Kling Goes to Referee Camp

Kling Goes to Referee Camp

Author: US Soccer | Cumulus Podcast Network April 22, 2026 Duration: 53:22
World Cup winner Meghan Klingenberg played soccer at the highest level, but can she cut it as a referee? Find out on this special episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel, when Kling embeds at National Match Official Camp to find out what it takes to be an elite referee. Along the way, Kling will analyze refereeing decisions, referee games and take on the dreaded fitness. And she’ll also put her preconceived notions to the test and find out who referees really are, and why they sacrifice so much to be a part of the game.   0:00 – Cold open  3:36 – Kling goes to camp  7:47 – Kling meets the referees  17:50 – Kling runs the fitness test 24:55 – Kling refs small-sided games  27:34 – Camp closing ceremony  30:40 – Kling’s closing thoughts  36:33 – Ask the Pros presented by O’Reilly Auto Parts    The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is a production from U.S. Soccer hosted by David Gass, former USWNT star Meghan Klingenberg and USMNT great Alejandro Bedoya. The podcast brings you in-depth interviews with U.S. Soccer stars of the past, present and future. Episodes drop weekly on Wednesdays.  Hosts: Meghan Klingenberg, David Gass  Written by Meghan Klingenberg and Matthew Nelson  Produced by Matthew Nelson  Edited by Matthew Nelson and Patrick Nichols  Videography by Edwin Hernandez and Graham Rowlands  Still images by Kelly Gavin  Special thanks to Kari Seitz, Matt Cheeseman and Jared Mundie  To learn more, visit 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: 49

U.S. Soccer Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Inside The USMNT’s World Cup Prep with Matt Crocker [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 44:46
The stage is set! The U.S. Men’s National Team was drawn into Group D along with Paraguay, Australia and the winner of UEFA Playoff C – either Kosovo, Romania, Slovakia or Türkiye – at the 2026 FIFA World Cup Final Draw…
Mauricio Pochettino On Why The USMNT’s Time is Now [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 51:27
We’re taking you behind the scenes of the U.S. Soccer Summit in New York City with this week’s episode which features an exclusive panel interview with USMNT head coach Mauricio Pochettino and assistant coach Jesús Pérez…
Mauricio Pochettino's Right-Hand Man Speaks | U.S. Soccer Podcast [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 54:42
Have you ever wondered who’s next to head coach Mauricio Pochettino on the bench during a U.S. Men’s National Team match? Get to know Jesús Pérez, USMNT assistant coach, Pochettino’s right-hand man and this week’s featur…
Sam Coffey on Piano, Portland and Pre-Game Speeches [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 59:53
Sam Coffey is a woman of many talents, as we learn in this giggle-filled and thoughtful episode of the U.S. Soccer Podcast. Straight from October camp with the U.S. Women’s National Team, the USWNT and Portland Thorns mi…
Alyssa Naeher’s Journey to Greatness (Part 2) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:05:03
Alyssa Naeher, one of the greatest goalkeepers in U.S. and world history, continues her two-part conversation on the U.S. Soccer Podcast. Click here for Part 1 with Alyssa Naeher The legendary USWNT goalkeeper talks thro…
Alyssa Naeher’s Journey to Greatness (Part 1) [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:06:38
Alyssa Naeher, one of the greatest goalkeepers in U.S. and world history, joins the U.S. Soccer Podcast for the first of a two-episode interview. The legendary USWNT goalkeeper sits down with friend, host and former team…
Landon Donovan Live! [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:19:11
The latest episode of the U.S. Podcast features none other than USMNT and soccer legend Landon Donovan. In the revealing and open conversation (2:08), which includes talk about his new hair, Donovan takes us behind the s…
Jack McGlynn Talks World Cup Dreams & Injury Woes [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 56:12
The Philadelphia Union won the 2025 Supporters’ Shield in MLS this past weekend, and we have a behind-the-scenes perspective from our very own Alejandro Bedoya, who took a bloody nose in the Union’s title-clinching night…