DC United open the 2026 MLS season with a 1-0 win over the Philadelphia Union at Audi Field and Jon and Ted were there to see it. Three points, a new mascot, and Matti Peltola playing out of his mind.

In this episode:

1. Tai Baribo's energy and what it means for this attack
2. Matti Peltola as player of the match — 15 recoveries, 5+ interceptions, one stop that would have been a goal last year
3. Jackson Hopkins: the floor question is finally answered
4. Silvan Hefti plays 90 minutes after six months off — verdict: pretty okay
5. Aaron Herrera's injury and whether he fits in this system when healthy
6. Drew Paglo's assist and the counter attack setup
7. Louis Munteanu's cameo off the bench
8. The McConaughey red card and what he said
9. Rene Wilder's substitution logic explained
10. Listener questions on the 4-4-2, Kojima vs. Servania, and game management
11. The Athletic's survey rates Audi Field the worst soccer-specific stadium in MLS — Jon and Ted respond

Extended analysis, Austin FC preview, and Patreon listener Q&A available at the $5 tier: patreon.com/rfkrefugees

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Ted and Jon break down Jason Levien's big Baltimore press conference — a 12-15K seat stadium, public money asks, Carmelo Anthony, and zero interim plan for MLS Next Pro. Plus DC United is giving away free tickets to the home opener after spending $11 million on the roster.

On the pitch: another 0-0 preseason draw against Minnesota, rookie Markovic emerging as a potential starter, and the team beating St. Louis 3-1 behind closed doors — because they can only score when nobody's watching.

Then: the Washington Spirit trade Bethune to Kansas City. It stings, but this roster is deep enough to handle it.

Want the extended show? Ted and Jon sit down with Todd Lewis from the Free Kick Pod for a full Philadelphia Union preview ahead of Saturday's home opener — Tiburcio scouting report, the Kai Wagner hole, Champions League in Trinidad against a team literally made up of the defense force, and a score prediction DC fans will like. Available now for $5+ Patreon subscribers at patreon.com/rfkrefugees.

Welcome in ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, to RFK Refugees Podcast.

Ted sits down with Jason Longshore from Soccer Down Here and 92.9 The Game to talk about Atlanta United and how they will look in 2026. They share in the struggles of both teams last season and look ahead to the new division structure, which sees them sharing more matches. This is a free preview, for the full episode head over to our Patreon and contribute at the $5 level.

Join us Live Monday at 8:30PM and Subscribe so you can get this and every episode wherever you get your podcasts!

Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear and you want to help support our show and get exclusive content, head on over to our Patreon or subscribe to our Twitch page with your free Amazon sub (or your American Fiat Currency!)

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The boys are back and there's actual soccer to talk about. Ted and Jon break down DC United's 0-0 preseason draw against Portland at the Coachella Valley Classic — yes, it was actually broadcast this time. No bounty hunters with iPhones required.

Up top: DC and Baltimore are cooking something. Jason Levien and the mayor of Baltimore are holding a press conference on February 12th. Next Pro team? Stadium land deal? An official Old Bay-flavored beer partnership? We speculate wildly.

Then: MLS takes an axe to its Apple TV broadcast operation. A quarter of Spanish language talent cut, MLS 360 in Spanish gone, the wrap-up show gutted, and games being produced out of London. Ted has feelings about the league's inability to invest in content long enough for it to actually grow. Jon just wants the British-style highlight show back.

On the pitch: Boribo hit the crossbar and looked like the real deal. Jackson Hopkins is roaming free as an 8 with a green light to create. Montaño and Karakawa are still works in progress. And the cameraman provided some of the commentary. We are thankful for whatever we can get.

Welcome in ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, to RFK Refugees Podcast.

Ted and Jon dig into Trinity Rodman's record-breaking contract, making her the highest-paid female soccer player in the world, plus a flurry of Spirit roster moves as the team reloads for another championship run. On the DC United side: a new head of recruitment, five centerbacks and counting, and the glaring hole at the #10 position. Will the front office address it now or wait for summer? Plus listener questions and MLS roster rule changes.

00:00 Introduction and Show Overview

02:26 Soccer Season Preparations and Fantasy League

05:25 Patreon and Show Structure

07:56 Washington Spirit's Recent Developments

18:01 DC United's Recruitment and Future Plans

26:15 Introduction and Player Discussions

28:50 New Acquisitions and Team Strategy

31:44 Roster Updates and Game Allocation

34:32 Winter Window Grades and Central Midfield Concerns

37:17 Roster Rule Changes and Their Implications

40:12 Final Thoughts and Future Prospects

Join us Live Monday at 8:30PM and Subscribe so you can get this and every episode wherever you get your podcasts!

Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear and you want to help support our show and get exclusive content, head on over to our Patreon or subscribe to our Twitch page with your free Amazon sub (or your American Fiat Currency!)

Follow us on Twitter, Threads, Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Youtube and Golz.tv.

Vamos!

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Welcome in ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, to RFK Refugees Podcast.

Ted talks about the new record breaking DP signing Louis Munteanu and what he could bring the roster. He also talks about the waiving of David Schnegg and Dominque Badji, possible loan of Kim Joon Hong and much more. If you are Patreon subscriber, head over and enjoy the full episode including a deep dive into the current roster and where the team might be looking next.

Join us Live Monday at 8:30PM and Subscribe so you can get this and every episode wherever you get your podcasts!

Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear and you want to help support our show and get exclusive content, head on over to our Patreon or subscribe to our Twitch page with your free Amazon sub (or your American Fiat Currency!)

Follow us on Twitter, Threads, Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Youtube and Golz.tv.

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We're hiring a Producer for the 2026 season, this is a paid (not a lot, but!) position with commission potential on advertising. This role will have editing, social media, and live show responsibilities 1x a week during the season. Please send a notice of interest to [email protected].

We are releasing an offseason episode every 2 weeks for our $5 patron on www.patreon.com/rfkrefugees. Considering joining us! Vamos

Welcome in ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, to RFK Refugees Podcast.

Ted and Jon talk very briefly about DC United in 2025 (don't check the runtime). They review the final game, talk roster decisions for 2026, and just what the plan is. They also discuss the future of the show moving into the long cold offseason.

Join us Live Monday at 8:30PM and Subscribe so you can get this and every episode wherever you get your podcasts!

Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear and you want to help support our show and get exclusive content, head on over to our Patreon or subscribe to our Twitch page with your free Amazon sub (or your American Fiat Currency!)

Follow us on Twitter, Threads, Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Youtube and Golz.tv.

Vamos!

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Welcome in ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, to RFK Refugees Podcast.

Ted and Jon answer listener questions and break down what is becoming an annual beat down at the hands of Philadelphia. He also talks to a long time fan about the supporters protest, the loss of community at DC, and more!

Join us Live Monday at 8:30PM and Subscribe so you can get this and every episode wherever you get your podcasts!

Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear and you want to help support our show and get exclusive content, head on over to our Patreon or subscribe to our Twitch page with your free Amazon sub (or your American Fiat Currency!)

Follow us on Twitter, Threads, Facebook, Instagram, BlueSky, Youtube and Golz.tv.

Vamos!

RFKRefugees.com