Helltown Beer

Great show this week as writer / author / reporter Craig Merz joins host Rick Gethin and Larry Johnson in the 34th episode of Red Cards in Helltown.

Craig spent 25 years with the Dispatch cover just about all sports here in Columbus and currently with NHL.com. He's also author of the wonderful book Chill Factor: How a Minor-League Hockey Team Changed a City Forever.

00:40 - HEADLINES

► Introduction of Craig Merz

► Talk about Craig's book Chill Factor

► International matches, popularity of the sport

► MLS not taking an international break

► Ideas on how to improve it, change it

► Crew / Dallas playing shorthanded on national cable TV

14:40 - COLUMBUS CREW, NEWS NOTES

► Crew seem more comfortable this year

► Best playoff spot, Crew defense still shaky

► Knockout games, scary.

► McInerney a good pick up if Kamara leaves

► Montreal, Klopas middle of the night firing

► Teams fighting for the playoffs

► A look at the table

► Discussion on Ethan Finlay

34:32 - GENERAL DISCUSSION

► Wil Trapp, his impact on the team (on and off pitch)

► Topic for Merz: Pro sports in Columbus, the future

► Relationship to Ohio State, room for all

► Future of Crew Stadium, decisions need to be made

48:40 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP

► NASL challenging D1 standards

► Merger at top level? Tiered? What coming

► How would a suit impact US Soccer / MLS / SUM

Thank you again to Craig Merz for joining the show!

Host Rick Gethin and analyst Larry Johnson sit down to talk the latest for this week's Red Cards. Remember, you can find us here, over at SoundCloud and on iTunes. Thanks for listening!

00:40 - HEADLINES

► Thanks Chris Doran for joining last show

► Rick Gethin writing for TodaysCornerKick.com

► Toronto FC asking for Bradley and Altidore to not be called up

► Barclays Premier League headlines, results

13:30 - COLUMBUS CREW SC - NEWS, NOTES

► Recapping Crew v. NYCFC midweek

► Team lacking "killer instinct"

► Crew SC one of the best teams over last 11 weeks

► Overall goal difference is slim, a couple horrid results

► Two Crew goals offside? (passive offside a thing in MLS?)

► Jack McInerney delivers, needs time in team system

► Looking at team defense, new players

► Afful looking good thus far

37:30 - MLS, LEAGUE LOOK

► Playoff picture, in / out

► No coaching changes in MLS? Odd? Why?

► San Jose is hot right now in the West

► Supporters' Shield unique in domestic sports

49:40 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP

► Drogba debut and crappy Philly tactics against him

► Quick look at TV ratings across the board, European future in US?

► NBC Sports EPL games approaching midseason MLB games on ESPN

Host Rick Gethin and analyst Larry Johnson sit down to talk the latest for this week's Red Cards. Remember, you can find us here, over at SoundCloud and on iTunes. Thanks for listening!

00:40 - HEADLINES

► Thanks Chris Doran for joining last show

► Rick Gethin writing for TodaysCornerKick.com

► Toronto FC asking for Bradley and Altidore to not be called up

► Barclays Premier League headlines, results

13:30 - COLUMBUS CREW SC - NEWS, NOTES

► Recapping Crew v. NYCFC midweek

► Team lacking "killer instinct"

► Crew SC one of the best teams over last 11 weeks

► Overall goal difference is slim, a couple horrid results

► Two Crew goals offside? (passive offside a thing in MLS?)

► Jack McInerney delivers, needs time in team system

► Looking at team defense, new players

► Afful looking good thus far

37:30 - MLS, LEAGUE LOOK

► Playoff picture, in / out

► No coaching changes in MLS? Odd? Why?

► San Jose is hot right now in the West

► Supporters' Shield unique in domestic sports

49:40 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP

► Drogba debut and crappy Philly tactics against him

► Quick look at TV ratings across the board, European future in US?

► NBC Sports EPL games approaching midseason MLB games on ESPN

Very special guest Chris Doran (Crew SC Match Day Host at Time Warner Cable Sports Channel Ohio) joins podcast host Rick Gethin and analysts David Burgin and Larry Johnson. Great show this week. As always - we record one hour, non-stop. It's sort of like playing Scrabble the old-school way. Hope you enjoy and thanks for listening!

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01:25 - HEADLINES

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► Introduction of Chris Doran

► Barclays Premier League opening weekend

► AFC Bournemouth's first year ever in the PL (125 yrs)

► Other promotion sides - Watford FC, Norwich City

► Bundesliga about to kick off on Fox Sports 1

► MLS Transfer window, Chris gives his thoughts

► LA a winner, Crew SC as well

► Toronto, Montreal, Sporting rising

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13:35 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES

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► Going back for a minute to the Orlando City match

► Revisiting Berhalter's decision not to address team, impact this week

► Kristinn Steindórsson start

► Thoughts on Justin Meram

► "What's going on with Emanuel Pogatetz?"

► Great discussion on the Crew backline and system

► ...more awesome discussion

► The role Gaston Sauro fills

► New additions

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35:50 - GENERAL DISCUSSION

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► Looking over next four for Crew SC

► Will it be different for the playoffs this year for the Crew

► Number of 6 pt games remaining is key, Doran's piece LINK

► DC United, 1 shot, 1 goal

► A look at the top of the table

► Playoff format, takes different approach

► Speed in the central defense

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49:25 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP

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► Wraparound - balance between advertising / sponsorship and the sport

► Level / quality of play in MLS

► MLS being shaped by culture, not basing decisions based on long history

► Is there room for growth for foreign leagues in USA

Thank you again Chris Doran for joining the show!

Be sure to visit http://www.chrisdoran18.com/

Questions, comments - email me at [email protected]

Very special guest Chris Doran (Crew SC Match Day Host at Time Warner Cable Sports Channel Ohio) joins podcast host Rick Gethin and analysts David Burgin and Larry Johnson. Great show this week. As always - we record one hour, non-stop. It's sort of like playing Scrabble the old-school way. Hope you enjoy and thanks for listening!

-------------------------------------

01:25 - HEADLINES

-------------------------------------

► Introduction of Chris Doran

► Barclays Premier League opening weekend

► AFC Bournemouth's first year ever in the PL (125 yrs)

► Other promotion sides - Watford FC, Norwich City

► Bundesliga about to kick off on Fox Sports 1

► MLS Transfer window, Chris gives his thoughts

► LA a winner, Crew SC as well

► Toronto, Montreal, Sporting rising

-------------------------------------

13:35 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES

-------------------------------------

► Going back for a minute to the Orlando City match

► Revisiting Berhalter's decision not to address team, impact this week

► Kristinn Steindórsson start

► Thoughts on Justin Meram

► "What's going on with Emanuel Pogatetz?"

► Great discussion on the Crew backline and system

► ...more awesome discussion

► The role Gaston Sauro fills

► New additions

-------------------------------------

35:50 - GENERAL DISCUSSION

-------------------------------------

► Looking over next four for Crew SC

► Will it be different for the playoffs this year for the Crew

► Number of 6 pt games remaining is key, Doran's piece LINK

► DC United, 1 shot, 1 goal

► A look at the top of the table

► Playoff format, takes different approach

► Speed in the central defense

-------------------------------------

49:25 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP

-------------------------------------

► Wraparound - balance between advertising / sponsorship and the sport

► Level / quality of play in MLS

► MLS being shaped by culture, not basing decisions based on long history

► Is there room for growth for foreign leagues in USA

Thank you again Chris Doran for joining the show!

Be sure to visit http://www.chrisdoran18.com/

Questions, comments - email me at [email protected]

-------------------------------------

01:30 - HEADLINES

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► Gold Cup, USMNT v Panama

► US players - can see the bottom of the pool (as David Burgin would say)

► Were does the US go from "Dempsey, Donovan (and Beasley)"

► Controversy surrounding the Gold Cup

► Fallout from finishing 4th

► Wold Cup Qualifying draw, Concacaf

► MLS All-Star news, Frank Lampard out - Dax McCarty in

► International Champions Cup news

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19:35 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES

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► Crew SC blow a three goal lead, Berhalter not upset (publicly anyway)

► The MLS table is an illuuuussssion, Crew not 2nd place

► Crew got points from Chicago but didn't necessarily look good

► Toronto game not a "tale of two half's"

► Have to recognize that Altidore is looking for a penalty late

► Berhalter audio (24:00)

► Berhalter didn't seem upset about the result

► Player's meeting always a sign of something bad

► What's going on with Pogatetz

► All the Eastern Conference teams giving up the most goals

► MAPFRE STADIUM SELLOUT!! (aka Dollar Beer and Brat Night)

►Berhalter irritated (and arrogant, but that's not all bad)

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37:40 - GENERAL DISCUSSION

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► ...okay, a few good words on Berhalter, managed change very well

► A look at the MLS table, East and West

► East as some garbage teams this year

► LA looked disinterested in the Houston heat (and sprinklers)

► Seattle slide, a look at the Supporters' Shield race

► Drogba talk

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48:40 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP

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► Opening weekend of EPL coming up

► Appreciating of the honesty of the Premier League structure

► Refreshing, playing once at home and once away. Simple!

► Kudos to NBC Sports Network coverage

► Alexi Lalas, Eric Wynalda opinions of Jurgen Klinsmann

► How did some of the 90s stars get good, is the US regressing?

► US slipping to a level Jamaica is rising to

Thanks for listening! You can also find us on iTunes and Facebook. In fact, 1st listener to email me at [email protected] with what Meram says right at the end of the podcast will get a $20 iTunes gift card. No foolin'!

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01:30 - HEADLINES

-------------------------------------

► Gold Cup, USMNT v Panama

► US players - can see the bottom of the pool (as David Burgin would say)

► Were does the US go from "Dempsey, Donovan (and Beasley)"

► Controversy surrounding the Gold Cup

► Fallout from finishing 4th

► Wold Cup Qualifying draw, Concacaf

► MLS All-Star news, Frank Lampard out - Dax McCarty in

► International Champions Cup news

-------------------------------------

19:35 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES

-------------------------------------

► Crew SC blow a three goal lead, Berhalter not upset (publicly anyway)

► The MLS table is an illuuuussssion, Crew not 2nd place

► Crew got points from Chicago but didn't necessarily look good

► Toronto game not a "tale of two half's"

► Have to recognize that Altidore is looking for a penalty late

► Berhalter audio (24:00)

► Berhalter didn't seem upset about the result

► Player's meeting always a sign of something bad

► What's going on with Pogatetz

► All the Eastern Conference teams giving up the most goals

► MAPFRE STADIUM SELLOUT!! (aka Dollar Beer and Brat Night)

►Berhalter irritated (and arrogant, but that's not all bad)

-------------------------------------

37:40 - GENERAL DISCUSSION

-------------------------------------

► ...okay, a few good words on Berhalter, managed change very well

► A look at the MLS table, East and West

► East as some garbage teams this year

► LA looked disinterested in the Houston heat (and sprinklers)

► Seattle slide, a look at the Supporters' Shield race

► Drogba talk

-------------------------------------

48:40 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP

-------------------------------------

► Opening weekend of EPL coming up

► Appreciating of the honesty of the Premier League structure

► Refreshing, playing once at home and once away. Simple!

► Kudos to NBC Sports Network coverage

► Alexi Lalas, Eric Wynalda opinions of Jurgen Klinsmann

► How did some of the 90s stars get good, is the US regressing?

► US slipping to a level Jamaica is rising to

Thanks for listening! You can also find us on iTunes and Facebook. In fact, 1st listener to email me at [email protected] with what Meram says right at the end of the podcast will get a $20 iTunes gift card. No foolin'!

01:05 - SOCCER HEADLINES

► US Women's National Team win 3rd World Cup

► Better than the '99 team?

► Game way more enjoyable to watch now

► FIFA updates, Chuck Blazer banned for life

► CNN report on FIFA, Blazer

► CONCACAF Gold Cup update

► How meaningful is the Gold Cup and to whom

► Steven Gerrard introduction, Pirlo, Lampard

15:40 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES

► Montreal blank Columbus 3-0, early goals!!

► Dwight Burgess and Neil Sika losing their minds!

► Lack of emotion from coach extending into the team (a calm?)

► Crew lost part of what was developing last year, ability to control pace

► Predictable approach

► Aging group with nothing behind them on the bench

► Debate sparked over Berhalter's role, team needs

► Bench Parkhurst? New captain? Berhalter brave enough?

► Conversation continues on Berhalter's work load

35:10 - GENERAL DISCUSSION, RULE CHANGES

► Target Allocation Money (TAM)

► Adding difficulty to finding players

► Who benefits? Who does it hurt?

► How TAM impacts the Crew and other teams

► Parity as a sales pitch is gone

► Watching good teams is fun!

► 2015 LA looking like best team in MLS history

► Fix the cap

49:30 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP

► Question of the week: How can you tell you're watching a bad MLS team

► Points worst indicator of good team in MLS...

► David breaks down what equals a good game

► Summer distractions for MLS

► Schedule needs to change

Really fun show, thanks for listening!

01:05 - SOCCER HEADLINES

► US Women's National Team win 3rd World Cup

► Better than the '99 team?

► Game way more enjoyable to watch now

► FIFA updates, Chuck Blazer banned for life

► CNN report on FIFA, Blazer

► CONCACAF Gold Cup update

► How meaningful is the Gold Cup and to whom

► Steven Gerrard introduction, Pirlo, Lampard

15:40 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES

► Montreal blank Columbus 3-0, early goals!!

► Dwight Burgess and Neil Sika losing their minds!

► Lack of emotion from coach extending into the team (a calm?)

► Crew lost part of what was developing last year, ability to control pace

► Predictable approach

► Aging group with nothing behind them on the bench

► Debate sparked over Berhalter's role, team needs

► Bench Parkhurst? New captain? Berhalter brave enough?

► Conversation continues on Berhalter's work load

35:10 - GENERAL DISCUSSION, RULE CHANGES

► Target Allocation Money (TAM)

► Adding difficulty to finding players

► Who benefits? Who does it hurt?

► How TAM impacts the Crew and other teams

► Parity as a sales pitch is gone

► Watching good teams is fun!

► 2015 LA looking like best team in MLS history

► Fix the cap

49:30 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP

► Question of the week: How can you tell you're watching a bad MLS team

► Points worst indicator of good team in MLS...

► David breaks down what equals a good game

► Summer distractions for MLS

► Schedule needs to change

Really fun show, thanks for listening!

01:30 SOCCER HEADLINES

► Women's World Cup

► FOX Sports hashtag "#ScoreToSettle"

► WWC setup

► Standout players (Larry = Johnston, Rick = Heath)

► Jill Ellis approach (the Narrative)

► Copa America - Chile v Argentina final

► "There is no evil that lasts 100 years"

► Big name transfer rumors MLS, summer window

17:45 COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES

► Crew record A SIGN

► Place on the table, where they always seem to be

► Kamara and Finlay leading league in key cats

► Impact of Cedrick's arrival, change in tactics

► Meram maturation, future with team

► MLS players kinda stuck, difference with NHL and other leagues

► TWC broadcast missed red card

► Crew bow out of US Open Cup vs Orlando City

► NY tired themselves out midweek against NY Cosmos

► Realistically the only path to CCL for Crew

38:45 GENERAL DISCUSSION

► The hard break

► Rick and Larry solve some MLS problems

► New "Core Player" rule

► Hard Cap a solution?

► Impact of the Designated Player looms large in today's MLS

► Playing a board game and the rules change halfway through

► How the Core Player works

50:40 QUICK HIT, WRAP UP

► Sepp Blatter not in town for the WWC Final

► 13th edition of the Gold Cup, news notes

► Going to be a couple games played in an inferno (like... Qatar? hmm)

► A look at where the games are being played

That's all! Don't forget we are on iTunes as well. Thanks for listening.