Brian Dunseth on USMNT's Future and Key Players Under Pochettino

Brian Dunseth: From Player to Prominent Soccer Broadcaster

Brian Dunseth, a former professional soccer defender, recently shared the humorous and unexpected journey that led him into broadcasting. After being surprisingly cut from the LA Galaxy by GM Alexi Lalas—an event Dunseth attributes to then-manager Steve Sampson—he found himself grappling with an uncertain future.

Decision to Attend Real Salt Lake Game

Dunseth returned to Salt Lake City, where he had previously played, and decided to attend a Real Salt Lake game at Rio Tinto Stadium. It was at this game that he noticed a gap in the coverage of the event.

“Spencer Checketts, the son of Real Salt Lake owner Dave Checketts, was doing a game preview,” Dunseth recalled. "I thought, ‘Dude, you’re missing this matchup and that matchup.’ In my typical joking fashion, I found Trey [Fitz-Gerald] and Spence afterward and said, ‘Hey, let me know when you want someone who knows what they’re talking about,’” he added.

The Birth of a Broadcasting Career

Despite the playful tone, Dunseth’s remark carried weight. Fitz-Gerald, RSL's long-time PR executive, informed him that the job wouldn’t pay, but Dunseth was undeterred. “I can’t let your listeners sit through this stuff,” he quipped. This light-hearted banter paved the way for a series of significant opportunities in his broadcasting career.

Dunseth's Rise in Soccer Broadcasting

Fast forward to today, and Dunseth is now one of the leading voices in American soccer broadcasting. He contributes to Turner’s U.S. Soccer coverage, serves as an analyst for Apple TV alongside co-host Max Bretos, and co-hosts a SiriusXM Radio show, Counter Attack, with USMNT legend Tony Meola three times a week. It's a level of success Dunseth could hardly have envisioned just a few years prior.

Thoughts on the Future of U.S. Soccer

Reflecting on his expansive journey, Dunseth remarked, “It’s been a great experience.” He also voiced optimism about the current trajectory of U.S. Soccer under manager Mauricio Pochettino, noting, “This is our opportunity to kind of take those monumental steps as a collective group to take us as a footballing nation to the next level.”

Analyzing Key Players and Stories

Dunseth’s recent discussions have included insightful analyses on key players like Gio Reyna and Christian Pulisic, examining their overall impacts on the sport. Moreover, he shared intriguing anecdotes about Pochettino that many fans might not be aware of.

Conclusion

This interview with Brian Dunseth highlights the excitement and transformation in U.S. soccer broadcasting, showcasing how a former player transitioned into an influential role behind the microphone. It serves as a reminder of the incredible stories permeating the world of sports, especially regarding the growth of soccer in the United States.

For fans looking to dive deeper into soccer, engaging with broadcasts like Dunseth's offers a unique perspective and valuable insights into the game.