Pitch Pass

It's been a solid (not spectacular) start to D.C. United's season and one of the standouts through the first two matches has been Matti Peltola. Roche sits down with the DCU midfielder about his strong start, what he attributes it to, Finnish weather, set piece defending, Kurokawa's fitness, and Silvan Hefti's blatant copping of Matti's style. Come for Matti's thoughts on the Black and Red's early season form, stay for Roche hopelessly trying to justify thinking Peltola was left footed....

Was Roche thinking of not doing a D.C. United season preview? Yes. But, this is a D.C. United podcast, so here we are. Roche is joined by Jason Anderson of the newly created Green Line Soccer, to discuss what we should be looking for as the Black and Red begin their 2026 season. Can the guys sell you on why being boring is better than being awful? Listen and find out. Also, where is Aaron Herrera and Gabi Pirani, who is going to play in central midfield, and why is there not a third DP? ...

Another day, another change in leadership at D.C. United. Ally Mackay is out as Chief Soccer Officer of DCU and with rumors swirling of a new CSO already in place, it's a good time to reset (again) where the club stands as another disappointing season draws to a close. Pablo Maurer joins the pod to discuss where it all went wrong between the club and Mackay, what we know about the rumored replacement for him, and how the first month of Weiler ball has looked. Then, Roche laments the lack of a...

With the summer transfer window in MLS opening, what options does D.C. United have with regards to their roster flexibility? Marc Machado knows MLS numbers as well as anyone and he joins Roche to discuss the pivots DCU has made in the last six months, where all the preseason GAM went, how much is left, and how their current resources can be deployed. Then, Marc and Gregory go over the latest MLSPA salary info. Marc's Substack is essential reading. MLSPA's latest salary informati...

The Athletic's Pablo Maurer joins Roche to discuss the D.C. United ownership group, whether they are malicious or inept (and which is "better"), how the rest of the club has to manage with this type of owner, and the Audi Field experience. Then, the guys chop it up over career transitioning, covering soccer in the USA and the challenges that come with it. Follow Pitch Pass on X and Bluesky