Extratime

Andrew’s back, and there’s a bevy of MLS news to break down following midweek MLS and CCL action that saw Seattle jump above the red line and a quartet of clubs solidify their quarterfinal standing. You’ll want to stick around for a surprise call to Ben ‘The Research’ Baer, who may have to eat his words when it comes to that infamous Sounders predictions, as well as some strong words of support for Wade Barrett, a warning for the Union, some bizarro MLS predictions for the Timbers and a Soccer Sunday breakdown.

 The guys are tickled to welcome Atlanta United FC technical director Carlos Bocanegra to the show following a blockbuster coaching signing for the 2017 expansion side. Gerardo ‘Tata’ Martino will lead ATL into MLS, and Bocanegra explains the how and why behind what amounts to a DP signing on the sideline. Plus, is Andres Guardado a target? Bocanegra answers the tough questions then explains what it’s like to build a team from scratch.

In the mailbag, the guys ponder whether Bob Bradley would leave Europe for LAFC, and one fan notices a dust up between Didier Drogba and some fans in New York.

Direct download: ETR_Sept29_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:55pm EDT

Three more teams locked up their playoff seeds this weekend but chaos still reigns as teams fight to get above the redline. Matt and Ben join David as he tries to pull the strings in midfield one last time in place of Andrew. DC United got the biggest win of the weekend over a fading Orlando City SC and Patrick Mullins takes the time to call in. He discuss his fight for playing time in his career, current goal scoring run, and favorite DC eateries ahead of a midweek redline clash with Columbus (Wednesday 9/26, 7:30 pm ET on MLS Live.) The guys also breakdown Jordan Morris’s improvement this season, Ola Kamara’s star potential, and debate a potential PK for Jozy Altidore.

In the second segment MLS is gonna MLS as Portland falters on the road once again and Colorado starts scoring but forgets to play defense. Then the guys look forward to four massive midweek MLS games that could decide playoff fates for Seattle, Columbus, and DC and could spell doom for Orlando, Montreal, or San Jose. On top of MLS action Portland, FC Dallas, and New York Red Bulls have CCL action that could decide their groups as the round comes to a close.


In the mailbag referees pick up assists, the guys discuss USMNT manager shortlist (Doyle adds a surprise name), and Chicago Fire fans lament the lack of playing time for the kids.

Direct download: ETR_Sept26_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:00pm EDT

The list is finally out as the top 5 names on the 24 under 24 have been released and there is some serious attacking talent leading the way. David calls on the full roster of ETR talent with Matt, Ben, and Calen to break it all down. What are the most promising trends? Where does the development pool need to do better? And who are the biggest snubs? After that Jordan Morris joins the show to tell the guys all about his rookie year, being a professional player living back at home, and to preview Sunday's national tv clash on ESPN with Landon’s LA Galaxy.

In the second segment the guys break down all the matchups for the upcoming weekend. There are major playoff implications in both the east and west plus a few teams that could clinch their playoff spots. Plus the battle between the "Research Baer" and the Portland Timbers heats up.

In the mailbag it looks like Atlanta United might be closing in on their first manager, and the guys jump up to their 34 over 34 list to close things out.

Direct download: ETR_Sept22_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:56pm EDT

The guys have red-line fever – there’s no cure until the playoffs start, in case you’re wondering – but first MLSsoccer.com’s 24 Under 24 series started on Monday and Christian Pulisic is now among players listed on the Allocation Ranking List. The guys ponder those developments, then turn to the Eastern Conference, where four teams are relatively safe and the rest are scratching and clawing for position. The Red Bulls are basically in, but there is real concern for Jesse Marsch after another blown lead. The man who blew up that lead is Jozy Altidore, who looks as good as he ever has for Toronto FC. Plus, the Revs come roaring back to establish themselves as contenders.

In the West, FC Dallas became the first club to clinch a playoff spot, and Landon Donovan made history with his first goal back after his un-retirement. It was a big one, too, according to Ben the research Baer, as the Galaxy chase a record for draws in a single season as well as fewest losses. Meanwhile, Seattle stayed alive thanks to Jordan Morris, Portland got attacking punch from an unexpected source and San Jose and Colorado played out a scoreless draw that surprised no one.

 The mailbag begins with some 24 Under 24 guesswork, then turns to two of Calen’s former teams as listeners get a little bit dark.

Direct download: ETR_Sept19_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:18pm EDT

FC Dallas are US Open Cup champions! That’s awesome. It really is. It just can’t keep Andrew from being more excited for the return of Pescadito. The legend is back to help Oscar Pareja and the boys go for the treble. There’s plenty at stake this weekend as well, with FOX picking up a couple games on Sunday and a must-win Saturday for all three Cascadia clubs.

 Prepare to be inspired by a wide-ranging interview with Chicago Fire goalkeeper Matt Lampson, who was diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma as a 17-year-old. He fought a brutal batter with cancer, and he won. Now, Lampson tells his story and explains how you can help via his foundation or MLS’s Kick Childhood Cancer initiative.  

 In the mailbag, the guys impromptu brainstorm a new coach for Canada, talk Toronto FC treble and the race for 2017-18 CCL spots and debate the real meaning of “world class.”

Direct download: ETR_Sept15_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 4:41pm EDT

Giovani dos Santos says he’s in “the best moment” of his career. Yeah, no kidding. Two goals and two assists from the Mexican No. 10 helped the Galaxy run away from Orlando on Sunday. Oh, and Landon Donovan made his LA debut – that’s important, too. The guys break down the hot and cold of the MLS Cup playoff race, including another Red Bulls’ collapse and Jozy Altidore going beast mode against Chicago. Remember, it’s red line time in MLS.

It’s also US Open Cup time, with FC Dallas set to host New England on Tuesday for the right to hoist the Lamar Hunt trophy (10 pm ET; ESPN2 in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). A couple veteran MLS scribes join the guys to preview a match that could play. Steve Davis gives the FC Dallas side, while Kyle McCarthy checks in from New England before a flight to Frisco. Who’ll take the trophy? The guys are split.

In the mailbag, Andrew, David and Calen attempt to build out the perfect playoff field, LD’s number choice is explained and a listener/scout emails in search of swag.

Direct download: ETR_Sept12_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:51pm EDT

He’s baaaaaccccckkkkk! The LA Galaxy needed a little boost ahead of the MLS Cup Playoffs, so why not add the guy they named the MVP trophy after? Yes, Landon Donovan, the most decorated player in MLS history is coming back. At the start of the show, the news was officially unofficial. It was under those conditions that Alexi Lalas called in to talk Landon, what he’ll bring to the Galaxy and why other teams should be nervous, plus more on his own return from retirement and US Soccer’s next big thing, Christian Pulisic.

 

MLS doesn’t stop for LD, though, and MLS Cup won’t necessarily go through LA.  All 20 teams are still alive and still striving get above the red line or lock in seeding. RSL and Orlando helped their respective causes with midweek wins. Who will get a boost in the standings heading into a loaded weekend? With an Atlantic Cup matchup on the docket and a few matches that could prove decisive in the battle to get over the red line out West, you’ll want to consider that special offer on MLS LIVE.

 

In the mailbag, the Donovan news goes from unofficial to official via a Galaxy video and personal Facebook post. One listener wonders how and why LA are able to make such “sneaky” moves season after season.

Direct download: ETR_Sept8_Good_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:34pm EDT

Today is not the day to save ExtraTime Radio for your commute, unless of course you’re doing everything in your power to be on the couch for the United States’ final Semifinal Round World Cup qualifier against Trinidad & Tobago (8 pm ET, FS1). ESPN’s Jeff Carlisle joins Andrew and David for a big-picture conversation that centers on Christian Pulisic’s rapid rise from prospect to potential USMNT starter. Should he be in the XI, though? There’s some dissention there. Can Canada get through to the Hex? In a word, doubtful … but possible. Oh, and it wouldn’t be CONCACAF without some drama. Find out what’s making its way thought the regional grapevine.
 
It may have been an international break, but half of MLS still hit the field this weekend. The guys start in the Bronx, where David has a crush on D.C. United’s Argentine delight. But are NYCFC the best team in the Big Apple? The Red Bulls have something to say about that after going cross-country to get a win in Vancouver. The Caps are wilting, and it looked like the Revs were too before grabbing three points against the Rapids. Same for the Fire, who had Jim Curtin throwing the table out the window after a home rout of the Union.
 
In the mailbag, Doyle gets what’s coming to him, a fan wonders if Simon Borg has family in high places and the Nigel de Jong transfer gets a second look.
Direct download: ETR_Sept6_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 12:21pm EDT

If you’ve been following the US national team’s journey to St. Vincent for Friday’s World Cup qualifier, you know the scenery is incredible. You also know it’s hot. Really hot. A sweaty Alejandro Bedoya joins the guys from paradise to preview the match, explain why now was the right time to move to MLS, banter about fantasy football and reinforce his title as one of ETR’s favorite guests.

Before you assume we forget about Canada – don’t lie Canucks fans, you were thinking it – ExtraTime Radio’s officially unofficial Canada correspondent Kurt Larson calls in from San Pedro Sula to explain how Benito Floro’s team can manage a result in a stadium that’s basically a house of horrors. Plus, there’s a handful of MLS games on Saturday (MLS LIVE party, anyone?), with the big news coming out of LA, where Nigel de Jong and the Galaxy parted ways after less than a season.

 In the mailbag, advice on subway etiquette, Alex Muyl for Rookie of the Year and Bradley Wright-Phillips’ legacy with the Red Bulls.

Direct download: ETR_Sept1_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:02pm EDT

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