Soccerwise | U.S. Soccer, MLS, NWSL

MLS owners are discussing the biggest roster rule changes the league has seen in years.
David Gass and Matt Doyle break down the proposed changes, how they could reshape the way clubs build their rosters, which rules should stay, which could disappear, and what a simpler MLS roster system might look like.
Plus, Gass and Doyle discuss reports that Mauricio Pochettino is nearing a USMNT contract extension before wrapping up their Buy or Sell series with the Western Conference. Which teams are they buying, and which are they selling as the playoff race heats up?
00:00 Intro & MLS All-Star Banter
03:25 Proposed MLS Roster Rule Changes
18:58 Mauricio Pochettino Nearing USMNT Extension
28:04 Western Conference Buy or Sell
1:06:05 MLS Transfer News
Stay Connected
🎧 Follow Soccerwise on your favorite podcast app so you never miss an episode.
🎥 Watch full video episodes on YouTube: @SoccerwiseHQ
🌐 Visit KickbackSoccer.com for more podcasts, news, and coverage from Kickback Soccer Media.
📰 Subscribe to The Kickback newsletter for the latest soccer news and analysis: the-kickback.ghost.io
📲 Follow Soccerwise on Instagram and Bluesky:
Instagram: @soccerwisehq
Bluesky: @soccerwisehq.bsky.social

U.S. Soccer COO Dan Helfrich joins David Gass to discuss the future of U.S. Soccer, the USMNT coaching search, youth development, preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup, and what's next for the federation.
Welcome to the first episode of U.S. Soccerwise, our new weekly show covering the biggest stories across the U.S. men's, women's, and youth national teams.
Dan shares how U.S. Soccer is approaching the search for the next USMNT head coach, the federation's long-term vision for player development and expanding access to the game, preparations for the 2027 FIFA Women's World Cup and the 2028 Olympics, and what's ahead for the USMNT and USWNT.
0:00 Welcome to U.S. Soccerwise
2:07 Meet U.S. Soccer COO Dan Helfrich
7:49 What Should U.S. Soccer Be Doing?
11:55 How U.S. Soccer Can Grow the Game
17:31 The U.S. Soccer Pathway: Youth to Pros
28:53 Evaluating the 2026 World Cup
32:14 The USMNT Coaching Search
41:24 The Future of the USWNT: Road to 2027
47:23 Exciting U.S. Soccer Moments Ahead
#USSoccer #USMNT #USWNT

Breaking news hits just before recording as Esther González and Gotham FC mutually agree to part ways. What does Esther's departure mean for Gotham FC's NWSL title hopes, and who steps up in her absence? David Gass and Jordan Angeli break it all down.
Plus, Racing Louisville stuns Angel City FC, Washington Spirit climb to the top of the NWSL standings, Gotham FC and the Portland Thorns battle to an entertaining draw, Seattle Reign earn an impressive road win over San Diego Wave, and David and Jordan revisit their preseason predictions and update their outlook for the rest of the NWSL season.
0:00 David Gass Returns from World Cup Duty
4:47 BREAKING: Esther González Leaves Gotham FC
15:24 Gotham FC vs. Portland Thorns Draw 2-2
27:02 Washington Edges Denver Summit Late
33:07 Racing Louisville Stuns Angel City FC
39:16 Seattle Reign Shut Out San Diego Wave
41:49 Updated NWSL Predictions
1:00:55 Midweek NWSL Matches

Hell Is Real delivered another unforgettable chapter as emotions boiled over between Columbus and Cincinnati, reminding everyone why it's become one of MLS's fiercest rivalries. David Gass, Tom Bogert and Matt Doyle break down the drama from one of the league's marquee rivalries before turning to Columbus' statement performance, Portland's emotional farewell to Felipe Mora and the latest storylines from another eventful MLS weekend.
The crew also opens the Ice Cream Shop for the latest MLS transfer news, breaks down the impact of Mbekezeli Mbokazi's injury and Sebastian Berhalter's departure, before wrapping up with an edition of Buy or Sell as they debate which Eastern Conference teams they trust to make the playoffs.
0:00 Opening Chat
6:58 Felipe Mora's Portland Farewell
15:22 San Diego's Chucky Lozano Problem
21:05 Columbus Is Back?
27:25 Hell Is Real: Tempers Flare
33:00 Texas Derby & Cali Clásico
38:05 Inter Miami Keeps Rolling
42:00 Ice Cream Shop | MLS Transfer News
54:49 Mbekezeli Mbokazi's Injury Impact
59:00 Sebastian Berhalter's Departure
1:04:07 Buy or Sell | Eastern Conference

Sebastian Berhalter is headed to Middlesbrough, Atlanta United are pursuing a blockbuster signing, and Robert Lewandowski makes his long-awaited MLS debut.
David Gass and Tom Bogert break down the biggest MLS transfer news before reacting to another wild midweek MLS slate, including Jack Harrison, Benji Flowers, Casemiro, Antoine Griezmann, Vancouver, FC Dallas, St. Louis and Philadelphia Union.
0:00 Welcome Back & MLS Midweek Madness
4:07 Sebastian Berhalter to Middlesbrough & Vancouver's Next Move
15:51 Atlanta United Chasing Darwin Núñez
25:13 Jack Harrison to New England Revolution
33:15 Toronto Lands Nicholas Dorsch
37:47 Benji Flowers' Chelsea Move & FC Dallas' Future
44:50 Casemiro, Discovery Rights & MLS Roster Rules
51:30 Robert Lewandowski's MLS Debut
54:19 St. Louis Keeps Rolling vs. LA Galaxy
58:22 LA Galaxy's Summer Transfer Window
1:01:53 Antoine Griezmann Debut & Philadelphia Big Win
1:10:26 Around MLS: Austin, Seattle, Colorado & LAFC
1:20:11 Final Thoughts