Extratime

Midweek cup games mean midweek insanity. First, the guys look north to Toronto FC's last-gasp Amway Canadian Championship winner. South of the border, the US Open Cup Round of 16 came and went and naturally there were all sorts of bizarre highlights, crazy plays and coaches … throwing balls? The guys look back at everything that happened then look forward to a loaded quarterfinal schedule.

In the second segment, attention shifts to MLS ahead of an awesome weekend that includes four straight days of league action then dive into the #FakeMLSTrades quagmire. The next installment of the #NYDerby is on Sunday (Noon, ESPN). Can New York City FC finally earn some respect in the five boroughs? And how will Poku's transfer affect the club? The guys also look at your dream transfers for MLS, and Doyle has some names who could maybe stay in the states after Copa America Centenario.

It’s expansion time in the mailbag. Nashville will join USL in 2018 and owner/investor Chris Redhage, who played in the league himself, checks in from the Music City where his group is on the verge of announcing the league’s newest franchise, one with plenty of ambition. 

Direct download: ETR_June30_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:27pm EDT

Copa America Centenario is over – more on Chile’s win, Messi’s retirement and a third-place game loss for the US in the second segment – but MLS’s summer of soccer shows no signs of slowing down. The guys start with New York City FC, who can’t get it done at Yankee Stadium but are apparently juggernauts on the road. Oh, and Frank Lampard appears to back to doing Frank Lampard things. What does that mean for Doyle’s fearless playoff prediction?

 Of course, plenty can change for all 20 teams once the transfer window opens onJuly 4. The guys bat around some rumors, ruminate on a few fake trades and then get FC Dallas Fernando Clavijo on the line to explain why the club sold talented 18-year-old Alejandro Zendejas to Chivas Guadalajara. Plus, with teams sniffing around Fabian Castillo, how long will he stick around MLS? Who might be in line to replace him? 

After a month of battle between CONMEBOL and CONCACAF, Chile emerged as Copa America Centenario champions via yet another shootout win against unlucky Argentina. Lionel Messi was down in the dumps, then he announced his international retirement. Buenos Aires-based Sam Kelly checks in to give the dirt on the drama surrounding the federation and its most important player on a day that saw a bomb threat make headline news. Sometimes reality is crazier than fiction.

 In the mailbag, listeners fact check some dubious claims by the guys and more CONMEBOL/CONCACAF collaboration gets the once over.

 
Direct download: ETR_June27_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:43pm EDT

First things first, MLS is back and the action will be coming thick and fast until December. Is Roland Alberg the answer for Vincent Nogueira? Yes and no, says Doyle. Did Collin deserve a red vs. Real Salt Lake? That’s a universal no from the guys. Are the Impact actually worse with Didier Drogba in the lineup? (Gulp) Maybe. Then the guys run through some transfer rumors (Birnbaum, Bradley and Zendejas) before hitting up LA Galaxy forward Alan Gordon for some Cali Clasico stories, Steven Lenhart’s whereabouts and a scouting report on “baby” Bash Bro Jack McBean.

You didn’t think we’d gloss over that US national team loss, did you? The guys give their thoughts on Tuesday’s domination at the hands of Lionel Messi and Argentine, then look ahead to World Cup qualifying and Road to Russia 2018. So you want Darlington Nagbe to play, but where? Who might be phased out? Who should be phased in? Might Jurgen Klinsmann actually move to the EPL? Hint: no chance.

 In the mailbag, another jersey question goes off the rails and listeners give their unvarnished thoughts on the US and the anniversary of THAT goal from Landon Donovan.

Direct download: ETR_June23_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:51pm EDT

Just a day away from the Copa America Centenario semifinals and life is good for USA fans. The remaining CONCACAF participant US Soccer are preparing to face off with Argentina and Messi for a shot at the final. With Wiebe out David and Matt call on World Cup/Copa America veteran and former USMNT center back Jimmy Conrad. He takes them inside the locker room what the mentality is like before the game, and answers some big questions like what changed for Jurgen Klinsman, and did US Soccer save Jurgen?

In the second segment MLS has returned so Ben "the research" Baer joins the show. The Colorado Rapids continue to cruise at the top of the standings while NYCFC and The Union showcase the incredible rookie class in their matchup. Also the guys look ahead to midweek MLS and Amway Canadian Championship matches.

In the mailbag the guys try to help out some wardrobe debate while headed to the Copa America semifinals.

Direct download: ETR_June20_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:41pm EDT

Special sit down with OCSC President Phil Rawlins on the tragedy in Orlando, and the club and city beginning to heal. 

 

To donate please go to https://oneorlando.org/

 

Direct download: Orlando_special_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:16pm EDT

It’s time to dive in the MLS deep end after a two-week break for Copa America Centenario. But first, a little domestic cup action as the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup hits the fourth round. MLS teams dominated, snagging 14 spots in the Round of 16 via late goals, penalty kicks and even a little gamesmanship in Los Angeles. Plus, are things going to get worse for New York City FC before they get better? And which matchup in the Round of 16 is the headliner?

In the second segment, it’s time to look back at the first third (ish) of the season and preview what’s to come. Translation: David tortures Andrew and Matt by bringing back some old predictions. Let’s call them ghosts of MLS previews past. Who did Andrew double down on as Golden Boot/MVP? Does Doyle still like his MLS Cup picks? Who swung and missed? Answer: basically everyone.

The mailbag proves Andrew and David have no fashion sense and the guys debate Designated Player targets for Atlanta United FC.

Direct download: ETR_June16_MLS_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:13pm EDT

Everything you need to know ahead of the USA-Ecuador quarterfinal game!

Direct download: ETR_June16_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:04pm EDT

Chicken Little was wrong. The sky wasn’t falling for the US national team. In fact, Jurgen Klinsmann’s boys won Group A thanks to a gutty win against Paraguay and some wholesale tinkering by Colombian manager Jose Pekerman against Costa Rica. The guys break down the shorthanded victory in Philly, then look toward Ecuador in the quarterfinals with Fox Sports and Sirius XM pundit (and USMNT legend) Eric Wynalda. Rein in those expectations, but Waldo says the final is possible. FutbolMLS.com’s Kristel Valencia, a daughter of Ecuador, is an enemy until Thursday night, but she gives you the inside scoop anyway.

 

Of course, the tournament is bigger than Group A. First, the no call that saw Peru sneak past Brazil and eliminate the five-time World Cup winners from the tournament. Was it a handball? Of course, it was, says just about everyone but Raul Ruidiaz. Franco Panizo joins to shine a light behind the scenes, then the guys attempt to play out the tournament via prediction. Will the US make the final? Will Mexico crash out? You’ll have to listen to find out.

 

In the mailbag, a moment to honor the people of Orlando in their time of mourning followed by a US Open Cup preview, defense of Gyasi Zardes (but not his first touch) and advice on how to survive the summer soccer glut.

 
Direct download: ETR_June13_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:10pm EDT

OK, Copa America Centenario. You’ve got our attention. After a slow start, the tournament is rolling, and the USMNT joined the party with a 4-0 win against Costa Rica to take control of their own destiny. Does this mean all is right in US soccer land? Matt Doyle joins David to break down a match that may have seen Jurgen finally settle on a preferred XI! Plus, the Armchair Analyst names the Russell Westbrook of the USMNT to boot. David also calls on Ralph Hannah, a soccer writer in Paraguay, to get the lowdown on who the US must get past in their Group A finale on Saturday night.

In the second segment, the guys zoom out to give Copa some context. Have Colombia and Brazil elevated themselves to tournament favorites? For US fans, who would you rather face in the quarterfinals? There’s some MLS news to talk about as well as teenagers made waves in Atlanta and Vancouver.

Friend of the show Bobby Warshaw stops by for the mailbag to carry the load in midfield for the ETR squad. He examines the USMNT performance and looks forward to the Paraguay matchup then touches on whether criticism from the media can actually be good for a struggling team.

Direct download: ETR_June9_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:59pm EDT

Time to unpack the United States’ Copa America Centenario-opening defeat to Colombia. Were the teams “completely even,” as Jurgen Klinsmann said? Or did Colombia know the Americans couldn’t threaten them after an early goal? There’s some truth to both. To help break it down, the guys get Seattle Sounders forward and FOX analyst Herculez Gomez on the line. Herc gives some insight into Jurgen, Jordan Morris and Mexico before the guys give their predictions for a must-win match.

In the second segment, it seems everyone is looking at Copa through El Tri-colored glasses. Was that wild win against Uruguay really that impressive? Andrew and David aren’t so sure. Plus, did Jamaica’s coach throw Wes Morgan under the bus for partying like a rock star after Leicester City’s EPL triumph? The answer might be lost in translation…

Which USMNT figurehead relates to a Game of Thrones character? One listener nerds out, and Doyle comes along for the ride.

Direct download: ETR_Jun6_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:20pm EDT

It's time. Copa America Centenario is here and the guys spend a full hour previewing the tournament that's going to take over the Americas.

First up, of course, is Group A, which starts with a 1994 World Cup throwback between the United States and Colombia on Friday at Levi's Stadium in Santa Clara (9:30 pm ET; FS1, Univision, UDN). What are the expectations for Jurgen Klinsmann's side? What problems do the third-ranked Cafeteros pose? Answer: plenty. FutbolMLS's expert (and native Colombian) Diego Pinzon joins to explain why, despite the odds, he thinks the US will make it through to the knockout round.

Mexico, meanwhile, are targeting more than just the quarterfinals. They want to win the whole thing, and plenty believe it's possible. That includes ESPNFC's Tom Marshall, who calls in from the road to tell the guys why Chicharito is ready to be THE man for El Tri, how Juan Carlos Osorio keeps opponents on their toes and where the dream could die.

No mailbag this time around, but FutbolMLS's Kristel Valencia drops by to preview Group B paced by a weakened Brazil and Empire of Soccer's Dave Martinez breaks down Argentina, Chile and Lionel Messi's opportunity to cement his legacy.

Direct download: ETR_Jun2.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:19pm EDT

The show’s a day late, but that doesn’t mean you’ll want to miss it. First, justice in Colorado, a howler in Montreal delights David’s mother and New York City and Kevin “hot boy” Molino do what they do. Namely, blow points at home and come up big when it matters. Plus, a Giovinco injury that has Toronto FC fans worried, a new Kamara in Columbus and a growing crisis in Seattle. To finish things off, Andy Edwards joins to explain what’s ailing Sporting KC.

 

The second segment begins with some CONCACAF Champions League fever. Well, not quite fever. Maybe more of a sniffle as the 2016/17 groups are out and MLS teams have reason to be perturbed as well as excited for this year’s tournament. After that, it’s all US national team talk after a friendly win against a poor – let’s be honest – Bolivia side. Has Jurgen settled on a lineup? Is Pusilic the next big thing? Make sure to tune in on Thursdayfor the full tournament preview.

 

Finally, in the mailbag, listeners take a crack at creative AT&T MLS All-Star ballots, and Andrew has more salt poured in his Wondo goal-prediction wound.

Direct download: ETR_May31_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:13pm EDT

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