Lyon’s Catarina Macario and Ada Hegerberg have a 3-2 advantage going into the lion’s den of a full PSG stadium this weekend (Photo by Catherine Steenkeste/Getty Images)
It’s another busy soccer weekend ahead with the PSG-Lyon women’s UEFA Champions League semifinal decider, Man City and Milan trying to hold onto their league top spots, the NWSL Season 10 kickoff, Nashville’s stadium debut, Everton in the relegation zone, Celtic-Rangers and a full slate of MLS games.But first we’ll have our Friday Newsletter. Feel free below to ask your probing, thoughtful and/or amusing questions about any soccer topic, and I’ll answer the best ones tomorrow. Thank you!
Grant, Unlike the major European leagues, MLS has had quite a bit of turnover of the top teams on a year to year basis. While this is a popular concept in American sports do you think it hurts the perception of the league in the eyes of the world? Also do you think the current playoff format is good for the league with single elimination game vs ties?
The Timbers-Thorns mixed gender charity match got me thinking: what would a coed USA Starting XI look like? I’d love to hear or read a breakdown of that roster selection!
With how dominant the Barcelona women's team has been the last few years, what does that mean for Spain's chances in the Euros this year and the World Cup next year?
How would you assess the strength of the major women’s leagues and teams in Europe compared to NWSL? How do you think a team like the Washington Spirit would do in Champions League?
On Thursday's pod, Witty mentioned something someone else said about how investors in the NWSL, in particular in SoCal, were using their social capital to build up the sport, rather than using the sport to build their social capital as we might see in the more established American sports leagues. Do you think that's true of pretty much all the high-profile, low-dollar investors? I always figure that all the real money in every club is with the billionaires, the Lamar Hunts and the Dell Loy Hansens and even the Michelle Kangs, and that the money that figures like Drew Carey and Matthew McConnaughey and Russell Wilson put in is pocket change, and the big-money people bring them in for the hype value.
I am worried about the US goal keeper situation. As far as I can remember, this has been one area that a US fan never had to concern ourselves with. We always had a goal keeper -on the bench- watching that was starting in one of the top four European leagues (Keller, Friedel, Guzan, Howard to name a few). Are we in transition period and it's just a matter of time before our European based players start every game or are we in a spot of bother (que the Britishism jingle)?
Got the answer to US National Teams goalkeeper issue. Bring in Sounders goalie Stefan Frei who is in top form. Stefan would push the others and create a good selection process for Berhalter.
Can we get revisit how USA / North America received the 2026 hosting rights for the World Cup? And how Fox broadcasting rights were extended to 2026? Why were those different?
Trying to plan for the Women's World Cup. Is it safe to assume that the women will be seeded in C1 (with Australia and NZ already in A1 and B1) or will they draw from the top teams for the remaining group #1 spots?
Zach Steffan was starting to get all Tim Howard-like yelling at his defenders. Do you think that week change after his latest gaffe? Joking not joking.
Your recent interview with Ali Curtis and Charles Altchek was fascinating, but I was somewhat surprised to see only one fleeting reference to the USL. What is your take on the potential impact of MLS Next Pro on the USL specifically, and on the entire soccer environment underneath MLS? And do you see MLS Next Pro as good for the growth of US soccer or just for the growth of MLS?
Any idea why some ABC affiliates chose not to show Bayern vs. Dortmund on Sunday? I live in the Chicago area and my ABC station was showing a nature show.
Grant, Unlike the major European leagues, MLS has had quite a bit of turnover of the top teams on a year to year basis. While this is a popular concept in American sports do you think it hurts the perception of the league in the eyes of the world? Also do you think the current playoff format is good for the league with single elimination game vs ties?
If Seattle wins the CCL but doesn’t make the playoffs, will their season be a success or failure and would Brian Schmetzer comfortably keep his job?
Where should CP move to to get playing time? I’m a fan of Spain because of the overall La Liga style of play. What are your thoughts, Grant?
The Timbers-Thorns mixed gender charity match got me thinking: what would a coed USA Starting XI look like? I’d love to hear or read a breakdown of that roster selection!
With how dominant the Barcelona women's team has been the last few years, what does that mean for Spain's chances in the Euros this year and the World Cup next year?
Are you (both) going to Seattle for the CCL Final? If not, why not? ;-)
How would you assess the strength of the major women’s leagues and teams in Europe compared to NWSL? How do you think a team like the Washington Spirit would do in Champions League?
How should The USA use the CONCACAF NATIONS LEAGUE - to get the regulars playing time or fill out the rest of the work cup roster - start the a team
Or b team?
If you were put in charge of MLS, what changes would you make?
What's the latest on the collective bargaining situation with US Soccer and the WNT? We heard they were sooo close. Any updates?
Smarten me up on why you think women's soccer will be the biggest global sports story in the next 50 years. And what is your measurement?
A good subject would be Christian Pulisic and his lack of playing time at Chelsea. Should he ask to be traded.
On Thursday's pod, Witty mentioned something someone else said about how investors in the NWSL, in particular in SoCal, were using their social capital to build up the sport, rather than using the sport to build their social capital as we might see in the more established American sports leagues. Do you think that's true of pretty much all the high-profile, low-dollar investors? I always figure that all the real money in every club is with the billionaires, the Lamar Hunts and the Dell Loy Hansens and even the Michelle Kangs, and that the money that figures like Drew Carey and Matthew McConnaughey and Russell Wilson put in is pocket change, and the big-money people bring them in for the hype value.
Who is Kate Abdo’s father and what is his connection to Man U? And, why was he featured during the Man City pregame?
I am worried about the US goal keeper situation. As far as I can remember, this has been one area that a US fan never had to concern ourselves with. We always had a goal keeper -on the bench- watching that was starting in one of the top four European leagues (Keller, Friedel, Guzan, Howard to name a few). Are we in transition period and it's just a matter of time before our European based players start every game or are we in a spot of bother (que the Britishism jingle)?
Got the answer to US National Teams goalkeeper issue. Bring in Sounders goalie Stefan Frei who is in top form. Stefan would push the others and create a good selection process for Berhalter.
Can we get revisit how USA / North America received the 2026 hosting rights for the World Cup? And how Fox broadcasting rights were extended to 2026? Why were those different?
Trying to plan for the Women's World Cup. Is it safe to assume that the women will be seeded in C1 (with Australia and NZ already in A1 and B1) or will they draw from the top teams for the remaining group #1 spots?
Zach Steffan was starting to get all Tim Howard-like yelling at his defenders. Do you think that week change after his latest gaffe? Joking not joking.
Your recent interview with Ali Curtis and Charles Altchek was fascinating, but I was somewhat surprised to see only one fleeting reference to the USL. What is your take on the potential impact of MLS Next Pro on the USL specifically, and on the entire soccer environment underneath MLS? And do you see MLS Next Pro as good for the growth of US soccer or just for the growth of MLS?
With 5 matches to go in the Premier League, who finishes first, who finishes fourth, and who gets relegated?
Any idea why some ABC affiliates chose not to show Bayern vs. Dortmund on Sunday? I live in the Chicago area and my ABC station was showing a nature show.