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.

Soccer 2 the MAX

MLS Cup, US Male Player of the Year and What's Next for the USMNT, Megan Rapinoe Stands Up

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.

Taking a look at the NWSL Challenge Cup

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.

Recapping the Americans Abroad in the Bundesliga

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!

USWNT Court Decision and a Potential Return for Soccer

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.

Soccer 2 the MAX: All-Star Edition

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.

Soccer 2 the MAX: Rants and Recaps Edition

In this episode, Rachael and Erik talk about how good the USMNT's 4-0 win over Guyana to open up the Gold Cup really was, and the contributions of a former Mailman!Later, Erik puts some perspective on a particular blowout performance by the USWNT at the FIFA Women's World Cup, and Rachael helps him realize he may be on the path to being a Vegas sharp after all as the duo look ahead to the big match against Sweden. For that, Erik sits back and gives Rachael the floor for a rant on our good friend VAR.Finally, it's bracket talk as the pair discuss the chaos from Groups C and D, and how the race for third place will shape up not only who advances, but also who the favorites will be as the knockout stage draws near.

Soccer 2 the MAX 6-19-19

On this episode, Rachael and Erik review the first games of Groups D and E, and discuss what this will mean for each group going forward compared to expectations. Yes, they also preview Group F with the USA, and why it may not be as big of a cakewalk through the group stage as first thought.Finally, the duo recap the first action from Groups A, B, and C, talking about everything from what VAR got right to the teams that could make even more noise as the tournament goes on.

Soccer 2 the MAX: Women's World Cup Recap/Groups D, E, and F Preview

On our first preview episode counting down to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, Rachael and Erik talk about the favorites and dark horses from each of Groups A, B, & C, and discuss the upsets that could happen to prevent some favorites from winning it all. Also, they do a deep dive into Ada Hegerberg's protest and what the future could hold for Brazil if things don't go their way.

FIFA Women's World Cup Preview: Groups A, B, & C

On this episode, Sean Garmer, Rachael McKriger, and Erik Watkins are back with an all Women's soccer show. First, the crew discuss the 23 rumored names for the United States Women's world cup roster. How do the trio feel about the list, and will any of the names change once the official reveal is made? Who are some players that should be there instead? Rachael certainly has some thoughts on this that you want to hear. After that, it is a major focus on the National Women's Soccer League, as they look at some of the big storylines through the first three weeks of games. Who stands to gain from the stars leaving for World Cup camp? What team could be hurt the most? And what's up with the Orlando Pride? Finally, Sean, Rachael, and Erik make some late season predictions for the major awards like Golden Boot and MVP. As well as the NWSL Shield and Cup winners too.

USWNT World Cup Roster, NWSL Early Season Thoughts - Soccer 2 the MAX

On this episode, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins go without Rachael to discuss the U.S. Men's National Team draw against Chile and assess the overall feel of the team through Gregg Berhalter's time in charge. Then they move on and talk the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup fields. Are Canada and Cuba a cakewalk for the U.S.? Who got the toughest group in Nations League? Plus, how do they feel about the 16 team Gold Cup, future hosting possibilities, and the final field. Finally, they do their Nine Things and Four Teams segment covering Major League Soccer. Is LAFC the best team so far throughout the first five weeks? Does Erik finally have faith in D.C. United? Who does Sean call a darkhorse? Certainly a lot of intrigue for MLS so far.

USMNT Draw With Chile, 2019 Gold Cup & Nations League Groups, MLS Week 5 Thoughts - Soccer 2 the MAX

On this episode, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins, and Rachael McKriger discuss the U.S. Men's National Team defeating Ecuador 1-0. Who played well, who didn't, and who surprised. What about the experiment of Tyler Adams at Right Back? They discuss it all. Next, Rachael breaksdown the U.S. Women's National Team roster for their upcoming frendlies against Belgium and Australia. Plus, more on the USWNT versus USSF lawsuit, U.S. U-23 roster, Inter Miami FC heading to Fort Lauderdale, and more.

USMNT Defeat Ecuador, USWNT Named, Inter Miami Troubles - Soccer 2 the MAX

On the return episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins, and Rachael McKriger discuss the latest in America's beautiful game. First up, Rachael gives thoughts on the United States Women's National Team's play in the recently completed SheBelieves Cup. Did anyone standout? Or was it an all-around depressing slate of performances? And what did Jill Ellis do wrong this time? The trio also spend time on the lawsuit filed by the USWNT against the United States Soccer Federation. Do the women have a claim to the "equal work, equal pay?" The crew discuss why in this intriguing discussion. After that, it is time for some Major League Soccer. Where they debut a new segment called the "9 to 4." Nine things from the week and four teams. Should alarm bells being going off for Frank DeBoer already in Atlanta? Who's had the better run so far? Seattle, Minnesota, or LAFC? Has Ben Olsen finally figured it out for D.C. United? And can NYCFC do anything about the poor state of Yankees Stadium? These are just some of the things discussed here. Plus, some talk on MLS's poor performance in CONCACAF Champions League, Joe Corona's move to the LA Galaxy, and more.

USWNT Sues U.S. Soccer, MLS Week 2 Thoughts - Soccer 2 the MAX

Yes indeed! 2019 starts off with a brand new edition of Soccer 2 the MAX! In the first episode of the new year, Rachael and Erik discuss and react to the news that the Columbus Crew are staying home, and what this could mean for MLS and US Soccer in general.The duo also discuss what is...and isn't...going on with the NWSL and their coaching searches, as they're less than a week away from their college draft. Also, what's going on in the world of USWNT fandom, and how this could shed a bit of a bad light on the team with all the issues going on in the women's game.It isn't an episode of S2M without a Ben rant, as Erik tells DC United how he really feels about the news of Ben Olsen's contract extension. To close the show, the pair discuss the Christian Pulisic transfer, what it means for the top flight leagues in both countries, Pulisic himself, and how the US men's national team can reap the benefits.

Soccer 2 the MAX 1-5-19

On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer returns to his hosting duties along with Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger. They discuss Gregg Berhalter being named U.S. Men's National Team head coach. They talk about the appointment, the process, what to expect, their excitement level and more. They also discuss the NWSL 2019 schedule key points. Is it a good idea to start a month later than last season? Do they take enough of a big break for the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup? What about the college draft has Rachael happy? And they give their predictions for the MLS Cup Final too.

Soccer 2 the MAX: New USMNT Coach, NWSL 2019 Schedule

Soccer 2 the MAX is the official American soccer podcast of W2Mnet.com A podcast about the world's game with a focus on the United States Men's and Women's club and international scenes, with some CONCACAF discussion thrown-in as well. Whether it's breaking down Major League Soccer, NWSL, U.S. Men and Women's National teams, and even some USL in there too. Giving you a double dose each Sunday and Wednesday night. Starring Rachael McKriger, current soccer writer for multiple outlets, and former writers Erik Watkins and Sean Garmer come together to make the perfect attacking triangle each week. All three also played soccer growing up and into high school as well. So, these are three Footy lovers that have discussions about the happenings on this side of the pond.Make sure to tune-in each Sunday night and on Wednesday nights for a double dose of Soccer 2 the MAX.

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Soccer 2 the MAX

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