Extratime (general)

Missed the free-kick golazos (and red cards) this weekend? The guys, sans David but with Ben ‘The Research’ Baer in tow, break down an up-and-down Week 3 that saw Tim Howard introduced, Toronto FC cry foul, C.J. Sapong boss the Revs, the Sounders lose a Cascadia match at home (zero points in three games) and the Red Bulls win a wild one in Harrison. Plus, Joao brings the Plata for RSL, Steven Gerrard’s injury might be a blessing in disguise for LA and Cyle Larin can’t stop scoring.

After the break, it’s all about the international…break. United States U-23 boss Andi Herzog joins Andrew to explain what a place in the Olympics means ahead of the young Nats two-leg series against Colombia. Then the guys turn their attention to US-Guatemala and Canada-Mexico, with plenty of questions to answer about both rosters.

In the mailbag, folks wonder why there’s been a surge of red cards, and a listener sends in some RapidMan fan fiction.

Direct download: 160321_ETR_for_site.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:03pm EDT

After two high-energy and hectic weekends of MLS, Week 3 brings rivalry flavor as March Madness begins. First, the guys wonder whether the four 0-2 teams need to worry. Friday brings an “expansion” matchup — time for a new moniker? — as Orlando hit the road in search of their first win at New York City FC, where Viera continues to tinker. Crew SC, meanwhile, face a daunting three-game road trip starting in Chicago, Houston bring their supernova attack to face the faltering Red Bulls, Sporting KC host Toronto FC looking to go 3-0-0 on the season and plenty more.
 
Then it’s time to chat with San Jose’s Quincy Amarikwa after his SportsCenter "Top 10" goal against the defending champs. He walks the guys through his emotions after scoring, his journey to establish himself in MLS, American’s battle for playing time and some of the best defenders he’s done battle with.
 
In the mailbag, it is tournament time so obviously it’s time to talk brackets. But not just any old bracket: MLS Mascot Madness. Everyone can have their say as Andrew, Arielle, and David go to bat for their favorite mascots. Cast your vote now!
Direct download: ETR_Mar17_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:19pm EDT

You were expecting MLS to settle down in Week 2? Not a chance. Andrew, David and Matt break down yet another thrilling (and often confounding) weekend of play that saw Houston shellack in-state rivals FC Dallas, Montreal establish themselves as an early power, Sporting KC’s Dom Dwyer wow on and off the pitch and Quincy Amarikwa make the MLS world stand up and scream in delight.

In the second segment, a Cascadia trade between Vancouver and Portland that saw Darren Mattocks head south inspires some trade scuttlebutt. Plus, why is Poku sitting in New York? Then Dynamo goalscorer and assist man Andrew Wenger joins the guys to talk hype trains, Hamilton and Owen Coyle’s system.

Finally, a soon-to-be-married fan asks for advice winning over his in-laws in the mailbag. Help the man out ETR fam!

Direct download: ETR_Mar14_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:59pm EDT

MLS original Todd Durbin, the Executive Vice President of Competition & Player Relations, stops by the studio to answer your questions. He covers it all from the process of creating rules, the use and effect of TAM, the future of young player development, Discovery claims, and so much more.

While the guys look at the bigger picture in the first segment in the second segment it is all about weekend preview. A few big matches are on the docket headlined by the first Viernes De Futbol of the year. Calen Carr stops by to talk about the development of OCSC star player Cyle Larin. The guys then run through the rest of the weekend's big question marks -- is Mike Magee a locked in starter for LA? Do RSL and Seattle already have reason to worry? Who looks better heading into the Texas Derby? And what to make of the Portland Timbers' newest acquisition?

In the mailbag the guys discuss the culinary experience around MLS, and their favorite MLS fantasy team names, and Calen's love of Kris Kross.

Direct download: ETR_Mar10_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 2:50pm EDT

The 2016 MLS season has officially started, and it did so with a marathon #SoccerSunday full of goals (36) and excitement (stoppage-time heroics galore). With so much to sort through, it was only right to break down every matchup. The guys do just that, starting with a huge win for Toronto FC thanks to Giovinco, who picked up right where he left off last season. Don’t forget about that furious comeback in Orlando, an NYCFC goal explosion and plenty more.
 
Oh, you thought that was it? Hardly. In the second segment, the rest of the night goes under the microscope. You already know who’s year it is in Houston (Andrew Wenger!), plus the Timbers gave Crew SC fans deja vu, Piatti played Superman in Vancouver, and Magic Mike did his thing for the first time in 18 months as the LA Galaxy put a exclamation point on opening night.
 
In the mailbag, listeners share their opening weekend experience, and the guys put out a call for advice to for a pair of first-time season tickets holders (ages six and seven).
Direct download: ETR_Mar7_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 3:19pm EDT

The waiting is finally over. MLS Soccer Sunday is here, with 10 games and a live digital extravaganza in store after months sans meaningful domestic soccer. The guys rejoice, then finish up their four-minute preview drill with the cream of the 2015 crop. Guess who got a new Designated Player deal! More Didier Drogba controversy? You better believe it.

We promised you predictions, and we shall deliver. See who the guys peg, via highly scientific means, for Breakout, Newcomer, Young and Old Player, Goalkeeper, Defender, Golden Boot and Landon Donovan MVP. Plus, MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, US Open Cup and the Canadian Championship are all handed out. Will your side win a trophy in 2016?

Finally, it’s all about the listeners and their off-the-wall questions in the mailbag. Best hair, most buyer’s remorse and a Harry Shipp prediction. This really is must-listen stuff ahead of the 2016 season!

Direct download: ETR_Mar3_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:20pm EDT

The CONCACAF Champions League is over. For MLS teams, at least. After an 0-for-4 showing against Liga MX in the quarterfinals, Andrew, David and Matt survey the aftermath and look ahead to next year.

Direct download: ETR_Mar3_CCL.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:04pm EDT

With less than a week to go before #SoccerSunday, the guys bring in the big guns to get their season preview rolling. Jozy Altidore stops by the studio on his whirlwind tour of New York City to chat about his life in Toronto, current injury concerns, three-point shooting, poker with the Landon Donovan MLS MVP, and more. He also invites the guys on a special postseason trip. Don’t worry Jozy, we’ve already cleared our calendars!
 
In the second segment, the MLS 2016 season preview rolls on. A few fringe MLS playoff teams from 2015 are looking to make the MLS Cup leap in 2015. Can the young cats in Orlando raise their game? Where will goals come from for Peter Vermes? Who is the Revolution's potential breakout star? It’s all here.
 
Calling all residents of Borg-nation! It’s time to challenge your fearless (or ScoreBorg-less) leader, and don't forget to join ETR Fantasy Manager league (code 202-548).

 

Direct download: ETR_Feb29_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 5:20pm EDT

An epidemic of #CCLfever gives MLS fans chills and aches after the opening legs of the MLS-Liga MX CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals. But hope is not yet lost! Strong performances from D.C. United and Real Salt Lake in Mexico leave them within touching distance ahead of the home legs, but will they do it? Can they? On the flip side, Seattle and LA both drew at home. What must they focus on in the second leg to make history? Plus, the guys break down Jordan Morris's professional debut, we finally see what the big-name Galaxy have in store and whether Yura Movsisyan is the big-time goalscorer Real Salt Lake hope he’ll be.
 
In the second segment, it is finally time to gear up for the 2016 season! With all 20 clubs to preview, the guys take their first crack at the bunch. Chicago, Philly, New York City FC, RSL and Houston are up first. What will Gilberto do in a full season for the Fire? How will NYCFC's three stars fit together? Can a healthy Joao Plata get RSL back in the playoffs? You’ll get four fast-and-furious minutes on all six, with more to come.
 
It’s a curtailed mailbag as Andrew channel’s Herm Edwards’ time-management skills. The CCL anthem has brother and sister songs elsewhere, including perhaps the ultimate N64 theme song.

 

Direct download: ETR_Feb25_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:06pm EDT

The MLS regular season is right around the corner, but first the international scene is heating up. The stage is set for Copa America Centenario after Sunday’s draw, an event that saw the United States drawn into the (cliché alert) Group of Death. FutbolMLS’s Diego Pinzon joins the guys to describe the pagentry in New York City, provide scouting reports on Colombia, Costa Rica and Paraguay and debate the USMNT's shot at the knockout rounds. 
 
Centenario is just the beginning, as the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals go down on Tuesday andWednesday. Andrew has a raging #CCLFever, but David and Doyle aren’t so sure good news is on the horizon for MLS in four direct Liga MX clashes. Eric Gomez calls in to break down the matchups from a Mexican perspective. Is this the year for MLS? Which team has the best draw? How does Liga MX view the rivalry? Plus, predictions.
 
In the mailbag, Ben "The Research" Baer drops all the MLS Fantasy Manager details as the game goes live. There are a plenty of changes and prizes at stake, so create your team now and make sure to enter the ETR league with code 202-548.
Direct download: ETR_Feb22__1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:07pm EDT