NYCFC with a World Cup trio, plus lots of loan intrigue

As the World Cup fast approaches, hosts Mark Radigan and John Baney and producer Andrew Leigh begin this episode focused on the United States men's national team and their next-to-last friendly before the real tournament action begins.

The conversation starts with some highs and lows from the 3-2 USMNT win over Senegal, but the real heart of the conversation: What Mauricio Pochettino has planned for the USMNT at goalkeeper. Matt Freese of New York City FC made the final 26-man roster for the World Cup, but he was an unused substitute in what was an experimental, 11-substitutes-allowed friendly. What does that mean for Freese's chances to start at the World Cup?

Whether he's the starter or not might still be up for debate, but what is certain: Freese will have two other club teammates joining him on the world's biggest soccer stage, as both Aiden O'Neill and Kai Trewin made the final 26 for Australia. There's talk of relief to see Aiden O'Neill back healthy and playing, after he went 67 minutes in Australia's most recent friendly against Mexico following a spell of absences for NYCFC after he went off injured on May 3 against DC United.

There's also the simple fact that NYCFC will have three members of their team at the World Cup, a first considering only one previous active NYCFC player has ever seen the pitch at a World Cup.

This episode wraps up with three different NYCFC loan situations that had recent news pop up. First, there's Mitja Ilenič, who got buried at Raków Częstochowa and is now reportedly drawing transfer interest from the champions of the first division in his homeland of Slovenia, NK Celje.

Then there's James Sands, officially departing a relegated FC St. Pauli, and with his next destination unclear. Might we realistically see him back with NYCFC this summer?

Finally, there's the bizarre situation where Corinthians owes NYCFC lots of cash over the Talles Magno loan deal, a discussion that eventually leads back to wondering over the future and plan for Talles Magno, with fresh calls for it to finally be time to move on from the Brazilian Designated Player.

Listen to the full episode, then find more of our coverage at nysoccerjournal.com, or on Twitter @nysoccerjournal and @NYSJPodcast, on Bluesky @nysoccerjournal.com, and on Instagram @newyorksoccerjournal

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