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.
As the NWSL playoff race hits its two-game sprint, we revisit Bev Yanez—head coach of Racing Louisville and the only current NWSL coach who also played in the league. Her philosophy is clear: work rate, honesty, and sustained commitment to the group. From a coaching awakening in Japan’s brain-bending rondos to a midseason reset after a 4–1 home loss, Yanez explains how those moments shaped her leadership—and why Racing now carries her identity for 90-plus minutes.
Inside the episode
• How Racing built a hard-working team identity
• Why Japan “broke” her (and made her better)
• Leading a staff of former head coaches
• Trust, growth, and ownership in the locker room
• The (hypothetical) swear jar — and what it says about authenticity
On the record: Christina Unkel makes a bold call — Bev Yanez as a future USWNT head coach. Do you agree?
Chapters (mm:ss)
00:00 Cold open — proper English weather & hello again
00:40 Welcome — Christina & Lori re-introduce Bev
02:05 Fun fact — only NWSL HC who also played
03:38 Path to coaching — visibility, licenses, Japan spark
05:51 First months as HC — what you don’t see in the chair
07:49 Identity thread — work rate from player to coach
10:17 Box-to-box — effort as a throughline
15:07 Japan — the rondo shock
23:34 Playoff push — the 4–1 reset & principles
25:31 Calling card — “we work for 90-plus minutes”
27:33 Swear jar — authenticity with a bleep
32:49 Christina’s call — USWNT future
42:50 Outro — thanks & sign-off
Watch, listen, subscribe and follow
• All episodes on YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@SoccerishPodcast
• Show notes & clips (Substack) → https://www.soccerishpodcast.com/
• Shorts playlist → https://www.youtube.com/@SoccerishPodcast/shorts
• IG/TikTok/YouTube: @SoccerishPodcast
-Audio podcast https://pod.link/1786871720
Hosts
Christina Unkel (CBS/ITV rules analyst; FIFA referee) & Lori Lindsey (CBS/Amazon/Apple analyst; former USWNT)
Contact / bookings
[email protected] | Red Card Productions
Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.
Disclaimer
This podcast’s information is provided for general reference and was obtained from publicly accessible sources. The Podcast Collaborative neither produces nor verifies the content, accuracy, or suitability of this podcast. Views and opinions belong solely to the podcast creators and guests.
For a complete disclaimer, please see our Full Disclaimer on the archive page. The Podcast Collaborative bears no responsibility for the podcast’s themes, language, or overall content. Listener discretion is advised. Read our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy for more details.