The Chicago Soccer Conversation: Recent Episodes
Dan Santaromita, Brian Sandalow
Brian Sandalow and Dan Santaromita have years of experience covering professional soccer in Chicagoland. They teamed up for a podcast about the Chicago soccer scene, with a focus on the Chicago Fire. There's also plenty of talk about the Chicago Red Stars, minor league soccer in Chicagoland, the U.S. women's and men's national teams, and more about the wide world of soccer. We try to have some fun, mixing insight, analysis and news with an entertaining show.
The Fire sold Jhon Duran to Aston Villa for a club-record fee, surpassing the number Gaga Slonina drew in the summer. What do these big sales do for the Fire if they aren't winning? Brian and Dan discuss that plus go over a number of roster moves for the Fire and Red Stars.
Brian and Dan discuss the Fire's schedule now that the MLS schedule has dropped. St. Louis comes to Soldier Field, but the Fire won't make a trip to St. Louis this year. Plus, the Fire have a new president and it seems more likely Mallory Pugh will be staying with the Red Stars for a while.
The sale of the Red Stars still has a long way to go, but the team's roster is going to have a very different look after the offseason. Brian and Dan discuss that as well as Shaqiri's World Cup and an update on the Fire's training facility plan.
What will the Fire do in the offseason? Brian and Dan look at the Fire's recently announced contract decisions and what positions of need the team has. Plus, an MLS Cup preview.
The Red Stars lost in the first round of the playoffs, ending their season. Brian and Dan talk about that performance and evaluate the Red Stars season as a whole. Plus, they discuss the contract renewals for Georg Heitz and Sebastian Pelzer.
The Red Stars undergo more changes in the front office ahead of a playoff game. Plus, Brian and Dan talk through the Fire's regular season finale, including what the plan should be for Chris Brady in 2023.
The Red Stars made the NWSL playoffs, but the main story of the week is the Sally Yates' report on the systemic abuse in the NWSL and what it means for the future of the club and the league. Brian and Dan dissect some of the relevant Red Stars points before discussing the Red Stars keeping the playoff streak alive. Plus, the Fire won a game on the road. Should we care?
The Red Stars need some help to even be alive for the playoffs heading into their final match. Brian and Dan discuss the Red Stars' chances and evaluate the first years of Chris Petrucelli and Ezra Hendrickson.
The Fire were eliminated from playoff contention, but facility news takes the forefront. Brian and Dan discuss the snag for the Fire's training facility proposal and the possibility of a new stadium in Chicago. Plus, the Red Stars lost a big game, but stayed above the playoff line with two matches left.
The Fire are almost completely out of the playoff race. What can they do for next year? Meanwhile, the Red Stars got two huge results in a row to stay in the middle of an extremely crowded playoff picture.
The Fire needed wins, but got two goalless draws on the road. Brian and Dan try to come up with interesting things to say about a season that is slowly, but surely winding down to its inevitable conclusion.
The Fire lost a third match in a row with another disappointing performance at home. Brian and Dan discuss if the Fire's season is already over. Meanwhile, the Red Stars got a huge win. Is all well again for them? Plus, some stadium/training facility updates and some discussion about how the Apple TV/MLS deal with affect the Fire.
The Fire and Red Stars both had dreadful performances in important matches. Brian and Dan discuss if the Fire's playoff hopes are even still alive, if the Red Stars can turn around this current slump and more Soldier Field vs. Bridgeview debates.
The Fire lost badly in Philadelphia. Was that game a showcase of the Fire's limited ceiling? What was with Gaga Slonina's performance and how do we rate his 2022 season overall? Is Jairo Torres a bust already? Plus, the Red Stars are sliding down the standings and have more injury concerns.
The Fire won in Charlotte for a second straight road win. Brian and Dan discuss an action-packed game and the rest of the playoff race. Who should start at forward? Plus, the Red Stars got a much-needed win ahead of a road trip.
Gaga Slonina has officially been transferred to Chelsea with a loan to the Fire through the rest of the season. Brian and Dan discuss what it means for the Fire in the short-term and long-term and what the next step for Slonina should be. Plus, Georg Heitz talked about other moves that might come before the transfer window closes.
After a big win on the road, Brian and Dan discuss if the Fire are legitimate playoff contenders and what the upcoming schedule brings. Plus, more stadium drama and an intriguing doubleheader at Soldier Field coming up.
The Fire won two games at home this week so Brian and Dan discuss the relevance of the wins. Is it enough to consider the Fire a playoff contender? Plus, the Red Stars get blown away in Texas and Brian's interview with Joe Mansueto produced a surprising quote.
The Fire blew a two-goal lead and lost at home while the Red Stars came back from 2-0 down with two goals in stoppage time. Brian and Dan go on separate rants about the Fire while praising the Red Stars' ability to grind out results.
The Fire lost in San Jose, but now have three straight matches at home. Brian and Dan discuss how many points the Fire need to get from those to become a legit playoff contender. Plus, they preview the summer transfer window and discuss how they continue to be impressed by the Red Stars.
The Fire split a pair of matches in the past week to finish the first half of the season with 17 points from 17 matches. Brian and Dan make predictions for the second half of the season and have a weird Jennifer Lopez tangent.
The Fire won a game, but remain in last place. Brian and Dan discuss what players were impressive, what it means going forward and what the Fire could do in the summer transfer window.
MLS has a new national TV partner: Apple. Brian and Dan discuss the details of the deal, how the Fire have a unique perspective on the deal and what it could mean for the league going forward. Meanwhile, the Red Stars continue to rack up points and move up the NWSL standings.
The Fire didn't play, but Arlo White made news and Brian got passionate about the subject. Also, "the chant" returned to Soldier Field during a Mexico math. Plus, the Red Stars got four points in two matches last week, maintaining a solid start to the season despite mounting absences.
The Fire had 33 shots and lost to Toronto anyway. Where have we heard this one before? Brian and Dan discuss what's wrong with the Fire now and if it's too late to dig out of the hole. Plus, the Red Stars are fun to watch and Brian swears a lot.
Back for a normal episode, Brian and Dan break down two difficult matches for the Fire at the New York teams. What's with Gaga Slonina's struggles? Was he affected by his national team choice? Plus, the Red Stars had a goal outburst in a road win.
Technical issues plus Brian having COVID ruined our chances of a normal episode this week. Instead, here's a quick news update followed by an episode from our Patreon archive debating our favorite and least favorite MLS logos throughout the history of the league. We hope to be back to normal next week!
The Fire got smoked in Atlanta, but the new arrivals are on the way. Jairo Torres did not debut, but Chris Mueller did. The Fire may be full strength soon. Brian and Dan discuss what the loss meant for the Fire and the team's familiar place in the standings.
Chris Mueller is reportedly set to join the Fire and Jairo Torres was introduced as a member of the team. Brian and Dan discuss what these additions will do to an attack that continues to struggle.
The Fire got shutout again and lost, but Ezra Hendrickson was defensive about his team. How much help do they need and how much will they get? Brian and Dan discuss that and preview the regular season for the Red Stars after they were knocked out of the NWSL Challenge Cup.
The Fire had a big crowd for a goalless draw against LA Galaxy and then crashed out of the US Open Cup to an opponent from the third tier. Brian and Dan discuss what went wrong with the performance and the Fire's approach and what it means for the rest of the season. Plus, Joe Mansueto gave some interesting comments in a story on The Athletic.
The Fire finally lost this season thanks in part to a red card. Brian and Dan break down the 1-0 loss in Orlando and talk about the potential for a big crowd against the LA Galaxy this coming weekend.
After a third scoreless draw in five matches, Brian and Dan discuss if the Fire are a boring team. Is that a bad thing for the team even if it leads to results? Plus, the Red Stars make a noteworthy signing and the USMNT learns its World Cup group (mostly).
Tierna Davidson is out for the season with an ACL tear. Brian and Dan discuss what it means for the Red Stars the rest of the season. Plus, Fire II made its debut and another Gaga Slonina transfer rumor.
Is the Fire's start for real or just a soft schedule? Brian and Dan discuss how good the Fire are after a second straight two-goal win. They also touch on the Red Stars opening win in the NWSL Challenge Cup.
The Fire actually scored and turned the goals into a road win. Brian and Dan discuss how optimistic we should be about the team after what we've seen in the first three matches. Plus, the Red Stars' season is about to kick off. What expectations should there be for this team?
For the second straight match to start the season, the Fire played to a scoreless draw, this time in the home opener against Orlando. Brian and Dan gab about the main talking points and some off the field stuff, like Fabian Herbers swearing about Gonzalo Higuain.
The Fire looked better but unimpressive in a goalless draw at Miami. Brian and Dan break down the positives and the negatives from the match. Plus, a former Fire player is headed to the Premier League and the show has a new closing bit replacing whiskey of the week.
The Fire signed another designated player in Jairo Torres. Brian and Dan discuss what he brings to the team and preview the Fire's 2022 season. What will need to happen for the team to make the playoffs? Plus, it remains a busy news period for the Red Stars, which hired Chris Petrucelli as their new head coach.
The Fire have a new designated player in Swiss attacker Xherdan Shaqiri. Brian and Dan lead the show with what that big signing means for the Fire. Then, they dig into the Washington Post's reporting about former Red Stars coach Rory Dames. Plus, some bleak news for Chicago House.
The Fire have a striker so Brian and Dan talk about it on the show. How does Kacper Przybylko fit in with the team and what does that mean for the rest of the offseason?
The Fire's offseason is slowly taking shape and the Red Stars still don't have a coach or GM. Brian and Dan try to figure out the next steps for both teams while rounding up some offseason news as the preseason starts. Note: We recorded this before the Kacper Przybylko rumors and reports came out so we didn't discuss it. We'll discuss that next episode.
Ezra Hendrickson is the new Fire head coach. Brian and Dan talk about his fit, his credentials and what to expect from him going forward. Plus, VINCY HEAT
The Red Stars lost the NWSL final and then longtime coach Rory Dames resigned just before a report from the Washington Post laid out accusations of verbal and emotional abuse. Brian and Dan discuss the fallout of the bombshell report and what it means for the future of the Red Stars and the NWSL.
The Red Stars pulled off one of the most surprising results in team history with a 2-0 win at Portland in an NWSL semifinal. Brian and Dan discuss what the team overcame to get to a third final in three years and what the Red Stars' chances are against Washington.
The Red Stars won a home playoff game to advance to the NWSL semifinals yet again. Brian and Dan discuss their chances in Portland on Sunday. Next, they hit up the latest drama for the Fire and the news of option decisions. How is the Fire's offseason shaping up?
The Red Stars not only clinched a sixth straight NWSL playoff appearance, but will get a home game in the quarterfinals. Brian and Dan talked about what it means for the club and discussed some longer-term storylines for the Fire.
Raphael Wicky interview: https://www-nzz-ch.translate.goog/amp/sport/major-league-soccer-der-coach-raphael-wicky-im-interview-ld.1649150?__twitter_impression=true&_x_tr_sl=auto&_x_tr_tl=en&_x_tr_hl=en-US&_x_tr_pto=nui
Ezra Hendrickson interview: https://annsvg.com/index.php/2021/10/15/vincentian-ezra-hendrickson-shortlisted-for-mls-head-coach-spot/
The Red Stars got two huge wins and are on the verge of a playoff berth. Meanwhile, the Fire got officially eliminated and Alvaro Medran had some pointed words. Brian and Dan discuss the diverging trajectories for the two clubs.
The Red Stars lost over the weekend to fall out of a playoff spot, but are still very close to making it with three matches left. Brian and Dan discuss their huge week ahead and the closing schedule of the playoff contenders. Meanwhile, the Fire are likely to be eliminated this coming weekend and the USMNT disappointed in Panama.
The Fire lost in Toronto and had some humble quotes about the disappointing season. Brian and Dan also try to make sense of the scandals shifting the face of the NWSL.
The Fire and Raphael Wicky are parting ways with six matches remaining in the 2021 season. Brian and Dan discuss what went wrong for Wicky, the timing of the firing and what comes next. Should Georg Heitz make this hire? What type of coach is likely to be a good fit? Who are some potential candidates?
The Fire played at Soldier Field a day after a big college football game and both managers complained about the surface so Brian and Dan discuss how bad that looks for the Fire and if Soldier Field is already a failure for the club. Plus, the Red Stars picked up a huge win in the playoff race, but also are staring at some bad injury news.
The Fire wrapped up a six-match road trip with two more losses so Brian and Dan grade the road trip. They also discuss Gaston Gimenez and Ignacio Aliseda not traveling to Montreal due to a violation of team rules. What does that mean for their future with the Fire? Plus, the Leagues Cup got a revamp that might not suck.
The Fire lost on the road in a match that was over in less than 10 minutes so Brian and Dan looked ahead to the future. What starting lineup should play going forward? Is it time for the full youth movement? Plus, another draw for the Red Stars and a huge win for the USMNT.
The Fire were off last week so Brian and Dan talked more about the the Red Stars, which had a scoreless draw that was a microcosm of the season. Plus, they rant and rave and talk themselves off the ledge regarding the USMNT.
The Fire won on the road for the first time since 2019, but what does it mean? Is it going to turn the season around or is it just a one-off with no meaning? Brian and Dan discuss that, the Red Stars' win, the upcoming World Cup qualifiers for the U.S. men and, of course, more flag talk.
Joe Mansueto finalized the FC Lugano purchase and talked to the media about how that will work and his dissatisfaction with the Fire's attendance. Brian and Dan mostly ignore the on-field product to talk about this and other big picture topics around the Fire. Plus, the Red Stars had a whatevering week in Louisville and Chicago House had a forgettable first-ever home match.
The Fire beat the Columbus Crew 1-0 to earn a second straight home win. They've had a solid record of late, but they face a six-match road trip next. What constitutes a successful road trip for the Fire and how tough is their remaining schedule? Plus, the Red Stars have international competition looming and Chicago House got its first-ever league win.
The tackle on Gautrat: https://twitter.com/babranski/status/1424557339177275395
The tackle on Colaprico: https://twitter.com/babranski/status/1424560234232750086
The Fire were the last team in MLS to get a point on the road so Brian and Dan discuss if they should throw a parade for them. In all seriousness, they break down the Fire's solid performance on the road and talk about an interesting rumor about Joe Mansueto potentially buying a team in Switzerland. Plus, the Red Stars had good news from Bridgeview and bad news from Japan.
Brian's story on Mansueto regarding Wicky and Heitz: https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/7/21/22587955/chicago-fire-owner-joe-mansueto-no-plans-to-make-changes-with-georg-heitz-raphael-wicky
Brian's story on Mansueto and Soldier Field: https://chicago.suntimes.com/2021/7/24/22590856/fire-committed-to-soldier-field-looking-to-make-it-work-at-lakefront-venue
Netflix show Heist's episodes on Pappygate: https://www.netflix.com/watch/81153328?trackId=200257859
The Fire got rocked in Nashville so Brian and Dan tried to figure out where the team's momentum went before shifting to some potential Alvaro Medran drama. Meanwhile, the Red Stars are being carried by own goals in one of the weirder soccer things in the world.
2022 World Cup futures odds: https://theathletic.com/2702800/2021/07/12/world-cup-2022-futures-odds-france-still-favored-after-early-euro-2020-exit-followed-by-brazil-and-england/
The Fire had a dominant win, the Red Stars also got a shutout victory and the Fire U-19s won the MLS Next Cup. In what may be the most positive episode of the show to date, Brian and Dan talk about the Fire's demolition of a shorthanded Atlanta team, the Red Stars' road win and the significance of the Fire Academy's accomplishment.
The Fire lost to fellow last-place team FC Cincinnati at home in a performance that was even worse than the result. Brian and Dan try to put it in context as the Fire's season continues to spiral downward. They also discuss some interesting quotes from the 3-3 draw against Philadelphia.
The Fire returned from two weeks off with a 2-0 loss at Columbus and a starting lineup that looked even worse on paper. With a four-match homestand coming up, Brian and Dan try to figure out what the Fire need to do to call it successful. Meanwhile, the Red Stars got one point from two matches in four days. Plus, is it hard to watch MLS with the Euros going on?
The Fire unveiled their new logo so Brian and Dan got together for an emergency episode of the podcast to discuss what they think of it and what it means for the club. Is the logo any good? Is the Chicago flag going to be on everything in Chicago sports now? Plus, they throw in some talk about the Bears looking into moving out of Soldier Field and how they could affect the Fire.
With both the Fire and Red Stars off this past week, Brian and Dan opened the show wrapping up some news items before sharing our first Patreon exclusive episode. The last 42 minutes of the show is about the state of Joe Mansueto's ownership. What has changed (or not changed) for the club? How has he done so far and what should be expected going forward?
Fire's training facility proposal: https://www.chicago.gov/content/dam/city/depts/dcd/general/cffc_060321_draft.pdf
Sun-Times story Brian contributed to on the training facility: https://chicago.suntimes.com/city-hall/2021/6/4/22519425/chicago-fire-soccer-club-hanson-park-performance-center
Dan's Euro 2020 draft: https://theathletic.com/2637627/2021/06/08/euro-2020-pool-odds-athletic-writers-draft-rank-and-breakdown-all-24-teams/
For the second straight game the Fire dominated at home, but finishing was a problem. This time it was a loss, which has Brian and Dan wondering why the Fire can't finish. Plus, the Red Stars took a loss, but Mallory Pugh's play continues to be a beacon for hope.
The Fire and Red Stars both picked up their first wins of the season, which meant Brian and Dan had to change the entire format of the show. In all seriousness, they discussed whether the Fire's 1-0 win against Miami was actually an encouraging performance despite the result. Next, Mallory Pugh and Kealia Watt are starting to stand out in the Red Stars attack. Plus, Brian breaks down the challenges ahead for the Fire's new club president.
Brian Gutierrez was the highlight of another loss for the Fire. Brian and Dan discuss Gutierrez's debut and why the Fire should shift to playing the kids more. They also review the MLSPA salary numbers and what that means for the Fire. Then, they relive the incredibly ugly Red Stars loss in Portland.
It's deja vu all over again for the Fire. Brian and Dan don't see many positives for the Fire on the field and discuss what it would take to turn around the season. Then, they debate what the expectations for the Red Stars should be ahead of the NWSL regular season opener. Finally, they rant about Columbus' rebrand.
Brian and Dan relive the Fire's ugly 2-0 loss at the Red Bulls and debate if the defensive issues are beyond fixing this season. They also talk about ownership additions for the Red Stars and a new owner for Chicago House AC. They wrap up with talk of all the former Fire players coaching around MLS, and now the Bundesliga.
The Fire lost in Atlanta with more familiar problems and the Red Stars ended the NWSL Challenge Cup winless. Brian and Dan discuss what both teams need to improve and look ahead to the next stretch of games on the Fire's schedule. Plus, the Fire are looking into a training facility in the city. Is the site feasible? Finally, they check up on Veljko Paunovic's Reading.
Brian and Dan recap the Fire's season-opening 2-2 draw against New England. The Fire looked a lot like last year's team, for better or worse. Do they have to rework the back line? How impressive was Luka Stojanovic? Elsewhere, ESPN's Jon Champion bashed the Fire's quiet offseason. Meanwhile, the Red Stars have a scoring problem. Plus, Brian rants about The Super League.
In the first ever episode of The Chicago Soccer Conversation, Brian Sandalow and Dan Santaromita introduce the plan for the show. They discuss the Fire's offseason and preview the 2021 season. Also, they recap the Red Stars' season opening draw in Houston.