Digest

The podcast addresses a variety of listener questions, beginning with the USMNT's performance and cohesion, particularly in the absence of Christian Pulisic. The hosts explore hypothetical scenarios of players becoming player-managers for their current teams, considering both MLS and European leagues. They then delve into the potential for MLS to expand with more same-city teams, discussing the challenges and possibilities. The conversation shifts to the US Open Cup, debating whether including college teams would benefit the tournament. Finally, a provocative listener question about allowing goalkeepers to use their hands in both penalty areas sparks a lively discussion on its potential impact on the game. The episode also includes promotions for a Patreon bonus feed and an upcoming live show in Los Angeles.

Outlines

00:00:00

Listener Questions: USMNT, Player-Managers, and MLS Expansion

The episode kicks off with listener questions covering the USMNT's dynamics without Christian Pulisic, hypothetical player-managers, and the feasibility of more same-city teams in MLS.

00:03:36

US Open Cup and Goalkeeper Rule Debates

The discussion continues with listener questions about the potential benefits of including college teams in the US Open Cup and a controversial proposal to allow goalkeepers to use their hands in both penalty areas.

00:01:28

Patreon and Live Show Announcements

The hosts promote their Patreon for exclusive bonus content and announce an upcoming live show in Los Angeles on the opening night of the World Cup.

Keywords

Q&A

• Which player would make the best player-manager for their current team?

  The hosts discuss several MLS players like Ricky Poge, Diego Chara, Alejandro Bedoya, and Samuel Piat, as well as European options like Pedro Porro and Federico Valverde, exploring the potential impact of a player-manager role.

• Will MLS ever embrace more same-city teams?

  While New York and LA already have them, stadium difficulty is a major hurdle in most US cities. The possibility exists, but logistical and financial challenges make it unlikely in the short term.

• Does the USMNT become more cohesive when Christian Pulisic is not playing?

  Some argue that without Pulisic, the team's spacing and ball movement might be more uniform, while others contend that his individual creation is crucial and irreplaceable.

• Would including college teams in the US Open Cup benefit the tournament?

  The consensus is that it could be beneficial, especially with a European-style calendar, leveraging an untapped resource and adding competition, though MLS's commitment is a larger issue.

• Should goalkeepers be allowed to use their hands in both penalty areas?

  This idea is considered highly disruptive and likely detrimental to the game, potentially making it more static and set-piece-heavy.

Show Notes