Soccer Down Here

Chelsea make another mid-season change as Enzo Maresca departs Stamford Bridge, once again resetting a long-term plan in London. AFCON moves into the Round of 16 with heavyweights, late drama, and no margin for error, while Argentina’s soccer federation faces mounting investigations off the field despite continued success on it.

Plus, Club América enters a landmark partnership with U.S. investors tied to the Patriots and Revolution, MLS sees a busy start to 2026, and Neymar, Ter Stegen, Icardi, and Mbappé all headline a packed global Refill. Morning Espresso for January 1, from the SDH Network.

Here's the last 2025 appearance of The USL Show's Kaylor Hodges looking at the latest news in USL Championship and USL League One

We break down who's going where- and a lot of folks are heading to Lexington...

Plus, what to keep an eye on with the CBA negoatiations...

It's the last Wall Pass Wednesday of 2025 for SDH AM

We look at the results from yesterday- on the field and off- with busy days in the Prem and AFCON

We look at the background of the business relationships with John Textor and check in on the latest news involving Botafogo and the FIFA 3-window transfer ban that kicks in today

MLSSoccer.com's Dylan Butler visits to look at the latest news in and around MLS 

And Jon asks how you would handle fireworks on NYE

Arsenal close 2025 with a dominant win that reshapes the Premier League title race, while Botafogo are hit with a FIFA transfer ban over unpaid fees to Atlanta United for Thiago Almada. We also look at growing momentum behind a potential change to the offside rule, debate outdated views on MLS player development, and run through key domestic and global headlines as the calendar turns toward 2026.

Morning Espresso is brought to you by Oglethorpe University, Atlanta’s premier undergraduate learning experience and soccer powerhouse.

Jason joins SDH AM to break down both the Tomas Jacob and Lucas Hoyos deals with Atlanta United

Plus, we get into the AFCON action and how one player is nothing but highlights...

It's a stacked Tuesday Thoughts on SDH AM

Kacey White bats leadoff to look at NWSL, college soccer, and MLS from 2025 and what she's thinking about 2026

We look at the Premier League festive fixtures

The USL Show's Kaylor Hodges breaks down the last 30 days in USL-C and League One- looking at both 2025 and 2026

Jason joins with the breakdown of the Tomas Jacob signing for ATLUTD- with updates on GK Lucas Hoyos as well. We also look at AFCON and the John Textor situation at Botafogo...

Morocco closed the AFCON group stage with authority, delivering a statement performance in Rabat as the Atlas Lions move into the knockout rounds with momentum and unity. We recap where the tournament stands, why Morocco now feels central to the competition, and how the wider picture is taking shape across the groups.

In England, all eyes turn to north London for a genuine six-pointer as Arsenal host Aston Villa. We break down why this match matters so much for the title race, what makes Villa such an uncomfortable opponent, and how injuries, form, and belief could define a...

The AFCON knockout picture is coming into focus as Groups A and B close and the rest of the field fights for position. We break down Morocco’s surge, Egypt’s control, Sudan and Mozambique’s historic runs, and what to watch as the group stage continues.

Then we head to London for a massive Premier League showdown with **Arsenal hosting **Aston Villa in a title-race swing game.

We also dive into the Columbus Crew’s managerial search with strong Scottish ties, Wilfried Nancy’s turnaround at Celtic, and finish in Brazil with John Textor making another bo...

SoccerForUSPod's Bart Keeler joins Monday's SDH AM looking at the NWSL getting HIP, cards and calls that may have raised eyebrows in the professional ranks, and Yanks abroad performing for their full-time clubs in England and Italy

It's a Reaction Monday on SDH AM that preps your day

We start with 929TheGame's Abe Gordon looking at MLS moves to date during the holiday
We look at the Prem from the weekend and a club that may go back to the past for a future opening
SoccerForUSPod's Bart Keeler joins looking at the NWSL getting HIP, cards and calls, and Yanks abroad 

Plus, breaking news involving Nashville and LAFC and your AFCON breakdown

The Premier League heads into the final days of 2025 with a genuine three-team title race taking shape, as Arsenal set for a pivotal showdown with Aston Villa while Manchester City continue to apply pressure just behind them. We break down where the margins are shrinking, what Arsenal’s recent performances tell us, and why Tuesday night at the Emirates feels like a defining moment.

We also turn our attention to AFCON as the group stage reaches its decisive third matchday. History was made by Mozambique, heavyweight clashes continue to shape the knockout picture, and Monday’s slate sets the...

Sounder at Heart/Pulso Sports Niko Moreno visits SDH AM weekly to give his news, notes, and knowledge about the moves in Major League Soccer

This time, it's Seattle, LA Galaxy, the keeper carousel, Orlando, and Inter Miami - and all points in between for another week of preps for 2026

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Why has one nation still not started their domestic leagues...?
Who has a great idea for a commemorative jersey...?
What does it sound like when a team protests on the field...?
What did Cupsets look like in France...?
What does it sound like as a familiar face wins a title...?
And, where did it look like a new titleholder was in place... until it wasn't...?

SDH visits India, Norway, Turkey, Costa Rica, France, and Serbia to update you in stories you may not have known about...
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Nino Torres drops by to break down 2025 from two separate continents- looking at South America, Copas, Peru, Uruguay, Portugal, and looking at Messi and Friends in Fort Lauderdale

It's a full Freestyle Friday on SDH AM

We look at Match Day 2 as AFCON goes LIVE and preview the weekend overseas in Hour 1

Hour 2 is the Power Hour with our Nino Torres and Sounder at Heart/Pulso Sports Niko Moreno looking at South America, Portugal, the Copa, and Peru plus the latest in MLS

Around the world in 60 minutes and around the corner from everywhere...

On today’s Morning Espresso, we look at a Boxing Day unlike any other, with just one Premier League match on the schedule as Manchester United host Newcastle at Old Trafford. We dig into how fixture congestion and calendar pressures are reshaping one of English football’s longest traditions.

We also turn our attention to Africa Cup of Nations Matchday 2, with qualification scenarios beginning to emerge, major voices speaking out on the tournament’s place in the global game, and key storylines from Morocco, Egypt, South Africa, and beyond. Plus, domestic updates across the NWSL and MLS, network news f...

Who's missing and who will be ready for the clash between ManU and Newcastle...?

Drew breaks it down and recognizes one true absence as they hit the road during AFCON

Chief Marketing Officer and Lead Kit Designer Jennie Telleria visits SDH AM to break down the creative process of AC Boise and their first kit

Everything from design to final look and the response to the kit itself as AC Boise preps for their fiiurst-ever season in USL League One in 2026

It's a Wall Pass Wednesday on SDH AM

We look at the new rule in the NWSL meant to keep marquee players
Major League Soccer's GK Union carousel keeps spinning- who is now linked where...
AFCON keeps rolling along- we have your morning updates
And Jennie Telleria, Chief Marketing Officer and Lead Kit Designer at AC Boise breaks down the process of the build and release of their first-ever kit

Georgia Southern's Ricky Louis drops by SDH AM to talk about what it was like to go #2 overall in the recent MLS Super Draft to FC Dallas

We look at his two years in Statesboro, the Sun Belt, what he has learned, and what else he needs to learn as he preps for the next stage in his career...

Tuesday Thoughts carry us into the midweek

We look at AFCON Matchday 3 already underway and get you ready for a busy group stage

Colorado Rapids are kicking the tires on a look for the new season- we take their survey and find out what a Sesquisemiquincentennial is...

ATLUTD welcomes a new face as does FC Dallas

Georgia Southern's Ricky Louis stops by to talk about his time in the Boro and what this next stage may look like as he goes #2 overall in the recent MLS SuperDraft plus your AM news to...

The Morning Espresso opens with a major conversation in MLS as the Colorado Rapids put their identity in the hands of supporters, launching a fan-driven process that could shape the club’s future ahead of a pivotal 2026. From there, we turn to a busy Domestic Focus, with NWSL news headlined by Catarina Macario’s contract situation, stadium momentum for Denver Summit FC, rising club valuations, and continued investment in young talent across the league.

Globally, AFCON delivers late drama and early statements, with Zambia rescuing a point, South Africa breaking a long opening-day drought, and Egypt leaning on Moha...

Bart drops by SDH AM to break down the weekend with Yanks playing abroad- and what Mauricio Pochettino might be looking at with his possible roster

Plus, we look at some of the marquee moments involving the refs at the center of the weekend as we look at their cards and calls (or "no calls...")

AFCON wasted no time reminding us how unforgiving tournament soccer can be. On tonight’s Soccer Over There, we break down the first two days of action, including late drama in Group A, hard-earned wins for Egypt and South Africa, and what these early results tell us about the road ahead.

We then zoom out to the global game as CAF and AFC move toward launching their own Nations League competitions. What are the benefits, the drawbacks, and how could these tournaments reshape international soccer calendars already under strain? Jarrett Smith also helps the show go off the ra...

It's a Reaction Monday on SDH AM

We keep an eye on AFCON Day 2 and look back at the opener
Wilfried Nancy wins his first match at Celtic- we look at what he has to say after

SoccerForUSPod's Bart Keeler stops by in hour 2 for cards and calls from the weekend and a look at Yanks Abroad

Morocco opened the Africa Cup of Nations with a composed win in Rabat, setting the tone for a tournament carrying enormous expectations — and signaling how quickly the global game is evolving. Today’s Morning Espresso breaks down Morocco’s opener, the standout moments, and what it tells us about the hosts’ path forward.

We also look at a major shift in international soccer as Africa and Asia move toward Nations League formats, reshaping the calendar and the balance between club and country. What does this mean for players, federations, and the future rhythm of the game?

Plus, re...

Sounder at Heart/Pulso Sports Niko Moreno drops by SDH AM to break down all the movement that has happened since the opening of the December window in MLS

Here's the interview wit new Chairman of NPSL Soccer, Steven Wagoner, looking at his challenges three days into his new job

We look at the challenges- both his and the leagues- as the 2026 season is just around the corner

Hosted by Howard Hamilton, the founder of Soccermetrics

It's the Best XI and the Season in Review

Plus, a look at the 2026 entry list and the preliminary round draw

Despite hosting a major international tournament and having the best player of all time in the top-flight domestic league, attendance across American soccer — especially the USMNT — dropped in 2025. In this episode, Bart and Thomas chat with Lawrence Dockery, author of "2025 American Club Soccer Attendance Super Table" for Beyond the 90.

Hear the reasons why attendance may have dipped, and what it means for the leagues and U.S. Soccer going forward. 

Read the articles:
https://beyondthe90.substack.com/p/2025-american-club-soccer-attendance
https://beyondthe90.substack.com/p/top-25-largest-american-soccer-crowds-2f5
https://beyondthe90.substack.com/p/usmnt-attendance-down-26-in-2...

It's a busy Freestyle Friday on SDH AM

We look at the action this weekend- including AFCON
We check in on Celtic and Wilfried Nancy
We bring in new NPSL Chairman Steven Wagoner to talk the league and his new job
We look at a new USMNT injury plus the latest in the NWSL talks with SoccerForUSPod's Bart Keeler

Enjoy!

Here's the segment from SDH AM with Nino Torres as he breaks down the news of the planet- from South America, Peru, and Portugal- everything from teams on the rise, locking down titles, to the Intercontinental Cup

In today’s Morning Espresso on the SDH Network—brought to you by Oglethorpe University—we open with a conversation about “the noise” around young players and why learning to navigate it matters in professional environments. From there, it’s a full MLS SuperDraft recap, led by Atlanta United’s night: trading down from No. 2, adding allocation money, and still landing Enzo Dovlo at No. 12, along with Noah James later on, plus plenty of Atlanta and Georgia connections throughout the draft.

We also cover the latest MLS roster moves, including business involving Vancouver, Austin, and D.C. United, and dig into t...

Sporting JAX head coach Liam Fox drops by to talk about his new gig and the challenges he has going into Year One in USL Championship

It's a full Thursday Thoughts on SDH AM

Sporting JAX new head coach Liam Fox joins to look at his new challenge in USL Championship

We look at the Wilfried Nancy situation at Celtic

Hour 2 is the Power Hour with GOLTV's Nino Torres and Sounder at Heart/Pulso Sports Niko Moreno looking at the world of soccer- from South America to Portugal and MLS moves and decisions...

Intrigue in England leads the way today as Chelsea head coach Enzo Maresca is reportedly high on Manchester City’s contingency list if Pep Guardiola steps away next summer. We’ll unpack what The Athletic’s David Ornstein is reporting, why Maresca’s City ties matter, and how the noise around Chelsea’s relationship with its supporters is becoming part of the story.

Then it’s silverware season for Paris Saint-Germain again. PSG claimed the FIFA Intercontinental Cup in a shootout win over Flamengo, with goalkeeper Matvey Safonov turning into the headline act by repeatedly guessing right and coming up wi...

Atlanta United 2 sits at the center of the club’s development pathway, and José Silva now officially leads that process as head coach.

After guiding ATL UTD 2 to the best finish in club history as interim manager, Silva discusses his journey through the Academy and the Second Team, how he balances player development with the demands of MLS NEXT Pro, and why tactical and emotional growth are just as important as technical ability.

Silva also explains how Atlanta United 2 mirrors the First Team’s playing style, the importance of meaningful late-season matches, and how the Second Team...

Paris Saint-Germain and Flamengo meet in Doha with a trophy and a FIFA badge on the line, and it’s the centerpiece of today’s Morning Espresso on the SDH Network, brought to you by Oglethorpe University.

We also dig into the latest World Cup ticketing update after FIFA introduced a new $60 “Supporter Entry Tier” for fans of qualified teams, plus what the supporters’ groups are still demanding ahead of the first ticket draw on January 13.

And in qualifying drama, Nigeria are fighting to revive their 2026 hopes by taking a complaint to FIFA over player eligibility in their p...

Free for all Tuesday edition of SDH AM with Jason Longshore filling in for Jon Nelson today. The topics range from changes to the Laws of the Game, Washington winning the College Cup, the state of soccer in the United States, USMNT, MLS future broadcast deals, and more. Enjoy and thank you for listening!

Manchester United scored four at Old Trafford and still couldn’t win… because this one turned into pure bedlam.

On today’s Morning Espresso, we start with the College Cup final and an instant classic in Cary as Washington capped a dream postseason with a 3-2 overtime win over NC State to claim the first national championship in program history. The Huskies built a 2-0 lead, the Wolfpack roared all the way back to force extra time, and then Washington found the winner less than two minutes into overtime—celebration, video review, and all.

Then we get into...