Rooster and the Villain: An American Soccer Podcast

The boys jump deep into the USMNT's chances heading into the tournament.

Jimmy and Mike get together to talk about the upcoming tournament. Come hang with us!

STRDA Worldwide (or STRDA) is a Philadelphia based brand dedicate to soccer, creating community, player development, hosting soccer-related events, and selling soccer apparel.    I met Jeff Degnan at the United States Soccer Coaching Convention in Philadelphia and was excited to get him and his business partner, Mark Casasanto on the podcast to talk about their soccer venture (and all things socce...

Fox Sports hosted one of the most popular sessions at the United States Soccer Coaching Convention in 2026 when they discussed the plans for the coverage of the 2026 World Cup. Great session with Carli Lloyd, Alexi Llalas, and JP Delacamera. 

Jozy's session at the US Soccer Coaching Convention was a can't miss for me. I enjoyed hearing about his journey as the child of Haitian immigrants trying to make a name for themselves in our country. I had the chance to briefly chat with Jozy about the session the next day and am impressed of how genuine he is. Hope you enjoy this as much as I did.

Hello Good Internet Soccer People, I had the pleasure of attending the US Soccer Coaching Convention in Philly last week and I was completely blown away. Over 12,000 American Soccer people came into town to talk all aspects of the game and it was like I died and went to the big field in the sky. I will be bringing you new podcast content for 10 straight weeks and am starting with Keith Tozer's pre...

Jake is building an indoor soccer company in St. Cloud, Minnesota. We talk with Jake about the inspiration beyond the brand, how he's building it up, and what the next steps are.

With the USL Championship's Collective Bargaining Agreement ending on December 31, 2025, the USLPA is in the verge of its toughest negotiation yet.  We talk about the Connor's playing career, the first CBA that was ratified in 2021, and what the challenges will be as they finalize the new CBA that they've been working on for over two years. 

Mike lit the beacon, and Jake answered the call. Come join us as we cover a wide range of US soccer topics!

Forward Madison and their flamingo crest is one of the more recognizable brands in USL League One. As one of founding members of League One back in 2019, with consistent attendance numbers of ~4,000 fans, the club has been a model of what clubs can strive to be in the 3rd tier of Professional soccer in this Country. Rob Chappell has been following along since the beginning through his podcast, “Ta...

USL League One spreading out West is an essential part of the plan over the next few years (“ Manifest Destiny for L1 ”). Forming a Western Division would cut down on travel costs and make a 3rd tier professional club more affordable to operate. It is cities like Boise that are the perfect fit for joining the USL Western Front. The intrigue for the city as a potential soccer hotbed piqued after tw...

Jake attempts a solo-dolo episode and gets a little help from someone special to him.

Sorry folks, we've been taking a personal break lately. This "new" show is more discussion based, and we leave more room for how we feel about our favorite league in the world. So come welcome us back and listen to us wax poetically about Cal Jennings, the Locomotive attack, and what's gone wrong with Tampa Bay. Also, Jake says nice things about New Mexico United!

In late 2024, USL Dallas announced their intention to add Dallas to their list of USL Championship clubs for 2027. Led by co-founders and long time friends, Matt Valentine and Sam Morton, the club is poised to enter a market that is also occupied by Major League Soccer. I was fortunate enough to have Matt on the podcast to discuss this exciting USL project. We talk about Matt’s personal history wi...

Just wanted to get the word out on the USL Adventure Show on the R&V channel. If you haven't yet, go check it out on Beyond the 90!

Hello out there. Just getting something out there to explain my inaction.

Sean McGee has spent his life hustling to make it in the business of sports. His journey has taken him from minor league baseball, to NPSL soccer with Kingston Stockade, to coaching College basketball, to business development with the Tampa Bay Lightning, and finally, to the Sarasota Paradise in Lakewood Ranch, Florida.  For those keeping track at home, Sarasota Paradise will be moving up to USL L...

Eight years ago, a 19 year old Jimmy Filerman had his first experience in the US Open Cup as a player for the South Florida Surf in USL League Two. A team of mostly amateur players in their schools’ offseasons came together to face Miami FC, who at the time was spending big money to put together a competitive roster in the NASL with Manager Alessandro Nesta (of Italian National Team Fame). The tea...

My Instagram algorithm led me to one of the more fascinating projects that I’ve seen in the lead-up to the 2026 World Cup. Ben Chehebar is working to bring a DC-based, independent cleat (boot!) company to market later this year and is taking his Instagram followers on the journey with him. Ben’s path into the Soccer industry has been via the scenic route. After a quick stop at Adidas on the West C...

I recently solicited my Instagram followers for some interviewees and Baltimore City FC responded to the request. BCFC plays in the American Premier Soccer League in America's 4th tier of the pyramid. They are new-ish to the Baltimore soccer scene but have big goals in mind. Nick Siler, the Director of Club Management and Head Coach, Joe Nixon jumped on to talk about their personal soccer history,...

Well, the fellas are contemplating moving away from premier league "coverage' and into the USL Championship coverage as we all fall down the rabbit hole of lower division soccer in the country. But for now; how about another Prem Show episode? The fellas talk about "Top 5 Underrated", quick hits on Brighton, Spurs, and Villa, and enjoy chatting about soccer. Enjoy. 

Erik has been in and around the beautiful game since his days as the Operations Director for Giants Stadium around year 2000. In that role, he got his first taste of professional soccer through the NY/NJ Metrostars, and the international teams that rolled through that area. Around 2008, he became the Managing Director for Red Bull NY and oversaw the development, opening, and operation of one of th...

Jake and Mike get together to discuss the latest updates on their clubs, and then we talk about the state of USL and soccer in America.

Forrest Tucker is currently a Sports Reporter and Anchor for WTVQ based out of Lexington, Kentucky. He shoots, writes, and edits short and long form feature stories, and has gained experience in covering College and Professional teams and covering events like March Madness, Triple Crown Horse Racing, PGA Tour, and MLS Cup.  He's also covered American soccer through his podcast, "The Cleared Off th...