Soccer 2 the MAX
by Sean Garmer & Erik Watkins
A Podcast about the world's game from an American perspective. Each episode includes headlines, topics, and discussions that can be about anything that happened that week in Soccer, Futbol, or Football. Plus, a weekly Manchester United segment, and thoughts on the squad's Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins both support too. There will also be special editions focusing on the United States Men's and Women's National Teams, and other European or American league matches from time to time as well.
Episodes
-
Know Your Teams: Ghana - FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar
Ghana made it through their qualifying campaign thanks to an away goal from Thomas Partey and now find themselves in Group H with Portugal, Uruguay, and South Korea. This is Know Your Teams where history, the route to the tournament (in this case the 2022 FIFA World Cup), coaching, players, and...
-
Seattle Sounders FC Win the CONCACAF Champions League, Liverpool Meet Real Madrid in the UCL Final
On the fifth time of asking a Major League Soccer club has finally won the CONCACAF Champions League. Seattle Sounders FC came in as favorites and came through some adversity with injuries early on, but in the end, their depth and quality shone through with a 3-0 win on the night and 5-2 on...
-
Know Your Teams: FIFA World Cup 2022 Qatar: IR Iran
The Islamic Republic of Iran qualified not only at the top of their group in the 2022 Asian Football Confederation World Cup Qualifying but also as the overall best team in said qualifying, and they are the top-ranked Asian side as well. Drawn in Group B with England, USA, and TBA team of either...
-
Hernan Losada & Matias Almeyda Sacked, Erik Ten Haag In, CONCACAF W Field Set
Two Major League Soccer clubs have decided to make coaching changes with the San Jose Earthquakes sacking Matias Almeyda and D.C. United is due to sack Hernan Losada. Sean and Erik some of the story behind both firings, how Erik, as a DC United supporter feels about the move, and which team would...
-
Man City & Liverpool Make it UCL Semi-Finals, USWNT's 18 Goal Window & More
There is just so much to talk about on this midweek edition of the Pod, as the CONCACAF Champions League Final is set with two longtime stalwarts of the respective leagues, Pumas U.N.A.M. vs. Seattle Sounders FC. However, the UEFA Champions League is what has grabbed the biggest headlines with…
more -
FIFA World Cup 2022 Draw Reactions: USMNT Face England, Iran, & TBD
The group stage is set and there are some tasty matchups everywhere, as Sean and Erik go through each one. Discussing the way too early chances for teams, way too early predictions, and way too early analysis of the squads. Obviously, there's a major focus from us on the three and potentially…
more -
USA vs Costa Rica Review: The USMNT Are Back in the World Cup
The United States Men's National Team only had to avoid defeat by six goals or more and they would return to the World Cup. Mission accomplished with only a 2-0 loss to a younger and more fiery Los Ticos side on the night. And while the game is ultimately meaningless in the grand scheme of…
more -
USA vs Panama Review: Christian Pulisic's Hat Trick Puts the USMNT Within Touching Distance of Qualifying
The United States Men's National Team replicated their feat from 2017 in getting a blowout victory against Panama in the final home game of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying. Thus, eliminating said team in the process and putting the USMNT a mere 90 minutes and some decent play away from punching…
more -
USMNT vs Honduras: Kelyn Acosta Set Piece Majestry Freezes Out Los Catrachos
Sean and Erik discussing the USMNT's 3-0 victory over Honduras on a four-degree evening in St. Paul Minnesota. Set Pieces make their return as a prevalent story, Christian Pulisic doesn't start, is Kelyn Acosta now someone you have to think of as a specialist for the team, is Weston McKennie now...
-
USMNT vs Canada: Cyle Larin Wins the Day
On a chilly day in Hamilton Ontario playing on concrete, the Canadian Men's National Team gets a huge win over the United States Men's National Team. An early goal set the stage for a tough afternoon for the USMNT as they had to deal with a team that was happy to sit back and soak up pressure.…
more -
USMNT vs El Salvador: Antonee Robinson Scores Winner
Soccer 2 the MAX returns to discuss the first of three games in this window of CONCACAF World Cup Qualifiers which begins with the United States Men's National Team getting a win by the slimmest of margins over El Salvador in Columbus, Ohio. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins ponder if the team perhaps...
-
2022 NWSL College Draft & Expansion Draft Thoughts, Possible Big Moves for USMNT Players
The NWSL Expansion Draft and the 2022 NWSL College Draft delivered some big trades and major surprises, along with controversy as well. I guess you could say there was a little bit of everything. Rachael Kriger joins Sean and Erik to discuss the big happenings, the trades, some of the players...
-
Alex Morgan to San Diego Wave, NYCFC MLS Cup Champions - Soccer 2 the MAX
Portland ultimately was not able to take advantage of their home-field advantage and lost in penalties to a feisty New York City FC side with captain Sean Johnson making two huge saves and led by MLS 2021 Golden Boot winner Valentin Taty Castellanos on the scoring end, the boys from the Bronx…
more -
The Ralf Rangnick Era Begins, MLS Conference Finals Are Set
On the other side of the pond, Manchester United has their man for the interim job as Ralf Rangnick joins the Red Devils to finish the season. Is the father of the gegenpress the right man to see things out? Should Ronaldo be concerned due to this drastic change in style? And will this actually...
-
Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Out! Washington Spirit Win NWSL Championship Correct
It has finally happened, Manchester United ripped off the band-aid and deliver the message, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer Out! After their 4-1 loss to Watford. However, this goes beyond just one result, it has been a long time coming. Sean and Erik go through the game, the talk from the players, Ole...
-
USA vs Jamaica & Canada vs Mexico: There's a New Leader in WCQ
A super eventful 8th round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifiers give us a new leader at the top of the table to finish out 2021 as Canada bests Mexico 2-1 on a frigid night in Edmonton to get 16 points. The game had drama from the 1st minute until the 95th minute and so much happening in-between too....
-
USA vs Mexico WCQ: Dos a Cero Again!
On a rainy, at times even chilly night in Cincinnati, the United States Men's National Team faced their eternal rival in Mexico and came out the clear winners. Goals from substitute Christian Pulisic and Weston McKinnie are what appear on the stat sheet, but there's a lot to take from this game…
more -
MLS Decision Day, NWSL Playoffs, USMNT WCQ November Squad, More
There is a lot to get to in this episode that is, unfortunately, a day later than expected, but nonetheless, the playoffs are happening for the NWSL and MLS has reached Decision Day where now everything is set for their playoffs too. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins go through the ups and downs of…
more -
Ole Gets Some Redemption, Another Calcio Scandal Brewing?
New England Revolution break the single-season points record after officially winning Supporter's Shield last week. Will it actually mean anything? History kinda shows it may not. Plus the playoff field narrows with one week left. Juventus and Napoli are perhaps involved in another scandal. This...
-
Where Should Ricardo Pepi Play Next? Europe Looks to Block Biennial World Cup, More - Soccer 2 the MAX
Ricardo Pepi looks to possibly have a move to VFL Wolfsburg possibly done soon, but with interest from Ajax, Genoa, and other clubs there's plenty of opportunities for him to go learn and ply his trade. However, with the 2022 World Cup looming playing time is also of the utmost importance. So…
more -
USA vs Costa Rica: 2022 WCQ Round 6: The Sergino Dest Banger
After falling behind super early doors 1-0 to Costa Rica, the United States Men's National Team woke up and went after it to get a goal back from an unlikely source in Sergino Dest, and then were able to force a second goal and get the big win to secure six points in this window of three games…
more -
USA vs Panama: 2022 WCQ Round 5: Seven Changes and a 1-0 Loss Correct
The 13-match unbeaten run has ended for the United States Men's National Team as they fall to Panama 1-0 in World Cup Qualifying. Seven changes were made by coach Gregg Berhalter to the starting 11 from the previous match, was that the biggest factor in the loss? How much of the lack of energy…
more -
USA vs Jamaica 2022 - WCQ Round 4 - All Aboard the Ricardo Pepi Train
Although it took a while for the United States National Team to kick it into gear, once they did, it turned into a commanding performance that wound up being a 2-0 victory that could have been more. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the standout performances, if the USMNT have solidified two…
more -
NWSL Abuse Allegations Lead To Changes and Reform, USMNT WCQ Rounds 4-6 Squad Announced
Unfortunately, the major story this week in American soccer is one that involves allegations of verbal and emotional abuse and sexual coercion that have led to the firing of not only former North Carolina head coach Paul Riley, but also former Washington Spirit head coach Richie Burke. This has…
more -
Leagues Cup Big Changes, Could Ronaldo be the next Man Utd Manager - Soccer 2 the MAX
Is it possible that Cristiano Ronaldo could be the next Manchester United manager when his playing career finally ends? Or is this just speculation of the highest order since once again Ole Gunnar Solskjaer is under fire for recent results? Major changes are happening all over the landscape when…
more -
Ronaldo Manchester United Re-Debut Goes Well And Then It Doesn't, Latest on USWNT Equal Pay
Discussing the re-debut of Cristiano Ronaldo for Manchester United in both Premier League action and UEFA Champions League action. How one game went so right and one went right for about 30 minutes and then horribly wrong. Also, the United States Soccer Federation has offered identical collective...
-
USA Vs Honduras - WCQ Round 3 - A Dream Debut for Ricardo Pepi
A tale of two halves it certainly was for the United States Men's National Team in a huge win to bring them level with the other major powers in CONCACAF during this cycle. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the game with their headlines, some players that stood out, the coaching decisions, and...
-
Why Does FIFA Want a World Cup Every Two Years?
World Cup qualifying showcased many things about the beautiful game on and off the pitch this past week. Especially in the facet of having global things affect the games themselves. Of course, Brazil vs. Argentina debacle is front of mind as those in charge of Brazil’s medical quadrant got…
more -
2022 World Cup Qualifying: USA Versus Canada 1-1 Draw Reactions
The second game of three sees the United States Men's National Team play in Nashville Tennessee against Canada. In a game where the USMNT will really be looking for a result. Did Christian Pulisic playing for the USA make a big difference? How vital was Alphonso Davies for Canada? Who are some...
-
WCQ Round 1: USMNT Draw With El Salvador
World Cup Qualifying has begun in the CONCACAF region and the United States Men's National Team traveled down to the El Cuzcatlan to face El Salvador in the first game. Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the highs and lows of the game, who performed well, what are some strengths and weaknesses,...
-
2021 Transfer Deadline Day Madness, Ronaldo Returns to Manchester United
The full squad is here for a big show heading into a very interesting International break. But first, there's a discussion on the madness that was Transfer Deadline day. Although the major one many were hoping for did not come to fruition as Kylian Mbappe stays at PSG. However, there are still...
-
2021 UEFA Champions League Draw & Early Predictions, USMNT Squad Correct
When the concept came about to do a show centered around the UEFA Champions League Draw who knew a bunch of other news would come out the same day. So basically there's the second episode in one week for everyone. First up, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins discuss the 2021 UEFA Champions League Draw....
-
Is the Premier League too Rough? Marseille Versus Nice Drama, And the FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup - Soccer 2 the MAX
Several non Soccer playing-related stories dominate the discussion on this week's Soccer 2 the MAX, as the two-man crew of Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins tackle quite a few big topics. The big drama in Nice with their game against Marseille and why the wrong decision was made by Ligue 1 officials....
-
A UEFA Salary Cap? Brentford's Big Win, Kylian Mbappe to Real Madrid? - Soccer 2 the MAX
Soccer 2 the MAX is back! And all three of your hosts are here, as Sean Garmer once again rejoins Erik Watkins and Rachael Kriger in talking about the beautiful game they love so much. This time there's a much different format to what's been in the past on the show. Each episode features standard...
-
MLS Cup, US Male Player of the Year and What's Next for the USMNT, Megan Rapinoe Stands Up
Soccer 2 the MAX makes its long-awaited return! Erik and Rachael wrap up the MLS Cup that was (featuring a mini-rant about Rachael's Sounders and what's to come for 2021) and the two USMNT friendlies to wrap up the year. The pair also discusses who got snubbed for the US Male Player of the Year...
-
Taking a look at the NWSL Challenge Cup
Welcome to another edition of Soccer 2 the Max! Rachael and Erik are back, and we have a women's soccer themed show for you. The NWSL Challenge Cup is kicking off on June 27, this very month! It's the first professional league coming back to action in the United States. What does this mean for…
more -
Recapping the Americans Abroad in the Bundesliga
We're back for another episode of Soccer 2 The Max! Erik and Rachael team up to chat about the Americans featuring in the Bundesliga, which returned to action this weekend. It was a bit of a "meh" weekend for most players, including the likes of John Brooks, Timmy Chandler and some injury-riddled...
-
USWNT Court Decision and a Potential Return for Soccer
We're baaaaack! Erik Watkins and Rachael Kriger are back at Soccer 2 The Max, chatting about, well, soccer! Even though we're in quarantine — Erik's in Florida, Rachael is up north in Pennsylvania — we've got a lot to talk about. First, the duo dives into the newest and latest U.S. women's…
more -
Soccer 2 the MAX: All-Star Edition
On this episode, Rachael and Erik break down the big news of Jill Ellis steppind down as head coach of the US Women's National Team, and talk about everything from the timing to what's next for the team and US Soccer in general. Who's up next? How will the transition be? Will the first name be...
-
Soccer 2 the MAX: Rants and Recaps Edition
On this episode, Rachael and Erik celebrate and review the US Women's National Team for their World Cup victory in France, and discuss what this means for the women's game now and going forward. The pair also talk about the NWSL, what their new sponsorship and TV deals could mean for this season,...
-
Soccer 2 the MAX 6-19-19
In this episode, Rachael and Erik talk about how good the USMNT's 4-0 win over Guyana to open up the Gold Cup really was, and the contributions of a former Mailman! Later, Erik puts some perspective on a particular blowout performance by the USWNT at the FIFA Women's World Cup, and Rachael helps...
-
Soccer 2 the MAX: Women's World Cup Recap/Groups D, E, and F Preview
On this episode, Rachael and Erik review the first games of Groups D and E, and discuss what this will mean for each group going forward compared to expectations. Yes, they also preview Group F with the USA, and why it may not be as big of a cakewalk through the group stage as first thought....
-
FIFA Women's World Cup Preview: Groups A, B, & C
On our first preview episode counting down to the 2019 FIFA Women's World Cup, Rachael and Erik talk about the favorites and dark horses from each of Groups A, B, & C, and discuss the upsets that could happen to prevent some favorites from winning it all. Also, they do a deep dive into Ada...
-
USWNT World Cup Roster, NWSL Early Season Thoughts - Soccer 2 the MAX
On this episode, Sean Garmer, Rachael McKriger, and Erik Watkins are back with an all Women's soccer show. First, the crew discuss the 23 rumored names for the United States Women's world cup roster. How do the trio feel about the list, and will any of the names change once the official reveal is...
-
USMNT Draw With Chile, 2019 Gold Cup & Nations League Groups, MLS Week 5 Thoughts - Soccer 2 the MAX
On this episode, Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins go without Rachael to discuss the U.S. Men's National Team draw against Chile and assess the overall feel of the team through Gregg Berhalter's time in charge. Then they move on and talk the 2019 CONCACAF Nations League and Gold Cup fields. Are Canada...
-
USMNT Defeat Ecuador, USWNT Named, Inter Miami Troubles - Soccer 2 the MAX
On this episode, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins, and Rachael McKriger discuss the U.S. Men's National Team defeating Ecuador 1-0. Who played well, who didn't, and who surprised. What about the experiment of Tyler Adams at Right Back? They discuss it all. Next, Rachael breaksdown the U.S. Women's...
-
USWNT Sues U.S. Soccer, MLS Week 2 Thoughts - Soccer 2 the MAX
On the return episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer, Erik Watkins, and Rachael McKriger discuss the latest in America's beautiful game. First up, Rachael gives thoughts on the United States Women's National Team's play in the recently completed SheBelieves Cup. Did anyone standout? Or was it…
more -
Soccer 2 the MAX 1-5-19
Yes indeed! 2019 starts off with a brand new edition of Soccer 2 the MAX! In the first episode of the new year, Rachael and Erik discuss and react to the news that the Columbus Crew are staying home, and what this could mean for MLS and US Soccer in general. The duo also discuss what is...and...
-
Soccer 2 the MAX: New USMNT Coach, NWSL 2019 Schedule
On this episode of Soccer 2 the MAX, Sean Garmer returns to his hosting duties along with Erik Watkins and Rachael McKriger. They discuss Gregg Berhalter being named U.S. Men's National Team head coach. They talk about the appointment, the process, what to expect, their excitement level and more....
-
Soccer 2 the MAX 9-27-18
On this episode, Erik and Rachael discuss some of the reasons why North Carolina winning the NWSL championship is extra special. Also, Rachael gives her reasons why the NWSL awards are well...a joke, especially this year. Finally, it's that time again, as the duo go over Jill Ellis' latest USWNT...
Topics in this show
About this show
A Podcast about the world's game from an American perspective. Each episode includes headlines, topics, and discussions that can be about anything that happened that week in Soccer, Futbol, or Football. Plus, a weekly Manchester United segment, and thoughts on the squad's Sean Garmer and Erik Watkins both support too.
There will also be special editions focusing on the United States Men's and Women's National Teams, and other European or American league matches from time to time as well.
Hosted by
Sean Garmer & Erik Watkins