author

Kirk Theophanous

A soccer uber-enthusiast, Kirk's free time has centered around soccer for over three decades in both the US and Europe. He played semi-pro soccer (focus on the semi) in the German lower leagues, and coached youth and adult varsity teams. He is passionate about the USMNT, and is now using his passion and experience to cover the National Team and USMNT players and coaches across Europe.

USA vs Portugal Preview: Five Things the USMNT Must Do to Bounce Back

A response is required after Belgium collapse. The 5–2 loss to Belgium was a warning shot. Defensive disorganization, a disconnected midfield, and an attack forced into individual moments exposed a U.S. Men’s National Team still searching for its best identity under Mauricio Pochettino. Against elite opposition, the margins are unforgiving. Belgium exploited them ruthlessly. Now […]

Young, Ambitious, and Dangerous: A Look at the U.S. U-20s at the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup

The U.S. Under-20 Men’s National Team arrives in Chile for the 2025 FIFA U-20 World Cup with a balanced roster and clear ambitions: get out of a tricky group, build momentum, and show that the American youth pathway continues to produce players capable of stepping into the senior national team picture. Head coach Marko Mitrović […]

Champions League Matchday 1 Preview: Fixtures, Storylines, and the USMNT Players to Watch

The wait is over. The 2025-26 UEFA Champions League kicks off this week with Matchday 1 fixtures running from Tuesday, September 16 through Thursday, September 18. Europe’s biggest clubs return to the spotlight, and for American fans, the intrigue is doubled: a number of USMNT players will be on show, some facing dream opportunities, others […]

Yanks Abroad: Weekend Preview (Sept. 12–15 Fixtures)

Antonee Robinson vs Brenden Aaronson.  Haji Wright vs Josh Sargent.  These are a couple of the intriguing storylines from this weekend’s European match fixtures. The European club season is back in earnest after the September international break, and U.S. men’s national team (USMNT) players are scattered across the European top flights. For many, this weekend […]

USMNT Bounce Back: Zendejas and Balogun Secure 2–0 Win Over Japan in Columbus

After a bruising 2–0 loss to South Korea, the U.S. men’s national team delivered a much-needed response, beating Japan 2–0 at Lower.com Field in Columbus. Alejandro Zendejas opened the scoring and Folarin Balogun added a second as Mauricio Pochettino’s side looked sharper, more cohesive and—crucially—more decisive than they did just days earlier versus South Korea.  […]

Projecting the USMNT’s September Roster: A Look At Pochettino’s Options

When Mauricio Pochettino accepted the task of guiding the United States Men’s National Team into the 2026 World Cup on home soil, expectations soared. With just under a year until the tournament begins, every international window matters. The September friendlies against South Korea and Japan may not carry competitive stakes, but, without any remaining competitive […]