ExtraTime Radio: Nelson Rodriguez (Chicago Fire)

Hat tricks, ejections and last-second comebacks marked a weekend of MLS action that saw Clint Dempsey feast on the service of Jordan Morris, Jesse Marsch get the boot in LA and Giovinco prove he’s the class of the league – again. Ben the Research Baer jumps on to deliver a hot take on Seattle’s playoff chances, and Nick Rimando makes more history. 

Ahead of the US Open Cup semifinals, Chicago Fire general manager Nelson Rodriguez stops by the studio to give a behind-the-scenes look at the club’s transfer dealings, explain why they haven’t splashed the cash – yet, anyway – and dream about winning a trophy in front of the home fans at Toyota Park.

In the mailbag, the guys share their MLS origin stories, plus Sounders fans explain what a successful season looks like, even if it doesn’t include the playoffs, and why LA is obviously excluded from the Cascadia Cup.