Cristian Roldan aims to be US starter (plus, epic Dempsey story) + MLS Week 8 preview

The Athletic’s Sam Stejskal joins the Andrew, Doyle and Susannah to bounce around Major League Soccer ahead of Week 8. First up, a very MLS-y midweek win for the Whitecaps, who might not have the results but are starting to show signs of life. The crew also explains why Friday’s UniMas game is a test for both the Galaxy and Dynamo, then wonders when Alberth Elis might be sold. Are Atlanta United making progress? Hard to tell. Is James Sands the next Homegrown stud? Could be. Is Caleb Porter out for some revenge against Portland? You’d think, right? The biggest game of the weekend, however, comes on Sunday night, as Seattle visit LAFC. The Sounders’ Cristian Roldan calls in to talk flower planters (seriously), Seattle’s blistering form, his choice to re-sign on a TAM deal, draft-day motivation that lingers, his role with the USMNT and his best Clint Dempsey story. In the mailbag, in honor of the Thierry Henry-to-Red Bulls rumors, the crew unearth former Designated Players they’d like to see become MLS head coaches, for all manner of reasons, good and bad. 1:08 – Good riddance, Sam Stejskal (just kidding, we love you) 3:30 – How the Whitecaps got a very MLS-y win vs. LAFC 8:34 – Big test for both the Galaxy and the Dynamo on Friday 14:48 – When should the Dynamo sell Alberth Elis? 16:55 – Are Atlanta United back on the right track? 20:09 – James Sands appreciation hour, thanks to NYCFC fans 23:56 – Revenge game for Caleb Porter … DP rumors for the Timbers 26:46 – INTERVIEW: Cristian Roldan on Sounders, USMNT, best Dempsey story 46:24 – Bobby and David check in from the GA Cup 55:44 – Henry to the Red Bulls? Other MLS stars who could make the jump