The World’s GAM - A Major League Soccer Podcast

It has been a good week for MLS storylines. Thomas Müller bags his first goal with Vancouver but not without controversy. A crazy PK calls into question VAR, "clear and obvious", and when you're allowed to ask a question. Caleb Porter attempts some historical revisionism, then utterly denies it. Leagues Cup brings the absurdity that is Javier Mascherano, Miami, Galaxy, and more. Finally, the USMNT has a distinct MLS flavor, good or bad? Then it's three matches this weekend that have our full attention. 

Timestamps: 

(6:41) - Vancouver PK Controversy

(30:05) - Caleb Porter history lesson

(39:41) - The Leagues Cup

(56:12) - USMLSNT

(1:16:26) - What to Watch this Weekend

Kevin and the Chief have a load of topics to tackle in this one, starting with Paxten Aaronson heading to the Colorado Rapids! The only problem is, Paxten didn't first run this move past the angry mob known as USMNT twitter fans. PRO makes a mockery of pool questions after NYRB-Philly. Evander and Kevin Kelsy both had their revenge games against each other in a thriller. And ESPN, MLB, and Apple TV are all making moves that generally don't mean good things for MLS, what's next for the league's broadcast partner?

Timestamps: 

(6:19) - Paxten Aaronson transfer to Colorado

(25:19) - PRO and Written Questions

(38:23) - Evander and Kelsy revenge matches

(44:35) - MLB and Apple TV may be moving on

(59:49) - What to Watch this Weekend

The MLS Secondary Transfer Window is wide open and we've got comings and goings all around the league. We break down a few of the new additions made in the past few days. Plus, Miami once again seems to be after a new international transfer -- with what TAM/GAM and which international spot?! Son Heung-min Mania hits LAFC as the newest DP draws huge fan interests around the league and abroad. Plus, we dive into the controversy surrounding PRO referee Tim Ford and social media posts that seem to indicate he's an LAFC fan.

(2:40) Inter Miami targeting Gonzalo Piovi from Cruz Azul

(17:34) Drake Callender traded to Charlotte FC

(23:33) Lucho Acosta deal finalized

(25:15) Santi Moreno officially out, Kristoffer Velde in for Portland Timbers FC

(30:35) Archie Goodwin signs with Charlotte FC

(34:55) Son-Mania hits LAFC

(43:07) Supporters Shield Rundown

(47:05) PRO Referee Tim Ford under investigation for openly supporting a team

(1:03:44) What to Watch this weekend in MLS!

It is a very fun time to be an MLS fan as Leagues Cup is in full swing and the transfer market is as hot as it's ever been. So, much, drama with players demanding to leave, not being allowed to leave, and Toronto spending a lot of cash on a player you've heard of before. Portland and Colorado might have issues behind the scenes while Vancouver continues to do good business. There's so much to cover, and that's just on the player side. Turns out, there's a few non-players who have also been asked to leave as well!

Timestamps: 

(6:50) - Messi's Bodyguard banned from Leagues Cup

(12:21) - Make American Great Again hat banned in St Louis 

(20:56) - Djordje Mihailovic to Toronto

(31:25) - Columbus Crew transfers in and not out 

(38:23) - Lucho Acosta's MLS time comes to an end 

(45:12) - Santi Moreno demands to leave Portland 

(53:44) - What to Watch this Weekend

Kevin, Grayson, and Chief are finally back in their happy place: talking about Leagues Cup. As the number 1 cheerleaders of all things Leagues Cup, this episode is dedicated to what should be your favorite tournament. Explaining the format, who to root for, how we got here, and what the future of the tournament might look like. Then in Part Two it's matches this weekend to checkout since there is no MLS action. 

Timestamps: 

(0:42) - Leagues Cup Overview and Preview

(49:26) - What to Watch this Weekend

In another unorthodox World's GAM the focus is only on two big stories of the day: Inter Miami and Messi possibly (maybe, maybe not?) cheating. Would it be so bad if everyone else got to play by these new rules? Also this week was MLS All-Star which means owner meetings and a "State of the League" talk from Don Garber. TV viewership numbers, ICE protests, and the looming calendar switch were all topics. Then, it's what to watch for this weekend!

Timestamps: 

(0:40) - Inter Miami, Messi, and following rules

(25:35) - MLS All-Star and everything around the game

(57:10) - What to Watch This Weekend

An unusual episode for The World's GAM, the entire episode is an interview with Andrew Wiebe. Fans of MLS, podcasts, and particularly MLS podcasts will know Wiebe from his time hosting the beloved Extra Time Radio podcast and now he is the sideline reporter for Sunday Night Soccer on MLS Season Pass. This longer-than-usual conversation was a great survey of his time covering the league and where said league stands now. 

With the Gold Cup and Club World Cup over it is now the home-stretch for MLS (let's pretend like the Leagues Cup doesn't exist for right now) as the Supporter Shield appears to be an 8 team race. Minnesota is the most aggressive set-piece team in the world, Seattle and Columbus agreed to end their match early, NYCFC floats a 700 pound bird down a river or two, and Charlotte has a hand-eye coordination problem. Throw in a little What to Watch this weekend with some great matchups (all at the exact same time). 

Timestamps: 

(6:21) - NYCFC Floats a 700# Pigeon 

(14:26) - Charlotte Beer Showers

(24:33) - Minnesota Hacking Set-Pieces 

(37:03) - The end of the Sounders-Crew match

(46:47) - Update on Chicago ICE banners

(50:24) - The Supporter Shield Race takes Shape

(1:08:06) - What to Watch this Weekend

After a week off The World's GAM is BACK! The MLSPA dropped salary information on our doorsteps, even if it was a few months late. Olivier Giroud, Federico Bernardeschi, and Lorenzo Insigne all say Goodbye to MLS as Son Heung-min, Thomas Muller, and Timo Werner may be saying Hello. Chicago fans clash with security and their club about political messaging and San Diego, look out ya'll, might be for real. Part two is a conversation with John Molinaro about Toronto, looking back at the Manning legacy and looking ahead to what's next. And Finally in Part Three it's what to watch this weekend.

Timestamps: 

(2:00) - MLSPA Salary Dump

(19:57) - MLS Departures

(26:53) - MLS Arrivals(?)

(35:31) - Political message clashes in Chicago/MLS

(45:10) - San Diego and their MVP 

(53:13) - Interview with John Molinaro

(1:15:22) - What to Watch This Weekend

Links: 

Follow John Molinaro on X and check out TFC Republic 

After spending all of last week talking about the Club World Cup and picking matches to watch this weekend, it only felt appropriate to go back and talk about the matches that really have made this tournament special. How has MLS looked? Will Miami get out of the group? And predicting how every group will shake out late this week during "decision week". Enjoy this bonus episode and we'll be back on Thursday with your regularly scheduled MLS talk.