Extratime
The sky is no longer falling. The United States put up a 4-0 win over Guatemala in World Cup Qualifying in a clear must-win and the gang looks back on the victory as the dust settles. The result was right, but was the direct style a blast from the past? Speaking of a blast from the past, Canada must now prep for a do-or-die game in San Pedro Sula after Mexico handled business at Azteca, and the US U-23s failed to qualify for the Olympics once again. What does this mean for the future of soccer in the US and Canada?
 
Now that the international break is over, there's a full slate of fascinating MLS games to preview. Do the Revs or Red Bulls have more riding on Friday’s match on UniMas? What’s led to Philly's early success? What are the guys most looking forward to in the SKC-RSL rivalry matchup? And THE MLS original matchup goes down on Saturday night as D.C. United travels to San Jose nearly 20 years to the day of the league’s inaugural match.
 
In the mailbag, Tommy Mac might be Ireland’s next soccer legend, and the guys search under the cushions for some fresh American fullback prospects.

 

Direct download: ETR_Mar31_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:38pm EDT

The sky is falling! Or maybe not. It all depends on your perspective. ESPN's Taylor Twellman joins the gang to break down the malaise surrounding the US national team after a 2-0 World Cup qualifying loss in Guatemala. Are players being played out of position? How different is Jurgen Klinsmann's reign than Bob Bradley and Bruce Arena in actuality? What’s Klinsmann's role as Technical Director? Taylor digs in on all those topics and more. Plus, reaction to Canada's big match against Mexico in Vancouver.

 
In the second segment, there is good news for US fans after the U-23 squad earned a 1-1 draw down in Colombia in their Olympic playoff. How did they get it done? Brian Sciaretta explains then gives a scouting report on rising star Christian Pulisic (Borussia Dortmund). 
 
In the mailbag, Arielle Castillo joins to give the lowdown on the stadium plots Miami Beckham United purchased last week. The guys close it out by celebrating the legend of Jimmy Nielsen, which still burns strong because of some hilarious on-field antics back in 2013.

 

Direct download: ETR_Mar28_1.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 6:25pm EDT

MLS slows down – but doesn’t shut down – as the international break arrives in full force. The United States’ double dip with Guatemala could help seal a spot in the Hex, and forward Bobby Wood joins the guys to talk about his career resurgence with Union Berlin, those pesky transfer rumors and his advice for young players looking to make the European jump. Plus, can Canada pull an upset against Mexico at home? Will the US U-23s do the business in Colombia with a place in the Olympics on the line?

While MLS takes a breath, USL is getting ready to get after it. Opening day is Friday, and Oklahoma City Energy FC head coach (and Sporting KC legend) Jimmy Nielsen gives the lowdown on the league and his new status as a Midwesterner.

In the mailbag, Calen Carr joins to give a player’s perspective on the unwritten rules of the game, a father and his daughters are welcomed into the Galaxy family and RapidMan gets the fan fiction treatment.

Direct download: March_24_441_64.mp3
Category:general -- posted at: 7:15pm EDT

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

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