Ryan and Taylor review all the major action from the weekend, including the start of the La Liga season, plus PSG dropping points in France, Bayern dropping points in Germany, Newcastle dropping points all over the place! There's VAR to be yelled about, Simpsons to be referenced, and Finnish strikers to praise! Sponsors! Today's show is brought to you by... SeatGeek! Use code TSS for $10 off your first ticket purchase  Ruffneck Scarves! Use code "TOTALSOCCERSHOW" for 20% off any scarf in the store.

Did Pele really score 1,000 goals? What particular set of skills made him such a formidable striker? How did this this 5-foot-8 guy score so many headers? In this profile of Pele, we answer as many questions as we can about the most famous soccer player of all time. Of course, this is only half of the full episode. To listen to the full show, use whatever app you're using right now to search for our new show, Soccer 101, and listen there.      

Daryl and Taylor discuss the tactical adjustments that led to the Kickers' goal in their 1-0 win over Forward Madison. They also get into lineup adjustments and the solid atmosphere in Madison. SPONSORS! Today's show is brought to you by Ledbury! They're a Richmond-based men's apparel company that specializes in luxury men's dress shirts, casual shirts and related accessories. Their annual warehouse sale is taking place from August 21-25, with discounts up to 75% off. For those not in the central Virginia area, use code TSS2019 online to get 20% off your first purchase from now until the end of August! 

Taylor talks to Eurosport's Graham Ruthven about the upcoming La Liga season. They start off by discussing some of the lesser-followed teams in the league as well as why they're worth keeping an eye on, and then it's on to The Big Three (Barcelona, Atletico Madrid, Real Madrid) and what the season ahead may look like. Plus, there's some Neymar and Gareth Bale chat in there as well, and a whole lot more! Midway through, Taylor is briefly joined by Daryl to go some Transfer Window Trivia. Hope you enjoy! SPONSORS! Today's show is brought to you by... Ledbury! They're a Richmond-based men's apparel company that specializes in luxury men's dress shirts, casual shirts and related accessories. Their annual warehouse sale is taking place from August 21-25, with discounts up to 75% off. For those not in the central Virginia area, use code TSS2019 online to get 20% off your first purchase from now until the end of August!  Feals, a better way to feel better! They offer 100% legal CBD oils to help reduce anxiety, pain and sleeplessness. To become a member and get 50% off your first order with free shipping, go to https://feals.com/tss   

In Part 2 of our Bundesliga season preview, Taylor and Matt focus on all things Schalke, Americans in Germany, and the clubs that could be challenging for European places. SPONSORS! Today's episode is brought to you by... Dollar Shave Club! Go to http://dollarshaveclub.com/tss to get an Ultimate Starter Set for $5 Manscaped! Use code TSS at http://manscaped.com and get 20% off plus free shipping

In Part 1 of what turned out to be a two parter, Taylor talks to Matt Hermann of the Talking Fussball podcast. They take a look at the teams most likely to finish in the top 3 spots, the newly promoted sides, Tyler Adams, the Soviet influence in German football, and much much more. Check back for Part 2 tomorrow! Sponsors! Today's episode is brought to you by... Feals, a better way to feel better! They offer 100% legal CBD oils to help reduce anxiety, pain and sleeplessness. To become a member and get 50% off your first order with free shipping, go to https://feals.com/tss  Fubo, our new favorite TV provider! Go to http://fubotv.com/TSS to get 4k TV, 500 hours of cloud storage, and 72-hour replays on all kinds of soccer content, and a 10% discount off your first two months.

Daryl and Taylor do their best to answer your Premier League-centric questions, like... 1) How big of a role did Christian Erikson play in turning things around for Spurs against Aston Villa? 2) Will the pressure be on Frank Lampard this season?   3) Why didn't Pulisic start against Man United? 4) Is Marcus Rashford good enough to be a Big 4 striker? 5) What were the arguments for and against closing the PL transfer window before the season begins? 6) How well was VAR utilized in the opening weekend? 7) Were Wolves cheated by VAR?   8) Who’s going to be the breakout star of the teams in the lower half of the table? 9) Why did the NBCSN graphics look more like Sky Sports's graphics?  10) Which 2-3 non MLS teams should I be following? NOTE - This one isn't Premier League specific. SPONSORS! Today's show is brought to you by... Dollar Shave Club! Go to http://dollarshaveclub.com/tss to get an Ultimate Starter Set for $5 Ledbury! They're a Richmond-based men's apparel company that specializes in luxury men's dress shirts, casual shirts and related accessories. Their annual warehouse sale is taking place from August 21-25, with discounts up to 75% off. For those not in the central Virginia area, use code TSS2019 online to get 20% off your first purchase from now until the end of August! 

Ryan Bailey returns (even though he was allegedly on the show last week) to help Taylor review the weekend that was in the Premier League. Are Chelsea in trouble or figuring things out? Will City annihilate everyone this season? Same question for Liverpool? How angry should Newcastle fans be? All that, plus Spice Girls, VAR, and Ryan's favorite Ninja Turtle. Sponsors! Today's show is brought to you by... SeatGeek! Use code TSS for $10 off your first ticket purchase  Manscaped! Use code TSS at http://manscaped.com and get 20% off plus free shipping

In this teaser episode for our new show, Soccer 101, we explain the two possible origins of the football phrase derby, how to pronounce, and then discuss some of our favorite derbies. To hear the full episode, and to hear the other episodes in the Soccer 101 feed, you'll find every podacast player subscription link here: http://totalsoccershow.com/soccer101  

Daryl is joined by TSS fave/guest co-host Ryan Bailey to preview Man City's Premier League season. Starting at 33:45, we also talk AFC Wimbledon, an English team with a fascinating history (both recent and, I would argue, going way back) Go to https://www.afcwimbledon.co.uk/ to learn about the new stadium and maybe even contribute to the cause Today's show is sponsored by FBREf.com, where you can find all kinds of Premier League stats. Go to https://fbref.com/en/?utm_source=tss&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tss-2019 to take a look.

Daryl talks to SB Nation staff writer Zito Madu about all things Arsenal. Unai Emery's style of play is yet to emerge as anything identifiable at the Emirates, but the signings of Pepe and Ceballos give reason for optimism. Ozil's role is still TBD, but how that unfolds will be important either way. Meanwhile, youngsters like Reiss Nelson and Joe Willock will have a role to play. Starting 43:45, we also talk about Major League Soccer's attempts to be apolitical, and why that approach is destined to fail. Two stories by Zito: Alejandro Bedoya showed why MLS can never be a nonpolitical space: https://www.sbnation.com/2019/8/7/20758742/alejandro-bedoya-mls-gun-violence-goal-celebration Black History Month: Accepting responsibility to inspire future generations: https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/02/27/black-history-month-accepting-responsibility-inspire-future-generations Today's show is sponsored by Ruffneck Scarves. Use code "TOTALSOCCERSHOW" for 20% off any scarf in the store.

You know Keith Costigan from FOX, perhaps for his Bundesliga and Seattle Sounders coverage. But Keith is also a Liverpool fan and expert, and it was a pleasure to discuss all things LFC with him. We go into detail on why Liverpool have gone so long without a Premier League title, why that might be about to change, and how Liverpool will handle three strikers who just played summer their second summer tournament in a row. We also get super-detailed about the current iteration of Klopp's pressing system. It's no longer so all-out heavy metal, but something more controlled, possibly more effective, and certainly more sustainable. This show is sponsored by Fubo, our new favorite TV provider. Go to http://fubotv.com/TSS to get 4k TV, 500 hours of cloud storage, and 72-hour replays on all kinds of soccer content, and a 10% discount off your first two months.

Daryl talks to Mike Goodman, managing editor of StatsBomb, about Everton's season. The Toffees finally have an exciting striker in teenage sensation Moise Kean, but lost a statistically significant defensive midfielder in Idrissa Gana Gueye. To read more of Mike's work, visit http://StatsBomb.com Today's show is sponsored by Hello Fresh. Go to http://hellofresh.com/TSS80 and use code TSS80 for $80 off your first four boxes.

Carl Anka is back! He talks to Daryl about all things Man Utd, including the Harry Maguire signing, Paul Pogba giving Utd one more good year, Lukaku's muscle gain and loss, and Solskjaer's tactical setup. Carl is also going to be covering Southampton for the Athletic this season, so we close with a quick Saints preview. Today's show is sponsored by FBREf.com, where you can find all kinds of Premier League stats. Go to https://fbref.com/en/?utm_source=tss&utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=tss-2019 to take in all the nums.      

Daryl is joined by Andres Eduardo of the Roman's Empire podcast to preview Chelsea's 2019-20 season. We cover the entire team from front to back, get into the details of Lampard's playing style, explain where Christian Pulisic fits into the system and why he might succeed, get excited about Ross Barkley running at defenders, and try to figure out which of the three available strikers Chelsea will field. Andres also makes a compelling case for why the transfer ban may result in a change of approach at Chelsea which could see the club finally play the kids, and transform CFC from Premier League villains to heroes. Today's show is sponsored by Hello Fresh. Go to http://hellofresh.com/TSS80 and use code TSS80 for $80 off your first four boxes of deliciousness. Today's show is sponsored by Talisman Caps. Go to http://talismancaps.com and use code TOTALSOCCER10 for 10% off any order of $35 or more. Chelsea fans may be interested in this particular cap: https://talismancaps.com/collections/caps/products/blues-cap Find Andres on Twitter: @SSBlues_CFC / https://twitter.com/SSBlues_CFC Listen to Andres on Roman's Empire and his new pod, Student of The Game.      

We go deeeeeeep on Spurs — the coach, the style, the shape, the players, the signings, the lack of signings, the gap that Tanguy Ndombele fills, the evolution of Dele Alli, why early August is Erik Lamela's favorite time of year, and plenty more, with today's guest Nathan A Clark, an analyst and writer who focuses on Tottenham. Spurs fans should absolutely follow Nathan on Twitter @NathanAClark / https://twitter.com/NathanAClark and listen to his podcast, The Extra Inch. Today's show is sponsored by SeatGeek. Use code TSS for $10 off your first ticket purchase Today's show is sponsored by Grip6 belts. They're back! Go to http://grip6.com/tss for 35 percent off a multipack, or use code TSSXX for 20 percent off an individual belt. Also, don't miss out on our new show, Soccer 101 Search for "Soccer 101" in the app you're using to listen to this show right now, click that nice orange logo, and welcome to the club      

It's a jam-packed show! Daryl and Taylor answer 8 listener questions, and finally get a chance to provide some updates to the scouting network. Listener Questions: 1) Might the GM position at US Soccer be a mistake? 2) Should we be worried about the US potentially losing dual nationals and what can be done to keep players from wavering? 3) Could Sergino Dest or Nick Lima play left back for the USA? 4) Why don't some European leagues change things to promote more level competition? Looking in your direction Scotland... 5) Why are South American mainland countries like Guyana, Suriname, and French Guyana part of Concacaf and not Conmebol? 6) Are we reaching the end of big clubs doing their preseason in the US? 7) Why didn't the US compete at the 2019 Pan-American games? 8) Which of the USA's youngsters is most likely to get the Michael Bradley Treatment near the end of his career? SPONSORS! Today's show is sponsored by... Dollar Shave Club! Go to http://dollarshaveclub.com/tss to get an Ultimate Starter Set for $5 Manscaped! Use code TSS at http://manscaped.com and get 20% off plus free shipping Policy Genius! Go to http://policygenius.com to shop for life insurance  

We review the MLS All-Stars vs Atletico Madrid, and then answer five listener questions: 1. Where did the term “soccer” come from? 2. What's the benefit of having 2 transfer windows as opposed to just one transfer deadline (like other sports)? 3. Would you rather manage a top club team or a top international team and why? 4. What advice do you have for someone trying to start a new female soccer podcast focusing on the NWSL? 5. Is MLS actually a detriment to the development of American players? ASK US A QUESTION: http://totalsoccershow.com/questions SPONSORS! Manscaped! Use code TSS at http://manscaped.com and get 20% off plus free shipping HIMS! Go to http://forhims.com/totalsoccer to get a one-month supply for $5

We review the Richmond Kickers' 2-1 win over Toronto FC II  Highlights of game: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=XRXXQYf1xTE

We sit down with Alexi Lalas to talk about how we'd improve the MLS All-Star Skills Challenge and how he prepares for a broadcast. Alexi also joins us in answering some listener questions: 1. If you could re-write history and manage a disappointing USMNT (e.g. 1998, 2006, 2018) which team would it be and what would you do differently? 2. What do you make of Zlatan's comments about MLS teams not spending money? 3. How did this seemingly giant gap between the USA and Mexico national teams arise? 4. What are those bumps on players backs? Today's show is sponsored by Dollar Shave Club. Go to http://dollarshaveclub.com/tss to get an Ultimate Starter Set for $5 Today's show is sponsored by Policy Genius. Go to http://policygenius.com to shop for life insurance

We sit down with our podcast cousins The Cooligans to answer  questions from Twitter, including: Which MLS player is most likely to two-foot Zlatan? Which overage players should the US take to the Olympics? What's the one soccer-related thing you would take to a desert island. Daryl and Taylor also break off mid-show to do some ad reads and discuss the news about Jill Ellis stepping down as USWNT head coach. Jim and Jasper should make sure to listen to the last minute or so of this episode. HOW TO LISTEN TO PART TWO: Subscribe to the Cooligans podcast and part two will publish on Thursday, August 1. SPONSORS: SeatGeek! Got to http://wefan.seatgeek.com to read about the female fans of MLS HIMS! Go to http://forhims.com/totalsoccer to get a trial month for just $5    

We introduce our new, separate show, Soccer 101. It's like TSS, except it's not newsy. It's a series of detailed explainers about every little detail of soccer. The first season features episodes on offside, the numbers, Panenka, Pele, how to watch a game for tactics, and plenty more. Here's the Apple Podcasts link, please give it a click and go listen: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soccer-101/id1473757537 If you're using a different podcast app, here are some other links: Stitcher: https://www.stitcher.com/s?fid=446257&refid=stpr Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/4i2X6hF2OqfjpxyHs3VvmL?si=bPRUU7BpQJS6s-eqrc_aVw Overcast: https://overcast.fm/itunes1473757537/soccer-101 Pocket Casts: https://pca.st/164r Player FM: https://player.fm/series/soccer-101 And here's the raw RSS feed: http://soccer101.libsyn.com/rss    

Taylor talks to Aaron West about the new Juventus jersey, covering the Women's World Cup for Fox, and techniques for helping famous soccer players relax before you interview them. Then, starting at 29:56, Daryl and Taylor answer the question: What does success look like for Christian Pulisic at Chelsea this coming season? SPONSORS: SeatGeek! Go to http://wefan.seatgeek.com to read about female MLS fans, and use code TSS to get $10 off your first SeatGeek purchase Dollar Shave Club! Get an Ultimate Starter Set for $5 at http://dollarshaveclub.com/TSS LISTEN TO OUR NEW SHOW! Find Soccer 101 on Apple Podcasts with this link:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/soccer-101/id1473757537  

We review the Kickers 1-0 win over Orlando City B, breaking down the Kickers' new formation (3-5-2-ish), the goal from Dennis Chin, and the three red cards.  Here are the highlights: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gzd3q3gRfZ4

We answer six listener questions and have a jolly good time doing so Today's show is sponsored by Dollar Shave Club. Go to http://dollarshaveclub.com/TSS to get a starter set for $5 Today's show is sponsored by Hims. Go to http://ForHims.com/totalsoccerED to get a one-month supply for $5 Ask us a question: http://totalsoccershow.com/questions And look out for our new show, Soccer 101, launching next week!