Extratime

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!

 

Direct download: ETR_MN_Special_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 1:51pm EDT

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.

Direct download: ETR_Jan9_2016_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 8:18pm EDT

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.

Direct download: ETR_Jan5_17_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:28pm EDT