Total Soccer Show: USMNT, Champions League, EPL, and more ...

We review Real Madrid's win over PSG in the Champions League, then answer two listener questions: Could a U20 team compete in MLS, and why do MLS teams build soccer-specific stadiums?

Here's the Benzema tweet from Mindfootballness that we reference on the show: https://twitter.com/slawekmorawski/status/971152638837436419

Today's show sponsored by Squarespace. Build that website! Go to http://squarespace.com, build your trial site for free, then use code "TSS" for 10% off when you launch.

This episode is a sample from our other show, The TopDrawerSoccer Show, in which Daryl and Travis compete to draft the best possible XI of MLS players, using players under 23 and with no international caps.

For the full episode, find the TopDrawerSoccer Show in your podcast player. 

We review the Premier League action, including Arsenal's fourth straight defeat, Man City's passing extravaganza, Sadio Mane's double act with Roberto Firmino, a Swansea player who seems to have a thing against worms, and plenty more.

Starting at 28:09, we check in on Americans in Europe, including a certain teenager making his debut for PSG in Ligue 1.

At 40:15, we round up Week 1 of MLS 2018 action, with a special focus on which teams were and were not playing their kids. All I can say is, DOOP!

Today's show is sponsored by SeatGeek. Download the SeatGeek app and enter promo code TSS for $20 off your first ticket purchase.

Today's show is also sponsored by RX Bar. For 25% off your first RX Bar purchase, you have to do two things: Go to http://rxbar.com/soccer and then enter promo code "SOCCER" at checkout.

 

We break down all of the terminology (esoteric and otherwise) relating to Major League Soccer... and yes, we consider this a public service. Topics discussed include:

1) Single entity and how it kind of impacts every aspect of Major League Soccer.

2) Salary cap (is this actually a thing that exists?)

3) Designated Players and Young DPs

4) Homegrown players (what are they and who counts as one)

5) Generation ADIDAS and all the confusing history there

6) International roster spots and the immigration process

7) Special Discovery Players: this is definitely a thing, right?

8) What is the re-entry draft and who gets thrown in there?

9) Why did DC United pay money to Atlanta for Yamil Asad?

10) What triggers VAR?

All that and much, much more! Plus, there's the Scouting Network and  (relatively) brief rant about the speculation surrounding the 2026 World Cup. 

My head still hurts. Thanks MLS!

We get into the details of the MLS Western Conference, offering very specific predictions for each and every team.

For listeners who only care about the team they support:

1. We see you

2. We go in alphabetical order, if that helps

Today's show is sponsored by FUTCHI Rebounders. Get the 15% discount off rebounders, t-shirts, caps and prints by using code "TSS2018" at https://www.playfutchi.com/collections/the-essential-gear

 

On Part I of our MLS Preview series, we take a long look at the Eastern Conference by discussing each club and giving at least one (sometimes a couple) specific prediction for the coming season. 

Today's show is sponsored by Health IQ. If you love a healthy lifestyle, go to http://healthiq.com/tss to get a free quote for lower rates on your life insurance.

It's a thumbs up/down spectacular, reviewing the EFL Cup final between Man City and Arsenal, the Premier League showdown between Man Utd and Chelsea, plus loads of Premier League stuff (there's even a Brighton shoutout!), that weird goal that Duisburg conceded while the keeper was having a drink, the manliness of Scott Brown, the return of Philippe Coutino, the magic of Leo Messi and a question for Real Madrid fans.  

WATCH: Romelu Lukaku's "Striker Masterclass" with Jamie Carragher --> https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5AkBuN4YMM

MLS TERMINOLOGY 101: Got some MLS terminology that confuses you? Enter it into this form and we'll try and explain it on our MLS Terminology 101 show this week --> https://goo.gl/forms/Yp6Tk0uamyq99Gkb2

Today's show sponsored by:

SEATGEEK --> download the app and enter promo code "TSS" for $20 off your first ticket. It works!

BLUE APRON --> Go to http://blueapron.com/tss and get $30 off your first dinner.

 

 

 

Daryl talks to Bobby Warshaw about ...

What it's like to work at MLSSoccer.com

How to handle negative comments on the internet

How we could get young Americans more minutes in Major League Soccer

The youngsters, the big names, and the most tactically interesting teams to watch in MLS this season

 

The idea of "flow state" and how soccer players, coaches and teams can make more of it

Here's a link to the article about MLS youngsters, which Bobby had recently finished up before recording this podcast: https://www.mlssoccer.com/post/2018/02/22/warshaw-what-i-think-fear-and-want-mls-2018

 

It's another Listener Question spectacular! We respond to six different queries... and yes, I didn't want to use the word "questions" twice in two sentences. Anyway...

1) What is the "dribbling" stat and what are "completed dribbles?"

2) Why isn't the CONCACAF Champions League broadcast on any English-language channels in the US?

3) What are the differences between the League Cup and the FA Cup?

4) Which campaign promises will be the easiest for Carlos Cordeiro to keep and which ones will be the most difficult?

5) What are the similarities/differences between the situation at San Jose circa 2005 and those facing Columbus today?

6) Where does the phrase "bedding in" come from and what does it mean?

Support the show at http://totalsoccershow.com/join

Contribute $10 per month or more and we'll guarantee to answer one question per month on TSS.

TODAY'S SPONSORS!

FUTCHI! Get 15% off a FUTCHI Rebounder, t-shirt, cap or print by using code "TSS2018" at https://www.playfutchi.com/collections/the-essential-gear

Keep your neck warm and look great with a scarf from http://RuffneckScarves.com, and use code "TOTALSOCCERSHOW" for a 20% discount.

We open the show by reviewing today's Champions League games:

Sevilla vs Man Utd

Shakhtar Donetsk vs Roma

At 23:33, our Squarespace ad read becomes a walk down Jose Mourinho memory lane. Go to http://squarespace.com for a free trial and, when you're ready to launch, use code TSS for 10% off your first purchase of a website.

LISTENER QUESTIONS:

29:20 — Why is there no USMNT or USWNT B team?

38:27 — In designing a roster from scratch, do you go system first or players first?

44:05 — Is it better for MLS teams to have an affiliate USL team or a fully owned "2" team like Los Dos?