The Soccer Podcast USA with Christina Unkel
The Soccer Podcast USA with Christina Unkel
Podcast Description
The Soccer Podcast USA, is a new weekly podcast hosted by Christina Unkel—CBS Sports commentator, former FIFA referee, and lifelong advocate for the game—our podcast explores the dynamic landscape of soccer in the United States, focusing on the stories, people, and ideas driving the sport forward.Our mission is to provide a platform that reflects the breadth and depth of soccer in the U.S., from the growth of the men’s and women’s games at all levels to the vital role of grassroots soccer. By spotlighting players, coaches, executives, advocates, and community leaders, we aim to celebrate the contributions of those shaping soccer both on and off the field.At a pivotal moment for the sport—with the international success of the USWNT, the upcoming 2026 Men’s World Cup, and the continued expansion of MLS and NWSL—we believe The Soccer Podcast USA can help amplify the narratives shaping the future of soccer in this country. Our goal is to foster an inclusive and balanced dialogue, celebrating the progress of the game while addressing its challenges and opportunities.📺 Watch us on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoccerPodcastUSA Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Podcast Insights
Content Themes
The podcast emphasizes various topics including the growth of women’s soccer, the dynamics of the U.S. men’s and women’s national teams, and grassroots development. Specific episodes cover events like the SheBelieves Cup, analyze the impact of significant figures in soccer such as Emma Hayes, and discuss changes in the financial landscape with mentions of Netflix's involvement in the Women’s World Cups.
The Soccer Podcast USA, is a weekly conversation hosted by Christina Unkel—a former FIFA referee and CBS and ITV Sports rules analyst hailed by The New York Times and The Guardian as a standout voice during the 2024 European Mens’ Championships. She brings a rare mix of legal insight, officiating expertise, and executive leadership as President and General Manager of the Tampa Bay Sun FC.
Each week, Christina is joined by Lori Lindsey, former U.S. Women’s National Team midfielder and one of the most respected voices in American soccer broadcasting. A 14-year pro and Olympic gold medalist, Lori has played in all three of the U.S.’s top women’s leagues and now serves as lead analyst for the NWSL on Prime Video and MLS Season Pass, with credits across FOX, CBS, NBC, and ESPN.
Together, Christina and Lori explore the week’s biggest stories across the U.S. soccer landscape—from tactics and transfers to leadership and equity—with clarity, humor, and an eye on what’s next.
At a defining moment for the sport—with the rise of the NWSL, the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup, and the reshaping of grassroots and pro soccer alike—The Soccer Podcast USA offers informed, fearless conversation with two of the most experienced minds in the game.
Big names. Bold takes. The future of American soccer.
Oh—and did we mention the surprise guests?
📺 Watch us on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@TheSoccerPodcastUSA
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Before everything changes, Christina and Lori want to say thank you—and look back on the best moments from Season 1 of The Soccer Podcast USA.
In this special episode, we’ve divided our favorite clips into four chapters that show the full range of what makes this show unique: surprise guests and unexpected twists; deeply personal stories that reveal the heart behind the game; serious rants and rule debates that prove we know our stuff; and offbeat, weird moments that you won’t find anywhere else.
Whether it made you laugh, think, or say “Wait, did that actually happen?” — these are the moments that defined our first season.
Chapter Breakdown:
- It’s Surprising — Surprise guests, unexpected moments, and playful unpredictability.
- It’s Personal — Vulnerability, passion, and stories that reveal the human side of the game.
- It’s Serious — Rants, rules, and hard takes that prove we’re as smart as we are fun.
- It’s Different — Offbeat, spontaneous, and wonderfully weird moments that define our unique voice.
Stick around until the end for a sneak peek at what’s coming next. New name? New vibe? New definition of “soccer”? We’re still figuring it out — but we promise it’ll be Soccerish.
New episodes return August 21st. Subscribe now so you don’t miss it.
⏱️ Time-Coded Highlights
🤯 Surprise Guests & Big Reveals
01:11 – Lori meets her “work husband” Chris Wittyngham
02:15 – Jenn Hildreth drops in—CBS crew reunion vibes
03:30 – Mike Grella joins fresh off the pitch
🗣️ Speaking Out & Leading Change
04:00 – Christina on retaliation, lost assignments, and finding a voice through TV
05:19 – Lori: “Different levels of the same fight—WNBA, AFCON, CONMEBOL”
05:40 – Coaching, leadership, and the emotional toll of being ‘always on’
💔 Janelly Farias: The Shoulder, the Tragedy, the Transition
08:06 – Deciding to step away from pro soccer
09:06 – Dislocating her shoulder in her final games
09:45 – A family tragedy shifts her priorities
10:22 – Choosing to be present for loved ones
⚽ Fan Moments & Player Memories
10:40 – Lori’s backyard goal and pretending to be Tony Meola at age 10
11:45 – Posters on the wall—men’s and women’s teams
🌍 The Bigger Picture
12:11 – Why breaks matter: “We’re all human”
13:25 – The Sports Bra origin story: TVs, tears, and women’s sports front-and-center
15:26 – Leaving a legacy: “Better than I found it”
📺 The Netflix Deal & Women’s Game Growth
17:18 – Shannon Boxx on Netflix winning Women’s World Cup rights
18:08 – FIFA finally separates women’s and men’s rights—“Wake up, FIFA!”
18:14 – Brazil players speak out: “Enough is enough”
🧐 Referee Corner
20:16 – Handball controversy vs. Mexico—Christina breaks it down
22:31 – “Is it natural?”—bracing falls vs. deliberate handling
23:49 – VAR delays and decision-making explained
😂 Shut Up, Steve & Other Running Gags
26:33 – The ‘Shut Up, Sandra’ mindset
29:07 – Birth of ‘Shut Up, Steve’ for the USMNT
29:25 – Old people candy: Werther’s Originals nostalgia
🌮 Food, Flights & Flamingos
30:53 – Corn vs. flour tortillas—this could end friendships
32:36 – Philly taco trucks and Italian Market finds
33:11 – Airline sponsor dreams and the “Phoebe the Flamingo” airport
👽 Alien Texts & Random Closer
34:19 – “Have you been taken by aliens?” text mid-recording
34:46 – Final sign-off: “It’s not just soccer—we’re learning about everything”
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
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