The latest round of the U.S. Open Cup is in the books -- and it wasn't short on storylines. Joe Lowery breaks down the Open Cup's third round and looks ahead to a big-time MLS matchup coming up on Saturday. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.co…

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, Backheeled's John Morrissey, Peyton Gallaher, and Ryan Sýkora run the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. From the Tampa Bay Rowdies and Birmingham Legion firing their manager…

From MLS opting not to shift its calendar following the 2026 World Cup to some on-field surprises, there was plenty for Joe Lowery to dive into on this episode. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

Between a star player moving teams and a pair of MLS clubs heading for the Concacaf Champions Cup semifinals, it's been a busy week! Joe Lowery takes you through it all -- and looks ahead to the weekend's slate of games. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast…

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, Backheeled's John Morrissey, Peyton Gallaher, and Ryan Sýkora run the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. From Phoenix Rising's big win on CBS to Sacramento Republic and Louis…

Following the news that Inter Miami are pursuing Kevin De Bruyne as his contract expires with Manchester City, Joe Lowery discusses how Miami could land him and what it might mean for the club's long-term identity. All that -- and takeaways from the weekend's action -- on the show. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Bac…

On today's show, Joe Lowery discusses MLS's potential calendar shift that could see MLS mirror Europe's biggest leagues, the Philadelphia Union's hot start to 2025, and the latest and greatest from the U.S. Open Cup. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. Se…

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, Backheeled's John Morrissey, Peyton Gallaher, and Ryan Sýkora run the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. From FC Tulsa's upturn to a slew of upsets to a tactical trend sweepi…

After more than 15 years as Sporting Kansas City's manager, Peter Vermes was let go earlier this week. Why now? What went wrong? What comes next? And what's Vermes' legacy? All that -- and so much more -- on the show. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. S…

On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into five eye-catching topics from around MLS, ranging from CF Montreal's odd choice to fire Laurent Courtois to a new playmaker coming to Texas to a big tactical shift out West. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See ac…

Welcome back to This League!, our new show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, Backheeled's John Morrissey, Peyton Gallaher, and Ryan Sýkora run the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. From Oakland's historic outing to Rhode Island's sophomore season…

The USMNT suffered the first two competitive defeats of the Mauricio Pochettino era over the last few days. What went wrong for the U.S.? And what did we learn about this team? Joe Lowery dives in. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy…

Earlier this week, the USL announced a successful vote to implement promotion and relegation across a newly designed three-tier men's professional league system. Joe Lowery dives into the news, breaking down the specifics of what happened, what it means, and what big questions remain. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to …

Welcome to This League!, our new show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, Backheeled's John Morrissey, Peyton Gallaher, and Ryan Sýkora run the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. Want to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smil…

It's MLS review time! Joe Lowery looks back at all 15 games from the weekend and asks: which teams stood out? Which teams struggled? And which games were the most entertaining? All that -- and more -- on the show. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See a…

On today's show, Joe Lowery looks around the wide world of MLS and digs into a handful of early season takeaways. From the value of having a club-wide identity to the impact new tactical styles are having for a pair of perfect teams, there was plenty to discuss. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more…

The USMNT will face off against Panama next Thursday, March 20th in the Concacaf Nations League semifinal. Who did Mauricio Pochettino call up for that match and the rest of this March window? Joe Lowery breaks it all down. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Ac…

It's a trio of topics on today's show! Joe Lowery digs into the MLS roster profiles released by the league earlier today, looks ahead to the 2025 USL Championship season, and peers into the U.S. men's national team's player pool prior to the next month's Concacaf Nations League finals. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to…

The first weekend of MLS's 2025 season is in the books! On today's show, Joe Lowery looks back at all 15 games from Saturday and Sunday. Which teams stood out? Which teams struggled? And which games were the most entertaining? All that -- and more -- on the show. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for mor…

We're just two days away from Saturday's 2025 MLS season kickoff! Over on Backheeled.com, we're dropping in-depth season previews for all 30 MLS teams. Go check those out! Here on the feed, we're hitting you with the need-to-know information for each team in the West in short-form fashion. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscrib…

We're just days away from Saturday's 2025 MLS season kickoff! Over on Backheeled.com, we're dropping in-depth season previews for all 30 MLS teams. Go check those out! Here on the feed, we're hitting you with the need-to-know information for each team in the East in short-form fashion. The West will be out later this week! If you enjoyed this episo…

Let's learn about the new kids on the block, shall we? On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into San Diego FC ahead of their expansion season in MLS. Who are the key figures? How will they play? And how will they perform in 2025? All that -- and more -- on the show. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for mor…

Just before heading out to California to put boots (or, more accurately, sneakers) on the ground during MLS preseason, Joe Lowery dives into a handful of the most fascinating offseason moves from around MLS. Between incoming stars, trades, and trends, there was plenty to cover. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backhee…

The MLS offseason just keeps getting more and more interesting! On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into the impact of Cucho Hernandez's move to La Liga, Atlanta United's new record signing, cash trades, and more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See aca…

The MLS offseason has been *wild*. After running through every team in the East on Tuesday, Joe Lowery updates you on all 15 teams in the Western Conference. What have they been up to this winter? Who's looking set for the 2025 season? And who still has work to do? If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for m…

The MLS offseason has been *wild*. On today's show, Joe Lowery dives in to update you on all 15 teams in the Eastern Conference. What have they been up to this winter? Who's looking set for the 2025 season? And who still has work to do? If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage!…

Today was schedule day! MLS, the USL Championship, and USL League One released their schedules for 2025. Joe Lowery dives into the biggest takeaways from those schedules and chats about the latest and greatest roster moves from around MLS. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer covera…

Joe Lowery is here to dive into a slew of topics from around MLS, ranging from Atlanta United's big front office hire, Inter Miami going full chaos mode, teams to watch this offseason, and so much more. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/pr…

It's a trifecta of topics on today's show! Joe Lowery dives into U.S. Soccer's decision to add another game to the upcoming January camp, the latest on San Diego FC's roster build ahead of their expansion season, and the USL's new cup competition. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American socce…

The LA Galaxy lifted their league-record sixth MLS Cup on Saturday, taking down the New York Red Bulls. Joe Lowery was there -- and gives his thoughts on the game on today's show. Plus, a look at a couple of the biggest stories of the offseason so far: a star heading out of Orlando and San Diego's upcoming expansion draft. If you enjoyed this episo…

From the parking lot at Dignity Health Sports Park, Joe Lowery previews Saturday's MLS Cup! If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Buckle up, folks, because we're taking a spin around MLS! On today's show, Joe Lowery digs into the Conference Finals, discussing how the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls booked their spots in Saturday's MLS Cup over the Seattle Sounders and Orlando City. Then, it's a chat about Riqui Puig's brutal ACL tear and this year's recently released MLS Bes…

With another set of hirings and firings, the MLS coaching carousel sure is spinning! Joe Lowery runs through the latest news from around the league before diving into the weekend's conference semifinal clashes. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acas…

Tata Martino is out! There's a new record-breaking MLS incoming transfer! There are four MLS playoff games this weekend! With no shortage of subject matter, Joe Lowery dives into the latest from around the league. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See a…

The U.S. men's national team cruised past Jamaica in the first half in St. Louis last night, eventually ending the evening with a 4-2 win and a spot in the next round of the Concacaf Nations League. On this episode, Joe Lowery dives into what we learned from the USMNT's latest match under Mauricio Pochettino. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a…

As the U.S. men's national team prepares to take on Jamaica in Mauricio Pochettino's second-ever camp in charge of the squad, Joe Lowery dives into what we should expect during this November window. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privac…

With another insane weekend of MLS playoff action in the rearview mirror, Joe Lowery dives into all four series-deciding matches from the end of Round One. How did Atlanta United take down Inter Miami? Was this season a failure for Miami? And who stood out from the other three matches? All that -- and more -- on the show. If you enjoyed this episod…

Ahead of this weekend's slate of MLS games, Joe Lowery dives into the big things to watch for from all four series-deciding matches as Round One comes to a close. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

After a wild few days of MLS playoff action, Joe Lowery is here to break down the latest from each and every Round One series. How did the New York Red Bulls send the Columbus Crew packing? How did Atlanta United and the Vancouver Whitecaps craft upsets? And what on earth happened in Houston? All that -- and so much more -- on the show. If you enjo…

The MLS playoffs are headed towards the next set of games in Round One & the USL Championship is about to kick off their postseason action! On today's show, Joe Lowery breaks down what to watch this weekend. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.c…

With the MLS postseason officially underway, Joe Lowery walks you through every game that's already unfolded from Round One. Get caught up on all the playoff action you've missed in less than 10 minutes. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/p…

With the first round of the 2024 MLS playoffs kicking off on Friday, Joe Lowery is here to prepare you for the postseason...by disappointing you before your favorite team does. Listen to today's show to find out why every playoff team won't win MLS Cup. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American…

The MLS playoffs kick off today! On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into five of the things he's most interested in watching as the postseason gets underway. From contenders to challengers, there's plenty to discuss. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See…

On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into the USMNT's 2-0 loss to Mexico -- their first loss to El Tri since 2019 -- from earlier this week. What went wrong for Mauricio Pochettino's team? And what did we learn? Find answers to those questions, plus a look ahead to the final day of the MLS regular season on Saturday, on the show! If you enjoyed this e…

The U.S. men's national team's Mauricio Pochettino era has begun! On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into the most important takeaways after the USMNT's win over Panama in Poch's debut and looks ahead to his second game in charge, which will be against Mexico later on today. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.…

The 2024 U.S. Open Cup final is officially in the books. This year’s tournament took a hit when MLS tried to withdraw its teams -- Joe Lowery dives into the questions still facing the Open Cup, LAFC's win, and the other top stories from the 2024 edition. Check out John Morrissey's great article looking back at the Open Cup right here. If you enjoye…

Christian Pulisic is in the form of his life right now for AC Milan, fresh off scoring against Inter in Serie A and Liverpool in the Champions League. On today's episode, Joe Lowery dives into how Pulisic has been so effective -- and what it means for Mauricio Pochettino and the USMNT. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to…

Is Gregg Berhalter heading to the Chicago Fire? Joe Lowery dives into the reports linking the former USMNT manager to MLS -- and sinks his teeth into a couple of other meaty topics from around the league. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/…

As the playoffs grow ever-closer in MLS, Joe Lowery divides the potential postseason clubs into four tiers: from contenders all the way down to pretenders. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.…

It finally happened! Mauricio Pochettino was officially named U.S. men's national team manager earlier this week. What are the biggest questions facing Poch as he begins his new job with the USMNT? Joe Lowery dives in. If you enjoyed this episode, leave us a rating and subscribe to Backheeled.com for more American soccer coverage! Hosted on Acast. …