New Ground with Allen & Jalil | Podcast on RSS.com

New Ground with Allen & Jalil

New Ground with Allen & Jalil

by New Ground

Sports News Soccer

082: Eddie Johnson was American's first inner-city star

Talent is widespread, but opportunities are not. Eddie Johnson made his mark on the USMNT and MLS and now runs player development day in, day out. Eddie shares his journey from growing up in Florida to becoming a key figure in American soccer. He reflects on his career, the challenges he faced, and the pivotal moments that shaped him. Now a renowned player development coach, Johnson discusses mentorship, the transition to European soccer, and his mission to change the narrative around youth training—encouraging young players to dream big and highlighting the role of former pros in shaping the next generation. We get into: - Arsenal wins EPL - Winning Coaches in Europe - Coaching changes in MLS - Eddie Johnson’s intro to soccer - Capitalizing on opportunity - Youngest MLS Hat Trick - USMNT Experience - Transition to Europe - Finding his calling in player development - FLOWERS: the unsung Staff heroes

081: Who is your favorite player of all-time? And which American player had the best season in Europe?

Who is your favorite player of all-time? What a loaded question to open up this week's episode. Allen and Jalil also discuss which American had the best season for European clubs. With less than a month away from World Cup play, we gotta check in and see who is in form. We get into: All-time Favorite Players Best season by an American in Europe Weston McKennie's Versatility MLS heading into the World Cup break New England Revolution surprising in the East MLS youth movement Player pathways World Cup memories FLOWERS: Darian Jenkins, World Cup Content Creators

080: Julian Zakrzewski Hall says his fellow New Yorkers have that “grit”

What’s in a name? For Julian Zakrzewski Hall it’s a way to honor his Mother who has been alongside him every step of the way to his breakout start to the 2026 campaign. The New York Red Bulls rising star shows he us wise beyond his years in his conversation with Allen and Jalil. We get into: Black culture and noteable footballer hair styles Champions League Final Preview NYRB Julian Hall wearing his Mom's last name on his jersey Handling pressure How NYRB Coach Michael Bradley has impacted his development What is a New York footballer? How former pro Cory Gibbs has been Influential Excited for the World Cup FLOWERS: Shout out to our Moms

079: Everyone be scoring goals like crazy. Was the 2022 World Cup Final a sign of what we see today?

You get a goal, you get a goal, we all get a goal! The offensive output across competitions has been a topic of conversation the last few months and this week it was in full motion as Paris Saint-Germain F.C. defeated FC Bayern Munich 5-4 in the 1st leg of their Champions League match. Allen reflects on his time connected to the LA Galaxy early in his career as he attended the Cobi Jones Statue Unveiling this past week. Not gonna lie, Cobi's statue is better than David Beckham and Landon Donovan's. We get into: Can Jalil become elite at pickleball? Allen at Cobi Jones Statue Unveiling Champions League 1st leg of Semifinals San Jose best in the league 2nd best Whitecaps needs to stay in Vancouver San Diego FC need to take it one at a time to turn it around FLOWERS: Siblings & Maxi Moralez - - - If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

078: USMNT & MLS Legend Cobi Jones has always been larger than life

Southern California legend Cobi Jones will be immortalized by the LA Galaxy with a 9' statue outside of the stadium he helped build at Dignity Health Park. Whether it was his dominances at UCLA, launching a franchise and league in the MLS, or becoming the most capped player in USMNT history, Cobi Jones made an impact on and off the field. We get into: The Statue Unveiling in LA Becoming the hated LA Galaxy Then vs Now - Comparing the state of the league Olympic Festivals and USMNT Experience Cobi gets flowers for his impact on Black community - - - If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

077: Ousseni Bouda ditched school and set up his path to the MLS

Do you ever think about those moments in your life where you made a choice that set you up the rest of your life? San Jose Earthquakes attacker Ousseni Bouda had that moment at 11-years old where he cut class and set him up on his path to becoming a professional footballer. We get into: Javier Mascherano sacked in Inter Miami CF Matt Crocker Leaves US Soccer for Saudi Arabia Ousseni Bouda's life at the top of the MLS Table Playing for Bruce Arena Right to Dream Academy Pathway FLOWERS: Carbral Carter, Marie-Louise Eta, Jeremy Hall

076: Pelé, Ronaldo, Zidane: Who is the best right-footed players of all-time?

Left-footed strikes just look better. We know this. We also know you can probably get away with not having a great right foot. With that said, who makes your Mount Rushmore for best right-footed players of all time? We get into: Craziest recovery speed Jalil has seen GA Cup, US Development is closing the gap Allen can stop Lamine Yamal Best right footed players Inverted Wing position Bottom of the table MLS Wild, wild west FLOWERS & PRAYERS to Patrick Agyemang - - - If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

075: Sounders' Antino Lopez says he'll take 3 straight clean sheets over a hat trick

Antino Lopez's story highlights the power of staying true to your grind, embracing the process, and trusting that perseverance pays off. Tino made some noise with a remarkable goal line clearance to keep a clean sheet in a recent match against the San Jose Earthquakes. He was a last-minute call up and his efforts this season and over the last two years earned him a contract with the first team. His grind, humility and hunger for more have us cheering him on. We get into: The growth of GA Cup USMNT casting doubt Tino Lopez goal line clearance against San Jose Getting signed to the first team A Vegas underdog story FLOWERS: DeJuan Jones & All Families at GA Cup - - - If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

074: Pochettino’s USMNT Roster Nearly Set for World Cup?

Hosts Allen Hopins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba talk about USMNT March camp as they prepare for friendlies against Belgium and Portugal. With so few matches before the World Cup on home soil, everyone will see where this team stands against tough opponents. We Get Into: The State of USMNT ahead of friendlies with Belgium and Portugal Balancing communication with Players Arsenal's Loss Ends their bid for "Quadruple" Nashville SC's Sam Surridge MLS Player of the Month Impact of Antoine Griezmann to Orlando City SC "Rich Motzkin" calls Jalil about coming out of retirement for TST FLOWERS: Oakland Roots and Nashville SC Goalkeeper Brian Schwake - - - If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

073: Congrats to the GOAT as Messi Scores His 900th Goal

Can you wrap your head around scoring 900 goals as a professional footballer? On this episode of New Ground, Allen Hopkins Jr. and Jalil Anibaba look at Lionel Messi's latest achievement during Inter Miami CF's latest match against growing rival Nashville SC – unfortunately his efforts weren't enough to push his team through the next round of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Allen and Jalil discuss his effortless magic that elevates his teammates and what makes him unlike Cristiano Ronaldo who represent the best of their era. Also, as the March Madness heats up, Allen talks about his personal relationship with the Legendary Coach John. Wooden. . We get into: Fixing College Soccer and Build Their Own Yearly Tournament Messi Scores 900th Goal Nashville eliminates Inter Miami CF Allen On His Relationship with Legendary Coach John Wooden USMNT Rosters are Shaping Up Taking US Open Cup Seriously The Importance of Veterans Supporting Young Players FLOWERS: College Student Athletes & Academy Players - - - If you want real conversations from inside MLS and all things global footy, follow New Ground and SHARE this episode with someone who lives and breathes the game.

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