Extratime

MLS slows down – but doesn’t shut down – as the international break arrives in full force. The United States’ double dip with Guatemala could help seal a spot in the Hex, and forward Bobby Wood joins the guys to talk about his career resurgence with Union Berlin, those pesky transfer rumors and his advice for young players looking to make the European jump. Plus, can Canada pull an upset against Mexico at home? Will the US U-23s do the business in Colombia with a place in the Olympics on the line?

While MLS takes a breath, USL is getting ready to get after it. Opening day is Friday, and Oklahoma City Energy FC head coach (and Sporting KC legend) Jimmy Nielsen gives the lowdown on the league and his new status as a Midwesterner.

In the mailbag, Calen Carr joins to give a player’s perspective on the unwritten rules of the game, a father and his daughters are welcomed into the Galaxy family and RapidMan gets the fan fiction treatment.

Missed the free-kick golazos (and red cards) this weekend? The guys, sans David but with Ben ‘The Research’ Baer in tow, break down an up-and-down Week 3 that saw Tim Howard introduced, Toronto FC cry foul, C.J. Sapong boss the Revs, the Sounders lose a Cascadia match at home (zero points in three games) and the Red Bulls win a wild one in Harrison. Plus, Joao brings the Plata for RSL, Steven Gerrard’s injury might be a blessing in disguise for LA and Cyle Larin can’t stop scoring.

After the break, it’s all about the international…break. United States U-23 boss Andi Herzog joins Andrew to explain what a place in the Olympics means ahead of the young Nats two-leg series against Colombia. Then the guys turn their attention to US-Guatemala and Canada-Mexico, with plenty of questions to answer about both rosters.

In the mailbag, folks wonder why there’s been a surge of red cards, and a listener sends in some RapidMan fan fiction.

You were expecting MLS to settle down in Week 2? Not a chance. Andrew, David and Matt break down yet another thrilling (and often confounding) weekend of play that saw Houston shellack in-state rivals FC Dallas, Montreal establish themselves as an early power, Sporting KC’s Dom Dwyer wow on and off the pitch and Quincy Amarikwa make the MLS world stand up and scream in delight.

In the second segment, a Cascadia trade between Vancouver and Portland that saw Darren Mattocks head south inspires some trade scuttlebutt. Plus, why is Poku sitting in New York? Then Dynamo goalscorer and assist man Andrew Wenger joins the guys to talk hype trains, Hamilton and Owen Coyle’s system.

Finally, a soon-to-be-married fan asks for advice winning over his in-laws in the mailbag. Help the man out ETR fam!

MLS original Todd Durbin, the Executive Vice President of Competition & Player Relations, stops by the studio to answer your questions. He covers it all from the process of creating rules, the use and effect of TAM, the future of young player development, Discovery claims, and so much more.

While the guys look at the bigger picture in the first segment in the second segment it is all about weekend preview. A few big matches are on the docket headlined by the first Viernes De Futbol of the year. Calen Carr stops by to talk about the development of OCSC star player Cyle Larin. The guys then run through the rest of the weekend's big question marks -- is Mike Magee a locked in starter for LA? Do RSL and Seattle already have reason to worry? Who looks better heading into the Texas Derby? And what to make of the Portland Timbers' newest acquisition?

In the mailbag the guys discuss the culinary experience around MLS, and their favorite MLS fantasy team names, and Calen's love of Kris Kross.

The waiting is finally over. MLS Soccer Sunday is here, with 10 games and a live digital extravaganza in store after months sans meaningful domestic soccer. The guys rejoice, then finish up their four-minute preview drill with the cream of the 2015 crop. Guess who got a new Designated Player deal! More Didier Drogba controversy? You better believe it.

We promised you predictions, and we shall deliver. See who the guys peg, via highly scientific means, for Breakout, Newcomer, Young and Old Player, Goalkeeper, Defender, Golden Boot and Landon Donovan MVP. Plus, MLS Cup, Supporters’ Shield, US Open Cup and the Canadian Championship are all handed out. Will your side win a trophy in 2016?

Finally, it’s all about the listeners and their off-the-wall questions in the mailbag. Best hair, most buyer’s remorse and a Harry Shipp prediction. This really is must-listen stuff ahead of the 2016 season!

The CONCACAF Champions League is over. For MLS teams, at least. After an 0-for-4 showing against Liga MX in the quarterfinals, Andrew, David and Matt survey the aftermath and look ahead to next year.