Soccerwise | U.S. Soccer, MLS, NWSL

The NWSL Shield race enters its final stretch with three teams in contention and two matches remaining. Jordan Angeli and guest host Jessica Charman break down the Washington Spirit’s win over Gotham FC, San Diego Wave FC’s opportunity to close the gap, and what lies ahead of the Shield contenders.
With playoff spots still up for grabs, Angel City’s comeback against Denver Summit FC and Seattle Reign FC’s push for a postseason place take center stage alongside predictions for the final eight. Plus, Columbus hires Lucy Rushton to be their general manager, Atlanta City FC’s new branding and Richard Gunney’s appointment as chief soccer officer, and the new Crest Cup before looking ahead to the penultimate weekend.
0:00 Welcome Jessica Charman
3:17 Crest Cup Announcement
7:07 Atlanta City FC Branding & Richard Gunney Hire
12:32 Columbus Tabs Lucy Rushton as GM
15:55 Gift Monday’s New Contract with Boston
17:52 Maddie Dahlien Out for the Season
19:37 Orlando Eliminated
24:26 Angel City’s Comeback against Denver
27:40 Washington Denies Gotham the Shield
31:03 Seattle Keeps Playoff Hopes Alive
33:03 San Diego Knocks off North Carolina
34:58 Three-Team Shield Race
39:23 Predicting the Final Eight
44:40 The Penultimate NWSL Weekend

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Toronto FC’s seven-point week has put them back in the Eastern Conference playoff fight, while Columbus’ win in Hell Is Real leaves FC Cincinnati under pressure heading into the final stretch. Tom and Gass break down the shifting playoff picture before previewing Wednesday’s U.S. Open Cup final between the Columbus Crew and St. Louis CITY SC.
0:00 Intro
6:54 Toronto’s Late Playoff Push
15:41 Hell Is Real: Columbus Downs Cincinnati
21:12 Cincinnati’s Troubles & Evander’s Slump
32:42 Orlando, Miami & the Eastern Conference Picture
41:40 Vancouver Rises as the West Shifts
46:01 Western Conference Six-Pointer Draws
51:35 The Copa Tejas Stoppage-Time Chaos
54:47 San Jose Back in the Playoffs
58:05 What the Open Cup Final Means
1:05:21 St. Louis’ Lineup Questions
1:09:01 How Columbus & St. Louis Match Up

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The San Diego Wave have built a distinct identity, combining an adventurous style of play with a commitment to developing young talent. Assistant coach Becki Tweed joins David Gass to go inside that approach, explore how the NWSL is evolving, and share her perspective on the challenges and opportunities facing players and coaches in the U.S.
0:00 Intro
0:21 San Diego’s Approach to Developing Young Players
4:23 Balancing Winning with Long-Term Growth
6:24 The Many Roads to Pro Soccer
10:39 Why It’s So Hard to Become a Coach in the U.S.
14:55 Inside San Diego’s Playing Philosophy
17:51 The NWSL’s Evolution on the Field
21:14 What Sets the NWSL Apart
25:39 Trinity Byars’ Breakout Season
29:20 Mimi Van Zanten’s Impact
31:47 Kenza Dali’s Influence in San Diego
35:03 The U-20 World Cup Question
37:18 Becki’s Journey Through Coaching

Nashville is inching closer to the Supporters Shield, but how does the other top teams in MLS stack up? David Gass, Tom Bogert and Matt Doyle assess which teams belong among the league’s top tier and examine the teams battling for the final playoff spots, including Colorado’s struggles to turn potential into results. Plus, Columbus and Cincinnati meet for another edition of the Hell is Real Derby, this time with major playoff implications.
0:00 Intro
8:37 St. Louis & Vancouver: A Playoff Preview?
14:45 Miami Finding Form
22:05 Eastern Conference Playoff Battles
24:57 The Same Old MLS Playoff Race & Golden Boot Draft
31:35 What Makes Nashville So Good?
34:58 Philadelphia’s Evolution
44:25 Colorado’s Promise Isn’t Translating to Results
55:06 What Happened to San Diego?
58:52 The East’s Playoff Race Tightens
1:05:49 Hell Is Real: More Than Bragging Rights
1:13:00 Playoff Comeback That Changed the Rivalry
1:17:17 Cincinnati’s Rise in MLS

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What did the USWNT learn from its two friendlies against the reigning World Cup champions Spain? Chicago Stars midfielder Brianna Pinto joins David Gass to break down the performances, Mal Swanson’s return and Ashley Sanchez’s comeback. From defining the U.S. style of play to exploring Emma Hayes’ options across the back line and midfield, there’s plenty to unpack as the squad turns its attend to World Cup qualifying and the road to 2027.