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.
Soccerish is where American soccer meets smart analysis, humor, and real-talk debate. Hosted by Christina Unkel and Lori Lindsey, it’s a weekly podcast breaking down the game with insider access, sharp opinions, and stories you won’t hear anywhere else.
Formerly The Soccer Podcast USA (Jan–Aug 2025), the show’s first season featured rule breakers, World Cup legends, and the viral Sports Bra episode. Season 2 continues the journey as Soccerish—leaner name, sharper focus, same mission: making soccer make sense in the States.
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
From boat parades to Euro finals, Christina and Lori lived soccer at full speed this year.
In our season finale, they reflect — not with a grand “state of the game,” but a personal one: the moments that surprised them, the stories that stuck, and what they learned from being inside soccer’s biggest stages.
They share:
- calling the Euros and the NWSL Championship
- the rise of Bev Yanez — and why it mattered
- Laura Harvey’s infamous AI moment
- Lori’s childhood mission to become Tony Meola
- Christina’s whirlwind of boat parades, contracts, and financials
- why the MLS Cup not having a neutral site caught them off guard
- what fans quietly tell them about how (and why) they listen
- how they navigated the blur of 2024
- where they hope Soccerish goes next
- and yes, Lori reacts to Christina’s “Chilly Willy” triathlon
Plus: a first look at our December/January special series — Goalkeepers – The Last Defender, Women Who Lead, Soccerish One-ish, and Lori Goes to Ref School.
Chapters (mm:ss)
00:00 Ish-ing around & Thanksgiving reset
01:30 World Cup draw + MLS Cup — Miami–Vancouver, Messi/Alba/Busquets, neutral-site debate
05:00 Personal reflections — Bev Yanez, Laura Harvey & AI, Tony Meola childhood, Rochester Rhinos confusion
08:30 Season recap & the future of Soccerish storytelling
11:00 Grassroots voices — Jenny Nguyen’s Sports Bra, Club Eleven on the road
13:00 Highlights — Euros, NWSL Championship, on-air chemistry
16:00 Life inside the game — boat parade, contracts, stress, boundaries, triathlon
23:30 A shifting year — calendars, parity, expansion across U.S. soccer
27:30 Listener habits & the power of untold stories
32:00 Looking ahead — 2026 plans, World 7, and our specials preview
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Disclaimer
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