Off The Woodwork

This week on the SDH Week In Review, we bring you three conversations that show how soccer’s story is growing in every direction — locally, financially, and globally. First, Kurt Badenhausen of Sportico joins us to break down rising MLS club valuations and why the league’s business future is still built market by market, city by city. Then, former Atlanta United homegrown Lagos Kunga reflects on his journey from growing up in Atlanta soccer to starting a new chapter with his club in Portland, Maine and what it means to chase health, form, and belief again. And finally, Kelly Shouldice stops by to discuss the launch and momentum of Canada’s Northern Super League, a major step forward for the women’s game and the next evolution of the sport’s professional landscape. Three interviews, three angles, one week in the world of soccer, right here from the SDH Network.

Atlanta Soccer Tonight's full episode on Tuesday, February 11, 2026.

Jon Nelson is back with another SDH Week in Review, some of the best interviews from the past week on SDH AM. You can watch the show Monday-Friday at 9:05am on the Soccer Down Here YouTube and Twitch channels. This week, hear from new American owner Jordan Gardner of Scottish club Kelty Hearts, hear about St. Louis' new era ahead of the MLS season from Jake Koenig and Justin Graham of the Ball Watching podcast, and Concacaf expert Jon Arnold fills us in on the start of the Concacaf Champions Cup.

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 thoug

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 S

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.