Kate Markgraf talks about her role as USWNT GM and more, and Yael Averbuch explains what it's like to play for Vlatko Andanovski

We answer listener questions about how the show came to be, how it gets made, our favorite music, favorite books, favorite beers and plenty more

We answer seven listener questions ...

We take a closer look at the fresh faces in the USMNT January camp. Get to know Julian Araujo, Chase Gasper, Justen Glad, Mark McKenzie, Sam Vines, Brenden Aaronson, Christian Cappis, Bryant Kayo, Paxton Pomykal, Jesus Ferreira, and Ulysses Llanez We also answer some listener question about Jan camp and ruminate on the recent U20 hirings of Laura Harvey and Anthony Hudson Today's show is sponsored by HelloFresh. Go to http://hellofresh.com/tss10 and use code tss10 for 10 free meals Today's show is also sponsored by Ruffneck Scarves. Use code "TOTALSOCCERSHOW" at http://ruffneckscarves.com for 20% off.

It's a listener question special! Timestamps below: 0:45 — Who is one player each of you want your club to sign? 15:03 — Liverpool's fullbacks get very far forward. Why haven’t opposition teams been able to exploit this with counter attacks? 17:45 — If you could wave a magic wand and implement any rule change to make the game better (in your eyes) without any backlash from the soccer community, what would it be? 21:15 — Today's show is sponsored by Policy Genius. Go to http://policygenius.com to get quotes in minutes 23:40 — How and why did West Ham become associated with bubbles? 26:45 — What is the the TSS opinion on Xavi's club/international career? 31:50 — If you had to grow one extra body part to give you the biggest advantage in soccer possible, what would it be and why? 35:09 — Today's show is sponsored by Manscaped. Go to http://Manscaped.com and use code TSS for 20% off and free shipping 37:02 — Why USL doesn't implement pro/rel between its three leagues? 42:40 — Considering the crowds the USWNT draw, why is it so difficult to get a women’s league going? 50:15 — Why is there such little coverage of Liga MX in English? 54:35 — Do you agree with the trend of hiring inexperienced club legends to coach clubs in the Top 6 of the Prem (like Solskjaer, Arteta, Lampard) or would you prefer for them to have a few years experience first in other --> ASK US A QUESTION! --> ｿ http://totalsoccershow.com/questions --> SUPPORT THE SHOW! --> http://totalsoccershow.com/join  

Daryl and Taylor talk to Stu Holden about his thoughts on the USMNT in 2019, the team's upcoming January camp, and some players he thinks have been unfairly maligned. There's also insight into what it's like to get called into camp for the first time and what it's like to have injuries limit your ability to perform. SPONSORS! Today's episode is sponsored by Policy Genius! Go to http://policygenius.com and get a life insurance quote in minutes

Ryan and Taylor break down all the action from this past weekend: 0:00 - Does the FA Cup still matter? Ryan explains why it used to, why it doesn't as much anymore, and why it should. 8:47 - Wolves v Man United 12:31 - Merseyside Derby in the FA Cup 21:05 - Today's show sponsored by Hello Fresh. Go to http://hellofresh.com/tss9 and use code tss10 for 10 meals free 24:11 - Rochdale v Newcastle 29:46 - Quick hits for Fulham, Spurs, and Derby County 34:03 - Getafe v Real Madrid 38:03 - Espanyol v Barcelona 44:16 - Zlatan returns to Milan

It's a listener questions special! Here are the timestamps: 2:35 — Are there any female play by play or color analysts in English men’s football? 6:00 — Which USMNT player needs a move this transfer window? 8:55 — Today I saw Jordan Pickford, the Everton keeper, dribble from outside the area in and then pick up the ball. Is this allowed? 11:24 — Are there any world class (or formerly world class) defenders you'd sign as an MLS Designated Player? 15:40 — Do you think allowing USWNT members to play for European leagues would help or hurt the NWSL? 18:30 — Who is the biggest club you reasonably see getting relegated within the next 5 years? 24:05 — If you were picking the 18-player USWNT roster for the Olympics, would you still include Crystal Dunn as a defensive player? 26:30 — Do you think any team from the Premier League will ever reach 114 points? 29:40 — If you had to pick just one NWSL team to follow for the season, who would it be and why? 32:25 — What are your expectations for the USMNT and Gregg Berhalter in 2020? 40:40 — The Premier League is considered by many the best league in the world. What are the factors that led to its success? 48:20 — What is the bare minimum and the ideal recovery time for a professional soccer player between games? 53:10 — Scouting! ASK US A QUESTION: http://totalsoccershow.com/questions SUPPORT THE SHOW: http://totalsoccershow.com/join (At $10 per month or higher, we guarantee to answer one question per month)

It's the last show of the year! We open with a quick look at the USMNT January camp roster, which featured a couple of exciting surprises. Starting at 11:35, we get into our predictions for 2020. Will Leo Messi lift a trophy with Argentina? Will the USWNT win Olympic gold? Will the USMNT U23s qualify for the Olympics? How will Erling Braut Haaland change Borussia Dortmund? Who will Mikel Arteta sign for Arsenal? Which American will win a Bundesliga? And plenty more ... Today's show is sponsored by Ruffneck Scarves. Use the discount code TOTALSOCCESHOW for 20% off at http://RuffneckScarves.com  

Ryan and Taylor first attempt to determine exactly what day it is, before moving on to discuss... 0:00 - Wolves v Man City 10:35 - Liverpool v Wolves 18:34 - Arsenal v Chelsea 28:41 - Norwich v Tottenham 35:50 - Who finishes in the top four, plus some transfer speculation 42:59 - Moyes is back at West Ham. Hooray? 46:10 - Liga MX Apertura Final

We give out Christmas gifts to soccer players, coaches and media personalities. Our list of recipients includes Tyler Adams, Carlo Ancelotti, the USWNT, Ronald Koeman, Ole Gunnar Solskjaer, Gregg Berhalter and plenty more.  Today's show is sponsored by Ruffneck Scarves. Use code "TOTALSOCCERSHOW" at http://RuffneckScarves.com for 20% off Today's show is also sponsored by http://FBREF.com — visit the site for all kinds of soccer stats, now including xG and xA.

Ryan and Taylor break down all the action from the weekend, including... 1) Liverpool v Flamengo in the Club World Cup 2) Man City v Leicester Today's show is brought to you by SeatGeek! Use code TSS for $10 off your first ticket purchase 3) Tottenham v Chelsea - What should happen next to combat racism in the Premier League? Plus, possible explanations for Gazzaniga's challenge AND for the lack of an immediate penalty. 4) Everton v Arsenal - Which new manager has the more difficult job ahead of them? 5) Newcastle v Palace - Almiron scores! 6) Watford 2 - Man United 0 (it's just a 4 minute sigh from Taylor) 7) Italian Super Cup (Juventus v Lazio) 8) RB Leipzig v Ausborg, aka The Return of Tyler Adams

Recorded just prior to the official club announcement, Taylor talks to The Athletic's James McNicholas about the appointment of Mikel Arteta as head coach of Arsenal. What will his style be, what are his immediate challenges, and who could be on their way out in January? Plus, we get into the backroom issues causing problems at Arsenal, and discuss Mesut Ozil v China. SPONSORS! Today's show is brought to you by... Audible! Get a free 30-day trial of Audible at http://audible.com/tss or by texting TSS to 500-500 Ruffneck Scarves - Go to http://RuffneckScarves.com and use code TOTALSOCCERSHOW for a 20% discount

Daryl and Taylor answer some excellent listener questions, including... 1) Which competition is more important for the USMNT: Nation's League or the Olympics? 2) All-time best bald/shaved head 11 v All-time big-haired 11. Who wins? Today's show is brought to you by Feals — Makers of CBD oil for when you're a stressed out USMNT manager and you need to relax. Go to http://feals.com/TSS to 50% off your membership 3) Will Red Bull ever take over a club in England and if they do what club will it be? 4) Outside of traditional big sides, who’s been the most impressive player this season? 5) With does Emerson Hyndman fit into the USMNT midfield depth chart? Today's show is brought to you by Audible! Get a free 30-day trial of Audible at http://audible.com/tss or by texting TSS to 500-500 6) Why do Premier League fans wear dark/black jackets to games in the winter instead of their team’s color? 7) Is the "manager's box" an official thing and what are the rules for it/why aren't they enforced more? 8) If Jadon Sancho goes to Chelsea will he overshadow Pulisic again? Today's show is brought to you by Talisman Caps - Use code TOTALSOCCER10 for 10% off at http://talismancaps.com 9) Why are Olympic soccer rosters so small? PLUS! Updates to the TSS Scouting Network!

Taylor is joined by David Amoyal of The Calcioland podcast to get up-to-date on all things Serie A. There's racist artwork at the Serie A offices that someone thought was a good idea, Carlo Ancelotti out at Napoli and Gennaro "I stab people with forks" Gattuso has taken over, a title race between Inter Milan and Juventus (and maybe also possibly maybe Lazio). Plus, praise for Cagliari, Parma, and Atalanta AND some transfer rumors to round it all out! SPONSORS! Today's episode is sponsored by... Enclosed! Go to http://enclosed.gifts and code TOTALSOCCER for $35 off any multi month order Dollar Shave Club! Go to http://dollarshaveclub.com/tss for a $5 Ultimate Start Set Policy Genius! Go to http://policygenius.com and get a life insurance quote in minutes

Taylor is joined by Eurosport's Graham Ruthven to preview the midweek El Clasico. How will both managers approach this one tactically and where are the potential areas of vulnerability? Plus, lineup questions, ramifications for the remainder of the season, and much much more. After that, we get into the other teams near the top of the table in Spain before looking ahead to the Champions League knockout round for the four remaining Spanish teams.  Sponsors!  Dollar Shave Club — Go to http://dollarshaveclub.com/tss for a $5 Ultimate Start Set Feals — Makers of CBD oil for when you're a stressed out USMNT manager and you need to relax. Go to http://feals.com/TSS to 50% off your membership

On today's Weekend Review, Ryan and Taylor take a look at... 0:00 - The authenticity of Ryan's accent 1:42 - Chelsea v Bournemouth 10:31 - Arsenal v Man City 21:27 - Today's show is brought to you by SeatGeek! Use code TSS for $10 off your first ticket purchase 24:02 - Real Sociedad v Barcelona 34:06 - Fiorentina v Inter Milan 37:58 - Today's show is sponsored by Policy Genius! Go to http://policygenius.com and get a life insurance quote in minutes 40:27 - Bayern Munich v Werder Bremen 47:10 - Chess makes you good at fantasy, evidently? 48:48 - Champions League knockout round draw analysis

Taylor talks to The Athletic's Paul Tenorio about all the moves that have/have not yet happened in the early days of the MLS offseason. Who will be coaching in New York, Miami and Chicago next year? How big of a get is Sporting KC's acquisition of Alan Pulido? Is it easy to be a roaming reporter while taking care of an infant child? The answer to that is very much no, even if Paul makes it seem like it very much is. SPONSORS! ExpressVPN — go to http://expressvpn.com/soccer to get 15 months for the price of 12 Away — go to http://awaytravel.com/TSS and use code TSS at checkout for a $20 discount

Taylor talks to Sam Tighe of the B/R Football Ranks podcast about attending the Ballon d'Or awards whilst being as tall as Virgil van Dijk. After that, it's a group-by-group review of the Champions League so far. Who is in the strongest position? Who has a lot of work to be done between now and February? Is Jesse Marsch the greatest Champions League manager of all time? Those questioned answered, and many more as well! Sponsors! Today's show is brought to you by... Ruffneck Scarves - Go to http://RuffneckScarves.com and use code TOTALSOCCERSHOW for a 20% discount Talisman Caps - Use code TOTALSOCCER10 for 10% off at http://talismancaps.com

Daryl calls up Henry Bushnell of Yahoo! Sports to talk about the recent US Soccer board meeting, which Henry attended and reported on. Topics include the ongoing CEO search (Jay Berhalter or not?), the controversial policy of asking staff to move to Chicago, the suitability or otherwise of Soccer House, the new and improved GM role for the USMNT, and how US Soccer is spending its money. Links to four Yahoo! Sports articles below: A CEO search, an evolving GM role, and more from a fascinating U.S. Soccer board meeting — Henry Bushnell https://sports.yahoo.com/us-soccer-ceo-usmnt-gm-board-meeting-carlos-cordeiro-earnie-stewart-172503921.html U.S. Soccer is spending millions fighting lawsuits – including equal pay — Henry Bushnell https://sports.yahoo.com/us-soccer-lawsuits-equal-pay-cost-legal-fees-budget-financials-deficit-020203626.html U.S. Soccer defends controversial hiring policy as numerous youth coaching jobs sit vacant — Caitlin Murray https://sports.yahoo.com/us-soccer-defends-controversial-hiring-policy-as-numerous-youth-coaching-jobs-sit-vacant-195441791.html Sources: U.S. Soccer denies NWSL owners' funding request, but offers counterproposal — Caitlin Murray https://sports.yahoo.com/sources-us-soccer-denies-nwsl-owners-funding-request-but-offers-counterproposal-143108951.html SPONSORS! ExpressVPN — go to http://expressvpn.com/soccer to get 15 months for the price of 12 Away — go to http://awaytravel.com/TSS and use code TSS at checkout for a $20 discount

Ryan and Taylor review all the action they were able to watch from this past weekend, including... 0:00 - Discussing the worst fake British accents in movies 3:26 - Manchester Derby 21:12 - Today's show is brought to you by SeatGeek! Use code TSS for $10 off your first ticket purchase 24:51 - Ryan discusses his hockey-attending experience 27:06 - Everton v Chelsea 33:07 - Bundesliga updates, plus Gladbach v Bayern Munich 42:01 - Today's show is brought to you by Audible! Get a free 30-day trial of Audible at http://audible.com/tss or by texting TSS to 500-500 44:36 - Serie A updates, plus Lazio v Juventus 52:40 - Barcelona v Mallorca 58:28 - Russia doping scandal and the potential impact for their soccer future 1:04:29 - Updates from the TSS Scouting Network

It's a listener question special, with lots of hypotheticals! Timestamps below ... 1:20 — In the USMNT we often talk about German Americans. What are some other famous country-country relationships for other countries? 7:40 — How has Lampard used Pulisic for Chelsea tactically different from how Berhalter has tried to use Pulisic? 13:22 — How would you change penalties to make it more even odds for the goalkeeper? We’ve had the rule change where they can’t come off their line so let’s say that part can’t be changed. 18:05 — Today's show is sponsored by Express VPN. Go to http://expressvpn.com/soccer for three months free 20:20 — What would happen if, instead of international breaks spread throughout the season, all international games happened in say November and December? 26:20 — How much do coaches and assistant coaches make? Do MLS coaches get paid significantly less than European coaches? 33:10 — What is one aspect of a major American sports league that you would like the Premier League to try? 38:15 — Today's show is sponsored by Manscaped. Use code TSS at http://manscaped.com to get 20% off plus free shipping 40:25 — Why do teams with years in the Premier League consistently stall out in the Championship? 45:08 — Can you pinpoint the day/game where the USMNT lost their identity of grinding and working their butts off? 49:40 — Do you think a beach soccer or futsal player could translate their skills to traditional soccer? (Link to World Soccer Falcao story: https://www.worldsoccer.com/blogs/falcao-pele-futsal-351602 )