Why did the soccer balls of our youth look like someone shaved The Grinch? Oh, but regarding this week's show, we're talking futsal! What is it, how did it first get started, how is it different from soccer, who are the dominant national teams, and much much more! JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to …

Graham and Taylor aren't on a break... but are instead discussing breaks. What is a winter break in soccer? Which leagues currently take winter breaks? What do teams actually do during the winter break? What are the benefits and drawbacks of a winter break? JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exc…

This week... it's Scran Talk! What do we know about the history of people eating at soccer matches? How important is food to the matchday experience at a soccer match? What do they eat at soccer matches around the world? What are our personal favourite things to eat at a soccer match? All that and more foodie chat on this week's episode, which was …

What is the history of goalkeepers in soccer? What are goalkeepers traditionally expected to do? How has the goalkeeping position changed in modern soccer? How might it continue to evolve? And who are some of the greats of the past vs greats of the present? JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exc…

On this week's episode, Graham and Taylor spend some time discussing the granddaddy of TV analysis: Match of the Day. What is it, how long has it been around, what makes it unique, is it still relevant in the modern media landscape, and much much more! JOIN THE TSS+ PATREON! Check out our Patreon, which houses bonus podcasts, access to our exclusiv…

Graham and Taylor are here to discuss their favorite fairytales (Graham is a big Frozen guy), but then they also discuss the concept of a fairytale in soccer. What exactly is it? What qualifies and what doesn't? What are some of the most notable moments in soccer history? And, maybe most importantly, are fairytales becoming rarer in the modern game…

Graham and Taylor are avoiding ranch and fizzy drinks to stay in ideal shape to discuss the diets of professional footballers. Why is diet and nutrition so important for soccer players? What will they eat on a match day? How has nutrition changed in soccer over the decades? Those questions and at least a few more answered on this week's episode!…

With the recent news that Mario Balotelli will be returning to Italy after signing for Genoa, we take a look back at his career so far, and ponder what it is that makes Balotelli such a captivating figure. What is it about Balotelli that is so fascinating? How good was he earlier in his career? Where did it go (most) wring in his career? Where has …

This week, we try (and instantly fail) to give an objective look at Gianni Infantino, our current FIFA President. Where did he come from? How much power does he actually have? Has he been a good President or has he been a FIFA President? All that and more!Av TSS

Graham and Taylor answer questions like "what is a dual national in soccer" and "what are the requirements for switching" and "who are some of the most notable players to have switched national teams." Plus, Graham finally admits that Mel Gibson is only slightly less Scottish than Mr. Ruthven.Av TSS

Graham and Taylor take a look at some of the biggest and/or most successful clubs that today find themselves in less glorious environs. How did they get there? What are the different factors that can lead to a club's downfall? Are any clubs today at risk of making similar mistakes? All that and much more!…

On this week's episode, it's time for pain. What happens when you tear your ACL, and how has treatment evolvedP over time? Which players recovered well, which players didn't, and why has it become such a widespread issue in women's soccer in particular?Av TSS

It's an episode we somehow haven't done before... Number 10s! It's the most fabled number in soccer, but what does it actually signify and how did it come to do so? How has the role evolved over time, who are some of the greatest number 10s in history, and does the role still exist in the modern soccer landscape? Spoiler alert - if you watch MLS, y…

Spoiler alert: I loved recording this episode! With Mauricio Pochettino now anointed as the Savior of the USMNT, Graham and Taylor take a look back at the history of the team's managers, and answer obvious questions like why were there so many Scots involved in the early stages, who are the managers of the more modern era, who is the best coach in …

Graham and Taylor tackle the sexiest of all topics: The UEFA Nations League! What is it, why does it exist, how does its format work, and is it really that confusing? The abbreviated answer to that last one is "no, but kind of yes." There's also a little Concacaf Nations League chat in there as well.…

With the fixture between Manchester United and Liverpool looming, Graham and Taylor break down the history of England's biggest (and most successful?) rivalry. Is there a rivalry between the two cities, not just the two clubs? How did the rivalry develop over the decades? Do Liverpool and Man Utd have more in common than they like to admit? All tha…

On this week's episode, in honor of Real Madrid's absurd starting lineup this past weekend, we take a deeper look at the term that defines the club: Galacticos. What is the origin of the term? What does it mean? How many different versions have there been? Does the present incarnation of Real Madrid qualify? All that and much much more!…

Graham explains the ins-and-outs of becoming a fantasy champion, while simultaneously being uncomfortable about how much time he spends on fantasy! But we also answer questions like how does scoring work, what are the different formats, how has it impacted modern soccer coverage, and much much more!Av TSS

Graham and Taylor (mostly Graham) go deep on the Scottish top flight! How long has it been around? Why does it have so many different names? How many of those names are still technically correct to use? Who are its best players and greatest clubs? And what needs to happen for it to return to prominence? All that and much much more!…

We're back! After a summer of watching entirely too much soccer, we... are ready to watch some more soccer. With the Olympic campaign now underway, Graham and Taylor discuss new USWNT coach Emma Hayes, including her coaching history, her greatest achievements, and her preferred approach to tactics and game management. Plus, who will benefit the mos…

With the kickoff of Euro 2024 less than 24 hours away, Graham takes time away from his pre-tournament packing to discuss the European Championships as a whole. What is the competition's history? How has the format changed over time? Which teams, players and managers have had the greatest success all-time? How does the tournament compare to other ma…

Special thanks to Michael Nunzi from the TSS Discord for requesting today’s topic! How important are a good crest and solid color scheme (metaphorically solid) in soccer? What makes for a good crest? What are some of the best and worst examples? What makes for an iconic kit color scheme combo, and who did it best… and who… did not.…

With the Champions League Final set to take place at Wembley this weekend, Graham and Taylor dive deep into the history and lore of the host stadium. How did it come to have the prominence it enjoys, what are some of the most memorable matches in Wembley history, what are its best and worst features, and how does it compare to some other new-ish st…

With the Championship playoff final looming, Graham and Taylor discuss the history of the competition and how the format first came to be. Then it's on to the money on offer, how clubs tend to utilize their winnings, the most notable matches in playoff history, and how this weekend's final is likely to play out.…

With the end of the season upon us and trophies soon to be hoisted aloft on pitches across the planet, Graham and Taylor take a look at the history of silverware in football. When were trophies first handed out, and why? What are the different types and what makes a good one? What are some of the best (and worst) examples in soccer history? All tha…