Sounding Off on Soccer: Breaking down USMNT, Media-Poch dynamic with The Sporting News’ Mike DeCourcy plus it’s time for women’s pro sports team in Pittsburgh

On the latest edition of Sounding Off on Soccer, host John Krysinsky sits down with The Sporting News columnist Mike DeCourcy—who is just weeks away from a well-deserved retirement—to dissect a monumental week in American soccer.

Fresh off covering the USMNT’s Group Stage finale, Mike provides an inside look at the unique dynamic between manager Mauricio Pochettino and the American press corps.

The guys look past the heavy roster rotation in the group finale to project the tactical flexibility, aggression, and flair needed for Wednesday’s win-or-go-home Knockout Round clash against Bosnia and Herzegovina in Santa Clara.

But the heaviest hitting segment of the episode hits closest to home.

John and Mike travel back 50 years to the era of the legendary Pittsburgh Triangles to address the glaring void of elite women’s pro sports in the city. John wraps up the episode with a fiery solo editorial detailing why the time for testing the waters is officially over.

With the grassroots success of the Pittsburgh Riveters SC, Steel City FC and Beadling SC supercharging the Women’s soccer local scene, the blueprint is laid—and the upcoming stadium expansion might just be the final piece of the puzzle to bring top-flight pro women’s soccer to the City of Champions.

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John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky has covered soccer and other sports for many years for various publications and media outlets. He is also author of 'Miracle on the Mon' -- a book about the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, which chronicles the club, particularly the early years of Highmark Stadium with the narrative leading up to and centered around a remarkable match that helped provide a spark for the franchise. John has covered sports for Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, DK Pittsburgh Sports, Pittsburgh Sports Report, has served as color commentator on Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC broadcasts, and worked with OPTA Stats and broadcast teams for US Open Cup and International Champions Cup matches held in the US. Krysinsky also served as the Head Men’s Soccer Coach at his alma mater, Point Park University, where he led the Pioneers to the first-ever winning seasons and playoff berths (1996-98); head coach of North Catholic boys (2007-08), associate head coach of Shady Side Academy boys (2009-2014).