AN AMERICAN GAME

AITA? I'm Co-Hosting the World Cup with Mexico and Canada

In 2018, when the United States, Mexico, and Canada were selected to co-host this year’s World Cup, it sounded like fun: three friendly democracies throwing the world's biggest soccer party.LOL. LMAO, even. To kick off Season 2 of AAG, Tom and Kirk take a look at our (longer than you think) soccer history with our northern and southern neighbors and put some color back on what’s become a pretty crude, black-and-white picture. Because despite all the recent division, we’re actually more connected than ever. And that's something to root for this summer!

Generation VICTORY: A Tribute to the Greatest Holiday Soccer Film Ever Made

We’re back! Sort of. Season Two of AN AMERICAN GAME will be coming your way in February 2026, and we’ve got so many new stories to share about US soccer history that we’re burning one now. Hahaha that can’t possibly come back to bite us, right?Anyway, think of this as a holiday gift, because it’s about one of our favorite holiday films: the movie that influenced some of our greatest players, coaches...and podcasters. We’re talking, of course, about the Stallone/Caine/Pelé classic, VICTORY, a.k.a. ESCAPE TO VICTORY. Give a listen to find out how it was made–and why we’re still talking about a movie that was, in 1981, less popular than Ringo Starr’s CAVEMAN.

Soccertowns: A Starting XI of US Soccer

If towns make a nation, we think our soccertowns make us a soccer nation. That’s kind of, like, our whole thing–it’s literally the name of the show. In our final episode of Season 1, we play a full 90 minutes (plus added time!) and dig into the deep roots of the game across the United States, from sea to shining sea. If you think we got our lineup wrong, let us know at: soccertownmedia@gmail.comOr hit us up on Instagram @SoccertownMedia Or on Bluesky @soccertownmedia.bsky.socialOr write a song about it, Alexi.And for more history:S.A.S.H.: https://www.ussoccerhistory.org/Washington State: https://history.wasoccerlegends.org/

Water Break

Look, if it were up to Tom and Kirk they'd just play through but, you know, Wet-Bulb Temperature, FIFPRO Players' Union mandates, blah blah blah.So while the team guzzles [ENERGY DRINK SPONSOR TK], enjoy this mini-episode where they follow up on some earlier stories, make a few (small) corrections, and chat a bit about a recurring character on AN AMERICAN GAME: Alexi Lalas.Back next week to finish the game- er, season!

Little Earthquakes: The First Women’s National Team

The US victory in the 1999 Women’s World Cup has been called “a tsunami hitting the shore” for women’s soccer in the United States. But the seismic activity that started that wave goes way back to the 19th century. (Surprised? You must be new here.) Tom and Kirk track the long line of women’s soccer that led to an under-appreciated quake: the formation of the very first US Women’s National Team, the 85ers, whose wild week at a tournament in Italy 40 years ago laid the foundation for one of the most dominant programs in American sports. OOSA!Also, we give a shout-out to a member of the women’s national team pool from the 90s, whose daughter, a standout soccer player in Los Angeles, was diagnosed with stage 4 cancer a few years ago. The family has started a foundation dedicated to raising awareness about pediatric cancer, advocating for research and funding, and supporting other kids facing similar challenges. The women's soccer community, including the 99ers, have rallied around them--and so can you.Check out what they’re doing:Zoe’s Goal: https://zoesgoal.org/