PODCAST · sports
Simply Soccer
by Michelle Colleen Huitink
Los Angeles Galaxy fans, US Soccer and MLS contributors, sharing passions with those in the fandom, industry, and rivals.
Episodes
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S8:E24: Young Guns and Late Runs: USMNT, NWSL, and LA Galaxy
Christian and Michelle talk soccer from the US national team through Southern California. We break down the USMNT's post-World Cup friendly against Peru and what Pochettino's young, MLS Next-Pro heavy roster could tell us about the next generation of the national team. Then it's over to the NWSL...
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S8:E23: Setting Standards?
This week, Michelle and Christian get a little cathartic about the LA Galaxy experience. After another opportunity to gain ground in the Western Conference slipped away against Seattle, we talk about why simply staying alive in the playoff race isn’t enough for a club with this history. We love…
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S8:E22: Freaky Friday
Plot twist: did Michelle and Christian just switch bodies?! This week felt like a soccer version of Freaky Friday as we somehow found ourselves switching our usual stances. One of us is suddenly seeing reasons for optimism, while the other is asking, “Okay…but this is unacceptable." We break down...
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S8:E21: Miasma in Montreal
The LA Galaxy escaped Montreal with a 2–2 draw, but another red card, this time to JT Marcinkowski once again left the Galaxy battling themselves as much as their opponent. There are still flashes of what this team could be, and the points remain tantalizingly close, but at this stage of the...
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S8:E20: From the Ashes We Rise
The LA Galaxy are refusing to let their season die. After battling through back-to-back matches with 10 men, emerging connections between Marco Reus, Harbor Miller and Joseph Paintsil — plus the additions of Kyogo Furuhashi and Chucky Lozano — have suddenly put the playoffs within reach. Michelle...
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S8:E19: Still Standing LA Galaxy
We're still standing as loyal LA Galaxy fans. Coming off a piss-poor El Tráfico performance, the Galaxy have drawn their last two matches as the Western Conference battle gets increasingly punchy and unpredictable. There are still bright spots: Miller is showing promise, Marcinkowski has been…
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S8:E18: "Thanks, World Cup! Now back to you, MLS!"
MLS is back, and so is El Tráfico. ⚽🔥 Michelle and Christian preview the LA Galaxy's rivalry match tonight against LAFC at Dignity Health Sports Park, break down the Galaxy's new-look roster, and discuss what this match means for their playoff hopes. Plus, we look ahead to the 2026 FIFA World…
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S8:E17: Four Teams, Four Stories
The World Cup 2026 is down to its final four. Michelle and Christian recap the quarterfinals before previewing the blockbuster semifinal matchups: Spain vs. France and Argentina vs. England. We break down the biggest tactical battles, key players to watch, and look at who might book a place in…
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S8:E16: One Step Short
The 2026 FIFA World Cup was a tournament of progress, promise, and painful lessons for the USMNT. After winning their group and earning a convincing knockout victory, the United States entered the Round of 16 with genuine momentum. But against a talented Belgian side, defensive lapses, tactical...
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S8:E15: Blood, Guts, and Thunder
The World Cup is down to the Round of 16, and the drama is only getting bigger. The host nations USMNT, Canada, and Mexico have all advanced. The USMNT heads into a huge showdown with Belgium, fueled by growing confidence, trust in one another, and belief in their coach. Michelle and Christian…
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S8:E14: The Chips are on the Table
The group stage is over. Now every match is win or go home. Michelle and Christian break down the biggest Round of 32 storylines, surprising results, and which nations are peaking at the perfect time. Then we shift our focus to the United States' showdown with Bosnia and Herzegovina—a…
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S8:E13: Halfway There, Living on a Prayer
The group stage is nearly complete, and one word defines this World Cup: control. Michelle and Christian break down how the smaller countries are stealing the show, cultures are building, and why African football has been the story of the group stage, and what Brazil, Japan, Mexico, England,...
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S8:E12: Belief, Brotherhood, and Breakthroughs
Part 1 of our 2026 World Cup coverage has already given us unforgettable stories from Lionel Messi making history to Cabo Verde stunning giants with tactical discipline and belief. In this episode, Michelle and Christian explore the teams capturing hearts around the world, including Morocco…
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S8:E11: World Cup Fever!
With MLS entering the 2026 FIFA World Cup break, Michelle and Christian review the LA Galaxy's season so far. We discuss the team's inconsistent performances, defensive issues, and what must improve for the Galaxy to make a second-half push up the Western Conference standings. With the World Cup...
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S8:E10: Wave of Momentum, Galaxy Finally Rolling, and Angel City Hold the Line
Angel City FC, San Diego Wave FC, and LA Galaxy all came away undefeated, giving us plenty to celebrate on the latest episode. From NWSL battles to MLS action, our teams showed up with big performances, big energy, and statement results. Hear Christian and Michelle's
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S8:E9: Will the real LA Galaxy Please Stand Up
The road trip showed both sides of the Galaxy season. A huge comeback win in Atlanta showed the fight, talent, and potential this team still has. Pec stepped up, Reus delivered, and Vanney’s adjustments worked. The loss to Sporting KC was frustrating — but heading into the international break,...
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S8:E8: Rising Again: The Galaxy Season at the Crossroads
Despite injuries and frustrating dropped points, LA Galaxy still have opportunities to turn their season around. With expectations rising and pressure mounting, the big question is whether the Galaxy can regroup, find consistency, and start dominating the competition before it’s too late.
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S8:E7: A Bundle of Lego Pieces, but Not a Complete Set
NWSL is already in Week 2, and some teams are finding their identity while others are still searching. Michelle and Christian break down the early storylines and what’s standing out. The LA Galaxy? Right now they look like a box of Lego pieces with talent is there, but the full set hasn’t…
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S8:E6: Spring Has Sprung, But There’s Still a Long Way to Go
The NWSL season kicks off with new energy and early drama, while the LA Galaxy find themselves in a strange spot — struggling in MLS but dominating in CONCACAF. Michelle and Christian unpack the contrast, the key performances, and whether Galaxy can translate international success into league...
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S8:E5: From Rout to Response
Galaxy fans, take a breath and step back from the ledge. The 4–1 loss in Colorado wasn’t pretty, but there were still glimpses of what this team can be according to Michelle and Christian. Now the Gs return home for two big opportunities: CONCACAF Champions Cup Round of 16 vs Mount Pleasant and a...
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S8:E4: Cracks in the Gold: Unbeaten but Under the Microscope
LA Galaxy have more challenges to face even though they have not yet lost a match. Michelle nitpicks the team and Christian critiques the tactics as Galaxy head to Colorado before facing Mt. Pleasant in the CONCACAF Champions Cup tournament.
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S8:E3: The Journey Starts with a Pebble in your Shoe
LA Galaxy have a challenging start to their season. Michelle and Christian review the team's need to shake off the dust and show out at the next match against San Miguelito and against Charlotte at Dignity Health Sports Park to rebuild the fortress at home. Can the coaching team manage to get a...
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S8:E2: Blooming in the Desert
Preseason is wrapped for the LA Galaxy after their run at the Coachella Valley Invitational and the signs are promising. Heavy hitters made early impacts, while quieter depth pieces showed this squad is deeper than expected. Despite lineup changes and finding their rhythm, Galaxy found ways to...
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S8:E1:Control, Creativity, and What Comes Next
The Galaxy midfield is changing and not always by choice. In this episode, Michelle and Christian break down how LA Galaxy are adapting without Riqui Puig, why Joseph Paintsil and Gabriel Pec have stepped up, and what the shift toward vertical play really means. We also critique Greg Vanney’s...
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Finals, Fault Lines, and the LA Galaxy Back Line
We break down the championship weekend across both leagues, starting with the NWSL final featuring Washington Spirit v Gotham! Then, it's on to MLS Cup Vancouver v Miami revealing the winning margins. Finally, we bring it home to the LA Galaxy, Christian and Michelle critically examine the…
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S7:E22: There’s a Spark: Signs of Life in the Galaxy
Michelle and Christian reflect on the LA Galaxy’s late-season spark back to back 2-1 wins against playoff teams, the emergence of young players, and what fans can expect from the upcoming friendly at DHSP facing Club America. We also take an honest stance at the club’s need to rebuild trust and...
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S7:E21: Looking for a Lamp Post
The LA Galaxy are back under the lights for Central American Heritage Night — and after tough losses to Toluca and FC Dallas, Michelle & Christian are Looking for the Lamp Post 🔦✨We search for signs of light — tactical clarity, player chemistry, and defensive resilience — that could guide the...
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S7:E20: Carson Redemption
The LA Galaxy put on a show at Dignity Health Sports Park with a 4–1 win over Sporting Kansas City, headlined by Joseph Paintsil’s first MLS hat trick — all in the first half. We break down the goals, the history Paintsil made, and how assistant coach Dan Calichman guided the team with Greg…
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S7:E19: Pick Up the Pieces
The USMNT showed two sides this month — flat in a 0–2 loss to South Korea, then bouncing back with goals from Zendejas and Balogun in a 2–0 win over Japan. With Pulisic carrying unfair criticism and Pochettino still searching for consistency, the question is who’s ready to step up for 2026....
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S7:E18: What Dreams May Come
Michelle and Christian are back from summer break and cover the LA Galaxy’s third-place finish in the 2025 Leagues Cup, a result that secures their spot in the 2026 CONCACAF Champions Cup. While the regular MLS playoffs are likely out of reach, this tournament gave the season meaning and set the...
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S7:E17: The Penalty Kick Days of Summer
In this action-packed episode, Michelle and Christian celebrate an unforgettable Copa América Femenina Final as Brazil's legend Marta comes out of international retirement and stuns the world with two goals, that took them to a thrilling penalty shootout victory over host nation Colombia. Next…
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From LA Grit to EURO Glory: The Weekend of Showdowns
In this packed episode, Michelle and Christian recap a wild 3-3 El Tráfico draw where Gabriel Pec shines with two goals and an assist, and Maya Yoshida makes history with the latest goal ever scored in the rivalry. Galaxy clawed back from 3-1 down and prepare for a crucial road clash against...
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S7:E15: A Wild Rollercoaster Ride
In this episode, Michelle and Christian kick off with a look at the key takeaways and standout performances from the 2025 Women’s Euros, spotlighting the emerging talents and surprise results shaking up the tournament. Then, we head back stateside to dissect the LA Galaxy’s recent back-to-back…
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S7:E14: Melting the 'Caps
In this episode, Michelle and Christian dive into a weekend where football met activism. We cover the UEFA Women’s Euro 2025 and highlight the rising powerhouses. Which country will find themselves on the top to the quarter finals? We break down the USMNT’s Gold Cup final loss to Mexico and what…
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S7:E13: Palate Cleanser
After a rollercoaster of recent matches and headlines, this summer of soccer episode serves as your Palate Cleanser. Michelle and Christian reset with fresh perspectives on the Women’s EURO 2025 in Switzerland, preview the high-stakes USMNT Gold Cup Final clash against Mexico, and gear up for LA...
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S7:E12: Bombing Off the Slopes
Following a long international break and weather delay, the LA Galaxy were shut out 2-0 by the Colorado Rapids at altitude—a tough loss that exposed issues in intensity, execution, and leadership. In this episode, Michelle and Christian break down the key moments from the match, highlight…
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S7:E11: Resilience is the Word
In this episode, Michelle and Christian unpack the LA Galaxy’s dramatic 3-3 draw against St. Louis CITY SC on June 14, 2025. Gabriel Pec nets a brace, Matheus Nascimento scores his first MLS goal, and Marco Reus adds two assists—but it’s not enough to secure the win. We reflect on the team’s need...
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S7:E10: There's Always a Rainbow After a Storm
After 16 matches without a win, the LA Galaxy finally get their breakthrough — a 2-0 shutout over Real Salt Lake at home in front of 23,210 fans. In this episode, Michelle and Christian recap the match highlights, including goals from Lucas Sanabria and Joseph Paintsil, a standout performance by...
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S7:E9: Bucket of Legos
Michelle and Christian break down the LA Galaxy’s 2-2 draw against rivals LAFC in another electric edition of El Tráfico. Head coach Greg Vanney is working with a roster that feels like a bucket of Legos—no instructions, just scattered pieces he’s trying to fit together into something meaningful....
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S7:E8: Who's Got Heart?
Christian and Michelle discuss it all because everything is what is wrong with this team. The LA Galaxy’s quality of play and team morale are at an all-time low. After suffering a humiliating 7-0 defeat to the New York Red Bulls— a historical low—the team squandered a two-goal lead against...
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S7:E7: Shame Without a Shot
The LA Galaxy just made the wrong kind of MLS history—losing 1-0 to Sporting Kansas City, a team that didn’t register a single shot. Michelle and Christian break down the misfortune of the own goal from Maya Yoshida, the lack of finishing despite dominating stats, Vanney’s lack of changes to his...
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S7:E6: It's Go Time
Michelle and Christian break down the LA Galaxy’s 4-2 home loss to the Portland Timbers, highlighting their continued defensive issues and lack of tactical identity. We analyze the impact of key players like Marco Reus and Christian Ramirez, while questioning the absence of young talents like…
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S7:E5: Goals, Records & Rivalries
Michelle and Christian cover the start of the 2025 NWSL season as it heats up — and history is on the line as we head into Week 5. Here’s everything you need to know with a special touch focusing on Angel City FC and San Diego Wave. We, of course, also had to talk about what is up with the LA...
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S7:E4: Mining for Momentum
Michelle and Christian first talk USWNT's new era under coach Emma Hayes and it's off to an exciting start! In our latest episode, we breask down the first match against Brazil in the international break and what to expect in round two. Then, we talk LA Galaxy as the team heads to Monterrey to…
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S7:E3: “Up Around the Bend”
Michelle and Christian break down the U.S. Men’s National Team’s tough 1-0 loss to Panama in the Concacaf Nations League and what it means for 2026. We also recap the LA Galaxy’s 2-2 draw with Minnesota United, spotlighting goals from Christian Ramirez and Emiro Garcés. Plus, we dive into the...
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S7:E2: Get the Train on the Track
Michelle and Christian analyze the LA Galaxy's 2-1 loss in Vancouver. Then, preview the first leg of the Champions League match against Herediano before they're back at home this Sunday to face St. Louis. Stay tuned!
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S7:E1: Crack through the Soil
Season seven kicks off with Michelle and Christian breaking down the SheBelieves Cup match between the USWNT and Japan in San Diego. Then, they shift focus to the LA Galaxy’s 2025 season opener, where the team’s home winning streak came to an end. They discuss key moments from the match, what…
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S6:E31: Holiday Special: This Time with a 6th Silver Bell
Christian mixed up a special holiday episode for the 2024 season with content-creator guests! Enjoy your listen with your fav beverage. Cheers and we are happy to celebrate with you some of our 2024 memories. Happy Holidays! Stay tuned!
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S6:E30: The Sixth
Re-live the glory with Michelle and Christian. LA Galaxy secured their 6th MLS Cup with record-breaking dominance, historic playoff performances, and an unbeaten home campaign!
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S6:E29: How the West Was Won
In this episode, we recap LA Galaxy’s intense 1-0 win over Seattle that secured their spot in the MLS Cup. We explore the team’s tactical discipline, standout performances, and resilience. Plus, we preview the Galaxy's upcoming clash against the New York Red Bulls for a chance at their sixth...
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Frequently Asked Questions
How many episodes does Simply Soccer have?
Simply Soccer currently has 235 episodes available on PodParley. New episodes are automatically indexed when they're published to the podcast feed.
What is Simply Soccer about?
Los Angeles Galaxy fans, US Soccer and MLS contributors, sharing passions with those in the fandom, industry, and rivals.
How often does Simply Soccer release new episodes?
Simply Soccer publishes regularly with 235 episodes available. Check the episode list for the typical release schedule.
Where can I listen to Simply Soccer?
You can listen to Simply Soccer on PodParley by clicking any episode. We provide an embedded audio player for direct listening, and you can also subscribe via your preferred podcast app using the RSS feed.
Who hosts Simply Soccer?
Simply Soccer is created and hosted by Michelle Colleen Huitink.
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