The Backheeled Show | MLS, USMNT, USL, and more soccer coverage

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. Peyton, Ryan and John look back at Week 10 in the USL Championship, playing show and tell with an exciting slate of gamesWant to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. Peyton and Ryan look back at Week Nine in the USL Championship, playing show and tell with an exciting slate of gamesWant to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. This week, Peyton, Ryan and John dive deep into the numbers driving the 2026 USL Championship season so far.Want to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. This week, expert John Morrissey makes his case for his Backheeled.com USL Championship Power Rankings, dissecting No. 1 down to No. 25.Want to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. Peyton, John and Ryan look back at Week Six in the USL Championship, playing show and tell with an exciting slate of gamesWant to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. Peyton, John and Ryan look back at Week Five in the USL Championship, playing show and tell with an exciting slate of gamesWant to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. Peyton and John look back at Week Four in the USL Championship, playing show and tell with an exciting slate of gamesWant to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. Peyton, John and Ryan look back at Week Three in the USL Championship, playing show and tell with an exciting slate of gamesWant to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. Peyton and John look back at Week Two in the USL Championship, playing show and tell with an exciting slate of gamesWant to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. Peyton, John and Ryan look back at Week One in the USL Championship, playing show and tell with an exciting opening slate of gamesWant to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics. 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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. This week, Host Peyton Gallaher plays 20 questions with the crew. Everything ranging from the best kit this upcoming season to what the most popular tactical idea will be as Peyton, Ryan Sykora and John Morrissey preview the upcoming 2026 USL-Championship season. USL Championship broadcaster Joe Malfa joins.Want to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics. To read John's team-by-team previews click here. 30,000 words on all 25 teams.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. This week, Host Peyton Gallaher plays 20 questions with the crew. Everything ranging from the best kit this upcoming season to what the most popular tactical idea will be as Peyton, Ryan Sykora and John Morrissey preview the upcoming 2026 USL-Championship season. Want to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics. To read John's team-by-team previews click here. 30,000 words on all 25 teams.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. This week, Host Peyton Gallaher brings 12 If/Then Mad-Lib-esque statements to the table in an attempt to predict the future for six USL Championship teams.Want to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. This week, Host Peyton Gallaher brings 12 If/Then Mad-Lib-esque statements to the table in an attempt to predict the future for six USL Championship teams.Want to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. This week, Host Peyton Gallaher brings 12 If/Then Mad-Lib-esque statements to the table in an attempt to predict the future for six USL Championship teams.Want to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. This week, Host Peyton Gallaher brings 14(!!) If/Then Mad-Lib-esque statements to the table in an attempt to predict the future for seven USL Championship teams.Want to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

Welcome back to This League!, our show covering the USL Championship’s biggest stories, characters, and on-field action. Every week, the Backheeled crew runs the Championship's gauntlet to provide fresh observations from around the league. This week, expert John Morrissey makes his case for his Backheeled.com USL Preseason Power Rankings, dissecting No. 1 down to No. 25. Want to watch this episode instead? Click here. You'll get to see smiling faces and neat graphics.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.

With the MLS offseason officially underway, Joe Lowery dives into a pressing question facing all 30 teams in the league. From signings to tactical approaches, 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

It's a jam-packed show! Joe Lowery dives into the USMNT's World Cup draw, assessing their chances to in the group stage. Plus, we look back at MLS Cup to examine how Inter Miami topped the Vancouver Whitecaps.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.

With just two days until MLS Cup kicks off between Inter Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps, Joe Lowery gets you ready for the season finale. What will decide Saturday's clash? And who has the edge? Find out 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ahead of Saturday's MLS finale, Joe Lowery dives into the two teams vying for MLS Cup glory. In this first of a two-part MLS Cup preview, we examine Lionel Messi's impact for Inter Miami, the Vancouver Whitecaps' aggressive defense, Miami's tactical transformation, 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

And then there were four! On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into the MLS conference semifinals, examining what went right for the victors and what went wrong for the losers.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.

On today's show, Joe Lowery looks back at the United States men's national team's final games of 2025 to ask: what did we learn about Mauricio Pochettino's team? Then, it's on to a preview of the MLS conference semifinal clashes coming up this weekend (and Monday).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.

MLS is changing. On today's show, Joe Lowery details those changes and what they mean for the league's present and future.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.

On today's show, Joe Lowery breaks down the U.S. men's national team's pair of opponents for their November friendlies. What kind of challenge will these two teams pose? And which of Poch's players are worth watching especially closely? All that -- and 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the first round of the MLS postseason officially in the books, Joe Lowery looks back at each and every Game 3. How were the games won? What's next for the victors? And what challenges await the defeated teams? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

The playoffs rage on and so does the MLS news cycle. On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into the latest from around the league, focusing on coaching and front office hires. What should you make of the new faces in new places? Find out.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.

With every Game 2 from each and every Round One MLS postseason series in the books, Joe Lowery dive into the latest on-field action from around the playoffs. Which teams are through to the conference semis? And which one still have something to prove in a decisive Game 3? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

As the MLS postseason rages on, Joe Lowery looks back at the latest on-field action in Charlotte and Los Angeles before assessing a whole set of coaching changes. 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.

The first round of the MLS postseason is underway! On today's show, Joe Lowery looks back at every game played so far. Which teams have impressed? Which one are on the ropes? And what change could we see ahead of Game 2? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the first round of the MLS postseason kicking off tomorrow, Joe Lowery previews and predicts all eight matchups. Which teams should be favored? And which series will be the closest? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

The 2025 MLS playoff field is set! Which teams have the best shot at MLS Cup? And which teams find themselves with a tough road ahead? Joe Lowery breaks it all down in tier form.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.

Ahead of the United States' clash with Australia on Tuesday night, Joe Lowery dives into a set of thoughts on Mauricio Pochettino's squad. From what the USMNT's setup against Ecuador could mean for the future to recent standouts, there's plenty of ground to cover.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.

With the U.S. men's national team preparing to meet Ecuador and Australia in a pair of friendlies, what uncertainties surround Mauricio Pochettino's squad? 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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into the Philadelphia Union's Supporters' Shield triumph! What's made them so successful in 2025? That -- plus a look back at Darlington Nagbe's amazing career -- 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into Nashville SC's 2-1 victory over Austin FC in Wednesday night's U.S. Open Cup. How did they pull off the victory? And what does it mean for Nashville? Then it's time to congratulate the Chicago Fire for making their way back to the postseason in MLS play. 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

Just weeks away from the start of the MLS postseason, Joe Lowery digs into five prospective playoff teams that should be worried heading into the home stretch.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.

With voting for MLS’s annual 22 Under 22 due later this week, Joe Lowery dives into his 22 Under 22 ballot to highlight the league’s top young players.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.

With less than a month remaining in the MLS regular season, Joe Lowery takes stock of the race for the Supporters' Shield and the playoffs before diving into candidates for three more end-of-season awards.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.

As we near the end of the MLS regular season, Joe Lowery dives into a chunk of the award races. Which players are battling it out for MVP? And which managers have a shot at Coach of the Year? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into the New England Revolution's decision to fire head coach Caleb Porter. What went wrong? And what comes next for the Revs? Answers to those questions -- 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. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the U.S. men's national team's pair of September friendlies in the rearview mirror, Joe Lowery dives into a handful of things we learned along the way. From tactical approaches to players who raised their stock in the eyes of Mauricio Pochettino, there's plenty of ground to cover.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.

On today's show, Joe Lowery looks back at the USMNT's 2-0 loss to South Korea and looks ahead to their meeting with Japan later today. Which players have a big opportunity to show out? And what should Mauricio Pochettino's lineup look like? 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

With the U.S. men's national team just days away from kicking off their September window with a friendly against South Korea, Joe Lowery dives into a list of things to watch for from Mauricio Pochettino's team this month. From newcomers to a potential center back battle to Tyler Adams' midfield partner, 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 acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show, Joe Lowery dives into a trio of the biggest games from the weekend, starting with the Seattle Sounders' 3-0 win over Inter Miami in the Leagues Cup final and then taking stock of the Philadelphia Union and San Diego FC after their crucial regular season victories.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.

Mauricio Pochettino's roster for the U.S. men's national team's pair of September friendlies against South Korea and Japan was released earlier this week. What do we make of it? And who's missing? 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 Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

On today's show, Joe Lowery breaks down St. Louis City's decision to part ways with sporting director Lutz Pfannenstiel. What went wrong? And what comes next? Plus, we chat about a group of MLS teams that did fascinating things during the now-closed summer transfer 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/privacy for more information.

It's transfer deadline day! On today's show, Joe Lowery digs into some of the juiciest moves from around the league, from Paxten Aaronson's move back to the states to a star finding his way to Toronto FC.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 was a spicy weekend of MLS action! From Evander's return to Providence Park to Thomas Muller's first minutes in a Whitecaps uniform to San Diego FC taking the lead in the Supporters' Shield race, Joe Lowery breaks it down.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.

MLS's summer transfer deadline is just one week from today. Which teams should you be watching? Joe Lowery answers that question and dives into the U.S. Open Cup, where the Philadelphia Union booked their spot as the last semifinalist with a win over the New York Red Bulls on Wednesday.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.