Rubena nd RJ are back for the season finale of the Hot Cast. They start by talking about Greg Berhalter wasting no time on the roster decisions of players with 2025 club options; dropping all but Jeff Gal and Jonathan Dean. Then they review the season starting with the winter transfer window. They try to find the flashpoint of when it became a year to forget for the club after it started out relatively well and what could have been done to change it. They end the show by discussing the stadium n...
Oct 25, 2024•1 hr 1 min
The Chicago Fire have a new Top Man. And it is who we thought it was. Ruben and RJ examine the hiring of Gregg Berhalter from every conceivable angle. They start with the big picture stuff about what his responsibilities are going to it. In the second half of the show, the hosts go to Magical Christmas Land to discuss who Berhalter could potentially recruit to his project and take a look at the most important area they need to improve, center back. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast....
Oct 09, 2024•43 min
The Chacago Fire are all but done with 2024 and Ruben and RJ are here to start the three-week mourning period. They discuss the losses against Nashville and Montreal and lament the fact that the Fire look like they'd rather be anywhere else. In the second half of the show, they take a look at the rest of the league and look at what the MLS playoffs will look like, including Fraud Watch 2024!! All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.
Sep 25, 2024•35 min
Ruben and RJ are back to discuss all things Chicago Fire. They start with the loss against DC and as promised, Ruben takes a deep dive into the Fire's tactics and tries to identify the difference between the first and second halves. A hint: It revolves around playing players where they're most comfortable. In the second half of the show, they discuss the Fire players on the Free Agent list released by the MLSPA, Mauricio Pouchitino to the USMNT and Gregg to the Fire. All that and bruised eyes on...
Sep 12, 2024•52 min
Better late than Never, it's this week's Hot Cast! Ruben and RJ are back to discuss what went wrong against Inter Miami and if the problems can be fixed or is it too little to late in 2024. In the second half of the show, your hosts go back and forth on what there is to look forward to for the rest of the season. And Ruben has a warning for the Chicago Fire Game Ops department. All that plus Video Games!! on this week's Hot Cast.
Sep 06, 2024•33 min
Ruben and RJ return to the podcast airwaves to break down how the fire stole a point against NYCFC at the weekend despite some poor play. They discuss their major preparedness issues the team has and why it's not going to change anytime soon. In the second half of the show, they talk about the MLS playoff picture, where the Fire stands in it, and what's it going to take for a team to finish above the line. All that plus a preview of Inter Miami this weekend on this episode of the Hot Cast...
Aug 27, 2024•36 min
Ruben and RJ return just in time to talk about Georg Heitz's pending departure from the club. They discuss what he did for the club, what he didn't do for the club, and what he leaves in his wake. In the second half of the show, they discuss what the club can do going forward into next season and whether or not the Fire GM job is even a good one. All that plus Gaga Slonina's Chelsea mistake on this week's Hot Cast....
Aug 14, 2024•42 min
With RJ on assignment, Ruben called in Fire expert and good dude Tim Hotze on to entertain his Tin Foil theories about the Chicago Fire- including his thoughts about Frank Klopas losing the locker room. But before that, they discuss the matches vs NYCFC and FC Cincinnati, the Fire's situation regarding overspending, the difficulties in the summer transfer window, and what to do about Xherdan Shaqiri. All that and more in this supersized edition of The Hot Cast. You can support the show at patreo...
Jul 24, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Season 6Ep. 19
On this week's episode of the Hot Cast, Ruben and RKJ dissect an up-and-down week for the Chicago men's soccer outfit. They discuss how the comeback win against Philidelphia was directly responsible for the loss in San Jose. They talk about injuries and the seeming lack of depth and what it means for the club going into their three-game week against Eastern Conference playoff opposition. The second half of the show is spent talking about Brian Gutierrez not being called up to the US Olympic squa...
Jul 09, 2024•45 min•Season 6Ep. 18
The Fire lose their second game in a row where they outperform the other team for a large portion of the match! Ruben and RJ break down the game and point fingers at who is responsible for the lack of responsibility. They also talk about how good the team played at times and break down the first half when things looked so good. In the second half of the show, they talk about the impending sale of Gaston Gimenez and what the Fire will have to do to replace him once he goes. Then they talk a bit a...
Jul 03, 2024•43 min•Season 6Ep. 19
The Fire lose to Orlando City and Ruben and RJ are back to take stock of where the Fire are. They discuss what the performence of the Fire means in context of the rest of the season and whether or not leading in almost every statistical means anything. In the second half of the show, they look forword to the summer transfer window with an eye on players playing in the international tournaments. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.
Jun 27, 2024•41 min•Season 6Ep. 16
The Fire go up to Toronto and win their second game in a row and the Hot Castr have some thoughts. Ruben and RJ debate whether or not their form is sustainable or it's just like last year when they have their mid-season glow-up before disappointing us down the stretch. Then they talk a bit about the match itself and how the Fire are able to out-tempo teams during their undefeated month and how the passing has improved through the midfield in their off week. In the second half of the show, they d...
Jun 20, 2024•48 min•Season 6Ep. 15
The Chicago Fire finally won a match after only two months and all it took was a formation change and removal of their Designated Player. Ruben and RJ discuss the match, and Ruben warns why this could be just a one-off, while RJ is the positive one this week. The show's second half is spent discussing the formation change and what it means for the summer transfer window. Plus they discuss the newest transfer rumors including where Federico Navarro may wind up. They then spend the last little bit...
Jun 06, 2024•47 min•Season 6Ep. 14
What's life going to be like without Xherdan Shaqiri? That's the main topic of discussion for this week's Hot Cast. Ruben and RJ start the show by discussing what his early departure for Euro 2024 means for the club in both the short and long term. And in the show's second half, they talk about potential replacements on the roster for him. They also discuss the improvement between the first and second half of the game last weekend against DC. They talk about Brian Gutierrez looking more comforta...
May 29, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 13
After a week off, The Hot Cast is back and the unfortunate news is that If we had a show last week, it would probably sound a lot like this one. Ruben and RJ discuss the Fire's lack of attacking ability and why they can't fix it for about half and hour, and then talk about how they could fix it going into the game against DC United.
May 22, 2024•33 min•Season 6Ep. 12
Ruben and RJ are back this week after a horrid performence against the Revolution. They discuss how they would manage the club if they had the job and what, if anything is actually working. They then look at the roster construction and try to sus out what if any moves could be made during the summer, including where Omari Glasgow could fit in. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.
May 09, 2024•42 min•Season 6Ep. 11
On this episode of the Hot Cast, Ruben and RJ return to the podcast waves to discuss what turned out to be a very interesting scoreless draw. They discuss the tactical changes made in the match, how the club responded to the previous week's injuries, and how the defense responded to giving up 4 goals against RSL. After a patrion pause, they preview the next game against the New England Revolution. They talk about the Rev's struggles and how this is a must win for the Fire. All of that plus some ...
May 01, 2024•46 min•Season 6Ep. 10
Rubena nd RJ return after a dismal performence from the Chicago Fire has them wondering what needs to change. they discuss Frank Klopas' roll with the club and talk about whether or not he needs to resign as manager. They also discuss the recent Bears stadium announcement of an announcement and what that could potentially mean for the Fire and Red Stars. All that and more on this week's episode of the Hot Cast. you can support the show over at patreon.com/thelantern...
Apr 24, 2024•39 min•Season 6Ep. 9
Ruben and RJ return after a week off to an up-and-down stretch of the Fire. They catch up on the win in Houston and compare it to the hopeless performence against the Red Bulls. What was the difference between the two games and what can the Fire do to have more like Houston? They also discuss the Open Cup (This was recorded on Monday Night) and the new MLS roster rules. That and more on this week's Hot Cast patreon.com/TheLantern
Apr 18, 2024•37 min•Season 6Ep. 8
The Chicago Fire laid an egg in Atlanta and Ruben and RJ break down what went wrong. They discuss Frank Klopas' tactics and what they'd change to make the team function better. They also discuss whether or not FK is the right man for the job. Then they talk about the decline of Rafael Czichos and whether or not he should continue to start every week. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.
Apr 03, 2024•34 min•Season 6Ep. 7
Ruben and RJ are back to discuss everything but the Fire's 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution, but they do that anyway. But they start the show talking about the referee lockout being over before getting into the draw. They talk about Allen Arigoni's good performances and the bounceback game from Tobias Salquest and also praise the performence of Hugo Cuypers, as well. They also spend some time talking about some of the problems with Frank Klopas' tactics. In the second half of the show, d...
Mar 27, 2024•37 min•Season 6Ep. 6
The Chicago Fire won their first game of the season. That's good! But Ruben and RJ wonder, Was it really deserved? They discuss everything from the wind to bad refereeing to the continued struggles of Xherdan Shaqiri. It wasn't all negative though. They heap praise on Fabian herbers and Allen Arigone, two players playing above expectations right now, as well as other Fire players playing well. Then they talk about next week in New England and what a Shaqiriless lineup (he's on international duty...
Mar 19, 2024•38 min•Season 6Ep. 5
Ruben and RJ are back to discuss the Fire's 2-1 loss to Columbus and what the potential fallout should be. They discuss if it was a bad game or a game ruined by one bad performence. Related: Should the bench Xherdan Shaqiri? They also discuss the performence of the defense and Ruben makes the case for them having a good night. They also talk about officiating and the scab referees. In the second half of the show, the hosts discuss the upcoming game against CF Montreal and whet the Frie have to d...
Mar 12, 2024•31 min•Season 6Ep. 4
After a 2 day sick delay, the Hot Cast is back to finally discuss everything awful about the loss against Cincinnati. They discuss Frank Klopas' formation mistake and bad substitutions, Rafael Czichos's worst game in a Fire shirt, and why they look so poor up front. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast. You can support the show at patreon.com/TheLantern
Mar 07, 2024•32 min•Season 6Ep. 3
The Fire come out of Philadelphia with a point and mixed emotions and the Hot Cast is here to break it all down. Ruben and RJ discuss the good of Brian Gutierrez's two-point night to the bad of losing their starting left back after two minutes and everything in between. Then, they transition into the upcoming game against Cincinnati and talk about what the Fire will need to do to get their first win of the season. In the second half of the show, they talk about the behind-the-scenes news that br...
Feb 29, 2024•42 min
The New MLS season is upon us and so is Season 6 of the Hot Cast. Ruben and RJ preview the Fire's 2024 campaign thoroughly by going over the squad changes and talking about how they'll affect how the team plays. They also go over their expectations of the team and look at their competition in the Eastern Conference, which looks to be another season-long battle royale. They also spend time discussing the bad vibes surrounding MLS and the Open Cup and other things surrounding the beginning of the ...
Feb 21, 2024•58 min
It's been a long time since we last had a show. But there's been a lot of activity surrounding the Chicago Fire. So Ruben and RJ return to the microphone to discuss all of it. They talk all of the transfers coming in from Hugo Cuypers to Andrew Gutman and everyone in between. They also give a temperature check on their feelings about the Fire's prospects for the season and laugh at the Duncan McGuire Blackburn saga. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast. You can support the show over at patr...
Feb 05, 2024•45 min
The Chicago Fire have chosen their new manager... and It's Frank Klopas for the fifth time. Ruben and RJ are back for the first time this offseason to discuss his return. They talk about what this hire says about the state of the club and how the move not only affects the next season but the seasons beyond. Ruben also reveals his tin-foil theory about the club's goings-on from 2016 to 2019 and they discuss whether or not the club was going to go out of business. They also manage to talk about th...
Dec 08, 2023•46 min
Georg Heitz is back as the Sporting Director for at least another season and Ruben and RJ return to react to it! They dissect this move from every angle and contemplate the thought process and reasoning behind returning them for another season. After that, they address the other news out of that announcement including the expansion of the Fire's scouting network into Africa, the rumors of a big-name striker, and the head coaching vacancy. (Note: this was recorded before the announcement that Chr...
Nov 17, 2023•51 min
Ruben and RJ are back to put a bow on the 2023 Chicago Fire season. They discuss the end of the season at the hands of NYCFC and how it was a microcosm of the season-- Good but passive defense and a feeble attack. They do praise the club for their defensive improvements throughout the season, but it just wasn't enough. Then, they discuss what the club should do in the offseason. In the second half of the show, they take a look at all of the Fire's expiring contracts and try to determine who's op...
Oct 27, 2023•45 min•Season 5Ep. 26
