Heath Pearce on the USMNT's Fall Slate & Being a Girl Dad | U.S. Soccer Podcast

Heath Pearce on the USMNT's Fall Slate & Being a Girl Dad | U.S. Soccer Podcast

Author: US Soccer | Cumulus Podcast Network August 26, 2026 Duration: 54:04
On this week's episode of the U.S. Soccer presented by Henkel, host Meghan Klingenberg is joined by her counterpart from this summer's World Cup coverage, Heath Peace. The former USMNT defender discusses his transition from professional soccer to podcasting  @orangeslicespod , highlighting the adrenaline rush of live shows and the joy of learning new skills. He reflects on his career and the importance of gratitude and personal growth. Pearce also talks about the challenges and rewards of being a left back, the impact of the 2026 FIFA World Cup on U.S. Soccer and the unique joys of being a "girl dad." As always, Kling ends the show answering fan questions in our Ask the Pros segment presented by O'Reilly Auto Parts. 01:40 - Kling interviews Heath Pearce 04:45 - Behind the scenes of their FIFA World Cup 2026 live shows 08:35 - Pearce's favorite moment from the World Cup 18:36 - Are you U.S. Soccer's most spirited fan? 20:00 - Why the next international window matters for the USMNT 30:10 - The factors that shaped Pearce's soccer career 42:38 - Who are the Heathens? 49:08 - What to expect out of the USMNT's fall matches More info: http://www.ussoccer.com/podcast Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Each week, the U.S. Soccer Podcast opens up a direct line to the individuals shaping the sport across the country. Host David Gass guides these Wednesday conversations, which are less about formal interviews and more about genuine discussions with coaches, staff, and players from every corner of the American game. You’ll hear from figures connected to the senior national teams, of course, but the dialogue consistently extends to the youth setups and the broader ecosystem dedicated to development. This approach provides a unique, ground-level perspective on the efforts to advance soccer in the United States. These are honest and often uplifting chats that go beyond scores and tactics to reveal the personal stories and professional philosophies driving progress. Tuning into this podcast means getting a clearer sense of the people behind the programs, from emerging talents to the seasoned minds guiding them. It’s an ongoing series of conversations that collectively map out the present and future of U.S. soccer, delivered through a partnership between U.S. Soccer and the Cumulus Podcast Network with support from Henkel.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 50

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