New Ground with Allen & Jalil

What does it mean to find your community and living a life full of purpose? On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba link up with Michael Lahoud who has rediscovered his voice and Blackness in Sports Media. We get into: Living Life in His Melanin-rich Skin Nigeria and AFCON College Sports with NIL and Transfer Portal USMNT November Window, Gio Reyna's Last Chance Parenth...

Darian Jenkins is a Former National Women's Soccer League Champion turned influential media personality and advocate for growing the game. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba sit down with Darian Jenkins about the privilege she has to empower the younger generation by being herself and getting to talk about footy all day, everyday. We get into: Darian Doesn't Mess A...

We revisit conversations with our USL Championship Head Coaches Pa-Modou Kah and Khano Smith. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. flies solo and dives into the dynamics of soccer coaching, celebrating player achievements, and the significance of player care in the USL and MLS. We get into: Allen travels to London for Brentford FC Advisory Board Duties Revisiting Conversation with Pho...

We're gearing up for the 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs! We take a look back at our conversations with Jayden Nelson and Brian White of the Vancouver Whitecaps FC who had been near the top of the West since match day 1. - - - If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

Brian Anunga thinks that FC Cincinnati has what it takes to be unstoppable. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba welcomes FC Cincinnati's Brian Anunga as he talks about how the beautiful game brought him from Cameroon to the States. We get into: Learn how MLS and international teams build winning cultures Discover the US Men's National Team's shift under Pochettino E...

Discover the hidden leadership secrets and psychological tactics that elevate MLS coaching excellence, transforming teams and shaping the future of soccer. We dive into the psychology of resilience, the power of collective communication, and how elite teams stay calm under pressure. We get into: US Open Cup Final - Nashville SC defeats Austin FC Analyze exceptional leadership from coaches like BJ...

DeAndre Yedlin is all about finding balance in his life as a father, author and pro footballer. On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. catches up with homie of the show, DeAndre Yeldin fresh off of his move to Real Salt Lake . The move gets him closer to his Pacific Northwest roots and gives him a moment to reconnecting with nature and align his priorities. We get into: Inspiring Africa...

We made it to our first anniversary and we have all of you to thank! On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba take a look back at the last year of creating this space dedicated to having meaningful conversations and revisit some of our favorite conversations. We get into: Can Allen make it through an MLS Workout? Nashville SC's Sam Surridge is Surging Going into Open Cup...

Alex Freeman has been on an absolute tear - from starting eleven on Orlando City SC to solidifying himself on the USMNT. We welcome Alex to talk about his journey of being the son of an NFL player and choosing his own path on the pitch. We get into: USMNT silencing the critics after matches against Japan & Korea Alex Freeman getting into the 1st team for Orlando City SC Fighting for a USMNT Ro...

We Get Into: The significance of Seattle’s consistent excellence across multiple competitions, including MLS Cup, Supporters Shield, CONCACAF Champions, and Leagues Cup. The innovative marketing moves, like community outreach and youth development, that set a blueprint for future MLS chapters. Inter Miami CF is not bigger than the game after the on-field incident. Authenticity and Class in how the...

What is it like to be part of a team when an offense is clicking and fighting for playoff positioning? On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about the MLS table and which teams are getting ready for a real MLS Cup run. We get into: Allen stumbles across crazy story of a man in Turkey who goes missing 90's music & Cracker Barrel rebranding USMNT Roster for Sep...

What is it like to be the voice of American Soccer for over 3 decades? On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba kick it with the one and only Max Bretos as he shares his journey with the beautiful game - something that he knew he wanted to be a part of since his college days. We get into: The Early Days of Fox Soccer Channel The Tidal Wave Effect of Son Heung-Min coming...

Once it was official we'd be in Austin for All-Star Week, we had to hit up the homies – we hit up friends of the show Miles Robinson, Maurice Edu, and Gyasi Zardes to catch up and get all the real talk. We get into: Being a professional footballer is just a job Living up to expectations from family Being a leader on and off the pitch Staying away from the noise Transitioning from the pitch to the...

What does it truly mean to be grateful everyday and understand your origin story? On this episode of New Ground , Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba welcome MLS Ironman Kei Kamara who shares his experience of escaping a war torn Sierra Leone and is living out the American Dream. We get into: Reflecting on 20 years of professional soccer Consistency is key through the years Escaping Civil War in S...

For as accomplished 9-year professional Tesho Akindele is, he knew it was time to start thinking about life after football. Tesho Akindele is a former professional soccer player and MLS Cup champion known for his time with FC Dallas and Orlando City SC. A dynamic forward with a sharp eye for goal, he made an immediate impact in Major League Soccer, earning Rookie of the Year honors in 2014. Born i...

Yo! We in the building LIVE from Q2 Stadium in Austin, Texas for the MLS All-Star Game What an honor to open up the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. New Ground hosts Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba kick it in the booth prior to kickoff of the mid-season celebration. We get into: Hometown Heroes of Austin, Texas Unlocking core memories for All-Stars Austin FC Playing Host Messi skipping the MLS All-Star...

We Get Into: FLOWERS: Collegiate Soccer Players and Defender Aaron Long - - - If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

Gyasi Zardes is loving his life as a father and juggling the responsibilities of being a professional footballer. Gyasi reveals how growing up in Hawthorne shaped his resilient, authentic approach on and off the field. He's driven by faith, community, and a lifelong commitment to excellence. We Get Into: Gyasi's multicultural upbringing fueled his passion and perspective His signature mohawk Navig...

What would it be like to have always been really good at soccer? Darlington Nagbe wouldn't know. Entering his 15th season in MLS, we check in with the all-time great that could have his number retired at each of the clubs he's represented (yeah, he's that good). We get into: Jordan Allen as head coach of RSL Academy’s U-17s From a promising player to a top-tier coach with two MLS Next championship...

Five years ago, a group of Black Major League Soccer players refused to stay silent in the face of racial injustice, sparking a movement that transformed their sport and society. Allen and Jalil are joined by co-founding members Justin Morrow, Ike Opara, and Earl Edwards Jr. as this episode dives into the raw, unfiltered stories of those who led the charge—creating BPC (Black Players for Change)—a...

Discover the secret sauce that transforms promising players into legendary icons, and learn how organizations like Columbus Crew foster a unbreakable team spirit that resonates both on and off the pitch. Issa Tall is the visionary General Manager of Columbus Crew, a leader known for transforming organizations through culture, strategic vision, and authentic connection—building a team that embodies...

Imagine growing up in a city where soccer wasn’t just a sport, but a symbol of identity, community, and chasing dreams larger than the game itself. Lamar Neagle's story of resilience, representation, and transformation from the streets of Federal Way to the international stage.. He shares how he navigated obstacles, found his voice, and made history on the field—and how he’s now shaping lives off...

What 14-year old convinces his family to travel to Brazil by himself so that he could train? How would you handle the culture shock and living on your own? Calen Carr is former MLS striker, Carr played 8 seasons in the league after being selected in the first round of the 2006 MLS SuperDraft by the Chicago Fire. He spent five years in Chicago where he helped the club win the U.S. Open Cup before j...

What would it be like to have always been really good at soccer? Darlington Nagbe wouldn't know. Entering his 15th season in MLS, we check in with the all-time great that could have his number retired at each of the clubs he's represented (yeah, he's that good). We get into: Chris Richards’ steady at Crystal Palace, Tyler Adams’ explosive EPL impact Baky Soumaré prepped life after footy while he w...

Close your eyes and envision scoring 4 goals in one game. Whitecaps Striker Brian White doesn't need to use his imagination as he just did it. Brian White is the all-time leading goal scorer for Vancouver and there is he is not stopping anytime soon. He opens up about the culture of the club and how their bonds propel them to their success. We get into: Champions League semi-final, defense-optiona...