Off the Woodwork

Jillian Sakovits joins Jason Longshore for a wide-ranging conversation about where the game is heading in 2026 and why this year is a beginning, not a finish line. Sakovits discusses her expanding role across MLS and the women’s game, the momentum building toward the 2026 World Cup, and what that moment means for cities like Atlanta as global soccer culture comes into sharper focus. The conversation dives deep into the NWSL’s growth, the significance of Trinity Rodman’s landmark contract, and why star power, sustainability, and equal investment are essential to the league’s next phase. The discussion also turns to MLS, where Sakovits offers a league-wide perspective on roster moves, rising pressure points, and what the return of Tata Martino means for Atlanta United as the club enters its 10th season with expectations fully reset. From preseason storylines to the unique weight Martino carries in Atlanta, this is a conversation about leadership, timing, and what happens when nostalgia meets reality. A thoughtful, forward-looking episode connecting MLS, the NWSL, and the long arc of the sport in North America, featuring one of the game’s most trusted voices, Jillian Sakovits.

Atlanta Soccer Tonight breaks down what mattered in Atlanta United’s preseason win over Lexington SC, focusing on structure, positional relationships, and why cohesion showed up across two different groups rather than just on the scoreboard. Jason Longshore and Madison Crews also dig into Atlanta United’s newest signing, Elias Báez, what his profile adds to the left side, and how competition is shaping the roster ahead of the season. Around MLS, the conversation widens to major league movement, including Obed Vargas’ move to Europe, San Jose’s signing of Timo Werner, and the reported talks linking James Rodríguez to Minnesota United. The show closes with a full 3-4-3, covering Atlanta United’s development pipeline, the start of Georgia high school soccer, and global headlines including Arsenal reaching the Carabao Cup final, Barcelona surviving a Copa del Rey scare, Olympic soccer’s nationwide footprint in 2028, and the opening stretch of the Copa Libertadores. (Note: Due to time constraints, the Jillian Sakovits interview teased on air will be released separately as a podcast.)

Jon Nelson takes you through three different interviews highlighting lower division clubs around the Southeast. Hear from Huntsville City FC managing director Chad Emerson, new Greenville Triumph head coach Dave Dixon, and Lexington Sporting Club Youth Technical Director Steve Cooke. Check out SDH AM every Monday-Friday on the Soccer Down Here YouTube & Twitch channels.

Atlanta United’s latest signing isn’t about headlines — it’s about direction. In this segment, we break down why the addition of Atlanta United FC midfielder Adrian Gill fits into a longer development pathway and what it tells us about how the club is thinking beyond the short term. We also hear directly from defender Matt Edwards, reflecting on the offseason, the role of homegrowns, Tata Martino’s message about commitment, and the identity this group wants to build toward 2026. It’s a conversation about standards, mentality, and why clarity of purpose matters as much as results.

Trinity Rodman’s new contract with the Washington Spirit is more than a star re-signing — it’s a statement about where the National Women's Soccer League is headed. In this segment, we break down why it mattered that the league and the Spirit found a way to keep one of the game’s most important players at home, including the flexibility shown to make the deal work. We also look at Rodman’s impact on the field and on the broader U.S. soccer landscape, and why her presence elevates competition, visibility, and ambition across the league. Finally, we zoom out to the bigger picture: a league that is maturing as a business, adapting in real time, and understanding that star power — when handled responsibly — drives long-term growth.

With a World Cup on home soil approaching, the most important question facing the United States men's national soccer team isn’t hype — it’s preparation. In this segment, we reset expectations for the U.S. men’s national team after a strong finish to 2025 and examine how Mauricio Pochettino has guided real growth from the start of the year to the end. We also look at why potential club moves for Alex Freeman and Ricardo Pepi could have outsized impact this summer, and what matters most for players in the pool as they head toward pre-tournament camp. This is a conversation about consistency, clarity, and doing the work now so the results can follow later.

Former elite players don’t automatically become elite coaches — and Cesc Fàbregas knows it. In this segment, we look at how Cesc Fàbregas is approaching management not as a legacy role, but as a craft. From his philosophy that structure creates freedom, to the way he’s building ideas and habits at Como, this is a conversation about teaching, clarity, and why the next generation of managers may look very different from the last. It’s not about skipping steps — it’s about respecting how hard the job really is, and why that’s good for the game.

Champions League Decision Day sets the stakes across Europe, with knockout places, byes, and reputations on the line. We break down what’s at risk, who faces real danger, and where opportunity exists to change an entire season in one night. Then we bring it home to Atlanta. Atlanta United’s signing of Adrian Gill fits into a longer development pathway, and we hear directly from Matt Edwards on the offseason work, the role of homegrowns, Tata Martino’s message, and the identity this team wants to build toward 2026. We also zoom out to the NWSL, where Trinity Rodman’s new contract represents more than a star staying put — it’s a signal of a league maturing, adapting, and investing in its future. Plus, a look ahead to the USMNT’s World Cup preparation, why key player moves matter this summer, and what we want to see from the player pool as camp approaches. All of it wrapped up with the AST 3-4-3: local stories, global headlines, and a few reasons this game still makes us smile.

On this week’s SDH Week in Review, we explore how soccer careers and soccer organizations are built. Vanuatu United midfielder William Cardona reflects on a professional journey that began in Rock Hill, South Carolina, moved through Virginia Tech, and has now taken him to the Pacific. Daniel Sperry of the Kansas City Star joins to break down the sale of Sporting Kansas City and what the Kansas City Current’s aggressive offseason says about ambition in the NWSL. And Fort Wayne FC sporting director Oliver Gage explains the challenges and opportunities of launching a new professional club from the ground up. Three interviews that show the pathways, ownership decisions, and planning that shape the modern game.

In a special conversation on Atlanta Soccer Tonight, Jason Longshore and Madison Crews sit down with Atlanta United legend Brad Guzan for his first extended interview since announcing his retirement. Guzan reflects on stepping away from the field, transitioning into broadcasting, staying involved with Atlanta United, and what the road to the 2026 World Cup looks like from a new perspective. The conversation also touches on the U.S. men’s national team, Mauricio Pochettino, Tata Martino’s influence, and the relationships that defined his career. A thoughtful look at retirement, leadership, and life after the pitch from one of the most important figures in Atlanta United history.

Jason Longshore opens a new era of Atlanta Soccer Tonight and explains why Atlanta United’s preseason signals a deeper organizational reset. From the expansion of the show to the alignment of front office, players, and coach, this episode looks at how Atlanta United is preparing for the road to 2026 and a new chapter in the club’s identity.

How is Atlanta preparing to host the 2026 FIFA World Cup? In this segment from January 20th's Atlanta Soccer Tonight, Jason Longshore breaks down the three pillars of Atlanta’s World Cup readiness: the grass conversion at Mercedes-Benz Stadium, MARTA’s transit plans, and the design of FIFA Fan Fest at Centennial Olympic Park. A detailed look at the infrastructure, operations, and planning behind one of the most complex host-city projects in global sports.

A special two-hour edition of Atlanta Soccer Tonight as Jason Longshore opens a new chapter for the show and a defining year for Atlanta soccer. The program covers Atlanta United’s preseason reset, Arsenal’s statement win and Champions League pressure matches, Atlanta’s World Cup preparations at Mercedes-Benz Stadium and across the city, Brad Guzan’s first extended interview since retirement, and the latest from around Major League Soccer. A comprehensive look at the present and future of the game in Atlanta and the road to 2026.

This week’s SDH Week in Review travels from the launch of a brand-new professional league to the day-to-day work of building sustainable clubs and communities. Don't forget, you can watch SDH AM every Monday-Friday starting at 9:05am on the SDH YouTube & Twitch channels with Jon Nelson. South Island United forward David Yoo joins the show from New Zealand as he prepares for the inaugural season of the OFC Pro League, reflecting on what it means to start something entirely new. AC Boise head coach Nate Miller discusses building identity, culture, and credibility from the ground up in one of America’s newest markets. And Macclesfield FC owner Rob Smethurst looks back on a historic FA Cup moment, what it meant for the club and supporters, and how belief can reshape a community. Three conversations. Three projects at different stages. One common theme: how soccer is built, sustained, and carried forward by people willing to invest in the long view.

Jon Nelson hosts this week’s edition of SDH Week in Review with three conversations that highlight how soccer leadership shapes communities on and off the field. Don't forget, you can watch live on the Soccer Down Here YouTube & Twitch every M-F starting at 9:05am. First, Rob Edwards of Morley Sports Management joins the show to discuss the rescue and rebuilding of historic Scottish club Hamilton Academical and what sustainable ownership really looks like in the modern game. Then, Rabieh Krayem, Deputy Chair of Solomon Islands side Solomon Kings FC, breaks down the launch of the OFC Pro League and why it could be transformative for football across Oceania. Finally, former Atlanta United captain Michael Parkhurst shares the mission behind Beyond Goals Mentoring and how today’s players can prepare for life after the final whistle. From boardrooms to locker rooms to grassroots development, this week’s episode connects the dots across the global soccer landscape.

With MLS training camps approaching, Jason Longshore breaks down both the Eastern and Western Conferences and what to expect as the 2026 season comes into focus. From Inter Miami’s roster retooling to major offseason moves across the league, the reset is underway. Plus, a full 3-4-3 segment featuring Atlanta United’s preseason outlook, transfer rumors surrounding Elías Báez, the latest in the Thiago Almada–Botafogo dispute, managerial upheaval in Europe, AFCON quarterfinal drama, Manchester City’s defensive injury crisis, and the kickoff of the Spanish Supercopa. Atlanta Soccer Tonight — where the global game always feels close to home.

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best segments every week on SDH Week in Review. You can watch SDH AM every Monday-Friday starting at 9:05am on the Soccer Down Here YouTube, Twitch, or X channels or listen as a podcast on-demand. In this week's edition, Jon looks back at some of the moments of 2025 across all leagues with Apple TV's Kacey White, the USL Show's Kaylor Hodges, and GOL TV's Nino Torres.

On this year-end special of Atlanta Soccer Tonight, Jason Longshore looks back at what 2025 meant for soccer in Atlanta and beyond and why 2026 is shaping up to be a defining year for the sport in our city. The first segment of the show reflects on a year where Atlanta’s soccer ecosystem grew up, the women’s game took a major step forward with the announcement of an NWSL team, and Major League Soccer reached an inflection point on and off the field. Jason also explores the human side of the game and why soccer continues to matter beyond results. In the second half, the show turns forward to 2026: a World Cup year in Atlanta, a new chapter for Atlanta United, and the foundation being laid for the future of women’s soccer in the region. The show wraps with the weekly 3-4-3, featuring three local stories, four headlines from around the world, and three reasons soccer still makes us smile.

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best segments of SDH AM in the past week. Watch on YouTube, Twitch, and X live at 9:05am Monday-Friday @soccerdownhere or listen to the daily show on-demand via podcast. In this compilation, hear from GOL TV's Nino Torres on some of the best moments of 2025 in his world, kit design with new club AC Boise, and #2 pick in the MLS SuperDraft Ricky Louis out of Georgia Southern.

Jon Nelson takes you through the best of SDH AM this week. Check it out live Monday-Friday on the SDH Network on YouTube, Twitch, and X. In this Week in Review, Jon brings you interviews with new Sporting JAX head coach Liam Fox. new NPSL chairman Steven Wagoner, and our old friend Niko Moreno of Pulso Sports to break down some of the latest news and rumors around MLS.

In 1930, the World Cup didn’t feel inevitable. It felt impossible. Thirteen teams. Weeks-long sea voyages. Political tension. Skepticism from Europe. And a small South American nation determined to prove football belonged to the world. In this episode of Atlanta Soccer Flashback, we travel back to Uruguay 1930 — the first World Cup — and explore how Jules Rimet’s dream became reality, how Uruguay rose to the moment as a nation, how teams crossed oceans to compete, and how the United States quietly became one of the best teams in the world. From chaotic group stages and unforgettable travel stories to the volcanic rivalry of Uruguay vs Argentina in the final, this is the story of the moment the world truly met the World Cup — and why its legacy still shapes the game today.

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best interviews this week on SDH AM (airs Monday-Friday at 9:05am on YouTube, Twitch, and X). This week, hear from Columbus Crew radio PBP voice Chris Doran, Houston Dynamo and ESPN PVP voice Glenn Davis, and Vancouver World Cup Committee lead Jessie Adcock.

Jason Longshore breaks down the biggest potential surprises ahead of the 2026 World Cup, recaps a wild Champions League slate, and is joined by Apple TV’s Kevin Egan for an in-depth look back at MLS Cup. All that and more on tonight’s Atlanta Soccer Tonight.

Jon Nelson gets you ready for the MLS Cup final Saturday in Ft. Lauderdale as Inter Miami hosts the Vancouver Whitecaps. Hear from Apple TV's Jake Zivin, Kevin Egan, Dax McCarty, and Sammy Sadovnik in this week's SDH Week in Review.

Jason Longshore drops a special edition of Atlanta Soccer Tonight after the World Cup draw - US in a good spot to advance to the knockout stage. There are five teams Jason feels have the best chance to win the title.

Jason Longshore joined The Morning Shift to discuss the upcoming World Cup draw and what it means both for the Men's National Team and the city of Atlanta.

Jason Longshore and Madison Crews get you ready for Friday's World Cup Draw and Saturday's MLS Cup final on tonight's Atlanta Soccer Tonight.

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best conversations on SDH AM this week. Hear from Pulso Sports' Niko Moreno on the MLS playoffs, Toronto 2026 Executive Director Sharon Bollenbach, and coaches from Life University and Truett-McConnell ahead of their NAIA national tournament matches.

Gotham FC complete the unthinkable, rising from the No. 8 seed to lift the NWSL Championship behind a brilliant Rose Lavelle performance — while Washington’s mismanagement proves costly on the biggest stage. In MLS, the Eastern Conference is flipped upside down as Cincinnati and Philadelphia crash out at home, Lionel Messi delivers another playoff masterclass, NYCFC survive on grit, and the Western playoffs produce an instant classic between Vancouver and LAFC before San Diego punches its ticket to the conference final. Plus, we run through all the key storylines ahead of tomorrow’s Champions League slate, including Liverpool’s crisis, Arsenal–Bayern’s top-tier showdown, and a heavily depleted Real Madrid heading to Greece. We also get you set with all of the World Cup news out of FIFA today. It’s chaos, it’s trophies, it’s playoff mayhem, it's Atlanta Soccer Tonight.

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best interviews of the week on SDH AM. In this week's compilation, hear from ESPN's Jenn Hildreth, Apple TV's Miguel Gallardo, and Darrius Barnes of AC Grand Rapids. Watch SDH AM Monday-Friday starting at 9:05am on the Soccer Down Here YouTube, Twitch, and X channels or listen as a podcast wherever you get your Soccer Down Here shows.

Join Madison Crews as she breaks down the 2025 NWSL Championship showdown between the Washington Spirit and Gotham FC! Get caught up with all the biggest moments from both semifinal matches, and hear insight from Jessica Charman as she shares her thoughts on what to expect in the final. Whether you're a longtime NWSL fan or tuning in for the first time, this episode has everything you need to get ready for the title match.

The U.S. men’s national team delivered a signature win, smashing Uruguay 5–1 in Tampa behind breakout performances, sharp finishing, and Mauricio Pochettino’s fiery postgame message. We break down what it means, who stood out, and why this one hits differently. Then we head to Hampden Park, where Scotland produced one of their most dramatic nights in years — a chaotic, emotional 4–2 win over Denmark to punch their World Cup ticket. Plus, an absolutely wild night in Concacaf as Curaçao, Haiti, and Panama all booked their places at the 2026 World Cup in stunning fashion. All that, plus the latest on Europe’s qualifiers, NWSL Championship week, Real Madrid’s potential ownership shake-up, and more on a jam-packed Atlanta Soccer Tonight.

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best interviews from the past week on SDH AM, which airs live Monday-Friday starting at 9:05 on the Soccer Down Here YouTube, Twitch, and X channels. This week, he's joined by Atlanta United midfielder Cooper Sanchez from the U17 World Cup, commentator Kacey White with her thoughts on the NWSL playoffs and NCAA conference tournaments, and soccer business expert Jason Stephens to talk about the gambling scandal in Turkiye, illegal streaming, and the recent buyout in Atletico Madrid.

Jon Nelson, Madison Crews, and Jason Longshore give their reactions to Tata Martino's introductory press conference in Atlanta this morning.

History was made today in Atlanta. Arthur Blank and AMB Sports & Entertainment officially announced that the National Women’s Soccer League is coming to the city, with Atlanta’s newest professional club set to kick off in 2028. Jason Longshore is joined by Madison Crews to break down the significance of the announcement — from what it means for women’s soccer in Atlanta to how this move continues the city’s rise as the epicenter of the sport in the United States. The conversation dives into the details of the expansion, Blank’s long-term investment in the women’s game, and the impact this club could have on the next generation of players and fans.

Before Atlanta steps into its potential NWSL future, Atlanta Soccer Flashback looks back at the women who built the foundation — from the 1992 push to make women’s soccer part of the Olympics, to the gold medal night in Athens that changed the sport forever. Host Jason Longshore retraces how Atlanta became a heartbeat for women’s soccer: 🏅 The lobbying that made Atlanta ’96 a turning point ⚽ The rise and legacy of the Atlanta Beat 🏫 The growth of Georgia’s youth, college, and grassroots programs 🔥 The Dream, the Vibe, and the next wave of women’s sports in the city 💪 And how tonight’s NWSL news brings it all full circle It’s the story of how belief turned into legacy — and how Atlanta helped change women’s soccer forever.

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best interviews from SDH AM this week. Hear from Apple TV's Calen Carr, Columbus Crew play-by-play commentator Chris Doran, and Nashville SC play-by-play commentator Lucas Panzica in this week's episode. Don't forget, you can watch and listen to SDH AM live Monday-Friday starting at 9:05am on the Soccer Down Here YouTube, Twitch, or X channels.

Tata Martino is officially back — and Atlanta United’s next era begins now. On this special edition of Atlanta Soccer Tonight, Jason Longshore and Mike Conti react to the club’s announcement that Martino has returned as head coach through the 2027 season. The conversation dives into why now — why this job, this timing, and this version of Atlanta United make sense for him — and what it means for a team ready to rediscover its identity. Jason and Mike also discuss how Martino and Chief Soccer Officer Chris Henderson will work together to shape the roster, the lessons Tata brings from his time with Mexico and Inter Miami, and more. From the fan reaction to the tactical blueprint, it’s a full-circle night at Mercedes-Benz Stadium.

ATLUTD's color analyst Jason Longshore joins to update the Tata Martino signing, and how he will look to improve this roster.

Bayern Munich silence Paris, Liverpool humble Madrid, and young Americans shine under the Champions League lights. Then it’s back home for MLS Game 3 weekend — five win-or-go-home showdowns from Charlotte to San Diego as the Audi 2025 Playoffs hit full throttle. Jason Longshore takes you through the chaos: who’s advancing, who’s wobbling, and what it all means for the league’s biggest names. Plus, the 3-4-3 closes the show with Georgia’s college heroes, Coquimbo Unido’s historic Chilean title, and a new Atlanta United mini-pitch opening right here in Decatur.

Jon Nelson takes you through the best of SDH AM this week with interviews including MLS Season Pass' Tony Husband, Chicago Fire play-by-play voice Max Anderson, and Columbus Crew play-by-play voice Chris Doran. Enjoy ahead of Game 2 action this weekend! SDH AM airs Monday-Friday starting at 9:05am on the Soccer Down Here YouTube, Twitch, and X channels as well as being available on-demand as a podcast.

Diego Maradona was more than a soccer player — he was an emotion. From the dirt streets of Villa Fiorito to the roar of Naples, from the glory of Mexico ’86 to the heartbreak of scandal and exile, this is the story of the most human genius the sport has ever known. In this special edition of Atlanta Soccer Flashback, Jason Longshore traces Maradona’s life through its triumphs and turmoil — the boy who played barefoot in Buenos Aires, the man who lifted Argentina and Napoli to immortality, and the legend who reminded us all that “La pelota no se mancha” — the ball does not get stained. It’s a story of faith, fire, and forgiveness — the beautiful chaos of Diego Armando Maradona.

Atlanta United’s next move could define the club’s future — will it be Tata Martino, the returning champion who was previously linked with LAFC, or Giovanni Savarese, the proven MLS builder with deep New York roots... or someone else entirely? Jason Longshore breaks down the win-now vs. stability debate, explores how the MLS coaching carousel (including LAFC, New England, and the Red Bulls) could impact Atlanta’s timeline, and dives into the opening week of the MLS Cup Playoffs — from Charlotte’s home loss to NYCFC to Philadelphia’s shootout thriller over Chicago, Miami’s dominance, and San Diego’s statement win. Plus, a look at the local college scene in the 3-4-3 and more!

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best segment from this week on SDH AM including Apple TV’s Ross Smith, Pulso Sports’ Niko Moreno, and US Soccer’s Stuart Sharp. SDH AM airs live Monday-Friday starting at 9:05 each morning on the Soccer Down Here YouTube, Twitch, and X channels.

Relive one of the most iconic tournaments in soccer history on this edition of Atlanta Soccer Flashback. From Mexico’s resilience as host after the 1985 earthquake to Diego Maradona’s unforgettable “Hand of God” and “Goal of the Century,” we revisit the drama of Argentina’s run through England, Belgium, and West Germany. We also explore the political backdrop of the Falklands War, the wild celebrations back in Buenos Aires, and how the failed U.S. bid for 1986 inspired the successful push to host in 1994.

With this week's news about Ronny Deila being out at Atlanta United and Garth Lagerwey taking an immediate and indefinite leave of absence from the club to fully focus on medical treatment and recovery, we try to chart what's coming next for the club with Jason Longshore, Mike Conti, and Madison Crews.

Atlanta United color analyst Jason Longshore joins Chris Thomas Tonight to discuss the latest announcement surrounding the indefinite leave by team president Garth Lagerwey, where this new coaching search will begin, and the expectations a new coach will have.

Mike Conti and Jason Longshore with the breaking news on Ronny Deila being fired by Atlanta United.

Abe Gordon and Jon Nelson of "Soccer Down Here" put the final bow on Atlanta United's season and Brad Guzan's career as they avoid the Wooden Spoon with a 1-1 draw against D.C. United in the final match of what was the worst season in Atlanta United's club history.

Jon Nelson takes you through some of the best segments from SDH AM this past week. Catch it live starting at 9:05am Monday-Friday on the Soccer Down Here YouTube, Twitch, or X channels. In this week's episode, hear from legendary DC United commentator Dave Johnson; Apple TV MLS Season Pass commentators Dax McCarty, Danny Higginbotham, and Jessica Charman; and Carolina Core manager Donovan Ricketts.