We’re never losing again! But more importantly, Jon talks to the Voice of the Oakland Roots, Joe Malfa, in a fantastically interesting interview. (Skip to 28:43 if you’re just here for Joe.)

The Bloggers are hyped by Roots opening week 1-0 win over Monterey Bay. The midfield and defense receive glowing reviews. The attack receives an optimistic incomplete. Such is the excitement surrounding the win that for one week, world events go unmentioned. It won’t happen again, probably.

The season is here! Probably! If the labor stuff can get worked out! But if it does, the Roots might be pretty good this year!

Our recording equipment was unprepared for Jon’s supportive, rather lukewarm take on the Roots’ offseason moves. But he persevered, and offered his endorsement. We also discuss whether FIFA can recover from awarding its “Peace Prize” to a failed real estate mogul intent on shredding the world order.

Coaching decisions were made! Roster decisions were made! We discuss those, plus the merits of egg nog, with special guest Daniel Poulter.

Jack joins the Pod to give us some insight into USL CBA negotiations from the players’ side. And we discuss who we’d like to see back, and whether we have any rooting interest in the conference finals and USL championship.

There aren’t many words to describe this season that aren’t synonyms of “disappointing” or “frustrating,” but we nevertheless find about an hour’s worth of them.

We’re saving discussion of the product on the field for our season recap. This episode is all about our listeners. To celebrate our 100th full episode, Jon went and talked to many fans about their love of Oakland Roots SC. Enjoy.

Embracing our fate, we all agree there’s no reason to be anything other than optimistic. Why be hurt in advance?

It’s hard to plan for the future, when you don’t really know what’s in the immediate present.