Protagonist Podcasts Presents: America’s Greatest is a brand new podcast series co-hosted by several of Protagonist’s writers and podcasters. We want to explore the history and pedigree of the sport in the United States - to tell the stories about our greatest games, moments, and iconic soccer characters.

We’ll reach out to authors, historians, coaches, players and fellow podcasters to help uncover the narrative of soccer in our country and in Episode Eight we catch up with host of the US-based Newcastle United podcast, Coming Home Newcastle, occasional soccer writer for SB Nation, and “thought guy” for LFG Sports, Elijah Newsome. We take a look at former Seattle Sounder, Newcastle United Black Cat, and current fullback for Inter Miami, DeAndre Yedlin.

When we reached out to Elijah to explain the project and see if there was a game, moment, or player which would be worth an hour of podcasting - he said he had all the time in the world to talk Yedlin. From his fashionable fit and hair to his flash on the pitch, DeAndre Yedlin speaks to a whole generation of Black American soccer fans in a way that maybe Cobi Jones did a generation before. Yedlin exudes cool, but there’s more than that… he shows what hard work and dedication can reward you with.

We’re joined by writer and podcaster for Seek and Strike, co-host of our own The 2how, and co-founder of Black Diamonds, Chris Walker - we take a look at the path of young DeAndre Yedlin. From youth phenom to being loaned from Tottenham Hotspurs to Sunderland AFC. We discuss the impact his performances in the National Team have on young Black athletes and how important that is in inspiring a whole new generation of, if not players, at least Black fandom.

Yedlin, who is mixed race, is also unapologetically black and in the wake of George Floyd’s murder, Yedlin takes to social media to make his opinion known - he does not waver in his call that Black Lives Matter. Because they do. Join us HERE for Episode Eight of America’s Greatest to listen in on a fantastic discussion about representation at the highest level in world football and what that means to young Black soccer players in the US.

If there is a player, game, or moment you think we should consider, don’t hesitate to reach out and let us know!

by Joshua Duder