POSTS & PODS
Here you’ll find our weekly Unsolicited and Under-Informed Opinions about the latest soccer news, as well as our longer deep dives into the history and design of crests, clubs, and tifos from teams all around the world.
Doug Cress, 1970s Soccer USA
This week on The Footy Museum Podcast, we welcome Doug Cress. Doug runs the enormously popular facebook page, 1970s Soccer USA, where he posts daily about the supernova era of the NASL and MISL.
We talk with Doug about his experience as a sports journalist on the soccer beat for the Washington Post, the rise and fall of the NASL, and how MLS echos the past while paving a new way forward. Doug also shares what he thinks is the true lasting impact of the NASL, and how it reshaped global sports.
2025 Soccer World Predictions
The Footy Museum is back with our first podcast of the year, which means we're doing 2025 predictions! (Kindly ignore the fact that we're halfway through January, it's never too late for now!) Justin and Maria each come with their top three predictions for this year, ranging from design to football culture at large, and there are some amazing crossovers. What do they have to say about design trends, AI, new ownerships, soccer bros, gearing up for the World Cup in 2026, NWSL, and of course the Chicago soccer scene.
2024 in Review: Favorite Designs and Moments
2024 has come to an end, and we’re looking back at our favorite moments in the world of football (the soccer kind)! Take a listen for our not-at-all biased opinions on the soccer world’s best designs, greatest tifos, and most hilarious jokes played on us by the Universe.
Father of Football, Arthur Pember: the Man, the Myth, the Mustache
How did one of football's Founding Fathers end up retiring in a small North Dakota town? On this episode of The Footy Museum Podcast, Justin and Maria take a look of the storied life of Arthur Pember: Mountaineer, stock broker, investigative journalist, and the first president of the Football Association.
Dance Like Nobody's Watching? USMNT's International Break, the Trump Dance, and Berhalter Town Hall
Justin and Maria are back to talk about the world of football (the soccer kind)! This week we talk about their experience at the recent town hall with Gregg Berhalter hosted by this Chicago Fire. We also discuss the USMNT's international break, which was overshadowed by one celebratory dance. Was Christian Pulisic's Trump dance appropriate, or alienating to fans? Plus, why on earth are their so many international breaks!?
A Brief History of Playoffs in American Soccer
Justin and Maria are back in studio to discuss all things from the world of football (the soccer kind). This week is all about the great American tradition of “playoffs.” We discuss the various formats used throughout history, from the pre-MLS era to recent changes influenced by star players like David Beckham and Lionel Messi. Is the playoff format still relevant? Has it ever been?
The ‘Ole Ball Games: what did people play before soccer?
While soccer is a relatively modern sport, its origins can be traced back to much earlier times. Indigenous cultures in North and Central America, as well as ancient China, had their own unique style of games that feel familiar. These ancient games show the enduring appeal of sport, both social and spiritual, across cultures and time periods.
USL Super League is Here, Plus EPL Matchweek One and Kit Reactions
Welcome back pumpkin spice season I mean English Premier League! On today's podcast Justin and Maria talk about EPL's matchweek 1, some antics from Arsenal, and the state of the kits--with a specific focus on the neck region. They also bring it back to MLS and chat about changes happening at the Chicago Fire with the announced exit of sporting director Georg Heitz and DP Xherdan Shaqiri. So sad to say goodbye. But it's also time to say hello to Mauricio Pochettino as we welcome him to the USMNT. Big news as the USL introduces it's latest addition: the USL Super League--a designated Division One women's league. In the post-olympic void, Maria and Justin discuss the history of the very first Women's soccer game in the US dating back to 1893, and what we can do to make sure we keep women's soccer at the front of our minds.
Why I’m Thinking About 19th Century Women’s Sports
It’s been one week since the US Women’s National Team won their Olympic gold medal. For all the fun of The Games, I can’t help but feel that a 130 year old script is about to repeat itself. I’ll share my thoughts in a second. First I’m going to tell you a story about soccer:
USWNT Win Gold! Plus EFL Begins, and US Open Cup Never Left
USA! USA! USA! The USWNT have won olympic gold! On this week's episode, we talk about the match, Emma Hayes, the great team, and wrap up our Paris Olympics coverage with some excellent Naeher puns. And after a summer of major tournaments, the EFL season has begun. Justin looks into the crest history of Oxford United, and Maria celebrate's the start to the Leeds United season. Justin also gives a recap on what's been going on with the US Open Cup, as coverage has been lost to all the soccer noise out there.
Designs of Olympics Past, US Soccer Updates, and a Special Soccer Quiz!
Welcome to the Footy Museum Podcast, where we talk about culture and design in the world of football (the soccer kind!). On this week's episode Justin and Maria talk about past and present of soccer in the Olympic games, giving an update on where the US stands in the soccer tournament, and also taking a look back at designs and visuals from Olympics past. Justin also prepares a special set of riddles all about the European teams touring the US right now. Can you do better than Maria?
U.S. Soccer at the Olympics, A Visual History
The 2024 Olympic Games offer something unique to American soccer fans: an underdog mentality for the women’s game, and a hopeful one for the men’s. To celebrate our team’s success in these Paris Games, we’re taking a look back at U.S. Soccer in past Olympics.
And just as the players change, so does the visual world around them. Using posters, logos, pictograms, and photos, the Olympics offer a unique record of design across the decades. Below is a brief history of the United State’s participation in the Olympic Games, and glimpse into the tournament through designs.
Soccer at the Paris Olympics, MLS Allstars Kit, Leeds United, and Feyenoord Rebrand
Yes, the Olympics ARE a footballing event, so of course we're here to talk about it. On this week's episode we're reacting to the opening ceremonies and the first few games of the USMNT and USWNT at the Paris Olympics. We chat about some of the latest kit drops from MLS and Leeds United, and one very special logo redesign from Feyenoord Rotterdam.
Kit Reactions: Chelsea, Arsenal, MLS Throwbacks, Leeds United and more
On today's pod, we discuss the latest kit rollouts (do they seem to be dropping earlier and earlier, or is that just us?) and as well as what's to come with the Paris Olympic Games (and beyond!).
Favorites and Fails from Euros and Copa America
Justin and Maria close the chapter on the summer’s two favorite tournaments, discussing their favorite moment and failures from Euros 2024 and Copa America. That and more in this week’s episode.
Euros Talk and Olympic Collection by Ralph Lauren
This week Justin and Maria talk about the start of 2024 Euros, and what they're loving about it. They also discuss the release of the Ralph Lauren capsule collection for the U.S.A olympic team,
USMNT, Red Stars break NWSL records, and Pride Month design highlights
We're back this week to talk about all things design and culture from the world of football (the soccer kind)! this week, Justin and Maria cover the latest from the USMNT and their loss to Columbia, along with Maria's experience being one of the 35,038 people at Wrigley Field to break the NWSL attendance record. They also chat about design highlights in from this year's LGBTQIA+ Pride month.
Favorite kits, tifos, and more from the 23-24 European season
That's a wrap on the 23-24 European footballing season! (For most of Europe, anyway.) In this episode of the Footy Museum Podcast, Justin and Maria talk about their favorite kits, tifos, sideline looks, and other styles from the season.
Bad Rebrands of History
This episode we're taking a look at six bad football crest rebrands from history, and discussing the obvious and subtle reasons of why we think the changes don't work.
Oh, Canada? Jesse Marsch, MLS Rivalry Week, Tifo Action and More
The Footy Museum is back to talk about all things football, the soccer kind! This week we catch up on US Open Cup, MLS Rivalry Week, English Football's end of season antics, and Jesse Marsch's new job in Canada.