Paxten Aaronson on Returning to MLS, Open Cup Semifinals & Brother Brenden

Paxten Aaronson on Returning to MLS, Open Cup Semifinals & Brother Brenden

Author: US Soccer | Cumulus Podcast Network September 16, 2026 Duration: 49:17
Paxten Aaronson signed his first pro contract at 16, won the Golden Boot AND the Golden Ball at the 2022 U-20 Concacaf Championship, played a German Cup final in front of 100,000 people in Berlin, and represented the USA at the Paris 2024 Olympics — all before turning 24 years old. Now he's the man in the middle for the Colorado Rapids. And he wants the pressure. Host Meghan Klingenberg sits down with the Rapids midfielder for a wide-ranging conversation about the journey to this point. Paxten also opens up about growing up as Brenden Aaronson's "annoying little brother," what it felt like to watch his brother live out a home World Cup dream this past summer, and the one story he'll never let him forget — beating him at golf on his wedding day. Paxten and the Colorado Rapids take on St. Louis CITY SC in the U.S. Open Cup Semifinals on Wednesday, Sept. 16 at DICK'S Sporting Goods Park. Kickoff is 7:30 p.m. MT on CBS Sports Network and Paramount+. 01:25 - Meghan Klingenberg opens the show 02:35 - Growing up with Brenden: the annoying little brother 06:10 - Watching his brother play a home World Cup 07:03 - The wedding — and beating Brenden at golf 09:03 - Leaving home at 13 for the Philadelphia Union Academy 16:45 - Playing with Alejandro Bedoya and the club's brand of belief 20:50 - 2022 U-20 Concacaf Golden Boot & Golden Ball 25:24 - Paris 2024: France in Marseille with the U.S. crest on the chest 29:11 - Culture shock in Frankfurt: 100 degrees and no AC 31:25 - Why he came back to MLS 33:14 - Denver Summit, Mile High and a growing soccer city 34:52 - Downtime isn't free time: recovery, hikes and video games 37:41 - Open Cup semifinal vs. St. Louis — what has to change 44:42 - When do you trust a young player in a knockout game? 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

U.S. Soccer Podcast
Podcast Episodes
Brenden Aaronson, Max Arfsten & Bosnia Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 55:30
The knockout stage is here. U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel host Meghan Klingenberg and David Gass break down the USMNT's Round of 32 matchup with Bosnia and Herzegovina, what Mauricio Pochettino's side can expec…
USMNT Knockout Round Preview: Bosnia, Pulisic & Lessons from Turkey [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:42
The USMNT is through to the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Meghan Klingenberg and Heath Pearce react to the group stage finale against Turkey, discuss Christian Pulisic’s return, Austin Trusty’s breakout mom…
Auston Trusty on His World Cup Debut + USMNT vs. Türkiye Preview [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:07:04
The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is back as the USMNT prepares to close out the group stage against Türkiye. Meghan Klingenberg and David Gass break down the matchup, what makes Türkiye a dangerous opponent an…
USMNT defeat Australia 2-0 in Seattle, post-game reaction [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:57
The U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel is live from U.S. Soccer House presented by Bank of America in Venice Beach following the USMNT’s 2-0 win over Australia. Meghan Klingenberg and Heath Pierce break down a gritt…
Tim Ream on the World Cup, Tierna Davidson on Pride [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:14:03
The USMNT is riding high after a statement-making World Cup opener against Paraguay, but there's no time to relax with Australia next on the schedule. Meghan Klingenberg and David Gass break down what made the U.S. perfo…
USMNT-Paraguay Postgame Show: Reaction to HUGE 4-1 win [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 33:42
The U.S. Soccer Podcast, presented by Henkel went live from Soccer House, presented by Bank of America in Venice Beach, after the USMNT's resounding 4-1 win over Paraguay to open the 2026 FIFA World Cup. Host Meghan Klin…
USA-Paraguay Preview Plus USMNT's Sebastian Berhalter & Alex Freeman [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 1:12:54
U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by Henkel host Meghan Klingenberg is on the ground in Los Angeles covering FIFA World Cup 2026! She's bringing you all the fun content -- player interviews, match previews, animal prediction…
World Cup Kickoff: Guide to U.S. Soccer's Summer Of Activities [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:49
U.S. Soccer host Meghan Klingenberg sits down with Duda Pavão, host of the Stars & Stripes House in the U.S. Men's National Team base camp, to talk through everything you can expect from the podcast and U.S. Soccer durin…
Soccer Bestie: The Ultimate Guide to USMNT Lore [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:46
Ever wondered how the USA got to host the 1994 World Cup? What's dos a cero? And what's up with those steamy pictures of Landon Donovan slurping from a water fountain? Don’t worry, the U.S. Soccer Podcast presented by He…