Today we are joined by Drew Conner of the Chicago Fire! Drew is a midfielder/right back for the Fire. Drew is a Chicago native and came up in the Chicago Fire academy, but he was a fan of the Fire before he became a player, so we discuss what it's like playing for your childhood club! We also have a big fight about Chicago vs NY pizza. It's a saucy bloodbath! Segment 1: We all have to give Jay Heaps the bad news. Segment 2: Interview with Drew Conner of the Chicago Fire (Instagram: @DrewConner1) Segment 3: Minnesota ain't that bad, y'all! Matches: CHI v DC MTL v MIN COL v NYC ATL v NE ATL v ORL VAN v CLB COOLIGANS T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW AT ONTHEVOLLEYAPPAREL.COM! USE PROMO CODE "COOLIGANS" FOR 20% OFF ON ALL GEAR!!

The United States might miss the World Cup in 2018 and SOME PEOPLE are suggesting that that might be a good thing. That it will teach the US Soccer Federation a lesson to make the changes necessary to become a world soccer power. Matthew Doyle is not one of those people who believes that. Matty D joins the show. Matthew returns to the show from the MLS Analyst's Den to put everyone in their place who thinks the USA should miss the World Cup in Russia. Segment 1: We have our own natural disaster. Segment 2: Interview w/ journalist Matthew Doyle @MatthewDoyle76 on Twitter (mlssoccer.com) Segment 3: Alexi Lalas goes hard in the paint. Matches: ATL v FCD DC v ORL VAN v RSL NYC v POR COOLIGANS T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW AT ONTHEVOLLEYAPPAREL.COM! USE PROMO CODE "COOLIGANS" FOR 20% OFF ON ALL GEAR!!

Alexis is vacationing in sunny and beautiful Ireland, while Christian is in Brooklyn bringing the heat on the podcast. Alexis calls in to the show and Christian does a one on one interview with Nate Abaurrea. Nate is a journalist and broadcaster in southern California who covers USMNT and Liga MX for soccernation.com. Nate is a great journalist and he joins us to discuss the xenophobia that was ever present after the USMNT lost to Costa Rica. Segment 1: Gotta stay fly even if you're in Ireland Segment 2: Interview with Nate Abaurrea @nateabaurrea @soccer_nation Matches: NE v ORL FCD v RBNY LA v COL MTL v CHI COOLIGANS T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW AT ONTHEVOLLEYAPPAREL.COM! USE PROMO CODE "COOLIGANS" FOR 20% OFF ON ALL GEAR!

It's Pablo Maurer on the show this week! Pablo is a writer and photographer who covered DC United for several years and still covers MLS from time to time. We first heard of Pablo on Twitter (@MLSist) and were so taken aback that as a journalist, he was so damn funny and we had to get him on the show. Segment 1: Villa Maravilla en España, but Giovinco has to stay in Canada! Segment 2: Interview with Pablo Maurer (@MLSist) Segment 3: MLS Rivalry Week Matches: SEA v POR LA v SJ PHI v ATL MTL v TOR RBNY v NYC COOLIGANS T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW AT ONTHEVOLLEYAPPAREL.COM! USE PROMO CODE "COOLIGANS" FOR 20% OFF ON ALL GEAR!

Today on the show we are talking to Steve Bernasconi of The Soccer Tour. Steve is currently on a road trip across North America taking in footy matches. It's the road trip every soccer fan has dreamed of and we get into what this experience is like for him. Segment 1: Connecticut. Really? NYCFC has to play a home game in Connecticut and people are upset. Segment 2: Interview with Steve Bernasconi of The Soccer Tour (@TheSoccerTour) Segment 3: But seriously, Connecticut? That's not even the same state! Matches: NYC v NER SEA v MIN TFC v CHI POR v RBNY SKC v FCD COOLIGANS T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW AT ONTHEVOLLEYAPPAREL.COM! USE PROMO CODE "COOLIGANS" FOR 20% OFF ON ALL GEAR!

Today we are joined by Ben Sweat of NYCFC! Ben Sweat is the pride of Clearwater, FL and he is now bringing some joy to New Yorkers' hearts by playing some strong defense and even scoring some goals for NYCFC. Segment 1: VAR, huh, what is it good for? Segment 2: Interview with Ben Sweat of NYCFC (IG @BenSweat22, Twitter @22BenSweat) Segment 3: Is Rafa Marquez the plug? + FC Dallas making jokes with suspended running backs. Matches: CLB v CHI RBNY v ORL TOR v POR NYC v LA COOLIGANS T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW AT ONTHEVOLLEYAPPAREL.COM! USE PROMO CODE "COOLIGANS" FOR 20% OFF ON ALL GEAR!

We are back from Chicago and we finally get to tell you about our experience covering the MLS All-Star Game between the MLS All-Stars and Real Madrid. We recorded our last podcast the night before the All-Star game and after just one more day in Chicago we managed to get into more trouble. More fun stories at the All-Star game, and we also discuss the hot weekend in MLS that introduced VAR! Segment 1: We learn we have the ability to destroy the MLS transfer market! Segment 2: We discuss the NY Derby and how MLS ball kids can effect the result of a game. Matches: NYC v RBNY POR v LA SEA v MIN CHI v NER PHI v DAL COOLIGANS T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW AT ONTHEVOLLEYAPPAREL.COM! USE PROMO CODE "COOLIGANS" FOR 20% OFF ON ALL GEAR!

We are here in Chicago for the MLS All-Star Game and it's been an insane few days. We've done so much during our time here and this episode recorded inside our tiny hotel/hostel room does not do justice to how much fun we are having. Make no mistake. We are here looking for Dax McCarty so we can finally get some closure on #DaxFruitBowl! And on top of that, we've already made a joke that's gone viral and the thing we're most upset about is not getting credit for it! Listen as we regale you with stories of MLS All-Star Week! COOLIGANS T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW AT ONTHEVOLLEYAPPAREL.COM! USE PROMO CODE "COOLIGANS" FOR 20% OFF ON ALL GEAR!

Today we are joined by Atlanta United rookie Julian Gressel! Atlanta United have been an incredibly exciting expansion team in MLS and Julian has had a major role in that. He was drafted 8th in MLS Superdraft and has quickly risen atop many of the MLS rookies. He has also earned the trust of one of the most storied and experienced managers in the world, Tata Martino. When you can earn the trust of a guy who once coached Lionel Messi, you're probably doing something right. Segment 1: Kei Kamara TruSox Scandal, The Billboard read round the world, Is $4 Billion dollars worth Pro/Rel? Segment 2: Interview w/ Julian Gressel (@JulianGressel) Segment 3: MLS & Gold Cup matches COOLIGANS T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW AT ONTHEVOLLEYAPPAREL.COM! USE PROMO CODE "COOLIGANS" FOR 20% OFF ON ALL GEAR!

Today we are joined by Tommy Smyth who is currently a commentator for the Philadelphia Union, but he will forever be a legend in American Soccer. This Irishman has been the voice of soccer on ESPN for many years. From World Cup to UEFA Champions League matches, you've definitely heard Tommy Smyth with a Y's voice. We talk about the state of the Union, plus we get Tommy's take on what American soccer needs to do to improve and catch up to Europe. Segment 1: #FruitbowlGate Update! Segment 2: Interview w/ Tommy Smyth (@TommySmythESPN) Segment 3: You miss your penalties, you get sent home! We talk Gold Cup! Matches: USA v Martinique USA v Nicaragua US Open Cup: RBNY v NER Friendlies: Manchester United v LA Galaxy Manchester United v Real Salt Lake COOLIGANS T-SHIRTS AVAILABLE NOW AT ONTHEVOLLEYAPPAREL.COM! USE PROMO CODE "COOLIGANS" FOR 20% OFF ON ALL GEAR!