Afleveringen
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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 mentorship, the transition to European soccer, and his mission to change the narrative around youth training—encouraging young players to dream big and highlighting the role of former pros in shaping the next generation.
We get into:
- Arsenal wins EPL
- Winning Coaches in Europe
- Coaching changes in MLS
- Eddie Johnson’s intro to soccer
- Capitalizing on opportunity
- Youngest MLS Hat Trick
- USMNT Experience
- Transition to Europe
- Finding his calling in player development
- FLOWERS: the unsung Staff heroes
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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 PlayersBest season by an American in EuropeWeston McKennie's Versatility MLS heading into the World Cup breakNew England Revolution surprising in the EastMLS youth movementPlayer pathwaysWorld Cup memoriesFLOWERS: Darian Jenkins, World Cup Content Creators -
Zijn er afleveringen die ontbreken?
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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 stylesChampions League Final PreviewNYRB Julian Hall wearing his Mom's last name on his jerseyHandling pressureHow NYRB Coach Michael Bradley has impacted his developmentWhat is a New York footballer?How former pro Cory Gibbs has been InfluentialExcited for the World CupFLOWERS: Shout out to our Moms -
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 Unveiling this past week. Not gonna lie, Cobi's statue is better than David Beckham and Landon Donovan's.
We get into:
Can Jalil become elite at pickleball?Allen at Cobi Jones Statue UnveilingChampions League 1st leg of SemifinalsSan Jose best in the league2nd best Whitecaps needs to stay in VancouverSan Diego FC need to take it one at a time to turn it aroundFLOWERS: Siblings & Maxi Moralez- - -
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.
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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 LABecoming the hated LA GalaxyThen vs Now - Comparing the state of the leagueOlympic Festivals and USMNT ExperienceCobi gets flowers for his impact on Black community- - -
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.
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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 CFMatt Crocker Leaves US Soccer for Saudi ArabiaOusseni Bouda's life at the top of the MLS TablePlaying for Bruce ArenaRight to Dream Academy PathwayFLOWERS: Carbral Carter, Marie-Louise Eta, Jeremy Hall -
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 seenGA Cup, US Development is closing the gapAllen can stop Lamine YamalBest right footed playersInverted Wing positionBottom of the table MLSWild, wild westFLOWERS & PRAYERS to Patrick Agyemang- - -
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.
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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. His grind, humility and hunger for more have us cheering him on.
We get into:
The growth of GA CupUSMNT casting doubtTino Lopez goal line clearance against San JoseGetting signed to the first teamA Vegas underdog storyFLOWERS: DeJuan Jones & All Families at GA Cup- - -
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.
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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 PortugalBalancing communication with PlayersArsenal's Loss Ends their bid for "Quadruple"Nashville SC's Sam Surridge MLS Player of the MonthImpact of Antoine Griezmann to Orlando City SC"Rich Motzkin" calls Jalil about coming out of retirement for TSTFLOWERS: Oakland Roots and Nashville SC Goalkeeper Brian Schwake- - -
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.
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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 his effortless magic that elevates his teammates and what makes him unlike Cristiano Ronaldo who represent the best of their era.
Also, as the March Madness heats up, Allen talks about his personal relationship with the Legendary Coach John. Wooden. .
We get into:
Fixing College Soccer and Build Their Own Yearly TournamentMessi Scores 900th GoalNashville eliminates Inter Miami CFAllen On His Relationship with Legendary Coach John WoodenUSMNT Rosters are Shaping UpTaking US Open Cup SeriouslyThe Importance of Veterans Supporting Young PlayersFLOWERS: College Student Athletes & Academy Players- - -
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.
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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 Champions League clash against Manchester City. But are those two things the same?
We also get a wild story about the time Jalil volunteered - yes, he asked for it - to play Goalkeeper as a member of the Houston Dynamo.
We get into:
Soccer's Equivalent to 83 points in the NBAChampions League is Like a Yearly World CupWho Was Elite at Neutralizing a Bad BallJalil Subs In for Goalkeeper?!Oscar Pareja's Out in Orlando CityNashville / Inter Miami RivalryThe Rise of LAFC's David MartinezPhiladelphia Union Winless without Key PlayersFLOWERS: Brooklyn FC's HC Marlon LeBlanc & New England Revolution II's HC Pablo Moreira- - -
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.
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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 bootsHold your breath Arsenal fansNaomi Girma shows out back with USWNTSwag don't lag with Rose LavelleWeston McKennie extended through 2030Messi bags a brace or Inter Miami CFNY Red Bulls values their youthChicago Fire reestablishing themselves a destinationDC United flipping the script from '25?Does MLS need LIGA MX for All-Star Game?Flowers: Giselle Thompson and Community Service- - -
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.
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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 venomNew York Red Bulls' starting 3 teenagers under Matt BradleyNashville SC's 3 Headed Monster with Surridge, Mukhtar, and EspinozaKeep on dancing Vini Jr.USMNT Player Pool finding their form at the right timeMLS Matchday 2 PreviewFlowers; Ray Gaddis and MLS Referees (Tori Penso, Kathryn Nesbitt, Meghan Mullen)- - -
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.
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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 IncidentJose Mourinho Gaslighting CommentsUSMNT Strikers Finding their Form10 Questions Leading Into MLS Season 31Flowers: Savy King (Angel City FC) & CBS Champions League Broadcast Team- - -
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.
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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 PeopleKC Current Makes Move to Get Croix BethuneDoes the Super Bowl compare to the World Cup Final?Jalil Played for the Kraft Family, but Not Invested in the PatriotsPreference for How to LoseFlowers: DeJuan Jones (San Jose Earthquakes) & Justine Emmanwori- - -
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.
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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 TeamBad Bunny living his best lifeAlex Freeman to Villarreal FC (La Liga)Obed Vargas to Atlético Madrid (La Liga)Patrick Agyemang to Derby County (EFL Championship)Young Talent in the USMNT Player PoolFlowers: Oguchi Onyewu, Amir Lowery, & Nashville Workers Aiding in Storm Recovery- - -
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.
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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 GrindWhich Things are Actually Important in Preseason?CONCACAF Impact to Preseason Ramp UpFlowers: Cobi Jones and Andrei Chirilă (FC Cincinnati) and Academy/2nd team players- - -
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.
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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 encyclopediasWhy the passion in African football breaks boundaries and stereotypesHow African nations like Senegal are redefining greatness against all oddsLook at the rising stars of the US men's national team, Wes McKinney and Christian PulisicFLOWERS: Attorney and Restauranteur Kevin Kelly & Dr. Diego Gutierrez- - -
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.
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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 PreseasonOne of Jalil's Best Preseasons was Playing International CompetitionUSMNT Chris Richards is Ballin' Out at Crystal PalaceAFCON UpdatesFlowers: U.S. Coaches Convention Attendees & Team Administrators- - -
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.
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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 AnxietyMLS Rookie SymposiumAfrican Cup of NationsFlowers; 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 someone who lives and breathes the game.
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