Big D After Dark: Recent Episodes

Nathan Hill

When the lights go down, we go live. Join Nathan, Jose, Tommy, and Ismael to talk about FC Dallas action, rumors, and drama each and every week as we enjoy Major League Soccer's 2022 season together and see what Nico and the boys can do as they compete for hardware. We stream the podcast live every Monday night, so your questions might make it on air. More info at BigDSoccer.com. Also, Kings of Texas!

Here’s a quick reaction to a disappointing night.

Eric Quill was dismayed at a critical call by the ref that put Dallas in a hole. Lots to ponder.

All hope is not lost, of course. FC Dallas have not been eliminated.

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We want to thank Luis for jumping on the show with us on short notice.

We had a full house on this one with Colin, Jose, Chris, and myself back in the action to break down FC Dallas’ come from behind win and North Texas SC doing the same. Both teams can take away so many positives for performances that give us hope.

Of course, FC Dallas will be on the road this weekend to play at Los Angeles Galaxy. If they win, they are in the postseason. So much riding on this one.

Listen in as we break it down, have some video from Eric Quill’s postgame press conference, hear from John Gall on his turnaround for NTSC, and more.

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I’m off to another soccer game, so here’s a quick video reaction to a massive win for FC Dallas.

Enjoy the night. The playoffs are still a possibility.

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Hey, friends. Thank you for all of your support this season.

Chris Winters joins us, and we start off by talking about North Texas SC’s disappointing home loss against Real Monarchs. This was not what they needed. While they are still above the playoff line, the margins are thin going into the final week of the MLS Next Pro regular season. Everything comes down to the LAFC2 match on Sunday. Afterburn Soccer will be there!

We then broke down the big result up in Portland, as hard a place to play as any. FC Dallas came back twice to grab a vital road point that keeps them in contention, even if other results did not go their way. With three games left, they control their own destiny. Can they get it done? How are we loving the newfound team vibes?

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There is no bigger story to FC Dallas’ transfer signings than… Christian Cappis.

No, Lucho Acosta, as heralded as his arrival was, did not have the same impact as Cappis this season.

In fact, Acosta is gone, and Cappis is now anchoring a resurgent midfield.

But Christian Cappis, who at one point in his young career wanted to sign for FC Dallas but was slotted somehow into Houston Dynamo’s territory (bizarre, I know), returned to Frisco at the right time after a solid number of years with various Scandinavian teams. That experience abroad no doubt seasoned him and helped him grow as a professional.

His leadership was needed.

I asked head coach Eric Quill after FC Dallas’ win over Austin FC about the midfielder and the qualities he possesses that has helped turn this ship around. Quill was more than happy to oblige, speaking especially about the leadership of the midfielder. Cappis has helped some of the younger guys, including Kaick, organize the midfield, find space, and develop. In fact, as we have mentioned on the pod, when Cappis is subbed off, FC Dallas suffers.

Listen to Quill and his glowing report on what Christian has brought to the Burn.

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A great show on Monday night, as we felt lifted by big performances from both FC Dallas and North Texas SC over the weekend.

Yes, FC Dallas is back in the playoff hunt on a six-game unbeaten streak led by Petar Musa and a resurgent side.

It’s fun to hear head coach Eric Quill’s enthusiasm and appreciation for the hard work of this team.

Their 3-1 win over the Rapids dominated a good chunk of our conversation.

North Texas SC traveled to Minnesota and found a big win of their own, 2-1. The win pushed them back into playoff contention.

We close out the show with predictions for what promises to be another fun weekend ahead.

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Thanks as usual for liking and subscribing.

Thanks for the questions during the show. We have a small but mighty audience, and we appreciate the support.

The big question - how will FC Dallas fare against Colorado next week? We close out the show with some predictions, but we’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments below. Will fans be disappointed? Is FC Dallas going to find another confident win?

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A good, tight show tonight as we break down FC Dallas and North Texas SC results and news.

The big story was FC Dallas’ draw at St Louis, despite going down to ten men. A huge performance from Jacob Jackson who earns MLS Player of the Week Honors.

North Texas SC also welcomed Ventura County after beating them on the west coast and found a late goal for a draw and PK shootout win. They are above the playoff line.

Lots of good stuff - even a smattering of NFL talk near the end.

Life is good.

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Rather than write something up, I popped open my phone camera to share a few thoughts of what was, in my opinion, a solid evening for FC Dallas and North Texas.

FC Dallas held on to an away draw at St Louis, despite like 30 shots on goal and being down to ten players most of the match. Jacob Jackson was a huge presence in this one, but credit to Petar Musa for finding yet another clutch goal. You always take an away point in this league.

North Texas SC couldn’t replicate their big away win against Ventura County but also found a late equalizer from Aaron Essel to earn a draw at home. They went on to confidently claim the extra point in the penalty kick shootout. They are now officially above the playoff line again. Good stuff for this young team.

All in all, with all the adversity these teams have faced, it’s a night we can take as fans and keeps the postseason in contention.

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Welcome to the Afterburn Soccer Show.

We hit the topics quick and hard. Apologies in advance for Collin’s audio issues in this one - something up with his phone.

FC Dallas drew at home to LAFC after going down from a golazo by Son Heung-min. Logan Farrington tied it up, but it was Michael Collodi with a huge performance. Are we witnessing a goalkeeper battle? Is Maarten Paes out for a while? Lots to think about.

North Texas SC collapsed after two yellow cards to Mo Cisset. Despite some first-teamers getting time with the squad, it did not look good. North Texas is in dangerous territory as now they have to really claw their way back into postseason contention.

Thanks for listening in!

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Special shout-out to the Collodi family!

We hit all the topics in this episode - FC Dallas, Petar Musa’s injury, away draws, depth and formation stuff, and more.

Oh, yeah, and Enes Sali is back with North Texas. That’s a good thing, right?

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Welcome back to the Afterburn Soccer Show for August 11, 2025

FC Dallas get a big win at home, 2-0 over the Portland Timbers. What an atmosphere. What a result after a lot of change. Petar Musa opens the scoring. Lalas Abubakar grabs a massive header goal. Michael Collodi is so strong in goal. Lots to like about this performance.

What did you like, guys?
Matt Doyle wrote that the Lucho Acosta departure looked like a ton of weight lifted off this team?

Let’s hear from Eric Quill after the game.

How are confident are you feeling about this team making things interesting in the playoff push?

North Texas, on Friday night, traveled down to Austin FC 2. Augusto Alvaro and Pedrinho started in this one which NTSC led most of the way behind Caleb Swann’s first professional goal. Strong performance, denied late by an Austin goal but winning the PK shootout.

Is this a good sign that NTSC can find a way to win without their talisman, Sam Sarver?

Lots of roster turmoil:

Do we expect Dallas to bring in any more players before the window closes?
Who has the most to gain with Lucho Acosta’s departure?

Predictions:

North Texas welcomes St Louis City 2 on Saturday.

FC Dallas travel down to Austin on Saturday.

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If you missed our written interview with Mo, you can find it here.

Otherwise, enjoy this slightly edited audio conversation with Mohamed Cisset, defender with North Texas Soccer Club.

It’s a bonus episode!

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Our latest pod is up, breaking down FC Dallas’ continued woes at home after they lost 4-3 at home to NYCFC. A disappointing night again, and head coach Eric Quill is still searching for answers. Is it the roster? Is it the coach? Is it the roster construction? Why can’t this team figure it out?

And what is the future of Lucho Acosta?

North Texas SC, meanwhile, balled out in an impressive win at home against visiting C.D. Tapatio. The two strong academy programs showcased some fun soccer, but it was Pedrinho leading the way with two great goals. Tsiki had two awesome assists. Lots of fun in this one.

Thanks to Chris Winters, Jose Carmona, Collin Coovert, and Mar Cin for joining us on this one.

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I know there is some kind of All-Star game going on tonight, but FC Dallas fans aren’t really bothered by such diversions.

Instead, we are basking in a 4-point week for our team, a rarity in what has been a tough season.

Of the many questions troubling fans in Frisco, one has been the lack of opportunities for young players trying to make their way through the academy, out of North Texas SC, and into the senior team.

Not, of course, that it has been all bad. Pedrinho, after an excellent championship year with North Texas, has been a welcome surprise this season, chipping in 2 goals and 3 assists as a backup playmaker/starting winger. Kaick, at 19 years of age, started earning minutes pretty quickly and may be beginning to hit his stride — though he was a signing directly from Gremio’s U19 side. Álvaro is another young signing who has had some decent performances with North Texas and now with Dallas.

Beyond that, for a long stretch of games, FC Dallas was mostly turning to underperforming veterans to try to carve out results. Guys like Bernard Kamungo and even Logan Farrington, who spent some formative minutes with NTSC, haven’t been as consistent as needed. Why not play the youth if the guys with more experience are going to struggle?

Suddenly, though, that North Texas to FC Dallas pipeline is looking stronger and stronger.

Josh Torquato bags a homegrown deal as he steps in at left wingback and plays well. Really well for a 17-year-old.

Sam Sarver transferred his scintillating form with the reserve team into an energetic cameo and earned a penalty kick late on Saturday, a quick rise from SuperDraft pick to potential first teamer.

And the fans ate it up. Because we love these kinds of stories. This is what FC Dallas has been about. Yes, we want stars and good players on our roster, but we love it when the youngsters work their way up, get their shot, and make the most of it. We love it when guys like Chris Richards are able to come home and wear the local colors. We believe it when Dan Hunt and company said this team was about building through the academy.

So, hey, in a very strange season that has had plenty of disappointment (so far), let’s take a moment to celebrate with Quill on two young guys who bring inspiration and energy, who are playing well above their years, and potentially helping the team write a different ending to the season.

Here’s to many more.

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It’s hard to write the show notes, because we had so much to cover in this episode as we welcomed Chris Winters, who covers North Texas SC for 3rd Degree.

Here are a few highlights:

How are we feeling about FC Dallas after a 4 point week? Is there hope?
Has Quill found something in this formation?
Will Musa break FC Dallas’ season goal scoring record?
When will Sam Sarver be signed?
How about them kids?
What is the future of Lucho Acosta?
How will North Texas fare without Sam Sarver?
Jersey-gate with Collin. Shoutout to Dan Hunt!
A dash of looking ahead at this weekend with games for both North Texas and FC Dallas

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For those fans hoping that a road trip might give the team a chance to flip their play around after three home losses, FC Dallas unfortunately couldn’t deliver, losing to Los Angeles FC 2-0.

Patrickson Delgado turned the ball over in the first half which LAFC quickly delivered into an opening goal via a young talent Nathan Ordaz. A foul on the box was called on Shaq Moore as he went shoulder to shoulder with Dennis Bouanga, an all too familiar situation for teams facing the LA. Bouanga slotted the PK home.

The big drama in this one was seeing Lucho Acosta lose his captaincy and left on the bench to start the game. Pedrinho got the start, but FC Dallas really didn’t get things going. Not that it was all bad - as Quill noted to media after the match, there definitely was some hard work by the team. For a stretch in the first half, they were doing good work staying organized and preventing Los Angeles from finding opportunities.

Maarten Paes also had a solid game with seven saves, showing vital leadership and keeping the team at least with some hope as minutes ticked by.

Ultimately, though, there were once again no answers for a team that is struggling with a lack of confidence and a clear identity. Even when Lucho came back on in the second half, the creative attacker struggled to influence the game.

I was able to send in a couple of questions - listen in to the audio above, shared by FC Dallas.

The big challenge for Eric Quill is to find ways to keep this team at least bought in and heads held high. It’s clear that the mounting run of results are only going to keep dragging the team down unless they can weather the storm and figure things out in real time. The season is slipping away.

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Hey, friends, thanks for listening in to this nearly hour podcast about FC Dallas and North Texas SC.

We talk about some big stuff:

Why is FC Dallas playing so poorly right now?
Is Eric Quill on the hot seat?
Are future signings on the way going to help FC Dallas?
How is North Texas doing?
And more…

Love your support!

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Thanks for listening and subscribing to the Afterburn Soccer Show, a podcast focusing on FC Dallas and North Texas Soccer Club.

In this episode, we look back at an awful week with two home losses, red cards, and lots of misery. Was the offense improved? Yes! But we ask lots of questions about what is holding this team back, listen in to Eric Quill’s post-game comments, and try to shift ahead to a crucial home match against Minnesota on Friday.

Good news - North Texas SC is back in action this week.

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Thanks as usual for your support.

You’ll hear from Bernard Kamungo and Eric Quill in this episode as we look ahead to a two game match week for FC Dallas, crucial in their hopes for postseason progress.

Plus, we touch upon North Texas’ difficult road trip but find positives nonetheless in this young team.

And a splash of Club World Cup talk.

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Álvaro Augusto is an FC Dallas kind of signing, a kid who impressed the team as a young player when they trained during preseason in Portugal. As a 19-year-old defender, there was no expectation that he was anything but a project, someone with athleticism and talent to develop for the future.

With injuries and suspensions, though, FC Dallas turned to the youngster on Saturday on the road against Sporting Kansas City, a surprise start considering his limited minutes. Before this, Augusto had grabbed minutes as a late-game substitute for the senior team and six starts for North Texas. But that didn’t stop him from an emotional, spirited performance that gave the Burn their first win in a month.

I asked North Texas SC head coach John Gall, who has worked frequently with the youngster, about the performance and what it means.

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Thank you for listening in to the Afterburn Soccer Show. We try to go live on Monday evenings and then post the audio the next day.

This week, after a decent break, we jump back into things, a little rusty perhaps, but maybe we wanted to be right where FC Dallas was coming off of a big break. Did they get the job done in Kansas City? Of course with a 4-2 win.

We talk about the key performances, especially the return of Sebastian Lletget, Lucho Acosta getting two goals, Musa scoring, and Augusto Alvaro making a big debut and showing off well. But is he starter material? Some say yes, some say no.

We hit North Texas, talk about upcoming opponents (a shoutout to Milan Iloski formerly of Orange County Soccer Club), and end with some yawns.

That’s life.

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Afterburn Soccer Show Notes - June 2, 2025

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Let’s start with where this team is in the standings after a Brutal May.

Seattle Away Loss, 1-0

PK shootout loss to the Red Bulls in New Jersey

FC Cincinnati draw, 3-3 on the road

Home Draw against Philly, 0-0

Red card to Lalas Abubakar - terrible decision

Quill on the rest of the season: “Stick with us.”

Herbert Endelay - torn ACL, recalled from loan

Osaze Urhoghide - leg injury

North Texas - back in action on Wednesday at St Louis, 2 points out of first place - looking so strong - Aaron Essel with the Ghanian men’s national team callup

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Eric Quill did not mince or censor his words last night after a disappointing and emotional penalty kick shootout loss against the Red Bulls.

FC Dallas went ahead first on a beautiful Kamungo effort fed by Lucho Acosta and then rallied to go ahead again on a skillful bit of play as Kamungo turned and fed Lucho to make it to 2-1. The Red Bulls, though, had the star talent to turn to off the bench and found an equalizer late in regular time.

A red card given to Ramiro made life profoundly more difficult for Dallas deep in extra time. The team had to basically hold on for dear life, hoping for a penalty kick shootout to survive.

The PK shootout went pretty poorly though, with Lucho missing what should have been a routine shot. Paes found one save to give Dallas hope, but in the end, Pedrinho couldn’t deliver to keep his side in it. Tough, tough night.

Quill did more than hint that the refereeing was not good enough on the night. Wil he face a sanction or punishment? We’ll see.

Listen to his words yourself and see what you make of this team, their fight, and their future.

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Thanks for listening to our weekly podcast!

We are back after some family and life schedules got in the way in recent weeks, just in time to talk with great disappointment about FC Dallas’ loss at home to Houston. We lose El Capitan too. Eric Quill said he saw more good than bad. Did you? What do you think will fix this team?

We focus on consistency, coaching improvements, and roster needs.

We also highlight North Texas’ big win over Dynamo 2 on Sunday night (a late one). Sam Sarver and Diego Garcia with big goals!

Help us grow the show if you can.

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Hey, Afterburn Soccer fans.

We have a quick solo show because of family commitments tonight, but I did get down to San Diego to watch the team, speak with FC Dallas media staff, and talk with head coach Eric Quill after the match. This is a result that may not say a lot about this team other than - what a roller coaster of a week.

Silver lining - 4 points out of 3 away matches? Not bad. You expect to lose 1-2 of these matches.

Hopefully, the team will put this loss behind them and move on.

Meanwhile, North Texas Soccer Club grabbed a big away win in Minnesota off of a massive golazo from Landon Hickam, who is committed to Southern Methodist University. Good for him. Beautiful moment - up for goal of the week, by the way. They get the full three points even though they spent the rest of the match mostly defending.

We included the raw audio from our post-game conversation with Eric Quill. Not perfect audio - but it will get you over the hump as we look to a huge week ahead.

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Despite a few audio glitches, the guys were back at it, looking first at FC Dallas’ rollercoaster come from behind victory over Inter Miami.

No Messi, no problem.

We highlight Pedrinho for his huge play off the bench and note that Eric Quill made the right substitutes. What can we learn from this?

And how will the team translate it to San Diego?

By the way, North Texas won midweek against visiting Town FC. While still showing work to do, we acknowledged the potential goal of the week from Gavin Gall.

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Here are the notes from the show:

Reactions to the away draw at Minnesota with a rotated lineup. How are we feeling?

The defense picked up its first clean sheet of the year. Does this give the team a boost before traveling to Miami?

Should Osaze be in the running for the MLS All-Star team?

North Texas lost a late one, coming back to equalizer after going down by 2 goals. Sam Sarver with four goals on the year. Take aways from this one?

Aaron Essel did make his debut in this one and showed why the team is high on him.

We close out with predictions as Dallas prepares to face Inter Miami in Miami. Should be a tough one!

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We did not waste time getting right into it, hearing from FC Dallas head coach Eric Quill on his plan to diagnose what went wrong but offering our own thoughts.

Was it just a flat night?

Was it the wrong formation?

Are the players not the right fit?

Or what?

We welcome Mar Cin who doesn’t hold back some of the emotion - maybe the coaching is wrong?

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Hey folks, our live show didn’t work out today after all, so I’m dropping a quick update that looks back and sets the stage for a big matchup with Seattle this weekend.

Thanks for listening in and look for some goodies on the way.

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On a cool evening in Portland, North Texas Soccer Club made up for lost points at home during the previous weekend, as a late Malachi Molina stunner grabbed all three points for the visitors on their way to a 2-1 win.

You can hear a bit of head coach John Gall’s elation above.

They knew this was going to be a tough match. Away matches in any league are. For North Texas, you can layer a disappointing result at home last weekend onto it, giving up goals and settling for a draw. We know this is a team that is a work in progress, like their senior team. New signings are on the way. Expectations are being raised. Every week, the starting lineup is coming together.

“It was a really tough game today against a good team. I felt we were up against it in terms of how things have gone over the last couple of games,” Gall said to media. “So much resilience today, so proud of these guys. I knew it was coming. I’m impressed to go down after 40 seconds and come back and win the game in the last minute. Says a lot about the group. These guys gave their absolutely everything today.”

Antonio Carrera, whose career is hanging in the balance, recorded a career high 9 saves.

Molina, in particular, showed an ability to be a legend for this club.

Right now, North Texas sits in 4th place in the Western Conference. For a team that has been completely rebuilt, with only a handful of contributors from the senior side, this is a massive statement. New signings are on the way, as we discussed in our last podcast. The sky is the limit for this team to find ways to improve and develop consistency over the coming months.

In particular, watch for new signing Aaron Essel, a Ghanian national team player who comes loaded with first team experience and has the potential to be one of the next big signings for FC Dallas down the road.

It’s hard this early in the season, despite North Texas winning it all last year, to know what to expect of this team. North Texas serves as a proving ground for the first team. They are to give young players a chance to develop, to prove themselves, or even just to get fit. So far, that work is unfolding.

But let me say it this way - to drop points at home and then follow up with a clutch away win, that says enormous potential is ahead for this young side.

Keep watching North Texas.

They could be special this year.

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Here are the notes for the show this week:

FC Dallas got a crucial home win against visitors Sporting Kansas City, a 2-1 come-from-behind victory. Was it pretty? No. Was it effective? Yes.

Let’s do reactions first.

Peter Vermes was fired as SKC head coach on Monday. How does that feel to have your team be responsible for a rival’s coach fire?

What remains a work in progress for this team - in particular, 40% possession at home? Should we be concerned?

Urhoghide is a great signing - can this defense improve?

—

North Texas drew at home and lost the resulting shootout. A disappointment as they were ahead by 3-1. Brace from Tarik Scott.

With new signings this week, are we still not concerned about this young team’s prospects?

New signing from first division of Scottish Premiere League - midfielder Aaron Essel. Is this a signing that shows intent?

—

Construction has begun. FC Dallas had a press event to mark the next phase of construction for the stadium in Frisco. Let’s hear from Dan Hunt.

What does a 100 year vision mean? How are we feeling about this project?

—

Predictions for this weekend:

@ Atlanta. A struggling team. Can Dallas get this done?

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Thanks for liking and subscribing to our FC Dallas and North Texas Soccer podcast, breaking down all you need to know.

We have good news in this one, as we look back at FC Dallas’ gutsy and emotional win over RSL in Salt Lake City. It was a much-improved performance, specifically from the defense, but there is work ahead. In particular, we spend some time thinking about the formation shift that Eric Quill brought to the side which worked wonders!

North Texas is a young side, so we shouldn’t be too concerned about their humbling loss in Houston after a red card. They are bound to improve, but it is an early wakeup call for this team.

We even touch upon some United States Men’s National Team talk after disappointment this past week and then close out the show with predictions for the Sporting Kansas City match.

Please help us spread the word.

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Thanks to Caleb Swann for the time and for the North Texas media crew to make these interviews possible.

Be sure to read our write-up on the interview.

Here are a couple of highlights from the signing announcement:

North Texas SC has signed FC Dallas Academy midfielder Caleb Swann to an MLS NEXT Pro professional contract for the 2025 MLS NEXT Pro season.

Swann joined the FC Dallas Academy for the 2022-23 season. Swann has featured for the FC Dallas Academy in MLS NEXT Fest and Flex tournaments and trained with North Texas SC throughout the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro season. Prior to joining North Texas, Swann committed to play Division 1 soccer at the University of Maryland.

“I am very much looking forward to working with Caleb and watching him continue to develop within our pathway,” said North Texas SC head coach John Gall. “He’s industrious in the middle of the park and very intelligent on both sides of the ball. He’s a player that I am very familiar with, and I’m so happy for him and his family.”

Read more here.

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Welcome back to the Afterburn Soccer Show.

Jose and Nathan look back at the disappointing result on Saturday, as FC Dallas loses their second straight home match.

Yes, they lost to Vancouver who may be one of the best teams in the league.

But the performance left a lot to be desired. We hear from head coach Eric Quill and take some time to diagnose what the issue is.

Then we turn our attention to North Texas Soccer Club’s big win over the Vancouver Whitecaps 2. It’s a young team, but it was a big moment to see Sam Sarver get his first brace in a North Texas kit.

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Thanks for listening to the Afterburn Soccer Show!

This episode we look back at the weekend and a disappointing home opener for FC Dallas, as they collapse in the final ten minutes against the Chicago Fire. Was it all head coach Eric Quill’s fault? How are fans feeling?

Then we talk about North Texas Soccer Club also dropping their home opener to St Louis City SC 2. The young side, completely transformed from last season’s championship team, struggled for stretches of the match. This is definitely a work in progress.

We close out the show with predictions for the Vancouver match this weekend. A big one.

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Thanks for listening folks!

Jose, Nathan, and Coov hold down the fort in this one, as we all feel really excited about FC Dallas’ attack. We haven’t seen anything like this in Frisco for a while.

We were stoked to be joined by Jose’s brother-in-law, Marcin, a Colorado Rapids fan, who shared some of his thoughts on the game and the areas that FC Dallas need to improve (hint: defense).

We also hear from FC Dallas head coach Eric Quill about what he wants fans to expect as the team pushes for wins, even on the road, and about the future of Pedrinho, who got his first start on Saturday.

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Show Notes: February 24, 2025

Welcome to Afterburn Soccer. What a weekend for Major League Soccer - but what a weekend for FC Dallas, as they travel down to Houston and open their campaign with a come from behind win, 2-1.

We are going to get to our reactions from our crew here:

our regular Jose Carmona @elchicocarmona

the man in the stands Collin Coovert @MrCoov

and our tactical mind Ismael Belkoura @IshyPlanoFishy

Please send in your comments in YouTube chat and we will get to them as quick as we can.

First, let’s just do reactions from this win. Not necessarily pretty but beautiful. Coov, you were there in the supporters section. Give us your reactions to this big win.

How do we grade Eric Quill in his first match as FC Dallas head coach?

No doubt, the nerves and emotions were all over the place. Quill was coaching in his first game at this level in front of family and friends. How do you think he handled the moment, and what did you see from his substitution patterns and choices?

Which debutant for Dallas impressed the most?

I didn’t predict Ozase Urhoghide to start. Maybe few of us did. But not only did he start, he dominated. What does this mean for the record defensive signing, and what does it mean for Dallas’ ceiling for a long season ahead?

Or should we focus more on Anderson Julio who scored the clutch go-ahead goal?

Or Shaq Moore’s dependable work in all phases of the play at right back?

Who do you want to see more out of going forward?

The win is huge, but it’s clear that Dallas has a lot to work on. Lucho Acosta did not exactly dazzle in his first start, but he wasn’t alone. Bernard Kamungo got a big start and was kind of a mess, earning a yellow card for some reckless play. The offensive side of the ball is definitely a work in progress. What do you hope shows improvement in the coming weeks as the team builds more chemistry?

What stories around the league have you intrigued?

Predictions!

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Our long wait - an offseason of monumental change for FC Dallas - is almost over.

FC Dallas plays Houston Dynamo in Houston to kick off what should be an incredible new season for Major League Soccer. I have to admit - because of the enormous investments and inter-league trades - my curiosity is piqued for a whole bunch of teams. We might see one of the most competitive seasons ever.

But tonight, we turn our attention to FC Dallas and get to see this new look squad in action for the first time in competitive play.

Here are my three questions since there is so much we still don’t know about how Eric Quill and a newly constructed FC Dallas roster is going to approach things.

Will the defense show improvement?

I highlighted this before, but FC Dallas’ defense must improve if the team is going to get back into the playoffs this season. With preseason behind them, though, there are still lots of questions if this unit can gel, integrate new pieces, and show up big. Tonight against Houston, they have their first test.

I sent my question about the defense to be asked to Eric Quill, and you can see his response above. In essence, he acknowledged the work that needs to be done and some of the mistakes in preseason. But he is clear - he wants to see clean sheets.

We might see Ozase Urhoghide make a debut at some point - but it’s unlikely he will start.

How much will Lucho Acosta play?

Lucho joined FC Dallas late into preseason. He’s still no doubt getting his feet under him in Frisco and connecting with his teammates. Will he start and go 45-60 minutes? Or do they opt to bring him off the bench and not be in a hurry, especially on a road match? Either way, his presence will be a huge boost for the team.

I could see either scenario really be awesome - bring Lucho in to tie it up if Dallas is down in the second half or start with a bang and bring in young guys to finish off Houston.

Who are going to be DAWGS tonight?

This is the biggest thing to watch for - will Eric Quill’s demand for players to step up with aggressiveness and attitude be apparent from the opening whistle? Who is going to try to impress the coach with the minutes they are provided? I think all phases of the lineup tonight have spots up for grabs down the stretch, so even a young homegrown or one of the new guys has a chance to set a high bar for others to overcome.

I am really hoping to see Ramiro Benetti get some extended minutes and showcase whether he was a solid pickup for our boys from Frisco.

What are your questions?

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Show Notes: Afterburn Soccer Show, February 17, 2025

Welcome to the Afterburn Soccer Show. Season Three. But a new season for FC Dallas in what has been one of the biggest offseason revamps in club history. We have so much to talk about, and we welcome our good friends - Jose Carmona, Ismael Belkoura, and Collin Coovert.

Thanks for listening in and joining us. Hit us with your comments and questions in the YouTube chat. And if you ever miss a show, find us wherever you find podcasts.

All of this happened in the offseason for FC Dallas - new head coach, huge profile departures, including Jesus Ferreira, Paul Arriola, Nkosi Tafari. Huge incoming player signings, especially former MLS MVP Lucho Acosta. A record signing CB in Ozase. New wingers. Just wow. What is the storyline of this offseason for each of you? Jose, let’s start with you.
How would you all grade this offseason and the work that the front office did so far? We’ll start with you, Coov.
Before we get to Lucho, give your initial impressions of Eric Quill’s hire. In some ways, it was hardly a secret. But he wants DAWGS - he wants to restore some aggressiveness
With Lucho Acosta’s arrival, the team has a true playmaker in attack - the first since Mauro Diaz or even David Ferreira. Does Lucho’s arrival raise the floor of what 2025 could be? Or raise the ceiling? Does he turn FC Dallas into a contender in the MLS Western Conference? We’ll start with you Ismael.
What new signing - or existing player - is poised to have a monster year with all of these changes? Jose?
MLS season actions begins on Saturday as FC Dallas travels down to Houston to kick things off. Let’s do predictions. Ismael?

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First, thank you to all of our listeners this year.

Thanks also to our regular contributors - Jose Carmona, Ismael Belkoura, and Collin Coovert. Also thanks to guys like Drew Epperly and Steve Davis for being great resources on the show and beyond.

This show also marks a small finality - we will likely start a new podcast feed in the coming year, since the old feed still has some BigD Soccer branding. I couldn’t figure out how to change it, so stay tuned for a new feed to subscribe as we get going in 2025.

For now, enjoy the show:

1 - We talk about Eric Quill and John Gall to FC Dallas and North Texas and how we feel about both hires.

2 - We grade the season academic style. And spoiler: No one gives FC Dallas an A.

3 - We close the show with what gives us hope in 2025 for this team.

See you in the New Year!

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What a fun show - which may be our final livestream of 2024.

We started of by celebrating North Texas and an incredible season, a season that came down to the final 45 minutes. Down 2-0, could they respond? Yes. Hear from Michel about the halftime adjustment and his absolute appreciation for the team’s effort.

We also touch base on which players are ready to make the jump to the senior team.

And finally, we touch upon what we know for the FC Dallas head coaching search. Expect an announcement. Soon-ish.

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If you want another example of the pathway FC Dallas available to its academy players, Michael Collodi, North Texas’ star goalkeeper, joins the list of talents who have put in the work and taken their opportunities.

Collodi was named MLS Next Pro Goalkeeper of the Year back on October 16, an amazing mark for the first year professional. His stats back it up:

Collodi posted a 13-4-6 record when playing in goal, registering a 73.1% save rate and logging six shutouts during the regular season. The Plano native ranks third in North Texas’ all-time in games played (23), wins (12) and saves (76). He also participated in the 2024 MLS NEXT Pro Goalie Wars, becoming the first North Texas SC goalkeeper to participate in the event.

In just about 24 hours, he will lead his squad out at home in Frisco to get a chance for an even bigger prize - winning the MLS Next Pro title.

Back in October, we sat down with Collodi and had a chance to hear more of his story, his dreams, and the kind of work ethic it takes to succeed with North Texas.

For starters, Michael glows when talking about what the academy experience did for him as far as preparing to be a professional.

“A lot of it was good coaching,” he said. “Having a bunch of different coaches as you progress through age groups. A big part is the proximity - they keep you close with the first and second team. If you want to go watch first-team training, you can. The first-team goalkeeping coach gets academy players in training, to get that mindset from an early age.”

Collodi has been with the FC Dallas organization from a young age, switching to goalkeeper at the age of seven and never looking back. While he dabbled in some other sports, soccer became his passion. His dream was always to play professionally, though he recognized that the pathway might look a little different for him.

When Columbia in New York City, an Ivy League school, came calling, he went for the opportunity.

“I think college was always in my next step. It’s easier to make that decision as a goalkeeper. Because obviously, you can play a lot longer than a field player. Part of it was just being able to get games in and get experience. A lot of times if you sign super young, it’s a lot harder to come in and get minutes, especially as a goalkeeper. You need to be in games, see those situations, and use those opportunities to learn from it. As much as we try to replicate it in training, you can’t do it without game time.”

As his four excellent years in college came to a close, John Gall, then interim head coach of North Texas, reached out to see if he was interested in continuing his career back home. It was an easy decision, a “joy” as he said it.

But it wasn’t all smooth sailing.

“The biggest jump was the mentality and mindset of everything. As everyone knows, a lot of people go to college to play professionally or just to play as something fun to do. The environment is very different. It’s competitive. Everyone wants to win and go to the next step.”

One of the things fans don’t always see is the daily grind of playing a professional sport. Players have to truly love it. In college, soccer was a seasonal sport, and academics dominated as a pressure. But with North Texas? It’s a full-time job.

“Obviously, there are moments when people are frustrated. I try to remember that this is a game we play for fun and we are lucky enough to get paid to do it,” Michael said about how he stays balanced.

The young goalkeeper is thankful to be challenged week in and out by a phenomenal set of players, guys like Nico Gordon, Pedrinho, Enes Sali, Tarik Scott to name a few, who set a high bar.

“I think we have the best lineup in the league,” he said about his teammates. “I think we show it in our performances. That competitiveness and that desire has to come from somewhere. It comes from training - everyone wants to win. No one wants to lose. You have to prove yourself every day. You have to earn your money. We push each other as much as we can and that helps everybody.”

Consistency is Collodi’s goal as he tries to keep growing and take his game to the next level, dreaming of the senior team. It helps, he acknowledged, when the team has a strong identity, something instilled by John Gall and carried on by interim head coach Michel Garbini. Despite making a coaching change in the middle of the season, the team barely skipped a beat.

Part of that effort is getting mentally in the right place.

“A lot of goalkeeping - a high percentage - is mental. Decision-making and everything. Getting those decisions correct and consistent,” he said. “Consistency is the thing we want to see the most. Finding a way to see where I need to get better and using the coaching staff to help with that.”

His message to the academy kids still working their way through the system?

“I think it’s just kind of accepting that and learning that you will never be given anything. You have to work for it and take it for yourself. Being as dedicated as you can.”

You can watch the full conversation above, learning three of Collodi’s favorite keepers he seeks to model himself after, and discover his favorite taco spot.

And don’t forget to watch Collodi and North Texas play this Saturday as they welcome Philadelphia Union 2 for the MLS Next Pro championship.

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Afterburn Soccer Show

FC Dallas grab 2-1 home win over SKC in the final game of 2024 season.

Petar Musa with his 16th goal on his debut season for FC Dallas - a great signing

(Hear Luccin’s post-game comments.)

What can the team build from this win going into the offseason?

Who are your first three players in and three players out as we think about rebuilding this team?

North Texas gets massive late win to advance in playoffs over Whitecaps 2

Goals from Herbert Endelay and Diego Garcia.

Despite a rally by Whitecaps, Pondeca scores a stunner for the go ahead goal.

(Hear Michel’s post-game comments.)

Did the team learn a lesson from this match if they want to continue?

Other Questions

End of year wants/needs

Could talk contracts

Transfers

Etc

Likelihood of Paxton being a viable option in midfield (will he stay healthy)

Will the soccer gods shine their grace upon us and send Paul’s 1.7mm to San Diego?

When will we see Carrera play for the first team?

Playoff schedule for FCD. Why are they delaying releasing it?

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Afterburn Show Notes

North Texas: 8-2 Victory. Seven different goal scorers in a romp over MUFC2.

What does this result do for the team going into the playoffs?
Has Pedrinho done enough to get an invite to the first team camp next season?
What would your advice be to Michel to keep the team grounded with a break before the next match?

FC Dallas: An embarrassing 3-2 loss in San Jose to end all hopes of postseason action. Musa was clearly not happy. A 0-0 draw in Portland.

Drawing in Portland is something. What did you see from the team in these two matches that give you hope for the future?
Musa did not play on Sunday in Portland. Luccin is asking for players to sacrifice. Do you think those comments were a message to Musa?
What do we make of Luccin’s chances on the permanent position going into the final game of the season at home against SKC?

Shortlist for coaching candidates…

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Hey, hey, it was a good show.

FC Dallas’ postseason hopes may be over, but as long as there is a chance… insert gif?

North Texas meanwhile locked up the No. 1 seed in all of MLS Next Pro. Home games for the postseason is an early present.

Listen and share and thanks for subscribing!!!

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This was a nice and tidy show.

We started things off by delighting in the beautiful soccer on display last Saturday as FC Dallas took Los Angeles FC down. Could this be a sign of more to come? Shout out to Logan Farrington and Patrickson Delgado for strong performances. But it was nice to Jesus Ferreira and Alan Velasco starting.

North Texas continues to roll and have clinched the no. 1 seed in the MLS Next Pro playoffs. Can they win the “shield” for Next Pro? Two more games late. We love what this team is doing.

As usual, thanks for listening and please subscribe so we can grow this thing.

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With just a few games remaining at home and on the road, the line is razor thin whether or not FC Dallas can sneak into a play-in game.

As long as there is a possibility, no one expects Peter Luccin and company to give up on pushing forward. Defensive miscues soured their energetic attempts on the road to find a result. Luccin called the goals given up “soft” and blamed positioning, among other things, for the mistakes.

No doubt, the result was frustrating considering how the team played on the road against Vancouver the week before.

Watch his response above.

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After some life adjustments last week, Afterburn was back yesterday, breaking down what FC Dallas needed to do to creep into the playoff picture.

Short of it - it’s not going to be easy.

But the work begins on Wednesday night as Dallas travels to Salt Lake City in a tough matchup. Can they get a point? Can they find a win?

We have some audio ahead of the week and look ahead to North Texas’ final three games of the season with playoffs already booked.

Thanks for listening! Help us grow the show!

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Just a quick video on the road.

But, yeah, we are disappointed and left with questions over FC Dallas’ home loss and playoff chances.

But North Texas secured a playoff spot.

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Hey, folks - we are back.

We hit several topics in this one, most notably breaking down FC Dallas’ win over DC United in DC. It was a big moment, although that also says a lot about the kind of season our boys from Frisco have been having.

We hear from Peter Luccin about the debut of Ruan and Show in the lineup.

We also check in with North Texas.

Thanks for listening!

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Despite having a small technical issue to start the show, Nathan and Jose didn’t waste time getting into things.

How would you rate the summer transfer window for FC Dallas with two new players in? Are you satisfied? Are you disappointed? Or is this what we should have expected?

What do we make of the Alan Velasco trade rumors?

North Texas is dominating, top of MLS Next Pro. Have you been to a game yet?

What should be FCD fans’ expectations for the rest of the season?

Thanks for listening.

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Happy Tuesday, folks.

FC Dallas prepares to face FC Juarez tomorrow, so you can get prepped by catching up with Nathan and Jose as they look back at FC Dallas’ loss to St Louis City and North Texas’ win over SLC 2.

The good news is that Alan Velasco is back in training, alongside Jesus Ferreira. How soon do we begin to see these guys? Surely, Luccin will be careful in bringing them along. Surely?

Also, how soon until Enes Sali gets a look with the senior team?

Thanks for listening!

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Well, this turned out to be another solo show with illness keeping Jose out.

But we hear from Peter Luccin and Michel as they talk about recent results for their squads, including a shoutout to Paul Arriola for being in-form.

We also talk about the new signing for FC Dallas, a solid low risk/high reward kind of deal to fill the midfield holes right now. Will it work out? Will he “Show” us?

Thanks for listening!

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Due to some travel, sickness, and time constraints, last week’s show didn’t get uploaded. Here it is in all of its… glory.

Stay tuned for our newest show in hours.

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Thanks for listening to the show.

I was solo on this, but fortunately, no technical issues.

I broke down the week of action, including a big win at home against Minnesota, a hat trick from Petar Musa (who is legit), the letdown in Seattle, and North Texas back in action.

In particular, I focused on the differences between Nico’s vision for play and Luccin’s tweaks that have made a big difference.

Hope you enjoy!

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As Peter Luccin took over FC Dallas as interim head coach last week, the coaching changes echoed throughout the entire organization. John Gall, having led North Texas to the top of the MLS Next Pro Western Conference, was promoted to assistant coach with the first team. That led to the next in line stepping up in his place, a guy who is no stranger to the team - Michel.

The Brazilian left-back earned a reputation for a killer left foot and as an under-the-radar signing for FC Dallas back in 2013, logging 74 games and 12 goals as a stalwart defender. He became a fan favorite and several of his goals are highlight worthy. I mean, remember this?

Michel isn’t without some coaching experience, as he most recently led local pro-am side Foro FC to a surprise upset of Austin FC II in Open Cup play but also as he has been with the FC Dallas academy since hanging up his cleats.

With North Texas in such a strong position, the situation could be tricky. Maybe the run continues with Michel in charge. Maybe the two week break in action and personnel changes have NTSC come out a little rusty. Regardless, it’s an exciting season already for a young squad brimming with talent.

We were able to sit down with Michel ahead of his first match against (you guessed it) Austin FC II on Saturday. Will North Texas look any different? How is he feeling with the appointment? What are his goals? Who is the best left-footed player on the squad?

Enjoy the video!

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Our Monday night live show went up against the Dallas Mavericks in their eventual loss to the Boston Celtics, so we had a few less listeners as before. And we had a whole bunch of audio and video issues.

Here’s the good news - we were able to edit the audio file for a streamlined show.

You can listen here as we look at FC Dallas’ win over St Louis, their upcoming match against Minnesota, how Luccin tweaked things, and a splash of North Texas SC content.

Thanks for subscribing!

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We apologize for the lateness of this, but man, there were some glitches in the audio that needed to be smoothed out.

Obviously, this show was all over the place as we tried to make sense of the news that Nico Estevez was out as FC Dallas head coach with Peter Luccin in. Changes to North Texas as well. What does it mean? Was it too soon? Too late?

A messy one but a good one.

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Isaiah Parker, starting regularly as a left wingback for North Texas Soccer Club, has been in excellent form as of late.

He capped off a professional and confident performance in Fullerton, CA last Sunday evening with an assist, helping his team to a dominant victory over the second place team in the MLS Next Pro Western Conference.

Of course, all has not been going swimmingly for Isaiah, who came to the FC Dallas system as more of an attacker and began a switch as a left back. That progress resulted in him going on a season-long loan to San Antonio last year, where he unfortunately didn’t get as many minutes or make the impact he wanted. The good news for him is that FC Dallas wasn’t finished with him, welcoming him back in the preseason for another opportunity with North Texas.

He is apparently taking that opportunity by the horns.

I was able to ask him after the match how he has been adjusting and taking advantage of these minutes and this role with North Texas.

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Thanks for listening in.

A few notes from the show:

Were there enough positives from FC Dallas’ loss against the Galaxy and LAFC to give us any hope?
Is it too little, too late?
Will the trip to Minnesota be a chance to steal some points?

We do continue to point out that North Texas is playing beautiful soccer with a dominant away win at LAFC2, the no. 2 team in the West. The class difference was apparent.

Some good questions and comments from listeners!

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Jose and Nathan hit the show in this order:

We started with the Open Cup victory, acknowledging that as long as FC Dallas keeps advancing, it doesn’t matter how pretty the soccer is. Logan Farrington deserves some love for stepping up.
Then we dwelled for a long time on how to process the 3-3 home draw against Real Salt Lake. Yes, RSL is hot. Yes, FC Dallas was leading 3-0. Yes, the expected goals were somewhat even. Is it a fair result? A solid result? Or what?
North Texas won its second straight against the Real Monarchs. This team is good. Good enough to compete for hardware? Survey says yes.
Brutal road week ahead. Can FC Dallas get some points in LA? More coverage of those games coming soon.

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We got this one uploaded late.

It’s been a weird week.

But we can celebrate that FC Dallas found a way to win in the Open Cup even as a huge match with RSL looms.

Thanks for listening!

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Just a quick video note on this busy Thursday.

Do the stars align for a big result for FC Dallas?

Houston played midweek - will they have tired legs or be angry for the loss?

Dallas isn’t healthy yet. Who will step up?

Thoughts?

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Welcome to another episode of Afterburn Soccer Show.

Jose is back with us this week, as we look at the gritty Open Cup win that builds confidence for the team. We also dive into the rivalry win over Austin FC. Was it pretty? Did it show areas of improvement for FC Dallas? Nico Estevez agrees.

We hear from Jesus Ferreira, Nico Estevez, and John Gall in this episode.

Plus, we look ahead just a bit as Dallas prepares to visit Houston.

Thanks for listening!

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I love asking FC Dallas head coach Nico Estevez about tactical questions.

Some coaches aren’t interested in getting into the weeds around tactical decisions, but others, including Nico, don’t mind chatting about the technicalities.

Including what role he wants his midfielders to fill on the pitch - when to press, what kind of shape, what areas of the pitch. Sometimes, it is little things that need to be improved for a team to unlock their next gear. We may not see it from the stands or the live feed, but one positioning mistake, one miscommunication can be unforgiving in this league.

The midfield is being asked to do a lot in FCD’s tactical setup, both shielding the backline defensively, snuffing out counter-attacks, and knowing when to get forward. While Illarramendi and Fraser appeared to be the preferred starting duo, injuries have limited their ability to build chemistry. Maybe that will begin to change.

As Dallas welcomes Austin to their own house in a crucial match, my gut is to watch the midfield’s performance to see if they can clean up mistakes, trigger more dangerous attacks in key areas, and generally shore up a defense that has been too leaky this year.

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Jose was pulled away due to a family event, so Nathan had to fly solo on this one.

But we get into Nico’s reactions after the loss to Toronto.

We also get into how much fun North Texas has been playing.

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Afterburn Soccer Show Notes

First, welcome back to the show after a brief hiatus.

Big story - after a 2-1 loss at Colorado, with Owen Goal posting up, Dallas returns home and gets a big win that might just save their season with goals from Petar Musa and Sebastian Ibeagha.

Reactions to the match
Petar Musa is legit, can we agree?
The first half still gives us lots of question marks
Jesus Ferreira is back
Sebastian postgame??

Jose’ trip report - 2-1 loss to Colorado

What does this win potentially mean?

Nico on Pain clip

North Texas meanwhile remains undefeated

despite giving up a two goal lead on Dynamo Dos
Enes Sali is legit
Lots of talent - a learning moment for this squad?
Is North Texas playing with more identity than Dallas right now?

What is next?

FC Dallas @ Toronto

North Texas @ SKC 2

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Leads are tricky things in any sport.

North Texas Soccer Club learned that the hard way on Sunday evening. Houston Dynamo 2 came to town, hungry for a result, and despite a classy finish from Enes Sali in the first half and stellar fast break goal by Diego Garcia in the second, the visiting side scrapped their way back into the match to draw level. Both goals were a combination of sloppy giveaways and lack of concentration, situations that North Texas keeper Michael Collodi would want back.

A bit of a consolation - Collodi saved the final PK in the ensuing penalty shootout for an extra point.

Gall was reflective after the match. “We feel that we dropped the point tonight, but that’s football. You play against opponents who are desperate. We have to be a little bit more mature.”

All in all, while not the perfect performance that North Texas has been working towards, the game was thoroughly dominated by the home side. However, once any team gets a lead, the game state shifts. The Dynamo had nothing to lose by springing for counterattacks and becoming more aggressive. They created the environment to get back into this one, while North Texas had their own lessons to learn.

Diego Garcia noted this after the game on how the team needed to improve, “Keep the ball more. Move the ball more. Be calm with the ball.”

Pedrinho made his first start for the team, and while not his best performance, Gall is confident the youngster is going to make a big difference down the line.

Sali also looks every bit worth the investment, even if he spends most of his year with North Texas as he gains experience and grows into his role. He is dangerous and shows some classy techniques that will give opponents fits.

North Texas will hit the road against Sporting Kansas City on Sunday evening to continue their undefeated campaign.

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First of all, no Afterburn Soccer Show tonight. I think Jose is still traveling back from Colorado, so we’ll look for a trip report as he had to watch FC Dallas lose on foreign soil. Stay tuned for a rescheduled show later in the week.

While FC Dallas continues to struggle, North Texas Soccer Club are striding out of the great, undefeated in their first five matches of the season.

Against the Rapids 2, the young team had a rough first 45, although they remained pesky enough in the backline to ward off potential attacks from the home side. Apparently, head coach John Gall found the right words to motivate the guys. As the second half unfolded, North Texas took control.

First, Pedrinho drew a penalty late in the second half and stepped up to slot the opening goal home.

Then Rapids 2 had a player sent off for a second yellow which opened the game up, as Colorado pushed for an equalizer.

Late in stoppage time, Tarik Scott essentially passed the ball into the back of the net for the game’s second goal, his third of the season.

All in all, the performance from North Texas has the makings of a team hungry to continue to grow and fight for every chance. I continue to be amazed at academy alum Michael Collodi in goal, who is quickly making a case for a look with the senior team down the line. The senior side needs to practice with these kids, maybe get some of the mojo to run around and play with risk, joy, and courage.

I can’t recommend enough to watch North Texas if you are feeling the hurt as an FC Dallas fan right now. At the least, it will give you some hope for the future as young guys fly around and exhibit what fans want to see week in and out in Frisco.

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Head coaches are not always comfortable dealing with media. It’s not necessarily why they got into the business, but the job description includes it. Some coaches then are famously tight-lipped, while others try to forge a respectful relationship with reporters.

Often, coaches never share what they say to their players in the locker room. Is there a benefit to displaying dirty laundry when a squad is already struggling? Even when they are extremely disappointed with a performance, some managers choose to stay positive to the outside world, acknowledging mistakes but highlighting the good things from a match.

Hey, athletes are humans. They read the media. They listen to their coaches. If they get bashed publicly, will it motivate them to play better? Or will they get more stuck in a bad run of form?

On Saturday evening, as FC Dallas dropped yet another loss on the road to Colorado, Nico Estevez didn’t have much positive to say. While he didn’t name names or go out of his way to point fingers at his guys, his frustration and disappointment came through loud and clear on the postgame call.

I asked Nico what happened in this match, especially that first half when it seemed that FC Dallas struggled to generate any positive momentum.

“We didn’t show up,” Nico said with bluntness.

Unfortunately, these poor starts are becoming a bigger problem than just one or two bad games. How many times in recent years can we look back to games where Dallas gives up an early goal and has to claw their way back into the match? How many times has this team seemed to hesitate a bit from the opening whistle, like they want to play chess while their opponents are happy to smash and grab their way to a result?

I followed up to ask Nico what might fix this, if there is something the staff need to do differently. He did not have any answers. He acknowledged that the team has great weeks of practice where the team does exciting things. Somehow, between Friday afternoon and Saturday evening, that edge is lost.

One anonymous social media fan said, “It’s like the team is playing not to lose.”

Nico also acknowledged the frustration of bringing on subs without making any tactical changes and seeing a different energy and approach. Those same subs have started before and lacked the same kind of edge. The head coach has yet to find an answer.

The question is - how much longer does Nico have to figure things out?

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Jose joined this one a little late, so Nathan starts this one solo.

Hear clips from Nico Estevez and Petar Musa.

And here is the question - what will fix this run of play for FC Dallas? Does time heal all wounds?

Thanks for listening!

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Get full access to AFTERBURN SOCCER at www.afterburn.soccer/subscribe

Get full access to AFTERBURN SOCCER at www.afterburn.soccer/subscribe

We are looking to do a show on Wednesday, folks.

It’s also spring break for my kids.

I visited Paul Arriola’s hometown of San Diego, hoping he might get some fresh energy to help his team turn the corner. It has not been fun for FC Dallas fans. Luckily, we aren’t the only team struggling, but there is only so slow you can start before your luck and postseason hopes fall apart.

Enjoy the view!

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Earlier this month, I sat down with John Gall, the new head coach of North Texas Soccer Club, to talk about his journey to FC Dallas, his passion for soccer, and his vision for the club.

We had a slow week this week, due to other work commitments, so this is a bonus episode of sorts before we get back into the swing of things next Monday.

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Get full access to AFTERBURN SOCCER at www.afterburn.soccer/subscribe

Special shout out to Hoch for all the questions and commentary.

Some FC Dallas intern is running around with an El Matador scarf.

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A few highlights from today’s show:

Montreal defeats FC Dallas at home

Petar Musa gets his first goal in his debut.
Overall, a poor performance from Dallas.
What can we take away from it?

Is Montreal’s game plan one that other teams can use to exploit Dallas?

Will the wingbacks remain a problem for Dallas going forward?

How do we rate the debut of Omar Gonzalez and Patrickson Delgado?

Plus a bonus of an upcoming conversation with new North Texas SC head coach John Gall.

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A few topics discussed in the show:

Come from behind opening season win for FC Dallas
Strong performances from Asier Illarramendi, Dante Sealy, Maarten Paes, and rookie Logan Farrington were key
Getting a win while missing three or four of your best players? Massive
A peak at the schedule ahead - an opportunity for Dallas to start the year strong

Thanks for your support!

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Thanks for subscribing.

Afterburn Soccer Show is back for another season, and we got into preseason shape with a special Thursday episode. Jose and Nathan welcome Arman Kafai, a friend of the show and most recently with FC Dallas as a data analyst.

Listen for our takes on what Petar Musa means for the team and for other players who are going to have an opportunity to step up.

We give some predictions too, though keep in mind we did not know how big the injury list would be going into tonight’s game.

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First, we appreciate all of our listeners and subscribers for 2023.

This podcast is a labor of love, so your listening ears and participation make a huge difference.

On this final episode of the year, we talk about the FC Dallas season. Were we satisfied with what the team did in tough circumstances?

With roster decisions and new signings beginning, we talked about the areas Dallas needs to improve to make a splash in the coming year.

We do plan to be back in 2024.

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FC Dallas’ season came to an end.

Did it end the way fans wanted? No. But, the team missed its two best players, so what can you expect?

We ask a few questions about the run, what was disappointing, but also what the team has to build on going into 2024.

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What a wild week for FC Dallas! From disappointment in Seattle to a huge result at home, everything comes down to Friday's rematch against the Sounders. Can Dallas get it done? Regardless, we can acknowledge how huge Kamungo has been and the promise this roster has going forward. Thanks for subscribing and listening!

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After the victory over the Los Angeles Galaxy, I had a few minutes to chat with FC Dallas’ own Paul Arriola and Maarten Paes after the match.

I asked them about the performance that evening, the pressure they felt, and how they look to prepare against Seattle.

As a bonus question, I asked Paul about the news that his hometown of San Diego is getting an MLS team and if he has been following the development.

Quick unedited six minutes of soccer talk.

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We had a good show tonight with plenty of chatter, including a realization that the three game playoff format in this opening round is weird.

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Rinse and repeat.

FC Dallas drew against the Colorado Rapids when a win would have put them over the line and into the playoffs.

Is it the tactics? Personnel? Something else?

Jose predicts a draw this weekend, so FC Dallas may need help to make it into the playoffs.

Also a shoutout to new North Texas signing Victor Darub.

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FC Dallas may be unbeaten in the past ten games, but they are struggling to find multiple goals against opponents. On Saturday night, San Jose came away with a draw as Dallas could not get the ball in the back of the net after equalizing. We talk about their chances over the next couple of matches and even get into preferred playoff opponents.

Plus, some North Texas talk, including the future of Hope Aveyevu.

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In this exclusive interview with Carl Sainté of North Texas SC, we talk about his start as a soccer player, his time in Haiti, and how he found his way to North Texas.

Enjoy!

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A fun tight episode for your listening pleasure, Jose and Nathan hit a variety of topics.

We start where we left off, with FC Dallas just getting 1 point from a week when we thought they would do better.

In the game against St Louis, we discuss Maarten Paes’ red card, how the team rebounded, and the unfortunate set of results.

Against Atlanta United, did the rotation and missing players doom the performance? It’s tough to say.

Is Eugene Ansah one of FC Dallas’ best midseason acquisitions in a while?

North Texas is out of postseason contention - did dismissing Javier Cano without giving him a full season in charge really make sense?

We hit the international stuff too, including Ricardo Pepi’s goal.

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This edition of the Afterburn Soccer Show starts with a deep dive into FC Dallas’ win over Austin FC and taking stock of how big a result it was for the rest of the season.

Jose in particular looks at some individual player performances that bode well, even if there is much to improve.

Illaramendi looked solid.

Will the team miss Geovane Jesus?

We also dove into North Texas’ away win and their super slim chances to make it into postseason play. But there’s still a chance, right?

With our listeners, we also make some wildly inaccurate predictions for the St Louis and Atlanta matches this week.

Also, be sure to check out Big D Soccer’s roster building articles. Good content that added to our conversation on Monday.

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In this episode, Ismael and Nathan break down where FC Dallas is coming from after a long break and preparing to face Austin FC at home. This game is crucial to Copa Tejas chances.

Likewise, we talk about North Texas’ latest results and signings, including forward Diego Pepi. Recognize the name? You should.

Finally, we smatter around about other league news, including Savarese’s departure from the Timbers.

Like and subscribe, y’all!

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There was a lot to get to on Monday, as we started with FC Dallas’ penalty kick shootout loss in the Leagues Cup to Inter Miami.

Was it everything we dreamed of?

Was it disappointing?

All of the above?

We talked about the players who stood out and the players who struggled to make an impact, the question marks around Coach Nico Estevez’s sub decisions, and what lies ahead for FC Dallas.

New signings are on the way. Please like and subscribe if you enjoy the show.

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We hit three key topics in the pod on Monday - FC Dallas’ collapse against Charlotte FC, North Texas SC continuing to struggle, and trade rumors around Matt Hedges.

You can test whether Jose’s scouting report about Necaxa rung true after FC Dallas clinches advancement in the Leages Cup.

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Welcome the Afterburn Soccer Show on a full day of news and rumors for FC Dallas.

FC Dallas gets a big road point in Seattle behind Bernard Kamungo’s third goal of the season.
Javier Cano is dismissed as North Texas head coach after another disappointing result in Houston, 2-1.
Is Bryan Reynolds coming back to Dallas?
Who is Lionel Messi?
All-Star stuff if time allows…

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We hit so many topics in this show and had some great comments by our viewers that kept the conversation going.

FC Dallas loses to DC United at home and then to Colorado Rapids. Is this as bad as it is going to get? What needs to change?
North Texas SC completely falls apart against Tacoma Defiance. HC Javier Cano was unhappy. Reinforcements on the way.
The USMNT advance in the Gold Cup. Jesus Ferreira continues his strong form, but his haters continue to hate.
What hope is there for FCD fans with the summer transfer window underway?
Jose gives us an update on the FCD agenda on display at the Gold Cup - seven players with FC Dallas ties.

Like, subscribe, give us a review. We want to grow the show.

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A few show notes:

Hear FC Dallas head coach Nico Estévez after the game on Saturday. Doesn’t he sound tired? We would too in his shoes.
The lineup available is essentially the same as it was this weekend for the strange Wednesday rain makeup match.
Did Justin Che have a good enough tournament to open the door for an offer somewhere in Europe, or is he back in Dallas?
North Texas SC put a complete game together at home. How can the team build off of this?

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We start by talking about FC Dallas’ away win against San Jose, and while there are points of frustration, Dallas continues to find a way to grind out results.

Lots of injuries ahead for the team. How will they manage the load this week?

North Texas SC is playing a super young squad right now, and so while they keep earning draws, there is a lot to be excited about for this team.

Also, some rumor actions that affect FC Dallas.

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Get full access to AFTERBURN SOCCER at www.afterburn.soccer/subscribe

Another solid show.

What can we take from FC Dallas’ away draw at Minnesota?
What player could improve this squad?
What did we learn in North Texas SC’s collapse against Colorado?
Is Hope Aveyavu for real? Answer: Yes.

Thanks for subscribing!

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Shout out to North Texas SC Head Coach Javier Cano for being a fan of the show.

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In this episode, Nathan Hill and Jose Carmona look at FC Dallas’ 2-1 win at home against Real Salt Lake and North Texas SC’s come from behind victory against Minnesota United FC 2. We have some post-game comments from Nico Estevez and Jesus Ferreira to listen in on. How are you feeling about the squad?

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For the first time in a couple of weeks, we had a bug free show and got to catch up on a variety of news regarding FC Dallas and North Texas Soccer Club. Hear from FC Dallas Head Coach Nico Estevez about the yellow card received against Miami.

We also posed the question - which head coach will get fired first? Hernan Losado? Peter Vermes? Greg Vanney? Josh Wolff? Phil Neville? Or someone else?

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We apologize for the technical issues we have been having. This is the spliced audio of our last show, but we plan to go live again tonight at 8 PM CST to break down a busy weekend with an FC Dallas win, North Texas SC loss, and lots of Major League Soccer drama.

AFTERBURN SOCCER is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber.

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Livestreaming is always a bit of a gamble, and near the final third of the show, we had a sudden glitch and lost our stream. However, our audio kept going, so you can hear the full show.

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Get full access to AFTERBURN SOCCER at www.afterburn.soccer/subscribe

We are back for the 2023 season, after some time zone changes and other shenanigans. Ismael, Tommy, and Nathan get the show rolling by breaking down last weekend’s big win over the Los Angeles Galaxy, although it didn’t start so well. Thanks for subscribing. Stay tuned for more FC Dallas content!

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Jose and Nathan break down the disappointing loss to Austin FC as FC Dallas' playoff run and season come to a close. What can we learn from the game? What questions linger? How do we begin to think about what this team needs to do to get better in the offseason? Lots to discuss, including post-game comments from players and coaches.

Jose and Nathan break down the latest FC Dallas news, including FCD's victory over Sporting Kansas City, playoff seeding, a great injury report, and more. Plus, we dive a bit into Coach Pa-Modou Kah's departure from North Texas SC and what it means for that partnership. Good stuff - even if it was just the two of us.

Jose, Ismael, Tommy, and Nathan went live before FC Dallas' final regular season home match with the 3rd spot in the West on the line. Keep your audio at a respectable level, because Tommy is live from the stadium... and loud.

Jose and Nathan break down two weeks of news for FC Dallas - qualification for the playoffs, USMNT chatter, playoff positioning, and North Texas SC's season ending game. What can we learn? Is there still plenty to anticipate for soccer in Frisco and beyond? YES!

FC Dallas beats Los Angeles FC at home, 2-1, in one of the matches of the year. Listen in as Jose, Tommy, Coov, and Nathan break down the result, the stadium atmosphere, and what it means for the playoff positioning push.

Three goals = three points. FC Dallas rocks Minnesota United in their own house. What a game! Join us for the latest FC Dallas news and get a little salty in the process.

FC Dallas hangs on for a draw versus Real Salt Lake at home, a disappointing result as the playoff push tightens. Jose, Tommy, and Nathan break down the results as well as North Texas SC, Tigres friendly, and Schon sale. Lots of good stuff in this episode for all FC Dallas fans!

The squad welcomes back Tommy and break down a rollercoaster week for FC Dallas - a big win at home over contenders Philadelphia and a route away at Nashville. What can we take away from this week?

Jose, Ismael, and Nathan celebrate three points at home against the San Jose Earthquakes. And some interesting news out of North Texas SC. What does this mean for the team going forward as they prepare to face Philly, one of the better teams in the league? Listen in for all of your latest FC Dallas news.

FC Dallas went on a road trip to the Pacific Northwest, and we watched. While 1 point from the two away matches may not seem great, in this episode, Jose, Ismael, and Nathan talk about how well the team did play, how unfortunate they were not to have more points, and what it might mean for the upcoming 9 games left in the season. Plus a little North Texas SC talk, including a Thomas Roberts appearance.

Welcome to Big D After Dark - the live video podcast covering FC Dallas, North Texas SC, and Major League Soccer. FC Dallas bounces back with two straight wins since our last show, so we get to feel positive again for a change. Will this last?

Tommy and Nathan dive into a tough week for FC Dallas fans, from the loss against NYCFC at home and the gut wrenching draw against Austin FC. We dissect some of head coach Nico Estevez's comments and look ahead. How can this team get better?

We welcome guest Coov to the show, as Jose and Ismael debate on where FC Dallas is as a team after some disappointing and mixed results at home and away. What one signing would improve this team? Should fans feel frustrated? Join us!

Our After Dark schedule is changing a little bit due to summer vacation so here is an exclusive interview with Ema Twumasi about his journey and time with FC Dallas.

In this episode, Nathan, Jose, Ismael, and Tom break down the USMNT results, in particular Jesus Ferreira's 4 goals and Paul Arriola's single notch. We talk North Texas SC and look ahead to FC Dallas' match against Vancouver. Lots of good stuff in this episode!

Welcome to Big D After Dark! The After Dark crew take a dive into USMNT friendly action. How did Paul Arriola and Jesus Ferreira fare so far? And we look at North Texas SC's big win over Colorado Rapids 2 in Colorado and how the team is shaping up so far in a successful MLS Next Pro season.

FC Dallas puts away the disappointing two losses to get a big win away at Orlando. Jose, Tommy, and Nathan break down the result and do a little grading of new signings so far this season.

When the lights go down, we go live. Welcome to the only FC Dallas live stream show, where we break down results from all the action. An end to the Open Cup? A victory at LAG? A down and up week? What can we learn from it? Join us as we discuss and take your questions during the show.

Welcome to Big D After Dark. On this episode, the crew discuss FC Dallas' win over CCL champions Seattle Sounders and North Texas' home draw against Tacoma Defiance. And we look ahead to a busy week with Open Cup action.

Welcome to Big D After Dark where we talk FC Dallas and North Texas SC soccer. Last weekend, results in Kansas City held for both of our teams. Dallas held on to a 2-2 draw against SKC, and North Texas SC wiped the floor with SKC II, 2-0. Let's talk the results, referees, and more.

The first Texas Derby weekend is in the books, and FC Dallas grabbed a late home win over the Houston Dynamo. What a wild game - we'll dissect it and what it tells us about Head Coach Nico Estevez. In the doubleheader, North Texas SC lost a close one to Dynamo Dos. Did they crash back down to earth a little? Maybe - maybe not.

When the lights go down, we go live. Welcome to Big D After Dark, the live stream show and audio podcast for FC Dallas, North Texas SC, and MLS commentary and banter. This week, we talk about road points with Dallas earning a clean sheet on the road against the Red Bulls and North Texas SC with a late stunner against San Jose Earthquakes II. And we'll look ahead to Open Cup play and an anticipated battle with the Houston Dynamo. Send in your comments and questions. Help shape the show!

When the lights go down, we go live. Welcome to the FC Dallas livestream show from Big D Soccer. We take your questions and comments live as we break down FC Dallas' win over the Colorado Rapids, including a stunning goal from Brandon Servania. And don't forget a celebration of North Texas SC dispatching Colorado Rapids II at home. A strong weekend for soccer in the DFW!

When the lights go down, we talk FC Dallas soccer. This week, we were blessed with draws: FC Dallas getting a point at Chicago, North Texas SC getting two points at Tacoma, and the USA being drawn into Group B. We'll tackle each topic and what it means for our boys from Frisco.

Draws can be good?

When the lights go down, we go live. Welcome to the Big D After Dark live show, a fan-driven interactive live stream breaking down the latest FC Dallas and North Texas news and results. While FCD was off this week, North Texas SC won their first homegame for the inaugural MLS Next season, and... oh yeah... Jesus Ferreira and Paul Arriola helped put the US one step closer to the World Cup. Thanks for listening!

When the lights do down, we go live. Welcome to the only live FC Dallas soccer show on the internet. Gather with Nathan, Jose, Tom, and special guest Ismael as we break down the latest FC Dallas news results, including a massive 4-1 win over the Portland Timbers.

Is Jesus Ferreira on fire now?
What does it mean that Paul Arriola got his first goal?
What about those saves from Maarten Paes?
What does the team still need to work on?

Share your questions and comments live as we break down FC Dallas player performances and the latest news of the 2022 Major League Soccer season.

FC Dallas gets its first win of the season over Nashville SC. Goals from Franco Jara and Alan Velasco led the way. How about Alan Velasco's debut goal? Special, right? How about that solid defense? Listen in on Nathan, Jose, and Ismael as we break down the victory and top performances for our boys from Frisco and look ahead to North Texas SC and Portland Timbers.

With the second game of the season in the books, FC Dallas is off to a slow start. Listen in on Nathan, Jose, Tom, and Ismael as we break down the loss against the New England Revolution.

A new season for FC Dallas, a new season for Big D After Dark, the live soccer show about Major League Soccer and our favorite team in Texas. Gather with Nathan, Jose, Tom, and Ismael as we break down the latest FC Dallas news results. This episode is before the opening weekend of Major League Soccer's 2022 season.

Welcome to our season ending show for Big D After Dark.

Nathan, Jose, Tommy, and guest Ismael spend nearly an hour talking through the FC Dallas season and the major questions facing FC Dallas during this offseason. Where does FC Dallas go from here? Who stays and who goes? What kind of players does FC Dallas need to go out and get to compete in 2022 and beyond?

It's a big ol' episode that sets the stage for another eventful offseason for FC Dallas.

Thanks for listening this season.

Welcome to Big D After Dark!

FC Dallas gets a win at home after a dismal set of results.

Goals from Jesus Ferreira & Franco Jara are enough to claim the Copa Tejas.

However, this is the first win under interim head coach Marco Ferruzzi - not the catalyst move that Dan Hunt wanted when Luchi was let go.

Why has the team struggled to close out games?

We’ll talk about FC Dallas, their head coaching search, the future of Ricardo Pepi, and North Texas Soccer Club playoffs.

We’ll take your comments and questions live.

Thanks for joining Big D After Dark!

In a raucous, funny, and freewheeling episode, Nathan, Jose, and Tommy break down the recent poor results for FC Dallas and take lots of comments and questions from viewers. What were positives from the recent loss and draw against Kansas City and Minnesota? Has Marco shown enough? Are season ticket holders fleeing Dallas until the front office show changes? Will Pepi stick around? Thanks for listening!

Jose and Nathan get into the latest FC Dallas news and results and talk about the disappointing 1-0 loss at Vancouver. Also, we get into Ricardo Pepi transfer rumors and more.

It’s time for Big D After Dark. Join Nathan, Ben, and guest Tommy as we break down the latest FC Dallas news results.

And there is major news as FC Dallas relieved Luchi Gonzalez of his duties as head coach after a draw at NYCFC and a tough road loss to Houston.

What does this mean for Dallas? Can Marco Ferruzzi right the ship? What other candidates deserve a look? Was Luchi done wrong? It's a freewheeling conversation with lots of comments and questions from FC Dallas fans.

Share your questions and comments live as we break down FC Dallas player performances and so much more.

It’s time for Big D After Dark. Join Nathan, Ben, and Jose as we break down the latest FC Dallas news results.

Mistakes get in the way of a big 3 points at home. A disappointing result despite Ricardo Pepi continuing to score. What gives? Can they cut out these mistakes?

Meanwhile, Ricardo Pepi plays for the USMNT, gets a goal, and bags 2 assist. Is this kid for real? Yes, he's very real.

We take comments and questions and really dig into a few areas of concern. Are the playoffs done for FC Dallas? Thanks for subscribing!

A late upload, last week Ben, Jose, and Nathan dissected the Houston Dynamo draw and talked about the continued challenges facing the defense. Has the defense been FCD's Achilles heel? Has that been a surprise? We talked about Ricardo Pepi's incredible USMNT play and the promise of the future for the budding superstar. Listen in!

After one point from three games, FC Dallas headed down I-35 and dominated in Austin, a final score of 5-3. Ben, Nathan, and Jose break down the game and other positives including Ricardo Pepi's first USMNT call up. This was a great week for FCD. Can they keep it up? How can they work out continued defensive issues? Who will start next week against Real Salt Like? Are there unexpected storylines yet to come for this team? Thanks for joining us!

Welcome back to Big D After Dark! We break down the latest FC Dallas news this week, including a tough draw at Houston, the challenge of Dallas starting games slow, and more. Plus, we close out the show by going through the latest signings and rating whether, at this point, we think they are a bust or someone to keep around. Lots to talk about.

Welcome back to the Big D After Dark podcast where Ben, Jose, and Nathan break down the latest FC Dallas results and news, including 10 points from the past 4 games. What a turnaround from our Frisco kids! We look at both the good and work-in-progress from the draw at Seattle and victory against Austin FC. We talk about the upcoming game and grade Luchi's performance as a coach. Is he still on the hot seat? Thanks for subscribing!

FC Dallas gets a big away win at Sporting Kansas City, so Nathan, Ben, and Jose enjoy some "blue tears" by breaking down the result and dismissing the whining of Kansas City fans. A lot to discuss - including USMNT's win in the Gold Cup, North Texas SC growth, and the upcoming slate of games. Will FC Dallas make the playoffs? Break it down with us!

A big win at home and a historic hat trick from Ricardo Pepi! For once, we get to talk about some happy news as the team put together a strong performance all around. Listen to Ben, Jose, and Nathan talk FC Dallas.

Ben, Nathan, and Jose break down the poor run of form for FC Dallas last week and what needs to change.

Ben, Jose, and Nathan finally get a chance to talk about a big win for FC Dallas as they pushed away the memory of the loss against Los Angeles FC with a 2-1 result against the Eastern conference leading New England Revolution. A big result at a crucial moment in the season. FC Dallas rode phenoms Ricardo Pepi and Jesus Ferreira to victory, and it was a great victory. Despite dealing with injuries and still working through issues, the win may get the team back on track and into contention with a tough schedule ahead. Enjoy some Ricardo Pepi Appreciation Hour!

Ben, Jose, and Nathan commiserate after a tough run of form for FC Dallas. There are more questions than answers at this point for the team. Listen to our deep sighs as we struggle to figure out what might fix the squad. Not our greatest episode, but if you are an FC Dallas fan, feel our pain alongside us.

Nathan, Jose, and special guest Tommy break down FC Dallas' disappointing 2-2 draw at home against Real Salt Lake. What is this team missing? What is good about their performance, but what is holding this team back? We take some live comments in this one, get into a bit of rumors, and some North Texas SC stuff. Plus hear directly from Ryan Hollingshead in the episode. Good stuff all around.

FC Dallas went to Minnesota, battled for 90+ minutes, and lost on a late corner kick goal. The result was gut wrenching for the team, and questions remain about the formation, the strategy, the personnel, and what comes next. Is this team lacking one piece to unlock their attack? Does Franco Jara fit? Join Jose and Nathan as we break down this latest result, talk about salary cap issues, touch upon North Texas SC, and even throw in a rumor or two for fun. Lots and lots of good stuff in this episode, including a cat (if you watch the video version).

Remember to follow Big D Soccer for the latest good stuff:

www.bigdsoccer.com

The highly anticipated Texas Derby fizzled a bit, as Houston and FC Dallas battled to a 1-1 draw. If we could take the temperature on the FC Dallas fanbase, what would it be right now? Cold and clammy? Nervous and anxious? Boiling with rage? Let's grade where the team is and talk about what this team needs to get clicking. See you at 9 PM CST on Facebook and Youtube.

FC Dallas dominated Portland Timbers at home for their first three points of the season. Join Ben (@byrdturgler), Jose (@elchicocarmona), and Nathan (@nathanjhill) to break down the win at home, four delicious goals, and the season's prospects with another home game again. We take your questions live.

We go live at 9 PM CST/10 PM EST.

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FC Dallas visited San Jose, and it wasn't pretty. What is not working? Is it panic time? What kind of tweaks of personnel and formation can we expect in the coming weeks? Join Ben, Jose, and Nathan to break down the latest FC Dallas news and figure out ways for this team to get back on track. Thanks for listening to Big D After Dark!

Big D After Dark is back for another season. Join contributors Ben Lyon, Jose Carmona, and Nathan Hill from Big D Soccer to break down the FC Dallas action, rumors, drama, and excitement of the 2021 Major League Soccer season.

On this episode, we grade FC Dallas' home draw against the Colorado Rapids and name some things we liked and didn't like. We also talk about offseason for FC Dallas and how the team did in acquisitions. Finally, we listen to and react to some quotes from recent media days featuring FC Dallas players Jose Martinez, Jimmy Maurer, and Head Coach Luchi Gonzalez. Lots of content. Enjoy!

We go live every Monday evening at 9 PM Central. Stay up late with us and talk FC Dallas soccer!