Soccer 2 The Max

On this somber episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger are joined by Last Word on Soccer writer, and host of the Last Word Soccer Club podcast, Matt Pollard. All four discuss the loss by the USMNT 2-1 to Trinidad & Tobago. The lethargic squad, the tactics by Bruce Arena, who's to blame for the USA not making the World Cup. What does it mean for the future of U.S. Soccer? Who should be the next coach? Should this cause a shakeup all the way up to Sunil Gulati? We discuss it all, and much more. This is going to be a sad nine months leading up to a World Cup without the United States for the first time since 1986.

On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins breakdown the U.S. Men's National Team 4-0 victory over Panama. A huge three points towards securing qualification towards the World Cup 2018. Especially, the play of Christian Pulisic, Bobby Wood, Paul Arriola and more. Who stood out? How do we feel going into the final game against Trinidad & Tobago? We discuss it all on this one.

On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss what happened in the Atlanta United and Minnesota United game. Does this hurt Atlanta's chances at finishing second in the East? Should there been another red card in the game too? Then, we turn to the news that Alessandro Nesta could leave NASL's Miami FC to become the new coach at the Montreal Impact. Would this be a good move for Montreal? Does Mauro Biello deserve to be sacked? Finally, we have our FIFA U-17 World Cup 2017 Preview. The guys give predictions for all of the groups and the knockout stage too. Who do they have winning the tournament? How far do the USA go? Can they even get out of the group? It's certainly going to be a tough one.

On this Soccer 2 the MAX episode, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger discuss the 26 player squad named for the U.S. Men's National Team's final two games in 2018 World Cup qualifying. How big of a deal is it that some players were left off like Fabian Johnson? What about some players named like Benny Feilhaber and Michael Orozco? What do we expect from this team? We discuss those topics and more. After that, we turn our attention towards the incoming NWSL Playoffs starting on October 7 & 8. We give our predictions for who could win the NWSL Championship and give our thoughts on the league as a whole this year. Rachael bids us adieu and the focus changes to the playoff race in Major League Soccer. Who's made it so far? Who still has a ways to go? And how wild is it going to get? Finally, the show ends with a great discussion on the NASL Anti-trust lawsuit, the latest on what's going on and what it could it mean for Soccer in America depending on what happens.

On this Soccer 2 the MAX episode, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins open by discussing the latest in the Colorado Rapids coaching vacancy. Who is the team talking to? When do they want to have it filled? And do they really have 100 candidates? After that, the guys break down a big win for the Montreal Impact over Toronto FC to keep their playoff hopes alive. Followed by another blowout win at Mercedes-Benz Stadium for Atlanta United. Finally, they analyze the fourth U.S. Open Cup victory for Sporting KC, as they defeated New York Redbulls 2-1 to claim the trophy.

On this Soccer 2 the MAX episode, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins break down the USWNT comfortable 5-0 victory over New Zealand. How did Rose Lavelle fare in her return to the national team? Lindsey Horan and Mallory Pugh provided big sparks. Not to mention, Alex Morgan continues her tremendous scoring form as well. Plus, how does this build to the rest of their schedule for 2017? After that, the guys talk about the NASL filing an anti-trust lawsuit against the U.S. Soccer Federation. What does this even mean? Are the NASL being a bit hypocritical? Or do they have a point with a few things? There's also talk of some changes coming to the MLS Playoffs. A possible relocation for Kansas City FC in NWSL. Jay Heaps becoming the fifth MLS manager fired, and more.

On this special episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins survived Hurricane Irma. They are joined by Rachael McKriger to discuss the latest USWNT game, which was a 3-1 victory over New Zealand. Just how good is Julie Ertz? Should Alyssa Naeher still be in goal after another flub? And what new players could Jill Ellis bring to the squad in the future. Plus a game breakdown, and more. The trio also discuss the intent behind the Alexi Lalas rant on television. Does it really have any meaning for the players? Or is just a man screaming at the television? Finally, Erik and Sean discuss the two MLS games from Wednesday. Two blowout wins for Atlanta and Vancouver gets them closer to their ultimate goal. Seriously, Atlanta scored a touchdown in one game.

On this special Soccer 2 the MAX episode, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins give their reactions to the United States Men's National Team 1-1 draw against Honduras. Certainly, the performance wasn't good from the USMNT, but how much does that matter in a road game in CONCACAF? How much blame is on Bruce Arena? What's on the players? And should some of the subs be starting next time. The guys also analyze the situation in CONCACAF and what the USA have to do to qualify. The two also take a look around at the rest of World Cup Qualifying from around the world and see how things are stacking up, heading into the final October fixtures for so many confederations.

On this Soccer 2 the MAX episode, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger discuss the action from Week 26 of Major League Soccer. How much does it mean to the LA Galaxy for Gyasi Zardes to score a goal? Are FC Dallas out of the slump with their hard fought draw? Can Chicago get back on form? And will this Kei Kamara hat trick and win mean anything for the New England Revolution? Then, the focus switches to NWSL. Rachael and Sean discuss the latest games. Alex Morgan announcing she's only playing for the Orlando Pride next season. Portland clinches a playoff spot. And who's getting the two spots left, as well.

On this special instant reaction episode, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the shocking 2-0 loss. Is this more on Bruce Arena? Or is it more on the players? How big of a deal is the loss? And should we expect a rebound on Tuesday against Honduras. After that, focus shifts to Mexico's 1-0 win, which grants them automatic qualification to the FIFA World Cup 2018. How did the final game without Juan Carlos Osorio go? Should Panama be disappointed with the result? And what's the road ahead for the CONCACAF teams.

On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins go through the weekend games in Major League Soccer. FC Dallas has now gone into the bottom half of the table. Is it time to panic in Frisco? While Toronto FC have separated themselves in the Eastern Conference. Is this the best Toronto team ever? Should fans be worried in Chicago? Plus all the rest of the ups and downs from this weekend's games. After that, the guys breakdown the 26 names announced for the U.S. Men's National Team World Cup 2018 qualifiers against Costa Rica and Honduras. Did we like who Bruce Arena called-in. What can fans expect from these two games? Do the U.S. need all 6 points? What about the other teams in the Hexagonal? They discuss all of these things. Finally, since Rachael McKriger isn't here, the two end things with a quick run through of the action in NWSL, standings, and Sam Kerr's record tying goal.

This episode of Soccer 2 the MAX begins with Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger talking about the latest week of NWSL action. Along with the big news of Christy Holly stepping down as Sky Blue FC Coach. The Christie Pearce injury. Plus, the Amanda Acosta retirement as well. Then, Sean Garmer joins the show to talk MLS games with Erik. What is going in with FC Dallas? How did the new signings help D.C. United? Is Toronto FC the team to beat? Does Orlando have any chance? We discuss all these things. Plus, Pablo Mastroeni's time at Colorado. Finally, we end things by talking about Turner Sports using a streaming service for when they get UEFA Champions League and Europa League Rights next year. Is this really a good decision? Could this backfire on them. Especially considering that Univision also has rights (albeit in Spanish) as well?

On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger analyze the U.S. Open Cup Semi-Final between Sporting KC and the San Jose Earthquakes. Should MLS go the way of Europe and adopt the ABBA Penalties? Are Sporting KC now the team to beat in the Open Cup Final? Or are they lacking a little something? Then, the crew goes through the transfers that just crossed the deadline. Specifically looking at the three big moves D.C. United made, and why Erik feels they weren't the right ones. Orlando possibly could make another move. Carlos Vela becomes the first signing for LAFC, but Sean wonders why Mexico is upset he didn't sign with a Liga MX club. Plus, even more on what each team did at the deadline. Finally, the trio end the show by discussing the Orlando Pride's 3-0 win. Alex Morgan scores once again, and should Ashlyn Harris be starting at Goalkeeper when she returns? Rachael doesn't think so.

On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins go through the MLS Games from the weekend. What's going on with FC Dallas? Have Seattle flipped the switch? Are we surprised by the run from Vancouver? Did they get it right with the first VAR decisions? We discuss all of this and more. In-between some of those games, we also discuss some transfers like Yoshimar Yotun to Orlando City, Zoltan Steiber emminently going to D.C. United, and a few more. Finally, the guys discuss the happenings of NWSL for the week. Can we take anything out of the Washington Spirit's 4-1 win over Sky Blue? Alex Morgan scores a goal for Orlando, and the North Carolina Courage are in first place again. We end the show by talking about the UEFA Women's EURO 2017 Final. How great the game was, and what the win means for Netherlands. Plus, the new penalty shootout system was unveiled in the FA Community Shield this weekend. Is it better than the original system?

On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger discuss the final Tournament of Nations game for the U.S. Women's National Team. A 3-0 win over Japan, which wasn't as easy as it looked. Who stood out? Did anyone's stock rise or fall going forward for the national team? Why does Rachael still have a bone to pick with Jill Ellis? After that, Rachael heads out, and the boys stick around to discuss the MLS All-Star game. What did we think of the festivities, the game, and is it a big deal that MLS took Real Madrid to penalties? Finally, the guys discuss some MLS transfer news, and have a conversation on Promotion and Relegation in U.S. Soccer.

On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger are a bit more jovial than usual. Especially, since the U.S. Women's National team came back from 3-1 down and in nine minutes recovered to beat Brazil 4-3. However, it wasn't all roses for USWNT. Rachael explains and has a few choice words for Jill Ellis' tactics before that fated nine minute stretch. Who stood out? Who needs to be starting? We discuss that and more. After that, Rachael bids us adieu, as Erik and Sean talk MLS Week 21. How was Dom Dwyer's debut for Orlando City? Should Kaka still play 90 minutes? Do we make anything of the domination by Toronto FC and the Vancouver Whitecaps? There's also transfer news, and Curt Onalfo puts out a statement too. Finally, the guys examine the presentation given on VAR by Howard Webb. Are the guys excited about VAR coming into the league? And is everything understandable, compared to how it was done in the Confederations Cup? Trust us, it is.

On this special edition of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins begin by discussing the first Tournament of Nations game for the U.S. Women's National Team, which they lost by a score of 1-0 to Australia. What went wrong for the USWNT? Did they really just have no energy for much of the game? Have the U.S. lost their edge? How much should we make of a glorified friendly? And is Jill Ellis too stuck in her ways? Did any of the less experienced players stand out? We discuss all of these things and more. Before ending the show, the guys also get into the LA Galaxy firing Curt Onalfo. Then, subsquently hiring Sigi Schmid as his replacement. Is this the best move for the Galaxy? What does he bring to the table? Can he right the ship? Not to be out done, LAFC also made a move to bring Bob Bradley back to MLS. How huge is this for LAFC? What does he bring to the team? And what can we expect from any squad building?

On this special episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Rachael McKriger and EriK Watkins discuss the U.S. Men's National Team 2-1 victory over Jamaica in the Gold Cup 2017 Final. How much did the injury to Andre Blake effect Jamaica? Who stood out in the game? Did anyone help or hurt their chances on making the the USMNT squad going forward? How much praise should we give Bruce Arena? And do we feel better about the team heading into more World Cup Qualifying? We answer these questions and more. The trio also discuss the recent big trade in MLS, which sent Dom Dwyer to Orlando City SC for Allocation money. Could Dwyer and Cyle Larin play together? How does this benefit the team? And what does Sporting KC do now? Plus, is Sydney Leroux going to follow Dwyer and join the Orlando Pride?

On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger discuss the upset win for Jamaica over Mexico to reach the Gold Cup 2017 Final. How did Jamaica handle things differently this time? Or was it more of the same from their first encounter? The trio also discuss the differences between the USMNT under Bruce Arena, and the team under Jurgen Klinsman. They preview the Gold Cup 2017 Final as well. Things then switch to the USWNT, as Rachael gives her thoughts on the team chosen by Jill Ellis. Should she have taken more chances with the 23? Who's winning the Tournament of Nations? Who else could have been in the squad? There's also MLS Week 20 Wrap-up, NWSL Weekend coverage, the trio discuss snubs from the All-Star team and much more.

On this special edition of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins give their instant reaction, hot take, or just thoughts on the USA's 2-0 victory over Costa Rica in the Gold Cup 2017 Semi-Finals.The guys discuss how stood out. how well the backline played. Is Besler and Gonzalez the answer? Darlington Nagbe playing his natural position, how important was that? What changes Bruce Arena could make for the final, or did he finally find the right combination of players? Plus, has Clint Dempsey found his best role as a distributor underneath the forwards? How important is it that he tied the goal scoring record? Could the assists matter even more?