Brotherly Game: for Philadelphia Union fans

The Union are currently in one of the multiple long breaks between playoff games so we decided to do a pod to pass some time. We discuss the Revs series, thoughts on Cincy, and a whole lot of random topics with loose thanksgiving themes. Enjoy!

We made the trip out to Columbus to take in the Crew game with Doopy Dad in tow. We share our experiences on the trip as well as the game. In the second half, we go over the current playoff positions and where our confidence lands in each position of the team before we do a quick stats game and give our prediction on Atlanta.

Now that the Leagues Cup is over, we discuss the Union's semifinals run, the Miami game experience, and what takeaways we had from the tournament as a whole. We also discuss the rest of the season's outlook, potential playoff races, and how Messi will impact it all. AJ shares a bonkers conspiracy theory before we give a quick preview of the DC game. Enjoy!

With the addition of honorary Doopy Brother, Zach, we discuss a handful of topics this episode. We recap the recent NYCFC game and talk about transfers in and out of the club in the first half of the episode. In the second half, we get into Messi/Miami, All Star game and how we'd make it better, and some USWNT World Cup talk.

We finally back in the recording “studio” to discuss the recent Union form. Being that we are at the halfway point of the season, we evaluate use of the 3-back system that Curtin has been using of late, the possibilities of summer transfers, and the reliance on the Union's attacking trio. In the second half we get into the Messi to MLS news and share some ideas on what his impact on the league will be.

Well that wasn't the delicious revenge that we were hoping for, the Union bowed out of CCL after falling to LAFC 4-1 on aggregate. We discuss the game and take stock in where the Union are as a team as their focus shifts back to MLS league play. We talk about the "depth", Curtin's performance, and the 43th most valuable team in the world.

In this episode, we recap the recent set of games in which the Union had a mixed bag of results but still advancing in CCL and still struggling in MLS. We discuss how we still think CCL takes priority and the current league form is relatively fine. In the second half, we give the baby snakes some props, AJ gives Luke a new game and we share our takes on the Parlay kits. Enjoy!

AJ is back! And just in time to talk about a couple of crappy results from the Union. We briefly discuss the VAR-ridden Montreal loss before getting more in-depth on the loss at home to Orlando. The biggest bright spot was Andres Perea so we talk about ways to incorporate him into the starting lineup when the international players are back. With the slow start, we share our level of concern or lack there of before a quick preview on the upcoming SKC and Atlas games. Enjoy!

While AJ is down in Disney World, honorary Doopy Brother Zach Richman joins Luke as guest host to talk about the recent wins against Chicago and Allianza. Zach shares his unique, up-close perspective on the Chicago game and we give our takes on the Union advancing past Allianza in CCL. In the second half, Zach shares how he got into the VAR game and give a quick promo for our CASA team, Sporting Serotonin, before we give a preview of Saturday's Montreal game. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're finally back to discuss the recent set of Union games, from a crappy loss in Miami to a boring tie in El Salvador. We share why we aren't panicking about either result and what our takeaways were. In the second half, we talk about how we are enjoying the MLS Season Pass on Apple so far and what future content could look like before sharing some of our preseason predictions that went unshared before now. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

First pod of the new year and we get into the relatively quiet offseason the Union has had and whether or not we think that has been a good thing. There's some Jim Curtin/USMNT talk that we get into but we also discuss one of our favorite topics: new kits! We share our opinions on the new Union "For Philly" as well as the other MLS kits that were released so far. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We are back from LA and honestly still recovering from the result. In this episode, we share our MLS Cup experience and try to put a bow on this season with season awards. We also discuss the upcoming World Cup and where our expectations for the USMNT are, as well as Union off-season moves as well look forward to the 2023 season. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Holy moly, we didn't think we'd every record a podcast like this. The Union made it to MLS Cup after an incredible night at Subaru Park beating NYCFC for the Eastern Conference title. We talk about how special it was to be there and AJ shares some of his experiences in the post-game celebrations. We then talk about our plans to go out to LA and try to give a preview of the game while still wrapping our heads around the fact that this is all happening. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We got him! After years of the podcast, we finally got to interview Union head coach Jim Curtin. It was an incredible conversation which should come to no surprise to listeners as Jim is just an all around great guy who gives thoughtful and interesting answers to even our silliest questions. We get a look into his coaching process and how he is approaching the playoffs, as well as some lighter topics like his sneaker interests and Philly sports. It might be our favorite episode to date so we hope you enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We have a fun episode this week because both brothers are together! AJ made his way up to Philly so we could participate in the Union Media Fantasy Camp. We talk all about the awesome experience and the friends we made. We also have some conversations regarding the Supporters Shield, end of year awards, and a super accurate/well research quiz put on by AJ. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Union keep on being really really good. So good that it has even become harder to talk about. After their latest thrashing of Orlando, we discuss the game, Martinez, and just how complete the team. In the second half, we have some quick debates on classic Union topics, discuss Supporters Shield being in our reach, and the unfortunate USMNT jerseys. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We missed out on recording for a couple weeks and the Union decided to blow up on an insane scoring spree. We try to discuss the last couple of games but really we just gush about the Union for a good twenty minutes. In the second half we discuss the September games and where the "goal posts" have moved for the Union at this point of the season before we give our predictions for the upcoming Red Bull game. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Another emphatic win for the Union and we are back to discuss. AJ walks us through his thoughts on the game and we go over just how good the Union have been over the past month. We then look ahead and preview the busy month of August for the Union and touch on some new players before giving our predictions on the Cincy game. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back after a hat trick of wins for the Union to discuss all the fun that the boys in blue had over the last week. We touch on the last three games briefly and give some thoughts on each game's top performers and highlights. In the second half, we share our international friendly wishlist, recap our Icarus Cup fun, talk transfers, and preview the Orlando game. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back after a Doopy vacation, we discuss the latest of many Union draws against Columbus and share our thoughts on what the Union might need to address now that we are at about halfway through the season. In the second half, we touch on the lates Sons of Ben news, the U20 USMNT success, new rules in the World Cup and MLS Next, and preview the weekend were both the Union AND the Doopy Brothers will be playing in Philly. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nearing the end of a looong international break, there is a surprising amount of topics to for us to ramble about. We start by taking stake in where the Union ended off before the break and then get into the big Apple TV deal that MLS announced this week. After Luke went on and on about that, we get into the other huge news which is that Philly got announced to be one of the host cities for the 2026 World Cup. We end the pod with some unproductive USMNT debates and give predictions for the Cincy game coming up. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week we are honored to be joined by our now most frequent guest, Doopy Dad! He joins in on our conversation about the win at Timbers and what stood out to us in the victory. He also shares so possibly controversial takes on Jose Martinez, a family debate! We then discuss the Aaronson move to Leeds, discuss the USMNT roster, and a new game that AJ made up. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Nashville opened up their shiny new stadium and the Union did plenty to ruin the party as much as they could with the 1-1 result. Andre Blake and Mikael Uhre highlighted the game from a Union perspective and we share our takeaways on those two as well as the rest of the squad. In the second half, AJ gives a timely Star Wars segment and we discuss some more serious topics regarding expansion franchises and what has changed since the last time the Union played at LAFC. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Took last week off to recover from the first Union loss, we are back to discuss the last two games in which the Union lost to Toronto and tied Montreal. Luke traveled all the way up to Toronto and shared his thoughts on the trip and then we discuss the boring tie against Montreal before taking stock in how we feel about the Union now that they are finally 'defeated'. In the second half, we preview the month of May and all the challenges that it brings. There is some riveting talk about marshmallows and we wrap it up with a Nashville preview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

This week's episode is a unique one that we are really excited about. After a short segment covering the latest Union win over the Crew, we had an incredible conversation with Paul Howard, executive director of the Philadelphia Union Foundation. We also had some fun discussing Paul's England and Man City fandom but mainly got to hear about the awesome work he does with the foundation. Paul shares the latest that they've been doing including the iAM Project which is a really special program. To learn more about the project, the Union Foundation, and what you can do to get involved, click the link below. https://www.philadelphiaunion.com/foundation/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Union took another three points in Subaru Park with a very comfortable win against Charlotte FC. We discuss the performance and what has made winning look so easy for the Union recently. Since we are in the early days of April, we give a preview of the month of games and when we might see our first loss. In the second half, we touch on the USMNT qualification and WC grouping as well as another segment of AJ's miscellaneous soccer topic of the week. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brotherly Game contributor Justin Fisher caught up with Brian Emory to talk about Charlotte FC ahead of their first visit to Subaru Park on Saturday, April 2, 2022 to play the Philadelphia Union. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the Union continue their hot start to the season, we discuss the past 2 wins against San Jose and at NYCFC. Luke shares his experience at Yankee Stadium while AJ shares his frustration with the NYC broadcast. From Nate Harriel to Julian Carranza, there have been a lot of players shining to help rack up the Union wins and we try to touch on each of them. Recording on the eve of the US/Mexico game, we have some discussion on the state of the US team and if we would like to see Curtin at the helm one day. AJ ends the podcast with proposing a surprisingly interesting rule change to the game. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Union picked up their first win of the season with a comeback victory in Montreal. We discuss the stand out performances and the not so great moments in what was a bit of a roller coaster of a game. In the second half, we cover a lot of ground. From Ilsinho to Carson Wentz to Fabian Herbers, we touch it all along with some sure to be wrong bets and predictions. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brotherly Game contributor Joe Lister talked to fellow Penn State student and San Jose Earthquakes supporter Otis Lyons about the Quakes ahead of their match with the Philadelphia Union at Subaru Park on Saturday. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

With the Union's first game in the books, we discuss the less than exciting performance that was the draw with Minnesota. There was a lot of rust we saw from the Union but there were some good performances, as well as not so good and we share our thoughts on both. The second half starts with a discussion on future big drum participants as well as previewing the Montreal game and some poor bets we've made. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Brotherly Game managing editor Matt Ralph chats with Wes Burdine, an Emmaus, Pa. native who lives in Saint Paul, Minnesota in this podcast extra. Burdine is a host of the Fifty Five One podcast, owns The Black Hart of Saint Paul bar and is one of the founders of the new W-League club Aurora FC. Links: Twitter.com/MnNiceFC FiftyFive.one blackhartstp.com mnaurora.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's officially time to start the 2022 season! We start this episode by previewing the home opener against Minnesota and preview the month of March. Then we do a draft of 5 players we believe will tally the most goals/assist for the year. The second half of the episode is all predictions, we start with fan submitted predictions and end with more typical season topics as well as for the Minnesota game and bets we've made. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Union released their new 2022 home jersey so we figured we should release a new episode. We talk about the new kit and it's reaction. Also, we get into the current Mikael Uhre status and the recent Monteiro trade and how he stacks up amongst Union's history of number 10s. In the second half, we discuss the Union's depth by position and where we feel further depth might be needed. The episode wraps up with a game involving burner accounts that AJ "discovered". Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Danish writer Kasper Pedersbæm took some time to talk to BrotherlyGame.com editor Matthew Ralph about striker Mikael Uhre, who he covered during his time with Brøndby IF. The 27-year-old is expected to soon be announced as a key offseason acquisition for the Philadelphia Union. Pedersbæm talks about the striker's role leading the Brøndby front line and the league in scoring while helping the team end their league championship draught last season and why the timing and opportunity is right for him to make a move overseas to MLS. You can connect with Kasper on Twitter at @kasperpeders and read his writing at https://www.tipsbladet.dk and https://3point.dk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Back after a bit of a break, we shake off the rust andjump into the 2022 podcast season as the Union are starting their preseason. Filled with half-baked twitter rumors and speculation, we discuss the recent Union news regarding possible players incoming and outgoing. AJ also shares a recent email he received from Don Garber regarding the Union's lack of MLS Draft participation. Plus we go over the possible Aaronson to Leeds rumor and, of course, some jersey talk. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Sadly the Union season is over but they boys put up an incredible fight given the circumstances. We recap the game and try to give some perspective on the season as a whole. Being offseason now, we start to think about potential roster holes to fill and evaluating our roster as it stands currently. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After heroics from Blake and McGlynn in the PK shootouts, the Union find themselves *hosting* the Eastern Conference finals and we don't know what to do with our hands. We briefly discuss the Red Bulls game before jumping into the Nashville game and all the takeaways that we had. In the second half, we go over the reports of Cincy trying to get Jim to be their new coach, the leaked USMNT jerseys, as well as previewing the biggest game in Union history. What a time to be a Union fan. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We're right around the corner from the first of hopefully several Union playoff games. The Red Bulls come into town and we discuss lineups, potential players we might lean on, and playoff anxieties. We also give out our coveted end of season awards! Congrats to all the winners. This episode wraps up with some USMNT reactions and our predictions for Saturday's game. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Trying something a little different, we recorded right after the end of the Toronto game so our takes and emotions are fresh and ready to be shared. We discuss the rollercoaster ride of a night after sharing some thoughts on the big Nashville win that got us up to second place (at the time). Further discussion is had on Kacper, Martinez, and the Christmas tree formation. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Over the international break, the Union went to Cincinnati with a bunch of teenagers to take on the wooden spoon frontrunners. Pax10 and co. took care of business and even let old friend Haris Medunjanin get a goal. In the second half, we discuss the USMNT games and the roller coaster ride that is World Cup qualifiers. Plus, we look into some playoff preview talk and teams to look out for. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

After the draw in Jersey and the win at home against Columbus, we are back to break down both games and what stood out to us. The Red Bulls tie was disappointing but the boys made up for it by smacking around a mediocre Crew team. In the second half, we have some USMNT talk, discuss Albright's departure, and play some games involving Fifa rankings and Ted Lasso. Enjoy! Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices