Part 3: American Soccer Nation with Mark C. Franek

And here we are… part 3 and the final chapter of this conversation with Mark C. Franek, author of American Soccer Nation. Mark’s new book, American Soccer Nation, published by Simon & Schuster with forwards from Tim Howard and Cavan Sullivan, dives deep into the overlooked story of how soccer truly took root in the United States.What started as “let’s do a podcast episode” quickly turned into a full series because there was just too much to leave on the cutting room floor.Across these conversations, we talked about the roots of soccer in America, the immigrant communities that carried the game forward, the early clubs and rivalries, and how this sport has always been part of the fabric of this country… even when people tried to say otherwise.In this final episode, we bring it all together and talk about where the game goes from here. The past. The present. And why understanding the history of soccer in America matters as the sport continues to explode heading into the 2026 World Cup.Huge thanks to Mark for the time, the stories, and the incredible work behind American Soccer Nation, available now through Simon & Schuster.And as Mark says… we’re all connected. Especially through this game.Buy American Soccer Nation here: ⁠⁠https://a.co/d/047Thljx⁠⁠-------------------------------------Support the folks that support us!!! Check out Hill & Sea Co. for great gear from mountain to the ocean: ⁠⁠https://hillandseaco.com/⁠⁠And Philly Soft Pretzel Factory - Langhorne, PA… stop in, tell ‘em Freddy C. sent you and get a free pretzel. Usher syndrome type 1B. This is a rare genetic condition that causes children to be born deaf or hard of hearing, followed by progressive vision loss over time. It’s something no family should have to face alone.This World Cup VIP auction helps fund research through Save Sight Now to push toward treatments and a cure. If you’re able, take a look or share:⁠⁠https://givebutter.com/c/world-cup-vip-auction/auction/items/1896751?utm_source=ig&utm_medium=social&utm_content=link_in_bio⁠