The Designated Players | An MLS Podcast

By Andrew Barnikel, Connor WrightSports News Sports News Leisure Games Soccer

The Designated Players | An MLS Podcast episodes

October 28 Episode 497: Fortgate Changes MLS Supporter Culture and The Levesque Scuba Dive Celebration | MLS History Retold
In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we continue our series where we retell the stories of MLS history. We've gone through all the team's subreddits and asked for different stories they remember about their teams, and we've got a list of almost all of them. We are going to do our research and then come together to retell everyone about those stories and give them the spotlight they deserve. This week we're talking about Fortgate between the New England Revolution and some of their most dedicated supporters, followed by another crazy Roger Levesque celebration.
#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sportingkc #skc #lagalaxy #losangeles #lafc #intermiami #intermiamicf #messi #lionelmessi #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legionofloons #cfmtl #cfmontreal #nashvillesc #everyonen #newenglandrevolution #nerevs #newyorkredbulls #rbny #NYCFC #newyorkcity #orlandocity #orlandocitysc #philadelphiaunion #DOOP #portlandtimbers #RCTID #RSL #realsaltlake #sanjoseearthquakes #quakes74 #seattlesounders #sounders #stlouiscity #STL #allforcity #TFCLive #torontofc #vancouverwhitecaps #VWFC #USL #uslchampionship #mlsseasonpass #AppleTV #ad
Recorded on: 10/18/2026

Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right!

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39 min
October 26 Episode 496: Who stays, who goes | 2026 MLS Offseason
In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we are beginning the discussion on the MLS offseason! With the season wrapping up for many teams, roster decisions will be made very soon and we wanted to get in our predictions as to who stays on the team and who goes. We will be focusing on the big roster decisions (DP, U22) as well as one or two other bigger decisions for each team. Let us know your thoughts!

#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sportingkc #skc #lagalaxy #losangeles #lafc #intermiami #intermiamicf #messi #lionelmessi #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legionofloons #cfmtl #cfmontreal #nashvillesc #everyonen #newenglandrevolution #nerevs #newyorkredbulls #rbny #NYCFC #newyorkcity #orlandocity #orlandocitysc #philadelphiaunion #DOOP #portlandtimbers #RCTID #RSL #realsaltlake #sanjoseearthquakes #quakes74 #seattlesounders #sounders #stlouiscity #STL #allforcity #TFCLive #torontofc #vancouverwhitecaps #VWFC #USL #uslchampionship #mlsseasonpass #AppleTV #luissuarez #leaguescup

Recorded on: 10/18/2026

Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right!

Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected]

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1 hr 49 min
October 19 Episode 495: Predicting who will make the 2026 MLS Playoffs
In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we are back and this week, with only a couple games left in the season, we're discussing who will make the MLS playoffs. We are going to go team by team and look at their remaining schedule to determine if they can either hold their position in a playoff spot, or will someone come and take their spot. Let us know what you think and who you think is making the playoffs!

#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sportingkc #skc #lagalaxy #losangeles #lafc #intermiami #intermiamicf #messi #lionelmessi #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legionofloons #cfmtl #cfmontreal #nashvillesc #everyonen #newenglandrevolution #nerevs #newyorkredbulls #rbny #NYCFC #newyorkcity #orlandocity #orlandocitysc #philadelphiaunion #DOOP #portlandtimbers #RCTID #RSL #realsaltlake #sanjoseearthquakes #quakes74 #seattlesounders #sounders #stlouiscity #STL #allforcity #TFCLive #torontofc #vancouverwhitecaps #VWFC #USL #uslchampionship #mlsseasonpass #AppleTV #luissuarez #leaguescup

Recorded on: 10/18/2026

Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right!

Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected]

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1 hr 8 min
October 06 Episode 494: Reacting to the USMNT's DOMINATING international window
In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're reacting to the USMNT taking no prisoners this international window. We'll recap all of their games through the weekend, including against Peru, Chile and Mexico and talk about general team performance as well as individual player performances. Let us know your thoughts!
#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sportingkc #skc #lagalaxy #losangeles #lafc #intermiami #intermiamicf #messi #lionelmessi #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legionofloons #cfmtl #cfmontreal #nashvillesc #everyonen #newenglandrevolution #nerevs #newyorkredbulls #rbny #NYCFC #newyorkcity #orlandocity #orlandocitysc #philadelphiaunion #DOOP #portlandtimbers #RCTID #RSL #realsaltlake #sanjoseearthquakes #quakes74 #seattlesounders #sounders #stlouiscity #STL #allforcity #TFCLive #torontofc #vancouverwhitecaps #VWFC #USL #uslchampionship #mlsseasonpass #AppleTV #Son #leaguescup

Recorded on: 10/4/2026

Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right!

Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected]

Follow the Pod on Social Media!
Website: https://thedppod.buzzsprout.com/
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59 min
September 21 Episode 493: Reacting to the USMNT October Camp Roster
In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're reacting to the USMNT roster for the September & October camp. This is quite the mixed roster including some of the mainstays, some guys on the second team, and a bunch of new faces, especially some youngsters with massive potential. We break down every player called up and give you our thoughts. Let us know your thoughts!
#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sportingkc #skc #lagalaxy #losangeles #lafc #intermiami #intermiamicf #messi #lionelmessi #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legionofloons #cfmtl #cfmontreal #nashvillesc #everyonen #newenglandrevolution #nerevs #newyorkredbulls #rbny #NYCFC #newyorkcity #orlandocity #orlandocitysc #philadelphiaunion #DOOP #portlandtimbers #RCTID #RSL #realsaltlake #sanjoseearthquakes #quakes74 #seattlesounders #sounders #stlouiscity #STL #allforcity #TFCLive #torontofc #vancouverwhitecaps #VWFC #USL #uslchampionship #mlsseasonpass #AppleTV #Son #leaguescup

Recorded on: 9/19/2026

Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right!

Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected]

Follow the Pod on Social Media!
Website: https://thedppod.buzzsprout.com/
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47 min
September 16 Episode 492: MLS Combined Best XI Challenge! | MLS Games
In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're bringing the games back! This week we are going to be doing a street interview favorite, a combined best XI between two legendary MLS sides. We will cover 1) 2022 LAFC and 2018 Atlanta combined XI, 2) 2013 RBNY and 2018 RBNY combined XI, and 3) 2017 Toronto and 2023 Columbus combined XI. Let us know your thoughts!
#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sportingkc #skc #lagalaxy #losangeles #lafc #intermiami #intermiamicf #messi #lionelmessi #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legionofloons #cfmtl #cfmontreal #nashvillesc #everyonen #newenglandrevolution #nerevs #newyorkredbulls #rbny #NYCFC #newyorkcity #orlandocity #orlandocitysc #philadelphiaunion #DOOP #portlandtimbers #RCTID #RSL #realsaltlake #sanjoseearthquakes #quakes74 #seattlesounders #sounders #stlouiscity #STL #allforcity #TFCLive #torontofc #vancouverwhitecaps #VWFC #USL #uslchampionship #mlsseasonpass #AppleTV #Son #leaguescup

Recorded on: 9/13/2026

Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right!

Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected]

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1 hr 2 min
September 14 Episode 491: Eric Hassli wondergoal vs Seattle and the Houston Dynamo's historic 33 game home unbeaten run | MLS History Retold
In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we continue our series where we retell the stories of MLS history. We've gone through all the team's subreddits and asked for different stories they remember about their teams, and we've got a list of almost all of them. We are going to do our research and then come together to retell everyone about those stories and give them the spotlight they deserve. This week we're talking about Eric Hassli's sensational wondergoal against rivals Seattle, followed by the Houston Dynamo's record setting 33 game home unbeaten that spanned across multiple years.
#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sportingkc #skc #lagalaxy #losangeles #lafc #intermiami #intermiamicf #messi #lionelmessi #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legionofloons #cfmtl #cfmontreal #nashvillesc #everyonen #newenglandrevolution #nerevs #newyorkredbulls #rbny #NYCFC #newyorkcity #orlandocity #orlandocitysc #philadelphiaunion #DOOP #portlandtimbers #RCTID #RSL #realsaltlake #sanjoseearthquakes #quakes74 #seattlesounders #sounders #stlouiscity #STL #allforcity #TFCLive #torontofc #vancouverwhitecaps #VWFC #USL #uslchampionship #mlsseasonpass #AppleTV #ad
Recorded on: 9/6/2026

Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right!

Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected]
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24 min
September 09 Episode 490: MLS is FULLY BACK in US Open Cup and US Soccer takes over the youth program
In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're discussing MLS fully rejoining the US Open Cup with all sides being involved again, and the guys have some heavy debate about the changes. What does this mean for the tournament and how does it compare with Leagues Cup now? Next we talk about US Soccer taking over the youth system, bringing it under one unified organization. Will this have knock on effects for youth development in the country. Let us know your thoughts!
#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sportingkc #skc #lagalaxy #losangeles #lafc #intermiami #intermiamicf #messi #lionelmessi #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legionofloons #cfmtl #cfmontreal #nashvillesc #everyonen #newenglandrevolution #nerevs #newyorkredbulls #rbny #NYCFC #newyorkcity #orlandocity #orlandocitysc #philadelphiaunion #DOOP #portlandtimbers #RCTID #RSL #realsaltlake #sanjoseearthquakes #quakes74 #seattlesounders #sounders #stlouiscity #STL #allforcity #TFCLive #torontofc #vancouverwhitecaps #VWFC #USL #uslchampionship #mlsseasonpass #AppleTV #Son #leaguescup

Recorded on: 9/6/2026

Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right!

Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected]

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1 hr
September 07 Episode 489: Recapping a MASSIVE MLS summer transfer window!
In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're recapping the busy MLS summer transfer window. We'll recap our winners and losers of the window, our favorite move of the window, and lastly our least favorite move of the window. Let us know your thoughts!
#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sportingkc #skc #lagalaxy #losangeles #lafc #intermiami #intermiamicf #messi #lionelmessi #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legionofloons #cfmtl #cfmontreal #nashvillesc #everyonen #newenglandrevolution #nerevs #newyorkredbulls #rbny #NYCFC #newyorkcity #orlandocity #orlandocitysc #philadelphiaunion #DOOP #portlandtimbers #RCTID #RSL #realsaltlake #sanjoseearthquakes #quakes74 #seattlesounders #sounders #stlouiscity #STL #allforcity #TFCLive #torontofc #vancouverwhitecaps #VWFC #USL #uslchampionship #mlsseasonpass #AppleTV #Son #leaguescup

Recorded on: 9/5/2026

Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right!

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48 min
August 31 Episode 488: Jovelic, Navarro, Wolff and More HUGE MLS MOVES!
In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're covering even more transfers from the summer transfer window, and it has been super busy. We're talking incoming transfers such as Georginio Wijnaldum to RSL, Dejan Joveljic to Seattle, as well as some outgoing moves, such as Luca Bombino to Stoke City and Kevin Kelsy to Rangers. Let us know your thoughts!
#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sportingkc #skc #lagalaxy #losangeles #lafc #intermiami #intermiamicf #messi #lionelmessi #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legionofloons #cfmtl #cfmontreal #nashvillesc #everyonen #newenglandrevolution #nerevs #newyorkredbulls #rbny #NYCFC #newyorkcity #orlandocity #orlandocitysc #philadelphiaunion #DOOP #portlandtimbers #RCTID #RSL #realsaltlake #sanjoseearthquakes #quakes74 #seattlesounders #sounders #stlouiscity #STL #allforcity #TFCLive #torontofc #vancouverwhitecaps #VWFC #USL #uslchampionship #mlsseasonpass #AppleTV #Son #leaguescup

Recorded on: 8/30/2026

Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right!

Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected]

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1 hr 24 min