We love Nashville Soccer Club, and we discuss all things NSC, MLS and Nashville. We also drink a lot of beer.
In this episode, the boys celebrate a successful, lossless month of May for Nashville SC with draws against Columbus and NYC. They discuss that they've learned about incredible depth on the roster, and they chat about how great day games are. They also highlight the impressive run for Sam Surridge, who is scoring at will these days. They also reflect on the incredible influence of Looney Tunes cartoons, the amazing collection of rock super groups over the decades, the importance of libraries, and the dangers of loneliness for chameleons. And after a quick chat about the genius of the TV show The Wire, they worry about the problems the team has with the goalie position. Finally, they remark on how Evan accurately predicted the results of the entire month of May before making some forecasts for the game against Chicago in two weeks. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys reflect on a terrific month of May as they recap Nashville SC's defeat of Orlando City AND Toronto all in one week. They review some of the greatest months of May in human history and wonder where NSC's recent run fits on the list. Then, they share their excitement about the young guns on the team AND the triumphant return of team captain, Walker Zimmerman. And while they can barely stand to wait for the next home game, they can bide their time enjoying game nights, board games and tearjerker kids movies. And while the boys insist to be patient with Zimmerman's return to form and that Evan may be channeling Nostradamus, the Electric Gold listeners have their own hot takes, which include wanting the team to stop screwing around with the game day experience and let some traditions take root. Finally, the boys break out the crystal balls to predict A strong finish to the month with two important upcoming matches against Columbus and NYC. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the relentless May soccer schedule as the boys break down two more NSC games versus the Red Bulls and DC United. The boys share what they learned about the team this past week, including the thin bench up front and the propensity to cause Evan to have a stroke. There's a couple of great firsts to highlight, including some beautiful soccer in the team's first-ever win against the Red Bulls, and Patrick Yazbek's first goal with the team. And the boys also acknowledge the new curse that has befallen the team - that of the blue "Heart of Nashville" jerseys. Then, the boys discuss the magic of independent radio and Buddy Holly's incredible short-lived run before sharing some really spicy thoughts on the potential for Chris Applewhite. They wrap things up with some heartfelt letters to Coach Callaghan and some predictions from their crystal balls, which may or may not be on the fritz. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys get serious when discussing the recent challenges for the Hispanic supporters of Nashville SC. And they also get a bit salty over some tough criticism from the pros on social media. And they drink beer. They review a solid Johnny Perez performance in the Open Cup game, and they enjoy the sweet revenge over Charlotte FC in the weekend's big win. And they drink beer. The boys share the Nashville connection to Dead Poet's Society and discuss their favorite compilation albums from the 90's. And they drink beer. They've got hot takes about how Nashville will soon be overtaking the big pink elephant, and they also drink beer. And then they break out the crystal balls to make predictions about the upcoming matches versus the Red Bulls and DC United. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys review a satisfactory result from the NSC road trip to Atlanta where Dan Lovitz once again continued his renaissance and made his case for being one of the best defenders in the MLS. The boys got excited that Nashville once again scored off of a corner kick, and as has become an Electric Gold requirement, they gush over the play of Eddi Tagseth. Then, the boys celebrate a true Nashville institution - the Belcourt Theater, and they talk about the joy of the midnight movie and all the shenanigans that go along with it. They get in some hot takes about how terrible astroturf is and how the team is going to ace the month of May. And oops, they almost forgot Aw Hell Naw but still make time to shake their heads at Joe Willis and Alex Muyl. Finally, they gaze into their crystal balls to make bold predictions about the upcoming matches versus Chattanooga and Charlotte. And they drink beer.
What in the hell just happened?! In this episode, the boys bask in the afterglow of the most incredible offensive performance in the history of Nashville SC. There are extra aww hell yeahs to go around as they celebrate - yes, celebrate - the team's designated players along with our most beloved Canadian, Jacob Shaffelburg. And there a lots of favorite things to talk about as well, from incredible authors, local Nashville rock, pub trivia, beloved pets and pickleball madness sweeping the nation! The boys get spicy and predict that the scoring bonanza won't end here for Nashville. And then, they gaze into their crystal balls and predict big things for the upcoming trip to Atlanta. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys do their very best to ignore the city of Seattle and everything that happened in it this past weekend. They highlight the debut of Chris Applewhite for NSC and the upcoming US Open Cup draw versus Chattanooga, but also have some disappointments to share regarding the lack of Tagseth in the starting lineup against the Sounders. They've got hot takes galore, but they can't hold a candle to the spicy takes provided by the Electric Gold listeners! That's right, the boys open up the mailbag and share hot takes and questions from the audience. They share some insights on where all the great podcast music comes from, and they promise to do better with their historical metaphors. But most importantly, they explore whether one of them might actually be responsible for the team's recent slide. Say it ain't so! And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys get down to the business of worshipping at the feet of their new idol, Eddi Tagseth. They heap plenty of praise on one Daniel Harry Lovitz, who's having one hell of a season, and they also show lots of love for newcomer Jeisson Palacios. But most of all, they celebrate the leadership of Hany Mukhtar, who selflessly passed the baton in this most recent game against Salt Lake in order to secure the win. The boys also pick a few more favorite things, shining a light on the bygone era of record stores (with special shout-out for Empire Records) and the Nashville treasure that is Hatch Show Print. Then, they pick out some of the greatest plot twists in the history of pop culture, but none did it better than St. Elsewhere. Finally, they speculate on the future of the NSC goalie position and make some predictions for the team's upcoming trip to Seattle. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys are celebrating the most magical holiday of the year - National Beer Day! The boys provide a history lesson on the oldest brewery in the world, and they reflect on the recent NSC loss to Charlotte and the scary Walker Zimmerman injury (prayers to you, Walker!). Evan brings a report from behind enemy lines, and the boys celebrate the beautiful soccer that Nashville played in the first half of the game. They also have some shade to throw around to Ahmed Qasem, Sam Surridge and Andy Najar. The boys celebrate the crown jewel that is Nashville International Airport, and also talk about why others airports suck (and they name names). Finally, they dust off their crystal balls to predict the outcome of the upcoming match against Salt Lake City. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the wind is a bit out of the sails of the boys and all NSC fans after the recent home loss to Cincy. But the boys take heart that they were just unfairly robbed, and maybe there are some lessons to be learned from Caesar's burning of the Library of Alexandria in 56 A.D. The boys show some love for professional soccer player Josh Bauer while expressing some disappointment for modern interpretation of soccer rules. They also have some hot takes about who should be taking penalty kicks and who should be defending them. They get to share one more favorite thing - an important Gen-X novelist, and when it comes to the Goonies, we are all Chunk. Finally, they gaze in their crystal balls to make predictions for the upcoming game in Charlotte, and they encourage listeners to send in their own hot chicken takes. And they drink beer.
The boys are feeling it in this episode as they celebrate Nashville SC's third win in a row. Praise is heaped all around, from wacky Alex Muyl to young Jonathan Perez and everyone in between. The boys pay special tribute to the work done by Future Coach of the Year, BJ Callaghan, while also encouraging the Nashville faithful to not throw cans of beer to celebrate all these goals. The boys then show some love for the modern-day Bob Dylan, Jesse Welles, as well as the best hiking spots in Nashville and the lost art of mixtapes. Finally, they break out their crystal balls to make predictions for this epic game coming this weekend versus hated Cincinnati. And they drink beer.
It's time to party on dudes, as the boys celebrate and revel in a significant victory for NSC on the road versus Philly. In this episode, the boys review the recent game in the City of Brotherly Love, heaping praise all over the pitch on the boys in gold while also voicing their utter contempt for the whiny Philly players. They highlight big games from Joe Willis, Sam Surridge and a bit of redemption for Hany Mukhtar, and then touch on some favorite pop culture items like movies about working at theme parks and the brilliance of George Carlin. Then, the boys predict big things for Ahmed Qasem before breaking out the crystal balls to predict what will happen in the upcoming match versus CF Montreal. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys welcome back special guest and favorite Irishman, Liam ("The Cap'n"), to help celebrate the upcoming St. Patrick's Day holiday. They all celebrate a convincing win by Nashville SC in their most recent match against Portland, heaping praise on the likes of Andy Najar, Eddi Tagseth and Ahmed Qasem. The positivity is overflowing as the boys get excited about playoff prospects and MVP-caliber seasons. They also get to share a couple of their favorite things in life as they begin the countdown to 50 (hopefully) goals. Finally, Liam provides a rundown of all the exciting St. Paddy's festivities in Music City, and then everyone looks in their crystal ball to foresee what might happen in the upcoming game against Philly. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys lick their wounds after NSC's most recent loss to the Red Bulls in New York (really New Jersey). First, Ryan offers a rousing speech about the construction of the Erie Canal and how it can offer hope for the future of Nashville soccer. They praise the play of the Nashville substitutes, Ahmed Qasem and Patrick Yazbek, and they also explain how the problem in the movie Sideways wasn't the merlot, it was Miles's perpetual selfishness. They offer sharp criticism for the team's designated players and compare playing the Red Bulls to playing a version of satanic soccer. In case the season gets really bad, they offer some entertaining alternatives to watching NSC games, and they wrap up by previewing the upcoming match against the sweetest opponents in the MLS, the Portland Timbers. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys try to keep Evan away from the edge of the cliff as the review the first game of the season, some impressive play by newcomers Eddi Tagseth and Wyatt Meyer, but the same ol' Nashville Soccer Club who can't seem to score goals even if their lives depend on it. The boys express their confusion and disappointment with so many injuries to start the season, but they do celebrate their victory in getting Johnny Cash back in the NSC pregame ritual. A Rorschach test gives a glimpse not only into the game, but also into the boys' souls. And finally, they preview the upcoming game against the Red Bulls, who have the dumbest name in sports. And they drink beer.
It's time to start the season, and the boys are ready. In this episode, the boys stay positive and list off a heavy succession of Aw Hell Yeah selections, from the players they are looking most forward to seeing, the best thing about attending a game at Geodis Park, and the best way to pregame for an NSC match (one word: shotski). They share excitement about all the new players joining the team and especially all the new haircuts, and they also discuss the best strategies for staying warm at a cold, early season game. Finally, they make some final predictions about the season and get excited about proving the critics wrong. And, they drink beer.
Electric Gold is kicking off a new season covering the Nashville Soccer Club! In this episode, allow the boys to reintroduce themselves. They chat about their humble beginnings before digging into a review of the team's most eventful offseason in history, discussing their opinions on how the team is constructed for the upcoming year. They celebrate newcomer Edvard Tagseth, the lack of Sean Davis and describe why the next three months might be the most important in the club's history. Then, the boys dedicate some love songs to some of their favorite players in honor of Valentine's Day, and make some bold predictions for the start of the season. And they drink beer (and cider!).
It's a brand new year, and the boys are back with a special episode to kick off 2025! In this episode, they review and grade all the offseason moves by Nashville SC. Then, they share their greatest Christmas gifts ever, and then talk about resolutions for both themselves and for the soccer club. Finally, they wax poetic about going to Geodis and what they miss the most about soccer game days, and explain why encyclopedia sets are way better than the internet. And they drink water, because it's new year's day, dammit!
In this episode, the boys wrap up the inaugural season of Electric Gold by reflecting back on the highs and many, many lows of Nashville SC's 2024 campaign. First, they chat about how much the Nashville SC 2024 season reminded them of the Byzantine reconquest of Italy in the Gothic War of 535 to 554, obviously. They celebrate Anibal Godoy's acrobatics and the team's continued success over putrid Cincinnati. And they also lament the struggles of our defense and our front office. They play a lightning round of questions examining what to do with Randall Leal, whether Joe Willis should shave his mustache (he shouldn't), and if our front office bungled the coaching changes this year. Then, they settle in with some quick predictions on the offseason and 2025 before giving some big thank you's to all of you listeners. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys recount an impressive week for the Nashville Soccer Club, including a win over Chicago and a draw with hated rival Cincinnati. They celebrate the return of "God's Gonna Cut You Down" and declare the Curse of Cash to be lifted. They also remark on the hot streak from Super Sam Surridge, an impressive first start for Julian Gaines, and the incredible offensive play of Nashville's little brother, Taylor Washington. After some particularly hot takes, Jon gives a history lesson (featuring JontextTM) about why exactly Nashville soccer fans have to hate all things Cincinnati. Finally, the boys look ahead to the final stretch of the season, make some bold predictions and cross their fingers for a playoff run. And they drink beer.
Could it be true??? In this episode, the boys break down the recent Nashville SC win - yes you read that correct - WIN! The recent triumph over Atlanta United has the boys excited and the sunshine is now breaking through the clouds. The boys revel in a great all-around performance, throwing particular commendation on Alex Muyl and Teal Bunbury, as well as a rejuvenating performance from Mr. Hany Mukhtar. The defense is still suspect, and we still miss Dax McCarty, though. Then, they talk themselves into a frenzy about possible playoff scenarios, admire the art of the dive, and share their favorite things about the season of fall. Finally, they make some bold predictions for the upcoming games against Chicago and terrible, terrible Cincinnati. And they drink beer.
Okay, we're not quite sure what happened here, but somehow the space-time continuum got all twisted and an episode from ten years in the future has arrived. In this episode, the boys recap the recent win over Bismarck before reminiscing on ten years of fame and glory hosting the Electric Gold podcast, as well as all the incredible success that Nashville SC has enjoyed over that time. They look back at the dark times of 2024 and step through all the twists and turns that lifted the team to be the greatest MLS dynasty ever known. They also show some love for Mayor Taylor Washington, Walker Zimmerman Jr., and Evan's ex, Taylor Swift. Finally, they preview upcoming games against cellar-dwellars Cincinnati and Canadian upstarts Winnipeg City. And yes, they're still drinking beer.
In this very special episode, the boys turn the entire podcast into a musical! It's high-concept stuff, but it works. There's a little bit of something to please everyone here, from country to hip-hop to metal to trip-hop to straight rock and on and on. And somehow, all the songs are about Nashville soccer. Listen to the boys croon about the recent loss to Austin, the exciting new player we have in Jonathan Perez, and lament about Patrick Yazbek's indiscretions and the small turnout for NSC tailgates. Then, things get really groovy with some hot chicken takes about Reese Witherspoon and Hany Mukhtar's penalty kicks. Finally, the boys sing about the upcoming game in Orlando and make some woeful predictions along the way. You don't want to miss this!
The boys are back!!! After a month-long hiatus, Electric Gold has returned with fresh new Nashville SC analysis and Nashville hot chicken takes to melt your face off. In this episode, the boys do a deep dive on the team's expiring contracts, and evaluate which players should be kept on the team, and which ones should be driven to the airport (Alex Muyl - we love you, really). Then, they talk about why now is the golden age of NSC fandom, and get overly optimistic about the next several weeks without any evidence to support it. Then, they share their favorite highlights and lowlights from the Olympics before wrapping up with some predictions and hopes and dreams for the rest of the soccer season. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys can hardly contain their excitement over the recent performances of Nashville SC. Okay, that's a lie, but they soldier on anyway, recapping the recent loss to DC United and then turning their attention to the Wimbledon finals, the Euros finals and the impact of the Copa America tournament. They give props to Joe Willis for a game well-played and also highlight all the small things that Teal Bunbury does well. They also shake their heads at NSC's continued suckage with set pieces (again), and they do their best Alexi Lalas impersonations. The hot takes are weird, but then they discuss the music that helps them overcome their recent sorrows - stuff like the War on Drugs, Faith No More and XTC. It's inspirational and definitely worth a listen. Finally, they look ahead to games versus Orlando and Philly and get excited about Nashville finally getting their new coach. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys try to avoid talking about Nashville SC, but it happens anyway. They drown their sorrows reviewing the past week, including the outright steal in Columbus and the complete cluster that went down in Portland. They quickly cycle through the seven stages of grief, dreaming of an alternate reality and taking their anger out on VAR. They try to offer some silver linings (and fail miserably), but they do find time to celebrate the great Irish game of hurling. And if you came for the hot takes, well the boys have them, and they are the hottest that they've had all season. Then, they reminisce about their first jobs as teenagers and speculate on which Nashville SC players would have been the best coworkers in those jobs. Finally, they look ahead to the upcoming game with DC United and try to find a shred of hope. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys are making like Tay-Tay and shaking off the most recent loss to Miami. But who cares about that because FORSTER AJAGO has entered the building! The boys also speculate on when Nashville SC might be getting their new coach (at the expense of the US Men's National Team), they propose a new scheduling strategy for the MLS season and they get real with the very biased Apple TV broadcasters. Then, they compare some favorite Nashville SC players to automobiles and make some bold predictions for the upcoming week's games versus Columbus and Portland. And they drink beer!
In this episode, the boys celebrate Nashville SC's first bona-fide win streak of the season. They recap a satisfying game versus NYCFC, worry about the rising star power of Jakob Shaffleburg and marvel at the accuracy of Evan's Tyler Boyd predictions. They throw some praise on Josh Bauer, but save their biggest praise for the god-like Walker Zimmerman while also wondering what it was like to be cool in school. They lament the lackluster enforcement of supporter section rules in Geodis Park, reminisce fondly over Franklin, KY's Frosty Freeze and the Snow White Diner in Lebanon, TN. Then, they get serious with a Mount Rushmore ranking of their favorite superhero movies of all time, and highlight why Batman was a fascist. Finally, they preview the upcoming match versus Miami, make some more bold predictions and enter the week as confident as they've been all season. And they drink beer.
The boys are back from their break, and they're coming in hot celebrating a come-from-behind victory for Nashville SC in Toronto. In this episode, the boys herald the return to form for Sam Surridge, and they observe how much the super striker reminds them of Corey Haim. They also talk about the lost boy Brian Anunga, dream a little dream about Rumba Munthali getting a license to drive the NSC car on his own, and they belt out some Toad the Wet Sprocket. And there's a winner in the great supporter chant contest! Finally, the boys conclude with some hopeful predictions for Tyler Boyd in the upcoming match versus NYCFC. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys ride the highest of highs with the win versus FC Cincinnati, and then trod the lowest of the lows with the loss at home to New England. They celebrate some smart performances against Nashville SC's most hated rival, including a throwback performance from Hany Mukhtar that makes them want to party like it's 2021. Then, they wonder if it might be a good idea for Apple TV to black out home games(!), discuss the lack of chemistry in Nashville's offense and ponder whether a benching is in order, and they dissect the specific tactics that allowed the team to beat a leader in the standings but lose to a cellar dweller. Finally, they make some bold predictions for the second half of the season and then revel in the amazing ability of the Simpsons to predict most of recent history with such astonishing accuracy. Plus, they announce a contest that YOU can actually win! And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys lament a lackluster performance by Nashville SC in Montreal, scratch their heads at the offensive woes and wonder about where all the chemistry has gone between Nashville SC's best players. Then, they ruminate on how awesome a Wrexham-style NSC documentary would be, they praise Phil Collins, and they write their own songs to add to the Supporter Section's repertoire. Finally, they look ahead to games against Cincinnati and New England, expose some of their guilty pleasures, and geek out over 90's female R&B artists and ESPECIALLY JANET JACKSON. And if you couldn't tell by this summary, they also drink beer.
This is a special gameday mini-episode! In this short Tailgate Edition, the boys talk about their favorite pre-game bars around Nashville, they discuss the craziest pre-game rituals and superstitions, and they talk about what they'd like to see interim coach Rumba Munthali do differently in the upcoming match versus Montreal. And they don't drink beer, but Wade Boggs sure does.
In this episode, the boys get down to business talking about the somewhat-surprising firing of Nashville SC's long-time coach, Gary Smith. They ruminate on possible replacement options, and even get a little help from a special guest. Then, they review the highs and lows of the week, get excited about Tyler Boyd's efforts the past few games, share some hot takes about the recent crowds at Geodis Park, and they bemoan the invasion of the cicadas. They wrap up by looking ahead to the next game versus CF Montreal. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys bring the receipts on the Charlotte game and GaryBall in general. The conclusion is... well, it's not good. Jon shares about his visit from beyond and we finally understand what the real problem with Nashville SC is this season - they are cursed by the legend himself. Then, they boys veer away from soccer to celebrate their favorite teachers as the school year comes to a close. Finally, they manage to remain optimistic as they preview the upcoming week for NSC. And they drink beer.
This is a special gameday mini-episode! In this short Tailgate Edition, the boys talk about their favorite food when viewing Nashville SC from home, they run through their best hype music for the upcoming match, and they chat about what NSC needs to do to score some points on the road versus Charlotte. And they don't drink beer, but they probably wish they were.
In this very positive episode, the boys revel in a much needed victory for Nashville SC over CF Montreal. They note the obvious similarities between the recent match and the 1683 Siege of Vienna, and they celebrate the hat trick for Super Sam Surridge. Then, they draw comparisons between Dru Yearwood's recent play and vintage Val Kilmer performances before Evan drops a doozey of a hot take on everyone. Despite their best efforts to hate Canada, they just can't do it, but they can love Rush and Joni Mitchell. Then, they look ahead to matches against Charlotte and Toronto, make some much more positive predictions than recent weeks, and they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys get existential with a nuanced discussion on nature versus nurture and whether or not we all have free will, and whether that's the reason that NSC continues to struggle. They review the draw against San Jose, and they also discuss why Brad Pitt is full of it and moneyball doesn't actually work. Then, they celebrate Hany Mukhtar's 100th MLS goal with a Mount Rushmore celebration of his greatest goals (along with the greatest rewatchable television shows of all time). They preview the upcoming week versus Montreal and Charlotte, and make some predictions about what to expect for the team in May. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys review the recent game versus Miami and lament the continued defensive lapses. They discuss whether a rock band can have too many guitarists and/or drummers with a special shout out to Chicago rockers Catherine. They ponder what was going on with Elliot Panicco in the last game, they pour one out for Lukas McNaughton, and they wonder whether the best from Hany Mukhtar is all in the past. They debate what the plans are with the recent McKenzie Gaines trade, and they struggle mightily to do math, understand General Allocation Money and figure out the complex MLS roster management rules. Finally, they preview the upcoming game against San Jose. And they drink beer.
In this Very Special Episode, the boys welcome the Cap'n as a special guest, and like all good leaders, he motivates everyone to look on the bright side of an otherwise disappointing NSC season. Then, the boys conduct an in-depth review of the soccer season so far, including showing some major love for Taylor Washington and Public Enemy. They also talk about how Gary Smith is the Jeff Fisher of the MLS, and they burn their mouths with the hottest take of the year (hint: it's not blue, it's not green, it's somewhere in between). And let's be honest, folks, it's always fun to hear an Irishman speak with a Southern accent. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys bemoan yet another lost lead, pick apart Coach Gary Smith's call for reinforcements, reflect on the joys of Starwood Amphitheater, talk about losing all hope and faith in the current NSC coaching staff, make a plea for new supporter group songs, discuss the difference between reactive and proactive coaching, and get excited about the upcoming Bluey special. And they drink beer.
In this podcast, the boys remember a simpler time filled with good music and Hany Mukhtar's MVP run. They try to see the silver lining in Nashville Soccer Club's recent draw with Columbus, debate the struggles of the Milkman Jack Maher, and get into the reasons why ties suck and that's what caused the Cold War. Then, they write letters to their hero, Hany Mukhtar, and they make predictions for what will happen in the upcoming match against Philly. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys really drown their sorrows after the worst loss in Nashville Soccer Club's history. They struggle to find the silver linings, dissect all that went wrong against LAFC, appreciate the national treasure known as Elizabeth Banks, suggest some possible hidden gem coaching replacements, break down corner kick strategy, and write heartfelt letters to Gary Smith before previewing the upcoming game versus Columbus. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys brush off the NSC CONCACAF loss, celebrate the first win of the 2024 MLS season, and express wonder at the enigma of Alex Muyl. They also give a little soccer 101 lesson, make some bold hot takes about Gary Smith, and preview the upcoming game versus LAFC. And they drink beer.
In this episode, the boys review the first leg of the CONCACAF sweet 16 round versus Miami, discuss the good, bad and ugly of the season so far, sing the praises of Jacob Shaffleburg, talk about what they would do if they were in charge, and preview the upcoming week versus the LA Galaxy, the next CONCACAF cup game versus Miami and a showdown with Charlotte. And they drink beer.