That's So MLS: Recent Episodes
That'sSoMLS
That's So MLS is the Major League Soccer podcast for the long-suffering fan. Hosted by journalist Andrew Bates and defender Nick Thornton, TSMLS looks at club soccer from a Canadian perspective, with coverage of games and news from around North America.
With MLS on a break for the Men's World Cup, Andrew chats with Mark Franek, author of American Soccer Nation: The Remarkable 150-Year History of Yanks on a Roll, from Mob Football to the Modern Game to talk about why he wrote a history of U.S. men's soccer, how the 1994 World Cup helped usher in the league, being an MLS Liker and why you should know the names Bethlehem Steel and Archie Stark.
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This week we catch up the drama around MLS trying to relocate the Vancouver Whitecaps #SaveTheCaps and how fans around North America have responded. We also take a look around the league the legendary, the lacking, and the laggards.
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Another few game weeks have passed and we've got the teams who are the up and up, like Toronto FC, who had themselves an early morning (for us on PST) wild comeback against Colorado. We also look across the league at the big news and transfers and talk Inter Miami's so-Nu-it-ain't-even-done-yet stadium.
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We can hardly believe it either but the opening games of MLS are in the books and Champions Cup is well under way, so we're back with a rundown of all the teams that have impressed us so far. We look all around MLS with a special focus on the 3 Canadian clubs.
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It's been a hot minute since our beloved Whitecaps fell in the final to Inter Messi FC so we've got the full run down of that match plus some of the big off season moves happening. We talk the teams we think could be in trouble and those we think will be just fine heading into 2026.
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We have a lot of playoff and off field MLS news so we do a bit of rapid fire updates and then get straight to the heart of the matter: the two best MLS teams this season are heading to the final. And one of them is the Vancouver Whitecaps
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Decision Day has come and gone and we are here catching up on all the action since then. We talk about the wild card games, the first games of round 1, some big news about retirements and the ever-evolving coach carousel, and even manage to throw some praise at Inter Miami.
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With Decision Day just around the corner, we take a look at the Eastern Conference, where we have certainty about who's in and who's out. In the West, things are decidedly more up for grabs, so we look at who we think may get the business done. We look at some teams making a comeback, some teams sticking to their winning ways, and some teams whose seasons ended a while ago. And we cap it all off with some CPL drama.
*Recorded before the Voyageurs Cup Final
Nick and Bates tackle a wild August for transfers in MLS, including the arrivals of Heung-Min Son to LAFC and Thomas Müller to the Vancouver Whitecaps, as well as TFC landing Djordje Mihailovic and Colorado bringing Paxton Aaronson back to the league.
With Club World Cup, Gold Cup, and regular MLS action, we have reached peak soccer summer! We look at some of the major news around MLS, check in on the not-so-perfect-anymore Whitecaps, as well as the still not very good Toronto and Montreal. We also glance at the other competitions, including where things went wrong for both the US and Canada men's teams.
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After a disappointing CONCACAF Champions Cup final where the Whitecaps collapsed, we look at how their fortunes were briefly worse. We also look around MLS where the top teams are beginning to put some daylight between them and the rest of the pack. We also grudgingly talk FIFA Club World Cup, the actual World Cup, and what it all means among travel bans and ICE raids.
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For the past few weeks we have been witnessing something we never dreamt possible: The Vancouver Whitecaps are the best team in MLS and just defeated Inter Miami in Concacaf action TWICE. It truly is the golden age and we have a lot to say about it. We also talk about changes at LAFC, some inter-league transfers, and some other teams who are also very good right now.
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MLS is four weeks old and things couldn't be further away from how we thought they might look. The best team in MLS is... the Vancouver Whitecaps. We're not upset. We do also look around the league at who has blasted out of the gates and who is still warming up. We also look around Concacaf and ahead to some national team action (recorded before Canada and the US crashed out).
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After a short off season, we are back! We've got lots to talk about as teams build their rosters, a new team joins MLS, and some familiar faces are back in the league too. We also have a rundown of 2024's Most That's So MLS moments.
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We have an MLS Cup champion, and it's the Los Angeles Galaxy. Nick and Bates talk about their MLS Cup final win over the New York Red Bulls, where the league's buzz sits after its second year on Apple and the announcement that the Vancouver Whitecaps are for sale. Thanks for listening and happy holidays!
With the Conference Finals wrapped, we take a look back at all the results, the surprises, the glory, and the agony. And that's just the coaching updates from the teams out of the playoffs!
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Round One of MLS Cup Playoffs was jarring! We've got all the action for you, including some big calls made by teams already out, a 40 year old superstar, and a Red Bulls team that has us asking if we need to guzzle an energy drink and embrace the dark side.
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Decision Day has been decided and one very Wild Card game is already in the books so we take a look around at those who made it, those who didn't, and make some playoff predictions for this year's MLS Cup.
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We're back and talking through US Open Cup, Campeones Cup, and the thicket of MLS playoffs, who has clinched, who is out, and who maybe still stands a chance. (We recorded before Wednesday's matchday but for once we actually proved slightly prophetic).
With Leagues Cup finally behind us, we turn our attention back to MLS with talk on the big moves, big upsets, Benteke's dominance, and we of course tip our hats to USWNT star Alex Morgan who played her last professional game.
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After a very busy July, we have a full breakdown of Canada's breakdown at the Olympic and then (at the 44 min mark) we transition to MLS and League's Cup action. Also, we now have a Link Tree to find all That's So MLS things in one place: https://linktr.ee/thatssomls
We're taking a look around MLS focusing on the 3 Canadian clubs and their various (mis)fortunes and opportunities, as well as news from Copa America, some MLS coach and player movement, as well as Columbus' unfortunate Champions Cup final, The Union's struggles, and Inter Miami's ability to win no matter what.
There's been some more gameweeks and we've got all the action for Toronto, Montreal, and Vancouver, as well as a look around the league at notable results. We talk Jesse Marsch's new gig, as well as whether people in Vancouver paid $1000+ to see Julian Gressel.
We are back and we have some real zingers to talk about. Colorado won a game without actually scoring a goal themselves (sorry Harris), Seattle had two players sent off, and many teams took on an unofficial crossbar and goalpost challenge. We talk about the recent rule changes and East vs West matchups.
After the opening few game weeks, we are back with a look around the league at who is already excelling and who is struggling. We make some wildly too early predictions, talk about the new PRO Referee deal, and the legacy of Whitecaps retiree, Russell Teibert.
The 2024 MLS season is officially underway! We have all the highlights from the first and only league game so far, talk Messi market saturation, Canada Soccer's never ending lawsuit debacle, incoming and outgoing MLS players, as well as some Champion's Cup results.
As MLS season both begins and wraps up, we have all the big name signings and transfers for you, plus new coaches, old friends, and some bizarre Champions League scheduling.
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As Columbus Crew hoist MLS cup once again, we break down the match that had its controversies but certainly only ever really seemed like there was one team in it. We also already look at some big post season coaching and player moves and talk about what the most 'That's So MLS-y' moments of the year were.
And just like that, we're down to the final two. LAFC will face a high flying Columbus but before then we break down how everyone did, including some retroactive book throwing the Disciplinary Committee. But even before all of that, we bid (international) farewell to the legend, Christine Sinclair.
And then there were eight! We catch you up on all the teams vying to make their case in the conference semi-finals, as well as the goings on of the teams who finally crashed out. We update the coaching and player carousel, including some familiar faces in Portland and Colorado...
With the wild cards already done and dusted and round 1 of best of 3 also in the bag, we go through the results and who we think has the best shot of making it through. We also look at roster updates across the league for the teams NOT in the playoffs, including the Suarez rumours and my prediction that Chicharito has played his last LA Galaxy game (recorded before they made it official).
With Decisions Day looming, we thought we would take a look at the teams who are right on the edge. Some of these clubs have their futures in their hands, some a little less so. We also talk about two more MLS coaching vacancies and Michael Bradley's retirement.
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Another busy few weeks of MLS action sees two more coaches exit, a player get fired for starting a fight in an indoor soccer league, and the Whitecaps winning a whack of road games! What's not to love?!
It's been a busy August, so we have a lot to catch up on: Inter Miami's annoying dominance of Leagues Cup, Spain's historic World Cup win, a deluge of MLS transfers, and a familiar face in John Herdman taking up the mantle of a dismantling the dysfunctional Toronto FC.
It's silly season again as the inaugural League's Cup kicks off between MLS and Liga Mx sides and as Messi polishes off his first (non-league) goals. We also look to the Women's World Cup, which Canada just crashed out of :( (we recorded before the Australia game).
We're back with another glut of games in MLS action, so we take a look around the league, talk what it will take to get into the playoffs this year, Cincinnati's continued dominance of the East, the 3 red card game, and we also check in on Women's World Cup and the Gold Cup that wasn't for USMNT and CMNT.
This week's episode is brought to you by excited touchline celebrations that see yellow.
We of course talk through that announcement plus run down the Canadian Championship final, the Leagues Cup, and the most recent results of the Canadian MLS clubs.
It was a spicy one last week and we are here with all the news on the yellow cards, the second yellows, the thirds, some reds, and TWENTY-ONE fines issued. We also have news, including another MLS team and our first two coach firings of the season.
We've got you covered for all the transfers, news, results (and non-results) from MLS from the last two weeks plus some Champions League and CanPL news.
This week we talk about that comeback that had Seattle fuming, the ongoing firepower prowess of St Louis, and a look around the league at who's flying and who's sighing.
If you've been watching MLS and thinking to yourself "Gee, there haven't been a lot of red cards of late," boy do we have you covered! We talk about the Houston/LA scenes and another Rudy Camacho red card at BC Place. We also look around the league for where the interesting stories are developing, including a Chicago Fire side that is slowly climbing the table.
It's been a few weeks since we've talked so we're taking a look back at the last few matches for the Canadian MLS clubs. We note that none of them are irredeemable but none of them have really put the full package together either. We also have a look around the league at those making noise and taking space up top in the standings.
MLS is officially back! After a weekend of inclement weather, we take a look around the league at the surprising and not-so-surprising results and start to make some (foolish) predictions about the season.
With the 2023 MLS season just around the corner, we take a look at somewhat muted preseason but look at some big transfers and talking points, explore Mark Geiger's promotion, and share the latest chaos out of Canada Soccer.
We are back folks! After an off season that seemed to fly by, we are here to talk you through some big retirement news, salacious transfers, odd choices, and more!
Since there are no globally recognized soccer tournaments currently taking place, we decided to take a look at MLS roster updates, including some notable options declined, talk about MLS Expansion draft, and also say some stuff about the Global Trophy for Football.
It is with some sad Doops that we draw a close to another wild year of MLS in a truly wild final clash between LAFC and Philadelphia Union. From the goals, horrific leg bending saves (and red cards), to the PK shootout, come relive the mayhem.
We've got a big show for you this week as we take a look at the decision day results of who is in and who is out of the MLS Cup Playoffs. We share our predictions -which were recorded Friday, Oct 14th ;)
About the 1hr 20 min mark, we start talking about the Sally Yates report and its implications across soccer in North America.
It's been five years of That's So MLS! We celebrate by catching up on some of the major developments, including Josef Martinez flipping a table, Sebastian Giovinco coming back to Toronto, kind of, and how the MLS playoff picture looks heading into the last two weeks of the regular season.
There's been so much MLS action, news, transfers, and a Canadian Championship to boot, that we find ourselves playing a bit of catch up and breaking down some previous weeks as well as the fate of every team around the league. We also spend a good chunk of the show discussing the ongoing debacle surrounding the Whitecaps' handling of Bob Birarda (Mins 8-18 in the episode).
After another busy week of games we take a look around the league, including the ongoing transfer madness. We of course talk about what Julian Gressel will bring to the Whitecaps, revisit some teams we had doubts about, and touch on the CSA saga.
There's been a lot of shuffling around the league and a stack of games so we are here to catch you up on the big name moves. We also talk about the return of Rooney to DC, Toronto's rebuild, and the scary lineup LAFC has assembled.
Well, you turn your head for one minute for the international break and a lot can happen! We break down all the #CMNT drama (and there was a fair bit), World Cup announcements, MLS transfers, coaching changes, Apple deals, and yes, some league games too. It's a lot but we'll catch you up!
Nick and Andrew peruse the MLSPA salary list, chat the CONCACAF Champions League final and what it means in the context of Seattle's season, a Whitecaps win and Portland blowing out Sporting Kansas City.
This week we talk about the firing of Hernán Losada from DC United, a surprise Earthquakes victory, the Crew moving on from Zardes, and the Whitecaps' persistent woes (which may be slightly lessened soon).
Some controversial calls and glorious golazos round out gameweeks 6 and 7 and we have a run down of both conferences and how everyone is faring. We also talk about the long anticipated departure of Almeyda from the Earthquakes.
This week, and coming in a little late, we look at Game Week 6 plus the last few games of World Cup Qualifying. if you're just here for an MLS catchup, we start talking MLS at the 42 min mark :D
After a few busy weeks of MLS action, we are finally back to review the first four game weeks of the season. We take a look through the lens of the Canadian MLS clubs and well, it's not so great.
It is that time again! We talk through ALL of the clubs and where we rate them this year, as well as rate their signings. We cover some big news from NWSL and across the league. We recorded Wednesday night as Russia invaded Ukraine so we mention it but of course recognize the situation has since deteriorated significantly. Be well
MLS is coming up in a couple of weeks and as the (not streamed) pre-season games get underway, we look at some of the big moves across MLS but first we go back and break down the Canadian Men's National Team dominance as of late. We also give an update on the situation at Portland Timbers/Thorns.
As preparations begin for MLS 2022, we talk about some possible wrenches to a smooth start and go over all the big transfers, including some Super Draft news! We recorded earlier in the week so will be back for our Crepeau emotional processing next time.
We finally get to tackle the final game! We talk about what it all means for Portland and for the new champs, New York City FC. We put a stamp on the year, talk some of the more recent interesting moves. We'll catch you in 2022!
Take good care
This week we wrap up the conference finals and what finals they were, or almost were. We discuss the ins and outs of PORvRSL and PHIvNYCFC, discuss the final, and take a look at your new CanPL champs, PacificFC!
And then there were four! Joins us as we talk all the drama, heartbreak, and golazos of the MLS Cup Playoffs. We also talk some important roster updates!
This week we have a rundown of all the MLS Cup Playoff games including some surprising results! We look at Minnesota's sputtering performance against the Timbers, SKC's dominance of the Whitecaps but why we're not worried, some nervy close calls for other teams, and who we have picked for the next round. We just missed the Colorado-Portland game, which we'll talk about in detail next time!
This week's episode is brought to you by goalkeeper antics
This week we review the big results from across MLS on #DecisionDay. We talk about the handball that wasn't a handball until days later, the Whitecaps crossing the finish line, and some retirements, including the GOAT: Chris Wondolowski. We also look ahead to the playoffs and make a few early predicitions.
As we approach decision day in MLS, we turn our attention to the teams still in the race just above and just below "the line." We talk about New England clinching the Supporter's Shield, the new investigation into the Whitecaps, and the mystery foul that lead to Orlando being wrongfully denied three points.
After an in house bye week, we're back with a look at how the Canadian clubs in MLS are faring, as well as the big news, including two more coaching departures. We also talk about the ongoing developments within NWSL and US Soccer.
This game week, we look at all the action across MLS, the Leagues Cup Final, and the new greatly expanded Leagues Cup format and its implications for clubs and players. We look around the league at the big winners and losers and some rare return to form for a couple of clubs. And remember, Giovinco is always watching.
Nick and Bates talk the action since the international break, with some goal-filled games, the curious path of RSL, a brilliant hat trick (that didn't win the game) and more.
It was Rivalry Week and the first meeting of MLS All-stars vs LigaMx All-stars, so we have a lot to cover here and that's before we get to the battle of the headless (or coachless) teams in the West as the Whitecaps took on RSL, both of whom had lost their coaches for very different reasons. We also squeeze in some World Cup Qualifing action and butcher some last names because it was late.
Be safe out there!
After a bit of an unplanned hiatus we are back! And though it makes no difference to you, we were in person! We talk about the Whitecaps triumphant return to BC Place, reflect back on the Canada Women's National Team Olympic gold, and have a look around the league at some of the big results and transfers.
This week we talk about the unceremonious sacking of Atlanta United's head coach Gabriel Heinze after her violated player safety protocols (among other things). We also talk about Chicago Fire's rough day, the Cincinnati-Montreal goal blowout, and catch up on some Olympic and Gold Cup action.
This week we take a look at TFC's shocking loss to DC, their immediate dismissal of Chris Armas, and their huge result against Eastern Conference leaders New England. We also look at the big upsets of the week and spend some time talking about a much rejuvenated Chicago Fire and what's next for the Whitecaps, who are their own worst enemy.
We're back after the break and are catching you (and ourselves) back up with MLS action. There's been a flurry of results, some interesting news, and a whole host of goals. We look at where the table sits and then do a deep dive on everyone's favourite "oh yeah, they play in this league" team: the Vancouver Whitecaps.
In a slightly abbreviated version of the show this week we talk about wild scenes in NYCFC vs TFC, some more Chicharito magic, Cincinnati putting in a shift (and still coming up short), and Nani pushing a ref.
A busy week of games including mid-week action had some big results that changed the fortunes of some struggling clubs, like San Jose, who just continue to look much, much better. We talk about the unnecessary Columbus SC rebrand, the struggles of some of the top clubs and even a little bit of NWSL's Challenge Cup.
Week 3 felt like a bit of a weird one but we saw some great results from Dallas and San Jose while a couple of teams really left us scratching our heads. It was all going so well for Galaxy and it remains well for the Sounders, and some CCL action seemed to throw off MLS play. Also Jim Curtin had some words for his Atlanta counterpart.
Week 2 brought many results that flipped last week's results, save for the LA Galaxy, who stormed past everyone through Javier Hernandez's hat trick. We talk about how fortunes favoured a lively San Jose side, TFC's ongoing ok-ness, and some splendid golazos.
It was an eventful weekend of games in the kick off of the 2021 MLS season and we've got all the results, the drama, the opening of accounts, the messed up subs, the missing subs, and absurd goals. We talk about how fortune favoured the brave in Montreal-Toronto, how dangerous a Galaxy side that can defend will be, and also got our first glimpse of a very serviceable Austin side. Who lost.
It's hard to believe that MLS is already here, despite a historically long break. We preview the teams going into the season and talk about how so many things could change during this season, as we saw last season. We also go through all the CCL action, including some dominance by MLS clubs. And, as ever, we have some NWSL news as well.
The MLS season is still a couple of weeks away but wow has there all of a sudden been a lot of soccer. We talk the She Believes tournament, Olympic qualifiers, World Cup qualifying, and of course, MLS as well. We go a little in depth into our favourite maligned team and ask "have the Whitecaps really changed?"
The off season continues to churn and we've got a lot of story lines. We talk about Henry to Bournemouth (which is now confirmed to NOT be happening), Miami and Cincinnati making moves, and Greg Vanney's master plan to make LA, and Chicharito, good again. We also get to fill in a bit more of the Canadian youth development story with a chat with Younes Bouida, who heads up Soccer New Brunswick.
After taping, we heard about the awful Jordan Morris injury, we wish him well as he begins another long road of recovery.
There has been a lot of player movement and club news since we last talked- so we run down all the big transfer news, new coaches, old coaches, rebrands and more. Then we bring in our guest, Mike Ayyash, head coach of the Vancouver Whitecaps Atlantic Canada Development Centre to talk about how youth development has worked in the past and how it might work in the future.
We finally get to put the lid on 2020, so we run through some completely arbitrary awards and recap some of our favourite moments of the season. We also discuss the tensions around a new CBA and what a Vanney move to LA Galaxy will mean- a move that has since been confirmed!
And just like that, it was over. The Seattle Sounders were neatly dealt with by Caleb Porter's Columbus Crew in a final no one predicted. We break down the game and what we liked about both teams and where things went wrong for Seattle. And of course because there's no rest for anyone, we dive right back into Champion's League action, including a ridiculous red card, even by MLS standards.
Well no one will accuse the conference finals of being boring. We've got a full run down of both games and some probably not surprising final predictions (which we recorded before it was announced that Crew will be without two starting players) We go in depth into the two games and also turn to the CCL where Forge... struggled.
This week we do an in depth breakdown of all of the games including Orlando's unhinged performance, New England's patient and efficient attack, Columbus' sheer will, Nashville's missed opportunity but great run, Seattle's unlikely hero, Dallas' noble effort, Sporting KC's tired legs, and Minnesota's playoff dreams realized.
In a wild first round of playoffs, we go through the insane moments you might have missed because of all of the other insane moments. We talk about the Iceman Tim Melia, the unrelenting Sounders, and early exits for a few clubs we thought would show some more fight, as well as our predictions for the next round.
As North America spirals into Covid chaos, we pick the teams we think will make it through, if anyone makes it through. Only 20% a bummer. Stay safe
As the playoffs loom, we go over all the Decision Day results and talk about who is in and who is out and why. We offer some helpful advice to the teams that didn't quite make it and dissect the season's first snow game.
This week we look at the important races to playoff spots ahead of Decision Day, with some in depth looks at the dark horse teams, as well some teams we're still quite surprised by, and of course, whether or not the MLS Playoffs will even happen amidst soaring Covid 19 numbers. We also turn some attention to the Colorado Rapids who have quietly emerged as a force to be reckoned with.
This week we dive into the debacle of whether the 2020 Supporter's Shield will be awarded, look at how the playoffs are shaping up, and look at a few familiar names getting on the scoresheet.
This week we look at the two dominant teams emerging in MLS (bet you can't guess who), talk about the sea change at DC, and a really unfortunate incident in USL involving San Diego Loyal and Phoenix Rising.
In another busy stretch of games we take a closer look at Montreal's discipline issues, some wild Whitecaps results, the struggles of LAFC, and Seattle's annoyingly good form.
Since the conclusion of the MLS is Back tournament, the schedule has been very busy so we take you through every single MLS club, some of their recent results, and offer our thoughts about where they are and where they're going. And if that's not enough, we also catch you up on Canadian Premier League. Put the coffee on and put your feet up, there's lots to talk about!
Despite a Cinderella run, Orlando City SC lost out in the final to Portland Timbers and we have a full break down of what went so right for Portland and what went wrong for Orlando. Then we dive into the first glut of MLS games, which are happening now at breakneck speeds, as well as the re-launch of the Canadian Premier League.
Just like that, MLS is Back is almost done! We run down all the knockout games, and look at a preview of the final between Portland Timbers and Orlando City. We also talk about the return of Canadian Premier League and the rest of an MLS season.
Among a slew of MLS action this week, we turn some of our attention to NWSL where a somewhat unlikely champion was crowned. We break down all the knockout stage games and the major story lines from Chill Socce... I mean MLS Is Back. We talk about Hasal's nervy debut with the Whitecaps, the sleepy Sounders, and a few surprises that truly we could not have predicted.
This week we catch you up on the NWSL Challenge Cup, which saw the defending champs easily picked off by a struggling Portland Thorns. We also give you a breakdown of all the big games in MLS is Back, which saw red cards, golazos, and a lot of huffing and puffing. And an Adidas logo.
This week we take a look at the NWSL Challenge Cup, with a breakdown of all the games and some really good soccer. We also look at the still developing Fyre Festival-esque conditions in Orlando, as #MLSisback looks further and further away from being a reality.
Just as MLS is announcing its return, so too are we. We catch up on what's been going on in our lives, talk about some more head scratching changes at the Whitecaps, and the planned (emphasis on "planned") return of NWSL and MLS. As we publish this, Orlando Pride have pulled out of the tournament they are hosting and Florida's Covid-19 infections continue to rise. We also talk about the response by players, teams, and the league to the killing of George Floyd by police and the ongoing work of others to catch up to an ongoing and systemic system of racial violence.
While there may not be much soccer action...anywhere, Andrew got Halifax Wanderers head coach Stephen Hart on the line to talk about how the team is doing, what his plans are, some MLS legends, and looking back at different eras of soccer for inspiration.
Nick and Bates return to talk about the suspension of MLS, and most of live sports, due to the COVID-19 pandemic, including what teams are doing, what an eventual season would look like, soccer fans drawing strength in community and the challenge of not having the answers. Plus, Bates' FIFA journey and brainstorming what MLS quarantine content we want to see.
Week 2 was a barnstormer with some... interesting draws, some wild wins, and some just ugly performances from a few teams. We talk about CB worldies, bizarre red cards, and Colorado's ability to just annoy everyone with late winners.
MLS is finally back and there's SO much to cover in Week 1. We talk about the teams that surprised us (and everyone), terrible news from Atlanta, Colorado's strong start, and clubs where we think "what exactly is the plan here?" We also talk about the bizarre play that somehow resulted in just a yellow card for goalkeeper Joe Willis.
This week, we break down every single MLS team and where we think they will be four months into the season. We talk about the clubs that have made big moves in the off season, as well as the one's who seemed to not know they could make transfers, and of course: the clubs who are brand new.
Nick and Andrew are back as the countdown to the MLS season ticks down, with discussion of Christine Sinclair breaking the goals record, Canada's Olympic qualifying tournament, the new CBA, Atletico Ottawa and more.
Nick and Bates talk the MLS Draft in its newer, streamlined form, comings and goings in silly season and tidbits from the NWSL and CanPL.
Nick and Bates come back for the final episode of 2019, featuring a bevy of offseason news! Lucas Cavallini and Alan Pulido make their appearances, Charlotte joins the party, and the Reign got bought. Also, we talk the Whitecaps' Safe Sports review with Dina Bell-Laroche, partner in the Sport Law and Strategy Group firm who conducted it.
Read the review: https://vancouver-mp7static.mlsdigital.net/elfinderimages/2019/safesport/SLSG_REVIEW_Findings_and_Recommendations_Report.pdf
This week we take a look at all the moves with the expansion draft, the re-entry draft, some future space money transactions and a slew of news that includes a shock move for Luis Robles and Montreal bringing in Thierry Henry to coach. We also take a look at some
And just like that, it's all over. Bates and I break down Seattle's pretty dominant display over Toronto FC, despite the latter's valiant effort. We go deep on this one, looking at the tactics and what's next for each team.
In what few could have predicted but none could really be surprised by. we break down the conference final results as we get ready for ANOTHER Seattle Sounders/Toronto FC MLS Cup Final. Apart from all the MLS drama and heartbreak, we also take a look to the very odd Canadian Premier League Final and the NWSL Cup final that we think might have been more interesting than the result.
This week's episode is brought to you by Jozy Altidore playing a full 90 on crutches if he has to.
Nick and Bates talk the MLS and NWSL playoffs, including a wild night in Seattle, TFC being filled with determination and LA teams skipping the "defense" part.
This week we look at Canada's historic victory over the US Men's National Team, as well as go in depth to setting up all of the MLS Playoff games. We ties up a few loose ends with CanPL and NWSL to round out the show and make our predictions for who will be this playoff round's victors.
Nick and Bates talk all the MLS action from Decision Day and reflect on the regular season that was, Carlos Vela's historic performance and how teams are shaping up heading into the playoffs.
In a week of wild red cards and results, we break down a busy week as #DecisionDay looms... or drags on, depending what conference you're in. We talk about MLS' change in stance on the Irone Front symbol, a bit of Nick in Atlanta with some hot takes, and Andrew schools Nick on why the Canadian Championship matters.
In a weird week of 0-0 draws, we look at how things are shaping up before the playoffs. We also talk about some of the teams who won't be in the playoffs and how their fortunes look going into the off-season, as well as another week of Ibra skill, bizarre calls, and even a red card to the all time leading MLS goal scorer, Chris Wondolowski... from the bench.
Nick and Bates talk the week's MLS games, including a goal that wasn't, the LA Galaxy rout of Kansas City, what defenders should be asking for in the next CBA and a walkout in Seattle.
Nick and Bates talk all the games on a lighter international break week, NWSL, Canada's Nations League swing against Cuba, MLS' one-sided "debate" and who we'd be excited to see in the MLS playoffs.
It wouldn't be MLS without some unlikely heroes and this week it's none other than: Colorado and Minnesota?! We also dissect the ongoing saga that is MLS fighting supporters on what exactly a fascist is. After we recorded, the Whitecaps responded that they didn't "mean" to ban a supporter, simply to warn them. We're not buying it.
Nick and Bates talk away trips to Montreal, the Whitecaps' record-setting performance in a loss to San Jose, a blowaway El Trafico and not fighting your own fans, as well as a starmaking display in Kansas City.
What would the tail end of the MLS season be without the announcement of another club?! We talk about the news from St. Louis, some reorganization at the Whitecaps, and of course all the games and news from the game week.
There was some great footy this week but unfortunately supporters had to reckon with getting tossed out of stadiums, receiving bans, and having their belongings confiscated, all because the league can't decide how it feels about supporting fascists, Nazis, and violent thugs. We do talk about the golazos, the continued dominance of some familiar faces, and the firing of two MLS coaches, one who couldn't keep from blowing his lid and the other because he lost to Philadelphia?
Andrew and Nick talk Alejandro Bedoya's call to end gun violence, DC's busy transfer day and a goal-filled checks notes Colorado Rapids game?
Nick, back from international duty, and Bates tackle the newest calamity plaguing the Rapids, Whitecaps getting a point, the All-Star Game and the post-World Cup NWSL bump.
With Nick on international duty, Ricardo Bortolon returns to talk with Bates about El Trafico, bad boy Zlatan, Whitecaps, and the NWSL homecoming matches.
Andrew and Nick talk last weekend's MLS games, including Vako leading a defeat of the Galaxy, Vancouver in the doldrums and relationships between referees and coaches.
While some of our favorite teams continue to struggle, the LAFC juggernaut continues to roll (mostly over us) and San Jose, New England, and Cincinnati (?!) all begin to find their form. We also discuss what, if anything, changes now that the Women's World Cup is over.
In a not so great if you're a Canada or Whitecaps fan kind of week, we turn our attention to our beloved but still struggling Caps, some upsets in the Women's World Cup, and all the MLS matches of a busy soccer week. Most surprisingly, all of a sudden the team to beat in the league is... San Jose? We talk about the Quakes revolution as well as how teams like New England and Colorado have also been able to change their fortunes.
This week we talk about Megan Rapinoe and the USWNT continued dominance, people's discomfort with politics in sports, heartbreak for the Canadians and then a week of MLS matches that really didn't tell us too much about any team except that the Whitecaps still really like to make life hard for Rooney still really doesn't like Orlando.
This week as the international break continues, we turn our attention almost solely to the Women's World Cup including all the drama from the group stages, our not so hot take on a number of retaken penalties, and what it will take to stop the powerhouse teams. We also briefly chat about the US Open Cup, Canadian Premier League piggybacks, and some bad news for one of our favourite MLS players.
Nick and Andrew talk the first round of Women's World Cup games, U.S. as soccer villains, ways to fix the handball rule and an all-time goalkeeping howler.
This week we break down a comical week chock full of mistakes at the back (that continued at the time of recording) and look at the teams whose favours are starting to change ahead of the break, and those who just can't seem to catch a break.
This week we take a look at a tale of two very different LA teams, a massive away effort from San Jose, and finally some movement from the Whitecaps to address abuse allegations. We also dissect the teams who are on the rise, bounding up and down, and those who are flat-lining.
This week we tip our hats to Chris Wondolowski as he broke the all-time MLS scoring record in emphatic fashion. We talk about teams like LA Galaxy and San Jose getting a much needed boost, as well as where some clubs continue to just spin their wheels.
Nick and Andrew talk the week's MLS news, including emergency Bruce Arena, the Galaxy's shifting luck and the next stage in Whitecaps protests.
Nick and Andrew talk an all-time VAR mishap in Columbus vs. DC, a sloppy Whitecaps game and Andrew's trip to see the HFX Wanderers season opener.
This week we start with a look at the ongoing dumpster fire that is the Whitecaps front office and response to abuse allegations. We break down some teams that just can't quit: especially Houston and Montreal, who seem content to (not so) quietly climb up the table. Plus we dive into the first ever weekend of Canadian Premier League action. Oh yeah, and Philly won while we recorded.
In an action packed week, we were seeing 50 shades of blue as MLS teams donned their parley kits for Earth Day, which taught us... something about Earth? The Earthquakes bounced back, giants continued to stumble, and the Whitecaps very nearly played well over two games. We also cover some of the disconnect that seems to be happening between clubs and their fan base, especially with another walkout planned in Vancouver.
In another week of unpredictable games and results, we look at some teams that are starting to right their respective ships, and also at some MLS giants who seem to be a long way off. We talk about behaviour from players as well, including a rare moment of taking Ibra's side and of course we talk about Kaku kicking a ball at fans.
(For games the week of April 11) This week we look at some unlikely winners who have perhaps turned their MLS fortunes around.
On a week where teams continued to keep 11 players on the pitch, we examine the very good, the very bad, and the San Jose in another wildly entertaining week of games. We also discuss just how much water is too much water and the unlikely ascension of some old MLS laughing stocks.
Andrew and Nick tackle the games from a short week in MLS, including another rough ref night for RSL and a possible explanation for what #DOOP means. Plus, Canada at the Nations League and TFC has a player suspended for the season — in eSports.
Nick and Andrew talk FC Cincinatti's home debut, a lopsided DC United win, unfortunate double yellows and unfortunate fashion choices.
Andrew and Nick talk the week's games, including a flick and a stomp, Canada practice jerseys and Tyrone Mears' MLS memories.
Andrew and Nick talk the return of MLS, including the ever-changing fortunes of Toronto FC, a new-look Vancouver Whitecaps and a sudden snowstorm in Colorado-Kansas City. Plus, we chat with Halifax Wanderers head coach Stephen Hart about getting ready for the first Canadian Premier League season.
The new MLS season has begun! Andrew and Nick talk their introductions to soccer and introduce you to the whopping 24 MLS teams, with a view to where they've been and where they're going.
Nick and Andrew talk new old stars, Toronto's Champions League stumbles, Vancouver's clean break and Canadian Premier League heels.
Andrew and Nick talk the key departures as the European transfer window closed, including Sebastian Giovinco leaving Toronto FC and Miguel Almiron finally finding a suitor. Plus, Vancouver and Montreal get pickups, but but Nashville gets blocked.
Nick and Andrew talk about an assortment of offseason news bites, including TFC and Gregory Van Der Wiel, teams with too many Designated Players, the last year of Tim Howard's career and some draft notes.
Nick and Andrew are back in 2019 with reflections on the Crew, roster moves and rumours, Cincinatti, DC United's TV deal and a fond farewell to referee Mark Geiger.
This week on the show we pay tribute by looking back at the impact of the recently passed Sigi Schmid. We also give the rundown on all of the major transfers and moves, including Atlanta's new coach, and a familiar face from Dijon...
Nick and Andrew talk the MLS Cup final, Atlanta's rise to the top and where each team goes from here, as well as talk about how Cincinnati and Vancouver are being (re)built after the Expansion Draft.
Andrew and Nick talk the conference finals and preview MLS Cup, including how Portland and Atlanta can win, how Peter Vermes will ground you all, and how Zlatan made Nick throw his headphones.
Andrew and Nick talk the Red Bulls' meltdown in Atlanta in the first leg of the Eastern Conference finals, whether or not it dooms their chances, as well as VAR, disallowed goals and a serviceable first leg for Portland against Sporting Kansas City.
In a double-episode mid-post-season international break, Nick and Andrew trawl through the interviews Andrew got from the end-of-year Whitecaps press conference and make sense of a series of controversial comments. With Russell Teibert, Doneil Henry, Kei Kamara, Stephen Marinovic & Felipe Martins.