Sam's Army

HEADLINES: FIFA discusses expanding use of VAR, Premier League votes *against* temporary ban on loan deals between "affiliated" clubs and MLS looks to add 4th DP slot WHAT IF: the Premier League did away with designated home and away sections... net plus or minus? PREMIER LEAGUE: takeaways from City/Liverpool draw and Spurs "encouraging" loss to Villa, plus Power Rankings and previewing United's chance to shush the haters at Newcastle ROUND THE WORLD: Tim's opinion on MLS's playoff format plus reactions to VAR-heavy controversies in Cincinnati/Philly and Houston/SKC games, plus a quick look at this week's marquee Champions League matchups STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets (OverTrain cooking with thermonuclear gas again!) and GOAWs

USMNT: we get balls deep in the "successful" home-and-home with T&T, put the results in context and try to make sense of Sergiño Dest's meltdown (including what an appropriate punishment looks like) HEADLINES: Everton's 10-point deduction and what it means for City and Chelsea; IFAB contemplates instituting rugby-like rules, insurance company (of all people) issue report that may actually make an impact on schedule congestion and CONMEBOL reveals two Copa America 2024 host cities WHAT IF: Torsten Frings did not criminally use his hands to block Greggory Berhalter's potential game-winning volley in the 2002 World Cup quarterfinal... would his USMNT coaching experience be any different? PREMIER LEAGUE: time to hit the ground running with preview of City vs Liverpool and Newcastle vs City plus a painfully honest prediction about Tottenham vs Aston Villa ROUND THE WORLD: MLS playoffs in full swing (feel the momentum!) and U17 World Cup update STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: NWSL and USL sign splashy 4-year media deals, Premier League overdue yet reactionary ban on loan deals between "associated" clubs and Luiz Diaz's dad WHAT IF: How bad and for how long would Man City need to be to get Pep fired? PREMIER LEAGUE: what we learned about Chelsea from the thrilling 4-4 draw with City (aka the Cole Palmer and Raheem Sterling revenge game), the wheels start falling off Tottenham and perhaps Newcastle, and perhaps United's woes have been slightly exaggerated ROUND THE WORLD: thoughts (not very nice ones) on MLS's new playoff format, NWSL and USL silverware, USYNT updates and preview of this week's USMNT home and home versus T&T STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets (where the Over Train is cooking with thermonuclear gas) and GOAWs

HEADLINES: Gianni Infantino reveals poorly kept secret that Saudi Arabia will host World Cup 2034, does Luis Suarez make Inter Miami better / favorites for MLS Cup 2024 and reaction to Timbers hiring Phil Neville WHAT IF: MLS players called a strike -- is now the perfect time to finally get one over on owners? PREMIER LEAGUE: instant reaction to Chelsea beating 9-man Spurs and Arsenal falling to Newcastle, including a serious discussion about whether VAR is ruining the sport we love; also some love for Luiz Diaz (and Darwin - sorta) and weekend preview featuring Chelsea at home vs City ROUND THE WORLD: MLS playoffs (oh no STL!) and Champions League preview STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

Tyler and I are joined by Keegan Rosenberry of Colorado Rapids and DC United's Alex Bono to discuss... HEADLINES: Messi wins Ballon d'Or but who is the favorite to win in 2024; Sandro Tonali's suspension and chatter inside MLS locker rooms about gambling; sad situation involving Luis Diaz's parents plus Timothy Weah injury news WHAT IF: you had to pick one USMNT squad from anytime in history to face the Monstars in a soccer version of Space Jam... who you picking? (Also: we debate -- aka Sam is harassed about -- the cultural resonance of Space Jam) PREMIER LEAGUE: takeaways from City spanking United; some love for Wolves and Everton; we critique Bono's Power Rankings and Sam makes shocking admission about this weekend's Tottenham vs Chelsea game ROUND THE WORLD: Keegan and Bono offered their two cents on the new MLS playoff format plus thoughts on some of the most intriguing matchups, plus a brief reaction to USWNT's games versus Colombia STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: San Diego FC's uninspired unveiling, troubling Tyler Adams news, re-remembering Michael Bradley and Caleb Williams-inspired discussion about players taking ownership stakes in their club (prediction: it is coming) WHAT IF: FIFA held a World Crap Cup for the 32 lowest ranked nations in the world - would you watch? PREMIER LEAGUE: Chelsea's optimism-tinged collapse, LiVARpool's revenge may be Everton's breaking point, Tottenham's good vibrations tour continues, least acrimonious Power Rankings ever plus weekend preview featuring Manchester Daerby and Ten Hag's ass-(potentially)-in-the-jackpot week ROUND THE WORLD: preliminary MLS Playoff (featuring unexpected guest on YouTube version) and Champions League primers STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets (can the Five-A-Side Overs Train stay cooking with gas???) and GOAWs

HEADLINES: Betting scandal rocks Italian soccer, Qatari Sheikh Jassim pulls bid for Manchester United, Inter Miami going worldwide and tragedy in Brussels WHAT IF: Gregg Berhalter and Julain Nagelsmann traded places... what would the final score of USMNT vs Germany have been? USMNT [16:20]: Seattle Sounders, MNT and Sneaky Fox FC legend Brad Evans joins to discuss takeaways from 1-3 loss to Germany, what Gregg got right and wrong, who needs to step their game up and what we would like to see in Tuesday's game vs Ghana  PREMIER LEAGUE [1:06:40]: Power Rankings plus weekend preview featuring City/Brighton, Arsenal/Chelsea and Merseyside Daerby (ripip) STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's (and maybe Sandro Tonali's) Best Bets -- Overs Train is COOKING -- and GOAWs

HEADLINES: FIFA pulls a FIFA with news dump on World Cup 2030 and 2034 hosts, strange MLS managerial moves, MLS players start an important conversation and things may soon get even stranger in Saudi Arabia WHAT IF: MLS adopted the Next Pro playoff format where higher seeds choose their opponent -- love it or hate it? PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal shut down big bad City, how many teams are in the title race; honorary American Jack Harrison doing things, Liverpool fans walk away from Brighton draw feeling ____________ and West Ham earn some flowers ROUND THE WORLD: USMNT best XI for friendly vs Germany on Saturday and what is the bar for success? STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: bad boys Barça are so back, United plan to "reintegrate" Antony despite outstanding assault allegations, Inter Miami double season ticket prices and Scunthorpe Utd in danger of being Bury 2.0 WHAT IF: your precocious 13yo son/daughter was good enough to earn a pro contract... would you want them out there playing against grown-ass men/women?? PREMIER LEAGUE: Tyler and Sam butt heads on Tottenham/Liverpool controversies, we try to make sense of Villa stomping Brighton and City losing for their first league game in forever to... Wolves(?!), plus we look ahead to the weekend featuring Arsenal hosting City and Liverpool visiting Brighton ROUND THE WORLD: MLS Hit-It-N-Quit-It Minute and Champions League preview + picks STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets (Overs Train stays COOKING) and GOAWs

HEADLINES: Gregg and Gio bury the hatchet, is Julian Nagelsmann's Germany among the favorites for Euro24 and a battle of soccer's good guys as Stan Kroenke and Gianni Infantino square up WHAT IF: if Norway had qualified for WC23, how far would they have needed to go in the tournament and how many goals would Haaland have needed to score in order to win the Balon d'Or over Messi? PREMIER LEAGUE: what we learned about Spurs and Arsenal in the latest North London Daerby; where Chelsea fit among the pantheon of clubs that neutrals love to see struggle; is Newcastle's decimation of Sheffield Utd a symptom of a larger trend and a look at games coming up this weekend featuring a unanimous(!) prediction about Liverpool at Spurs on Saturday ROUND THE WORLD: MLS Hit-It-N-Quit-It Minute is so back including an unexpectedly detailed discussion of what is driving Orlando City's silent-but-deadly late season push, a massssssive hot take about Houston vs Miami in this week's US Open Cup final and observations from Champions League's matchday 1 STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: the Richie Williams era lasts about 5 minutes as Revolution players call shenanigans on Bruce Arena's long-time assistant whose complaints forced the legendary coach out; US Soccer heading to Atlanta; anonymous English manager admits to gambling more than $1M but avoids suspension and finally some good news for Everton WHAT IF: Man City versus Argentina NT - who ya got? PREMIER LEAGUE: Sam pops a chub over Spurs; how much of United's woes can be blamed on Erik Ten Hag; Power Rankings and weekend preview featuring North London Daerby (time to find out of Tottenham are really all about) and United/Chelsea trainwrecks ROUND THE WORLD: time to get your mind right for the Champions League group stage STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs ****** INTERVIEW: Orange County striker Milan Iloski talks about winning last year's USL-Championship golden boot; comes clean on the best prank ex-roommate Tommy McGunner ever pulled on him and discusses his pending transfer to Denmark's Nordsjaelland

HEADLINES: breakdown of Balon d'Or "short" list, response to response to every word that comes out of Gregg Berhalter's mouth, Spanish federation clownshow reaches inevitable conclusion, extremely strange Bruce Arena situation and Hansi Flick breaks an incredible streak WHAT IF: you were Liverpool's sporting director and a Saudi club offered you $215 MILLION for 31yo Mo Salah... you selling or nah? USMNT: recap of lackluster Uzbekistan win and thoughts on Tuesday's game vs Oman PREMIER LEAGUE: weekend preview featuring Manchester United (out of the frying pan into the fire), Chelsea's must-win, chances Tottenham remembers they are Tottenham this week and an upset alert so ridiculous it just might happen STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: tryong to make sense of Gregg Berhalter not yet contacting Gio Reyna and breaking news on Antony being dropped by Brazil WHAT IF: the LAFC fan had actually domed Messi with that drink... how would that have played out? PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal/United postmortem, Chelsea stays crumbling, Spurs are sexy but are they good(?) and Power Rankings ROUND THE WORLD: USMNT roster thots plus preview of Uzbekistan and Oman games, reaction to Carlos Vela's comments on Messi and Alex Bono's MLS power rankings STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: Luis Rubiales making a strong push for soccer's scumbag of the year with his handling of Spain's WC celebrations and aftermath and an ode to San Diego Loyal WHAT IF: Messi tried to recruit you to make a one-time switch to represent Argentina -- would you? PREMIER LEAGUE: Liverpool and Tottenham are high on life right now, Arsenal's title hopes in tatters, Brighton bad vs West Ham good and Everton... oh poor sweet Everton. ROUND THE WORLD: historically rapid USMNT update session STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: Lucas Paquetá's recent rollercoaster seeing links to a BIG money move with Man City go silent when he is implicated in an(other) illegal gambling scheme; United's handling of the Mason Greenwood situation; and thoughts on recent overtures between North and South America involving a mooted Inter-Americana Cup and Inter Miami's invite to Copa Libertadores WHAT IF: in light of KDB's injury (and Kane's departure), who is the player a Premier League club could least afford to do without at the moment? PREMIER LEAGUE: thots on West Ham/Chelsea, Spurs/United and City/Newcastle (et al) plus reaction to Tyler Adams heading to Bournemouth and what games we are most intrigued by heading into this weekend ROUND THE WORLD: Leagues Cup may actually have been scripted; Open Cup preview and Women's World Cup recap STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: would whispered changes to MLS's salary cap and roster rules go far enough and what Neymar's massive money move to Saudi Arabia means for his legacy WWI: pop quiz on 2023-24 UCL odds PREMIER LEAGUE: Chelsea and Liverpool battling on and off the field, reaction to Kane's official departure to Bayern Munich, Mikey pulls a 180 on a club after 90 minutes of soccer and the inaugural Power Rankings ROUND THE WORLD: are complaints about Leagues Cup valid and what changes would be useful and Women's World Cup update STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: Messi exceeding lofty expectations so far; PSG may be crumbling at the seems; USL's pro/rel dreams may be dying on the vine and weird Bruce Arena situation WOMEN'S WORLD CUP: lack of goals end of USWNT's quest to be b2b2bwcw so we play the blame game and discuss if this flame out is a harbinger of future disappointments WHAT IF: Jill Ellis had been the coach of USWNT, would things have turned out any differently? PREMIER LEAGUE: way way way too premature season preview f/t best and worst summer transfer windows plus predictions for champs, top 4, bottom 3, who is poised to over/underperform and first manager sacked STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs ************ INTERVIEW [1:21:15]: Phillip Goodrum discusses one of the strangest draft stories in history, his breakout season with Memphis 901 last year, falling out with the FO after they rejected offers from MLS and Europe in the offseason, getting traded to FC Tulsa (and teaming up with Tommy McGunner), what he would be doing if not getting paid to kick a ball and his respect for Memphis fans for booing him mercilessly on his first game back as an opponent  

HEADLINES: Tottenham owner Joe Lewis is charged with insider trading and the Saudi league has gone too far (for someone) by buying Lucas Zelarayan from Columbus WHAT IF: MBS announces the Saudi league will host an all-star game in your hometown -- you buying a ticket? WORLD CUP: USWNT eeks out a 1-1 draw vs Netherlands without getting out of second gear setting up a lot of permutations depending on what happens against Portugal (very) early on Tuesday morning; plus which others teams have impressed thus far ROUND THE WORLD: plenty of praise and one notable criticism about Leagues Cup STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs ************ INTERVIEW [52:00]: Drake Callender discusses focusing on establishing himself as Inter Miami's GK1 (and hoping for additional USMNT call-ups) while simultaneously dealing with Messi Mania... plus what life has been like the last few weeks, connecting with Sergio Busquets over basketball and what the team's ambitions are this season under Tata Martino

WOMEN'S WORLD CUP: what USWNT got right/wrong vs Vietnam, is Alex Morgan in the team's best XI and predictions for the Netherlands game; plus what other countries have and have not impressed thus far WEEKLY WHAT IF: you had the power to change/pick the format of the MLS All-Star Game, what would you choose? HEADLINES: Saudi Arabia's Al-Hilal makes a $1-billion offer so outlandish that PSG and Kylian Mbappe may not be able to refuse ROUND THE WORLD: Leagues Cup observations, Messi or Zlatan better debut goal and the DC United/Taxi Fountas situation STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs ******** INTERVIEW [1:22:00]: St Louis City's Tim Parker discusses what went on behind the scenes of MLS All-Star Game week, including how he learned he made the team, what Wayne Rooney's practices were like, whether Joe Biden sniffed his hair during his White House visit, which Arsenal players impressed him the most, and what the chatter in the locker room was like after Kai Havertz's truly remarkable skills challenge performance.

USMNT: we say goodbye and good riddance to the Gold Cup, give flowers to several players who boosted their stock in the tournament (and note several who did not) and assign BJ Callaghan a letter grade for his HC tenure WWI: what if, hypothetically, the USL voted to implement a three-tier system of promotion and relegation... what impact would that have on USL, MLS and soccer in the US? HEADLINES: Conmebol inviting Concacaf clubs into Copa Libertadores, Messi's messy unveiling and the lose-lose situation involving Benjamin Mendy ROUND THE WORLD: Women's World Cup preview + preliminary predictions STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs ******* INTERVIEW [1:00:20]: Julian discusses the rollercoaster of being there for the birth of his second daughter then immediately leaving to join up with USMNT; his sense of Berhalter's "involvement" in the Gold Cup camp; who among the players emerged as the leaders of the group; chatter inside camp about the extreme toxicity that is pervasive throughout US soccer twitter and what Alex Zendejas was like behind the scenes; BJ Callaghan's farewell remarks to the team and whether Harry Kane is going to Bayern Munich

USMNT: reaction to eeking out shootout win over Canada, featuring whose stock is up and down plus a controversial letter grade for BJ Callaghan's performance; best XI for Panama on Wednesday and whether we would rather (potentially) face Mexico or Jamaica in the final WHAT IF: you could snap your fingers and relegate any club in the world right now... who's going down? HEADLINES: breakdown of big moves for lotta big American names, including Pulisic to Milan (how will he fit in a team led by Rafeal Leao?), Weah to Juve, Pepi to PSV and Aaronson to Union Berlin; Juventus reportedly settles FFP case with UEFA and the NBA yoinks soccer's template for an "in-season" tournament ROUND THE WORLD: MLS hit-it-n-quit-it minute; USWNT's uninspiring sendoff vs Wales; FPL update and of course the latest news from Keeping Up With The Icardashians STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

USMNT: Gold Cup group stage round-up including who did and did not impress, thuoghts on Jesus Ferreira contrived "controversy" and a slightly bonkers (but very rational) suggestion for starting XI in quarterfinal WHAT IF: possible plan to add some much-needed spice to World Cup 3rd place games HEADLINES: FIFA plans to trial a totally new approach to offside championed by Arsene Wenger (whole body of attacking player must be ahead of defender) in several lower tier leagues around Europe; would Lyon or AC Milan be a better landing spot for Christian Pulisic; and LLL Triste fan violence hits a new low this week ROUND THE WORLD: Hit-It-N-Quit-It MLS Minute STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

USMNT: Gold Cup context; BJ Callaghan's XI vs Jamaica and whose stock rose/fell in 1-1 draw; expectations for St Kitts/Nevis and T&T games; someone (not naming names) gets remarkably butthurt about the state of US soccer "fan culture" plus if the haters have some legitimate gripes about newly scheduled friendlies vs Uzbekistan and Oman WHAT IF: How much money would it take to sign a contract to do what you do now in Saudi Arabia? HEADLINES: big news about 2025 FIFA Club World Cup; quiet importance of June 28 meeting of UEFA's ExCo and Peter Drury replaces Martin Tyler ROUND THE WORLD: USWNT roster drops for WC23 and whether Sergi Busquets will be a bust at Miami STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: we dive right into the only news that *really* matters this week as we discuss the fully digested news that Gregg Berhalter is officially back in charge (or will be eventually!?), including our biggest questions/concerns and what is means for Gio Reyna; along with the USMNT's dismantling of LLL Triste and dispatching of Canada WHAT IF: would you prefer to win TST7v7 or a Supporter's Shield? ROUND THE WORLD: Nicaragua goes full Concacaf and gets DQed from Gold Cup; Spain is back but Croatia (and Modric) deserve flowers; Chelsea and Saudi Arabia conspiracy theory and Bournemouth ruthlessness STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

Sam and Tyler sit down at halftime of USA spanking the bejesus out of Mexico to discuss strong reports that Gregg Berhalter is about to be (re)named head coach of USMNT. We are trying to process it in real-time so bear with us. (Bonus: instant reaction to Pulisic's second GOOOOOOOOOOOOALLLLLLLLLLLLLLLL.)

HEADLINES: what Messi's move means for Inter Miami, MLS and soccer in the US; the importance of Lou City selling Josh Wynder to Benfica; 49ers (+ #samfam!!!) buying Leeds; Premier League saying "no thanks" on automated offside and Mbappe's decision to opt out on last year of PSG contract WHAT IF: soccer stock market is back... buying or short selling shares in one club based on where they finished this season versus where we see them finishing next season PREMIER LEAGUE: we hand out silverware to player, GK, coach and team of the season REST OF WORLD: Champions League wrap-up, good/bad/ugly from US Open Cup quarterfinals and preview of Thursday's USMNT vs Mexico game (featuring preferred starting XI) STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs ********** INTERVIEW: Nick Perera -- a key to Sneaky Fox FC's recent success at TST 7v7 -- on his unorthodox path from Europe to an NCAA championship; why it took so long to embrace his destiny as an arena and beach soccer star; what life is really like in the MASL; his experiences as both a player-manager for Tacoma Stars and GM of NWSL's OL Reign; his brief flirtation with being Captain Morgan (true story); thoughts on "Big Kick Nick" nickname and whether arena leaguers will continue to dominate the TST $1 million tourney for years to come...

HEADLINES: Mitch and Sam offer slightly different first-hand perspectives on the TST 7v7 $1 milly tournament; reaction to Anthony Hudson bouncing to "Persian Gulf" well before USMNT contract is up; butthurt Roma fans go after ref Antony Taylor in airport, Spartak Moscow's Quincy Promes charged with trying to import 1300 kilos of cocaine into the Netherlands, thoughts on Messi and Benzema's transfer plans and Manchester United fan arrested for offensive jersey WHAT IF: would you -- extremely hypothetically and in no way based on reality -- prefer being the best player on the worst team or the worst player on the best (or at least third best) team in a small-sided $1 million tournament? PREMIER LEAGUE: FA Cup final recap REST OF WORLD: MLS hit-it-n-quit-it minute, Mexico experiences exceedingly rare good week as LAFC poos the bed vs Leon in Concacaf Champions League and nuetros amigas beat US women in Concacaf U20 championship, US men's U20 team similarly drops stinker in quarterfinal against Uruguay, US Open Cup preview, crazy finishes in Belgium and France STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and everyone's favorite segment GOAWs

HEADLINES: details of the case against Ivan Toney are not pretty plus time to get your mind for Sneaky Fox FC's domination of TST 7v7 $1M tournament WHAT IF: the Premier League instituted a salary cap? PREMIER LEAGUE: rundown of one of the tamest Decision Days in recent history with the only games of interest involving the relegation battle won by Everton; which of the three relegated clubs -- Southampton, Leeds or Lester -- are we most nervous about not bouncing back anytime soon; FA Cup final preview featuring someone actually giving United a chance; plus FPL final standings REST OF WORLD: bananas final day in both the Bundesliga and Bundesliga.2 plus a special shoutout to American hero Ethan Horvath and a U20 World Cup status update STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: Folarin Balogun is coming home; Ivan Toney's best bets cost dearly; clubs in hot water all over the place including Man City, Portugal and Juventus; USL decides to go head-to-head with NWSL; senseless tragedy in El Salvador; WC26 logo and BIG announcement from TST7v7 tournament WHAT IF: how would things change if the penalty spot was moved back two yards? PREMIER LEAGUE: we crown the champs and give Forest their flowers; discuss if United's season is more successful than Arsenal (Tommy gets upset); Tyler charts a course for Liverpool to finish top 4 and we make final predictions on Everton vs Lester vs Leeds relegation battle REST OF WORLD: MLS hit-it-n-quit-it minute is BACK, whether Inter have a snowball's chance in hell in Champions League final; Championship playoff final check up; WSL title race plus some stern words for La Liga and Valencia after yet another embarrassing bout of racism STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: massive match-fixing scandal is erupting in Brazil; AC Milan bow to their ultra overlords and thots on Pochettino to Chelsea WHAT IF: how long would it take world class soccer players to beat a D1 football team at football (and what players would play where)? PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal's dream dies a long, slow, sudden death; where would City fit in the all-time pantheon if they win the treble; Brighton's De Zerbi earning deserved plaudits; Power Predictions and games to watch this week REST OF WORLD: USMNT U20 World Cup roster (who is missing and why); Champions League preview + predictions and Championship playoff checkup STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: What does PSG's decision to suspend Messi for two weeks mean for his plans next season; Barcelona's director of football leaving for... Aston Villa(?); MLS to San Diego; Don Garber takes poop on US Open Cup; USL picks guy fresh off being suspended by MLS to be league's new president - and why it may make sense; and winners/losers from the TST 7v7 group stage draw WHAT IF: along the lines of Spurs players offering fans a refund after getting stomped by Newcastle, what if this type of thing -- getting a refund if your team gets spanked or getting charged extra if your team blows the doors off an opponent -- became codified in the fan experience? PREMIER LEAGUE: an implausible-but-not-impossible path for Arsenal to win the league; how would this Arsenal team stack up against that recent Liverpool squad; where will Harry Kane be playing next season; Power Picks (predictions for top 4 and bottom 3) plus what games to watch this week/end REST OF WORLD: bonkers final day in the Championship plus we pick a team to root for in the playoffs; Champions League preview + predictions and finally Blood Monday in MLS as managerial heads have begun rolling STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: UEFA proposes hosting Champions League finals in the US, Weston McKennie catching strays from his friend and Tottenham players try to put a well-intentioned bandaid on fans' gaping emotional wound WHAT IF: you had to go back and choose another team to root for... PREMIER LEAGUE: City take Arsenal behind the woodshed; Tottenham find new ways to disappoint by erasing a massive lead but conceding a buzzer beater vs Liverpool; final table predictions and preview of the week to come REST OF WORLD: Bundesliga title race gets nuts and Championship check-up featuring Burnley, Luton Town and Sunderland STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs ********** INTERVIEW: Christian Ramirez discusses making the jump from NASL to MLS with Minnesota Utd, playing with Vela/Rossi in LA, how a random Instagram DM led him to Scotland, the good/bad/ugly sides of passionate Aberdeen fans, what led him back to MLS and which Crew teammates are most obsessed with social media

HEADLINES: US Soccer reportedly naming Southampton's Matt Crocker as sporting director and making surprise bid to host Women's World Cup in 2027; plus Barcelona and Real Madrid's wild twitter beef WHAT IF [24:30]: Tottenham or Wrexham to win Premier League first PREMIER LEAGUE [28:00]: Arsenal ruin St Tot's Day; Tottenham ruin Arsenal ruining St Tot's Day; FA Cup bringing Manchester together again; Top 4 & Bottom 3 final predictions; and preview + picks for Man City vs Arsenal REST OF WORLD [1:03:00]: Hit-It-N-Quit-It MLS Minute; US Open Cup shoutouts; Champions League updates STOPPAGE TIME [1:13:00]: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: Glazers may pull a(nother) fast one on United fans; Leroy Sane headbutts Sadio Mane's fist; Achraf Hakimi's "interesting" divorce machinations and the official launch of SNEAKY FOX FC WHAT IF: which Premier League manager would you want to be your dad? PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal's title hopes after coughing up another 2-0 lead; why Tottenham's fanbase has never been more toxic; reaction to Boehly unloading on Chelsea; Leeds' do-or-die week and flowers for Unai's Villa REST OF WORLD: Hit-It-N-Quit-It MLS minute; Champions League preview f/t major upset alert and thoughts on Wednesday's USMNT vs Mexico game STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets (hint: Sam's global over train keeps cooking) and GOAWs *********************** INTERVIEW: Marc White (founder/owner/chairman/manager) and Kyle Shestack (new American investor) discuss Dorking Wanderers' fairytale story skyrocketing up the English pyramid from pub league to 5th tier Nation League in 23 years; the wild story of how Kyle (and his dad) got involved; the time Marc wooed a church-load of Karens; competing against while also rooting for the Wrexham phenomenon; and how many years until Dorking reaches the Premier League

HEADLINES: close but no cigar for Jesse Marsch on yet another Premier League coaching gig, racism rears its ugly head again (and again) plus a rumored sex scandal so salacious that the internet would collapse in on itself if -- however far-fetched-- proven credible WHAT IF: most ruthless celebratory taunting strategies PREMIER LEAGUE: Arsenal's wild and woolly trip to Anfield (Xhaka, Salah pen, VVD, Ramsdale, Arteta subs and of course linesman's elbow); Brighton gets jobbed at Tottenham; Super Frank's non-super second debut at Chelsea; flowers for Unai's Villa; Power Rankings and what to watch this week REST OF WORLD: Champions League preview; USMNT abroad updates plus roster thoughts for Mexico game; terrible news out of USWNT camp and winner of NCAA bracket pool STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: FIFA strip Indonesia of u20 World Cup and Argentina's big brain reaction; bad Tyler Adams news and who Spurs, Lester and Chelsea should turn to in wake of sacking Conte, Rodgers and Potter (respectively) POP QUIZ [15:00]: Champions League odds PREMIER LEAGUE [18:15]: City toys with Liverpool, putting the "ick" in Mudryk and Mikey makes some bold claims if Arsenal can find a way to win at Anfield this weekend REST OF WORLD [42:30]: MLS Hit-It-N-Quit-It Minute, thoughts on one of the last pre-WWC rosters for USWNT and who has one hand on the Sam's Army NCAA pool trophy STOPPAGE TIME [52:30]: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs ****** INTERVIEW [1:02:00]: Distinguished GSU member Kei Kamara on differences between his former teammate Ezra and his current Coach Hendrickson (plus stories from their Columbus playing days); what needs to go right for the Chicago Fire to make a 2023 playoff run; his thoughts on Leagues Cup; most/least favorite MLS goals, wins, losses and rivals; incredible highs and lows from representing Sierra Leone and if he and Federico Higuain exchange Christmas cards

HEADLINES: Barcelona facing problems from all angles, coaching carousel spinning extra fast with Conte and Nagelsmann sent packing plus delicate and (confusing) Sebastian Lletget and Becky G situation WEEKLY WHAT IF [xxxx]; where would Tottenahm finish in the table this season if Gregg Barhalter took over as manager right now? REST OF WORLD: MLS "hit-it-n-quit-it" minute, rapid reaction to USMNT friendlies vs Grenada and El Salvadore plus NCAA pool update MAILBAG: is Balogun the starting striker (in waiting) for MNT; Conte, Spurs and LLL Trist; and Champions League PREMIER LEAGUE: best game of the weekend and insider preview of Liverpool visiting Man City STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Boney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: pluses/minuses of FIFA's new 48-team format starting with World Cup 2026; is the Allstate Continental Cup a good thing for USMNT; and MLS announces opponent for 2023 all-star game WEEKLY WHAT IF: in a hypothetical universe where the current owner never bought your club, how would things be different? PREMIER LEAGUE: Antonio Conte goes scorched earth after Tottenham piss away points (again); Chelsea get Dyched and Arsenal keep on keeping on REST OF WORLD: MLS Hit-It-N-Quit-It Minute and hard truth about Falcons FC; preview of USMNT window with games against Grenada and El Salvador plus NCAA bracket pool status update STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

IMPROMPTU Q&A - we pillory Tim Parker with questions about St Louis City SC's three-game win streak and what it has been like in the locker room and out on the town, the story behind his goal celly/pregnancy announcement, plus we get an answer to the biggest mystery of all: what voodoo magic is making teams repeatedly hand St Louis free goals HEADLINES [12:00] - appeals court restores lawsuit brought by Relevant Sports seeking to force FIFA/UEFA to allow European leagues to play regular season games in the US; the latest twist in the Berhalter/Reyna drama and updated thoughts on Pulisic's ideal landing spot when he leaves Chelsea this summer WEEKLY WHAT IF [24:45] - if you had to put your life savings on a country to win World Cup 2098... who you going with? PREMIER LEAGUE [28:30] - most notable results from the weekend; why Sam is legit getting nervous about Arsenal; how back is Liverpool according to Tyler and Power Rankings (Mikey finally admits he no longer even knows when he is reverse jinxing anymore) and most interesting games of the upcoming weekend REST OF WORLD [51:00] - MLS Hit-It-N-Quit-It Minute, who's to blame for the sh*tshow involving Violette AC -- up 3-0 on Austin in Concacaf Champions League -- only getting visas for 10 players for the return leg in Austin; and preview/picks for UEFA Champions League STOPPAGE TIME [1:04:30] - Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES - Jurgen Klinsmann (from the clouds) lands in Good Korea, PSG's Achraf Hakimi sexual assault allegations, Ivan Toney facing lengthy suspension and latest and possibly greatest installment of Keeping Up With The Icardashians WEEKLY WHAT IF [15:30] - if you could go back in history and have a season-long "All or Nothing" documentary made about one team... who you picking? PREMIER LEAGUE [23:00] - how back is Liverpool after hanging a casual 7-spot on United, the Tweedles touch themselves over Reiss Nelson's buzzer beating game-winner vs Bournemouth, thots on Tyler Adams, Mikey directs every iota of hate in his heart towards a neighbor club, Power Rankings and whose upset alert is beeping loudest between Arsenal and City this weekend REST OF WORLD [1:03:30] - return of the Hit-It-N-Quit-It MLS Minute plus Champions League preview STOPPAGE TIME [1:10:00] - Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES: new MLS format and France women's NT in disarray WEEKLY WHAT IF: where would PSG finish if they played in the Premier League? PREMIER LEAGUE: giving United some flowers, Liverpool is actually not #back after all, trying to describe Chelsea's heinousness and preview of the week ahead f/t City vs Newcastle and Liverpool vs United REST OF WORLD: an inside and outside look at MLS's opening weekend and Apple's coverage of it, Champions League preview + predictions and Concacaf U17 championship recap STOPPAGE TIME: Ivan Toney's Best Bets and GOAWs

HEADLINES - best and worst of MLS's 2023 jerseys; yay or nay on Thierry Henry as next USMNT manager; thots on Manchester United becoming another oil money club and how big of a deal is Barcelona's sordid referee payment scandal (note: last one not touched upon until GOAW section because someone -- not naming names -- is a dummy) WEEKLY WHAT IF [23:00] - right here right now one game your life depends on it, who's your striker... Marxus Rashford, Erling Haaland or Harry Kane? PREMIER LEAGUE [31:00] - if Arsenal's title hopes went up or down after losing to City which then dropped points to Forest; how back is Liverpool; Power Rankings and weekend preview f/t Make-Belieague Cup Final (with a hilarious twist) and the possibly the ugliest Tottenham vs Chelsea daerby in eons REST OF WORLD [1:11:15] - Champions League preview + predictions and update on USWNT's quest to repeat as SheBelieves Cup champs STOPPAGE TIME [1:14:45] - Ivan Toney's Best Bets (big swinging parlays galore) plus GOAWs *********** INTERVIEW [1:28:30] - Chris Wingert reminisces on MLS career before we delve into his transition from player to agent; featuring Roc Nation's plan for making waves in the soccer universe; his experiences with Jay-Z, Beyonce, Rich Paul and Mark Wahlberg; as well as biggest misnomers and shadiest experiences from life as an agent