The Striker MLS Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Striker Texas
Chris Bils, Jon Arnold and Victor Araiza discuss Major League Soccer from a Texas perspective, breaking down all the latest news and action from Austin FC, FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo while also keeping an eye on the rest of MLS.
Austin FC's 2022 MLS season came to an end after a 3-0 to LAFC in the Western Conference Final. Did Josh Wolff get the starting lineup wrong? Was Fagundez denied a penalty call? What happened with Sebastian Driussi?
In Houston, Ben Olsen has agreed to be the next Dynamo head coach according to reports. Is he the right fit?
The Striker's Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza recap the Texas postseason weekend and more on this week's episode.
Follow on Twitter: @TheStrikerNews @ArnoldcommaJon @ChrisBils @victoraraiza
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Moussa Djitté and Sebastian Driussi led Austin FC to its first victory over rival FC Dallas with a spot to the Western Conference Final on the line. The Verde now head to Los Angeles with 90 minutes separating the club from its first MLS Cup Final. Down in Houston, candidate names have started to leak as Dynamo FC continues its second coaching search in as many years under GM Pat Onstad.
The Striker's Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza recap the Texas postseason weekend and more on this week's episode.
Follow on Twitter: @TheStrikerNews @ArnoldcommaJon @ChrisBils @victoraraiza
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The first MLS Cup Playoffs test for Austin FC featured plenty of dramatic moments but it was MLS MVP candidate Sebastian Driussi and fan favorites Diego Fagundez and Brad Stuver who showed up big for the VERDE.
The winner of Monday's FC Dallas and Minnesota United FC match will book a trip to the Texas capital for next Sunday's Western Conference semifinal at Q2 Stadium.
The Striker's Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza recap the Texas postseason weekend and dive a bit into the new salary numbers released by the MLS Players Association. Are Hector Herrera and Emiliano Rigoni providing enough value for their respective clubs?
Follow on Twitter: @TheStrikerNews @ArnoldcommaJon @ChrisBils @victoraraiza
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This week, Jon Arnold, Chris Bils, and Victor Araiza discuss past weekend games and what to look forward to this upcoming week.
- Round One of MLS playoffs
-Austin will be hosting two major events in one weekend: Grand Prix and playoffs. How will this affect the audience retention?
-Going over the Austin FC draw that felt like a loss
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This week, Jon Arnold and Victor Araiza discuss solidarity between the Texas teams, the silent but deadly Nashville SC, and interim Dynamo head coach Kenny Bundy's future.
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It was a generally quiet week for the Texas teams due to the international break, but Victor Araiza, Jon Arnold, and Chris Bils each kept a close eye on their respective teams and even got to play a game called "In Your Dreams." They also covered the following storylines:
- FC Dallas took advantage of the international break to play a friendly against UANL Tigres.
- Austin FC took the international break to rest and come out swinging in the playoffs.
- Meanwhile, Houston Dynamo FC look to finish their last games strong and fill their vacant head coach spot.
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Chris Bils and Victor Araiza talk about the two Texas teams in the 2022 MLS playoffs and a Dynamo team looking toward the 2023 season. The topics included:
- Austin FC not getting a win against Nashville SC on home turf, but getting a 1-1 draw to secure a home playoff game.
- While not fulfilling all its potential, FC Dallas earned an essential point for its playoff position against San Jose.
- In a two-penalty game, Houston Dynamo FC fell 3-1 to Los Angeles FC. What does the future hold?
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There were three different results for the three different Texas teams this weekend. MLS writers Jon Arnold, Victor Araiza, and Chris Bils go into detail on what all went down in this week's episode;
- FC Dallas was the only Texas team to win in week 30 of the MLS season.
- Houston Dynamo FC battled it out against Sporting Kansas City leading to a scoreless finale.
- It was a weekend to forget for Austin FC, who fell hard 3-0 in its match with Seattle Sounders.
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The calmness of Labor Day Weekend was interrupted by news of Houston Dynamo FC parting ways with Head Coach Paulo Nagamura. MLS experts Victor Araiza, Jon Arnold, and Chris Bils opined on what happened in Space City as well as how Austin FC and FC Dallas are doing as they come close to clinching playoff spots.
- With just a few games left in the season, the Dynamo parting with Nagamura came as a surprise.
- FC Dallas dominated Minnesota United FC, moving into third in the Western Conference.
- Meanwhile, Austin FC had rough outings against Portland and Nashville.
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Jon Arnold, Chris Bils, and Victor Araiza discuss what is going on with each Texas MLS team, including who will make it to the playoffs and who needs to concentrate on 2023.
- Austin FC impresses on national TV by beating LAFC
- FC Dallas ends up with a draw against Real Salt Lake
- Houston, we have a problem: Dynamo loses to Minnesota United FC and falls to last in the West.
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This week, Chris Bils, Victor Araiza and Jon Arnold dive into the loss of both Austin FC as well as FC Dallas — still near the top of the West despite the setbacks. Meanwhile, the Houston Dynamo FC drew but dropped to 13th in the West. What now for these teams?
MLS writers Jon Arnold, Chris Bills and Victor Araiza dig into the latest in the MLS, including;
- MLS All-Star check-in
- Driussi continues MVP form ATX draws 3-3
- Dynamo give up two late goals in Vancouver
- Lletget debuts as FCD takes point in Cascadia
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MLS writers Victor Araiza, John Arnold, and Chris Bills talk about the recent embarrassment the Houston Dynamo FC suffered at the hands of Philadephia Union. There's also talk on Austin FC and FC Dallas.
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- First, Austin vs NY was first and we touched on Cecilio Dominguez's departure
- Next, was FC Dallas ending its seven-match winless run and if Jesus Ferreira should be providing more as a DP
- Finally, Dynamo loss and how they don’t look like a playoff team
MLS writers Chris Bills and Victor Araiza preview the upcoming 50th Texas Derby and the announced MLS debut of Mexican national team midfielder Hector Herrera for the Houston Dynamo. Will FC Dallas and its attacking trio spoil the occasion and take El Capitan? Austin FC, meanwhile, goes on the to Atlanta in what will be a meeting of the Wolff's. Plus, when can new VERDE signing Washington Corozo see his first minutes? Follow on Twitter: @TheStrikerNews @ArnoldcommaJon @ChrisBils @victoraraiza
MLS writers Jon Arnold, Chris Bills and Victor Araiza dig into the latest soccer news, talking everything you need to know about Austin and Dallas FC match. 0:37 - FC Dallas v. Austin, a big rivalry and a great soccer game 5:00 - Austin or FC Dallas: which one ready to be a MLS top contender? 07:05 - Gareth Bale on MLS playing for Los Angeles FC 12:05 - Marketing with young and talented players is a good idea 16:35 - Could Austin FC be a top contender on MLS in a couple of years? 17:20 - Nico Estévez and Josh Wolff: close friends and great coaches 21:35 - Supporters from all teams making their voice be heard about gun violence and paying respect to the victims 22:55 - Houston Dynamo won over Chicago Fire by 2 nil 27:37 - Games coming up this week Follow on Twitter: @TheStrikerTexas @ArnoldcommaJon @ChrisBils @victoraraiza
MLS writers Jon Arnold and Victor Araiza dig into the latest soccer news with special guest Theo Lloyd-Hughes from The Striker's Just A Dash podcast.
- 2:23 - FC Dallas' Jesús Ferreira and Paul Arriola played a successful USMNT game against Grenada
- 7:15 - How many FC Dallas players will make the world cup squad?
- 10:55 - On Austin FC and Houston Dynamo games against Liga MX teams
- 15:14 - What do you take from a result in a friendly? Should Austin be worried after 1-4 loss against Pachuca?
- 23:18 - On James Clarkson's suspension as head coach and general manager of the Houston Dash
- 27:40 - Looking ahead to the MLS weekend
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Visit us at www.thestrikertexas.com for more in-depth coverage of Texas soccer at all levels.
On this special edition of The Striker Texas' MLS podcast: The Striker Texas' Almost Midseason MLS Awards!
- 2:40 - Texas MLS MVP
- 6:20 - Biggest Surprise
- 9:40 - Most Disappointing
- 14:17 - Most Improved
- 15:50 - Coach of the Year
- 18:52 - Defensive MVP
- 20:26 - Most Underappreciated
- 23:23 - Best Goal
- 25:50 - Best Hair
- 27:22 - Most Likely to Succeed
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MLS writers Chris Bils and Victor Araiza dig into the latest soccer news with special guest Phil West, host of The Striker Texas' Westward Ho podcast.
- 0:22 - On the Uvalde school shooting and support from the soccer community
- 6:22 - FC Dallas is on top of the table right now, winning 1-3 against Orlando City
- 9:50 - All 3 Texas teams are above the playoff line, but Austin FC is leading the way
- 14:20 - Austin FC did not fare as well this past weekend in rough 4-1 loss against LA Galaxy
- 22:36 - On the Cecilio Domínguez MLS investigation
- 30:51 - Houston Dynamo takes 3-0 loss against Real Salt Lake
- 40:20 - On what the MLS writers are most excited to show fans during this international break
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Jon Arnold rejoins the crew for this week's episode as Chris Bils and Victor Araiza dig into all things Texas MLS.
- 1:24 - Houston smokes LA Galaxy in an impressive 3-0 game, Ferreira steps up in the Dynamo attack
- 9:19 - Austin FC's game against Orlando City is "6th street bachelor party meets Florida man" (it was... weird)
- 14:53 - Austin has confidence we didn't see last year, is there a new depth in their defense?
- 22:25 - FC Dallas suffers its first consecutive defeat and first home defeat in 1-2 game against Minnesota
- 31:50 - The best thing our MLS writers ate this week
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Chris takes the lead and special guest Theo Lloyd-Hughes joins us from The Striker's Just A Dash podcast in this special edition.
- 1:13 - On FC Dallas' 3-1 win against LA Galaxy II
- 7:10 - Can FCD make a playoff run without a big-money signing?
- 11:14 - Houston breaks a 3 game losing streak after 2-0 game against Nashville SC
- 19:40 - Locker rooms are finally back open!
- 20:58 - On Austin's 2-1 defeat against Real Salt Lake
- 30:21 - Previewing upcoming MLS matches
- 30:59 - Theo's weekend bites + Houston Dash are 4th in NWSL
- 33:13 - Check out Westward Ho, a new Striker podcast all about the MLS western conference, hosted by Phil West
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Visit us at www.thestrikertexas.com for more in-depth coverage of Texas soccer at all levels.
MLS writers Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza dig into Texas' latest soccer wins and losses. Tune in today for coverage of Austin FC's tragic at-home loss, FC Dallas' slow-start win and Houston Dynamo's distracted defeat. Also, some updates on the Cecilio Domínguez MLS investigation.
- 1:20 - Austin falls at home against LA Galaxy in 0-1 loss
- 3:55 - Why did Austin lose this game and what could they do differently?
- 7:43 - Cecilio Domínguez is once again eligible to play after MLS investigation, how have fans responded?
- 17:53 - Dallas wins 2-0 against Seattle Sounders
- 24:44 - Houston takes a hit in 2-0 defeat against D.C. United
- 27:17 - How critical could the US Open Cup be for Houston?
- 29:32 - Best thing the MLS writers ate this week
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The Striker Texas MLS writers Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza recap Austin FC vs Houston Dynamo FC Copa Tejas game and take a look at the top golazos of the week!
- 0:34 - What is the top golazo of the week?
- 4:38 - Recap of Austin FC's win against Houston Dynamo in 1-2 game last weekend
- 11:18 - Is Sebastián Driussi the best player in the league?
- 15:01 - Austin is on track but has received a fair amount of criticism, are they ready to step up to the challenge?
- 18:18 - Austin FC supporters cautiously return to Houston after an incident last year
- 21:36 - Beautiful goals from FC Dallas in 2-2 tied game against Sporting KC
- 27:56 - We should feel encouraged by Texas soccer, all 3 teams are doing much better this year
- 29:23 - Predicting final standings for Texas teams!
- 31:45 - What did the MLS writers eat this week?
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Visit us at www.thestrikertexas.com for more in-depth coverage of Texas soccer at all levels.
MLS writers Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza recap the Texas soccer weekend with updates on Copa Tejas matches and Cecilio Domínguez MLS investigation.
- 1:00 - FC Dallas wins 2-1 against Houston Dynamo in Copa Tejas match
- 4:50 - On Memo Rodríguez + Houston feeling incomplete and playing catch up with FC Dallas
- 13:24 - Changes have been coming in the offseason for Houston, but the team is still missing a few pieces
- 15:09 - On Austin FC's 3-0 win against Vancouver Whitecaps FC
- 20:37 - Previewing Austin FC vs Houston Dynamo
- 26:21 - Houston needs to protect their home turf, what needs to change for them to land a statement win?
- 30:24 - On MLS investigation into Austin FC's Cecilio Domínguez
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Visit us at www.thestrikertexas.com for more in-depth coverage of Texas soccer at all levels
MLS writers Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza recap the Texas soccer weekend! This week's highlight is a stunning turnaround in Austin FC vs DC United. Austin comes out on top with a 3-2 win while Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas end their respective games 0-0.
- 1:01 - Austin FC's "worst performance in Austin history" turns around in an unbelievable comeback
- 5:05 - Austin's in second place in the West, newcomers are leading the way
- 7:36 - Did Austin just get extremely lucky? Why should we believe that they can keep this up?
- 10:59 - Points are points, Austin should be celebrated for its signature win!
- 15:00 - Houston's ugly game against Portland Timbers ends in a 0-0 tie
- 17:24 - Houston had many clear chances to score, what's the bigger issue here?
- 21:32 - Dallas takes 7 shots on target but ends 0-0 in game against NY Red Bulls
- 22:35 - Upcoming Open Cup games + looking forward to the weekend
- 24:14 - Previewing Houston vs Rio Grande Valley Toros
- 25:32 - Previewing Austin vs San Antonio FC
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MLS writers Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza celebrate a perfect soccer weekend for Texas!
- 1:36 - FC Dallas' impressive response in the second half against Colorado Rapids leads to a 3-1 win
- 9:38 - Houston Dynamo continues to protect its home turf after a big 4-3 win against San Jose Earthquakes
- 18:39 - Austin FC's nationally televised 1-0 win against Minnesota United proves that Austin's got what it takes this season
- 25: 45 - Is Houston too strict moving up the field? Is Austin too loose in its offense? What can the teams learn from each other?
- 28:20 - Looking ahead to the weekend
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The Striker Texas MLS writers play a little game and cover some important questions of the season.
- 1:07 - Houston Dynamo comes away with the best win of the weekend in game against Inter Miami
- 6:00 - Which Texas team had the best start this season?
- 11:24 - On Austin FC's 2-2 tie with San Jose Earthquakes
- 16:24 - What happened to Austin and why did two goals slip past them?
- 21:00 - Austin's biggest player letdowns, are they putting too many eggs in one basket?
- 24:18 - Who is the best breakout player for Texas this year?
- 29:34 - Mexico City tacos, Oakland Dim Sum and Costa Rican restaurants; the incredible food the MLS writers ate last week
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Visit us at www.thestrikertexas.com for more in-depth coverage of Texas soccer at all levels.
The Striker Texas MLS writers take a look at the latest wins and losses from Houston Dynamo FC, FC Dallas and Austin FC as the 2022 season kicks off.
- 1:54 - How the Houston Dynamo's first win shows us a new and improved Houston
- 5:20 - Did Vancouver Whitecaps botch it? How long can Houston Dynamo keep up the great wins?
- 12:18 - FC Dallas' first win of the season and Alan Velasco's unbelievable debut
- 20:43 - Did Austin FC not take enough chances against Portland Timbers? The MLS writers analyze what cost them the game
- 26:47 - Penalty or no penalty, should Austin FC have gotten the point?
- 28:42 - Amazing food, robot deliveries and The Striker Texas spotted at the airport
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The Striker Texas MLS writers analyze the latest plays from Austin FC, FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo FC as the 2022 MLS season kicks off.
- 1:23 - Austin FC smashing the first two rivals of the season
- 1:55 - On Sebastián Driussi's and Austin FC's second year
- 11:04 - The history behind scoring a bunch of goals to start a season. What does this mean for Austin FC?
- 16:02 - What will FC Dallas learn from their loss against New England?
- 22:29 - On Houston Dynamo FC and their difficult matchup against Sporting Kansas City
- 28:32 - Is Austin, Texas on its way to becoming the next cultural capital of soccer?
- 34:35 - Watch Live Mondays 10 a.m. on Twitter and YouTube + Promo code
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The Striker Texas MLS podcast looks back on the opening weekend of the 2022 MLS season with a focus on the Texas teams.
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The Striker Texas MLS writers take a look at the changes at Austin FC, FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo FC ahead of the 2022 MLS season.
1:15 - TX teams home for opening weekend
2:22 - Did Austin FC make the right moves with the additions of Gabrielsen, Valencia and co. in the offseason?
12:30 - Big money moves in Frisco on Arriola, Ferreira and Velasco in first season for head coach Nico Estevez
25:15 - Hector Herrera may be inbound for the summer but are Sebastian Ferreira and Zeca enough to set up Paulo Nagamura for success?
34:35 - Watch Live Mondays 10 a.m. on Twitter and YouTube
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Visit us at www.thestrikertexas.com for more in-depth coverage of Texas soccer at all levels.
In the most recent episode of the Striker sit-down, the guys spoke to Houston Dynamo full back Zarek Valentin about life one and off the pitch.
- 1:15 - Just how tough is an MLS preseason?
- 5:00 - On playing with Diego Valeri
- 8:30 - On helping the Houston community
- 11:30 - What makes Portland’s fanbase so special?
- 15:00 - Can the Dynamo kick on this year under a new head coach?
- 18:30 - On how the new Dynamo players have settled in?
- 21:05 - On being a Puerto Rican international
- 26:30 - On life in the south
- 29:00 - Why is FC Dallas able to sell on so many players?
In the latest edition of The Striker sit-down, the MLS Podcast pals struck up a chat with none other than Austin FC fan favorite Diego Fagundez. The trio asked the midfielder about being embraced by Austin's latinx and Spanish-speaking community, transfer speculation and being recognized in the city.
- 1:00 - How taxing is the MLS preseason?
- 2:15 - On La Murga and the supporters watching the first Austin FC friendly from the hill outside the training ground, and just his relationship with the supporters in general.
- 5:00 - Scoring the first goal in Austin FC’s history and leaving New England
- 7:00 - Being embraced by the latinx and Spanish-speaking community in Austin
- 12:00 - On ignoring transfer speculation
- 16:00 - The process of building a house in Austin
- 19:00 - Being recognized in Austin way more than in Boston
- 23:45 - On Austin’s fitness coaches
- 28:00 - On seeing negativity from the media, and assessing Chris’ performance in the Austin FC media game
Make sure you tune in to next week's episode, as the guys will be chatting to Dynamo full back Zarek Valentin!
In the first episode of the "Striker sit-down", The Striker MLS Podcast pals spoke with FC Dallas goalkeeper Jimmy Maurer about the MLS off-season, as well as his life outside of soccer. Next week, a special guest from Austin FC will be joining the lads.
- 1:30 - What is an MLS preseason like?
- 5:50 - With Maarten Paes coming in from Eridivisie, Jimmy speaks on the new GK group
- 7:30 - How Nico Estevez is changing the culture at FCD
- 9:15 - What did winning Copa Tejas mean to the FCD players?
- 11:45 - Getting banter from the fans as a goalkeeper
- 15:00 - On being bilingual
- 19:45 - Why Chile?
- 23:00 - On being on House Hunters International and reality TV in general
- 24:30 - Life outside of soccer
- 27:30 - Jimmy gives his take on the media
The usual suspects, Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza, are joined by special guest Phil West to take a look back at their preseason predictions and see how far off the mark they were. Also, Chris and Phil react to the news that Austin FC has signed Ethan Finlay.
- 2:30 - MLS veteran Ethan Finlay signs for Austin FC
- 7:30 - Looking back at where we predicted the Texas MLS teams will end up
- 11:30 - Looking back at MVP predictions — spoiler alert: someone’s prediction was correct
- 16:00 - Who ended up being the Most Valuable Texas Player?
- 20:00 - Who will win the Supporter’s shield?
- 23:30 - MLS Cup predictions
- 27:00 - Wayyyy too early predictions for 2022
Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza — three quite well-travelled men — discuss their favorite and least favorite cities that they visited during the 2021 season. In light of the 2022 MLS schedule release, the crew also breaks down which cities they will be looking forward to visit next year. Also, Chris reacts to the surprise news that Charlotte FC took McKinze Gaines with the first pick in the expansion draft.
- 2:11 - McKinze Gaines to depart Austin for Charlotte; Chris' thoughts
- 6:00 - reacting to the 2022 MLS schedule
- 9:15 - which road trips the guys are looking forward to in 2022
- 11:30 - away day power rankings from the 2021 season. What are the most important factors for determining an ideal away day? Is it weather, museums, stadiums?
- 18:00 - worst away trips in MLS; Jon has one city in mind
- 25:00 - where does Austin rank in the best MLS cities
Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza react to New York City FC's 1-1 (4-2 win on penalties) result over Portland Timbers in the 2021 MLS Cup Final. Check out our MLS Cup Playoffs coverage on TheStrikerTexas.com
1:00 - Initial reactions
2:35 - Foul or no foul?
4:15 - Player of the match?
6:00 - What went wrong for the Timbers?
9:00 - Power shifting in the Western Conference
11:30 - Looking ahead to the MLS half-trade window
Jon Arnold is back! He catches up with Chris Bils after a couple weeks away from the podcast. The two touch on the MLS Cup Playoffs, discuss FC Dallas' new manager, Nico Estévez, and break down who's contract options were picked up and who's were not.
- 0:15 - What has Jon Arnold been up to?
- 1:45 - Talking MLS Cup Playoffs
- 9:00 - There's a new manager in Dallas
- 19:15 - Who's in and who's out at Austin FC?
- 22:00 - FC Dallas roster moves
- 24:00 - Who's out in Houston?
Phil West and Victor Araiza recap the Conference Semifinals of the 2021 MLS Playoffs and offseason moves by Texas clubs. Check out our MLS Cup Playoffs coverage on TheStrikerTexas.com
0:45 - FOX TV record viewership for MLS match on Thanksgiving
3:30 - Upsets and penalties provide drama in the conference semifinals
8:15 - Colorado Rapids season ended by Portland Timbers late winner
9:53 - Real Salt Lake upset tour continues in Kansas City
12:50 - Philadelphia Union outlasts Nashville on penalties
16:00 - NE Revolution done in by big break and New York City FC
20:15 - Phil West book plug and 25,000 attendance in New England
22:18 - Texas MLS offseason: clubs announced contract options
22:30 - Austin FC retains three players including captain Alex Ring
23:42 - Houston Dynamo re-signs Matias Vera, Michael Nelson and seven others also retained
24:45 - FC Dallas to hire USMNT assistant Nico Esteves, Luchi Gonzalez to replace him - our Jon Arnold reports.
26:15 - Conference Finals, international friendlies round out offseason
Victor Araiza and Chris Bils sat down to unpack the first round of the 2021 MLS playoffs, plus the upcoming USMNT qualifiers. Upsets, screamers and a memorable penalty shootout in Seattle.
1:08 - USMNT to play in Columbus, Minnesota
2:55 - MLS Playoffs: First Round Reactions
4:15 - RSL pulls the lone upset on penalties
8:11 - Philly beats New York in ET
10:20 - NYCFC suffocates Atlanta United
13:15 - Nashville rocks Orlando City
16:05 - Austin's Khiry Shelton helps SKC beat Vancouver
18:50 - Portland stumps Minnesota, will face Colorado on Thanksgiving
25:10 - Predicting the Conference Semifinals
30:40 - Around the League: Bob Bradley to Toronto FC, Ezra Hendrickson joins Chichago Fire plus updates at Austin FC, FC Dallas and Houston Dynamo
Jon Arnold hosted the show from his hotel room in San Jose, joined by Victor Araiza in Houston and Chris Bils in a Portland bar, eating tater tots. The crew debates which of the three Texas MLS teams had the worst season, and discuss high and low points of the season.
- 2:15 - San Jose draw FC Dallas 1-1 in Chris Wondolowski's last-ever game
- 5:25 - Austin lose on the road in Portland 3-0, but Austin fan turnout was tremendous
- 11:30 - Tab Ramos sacked by Houston Dynamo. What’s next?
- 14:30 - Who had the worst season? Looking ahead to next season
- 23:00 - High and low points of the season
- 27:15 - Best thing I ate/best thing I wrote
Phil West was in the house this week to fill in for Jon Arnold, and he was joined by Victor Araiza and Chris Bils. There was a party in Frisco on Saturday night, but Austin FC were excluded. Dynamo announced former Houston goalkeeper Pat Onstad will be the general manager of the club going forward.
-2:20 - FC Dallas lifted the inaugural Copa Tejas - MLS with a 2-1 win over Austin FC
-10:00 - More on the Copa Tejas, and the trophy, itself
-14:45 - Houston Dynamo hire new GM, former Dynamo goalkeeper Pat Onstad
-20:00 - Now that Houston has hired a new GM, what will happen to Tab Ramos?
-23:00 - Where does Austin FC go from here?
-26:30 - Dynamo lose 1-0 to Colorado at home
-28:45 - Previewing next week’s MLS matches
-29:45 - Best thing I ate/wrote
Jon Arnold is joined by Victor Araiza and Chris Bils, as always, to break down a week that featured some Copa Tejas action, some managers swearing and a hat trick from Cristian Arango.
- 2:00 - Austin beats Houston 2-1 at home; Verde will not battle it out with FCD for Copa Tejas
- 12:15 - FCD draw LA Galaxy and lose to LAFC, with Cristian Arango scoring a hat trick
- 20:00 - Josh Wolff hits back at reporter's question, calling it "bullsh*t", after ATX lose 4-0 in San Jose
- 27:00 - Dallas and Houston show off facilities as they vie to host 2026 World Cup matches
As always, Jon Arnold is joined by Chris Bils and Victor Araiza to discuss the week in MLS happenings. Houston Dynamo got a big win at home over the Western Conference pacemaking Seattle Sounders. Austin FC was in action at home as well, but the Verde lost to Minnesota United.
- 1:45 - Houston 2-1 Seattle — Is it an overreaction to one game, or is Houston looking good for 2022?
- 10:30 - Austin 0-1 Minnesota
- 18:25 - Next week, FCD takes on LAFC at home
- 19:15 - Austin goes to San Jose
- 20:20 - Houston takes on Galaxy at home
- 21:55 - Houston at Austin will be on ESPN on Sunday
- 28:00 - Best thing I ate/wrote
Jon Arnold is joined by Victor Araiza and Chris Bils to discuss an up-and-down week of World Cup qualification for the US. The prodigal son, Pepi, scored another brace at Q2 and led the US to a 2-0 win over Jamaica. Gregg Berhalter over-rotated the squad that faced Panama, and the US lost on Sunday night. Chris and Victor preview MLS matches for Austin FC and the Dynamo. * 2:00 - US loses 1-0 in Panama * 12:00 - US 2-0 Jamaica — Pepi brace at Q2 * 18:00 - Kervin Arriaga to ATX? * 22:00 - Previewing Dynamo-Sounders * 24:30 -Austin FC set to take on Minnesota United * 27:00 - Best thing I ate/wrote
Theo Lloyd-Hughes joins the show to break down the current state of NWSL, following commissioner Lisa Baird's resignation amid allegations of abuse levied at former North Carolina coach Paul Riley. Chris Bils breaks down Austin FC's 2-1 win over RSL, before Q2 Stadium and Austin welcomes the US Men's National Team for their World Cup Qualifying match against Jamaica on Thursday.
- 2:00 - Theo explains the current state of NWSL, amid widespread concerns of abuse in the women's game.
- 8:00 - Theo explains the broader effect on the sport in the United States, as plenty of U.S. Soccer stakeholders are implicated in the ongoing allegations.
- 13:00 - Austin FC beat RSL 2-1 at home
- 19:00 - Houston loses 4-2 on the road to SKC
- 24:00 - FCD draws 0-0 with Minnesota United
- 27:00 - USMNT comes to Austin to take on Jamaica in WCQ
Austin FC got one of its biggest wins in club history with a 2-0 triumph over LA Galaxy. Moussa Djitte got his first MLS goal, while Lonestar academy product McKinze Gaines became the first Austinite to score for the club. Houston's road woes continued, and Marco Ferruzi is off to a bad start as interim coach of FCD.
- 2:30 - Austin FC gets a huge win over the Galaxy!
- 11:45 - Houston lost on the road, again, in Minnesota
- 19:30 - Should Franco Jara try out as a kicker for the Canadian Football League?
- 20:15 - FC Dallas does not pick up a new manager bounce, and fell 1-0 in Vancouver
- 21:40 - Is Ferruzzi the man for the FCD job? Plus more on Dallas' future
- 27:00 - A brief preview of next week’s midweek MLS fixtures
- 27:40 - Best thing I ate/best thing I wrote
This week Jon Arnold visited Victor Araiza in Houston, where the Dynamo beat FC Dallas 3-2. Chris was in Austin where Austin FC went up 3-1 against San Jose, but squandered the lead entirely and lost 4-3. FC Dallas head coach Luchi Gonzalez was fired on Sunday, following the FC Dallas loss in Houston.
- 1:50 - Luchi sacked
- 7:00 - Lots of MLS head coaching vacancies in MLS
- 11:45 - Takeaways from the Dynamo's win over FCD
- 15:20 - What happened in Austin on Saturday night?
- 20:00 - Austin continuing to find new ways to lose in dramatic fashion
- 26:00- Best thing I ate/Best thing I wrote
Chris Bils steps in as host with Jon Arnold on his way to NYC, and is joined by Phil West Victor Araiza as they unpack a win, draw loss week for Texas MLS that included a huge relief for Houston in a local rivalry game.
0:30 - Teasing Phil West about his hot-wing challenge.
2:20 - What stuck out for Houston, after its 3-0 win over ATX.
9:00 - What's the relationship like between the higher earning players and Verde head coach Josh Wolff?
18:50 - The Pepi train keeps on rolling as FCD draw 1-1 with San Jose Earthquakes.
21:20 - Midweek MLS Preview
24:45 - The Texas Derby will climax on Saturday night, Victor breaks down what is at stake.
32:00 - Best thing I ate/Best thing I wrote
Things have gotten so dire for the Texas MLS teams that even Sebastian Salazar and Hercules Gomez, co-hosts of ESPN FC, commiserated with their pals over at The Striker Texas. Jon Arnold is joined by Chris Bils and Victor Araiza to lament over this week of Texas MLS action, as all three teams lost again.
1:30 - Josh Wolff tinkered a little too much in Vancouver, and Austin FC squandered its 1-0 lead. 8:30 - FC Dallas also squandered a 1-0 lead, losing 3-2 to RSL. 10:30 - Should MLS still play through the international break? 15:00 - Houston lost 2-0 at home to Portland 19:00 - More on Houston’s struggles 22:30 - Houston will host Austin this weekend 26:30 - Best thing I ate/Best thing I wrote
Victor Araiza and Chris Bils join Jon Arnold as always, following a week where the Dynamo sacking GM Matt Jordan — and Ricardo Pepi scoring goals and getting called up to the USMNT — dominated the headlines. There were plenty of goals in Austin when Jon traveled down I-35 to meet up with Chris, and the two were also in LA for the MLS All-Star Game.
- 1:00 - Houston fell at home to Minnesota United
- 2:15 - The Dynamo part ways with former GM Matt Jordan
- 5:15 - Victor weighs in on the Jordan news
- 8:50 - Who should Houston hire?
- 10:00 - MLS All-Stars beat Liga MX All-Stars in a shootout, Pepi scored the winning penalty
- 13:00 - More on Pepi, after he accepted a call up with the USMNT for WCQ and scored a brace in FCD's 5-3 win in Austin
- 16:00 - Chris pontificates what went wrong for Austin FC on Sunday night
- 24:00 - Can FCD become a force and make the playoffs?
- 27:00 - Best thing I ate/wrote
Jon Arnold and Chris Bils hop on the podcast from LA, and are joined by Victor Araiza in Houston. * 1:00 - What’s going on in Houston? * 9:30 - FCD 2-2 HTX * 14:00 - Austin beat Portland 3-1! * 20:00 - Josh Wolff’s good luck Verde shirt * 22:00 - Jon is very much looking forward to the MLS-Liga MX All-Star Game Skills Contest * 25:00 - MLS and Liga MX’s best set to face off
Jon Arnold joins Chris Bils and Victor Araiza live from a coffee shop in Dallas to recap a week of losses for the Texas MLS teams. 1:45 - Austin FC was shut out again, this time losing 1-0 in Utah, as the tension between Chris and Josh Wolff builds 9:20 - Houston continues to take Ls as they lose 3-1 at home to Colorado 16:45 - FCD also fell at home, losing 2-0 to SKC despite outperforming Sporting on the all-important metric that is xG 21:50 - Best thing I ate — Chris stops by Nick Rimando’s bar in Salt Lake 26:25 - Chris was at the Austin Soccer Foundation Gala
The MLS Pod boys are back to discuss two first-ever MLS Copa Tejas matches, as Austin FC fell to FC Dallas, but beat Dynamo in midweek. Dynamo is on its longest winless run ever, and FC Dallas stole a draw in Seattle.
1:00 - FC Dallas trumps Austin 2-0 in Frisco
13:15 - Dynamo fell 2-0 in Minnesota on Saturday night
18:15 - Austin FC scored some goals at home, beating Dynamo 3-2
26:30 - Jon previews next week’s happenings
27:00 - Best thing I ate
Chris Bils sits down with Victor Araiza and Phil West to reminisce about the Gold Cup, after the US won 1-0 against Mexico in the final. FC Dallas is on a hot streak, snapping their road losing streak and winning back to back, while Austin and Houston can’t seem to find the back of the net.
1:40 - US beats Mexico 1-0, lifts CONCACAF Gold Cup
7:00 - Implications for the US squad ahead of WCQ
12:00 - FC Dallas snaps their road losing streak, wins back to back games off the back of stunning goals from Paxton Pomykal and Jesus Ferreira
14:30 - Can FCD make the playoffs?
16:00 - Chris talks Austin FC
22:00 - Houston also held scoreless in a draw with Real Salt Lake
25:00 - Chris and Victor briefly preview Houston-ATX
26:20 - Best thing I ate
28:30 - Phil talks about his connection with Miles Robinson’s dad through slam poetry!
Chris Bils and Victor Araiza join Jon Arnold to talk about everything from Gold Cup to MLS transfers this week, as the Gold Cup semi final matchups are set, and there was a full week of MLS action to pontificate. There were a number of big stories this week in MLS, including transfer rumors following a Ricardo Pepi hat trick, and Austin FC closing in on the signing of a third designated player.
2:30 - USMNT beats Jamaica 1-0, 20-year old Matthew Hoppe the match-winner
7:20 - Jon quickly runs through the other Quarterfinal matches, the guys preview Mexico-Canada
11:15 - FCD can’t seem to stay out of the transfer rumor mill, as 18-year old Ricardo Pepi grabs the national headlines with a hat trick against LA Galaxy, leading Dallas to a 4-0 win
17:30 - Austin FC loses 1-0 to a very youthful Seattle Sounders team
21:15 - Should Austin fans be worried, and is help on the way?
24:40 - What’s going on in Houston, is it time to criticize Tab Ramos?
28:40 - Best thing I ate
Chris Bils is back from Ohio to talk USMNT, after they beat Canada to win Group B in Kansas City. Victor breaks down all the action from Houston, while Jon ponders what has been going so wrong for FC Dallas. Also, Producer Ross and Chris weigh in on Austin FC’s friendly against Tigres.
- 1:00 - Chris was in Kansas City to take in US vs. Canada. The US opened the scoring in the first 20 seconds through Shaq Moore, and held on to beat Canada 1-0 and win Group B.
- 6:00 - Victor breaks down the crazy Honduras-Panama game, as well as the rest of the Group D action.
- 10:15 - FC Dallas youth product Tanner Tessman heads to Venezia FC, becoming the latest Dallas Academy product to head to Italy.
- 13:00 - FC Dallas loses on the road again, falling 1-0 in Portland.
- 18:15 - Victor previews Dynamo’s trip to Salt Lake to face the Vancouver Whitecaps.
- 20:30 - Austin FC is at home to face the Seattle Sounders, who just took their first loss. Chris previews that one.
- 22:45 - Producer Ross was at Austin FC’s friendly against Tigres, and shared what he saw.
- 28:00 - Best thing I ate
Phil West joins Jon Arnold and Victor Araiza to recap a week of defeats for the Texas MLS teams. A week where Victor and Phil switched places, with Phil covering the Dynamo for Victor, while Victor treated himself to an Austin FC match at Q2 Stadium. The three of them also discuss the Gold Cup action thus far, primarily Mexico’s 0-0 draw.
- 1:30 - Phil West was on hand in Houston to watch the Dynamo fall 2-0 to Seattle. Him and Victor discuss what went wrong for the Dynamo.
- 4:40 - The guys discuss the departure of Jamey Roots, who left his post as Dynamo CEO after less than two weeks on the job.
- 7:00 - FC Dallas lost 3-1 in Carson against the Galaxy, Jon recapped the defeat.
- 8:10 - Is Luchi on the hotseat for FCD?
- 11:10 - Victor and Phil switched places, as he was on hand in Austin to watch the Verde lose 2-0 at home to LAFC. He gives his first impression of the atmosphere.
- 13:15 - Phil previews Austin FC’s friendly against Tigres on Tuesday night.
- 16:30 - Jon and Victor talk about Mexico’s shortcomings against Trinidad and Tobago.
- 26:40 - Best thing I ate
Chris Bils reflects on a special night for Austin FC, in which the Verde got their first home win and scored their first goals at home, Jon breaks down FC Dallas’ draw against Vancouver and talks about the special connection between Ricardo Pepi and Jesus Ferreira, and Victor speaks on Houston’s draw with Cincinnati.
- 1:00 - Austin FC’s first home win
- 11:15 - FC Dallas draws at home
- 17:30 - Houston Dynamo also draw at home
- 23:00 - Mexican federation trying to schedule women’s friendlies, so that fans can attend the men’s World Cup qualifiers
- 26:20 Best thing I wrote
- 28:00 Best thing I ate
Jon Arnold reflects on FC Dallas first win since early May while Chris Bils tries to dissect what's wrong with Austin FC after another draw and Victor Araiza lets us know about the new owner of the Houston Dynamo and Dash.
- 1:02 - Analyzing a win FC Dallas desperately needed
- 3:02 - Is Pepi the starting forward from now on?
- 6:32 - The logjam in the Western Conference standings
- 8:16 - What should Dynamo fans expect from the new owner?
- 12:53 - Does ownership need to be local?
- 17:29 - Austin FC's scoring struggles at Q2 continue
- 25:36 - Looking ahead to the next matches
- 28:24 - Best thing I ate this week
Chris Bils tells Jon Arnold and Victor Araiza about his experience covering Austin FC's first match at Q2 Stadium, sharing thoughts on atmosphere, transit and the long journey to get to this point for fans of the game in the capital city. They also chat about FC Dallas' continued issues at Toyota Stadium and how the Houston Dynamo are maintaining their status as the best MLS team in Texas.
1:25 - The elation felt in Austin with Q2 Stadium opening
4:30 - The atmosphere and fans
11:10 - What Austin FC can do for Austin's soccer culture as a whole
14:27 - Looking at the game on the field, a 0-0 draw with the Quakes
17:32 - FC Dallas' 1-1 draw with Minnesota United show continued struggles
21:08 - Is FCD's development strategy to blame?
24:24 - The Dynamo snag a draw in Los Angeles. Is the culture changing?
29:17 - Best thing I ate this week
Chris Bils joins Jon Arnold and Victor Araiza to talk about the buzz in Austin with Q2 Stadium set to open Wednesday and host its first Austin FC match Saturday. Plus, thoughts on potential Texas MLS All-Stars, FC Dallas' new midfielder & why the Dynamo need a statement in Los Angeles.
:45 - The feeling in Austin with the stadium set to open
2:20 - Potential jealousy from other fan bases
3:32 - The area around the stadium & gameday logistics
7:39 - Should Austin FC be happy with a draw against Sporting KC
10:44 - Austin FC's challenge on the field in opening Q2
12:18 - Potential All-Star selections from Texas MLS teams
14:25 - What does new signing Facundo Quignon bring to FC Dallas?
18:45 - Why Dynamo fans are focused in on the team's trip to LAFC
21:50 - Best Striker Texas pieces of the week
25:02 - Austin coffee shop and local business talk
With the MLS season paused for a weekend due to the international break, Phil West and Ross Fisher joined Chris Bils, as well as Victor Araiza calling in from Denver, to break down US Soccer’s 3-2 win over bitter rivals Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League Final.
7:00 - Phil speaks on the win’s significance for the young crop of USMNT players.
8:00 - Ross explains why Weston McKennie was his MOTM.
11:00 - Victor describes Pulisic’s decisive penalty from his perspective in the stadium.
14:00 - Chris looks ahead to a potential US-Mexico rematch in the Gold Cup Final.
15:00 - Phil and Victor discuss the refereeing.
18:00 - Victor and Phil talk about the resurgence of the rivalry.
21:00 - Did the US deserve to win?
25:00 - Victor talks about the Mexico fans’ vulgar chants that invoked CONCACAF’s anti-discrimiantion protocols, which halted play.
33:00 - Chris and Phil look ahead to Austin FC’s trip to Kansas City next weekend.
34:30 - Everyone shares the best thing they ate and the best thing they wrote last week. Phil also got a chainsaw this weekend.
With the June international break upon us, Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza look back and evaluate the performances of FC Dallas, Austin FC and the Houston Dynamo to this point in the season plus
- 1:42 - Weekend lookback focusing on Austin's draw with the Seattle Sounders
- 4:24 - Letter grade for Austin FC so far this season
- 8:24 - Highlights from Chris Bils' interview with Claudio Reyna
- 11:11 - FC Dallas' letter grade
- A brief Mexico interlude
- 16:18 - The grade comes in for the Houston Dynamo
- 20:29 - Who's the best team in the Western Conference right now?
- 24:30 - Best piece of the week on The Striker Texas
- 27:18 - Best thing I ate this weekend
Victor Araiza, Jon Arnold and Chris Bils chat about potential new ownership for the Houston Dynamo, plus the team's current hot streak with two wins in the last three games.
Then, they look at Austin FC's struggles in Nashville and FC Dallas getting just one point despite being the better team against Real Salt Lake. The show closes with each writer's favorite piece from the week and the best thing they ate all weekend.
:53 - Potential new ownership in Houston
6:17 - Dynamo top Whitecaps, are they the best MLS team in Texas?
9:05 - The case against Houston
11:07 - Will Austin FC's current struggles be short-lived?
15:17 - Danny Hoesen's struggles in Verde
18:02 - Weekend preview
23:52- How significant will Copa Tejas matches be this season?
25:08 - Favorite The Striker Texas pieces of the week
28:13 - Best thing I ate this weekend
Texas' MLS teams went on the road Saturday and came back with zero points between the three of them. Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza chat about which, if any, should be panicking. Then, they talk about how the newly released salary numbers reframe some of the discussions about each team's roster before closing with their top story on The Striker Texas this week and the best thing they ate this weekend.
1:11 - Putting panic in perspective
5:43 - Why the Dynamo's midweek win lessens urgency
7:30 - Highly paid players not living up to price tags for FC Dallas, Dynamo
9:33 - Austin FC salary number thoughts
12:05 - Where the Texas teams rank in spending on salaries
20:05 - A happy ending to a social media campaign #ReleaseTheKit
22:25 - Why to subscribe to The Striker Texas and each writer's top story of the week
26:10 - A story of kindness and shrimp fried rice + the best thing I ate this weekend
Jon Arnold and Victor Araiza explain why both FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo will have wanted more from Saturday's rivalry match, and Chris Bils checks in from Kansas City, catching his breath after Austin FC's loss to Sporting Kansas City after leading most of the match. Plus, The Striker Texas executive director Roberto Silva visits to share his experience with FCD and Houston supporters this weekend and the site's connection with Copa Tejas.
- 1:45 - Texas Derby breakdown
- 3:09 - Progress from the Dynamo?
- 4:30 - Why did the second half drag?
- 9:49 - Roberto Silva interview
- 14:35 - SKC-Austin FC breakdown
- 16:05 - Let's all appreciate Jared Stroud's assist
- 18:30 - Positives to take from the defeat
- 22:14 - Are all three Texas teams on the brink early?
- 22:55 - Dynamo v SKC midweek plus weekend preview
- 25:13 - Best thing I ate this weekend
Jon Arnold and Victor Araiza stay at arm's length with the teams they cover set to do battle in the Texas Derby this weekend. In addition to analyzing Saturday's match, they also look back at FC Dallas' win over the Portland Timbers, the Houston Dynamo's draw with LAFC & Chris Bils chimes in to explain how Austin FC put together its first-ever win streak.
- :51 - Texas Derby thoughts
- 2:31 - FC Dallas' 4-1 win over Portland
- 6:55 - Was the big win fools' gold?
- 7:40 - Ryan Hollingshead's incident with Gio Savarese
- 10:32 - Houston 1-1 LAFC, should Dynamo have won?
- 12:05 - Tyler Pasher is on fire
- 14:26 - Diego Fagundez is on fire
- 15:50 - Are expectations on the rise in Austin?
- 18:00 - Approach on the road
- 22:33 - The best thing we ate this weekend
- 24:50 - The best thing we wrote this week for The Striker Texas
After a weekend hitting the road to cover Texas' MLS teams for The Striker Texas, Victor Araiza, Chris Bils and Jon Arnold reconvene to chat about Austin FC's first-ever win, FC Dallas' big home stretch after falling in San Jose and how the Dynamo need to bounce back - plus the best thing they ate all weekend.
- 2:00 - Thoughts on Austin FC's first win
- 5:00 - Cecigol feeling freedom from Josh Wolff
- 7:25 - The feel on the ground in 'Denverde'
- 11:55 - Tomas Pochettino's absence
- 13:27 - FC Dallas' rough day in San Jose
- 17:07 - Why FCD's next two games are critical
- 17:47 - Same ol' Dynamo?
- 24:07 - Best thing you ate this weekend
MLSIsBack and with it season debuts for all three Texas MLS teams. Chris Bils checks in from Los Angeles with a report for what happened on and off the field for Austin FC, plus Victor Araiza has thoughts on Memo Rodriguez and the Houston Dynamo and Jon Arnold talks tactics from FC Dallas' draw with the Colorado Rapids.
2:03 - Winners of the weekend
4:15 - Austin FC fans and atmosphere in Los Angeles for debut vs. LAFC
10:00 - Austin FC at LAFC breakdown
14:02 - Lessons to take from the defeat
20:33 - FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids breakdown
25:20 - Talking the Texas team that won this weekend: Houston Dynamo vs. San Jose Earthquakes breakdown
Chris Bils, Victor Araiza and Jon Arnold look back briefly on La Copita and MLS commissioner Don Garber's visit to the capital city before turning the gaze on each team's regular season opener.
2:10 - Houston's biggest preseason lesson
2:52 - Austin's biggest preseason lesson
3:49 - FC Dallas' biggest preseason lesson
5:20 - Notes on the design of La Copita
6:35 - Garber visits Austin
10:13 - Austin FC's difficult opener agianst LAFC
12:45 - Austin's strengths and weaknesses
15:42 - Expectations for the Dynamo in Friday's curtain-raiser
20:40 - FC Dallas vs. Colorado Rapids preview
23:16 - The importance of getting off to a good start
Chris Bils and Victor Araiza chat about a game fans actually were able to watch with the Houston Dynamo beating Austin FC in the teams' La Copita opener. Meanwhile Jon Arnold chats about FC Dallas' biggest positional battles and which coach is the best dressed in Texas.
:45 - First impressions from La Copita opener
5:10 - What 90 minutes against an MLS team showed for Austin and Houston
11:05 - FC Dallas' biggest positional battles
15:00 - The biggest question about the Houston Dynamo this season
19:06 - Austin FC's center back competition
25:10 - Austin fans getting creative to see their team
27:52 - Coach drip
Chris Bils, Victor Araiza & Jon Arnold are back and discuss the challenges and joys of getting information during the MLS preseason. Where are each team's biggest position battles and who will win La Copita?
2:26 - MLS preseason overreaction
10:04 - Chris' morsels from Austin FC's tight-lipped preseason matches
13:05 - What each team needs to learn from La Copita
19:00 - Jesus Ferreira's reintegration into FC Dallas' squad after Olympic qualification disappointment
22:28 - Who's winning La Copita? The guys make their picks
26:51 - Abe Lincon
Chris Bils, Victor Araiza and Jon Arnold preview The Striker Texas' Media Week plus chat about MLS preseason and the secrecy which most teams are guarding about their preparations for the 2021 campaign. They also look at a few events coming to Austin and, inspired by FC Dallas' Nkosi Burgess, debate which color they'd dye their hair were they given the opportunity.
- :57 - Previewing The Striker Texas' Media Week
- 4:51 - Texas MLS teams announce La Copita preseason tournament
- 6:51 - How will Texas' MLS rivalries evolve adding a third team?
- 12:16 - Putting preseason matches in the proper context
- 21:36 - Austin FC announces watch party for opening game
- 23:27 - Alianza de Futbol coming to Austin
- 26:26 - What color would you dye your hair?
Chris Bils, Victor Araiza and Jon Arnold discuss MLS season openers for Austin FC, the Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas plus evaluate each team's forward situation and then look at the chances FCD forward Jesus Ferreira and the United States U-23 team qualifies for Tokyo.
- 0:21 - MLS home openers announced
- 6:15 - Danny Hoesen looking to prove himself as Austin's starter
- 10:19 - Which Texas team has the best forward situation?
- 15:25 - Jesus Ferreira and the U.S. U-23 team at Olympic qualification
- 22:01 - Looking back on Boniek Garcia's best moments
- 24:16 - Mexico fans go to Haiti to play a friendly match
- 29:23 - Jon says "We did it!"
Training camp is here! Chris Bils, Victor Araiza and Jon Arnold chat about the biggest question facing each Texas MLS team. They also talk about the Austin Bold's challenge to Austin FC, which club will look the freshest on the field in 2021 and potential transfers.
Does FC Dallas, Austin FC or the Houston Dynamo employ the best MLS player in the state of Texas? Chris, Victor and Jon debate who comes out on top and talk about how that could change as the 2021 season progresses.
Plus, the guys play News or Snooze and reveal just how interested they are in FC Dallas' new jersey sponsor and a Dynamo mainstay's international career.
Find all these stories and more from Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza at thestrikertexas.com.
A show to warm your soul, if not your bones. Discussing our favorite moments from the Texas Soccer Summit, new Austin FC signing Tomás Pochettino, Houston Dynamo FC re-signing Boniek Garcia and Maynor Figueroa, and more moved for FC Dallas young players.
Plus, we get into the plans all three Texas MLS teams are making to play each other in preseason, and the idea of a destination tournament coming our way in the future.
Find all these stories and more from Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza at thestrikertexas.com.
It's a big week at The Striker Texas with the debut of The 2021 Texas Soccer Summit. Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza get you prepared for what to expect from the free virtual conference running Feb. 10-13 at texassoccersummit.com.
After that, they provide the latest updates on Austin FC, Houston Dynamo FC and FC Dallas.
0:20 - Introducing some of the topics and guests for the Texas Soccer Summit.
6:50 - Crisis averted. Latest on the MLS CBA.
13:30 - Carlos Salcedo to Houston?
16:10 - Houston, a soccer city? Victor explores in his latest piece for The Striker Texas: https://thestrikertexas.com/2021/02/04/houston-soccer-city-with-plenty-left-discover
21:20 - Austin FC players are getting to work early. More from Chris on their unique setup ahead of preseason. https://thestrikertexas.com/2021/02/06/mls-cba-austin-fc-training-facility-preseason
25:45 - Jon gets the full story on Ryan Hollingshead's year off to build a church https://thestrikertexas.com/2021/02/01/ryan-hollingshead-church
Kicking off the week of The Striker Texas launch, Jon Arnold, Chris Bils and Victor Araiza discuss the latest in Texas MLS news.
0:40- Jesús Ferreira's breaks out with the USMNT as proud godfather Dabo Swinney witnesses Tanner Tessman's debut. Where has this Ferreira been for FC Dallas?
7:30- When in Rome? The Bryan Reynolds saga (finally) appears to be over.
12:25- Where do 2026 World Cup bids stand for Dallas and Houston?
17:00- Introducing The 2021 Texas Soccer Summit. Register at http://www.texassoccersummit.com/.
17:40- Happy birthday, Tomás Pochettino! Is the Argentine midfielder headed to Austin FC? Does Josh Wolff intent to play without a true No. 10?
The Striker MLS Podcast is brought to you by The Striker Texas, your new home for the best coverage of soccer at all levels across the Lone Star State. Watch for the launch of the new website and app, and register for updates at http://thestrikertexas.com/.
Twitter: @TheStrikerTexas
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Jon Arnold, Victor Araiza and Jon Arnold discuss all the news across Texas MLS, including the unveiling of Q2 Stadium in Austin, the ongoing Bryan Reynolds saga in Dallas, and whether a bolstered back line is enough for Houston fans to feel comfortable heading into 2021.
And it wouldn't be a first episode without a bit of late breaking news! The guys react on the fly to MLS announcing a start date of April 3.
On this preview episode, we give you a little taste of what to expect on The Striker MLS Show, which will be the audio home for coverage of Austin FC, FC Dallas and the Houston Dynamo at The Striker Texas. Be sure to follow us on social media for more updates on the launch of the app and website, and hit subscribe to receive future episodes straight to your devices.