The Straight Red Card

Pochettino announced his roster for the March Window against Portugal and Belgium. As we near the 2026 FIFA World Cup, USMNT is hoping to continue their string of quality results.Who was snubbed? Who will be experiencing their last chance for Poch?

Noahkai Banks declines a March callup by Pochettino and USMNT. While all signs indicate he prefers to represent Germany at the international stage, this doesn't exclude him from repping the USMNT.

TSRC project what Poch's 26 man roster is likely to look like. Of course this is Pochettino and curveballs happen consistently, but we feel confident in this.

Pochettino edges nearer to the Roster announcement for the USMNT matches in March. Will he be able to get Banks in (spoiler alert, nope), Dest injured, Jedi and Adams with knocks....The Banks situation continues to get murky, what is set to happen?

What appeared to be a sure thing has gone all topsy-turvey. Noahkai Banks, born in Hawaii, raised in Germany, and played for US Youth teams has come out recently and stated that he's keeping options open and doesn't want to make a rash decision. Will Poch pursue Banks despite stating he only wants players who are 100% behind the team? Will we lose Banks to Germany, just like we did with Brown?Either way, this is the way of the Dual Nat. Player torn between countries and cultures, though harboring a favorite between the two (human nature). Only thing we can do is be more persuasive than the other... and hope.

Yunus Musah started his career off early at the age of 18 with the USMNT. He was playing at Valencia, starting in La Liga.... Now he's barely off the bench for a slightly higher mid-table Serie A side and NO WHERE NEAR the USMNT.

We can project what the roster will be in 3 months, but let's focus on what to expect come March. Who is on our 26 man roster in the eyes of Pochettino?

European football fans throwing shade at American owners is nothing new. Don't get us wrong, there are some silly things we try to take over with us across the pond, but we also flood the team with money that allows them to remain a dominant force.

Brazil, Morocco, Scotland, and Haiti fill out Group C in the 2026 World Cup. Brazil and Morocco are heavy favorites, but don't count Scotland out of grinding a result. Group minnow Haiti are just happy to be there.

Belgium, Egypt, Iran and New Zealand fill out Group D at the 2026 World Cup. This is probably the easiest group to make out of this World Cup. Belgium are running off inexperienced younger players and aging golden generation, but they are still a dangerous side. Iran and Egypt have a few standouts (in our eyes) and are filled mostly with domestic talent, but don't count them out. Both teams are capable of shining in any match. New Zealand will be looking to get a result against Egypt and Iran to keep hopes alive, but it's going to be a struggle.

Pepi was denied a move to Fulham at the transfer deadline despite all terms agreed and met. Why was it denied? Official statement is they could not find a replacement, but given their circumstances within their league, we aren't quite sure....Tim Weah was asked a question about the ticket prices at the World Cup and provided a mild 2-3 sentences as an answer claiming that he's disappointed in the price hikes. Pochettino was asked about Weah's answer and his response was divisive among the fanbase. You are either in the camp that he threw Weah under the bus OR that he was correct in attempting to squash any narratives surrounding the players and the team when they should be focusing on their own performance.

Germany, Curacao, Ivory Coast, and Ecuador are battling it out for those elusive knockout stage spots. We break down each teams' rosters, previous matches, and injuries to come up with how we think Group E will end up.

Nothing new has been rumored but Tactical Manager has some inside information and much like the most of us he can connect the dots. One thing is apparent, when the new manager comes in he has to disband the leadership coalition

New rumors have sprung up about who is available for the USMNT to hire as their new manager, some more realistic than others. BREAKING AFTER THE POD: Gareth Southgate has stepped down as manager of England... looks more and more likley.Copa America was a logistics nightmare and it's become a matter of all parties pointing at who's to blame. All the while, fans of this sport and of those national teams were left screwed over as thousands and thousands of patrons without tickets stormed the barricade. Some fans who paid thousands of dollars were completely screwed over as they were refused entry due to the number already attending the match.

Gregg Berhalter has been removed as the manager of the USMNT. Matt Crocker is set to hire a new manager by the September window and he has a laundry list of candidates. Mainstream Media are pushing Cherundolo as the lead candidate.

Gregg Berhalter has failed to exit the group stage in 2024 Copa America. This is an unexpected and unacceptable result that has fans and mainstream media finally agreeing on a topic... Gregg Berhalter should be fired!Who takes over after Gregg? Well, that's an interesting topic.

Sullivan bags a hat trick and the US top the group in qualifying. On the 25th, they will face Nicaragua in the Round 16. Despite the score, the actual performance left some wanting. One thing is for certain, we are starting to get an idea who our top 11 are.Derek and Brett talk about how the team performed. Who had a good game? Bad game? Or just "Meh"?

When is a draw considered a loss by the fans? Well the US U20s experienced such a result against Canada. Despite pulling a late goal to tie the match, the US U20s controlled most of the game. They only gave Canada two chances and Canada capitalized on eachDerek and Brett will discuss the match, who performed well, who needs to be benched, and briefly highlight the upcoming match against Cuba.

Derek and Brett go over the absolute thrashing win over St. Kitts, the good, the bad, the meh. Typically the US plays to the level of the opposition and given a team we should destroy tends to be a grind low scoring event. Fortunately the U20s showed up and handled business to set themselves up for a potential top finish in the group.

The Seattle Sounders are set to be the first MLS side to win the CONCACAF Champions League. After a come from behind 2-2 draw with Pumas, the second leg is to take place in Seattle which benefits the Sounders. At this point, a win or draw (assuming the draw doesn't result in Puma scoring 2 or more goals) would clinch the Champions League for the first time for a MLS side.Derek and Brett discuss the midweek Yanks report as limited as it may be this week. Tyler Adams, Christian Pulisic, and more...If you want to support us further:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowV-n8EAVAEZP_84ZmUFkwThe Straight Red Card t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and beer glasses:https://the-straight-red-card.creator-spring.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/straight_red_cardFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/straight_red

Christian Pulisic is the second most productive player, behind Mason Mount, for Chelsea, but Thomas Tuchel tends to rotate not only him on and off the pitch but where Pulisic plays on the pitch. Is this just how Tuchel is? WIll Pulisic find some level of consistency under Tuchel?Weston McKennie, according to reports, is being used as trade fodder for Juventus to keep Morata. It wouldn't be the silly season without a rumor of Weston being sold by Juventus would it? Do you find any validity?If you want to support us further:Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCowV-n8EAVAEZP_84ZmUFkwThe Straight Red Card t-shirts, hoodies, mugs, and beer glasses:https://the-straight-red-card.creator-spring.comPatreon: https://www.patreon.com/straight_red_cardFollow us on Twitter: https://twitter.com/straight_red

Derek and Brett break down the weekend matches. Steffen struggles in English cup match against Liverpool, Brooks and Wolfsburg get slammed by Dortmund, and the injury list keeps-a-growin. Where does MLS fall compared to the Scottish league and is doing well there place you ahead of MLS players in National team ball?

Derek and Brett discuss in detail Group A in the 2022 FIFA World Cup taking place in November in Qatar. Who moves on? Who is stacked? Is there a likely upset? Netherlands, Senegal, Qatar, and Ecuador fill the group and only two can go through.

Derek and Brett talk about this past weekend matches, how the Yanks did and what form we are looking at going into Azteca. Pulisic is hitting his form, Sargent is playing ok despite playing for a poor Norwich, Adams back on the pitch, Marsch with an important win, and more.

In this livestream Derek and Brett discuss the return of Giovanni Reyna, Pulisic's current form, and our current expectations starting XI against Mexico. Obviously this is subject to whom the USMNT call in on Thursday.

It was not a good week for Yanks abroad. Jesse Marsch and Leeds poo'ed the bed, Josh Sargent didn't stand a chance, and Christian Pulisic suffered an illness that prevented him from playing. Derek and Brett follow up with how Yanks did abroad. Who do you think suffered the most?

Derek and Brett review Que Golazo's recent USMNT Hour where they talk about the March window and Gregg's starting XI. Given all of the injuries, who do you think Gregg will call in and start in Mexico?

Leeds, battling to stay afloat and avoid relegation, took on a Leicester City team combatting a very lack luster season. Leeds, needing the points, missed chance after chance and ended up dropping points. Norwich is at the bottom of the table and if they wish to stay in the Premier League next season they will need to pick up points somewhere. However, fellow bottom table Brentford proved to be too much for Norwich to handle. Pulisic continues his form with Chelsea, amid controversy and club bids, which bodes well for USMNT fans hoping to qualify at the end of the month Derek and Brett cover the Americans playing abroad, no stone unturned.

World Cup qualifying is coming to an end and the final window is arguably the most important window yet. Currently sitting tied for second in the Octagonal, Gregg is dealing with a series of injuries that make this roster even more questionable. Weston McKennie, Giovanni Reyna, Zack Steffen, Matt Turner, just to name a few would be starters will not be available. Who does Gregg then call in? Derek and Brett cover who they think Gregg will call. Remember, this is not who they think should be called in, but rather what they think Gregg will do.

New Leeds United manager, Jesse Marsch took center stage at a pre-match presser. The chat were leery at first, but the more questions slung at Marsch the more they were willing to give him a chance. It wasn't until the Ted Lasso comment and agreeing there is some substance to the anti-America stigma in European soccer that the chat starting liking him. Derek and Brett will talk about some of the key moments of the presser and give our take on the answers. Make sure you like and comment on the video. Click that subscribe button and hit the notification bell to keep up to date with all of our content.

Ricardo Pepi hasn't scored at the club level in 150+ games, but is it time to push the panic button? Herc and Seb sure think so, at the club level. Derek and Brett cover this topic and whether they feel we should be worried. Pepi may be near half a year without scoring a club goal, but one must remember he went 3 months without a club match. Hoppe also found some playing time, seemingly out of nowhere. The manager hasn't played him in weeks, why now all of a sudden?

FIFA and UEFA have released a joint statement displaying unity in removing all Russian teams from all competitions. UEFA also removed the Champions League away from Russia. Sweden, Czech Republic, and Poland all reached out to UEFA in stating they would not travel to Russia for the away matches in Russia. Do you think FIFA and UEFA made the right decision? Is this fair to the players?

Jesse Marsch is the new Leeds United manager. For better or worse, this was not a well kept secret. After a failed stint at Leipzig, Jesse will be aiming to rebound at Leeds. Do you think he'll do well? Do you think he'll keep Leeds from being relegated? Will he keep the job if they are?

Derek and Brett are joined with Max Bretos to discuss the final window of World Cup Qualifying for the USMNT. We also delve into the topic of whether there is a black list of journalists and content creators, whether the USMNT mainstream media are too soft and timid, and whether we'd get an actual answer from Gregg Berhalter if we did.

Josh Sargent is starting a new path in his career. While not being proficient in scoring at this point, Josh has found himself playing out wide or even in the middle for Norwich. Given his work ethic, skills, and technical knowledge to know where to be, Josh may in fact succeed. If relegated will Norwich continue to utilize him out wide or do we see him back up top. USMNT will likely see him up top still with the opportunity of playing wide, but that first requires a callup.

Derek and Brett discuss recent quotes from Luca De La Torre, Eryk Williamson, and others. Talks about how the system is complicated and tough to learn for new players on their first couple windows. The system is successful at a club level when you have all the time in the world to go over things, but Gregg has 6-8 days at most with 3 of them consumed by games.

McKennie is injured and will not be present for the final and vital World Cup Qualifying window. Derek and Brett talk about that and many other of our stars who played in Europa and Champions League.

Derek and Brett are joined by Sam from YanksReport to discuss Bobby Warsaws interview with Gregg Berhalter, where to play Reyna when/if he is healthy, Pulisic's interview about trying too much, and more.

European leagues are often tempting for any professional soccer player, but are all leagues created equal? Derek and Brett talk about the influx of MLS based players transferring to lower level European leagues. These might be lateral or slightly higher moves, but are they worth it?

Toxic fandoms are all the rage today, and USMNT fandom is no different. Seriously though, the topic continues to show up. "USMNT Twitter is toxic" is displayed in my feed daily it seems, but is there any merit to the statement? Derek and Brett review a video from our friend Sam at YanksReport where he asked these questions to Former World Cup defender and friend of the show, Jimmy Conrad. What side of the coin are you and do you think you are toxic?

Does the USMNT player pool doubt Gregg's system? Derek and Brett look at the body language, lack of callups, interviews, and more to draw a conclusion. No player has out right said anything of the sort, but what isn't said is sometimes more convincing than what is.

Who is filling in USMNT depth chart currently? Derek and Brett look at each position and cover the top 5 options. In our list a player can only appear once so when you think that someone like Scally could be in LB and RB depth, note that he'll only show up in one list.

Bill Archer joined us on Tuesday to discuss a variety of topics. Most important to Bill is FIFA and their confederations' corruption. Bill has been a proponent on calling FIFA out for a very long time. This is the full podcast and is broken up into smaller segments on YouTube.

After two lack luster performances this window, the US are set to finish it against Honduras in Minneapolis. Honduras is sitting at the bottom of the table with just 3 points and their World Cup Qualifying hopes all but squashed. They have to play for the win, which could play to USMNT's benefit as the game will be open. Derek and Brett try to predict the lineup and makes some suggestions to what we will have to do to end on a high note.

After discussing what went wrong in the match, Derek and Brett give their grades to the players on the field. What a confusing episode...

USMNT lost to Canada 2-1. Canada has shown CONCACAF that they are the better team this World Cup Qualifying cycle and they are doing that as a team. USMNT have players playing on significantly better teams in better leagues, but they are currently disjointed and not playing well together. Derek and Brett talk about what are the root causes and potential fixes as we enter the final game of the window.

Derek and Brett take a listener's depth chart posted on Twitter and discuss what we think is right, wrong, or debatable about it. How close was he to getting what we think? How close to yours?

Bold predictions leading into the 2022 World Cup? Will Brooks make the World Cup roster? How well will Serbia, Portugal and/or Italy perform in the World Cup?

Things have happened this week with our yanks abroad. Soto not panning out at Porto II, where does that leave him? Tessmann and Venezia struggling in their cup match. Sargent may have missed the weekend match, but it turns out he was at the hospital for the birth of his child. Congrats, and welcome back to Norwich where he scored a goal!!! Ok, he caused an own goal with a great shot!!! Ok, it was a cross but a very dangerous cross!!!

It turns out that Miles Robinson enjoys his spot at Atlanta and may not necessarily be eager to test the waters out in Europe. Was he just being politically correct? Has Atlanta informed him they have zero intention of selling him? Or perhaps he is comfortable where he is in MLS and loves the city of Atlanta?