Hey, soccer fans! By now you've heard the reports that the Chicago Fire are in talks with Brazilian superstar Neymar - yes, that Neymar. There's been a lot of rumors and memes about it, but Nick has the latest info on the potential blockbuster deal. He also breaks down the advantages Neymar brings to the Men in Red and Major League Soccer, as well as discusses the drawbacks to signing a 32 year old, injury prone winger. Would you want to see Neymar pull on the red kit for the Fire? Nick also exa...
Jan 16, 2025•38 min•Ep. 140
Hey, soccer fans! Does anyone at the Chicago Fire take a day off? The club recently announced two new signings, both defenders that are sure to bolster the backline for the 2025 season. First, the Men in Red have signed Sam Rogers, a player that Gregg Berhalter gave a USMNT appearance in 2023. He has proven himself a solid player in Norway and USL, and hopefully his game will translate to Major League Soccer. The Fire also signed Portuguese youth international Leonardo Barroso. Barroso has a wea...
Jan 14, 2025•23 min•Ep. 139
Hey, soccer fans! New year, new Chicago Fire! The club has been extremely busy in 2025 in building out the attack. Our host Nick provides an update on the transfer fee for new winger Philip Zinckernagel, and how it has allowed Berhalter & Co. to pursue another high level winger, Frenchman Gaetan Perrin. Perrin is a star for French club Auxerre, helping them win promotion to Ligue 1 this season, and continuing his fine form with 5 goals and 4 assists so far. If the deal goes well for the Fire...
Jan 10, 2025•25 min•Ep. 138
Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire gave their fans a late Christmas present, announcing the signing of Danish winger Philip Zinckernagel. Zinckernagel comes to the Fire from Club Brugge, has a winning pedigree across several European leagues, and will be expected to generate offense and opportunities for Hugo Cuypers. Zinckernagel signed a four-year, TAM deal with the Men in Red, allowing them to keep both of their remaining Designated Player (DP) slots open. We also have international news, as ...
Jan 07, 2025•36 min•Ep. 137
Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire house cleaning continues under new Director of Sport and Head Coach Gregg Berhalter. This time, defense Tobias Salquist is on the outs, being transferred to FC Nordsjaelland of the Danish Superliga. Salquist will likely not be missed - he only appeared in 14 matches due to injuries - and when he played, looked like he could not keep up with the pace and physicality of MLS. In this episode, Nick also discusses the Philadelphia Union hiring new head coach Bradley...
Jan 03, 2025•20 min•Ep. 136
Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire delivered a Christmas present to fans in the form of mutually parting ways with Gaston Gimenez. The Designated Player was a symbol of underperformance and burdensome contracts for the last five years, and by mutually terminating the contract, Gregg Berhalter & Co. have opened up a second DP spot and saved their one-time buyout (Heads up, Arnaud Souquet.) Our host also breaks down the latest front office hires for the Men in Red, and how Berhalter has filled...
Dec 28, 2024•37 min•Ep. 135
Hey, soccer fans! Thanks for joining our MLS Scheduling Show Spectacular! Major League Soccer has released its 2025 schedule, and we're taking a look at how the season will go - noting how the Coachella Invitational, Concacaf Champions Cup, and Leagues Cup will fit in. In the second half, Nick takes a deep dive into the Chicago Fire's season, pointing out his most anticipated match-ups and identifying areas of the season the Men in Red should be able to find some success. Tune in and join the co...
Dec 21, 2024•32 min•Ep. 134
Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire made their first signing of the off-season, inking former Philadephia Union defender Jack Elliott to a one-year deal with an option. The Englishment brings a wealth of MLS experience, solid defending, and a bit of an offensive threat to the Second City. With the centerback position likely secure, where will the Men in Red turn next? Nick also breaks down the players to watch in the MLS Re-Entry Draft, noting that Nicholas Gioachinni, Yaw Yeboah, and Ilas Iliadi...
Dec 17, 2024•29 min•Ep. 133
Hey, soccer fans! We have a treat for you in tonight's episode. Tune in to hear Nick's conversation with Chicago Fire Head Coach and Director of Sport Gregg Berhalter - admittedly, it was a public relations call, but a fun call nonetheless. Our host then reflects on San Diego FC's expansion draft and roster build. Also, MLS free agency is underway, and our host looks at the top free agents and whether any of them could fit into Berhalter's plans for the Men in Red. Tune in and join the conversat...
Dec 13, 2024•29 min•Ep. 132
Hey, soccer fans! The Los Angeles Galaxy are your 2024 MLS Cup Champions after defeating the New York Red Bulls 2-1. They even did it without Riqui Puig! We look at the status and recap the game action, but then ask the question: "Is this the start of a Galaxy dynasty?" Tune in for Nick's answers and to hear how the Galaxy's win could impact how the Chicago Fire approach the 2025 season. In the second half, we discuss the latest signing for the Men in Red: David Poreba. The MLS Next Pro Golden B...
Dec 10, 2024•34 min•Ep. 131
Hey, soccer fans! The MLS Cup Final is set! The Los Angeles Galaxy are set to host the New York Red Bulls. Tune in as our host breaks down the expected game plan for each team and the impact players who will look to raise a trophy for their club. Even without an injured Riqui Puig, the Galaxy have a star-studded lineup. Meanwhile, the Red Bulls will have to play their pressing style to perfection. In the second half of the show, Nick addresses the transfer rumors surrounding fan favorite, Georgi...
Dec 03, 2024•33 min•Ep. 130
Hey, soccer fans! Happy Thanksgiving! I hope you all find a reason to give thanks this week - and I am very thankful to be talking soccer with all of you. In tonight's episode, we address the rumors of Gregg Berhalter wanting to sign Aaron Long to the Chicago Fire. Would he be an upgrade to the Men in Red? Tune in for a statistical comparison with other Fire defenders. Nick also reviews all the official transfer news within the league, including Luis Suarez' extension in Miami and Nick Cushing's...
Nov 28, 2024•31 min•Ep. 129
Hey, soccer fans! As we get ready to feast for Thanksgiving, tune in to our appetizer show talking aboutteh front office changes for the Chicago Fire and the coaching changes in Miami and Vancouver. Sebastian Pelzer is out as Technical Director but moves full time to a position with FC Lugano - the Fire's sister club in Switzerland. His tenure in Chicago was anything but a success on the pitch, but some of his scouting and networking benefits can still be realized by the Men in Red. Meanwhile, w...
Nov 26, 2024•27 min•Ep. 128
Hey, soccer fans! Major League Soccer is in the post-season, but every team continues to make headlines. Wilfried Nancy wins Coach of the Year, Tata Martino departs Inter Miami for personal reasons, and Eric Quill takes over FC Dallas. Tune in as Nick gives you all the details. Also, we break down the Crain's Chicago Business articles with new details on the Chicago Fire's search for a new stadium site. Two locations have emerged as favorites - The 78 and Licoln Yards - but each site has unique ...
Nov 21, 2024•35 min•Ep. 127
Hey, soccer fans! It's international break, but the Chicago Fire are still making headlines. They've announced the firing of Chicago Fire II's head coach Ludovic Taillandier after three years in the position and five years with the club. Tune in as Nick's gives you his thoughts on this move and what it means for the organization. Nick also breaks down the United States' Nations League quarterfinal match vs. Jamaica. He gives you him impressions of how the game played out and what the USMNT must ...
Nov 16, 2024•26 min•Ep. 126
Hey, soccer fans! It's chaos in the Eastern Conference of the MLS Cup Playoffs. All three top seeds are out in the first round, and none in more spectacular for than Inter Miami. Their star players were more focused on gamesmanship, assaulting opposing players, and screaming at the referee than actually playing defense, costing them the chance at the Supporters' Shield - MLS Cup Double. Tune in for Nick's reactions and his commentary on the rest of the playoff picture. Our host also shares stori...
Nov 12, 2024•34 min•Ep. 125
Hey, soccer fans! Before the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs wraps up, we've got to talk coaching. The Chicago Fire hired former player Michael Stephens as Head of Recruitment and parted ways with assistant coaches Paulo Nagamura and Carlos Garcia. Tune in to hear the credentials of the coaches, why they were hired, and where the Men in Red can go from here. Our host also takes a look at all the coaching changes from around Major League Soccer this season, including recent breaking news: the...
Nov 09, 2024•35 min•Ep. 124
Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire are still making news even with the end of the MLS regular season. Chicago Fire II striker and Golden Boot winner David Poreba has been named MLS Next Pro MVP of the 2024 season. So why did he get any minutes with the senior team? Nick breaks down the reasons why. Nick also recaps the MLS Cup Playoffs, including the upsets, shoot-outs, and close results that have appeared in all match-ups outside of LA vs. Colorado. Is parity to blame, or is it someone else? Tu...
Nov 05, 2024•27 min•Ep. 123
Hey, soccer fans! The MLS Cup Playoffs are in full swing, but we're still talking about the Chicago Fire. In this episode, Nick breaks down the Fire's roster decisions and takes a deep dive into the salaries of the players ,as recently released by the MLS Players Association. Which players were let go for financial reasons and which for their play - stay tuned to find out. In the 2nd half, Nick looks at the salaries from around the league. He discusses the highest paid players at each position, ...
Oct 29, 2024•44 min•Ep. 122
Hey, soccer fans! The MLS Cup Playoffs are underway, and Nick breaks down all the matchups from the first round to the final. Do you agree with his assessment and his picks? Stay tuned as he recaps the wild card match-ups - truly wild affairs between Atlanta & Montreal and Vancouver & Portland - and looks ahead at the first round. In the second half, Nick reads Paul Tenorio's article in The Athletic discussing Major League Soccer's considerations for moving the leage to a fall-spring sch...
Oct 25, 2024•44 min•Ep. 121
Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire's 2024 MLS season is mercifully over. After another embarassing 3-0 loss, this time to fellow bottom-dweller Nashville SC, the Men in Red can now look to their off-season. Our host, too, looks at the future when he recaps the press conference introducing Gregg Berhalter as Director of Sport and Head Coach. Hear about the Berhalther and Mansueto's vision for the team and the possibility of the new stadium. In the second half of ths show, Nick looks at the MLS po...
Oct 22, 2024•56 min•Ep. 120
Hey, soccer fans! The season is nearly over, and Decision Day is upon us. The Chicago Fire host Nashville SC in the final match of the season to help determine who is the worst team of the Eastern Conference (Inter Miami defeating New England would help the Fire out, too.) We know that Nashville likes to play through Mukhtar and to Surridge, so the question is whether the Men in Red keep them in check and counter-attack. If they can, maybe a forgetable season will end on a high note. In the seco...
Oct 16, 2024•40 min•Ep. 119
Hey, soccer fans! It's official: Berhalter In! The former USMNT and Columbus Crew manager is the Chicago Fire's next Director of Football and Head Coach. In this episiode, Nick gives you all his reactions to the news, how he thinks the role will play out, and whether the early criticism of the hire is warranted. In the second half, Nick looks at non-coaching headlines from the Men in Red and answer the question of whether MLS should continue to observe international breaks. Tune in and join the ...
Oct 09, 2024•40 min•Ep. 118
Hey, soccer fans! Another match, another loss for the Chicago Fire. Even after being eliminated from the playoffs the week prior, this was still a disappointment. The players and coaches didn't seem to care, and the scoreline belies the continued issues on both offense and defense for the Fire. Tune in as Nick breaks down the goals, stats, and observations from this match. In the second half, we take a look at the historical season Inter Miami is having. After clinching the Supporters' Shield, c...
Oct 04, 2024•28 min•Ep. 117
Hey, soccer fans! It's all over - the Chicago Fire have been officially eliminated from the MLS Cup Playoffs this season. Despite a 1-1 draw, the Fire will be watching the playoffs for the seventh straight year - practically a mathematical impossibility. Tune in as Nick gives you his match impressions, breaks down the goals and the stats, and gives you things to watch for in the last two matches of the season. In the second half of the show, Nick talks about the fan protest that occurred during ...
Oct 01, 2024•35 min•Ep. 116
Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back after a week off and a trip to San Diego. It was nice of the Chicago Fire to not do anything while he was away. In this episode, we discuss the latest coaching candidates for MLS teams - including Gregg Berhalter to the Chicago Fire - the playoff race, the MVP conversation, and the trophy matches from last night. Stay tuned to the end to get caught up with all the headlines from around MLS and the American soccer landscape! Tune in and join the conversation! Make s...
Sep 27, 2024•33 min•Ep. 115
Hey, soccer fans! It's happy podcast! The Chicago Fire finally get a win, the struggling strikers finally get their goals, and Fire fans once again are teased by the possibility of making the playoffs. Stay tuned to hear how the Men in Red got the win, with a special focus on the play of Greek striker Georgios Koutsias and his potential future with the club. In the second half, Nick charts the Men in Red's path to the playoffs and looks at some of the moves made by clubs with trophy aspirations....
Sep 17, 2024•35 min•Ep. 114
Hey, soccer fans! We're back for another week of wondering if the Fire can change their fortunes from week to week. Next up, the playoff bound Red Bulls of New York. Though they played to a scoreless draw earlier in the season, this next meeting looks to have goals in store - with a struggling Fire defense and palyers returning from international duty. Tune in to hear the stars and strategies and how the Men in Red will match up against this Eastern Conference opponent. In the second half of the...
Sep 13, 2024•34 min•Ep. 113
Hey, soccer fans! Does it feel like we've seen this before? It's because we have! The Chicago Fire do the same thing every week, and every week the wonder why they can't win a game. Once again, the Men in Red come out flat, concede early, and then are forced to try to break down a defensive-minded opponent. Don't let the possession numbers fool you, the Fire were not in control of this game at any time. Stay tuned as our host breaks down the lineups, stats, and play of the team. It's not all bad...
Sep 10, 2024•43 min•Ep. 112
Hey, soccer fans! This weekend, the Chicago Fire welcome another struggling Eastern Conference team in DC United. In this episode, Nick highlights the top players from DC and how the Men in Red should approach the game from a tactical standpoint. The Fire could win, the Fire should win, but they'll need to come out fast and shut down Christian Benteke before they actually win. In the second half of the show, Nick discusses the departure of Carlos Bocanegra from his role in the Atlanta United fro...
Sep 06, 2024•25 min•Ep. 111
