for a major change to the FIFA World Cup structure in possibly having it biennially instead of every four years. The guys have a great discussion and try to answer the question of Why FIFA wants a World Cup every two years and why this isn’t such a goo

The second game of three sees the United States Men's National Team play in Nashville Tennessee against Canada. In a game where the USMNT will really be looking for a result. Did Christian Pulisic playing for the USA make a big difference? How vital was Alphonso Davies for Canada? Who are some players to point out? Some players that perhaps missed the mark? Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins, and Rachael Kriger have much to discuss as once again USMNT only manages a point.Should this be seen as a disappointment? Should it be a relief? Is Gregg Berhalter to blame at all in this? Plus, a look around to the other CONCACAF qualifiers that happened on the night as well.

World Cup Qualifying has begun in the CONCACAF region and the United States Men's National Team traveled down to the El Cuzcatlan to face El Salvador in the first game. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the highs and lows of the game, who performed well, what are some strengths and weaknesses, thoughts on the result, and also some of the substitutions. Plus a look ahead to how much the Canada game now matters and who are some players that should start. The duo also goes around the rest of CONCACAF and see how the competition stacks up in the Octagonal.

The full squad is here for a big show heading into a very interesting International break. But first, there's a discussion on the madness that was Transfer Deadline day. Although the major one many were hoping for did not come to fruition as Kylian Mbappe stays at PSG. However, there are still several surprises to get into, including Cristiano Ronaldo coming back to Manchester United, Antoine Griezmann heading back to Atletico Madrid, and more. There are also some interesting tidbits on the newly minted CONCACAF W Championship and CONCACAF W Gold Cup as well. Plus of course, What We Watched, The Supporters Club, Headlines, and more.We will be back twice before the next regular show. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins will have a review and reactions to the first USMNT World Cup Qualifying game against El Salvador on early Friday morning. Plus, the full crew again including Rachael McKriger on Sunday night for the second USMNT WCQ game against Canada too.Rachael's article for The Equalizer: https://equalizersocce

When the concept came about to do a show centered around the UEFA Champions League Draw who knew a bunch of other news would come out the same day. So basically there's the second episode in one week for everyone. First up, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the 2021 UEFA Champions League Draw. So many storylines to choose from with Manchester City versus PSG, Liverpool versus AC Milan, Real Madrid versus Inter Milan, Manchester United versus Villarreal. But beyond just matchups, who could surprise? Is there a team to look forward to? And of course what headlines will be pulled from this as well. Also, the United States Men's National Team has named their 26 player squad. Are there any glaring omissions? How do we feel about the squad in general? Sean also has some thoughts on Ricardo Pepi deciding to pick the USA over Mexico. Plus, a little more on the now, fully European Covid-19 Red List with Serie A and LaLiga joining the English Premier League in not allowing players to travel for National Team duty.

Several non Soccer playing-related stories dominate the discussion on this week's Soccer 2 the MAX, as the two-man crew of Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins tackle quite a few big topics. The big drama in Nice with their game against Marseille and why the wrong decision was made by Ligue 1 officials. Why more should be done to protect players and why manager Jorge Sampaoli deserves some blame too. Ole Gunnar Solskjaer and Jurgen Klopp both are not big fans of the new English Premier League rules about letting "the game flow" leading to some questionable decisions in games. Is the league better for these changes following more of the precedent set by EURO 2020, or are the managers right in this instance? Along with that, the Premier League announced they've come to a decision to not allow its players to travel to countries that are on the UK government's red list which highly affects countries in South America, Asia, and Africa who won't have some of their best players for three World Cup Qualifying games. Who's r

Soccer 2 the MAX is back! And all three of your hosts are here, as Sean Garmer once again rejoins Erik Watkins and Rachael Kriger in talking about the beautiful game they love so much. This time there's a much different format to what's been in the past on the show. Each episode features standard segments like Headlines, What We Watched, and the Supporters Club. However, each host also brings their own topic as well which is sure to drive some banter and conversation. Sean wonders if the possible UEFA salary cap is actually going to work or if the big clubs will just overpay to get whoever they want. Should there be a hard cap instead? Rachael discusses why the National Women's Soccer League needs a team in Canada. While Erik is still happy about Brentford's big win. Plus, thoughts on a possible move for Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid, the mess with FC Barcelona and Lionel Messi, if Harry Kane goes to Manchester City, thoughts on fans being back in the stands and more. Timestamps:(2:00): Our Headlines: NWSL

Soccer 2 the MAX makes its long-awaited return! Erik and Rachael wrap up the MLS Cup that was (featuring a mini-rant about Rachael's Sounders and what's to come for 2021) and the two USMNT friendlies to wrap up the year. The pair also discusses who got snubbed for the US Male Player of the Year award, and Rachael wraps up with a special shoutout to Megan Rapinoe for her statement after inclusion in the FIFPro Women's World11.

Welcome to another edition of Soccer 2 the Max! Rachael and Erik are back, and we have a women's soccer themed show for you. The NWSL Challenge Cup is kicking off on June 27, this very month! It's the first professional league coming back to action in the United States. What does this mean for the league? Also, Erik and Rachael break down the competition, the teams and who they're most excited to see on a different team.

We're back for another episode of Soccer 2 The Max! Erik and Rachael team up to chat about the Americans featuring in the Bundesliga, which returned to action this weekend. It was a bit of a "meh" weekend for most players, including the likes of John Brooks, Timmy Chandler and some injury-riddled players. Also, the duo chat about a potential plan to bring the NWSL and MLS back to action. Both disagree with shuffling teams to specific locations for a month, or two months.

We're baaaaack! Erik Watkins and Rachael Kriger are back at Soccer 2 The Max, chatting about, well, soccer! Even though we're in quarantine — Erik's in Florida, Rachael is up north in Pennsylvania — we've got a lot to talk about. First, the duo dives into the newest and latest U.S. women's national team legal craziness. Then, Erik and Rachael talk about the USL, MLS and NWSL opening up individual and team training. What does it look like for clubs who can't yet hit the practice field due to being in hot-bed areas? Finally, the show ends with a chat about the Bundesliga aiming to start back up by the end of May, and if it's really a good idea with COVID-19. Welcome back to Soccer 2 The Max!

On this episode, Rachael and Erik break down the big news of Jill Ellis steppind down as head coach of the US Women's National Team, and talk about everything from the timing to what's next for the team and US Soccer in general. Who's up next? How will the transition be? Will the first name be monosyllabic?Also, the duo cover all the different updates with the USWNT lawsuit, including the now infamous letter from US Soccer President Carlos Codeiro and how the men's team is stepping in as backup.The pair also give their players of interest for the MLS All-Star game, as well as the general approach for the event, along with their thoughts on the general approach to the festivities in Orlando as a whole.Finally, NWSL attendance talk, some news and notes, and a little Don rant to end the show as a "celebratory" moment for Commissioner Garber's 20th anniversary as head of MLS.

On this episode, Rachael and Erik celebrate and review the US Women's National Team for their World Cup victory in France, and discuss what this means for the women's game now and going forward. The pair also talk about the NWSL, what their new sponsorship and TV deals could mean for this season, and where the league can go from here; as well as how things will change with the return of the international players. On the men's side, the duo talk about what went right and wrong for the US in the Gold Cup, what to expect in tournaments to come from the US and Mexico, and now CONCACAF needs to step up with the infamous Mexico chant. Finally, one good Don rant to wrap up the show, as Erik gives a little advice to the MLS commissioner about how expansion should be handled.