The Counter Press: Recent Episodes
An LAFC Podcast
LAFC Analysis and Tactics
Kirk Kinsey and Josh Cacho discuss all things LAFC. Look for the instant reaction episodes immediately after a match, followed by an in-depth analysis a few days after.
Some US National team talk as well.
The show is back and Daniel and Kirk came ready to talk about everything: World Cup, USMNT, LAFC trouncing Galaxy, how US Soccer can be fixed...
Daniel and Kirk recap the 2-1 win over Alajuelense to advance to the next round of the CONCACAF Champions Cup.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the match against Houston. Kirk interviews Will of @MLSMoves regarding Timothy Tillman and what LAFC should expect to accomplish this year.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the match against Real España as well as what tactical moves helped them rack up 6 goals. They're not above taking shots at Cherundolo or the latest downsizing at MLSsoccer.com
Daniel and Kirk discuss LAFC news, Marc Dos Santos, the current state of the roster, and what LAFC should focus on this season.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the state of the LAFC roster and what moves they should look to make ahead of the 2026 season.
Kirk, Daniel, and Josh break down the loss to Vancouver and begin the post mortem on the 2025 season.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the 1-0 win over Atlanta and if this is a sign of things to come in the playoffs.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the RSL and San Jose matches and how the tactical shifts have made a huge difference.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the loss to San Diego and also why the stats and player performances don't support the idea that everything is fine under Dolo.
Kirk and Daniel discuss the 1-1 draw against Dallas and whether LAFC are showing any signs of being contenders.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the debut of Son Heung-Min at LAFC and the conclusions that can be drawn from the 2-2 draw against the Fire.
All 3 hosts are aboard this one to discuss the signing and arrival of Son as well as give midseason grades.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the 3-3 draw against LA Galaxy and what needs to happen if fans actually want change.
Egged on by Seth Burton and the LAFC PR team, we decided to "become fans of the f*$&ing Revolution".
Daniel and Kirk recap the Minnesota match and discuss what was different this time against the Loons.
Josh and Kirk discuss the win over Dallas and take questions from Seth Burton's favorite "anonymous trolls".
Kirk and Daniel discuss the dust up with LAFC PR, whether or not press credentials are important to them, and why LAFC's behavior is symptomatic of a faulty league structure.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the 1-1 draw against Flamengo and the implications of the CWC performance for JT, Dolo, and the Players.
Daniel and Kirk recap the 1-0 loss to Esperance and call for change in the wake of such an uninspired and embarrassing performance from LAFC.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the match against SKC and how they're looking prior to participating in the CWC.
Daniel and Kirk recap the match against Club América, how LAFC pulled it off, and what this means for LAFC both historically and for the rest of the season.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the draw against Galaxy and how the way in which LAFC squandered the lead is a sign that change is desperately needed.
Daniel and Kirk discuss the draw against St Louis, Denis Bouanga [almost] getting his mojo back, and how Ante's pressers are better than Dolo's.
Kirk and Daniel discuss the 1-0 win over Colorado, advancing to face Columbus, and why everything feels so horrible right now.
Josh, Kirk, and Daniel discuss the 2-1 win against Club America and what if any conclusions you can draw right now.
Josh and Kirk are joined by the newest member of The Counter Press, Daniel Adams. You know him as @lafcdaniel on X and are likely very familiar with his detailed coverage of LAFC.
Kirk is joined by Daniel Adams (@LAFCdaniel) to discuss the state of LAFC's roster and where they can look to improve.
Following LAFC's loss to Seattle, Josh and Kirk discuss the state of LAFC at the end of the 2024 season.
Josh and Kirk discuss the win against SKC, when they called the need for Olivera to move to WB, and what to expect in the playoffs from LAFC.
Kirk discusses the win against Cincy and what it means for the outlook on the rest of the season.
Josh and Kirk recap the win against Seattle as well as discuss the new roster rules and what LAFC should do about them.
Kirk is joined by Gary Kleiban of 3four3 to discuss the recent failure(s) of the USMNT and how the federation at large is failing as well.
Josh and Kirk recap the Colorado match and go through the backlog of questions and comments.
Kirk is joined by Geoff Tock to discuss the 2-1 loss to Panama and the number of final straws Gregg Berhalter has had.
Kirk is joined by Geoff Tock to discuss the 5-1 loss to Colombia but the conversation focuses mainly on the roadblocks to the USMNT taking a true step forward.
Josh and Kirk discuss the win against Dallas and the changes that are making LAFC look so much better.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 2-0 win over Minnesota and what's changed with LAFC's recent improved form.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 2-2 draw against Red Bulls and what the implications are for the season.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 5-0 win against Nashville and what can be replicated to keep things rolling.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 2-0 loss to Minnesota and what it is about the roster and approach to the game that is causing the failure.
Josh and Kirk discuss the loss to RSL and what if anything is already a trend for LAFC in 2024.
Josh and Kirk discuss the win over Seattle, rant about US Soccer and MLS damaging the Open Cup, and take listener questions.
Kirk and Josh are back after a long break from the show to discuss the playoffs, US Open Cup fiasco, and the outlook for the 2024 season.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 1-0 loss to RSL but spend most of the time talking about what all these losses really mean for LAFC going forward toward the playoffs and into next year.
Kirk is joined by Jerry Reynoso to recap the loss to Tigres in the Campeones Cup final.
In true Counter Press fashion, Josh and Kirk start by discussing the scoreless draws against St Louis and Philadelphia and end up discussing whether or not MLS is actually just the XFL.
Josh and Kirk discuss the blowout win against Colorado and the disappointing loss to Charlotte.
Josh and Kirk are joined by Joe Lowery to discuss LAFC's performance thus far and to award each position group a letter grade.
Josh and Kirk discuss the draw against San Jose and spend a lot of time trying to work through the problems with LAFC.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 2-0 loss to Dallas and why league rules and structure are likely a large part of the current problems.
Josh and Kirk discuss the win over San Jose and the implications for the next few weeks.
Josh and Kirk discuss the win over LAFC and the conclusions we can continue to draw about the team so far this year.
Josh and Kirk discuss the season opener, what's new with LAFC, Aaron Long, Bouanga/Vela/Opoku.
Josh and Kirk give their reactions to the departures and signings as well as the current state of the roster.
Josh and Kirk take the opportunity to do a little hypothetical shopping for LAFC on Cyber Monday.
Josh and Kirk recap the big win over Austin, take listener questions, and give a mini preview for the MLS Cup Final.
Josh and Kirk discuss the main storylines, personnel, and potential tactics involved in the next El Tráfico.
Kirk recaps the match against Nashville and discusses the playoff implications of LAFC's current form.
Josh and Kirk discuss the win over the Houston Dynamo and what it means for their Supporter's Shield and Playoff hopes.
Josh and Kirk discuss the draw against Minnesota and what happens when depth is tested.
Kirk is joined by Tom Camalleri to discuss the 4-1 loss to Austin and what this recent run of poor form means for LAFC.
Josh and Kirk are joined by Pablo Morales of Dale Black and Gold to breakdown the loss to San Jose, the merits of rotating, what load management actually is, and what this loss means.
Josh and Kirk discuss the win over SKC, how to fit Chicho in long-term, and the level of Gareth Bale.
Josh and Kirk are joined by Ben Cox to discuss the ins and outs of MLS Roster and salary restrictions.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 1-0 loss to Vancouver as well as give midseason grades for each member of the team.
Josh and Kirk discuss LAFC's midweek win over Dallas.
Listener questions were abandoned after experiencing audio issues during the recording. We will address them on Twitter directly
Kirk is joined by guest host Logan Noblin while Josh is away. They discuss the signing of Gareth Bale, the 2-0 win over RBNY, as well as some of the other rumored moves LAFC may make.
Josh and Kirk finally discuss the draw against Seattle. Kirk rants about MLS valuations and they finish by both ranting about SUM.
Josh and Kirk discuss the loss to Austin FC and what the injuries have exposed about the roster.
Josh and Kirk talk the Colorado loss as well the road forward in a congested month for LAFC>
Josh and Kirk recap the Open Cup win against OCSC and the performances of players we don't normally get to see.
Josh and Kirk recap the win over SKC and discuss the reasons for LAFC's continued success.
Josh and Kirk react to the 2-1 loss in El Trafico. They cover the continued trouble LAFC has when facing Galaxy, some red flags, the goal that wasn't, and take listener questions.
Josh and Kirk are back after a few days away to recap the Orlando match. Some Clásico Angelino talk at the end.
Kirk is joined by Joe Lowery of the Total Soccer Show to discuss LAFC's start to the 2022 season and what has changed under Steve Cherundolo.
Josh and Kirk discuss the draw against Portland and what we continue to learn about LAFC.
Josh and Kirk discuss the home opener against Colorado and how Cherundolo's principles and tactics played out. A lot of promising signs from LAFC.
Josh and Kirk discuss what they think are the biggest additions to LAFC, how they will help, and what we should expect to see from Cherundolo.
Josh and Kirk discuss the recent signings, the new manager, and what to look forward to in terms of play on the field from LAFC in the coming season.
Josh and Kirk react to the Colorado loss and the fact that LAFC failed to reach the playoffs.
Kirk recaps the match and takes listener questions. Is this the end of the line for LAFC?
The Counter Press turns 100! On this special episode, multiple LAFC fans join the show to discuss their favorite LAFC memory.
Josh and Kirk discuss the new tactics that led to LAFC's dominant win over Seattle as well as take listener questions. Come for the tactics, stay for the mic drop at the end.
Josh and Kirk talk about the loss to Portland, the season outlook, and take listener questions.
Come for the LAFC takes, stay for the roast of Gregg Berhalter. Josh and Kirk discuss the win over RSL (the second in a row) and take listener questions/comments. USMNT talk at 53:00 in the show.
Josh and Kirk recap the blowout win against SKC. It's been a rough stretch for LAFC and tonight it seems like they may have figured out a few solutions while their stars are away.
Josh and Kirk recap the 3-3 draw against Galaxy, Brian Rodriguez's coming out party, and the trend of LAFC dropping points late.
Kirk discusses the loss to Vancouver, tries to identify some positives, and takes listener questions.
Kirk is by himself for this one and discusses the 1-0 loss to Atlanta. He covers the continual tinkering from Bob and how that hurts the team and looks to turn the page on trying to point out the deficiencies in LAFC's performances.
Josh and Kirk discuss the loss to San Jose and answer a lot of listener questions as frustration continues to mount with LAFC's poor performance.
Audio Quality Disclaimer: this episode was recorded on the way home from the stadium in the car.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 4-1 loss to SKC from the car on the way home from the game.
Kirk recaps the loss to Minnesota and discusses what might be responsible for LAFC's continued lack of success. Lots of listener questions/comments tonight.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 2-2 draw between LAFC and Vancouver. Josh wears a crazy hat and Kirk details how Vancouver pulled LAFC's 352 apart.
Josh and Kirk discuss the tactics involved with LAFC's performance against Portland and take listener questions.
Josh and Kirk discuss the win against RSL, the personnel changes that have impacted LAFC the most, and the merits of the new formation.
Kirk is joined by @somberamarath to discuss the loss to SKC, questionable subs, and continued problems.
Josh and Kirk recap the win against Dallas and discuss what was different tonight for the team.
Kirk hosts solo tonight to discuss the draw against Houston and takes listener questions.
Josh and Kirk are joined by Vince La Rosa to further diagnose LAFC's struggles and where the team can look for answers. As requested, they end the show discussing what they see as "the top 4 formations in world football".
Josh and Kirk and joined by Joe Lowery! They discuss Joe's recent article on LAFC and their attacking woes as well as what Joe thinks may get the team back on track.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 2-1 win over the Rapids and what that might mean in terms of getting back to form.
Josh and Kirk discuss the loss to Seattle as well as the larger problems that LAFC face.
Josh and Kirk discuss the loss to Galaxy, why 3 at the back was unwise, dig into the problems with LAFC's roster, and answer listener questions.
Josh and Kirk discuss the draw to Houston and look to understand if the team has shifted some of its principles of play.
Josh and Kirk recap the match against Seattle, talk some false 9 while forgetting who the original Barca wingers were (Henry and Eto'o), and take listener questions.
Josh and Kirk review LAFC's performance against newly minted Austin FC and take some listener questions.
Kirk is solo to recap the win against Club America. He pokes fun at all the tears, the CA banners at the Banc, and the fact that Miguel Herrera was sacked as well as takes listener questions and comments.
Kirk is joined by Jerry Reynoso of 110 Football and Los Angeles Saga to recap LAFC's huge over Cruz Azul in the CCL quarterfinals. ALSO LET'S TALK ABOUT THAT OPOKU GOAL.
Josh and Kirk discuss what LAFC should be looking to improve in terms of roster construction to be ready for the 2021 season.
Kirk hosts alone and reacts to the 1-1 draw to the Timbers as well as taking listener questions.
Josh and Kirk react to the 1-1 draw against Portland and the stoppage time equalizer from Christian Torres.
Josh and Kirk react to the 3-1 victory over the Sounders and give player by player analysis.
Kirk flies solo to react to the disappointing result against San Jose. A little bit of USMNT talk at the end to discuss the "keeper controversy" ignited by trolls at a certain MLS state-sponsored podcast.
Kirk reacts to the 6-0 win over Vancouver as well as takes listening questions.
Due to some technical issues this episode is being released as raw audio
Kirk is solo again tonight as he reacts to the 3-0 loss to Seattle. He breaks down why the set pieces led to penalties, why an early deficit is too much for LAFC to recover from, and what is wrong with LAFC's roster construction. Listener questions as well.
Josh and Kirk react to the the 3-0 loss to RSL. They talk at length about what is wrong with LAFC and why things are going so poorly. A lot of talk of roster construction, who fits and who doesn't, as well listener questions.
Kirk hosts by himself and gives the instant reaction to the 3-0 loss to Galaxy. It's not as bad as it looks, but it's not good.
Josh and Kirk reflect on the 5-1 win over San Jose, the dominating performance in the midfield, what Sisniega does/doesn't do and field listener questions.
Kirk flies solo tonight and gives his instant reaction to the 3-1 loss to Seattle. Things aren't pretty but there are a few things LAFC can do to right the ship.
Josh and Kirk discuss their takeaways from LAFC at the MLS is Back tournament as well as the recent developments at the club with Dio leaving and Traore signing.
Kirk is joined by Monty Stevenson for the instant reaction to the loss to Orlando in penalties.
HOW ARE YOU FEELING NOW BRIAN SCHMETZER? Josh and Kirk discuss their initial reaction to the win over the Sounders and take listener questions to drive the tactical discussion.
Josh and Kirk are joined by the one and only Vince La Rosa to discuss the return of LAFC in the MLS is Back tournament in the one-year anniversary episode of The Counter Press. If there's an episode of this show to listen to, it's this one. A little bit of in depth analysis of the Portland match.
Josh and Kirk give their instant reaction on the 2-2 draw against the Portland Timbers as well as field listener questions.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 6-2 defeat of the Galaxy in depth, examining the tactics and performances that contributed to the big win.
Josh and Kirk give their initial thoughts on the 3-3 draw against the Dynamo and riff on the major storylines from the match.
Josh and Kirk discuss some of the recent happenings with Christian Pulisic and the return of MLS play in the coming weeks.
Josh and Kirk discuss recent happenings in USSF and the cancellation of the DA as well as give their recommendations for how to resume the MLS season.
Admin note: we start the episode by talking about the FF7 Remake. Feel free to skip over if you're not interested.
Andrew Doran of The Bancnote joins Kirk for the instant reaction to the 6 goal spectacular against the Philadelphia Union.
What a game! Josh joins Kirk from the freeway on the ride home from LAFC's match against Leon.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 2-0 defeat away to Leon. They give their initial reactions to LAFC's game model and the performance.
Josh and Kirk discuss all of LAFC's recent moves, their implications for the upcoming season, and the latest preseason match against Toronto FC.
Josh and Kirk start off the new year with news regarding The Bancnote, LAFC's roster moves, and a season preview.
In preparation for next season and the release of The Rise of Skywalker, Josh and Kirk break down the LAFC starting XI if they were Star Wars characters.
Josh and Kirk give their early takes on Leon, their tactics, and how LAFC might matchup in CONCACAF Champions League.
Josh and Kirk discuss the current state of LAFC's roster, what positions they should address and a few specific names and player profiles to target to fill those needs.
Josh and Kirk bring you another episode focused on the USMNT and explain why nobody should be too excited with their 4-1 victory over Canada.
Josh and Kirk finish their player by player roster review with the defenders and goal keepers. They also discuss who LAFC should protect in the upcoming Expansion Draft.
Josh and Kirk discuss the performances and future of LAFC's forwards and midfielders. We'll be back tomorrow with the discussion on the defenders, GKs, and expansion draft.
Kirk is joined by Matt Liebman of @lafcchat to discuss the match against Seattle. Listener questions range from tactical to more strategic and roster-focused.
Josh and Kirk discuss a few more details about LAFC's win in the last El Trafico as well as preview the Seattle match.
Josh and Kirk discuss the match against Carson and LAFC advancing to the Conference Finals.
Josh and Kirk discuss the Minnesota match including a more in depth look at Bob's FB positioning, Sisniega vs Miller, and what the Starting XI should look like for this weekend and the playoffs.
Josh and Kirk react to the draw against Minnesota, Diego Palacios, and Carlos Vela's 31st goal on the season.
Josh and Kirk discuss the tactics that led to the draw against Toronto as well as a few of the things that LAFC can change up moving forward to be more successful.
Please forgive the audio quality on Kirk's end... his mic is out for repair
Josh and Kirk discuss the draw against Toronto as well as some of the big picture problems with the club as we look towards the playoffs.
Josh and Kirk discuss the draw away at Philadelphia as well as the idea that LAFC is in a lull.
Josh and Kirk discuss the many problems facing the USMNT, USSF, and soccer in the United States. Admittedly, we mostly diagnose in this episode and didn't have much time for recommendations or solutions.
Josh and Kirk break down the MNUFC match in greater depth and field listener questions.
Josh and Kirk go in depth on the San Jose match and discuss THE GOAL, Josh Perez, Adama Diomande from the bench, etc.
Josh and Kirk discuss the 4-0 destruction of the Quakes and THE GOAL OF THE YEAR FROM CARLOS VELA.
Kirk is joined by Jerry Jimenez of Heart of LAFC for the instant reaction to the 2-0 win over RSL at Rio Tinto.
Josh and Kirk deep dive on the 4-2 win over Red Bulls as well as take a few listener questions regarding upcoming matches and recent signings.
Josh and Kirk give you their instant reaction, answer a few questions, and discuss some club news following the close of the transfer window.
Josh and Kirk take a closer look at the 2-0 win over New England as well as answer a few listener questions.
Josh and Kirk react to the win away at New England, lament turf fields, and discuss why Carlos Vela is the clear cut MVP.
Disclaimer We dealt with a few audio issues so the sound may be a bit uneven--a thousand apologies. In this episode Josh and Kirk discuss the tactics that made LAFC successful against Atlanta, what Atlanta did to effectively attack LAFC, and the MLS All Star Skills Challenge.
In this instant reaction to the LAFC v. Atlanta United match, Josh and Kirk discuss the reason behind this type of episode, one tactical note, one big conclusion, and a few notable performances.
In this episode Josh and Kirk discuss the recent loss to Galaxy as well as the upcoming match against Atlanta.