The Striker Tejas - USL Podcast: Recent Episodes
The Striker Texas
A new USL podcast from The Striker Texas, focusing on the four Texas based soccer USL Championship clubs.
With two weeks down in the USL Championship season, Roberto Silva, Jonathan Check, Joe Rodriguez and Edson Ochoa discuss what they've learned about the Texas teams so far. On the agenda:
- Why El Paso Locomotive FC keeps coming up short in the same spots
- What's going better for Rio Grande Valley FC even amid finishing and fitness struggles
- Whether San Antonio FC can keep extending their famous unbeaten run as injuries mount
- Is it time for anyone to panic?
The USL Championship season is finally underway with the three Texas teams getting three different results to start. Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check, and Joe Rodriguez get together to reflect on this first week, including:
- San Antonio FC is picking up where it left off, with an unlikely hero grabbing the headlines.
- El Paso Locomotive FC is continuing its tradition of failing to win season openers, though there were positive signs.
- Rio Grande Valley FC is getting off to a slow start, but recovering, only for a veteran to make a rookie mistake.
- Are we content with the way our teams look after one match?
- What tests are on the horizon for our teams and how do we expect they'll do?
With the 2023 USL Championship season on the horizon, The Striker Tejas crew returns from a longer-than-expected layoff as Roberto Silva, Jonathan Check, Joe Rodriguez, and Edson Ochoa discuss:
- San Antonio FC is keeping most of its core and trying to keep the championship-winning standard high through a secluded preseason
- El Paso Locomotive FC has another new coach, and he's looking to be flexible and help the team avoid the pitfalls of 2022
- Rio Grande Valley FC made lots of moves ahead of time as it hopes to be consistent and finally put together a complete season
- Predictions for the first week and the busy start to the season
In the first episode of 2023, Roberto Silva, Edson Ochoa, Joe Rodriguez, and Jonathan Check are happily reunited to discuss what has happened with the United Soccer League and their teams over the last two months, including:
- Rio Grande Valley FC actually had a decent number of signings two months before the start of the season
- El Paso Locomotive FC has a new head coach for the second season in a row, again thinking outside the box
- Reigning champion San Antonio FC is conducting business as usual, gradually making signings and unveiling a new jersey
- The USL hasn't reached an agreement yet with PRO or ESPN for referees or a broadcast/streaming partner, respectively, and isn't ready to talk about it...should we be worried?
The whole crew is in attendance for the last planned show of the year to talk about the end of the USL Championship season, which ended very well for one of the Texas teams, and the beginning of the offseason, which is suddenly quite complicated for a different Texas team. Roberto Silva leads discussions with Edson Ochoa, Joe Rodriguez, and Jonathan Check about:
- Edson going all-out to cosplay as a NASCAR driver
- San Antonio FC winning the USL Championship Final over Louisville City FC in style to cap off a dominant season
- Marcina-to-MLS 2.0: Seriously, is anybody even looking outside the MLS family for new coaches!?
- John Hutchinson steps away from El Paso Locomotive FC after just one season after juggling too many difficulties
- All is quiet on the southern front with Rio Grande Valley FC
For the first time in USL Championship history, we have a Texas team in the final!
Roberto Silva breaks down all the big talking points and a little bit of other news with Joe Rodriguez, Edson Ochoa and Jonathan Check, including:
- How San Antonio FC won a very physical Western Conference Championship match
- Whether Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC are right to complain about the referees, and if so are they using the right platform?
- The preparations for SAFC's first championship match, and how the crowd can make a difference
- Updates on how the offseason for Rio Grande Valley FC and El Paso Locomotive FC
Lacking one member but not depth of thought, The Striker Tejas crew reunites with Roberto Silva, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez coming together to discuss:
- The weather in San Antonio, El Paso, and various parts of Brazil
- El Paso Locomotive FC already adding new players, even with the 2022 USL Championship season still going
- San Antonio FC sticking to its trademark style to advance in the playoffs and face Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC for the third time this year
- What's different about SAFC being in the Western Conference Final this year compared to last year
- Whether or not SAFC head coach Alen Marcina would deserve a shot at a better coaching job if he wins the championship
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Roberto Silva leads a full panel this week with Edson Ochoa, Joe Rodriguez and Jonathan Check to discuss the start of the USL Championship playoffs and — for those already eliminated — the start of the offseason.
On the agenda:
- How San Diego Loyal SC imploded, and what players think of head coach Landon Donovan's priorities
- What went oh-so-wrong for Rio Grande Valley FC in its first playoff match?
- How San Antonio FC is feeling carrying the Texas torch after its bye week
- El Paso Locomotive FC's offseason is well underway, for better or worse
For the first time in a few weeks, a month, maybe two ... the whole squad is back together! Roberto Silva leads Jonathan Check, Joe Rodriguez, and Edson Ochoa through the latest news about the USL Championship teams in Texas, including these storylines.
- San Antonio FC used different players to get the same result on the road, beating Birmingham Legion FC 2-1
- Rio Grande Valley FC controls its destiny after a 2-1 win over Phoenix Rising FC ... so how should the Toros approach their final match to secure a playoff spot?
- After a 3-1 loss away to the Tampa Bay Rowdies ended its playoff hopes, what derailed El Paso Locomotive FC this year, and what were the positives?
- What matters most to SAFC as Orange County SC comes to town?
- Also, there's breaking news in the Borderland!
Reporters Edson Ochoa, Joe Rodriguez, and Jonathan Check somehow survive without Roberto Silva (again!) to reconvene for another episode of The Striker Tejas.
The hot topics:
- How SAFC turned it on late to beat Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC and secure the USL Championship's best record.
- Should the league switch to two-legged playoff rounds?
- What Rio Grande Valley FC learned from playing against Louisville City FC's high pressure in a home defeat.
- How the Toros then left it late to rescue a draw at Memphis 901 FC.
- Why John Hutchinson isn't freaking out after El Paso Locomotive FC gets crushed on the counter.
- What's on the line for every Texas team with two weeks left in the season?
Roberto Silva, complete with an invisible and silent drumset, once again helms The Striker Tejas podcast alongside a delighted Edson Ochoa and a sneezy Jonathan Check to discuss the latest news for the USL Championship and its Texan teams, including;
- How the Tampa Bay Rowdies and El Paso Locomotive FC postponed a match because they couldn't handle a slight breeze and a bit of drizzle
- Rio Grande Valley FC having some travel troubles but luring the Charleston Battery into its trap for yet another win
- San Antonio FC doing enough for the win, getting results even without putting in a completely convincing performance
- The difficulties of imbalanced schedules and playing inter-conference matches, one of Roberto's least favorite things, something that makes Roberto's blood boil
Roberto Silva returns to the pod alongside regulars Edson Ochoa and Jonathan Check to discuss another interesting week for the USL Championship teams in Texas. Edson and Jonathan help Roberto get up to speed on:
- Rio Grande Valley FC's sudden uptick in form, aided by rotation and new arrivals — Wilmer Cabrera stayed calm and figured it out
- San Antonio FC inching closer to clinching first place in the Western Conference and the entire league, even if the performances haven't been the most convincing
- There are no easy games, but some certainly appear easier than others... how well will the Texas teams do this weekend?
- Orange County SC and Diego Luna can keep representing the USL Championship well
Hosted once again by Edson Ochoa, the team survives another week without Roberto Silva, just like Joe Rodriguez survived a weekend without El Paso Locomotive soccer ... but will Jonathan Check survive a podcast recording without having to engage a fly in mortal combat? The clock is ticking for him as the team covers a range of topics including:
- San Antonio FC came up big in key moments to come out on top of San Diego Loyal SC and extend its lead atop the Western Conference
- Rio Grande Valley FC starting to click and make a late-season surge for the second year in a row after a comeback win over New Mexico United
- How El Paso feels after a week off, going into the final stretch of the season
- All three teams are back in action for a busy few days, where the Toros keep softening teams up for SAFC
And we are back! The team has to go on without Roberto Silva this week, but no worries, as Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check, and Joe Rodriguez take charge and dive right into everything that went down in the USL league, including:
- Reactions to Sacramento Republic FC representing the USL Championship in the US Open Cup final
- San Antonio FC steadying the ship with a complete performance in Oakland
- El Paso Locomotive getting a historic win away to archrival New Mexico United in style
- Rio Grande Valley FC getting a historic win of its own in El Paso ... did Wilmer Cabrera outsmart John Hutchinson?
- The City of Irvine is ghosting Orange County SC about Championship Soccer Stadium
And we are back! Jonathan Check accompanied Copa Tejas on tour — and was Edson Ochoa hatless!? Meanwhile, Roberto Silva joined the duo to dig into a little bit of everything that happened in the games, while Joe Rodriguez left us to go on vacation. In this episode, we discuss:
- San Antonio FC loses away to Indy Eleven as the slump continues ... what's going wrong?
- El Paso Locomotive beat Phoenix Rising, but Rio Grande Valley FC can't do the same
- The importance of Jonas Fjeldberg to RGV FC, exemplified by the big win over Las Vegas Lights
- It's a double derby week for El Paso, while SAFC take a trip to face a tough Oakland Roots side
And we are back! This week's episode of The Striker Tejas features Jonathan Check doing Jonathan things, Edson Ochoa's many hats, Roberto Silva giving his take, and Joe Rodriguez's janky Windows update. In this episode:
- El Paso goes toe-to-toe with San Diego but falls short, with little room left for error
- Mixed emotions on both sides of the South Texas Derby as both teams made mistakes
- The panel looks to this weekend’s upcoming matches: Indy Eleven vs San Antonio FC, El Paso Locomotive hosts Phoenix Rising, RGV Toros travels to Sin City to face Las Vegas Lights.
- Looking ahead to an "easy" game and "six-pointers" – if either is a real thing
And we are back! While Roberto Silva is back after his MLS All-Star adventure, Jonathan Check, Joe Rodriguez, and Edson Ochoa, break down some of the USL highlights;
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RGV has a bye week, they didn’t get any points, but did they lose points? How realistic are their chances of making the playoffs?
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San Antonio goes on about its business against Loudoun United and Las Vegas Lights. Jonathan Check reports
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The panel discussed the USL’s “Golden Children”
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The Striker Tejas takes a deep dive talking about the 4-4 match between Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC & El Paso Locomotive FC
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A Wilmer Cabrera quote that we could not ignore
And we are back! While Roberto Silva is off covering the MLS All-Star, Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check, and Joe Rodriguez discuss what’s going on in the USL.
- LA Galaxy wants to pull the stadium out from under Orange County SC
- El Paso's rough run continues in fourth straight loss without a goal
- SAFC dealt rare loss as it can't outlast high-scoring San Diego on the road
- RGV FC still gets a result but needs more as the season winds down
And we are back! In this episode, Roberta Silva, Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check, and Joe Rodriguez discuss several topics.
- What's going on with San Antonio's winning streak
- El Paso Locomotive FC is trying to get a stride going
- Rio Grande Valley FC Toros, is suffering a goal drought
- What else is going on with the USL
In this episode, Edson Ochoa, Roberta Silva,Jonathan Check, and Joe Rodriguez discuss what's next for the teams; - SAFC clinches Copa Tejas, the first trophy in club history - Rough patch for El Paso on and off the field - RGV FC still struggling but making moves to spark the offense - Best Copa Tejas-winning team over the years?
In another episode, Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check, Joe Rodriguez, and Roberto Silva is finally back! Important questions are answered. Is RGV in trouble? and who will take Copa Tejas?
And we are back! In this episode, Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez talk about the last matches, piñas coladas and what to expect to the next matches. 02:08 - RGV Toros last two matches against New Mexico United, 1 point out of 6 possible 11:30 - El Paso Locomotive won against Colorado Springs by 1 nil 16:40 - Two red cards on that game 20:40 - The piña colada episode 21:37 - San Antonio FC x Atlanta United: what should we expect 26:24 - El Paso Locomotive travels to match against Oakland Roots, the king of draws 30:30 - RGV Toros against Las Vegas Lights 34:30 - Point Predictions for this week
In this episode Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez talk about the last matches and what to expect to the week ahead. 02:12 - New Mexico United match against RGV Toros is postponed 07:35 - El Paso Locomotives goes through Baby Bulls by 5 nil 12:00 - El Paso's goalkeeper Evan Newton, after a rough start, lives a new moment 14:10 - San Antonio FC wins Colorado Springs (at their home) by 1 nil 22:15 - El Paso Loco x RGV Toros: what should we expect 29:43 - San Antonio FC tough week against FC Tulsa and Charleston Battery 33:12 - El Paso goes to Atlanta looking for the 3 points 34:50 - Point Predictions for this week
Roberto Silva, Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez hop on for another episode of The Striker Tejas! * 5:17 - RGV Toros gets a big win against Pittsburgh Riverhounds in 1-0, but can they keep this level for the rest of the season? * 10:00 - El Paso Loco had a great opportunity to show their strength in national television in a draw in 1-1 agains Detroit City * 13:25 - San Antonio ties at home with Oakland in 1-1 game * 18:25 - Tough games ahead this week! RGV against New Mexico United at their home and it's a big challenge * 24:30 - Does El Paso has an easy game this week against NY Red Bulls? No one is expecting surprises here * 26:45 - The major game for this week: San Antonio FC meets Colorado at their home: what we should expect? * 31:40 - Point Predictions
Roberto Silva, Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez hop on for another episode of The Striker Tejas!
- 7:35 - RGV Toros draws in 2-2 game against Oakland Roots
- 14:52 - El Paso Locos win against Pheonix Rising in 0-1 game, but was it merited?
- 21:56 - San Antonio triumphs over Monterey Bay
- 24:23 - Previewing El Paso Locos vs Detroit City
- 28:37 - Previewing RGV Toros vs Pittsburg Riverhounds
- 30:40 - Previewing SAFC vs Oakland Roots
- 32:37 - Point predictions!
On this special edition of The Striker Tejas: game breakdowns, point predictions and coach report cards. Which coaches passed and which ones flunked? Roberto Silva, Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez decide!
- 4:58 - RGV Toros wins 1-0 against LA Galaxy II, but Toros is still struggling with shots on target
- 9:12 - El Paso Locomotive draws in 1-1 game against Hartford Athletic
- 16:29 - SAFC inevitably lost to Sacramento Republic in 1-0 away game
- 20:02 - Previewing SAFC vs Monterey Bay
- 21:56 - Previewing RGV vs Oakland Roots
- 23:47 - Previewing El Paso vs Pheonix Rising
- 27:21 - Point predictions
- 29:03 - Rating coaches and grading their performances
Welcome back to another episode of your favorite USL podcast. Roberto Silva hops on the mic and rejoins writers Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez for this edition of The Striker Tejas.
- 3:33 - San Antonio wins 3-2 in derby match against RGV Toros
- 6:55 - RGV allowed 3 goals in derby match, but their defense looked solid
- 12:36 - El Paso Locomotive flies to Vegas and comes home with an exhilarating 1-0 win
- 18:33 - On Texas teams' standings in the Western Conference
- 21:19 - Previewing RGV Toros games against Atlanta United 2 and LA Galaxy 2
- 24:10 - Previewing El Paso Locomotive vs Hartford Athletic
- 27:16 - Previewing SAFC vs Sacramento Republic
- 30:30 - Who is the best player so far this season?
Join us for another episode of The Striker Tejas with writers Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez.
Rio Grande Valley Toros secured a 2-1 win against San Diego Loyal, even with goalkeeper Colin Miller injured in the first half. San Antonio vs Colorado Springs Switchbacks game is postponed due to COVID. El Paso Locomotive and Orange County locked horns in a 2-2 draw.
Roberto Silva, Edson Ochoa, Joe Rodriguez and Jonathan Check cover all the latest USL developments in this episode of The Striker Tejas. Plus: all the delicious food the crew ate this past weekend.
- 2:58 - El Paso Locos falls short in 0-1 game against Pittsburgh Riverhounds
- 7:20 - Things kept going wrong in RGV Toros game against Monterey Bay, but Toros came out on top
- 12:01 - SAFC ended a brutal and busy week with a 2-0 win against Miami FC
- 16:15 - Previewing El Paso's upcoming games against Sacramento Republic and Orange County
- 19:15 - Previewing RGV Toros vs San Diego Loyal
- 20:42 - Point predictions!
- 23:48 - On all the amazing food The Striker Tejas crew ate this past week
Roberto re-joins the team for another episode of The Striker Tejas along with writers Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez.
- 2:41 - 10 points in 3 games, the air in El Paso is filled with good energy as Locos win their third game in a row
- 7:13 - Rio Grande Valley Toros loses 3-2 against Colorado Springs
- 9:56 - RGV picked up the pace in the second half, what can the team learn from this great comeback?
- 13:40 - Jonathan goes to Arizona for San Antonio's game against Pheonix Rising FC
- 15:13 - SAFC needs to bury every chance it gets, especially coming out of this 3-0 loss
- 22:21 - Previewing SAFC vs Houston Dynamo
- 27:10 - Previewing SAFC vs Miami FC
- 28:28 - Previewing RGV Toros vs Monterey Bay
- 31:02 - Previewing El Paso Locos vs Pittsburgh Riverhounds
Point predictions for the week:
- Roberto - 5 points
- Edson - 5 points
- Joe - 2 points
- Jonathan - 2 points
Join us in another Roberto-free edition of The Striker Tejas! Roberto may be out of the country, but Texas soccer news never stops. Join this week's episode as Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez cover all the latest games.
El Paso Locomotive has a smashing 1-3 win against Loudoun United. San Antonio FC massacres Monterey Bay in a brutal 6-0 win. Rio Grande Valley Toros lets defense slip and loses 1-2 against Orange County.
A week filled with surprises for Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez from The Striker Tejas.
- 2:03 - RGV FC Toros loses 1-2 to Houston Dynamo
- 11:13 - Alen Marcina sat back and watched as San Antonio did what they had to do to win against Austin FC in 2-1 game
- 14:06 - On Austin's goalkeeper takes heat from fans
- 18:46 - SAFC wins 1-0 against New Mexico United
- 24:24 - On 1-1 draw between El Paso Locomotive vs Oakland Roots
- 28:48 - RGV wins 2-1 game against Sacramento Republic
- 34:39 - Previewing SAFC vs Monterey Bay
- 35: 48 - Previewing El Paso vs Loudoun United
- 37:51 - Previewing RGV vs Orange County
- 38:56 - Point predictions!
Roberto Silva, Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez from The Striker Tejas panel break down an eventful week and a post-game conference with Wilmer Cabrera, coach of Rio Grande Valley FC Toros. El Paso Locomotive FC and San Antonio FC rise to the challenge with incredible wins, but RGV Toros fumbles and drops the ball.
- 4:30 - El Paso breaks personal records with its largest margin of victory ever in a 5-0 game against Monterey Bay
- 8:55 - SAFC went in with a vengeance against Orange County and won 1-0
- 12:29 - RGV Toros had 63% possession and took 14 shots, only 3 were on target — will shooting accuracy be their downfall?
- 15:49 - On Cabrera's post-game conference: Some Toros players are waiting on immigration documents and others are out on injuries — who is to blame for Toros' "late start"?
- 24:25 - Previewing RGV Toros vs NY Red Bulls II
- 25:50 - Previewing SAFC vs El Paso Locos, the first official Copa Tejas derby
- 31:57 - The Striker Tejas panel makes point predictions for the upcoming week
Roberto Silva, Edson Ochoa and Jonathan Check are rejoined by Joe Rodriguez for this week's episode of The Striker Tejas. Rio Grande Valley Toros and San Antonio FC win their games earlier this week, but El Paso Locomotive lags behind... again.
- 3:35 - RGV Toros vs North Carolina FC's first half is a snooze fest, but RGV wins 2-1
- 9:04 - SAFC wins 3-1 against D'Feeters Kicks with a chaotic second half
- 12:56 - El Paso Locomotive plays a disappointing game against Central Valley Fuego, losing 1-4
- 16:41 - Locos needs a significant, strategic change to fix its vulnerable defensive line
- 21:07 - Locos don't have a Sporting Director - a behind the scenes analysis on what this means for the team and their gameplay
- 26:19 - Previewing RGV Toros vs Indy Eleven
- 28:47 - Previewing SAFC vs Orange County + is SAFC seeking revenge?
- 31:44 - Previewing El Paso Locos vs Monterey Bay
- 36:50 - Point prediction updates for the upcoming weekend
Roberto Silva, Edson Ochoa and Jonathan Check hop on for another episode of The Striker Tejas! San Antonio FC and El Paso Locomotive FC lose their games, and Rio Grande Valley FC Toros takes a much-needed break.
- 3:22 - What is Open Cup?
- 7:20 - Open Cup game schedule for SAFC, RGV Toros and El Paso Locomotive
- 13:22 - SAFC has cracks in its gameplay, what went wrong against Pheonix?
- 18:19 - Javier "Yuma" Monsálvez Carazo allowed three goals scored against El Paso, does the team lack defensive cohesion?
- 25:30 - Previewing RGV Toros vs Indy Valley FC
- 27:40 - Previewing SAFC vs Orange County SC
- 29:57 - Point predictions!
Roberto Silva, Edson Ochoa and Jonathan Check chat about the ups and downs so far this season. Joe Rodriguez gives us his insight in a clip from earlier this week. San Antonio FC brings home a third win in a row while Rio Grande Valley FC Toros and El Paso Locomotive FC lag behind.
- 2:03 - El Paso Locomotive vs Las Vegas Lights ends in a tense 4-5 score
- 3:35 - What started as a scoreless draw leads to three goals in three minutes against El Paso in the second half, Joe gives his thoughts on the thrilling game
- 11:12 - This is El Paso's third loss in a row, could their game against San Diego flip things around?
- 14:35 - Mixed feelings on SAFC's success this season
- 17:03 - SAFC coach Alen Marcina knows exactly how to apply pressure, but is it enough to get them through the season?
- 19:36 - On RGV Toros' 1-2 loss to SAFC
- 23:23 - Previewing SAFC vs Phoenix Rising FC
- 25:57 - Roberto, Edson and Jonathan make point predictions and discuss upcoming games
Roberto Silva is back hosting the show, joined by Edson Ochoa, Joe Rodriguez and Jonathan Check. San Antonio brings home another win, El Paso Locomotive loses a second time against New Mexico United and RGV Toros takes its first loss.
- 1:08 - Catching up after the weekend, wild Texas weather and Roberto's unfortunate nap
- 4:45 - El Paso Locomotive dominates the first two games of the season, but what can the team do better?
- 7:45 - A stale second half left El Paso playing into New Mexico's hands
- 12:03 - RGV Toros takes eight shots and only lands one against Orange County, is this the same team from last season?
- 16:53 - It never hurts to start the season with two wins, but San Antonio hasn't been perfect
- 20:07 - Previewing El Paso Locomotive vs Las Vegas Lights
- 24:41 - Previewing RGV Toros vs LA Galaxy II
- 28:27 - Previewing RGV Toros vs San Antonio
- 31:07 - Roberto, Edson, Joe and Jonathan make point predictions for upcoming games
Edson Ochoa, Joe Rodriguez and Jonathan Check from The Striker Tejas panel break down an eventful week in Texas USL. San Antonio FC and Rio Grande Valley Toros win their home openers. El Paso Locomotive puts up a good fight in a high-risk, high-reward game against Sacramento Republic FC.
- 2:12 - On San Antonio FC winning 1-0 against Detroit City FC and action on/off the field
- 6:50 - Edson, Joe and Jonathan discuss SAFC's unreadable and impractical Blackout kits
- 14:43 - RGV Toros took a 1-0 win in their home opener against Oakland Roots
- 18:02 - On El Paso Locomotive's "Fast and Furious" game against Sacramento Republic FC
- 27:30 - Looking towards the upcoming weekend's matchups
- 34:13 - Point predictions and previews
Roberto Silva, Edson Ochoa, Joe Rodriguez and Jonathan Check make predictions about the 2022 USL Championship and launch a new season of The Striker Tejas.
- 1:29 - On launching a new season of The Striker Tejas and how to find authentic tacos
- 4:16 - Edson digs into letting go of important players
- 9:25 - Is Kekuta Manneh the best signing of the off-season? If not, who is?
- 20:18 - Games schedule for the upcoming weekend
- 28:15 - Roberto, Edson, Joe and Jonathan make predictions for the 2022 season
- 31:17 - What can we expect going forward?
On Thursday afternoon, the El Paso Locomotive FC front office named John Hutchinson as the club’s new head coach and technical director. Hutchinson is only the second person to hold this title with the young club after Mark Lowry left the team shortly after the Locomotive were eliminated from the 2021 USL-Championship playoffs.
The native Australian is a former player himself and has coached at the professional level since 2015. Hutchinson comes to El Paso from Japan where he was most recently an assistant with Yokohama F. Marinos. He has six years of technical staff experience in five different leagues, including MLS and USL with the Seattle Sounders and Tacoma Defiance. He had two separate stints at the Sounders, most recently in 2020 as head of development before taking a position in Japan's J League-1.
After a week break, host Ross Fisher was joined by Joe Rodriguez and Jonathan Check to reminisce about San Antonio and El Paso's drastically different season. They also discussed end of the year awards, the USL-C final and got nostalgic about recording the last episode of the 2021 season.
- 4:00 - Breaking down San Antonio FC's loss to Orange County in the semifinal, and reflecting on SAFC's 2021 season
- 11:45 - Pontificating El Paso's surprise exit in the playoffs
- 19:00 - Talking individual awards
- 30:50 - Breaking down the USL-C final
- 35:00 - Discussing favorite moments from recording the podcast
Another week, another playoff triumph, another playoff casualty. San Antonio FC beat RGV Toros FC 3-1, to secure a spot in the semifinals of the playoffs. Also, El Paso Locomotive FC announced head coach Mark Lowry is leaving the club, and he will be joining Indy Eleven. * 4:20 - Explaining the Roberto curse * 6:40 - Mark Lowry leaves El Paso to join Indy Eleven * 13:30 - Breaking down SAFC’s 3-1 win over RGV Toros in the quarterfinals * 23:00 - Previewing SAFC’s semifinal encounter with Orange County
Roberto Silva hosts this week, joined by an uncharacteristically bullish Edson Ochoa, a humbled Joe Rodriguez and, as usual, a level-headed, wise Jonathan Check. The panel breaks down an insane three playoff matches, which featured two No. 1 seeds being upset by a No. 4 seed.
- 3:00 - Mountain Division No. 4-seed RGV upsets Pacific Division No. 1-seed Phoenix Rising, one of the biggest upsets in USL playoff history
- 6:20 - Mountain Division No. 1-seed El Paso fell to Pacific Division No. 4-seed Oakland Roots
- 14:00 - El Paso is at risk of losing head coach Mike Lowry
- 20:00 - More on RGV’s first round triumph and late-season turnaround
- 30:00 - SAFC defeated the “Fighting Landon Donovans” a.k.a. SD Loyal
- 37:45 - Previewing RGV vs San Antonio, plus Jonas Fjeldberg ineligible to represent RGV in the playoffs
Ross Fisher is back hosting the show, joined by Edson Ochoa, Joe Rodriguez and Jonathan Check. Edson can't stop smiling after RGV took 9 points from its last 3 games to just barely qualify for the playoffs.
- 3:40 - A resurgent RGV wins three-straight to sneak into the playoffs in that fourth spot in the Mountain Division. The Toros beat El Paso 4-1 to secure qualification
- 12:30 - Why did El Paso try out a different formation ahead of the playoffs?
- 16:10 - SAFC secured home field advantage with a statement 3-0 win over Colorado Springs
- 18:00 - Austin Bold drew 1-1 with Charlotte Independence in club’s last-ever game
- 21:30 - Previewing SAFC’s playoff match with San Diego Loyal a.k.a. “The Fighting Landon Donovans”
- 24:10 - The Locomotive will welcome the Oakland Roots in the first round
- 29:00 - RGV will be massive underdogs against Phoenix Rising, can the Toros upset the No. 1 seed?
It's all happening in the final episode of the regular season! Roberto Silva broke the news that Bold owner Bobby Epstein informed the team the club will be departing for Fort Worth. Then, RGV Toros won right before the episode was recorded, setting up an electric three-horse race for the fourth playoff spot in the Mountain Division.
- 2:30 - RGV keeps playoff hopes alive with Real Monarchs, after winning 3-1
- 6:30 - Bold news
- 8:30 - El Paso potential first round matchups, and chance of having the No. 1 seed
- 13:30 - SAFC are in the driver’s seat to earn home field advantage over Colorado
- 16:45 - RGV’s playoff chances are good, but not great
- 18:20 - Bold’s playoff chances
- 25:00 - Playoff predictions
This week the full Striker Tejas panel joins the show to break down a dramatic week in Texas USL.
- 5:00 - LA Galaxy II 5-0 El Paso / El Paso 3-2 Colorado Springs Switchbacks
- 12:00 - Colorado Springs Switchbacks 1-0 RGV FC
- 16:15 - SAFC 1-1 Tulsa
- 20:40 - What's going to stop RGV FC and Austin Bold making the playoffs?
- 23:50 - Real Monarchs 4-3 Austin Bold
- 24:50 - What happened with Real Monarchs' goalkeeper filing a police report?
- 27:30 - Previewing the upcoming Texas USL matches
This week the full Striker Tejas panel joins the show to break down a ton of goals. Roberto Silva sheds some insight on how the USL makes its schedule and how it is one of the only professional sports leagues where teams have such a big say in schedule-making decisions. * 5:50 - SAFC 4-2 Memphis * 9:00 - El Paso 3-3 SAFC * 11:00 - El Paso 2-1 Tulsa * 12:40 - RGV 1-1 NMU * 17:00 - Bold 1-0 Tacoma, Bold 1-1 OKC * 20:00 - Roberto Silva gives listeners a look behind the curtain as to how the USL makes its scheduling decisions, and what teams consider when doing so.
Mark Bay hosts this week, joined by Jonathan Check, Edson Ochoa and Joe Rodriguez. The guys discuss this week's matches, next week's matches, as well as predict who will finish in that fourth playoff spot.
- 2:30 - Locomotive scrape by Real Monarchs 1-0, courtesy of an own goal
- 3:50 - RGV lose 2-0 to NMU, a crushing blow in the Toros' race for fourth
- 6:30 - RGV beat Real Monarchs 3-0, a huge bounce back win
- 10:25 - SAFC edge out OKC 1-0, putting themselves six points clear in the third spot
- 13:00 - Which team makes that fourth spot of the playoffs?
- 22:00 - Should USL reconsider its scheduling format?
- 25:41 - Previewing next week’s matches
The Striker Tejas pals are back to break down an all-over-the-place week of USL soccer in what was an all-over-the-place episode! Roberto and Ross played soccer with Mark, George and Bils at Bold Stadium after they drew El Paso and Diego Luna scored a screamer. RGV snapped its eight-game winless streak and Jonathan rants about SAFC.
1:00 - What everybody got up to this week. Ross and Roberto played at Bold Stadium with Mark Bay, George Murray, Chris Bils and friends, while Edson was in Monterrey watching Tigres for his birthday. 8:30 - Austin Bold drew 2-2 with El Paso with Sonny G scoring the equalizer on his return for the Bold 13:30 - Can the 18-year old phenom Diego Luna kick on in MLS and with the USMNT? 21:00 - RGV snapped its eight-game winless streak with a win over ATL UTD 2 24:30 - Austin Bold lost 3-1 in Colorado Springs, perhaps signaling the end of the new manager bounce under Ryan Thompson\ 26:40 - Jonathan vents about SAFC’s disappointing loss to NMU 31:40 - Jonathan previews SAFC’s game with OKC 33:15 - RGV has a must-win game away at NMU, then takes on the Monarchs 35:45 - The Locomotive will look to get back in the win column against Colorado and the Monarchs
San Antonio FC emerged from a tough stretch of travel with six points, RGV is still winless after eight games, and Austin Bold win three in a row for the first time in club history.
- 4:40 - Edson laments RGV's eight-game winless run
- 9:30 - RGV lost 2-1 to Colorado Springs
- 14:00 - SAFC gets wins on each cost, beating NYRBII 1-0, and Sacramento Republic 2-0
- 20:00 - El Paso drew 0-0 with Colorado
- 23:00 - Looking ahead to next week
Jonathan Check, Edson Ochoa, Ross Fisher and Joe Rodriguez join the show this week. Every team got a win except RGV, who got a decent point on the road in Colorado, setting up a spicy regular-season final stretch.
- 3:30 - SAFC finessed a 1-0 win over Real Monarchs, courtesy of a 80' minute Marcus Epps goal.
- 6:30 - The runaway Locomotive won 2-0 over Sacramento Republic
- 9:40 - RGV got a decent point away to Colorado, but are now winless in seven
- 14:00 - Edson laments RGV's poor run of form
- 18:00 - Austin Bold realized back-to-back wins under new head coach Ryan Thompson, beat NMU 1-0
- 19:00 - RGV is set for a rematch with Colorado on Saturday
- 22:00 - It was No. 1 vs. No. 2 in the mountain division, as El Paso took on Colorado Springs (Finished 0-0)
- 24:30 - Bizarre week of travel for SAFC, who traveled to NY where they beat NYRBII 2-1, then they will travel to Sacramento to take on the Republic after just a three-day turnaround. The panel plays "Are you smarter than a fifth-grader: Copa Tejas Edition."
A full Striker Tejas panel joins the show to break down a full week of USL-Championship action. Bold have a spring in their step, following the appointment of Ryan Thompson to head coach. RGV, SAFC, and El Paso all missed out on wins this week. * 4:00 - Jonathan briefly recaps SAFC’s win over Real Monarchs from last week. * 5:00 - Then, Jonathan breaks down SAFC’s draw with Pittsburgh. * 8:00 - Roberto and Mark chime in on the big news that Ryan Thompson is now Bold head coach, with Marcelo Serrano moving up to the GM position. * 9:30 - Mark and Roberto recap a Bold win over SAFC, and Mark is particularly excited about this new manager bounce. * 16:30 - Edson is frustrated following RGV’s draw with the worst team in the league, Loudon United. * 20:00 - Joe and Roberto think El Paso’s draw in Orange County is a decent result. * 24:45 - Joe then previews El Paso’s match with Sacramento next week. * 26:15 - Jonathan forecasts a loss for SAFC to Real Monarchs, despite SAFC just beating them 3-2 a week ago.
Special guest George Murray joins the show again, Mark Bay is back from France, and Roberto Silva, Jonathan Check, and Edson Ochoa join host Ross Fisher this week. The panel gives their predictions on who will make the playoffs, and ponder how the Bold might improve this season.
- 0:30 - What was Mark doing in France?
- 3:30 - Roberto and George traveled to San Antonio to join up with Jonathan and watch the SAFC-El Paso match
- 7:20 - Takeaways from SAFC 2-1 El Paso
- 16:00 - Bold fell 4-1 in Colorado, could they use some help on the pitch from one of our own?
- 21:30 - RGV lose again, falling 2-1 in Oklahoma City
- 25:30 - The Striker Tejas playoff predictions
- 33:00 - Looking ahead to next week
Ross Fisher is joined by Jonathan Check, Edson Ochoa, and Joe Rodriguez as always to break down another week of USL-C. Special guest George Murray also joins the show to break down Austin Bold's 1-1 draw with New Mexico United. 2:30 - What is Mark getting up to in France? 3:40 - El Paso is pulling away at the top of the Mountain Division after a HUGE 3-1 win over RGV 11:45 - Can we finally say El Paso is going to win the Mountain Division now? 17:15 - Edson recaps RGV’s 1-1 draw with Bold from last week 20:00 - Bold drew 1-1 with New Mexico United, George was at COTA to take in the action 23:15 - George gives an update on the atmosphere at COTA 26:30 - A look ahead to next week as SAFC is set to return to action against El Paso, following two postponed matches 33:30 - Edson predicts a draw for RGV next week
Roberto Silva and Edson Ochoa sit down with RGV Toros midfielder Rodrigo Lopez to discuss the ups and downs of his lengthy career -- going from playing in Liga MX when he was younger, to playing in USL-Championship recently.
Nearly a full panel of our USL-Championship writers join Ross Fisher and Roberto Silva to break down another up-and-down week of USL-C action.
- 6:15 - What went so wrong for RGV as they lost 2-5 to Colorado Springs?
- 12:00 - El Paso equalizes in the last second of the “Camino Real Derby”, Luna sent off for flying elbow
- 20:40 - Austin Bold drew Miami FC 0-0
- 23:45 - A number of SAFC players test positive for COVID-19, match against NYRB II was postponed
- 27:45 - Jonathan and Roberto believe the SAFC-Real Monarchs match next week will go ahead
- 29:30 - Bold-RGV preview
- 30:30 - Can El Paso extend their lead atop the Mountain Division with a win over RGV?
- 32:00 - Bold takes on New Mexico, issued a club statement in response to news that team is relocating
Roberto Silva sits down with the owner of The Striker Texas, Rene van de Zande, and Miami FC head coach Paul Dalglish, ahead of Miami's match with Austin Bold. Dalglish is a former manager of the Austin Aztex.
Mark Bay hosts this week’s edition of The Striker Tejas, which features Roberto Silva weighing in on the conversation surrounding Austin Bold FC and their struggles. Edson Ochoa, Joe Rodriguez, and Jonathan Check also join the show to discuss another six-point week for El Paso, and an up-and-down week for the Toros and SAFC.
2:00 - Edson discusses RGV’s 3-0 win over Real Monarchs with a rotated squad
3:00 - RGV then lost 2-1 to SAFC
7:30 - El Paso picks up another six points this week, they’re absolutely rolling
11:20 - What is going on with Austin Bold?
13:25 - Edson previews RGV’s game against the Switchbacks
15:00 - Jonathan previews San Antonio’s match with Red Bulls II
19:15 - Mark discusses Bold’s matchup with Miami FC next week
20:15 - What is going wrong for Austin Bold (?) discussion part 2, this time with Roberto joining the conversation. Roberto drops a few #RobertoBombs about the Bold franchise.
This week Ross Fisher is joined by Mark Bay, Joe Rodriguez, and Jonathan Check to discuss the past seven days in USL-C happenings. The guys discuss El Paso’s supremacy, a week of ups and downs for SAFC, RGV’s loss, as well as what is going wrong for Austin Bold and the future of the club.
- 1:15 - El Paso won in 2-1 in San Antonio, thanks to a stunning goal by Diego Luna
- 5:30 - San Antonio would bounce back, beating Bold 3-0 in Austin
- 10:30 - El Paso picks up its second win of the week over Real Monarchs, extending its lead to 6 points atop the Mountain Division
- 14:20 - Mark fills in for Edson to discuss what went wrong in Phoenix for RGV
- 16:00 - Joe previews El Paso’s matches with the two Central Texas squads
- 18:00 - Mark chimes in on Bold’s upcoming match with Colorado Springs
- 18:30 - RGV plays Monarchs away, then SAFC at home
- 22:00 - Mark gives his perspective on Bold’s lackluster attendance, and what making or missing the playoffs will mean for the future of Bold FC
The full panel of USL writers joins Ross Fisher and Roberto Silva to break down the week’s action as always, as well as discuss the whirlwind of news surrounding the USL mid-year meeting. The guys share their mixed feelings about what a change of schedule, a lack of MLS-affiliated teams, and even promotion and relegation may look like for USL going forward.
2:00 - Is Chili’s a suitable restaurant to take someone on a first date?
5:00 - SAFC with a big statement win over New Mexico
8:00 - RGV and Austin Bold battled it out to a score draw down in the Valley
12:30 - El Paso held to a 0-0 draw in New Mexico
17:00 - Joe previews El Paso’s matches next week
22:00 - Edson predicts an RGV loss in Phoenix
23:30 - All USL MLS-affiliates will leave the Championship and League One by 2023
28:30 - USL is rumored to propose a new fall-spring schedule as European leagues do
32:00 - The promotion and relegation debate is back, and this time more relevant than ever in terms of US Soccer!
In what was a very informative interview with USL President Jake Edwards, The Striker Texas Executive Director and Former Austin Bold GM Roberto Silva sits down with Edwards to discuss MLS 2, USL's growth and promotion and relegation being on the horizon. Edwards confirmed that a re-structuring of the league is in the works.
- 2:00 - Edwards talks about his role as President of the USL
- 3:30 - Why was Texas chosen for the yearly USL mid-year meeting?
- 6:00 - The impact of MLS 2 on the USL, and the partnership between MLS and USL
- 9:30 - Edwards discusses the restructuring of the USL to better align with the global game, and the investment into youth development
- 12:50 - The challenges brought forth by COVID-19
- 15:30 - Promotion-Relegation coming to USL by 2026 (!!)
- 17:00 - Soccer-specific stadiums key in growing USL
- 19:30 - Marketing and broadcasting efforts from USL
- 22:50 - Edwards gives his thoughts on the four Texas teams in the USL
Joe Rodriguez, Jonathan Check and Edson Ochoa join host Ross Fisher to break down another week of USL-C action, a week in which all four Texas teams got wins. Jonathan recaps SAFC's match in Colorado Springs, which he attended, Joe breaks down El Paso's home win over Las Vegas, and Edson finally has positive things to say about the Toros after they won in California.
- 4:00 - SAFC snaps a 7-game winless streak in Colorado Springs
- 7:45 - Edson proved wrong as RGV beat Orange County 2-0 on the road
- 16:00 - Joe breaks down El Paso's 1-0 win over Las Vegas,
- 19:00 - Ross recaps Bold 1-0 Monarchs
- 21:00 - Joe previews New Mexico-El Paso, the “Camino Real Derby”
- 24:00 - Edson previews RGV-Austin Bold
- 25:30 - Jonathan speaks on SAFC's home match against New Mexico
Roberto Silva is joined by Edson Ochoa, Joe Rodriguez and Jonthan Check to break down last week in USL-Championship, preview next week’s matches, and each of them discuss the best, worst and most surprising players for their teams, as well as their expectations for the rest of the season.
- 4:00 - Joe breaks down El Paso’s 3-1 win in Utah, over Real Monarchs
- 9:00 - Edson recaps RGV’s 1-1 draw away to Austin Bold
- 12:30 - Jonathan previews SAFC’s match in Colorado Springs, from Colorado
- 15:00 - Edson is skeptical (as usual) of RGV’s chances away to Orange County
- 17:00 - Roberto previews Austin Bold’s meeting with Real Monarchs
- 20:00 - Joe previews El Paso’s clash with Las Vegas Lights
- 22:30 - Edson, Joe and Jonathan give their one-third of the season report cards
Roberto Silva is joined by New Mexico United head coach Troy Lesesne, who he almost hired at Austin Bold a couple years back. Lesesne talks about being a young coach and technical director, discusses the pressure of performing for passionate New Mexico fans, and the strength of the Mountain Division.
- 1:00 - Lesesne explains his background and how he got into coaching
- 8:00 - Lesesne talks starting a new club, with an owner who wasn’t as familiar with soccer
- 10:00 - He discusses the pressure of performing for the New Mexico fan base
- 13:30 - He answers whether or not he would rather be just a coach or just a technical director
- 16:45 - Lesesne speaks on the strength and balance of the Mountain Division, and gives his opinions on each Texas team
17-year old El Paso Locomotive sensation Diego Luna sits down with The Striker Texas’ Roberto Silva to discuss his ambition, leaving an MLS academy, leaving home at 15, skipping out on college, and his dreams of playing professionally in Europe.
- 1:30 - Luna explains leaving San Jose Earthquakes academy due to his ambition
- 3:00 - Luna talks leaving home to join Barca Residency Academy, and deciding to play in USL rather than college
- 4:30 - The youngster talks about his dream of playing in Europe
- 9:30 - Luna talks about guys on the team who he looks up to, and that help guide him
- 11:30 - Luna talks leaving home at 15
El Paso Locomotive head coach Mark Lowry sits down with The Striker Texas’ own Roberto Silva to talk about how he got into coaching so young, being technical director and head coach, as well as the strength of the Mountain Division.
1:00 - Lowry talks about how he got into coaching
5:30 - Lowry speaks on his great relationship with the El Paso ownership group
8:30 - He discusses the difficulties of wearing two hats as the technical director and head coach
14:00 - Lowry talks signing young players, giving out long-term contracts
19:30 - He talks the strength of the Mountain Division
26:00 - Lowry gives his opinion on how USMNT can be an international force
In a crazy week of Copa Tejas, USL Championship action, RGV topped the Locos of El Paso 3-2, Bold beat San Antonio FC and Jonathan discussed SAFC’s slump, and El Paso won the “Camino Real” Derby, beating New Mexico.
- 5:15 - Edson and Joe talk about RGV’s home win over the Locomotive
- 13:30 - Mark and Jonathan discuss San Antonio’s home loss to Bold, and what is up with SAFC
- 20:00 - El Paso bounced back in a big way, defeating bitter rivals New Mexico United, and Joe was pretty happy about it
- 24:30 - Mark and Edson preview RGV vs. Bold
- 28:00 - Joe previews El Paso’s matchup with Real Monarchs
Edson Ochoa, Jonathan Check and Joe Rodriguez join Ross Fisher to break down a disappointing week of USL Championship action for the Copa Tejas clubs. Austin Bold fell 3-2 in dramatic fashion to Colorado Springs, then were unlucky to draw 0-0 in Oakland. Edson was frustrated to see RGV lose 2-1 at home against FC Tulsa, and Jonathan was equally frustrated as SAFC picked up yet another draw.
- 2:30 - With Mark and Roberto absent this week, Ross breaks down both of Bold’s matches
- 4:30 - Ross and Edson discuss RGV’s 2-1 loss at home to FC Tulsa
- 14:00 - Jonathan looks back on San Antonio FC’s fifth 1-1 draw of the season
- 21:15 - Joe reacts to the news that Sebastian Velazquez is returning to the Locomotive
- 23:40 - Joe, Edson and Jonathan preview their respective club’s matches next week
Joe Rodriguez and Jonathan Check joined Roberto Silva and Ross Fisher to break down the week’s USL action. A week that saw San Antonio’s winless run continue, while El Paso continued their unbeaten run.
- 3:00 - With Mark Bay and Edson Ochoa gone, Roberto breaks down Austin Bold’s 2-1 win over RGV Toros.
- 4:45 - Jonathan recaps San Antonio FC’s 1-1 draw with RGV and 2-0 loss to New Mexico United.
- 12:00 - Joe reflects on El Paso’s 2-1 win over Real Monarchs.
- 15:00 - Joe continues to rave about the performances of 17-year old attacking midfielder Diego Luna.
- 18:30 - Roberto explains why Bold’s match against Birmingham Legion was cancelled.
- 20:00 - Jonathan previews San Antonio’s upcoming match against Real Monarchs.
Jonathan Check, Edson Ochoa and Joe Rodriguez join co-hosts Ross Fisher and Roberto Silva for the fourth week of The Striker Tejas. The panelists break down this week’s USL Championship matches, debate the best stadiums in USL, and discuss whether or not USL teams benefit from MLS loanees.
- 1:00 - Joe breaks down El Paso Locomotive’s 2-0 win against Indy Eleven
- 5:00 - RGV Toros beat Real Monarchs 1-0, Edson Ochoa gave his thoughts on the game
- 12:00 - Jonathan and Roberto debate which stadium is better between RGV’s HEB Park or SAFC’s Toyota Field
- 17:00 - Joe analyzes El Paso’s 1-1 draw with Colorado Switchbacks
- 20:30 - Roberto fills Mark’s shoes, and speaks on Austin Bold’s 0-0 draw with New Mexico United
- 25:00 - SAFC drew with Las Vegas Lights 1-1, and Jonathan broke down the action
- 28:00 - Jonathan, Edson, Roberto and Joe discuss whether or not USL teams actually benefit from having temporary MLS loanees
- 39:30 - The panel looks ahead to next week’s matchups, and gives their thoughts on the matches
Austin Bold FC season is five games into their season and the results have been mixed so far: two wins, a draw, and two losses finding themselves fifth out of seven in the USL Championship Mountain Division, although most other clubs have a game in hand.
The story thus far has been a formidable defensive unit, allowing only two goals in the last four games, and a brand new offensive core that is searching for cohesiveness and goals. This is a make or break season for Bold FC as they enter the third year of a three year plan. Success means the team will carry onwards. If they struggle it may be curtains for the franchise.
Bold FC Marcelo Serrano is confident that his squad will put up a dogged fight from start to finish. Mark Bay of The Striker Texas had a chance to sit down with Serrano in an exclusive interview.
With MLS on an international break, the USL Championship was still in full swing. The Striker Tejas broke down the matches and debated fun topics, like the melee that occurred between Santiago Patiño and three Colorado Switchbacks players.
- 6:30 - Jonathan Check recaped San Antonio FC’s 1-1 draw in Colorado Springs. The guys discussed the crazy brawl that occurred just before half time in that match.
- 15:30 - Joe Rodriguez and Mark Bay weighed in on El Paso Locomotive’s 1-0 win over Austin Bold. A match that Roberto Silva and Mark thought was pretty boring.
- 23:00 - Mark explained how Bold came away 1-0 winners in Pittsburgh, despite only having 26% of the possession.
- 28:00 - RGV Toros were involved in a high scoring, dramatic encounter. Edson Ochoa spoke on the Toros’ enthralling 4-2 comeback win in Miami.
- 35:00 - The panel looked ahead to next week, a week with all four Copa Tejas clubs in action.
El Paso Locomotive GM Andrew Forrest sat down with former Austin Bold GM and The Striker Texas’ own Roberto Silva, following Locomotive’s 1-0 win over the Bold in Austin on Thursday. They discussed all things El Paso Locomotive, USL Championship and local Texas soccer.
- 1:00 - Forrest recaps El Paso’s 1-0 win over the Bold, and 17-year old prodigy Diego Luna’s goal.
- 3:30 - Roberto and Forrest discuss Copa Tejas rivalries, and El Paso’s rivalry with New Mexico United.
- 5:00 - Forrest talks about how much soccer has evolved in the state of Texas since he was with the San Antonio Scorpions.
- 8:00 - Roberto asks Forrest about El Paso’s early success in the USL Championship.
- 9:00 - Forrest talks about community outreach and helping the community in El Paso learn about soccer and USL.
- 12:30 - The current and former GMs talk about why supporting local soccer is so important.
- 17:00 - Forrest talks about why he enjoys working in soccer.
- 18:00 - The El Paso GM tells the story about how he met his childhood hero Landon Donovan, and ended up getting his phone number.
The Striker Tejas panel returned to break down another full week of USL Championship action, this time with RGV Toros expert, Edson Ochoa, joining the podcast. Later in the show, former Austin Bold GM, Roberto Silva, offered his perspective on the news that MLS is planning to launch a new lower division league.
- 1:00 - RGV Toros reporter Edson Ochoa introduces himself.
- 2:00 - San Antonio FC reporter Jonathan Check, and Edson break down SAFC’s 1-1 draw with RGV last Saturday at Toyota Field. Jonathan and Edson look ahead, and discuss the implications of RGV pulling out a result at the last minute.
- 9:00 - Roberto asks the panel if the four Copa Tejas clubs can all make the playoffs, ahead of New Mexico United.
- 12:00 - Mark Bay talks about Austin Bold’s 2-0 win over Real Monarchs, in Bold’s home opener, and speaks on JJ Johnson’s omission from Bold’s squad.
- 16:00 - Joe Rodriguez analyzes El Paso Locomotive’s 0-0 draw against Sporting Kansas City II.
- 18:00 - Ross Fisher runs down some of the other stories from USL Championship, and then the panel previews next week’s matchups.
- 29:00 - Edson speaks on RGV’s rivalry with San Antonio.
- 31:00 - Roberto addresses the news that MLS intends on launching a new lower division league called MLS 2, which he says will likely be a third tier league. The panel debates how an MLS 2 league would affect the USL Championship.
In the introductory episode, Jonathan Check, Joe Rodriguez and Mark Bay join co-hosts Roberto Silva and Ross Fisher to discuss the past couple weeks of USL-Championship action, and what to expect from San Antonio FC, El Paso Locomotive, RGV Toros and Austin Bold this season.
- 1:00 - The co-hosts and panel introduce themselves.
- 7:00 - Jonathan and Mark break down RGV’s 2-1 victory over SAFC.
- 10:00 - Roberto playfully asks Jonathan and Mark if they would rather have SAFC striker Santiago Patino or Austin FC striker Danny Hoesen in their team.
- 12:00 - Joe recaps El Paso’s 1-0 win over RGV.
- 15:00 - Mark talks about Austin Bold’s early goalkeeping struggles.
- 17:30 - The panel discusses the rivalries between the Copa Tejas teams, as well as El Paso’s rivalry with New Mexico United.
- 27:00 - The reporters discuss the different levels of expectations from each Copa Tejas team’s perspective.
- 33:00 - Roberto and Mark explain an incident of homophobic abuse that transpired in a match between Austin Bold and Real Monarchs. Bold striker JJ Johnson uttered a homophobic slur towards Monarchs defender Kyle Adams, allegedly.