The Flag Stays Down

It's 2023.  A new year, but the same Chelsea and the same Andy, Matt, and Parker.  The boys sit down to vent about Chelsea's 1-1 draw with Nottingham Forest.  It leads to a discussion of whether this run of form is the fault of the players or the coaching staff.  With the transfer window now open, the boys then proceed to wrap up what business has already been done and what needs to be addressed in January.

This week Andy and Matt were joined by Hector Ortega of the Milwaukee Blues, on the heels of a 2-0 Chelsea win over Bournemouth.  We had not seen Chelsea play in 45 days and it gave us all the feels.   Kai Havertz and Mason Mount both scored after being in droughts.  Reece James came off injured in his first start back in several months.  Needless to say, there was a lot to talk about.  The boys also talked CONCACAF, Christmas wishlists, and went through the mailbag.

Andy, Matt, and Parker continued the conversation after the pod this week.  They talk about World Cup conspiracies, how MLS is shooting itself in the foot, and rank their best and worst players of the tournament.

The World Cup of Chaos has concluded with maybe one of the best Finals we have ever seen.  Andy, Matt, and Parker sit down and discuss Messi finally winning a World Cup.  Has he passed the gauntlet to Mbappe, who scored three in the Final?  Is Messi now cemented as the GOAT?  The boys go back and pick some players of the tournament and some disappointments.  Finally, the focus turns to Chelsea.  We haven't seen the Blues in over a month, but let's take a crack at predicting this weekend's result against Bournemouth.

Andy, Matt, and Parker sit down and discuss Week 3 of the World Cup and what as a chaotic quarterfinal stage of the tournament.  Morocco were the big winners of the round, upsetting Portugal on their way to the semis.  Argentina, despite beating Netherlands, were the big losers with their non-footballing displays.  The boys then turn to the domestic front amid rumors that US Soccer is both looking to extend Gregg Berhalter and sign his replacement.  What is best, staying the course and building around this World Cup performance - or bringing in new blood?  Finally the boys pay tribute to the late Grant Wahl, who passed away in Qatar this week.

Andy, Matt, and Parker had a few MobCraft beers and sat down to discuss multiple topics.  One of them took over the whole Pod After Dark, though... Kylian Mbappe.  In a pipe dream, would you take him at Chelsea?  Spoiler: Matt doesn't want him.  Chaos insues.

Andy, Matt, and Parker sit down after the Group Stages close of the 2022 FIFA World Cup to wrap what was a chaotic two weeks.  The boys give their favorite moments and games of the last round of matches.  Turning to the knockouts and the US already eliminated, they give their new favorites and discuss why they can't seem to support England.  Finally, the boys give an assessment of where the USMNT stands are their Round of 16 elimination at the hands of Netherlands.

Parker is out sick, so Andy and Matt had to find a way to be civil.  They discuss an aging Belgium squad and who is going to struggle come 2026.  Belgium, Germany, and Portugal are spared no expense.  The talk then turns to Chelsea spending on Joao Felix, Jude Bellingham, and Declan Rice.  Could we see a massive rebuild at Stamford Bridge?

Andy, Matt, and Parker go another week without watching Chelsea... and they all seem a bit less on-edge.  They discuss the USMNT and their chances to advance.  What are the expectations after two matches and big game against Iran looming?  Chelsea does make a brief appearance this week as the boys pick the standout Blue from the tournament thus far.  Finally, they make some mid-tournament predictions and pick out their most surprising players and teams.

This week Andy, Matt, and Parker are joined by Conor Caloia.  He is the COO and partner of Forward Madison and Milwaukee Pro Soccer.  Conor discusses the process of starting a new club in Milwaukee, how a roster is built, and what the next milestones are for the club.