Football

Soccer 2 the MAX: USMNT Roster Named, NSWL Playoffs Close

USMNT Roster
Benny Feilhaber #10 of the United States dribbles the ball against Serbia in the second half of the match at Qualcomm Stadium on January 29, 2017 in San Diego, California. – Getty Images

On this Soccer 2 the MAX episode, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger discuss the 26 player squad named for the U.S. Men’s National Team’s final two games in 2018 World Cup qualifying. How big of a deal is it that some players were left off like Fabian Johnson? What about some players named like Benny Feilhaber and Michael Orozco? What do we expect from this team? We discuss those topics and more.

After that, we turn our attention towards the incoming NWSL Playoffs starting on October 7 & 8. We give our predictions for who could win the NWSL Championship and give our thoughts on the league as a whole this year.

Rachael bids us adieu and the focus changes to the playoff race in Major League Soccer. Who’s made it so far? Who still has a ways to go? And how wild is it going to get?

Finally, the show ends with a great discussion on the NASL Anti-trust lawsuit, the latest on what’s going on and what it could it mean for Soccer in America depending on what happens.

Soccer 2 the MAX: USMNT Roster Named, NSWL Playoffs Close

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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