Inside the Game Episode 202: Is Soccer Really Growing in the U.S. — and Who Are Fans Watching?
- Jonathan Turner
- 1 day ago
- 2 min read
NATIONAL SOCCER NEWS: www.nationalsoccernetwork.com
The growth of soccer in the United States continues to be one of the most debated topics in the sport, and that conversation took center stage on Inside the Game Episode 202 as Nate Wangler and Ryan Glinski broke down what the numbers — and the eye test — are really telling us.
While attendance, television ratings, and youth participation continue to rise, Wangler and Glinski debated whether that growth is truly benefiting Major League Soccer, or if American fans are still more invested in clubs overseas. The discussion centered on whether the average U.S. soccer fan identifies as an MLS supporter or simply consumes the league while emotionally following teams in Europe and beyond.
The episode also touched on movement within the U.S. Men’s National Team player pool, as two USMNT players make notable transfer moves, sparking discussion about player development, opportunity abroad, and how those decisions impact the national team heading into future competitions.
One of the more surprising topics of the show came with speculation surrounding Lionel Messi’s future. With rumors circulating about a potential move away from Inter Miami, Wangler and Glinski discussed the likelihood — or lack thereof — of Messi leaving MLS, including the shock scenario of a possible link to Liverpool.
Beyond soccer, Episode 202 shifted to the NFL as Wild Card Weekend arrives. The hosts broke down one key factor each playoff team must focus on to make a legitimate run toward the Super Bowl. From quarterback play to defensive consistency, no contender was overlooked.
The show closed with a local focus, as Wangler and Glinski tackled the ongoing question facing Detroit fans: How do the Detroit Lions fix their issues and take the next step as a franchise? The conversation centered on roster construction, coaching adjustments, and long-term expectations.
Inside the Game Episode 202 delivers wide-ranging discussion, bold opinions, and timely debate across both soccer and football, continuing the show’s focus on the biggest stories shaping the sports landscape.
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