Tim Weah Controversy, Pepi's Spot in Jeopardy, and World Cup Starting XI with Marcelo Balboa

Tim Weah Controversy, Pepi's Spot in Jeopardy, and World Cup Starting XI with Marcelo Balboa

Author: iHeartPodcasts February 4, 2026 Duration: 59:13

With Tom on paternity leave for a few weeks, Tab Ramos teams up with MLS Armchair Analyst Matt Doyle, and they are joined by USMNT legend Marcelo Balboa for an epic show! They discuss the pressure on the current National Team to at least reach the Quarterfinals of the 2026 World Cup, and why it was easier being the underdog back in the day. Tom and Marcelo talk about how Pochettino should have handled the ticket prices comments from Tim Weah, the Alex Freeman move to Villarreal, plus Ricardo Pepi's failed move to Fulham and it's impact on his place on the USMNT roster. We also get Marcelo's Starting XI for the U.S., his advice for the 2026 squad, and the behind the scenes details of his legendary near miss bicycle kick goal vs Colombia in the 1994 World Cup. 

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For those who live and breathe the domestic game, Inside American Soccer with Tom Bogert and Tab Ramos offers a conversation that feels like pulling up a chair at the experts' table. This isn't just surface-level recap; it's a deep, nuanced discussion driven by two distinct and authoritative voices. Tom Bogert brings his boots-on-the-ground reporting, delivering the latest transfer whispers, roster updates, and breaking news from every corner of Major League Soccer and beyond. Paired with him is the legendary Tab Ramos, whose perspective is forged from decades at the highest levels as a player, a coach for U.S. Soccer, and a keen tactical mind. Together, they unpack the performances of the United States Men's National Team with a critical yet constructive eye, analyzing formations, player development, and the pressures of international competition. Each episode of this podcast feels like an insider's briefing, where informed opinions are debated and the stories behind the headlines are fully explored. It’s for the fan who wants to understand not just what happened, but why it matters for the future of American soccer. The dynamic between Bogert's journalistic rigor and Ramos's experiential wisdom creates a uniquely valuable listen, produced by iHeartPodcasts, for anyone invested in the sport's growth in this country.
Author: Language: en-us Episodes: 50

Inside American Soccer with Tom Bogert and Tab Ramos
Podcast Episodes
Pulisic's Future, Sargent to MLS, and Stories from 1989 in Trinidad [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 58:19
Tom and Tab get into the Pepi injury fallout, Josh Sargent's potential move to Toronto FC, what to make of Weston McKennie's goal scoring surge and when Christian Pulisic will come home to MLS. They answer your mailbag q…
Pulisic on Fire, Pepi to Fulham? and Adams Injury Concerns [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:37
Tom and Tab discuss the latest on Americans playing abroad as well as the most up to date news on injuries and transfer rumors. Should Mauricio Pochettino switch to a 3-5-2 formation and build the system around Christian…
World Cup Draw Reaction Special: Analysis of Dream Draw for USMNT [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 42:25
Tom and Tab react to the USMNT's very favorable World Cup draw, breaking down the matchups with Paraguay, Australia, and likely Turkiye. They get into why expectations for the team are now raised, and how the draw will i…