Open Mic | The Man Who Watched American Soccer Grow Up

Open Mic | The Man Who Watched American Soccer Grow Up

Author: Kickback Soccer Media September 18, 2026 Duration: 1:00:37

Paul Kennedy has been covering American soccer for 55 years, from the days when finding a game on TV was nearly impossible to the 2026 World Cup. He joins Open Mic to share the stories from his career, the people and games that stuck with him, and his perspective on American soccer today.

0:00 Intro

0:46 How Paul Kennedy Became a Soccer Writer

9:22 Finding the Game Through College Soccer

13:24 From Law School to Soccer America

16:13 Covering Soccer in the 80s

21:08 Career Highlights, Favorite People & Games

27:17 The Great “What If?”

33:05 Unsung Heroes of Soccer in the U.S.

36:17 The USMNT Before the 1990 World Cup

39:54 Has Soccer Made It in America?

44:39 The Future of American Soccer

51:48 55 Years of Soccer America & Paul’s Favorite Story

For the sharpest coverage of American soccer, we’ve got you covered:

https://linktr.ee/soccerwisehq


North American soccer is a sprawling, fast-moving world of its own, and Soccerwise is here to make sense of it all. This isn't just another highlight reel. Host David Gass, alongside insider Tommy "Scoops" Bogert and seasoned NWSL broadcaster Jordan Angeli, brings you into the conversation multiple times a week. They dissect the crucial matches from MLS and the NWSL, track the progress of the US National Teams, and dig into the emerging stories that define the sport on this side of the Atlantic. The analysis is informed and immediate, cutting through the noise to explain not just what happened, but why it matters. A key part of the Soccerwise dynamic is the direct line to listeners, with the team regularly weaving audience questions into their discussions, making each episode feel like a dialogue among fans who know their stuff. Tune in to this Kickback Soccer Media podcast for a comprehensive, engaging, and surprisingly detailed take on the entire ecosystem of North American soccer, from the biggest transfers to the tactical shifts you might have missed. It’s the kind of deep dive that feels like sitting in on a planning session with people who live and breathe the game, offering clarity and context whether you’re a longtime supporter or just finding your footing in the league.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

Soccerwise | U.S. Soccer, MLS, NWSL
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