Chop Soccer
226 episodes - English - Latest episode: 30 days ago - ★★★★★ - 12 ratingsHosted by Rox Fontaine and Ken Kimber. Chop Soccer covers (mostly) American soccer from the field, to the front office, and the streets.
Tap in and Chop with us on http://www.chopsoccer.com
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Episodes
Interesting or Nah | Opening Day El Trafico
February 23, 2023 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.79 MBRox and Ken pick games that FiveThirtyEight think will be closest, discuss MLS betting odds, and Rox gives his picks for each game. This weeks games: LA Galaxy vs LAFC, Inter Miami vs Montreal, DC United vs Toronto, and Nashville vs NYCFC.
EA Sports and the Premier League close to $600m deal
February 22, 2023 09:00 - 9 minutes - 9.1 MBEA Sports appears to be making their first major moves since splitting with FIFA, with a massive deal for Premier League rights worth around £500 million reportedly on the table. Rox and Ken discuss the deal and what this means for the EA Sports franchise as a whole.
Ted Lasso Season 3 coming March 15th
February 21, 2023 09:00 - 3 minutes - 3.28 MBTed Lasso Season 3 will debut on Wednesday, March 15. With its new weekly Wednesday premiere, 'Ted Lasso' becomes the first Apple TV+ series to debut in the middle of the week, according to a press release for the show. Rox and Ken discuss the Ted Lasso phenomena and how Apple is using it to generate interest in MLS.
LAFC is the First Billion-Dollar Franchise in MLS
February 14, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 5.04 MBForbes estimates that LAFC is worth $1 billion, just nine years after joining MLS for a $110 million expansion fee, making it the league's first billion-dollar franchise. Rox and Ken discuss how LAFC became the leagues most expensive franchise and what teams can challenge that number one spot.
Leeds United fire Jesse Marsch after poor run of games
February 13, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.93 MBLeeds United confirmed last Monday that Jesse Marsch had been fired as manager following a string of disappointing performances. Rox and Ken discuss his firing and what coaching opportunities are next for him.
The Adidas Jamaica 2023 Collection
February 09, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 5.83 MBAdidas recently unveiled their whole Adidas Jamaica 2023 collection, created by Grace Wales Bonner, after months of rumors and leaks. Rox and Ken rate the kits and discuss having pockets on soccer shorts. Read More.
USA to host Confederations Cup in 2025?
February 08, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.11 MBA important tournament will be held in the United States, Canada, and Mexico in 2025, according to Mexican Football Federation head Yon de Luisa. Rox and Ken discuss if this will be the return of the Confederations Cup and debate if the USMNT is scheduling too many games before the World Cup? Read More.
Kim Kardashian spotted in an AS Roma top | Foul Play
February 02, 2023 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.4 MBOne of the most recognizable celebrities in the world, Kim Kardashian, was spotted conducting errands in LA while sporting a vintage Roma uniform from the 1997–98 season. Rox and Ken rate the outfit and if they think that Kim actually knows who Roma are? Read More.
NWSL Corrective Action announced for individuals and clubs
January 18, 2023 09:00 - 12 minutes - 10.3 MBThere has been a NWSL corrective action announcement in response to the Joint Investigative Report's findings. The Joint Investigative Team determined that the league-wide and U.S. Soccer shortcomings were mostly systemic in nature and offered suggestions for a number of fundamental and forward-looking adjustments to strengthen the league's policies and procedures. Rox and Ken discuss the actions and whether or not they are enough. Read More.
Mexican National team draws bigger crowds than both the USMNT and the USWNT in the USA
January 17, 2023 09:00 - 5 minutes - 5.12 MBIronically, Mexico is the US team when it comes to soccer. However, this isn't exactly breaking news. Rox and Ken discuss why the Mexican Mens National team outdraws both United States National teams and if that will change anytime soon. Read More.
Wrexham FC and more in Shoot or Pass
January 13, 2023 09:00 - 36 minutes - 29.5 MBShoot or Pass is a simple game. Each time Ken will pick articles from the past week or two of soccer and Rox will have the choice to 'Shoot' or 'Pass'. If Rox chooses 'Shoot', then Rox will give his take on the article. If Rox chooses 'Pass', then they'll move onto to the next article. Discussions can be super short or super long depending on the article, but they will never be boring. This weeks articles MLS announces commentator team Wrexham FC popularity Kings League Home viewing onl...
The Nike Liverpool Lebron James collaboration adds a jersey to the collection
January 12, 2023 09:00 - 7 minutes - 5.77 MBOnline leaks have revealed the first images of the Liverpool x LeBron James jersey. Following a pair of co-branded footwear, Nike, the sponsors of both parties, will soon release a Liverpool x LeBron James uniform. Rox and Ken discuss if they think the jersey will be dope and what the price point will be. Read More.
No need to worry about USWNT viewership being down in 2022, yet
January 03, 2023 09:00 - 8 minutes - 7.55 MBThe news regarding the USMNT's TV ratings as last year came to a close was positive. Unfortunately, the news about TV ratings was not as encouraging for the USWNT. Rox and Ken discuss the USWNT viewership numbers for 2022 and talk about why they aren't anything to be concerned about yet. Read More.
Shoot or Pass | Did you get your MLS+ subscription
December 30, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 19.9 MBShoot or Pass is a simple game. Each time Ken will pick articles from the past week or two of soccer and Rox will have the choice to 'Shoot' or 'Pass'. If Rox chooses 'Shoot', then Rox will give his take on the article. If Rox chooses 'Pass', then they'll move onto to the next article. Discussions can be super short or super long depending on the article, but they will never be boring. Read More. This weeks articles New MLS world cup style playoffs Did you get your MLS+ sub yet? 1 billio...
MLS TV schedule released for fans that aren't buying MLS Season Pass
December 29, 2022 09:00 - 15 minutes - 14.2 MBNumerous MLS teams are left out of the national broadcasts for the MLS 2023 season when it comes to the frequency of each team's TV appearances and for the first time since MLS debuted in 1996, no games will be broadcast on ESPN networks. Rox and Ken react to the schedule and discuss what the MLS can do to create engaging content on and off the field. Read More.
Gregg Berhalter shouldn't be coach of the USMNT at the 2026 World Cup
December 21, 2022 09:00 - 14 minutes - 11.6 MBThe USMNT's four-year contract with coach Gregg Berhalter expires at the end of the year, and it is unclear if he will return with the team beginning the 2026 World Cup cycle in a month. In the meantime, U.S. Soccer is deliberating its next course of action and will likely take the Gio Reyna situation into account when reviewing the 2022 World Cup. Rox and Ken discuss who is at fault in the Gio situation and who the USMNT can realistically expect for a coach moving forward. Read More.
Copa America 2024 coming to the United States
December 20, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 6.8 MBAccording to Fox Sports MX, the United States will host Copa América 2024 following a CONMEBOL invitation. The tournament was originally scheduled to be held in Ecuador, but the Ecuadorian Football Federation refused to commit to hosting and eventually absolved itself of the duty in November. Rox and Ken react to the move and discuss if this should become permanent.
Will the NWSL continue to grow and more in Shoot or Pass
December 16, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBShoot or Pass is a simple game. Each time Ken will pick articles from the past week or two of soccer and Rox will have the choice to 'Shoot' or 'Pass'. If Rox chooses 'Shoot', then Rox will give his take on the article. If Rox chooses 'Pass', then they'll move onto to the next article. Discussions can be super short or super long depending on the article, but they will never be boring. This weeks articles Sports & the Metaverse Austin sign Zardes 2026 world cup expansion Univision out o...
Is sportswashing working for Qatar?
December 15, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 8.81 MBIn the years leading up to the Qatar 2022 World Cup, much of the football world was numb. At this World Cup, there were more pressing issues than the season it was held in, from human rights concerns in the host nation to FIFA corruption in the tournament's awarding. At this World Cup, there were more pressing issues than the season it was held in, from human rights concerns in the host nation to FIFA corruption in the tournament's awarding. Rox and Ken discuss if the sportswashing in Qatar ...
HBO Max is the new home for US Soccer
December 14, 2022 09:00 - 9 minutes - 12.6 MBThe HBO debut for the US Soccer national team will air on HBO Max in January as per the eight-year agreement US Soccer has with Turner Sports. The Turner Sports era is officially started by the US Women's National Team (USWNT) on January 17 when they play New Zealand in a friendly match in Australia. Rox and Ken react to the deal and talk about what it means for streaming soccer games in general. Read More.
Sergino Dest could make his move to AC Milan permanent
December 13, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.32 MBSergino Dest, a defender for FC Barcelona who has been linked to Leeds United, is apparently close to signing a permanent agreement with AC Milan, who were impressed with the right-performance back's at the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The reigning Italian champions are willing to pay Barcelona the €20 million (£17 million) transfer fee to sign Dest on a permanent basis, according to Corriere dello Sport via Sport. Rox and Ken discuss the potenital move and if the Sergino Dest hype is smoke or fire....
Wilfred Nancy introduced as the new head coach of the Columbus Crew
December 12, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 7.02 MBWilfried Nancy has been named the head coach of Columbus Crew. The finalist for the MLS Coach of the Year in 2022 . Nancy was most recently the head coach of CF Montreal for the 2021 and 2022 seasons before moving to Columbus. Rox and Ken react to the move and what this says about coaching in the MLS. Read More.
ESPN dropping MLS, Stopptage time rules at the World Cup, USA playing in Copa America, and Greg Berhalters contract extension in Shoot or Pass
December 09, 2022 09:00 - 28 minutes - 25.9 MBShoot or Pass is a simple game. Each time Ken will pick six articles from the past week or two of soccer and Rox will have the choice to 'Shoot' or 'Pass'. If Rox chooses 'Shoot', then Rox will give his take on the article. If Rox chooses 'Pass', then they'll move onto to the next article. Discussions can be super short or super long depending on the article, but they will never be boring. This Week: Will ESPN show MLS games next year? Are the new stoppage time rules at the World Cup tole...
Washington Spirit set to move to Audi Field
December 08, 2022 09:00 - 10 minutes - 9.88 MBAfter dividing games the previous two seasons between the 20,000-capacity MLS stadium in DC and a 5,000-seat arena in Leesburg, the National Women's Soccer League club, the Washington Spirit, has reached an agreement with D.C. United to play all of its home matches at Audi Field. Rox and Ken react to move and how this effects the Spirits growth prospects moving forward. Read More.
UEFA teams won’t wear the OneLove armband during the World Cup after FIFA threats
November 23, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBSeven World Cup soccer teams from Europe have announced that their captains would not wear the OneLove armband in Qatar after FIFA, the organization that oversees the competition, warned that players who do so will face consequences. To encourage diversity and inclusiveness at the World Cup, the captains of England, Wales, Belgium, Denmark, Germany, the Netherlands, and Switzerland planned to wear the OneLove rainbow armband. Rox and Ken react to how FIFA is protecting Qatar and the value o...
Qatar bans alcohol at World Cup stadiums
November 18, 2022 09:00 - 13 minutes - 10.6 MBNote: This was recorded before the actual ban took place. There will be no deliberation; the beer tents have to be moved and there will be no beer inside stadiums, is the directive from the highest echelons of the Qatari state. Rox and Ken what can be done by beer selling sponsors to still recoup their investments and how big of a mess this World Cup has become. Read More.
Nike drops new Air Max Plus "French Football Federation"
November 16, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 5.69 MBNike has created a special edition Air Max Plus in preparation for the FIFA World Cup. The Swoosh honors the "French Football Federation" as fans around the world get ready for the 2022 FIFA World Cup. The navy, white, red, and gold color palette is donned on the shoe. Rox and Ken discuss if they like the shoe and what are their preferred Air Max's. Read More.
Heroes Among Us is the latest Real Madrid x Marvel x Adidas collab
November 15, 2022 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.49 MBBefore their matches against Girona and Sevilla, respectively, Real Madrid's men's and women's teams revealed a new clothing line (Heroes Among Us) created in conjunction with Marvel, channeling their inner heroes (or something like that).However, nobone has ever seen these heroes on Real Madrid's apparel, or they hadn't until recently, when Los Blancos unveiled their new Adidas clothing line, the first collection in the club's history to have an adidas theme and a cooperation with the Aveng...
Qatar's World Cup COVID app raises questions about surveillance
November 14, 2022 09:00 - 8 minutes - 6.56 MBA new Covid app named "Ehteraz," which is required to be downloaded by every tourist over the age of 18, is the latest addition to the long list of requirements that foreigners will need to follow while in Qatar. It is advertised as a method for authorities to keep tabs on a potential outbreak and help with contact tracing. Although that would seem innocent enough, even responsible, there are some very horrific information about the app that are emerging. Read More.
Truly Hard Seltzer, Josef leaving Atlanta, Soccer Websites, and Apple's MLS Advertising in Shoot or Pass
November 10, 2022 09:00 - 17 minutes - 14 MBShoot or Pass is a simple game. Each time Ken will pick six articles from the past week or two of soccer and Rox will have the choice to 'Shoot' or 'Pass'. If Rox chooses 'Shoot', then Rox will give his take on the article. If Rox chooses 'Pass', then they'll move onto to the next article. Discussions can be super short or super long depending on the article, but they will never be boring. Read More.
FIFA Uncovered coming to Netflix November 9th
November 09, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 9.23 MBThe teaser for the upcoming Netflix documentary "FIFA Uncovered" is here and available to watch now. The film is scheduled to debut on the streaming service on November 9. The 2022 World Cup in Qatar begins in just 11 days later and this special promises to examine some of FIFA's most scandalous incidents from the past ten years. Rox and Ken discuss if they will be watching the documentary and what they are looking forward to learning the most about. Read More.
Free World Cup games coming to Peacock (but there's a catch)
November 02, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 10.5 MBFree World Cup games? The first 12 games of the 2022 World Cup will be available to Peacock members on the free tiers. Premium members will have access to the remaining 52 games beginning November 24. The catch is that it will be on Peacock's sister channel Telemundo Deportes, and in Spanish. Rox and Ken discuss what games will be broadcast for free, and what are some of the best streaming devices to have. Read More.
UEFA Women's Champions League coming to FIFA 23
November 01, 2022 09:00 - 6 minutes - 6.01 MBThe UEFA Women's Champions League will be featured in FIFA 23 thanks to the multi-year partnership with EA Sports. As part of the agreement, the video game developer will also support the platform Together #WePlayStrong, which aims to encourage more girls and women to play the game. Early in 2023, EA Sports will be adding the competition to the game, starting at the knockout rounds. Rox and Ken discuss what the impact will be for the women's game in Europe and if we can expect to see more wo...
FIFA+ Collect launching soon
October 25, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 6.85 MBFIFA is pleased to announce the launch of "FIFA+ Collect," which will be available on FIFA+ later this month and give football fans around the world the opportunity to affordably own one-of-a-kind digital collectibles, including the most memorable game moments and FIFA World Cup and FIFA Women's World Cup artwork and imagery. Rox and Ken discuss what this means for the media world, the gaming world, and what are some comparisons that already exist. Read More.
Top 5 MLS Salaries, the Drake curse, and more on Shoot or Pass
October 24, 2022 09:00 - 24 minutes - 33.5 MBShoot or Pass is a simple game. Each time Ken will pick six articles from the past week or two of soccer and Rox will have the choice to 'Shoot' or 'Pass'. If Rox chooses 'Shoot', then Rox will give his take on the article. If Rox chooses 'Pass', then they'll move onto to the next article. Discussions can be super short or super long depending on the article, but they will never be boring. Read more.
Who is making it to Conference Finals of the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs?
October 21, 2022 09:00 - 39 minutes - 36.6 MBThe 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs, the postseason championship of the MLS, started last week with some interesting first round games. CF Montreal, Austin FC, New York City FC, FC Dallas, LA Galaxy, and FC Dallas all made it through the first round. Winners of this round are one step closer to MLS Cup 2022 on November 5, which is 16 days before the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Rox and Ken discuss their second round picks and make some early picks for the MLS Cup 2022 champion. Read More.
Chad Johnson to join Kate Abdo and Maurice Edu on Fox's World Cup Tonight
October 19, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 6.46 MBFOX Sports has signed former NFL wide receiver Chad Johnson as an analyst for its nightly World Cup Tonight wrap-up program. Throughout the World Cup, the program will air every night and is essentially a conversation show. The show will be an around the world wrap up featuring the opinions of soccer personalities, celebrities, and commentators about games during the World Cup. Rox and Ken discuss the cast for the show, who they thought were in consideration, and if this will move the needle...
Will the Bantr App from Ted Lasso mean crossover users for Bumble?
October 18, 2022 09:00 - 11 minutes - 10.1 MBThe Bantr App seemed like an interesting concept for single fans of Ted Lasso. Season two of the show includes a mention to the fictional dating app Bantr and the app had a big role in a secondary story plot. So in order to make Bantr a reality, Ted Lasso and the dating app Bumble are working together to bring Bantr to life. Rox and Ken discuss discuss the marketing and data collection aspects of this idea and recall the early days of chatting online. Read more.
Who is making it to Conference Semifinals of the 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs?
October 13, 2022 09:00 - 16 minutes - 15.4 MBThe 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs, the postseason championship of the MLS, start on Friday. The competition makes the end of the MLS regular season and will commence on October 15 and end with the MLS Cup 2022 on November 5, which is 16 days before the FIFA World Cup 2022 in Qatar. Rox and Ken discuss their first round picks and make some way too early picks for MLS Cup champion. Read more.
Who will win the MLS 2022 End of Year Awards?
October 12, 2022 09:00 - 27 minutes - 25 MBThe 2022 End of Year Awards nominations have been revealed by Major League Soccer. Current MLS players, MLS coaches, technical directors/general managers, and chosen media members from local and national sites that consistently covered the 2022 MLS regular season will vote to decide the winners of the MLS Year-End Awards. Rox and Ken discuss who they think will be MVP, Goalkeeper of the year, Defender of the year, Newcomer of the Year, Young Player of the year, Comeback Player of the year, a...
Will Cardi B and Kanye be designing for the Stade Rennais Balenciaga partnership?
October 06, 2022 09:00 - 6 minutes - 5.65 MBThe newest fashion partnership in football is Stade de Rennais, a French football team, and Balenciaga, a French fashion house. Given that François-Henri Pinault is the same owner of both Balenciaga (Kering) and Stade Rennais, this collaboration makes perfect sense. But what all fans of fashion and football want to know is will there be a Cardi B or Kanye line? Rox and Ken talk about the brand partnership and what they would like to see from the partnership. Read more here.
Will Gen Z be interested in the World Cup?
October 03, 2022 09:00 - 8 minutes - 8.21 MBIt is no secret that Gen Z is a concern for sports leagues, including soccer and the World Cup. Compared to other age groups, those born between 1997 and 2012 participate in sports substantially less frequently. Rox and Ken discuss why they think Gen Z is moving away from sports, and what sports leagues and brands can do to bring the younger generation in.
Will the African Super League be a success?
September 28, 2022 09:00 - 12 minutes - 17.3 MBThe Africa Super League debuted in Tanzania last month to much fanfare, with massive prize money on offer for the 24 clubs that qualify for the inaugural season next year. The first season of the Super League will begin in August 2023, run until May 2024, and culminate in a "Super Bowl-like" final. Rox and Ken discuss what they're looking forward to about the super league and how they think it will help the profile of African football.
Do FIFA 23 player ratings even matter?
September 27, 2022 13:00 - 8 minutes - 12.3 MBThe FIFA 23 player ratings rank the best dribblers, passers, fastest and best overall players in the game, but do they even matter? Rox and Ken discuss who is too high on the list, who is too low on the list and if these rankings even matter.
Are MLS best selling jerseys moving units?
September 26, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 10.5 MBSummer signing Gareth Bale (LAFC) has only been in Major League Soccer for three months, but he already has the MLS best selling jersey. Rox and Ken discuss who is a surprise on the list and the landscape around MLS apparel, or lack thereof.
Interesting or Nah | First guesses at playoff seeds
September 22, 2022 09:00 - 22 minutes - 25.2 MBRox and Ken make early guesses for the MLS Supporters Shield winner and guess playoff seeding for the Eastern and Western Conferences.
ESPN launches the ESPN Creator Network
September 21, 2022 09:00 - 8 minutes - 7.5 MBThe Worldwide Leader in Sports is introducing the ESPN Creator Network, a program that will provide up-and-coming content creators exclusive access to ESPN's sports franchises as well as the company's substantial resources. Rox and Ken discuss if they think the program will be a success and if it should be adopted by American soccer leagues.
Is Sergino Dest fighting for his USMNT career?
September 15, 2022 09:00 - 7 minutes - 6 MBDest was a crucial member of the U.S. team in the months leading up to the World Cup, so the timing of this move might have significant effects on not only Barcelona and AC Milan but also the USMNT and Dest's personal future. Rox and Ken discuss how we got here with Sergino Dest and what this move to Milan means for his career. Read more.
Is Yunus Musah a lock for World Cup 2022?
September 13, 2022 09:00 - 5 minutes - 4.59 MBThe general belief is that Gregg Berhalter will automatically include Musah on his World Cup roster. Rox and Ken discuss his recent performances and whether or not he is a lock for World Cup 2022.
Interesting or Nah | Will LAFC slow down?
September 08, 2022 09:00 - 25 minutes - 17.7 MBRox and Ken discuss what games are Interesting or Nah, Rox gives his pick for the MLS game of the week. To read about the game of the week, click here.