Episode Summary: Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard

Episode Title: USMNT Injury Woes, Minnesota Stun Sounders, LiVARpool vs PGMOL
Date: November 11, 2025
Hosts: Landon Donovan & Tim Howard

Overview

This episode is packed with passionate debate and insight as Landon Donovan and Tim Howard tackle the ongoing injury crisis for the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT), the drama-laden MLS playoffs, and controversial moments from the Premier League — particularly the latest in the never-ending club vs. country feud and “LiVARpool” decisions.

The hosts vent their frustrations over the US player availability issues ahead of a pivotal international window, analyze the realities of managing elite talent under pressure from both clubs and federation, and serve up their trademark unfiltered takes on pivotal games and big stories from across the soccer landscape.

USMNT Injury Woes and Absences

Timestamps: 02:12–18:49

Key Points:

• Extensive List of Absentees:
  Christian Pulisic (just returned, only 20 minutes played), Malik Tillman, Alex Zendejas, Johnny Cardoso, Timothy Weah, Antonee Robinson, Cameron Carter-Vickers, Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, Weston McKennie, and Matt Turner (rested/out of roster).
• Disruption to Team Chemistry:
  Tim Howard: "With this crop of players, we never get our best team together. Right. We don’t. And when we have the opportunities, we miss them." (04:02)
• Patterns in USMNT Camps:
  The cycle continues—players return to their clubs after injury, but don’t appear for national team duty. Tim expresses concern for the lack of continuity:
  "U.S. soccer players are consistently not coming into camp. … That’s a fact." (07:46)

Return-to-Play Culture

• Tim: "You get injured, you go through a plan… but when you are back up to speed and I can compete and I can play in a Premier League game, yeah, I am fit. … Now, I might still be injured and I might still hurt, but I’m fit." (05:00)
• Landon underscores the value of having big-name players in camp— even if they’re not fully match-ready— for the sake of team camaraderie and tactical work.

The Commitment Problem

• Tim: "The US manager needs to mandate: if you can't commit to me … I've got no use for you. You might be the best player on the team, but I got no use for you." (08:39)

Spotlight: The Weston McKennie Situation

Timestamps: 09:41–15:07

• Baffling Club vs. Country Dynamics:
  Weston misses yet another camp, reportedly at Pochettino’s request, due to a recent managerial change at his club. If he misses this camp, “he’s only been in camp with the national team one time in a calendar year." (11:05)
• Expert Insight:
  Tim argues a new manager at club level doesn't change the fundamental importance of national team commitment, especially for your best players:
  "Your reputation precedes you. … There’s no question marks about your top five players getting called into camp. So why is there a question mark with Weston?" (14:33)
• Landon adds that McKennie, in this instance, did want to come and was surprised at the club's decision.

Roster Opportunities: Bubble Players & Young Talent

Timestamps: 16:37–18:49

Up for Grabs:

• Joe Scally’s versatility (can cover left-back with Antonee Robinson struggling).
• Austin Trusty — impressive performances could earn him a role in a three-CB system.
• Gio Reyna — "We don’t produce players like this. … For his sake, I hope he just goes in humble, does all the right things, works hard." (18:49)

Clubs vs. Country: The Chris Richards Dispute

Timestamps: 18:49–25:59

The Conflict:

• Crystal Palace manager Oliver Glasner complained the US "didn’t talk to us" about Chris Richards’ calf problems, criticizing the USMNT for playing Richards during friendlies.
• Landon responds passionately:
  "If you play a player over and over and then when he goes away, you say he needs rest… you can just f— right off." (20:23)
• Pochettino’s clapback: “When you’re a head coach in a club, you are always an egoist. … I think we managed very well the situation with Chris Richards." (21:10)
• Club vs. Country Recurring Theme:
  Tim: "Ultimately, the value of a player goes up significantly if that player is a full international and plays in a World Cup." (21:45)
• Both hosts agree USSF must lay down clearer expectations with clubs about player release.

Tyler Adams’ Injury & Concussion Protocol

Timestamps: 26:01–33:43

The Incident:

• Adams injured in a massive head-to-head collision but played the rest of the match. The other player was subbed off for concussion protocol.
• Landon: "It's bizarre to me he didn't come off the field. … There is immense pressure on the medical staff to get players back into the game." (30:31)
• Tim praises Tottenham for best practices, referencing a similar incident with another player who was removed despite protest:
  "Thomas Frank, the manager, didn't even look at the player… The physio said he's out… That's the way to do it." (32:23)

Club and National Team Both at Fault

• "The club vs. country debate goes both ways."
  — Tim, on how both USSF and clubs neglect player welfare at times. (33:31)

MLS Playoffs Drama

Timestamps: 38:14–49:07

Highlights:

• Inter Miami & Messi:
  Miami’s dominance, led by Messi ("he just said, don’t worry about it…").
• Should teams man-mark Messi?
  Donovan: "If you give Messi one chance a game, he’s going to score. … You just have to limit every chance." (43:13)
• Minnesota Stuns Seattle:
  Wild comeback game, penalties, and the drama of switching goalkeepers for shootouts.
  • Tim: "[Subbing the keeper] might be a mental side, like a psychological, like, ooh they’re bringing in a closer. … But I don’t think it creates that big of an advantage." (46:02)
• NWSL Playoffs:
  Gotham FC’s resilience, beating Kansas City in extra time — a highlight in the growing women’s game.

Premier League—"LiVARpool" & Title Chases

Timestamps: 51:13–58:49

‘LiVARpool’ Controversy:

• Landon and Tim both disagree with VAR denying Van Dijk’s goal, as the attacker didn’t impede the goalkeeper by the letter of the law.
  • Landon: "Whether Andy Robertson or 10 other guys are there, it did not matter. … He wasn’t going to make the save." (53:18)
• Call for accountability: "Just one time I want a coach… to say, yeah, the refs got it right…" (54:29)

Title Race Outlook:

• Tim: "I don’t think [Liverpool are] in the title race right now… That can change, but I would say at this point, no." (52:31)
• Discuss Sunderland’s draw with Arsenal and highlight standout performances including a wondergoal by Spurs’ Van de Ven and the record-breaking Champions League debut of Max Dman at 15 years old.

Fan Connection & Questions

Timestamps: 62:10–76:36

Notable Q&A Segments:

1. Set Pieces Decline in USMNT?
   • Question if concussion awareness and heading restrictions at the youth level have contributed to the US losing its set piece dominance.
   • Tim: "Set pieces are very simple… you want it more… You have to deliver the perfect ball almost every time." (68:57)
2. MLS Team Branding ("Zards" vs "Sporting Kansas City"):
   • Hosts share nostalgia for old US soccer cultures and unique club names — "Zards, Zards, Zards!"
   • Tim: “The old is new again… maybe the old was better.” (75:07)

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• Tim Howard on USMNT Attendance:
  "Our best U.S. soccer players are consistently not coming into camp. … That's a fact." (07:46)

• Landon Donovan on Club Complaints (Crystal Palace):
  "If you play a player over and over and over and then when he goes away, he says he needs rest… you can just f— right off because you're not doing what… this is Antonee Robinson all over again." (20:23)

• Tim Howard on National Team Mentality:
  "I couldn't dare not get on the plane and go to my national team. That has to be the feeling amongst the players. But I don't think that's the case right now." (23:37)

• Landon on Messi in MLS:
  "...the problem is, if you give Messi one chance a game, he’s going to score. If you give him three, he’ll score two or three." (43:13)

Episode Structure

• USMNT Injury Roundup & Club vs Country Conflict (0:00–33:43)
• MLS Playoff Recap & Discussion (38:14–49:07)
• NWSL Playoffs Recognition ("Chose Chill" segment, 49:07–51:11)
• Premier League Spotlight & VAR Controversies (51:13–58:54)
• Fan Questions & Closing Banter (62:10–76:36)

Final Word

The episode is a testament to the unique chemistry and expertise of Donovan and Howard, moving fluidly between sharp criticism (of club and federation player management), tactical analysis (across both USMNT and pro leagues), and an engaging, inclusive rapport with their listeners. Whether candidly defending national team priorities or breaking down how to stop Lionel Messi, the hosts never shy from an opinion — and the result is classic “Unfiltered Soccer.”

For the next deep-dive on all things US soccer, Premier League drama, and the world’s game — don’t miss the next episode, and catch the hosts’ live stream after Tuesday’s USMNT match!