AN AMERICAN GAME Wed, 02 Sep 2026 05:00:03 -0400 https://anamericangame.buzzsprout.com en-us © 2026 AN AMERICAN GAME yes f69dd3a3-bb7a-521d-8f4d-72f43537da63 SOCCERTOWN MEDIA episodic false Some say that soccer is an American game. Okay, Tom McCabe and Kirk Rudell say that, and it might sound weird if you’re an American soccer fan, and you’ve spent your whole life defending your love for the game to people who say the US has no soccer history.


But: soccer was in New Jersey before it was in Brazil. The US had a pro league before Italy or Spain. We were the first country to register for the first World Cup. In this series, the former teammates tell stories from the 150 years of American soccer history that even die-hard fans may not know. Tom is one of the pre-eminent historians of American soccer, and Kirk is a veteran Hollywood screenwriter, so it’s real history that’s fun to listen to. 

With a World Cup coming this year, we want to give American fans a reason to stand a little prouder, cheer a little louder, and celebrate the generations of immigrants who brought their dreams, and the game, with them. Because it’s our game, too.


WEB: https://www.soccertownmedia.com/

IG: @soccertown_media
BLUESKY: @soccertownmedia@bksy.social

]]> Buzzsprout (https://www.buzzsprout.com) SOCCERTOWN MEDIA https://storage.buzzsprout.com/73t52xnwoobnjadns73am2lvvpmt?.jpg AN AMERICAN GAME https://anamericangame.buzzsprout.com Kirk Rudell Tom McCabe Matthew Nelson The USA in the EPL The USA in the EPL The English Premier League season has kicked off and captured the attention of soccer fans all over the world--including millions in the United States. But don't judge the full-kit kids at the mall or the hipsters watching games in the bar at 7am for any lack of patriotism. From players to coaches to owners, the links between the U.S. and U.K. professional leagues go back 130 years.

In fact, the EPL is as American as Clint Dempsey, Wall Street, and the NFL.




Executive Producers/Hosts: Tom McCabe and Kirk Rudell

Original music by Patrick White

]]> The English Premier League season has kicked off and captured the attention of soccer fans all over the world--including millions in the United States. But don't judge the full-kit kids at the mall or the hipsters watching games in the bar at 7am for any lack of patriotism. From players to coaches to owners, the links between the U.S. and U.K. professional leagues go back 130 years.

In fact, the EPL is as American as Clint Dempsey, Wall Street, and the NFL.




Executive Producers/Hosts: Tom McCabe and Kirk Rudell

Original music by Patrick White

]]> Buzzsprout-19708592 Wed, 02 Sep 2026 05:00:00 -0400 1899 3 2 full false Crabgrass Empire: How US Youth Soccer Got This Way...and How to Fix It Crabgrass Empire: How US Youth Soccer Got This Way...and How to Fix It Welcome to Season 3 of An American Game. While enjoying their brief hiatus, Tom and Kirk heard lots of post-World Cup debate about what's wrong with American youth soccer, and they decided to kick off the new season by ending the debate. We've all got other stuff to do, right?

So here it is: the Unified Theory of What's Wrong in US Youth Soccer, the Socio-Economic History That Made It This Way, and How It Can Get Better.



Executive Producers/Hosts: Tom McCabe and Kirk Rudell

Original music by Patrick White

]]> Welcome to Season 3 of An American Game. While enjoying their brief hiatus, Tom and Kirk heard lots of post-World Cup debate about what's wrong with American youth soccer, and they decided to kick off the new season by ending the debate. We've all got other stuff to do, right?

So here it is: the Unified Theory of What's Wrong in US Youth Soccer, the Socio-Economic History That Made It This Way, and How It Can Get Better.



Executive Producers/Hosts: Tom McCabe and Kirk Rudell

Original music by Patrick White

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-19639831 Wed, 19 Aug 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2042 3 1 full false Added Time: World Cup Week 6, the Final Whistle Added Time: World Cup Week 6, the Final Whistle After six weeks of mostly good, some bad, and a little ugly, the World Cup ended. And so our Added Time series heads to the locker room, but not before we tie up a few narrative threads, anger a few more Argentinian fans, and weigh in on the next USMNT coach. (How do you say "Luis de la Fuente" in English? BJ Callaghan.)

And don't think we forgot about Alexi...

]]> After six weeks of mostly good, some bad, and a little ugly, the World Cup ended. And so our Added Time series heads to the locker room, but not before we tie up a few narrative threads, anger a few more Argentinian fans, and weigh in on the next USMNT coach. (How do you say "Luis de la Fuente" in English? BJ Callaghan.)

And don't think we forgot about Alexi...

]]> Buzzsprout-19528545 Tue, 21 Jul 2026 17:00:00 -0400 1060 2 15 full false Added Time: World Cup Week 5 Added Time: World Cup Week 5 One step forward, one step back. That was the theme of the World Cup this week. As the tournament moved to its final rounds in the United States, it did what soccer does: reflect the larger American story.

Tom and Kirk step into the narrative, from the semifinals, to whether Mauricio Pochettino should return as USMNT coach, to the power of the game to heal a community in Lewiston, Maine.

Oh, and in a totally spontaneous tangent, they also explain how to fix US youth soccer. That would be a big step forward.

]]> One step forward, one step back. That was the theme of the World Cup this week. As the tournament moved to its final rounds in the United States, it did what soccer does: reflect the larger American story.

Tom and Kirk step into the narrative, from the semifinals, to whether Mauricio Pochettino should return as USMNT coach, to the power of the game to heal a community in Lewiston, Maine.

Oh, and in a totally spontaneous tangent, they also explain how to fix US youth soccer. That would be a big step forward.

]]> Buzzsprout-19501562 Thu, 16 Jul 2026 05:00:00 -0400 1770 2 14 full false Added Time: World Cup Week 4 Added Time: World Cup Week 4 Oof, this one stings. But every time Belgium closes a door, Tom and Kirk open a window. This week: we look at the 60-year history of US Soccer "shooting for the Moon" and put some respect on our soccernauts who may have fallen short, but they got us just a bit closer to…well at least getting back to a quarterfinal. 

]]> Oof, this one stings. But every time Belgium closes a door, Tom and Kirk open a window. This week: we look at the 60-year history of US Soccer "shooting for the Moon" and put some respect on our soccernauts who may have fallen short, but they got us just a bit closer to…well at least getting back to a quarterfinal. 

]]> Buzzsprout-19459940 Tue, 07 Jul 2026 15:00:00 -0400 1145 2 13 full false Added Time: World Cup Week 3 Added Time: World Cup Week 3 As the United States continues to climb a World Cup mountain that was too steep for smaller soccer nations like Germany and the Netherlands, Tom and Kirk re-cap the Bosnia-Herzegovina win; tip our hats to the Iranian team; and, as we celebrate our melting pot national team on our country's 250th birthday, share other patriotic ideas like: "trans rights are human rights."

]]> As the United States continues to climb a World Cup mountain that was too steep for smaller soccer nations like Germany and the Netherlands, Tom and Kirk re-cap the Bosnia-Herzegovina win; tip our hats to the Iranian team; and, as we celebrate our melting pot national team on our country's 250th birthday, share other patriotic ideas like: "trans rights are human rights."

]]> Buzzsprout-19437506 Thu, 02 Jul 2026 16:00:00 -0400 962 2 12 full false Added Time: World Cup Week 2 Added Time: World Cup Week 2 It's only the second week of the World Cup, but we already have plenty of narrative. Kirk and Tom chop up the power of soft power, sweet vindication for US fans, and why the Pochettino "I brought futbol to the American barbarians" mythology is already way out of hand. 

Go, USA! Beat Türkiye!

]]> It's only the second week of the World Cup, but we already have plenty of narrative. Kirk and Tom chop up the power of soft power, sweet vindication for US fans, and why the Pochettino "I brought futbol to the American barbarians" mythology is already way out of hand. 

Go, USA! Beat Türkiye!

]]> Buzzsprout-19397728 Thu, 25 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 1134 2 11 full false Added Time: World Cup Week 1 Added Time: World Cup Week 1 We warned you we'd be keeping it loose this month. Every week of the World Cup we’ll drop a short reaction episode; though, like added time, we’ll never be quite sure how long we’ll go.

The Knicks triumph in the NBA Finals just a day after the US victory over Paraguay got Tom and Kirk thinking Big Thoughts about what it means to be a fan in a time when sports are more entwined with money and politics than ever.

Our answer? It's pretty essential, actually. 

]]> We warned you we'd be keeping it loose this month. Every week of the World Cup we’ll drop a short reaction episode; though, like added time, we’ll never be quite sure how long we’ll go.

The Knicks triumph in the NBA Finals just a day after the US victory over Paraguay got Tom and Kirk thinking Big Thoughts about what it means to be a fan in a time when sports are more entwined with money and politics than ever.

Our answer? It's pretty essential, actually. 

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-19351029 Tue, 16 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 909 2 10 full false American Ultras: A History of US National Team Fans American Ultras: A History of US National Team Fans If the history of US soccer is longer than most people realize, so is the history of US soccer fandom. From factory workers cheering from the freezing sidelines on industrial lots in the late 1800s to families in air-conditioned domed stadiums today, wherever the game has been played, fans have watched.

And for over a century, US fans have watched their national teams. National team fan support is a window into any country’s soccer culture, so as the US prepares to co-host the World Cup, AN AMERICAN GAME takes a look at the history of US “ultras” through iconic songs and chants. The sounds of--believe it or not--a soccer nation.

]]> If the history of US soccer is longer than most people realize, so is the history of US soccer fandom. From factory workers cheering from the freezing sidelines on industrial lots in the late 1800s to families in air-conditioned domed stadiums today, wherever the game has been played, fans have watched.

And for over a century, US fans have watched their national teams. National team fan support is a window into any country’s soccer culture, so as the US prepares to co-host the World Cup, AN AMERICAN GAME takes a look at the history of US “ultras” through iconic songs and chants. The sounds of--believe it or not--a soccer nation.

]]> Buzzsprout-19187949 Wed, 10 Jun 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2630 2 9 full false Seattle 2.0: We've Heard Great Things Seattle 2.0: We've Heard Great Things In Season One, Seattle made our Starting XI of US Soccertowns (Portland, we've read your comments, and we are very sorry.)

As the Emerald City prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, we're re-airing last fall’s segment on Seattle soccer history—but first we have the latest on how the city feels about FIFA, ferries...and that scheduled Iran game.


Washington State Legends of Soccer: https://wasoccerlegends.org/

]]> In Season One, Seattle made our Starting XI of US Soccertowns (Portland, we've read your comments, and we are very sorry.)

As the Emerald City prepares to host the 2026 World Cup, we're re-airing last fall’s segment on Seattle soccer history—but first we have the latest on how the city feels about FIFA, ferries...and that scheduled Iran game.


Washington State Legends of Soccer: https://wasoccerlegends.org/

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-19086032 Wed, 27 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400 1065 2 8 full false Jersey Odyssey: Our Visit to Soccertown, USA Jersey Odyssey: Our Visit to Soccertown, USA From: Bank of America

To: Tom and Kirk

Subject: Pre-World Cup screening of SOCCERTOWN, USA

And so an adventure began: an invitation to meet up in New Jersey for a screening of our award-winning 2019 documentary, followed by a panel with Tab Ramos, John Harkes, and Tony Meola, whose story we told.

Which led to this adventure: our first unscripted episode, where we talk about an incredible night with legends of US soccer, as well as some other highlights from our trip--like catching up with another legend of US soccer, Bob Bradley, right before we got a little buzzed on a new beer with our name on it. Oh, we also tell you what's wrong with the current US Men's National Team.

And all in less than 25 minutes! Strap in, because we're going off-road. 

EPISODE LINKS:

"SOCCERTOWN, USA" MOVIE: https://www.soccertownmedia.com/video

VARITAGE BREW WORKS: https://www.varitagebeer.com/

SIHANA CAFE: https://sihanacafe.com/

KEEPERS BAR & RESTAURANT: https://www.keepers-nj.com/

SOCCER POST-KEARNY: https://soccerpostkearny.com/

]]> From: Bank of America

To: Tom and Kirk

Subject: Pre-World Cup screening of SOCCERTOWN, USA

And so an adventure began: an invitation to meet up in New Jersey for a screening of our award-winning 2019 documentary, followed by a panel with Tab Ramos, John Harkes, and Tony Meola, whose story we told.

Which led to this adventure: our first unscripted episode, where we talk about an incredible night with legends of US soccer, as well as some other highlights from our trip--like catching up with another legend of US soccer, Bob Bradley, right before we got a little buzzed on a new beer with our name on it. Oh, we also tell you what's wrong with the current US Men's National Team.

And all in less than 25 minutes! Strap in, because we're going off-road. 

EPISODE LINKS:

"SOCCERTOWN, USA" MOVIE: https://www.soccertownmedia.com/video

VARITAGE BREW WORKS: https://www.varitagebeer.com/

SIHANA CAFE: https://sihanacafe.com/

KEEPERS BAR & RESTAURANT: https://www.keepers-nj.com/

SOCCER POST-KEARNY: https://soccerpostkearny.com/

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-19167124 Wed, 13 May 2026 05:00:00 -0400 1489 2 7 full false Archie Stark and the Scotch Professors Archie Stark and the Scotch Professors Tartan Army, assemble!

Grab your Walker's shortbread and Laphroaig and listen to a tale of your ancestors, who traveled over the ocean to the United States and Canada... as many of you will this summer for the World Cup (if world events and FIFA prices allow.)

This is a story of the Scotch Professors, who brought the pass-and-move version of football around the world and helped make it the Global Game. And it's a tribute to the United States' greatest Scotch Professor: Archie Stark, who was once called the Babe Ruth of American soccer. Ye cannae wait, can ye?









MUSIC CREDIT (38:10): 

Song: Nomadic Sunset
Composer: Alexander Nakarada
Website: https://creatorchords.com/
License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

]]> Tartan Army, assemble!

Grab your Walker's shortbread and Laphroaig and listen to a tale of your ancestors, who traveled over the ocean to the United States and Canada... as many of you will this summer for the World Cup (if world events and FIFA prices allow.)

This is a story of the Scotch Professors, who brought the pass-and-move version of football around the world and helped make it the Global Game. And it's a tribute to the United States' greatest Scotch Professor: Archie Stark, who was once called the Babe Ruth of American soccer. Ye cannae wait, can ye?









MUSIC CREDIT (38:10): 

Song: Nomadic Sunset
Composer: Alexander Nakarada
Website: https://creatorchords.com/
License: Creative Commons (BY 3.0) https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/3.0/
Music powered by BreakingCopyright: https://breakingcopyright.com

]]> Buzzsprout-18985868 Wed, 29 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 3038 2 6 full false Atlanta 2.0 -- Back to the Benz Atlanta 2.0 -- Back to the Benz Last fall, Atlanta was one of our Starting XI of US Soccertowns. As it prepares to host games in the World Cup, Tom and Kirk take a look at how preparations are going in the literal home of US Soccer.

Then we re-broadcast the Atlanta section from that Starting XI episode, so tourists (and natives) can get a quick hit of the long history of soccer in the Dirty South. It's only ten minutes, so maybe Mauricio Pochettino can find time to learn about the country he has the privilege of representing this summer. Just a friendly suggestion!

Special thanks to Atlanta historian and preservationist, Patrick Sullivan.

And shout out to Atlanta soccer writer Doug Roberson: https://soccerwithdoug.substack.com/


]]> Last fall, Atlanta was one of our Starting XI of US Soccertowns. As it prepares to host games in the World Cup, Tom and Kirk take a look at how preparations are going in the literal home of US Soccer.

Then we re-broadcast the Atlanta section from that Starting XI episode, so tourists (and natives) can get a quick hit of the long history of soccer in the Dirty South. It's only ten minutes, so maybe Mauricio Pochettino can find time to learn about the country he has the privilege of representing this summer. Just a friendly suggestion!

Special thanks to Atlanta historian and preservationist, Patrick Sullivan.

And shout out to Atlanta soccer writer Doug Roberson: https://soccerwithdoug.substack.com/


]]> Buzzsprout-18978980 Wed, 15 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 1508 2 5 full false Our Family Versus Your Team: Inside the St. Benedict's Soccer Dynasty Our Family Versus Your Team: Inside the St. Benedict's Soccer Dynasty Tucked in the middle of Newark, New Jersey is a small school called St. Benedict's Prep that has had a huge impact on high school soccer. For 40 years the Gray Bees have been the most dominant soccer program in the country...and one of the most dominant high school programs, in any sport, ever.

How have they done it? Players like Tab Ramos, Claudio Reyna, and Gregg Berhalter helped. So have gifted international student-athletes. But maintaining excellence year after year, with the country's biggest target on their backs? That takes tennis balls.

This week, we dive inside the Gray Bees' hive.

]]> Tucked in the middle of Newark, New Jersey is a small school called St. Benedict's Prep that has had a huge impact on high school soccer. For 40 years the Gray Bees have been the most dominant soccer program in the country...and one of the most dominant high school programs, in any sport, ever.

How have they done it? Players like Tab Ramos, Claudio Reyna, and Gregg Berhalter helped. So have gifted international student-athletes. But maintaining excellence year after year, with the country's biggest target on their backs? That takes tennis balls.

This week, we dive inside the Gray Bees' hive.

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-18757426 Wed, 01 Apr 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2333 2 4 full false A Boycott Is a Flat Circle: the 1980 US Olympic Soccer Team A Boycott Is a Flat Circle: the 1980 US Olympic Soccer Team "History rhymes" is a thing we say a lot, paraphrasing Mark Twain who was also probably thinking about soccer. With the threat of a boycott hanging over this summer's World Cup, we go back 47 years to when the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team qualified for the Moscow Olympics... and then had to stay home. 

It's another ugly collision of sports and politics, with Iran again playing a major role. Rhymes! It's also an excuse for Tom and Kirk to break out their Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan impressions. To paraphrase the Olympic Creed: "The most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to nail the impression but to make your dad stop the car and tell you to cut it out."

]]> "History rhymes" is a thing we say a lot, paraphrasing Mark Twain who was also probably thinking about soccer. With the threat of a boycott hanging over this summer's World Cup, we go back 47 years to when the U.S. Men’s Soccer Team qualified for the Moscow Olympics... and then had to stay home. 

It's another ugly collision of sports and politics, with Iran again playing a major role. Rhymes! It's also an excuse for Tom and Kirk to break out their Jimmy Carter and Ronald Reagan impressions. To paraphrase the Olympic Creed: "The most important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle; the essential thing is not to nail the impression but to make your dad stop the car and tell you to cut it out."

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-18856390 Wed, 18 Mar 2026 05:00:00 -0400 2340 2 3 full false It's a Duck, It's a League, It's...USL It's a Duck, It's a League, It's...USL In 2028, when USL Premier launches, the United States will have a Division One pro soccer league at the top of a promotion-relegation pyramid. Sexy!

But we're in 2026, when a potential players' strike threatens the entire USL season. Not sexy!

Tom and Kirk look at USL's place in the US soccer landscape--at the intersection of small town dreams and big business--and, with the help of a wooden duck, explore how that tension makes it the most "American" pro soccer league. For better and, possibly, for worse.

]]> In 2028, when USL Premier launches, the United States will have a Division One pro soccer league at the top of a promotion-relegation pyramid. Sexy!

But we're in 2026, when a potential players' strike threatens the entire USL season. Not sexy!

Tom and Kirk look at USL's place in the US soccer landscape--at the intersection of small town dreams and big business--and, with the help of a wooden duck, explore how that tension makes it the most "American" pro soccer league. For better and, possibly, for worse.

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-18778906 Wed, 04 Mar 2026 08:00:00 -0500 2726 2 2 full false AITA? I'm Co-Hosting the World Cup with Mexico and Canada AITA? I'm Co-Hosting the World Cup with Mexico and Canada In 2018, when the United States, Mexico, and Canada were selected to co-host this year’s World Cup, it sounded like fun: three friendly democracies throwing the world's biggest soccer party.

LOL. LMAO, even. 

To kick off Season 2 of AAG, Tom and Kirk take a look at our (longer than you think) soccer history with our northern and southern neighbors and put some color back on what’s become a pretty crude, black-and-white picture. Because despite all the recent division, we’re actually more connected than ever. And that's something to root for this summer!

]]> In 2018, when the United States, Mexico, and Canada were selected to co-host this year’s World Cup, it sounded like fun: three friendly democracies throwing the world's biggest soccer party.

LOL. LMAO, even. 

To kick off Season 2 of AAG, Tom and Kirk take a look at our (longer than you think) soccer history with our northern and southern neighbors and put some color back on what’s become a pretty crude, black-and-white picture. Because despite all the recent division, we’re actually more connected than ever. And that's something to root for this summer!

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-18633627 Wed, 18 Feb 2026 08:00:00 -0500 2669 2 1 full false Generation VICTORY: A Tribute to the Greatest Holiday Soccer Film Ever Made Generation VICTORY: A Tribute to the Greatest Holiday Soccer Film Ever Made We’re back! Sort of. Season Two of AN AMERICAN GAME will be coming your way in February 2026, and we’ve got so many new stories to share about US soccer history that we’re burning one now. Hahaha that can’t possibly come back to bite us, right?

Anyway, think of this as a holiday gift, because it’s about one of our favorite holiday films: the movie that influenced some of our greatest players, coaches...and podcasters. We’re talking, of course, about the Stallone/Caine/Pelé classic, VICTORY, a.k.a. ESCAPE TO VICTORY. 

Give a listen to find out how it was made–and why we’re still talking about a movie that was, in 1981, less popular than Ringo Starr’s CAVEMAN.

]]> We’re back! Sort of. Season Two of AN AMERICAN GAME will be coming your way in February 2026, and we’ve got so many new stories to share about US soccer history that we’re burning one now. Hahaha that can’t possibly come back to bite us, right?

Anyway, think of this as a holiday gift, because it’s about one of our favorite holiday films: the movie that influenced some of our greatest players, coaches...and podcasters. We’re talking, of course, about the Stallone/Caine/Pelé classic, VICTORY, a.k.a. ESCAPE TO VICTORY. 

Give a listen to find out how it was made–and why we’re still talking about a movie that was, in 1981, less popular than Ringo Starr’s CAVEMAN.

]]> Buzzsprout-18368945 Wed, 17 Dec 2025 13:00:00 -0500 2517 full false Soccertowns: A Starting XI of US Soccer Soccertowns: A Starting XI of US Soccer If towns make a nation, we think our soccertowns make us a soccer nation. That’s kind of, like, our whole thing–it’s literally the name of the show. In our final episode of Season 1, we play a full 90 minutes (plus added time!) and dig into the deep roots of the game across the United States, from sea to shining sea. If you think we got our lineup wrong, let us know at: soccertownmedia@gmail.com

Or hit us up on Instagram @SoccertownMedia 

Or on Bluesky @soccertownmedia.bsky.social

Or write a song about it, Alexi.

And for more history:

S.A.S.H.: https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/

Washington State: https://history.wasoccerlegends.org/



]]> If towns make a nation, we think our soccertowns make us a soccer nation. That’s kind of, like, our whole thing–it’s literally the name of the show. In our final episode of Season 1, we play a full 90 minutes (plus added time!) and dig into the deep roots of the game across the United States, from sea to shining sea. If you think we got our lineup wrong, let us know at: soccertownmedia@gmail.com

Or hit us up on Instagram @SoccertownMedia 

Or on Bluesky @soccertownmedia.bsky.social

Or write a song about it, Alexi.

And for more history:

S.A.S.H.: https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/

Washington State: https://history.wasoccerlegends.org/



]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-17898771 Wed, 24 Sep 2025 13:00:00 -0400 5670 1 6 full false Water Break Water Break Look, if it were up to Tom and Kirk they'd just play through but, you know, Wet-Bulb Temperature, FIFPRO Players' Union mandates, blah blah blah.

So while the team guzzles [ENERGY DRINK SPONSOR TK], enjoy this mini-episode where they follow up on some earlier stories, make a few (small) corrections, and chat a bit about a recurring character on AN AMERICAN GAME: Alexi Lalas.

Back next week to finish the game- er, season!

]]> Look, if it were up to Tom and Kirk they'd just play through but, you know, Wet-Bulb Temperature, FIFPRO Players' Union mandates, blah blah blah.

So while the team guzzles [ENERGY DRINK SPONSOR TK], enjoy this mini-episode where they follow up on some earlier stories, make a few (small) corrections, and chat a bit about a recurring character on AN AMERICAN GAME: Alexi Lalas.

Back next week to finish the game- er, season!

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-17818934 Wed, 10 Sep 2025 05:00:00 -0400 898 full false Little Earthquakes: The First Women’s National Team Little Earthquakes: The First Women’s National Team The US victory in the 1999 Women’s World Cup has been called “a tsunami hitting the shore” for women’s soccer in the United States. But the seismic activity that started that wave goes way back to the 19th century. (Surprised? You must be new here.) Tom and Kirk track the long line of women’s soccer that led to an under-appreciated quake: the formation of the very first US Women’s National Team, the 85ers, whose wild week at a tournament in Italy 40 years ago laid the foundation for one of the most dominant programs in American sports. OOSA!

Also, we give a shout-out to a member of the women’s national team pool from the 90s, whose daughter, a standout soccer player in Los Angeles, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer a few years ago. The family has started a foundation dedicated to raising awareness about pediatric cancer, advocating for research and funding, and supporting other kids facing similar challenges. The women's soccer community, including the 99ers, have rallied around them--and so can you.

Check out what they’re doing:

Zoe’s Goal: https://zoesgoal.org/

]]> The US victory in the 1999 Women’s World Cup has been called “a tsunami hitting the shore” for women’s soccer in the United States. But the seismic activity that started that wave goes way back to the 19th century. (Surprised? You must be new here.) Tom and Kirk track the long line of women’s soccer that led to an under-appreciated quake: the formation of the very first US Women’s National Team, the 85ers, whose wild week at a tournament in Italy 40 years ago laid the foundation for one of the most dominant programs in American sports. OOSA!

Also, we give a shout-out to a member of the women’s national team pool from the 90s, whose daughter, a standout soccer player in Los Angeles, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer a few years ago. The family has started a foundation dedicated to raising awareness about pediatric cancer, advocating for research and funding, and supporting other kids facing similar challenges. The women's soccer community, including the 99ers, have rallied around them--and so can you.

Check out what they’re doing:

Zoe’s Goal: https://zoesgoal.org/

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-17739961 Wed, 27 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400 2606 1 6 full false Lone Eagles: US Goalkeepers Lone Eagles: US Goalkeepers Some of our greatest writers have been goalkeepers. Unfortunately, none were available for this episode, so Tom and Kirk dug out their Goalkeepers’ Union cards to celebrate the one position where the United States has produced world class soccer talent for 140 years–and will continue to if US Soccer listens to this episode. So stop asking, “What if our best athletes played soccer?” and get to know legends like Briana Scurry and Stan “The International Man” Chesney.

]]> Some of our greatest writers have been goalkeepers. Unfortunately, none were available for this episode, so Tom and Kirk dug out their Goalkeepers’ Union cards to celebrate the one position where the United States has produced world class soccer talent for 140 years–and will continue to if US Soccer listens to this episode. So stop asking, “What if our best athletes played soccer?” and get to know legends like Briana Scurry and Stan “The International Man” Chesney.

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-17701147 Wed, 20 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400 3036 1 5 full false AN AMERICAN GAME: Halftime AN AMERICAN GAME: Halftime Peep! It's halftime at AN AMERICAN GAME, and we’re in the locker room making "tactical adjustments" (getting ice packs strapped to our bodies while guzzling ibuprofen and Gatorade.) So let's go over to the studio where Alexi- haha, no, where Tom and Kirk give a quick preview of next week's episode, a fun fact about themselves, and a very dignified request to like and/or subscribe to the show if you like and/or don't want to miss it.

It's one click. You can do it. See you next week!

]]> Peep! It's halftime at AN AMERICAN GAME, and we’re in the locker room making "tactical adjustments" (getting ice packs strapped to our bodies while guzzling ibuprofen and Gatorade.) So let's go over to the studio where Alexi- haha, no, where Tom and Kirk give a quick preview of next week's episode, a fun fact about themselves, and a very dignified request to like and/or subscribe to the show if you like and/or don't want to miss it.

It's one click. You can do it. See you next week!

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-17662634 Wed, 13 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400 167 full false The Original Denim Kit: The USA at the 1930 World Cup The Original Denim Kit: The USA at the 1930 World Cup What has steamships, chloroform, and the King of Romania? This episode of An American Game, about the US National Team's incredible performance in the first World Cup, hosted by Uruguay in 1930. Tom and Kirk take us back to that tough and talented team, who wore the Stars and Stripes and showed the world that diversity is our strength--and that the United States is not afraid to change hotels if the first one doesn't feel right. Also, we use the word "worsted" for the third straight show. That’s not easy!

]]> What has steamships, chloroform, and the King of Romania? This episode of An American Game, about the US National Team's incredible performance in the first World Cup, hosted by Uruguay in 1930. Tom and Kirk take us back to that tough and talented team, who wore the Stars and Stripes and showed the world that diversity is our strength--and that the United States is not afraid to change hotels if the first one doesn't feel right. Also, we use the word "worsted" for the third straight show. That’s not easy!

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-17622195 Wed, 06 Aug 2025 05:00:00 -0400 2737 1 3 full false Treasure Hunt: Where is the Oldest Trophy in US Sport? Treasure Hunt: Where is the Oldest Trophy in US Sport? Quick: what's the oldest trophy in American sports? Wrong. In Episode 2 of An American Game, Tom and Kirk tell the story of the AFA Cup, first given out 140 years ago (before the Stanley Cup) and, for decades, the top prize in American soccer. But then the Tiffany-designed trophy disappeared -- dropped out of the historical record, along with so much of US soccer. Fortunately, like Indiana Jones in an SUV, Tom tracked it down.

If you want to see some of what we’re talking about (and what actors we look like) check out the video version: https://youtu.be/oyv5OHn22Bo

]]> Quick: what's the oldest trophy in American sports? Wrong. In Episode 2 of An American Game, Tom and Kirk tell the story of the AFA Cup, first given out 140 years ago (before the Stanley Cup) and, for decades, the top prize in American soccer. But then the Tiffany-designed trophy disappeared -- dropped out of the historical record, along with so much of US soccer. Fortunately, like Indiana Jones in an SUV, Tom tracked it down.

If you want to see some of what we’re talking about (and what actors we look like) check out the video version: https://youtu.be/oyv5OHn22Bo

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-17584143 Wed, 30 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400 2955 1 2 full false Bullets: Father of American Soccer Bullets: Father of American Soccer How did a bullet change the course of American soccer? In the first of a new series about the long, colorful, and mostly-forgotten history of US soccer, Tom McCabe and Kirk Rudell--old friends, college teammates, soccer obsessives--join forces to tell the story of Thomas "Bullets" Cahill, the 'Father of American Soccer.' They follow Cahill from his tough St. Louis childhood in a patch of Irish immigrants; to wheeling and dealing across the country, sometimes at knifepoint, building what we now think of as US soccer; all the way to the royal box of the King of Sweden with the first US National Team. And they solve the century-old mystery of how he got his nickname (hint: it's actually pretty literal.) 

Want to see some of what we’re talking about? Video is here: https://youtu.be/djN50Ins9tA

]]> How did a bullet change the course of American soccer? In the first of a new series about the long, colorful, and mostly-forgotten history of US soccer, Tom McCabe and Kirk Rudell--old friends, college teammates, soccer obsessives--join forces to tell the story of Thomas "Bullets" Cahill, the 'Father of American Soccer.' They follow Cahill from his tough St. Louis childhood in a patch of Irish immigrants; to wheeling and dealing across the country, sometimes at knifepoint, building what we now think of as US soccer; all the way to the royal box of the King of Sweden with the first US National Team. And they solve the century-old mystery of how he got his nickname (hint: it's actually pretty literal.) 

Want to see some of what we’re talking about? Video is here: https://youtu.be/djN50Ins9tA

]]> SOCCERTOWN MEDIA Buzzsprout-17548535 Wed, 23 Jul 2025 05:00:00 -0400 3131 1 1 full false Introducing An American Game Introducing An American Game A new series from the makers of the documentary SOCCERTOWN, USA about the long and colorful history of American soccer. Tom and Kirk are old friends and former teammates who share a belief that the United States is a soccer nation, and they're going to prove it, one story at a time. Fortunately, Tom is a leading scholar of American soccer and Kirk is a veteran Hollywood screenwriter, so it’s real history that’s fun to listen to.

]]> A new series from the makers of the documentary SOCCERTOWN, USA about the long and colorful history of American soccer. Tom and Kirk are old friends and former teammates who share a belief that the United States is a soccer nation, and they're going to prove it, one story at a time. Fortunately, Tom is a leading scholar of American soccer and Kirk is a veteran Hollywood screenwriter, so it’s real history that’s fun to listen to.

]]> https://www.soccertownmedia.com/podcast Buzzsprout-17509934 Tue, 15 Jul 2025 21:00:00 -0400 193 soccer, history, USA trailer false