Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard Episode: Mexico Wins Gold Cup, Wild Club World Cup Goalkeeping, and Has Poch's Stock Gone Up? Release Date: July 8, 2025

Tribute to Diogo Jota and Andre

[00:00] Tim Howard:
"Before we get started, we wanted to express our deepest condolences over the tragic passing of Diogo Jota and his brother Andre last week... the character of the human being that he was."

[00:33] Landon Donovan:
"...wishing the best for his family. Kudos to Liverpool for then honoring his contract so everybody there can continue to take care of his wife and children and wishing them the very best."

Landon and Tim open the episode by mourning the loss of Diogo Jota and his brother, highlighting Jota's impact both on and off the field.

Personal Updates from Hosts

[01:26] Tim Howard:
"My guy, L.D. what's happening to me? I'll tell you where you're in. You're in Houston."

[02:02] Tim Howard:
"...I'm terrible. Like, I just. That I'm good at some things and I'm not great at others, but the things we do for our kids, particularly little girls."

Tim shares personal updates about moving his daughter into her freshman dorm in Knoxville, Tennessee, while Landon is in Houston following a game.

Gold Cup Final Analysis

Mexico’s Victory

[03:04] Tim Howard:
"It was. Atmosphere looked incredible, by the way."

[03:38] Tim Howard:
"There's nothing like US Mexico... it's such an incredible moment for both sets of players."

The hosts discuss the electrifying atmosphere of the US vs. Mexico Gold Cup final, emphasizing the deep-rooted rivalry and the high stakes leading into the match.

Player Performances and Tactical Breakdown

[04:35] Landon Donovan:
"In this term. Which, whatever. That's a whole nother conversation. But that ball, I mean, barely crossed the line."

[05:08] Tim Howard:
"...Chris Richards has grown in stature for me, this tournament..."

[06:09] Landon Donovan:
"...Ralph Jimenez hits an absolute bomb into the top corner. So it was a weird sequence. I give Mexico credit..."

[07:27] Tim Howard:
"Mexico are... they're so brilliant at it... putting you in horrifically uncomfortable positions defensively..."

Landon and Tim provide a detailed analysis of the game's pivotal moments, including Chris Richards' early goal and Raul Jimenez's decisive strike. They commend Mexico's strategic play and the pressure they exerted on the US team.

Controversial Handball Decision

[11:45] Landon Donovan:
"...it feels like every single time... I just have no idea what the threshold is anymore."

[14:21] Landon Donovan:
"He said he actually put his hand on top of the ball, which I, again, I don't think I've ever seen."

The hosts debate a contentious handball incident involving Chris Richards, questioning the referees' decision and discussing Pochettino's interpretation of the event.

Pochettino’s Management and Future of US Men’s National Team

[25:04] Tim Howard:
"It's incredible... Raul Jimenez, the Mexican striker... gave everything they had and that came to fruition."

[25:43] Landon Donovan:
"...approval rating? I guess. How do we. How do we feel about him now?"

[27:26] Landon Donovan:
"...Clint Dempsey, right. It is a perfect example."

Discussion centers around Mauricio Pochettino’s role as the USMNT coach, his tactical decisions during the Gold Cup, and the clarity he has gained about the team's strengths and weaknesses. They explore the potential roster adjustments leading up to the 2026 World Cup.

Club World Cup Highlights

Semifinals and Notable Matches

[35:33] Tim Howard:
"...Fluminese, Chelsea, Chelsea, PSG and Real Madrid. So like. Yeah, don't mind that at all."

[37:30] Landon Donovan:
"Donaruma goes musiala's leg is planted there... he gets a really bad broken leg."

Landon and Tim cover the ongoing Club World Cup, highlighting key matches such as Fluminense vs. Chelsea and PSG vs. Real Madrid. They discuss standout players like Gonzalo Garcia from Real Madrid and address unfortunate incidents, including Musiala’s injury.

Goalkeeping Highlights

[35:31] Tim Howard:
"...Weberton let in Palmeira School... slow motion... you just have to scramble back."

[38:01] Tim Howard:
"Goalkeepers coming and sliding out... it's a calculated risk..."

The hosts delve into goalkeeping moments from the Club World Cup, analyzing reactions and the split-second decisions that can change the outcome of a match.

MLS Incident: Stephen Fry’s Injury

[43:12] Tim Howard:
"...Steph Fry got, I think, kneed in the head... he's a phenomenal human being."

[44:44] Landon Donovan:
"...he was a bit of humor there on social."

Landon and Tim discuss the recent injury to MLS goalkeeper Stephen Fry, who was injured after a collision during a Seattle vs. Columbus match. They express relief over Fry’s recovery and commend his resilience.

Fan Connection Segment

[48:41] Tim Howard:
"Every week we invite you, the listener, to connect with us by submitting your questions."

[49:15] Fan (Jordan):
"I have some complaints... only send kits to the two of you."

[51:22] Fan (Carlos via Email):
"Should Potch be more critical of the players who decided not to play the Gold cup..."

[53:03] Fan (Chris V Email):
"Pulisic posting pictures of his vacations... I'm kind of done with him."

[57:36] Fan (Julie via Email):
"...Do you guys feel that as players join the leagues, younger and younger, will burnout and mental health become more of a problem?"

In the Fan Connection segment, listeners submit questions and comments ranging from kit giveaways to concerns about player burnout and social media behavior. The hosts address each query thoughtfully, providing insights into team management and player well-being.

Off-Topic Discussions

Mental Health and Player Burnout

[58:19] Tim Howard:
"...burnout might happen quicker... strong foundation as a young player is important."

[60:42] Landon Donovan:
"...social media too. It makes it more difficult..."

Landon and Tim explore the increasing pressures on young athletes, emphasizing the role of social media in exacerbating mental health issues and discussing the importance of support systems.

Gambling in Sports

[62:05] Landon Donovan:
"...Malik Beasley, former basketball player, is being investigated... Luis Ortiz from the Cleveland Guardians..."

[63:03] Tim Howard:
"...don't do it because it's wrong... you can't get away with this."

The hosts discuss recent investigations into athletes suspected of gambling on their own sports, condemning such actions and highlighting the ethical implications.

Light-Hearted Moments: Softball Stories

[65:01] Landon Donovan:
"...I hit a home run... and Drew Brees got mad at me because it was like..."

[66:11] Tim Howard:
"So you... You're pitching?..."

Landon and Tim share amusing anecdotes from their experiences playing softball, including a humorous incident involving Drew Brees expressing frustration over competitive pitching.

Conclusion

[66:53] Tim Howard:
"Have an amazing week. Keep up with the football and we will see you next Tuesday for another episode of Unfiltered Soccer."

The episode wraps up with the hosts encouraging listeners to stay engaged with soccer and to subscribe to the podcast across various platforms.

Notable Quotes

• Tim Howard [00:00]:
  "The overflowing of tributes across the footballing world speaks to the character of the human being that he was."

• Landon Donovan [05:08]:
  "We needed to climb up the pitch... it's not emotional, it's intentional."

• Tim Howard [14:21]:
  "Poch gets it now."

• Landon Donovan [25:04]:
  "Raul Jimenez... he is the best striker in the tournament by a long shot."

• Tim Howard [58:20]:
  "You get thrust into the frying pan at 16, it's hard. Burnout might happen quicker."

• Landon Donovan [60:42]:
  "Social media... makes it more difficult."

Key Takeaways

1. Emotional Tribute: The hosts begin by honoring the memory of Diogo Jota and his brother, highlighting the profound impact of his loss on the soccer community.

2. Gold Cup Final: Mexico's triumph over the USA in the Gold Cup is thoroughly analyzed, with emphasis on tactical decisions, player performances, and controversial referee calls.

3. Team Management: Mauricio Pochettino’s coaching strategies and the future roster for the 2026 World Cup are discussed, stressing the importance of team clarity and player development.

4. Club World Cup Insights: Semifinal matches and standout players in the Club World Cup are reviewed, along with notable goalkeeping moments and player injuries.

5. Player Well-being: The conversation delves into the mental health challenges and burnout risks faced by young athletes, exacerbated by early exposure and social media pressures.

6. Ethics in Sports: Recent gambling controversies involving athletes are condemned, underscoring the ethical responsibilities of professional players.

7. Fan Engagement: The Fan Connection segment fosters interaction with listeners, addressing their concerns and questions about team dynamics and player behavior.

8. Light-Hearted Interludes: Personal stories and humorous exchanges add a relatable and entertaining dimension to the episode.

For those who haven't listened to the episode, this summary provides a comprehensive overview of the key discussions, insights, and conclusions shared by Landon Donovan and Tim Howard on "Unfiltered Soccer." From heartfelt tributes to in-depth game analyses and candid conversations about the pressures of professional sports, this episode offers a rich and engaging exploration of the current state of soccer.