On this somber episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger are joined by Last Word on Soccer writer, and host of the Last Word Soccer Club podcast, Matt Pollard. All four discuss the loss by the USMNT 2-1 to Trinidad & Tobago.

The lethargic squad, the tactics by Bruce Arena, who’s to blame for the USA not making the World Cup. What does it mean for the future of U.S. Soccer? Who should be the next coach? Should this cause a shakeup all the way up to Sunil Gulati? We discuss it all, and much more.

This is going to be a sad nine months leading up to a World Cup without the United States for the first time since 1986.

Soccer 2 the MAX: USMNT Fail to Qualify for the 2018 World Cup

About Soccer 2 the MAX

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. 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.

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. Now, he prepares for a brand new venture, in podcasting about Football once again, on the Soccer 2 the MAX Podcast.

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 McKriger

Don’t let height fool you. Before becoming a journalist, Rachael McKriger, was a goalkeeper. Yes, all 5-feet-two-inches of her. Now, don’t ask if she was good or not, because that answer is up for debate. Currently, she doesn’t play soccer anymore, unless it’s a pickup game in the park or at her former high school. However, she’s still closely attached to the sport. Rachael covers the U.S. Men’s and Women’s National Teams. The MLS and NWSL for Real Sports Entertainment Network and covers the USL’s Pittsburgh Riverhounds for the Pittsburgh Sporting News. She loves football with an undying passion. Yes, she calls it football, since she hails from Europe (the colder part, aka Moscow). Rachael’s favorite clubs are Borussia Monchengladbach in Germany, the Seattle Sounders in MLS, the Washington Spirit in the NWSL and the U.S. National Teams.

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