New Ground with Allen & Jalil

Talent is widespread, but opportunities are not. Eddie Johnson made his mark on the USMNT and MLS and now runs player development day in, day out. Eddie shares his journey from growing up in Florida to becoming a key figure in American soccer. He reflects on his career, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal moments that shaped him. Now a renowned player development coach, Johnson discusses ment...

Who is your favorite player of all-time? What a loaded question to open up this week's episode. Allen and Jalil also discuss which American had the best season for European clubs. With less than a month away from World Cup play, we gotta check in and see who is in form. We get into: All-time Favorite Players Best season by an American in Europe Weston McKennie's Versatility MLS heading into the Wo...

What’s in a name? For Julian Zakrzewski Hall it’s a way to honor his Mother who has been alongside him every step of the way to his breakout start to the 2026 campaign. The New York Red Bulls rising star shows he us wise beyond his years in his conversation with Allen and Jalil. We get into: Black culture and noteable footballer hair styles Champions League Final Preview NYRB Julian Hall wearing h...

You get a goal, you get a goal, we all get a goal! The offensive output across competitions has been a topic of conversation the last few months and this week it was in full motion as Paris Saint-Germain F.C. defeated FC Bayern Munich 5-4 in the 1st leg of their Champions League match. Allen reflects on his time connected to the LA Galaxy early in his career as he attended the Cobi Jones Statue Un...

Southern California legend Cobi Jones will be immortalized by the LA Galaxy with a 9' statue outside of the stadium he helped build at Dignity Health Park. Whether it was his dominances at UCLA, launching a franchise and league in the MLS, or becoming the most capped player in USMNT history, Cobi Jones made an impact on and off the field. We get into: The Statue Unveiling in LA Becoming the hated...

Do you ever think about those moments in your life where you made a choice that set you up the rest of your life? San Jose Earthquakes attacker Ousseni Bouda had that moment at 11-years old where he cut class and set him up on his path to becoming a professional footballer. We get into: Javier Mascherano sacked in Inter Miami CF Matt Crocker Leaves US Soccer for Saudi Arabia Ousseni Bouda's life a...

Left-footed strikes just look better. We know this. We also know you can probably get away with not having a great right foot. With that said, who makes your Mount Rushmore for best right-footed players of all time? We get into: Craziest recovery speed Jalil has seen GA Cup, US Development is closing the gap Allen can stop Lamine Yamal Best right footed players Inverted Wing position Bottom of the...

Antino Lopez's story highlights the power of staying true to your grind, embracing the process, and trusting that perseverance pays off. Tino made some noise with a remarkable goal line clearance to keep a clean sheet in a recent match against the San Jose Earthquakes. He was a last-minute call up and his efforts this season and over the last two years earned him a contract with the first team. Hi...

Hosts Allen Hopins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about USMNT March camp as they prepare for friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. With so few matches before the World Cup on home soil, everyone will see where this team stands against tough opponents. We Get Into: The State of USMNT ahead of friendlies with Belgium and Portugal Balancing communication with Players Arsenal's Loss Ends their bid for...

Can you wrap your head around scoring 900 goals as a professional footballer? On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba look at Lionel Messi's latest achievement during Inter Miami CF's latest match against growing rival Nashville SC – unfortunately his efforts weren't enough to push his team through the next round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Allen and Jalil discuss...

Unravel the magic of the Champions League, where legends are born and every match is a clash of titans. Miami Heat's Bam Adebayo just dropped 83-points in an NBA game and hosts Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba explore what would be the equivalent achievement in the world of soccer. Hours after Bam's game, Real Madrid's Federico Valverde dropped a first half hat-trick during a round of 16 Champi...

With Arsenal FC having a lead in the Premier League, we encourage supporters around the globe to hold on tight. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about the Prem, the US National Teams and the top stories in Major League Soccer. We get into: Allen and Jalil discuss all-time favorite boots Hold your breath Arsenal fans Naomi Girma shows out back with USWNT Swag...

Is LAFC the 2026 MLS frontrunner after beating defending champs Inter Miami CF in front of 75,000 fans at the LA Memorial Coliseum? On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about what was revealed to them after Matchday 1 of the 2026 MLS campaign. We get into: LAFC's Son and Bouanga attacking with venom New York Red Bulls' starting 3 teenagers under Matt Bradley Nas...

It's wrong to center Vinícius Júnior in the most recent incident of racial abuse - all attention needs to be on Gianluca Prestianni and the history of abuse on the pitch. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about the on-field incident during a UEFA Champions League match between Real Madrid and Benfica. We get into: Gianluca Prestianni's Role in the Incident Jo...

Thank goodness for Bad Bunny because that Super Bowl was not a fun watch. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about the week that was where all eyes were on Super Bowl LX. We get into: Bad Bunny Living His Best Life at the Super Bowl Coaching and Managing People KC Current Makes Move to Get Croix Bethune Does the Super Bowl compare to the World Cup Final? Jalil...

Who would you put on your Family Feud team? Allen challenges Jalil to draft his MLS "family feud" squad—sharing not just who he'd pick but the secret qualities that make these players unforgettable. From calmness under pressure to relentless professionalism, these insights reveal what truly elevates a player beyond the pitch. We get into: Jalil's MLS Family Feud Team Bad Bunny living his best life...

What's the difference between "Doing too much" and "Doing the Most" – which one are you? On this episode of New Ground, Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about the ins and outs of MLS Preseason experience and debate what are the important takeaways as organizations ramp up. We get into: MLS Preseason Grind Which Things are Actually Important in Preseason? CONCACAF Impact to Preseason Ramp U...

Unlock the unexpected truths behind the skills and moments that shape our world—like the hidden art of shorthand, the chaotic beauty of football finals, and the cultural power of African tournaments. We get into: The psychology of hiding money in encyclopedias Why the passion in African football breaks boundaries and stereotypes How African nations like Senegal are redefining greatness against all...

Clarity and Intentionality Make or Break Your Soccer Season. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about how the offseason can set up a team for success. We get into: What Are the Ingredients to a Successful Preseason One of Jalil's Best Preseasons was Playing International Competition USMNT Chris Richards is Ballin' Out at Crystal Palace AFCON Updates Flowers: U...

We are back and we are better for 2026! On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about some MLS preseason activities. We get into: Overcoming EV Range Anxiety MLS Rookie Symposium African Cup of Nations Flowers; AFCON and City of Nashville - - - If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with...

What's our favorite thing about New Ground? Our guests and creating a space for genuine vibes. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba revisit some of our favorite guest conversations from 2025 as well as reflect on the space that they've cultivated with New Ground. We get into: MLS Ironman Kei Kamara goes in depth into how he and his family escaped from the civil war o...

That's all folks! Inter Miami FC are the 2025 MLS Cup winners. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. properly sends Jalil Anibaba off with congratulations and advice before going off to Mexico to get married and start his new chapter. We get into: Can Jalil Jump Back Onto the Pitch after 5 years Retired like the Colts' Philip Rivers Jalil getting married! MLS Cup Recap MLS Coaching Car...

The stage is set for the 2025 MLS Cup Final and we're here for it. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about the ins and outs of the season finale with Inter Miami CF coming in red hot. We Get Into: Wilfried Nancy Moves from Columbus Crew to Celtic F.C. 2025 MLS Cup Preview - Vancouver Whitecaps FC v Inter Miami CF Inter Miami's Dominance Vancouver's Resilience...

New York City FC Defender Tayvon Gray prepares to play a red hot Inter Miami CF team that has its sights set on the MLS Cup. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba welcome homegrown talent Tayvon Gray and get into We get into: Celebrating Thanksgiving with Reflections on Family Traditions and Soul Food. New York City's Impressive Playoff Run Tayvon Gray Shares His Grow...

Last night’s USMNT decisive win against Uruguay reignited hope that the USMNT is finally turning the corner. Victory not only boosts confidence ahead of 2026 but signals a seismic shift in how this team is evolving under Pochettino’s leadership. Are we witnessing the start of a new era, or just a flash in the pan? We get into: The rise of the US men's national team, exploring how steady improvemen...