Jul 1, 2026 · 43 min
Brian Noe challenges Team USA soccer orthodoxy
Best of The Ben Maller Show
The episode pairs a playful Lakers milestone celebration with a pointed critique of Team USA’s performance, coaching, and media handling.
- 1Brian Noe highlights the Lakers’ lighthearted locker-room dynamics after a milestone 100th win.
- 2Noe explains his controversial decision to root against the United States men’s national soccer team.
- 3The discussion examines Mauricio Pochettino’s response to Turkey’s victory and the choice to rest starters.
Don't miss
Brian Noe makes the episode’s most provocative argument by explaining why he is rooting against Team USA in men’s national soccer.
The brief
Guest host Brian Noe opens with the Lakers’ locker-room celebration after a milestone 100th win, using the video to spotlight the team’s playful internal dynamics.
The conversation then turns contentious as Noe lays out why he is rooting against the United States men’s national soccer team, including his arguments and disclaimers.
After the loss to Turkey, Noe examines Mauricio Pochettino’s reaction to media scrutiny and the decision to rest starters, connecting both choices to broader team-management questions.
The episode’s sharpest turn is Noe’s reversal of the usual patriotic framing: he treats disappointment with Team USA as a case for demanding better performance and decisions.
Taken together, the episode contrasts easygoing basketball camaraderie with a harder question about accountability in men’s national soccer.
Featuring
United States men's national soccer team
Turkey
Mauricio PochettinoListen to the full episode and explore every guest, topic, and moment on PodLume.