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PSG Destroy Madrid, Mbappé & Vini Problem & Poch Under Fire | It’s Called Soccer EP 40
This week on the Summer Series, Dax McCarty and Taylor Twellman unpack everything from the Gold Cup final to PSG destroying Real Madrid. First up: what we learned about the USMNT after their run to the final — Dax and Taylor dive into the team’s style of play, why the U.S. excels in transition, and what still needs work ahead of 2026. Taylor isn’t holding back either: he rants about Pochettino’s team selections, still isn’t sold, and reveals who should be starting for the U.S. at the World Cup. Over at the Club World Cup, the Brazilian sides impressed — and PSG finally delivered on the biggest stage. Dax breaks down the gap between Real Madrid and PSG, and explains why Mbappé and Vini’s defensive effort (or lack thereof) still raises questions. Taylor draws a bold comparison between this PSG team and Pep’s legendary Barcelona squad. In MLS, all eyes are on this weekend’s Columbus vs. Cincinnati derby, but Taylor’s got worrying signs for Philadelphia. Dax reacts to the Patrick Agyemang move to Derby County, links between Rodrigo De Paul and Inter Miami, and Messi’s latest magic. Also: Dax calls out Josh Sargent’s club vs. country form — and the guys pay tribute to Thomas Müller as rumors swirl around a move to MLS. Don’t miss Picks of the Week, featuring Chelsea vs PSG and presented by FanDuel — 60 seconds of straight takes. And finally… the viral boat video everyone’s talking about. Dax and Taylor react — and yes, it’s as unhinged as you’d expect. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Jota & Andre Silva Tribute, Messi’s Move to Europe & Freese on Pochettino | It’s Called Soccer EP 39
This week on the Summer Series, Dax McCarty and Taylor Twellman are joined by Rob Stone and Matt Freese. Dax and Taylor open with an emotional tribute to Jota and André Silva, reflecting on the devastating loss and what it means to them — as fathers, husbands, and teammates. Then: the shock of the tournament — Man City’s early exit from the Club World Cup. Dax questions if the Saudi league is better than people think, while Taylor breaks down Pep’s priorities and why this loss might not be what it seems. The guys also weigh in on Klopp’s comments about football’s relentless schedule — and how it’s breaking players down. Over in the U.S., Chelsea’s delayed match sparks a response from Dax, who calls out how common these disruptions are stateside — and pushes back on Enzo Maresca’s criticism. Plus: reactions to Cristiano Ronaldo’s new deal, Malik Tillman’s move to Leverkusen, and what’s behind the chaos at Toronto FC. Rob Stone joins to talk all things USMNT — the team’s emotional state, the challenge of facing Mexico, and where the program stands with fans. Then, Matt Freese sits down 1-on-1 with Dax and Taylor: from the message he got from Pochettino, to saving three penalties in a Gold Cup shootout, to the childhood inspirations that shaped his game. It’s a standout interview you don’t want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Benjamin Cremaschi Talks Lionel Messi, Facing PSG & Inter Miami Praise | It’s Called Soccer EP 38
Inter Miami’s making history — and Benjamin Cremaschi is in the middle of it all. This week, the young star joins Dax McCarty and Taylor Twellman on the Summer Series to talk Messi, Mascherano, and making waves at the Club World Cup. Dax opens with a breakdown of Inter Miami’s unforgettable win — and why it means more than just a ticket to the knockout rounds. Taylor calls it a turning point for MLS, and the guys compare Miami’s market value to clubs like Porto — with Messi, Busquets, and Suárez turning MLS into must-watch football. Benjamin Cremaschi sits down 1-on-1 with Taylor and Dax. He opens up about playing for his hometown club, the message Mascherano gave him before the Club World Cup, and what it’s really like to face PSG on the biggest stage. He also shares what it’s like lining up next to Lionel Messi every week — and picks his favorite Messi goal in pink. Plus: Suárez’s game-changing strike, why Taylor says LAFC may be out of their depth at the Club World Cup, and a debate about Olivier Giroud’s impact. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Wirtz to Liverpool, Pulisic vs Pochettino & Coaching Cristiano Ronaldo | It’s Called Soccer EP 37
This week on the Summer Series, Taylor Twellman and Dax McCarty are joined by special guest Chris Armas — diving into the biggest stories across MLS, the USMNT, and the global game. Dax and Taylor kick things off with some classic Father’s Day advice — before breaking down Conor Tracey’s wild journey from unpaid leave to the professional pitch. Taylor compares it to his own generation, even name-checking Jamie Vardy, while Dax shares a story about a former teammate balancing soccer and another job. Then: praise all around for MLS sides impressing this season — and why Taylor believes the expanded Club World Cup should inspire MLS owners to take the next step. The guys debate Portland’s ceiling under Phil Neville, and whether they could actually win the West. Chris Armas joins the show with insight from all angles — including his take on Pochettino needing time, the media storm around Pulisic, and how it compares to managing Cristiano Ronaldo. He also opens up about the USMNT’s No. 1 goalkeeper battle, his Hall of Fame induction, and what’s keeping him up at night in Colorado. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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Pulisic Called Out, LAFC's Ronaldo Offer?! & Ronaldo vs Ribéry | It's Called Soccer EP 36
We’re kicking off a brand-new Summer Series hosted by Taylor Twellman and Dax McCarty, bringing you all the best stories and debates across MLS, the USMNT, Club World Cup, and beyond — every week through the summer. In Episode 1, Landon Donovan’s comments on Christian Pulisic spark major reaction — with Pulisic’s dad firing back and Taylor & Dax weighing in on the USMNT’s off-field tension. Is there a deeper problem behind the scenes? We also dive into the revamped Club World Cup: is the group stage a bust or a brilliant idea? And why LAFC explored signing Cristiano Ronaldo — but why it likely won't happen. Plus: MLS midseason grades, Ribéry vs Ronaldo for the Ballon d’Or, and why Lionel Messi is the “GM” of Inter Miami. 📺 Watch now and subscribe on YouTube, Spotify & Apple Podcasts. New episodes every week. This show is brought to you by FanDuel. New to FanDuel Sportsbook? Bet $5 and get $200 in Bonus Bets guaranteed. Download the FanDuel Sportsbook App or check it out at https://www.fanduel.com/ics to get in on the action. Gambling Problem? Call 1-800-GAMBLER. Hope is here. GamblingHelpLineMA.org or call (800) 327-5050 for 24/7 support (MA). Visit www.mdgamblinghelp.org (MD). Call 1-877-8HOPE-NY or text HOPENY (467369) (NY). 21+ (18+ D.C.) and present in AZ, CO, CT, D.C., IA, IL, IN, KS (in affiliation with Kansas Star Casino), KY, LA (permitted parishes only), MA, MD, MI, NC, NJ, NY, OH, PA, TN, VA, VT, WV, or WY. First online real money wager only. $5 first deposit required. Bonus issued as nonwithdrawable bonus bets which expire 7 days after receipt. Restrictions apply. See terms at sportsbook.fanduel.com. Call 1-888-789-7777 or visit ccpg.org/chat (CT) or visit FanDuel.com/RG. This episode is brought to you by Altra Running. Try Altra with a free 30-day trial and free shipping at https://www.altrarunning.com 00:00 - Welcome to the Summer Series! 02:42 - Landon Donovan vs Christian Pulisic 11:50 - American Athletes & Load Management 14:37 - USMNT’s Mentality: What’s Really Going On? 22:22 - FanDuel Picks of the Week 29:16 - Club World Cup: Hit or Miss? 38:00 - MLS Midseason Report Card 45:10 - Summer Socials: Ronaldo vs Ribéry Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
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