VfB Stuttgart Americana

Matt and Travis are back to attempt to break down a match that, as Daxo posted on instagram and we borrowed for this episodes cover art, was, well, somewhat questionable. Be that as it may, the guys start Part One's Shout Outs by celebrating the Frauen while wondering what could have happened had VfB II held on to it's early lead over their local rivals, the Kickers. Part Two looks at the loss - or was it a draw? - on the road to one of the best teams in all of Europe and Matt, who actually watched the match, tries to fill in Travis on what he missed during what was, at times, a dominating VfB performance. And of course most of this section also looks at the performance of our new favorite Felix, one Mr. Zwayer! Part Three's News & Q's is pretty brief, with news regarding the on-loan players and our Player of Significance Bracket while questions concerning Matt and Travis' favorite horror film take place as well, which is obviously the 1971 classic Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory. What? Part Four wraps up with a look at the upcoming match versus Bayern, a club in (relative) turmoil and perhaps - perhaps - ripe for the taking. It's a Monday Moaning episode if ever there was one! And check out our Bracket and put in your vote here: https://vfbamericana.weebly.com/polls.html! Episode Introduction - 0:00-2:18 Part One - Shout Outs - 2:28-8:52 Part Two - B04:VfB - 9:02-30:45 Part Three - News & Q's - 30:55-46:12 Part Four - VfB:FCB - 46:22-57:52 Episode Exit - 57:53-58:34 Photo courtesy of Daxo!

The guys are so distraught that that don't even do the bare minimum - record an episode together! Travis goes solo and attempts to chat up the match, the questions, and the upcoming game. Yeah ... it's 29 minutes of your life you'll never get back ... but at least their attendance streak keeps going!

It's official... we're going to Europe! And to celebrate the international clinching win, Ted and Travis break down what turned out to be a convincingly comfortable - and somewhat boring - win over SGE that has - let's say it again! - officially secured VfB's international status next season! Part One's Shout Outs go to the Frauen, some VfB newcomers, and the VfB shop for making a bunch of baby items just in time for a podcast newborn on the way! Part Two looks at the win over Frankfurt, focusing on the offensive prowess of Serhou and Deniz as well as the defensive play of Fabi and Captain Anton. Not to be forgotten, Ata's 100th game, Jamie's unintentional nutmeg, and records being set left and right by the boys in white and red. Part Three's New's & Q's chats up the arena renovations, the extended loan of Alex, and what role - if any - Christian Gentner may play in the upper management going forward. Part Four is a look at the upcoming match versus Bremen and not surprisingly the guys are still basking in the optimism of a record breaking jungundwild season! Episode Introduction - 0:2:59 Part One - Shout Outs - 3:09-11:09 Part Two - VfB:SGE - 11:19-38:33 Part Three - News & Q's - 38:43-52:40 Part Four - SVW:VfB - 52:50-1:08:59 Episode Exit - 1:09:09-1:10:05 Photo courtesy of VfB.de

Ted and Travis break down the recent match versus BVB in which the boys in white and red continue to - wait for it - ECLIPSE all pre-season expectations! Part One's Shout Outs include some love to Hansa loanee Juan, Part Two looks at the big win on the road in which VfB blew out the BVB 50th birthday celebrations with some incredibly impressive - and at times cynical - football. WHICH WE LOVED! Part Three's News & Q's rehashes the same 'ol same 'ol - drama in the front office - and ponders who the guys hope to keep come next year. Meanwhile, Part Four deals with the next match, a home contest versus Eintracht. All that and a solar eclipse, too! Episode Introduction - 0:00-3:35 Part One - Shout Outs - 3:45-9:35 Part Two - BVB:VfB - 9:45-35:29 Part Three - News & Q's - 35:39-51:13 Part Four - VfB:SGE - 51:23-61:50 Episode Exit - 61:50-end Photo courtesy of VfB.de

It's an up and down episode appropriate for what was an up and down match, the exasperating but exhilarating 3:3 draw at home for match 1,000. Before the guys look at the match, Part One's Shout Outs ponder the table status of VfB II, the Stuttgarter Kickers, and the sharp looking warm-up kit the club broke out to celebrate match 1,000 in the stadium. Part Two looks at the match, as there is much to celebrate - the gorgeous first half, Angelo's first VfB goal, and Deniz's dramatic come-from-behind goal in added time - but an equal amount to criticize - Alex's unusually shaky play, Silas' decision making, and most of all, the lack of focus by the guys in white and red after earning a 2:0 lead. Part Two's segment wraps up with a consideration of just how much - or little - the upper-management drama is impacting the play on the pitch or, at the very least, the experience in the stadium before taking a deep breath and considering how, in the big picture, 2024 has just been a brilliant run for the jungundwild. Part Three's News & Q's congratulate the fellas that made the German national team, consider the continued drama between the e.V. and the A.G., and contrast some questions regarding is this the same 'ol VfB or is this a different VfB. Part Four takes a look at the upcoming match on the road versus a resurgent BVB, a club hot on the heels of VfB's third place spot, and the guys are split on just how well next week's topspiel is gonna go. All that and a special question from a bot! Episode Introduction - 0:00-1:33 Part One: Shout Outs - 1:43-7:00 Part Two: VfB:FCH - 7:10-39:57 Part Three: News & Q's - 40:07-57:56 Part Four: BVB:VfB - 58:06-1:03:13 Episode Exit - 1:03:13-end Photo courtesy VfB.de

It's a lengthy and at times pedantic episode full of celebration, congratulation, and as the fellas are want to do, confusion! Part One's Shout Outs congratulate the Frauen on taking out derby rival KSCII, a history lesson on Bad Cannstatt's seal, and why the Man of the Match this week probably should have been titled "the travelling supporters of the match!" Part Two starts up doing just that, as Matt and Travis celebrate the absolute dominance of not just the guys in white and red, but the dominance of the away support decked out in ALL red, turning Sinsheim into a VfB loving town for at least a day! And what a day it turned out to be, as Chris, Serhou, Deniz, and Enzo - among others - all put on a heck of a show in earning VfB's first win at Hoffenheim since the immortal Martin Harnik kicked the team to victory! Yes, THE Martin Harnik! Part Three's News and Q's starts of with some congratulations to four - FOUR! - members of the team that are wearing the national team kit and will hopefully see the pitch in the upcoming friendlies versus France and the Netherlands. Part Three then dives into a huge issue that is, quite frankly, confusing to most American supporters ... so Matt and Travis attempt to add even MORE confusion to the issue by explaining - from 4,000 miles away - what seems to be going down with the eV, the AG, and all the initials in-between. Oy. Finally - and thankfully! - episode 115 wraps up answering some questions regarding if VfB will ever lose again, elder abuse, American watch parties, and finally Germany's fancy new pink kit. It's a lengthy episode that may in fact be one of the fellas' most controversial episodes as they offer actual OPINIONS. YIKES! Episode Intro - 0:2:38 Part One - Shout Outs - 2:48-7:03 Part Two - TSG:VfB - 7:13-29:27 Part Three - News & Q's Part 1 - 29:37-36:06 Part Three - News & Q's Part 2 - 36:16-1:13:46 Episode Exit - 1:13:47-end Photo courtesy of Imago

It's yet another victory podcast as Matt and Travis celebrate by actually purchasing actual equipment to help them sound better ... even if the content of their sound is the usual level of lousiness! Part One Shout Out's go to ESPN+ announcer Kevin for nailing VfBingo, the Frauen for opening up the second half of their season with a win, and pondering some new items in the VfB shop. Part Two breaks down the match versus former bogey team FC Union and the guys try to use some of the major talking points of the match - counter-pressing and link-up play. In doing so, they give some love to the masked man that is Anthony, praise Alex, continue to be in awe of the rapport of Maxi and Chris on the left side, and, of course, continue to marvel at the play of the one and only Serhou. Part Three's News and Q's looks at some new contract extensions - with an obvious focus on one particular member of the Hoeneß family - and then answer questions we never thought we'd ever have to answer regarding ... the Champions League. What. A. Season! Part Four wraps up with a look at the upcoming match against a now depleted Hoffenheim before thanking the 1910s for giving us the gift that is daylight savings time. Yikes. Like we mentioned, we may sound better, but that doesn't mean we are better! Episode Introduction - 0:2:13 Part One - Shout Outs - 2:14-6:40 Part Two - VfB:FCU - 6:50-31:14 Part Three - News & Q's - 31:24-59:42 Part Four - TSG:VfB - 59:52-68:23 Episode Exit - 68:23-end Photo courtesy of Baumann

It's episode 113 as Matt and Travis celebrate a first road win at Wolfsburg in almost two decades! Matt, back from across the pond, helps Travis give some Part One Shout Outs to the Frauen, ponder a visit to Ulm, and consider some of the new items in the VfB team shop. [Note: we had some slight sound issues that we modified before the start of Part Two ... we don't sound any smarter but hopefully we sound a little better!] Part Two's look at the solid win at WOB breaks the match down into two parts, defense and offense, and the guys give some praise to the all-out leadership of Captain Waldy, the play of newbie Anthony, and how the team is still missing the enormous presence of DJ Daxo. Offensively, Chris and Maxi somehow overshadow near-record goal scorer Serhou while the guys wonder if VfB is playing too ... playful? The segment ends with a look at the upcoming schedule and why Deniz's somewhat controversial comment a few weeks ago turned out to be, well, not controversial at all. Headlines and Questions in Part Three include rumors regarding Porsche, the opening of the full stands at MHP Arena, whether Serhou's arse-kicking celebration should become a thing, and how this season has changed everyone's goals ... including that of those playing on the pitch. Part Four's Odds and Predictions is yet another optimistic look at the coming match day, this time a home match versus the club VfB shall forever be tied to - FC Union Berlin. And we even fix our sound after Part One. How's THAT for professionalism?! Introduction - 0:00-1:38 Part One - Shout Outs - 1:48-9:11 Part Two - WOB:VfB - 9:21-33:17 Part Three - News & Q's - 33:27-52:02 Part Four - VfB:FCU - 52:12-56:09 Exit - 56:09-end Photo courtesy of VfB.de

Episode 112 covers the disappointing draw to the relegation threatened Billy Goats and so who better than Hennes supporter Jake from @50PlusDoner to check in to give us a bit of an outsider's view on how the match - and the season - are going for the fellas in white and red. Part One gives Shout Outs to the VfB Frauen, the ESPN+ announcing team, and, of course, Gil Dias. Of course. Part Two breaks down the home draw to KOE, and both Jake and Travis take a look at how the season has gone for both clubs, the match, and statements of VfB team leaders post-match, before trying to predict the future for both clubs. Part Three's Headlines & Questions cover the DFL vote as well as, with only 11 matches to go, the increasing expectations on the team. The segment ends with Questions comparing the run of 1. FC Köln back in 2016/2017 to that of VfB Stuttgart this season and Jake offers some words of warning - and wisdom - regarding the latter. Part Four's look at the upcoming match against Wolfsburg ends with a positive prediction by both Jake and Travis, though Travis throws out an odd reason why he thinks VfB's offense may get into gear on the road - a goalie named Alex. It's a somewhat Hennes-heavy episode complete with some interesting thoughts from a VfB outsider on the current state of all things brustring! Episode 112 Introduction: 0:00-1:32 Part One - Shout Outs: 1:42-7:39 Part Two - VfB:KOE: 7:49-24:29 Part Three - News & Questions: 24:39-37:40 Part Four - WOB:VfB: 37:50-52:12 Episode 112 End: 52:12-end Photo courtesy of VfB.de

Episode 111 has the return of Rob for his Wisconsin hattrick! Part One Shout Outs celebrate Juan, Thomas, and the fancy new VfB windbreaker! Part Two looks at the gritty versus pretty win at Darmstadt, where the fellas in white and red overcame a break in the action, a red card, and a physical opponent. Part Three ponders - once again - just how good this season can end! Part Four wraps up the episode with a look at another struggling bottom tier team, the impossible to root against Billy Goats from Cologne. Impossible to root for aside from this week, that is! Episode Introduction - 0:00-1:08 Part One - Shout Outs - 1:18-4:47 Part Two - SVD:VfB - 4:57-29:03 Part Three - Headlines & Questions - 29:13-38:28 Part Four - VfB:KOE - 38:38-52:42 Episode End - 52:43-53:24

Rob joins us as our resident Mainz expert to chat about the biggest event on Sunday ... in the entire world! In Part One, we Shout Out the VfB shop, ponder the color beige, and give some praise to the current MOTM! Then we break down two matches, the heartbreaking loss to Bayer in the Pokal and then the affirming win at home over relegation threatened Mainz. Part Three and Four, dives into News, Headlines, and Questions as well as a look at the upcoming match versus relegation threatened SVD.protests in the stands versus the DFL and then look at just how far up the table VfB could finish this current season. The episode finishes up with a look at the next match, where Rob and Travis are both optimistic the boys in white and red can continue the good times! NOTE: This is the same episode as the previous Part One and Part Two that was posted yesterday (2/11/2024). Due to changes in the way our platform allows editing, there will be some technical changes in the coming weeks/months, so apologies for the double-posting of this particular episode! Photo courtesy of VfB.de

Episode 109 covers the big win over rival SC Freiburg in a match that may or may not have been a derby. Part One Shout Outs go the Frauen for coming back with some friendly success but especially to club legend Robert Schlienz who would have celebrated his 100th birthday just a few days ago. Part Two looks at the big win over Freiburg, a win that was convincing to everyone but Matt and Travis!  Before that, though, the guys throw some praise to DJ Daxo and his impact both on and off the pitch for the boys in the brustring.  In terms of the match, the guys break down the goals scored, concerning issues on defense, and just how well the jungundwild were able to respond to the very, very physical play of the team from Baden.   Part Three’s News & Headlines welcome back Hiroki and Serhou from international play, some money thanks to old friend Orel, and a newbie to VfB who isn’t new to the Bundesliga, Mahmoud Dahoud.  In terms of Questions, the guys give their feedback regarding praise for Maxi, Alex, and of course Deniz before wondering how many of them will be playing for the national team in the coming months. Part Four wraps up with a look at the big week ahead, the Pokal match at Bayer and then Bundesliga matchday 21 versus a struggling and relegation threatened Mainz 05.  Not surprisingly, the Negative Ned that is Travis pours some cold water on the coming two matches but thankfully Matt’s optimism saves the day not just for VfB, but for everyone listening to this episode! Episode Introduction - 0:00-1:10 Part One - Shout Outs - 1:20-6:04 Part Two - SCF:VfB - 6:14-31:00 Part Three - News, Headlines, and Questions - 31:10-56:22 Part Four - B04:VfB and VfB:M05 - 56:32-1:03:35 Closing - 1:03:35-end Photo courtesy of VfB.de

It's a celebratory episode as Rob joins Travis to chat the big, big win over RBL! Part One’s Shout Outs throw some praise to Legos, vice-champion Chris, and the pronunciation king that is Derek Rae for being the first commentator to nail VfBingo! Part Two is a lengthy look at an historic match - the first time VfB has ever beaten RB Leipzig … and boy howdy, what a win it was! The guys break the match down with their usual alliteration, covering items such as focus, flexibility, finishing, and, finally, the feeding of the fellas off of the Stuttgart home cooking! From Rouault’s defense to Enzo playing as a #6 to Jamie up front and finally to the loud and proud home crowd, there was a lot to celebrate, and the guys do their best to do just that. Part Three’s News, Headlines, and Questions cover the international play of the guys in Africa and Asia as well as the impact of that sweet, sweet, Porsche money as well as fun phrases like “Turbo for Talent,” Global Brand Alliance, the Federal Cartel Office, and whatever the heck “future proof” means! The segment wraps up with Questions in which listeners ask how euphoric this win may have been as well as the importance of this particular victory. Part Four concludes with a look at the next match, a trip on the road to another top table competitor, Baden rival SC Freiberg. All that and Rob tells us why he’s so so happy - combination of VfB’s success and tasty, tasty maultaschen! - while Derek's audio ends episode 108 with some commentary we can all agree upon! Introduction - 0:00-1:23 Part One - Shout Outs - 1:33-6:55 Part Two - VfB:RBL - 7:05-35:27 Part Three - News, Headlines, & Questions - 35:37-48:46 Part Four - SCF:VfB - 48:56-59:22 Conclusion - Derek Rae & Maultaschen - 59:22-end Cover photo courtesy of VfB.de

Episode 107 has Matt and Travis break down a second straight disappointing loss in which they spend most of their time trying to dissect exactly what happened with the biggest controversy of 2024 ... Bochum and Bannergate! Part One's Shout Outs ponder a Sasa versus Luca battle and whether the bird that was given extensive screen time during the match delay should have been the real Man of the Match. Part Two uses the letter "B" to frame the loss on the road to Bochum and includes talking points like "boring," "bad," and of course ... "banners"! And just like the match this weekend, an inordinate amount of time is spent on how the banner situation not only caused a conflict amongst the travelling VfB supporters and the Bochum stadium staff, but our own OFC as well. WOW! Part Three's News, Headlines, and Questions congratulate Silas for scoring in international play and wonder what impact the banner delay had on the guys and whether VfB will ever score ... ever again. Part Four is a longer than usual look at the upcoming opponent, RBL, although the fellas spend more time considering how good this season has been overall than actually analyzing the match next weekend. All that and Travis almost gets knocked out by a giant VfB crest. How's that for drama?! Episode Introduction - 0:00-1:16 Part One - Shout Outs - 1:26-4:28 Part Two - BOC:VfB - 4:38-27:26 Part Three - News, Headlines, & Questions - 27:36-35:09 Part Four - VfB:RBL - 35:19-45:18

In our first episode of 2024, Matt and Travis record like it's 1924 with some sound quality harkening back to the early days of this program. Sigh. Part One's Shout Outs say hello to old friend Sasa and goodbye to our website, WIX. Oh the good times we had! Part Two breaks down the loss on the road to 'Gladbach using Deniz' post match quote "I don't know if it's bad luck or if I'm just too bad" to look at the start, missed chances, the lineup, and countering BMG's, well, counters. Part Three's News & Headlines cover the international play of Serhou, Silas, Hiroki, and Woo-Yeong, the contract extensions of Enzo and Waldy, and the potential signing of a newcomer from up north. Meanwhile, the guys ponder Questions regarding goal scoring, table goals, and how great episode 105 was (compared to this one!). Part Four wraps looks at another match on the road, this time at Bochum, a club with an impressive home form may be a cause for concern. That being said, the guys wrap up the episode as the always do - cautiously optimistic and somehow comparing German football to American football! Enjoy the cave-like sound of episode 106! (Seriously, apologies for the sound ... the guys tried a new, better* method that ... well ... yeah) Episode Introduction - 0:00-3:39 Part One - Shout Outs - 3:49-9:48 Part Two - BMG:VfB - 9:58-28:34 Part Three - News, Headlines, & Questions - 28:44-44:55 Part Four - BOC:VfB - 45:05-56:52 (Photo courtesy of Bild)

It's episode 105 and Matt and Travis decide to celebrate an amazing first half of the season by having on of the major voices of the Bundesliga in America, ESPN's very own Derek Rae! The trio first take a look at how the VfB season has gone so far and get Derek's thoughts on the VfB surprises, storylines, and the biggest question of the day ... maultaschen or spaetzle?! WHY NOT BOTH?! The guys then move on to Hinrunde awards, ranging from relatively easy (Offensive Player of the Hinrunde) to relatively difficult (Newcomer of the Hinrunde) and conclude with what Derek would gift all VfB supporters out there if he could place a big white and red present under the Stuttgart holiday tree! Thanks to everyone who listened in 2023 and we'll chat again in 2024! That's a promise ... and a threat! Part One - Intro - 0:00-2:44 Part Two - Hinrunde Review - 2:54-32:52 Auld Lang Syne - 33:02-end

Well, so much a top spiel, eh? Oh well, on to Augsburg! But before that happens, Matt and Travis take a quick - super quick - look back at the match that was billed as the top game of the weekend but ... yeah. To get the episode in, the guys skip the usual segments, so no Shout Outs or News, Headlines, & Questions for episode 104. That's what you get for losing! With that in mind, the fellas jump right in and breakdown the match at Bayern and focus on the three "B's" - Boring, Bayern, and Boo. Boo as in "boo boring"? Boo "Bayern"? Or boo "losing"? YES! The shortest episode we've ever done wraps up with a look at another regional rival, the flaming pineapples from Augsburg! It's the shortest episode ever, which means it's clearly in the running for our best episode ever! Episode 104 Part One - FCB:VfB - 0:00-24:42 Part Two - VfB:FCA - 24:42-end

To borrow from the head coach of one of the hottest teams in Germany - ours! - it's a "joyful" episode as Matt and Travis look back at two great results against two great clubs! Part One shout outs go out to former VfBers Sean Dundee, Gil Dias, and poor, poor Luca Pfeiffer. Part Two breaks down the two big matches that took place over the week, the Pokal win over Dortmund and the exciting draw versus Bayer. The guys look at the matches through the lens of a few major talking points, from domination to defense and from confidence to missed chances. Part Three's News, Headlines, & Questions include looking at some movement rumors, potential VfB national team players, the DFL's new investment plan, Daxo responding to one of our tweets, and the most shocking news of the week - VfB giving away almost $100,000! WHAT?! After that shocking news, the guys answer some listener questions regarding winter transfers, the amazing play of Maxi Mittelstädt, and whether Matt can go at least one episode without talking about Michigan beating Ohio State a few weeks ago. Teaser: No, no he can't! Part Four wraps up the episode with a look at yet another top match, this one on the road versus Sebastian, Woo, Angelo, and Alex's old team - a plucky little club named Bayern Munich. All that and all the Ohio slander you could ever want! Episode Introduction - 0:00-2:41 Part One - Shout Outs - 2:51-6:40 Part Two - VfB:BVB, VfB:B04 - 6:50-30:48 Part Three - News, Headlines, & Questions - 30:58-56:48 Part Four - FCB:VfB - 56:58-end

Ted and Travis break down yet another VfB win, use alliteration along the way, and have a pretty cool non-VfB related news bite to share as the pod winds down. But before episode 102 ends - thankfully! - the guys give some Part One shout outs to Juan Perea for helping take down bitter rival KSC as well as the three regional supporter groups who held watch parties for this big win. Part Two breaks down win number 10 - ten! - with a focus on VfB's domination, the striker duo, Stuttgart's depth, and finally - and possibly most importantly - deceptive cabbage! Part Three's News & Headlines take a look at the goalie situation and Alex Wehrle's recent interview while Questions' focus on whether the club should alter their season goals while Ted throws out some happy news regarding the newest VfB supporter in the U.S. of A.! Part Four is a quick look at a busy week for the jungundwild as they host two top clubs, BVB in the Pokal and then B04 for matchday #14. After 101 episodes you'd think the guys would be worried about what's coming down the Bundesliga road BUT caught up in the euphoria of this season - and loaded up with plenty of cabbage - they're waaaaaay more optimistic than usual and are thus in a very, very uncomfortable position. Speaking of being uncomfortable, give it a listen! Episode 102 Introduction - 0:00-2:00 Part One - Shout Outs - 2:10-7:17 Part Two - VfB:SVW - 7:27-25:08 Part Three - News, Headlines, & Questions - 25:18-53:32 Part Four - VfB:BVB & VfB:B04 - 53:42-end

In yet another victory episode, Ted joins Travis to celebrate the only winning thing in their entire lives! NO HYPERBOLE THERE! After a brief intro in which the guys chat up their favorite #9's, Part One includes shout outs to cleverly named OFC members, the Frauen's winning ways, and the OFC Man of the Match. Part Two is a look back at a win on the road versus a team VfB usually struggles against, SGE. Along the way, the guys ponder the lack of home support, the jungundwild's fast start, the play of Deniz and Max, momentum shifts, Waldy's spectacular own goal, Serhou's uncharacteristic miss, the play of the defense, and how much the guys want - or don't want - to finish in the top four. Part Three's News, Headlines, and Questions are light on News (which is usually good) but heavy on questions, including haircuts, Maxi Mittelstädt, table predictions, and actually looking forward to playing Bayer and Bayern. WHAT?! Part Four looks at the upcoming match at home versus Bremen and, not surprisingly, the guys are overly optimistic heading into this one ... and after the way this season has gone, why the heck not?! Part Five, a kind of surprise segment, sees the return of the "The World According to Auz," where Austin, the current podcast prediction leader, gives us his views on the upcoming Bundesliga matches. Episode 101 is almost as good as our first ever episode which ... well ... yeah. Episode 101 Introduction - 0:00-3:00 Part One - Shout Outs - 3:10-8:24 Part Two - SGE:VfB - 8:34-35:59 Part Three - News, Headlines, & Questions - 36:09-50:40 Part Four - VfB:SVW - 50:50-55:40 Part Five - Bundesliga Predictions - 55:50-end