The Hot Cast

Ruben and RJ are here to discuss all things Chicago Fire. They begin the show talking about the 0-0 draw with FC Dallas that kept the Brimstone Cup in Chicago for another year. They talk through the team's reaction to having their two most important signings of the winter be out and still be able to get a result. Rhen they talk through their worries about the attack and what they need to do going forward. Then they react to the Fire making the top 10 of the MLS power rankings for the first time in years, and what that tells us about how the MLS Inteligencia feels about the team. All of that plus the US Open Cup 2nd round on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ are back this week after taking the international break early due to health reasons, so they have a jampacked show for you today. First, they talk a bit about the win over SKC and how well they played on the day and what it means going forward. They also discuss the big picture of the Fire's first 4 games. What's impressed them, and what they're still worried about. They then spend the second half of the show talking about all sorts of miscellaneous soccer stuff. They talk about how the CAF and AFC need more love from the west, and how Ocianna does not. They then talk a bit about the USMNT and circle back around to Saturday's match against FC Dallas. All of that and Kingdom Hearts on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ are both ecstatic and perplexed by this week's win at DC United. They talk about the improved defense, Ezra Hendrickson and the rest of the coaching staff's involvement in turning this ship around, and goals, Jerry, goals! They also spend a lot of time talking about Gastón Giménez and how frustrating he is with his inconsistent play. They end the show with some talk about the situation in Mexico from a fortnight ago and the lack of response from the governing bodies of football. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ are back to break down the weekend's action (or lack thereof). They start with some praise of the Fire's defense and how it's so much better than in the last several seasons. Then they talk a bit about the problems the offense is having, and how they're really unable to fix it during the transfer window. Aftrer breaking down the match against Orlando, your hosts then chat about The Athletic's 2022 MLS Anonymous GM Servey. The Fire were mentioned a bunch we talk about how the Fire are seen by the rest of the league. All of that plus some video game talk on this week's Hot Cast! 

Ruben and RJ are back and on-topic this week as there was a lot to digest after the scoreless draw in Miami. They go through what happened on Saturday evening player by player and attempt to put their finger on what went right for the Fire and what they need to do to improve on their performance. Then they talk about Saturday's home opener while Ruben tries to convince RJ that Jhon Durán should be starting instead of Fabian Herbers. All of that plus a Manny's Deli shoutout on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ are back for another year of The Hot Cast. They break down the Fire's offseason and discuss their overhaul of the roster. Then they move on to discuss where they think the Fire can go, and try to answer who the club's MVP will be. They then turn their attention to the match at Inter Miami and talk Fire win conditions. All that plus predictions and thoughts on the Cup on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ return for their last podcast before the official season preview and they're here to talk about all things Xeridan Shaquiri. They not only talk about what this move means for the club and their ambitions for the league but also take a deep dive onto the audio chalkboard to discuss the tactics of the move. They talk about where they think he'll be best used and what the squad can do around him to make the most of a player of his caliber. 

They then shift the conversation to tactics in general, and how they'd like to see the Fire set up, and discuss some of the challenges Esra Hendrickson will have putting a line-up together. All of that plus some CONCACAF Champions League on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ return to check in on what the Chicago Fire have been up to since their last show. They discuss the brand new signing Rafael Czihos from FC Köln in the German Bundesliga and what impact they'll have on the squad. Then they go over everything that happened over the month of December including Ezra Henderickson rounding out his coaching staff with club legend CJ Brown (and discuss what that means for The House and NISA) the various small signings, and the release of the 2022 schedule. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast.

Happy Thanksgiving from the Hot Cast! Ruben and RJ are back sooner than expected to talk about the recent coaching news for both top flight teams in the city. They discuss Ezra Hendrickson's background and examine his resume, talk about how he'll affect the transfer moves during the offseason, and what kind of football to expect out of the club next season. Score another point for Ruben's theory that mid-2000's Chivas USA is secretly the most important MLS club in league history. 

Then they discuss the accusations from the Washington Post against former Red Stars head coach Rory Dames. They address the allegations and discuss how we all need to do better to identify and prevent this from happening in the future. 

Note: This was recorded Monday 11/22 and some of the things discussed in the podcast may not reflect on moments that came after. 

It's the last episode of the season, which means it's time to eulogize and autopsy the 2-21 Chicago Fire. Ruben and RJ discuss what went wrong, what went right, and everything in between. They discuss their general feelings from the season, the new logo, and have a (very short) debate over who the MVP for the team was. They also ask who the Fire should hire to manage the squad, and try to figure out what the club needs to do to improve the roster for next season. All that and why PSG suck on this week's Hot Cast.