Extratime Radio

Will we be looking back on April 22, 2015 as one of the defining moments in MLS history? The Montreal Impact sure hope so as they head to Mexico City for the CONCACAF Champions League final first leg against Mexican champs Club America. Montreal captain Nigel Reo-Coker, who joins the guys from Mexico City, sounds pretty confident -- find out why. Also, Matt Pavlich of Opta Sports tells you all you need to know about the Impact's opponents.Meanwhile, in MLS play there's another Canadian team making waves as the Vancouver Whitecaps extended their lead atop the league standings. Goalkeeper David Ousted calls in to answer the question on everyone's mind: Are the 'Caps truly MLS Cup contenders? Meanwhile, the Red Bulls continue to make their case in the East, while their intra-city rivals NYCFC miss out on a huge opportunity. Have they become David Villa dependent?In the mailbag there's more Jordan Morris talk and a Twitter controversy over the weekend has us all wondering: What the hell happened to this country?

What crisis? The USMNT wiped out all the doomsday talk of late collapses with another dos a cero against Mexico. Simon and David are joined by US World Cup veteran Herculez Gomez to break down the US win and the hoopla surrounding goal-scoring hero and Seattle Sounders academy product Jordan Morris. Meanwhile, Gomez, who plays for LigaMX side Puebla has a championship game coming up next week.In MLS league play, a busy MLS Week 7 kicks off Thursday and we highlight all the key match-ups, including the team that has the most riding on the weekend. New England Revolution midfielder Kelyn Rowe joins the show to talk Revs soccer, the upcoming trip to Philadelphia (5ET, ESPN2 and ESPN Deportes) and his USMNT chances. Oh, and Rowe puts the man-bun controversy to bed once and for all.Plus, there's talk of another World Cup spot for CONCACAF, a new soccer stadium in Minnesota and the US-Canadian MLSer who is approaching a decision: Which way should he go?

After six weeks, who's good and who's bad in MLS? Who knows, it's springtime and that means we're still figuring it all out! Andrew, David and Simon are back together, and they break down the weekend that was in MLS. First things first, the Rapids scored. And then they scored again. And again. And again. Plus, what's going on in Portland? What's up with the new goalkeeper in Philadelphia? And should Bill Hamid shoulder the blame for D.C. United's Atlantic Cup draw?Hamid won't have much time to dwell on it, of course, as he is one of 14 MLSers in USMNT camp for Wednesday's friendly against Mexico. Could William Yarbrough get time in goal after making his debut against Denmark? Perhaps, either way the young dual citizen will be pulled both ways as his country of birth takes on his national team. Yarbrough needs a nickname, help us out ETR faithful!In the mailbag, where would Jason Kreis and Jurgen Klinsmann fall in their own depth charts? And is this the year of the Canuck?

The Montreal Impact almost got CONCACAF'd, but they're through to the Champions League final via guile, timely goals and a little luck. Head coach Frank Klopas joins Andrew and David to re-live the semifinal second leg, a game in which shoes were thrown, players had to fight to get off the field and, somehow, no red cards were shown. Plus, hear why Klopas believes the Impact defied the odds to become the second-ever MLS team in this position. Meanwhile, over in Portland, Nat Borchers possesses the best beard in the Northern Hemisphere. What inspired it? And is it even all that special in a city like Portland? He also gives his take on Tissue Gate between Caleb Porter and Oscar Pareja and admits he has serious beef with Simon Borg. Over what? You'll have to listen to find out.

A wild and crazy MLS weekend has come to a close and the band is finally back together to make sense of all the action. Young Vancouver star Kekuta Manneh stops by to chat about his national team future, the Whitecaps' success so far, and whether or not he’s the best shot in MLS. But before that, the guys have to delve into Tissue Gate, also known as the Caleb Porter-Oscar Pareja WWE show on Saturday night. Things may get messy Simon brought his box of tissues. While MLS rolls on, the Montreal Impact are down in Costa Rica preparing for one of the biggest games in MLS history. Impact beat writer Olivier Tremblay calls in to give the guys a taste of the environment right now in Alajuela, and the Impact’s chances to move on to the final against a strong, determined Alajuelense side. In the mailbag, a few rule and philosophy debates spring up. If a referee happens to see a replay and can correct a call, should he? Should 0-0 draws end in no points for either side? And where would Mike Petke fit best if he return

Ike Opara has serious bounce. Dunk off two feet, sky above the pack on a set piece hops. The Sporting KC center back joins Andrew and Simon to talk ankle injuries, the best dead-ball defender in MLS, his alternate future as a basketball star and the NCAA Tournament. Plus, find out why his teammates are bothering him about MLS Fantasy.Ahead of another big MLS weekend, Andrew wonders why the league seems to be stuck in first gear. Of course, Simon disagrees. Taylor Twellman gives his take in the second segment, and chimes in on a USMNT side that has just two wins in 12 games and can't stop leaking late goals. What games are you watching this weekend? Let us know in the comment section below.In the mailbag, the one and only Victoria Borg joins in to dispel the myth of the scoreboard, the guys debate whether another United belongs in MLS and there's a case of mistaken gender.

Two words: Holy Shipp. In Chicago, that's the rallying cry of an entire fanbase after Homegrown hero Harry Shipp stole the show against Philadelphia to break a three-game losing streak. But what makes Shipp so special? Let him tell you the story, from Fire fandom to Notre Dame to the first team. Now, what about a US national team look?New York Red Bulls head coach Jesse Marsch made some news this week when he chimed in on the USMNT and Jurgen Klinsmann. The guys clarify those comments and dive into Red Bull land, where Marsch and his new-look squad sit atop the Eastern Conference despite playing only three games in four weeks. Did he see this coming? What makes Dax McCarty the ideal captain? And, most importantly to the South Ward, can he replicate Mike Petke's Supporters' Shield and playoff success?In the mailbag, the guys break down long throws, the top five stadiums in MLS and darby vs. derby pronunciation.

Minnesota dominates the headlines after Wednesday's MLS expansion announcement, and the guys go straight to the source with Minnesota United FC President Nick Rogers and resident Minnesota superfan/soccer writer Bruce McGuire (DuNord). What's the next stadium step? What about that logo and the loon? Who are their prospective rivals? It's all here. Of course, there is plenty of US national team and MLS action to discuss as well. Simon claims he wishes he was a Dane (or a Danish?) as the guys search for positives after another late collapse from the Yanks. On the MLS front, it is a packed weekend with a series of high-profile matchups on Saturday night and Sunday afternoon. In the mailbag, the guys consider Xavi’s potential fit in the NYCFC midfield, and look at two of the best attacking acquisitions of the offseason.

Week 3 is in the books and there is only one perfect team left standing. Simon and David chat with FC Dallas goal scorer Ryan Hollingshead about his league-leading side, the reasons for his year-long hiatus from the sport and his battle to get back into the pro soccer ranks. Plus the guys break down the opening of Avaya stadium in San Jose, the Cameron Porter injury, and more. On top of all the MLS action this weekend, the US Soccer Federation dropped not one, not two, but three national team rosters on us. The guys chat with ASN/NY Times writer Brian Sciaretta, who is en route to Denmark, about the USMNT and the U23/U20 squad selections. They go over the surprises, the snubs, and the controversies -- Julian Green is back. There is also the small matter of a major MLS announcement in Minnesota to look forward to as well as another Colorado Rapids Designated Player on the horizon. Simon and David dust off their crystal ball for segment three: Will Kevin Doyle be the goal-scoring savior the Rapids have been sea

Week 3 is here (they come thick and fast, right?) and a new soccer-specific stadium is set to open in San Jose. On Sunday, the Earthquakes will welcome Avaya Stadium to the club with a matchup against the Chicago Fire (7 pm ET, Fox Sports 1). Club president Dave Kaval joins the guys to take construction, perks and the future. Oh, and there are plenty of other games to preview as well. Of course, Montreal made the biggest news of the week, jumping out to a 2-0 lead in the CONCACAF Champions League after a massive home result. Can they finish the job in Costa Rica? Simon isn't so sure. We do know that USL kicks off this weekend, though, and president Jake Edwards joins to preview the biggest season in league history.

Week 2 in MLS had everything: incredible goals, unlikely comebacks, late drama and controversial calls. Down a man, Simon and David attempt to digest all the action. The guys discuss their experiences at the NYCFC opener and the team's ability to capture the imagination of NYC in their first week in town. They also break down the incredible drama that unfolded in Portland and Seattle this weekend, before chatting with PK save hero Chris Seitz of 1st-place FC Dallas. Even with MLS revving along, there's still a massive CCL semifinal first leg coming up on Wednesday. Montreal Impact beat writer Olivier Tremblay stops by to talk about the buzz and expectations in the city ahead of the match, as well as some necessary tactical changes the Impact could be making. Lastly, the guys react to the Minnesota expansion developments, and discuss the possibility of the AT&T All-Star Game going to a league-only format.

Andrew, Simon, and David preview the weekend with the people that matter most: the fans! Third Rail president Chance Michaels calls in from work to serenade Simon with some NYCFC chants and explain what’s on tap for Sunday. The guys also break down the match vs. New England, and give their takes on Portland and Orlando’s center-forward conundrums. Not to be outdone by their Eastern Conference brethren, a member of Vancouver Whitecaps supporters group “The Southsiders” stops by to preview their matchup. But it’s not just any member, it’s Kristy Olychick, who flipped the bird in Jozy Altidore’s face last weekend, a gesture felt around MLS. The guys finish up by breaking down the rest of the weekend’s games, then debate who got the toughest Gold Cup group. In the mailbag, the legal battle begins as an ETR fan/attorney chimes in about Simon’s copyright claim to the “ScoreBorg” (not like it’s every going to happen anyway). Finally, the guys consider what kind of ETR memorabilia might take the marketplace by storm.

There was ecstasy (and some pain) across the US and Canada this weekend. Why? Because MLS is back. So whether you’re feeling up or down about your club's 2015 fate after a jam-packed slate of games, Andrew, Simon, and David are ready to break it all down. The guys start off with the historic expansion derby in front of 62,000 fans in Orlando, and president and part owner Phil Rawlins (interview starts at 8:01 mark) stops by to discuss his emotions from Sunday, and the club's plans for major crowds. Of course, we have discuss the return of Seattle’s two-headed monster as well as Matt Besler’s best Aurelin Collin impersonation. Plus, questions arise about the career path of budding American star Jose Villarreal, and Simon makes a bold claim about the on-field production of Mix Diskerud’s hair this season. And obviously there's a discussion to be had about Toronto FC following their impressive opening day victory in Vancouver.In the mailbag, the debate heats up about whether fans can feel good about selecting ri

The season is here and it’s impossible not to feel the excitement. After an offseason of rumors, drafts and scuttlebutt, it’s game time and Andrew, Simon, and David leave no stone unturned while breaking down EVERY opening weekend matchup. All the top story lines are covered: Kaka vs. Villa, Canada’s East and West Coasts go at it, the LA Galaxy move on without Landon, and so much more. Also, start getting used to the new match schedule because Friday and Sunday nights are locked in for MLS. In the mailbag, Simon forces the guys to nail down their MLS Cup and MVP picks. There are a few surprises there, and you’re sure to be shocked by what bodily fluid one of our fans thinks Simon is picking for the 2015 Landon Donovan MVP. Go ahead, give us your MLS Cup prediction in the poll! Don't forget to join the ETR fantasy league (click here to join the league or use code 1183-524), and send your Week 1 comments for discussion on Monday's show. Email us at ExtraTime@MLSsoccer.com or tweet us at @ExtraTimeRadio.

AGAINST ALL ODDS   One final preseason matchday remains on Saturday and then all eyes turn toward the start of the 2015 regular season on Friday, March 6. And there is already some big news that impacts that first match between the LA Galaxy and Chicago Fire (10 pm ET, UniMas). David and Simon sink their teeth into that as well as the Montreal Impact's shocking result in the Champions League. Meanwhile, the expansion teams continue to grab headlines and a rivalry ranking survey has supporters talking. What will it take for NYCFC vs. RBNY to be as big as RBNY vs. DC?On the international front, there's a big meeting coming up involving the officials who establish the rules of the game around the world. One of the proposals they're considering is a fourth sub in extratime. But does the idea even make sense? We spoke to a professor who's an expert on the substitution rule and authored a research paper on the topic: Villanova professor and an analytics consultant for Toronto FC, Bret Myers (READ HIS PAPER HERE).It

The MLS preseason has never offered a weekend richer in talking points. We delve into a few of the meatier topics on this episode: Should MLS rivals face off this close to the regular season (Portland vs. Vancouver)? Should teams that play on opening weekend meet two weeks before, even in an exhibition (NYCFC vs. Orlando City)? Should rookies have to put up with innocent rites of initiation (Whitecaps)? And should LA Galaxy captain Robbie Keane have to pass the armband on to Steven Gerrard when he joins the team in the summer? We move on to the matches that count for real in segment two and the Scotiabank CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals which will see two MLS sides in action. Pachuca and Alajuelense expert Eddie Mendez gives you the lowdown on the teams that stand in the way of a potential all-MLS semifinal between Montreal and DC United. Also, is there less buzz around CCL compared to years past? If so, is it justified?  No mailbag today, but we replace it with a topic of discussion most soccer avids

Who won and who lost the MLS offseason? Did your team’s moves come out on top or has your club just not done enough. One of the top pickups of the offseason isn’t an MLS newbies, it is league veteran Roger Espinoza. He stops by to discuss his return to Kansas City, wedding gifts for Dom Dwyer, and his time in England.   In the second segment the guys jump into their time machine as they begin to worry about how the 2022 winter World Cup will affect the MLS season. What would you do to fit the season in? And is a 48-team World Cup in two different countries in the cards?    In the mailbag we get a chance to hear who goes on your US Soccer “Mount Rushmore” or if there should even be one. Plus the guys dole out advice to their friend on who he should bring with him to the USA-Mexico friendly. And to close out Simon gets your mouth drooling with his favorite Maltese delicacies (hint: Bugs Bunny won’t be a fan.)   Email us at ExtraTime@MLSsoccer.com or tweet us at @ExtraTimeRadio.

The season is rapidly approaching, but first come the preseason tournaments. Andrew is headed to Charleston. Where is the best February vacation for MLS fans? And what should folks be looking for at home? Expect an improvement in Colorado. That's based on the guys' conversation with Rapids Sporting Director Padraig Smith, who is at the forefront of the performance analytics movement. In the second segment, the USMNT and USSF get the spotlight. First, after the Hall of Fame inductions, who would go on your American soccer Mount Rushmore. Then, are you seriously still talking about fitness? Yep, as Jurgen Klinsmann "clarified" things on Monday. Finally, Julian Green finds himself in a tough situation. That can't be good. We finish off with the mailbag, in which Simon goes off the rails, David gets a shot at running things and Andrew doles out advice to yet more fans with identity issues. Email us at ExtraTime@MLSsoccer.com or tweet us at @ExtraTimeRadio.

It’s expansion fever on the latest edition hosted by Greg Lalas subbing in for Andrew, who caught more than just a fever. The guys glow about NYCFC’s Barcelona-esqe preseason opener and then talk to Orlando City midfielder Amobi Okugo, who takes us into Kaka-mania, the OCSC locker and more. Plus there’s Landon Donovan’s engagement and Toronto FC’s “armband-gate.”   In the second segment it’s all about FIFA and the US national team. There’s another FIFA controversy and this time it involves the breaking news about the 2026 World Cup TV rights and the Under-20 World Cup draw, as the US learned its opponents. Also would Jurgen Klinsmann leave the USA national team for the Aston Villa job?   We finish off with the mailbag and a dramatic turn of events: Simon is back in the listeners’ good graces. And this time it’s Greg’s turn to give supporting advance to conflicted supporters.   Email us at ExtraTime@MLSsoccer.com or tweet us at @ExtraTimeRadio.  

January camp is over, but that doesn't mean we're done talking about it. This time, though, the discussion centers around a 2-0 victory against Panama that saw Gyasi Zardes prove he belongs, Clint Dempsey do his thing and Michael Bradley notch an olimpico. What you really want to know is what Simon thinks of Miguel Ibarra's performance, and ETR's resident hot-take expert doesn't disappoint. In the second segment, the spotlight turns to MLS, where injuries and signings stole the headlines on Monday. Why is Jermaine Jones having surgery? What's wrong with Eddie Johnson? Who is this centerback the Union just signed? Finally, San Jose boss Dominic Kinnear joins the guys to talk homecomings, DPs and Jurgen Klinsmann. In the mailbag, listeners wonder if Simon soiled himself making noises on the last show, and the conversation, predictably, turns to jam's place in history. Email us at ExtraTime@MLSsoccer.com or tweet us at @ExtraTimeRadio.