Another year, another CONCACAF Champions League trophy that won't be lifted by an MLS team. Those dreams died on Tuesday and Wednesday as FC Dallas and the Vancouver Whitecaps succumbed to Liga MX competition in a trend that American and Canadian clubs just can't seem to break. So what should we take away from this year's CCL disappointment? What does it mean for the future? Where did FC Dallas fall short in Pachuca? Why prevented the 'Caps from slaying a giant in Tigres? Andrew, David and Matt try to answer those questions then turn to more positive news in the region as all signs to a US, Canada and Mexico joint bid for the 2026 World Cup!

After the break, it's all MLS as Week 6 approaches. Are the Galaxy in trouble or is this just a case of early season yips and the injury bug? Can Bastian Schweinsteiger shine in a tough test for the Fire? Should Jim Curtin be on the hot seat in Philly? Why is Sebastian Giovinco still looking for his first goal or assist in 2017? How will Real Salt Lake change under Mike Petke? What level of player are Orlando City getting in Luis Gil, back in MLS on loan for the season? Finally, Fredy Montero calls in from Vancouver to talk CCL, China, Cascadia bad blood and why he hopes 2017 will be his best year yet.

In the mailbag, listeners flood the Hot-Take Hotline with a new jingle, a question about the next generation of USMNT goalkeepers and a dispute about the best MLS team of all-time. Want to be a part of the show? Call the Hot-Take Hotline at 401-206-0MLS to leave a voicemail (keep it short and sweet and avoid colorful language) that could appear on ExtraTime Radio!

Block out some time because there's more than an hour of soccer talk coming your way after an entertaining MLS weekend saw Bastian Schweinsteiger score on his debut, Minnesota United finally get on the good side of a blowout and Cubo Torres break out the robot (again). As always, give us your takes by calling the Hot-Take Hotline or emailing the show!

There's plenty to look forward to this week as well, as the CONCACAF Champions League returns with semifinal second legs that could see two (or zero) MLS teams advance to the final. Goal.com's Jon Arnold joins the guys from a bus on the way to Pachuca, where FC Dallas will attempt to protect their 2-1 series lead against Los Tuzos. Do they have a chance of bucking the odds and knocking off their Omar Gonzalez and the Liga MX powers? Yes, but it won't be easy, Arnold says. On the flipside, the Vancouver Whitecaps have a mountain to climb against Tigres down 2-0 after the first leg. Can Carl Robinson inspire his boys to a famous victory?

Bonus segment! Don't say we never gave you anything. Arielle Castillo joins Andrew for an entertaining sitdown with San Jose Earthquakes Homegrowns Nick Lima and Tommy Thompson. Yes, the hype train is real. Yes, Wondo is Lima's favorite player. Yes, you'll want to listen to this one.

In the mailbag, the Hot-Time Hotline returns with a 'Caps fan claiming Vancouver got the better of Crew SC in that Kekuta Manneh-Tony Tchani deal, and another listener giving Dave an excuse to play show tunes. Typical.

Want to be a part of the show? Call the Hot-Take Hotline at 401-206-0MLS to leave a voicemail (keep it short and sweet and avoid colorful language) that could appear on ExtraTime Radio!

The MLS news machine never stops! After listening to the first-ever Hot-Take Hotline submission, the guys dive into Mike Petke's appointment as the fourth head coach in Real Salt Lake history, discuss the long-term implications of Oscar Pareja's contract extension in Dallas and then ponder how exactly the Chicago Fire might qualify for the World Cup. Confused? So was Bastian Schweinsteiger. There's plenty of weekend action to break down as well. You won't want to miss a marquee matchup between Seattle and Atlanta on a rare Friday night MLS doubleheader.

After the break, those pesky transfer rumors around Cyle Larin just won't go away. Doyle gives his take on the young striker's future, then veteran defender Jonathan Spector calls in to give Larin his vote of confidence, explain why moving to MLS now made sense and what it's like to make the move to Manchester United at 17 years of age. Spector is also high on Christian Pulisic (duh) and says he'd love to get his national career going again under Bruce Arena. Speaking of, the US got a 1-1 draw on Tuesday in Panama City, and David takes Andrew to task for expecting more. Doyle also got taken to task ... on Twitter ... by Jermaine Jones ... and shares the full story and the opinion that annoyed the LA Galaxy man.

In the mailbag, there's breaking news as the Whitecaps trade Kekuta Manneh to Columbus for Tony Tchani and an allocation money grab bag. What's going on with Vancouver? How does affect the Crew SC XI ... and could there be another trade in the works? Once that's out of the way, the guys listen to the inaugural crop of Hot-Take Hotline voicemails. You won't want to miss history being made!

Want to be a part of the show? Call the Hot-Take Hotline at 401-206-0MLS to leave a voicemail (keep it short and sweet and avoid colorful language) that could appear on ExtraTime Radio!

Everyone wants to talk about the US national team's big win, but first Ben 'The Research' Baer steps into the starting lineup to drop some knowledge that's downright painful for Minnesota United fans. It may have been a truncated MLS weekend, but there are still plenty of takes (hot, lukewarm and cold) to be had. Are the Loons really in contention to set records for futility or will this trend reverse? Is Pipa Higuain back to his best or was that a beautiful mirage against the Timbers? Is Tyler Adams the next coming?

Breathing easier this week? That might just be because the USMNT shook off months of uncertainty and worry after disposing of Honduras 6-0 at Avaya Stadium. As many tweeted at ExtraTime Radio, a hat-trick for Deuce -- and yes, we were watching the game and not just looking at the stats -- and some special moments from Christian Pulisic and Jozy Altidore, among others, got Bruce Arena and the boys back on the track. With Clint Dempsey bearing down on Landon Donovan's goal record, the guys wonder if there's a new all-time USMNT best soon to be crowned. Plus, how much can we really take away from such a lopsided result?

The first chance to find out whether the Americans have turned a page comes Tuesday against Panama at Estadio Rommel Fernandez (10 pm ET; beINSPORTS, Follow on the MLS App). David Sakata of Diario Pro joins the guys to explain why Graham Zusi is known as the ghost in Panama, what happened to Los Canaleros in Trinidad and how they'll attempt to grab a huge three points at home against a CONCACAF giant.

In the mailbag, the ETR curse is back (and may be Wiebe's fault), the guys debate Atlanta's effect on MLS, Ben wonders if the Red Bulls will stick with the 4-2-2-2 long term and David claims the Tyler Adams hype train for himself.

Are you excited or nervous (or both) for the US national team’s Hex must-win on Friday against Honduras? To help you get through the week, the guys put together a comprehensive preview that includes interviews with Sebastian Lletget and Diario La Prensa’s US correspondent Eduardo Solano.

But first there’s plenty of MLS news to cover, including Bastian Schweinsteiger’s arrival in Chicago, where the Fire hope he’ll help usher in a new era in club history. That’s not all, either, as Jeff Cassar became the first head coach to lose his job in 2017. What will Real Salt Lake do next? That’s still a bit of a mystery, but there are hints.

Once that’s out of the way, Solano calls in to give an insider look at Los Catrachos, offer perspective on the changing profile of MLS in Honduras and make a prediction that might worry USMNT fans. Don’t worry, Lletget’s up next and Da Boy gets on the horn to give the American side of the story ahead of his first World Cup Qualifier and talk LA Galaxy and his position of choice. That’s all well and good, but what Andrew and David are really interested in is the new Power Rangers movie and Becky G’s role in it.

In the mailbag, listeners offer up potential soccer rule changes, the guys try to help get an MLS watch party in Korea off the ground and an RSL fan offers up four-pages of complaints.

How does 40 minutes of unfiltered MLS, Olympic and US national team stories with Brian Dunseth sound? We thought so. Enjoy this bonus episode and be sure to subscribe so you don't miss an episode.

Goals, goals, goals. Oh, and a howler of epic proportions. If you averted your eyes this weekend in MLS, you most definitely missed something.

Let the ETR crew catch you up, starting with an almost impossible question: If you could only watch one team the rest of the year, which would it be? Some say Portland (three wins in three games), others might go with Seattle (MLS Cup defense + scary attack), and if you're really brave, you might opt for Houston (La Pantera!) or Minnesota (someone is going to score goals). You'll have to listen to see who the guys went with. Let us know who you'd go with in the comment section below!

Also of note, big days from No. 9s. Josef Martinez had yet another big day for Atlanta United, Cyle Larin keeps scoring at home, Fanendo Adi is a bull in the box and Jozy Altidore closes the door in Vancouver. So who's the best finisher in MLS? Once again, opinions are split. Same when it comes to the US national team, where there are changes galore ahead of a must-win Hexagonal matchup with Honduras.

Plus, tune in for a wildly entertaining interview with Brian Dunseth and a mailbag with hot, lukewarm and cold takes from you, the listeners!

First things first, have you taken the pledge? Don't Cross the Line may be a slogan, but it's also a way of life, so join the ExtraTime Radio crew in standing against discrimination of any kind. It's the right thing to do.

Kellyn Acosta knows something about the right thing to do, if that thing is banging in Beckham-esque free kicks in CONCACAF Champions League semifinals. Yeah, it was dope. Yeah, FC Dallas knocked off Pachuca. Yeah, they've still got a lot of work to do before we're talking CCL Final. Vancouver's situation isn't so positive, down 2-0 to Tigres, but they're headed back to Canada for the second leg, so who knows? Once that's out of the way, the guys turn their attention to MLS, where some would prefer the takes stay lukewarm until summer.

The US national have a must-win game (serious understatement) coming up against Honduras, and now we know the roster Bruce Arena will choose from to select the 11 players best suited for the job. Matt breaks down a confounding and encouraging group -- yes, that's possible -- then Chicago Fire midfielder Dax McCarty joins the guys to talk about his place on the team, his transition to life in Chicago and the beast that is Tyler Adams.

In the mailbag, a shout out to a listener making his way through Southeast Asia (but still listening to the show), more Acosta talk (not our fault, we're jacked) and a scouting report on the coach linked with the Canadian national team.

Now that MLS is back, Mondays just got a whole lot better. The guys gather to break down the Round 2 results, starting with a frigid first-ever game in Minnesota that saw the Loons lose 6-1 to a rampant Atlanta United side under a blanked of snow. So what has to change? First things first, the defense, says Doyle, while David likes the look of the Josef Martinez-Miguel Almiron one-two punch up top for ATL.

Meanwhile, Andrew is jumping on the Houston Dynamo bandwagon, San Jose get some love (with a caveat), Luis Robles is the new MLS iron man, the Galaxy lose again in a bizarre match at the StubHub Center and Ben 'The Research' Baer gets his own segment. Itwasn't just about the games this weekend, either. There was some drama, featuring a Twitter back-and-forth between Alejandro Bedoya and Jozy Altidore.

It's not just MLS occupying our attention this week, as the CONCACAF Champions League returns with semifinal matchups for the Vancouver Whitecaps and FC Dallas against Liga MX compeition. ESPN FC's Tom Marshall joins the guys to explain why Tigres might just be the best Mexican team of all-time (gulp, 'Caps fans) and give Omar Gonzalez some props for his performances for Pachuca. Is this MLS's year? Maybe, but it's going to be a grind.

In the mailbag, a shout out to two long-time listeners, props for the Cauldron in Kansas City, some sketchy match in the Montreal Impact midfield, more love for the Dynamo and a vocabulary lesson from Helsinki.

Superman on ExtraTime Radio? That’s something you’ve got to hear.

 Soccer is back – that has a nice ring to it – so Andrew and David sit down with a few MLS players to take the temperature of the league. First up, though, the guys dare to Zlatan, with rumors flying that the Manchester United star could be on his way to the LA Galaxy in the summer. They also look ahead to a weekend filled with big matches, from Sporting hosting FC Dallas, a Toronto-Philadelphia playoff rematch and hype trains making stops coast to coast.

After the break, Minnesota United striker Christian Ramirez, who scored the club’s first MLS goal, calls in after a team breakfast to shoot the breeze for more than half an hour. Ramirez describes his stop-start path through college and then up the pro ranks, how he almost ended up playing in Mexico this season, his superhero friendship with Migeul Ibarra (who was spying the whole time), and how wild (and maybe a little weird) TCF Bank Stadium is going to be on Sunday vs Atlanta (5 pm ET; ESPN2 in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada).

 No mailbag on this day, as the guys leave their cozy studio space to head to New York City FC media day, where they sit down for a chat with Jack Harrison and Rodney Wallace. Wallace gets things started by interviewing Harrison about the season, then they move on to the Costa Rican’s time in Brazil, Frank Lampard and much more.

MLS is back – no more previews, just the real thing – and the guys jam into one room to break down the Week 1 action. And there was no bigger story than firsts for Minnesota United and Atlanta United, each of which had their party spoiled in very different ways. The Loons absorbed a 5-1 loss in Portland on opening night, but is that really indicative of who'll they'll be in 2017? Meanwhile, Atlanta were Twitter darlings for 75 minutes ... then the Red Bulls reminded them that winning in MLS won't be some easy feat.

Jason Kreis knows a little something about tough expansion seasons, and while he was glad to open Orlando City's sparking new stadium with a win, the Lions boss probably lost sleep over an injury to Kaka that will keep the Brazilian out for six weeks. Can his teammates pick up the slack? It's going to be tough, that's for sure. Any game against FC Dallas is tough, which the LA Galaxy now know from experience after Kellyn Acosta's star continued it's steady rise with a game-winner at StubHub Center.

There's plenty more to chew on from Week 1, too. Should Houston be at the top of your MLS LIVE rankings? Are the Rapids MLS's answer to the binary code? Why aren't you on the Alphonso Davies hype train?

The whole crew gets together one last time before #MLSisback to make are the normal and crazy predictions they can. Andrew, David, and The Research Baer are joined in studio by Matt to go from Rookie of the Year to MLS Cup predictions and everything in between. Who has the best shot at a treble? The leading USA soccer goal scorer on the year? Who will be the 2017 stepover king and so much more!

Don't forget to join the ETR fantasy league use code 12-308. And the guys will be back on Monday to break down the opening week!

Just hours ahead of the start of the 2017 MLS season, the guys are back to bring you the second half of their season preview. The Western Conference has won 11 of the last 13 MLS Cups, and with powers such as FC Dallas and Seattle Sounders chasing silverware, 12 of 14 seems possible. Can Albert Rusnak pick up where Javier Morales left off at Real Salt Lake? Has Vancouver finally found their striker? And will Giovani dos Santos be able to lead LA past the Bruce Arena era?

The guys then get on the horn with Herculez Gomez to talk about his new career as a broadcaster at ESPN, preview the MLS season, talk all-time great MLS teams, and compare Liga MX to MLS.

Professional Referee Organization (PRO) general manager Peter Walton and 2016 MLS Referee of the Year Alan Kelly know thousands of armchair officials are inspecting their work closely every weekend. So what do they do to make sure they get the big calls right and let the players decide the result?

More than you probably know.

As the ETR Extravaganza continues, don't miss our referee special as Walton explains what his crews will focus on in 2017 and Kelly explains what it's like to be the man in the middle.

We are a few days away from the biggest season in MLS history. With more clubs and star players in the league how can you keep tabs with it all? The guys have you covered they talk TV broadcasts with John Strong of Foxsports, MLS Live with Mark McClure, and MLS Fantasy with Ben Baer (join ETR Fantasy league code 12-308).

Check out ETR all week for your season preview a new episode dropping everyday.

The guys are back all together to rev up for the start of MLS season. With one week left it is time to give every team their due and get ready for 2017. The guys start with Chicago and head all up and down the east ending on the new boys in Atlanta. Who will be the 2017 NYCFC with the biggest turnaround? Has Toronto gotten better? Are Crew heading back to MLS Cup contenders? We hit all these question and so much more.

In the third segment Jesse Marsch stops by to preview CCL, the 2017 season, discuss the NY Red Bulls offseason, and more,

Check out ETR all week with specials and previews leading up to Portland and Minnesota Friday night on Fox Sports 1.

What’s soccer without supporters? Very little, if you ask us. That’s why, on the eve of the 2017 MLS season, the ExtraTime crew reached out to five folks with skin the game to help preview what’s to come on the field and in the stands.

First up, expansion check-ins with Minnesota United FC and Atlanta United. Bruce McGuire calls in from the Twin Cities to provide some much-needed insight into the culture of the club and its supporters, then Terminus Legion Outreach Coordinator Andrea Bustamante explains what it’s like to start from scratch and what will make Atlanta a unique market in MLS.

After the break, Ruckus president Jerry Updike is jacked about Orlando City’s new stadium and literal wall of support as well as a new opportunity to grow the purple army that’s followed the club from USL to MLS. Mike Coleman knows a thing or two about armies. Coleman leads tifo creation and execution for the Timbers Army, and he shares some tricks of the trade (without giving anything away!) for those who admire or might try to replicate what they see at Providence Park.

Last but certainly not least, MLS original and New York Red Bulls supporter/reporter Mark Fishkin shares the ups and downs that come with being there from the very beginning!

After a long weekend, the guys are back at it sans Matt Doyle, who may never come back from Mexico. Know what’s also back? The CONCACAF Champions League. Do you have CCL Fever? Are there varying degrees of regional soccer anticipation? David’s not sure Andrew’s temperature is high enough as the Red Bulls and Whitecaps clash and FC Dallas take on Arabe Unido this week. What makes the tournament special? Who has an edge? Get caught up before quarterfinal first legs on Wednesday and Thursday.

In other news, Tommy Thompson’s backheel goal gets the hype train back on the tracks, but the guys want to know what other MLS hype trains are primed and ready to leave the station. Alphonso Davies, anyone? Plus, Toronto FC use TAM to sign an attacking midfielder who could get them over the MLS Cup hump, Adrian Heath says Kevin ‘Hot Boy’ Molino could be the league’s best player and David Villa gets slap happy.

In the second segment, Timbers coach Caleb Porter joins the guys for a must-listen interview that dives deep into MLS’s tactical identity. Listen as the Portland boss details his plans for 2017 and explains what makes a successful MLS team. There’s plenty more, too. What’s the best way to teach tactics to pros and youth players alike? What’s holding the league back in CCL? How has TAM affected rosters? What the next phase in his own coaching career?

 In the mailbag, Andrew tells tales from his Minnesota trip, including a shout out to a young listener, a Soccer Tour helper asks for advice on convincing his wife to open their home to a soccer vagabond and a serviceman emails with a touching story about how soccer brought people together on the other side of the globe.

On Monday, the guys talked Homegrown players and MLS academies. This time around, they’re tackling star power, the big names who garner Designated Player contracts as well as the increasing crew of TAM players raising the level of the league.

Fredy Montero is certainly a star, and Ben ‘The Research’ Baer joins to break down the stats behind the Whitecaps much-needed forward signing. Plus, Red Bulls banter after the club parts ways with Ali Curtis, and intel on NYCFC’s new DP.

Alexi Lalas knows a thing or two about Designated Players. Now coming live and direct to your living room on Fox Sports, Lalas was LA Galaxy GM when they signed none other than David Beckham. How’d that deal go down? How did it change MLS? What is it’s legacy? What’s the state of star power in the league today? You’ll want to hear what Lalas has to say.

In the mailbag, the Union are looking for a Chief Tattoo Officer, Brad Evans is stoking rivalry flames in Cascadia, more MLS bucket lists and an ode to MLS LIVE in which one listener calls Andrew a big fat liar.

Eight months, 35 games, 20,000 miles. It’s the ultimate soccer road trip, and Steve Bernasconi is just crazy enough to take it on. The 25-year-old will start Feb. 25 in Tampa, Fla., and end Oct. 15 at StubHub Center in Carson, Calif. But how is he pulling this off? Why is he doing it in the first place? ExtraTime Radio got the intrepid soccer fan on the phone to find out what The Soccer Tour is all about and how you can be a part of it when Bernasconi comes through your city!

We know it's hard to wait for the 2017 MLS season. That's why we put together a 10-show run to take you throw March 3, including another ExtraTime Extravaganza leading up to Opening Weekend. Might as well just subscribe on iTunes now.

 First up, a show devoted to Homegrowns and the academy system, the conveyor belt of talent that clubs (and the US and Canadian national teams) hope will sustain them long term.

 Matt Doyle gives his thoughts on the 2017 Homegrown class, then Sporting KC academy director Jon Parry joins Andrew and David to explain why producing talent from within is so important. And while the "why" is crucial to the process, it's all about the "how" when it comes to producing future pros, and Parry goes deep to help listeners understand what SKC are doing to seed their first team with local (and recruited) talent.

 FC Dallas and USMNT midfielder Kellyn Acosta is a Homegrown success story, and he calls in from preseason camp in Argentina to tell his own story -- from the U13s to the first team. When and why did he join the academy? How did FC Dallas help him make the jump from grassroots to the pros? What's next for one of the most talented young players in the league? MLSsoccer.com and iTunes listeners get the full story!

In the mailbag, the guys decide the fandom of an unborn child and discuss (then cross an entry off of) a rather creative MLS bucket list.

Super Bowl hangover? Spend an hour with ExtraTime Radio!

 After reminiscing about the most painful MLS losses ever – sorry Falcons and Atlanta United fans – the guys turn their attention to the US national team, which concluded January camp by knocking off Jamaica 1-0 in Chattanooga thanks to some Benny Feilhaber magic and a Jordan Morris finish. The results against the Reggae Boyz and Serbia weren’t incredible, but Doyle says it’s the process and the system that should reassure US fans ahead of a huge Hex game against Honduras in March. What should Bruce Arena’s XI be for that match? Who should get the nod at the No. 10? Will Da Boy be a 2017 revelation? All that, plus the latest MLS news.

Speaking of (potentially huge, massive, gigantic) news, FourFourTwo’s Paul Tenorio reports Javier ‘Chicharito’ Hernandez could come to MLS as soon as this summer. You know what that means. Andrew and Dave get on the phone to grill Tenorio about which teams could be in the running, how much moolah is would take to get a deal done and prognosticate about the Little Pea’s impact on and off the field. It could be THE summer blockbuster in MLS, so you might as well prepare yourself for the possibility now.

In the mailbag, Doyle gives his take on what Chicharito could bring to MLS, listeners chime in with more #MLSDPbusts and Andrew suggests a name for the award, then the guys brainstorm some 2017 MLS bucket list items.

More Designated Players? Yes, please. After Atlanta United and Portland snagged big-time attackers in Sebastian Blanco and Josef Martinez, the guys sit down to try to pin down what the expansion side's formation might look like (2-3-5 anyone?) and whether the Timbers are in position to spoil their rivals' title defense despite a big injury on the backline. Meanwhile, in Orlando and New York, Jason Kreis and Jesse Marsch put out quotes that raised some eyebrows. Which players are on the outs with the Lions? Why does Marsch feel bad about the way the Dax McCarty trade went down?

After the break, MLS president and deputy commissioner Mark Abbott sits down with Andrew and David to discuss the expansion rush that saw 12 cities and ownership groups make their case to be teams 25-28. Why the new process? What comes next? Who'll have the final say? What's going on in Sacramento? Plus, Abbott describes what it's been like to build the league from scratch and what the future looks like.

In the mailbag, the guys try to settle on the worst DP of all time, hear expansion pitches that revolve around tacos, ponder DaMarcus Beasley's future and pass on breaking news from San Jose.

Last week was an ExtraTime Extravaganza – seriously, go back and listen to all five shows if you haven’t already – but that doesn’t mean the guys don’t have something special planned for you on Monday. The Armchair Analyst is back after a month-long absence, and he’s ready to make up for lost time! First, that scoreless draw in San Diego that saw the national team put weeks of training to the test against Serbia. It wasn’t always pretty, especially in the final third, but Doyle says there were some positives and David wonders whether we should just accept that Darlington Nagbe might be better suited to the No. 8. Plus, who won Round 1 of the US playmaker competition between Sacha Kljestan and Benny Feilhaber?

There aren’t any games just yet, but there’s still plenty to talk about in MLS as team-building for 2017 continues. The big news is out in LA, where reports have the Galaxy landing a DP winger that could change the face of the Western Conference. Andrew catches you up on the comings and goings, then the guys dive into the transactions page to try to decide on the single biggest MLS signing of the offseason. Miguel Almiron? Those Fire DPs? The young target forward FC Dallas just beat big-time competition to sign? How about Alberth Rusnak at Real Salt Lake? On the flip side, what about biggest losses? Does Dax McCarty fall in that category? How about Jermaine Jones or Kevin Molino? Someone else’s gain is someone’s loss…

 In the mailbag, the guys start the Steve Zakuani for Comeback Player of the Year bandwagon and Doyle gives everyone an update on Freddy Adu’s preseason cameo against the Red Bulls.

It's been a long week, but thanks to the ExtraTime Radio Extravaganza there's still one more show to get you through to the weekend.

A decade ago, Orlando City's Jason Kreis traded his cleats for a clipboard (and an avalanche of responsibilities he wasn't quite ready for). The Lions boss joins Andrew and David for a wide-ranging conversation that covers the stress of coaching, the lessons he's learned with Real Salt Lake, New York City FC and now in Central Florida, and how he nearly quit the profession early on until his wife intervened. Plus, insight into the future of Orlando City, that sparkling new stadium and the squad he hopes will help the club push into the playoffs for the first time.

Enjoy the show? There's plenty more where that came from. This week was an ExtraTime Radio Extravaganza. Five shows, five days, five exclusive one-v-one interviews with MLS coaches.

Three days after they broke down the Eastern Conference, the guys turn their attention to the West. After the news of the day – Hot Boy Molino to Minnesota?! – of course.

Andrew and Dave dive in to tell you the Western Conference moves you should care about, the holes that need filling, the reasons for optimism and the biggest questions facing the 11 team are fighting for six playoff spots. Have a take? Hot or cold, leave it in the comments section or hit us up on Twitter!

Enjoy the show? There's more where that came from. This week is an ExtraTime RadioExtravaganza. Five shows, five days, five exclusive one-v-one interviews with MLS coaches.

Check out Monday's show, a team-by-team Eastern Conference whiparound as preseason begins, then move on to Tuesday's special with Dominic Kinnear (SJ) on the time he won a title in Mexico and Mauro Biello (MTL) explaining how he managed Didier Drogba. Don't forget there is also a Texas Derby edition with Wilmer Cabrera (HOU) and Oscar Pareja (DAL), and finally Friday's finale with Jason Kreis (ORL), who tells the guys how his wife kept him in the coaching game when he wanted to quit.

The ExtraTime Radio Extravaganza rolls on with a Texas Derby edition of the show featuring new Houston Dynamo head coach Wilmer Cabrera and FC Dallas boss Oscar Pareja, who are now on opposite sides of the rivalry after decades of friendship.

A legend in Colombia for his time with the national team and as a star in the domestic league, Pareja dishes about his playing days, how Dallas became his home, what the future of the club looks like and what he hopes for his own son, a member of the academy from which FCD plucks future stars.

Don't assume Papi is the only one with a star-studded playing career. Cabrera was Pareja's peer and equal back in the day, and he joins the guys ahead of his first season as head coach of the Dynamo after being promoted from within. So how did he land the job? How did the club land Alberth Elis and the other Central and South American stars set to populate the line? What does Cubo need to do in order jump start his career?

Give it a listen and let us know what you think in the comments section below!

Enjoy the show? There's more where that came from. This week is an ExtraTime Radio Extravaganza. Five shows, five days, five exclusive one-v-one interviews with MLS coaches.

Check out Monday's show, a team-by-team Eastern Conference whiparound as preseason begins, then move on to Tuesday's special with Dominic Kinnear (SJ) on the time he won a title in Mexico and Mauro Biello (MTL) explaining how he managed Didier Drogba. Don't forget there is also a comprehensive Western Conference primer coming on Thursday followed by Friday's finale with Jason Kreis (ORL), who tells the guys how his wife kept him in the coaching game when he wanted to quit.

Andrew and David sit down with both Dominic Kinnear and Mauro Biello to cover a range of topics. Dom tells the guy about San Jose's new GM, his first years in coaching, and all about his time at Necaxa. 

Mauro Biello talks about the TFC playoff series, dealing with star players, coaching in his hometown and more.

Get ready for a massive week of ExtraTime Radio, maybe the biggest ever, as the extravaganza begins. Five shows, five days, five exclusive one-v-one interviews with MLS coaches.

On Tuesday, hear from Dom Kinnear (San Jose) and Mauro Biello (MTL). Wednesday is an all-Texas special with Wilmer Cabrera (HOU) and Oscar Pareja (DAL). Friday's finale features Jason Kreis (ORL) explaining how his wife kept him in the coaching game.

What's the occasion, you ask? Preseason 2017 has officially begun, of course, as teams gathered on Monday for physicals. The guys get in the swing of things by taking a long, hard look at the Eastern Conference picture. Andrew and Dave dive in to tell you the moves you should care about, the holes that need filling, the reasons for optimism and the biggest questions facing the 11 team are fighting for six playoff spots. 

In the mailbag, big changes are coming to the CONCACAF Champions League. What do they mean for MLS teams? Does it change the task at hand, namely knocking off Mexican opposition? Is it a good thing for the region?

With Dave and Matt hanging on the West Coast, Andrew and Ben jump in the studio to run over the week's headlines. Front and center are the LA Galaxy, who wasted no time stocking up after trading A.J. DeLaGarza on SuperDraft day. The ink is finally dry on Jermaine Jones' contract, but it's the 23-year-old Portuguese midfielder LA used TAM to sign who really has the guys riled up. In New York, the Red Bulls' front office appears to be in a state of flux, but does that mean the project is dead? Andrew says no way. Meanwhile, with training camp just days away, which teams have the biggest holes to fill.

Ever wonder what MLS was like in 1996? Sporting Kansas City manager and technical director Peter Vermes has first-hand experience. The MLS lifer joined Andrew Wiebe and David Gass for a special ExtraTime Radio segment (WATCH) from Manhattan Beach, Calif., ahead of the MLS SuperDraft. Listen to Vermes tell some throwback stories about life in the early days of the league, then detail the recent offseason moves in Kansas City that he hopes will return the club to the very top of the MLS pyramid.

In the mailbag, the guys give the Jonathan Spector-to-MLS reports a vote of confidence, wonder whether Dom Dwyer can break into the US national team and imagine a world in which all PK shootouts were conducted by the old-school MLS rules.

With Andrew back on the east coast David Gass and Calen Carr carry a show with huge trade news. The captain of the New York Red Bulls is headed to Chicago the guys break down how the Red Bulls move forward, and the potential for Chicago. They also look at AJ DeLaGarza's move to Houston and winners and losers of the SuperDraft. Plus Calen gives Minnesota fans the inside scoop on their number one pick.

In the second segment Andrew and David sit down with LAFC Executive Vice President of Soccer Operations John Thorrington in his hometown. The guys discuss potential LAFC signings, coaching rumors (Bob Bradley?!), stadium details, and so much more.

In the mailbag everyone wants to know about expansion to California so David turns to NorCal native Calen to break it down.

Andrew, Matt, David, and Sam Stejskal preview and break down the first ten picks of the 2017 MLS SuperDraft.

The Combine is over. The scouting is done. The player interviews, too. Now, all that's left is for MLS Commissioner Don Garber to take the stage and put Minnesota United on the clock.

Andrew, Matt and David have been there for it all, even the hotel lobby bartering that could see the draft order change before and during Friday's MLS SuperDraft. So have Sigi Schmid and Sam Stejskal. All five take turns giving their expert opinions on the players vying to be picked by 22 MLS teams in the first two rounds. Want Combine winners and losers? Done. How about the consensus top five prospects? Uh huh.

That's not all, either. Atlanta United movers and shakers Darren Eales and Carlos Bocanegra stopped by as well to chat with Andrew about Year 1. Are they changing the lay of the land when it comes to Designated Players? How has Tata Martino changed the way they think and operate? How'd Bocanegra get the job in the first place? What's that first game going to be like? It's must-listen stuff.

In the mailbag, Sam gives the lowdown on Jesse Marsch's Austria trip and Brad Guzan's likely summer arrival, and a listener digs up the all-name team for soccer clubs around the world.

Not satisfied with ETR's full SuperDraft preview? Listen to specials featuring Minnesota United head coach Adrian Heath and a special Mock Draft edition before the action starts at 3 pm ET, all streamed live on MLSsoccer.com.

With 24 hours left until Minnesota United FC are on the SuperDraft clock, Adrian Heath joins the guys for a wide-ranging interview that’s a must-listen ahead of the big day.

Which prospects are standing out in the Combine? How close was Heath to returning to England after his time in Orlando ended? What was it like to coach his son in the pros? What’s his new life like in Minnesota? Has he slept at all – not really – as the Loons race to put their first-ever MLS roster together?

As usual, Heath is refreshingly honest, especially when it comes to what makes a good MLS player, how he wants his Minnesota team to play and what fans should expect come March 3 in Portland.

Check back for a full SuperDraft preview later on Thursday, including a sitdown with Atlanta United’s Carlos Bocanegra and Darren Eales, plus more interviews from the Combine!

You can't beat the MLS silly season -- unless you're anti-fun, of course. As the MLS SuperDraft rapidly approaches, the guys gather in Manhattan Beach to break down the end of the Fabian Castillo era, a puzzling TAM signing by the Union, Designated Player rumors in LA, Sporting KC's drive to get younger and more athletic on the wings and some roster shuffling in Portland. That's just the beginning, too. The Rapids are reportedly searching for a winger in Norway, Orlando's central midfield could get even more crowded, Minnesota keep building and the Fire are linked to a perfect partner for Juninho. Oh, and what's this about Frank Lampard to LA or Orlando?

 In case you couldn’t tell, the guys are living the Cali lifestyle thanks to the 2017 MLS Player Combine -- be sure to tune into the streams on Tuesday and Thursday at MLSsoccer.com -- and Day 1 is already in the books. Who were the winners? Who has work to do? Sam Stejskal tags in to help analyze the 2017 draft class and pass on some knowledge gleaned from coaches and front-office folks. Is the top three set? And who could move up or down? Your insider insight into the Combine and SuperDraft is right here.

 In the mailbag, Andrew's get a pronunciation lesson, Doyle breaks down Harold Cummings' starting prospects for the Quakes and the guys ponder USMNT January camp snubs.

Guess who’s back? After a few weeks to recharge their batteries over the holidays, Andrew and David sit down in the aquarium to try to wrap their heads around everything that’s happened in MLS as clubs prepare for the MLS Combine and SuperDraft. Hint: It’s an awful lot.

First up, Minnesota United FC got Batman (Miguel Ibarra) and Superman (Christian Ramirez) back together as the attack begins to take shape. San Jose, meanwhile, finally has a general manager, but you probably won’t recognize his name. Yeah, but what about Designated Players, you say? Sporting KC and Crew SC snagged one apiece and it looks like Real Salt Lake are on the brink of signing a European No. 10 as well. And that’s just the beginning, because Houston appears to be killing it, Fabian Castillo’s fate is in the balance, the Fire are making moves, Seattle are reloading and plenty more is floating around as the transfer window opens.

In the second segment, it’s all Combine, SuperDraft and Bruce Arena’s first-ever (well, this time, anyway) US national team camp. David gives his take on the crop of Generation adidas and college senior signings, and points out the possible difference makers who’ll hope to impress teams in Los Angeles. Then the guys break down the 32-player squad called in by Arena in the lead up to the first national team games of 2017. Snubs? Not many, but that’s because there are some many interesting names among the all-MLS group.

Mailbag provides a platform to congratulate Mike Magee for a brilliant career, dissect Bob Bradley’s brief EPL tenure and identify the quietest team in the player market so far this offseason.

The final episode of 2016 is on deck as the gang will return to the studio next week to kick off 2016. First Andrew and David discuss new years resolutions. And then they talk to the pros.

Juan Agudelo talks about being a young upcoming American attacking player. The pressure that comes from the media, the decision he has made, and his future with the national team. He also sings the theme to his favorite Disney Channel show and projects the future of the USWNT midfield.

Last but not least the Andre Blake stops by after robbing some more of Juan's goals. Andre discusses how he ended up between the posts, his path out of Jamaica, his favorite "Andre Blake Says No" save, and his barber Keegan Rosenberry.

The guys are away but no fear there is plenty of MLS content to consume. Andrew and David hold court at MLS Cup with a few stars of the league to talk big picutre, their 2016 experiences, music choice, what its like to celebrate winning a title and so much more.

First Andrew sit down with Philadelphia Union duo CJ Sapong and Keegan Rosenberry. They talk all about working under Jim Curtin, the culture Earnie Stewart is building, working through your rookie season and more.

In the next segment Andrew and David are joined by Sacha Kljestan he discusses his love of Queen, battle for playing time as an American in Europe, changes in the USMNT, and all things Red Bulls.

Look out for the second holiday special with Juan Agudelo and Andre Blake on December 29th and Sirius XM FC Ch 85.

This is it for 2016! Well, not quite – ETR will keep your holidays humming with two more episodes on Dec. 22 and 29 – but it’s the last time the guys sit down to talk soccer in the flesh before heading their separate ways. First up, Andrew, David and Calen reflect on 2016 then get down to the business at hand: drafts, signings, rumors and player movement in general. Who’s up for grabs in Re-Entry Stage 2? Why is Dave so giddy about Honduran international Alberth Elis? What’s up with Oscar Romero to Atlanta? Could Batman make a return to Minnesota? Is FC Dallas killing it or are they killing it?

In the second segment, the guys look ahead to 2017, starting with the CONCACAF Champions League, which is clear as mud. Then they tackle the US national team under Bruce Arena. What’s January camp going to look like? What’s the overall theme of the program? Who’ll get a shot that needs one and who’ll be the player who makes fans scratch their heads? MLS predictions? Oh, we’ve got those, too, even if it is guesswork at this point. 

The mailbag – errrr, post – gets started with some Bob Bradley discussion, then quickly shifts to an MLS Cup solution and an ode to Seattle. Finally, who’s odds-on favorites to win 2017 MLS Cup?

MLS Cup is just days away, and the guys are on the ground in Toronto to soak in the championship atmosphere. To help set the stage, former Seattle Sounders head coach Sigi Schmid brings his inside knowledge to the table for a championship preview you won’t want to miss. First up, which club and which city has more on the line with a first-ever MLS Cup at stake? What’s MLS Cup week like for coaches, players and fans? What did Greg Vanney and Brian Schmetzer do to get their squad rolling?

In the second segment, the guys dive into a tactical breakdown that’ll get you up to speed on what’ll go down between the lines at BMO Field. How should the Sounders deploy Nicolas Lodeiro? How can Toronto FC get the best from Sebastian Giovinco, who didn’t look like himself against Montreal? Who will come out on top between Jozy Altidore, Chad Marshall and Roman Torres in what promises to be a battle of the titans? What does Michael Bradley need to do to keep the Reds rolling? 

Predictions come first up in the mailbag, with the crew split as Schmid goes with his heart. Then there’s the requisite Landon Donovan MVP discussion and a call for more young American playmakers as the guys wrap it up and prepare for Saturday.

We've been at this for 11 months, through preseason, opening day, the dog days of summer, the playoff push and more than a month of postseason action. After all that, the 2016 Major League Soccer season comes down to two teams without a championship to their name: Toronto FC and the Seattle Sounders. MLS Cup at BMO Field will be lit, as the kids say, but will it be as incredible as the Eastern Conference Championship? The guys aren't so sure after TFC and the Montreal Impact played out a playoff series for the ages, culminating in a wild, back-and-forth, heart-attack inducing second leg that had the guys gasping for air. How'd the Reds come back after another early blow from their norther rivals? Why didn't the Impact mark (like, at all) on set pieces? Is Sebastian Giovinco alright or is there an injury issue to watch the rest of the way? Who has the edge on Dec. 10 when the Sounders travel to Ontario hoping to spoil the party?

In the second segment, buckle in for half an hour of new US national team head coach Bruce Arena, who joined Andrew and David for an exclusive interview that you can also watch above. Arena explains how the transition from Jurgen Klinsmann went down from his perspective, lays out the immediate future of the program, evaluates the player pool and task at hand and even manages to reveal a few new nuggets along the way, like which European team offered him a job in the wake of the 2006 World Cup.

In the mailbag, Matt gives his take on MLS Coach of the Year, won by FC Dallas manager Oscar Pareja, and listeners give their take on the playoffs so far and the MLS Cup matchup to come.

Finally! After eight years of trying, the Seattle Sounders are in MLS Cup after long last. Wait, finally? Long last? David is happy for the Cascadians, but he’s not sure why they’re being made out to be the Chicago Cubs of MLS. Jordan Morris may have some common ground with Michael Jordan, however, after his Flu Game performance helped take the club he grew up supporting to the brink of a title. Morris calls in to give an update on his stomach bug, describe the celebrations in the locker room and at the airport and look ahead to the biggest game of his life on Dec. 10. Plus, are the Rapids set up to compete for years to come or was this a flash in the pan?

Who will the Sounders play in MLS Cup? We know it will be a Canadian team, with Toronto hosting Montreal on Wednesday (7 pm ET; FS1 in the US, TSN/RDS in Canada) facing a 3-2 aggregate deficit. Should Greg Vanney start Will Johnson and Tosaint Ricketts? Is Didier Drogba on the brink of a Flu Game himself? The guys dive in full steam, then hit up TFC defender Justin Morrow for the lowdown on the paint fiasco in Montreal, the genius of Giovinco and the opportunity to host MLS Cup at BMO Field.

In the mailbag, big news in Los Angeles as the Galaxy name a new general manager and give some hints about their future head coach. Plus, US national team, Designated Player and Cascadia chatter.

Soccer doesn’t take a break for the holidays, and neither do Andrew and Dave in the wake of the first leg of the Conference Championships. With Matt off eating brisket in Texas somewhere, the guys celebrate Thanksgiving in the broom closet by breaking down the return of the 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs on Tuesday night.

 First up, the measurement snafu at Olympic Stadium that delayed the game for half an hour, but has David making Copa Libertadores comparisons. Let’s just say it was memorable. The delay didn’t effect the Impact, who jumped out to a 3-0 lead that had Toronto FC fans thinking déjà vu following last season’s playoff disappointment. Only it wasn’t to be, as the Reds stormed back to grab two away goals. In the late game, it was a similar tale. Colorado scored first, but Seattle quickly found their feet and ended up with a 2-1 win at home that sets up a tantalizing second leg on Sunday afternoon.

Sounders right back Tyrone Mears could make the difference in that game, and he calls in to chat with the guys about the playoff atmosphere in Seattle, the team’s up-and-down 2016 campaign, Nicolas Lodeiro’s class, Jordan Morris’ future, Roman Torres’ dance moves and an international career that took some strange turns. Then Dave and Andrew offer their takes on Bruce Arena’s new/old post with the US national team and Celtic’s rumored interest in Darlington Nagbe.

In the mailbag, it’s time to give thanks. For the soccer community, for MLS, for everything that makes the beautiful game unique in the United States and Canada.

In the wake of Jurgen Klinsmann's dismissal as US national team head coach and technical director, Andrew Wiebe, Matt Doyle and Ben Baer react to the news and look ahead. Could Bruce Arena be the next head coach? Who will benefit from the change atop the USMNT?

In the first segment the guys break down both conference finals first legs. In front of two packed stadiums who will be the X-factors that will swing the series. Kurt Larson calls in from Olympic stadium in Montreal to discuss Giovinco vs Piatti, and the home field advantages Montreal will try to use.

In the second segments the guys sit down just minutes after US Soccer announces they will be moving on from Jurgen Klinsmann as Head Coach and Technical Director. Also check out a separate special episode of ETR reacting to the US news in your podcast feed and on mlssoccer.com

In the mailbag how would Bruce Arena's appointment to the US job affect the LA Galaxy, and when will a Technical Director be hired.

Welp, that was a bad week for the US national team. After a 4-0 loss to Costa Rica in San Jose, it's crisis time in the Hexagonal for one of the favorites. Jurgen Klinsmann is understandably under pressure, and the guys ponder what went wrong (again) and what it means for the future of the program. ESPN's Jeff Carlisle joins to give his two cents on the German's job security as well as rumors that LA Galaxy boss Bruce Arena could be waiting in the wings.

The offseason hot stove is starting to heat up in MLS. First up, rumors (Carlos Tevez? Please tell us it is true) and a first-ever home jersey in Atlanta, then FiftyFiveOne's Wes Burdine calls in from Minnesota to provide perspective on reports that Adrian Heath will be the club's first MLS head coach as well as provide news (or lack thereof) on the player front. Also, Benny Feilhaber's new deal in Kansas City, D.C. splash cash on Luciano Acosta, a former MVP's son signs for FC Dallas and award season rolls on.

In the mailbag, a debate about Designated Players that revolves around Tim Howard's injury, #Bielsa4USMNT, questions about the MLS Cup Playoffs schedule and Soccer Thanksgiving requests.

After 12 hours on the road and some fitful sleep, Andrew and David are back in the broom closet to break down the death of Dos a Cero with Matt. Though the atmosphere was spectacular and the fans respectful and passionate, the tactics from Jurgen Klinsmann left something to be desired.

First the what, how and why behind the 3-4-3 that saw the Americans go down early, then the changes that helped the hosts fight back valiantly before the villain of all CONCACAF villain (Rafa, baby) got the goal the gave El Tri three valuable points in Columbus. Of course, there’s no rest for the weary. A trip to Costa Rica, where the US have never won, is next and the guys are split on how they think the result will pan out.

If you thought things would be quiet in MLS during the international break, think again. There’s big news from Frank Lampard, some hints but no confirmation from Steven Gerrard and an untimely injury for Tim Howard that will change the trajectory of the USMNT and Rapids’ MLS Cup bid. In the mailbag, a big congrats to FC Dallas’ Matt Hedges for his Defender of the Year nod.

The guys abandon the broom closet for the open road, road tripping to Columbus for United States-Mexico (7:45 pm ET; FS1, Univision) in the opening round of the Hexagonal. Will there be another Dos a Cero to add the legend or will El Tri shed the burden of history with a huge result at MAPFRE Stadium? Jurgen Klinsmann has some big decisions to make. Should Jermaine Jones start? Who partners John Anthony Brooks? Will Christian Pulisic explode into the mainstream with a big performance? The guys are buzzing ahead of the game. Don’t forget to say what’s up if you see us in the parking lot or at the stadium!

In the second segment, the guys get things started with a Rookie of the Year discussion. Jordan Morris won the award and deserves huge plaudits, but so do the other ROY finalists. There’s also big news out of Real Salt Lake, where Jeff Cassar found out he’ll stick around for at least one more year. Not so, in all likelihood, for Javier Morales, as it appears an era has ended in Utah.

 The mailbag begins with a Terrence Boyd proposal, then a long-time listener has beef with the way the LA Galaxy eulogy affected his daughter. Apologies!

Who else is dragging this morning? That’s what happens when you mainline the 2016 MLS Cup Playoffs for 10 hours on a Sunday night. Whether you devoted your weekend to the Conference Semifinals or not, the guys are here to catch you up. First up, why can’t the Red Bulls seem to get over the hump? And what about the Impact, even with all the drama, makes them such a dangerous playoff team? Then, a jaunt over to Yankee Stadium, where Toronto FC embarrassed New York City FC, and looks out West as the Galaxy’s race to seis ended at the hands of the Rapids and the Sounders lost in Dallas but moved on to the Conference Championships all the same.

In the second segment, ESPN’s Taylor Twellman calls in from his secret lair outside of Boston to help the guys make sense of the playoffs so far and what the future holds for the teams who stumbled before the finishing line. Of course, there’s US national team talk as well ahead of a huge Hexagonal match in Columbus. Twellman thinks the pressure is on Mexico and that a US win is in the cards, but Andrew isn’t so sure.

There’s nothing quite like organ music. You’ll get plenty of it in the mailbag as the guys eulogize the seasons of both sides of New York, FC Dallas and LA. Finally, CCL qualification for a surprise club (should the results go their way) and decision time on some Designated Players.

Leslie Jones was the breakout star of Sunday night’s 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs action, as the SNL star-turned-MLS fan was treated to four sterling home performances by the lower seeds as the Conference Semifinals got things rolling back-to-back-to-back-to-back. Andrew, David and Matt jump in the studio to give you the highs and lows, starting with the Western Conference, where FC Dallas played it safe and paid for it. Seattle Times reporter Matt Pentz joins the guys to dish on the roller coaster ride that is the Sounders, Brian Schmetzer’s future and the club’s MLS Cup ambitions. Then it’s out to LA, where Colorado ought to be feel fine about a 1-0 loss to the Galaxy.

The Eastern Conference was just as tight, with Toronto FC held in check in the late going by New York City FC. Those two goals hurt, though, and now Patrick Vieira and the boys from the Bronx have an uphill battle to climb that could have been avoided had they stuck to their guns from the regular season. Meanwhile, the Impact know who they are, and they aren’t ashamed to bunker and counter, a strategy that gave Montreal a 1-0 lead over the Red Bulls heading back to New York. Former Impact player and RDS commentator Patrick Leduc calls in the dish on the pragmatic Mauro Biello, Drogba-gate and Matteo Mancosu’s emergence.

In the mailbag, a New York metro area conundrum, a new MLS Cup champion, payroll vs. home-field advantage and more Ben ‘The Research’ Baer gloating by Sounders fans.

Andrew, David and Matt are beat after two straight nights of Knockout Round action, but they drag themselves into the broom closet anyway for a special Friday morning summing up the 2016 Audi MLS Cup Playoffs so far and looking ahead to Sunday’s conference semifinals. First up, what happened to much-fancied D.C. United, who laid an egg against the bunker-and-break Impact at RFK? Do Sporting KC have reason to be peeved at the referees after their late lost to the Sounders? Are LA the favorites in the West? Did Toronto FC’s win say more about them or Philly?

 There’s no rest for the weary, as barely more than 48 hours are left until Montreal and the Red Bulls get a Sunday quadruple-header started from Stade Saputo in what promises to be a fascinating tactical battle between Jesse Marsch and Mauro Biello, one that could include a Didier Drogba trump card. Same goes for Galaxy-Rapids, a clash of clubs with very different histories but MLS Cup aspirations all the same. Toronto and NYCFC, meanwhile, promises to be the most fun matchup, and Seattle and Dallas will rehash a playoff rivalry that seems to pop up every year.

 In the mailbag, the Houston Dynamo’s coaching search appears to be over, with Wilmer Cabrera getting the nod over Wade Barrett. What’s that mean for the club? The guys wade in.

After months of buildup, we’re almost there. Decision Day looms, and the guys are busy trying to figure out the best way to watch 10 games at once without missing any action. In the Western Conference, three playoff spots are up for grabs, and the biggest game on the docket seems to be Seattle hosting Real Salt Lake with one of the two guaranteed a spot – and perhaps both in the field should other results go their way. Yura Movsisyan calls in to discuss the mounting pressure, his permanent MLS move and the evolution of the league and RSL. Then it’s Supporters’ Shield talk and mourning for Mauro Diaz.

Out East, the field is basically set, but seeding remains in flux. It matters where you finish. Like, a lot, according to Andrew’s research. Will Toronto FC or New York City FC skip the Knockout Round? Can D.C. United get a game at RFK? Will Didier Drogba be extra jacked to prove himself after Joey Saputo put out last weekend’s fire in Montreal? What about Philly? Are they destined for a quick exit, or might Jim Curtin put a charge in his troops?

In the mailbag, Darlington Nagbe’s USMNT future is in flux, a listener wonders what MLS matchup an international-audience would find most intriguing, plus someone floats a Kei Kamara-to-Seattle trade that Matt doesn’t see happening.

Whoa. Just whoa. If you thought Week 33 and the Final Push to the Playoffs packed a punch, what will Decision Day be like? With the Armchair Analyst in New York City, the guys get in the same room for banter, breakdowns and some serious analysis of Sunday’s MLS doubleheader.

Starting in the Western Conference, FC Dallas grabbed control of the Supporters’ Shield race … but may have lost Mauro Diaz for months and Kellyn Acosta for the playoff run. The magical unicorn’s apparent Achilles injury breaks Andrew’s heart, but perhaps Carlos Ruiz and his timeless goal magic can fuel an MLS Cup run in Big D. Seattle, meanwhile, wasted another opportunity to clinch a playoff spot, meaning there are three up for grabs among four teams with Portland and Kansas City controlling their own fates. Can Colorado pip Dallas to the Shield? It’d be a fitting bow on the Rapids’ best regular season ever.

In the Eastern Conference, Drogba-gate dominates the headlines. Long story short, Didier Drogba decided coming off the bench wasn’t for him, so the Impact went out and nabbed a point sans superstar via a hard-fought draw with archrivals Toronto FC, led by Sebastian Giovinco (the Atomic Ant is back!) and Jozy Altidore. Elsewhere, the Red Bulls locked up the top seed, but gave their fanbase more late heart palpitations, Philly backed into the Knockout Round, D.C. United are playing the best soccer in MLS, and New York City FC are still the most schizophrenic team in North America.

Don’t tune out before the mailbag, in which Doyle explains the origins of the Octagon, Michael Bradley’s TFC future gets a harder look, the guys explain the repercussions ofSunday’s Expansion Priority Draft, MLS affiliates book their places in USL Cup and Steve Jobs … no, Bob Bradley … nearly leads Swansea City to a massive road win in his first EPL match.

It’s Final Push to the Playoffs time, and that means two blocks of games to occupy your Sunday afternoon plus a live show featuring some ExtraTime Radio flavor. The guys, with Doyle back in the mix, start in the Western Conference, where Seattle wasted a golden opportunity midweek, Portland are holding on for dear life, Colorado are chasing an unlikely Supporters’ Shield, Yura and RSL got a deal done and LA might be better off without Steven Gerrard.

In the Eastern Conference, Toronto vs. Montreal headline the slate of games. TFC head coach Greg Vanney joins the guys to discuss the home slide that dropped them out of the Shield race, Jozy Altidore’s hamstring, those Michael Bradley rumors and the 401 Derby. Plus, an MVP discussion, another year of D.C. proving the doubters wrong, whether the East will be red or blue and Philadelphia’s suddenly desperate playoff reality.

The mailbag begins with US national team talk. Should Julian Green be in consideration against Mexico? Is Sacha Kljestan really a starting central midfielder after so long out in the cold? Finally, Doyle’s thoughts on the rumors surrounding CONCACAF World Cup qualifying.

Following a historic trip to Havana for the US national team’s first friendly on the island since 1947, MLSsoccer.com’s own Arielle Castillo returns to tell her story. The people, the architecture, the food, the vintage cars, the bureaucracy – the stories are as colorful as the country itself, and you won’t want to miss out on her travel diaries. Oh, and of course there was a game to play as well. Julian Green impressed, Chris Wondolowski silenced some doubters and Ethan Horvath got a shot. There’s also a Tuesday friendly against New Zealand to preview after Jurgen Klinsmann juggled his roster.

 In the second segment, Ben ‘The Research’ Baer gets on the mic to help David and Andrew preview the week to come in MLS. The Rapids control their own Supporters’ Shield destiny, and are making history at home. Meanwhile, Seattle and Houston clash on Wednesday with the Sounders aiming to make Ben eat his words. Finally, a word of warning for playoff teams who miss out on a home game or fail to finish in the top-two spots.

 The mailbag has CONCACAF fever, both of the CCL and World Cup qualifying variety. Nick Rosano, our very own CONCACAF expert, joins to walk you through the proposed changes to both being floated in the media.

The international break is here, which means an MLS breather but there’s still a huge US national team game to chat about as Jurgen Klinsmann and the boys head to Havana for a historic friendly against Cuba (4 pm ET; ESPN2, UniMas). What’s the right lineup mix as the US prepare for a huge match in November against Mexico? The top three: Geoff Cameron-John Brooks, Jozy Altidore-Bobby Wood and Fabian Johnson-Christian Pulisic. Plus, David is hyped about Bob Bradley’s new job at Swansea City.

There may only be one MLS game this weekend, but there’s still plenty of MLS scuttlebutt for the guys to gab about, starting with some big news on the broadcast side as the season comes to a close. That lone game? Houston vs. Colorado, a matchup that has Andrew eating crow, and everyone praising the job Pablo Mastroeni has done in his third year as head coach. Plus, stadium and Homegrown news in Atlanta, an update on the Quakes general manager search, Goalkeeper of the Year candidates and, bizarrely, MLS players turned police officers.

In the mailbag, a listener asks for an update on the USL playoffs, Sigi Schmid’s LAFC candidacy gets the once over, Vancouver’s disappointing season raises the stakes for 2017 and the guys praise Patrick Mullins in Doyle’s stead.

With the holidays and vacation keeping Matt and David from their customary spots in the ETR lineup, Andrew turns to super sub Calen Carr to pick up the slack after an intense MLS weekend that saw Seattle solidify their hold on a playoff spot, D.C. United continue their rapid climb up the Eastern Conference table and Colorado keep pace with their Supporters' Shield dreams. The red line will dictate the rest of the season as teams fight to stay alive or for seeding. Alphonso Davies and the Vancouver Whitecaps are out of the race, but Andrew and Calen can't help but rave about the 15-year-old who is turning heads in British Columbia. He's the truth. So is Dax McCarty, whose return may have solved the Red Bulls' issues.

The latest US national team roster dropped over the weekend, and the guys applaud Jurgen Klinsmann for making timely choices from a deep pool. In bigger US national team news, former manager Bob Bradley became the first American to coach an EPL on Monday morning when Swansea City hired the one-time World Cup boss.

In the mailbag, Calen reveals why this week is bigger than most, and one listener hopes/wishes/prays for Lionel Messi to ATL UTD.

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.”

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.

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.

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.

Injuries to Designated Players, golazos, red cards and plenty of controversy made for a Heineken Rivalry Week that nobody will forget anytime soon. The guys get together to break it all down, starting with a Cascadia win for the Timbers that shifted MLS Cup playoff momentum south from Seattle to Portland. Meanwhile, Toronto will have to chase a first-round bye without Giovinco – for the next four weeks at least – after an “embarrassing” loss to 10-man Montreal. Plus, more Patty Mullins hype, Yura leads RSL to Rocky Mountain Cup win, the Red Bulls get the job done, just barely, and Jason Kreis gets some payback.

 In the second segment, it’s time to talk CONCACAF, beginning with your favorite regional nickname. Vincy Heat is certainly a candidate, which is convenient because the USMNT take on St. Vincent and the Grenadines on Friday with a place in the Hexagonal on the line. First, roster breakdown – including a late call-up for Sacha Kljestan and a puzzling one for Jermaine Jones – then a request for a Jozy Altidore and Bobby Wood partnership. Finally, Canada head back to San Pedro Sula hoping to exorcise qualifying ghosts of years past. Can they do it?

In the mailbag, front-office change in San Jose, a style question for Crew SC and perspective on Jordan Morris’ Rookie of the Year campaign. Oh, and a celebrity ETR sighting.

Heineken Rivalry Week is here, and the games are predictably juicy. Don’t sleep on the Rocky Mountain Cup, especially considering the unique place Pablo Mastroeni and Kyle Beckerman occupy in the rivalry. Get the lowdown on the 401 Derby, fight for El Capitan in the Texas Derby and an I-95 clash between the Red Bulls and Revs. Those matches are huge, but the second clash in a week between the Timbers and Sounders is the big daddy. Why, you ask? The Seattle Times’ Matt Pentz calls in to explain.

 But wait, that means we left one Heineken Rivalry Week out. Not true! Orlando City SC head coach (and former New York City FC boss) Jason Kreis chats with Andrew about what went wrong in the Big Apple, what he’s learned in the last seven months and what his vision for the Lions’ future entails. Skip head to the 23:50 mark to listen to the interview!

In the mailbag, Hope Solo’s suspension, big-money moves for some US national teamers, Doyle puts the kibosh on a couple discussion topics and a listener shares his MLS dream journal, which definitely isn’t weird. Nope. Not at all.

Big news in the Twin Cities. Ahead of MLS and Minnesota United’s major announcement on Friday(Live stream at MLSsoccer.com, 7 pm ET), the guys bring in FiftyFiveOne’s Wes Burdine to give the lowdown on soccer in Minneapolis-St. Paul, the ethos of the club and its fans and the stadium designs that have the Dark Cloud’s hyped for the future.

In the second segment, it’s back to the business at hand. The MLS Cup Playoff races are in full swing, and there are plenty of marquee matchups this weekend that could push teams above or below the red line. With the Galaxy headed to the Bronx, who’s having the better season: Frank Lampard or Steven Gerrard? With the Sounders and Nicolas Lodeiro set to host the Timbers, which side will walk away with their heads held high in what amounts to a six-pointer? Plus, Atlantic Cup action and a Toronto-Philly matchup that could be a preview of the Eastern Conference Championship.

 The mailbag begins with some USMNT news in Europe, then the guys ponder questions about Kei Kamara’s role in Crew SC’s tough season and Jozy Altidore’s resurgence as he comes back from injury.

David is out gallivanting around the Hamptons, so Ben Baer joins Andrew and Matt to take a critical look at both conferences as the playoff races distill and the red line becomes the primary focus for all 20 teams in MLS. First up, the West, where Seattle and new Designated Player Nicolas Lodeiro are proving they’ve got plenty left in the tank. Dallas still sit top of the table, but could they benefit from a (late) #fakeMLStrade? Plus, who’s fighting to stay alive and why isn’t Matt high on LA’s current form?

Turning to the every-man-for-himself Easter Conference, the race is about as clear as mud. The Red Bulls and Sacha Kljestan are making up ground after that dire start, but New York City FC continues to score (and concede) in droves to somehow sit above the likes of resurgent Toronto FC. Which team is the favorite the rest of the way? Well, it’s … uh … you know, if … right, but … fine, we have no idea.

In the mailbag, David takes a break from vacation to explain how the Video Assistant Referee (VAR) experiment went in USL play on Friday. Reviews are positive.

The US Open Cup final is set. The Chicago Fire may have been desperate to host the big match, but their performance wasn’t up to snuff (and those road woes struck again) as the New England Revolution made sure they’d play for silverware in 2016. The Revs will face FC Dallas, who used an epic, corner-kick fueled comeback against the LA Galaxy to book their place in the final, a game they’ll host. Oscar Pareja joins the guys to break down the win, explain what happened with Fabian Castillo and give an academy update ahead of another big weekend match against Sporting KC.

 In the second segment, the guys wonder what Diego Valeri’s place in Timbers lore will be after the Argentine No. 10 signed a contract extension and professed his desire to stay in Portland when his career is through. Plus, rumors galore around the Red Bulls and Montreal, Alejandro Bedoya’s potential debut and a reason to watch Seattle the rest of the way. Entertainment value!

 The mailbag starts with some USMNT updates from overseas before transitioning into a question about the ETR crew and recreational soccer. If that doesn’t grab your attention, we’ve got more origin stories to reflect on.

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.

The transfer window slammed shut (sorta) on Wednesday night, but not before a flurry of moves that shook up the MLS landscape ahead of the stretch run. The Union dominated the headlines by snagging USMNT midfielder Alejandro Bedoya, trading for Charlie Davies and shipping Sebastian Le Toux, and head coach Jim Curtin calls in to give the guys the lowdown on what’s going on in Philly. Plus, why you should look out for the Fire in the next transfer window, and it appears Fabian Castillo to Turkey is close to a done deal.

In the second segment, the guys round up the rest of the transfer news ahead of a SoccerSunday tripleheader on ESPN and FS1 and a Viernes de Futbol classic that Doyle says has three points for New York City FC written all over it. Meanwhile, what are the Sounders playing for the rest of the way? And how will the Red Bulls deadline deals impact the squad? 

In the mailbag, a listener reminds the guys to keep tabs on their health, USL unveils their 20 Under 20 list and a Galaxy fan trolls Cascadia.

The ETR crew stays on the road to bring you a packed show with all the trades, debuts, and more from a wild MLS weekend. David hosting from the "Octagon's" floor with Matt break down the Giles Barnes move to Vancouver, Kennedy Igboananike's trade to DC United, Nicolas Lodeiro's debut, and so much more.

The day after the Andrew, Matt, and David get in a room to discuss all the all-star festivities from San Jose.

With MLS gathered in San Jose for the AT&T MLS All-Star Game, Andrew and Matt run down a wild week in Seattle as the Sigi Schmid era ended and the Sounders welcomed Nicolas Lodeiro to the club. Was the timing right? Did Sigi get a raw deal? Is this Garth Lagerwey's ship to steer now? Lodeiro wasn't the only big move, either. Don't miss all the transfer scuttlebutt across the league with the summer window in full swing.

In the second segment, Jermaine Jones stops by MLS Digital HQ to chat with Andrew and Calen Carr. The topics range from tattoos, youth development, the Hells Angels and his picturesque family life. Most interesting man in MLS? Don't bet against the Rapids midfielder.

In the mailbag, a listener pitches his alternative All-Star format then inspire the guys to dream big.

Andrew and Calen open up the AT&T All-Star week festivities in San Jose. They look back at the rivalry filled weekend that was and starting looking forward to a week of fun in California.

In the second segment Ivan Gazidis former MLS Executive and CEO of Arsenal FC  joins the guys to talk all about the early days of MLS, the impression of the league overseas, his role at Arsenal, and the upcoming season for the Gunners.

Mario Balotelli to MLS?! It sounds crazy, but the guys are on board. Once they’re done dreaming, it’s on to Jason Kreis and Orlando, midweek action in the US Open Cup and transfer scuttlebutt, of which there is plenty to run down.

In the second segment, cult hero RJ Allen calls in to detail his years in the professional wilderness, what it’s like to train with David Villa and Frank Lampard and what it feels like to be half of a sibling rivalry in the #NYDerby ahead of a third 2016 meeting between New York City FC and the New York Red Bulls (1 pm ET; FOX in the US, MLS LIVE in Canada). And that’s just one game during a weekend packed with must-watch soccer.

In the mailbag, a long-time listener says his emails never get read anymore, an accusation which the guys debunk, Andrew gets too much credit for vacationing at altitude and Sporting KC’s USL project goes under under the microscope.

New York City FC tightened their grip on the Eastern Conference on Sunday afternoon – just one of the table-shifting results from the weekend that the guys mull over and digest. Portland dominated Seattle, the Red Bulls were pegged back by the Union in a thrilling draw, FC Dallas took out their midweek frustration on Chicago, nine men won in San Jose and, well, you’ll have to listen to find out more.

Plus, the "Research Baer" breaks down Colorado's historic run and the guys disagree about the best side in MLS at the moment. Hint: nobody is right, but Matt and Ben are definitely wrong.

In the second segment, the guys break down the big move made by Atlanta United as they lock down a star CONCACAF forward in Kenwyne Jones. Then FourFourTwo’s Paul Tenorio stops by to elaborate on his report that Jason Kreis is in “advanced negotiations” with Orlando City, takes a look at the future of the club, and explains why there could be some summer moves for the Chicago Fire. 

In the mailbag, the guys look forward to the US Open Cup quarterfinalson Wednesday before a reader’s young daughter wonders whether soccer replacing baseball as an American classic?

Who says this is the slowest sports week of the year? Certainly not MLS fans who saw a bonkers Wednesday night of eye-catching results keep the week rolling. It was headlined by first-place FC Dallas suffering a 5-0 whooping in Seattle that included a lineup gambit from Oscar Pareja, another Jordan Morris goal and a Clint Dempsey red card that will see him suspended for Sunday’s match against the rival Timbers. Oh, and Nacho Piatti scored (when he shouldn’t have been on the field), Connor Lade put up a golazo for his first MLS strike and the Fire’s Dutch import opened his account under two rainbows against a frustrated Sporting KC.

The past is over, but the future is yet to come. This weekend promises to be another banger, as MLS takes over Sunday with #PORvSEA (3 pm ET, FOX), #MTLvNYC (5 pm ET, ESPN) and #PHIvNY (7 pm ET, FS1). After attempting to pronounce the name of Portland’s new Lithuanian signing, the guys are joined by Timbers goalkeeper Jake Gleeson to reminisce about live in New Zealand and the brilliance of Diego Valeri. Then they break down Mix Diskerud’s place on NYCFC, the most-likeable player in MLS and the rest of the weekend action and transfer window speculation.

 In the mailbag, Andrew learns about Pokemon Go, Antonio Nocerino disappoints the Orlando faithful and Liga MX makes a rule that could affect Mexican-Americans.

Another wild weekend of MLS action is in the books and with a loaded midweek slate there is no time to waste. Ben and Calen slot in place of regulars Andrew and Matt to run the rule over the whole weekend. Sporting KC hero Ike Opara joins the show to talk (from the bath tub) about his goalscoring return, his injury battles, his once promising bowling career, and more.

In the second segment Calen and Ben debate who is set up to be more successful in the playoffs Dallas or Colorado, what the kids can bring in Toronto, and so much more.

In the mailbag the ETR crew put their MLS fandom on display, and try to decide which Kamara is the right Kamara.

Adrian Heath is out in Orlando as questions abound for fans in Florida. Ben “The Research” Baer fills in for Andrew out on vacation to help David and Matt figure what is next for OCSC. The guys also look forward to a packed weekend with 5 national TV matches. A double header on Friday night gets the juices flowing but the headline match might be SKC hosting the an eastern conference leading NYCFC squad who are serving up some piping hot crow for Doyle.

In the second segment the guys discuss Vancouver’s new vacancy at center forward after the sale of Octavio Rivero. Then Sigi Schmid calls in from Seattle to talk coaching tree, the future of coaching in the US, his nemesis/friend Bruce Arena, and their matchup this Saturday at 3pm ET on ESPN.

In the mailbag the guys discuss striker additions for FC Dallas, the Lloyd Sam trade to DCU, and theme songs.

Canada Day and the Fourth of July brought fireworks, and Andrew and David bring Calen Carr in to help them understand what they saw during four straight days of MLS action. New York is blue, there’s no doubt about that. But is Jack Harrison the next big thing? David is convinced. Graham Zusi is reinvigorated, and that’s a good thing for Sporting KC. Steven Gerrard and Robbie Keane look like they’ve been playing together for years, and that’s a bad thing for every team that isn’t the Galaxy. Plus, Tim Howard nabs his first shutout, Orlando City SC fall apart defensively and Jordan Morris scores a banger that even Jurgen Klinsmann felt compelled to praise.

 In the second segment, Bobby Warshaw gives the inside scoop on what life’s like in USL. The road trips, the level of play, where it fits into the youth development scheme, the stadiums and fans that fill them and where it fits among the world’s lower divisions. Trust us, you’ll learn something.

Finally, as the transfer window opens, the guys try to decide who the biggest player loss has been so far this season. Oba? Nemeth? How about Matt Miazga or Jermaine Jones? Then they see what MLS could borrow from Iceland, and Calen takes self promotion to a whole new level.

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. 

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.

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.

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.

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/

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.

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

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.

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.

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.

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.