Humans United FC

In this bonus episode of the podcast, Alexi Lalas, former USMNT & MLS player (New England, Kansas City, LA & the MetroStars) shares his perspectives on the early days of MLS. Alexi reflects on where we've been and where we're going.
He reflects on his own experience with the 'Beckham Experiment' back in the '00's and how it corresponds with what we're witnessing with Lionel Messi at Inter Miami today.
Most importantly, Alexi shares his memories of Doug Hamilton. Doug, who helped build such a dominant 2001 Miami Fusion. Doug, who inspired Chris Henderson and Garth Lagerwey to have the front office careers that they've had. Doug, who helped shape the fabric of Major League Soccer.
Alexi takes time to recount a memorable time in MLS' history. Enjoy!
** Announcing the FIRST EVER #miamifusion reunion and live podcast recording of '25 for 25: The story of the Miami Fusion from those who lived it'. **
Mickey Byrnes Irish Pub in Hollywood, FL has been gracious enough to host us down at their venue on Friday, October 6 from 8-9:30pm ET
GRAB YOUR TICKETS AT THE LINK BELOW!
https://www.eventbrite.com/e/miami-fusion-reunion-live-podcast-recording-tickets-650390564687
In 2001, despite putting together one of the best seasons in MLS history (at that point and arguably since), MLS made the decision to fold both the Fusion and their Florida neighbors, the MLS original franchise, Tampa Bay Mutiny.
While MLS soccer has returned to Miami in the form of David Beckham's Inter Miami, much has been discussed of "what could've been?" Had the Miami Fusion been allowed to stay and build. Indeed, what WOULD a Miami Fusion look like in 2023?
This podcast tells the story of the Miami Fusion through the voices of those who actually lived it. 25 interviews across 25 episodes charting the good, the bad, and the unbelievable.

1985.
Yes, we need to go back in time!
Back, to a time when the USWNT didn't exist. Back to a time when the entire soccer landscape was radically different. Back in time, to appreciate where we were, so we can rocket back to the present time!
Kim Wyant has participated in a lot of 'firsts' in her career:
- First US Women's National Team Goalkeeper
- First US Women's National Team
- First women to lead an NCAA D1 Men's College Soccer program
And she has handled it all in stride. As she puts it on the episode 'I was in the right place at the right time.'
However, as we all know there is a bit of hard work to go along with that luck and Kim has it in spades!
In this episode of the podcast, Kim Wyant shares her perspective of growing up playing soccer, representing the USWNT, and now coaching the NYU men, enjoy!
*Humans United FC is proudly brought to you by Hayworth Athletic*
Humans United FC is a multimedia storytelling brand committed to sharing the human experience through the lens of sport. We’re a multi-talented collective of people elevating stories of the beautiful game which often go overlooked. From the bright lights of Miami, Florida to the quiet streets of Saginaw, Michigan folks are playing soccer. Whether you’re using a makeshift or a handstitched ball, footballers come from all walks of life.
Come join host Joe Shaw as we explore some of the most interesting stories the world hasn’t heard YET. Through audio, video, photos, or articles you’ll become familiar with names like Kim Wyant and the 85ers, Jaiyah Saelua and the American Samoa World Cup Qualifying victory, names you might have overlooked but whose impact carries through today.
We invite you to unite under the banner of football, futbol, soccer, whatever you call it. Come share your stories and learn about other’s. We're all unique and the power of sport amplifies and elevates our differences, forming life-long connections.
#HumansUnitedFC

"Fa'afafine is such a part of our culture we don't feel the need to explain it. It's a coming of age story as opposed to a 'coming out' story others in the rainbow community have."
These are the words of Jaiyah Saelua as she details what it means to be fa'afafine and the first ever transgender athlete to play in a World Cup Qualifying match back in 2011 for American Samoa.
Though, Thomas Rongen received all the headlines when he lead that American Samoa team to their 2-1 WCQ victory over Tonga, there was another story developing at the same time. Though it was covered in the 2014 documentary 'Next Goal Wins', it's featured much more prominently in the 2023 film based on the documentary of the same name and it's brought Jaiyah back into the discussion.
In this episode of the podcast, Jaiyah shares her perspective of that 2011 win, her fa'afafine identity, and how we can continue to unite people through football.
Enjoy!
*Humans United FC is proudly brought to you by Hayworth Athletic*
Humans United FC is a multimedia storytelling brand committed to sharing the human experience through the lens of sport. We’re a multi-talented collective of people elevating stories of the beautiful game which often go overlooked. From the bright lights of Miami, Florida to the quiet streets of Saginaw, Michigan folks are playing soccer. Whether you’re using a makeshift or a handstitched ball, footballers come from all walks of life.
Come join host Joe Shaw as we explore some of the most interesting stories the world hasn’t heard YET. Through audio, video, photos, or articles you’ll become familiar with names like Kim Wyant and the 85ers, Jaiyah Saelua and the American Samoa World Cup Qualifying victory, names you might have overlooked but whose impact carries through today.
We invite you to unite under the banner of football, futbol, soccer, whatever you call it. Come share your stories and learn about other’s. We're all unique and the power of sport amplifies and elevates our differences, forming life-long connections.
#HumansUnitedFC

There have been multiple men to wear #9 in FC Dallas/Dallas Burn history but NONE of them are as iconic as Jason Kreis.
Through 9 seasons in Dallas Jason accumulated a grand total of 91 goals across 247 appearances. Jason finished his MLS career as the all-time goal scoring leader in MLS at the time with 108 total goals.
Despite starting his Dallas career as a central midfielder back in 1996, Dallas' then-head coach Dave Dir, moved Jason further upfield as a Striker in 1999 which caused Jason to LIGHT UP the scoreboard!
In 1999, Jason Kreis became the first American-born MVP in MLS' history. For a league which wanted to create their own 'homegrown players' it was a huge accomplishment. For a guy who has a tireless work ethic, it was a just reward for everything he meant to the team.
Jason would eventually leave Dallas prior to the start of the 2005 MLS season and would start his venture with Real Salt Lake where, much like he did in Dallas, he would score the first goal in their franchise history.
In this episode, the final podcast of season 2, it's an appreciation of all Jason brought to the Dallas Burn and especially everything he meant to the 1999 team. It really was surreal.
Enjoy!
*Humans United FC is proudly brought to you by Hayworth Athletic*
Humans United FC is a multimedia storytelling brand committed to sharing the human experience through the lens of sport. We’re a multi-talented collective of people elevating stories of the beautiful game which often go overlooked. From the bright lights of Miami, Florida to the quiet streets of Saginaw, Michigan folks are playing soccer. Whether you’re using a makeshift or a handstitched ball, footballers come from all walks of life.
Come join host Joe Shaw as we explore some of the most interesting stories the world hasn’t heard YET. Through audio, video, photos, or articles you’ll become familiar with names like Kim Wyant and the 85ers, Jaiyah Saelua and the American Samoa World Cup Qualifying victory, names you might have overlooked but whose impact carries through today.
We invite you to unite under the banner of football, futbol, soccer, whatever you call it. Come share your stories and learn about other’s. We're all unique and the power of sport amplifies and elevates our differences, forming life-long connections.
#HumansUnitedFC

Mike Geddes has always loved the beautiful game but it wasn't until he started covering the game as a journalist that he discovered his true purpose.
Mike's passion for making the world a better place led him down the path towards what would ultimately become Oakland Roots SC, a United Soccer League (USL) Championship club (US's 2nd professional soccer tier).
Oakland are much more than simply a soccer club. Oakland are trying to overturn systems of inequity, build community, and show how soccer can change the world. According to Mike, Oakland are a "purpose-driven club".
In this first episode of the current season Mike stopped by to share his connection to soccer and what a new fan might want to know about the Oakland Roots and their social ambitions.
Enjoy!
*Humans United FC is proudly brought to you by Hayworth Athletic*
Humans United FC is a multimedia storytelling brand committed to sharing the human experience through the lens of sport. We’re a multi-talented collective of people elevating stories of the beautiful game which often go overlooked. From the bright lights of Miami, Florida to the quiet streets of Saginaw, Michigan folks are playing soccer. Whether you’re using a makeshift or a handstitched ball, footballers come from all walks of life.
Come join host Joe Shaw as we explore some of the most interesting stories the world hasn’t heard YET. Through audio, video, photos, or articles you’ll become familiar with names like Kim Wyant and the 85ers, Jaiyah Saelua and the American Samoa World Cup Qualifying victory, names you might have overlooked but whose impact carries through today.
We invite you to unite under the banner of football, futbol, soccer, whatever you call it. Come share your stories and learn about other’s. We're all unique and the power of sport amplifies and elevates our differences, forming life-long connections.
#HumansUnitedFC