Unfortunately, the major story this week in American soccer is one that involves allegations of verbal and emotional abuse and sexual coercion that have led to the firing of not only former North Carolina head coach Paul Riley, but also former Washington Spirit head coach Richie Burke. This has now gone a step further with Lisa Baird now becoming the former commissioner of the league as well.
Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the delicate topic, why the league got it wrong on so many levels, and what they are starting to do to ensure it doesn’t happen again.
The United States Men’s National Team also had their World Cup Qualifying squad announced for the next round of games against Jamaica, Panama, and Costa Rica. The guys go over the roster, some surprises, and if there are any major snubs too.
Plus, Supporters Club, the Manchester United minute, and what’s a bigger disappointment Bayern Munich or Real Madrid from this week?
Paul Riley Forces Major NWSL Reform, USMNT WCQ Roster Announced
You can now watch episodes of Soccer 2 the MAX in Video format on the W2M Network Youtube Channel!
About Soccer 2 The MAX
A Podcast about the world’s game from an American perspective. Each episode includes headlines, topics, and discussions that can be about anything that happened that week in Soccer, Futbol, or Football. And there are also thoughts on the team’s Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins, and Rachael Kriger each support, games they watched that week, and more. There will also be special editions focusing on the United States Men’s and Women’s National Teams, and other European or American league matches from time to time as well.
Sean Garmer
Being born into a Latino family, Sean grew up around the game of Futbol. No matter what you deem to call it, Mr. Garmer enjoys the sport. Sean played Defender growing up and then transitioned to Goal Keeper in High School. Due to the University of North Texas not having a Men’s Soccer team at the time, his playing career ended in 2005.
However, since then, he’s kept up with Soccer by watching his favorite teams and leagues, while also writing as well. Sean was paid to cover the 2010 World Cup, formerly hosted the Football 2 Futbol Podcast, and also wrote about the beautiful game for several other outlets. He mainly follows Major League Soccer supporting his childhood team in FC Dallas. Sean’s also a Manchester United Supporter after visiting England in 2003 and picking the Red Devils.
Erik Watkins
While he was never really the best on the field, Erik’s always had a deep-rooted passion for the beautiful game. From discovering it in Maryland thanks to DC United to cheering on Manchester United since the days of Ruud van Nistelrooy. Not to mention, considering donning purple hair to cheer Orlando City SC today. From MLS to USL and NASL (Viva Armada!) to even dreaming of training and playing in the MASL, if it’s soccer, he’s usually on it.
Rachael Kriger
Rachael Kriger is a men’s and women’s soccer journalist for Equalizer Soccer, Last Word on Soccer, and is the Communication Director for the N.A. Soccer Reporters. She currently lives in Ocala, Florida, where she is the youth minister at Blessed Trinity Parish. However, her heart will always stay true and loyal to her beloved home of Pittsburgh, Pa., and her birth city of Moscow, Russia. Follow her on Twitter, @RachaelKriger.
About The Author: Sean Garmer
Sean Garmer brings almost two decades of experience in the online Journalism field to W2Mnet. As the Editor-In-Chief, Sean is sort of the overseer of all the things that go on with the website. He rallies everyone together for group articles, makes podcast and video posts, and obviously edits most of the fine work seen on the site. Sean also hosts four out of the five major podcasts on the W2M Network. Wrestling 2 the MAX, Soccer 2 the MAX, Football 2 the MAX, and Video Games 2 the MAX. He also spends a lot of his time reviewing video games too. When he's not busy here or at his other job, he's spending time his daughter.
On Twitter:@W2MSean