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Scuffed | USMNT, World Cup, Yanks Abroad, futbol in America

#681: The Pulisic slander, the Americans reffing at the WC, and the young guns slinging in MLS

·51 min·5 clips
Why the USMNT should stop asking Christian Pulisic to be the charismatic face of the program.
The episode opens with a personal anecdote about a meniscus injury from playing pickup soccer, connecting it to the passion for the game. It quickly shifts to addressing the online rumors about Christian Pulisic's personal life, which the hosts dismiss as a shameful example of misinformation. They analyze Pulisic's underwhelming performances and media appearances during the March camp, suggesting he is uncomfortable in the spotlight. The hosts propose that Wes McKennie, with his energetic presence in training, should be the spiritual heart and public face of the USMNT instead. They announce that American referees Tori Penso and Ismail Elfath will officiate at the World Cup, emphasizing the importance of supporting grassroots referees. FIFA's new measures for the 2026 World Cup are detailed, including goal-line technology, semi-automated offside, connected ball sensors, and referee body cams. The hosts review European club results involving USMNT players like Johnny and Chris Richards. They discuss the injury to striker Pat Agumon, which opens a roster spot, and potential replacements like Josh Sargent or Haji Wright. CONCACAF Champions Cup matches are analyzed, with the hosts noting MLS teams' mixed results against Mexican sides. The episode concludes with a look at MLS weekend matchups, including the New York Red Bulls facing Lionel Messi's Inter Miami, and speculation about USMNT roster bubbles for players like Max Arfsten and Tristan Blackmon.

As heard by us

A lively U.S. soccer conversation linking a pickup injury, Johnny's midfield fit, and the next wave of MLS scorers.

A pickup-game meniscus injury at Atlanta's West End MARTA station gives the episode a loose, human entry point before it settles into a brisk U.S. soccer conversation with Charlie Boehm.

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Why you'd press play

You get a brisk U.S. soccer check-in: Johnny's national-team fit, Champions League context, and young MLS names starting to pop.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →
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