Let's Fix Football

Hosts Gabe Lezra and Evan Mateer break down the big USMNT news that Jonathan Gonzalez, the incredibly talented dual-citizen born in California to Mexican parents, chose to play for El Tri over the US Men's National Team. They break down the complicated decision, the pull between your two countries. They also discuss Gabe's "interview" of former USMNT player Alexi Lalas, and their back and forth about whether and how to pitch Gonzalez on staying with the USMNT. 

Then they discuss Kyle Martino's unfortunate decision to go back to the USA-Costa Rica match well to attack SUM and Kathy Carter. What's the point of going to this match? Is there a political motive?

They finish up discussing FIFA's recent disclosures about their "improved"  board member salary of $250,000/year for 3 meetings--and, most importantly, USSF's decision to hawk diet pills for $50 a pop to unsuspecting coaches.

Hosts Gabe Lezra and Evan Mateer discuss the USSF election conflict of interest issues surrounding Eric Wynalda and Kathy Carter, and some of the legal issues involved. How similar is the USSF to a normal corporation, and do they have to abide by the general rules of corporate law? 

They have a number of funny examples of badly behaved fans for the week's worst take, and they finish up with a discussion of Financial Fair Play.

They conduct a rundown of UEFA's Financial Fair Play regulations effect on differing club revenue models, using five separate teams with different balance sheets as examples.

Hosts Gabe Lezra and Evan Mateer are joined by their friend Ernesto Alvarado to talk about everything from Antoine Greizmann's absurd blackface costume, the FIFA trial, and Gabe's articles on the Columbus Crew. 

Gabe and Ernesto start with a long chat about Greizmann and racism, delving into the culture that would allow or even encourage the costume, the incredibly flawed misconception that this constume is some how OK or justified, and they break down some of the myriad shit takes from old white dudes about Greizmann. 

Then they're joined by Evan to break down the latest developments in the FIFA scandal coming out of federal court in Brooklyn. Both sides delivered closing arguments earlier in the week and it's really up in the air how it might shake out. Oh, and FIFA is incredibly mobbed up. 

They end by chatting about Gabe's new articles on the Columbus crew and some out-there plans to potentially #SaveTheCrew.

In this week's Let's Fix Football hosts Gabe Lezra and Evan Mateer break down the absurd USSF presidential election. They break down all the candidates--from the front runners to the absolutely ridiculous--and talk about how to handicap the race. And there's an Alexi Lalas insufferability update, as our ginger-haired moist thumb in a suit has declared himself the voice of the people. 

They also chat about Toronto's deserved 2-0 victory over the Sounders, break down Michael Bradley's game, and fantasize about a Liga MX - MLS supercup (it would be awesome, right?). 

Finalle, they chat Europe, with some bad takes about England's "resurgence", and check in on Arsenal Fan TV.

On this week's show, hosts Gabe Lezra and Evan Mateer talk about ex-USSF President Sunil Gulati's really good decision to resign, and the incredibly unacceptable way he decided to go about it. Also funny: the absolutely obnoxous Alexi Lalas-related meltdown that followed. 

Then--it's Arsenal fan RAAAAGE as they break down the absolutely hilarious "controversy" of Arsenal fans frothing anger at the hosts of BBC Match of the Day following their discussion Arsenal's 3-1 loss against Manchester United. Arsenal fan twitter was so enraged at the MotD coverage that they got every single middle-aged ex-player professional analyst host to have their own Twitter meltdown. 

And then it's Balon d'Or discussion time as we have a whole bunch of dumb shit takes about Cristiano Ronaldo's 100% correct and fair 5th BdO.

Hosts Gabe Lezra and Evan Mateer are joined by Scouted Football's Jack Grimse to break down the week in bad takes, including a series of absolute doozies from various Soccer Twitter personalities about Mesut Ozil. They also chat Pep Guardiola's miraculous ability to turn already good teams into good teams, and how some teams know how to spend smart. 

They also talk about some truly horrific MLS and American soccer takes, including a Toronto FC personality attacking Columbus fans for their (righteous) fury at Michael Bradley. But the real highlight here is a Sports Illustrated take that is that fun combination between extremely racist and absurdly self-righteous.

The final take this week? A breakdown of former USMNT player (and current ESPN analyst) Alexi Lalas's absurd music career, and in particular his most recent contemporary alt-rock album "Shots". Oh yes.

Hosts Gabe Lezra and Evan Mateer run down some bad takes from the week in European football: Arsenal won the North London Derby--so they're really good now! Spurs lost? They're terrible and are in desperate financial shape and will implode soon and also Arsenal are better than Spurs at spending their money because they pay way more for worse players and finish fourth a lot. 

Then they dive into the myriad stupid opinions about Expected Goals: for some reason this was the week that a bunch of media personalities decided that they would offer their least interesting, most boring takes on the intro to soccer analytics-level statistic, expected goals. Enjoy the ranting.

It's international break and there's not a ton to talk about--aside from Italy's SHOCKING elimination from the 2018 World Cup at the hands of a Zlatan-less Sweden side. Hosts Evan Mateer and Gabe Lezra briefly touch on the World Cup qualifying news, Italy's incomprehensible decision not to start their best striker in a game they needed to win and some other odds and ends. They also break down some of the new #SaveTheCrew news, including the scam emails with Precourt, SBNation's fascinating breakdown of the Crew's solid financial situation, and their improbable run to the MLS cup semifinals. 

THEN it's the main event folks.  Gabe and Evan are on their bullshit once again--and this time they cover everything from some absolutely absurd Pep Guardiola dick sucking, "I told you so takes" regarding Sebastian Giovinco, and good old-fashioned Italian racism. Bad takes go all the way back to 2003 (hey friends, who's better Freddy "the GOAT" Adu or Lionel "total bust" Messi?) and continue into the present day. 

Buckle up fam. It's an awesome episode.

Heyooo! It's your weekly Let's Fix Football. This week hosts Gabe Lezra and Evan Mateer run down the week in European football, where almost nothing interesting happened. Will Manchester City win the Double? Maybe? Probably not?  

More importantly, they focus on MLS Playoffs, especially touching on the Crew's squeaker against NYCFC and offer some thoughts about the process. Then, they offer their thoughts about the next round, and whether Columbus can continue their cinderella run into the final by beating Toronto FC. #SaveTheCrew fam. 

Then? Worst. Video. Take. Ever. Yeah, the second half of the show is just the dudes taking down the worst BBC video ever. Ever. Will Americans ever care about football? This American in England will tell you that probably not!

Hosts Gabe Lezra and Evan Mateer run down the week in European football, focusing on Tottenham's huge win over Real Madrid in the Champions League, and what the tie means for both sides. Then they discuss the MLS Playoffs, running down Columbus's huge and improbable cinderella run. They lament the loss of Atlanta in the playoffs but agree that Columbus, and the #SaveTheCrew movement are more important.  

Then they interview their friend FCPA Attorney Ernesto Alvarado about recent developments in the FIFA and political universe. In particular, they chat the recent Swiss investigation of PSG president Al Khalaifi, the Catalan referendum and the future of European football, and they end with a quick discussion of the allegations against ex-La Liga president Villar.