Brian, Mark, Hank and Chris are back for the 2022 season. Shots are fired. Jokes are worn out. But always #GoRailhawks

GO HERE AND HELP THE BEST BALLARD https://crowdfunder.co.uk/p/ukrainian-refugees—welcome-fund

Brian, Mark, Hank and Chris are back to predict the NWSL and MLS playoffs

Make your predictions using #2TeamsNoCup

Brian, Mark and Hank are joined again by Collin to discuss the NSWL, “Oasis or Mirage”, gargoyles and Collin creates a new word. Play along using that word #sinseriously

Brian, Mark, Hank and Chris are joined by Colin Mackenzie, otherwise known as @DCUMack to discuss the NWSL, Hank’s day drinking and we watch Colin slowly die in real time as DC United lose to Nashville while we record! Play along with #NoShitHank

Brian, Mark and Chris are joined by a stuttering image of Hank in his car as he drives home from work. They talk NWSL, DC United (FINALLY), NYCFC, SuperLiga, and mules. Say more than Hank did using #HankInACan

#damnnearkilledhim

Brian, Mark, Hank and Chris catch up on the NWSL and discuss the recent US Women’s and Men’s results. Celebrate Chris’s birthday using #HappyBallacheBellend

Brian, Mark and Hank talk NWSL, Atlanta’s coaching conundrum, Venezia’s spending spree, Bull Durham and more.

Join us using #EvanReamEatsSac

Brian, Hank and Chris watch a driving Mark go 110 mph to New Mexico while they discuss NWSL, Timber Joey ripoffs, and find Ballard’s Oasis references to win a prize! Join us using #AlmostBellend

Brian, Mark, Chris and Hank are back after to catch you up on the NWSL, talk Miami’s “punishment”, plastic jerseys and white girl fonts. Join us using #48Balls

Brian and Hank help a road tripping Mark navigate the highways and discuss NWSL week 1, MLS week 5, The Crew, Whataburger, Voltron, Caddyshack and so much more. Play along with #PartsIsParts

Brian, Mark, Hank and Chris and joined by one of their three fans, Tyler Doyle, to discuss the NWSL Challenge Cup, awfulness in Ohio and Selena. Join us using #Matchbox475

“Ladies First” wraps up the Challenge Cup

1. The LA Galaxy won “El Traffic” and Chicharito scored again. Galaxy will win MLS Cup, true of false?
2. Columbus has rebranded and dropped “The Crew”. Rate this from current Chicago Fire to New England Revs.
3, Sticking with awfulness in Ohio, FC Cincinnati signed Geoff Cameron. Does anyone care?
4. Does Adrian Heath get fired this week?
5. Chris Wondolowski scored vs Real Salt lake this week. He plays until +/- 48.
6. Pick your game of the week.

Brian, Mark, Hank and Chris are back with more NWSL and week 3 of MLS. Join the discussion using #TheCatLeft?

“Ladies First” wrap up and Challenge Cup final preview. Mark almost changes his team.

1. Nashville leads the league in shots and shots on goal, but does it matter since they are still winless?
2. Chicharito scores tonight, over/under is 2
3. Cade Cowell is Rookie of the Year, book it. True or false?
4. Minnesota lost at home to Austin FC, Adrian Heath needs to do what to write the ship or is the writing on the (wonder)wall?
5. New England leads the Eastern Conference, hurry and cup on Hank’s dreams while you can.
6. Portland rested it’s starters vs FC Dallas last night and lost 4-1. Is it worth it for a CCL spot tied 1-1 going to the Azteca?
7. Which team is scarier San Jose or Real Salt Lake?
8. Cincinnati lost again. Their goal differential is -8. No question here, just pointing that out.

There are 2 bonus questions, thanks to Chris.

Brian, Mark and Hank are joined by friend of the pod Kenny Price to debut the “Ladies First” NWSL segment and talk MLS week 2. Join the conversation using #MyThumbCharlie

Our new segment, “Ladies First”, is a weekly wrap-up from each panelist for their selected NWSL team. Except for Brian, he has already changed his team pick.

1. FC Cincinnati lost 5-0 to NYCFC, all on set pieces. They gave up 2 set piece goals to Nashville in week1 and have been outshot a combined 54-19. Anybody want to rethink their 8 goal prediction for FCC as a TEAM?
2. Orlando looks just average. Do they sell Darryl Dike?
3. Feathers were ruffled in Minnesota after Real Salt Lake’s David Ovhoa kick the ball in the Minnesota Supporter’s section after his team’s 2-1 win. Minnesota called him a clown, what do we call him?
4. Chicharito finishes:
A. Golden Boot winner
B. MVP
C. Neither
D. Both
5. Anybody want to change any of their week 1 predictions?

Brian, Mark, Hank and Chris re joined by former Mexican Women’s National Team defender, Christina Murillo to help the guys pick a NWSL team to follow. Join the discussion using #fatkidsize?

1. Austin FC lost the debut match at LAFC, but they will finish with a winning record, trie of false?
2. Montreal blew the doors off Toronto, they finish top 3 in the East, true of false?
3. Cincinnati’s big off-season moves produced 2 goals against a very tough Nashville defense. Does Cincy have anyone that finishes the season with 8+ goals?
4. FC Dallas has established their academy as the US gold standard, but had no Homegrowns in their starting 11 this week. Trend or no?
5. Has Phil Neville been fired yet?

We’re back! Brian, Mark, Hank and Jake discuss the NWSL, 2021 season predictions and you can play along with #EvanReamsSAC!

1. Most noteworthy off-season move
2. Surprise player of the year
3. Surprise team of the year
4. First coach fired
5. Who wins more at home Orlando/Toronto, RSL/Vancouver
6. Eastern Conference Champion prediction
7. Western Conference Champion prediction
8. MLS Champion prediction
9. Pick a MLS award (MVP, ROY, GOY, etc) and predict it’s winner
10. Which team do you hate to root for, but just can’t help to

Brian, Mark and Chris are joined by old friend Dean Southby from Manchester, England, to discuss what’s happened since 2017.

Play along using #GoRailhawks

1. Since 2017, Toronto beat Seattle (2017), Atlanta beat Portland (2018), and Seattle beat Toronto (2019), which one was most impressive?
2. Which one was most surprising?
3. Since out last show we’ve seen Zlatan, Vela, Rooney and Josef Martinez. Which DP signing has been the biggest splash?
4. Which signing was the biggest impact player?
5. Who is the next big signing and for which team?
6. Since 2017, Cincinnati, Atlanta, Miami and Nashville has begun play with Austin, Charlotte, Sacramento and St. Louis still to come. How will play and the talent pool be effected?
7. When MLS returns I can’t wait to see __________
8. Since our last show, panel update us on what has happened to you?

Brian, Mark, Chris and Hank wrap up 2017.

You can play along using #powpowpow

1. Who won the US Open Cup?
2. Who won MLS Cup and were you surprised?
3. Give me your early 2018 MLS Cup winner prediction.
4. What is your 2017 story of the year?
5. MLS expansion is coming. Nashville in is, is that a god thing or a bad thing? Who is the next team?
6. Which teams need to have a successful offseason the most?
7. What’s your OMG signing for this offseason?
8. What week of next season does mark go full LAFC?

Brian, Mark, Hank and Jake discuss Decision Day 2017

Play along using #RevsAfterDark

Brian, Mark and Chris are joined by “Old Man” Jeff Krause for a roundtable discussion of the LA Live show, Chicago playing over their heads and the usual tangents.

Play along using #ThatsSoMLS

Brian, Mark, Hank and Jake are back to discuss the transfer window, VAR and social media. Join us using #scarfingthestatue

1. The transfer window has come and gone with DC United the clear winner. Please rate your team’s transfer efforts.

2. New England added another attacker in Krizstian Nemeth from KC, and Sigi says LA needs a center forward, Mark, is there another Dos Santos?

3. VAR has arrived and so far the results are not so good. Dallas has had 2 goals disallowed, LA one and Kaka got a red card for goofing around with his friend Aurélien Collin late in last night’s game against NYRB. How long until Mike Petke loses his mind over VAR?

4. Don’t look now, but Seattle is heating up. Clint Dempsey scored his 50th goal for the club and the Sounders are tied for first in the West. Which team is poised to surprise like Seattle?

5. I love the way my team ______.

6. I hate the way my team ______.

7. My team needs to ________ to make the playoffs.

8. Social media is one way to attract new fans, even fans of other sports. Give me some good ideas how to engage fans from other sports.

Brian, Mark and Jake welcome Kenny Price from the 19th Minute Podcast.

Don’t get #kiffined play along with us!

1. The USMNT won the Gold Cup. Who from this squad goes to Russia?

2. Mike Petke brought the goods 2 weeks ago with an epic postgame rant. Before the printer broke, what other pictures would he have had for Trey to pass out?

3. Dom Dwyer was traded to Orlando City for essentially a huge Allocation amount. Good or bad for MLS?

4. Another Do Santos is in LA. Good or bad for MLS?

5. Staying in LA: Onalfo is out, Sigi is in and Bob Bradley gets to build LAFC. What are your thoughts?

6. there were four 4-0 results this week, which result was most surprising?

7. MLS All-Star game predictions and thoughts.

Brian, Hank, and Jake are back discussing RSL wins and New England woes. For some reason, Mark got muted when the episode saved. So you can fill in the blanks with your own Onawful rants!

Play along using #flimsy and/or #buttertoes

1. We ended last week’s show with hopes Real Salt Lake would pull off an upset in LA, AND THEY DID. What does their 6-2 win do for this RSL team in flux?
2. New England loses at the death to New York Red Bulls, what does this do to a NE team in flux?
3. The transfer window brings many rumors. Chicago is rumored to be in the running for Polish international Jakub “Kuba” Blaszczykowski and Columbian international Juan Quintero. How does Chicago pull off one, or both, moves?
4. LAFC are in talks with Wesley Schnieder and Keisuke Honda, but Chicharito’s salary demands are too high. Mark, when do you switch allegiances?
5. Portland fired their head athletic trainer amidst a 5 game winless streak. Who else can Caleb Porter blame before he gets fired?
6. Hank, when can we expect the next set of Rev’s stadium drawings?
7. The Starting 11 for the MLS All-Star Game vs Real Madrid has been announced. Which pick(s) do you disagree with and who should be added as a sub?

Brian and Chris are joined by an irate Mark after LA’s loss to San Jose in the SuperClassico. Heads up, there is salty language on this one.

Play along this week using #LawnDart

1. Which if these will win MLS Golden Boot: Nikolic, Torres, Villa or other?
2. After a quiet showing vs FC Dallas this week, Jozy Altidore has 7 goals and 7 yellow cards. Which does he have more of at the end of the season?
3. Gush about FC Cincinnati
4.What will your team do in the upcoming transfer window?
5. Which if these bubble teams will not make the playoffs: ATL, CLB, NYR in the East, and SEA, VAN, or LA in the West?
6. Mark, how Super was the Classico?

Chris, Jake and Brian are joined by Robert Jonas and he has BREAKING NEWS!

Play along using #PaulMariner

1. BREAKING: San Jose has fired Dom Kinnear. Are you surprised and who is next?
2. MYCFC beats Red Bull 2-0, are they a juggernaut?
3. Chicago wins again. Is the word “unstoppable” fair to use here?
4. FC Dallas and Houston played to a 1-1 draw. The big news for Dallas is the return of Mauro Diaz to the starting lineup, but their offensive woes continues. How do they fix it?
5. Is the East better than the West?
6. Mark asks from Hawaii “Jake, did you see the Toronto game? LOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOLOL…..Aloha.”
7. Jake asks, “Mark, does the Galaxy have goalkeeper help on the way?”
8. The roster for the Gold Cup is out and 16 MLS players are on it. Start panicking now. Give me your predictions for results and who takes the brunt of the criticism.

Join the discussion using #2wins1cup

1. Pick your team’s highlight since out last show in July of 2014.
2. Pick your team’s best move since 7/14.
3. Your team’s worst move since 7/14.
4. Orlando City and Minnesota got promoted to MLS, and Atlanta has formed and com on strong. When will we ever see Miami?
5. Chicago signed German national star Bastian Schweinsteiger. Is he a top 5 all time foreign MLS signing?
6. Didier Drogba is a player/owner for Phoenix Rising, will they be successful in their MLS expansion bid?
7. What does Bruce Arena need to do to turn the LA Galaxy around?
8. Tommy McNamara got a USMNT callus. With Arena’s focus on MLS players, who is waiting in the wings next?
9. Predict the outcome of tonight’s USMNT vs Mexico game? Does the US qualify for the World Cup?
10. MLS MVP and Champion predictions.

This week we poke the bear and talk US Open Cup with Mark. Evan Ream and Jake Catanese are along for the ride.

Pile on with #gorailhawks

1. With the US out of the World Cup, sell new soccer fans on MLS in 10 words or less.
2. MLS attendance with raise after the World Cup, true or false?
3. Kaka has officially joined Orlando FC, will his stay be Fantasyland, Tomorrowland or Harry Potterland?
4. David Villa signed with NYCFC and was given a t-shirt since jersey aren’t yet available. When Frank Lampard signs, what will they give him?
5. Tim Cahill played in Friday’s 2-2 draw with Toronto FC after being eliminated from the World Cup. He deserves a few kind words.
6. In the Open Cup, Carolina upset the Galaxy and Eric Wynalda’s Atlanta squad amassed 4 red cards and incited an all-out brawl. Promote Atlanta to MLS, relegate a team, and tell me who the first team is that Atlanta starts a “Slapshot” style melee with.
7. Name other cups Bruce Arena cares about more than the US Open Cup.
8. MLS returned and CHIVAS BEAT RSL! Is this cats and dogs living together or a blind squirrel finding a nut?
9. Peter Vermes remarked that SKC was ‘in the mix” for Jermaine Jones, which naturally, turned into Mix Diskerud. Crank up the rumor mill up into high gear and give me your USMNT’ers to MLS rumors.
10. A MLSsoccer.com article said it was time to push the panic button in New York. Where else should they press the panic button?

Brian, Chris and Hank are joined by Jake Catanese and Evan Ream

Play along using #UofPHX

1. A MLSsoccer.com article called FC Dallas Head Coach Oscar Parjea Colorado’s Voldemort. Before Chris puffs out his transparent chest, what MLS players deserve Harry potter characters comparisons?
2. Red Bull NY won in New England for the first time since they were the NY/NJ MetroStars. No question here. I got Chris so it’s Hank’s turn.
3. During the World Cup, I will be rooting secretly for ____.
4. What was your favorite quote form the WSJ article?
5. Jürgen Klinsmann said the USMNT won’t win the World Cup. Compare that statement to other obvious statements like “Erik Wynalda is bad at ____, etc.”
6. The most surprising USMNT game will be ____.
7. The surprise USMNT call up of 2018 will be ____.
8. MLS has a month off. In other professional sporting leagues there are arrests and shootings in their downtime. What will be the MLS headline form the World Cup break?

Brian, Mark and Chris are joined by Jared DuBois from Best Soccer Show and The Corner of the Galaxy Podcast.

Play along using #fastpass

1. Last week Mark called Landon Donovan getting cut from the USMNT. Can we do it again this week? Somebody make a bold prediction.
2. Donovan’s 2 goals yesterday were his first of the year. How many does he finish with?
3. Jermain Dafoe scores ____ goals during the World Cup break.
4. Hey, remember the public outcry when Carlos Bocanegra got cut?
5. Jose Gonçalves shut down Eddie Johnson this week. How impressive is that feat?
6. DC United is finally getting a new stadium. Give me your wish list for features you would like to see in it.
7. Mike Petke or John Hackworth fired first?
8. Before the show, Jarod revealed he has never seen the movie “Spinal Tap”, give him a reason or two to see it.
9. Colorado Rapids: wow or wait?
10. Clint Dempsey has commercial endorsement deals for Modelo, Oberto Beef Jerky, and Degree Antiperspirant, which sounds like the result of a bad night of drinking. Give me a USMNT player and their endorsements.

Brian, Mark and Chris are joined once again by Jeff Krause from the Fire Confidential Podcast

Play along with #vddonovan

1. Over the last 3 weeks, New England has scored 12 goals (5 in the last 2 games) and is undefeated in it’s last 5. With no Hank this week, let’s say something nice about the Revs.
2. True or False: Vancouver is responsible for New England’s current success?
3. With the 1st allocation spot, Toronto FC should _______.
4. Toronto FC and LA both have 3 games in hand; watch out or so what?
5. Find Mark a new “sh!t the bed” phrase as he has worn out the original.
6. Colorado finally has a shirt sponsor and it’s not Chipotle.
7. SweetTarts or Spree?
8. MLS is hinting they will expand into Las Vegas. Give me their team name and shirt sponsor.
9. True or False: Dafoe and Martins being left of their International squad rosters is bad new for MLS?
10. Which USMNT player gets left off the World Cup squad and comes back to make MLS pay?

Brian, Mark and Chris have Jason Longshore on this week. Jason is Chief Development Officer of Soccer in the Streets and we encourage you all to check that organization out and help how you can. Check out their annual Black Tie Soccer Game.

Join us using #ChichaPlease

1. Set pieces or run of play?
2. True or False: As Brad Davis goes, so goes the Houston Dynamo
3. Caleb Porter, Frank Yallop and Frank Kloppas walk into a bar, which one survives the World Cup break?
4. Dominic Oduro has a pizza inspired haircut. Give me another MLS player and his object in spired haircut.
5. Bradley Wright-Phillips will score ____ goals.
6. DC and New England have 11 points, Toronto FC has 9 and LA has 8. Who makes the playoffs?
7. The Atlanta Silverbacks will ______ in 2017?
8. Your thoughts on Eric Young as TNA Champion
9. The World Cup will hurt _____, and help _____
10. Chicharito will be Miami’s DP: true, false, or Chicha please?

Brian and Mark are joined by Stephen Brandt from the Yellow Carded Podcast

Play along this week using #Dsnuts

1. Portland tied Chivas this week, is it worse than a loss for Portland?
2. RBNY is winless. What French word describes their play?
3, Atlanta is in MLS, will they thrive or join the Walking Dead?
4. St. Louis, San Antonio or Minneapolis joins next?
5. Clint Dempsey has 5 goals in 2 games, after a 2 game suspension. He is in form or peaking too early?
6. The USMNT player I hate the most in MLS is _____.
7. Brek Shea back to MLS would be _____.
8. Favorite comic book movie?
9. Team themed concession items
10 MLS Commissioner Don Garber announced he is seeking treatment for prostate cancer, is this the first sign of transparency in MLS?

Brian, Hank and Chris are joined by Matt Ream from the Olympico podcast

Play along this week using #mattshair

1. FC Dallas won a canon with their 4-1 win over Houston this week. Give me better rivalry prize ideas besides trophies.
2. WrestleMania 30 is tonight, will the Undertaker’s streak go to 22-0?
3. Montreal traded Andrew Wenger to Philly for Jack McInerney, which team won that deal?
4. True or False, Real Salt Lake and Sporting Kansas City played to a 0-0 tie because of all the people out for the USMNT game this week.
5. Who is the fastest guy in MLS? Our man Tyler says Jair Benitez from FC Dallas.
6. Who is the MVP so far?
7. Omar Gonzalez’s hair is a reverse Samson, discuss.
8. Clint Dempsey had a hat trick this week vs Portland, and claims it’s “just the beginning” for him in Seattle. How many goals does he combine with Obafemi Martins to score?
9. Montreal, DC, LA, or San Jose – who finishes at the bottom of the table?
10. Finish this sentence: With all the influx of talent, the MLS vs Bayern Munich score will be ______

Brian, Hank and Chris are joined by Jeff Ballard

Play along this week using #tyler

1. The replacement refs were better, true or false?
2. Through 4 weeks, which team has been the most impressive: Columbus, FC Dallas, Real Salt Lake or Vancouver?
3. RSL is still playing well without Jason Kreis, this is amazing or an anomaly?
4. Who makes the playoffs now, NY or Chivas?
5. I will be surprised if _____ continues playing at their current good/bad form
6. Who hits the panic button first, DC, Portland, Chicago or San Jose?
7. How munch longer does Ben Olson have?
8. The best kind of cheese is ______?
9. Marco DiVaio returned and got Montreal their first point, is he all they have?
10. Best rivalry in MLS?

Joining Brian and Mark this week are Mark Fishkin from the “SeeingRedNY” podcast and ELAC from the “What the Flock?!” podcast.

Join the discussion this week using #12toes

1. LA Aztecs or LA Gunners?
2. Clint Dempsey was suspended 2 games: good call, bad call or HOW DARE MLS?
3. MLS is out of the Champion’s League, yeah or meh?
4. If MLS had an “Easy button”, a la Staples, what’s the one thing you would change about MLS?
5. Name your intro song
6. NY now has a red team and a blue team, just like Manchester. Using that, Henry equates to ___in Manchester lore?
7. Inter MF Cambiasso is rumored to move to MLS: which teams signs him, which team needs him?
8. Seattle supporter’s “Away Robbery”, noble cause or simply whining?
9. Chivas USA wins ___ games this year, makes playoffs?
10. RBNY wins ___ games this year, makes playoffs?

Joining Brian, Mark, and Chris this week is Jeff Krause from the Fire Confidential Podcast

This week’s hashtag is #grantwahl

1. Biggest surprise of MLS so far?
2. TFC vs SEA: statement game or not?
3. Clint Dempsey had a goal and a cup check this week; is he frustrated, petulant or enigmatic?
4. Is there a bigger whiner in MLS than Will Johnson, Chris Wondolowski or Robbie Keane?
5. Does Jozy Altidore come back to MLS?
6. Puma, Adidas or Nike?
7. Grant Wahl picked New England to win MLS Cup, is he crazy like a fox or crazy like an actual crazy person?
8. Does a MLS team win the Champion’s League this year?
9. Nicolas Anelka has been cut by West Brom, which MLS team signs him?
10. Name the MLS player that has the biggest impact in the World Cup this summer.

This week’s questions:

1. Best off-season?
2. Worst signing?
3. Judo or Karate?
4. Golden Boot winner?
5. Mike Magee was benched this week, is Armageddon upon us?
6. Who score more goals, Clint Dempsey or Eddie Johnson?
7. What’s the over/under on Mark’s “The Galaxy sh%t the bed!” tweets this season?
8. Toronto FC, playoff team?
9. First firing?
10. Of the new kits, best and worst?

Tweet us your answers to @topofthetabletv using #markstoolbar and we’ll share the results next week.

Mentioned:

– Hank’s interview with Rev’s head Coach Jay Heaps
– Live Breathe Futbol

There are early “Game of Thrones” and “Yo Gabba Gabba” references, Hank and ELAC pitch their teams in a “Battle for MLS Irrelevancy”, Hank gives us his take on the Revs/FC Dallas game (as Brian gloats), Mark talks Galaxy, and we have USMNT/Mexico chat, Brian Strauss thoughts, and our weekly Fantasy segment.

We end every show with “Good and Bad” and this week, Mark mentioned this situation with the bad:

Daniel Hernandez sues FC Dallas (From our partner 3rddegree.net)

So, it seems FC Dallas sued Daniel Hernandez first (again, 3rddegree.net)

And who else had Chivas and FC Dallas atop the West? Nobody? Neither did we.

The 3rd Degree article “Revisionist History: Schellas Hyndman and Disgruntled Players”

http://youtu.be/Bgai8bX3bwM

Check out Pete’s other site at IveGotTheNews.net and have a laugh

The Oscar Pareja playing soccer with Pablo Escobar story from ESPN we mentioned

Follow them @LBFutbol

– Chris’ “All Crap Announcers” starting 11
– “Host team face off” SKC vs NE and FCD vs Portland
– Mark calls in and shares some great opinions on homegrown vs European stars in MLS
– Sarah’s new website www.womenunitedfc.com and @wunitedfc
– The Muamba scare and Abidal transplant news
– #swapofthetable

Check out Sarah’s new website – Womens United FC and follow them on Twitter: @wunitedfc

Join our MLS Fantasy League by using code #2771-724 to join our private league.

Also, check out LiveBreatheFutol for some cool soccer themed gear and follow them at @LiveBrtheFutbol

You can order the dvd here

SWAP OF THE TABLE IS BACK DEC 1.

Follow Joe – @JoeTutino

Follow Lee on Twitter – @LeeNguyen24

Follow Joe on twitter – @joetait1

Mark tags off to Sarah who gave us a recap of the Sporting KC/FC Dallas game she attended Saturday night with a discussion of the game with CSRN‘s Scott Bornstein following.

And, Brek Shea is the MLS MVP. Period.

All the info and Twitter feed is posted on the #SwapOfTheTable page.

UPDATE: All completed swaps are now listed here.

Read more from Zach at www.GingeTalksTheFooty.com and www.DigitalTowel.com

You can donate to Soccer in the Streets “Black Tie Soccer Game” at www.BlackTieSoccerGame.com – there is a hilarious video there with previous year’s highlight (a guy in full tails, awesome.)

We also discuss the USA Women’s performance in the World Cup vs. Brazil and debate which goal is more dynamic Abby Wambauch’s goal vs Brazil or Landon Donovan’s goal vs Algeria in the 2010 World Cup.

Check out Daniel’s show at www.blogtalkradio.com/feuersteinsfire

We’re back after a 2 week hiatus. Brian has a new computer so there will be no more technical issues. Dean from Manchester joins us to reveal his MLS club of choice, we discuss the US performance in the Gold Cup finals, is Freddy Adu’s play a resurgence, EPL transfer talk, foreign players living in America and the difficult transition, and Mark Villa joins us from the side of the road with his freshly-dyed blonde hair and takes much abuse.

This week we’re joined by Dean from Manchester to discuss the Champion’s League Final, the Ryan Giggs tabloid saga, what Man U needs to do in the off-season and Dean’s opinions on the MLS.

Also, our man Mark Villa Skypes in from the Mexican version of “America’s Got Talent” and we discover we have a fan in Manchester.

Ryan was the most well-mannered, polite down to the earth guy you could wish to meet. Very soft spoken, with a good sense of humor, he makes me think twice about lads from London

Here’s the transcript from the interview:

Sarah: Ryan, Thank you for your time today, I really appreciate it. Tell me your story on how you ended up in Kansas City.

Ryan: Well, I was playing at Palace (Crystal) and I got a phone call from my agent saying Peter (Vermes) was interested in bringing me over here. It just progressed each day, the talks.

Sarah: So when you arrived in Kansas City what where your initial thoughts?

Ryan: Well, Coming from London, as you’ll know, there’s a lot of hustle and bustle…

Sarah: A bit like Hull then…

Ryan: (Laughs) Yerh! But coming here is a real culture shock, but it’s nice though.

Sarah: Yes I’ve noticed just in my week from Dallas, everything is a slower pace; people are more chilled out and relaxed. What other difference have you experienced?

Ryan: The people here are much friendlier than back home, they say hello even if they don’t know you… the weather, it’s much warmer here, sometimes it gets too hot though! Overall, the people are just generally nicer.

Sarah: So have you managed to visit anywhere else in the US?

Ryan: Yes I have, I visited a few places, spent some time in Dallas and my dad is actually from New Jersey.

Sarah: So where has been your favorite place so far?

Ryan: I like it here, I really do, but New Jersey is fun, there’s so much to do with New York so close.

Sarah: I know, I just moved to Kansas City last week and I’m wondering what is there to do?!

Ryan: There’s a lot, but you can’t really find it on your own, it’s best to ask the locals.

Sarah: So you’ve travelled to many places, played many different places, who’s the BEST player you’ve ever played AGAINST?

Ryan: Against? …..Wow…. (Long pause)

Sarah: Did I put you on the spot there? Well, I watched you play against Manchester United last year; you had a great game, any of those players maybe?

Ryan: I not going to say best player because of what they have done or achieved, I’m going to go best player by the best on the day they played, I’m going to say Juninho at Middleborough.

Sarah: Really? He’s a little guy isn’t he? How tall is he?

Ryan: About: 5’6. He just has really quick feet, clever, intelligent, ya, I’ll say him.

Sarah: Ok who is the BEST player you’ve played WITH?

Ryan: Wow… got to be Thierry Henry. Or Dennis Bergkamp, or Veira. I can’t pick one in particular. But has to be those three.

Sarah: So you were pretty young when you played with those guys, where you intimidated at all?

Ryan: No. For me, Football is Football. I don’t think about who I’m playing with or against, I just play. I don’t get to deep into thought about it, as it may take over your thoughts of control or affect certain situations, I just play.

Sarah: So your Dad is from New Jersey… You have represented England, U 16, 17, 18, 19 and 20s.  When it comes the time to get your full international cap, you have the choice to represent England or the US. That’s tough! Where do your loyalties lie?

Ryan: England. But right now, I realize that is not a possibility. Other than David Beckham who has played at the top level in Europe, it’s tough for an English player in the MLS to get recognized. But who knows, if I leave here one day, and join a top European I may get a chance. OR, could get the call up from the US first. Who knows? (Laughs)

Sarah: Because you did get a call from Bob Bradley recently! But you were injured….that’s so difficult to choose when your Mum’s English and your Dad’s American.

Ryan: Yerh It is. My parents are not together now, but Football is a bigger deal to my Mum. My Dad is more into basketball and other sports.

Sarah: So you’d hurt your mum’s feelings more?

Ryan: Well, that would depend on the decision! (Laughs) We will see when the time comes I guess.

Sarah: My dad was really into sports, and played professional Rugby growing up, he was my biggest influence on me playing Football, who where your influences growing up?

Ryan: Well, when I was growing up, all you did was play football, it was by any means necessary, you just played Football. It isn’t like today where they have Xboxes’ and stuff like that.

Sarah: Did you play for your school team?

Ryan: I played for my school team, my brothers school team , who was 2 years older than me, my district, my county, I  couldn’t get enough of it. I pretty much played for every team I dreamed about playing for when I was younger. But you know, the story hasn’t ended yet!

Sarah: Nice! So your team growing up? Arsenal?

Ryan: Yerh, Arsenal from birth.

Sarah: BOOOOOOOOO.

Ryan: Better than Hull! (Laughs)

Sarah: I know, I have no comeback (laughs) Ok, well we are close to the end of the interview, but I want to ask you some quick fire round questions, one word answers, for a bit of fun. It’s going to be on video… don’t worry you look great… (Laughs) You ready?

A huge thank you to Ryan for his time,you guys can follow Ryan on Twitter: @Ryan_Smith11.

Thanks for reading guys!

Take care! Hugs, Sarah xox

Sporting KC’s Ryan Smith plays a UK-centric “The Lightening Round” with Sarah Wilson

Click the pic for the video

That is once Brian hit the correct button to broadcast the show. (Skip through the first 1:52, sorry).

UPDATE: Here’s a driver’s eye view of Sarah skyping in from the backseat.