The extra-long FIFA international break finally nears its end, with New York City FC set to return to league play, but before it's time to preview a next MLS match, Michael Battista joins the usual trio of hosts Mark Radigan and John Baney and producer Andrew Leigh to discuss a trio of other topics.
First, the United States men's national team, specifically the national team debuts of local Red Bull New York products Julian Hall and Adri Mehmeti, and the general excitement around the next generation of the USMNT, with 17-year-old Cavan Sullivan continuing to break out and looking right at home while the United States beat Mexico in a friendly.
After the USMNT, the conversation shifts to local matters, beginning with the leadership changes for the New York Cosmos. Erik Stover, who'd been the club's CEO, was abruptly announced to be out of his role only two weeks after the Cosmos parted ways with their Head of Soccer, Giuseppe Rossi. Michael Battista sheds some light on the differing club-building strategies that led to rifts within the Cosmos hierarchy, then covers what could come next for the Cosmos under new sporting leadership and heading into a second season in USL League One.
Another different local team is rumored to not be returning for the next USL League One season, and that's Westchester SC, with the Mount Vernon-based club mentioned alongside Texas side Corpus Christi FC as teams that could cease operations in the near future. Michael shares what he's heard about that possibility, and that leads into a wider discussion about the challenges faced by all the local, non-MLS pro teams.
Then it's on to New York City FC playing the first of its final six regular-season matches of this season, heading to the Windy City to play Chicago Fire FC at Soldier Field this coming weekend. Are we in "must win" mode for NYCFC to salvage this season, as they sit just barely in a playoff spot? What kind of big lineup calls might Pascal Jansen make while in search of a late-season spark for his sputtering side?
Listen to the full episode embedded at the top of this post, or find it on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever else you get your podcasts.
