← Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard
Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard
Red Bulls COLLAPSE at Home, NYCFC on a TEAR, McBride talks GRIT & BROOKLYN FC | Unfiltered Soccer
01:27:56
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- [00:00]
A
Does this team, in your opinion, have enough dogs?
- [00:04]
B
Chris Richards is going to be a big part. I think he's got to be the backbone of how we start games. You know, you go to battle with Weston, he's. He's someone you can trust anytime on the field. Diego Luna, he doesn't shy away from anything. If you're going into a game and you need a little bit of bite,
- [00:19]
C
I think we have some Unfiltered Soccer with Landon and Tim, presented by Volkswagen. Volkswagen has long been a supporter of soccer in America and is proudly been a partner of U.S. soccer for over five years.
- [00:31]
A
Welcome into Unfiltered Soccer with Landon and Tim, presented by Volkswagen LD Big, big. Last week, we both had birthday. Happy birthday, sir.
- [00:41]
C
26 years old last week, baby.
- [00:43]
A
Not you. I'm. I'm 47. What did you do for your birthday? I know. Tell the people.
- [00:48]
C
My wife set up a little trip to Vegas for the night. We had dinner, gambled, and then it was like 11:30, and we're like, should we keep gambling? Should we go out? And we went to bed.
- [01:00]
A
You went to bed? That sounds about right for a 26.
- [01:02]
C
We went to bed. What about you?
- [01:04]
A
I went to. I went down to Knoxville to visit my daughter. I went to Eric Church concert, belted out Springsteen with the other 22,000 people. It was good. It was like the fourth time I've seen her at church. He's brilliant. And next day, I drove to have brunch with my son in Chattanooga. I bought brunch. I thought maybe he would pick up the check, but he did.
- [01:23]
C
No chance.
- [01:24]
A
He was amazing.
- [01:25]
C
Chattanooga is nice, by the way. I like that city on the river right there. It's really pretty.
- [01:29]
B
He loves it.
- [01:30]
A
He loves it.
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C
That's where Volkswagen is. And they. The old CEO. I went and spent like a day with him there. It's really cool. It's a sweet place.
- [01:38]
A
Good spot.
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C
Okay, guys, follow us on social media at Unfiltered Soccer. Subscribe to the show on YouTube. Make sure you follow on Apple Podcast, Spotify, anywhere you get your podcasts, and if you like what we're doing, leave a review. If you don't, tell Tim, he's terrible on social media. And you can email Jordan feedback at Unfiltered Soccer. All right, let's jump right into USMNT on uslnt. So we got some good news, bad news stuff going on. I feel like it's kind of like that every week. Good news, Ricardo Pepe back, scored the winning goal for psv. He scored eight in his last nine appearances, including two of his. Two of two of three. From two in three since returning from his injury. The bad news in that game is that Sergino Dest was forced off early with an upper thigh. Upper leg injury. They think thigh hamstring looked like his hamstring. He has said, I'm out for a little while to do what I love the most. But one thing for sure is it's not the end of the season. So I know where that leaves us probably at least a month, maybe two months. So thoughts on Pepe and then Dust?
- [02:46]
A
Well, I mean, I think Pepe, it's great. He's hit the ground running again. We're scoring on the, the backside of that injury now. Scoring, you know, after getting back from it. So look, as. As long as our strikers are scoring, I think it's brilliant. You know, sort of disappointed for him that that Fulham move didn't materialize because I would have loved to see M. Pepe in the, in the Premier League.
- [03:11]
C
Yeah.
- [03:11]
A
You know, because I do. I think he's got. He's got an interesting profile physically and one that I think he could succeed there. But anyway, whatever, he's scoring goals and that's important. Sergino Des, it's a tough one because he's gonna, you know, again, I think he'll miss the, the March friendlies.
- [03:29]
C
Oh, yeah, he's definitely missing the March friendlies.
- [03:31]
A
Yeah.
- [03:31]
C
I think. Yeah.
- [03:32]
A
Yeah. So I mean, he played twice in November, twice in September, missed the October games for whatever reason, and then prior to that he was dealing with the. What I believe was the ACL injury. Right. And so, you know, sort of an in, you know, sort of an in and out of the national team and not terribly consistent in terms of appearances. So it's a blow. It's a blow. I mean, you know, we, we constantly say what, want the team to be together. We want the best team to be together, you know, and if he's the best right fullback, wing back in the squad or, or potentially the best. And we want to see that, you know, and, and the manager wants to see it, I'm. I'm. I'm guessing. But again, hopefully, by his words, it's not the end of the season and that would be a great thing.
- [04:17]
C
This has fortunately become a position of depth for us. Immense depth between, you know, Way has been playing there. Alex Freeman, let's talk about him in a sec. Dest Joe Scally can play there and also Weston McKenna could play there if you need him to. Right. So it It's a. It's a position of depth, but it takes away optionality.
- [04:42]
A
Yeah.
- [04:42]
C
For. For Mauricio Po. Let's touch on Alex Freeman real quick.
- [04:46]
A
Okay. But it takes. It takes away optionality. But also I'm saying I think he's our best. Right. Fullback.
- [04:53]
C
You do.
- [04:54]
A
That's what. That's the consensus.
- [04:56]
C
Yeah.
- [04:56]
A
And if he is, then certainly you want him being able to compete. Because I think even if you have optionality and even if you have guys, you think, oh, they can play that position and play it well, you still want your best out there.
- [05:06]
C
But yeah, that's true.
- [05:07]
A
Yeah.
- [05:09]
C
And then you want guys coming off the bench who can impact the game. Right. So if that means then Alex Freeman's off the bench or way is off the bench or waya plays someone else somewhere else, that helps a lot too. Yeah, I agree with that. So the Alex Freeman stuff. So I play hockey every week and our goalkeeper, this guy Jacob, is a massive. Via real fan, which I'm like, wow, do you become a real fan? Like, I think you're one of one in America, dude.
- [05:33]
A
Yeah, yeah.
- [05:34]
C
But every week we. I go in, we talk about Alex Freeman and he's like, I just. When is he gonna play? When is it? And so I went and looked since that November friendly, the last friendly, you know how many total minutes of competitive soccer he's played. So that's in five months now. 34. 34. And so I know I talked about this at the time. I always say this isn't always greener. And I do think, I will say, I have to say long term, this is the right move. I said at the time, I love the move. I hate the timing. And so I, I hope, Tim, I really genuinely hope I'm wrong on this. And I hope in a month this is water under the bridge and he's playing and everything, but if this continues through the summer, he's now put himself at risk. I think he'll be on the roster, but of not playing right. And I think he's a good player, man, and he's impactful. And so I just really struggle with this. I do. I did at the time. I hope I'm wrong. I hope he finds his way in, but it's not trending well right now. He didn't get off the bench this weekend in the last few games. He hasn't. So it's not trending.
- [06:41]
A
Here's what I would say. No, I mean, you saying your hope there. There's no hope. I mean, there's. There's a reason why he's not playing. There's a, there's, yeah, for whatever, whatever, whatever the coach thinks he needs time or what have you, he's not playing. And that's real, you know, 30 plus minutes is just not a lot of football at all. And I guess where, because you and I were sort of texting about this the other day and I still was like, look, you said what you said and you, and you stand firm on that. And you're right. But I also, I also believe that he needed to go timing or not. And, and I still sort of sucks, sucks he's not playing because that's going to affect his, his sort of standing with, within the squad. I mean, yes, he'll be in the squad, but whether he plays or not, where he, he might have otherwise solidified himself a role in the starting lineup with the national team if he was playing every week. Right. Here's why, here's why I still say yes, the move is right. When you're, the first move is scary. So the first move out of mls, you, you don't, you don't. Whether, whether you and I can sit back and say, like conventional wisdom would tell you kid, hey, keep playing for your MLS club, go to the World cup, it will happen. Right? That's easy for us to say and maybe we have the knowledge that we're right. But when you're in that moment, that move is harder. That move to turn down is harder. Now if you had a move or success at a club and you're in Europe or whatever, and now you're trying to make the next big leap, you might actually go, you know what, my pockets are a bit more padded. I'm playing well. Even though, let's say a Premier League club wants me, I'm in Spain playing well. Let me wait till the summer to make that move. I think you have a little bit more stock is all I'm saying. So the first move, I think you still have to take it. I know I, I, I may be in the minority, but I still think you got to take it. Bearing in mind this might happen and this has happened.
- [08:40]
C
Yeah. Okay, well, let's look, look again. Let's hope I'm wrong, let's hope you're right and you know, we'll follow along. Okay, I want to dip into to this dual national discussion because this has come up with no high banks that I'm very high on. He had an article recently did an interview with Sky Sports Germany and he quoted as quoted as saying, you know, they were asking him should he play for the US or should he play for Germany, because he's a real national, and he said it's a difficult decision. Regarding my nationality, I'm very torn. I'm in contact with both the USA and Germany and both national coaches. I hopefully have a long career ahead of me, so I want to think carefully and speak with my family. I don't want to make it dependent on a World cup run. I'm just happy to be in this position and to be able to make the decision. We'll see what happens. So all fair comments. We're having Brian McBride on in a bit, who is really well versed in this because he was the GM for the national team, and he has lots of insight into that. Noah Kai was born in Hawaii and then he moved to Germany. He's been called into the youth national teams. He was called into the US Full team in September. He didn't play in the friendlies, but he was there again. He grew up in Germany and he joined Augsburg academy at age 8, and now he's playing for their first team, which is phenomenal. So just give me your overall thoughts on this, and I have a lot of thoughts on it, too.
- [10:06]
A
Well, I think it's a big decision. It's a huge decision, and I think, you know, the things he's saying are all right or correct, you know, because I think he's. Because of how big this decision is. You have to weigh all these factors. In my experience and, and, and in. During the Jurgen Klinsman era, in US Men's national team history, that was a time when he. And we've had dual nationals before, but that was a time where he basically said, right, I'm. I'm going to unearth every single possible dual national that I can think of. Mexican American, German Americans. I'm trying to think who else. That was the bulk of. Of the.
- [10:48]
C
There was a. The kid. The Scandinavian kid.
- [10:54]
A
Oh, yes. Oh, yeah. Okay. But, but, but the bulk of the bulk of them were. Were German American or Mexican American. And we had mixed results. Right. We had some players who were uber successful in our national team. Right? And then we had others who, for me, there was this sort of sense of. Because with respect to all of the people who run U.S. soccer and support U.S. soccer, and two of those supporters are you and I. Oftentimes when players have to decide between the US or the other country, you actually see them going, I ain't good enough to play for the other country.
- [11:36]
C
Yeah, that's right.
- [11:37]
A
I Ain't good enough. I might could get a sniff, I could go into one or two camps, but I ain't good enough to play for the other country. So by default, I actually want to go to a World cup, and I want to. And I want to get 100 caps, and I can do that with the US team because they're not as good as my home country. That's. That's just a matter of fact. So why. What are the reasons behind certain players choosing the US the other part of it, I would say ld is when that happens. And maybe this was sort of. This was a byproduct of the. There being too many. Too many multinationals in the team at one time. It almost became aloof. Like training camps. I don't remember how much of that you remember. Some of the training camps, sort of like there was no pizazz within the team. Right. Just by, like, indirectly you have players who. English is their second language. Right. So it's harder for them to sort of interact in banter, which is what you do on the inside of a group. So you then like, click sort of form, because that's where they feel most comfortable. Right, right. And when you look at sort of our best US Teams, it's always been family and togetherness and this culture of banter and. And so forth. And we. We missed out on that. And again, that's not the fault of any of these players. That's just. That's human nature, how people interact or don't. So it causes. It. It. It causes its own problems when, when someone doesn't just jump at the opportunity to play for the US when, like, I'm all in. When there's a decision to be made there, there's a balance.
- [13:09]
C
Yeah. My struggle. Look, I'm a dual national. My dad was born in Canada, so it never once, literally never once occurred to me to even contemplate paying for Canada because I feel American. I am American. I can understand some of these kids. I mean, you know. No, Kai Banks is an interesting one because he was born in America. Right. But he grew up in Germany. Sure. So my guess is, and I'm again, I'm just guessing that he feels more connected to Germany.
- [13:39]
A
Sure.
- [13:39]
C
Right. Like, that's. If you grew up in a place, of course you are. So this is really challenging. And the problem I have with all of this stuff is, well, there's a few. I mean, in the past, and I know from US Soccer now speaking to some people, this does not happen anymore, and it should never. People were promised places on the World cup team if they joined. Right. And so that no longer happens, which is a good thing. This, the, the challenge I have is if you have to recruit someone and convince them to play for your national team, that's a problem. Like, I. Tim, I would, I swear on my life, I would have cut off my hand to play for our national team. And most, most people would. So I understand. I have compassion for the situation. No Kai in. But really, you need to dig deep and say, okay, who do I really want to play for? And the challenge for him is to your point, like, maybe he can't play, maybe he won't play for Germany.
- [14:36]
A
Sure.
- [14:36]
C
Maybe he's not good enough. We don't know. He's 18. We'll see.
- [14:38]
A
But I mean, anecdotally, though, it's, it's. And again, people, US Soccer fans aren't going to want to hear this because, look, all I cared about was wearing the US Shirt, as you did. Right? But the fact of the matter is, having lived abroad for as many years as I did, if the poll to wear some of these national team shirts is legendary. Like, so. So if you're a German, if you're a German international or you're an English international, and you're like, you're like, the US Wants me, bang, I'm nailed on. I could play every game for the next hundred games, but Germany want me and I'm sort of on the fringes. That's still the thought of playing if you're German, the thought of wearing that shirt.
- [15:24]
C
Enticing. Yeah.
- [15:25]
A
Even if it's a, Even if it's a remote chance, you're like, oh, my God, because we love soccer in America. And we're. But like, Germany stops. The whole country stops when the German national team plays. England stops when the English national team plays at Wembley. Like, there's a difference there. And it becomes a harder decision for some of these kids.
- [15:47]
C
No, look, before everyone calls me a xenophobe and I want to preface this by saying this is phobic. They will. Anyway, first of all, I'm curious what you guys all think out there, what your thoughts and opinions are on this, because maybe there's things we haven't thought about. Second of all, the easiest way for FIFA to cut this all out is just say where you were born is the country you will play for. Correct. And then it's just. And it. Maybe it's fair, maybe it's not fair. Noah. Kai Banks grew up in Germany. You might get born in a country because you know you're the woman is you know, a couple weeks early or whatever and that sucks. But like that would just cut out all of this. So it makes it really clean. But we'll see. Okay, let's move on to MLS DC United. This was the big storyline from the weekend. Move their game against Inter Miami to Baltimore's MT Bank Stadium. Not only did they move it out of their city, they moved it out of the state. State. Well out of their district into a different state. Miami. 1, 21 Messi scored. There were 72000 fans. A lot of people get upset about this, about moving your game out of your stadium. What's your take on that?
- [16:56]
A
I don't care. Don't care. Anything that has to do with Messi, I don't care. Whatever he does is right. Like I, I don't know. I mean like what are you going to do? What are you gonna do? Like, like D.C. it's a district, it's close by. Don't the Commanders play? I don't know. They don't. They, they play way outside the city limits and they're trying to build a stadium and I don't know D.C. whatever. But like you're going to move if it's, if it's a, if it's an Inter Miami game you have to move it to like the nearest big massive stadium because you want to get 70,000. So like take your, take your home stadium right that you play in and draw the, draw the closest line to a 70,000 seat stadium. That's where you play. Am I wrong? Like that's where. If that happens to, in your city and a mile away you do it. If it happens to be outside the city limits, you do that too. Like I don't know, you feel it's a no brainer. It's a no brainer.
- [17:48]
C
That's enough. We used to play like these friendly games in the Rose bowl or the Coliseum, whatever and the reason we would, they'd give us like an extra thousand dollars or two grand or whatever is because they were selling all these tickets and it would help them. So I'm like okay, yeah, whatever. All right. I mean curious how you guys feel but we're pretty strong on this one. Like get over it. Other notable result, NYCFC went to 30 on the season. They smashed Orlando Flying who lost 5 0. Orlando in a tough spot, lost 3 of 3 by the way Tim. Four teams winless in the league, all in the East.
- [18:21]
A
Still the west is strong bro.
- [18:23]
C
Is not good. Yeah, their move Francois Griezmann. Orlando's is off for now at least, so we'll see what happens.
- [18:31]
A
That feels like they'll be back in form.
- [18:33]
C
Yeah, could do.
- [18:35]
A
I wonder, I sort of wonder why that deal broke down. But anyway, that's an interesting one. They could have used them.
- [18:40]
C
Not could have used them. They're. They're in bad shape right now. The other one, our guy, Michael Bradley. This is MLS at its finest.
- [18:46]
A
At its finest.
- [18:47]
C
So they win their first two games. Everyone, you know, they're playing all these youngsters, Julian hall, whatever. They play Miami or they play Montreal at home. And everyone's going, wow, New York's going to go to 3, 0. Final score, Montreal 3, Red Bull 0. It's just MLS all over. I, I was, I didn't watch the game. I saw the result and I went, what?
- [19:07]
A
I was surprised. I was surprised. Possible.
- [19:10]
C
Insane.
- [19:10]
A
You know, I also though the interesting part and, and, and sort of as pay closer attention to Red Bull under Michael Bradley is like, he's playing kids and, and, and we're going to.
- [19:23]
C
Yeah, this is gonna happen.
- [19:24]
A
When they play really well, we're gonna get super excited. But also there's a learning curve with kids.
- [19:29]
C
They're gonna have bad games.
- [19:30]
A
We have to appreciate that, that, that's part of it too. And that's not, by the way, the kid's fault. I'm just saying, like, this is all part of it. And to be, you know, losing three nil hurts, but like to be two and one at this point and playing.
- [19:41]
C
Yeah, he would have taken.
- [19:43]
A
Yeah, of course.
- [19:44]
C
Yeah. All right. Early returns in the West, Vancouver, San Diego, lafc. All three wins from three games, as we probably expected. Also San Jose and I have to eat a little crow. So far. Timo Verna was really good in the game, had a couple assists. We'll see what happens. I still hold two. He will not be the same that we saw years back, but for now, I'm eating a bit of crow and we'll see.
- [20:08]
A
Okay.
- [20:08]
C
Okay.
- [20:09]
A
Same. Yeah, look, the west is strong. I mean, no surprise. I mean, I think if you watched Vancouver last year, even though they fell just short in, in the final, you're looking at, you're looking at that team going. A really good team. Like, it's a really well coached team, really well balanced, you know, got their dps right, got their young players right. So, like that, that's, that's not surprising. I, I sort of think San Diego's the same. San Diego had a good vibe.
- [20:33]
C
They're going to be better.
- [20:34]
A
No, I know, I know. Right? And then there was sort of like that trimming of the fat. Like what? Didn't work. Let's get rid of that. San Diego's also very, very talented.
- [20:42]
C
Yeah. Vancouver, importantly, held on to Tristan Blackman.
- [20:45]
A
Yeah.
- [20:46]
C
And Sebastian Berhalter was rumored to be moving or what's going to happen. So for now, they're both there, and that's helping them. Okay, guys, just a reminder, please hit that subscribe button for lots of bonus content to keep up up to date with us as the exciting summer comes around.
- [21:04]
A
It's time for the unfiltered refresh sponsored by Coors Light. Choose chill. Get Coors Light delivered. Go to coorslight.com USLNT LD who chose Chill this week? Talk to me.
- [21:15]
C
The U.S. women's National Team, and they just keep. They just keep winning. Emma Hayes has shown that she's a winner. This team transitioned when she first came in, and all they've done is won. Alyssa Thompson, who went from Angel City to Chelsea, keeps getting better and better. She was good. We played against her with the wave and watching her live, she's a real player. She scored incredible goals. Sunday. They were crowned champions for the eighth time. Now they beat Argentina. Canada and Colombia did not concede a goal for Alyssa Thompson. It's her fifth goal now in 2026 for club and country. And they just keep getting better, man. And it's exciting to watch ahead of the World cup next year. You would have to say they're the favorites, Tim. Every time they step on the field now, they're competitive. They care so much about playing for their country. The pride is, is tangible, and it's been fun to watch.
- [22:07]
A
Yeah. I'm always so impressed. Like one, it's fun when we have guests on, like Emma Hayes, who's just brilliant. And I still want to. So we still need to go to the pub, drink, drink beers and talk football because she's. That's just who she is. She's a, she's a football fanatic, but a brilliant coach. And you get to, you get to sort of cheer for people. You know, they come on the show, you get to know them a little bit, and it's like you become a fan. We've already, we've always been a fan of that team. But I'm sort of in, I've always been in awe of our women's team. And I say this often, like it's. They continually churn out talent. Right. And Alyssa Thompson is a perfect example of that. They play Three games, keep three clean sheets. Like, they're constantly having the pressure of having to win and perform and set the bar higher. Like, by the way, you can't be part of the women's national team program set up and, like, just be as good as the last team. You have to be better. Like, you have to continually, generation by generation, year on year, push the bar higher. You know how difficult that is. Yeah. There's setbacks. Don't get me wrong. There's setbacks and there's hardships, but that's so difficult to do. And, And. And every time they go out and they win and they lift another trophy, I. I'm. I'm just in awe. I'm in awe. And it's. It's spectacular to sort of watch as a fan.
- [23:24]
C
And they have to, Tim, because the rest of the world keeps getting better, too. So if they just stay the same, which they did, there was a period of time of the last five, seven years where they kind of stagnated. And now with Emma Hayes, now they get better and better, and they've been fantastic. So, Alyssa Thompson, the entire U.S. women's National Team, cheers to you for choosing Chill. All right, let's take a break, Timmy. When we come back, we're talking with our former US teammate. God, I love this guy. Brian McBride. I learned so much from him. We will talk to him right here on Unfiltered Soccer with Landon and Tim, presented by Volkswagen. The Unfiltered soccer podcast is brought to you by Volkswagen. It's really easy to become a passenger in life, to sit back and watch life go by day after day.
- [24:19]
A
Of course, it's hard to do your own thing when everyone is following everyone else. But this is a call from me and ld, from Volkswagen and from all the other drivers out there. Make the most of every day.
- [24:30]
C
Choose a different path, take control, grab the wheel and get in the driver's seat of life. Because honestly, what are you waiting for?
- [24:38]
A
Live life in the driver's seat. Learn more@vw.com LDMLS is back.
- [24:44]
C
Yes, it is. And you know what that means. Saturdays are once again all about soccer.
- [24:49]
A
Walmart is making Saturdays of soccer even more glorious with Walmart Saturday showdown. From early practices to late night watch parties.
- [24:56]
C
Yeah. Walmart and MLS bring every emotion of the beautiful game to Saturdays. Joy, nerves, excitement and unforgettable golassos.
- [25:05]
A
Walmart plays on Saturdays.
- [25:08]
C
Who knew? Unfiltered Soccer is brought to you by FanDuel soccer fans. The beautiful game is reaching new heights of excitement and FanDuel is matching that excitement with a beautiful offer for new customers. Sign up now and score up to 3. $300 back in bonus bets every day for 10 days from soccer Bets that don't win. It's like a free kick to try again every day. FanDuel is the best place to bet your favorite players. Build a same game parlay for a chance at a bigger payout or try live betting and join the action after the match starts. Visit FanDuel.com to get your first token and get up to $300 back in bonus bets every day for 10 days from bets that don't win. Everyone deserves a second shot at greatness with FanDuel. Play your game. Very excited for our next guest. A man I had the pleasure of playing alongside Inter, interacting with quite closely on the field. I was just reading his bio. 95 caps for the national team. 30 goals. If you can score one and three, that's a pretty damn good striker. Appeared in three World Cups, was the first American to score in two World Cups equaled by Clint Dempsey and yours truly. Eventually was the number one pick in MLS's inaugural draft. And then I just read this one. I didn't realize this two time Fulham Player of the Year. That's impressive. And then voted into the National Soccer hall of fame in 2014. Now the GM of your Brooklyn FC, Mr. Brian McBride. B, welcome. Good to see you.
- [26:40]
B
Thanks Landon. Good to see you guys.
- [26:42]
A
B. Mack, good to see you. Listen, I. I remember being in high school, I mean we played together on the national team, but I remember you playing for the Columbus Crew and me going to watch you like play against the Metro Stars. It's fricking crazy. And then you become teammates and go to World Cups and yeah, it's awesome. Obviously played against each other in the Premier League, so crazy journey we had. It's great to have you on the show.
- [27:06]
B
Yeah, pleasure man. I'm glad I could be here. It's funny how these things now I tend to come across. I am just so freaking old.
- [27:16]
C
So anyhow, it happens, right?
- [27:17]
B
True.
- [27:18]
C
Quick B, I didn't realize this. So you were a two time Fulham Player of the Year. Like one time I won player of the month at Everton and I was like, I'm the man. You were player for three months.
- [27:30]
B
You couldn't be player.
- [27:31]
C
That's true. I know but that's incredible, man. That's incredible. What a run.
- [27:37]
B
No, it was that time before him was. Was really special.
- [27:40]
A
Yeah, it was.
- [27:41]
C
So B, let's start. We're Going to touch on a bunch of things including what you're doing now with Brooklyn. But you were the, you were the former national team gm and we were just having a long discussion about Noah Kai Banks, who is a dual national. And we're curious in your, when you were in your seat, what was the strategy or the, the plan around dual nationals, how did you guys speak about it? Because right now with Noah Kai Banks, he's, he's hinted at know, maybe I can play for Germany, maybe I can play for the U.S. what is that? Is there a recruitment process? How do you speak to the players? Because I think it's really fascinating for people to try to understand what's going on there.
- [28:20]
B
Yeah, no, it's, it's a great question, man. It really starts in the youth. Tony Leor, who leads up sort of the, the scouting and, and the talent side of things. He finds out about most of the Americans, either from agents or parents call him and they start the process of really getting to know both the individual and the family. There are a few times where you get the late bloomers that come and or we never found out they were Americans. And that process is a little bit different. It's a little bit more difficult because they, they're sort of set already where they were. So to try and get them to understand foreign Baligan is one of them. Try and get them to understand who we are, how the processes, you know, our overall environment is, is really important. I'll go back to the youth side. So the youth side, you know, Tony sets out building these nice good relationships. The family and the player will have conversations with each age group national team as they're going. And just to see, you know, what we tried to do or we, we tried and I think they still do is sort of present them their pathway. And we've ran into a few different times that the other national team is promising something kids and it's just, it turns out wrong because you never know. And so that's the one thing that we used to do and I'm sure they still do, is just provide the pathway and then help them, you know, answer any questions, but not never guarantee a player anything as you guys.
- [30:07]
A
And so is that, is that look like a, are those conversations, are you having those particularly with the agents or are some of these kids well versed enough to have the conversations? I know you talk sometimes you're talking to like a teenager and they don't have any idea. So it's more, you know, how does
- [30:24]
B
that work for the younger for the younger players, it's more family. It's like you get on a call with the player and their family and, you know, because you're exactly right, Tim. They're just happy to be there. They're like, oh, I'm getting pulled here again, pulled there. And the parents are all like, all right, let's get down to the nitty gritty. What's going on with. How many camps do you. Do, you know, who's the head coach, what's the background, you know, how's the team makeup? And all those things sort of come to fruition. But when you get into the older, like, I'll go back to Florian, you know, I reached out to his agent and spoke to his agent five or six different times, trying to set up a phone call or a meeting with. With myself, him and Greg, and it just never, never came about. Florian was still interesting on his. Where his next step was after he's leaving Arsenal, going to wherever he was going. That was our first conversation. And finally when he got to Monaco and he's a little more settled, tried to have a few more conversations with the agent, and nothing. I never. I never spoke to him. But thankfully, thankfully, Greg got through to him in time. But, yeah, that process is unique, probably, especially as they get older, because they've got to want to. Want to come sometimes.
- [31:50]
C
Yeah, that was.
- [31:51]
B
It's not even on their radar.
- [31:52]
C
Right. That was my next question. So what do you do if. And obviously you don't have to specify names, but you have a kid who either. I'm not saying this is flow, by the way, is not into it, or it's not on their radar and you're trying to convince them. And we've talked a lot on this show about just having pride in playing for your country, and now you're trying to convince a kid who's not even on their radar to come play for. I mean, is that you probably have your personal feelings, but then you're. You're a employee of the federation, you have your job to do. Is that difficult?
- [32:23]
B
Yeah, I mean, it's. It's not difficult. I think it's interesting because those conversations, and I think more so. Landon, it goes the opposite way. When kids are interested in, or players are interested in us and we're interested in them, but somebody, the other dual national, the other nation that they're. They can play for is, like, really hard and they're all over them. They. They grind it down to where finally they're like, you know what? I'm going to go. I'm going to. I'm going to go in. And the youth side, those decisions are. Are okay because they always come back.
- [32:57]
C
You can change. Right.
- [32:58]
B
It's when they make that final decision. And I'm not going to name name. But there was two or three players that made those decisions when. When I was GM and I felt. I felt really bad for him because they were promised something and it never came to fruition.
- [33:15]
C
Interesting.
- [33:16]
A
Yeah, I think, I think the. And you can attest to this. We didn't have. So you had a few, right. When in your heyday with the national team, sort of before land and I. You had like Ernie maybe. Was. Or was Ernie a dual national?
- [33:29]
B
He was. Yeah.
- [33:29]
A
He was David Regime. Trying to think Thomas D, maybe. No.
- [33:34]
B
Yep. Tom's play for Germany.
- [33:36]
A
So. Not. Not. Not a ton. Right. And so yeah, I mean, but it's illustrating my point. Like the U. US Is so it's. It's so different. There's a lot of. There's a few countries that can. That can have D Nationals. But when you look at America, I mean, particularly with, you know, in the Jurgen Klinsman era, I mean, that. That just became, you know, that just became his idea of how to build a team was bringing as many dual nationals as possible. And so there is. There is that push, pull and, you know, sort of where does the US Stand compared to their other country, you know, and. And are they choosing the US because they really see it as a pathway or is it the easy way? And I say that with respect, by
- [34:16]
B
the way, because they wouldn't be playing for that other nation.
- [34:19]
A
Correct. And we've seen that. And we've seen that. So, yeah, I think the process that you. That you undertake and is. Is weeding some of that out is really difficult. Wow. Yeah. B.
- [34:30]
C
Let's transition now to your new general manager role@brooklyn FC. Congrats for the first win on the weekend. I know those, you know, having been a part of San Diego loyal in the first game, there's so much stuff flying on the men's side. The first win, what's it been like? What's that transition been like? How did you end up there? What was the process by which you ended up there?
- [34:52]
B
It's a good question. And yeah, so. So I'm the sporting director, so I oversee both the men's and women's. And then I'm. Right now I'm the general manager of the men's team.
- [35:01]
C
Got it.
- [35:02]
B
How I ended up there was interesting. I got sort of A recruitment call as to see if I would be interested in a position like this. I wasn't doing anything at the time, and I'm like, all right, let's hear this out. Not fully understanding, you know, the details, and the details matter. So as I think I went through three interviews, and all was always pretty straightforward. You know, everybody's been on an interview. You, you know, you go through what your. Your plan is, what your thought process is, and then. Then it's got to match up with the ownership. And quite honestly, when I was started the process, I didn't. I didn't really think that we end up sort of being on the same. In the same mindset, and that's not against them or anything, or. I just didn't know what to expect. And as I went through those three interviews and then they. They offered me the position, I got to really understand what they're talking about and, and how much ability I would have to be able to. To create something, to build something that, you know, that Brooklyn can be proud of, that, you know, that is going to last and, and really have a foundation where you can continue to grow and build. And that's been my experience. It's been a challenge. Our. I. I can honestly say our infrastructure is. Is in need of. Of deeper and. And more. More people that are, you know, soccer people that understand the game. And you. Yesterday was a great culmination of seeing pretty much all the owners were at the. The match. And you see the passion and the joy and what they really. What they really are getting out of this and what they want Brooklyn FC to be. So it was almost. Almost like I got rejuvenated again. As you know, we're not. We're nowhere near done. Yeah, we still have a few roster slots open, but agents, please don't just
- [37:13]
C
call people, good luck.
- [37:14]
A
Now.
- [37:14]
B
Actually, I shouldn't say that because they were great, because, you know, it. We didn't. We don't have a scouting department. We don't. So it was literally Marlon and myself going through all the different, you know, videos and why scout and everything. And so agents, thank you. Put it on the radar. And right now we're really happy.
- [37:37]
A
You know, it's interesting as being part of an ownership group, I think when you make hires, like general managers, sporting directors, I think it's important to give autonomy to that position and let you know you're hiring someone to do a job, let them do a job. But with that comes challenges. And so can you speak to us and our listeners about the Challenges of running two teams. Because I think in America. Right. That's unique. Well, it's unique to the extent like in usl I was a part of an ownership group that ran a baseball team and a soccer team. Right. So there's a lot of, there's a lot of that and there's a lot of different ownership groups that own men's and women's teams. So sort of talk us through the challenges that you face like on a, on a daily seasonal basis where you're having to run two teams.
- [38:19]
B
Yeah, it's a great question, Tim. And I really haven't gotten my hands really into the women's side of it. And that was sort of the plan because we're putting all the infrastructure together on the men's. But it is, you know, there's the, the biggest thing of course is always going to be budget, you know, and, and making sure that you're aligned with the budget and you're, you're, you're staying at budget or under. And one of the biggest issues we have here is housing. And so in USL you provide housing
- [38:50]
C
and oh, that's great.
- [38:52]
B
Brooklyn's not cheap. So you know, give credit to the owners and understanding that. And we've got some flexibility here. But yes, the, the, the overall infrastructure and build out, that was one of those things that was sort of non negotiable when they were offering me the job and they were right aligned with it and they, they knew we needed to have two assistants. They knew, you know, we, we need to have high performance person, we need to have an analyst. And so, you know, that process has been, has been sure busy and taxing, but I've had the support and it's, it's going, it's going well. It's gone really well. And like I said, we still have more to do, but I'm happy.
- [39:40]
A
That's awesome.
- [39:42]
C
Good. Okay, let's transition back now so we can, let's go down memory lane a bit. Um, I just before we, you know, I'm not, not blowing smoke here, but I learned so much from you and I'm, I'm really grateful for the time we had together. It was, it was, it helped me grow a lot to see someone in your position who was professional, did their job every day, showed up and went to work and, and for a young kid who's egotistical and brash and excited and all that, it's good to see someone who shows up and does their job. So.
- [40:20]
A
Yeah.
- [40:21]
C
I'm curious your thoughts now as one of Our best goal scorers and one of our best strikers ever. How do you view. And you had, well, you almost had some time with Florian. How do you view the current crop of strikers? And it's sometimes it's hard for me to gauge because you know, they're playing in the championship or he's playing in Ligue 1 or you know, have Brian White, White here or Josh Sergeant here and, and you, it's hard to go back and think, okay, how did they compare to our time? But how do you view the current crop and are you happy, you know, with where we are as a national team vis a vis the striker position?
- [40:54]
B
Yeah, no, I, I think, you know, a couple years ago it would have been, I think there was more question marks, we had injuries, we had lack of form and you know, we didn't have everybody playing a lot. And so I think we, we have more of that now. And that's an exciting part. I think the talents there certainly. And I said this, I think, you know, Florian's got a lot of really good qualities and he's also a player that brings other players in, which is, is a great attribute to have, especially when you have midfielders that are going to make the penalty area and, and so that type of vision. I mean Ricardo Pepe is, he's a goal scorer, you know, he's, he's improved with his hold up play, but his, his best attributes in the penalty area. He's got great movement, I think and he's a really good finisher of the ball. I said this before too. It, you know, sometimes it hurts you when you play really well coming off the bench and so, but it's a good problem to have and I think the biggest concern I have guys is, and you guys know this, you know, the best teams are teams that, that, that'll fight for each other, that feel like family, that can trust everybody that's, that's on the field with you. And I'm not saying they don't have that saying they haven't had the whole group together a lot. And so it's, that type of chemistry building is going to be really important in that, that three weeks before the World cup and can they get there? Yeah, they can, but it's, it's, it's a little more challenging because the group has been so mixed in and mixed out.
- [42:41]
A
Yeah, right. Yeah, it's, you know, I think, I think I like our striker crop. I do. And I think that particularly this season, they all seem to be getting goals on, on the club level. I I think the. The question mark going into the World cup for me has been, you know, and I'm probably doing a disservice to service to a few strikers who have come before you guys. But yourself and Josie and Clinton Landon, who are hybrid strikers, they did it in big games, and we always sort of knew. We don't. This, this striker will carry us on. On our worst day. You, Brian, Landon, Clint, Josie, at times would be able to carry us. And that's a big burden for a strike. That's not. Not. That's not just coming in and playing well. That's a big burden. And I just. And I. And I wonder. That's sort of the question mark. Do I like our striker crop? I do, but that for me is the question mark. And then just to sort of drill a bit deeper into what you talked about, I. You've been around the team. Landon and I, we know people on the inside. We're fans, we're analysts, but we can analyze it on the outside. But does this team, in your opinion, have enough dogs, have enough leadership? Like, we saw it a little bit with Chris Richards now. I mean, I've been a fan of his, but now I'm even more of a fan. Cause I just think he's one of the guys who has some of that oomph. Right. And Christian as a captain needs more leaders around him. Every captain needs leaders around him. So I'm just sort of curious, you having been on the inside, does this team possess that?
- [44:12]
B
Yeah, I do. I think you're right in the fact that Chris Richards is going to be a big part. I think. I think he's. He's got to be the backbone of. Of what we. How we start games, how. How opponents not necessarily fear, but they don't feel comfortable on the field, you know, and he's. He's doing it in big games in the epl. And with Gehe gone now, it's. His roles become even larger, which I think is going to help us. But. Yeah, you know, I've said this before, too, but, you know, I think Weston. Weston, you know, you go to battle with Weston.
- [44:52]
C
Yeah, yeah.
- [44:53]
B
He's. He's someone you can trust anytime on the field, especially in big games. And hopefully, you know, I say this nicely. Hopefully someone kicks him early on, get them fired up. But yeah, I think there's. I think there are players in there that. That can provide that. You know, Diego Luna, he. He doesn't shy away from anything. And so. But how. How Pochettino puts it all together That'll be interesting. But I think there is, you know, if you. If you're going into a game and you need a little bit of bite, I think we have some.
- [45:33]
A
Yeah, good.
- [45:34]
C
Great. You were part of. So 98, 02 and 06. Right. So can you just walk us through what made the O2 team special? And. And now the. The men's team that has gone the furthest in the. In history of our country. And then, you know, why that was different from 98 and 06 and that. And I'm leading you into that too, then to talk about this summer, too. So what made that team, that group special from your perspective?
- [46:03]
B
You know, part of this. You know this. You could answer this question. I. I think for me, the. The biggest difference is we had every. Every player, every 24 players, all 24 players focused on the same thing.
- [46:18]
C
Yeah.
- [46:19]
B
It wasn't. There wasn't anybody being pulled like, okay, I got to play well here, so I get my move after this World Cup. There wasn't anybody that was over here thinking, I'm not starting. Everybody was focused on doing well and doing it together. And Bruce, I mean, you know this. And Tim, you know this. Bruce is great at making sure that everybody feels valued. You know, he. If he talks to you, you know you did something wrong.
- [46:52]
A
If
- [46:54]
C
he just goes good job, then you're doing amazing.
- [46:58]
B
You're doing great. So. But all in all, I think it was a family atmosphere. I think everybody.
- [47:05]
C
Yeah.
- [47:07]
B
Was. Was focused on. On trying to. To be the best team we could be.
- [47:13]
C
And, you know, the way I describe it, B is we. You. There was this group of. In it, and I want to then move it forward to this summer. There was a group of guys. You were one of them who were in their, what, mid-20s to early-30s, who were real pros. I mean, like, you guys showed up, you were inspiring to the rest of us. And you know, the Claudios and Eddie's and Ernie and Kobe and Agus and Pope and Tony Sane and the goalkeepers and all this. And then you had a couple of young punks, me and Bees and Clint, you know, like a little brash, and young. Johnny o', Brien, still kind of green and young, who had some, you know, flair and energy, whatever. But the core of the team was this group of just real pros who could just do a job on the day. Frankie Haydock, another one. And I think that mix was really good. And when you're putting together a roster, which you've done many times, and now you're doing Again, that feels like it's important. And so the question is, for this summer, I, I guess I want to just pick your brain philosophically now. I believe there will be 26 roster spots. I think that's what I'm gonna lean on.
- [48:21]
B
Yeah.
- [48:21]
C
Right.
- [48:22]
B
I don't know if they're going back.
- [48:23]
C
So how do you put that? If you're a gm, how do you put that together? Obviously, the coach has the majority of the say, but how do you build your team in that way? Because a lot of people will go, well, that's the most talented player and that's the most talented. And he should be on. He should be on it. And. But it doesn't work that way. Right. If you really want to be, be successful.
- [48:41]
B
It doesn't. Especially in a situation like a World cup, because you look at your group, let's say it is 26. Are you going to use more than 20, 22 at the most? Right.
- [48:54]
C
That would probably be a lot.
- [48:55]
B
Yeah, that would be a lot. Right. You certainly, you want to have game changers or, you know, players that provide something different than your starter or that way. But the off the field stuff is, is almost as important because you're together for almost a month and a half before you even find out if you're going in the knockout stages. And you need guys that are, that are great leaders, that are glue guys, like, if coach is missing somebody that's sort of down or not, not really, you know, feeling at their best. You need a player to be able to pull them in and say, hey, we got you. You know, you're part of this. We need you to be here. It can't always be the coach or the manager or somebody that isn't around them all the time. So. Yeah, I mean, when you're building that, there's two, at least two players you're bringing along that provide stability and advice and leadership. I would, I would. That would, that's how I would do it, at least.
- [50:02]
A
Yeah. In 2006, I was, I was a glue guy because I didn't, I didn't get my butt off the bench. But it's interesting that.
- [50:08]
C
Glued to the bench.
- [50:09]
A
I was glued to the bench, but I had a great, it was a great, great tournament for me because I got to experience it as my first. I taken. There's three things that stand out for me about 06, which again, we failed. Right. In terms of not getting out of the group. I remember the first game when we trained all week, match up with John Kohler, get inside his shirt. And then inside the first five minutes, dunk at the near post. That's the first thing that stood out.
- [50:31]
B
Yes.
- [50:31]
A
The third thing that stood out was Clint Dempsey scoring his first goal against Ghana. And then the Daniela De Rossi elbow. A lot of our fans want to know, has he ever apologized to you? And if so, he should.
- [50:43]
B
He did, Tim. And not only that, actually, Landon was right next to me when he came in and apologized. We were getting. We were doing some recovery and whatever. It was just us two in the. In the locker room and he walked through the door and I've never seen grown man more sheepish. He was like, like. And he didn't speak English. So, you know, his coach had to tell him. Someone over there had to tell him, I'm sorry.
- [51:08]
A
Right?
- [51:09]
B
So he just goes. He goes, I am sorry.
- [51:14]
A
That's all he needed.
- [51:15]
C
And that was it. You know, some. Some of this generation doesn't think the world existed before the day they were born. So for those of you listening who that's the case, if you have not seen, go back and just YouTube the 06 elbow to Brian McBride and what he looked like. And I will just say, you know, it brought back memories of that game when Diego Luna got hit in that. That friendly, and his nose is broken and bleeding and shattered. And a lot of people now would say, ah, that's a friendly. I'm going to come out of the game. And it doesn't mean anything, but it meant everything to him. Of course, you were in a World cup game, so. So it was different for you. But I can. I can remember so many times you getting just battered and beaten, your eyeball blown up, your forehead swollen and whatever, but you just got on with it. And that was. That was as. As bad as that tournament was for the team. That was such a memorable game. Do you remember the national anthem for that game? Do you guys remember that? I will never forget it. Because the Air Force or whatever. No, no, no, no, no. The military base or whatever was. Was nearby there, so it was in Kaiser Slaughter. And there were like 20,000 military base national anthem. Like, like crazy goosebumps because they were all singing it so loud and it was just. It was so amazing. Let's switch to your Fulham days, B. So last year you were inducted into the Forever Fulham club. Um, just what did that mean to you? I mean, it. You've. You're a Hall of Fame member too. And. And when you have time to step away and reflect, I think you realize how special some of the things you were what did that mean to you?
- [52:56]
B
Yeah, that was. That was ultra special because my youngest had never been to. To Europe. And so we had planned this. She got to bring a friend. Her. Her father, who I'm friends with, came with. So it was Dee and, and my oldest daughter was able to make it. My middle daughter wasn't. So we just had the best time. And not only was it great to be back in London, but then that, that whole day, Fulham ends up pulling out the victory and, you know, they got the whole experience. My. I, I talked to you, but my daughter's gonna play volleyball at Miami University in two years and. But she was a really good soccer player for so long, so she was desperate to get to Fulham and see experience. You know, we keep telling all these stories. She's like, stop it. I haven't been there. So that part was excellent. And then just. The people at Fulham are fantastic.
- [54:00]
A
Well, it's a special football club, Brian. You know, what you did there is incredible. You made millions of Fulham fans in America. You became.
- [54:14]
C
And broke down barriers
- [54:18]
A
for sure. But also there's a debt owed to players like yourself who. And I say this often, it's very hard for an American to be nailed on starting 11 in the premier League. It's just hard. We've seen it and it's. It's not an easy thing to do year on year. And you were able to do that. And I just think, and, and you know, sort of taking a trip back down memory lane for me. And, you know, because Fulham got such a gem and because you became married to that football club, people often forget you were at Everton on loan. And David Moyes was desperate. And you know, this David Moyes was desperate to. To sign you. And there's a big possibility that in a different world, you know, you'd had a testimonial at Everton because you had such a great run on loan and he just wasn't able to secure your signature. And then you, you know, the rest is history.
- [55:10]
B
I love your story, Tim.
- [55:10]
A
I do. Yeah, but tell us. Give it.
- [55:12]
B
I want to hear it.
- [55:13]
A
It's amazing.
- [55:13]
B
It's pretty funny because. So Moisey, a year and a half before that had brought me on loan to.
- [55:20]
C
I brought you a gm.
- [55:21]
A
Now you're.
- [55:22]
C
You're busy.
- [55:22]
B
Yeah, yeah. It's one of our coaches, he brought me on loan. Depressing North End.
- [55:29]
A
Yep.
- [55:29]
B
And so in that one, it was before the window, so I was there for like six months, but I really wasn't because I got a blood clot. So I missed three, but got to really know Moisey and was just an awesome experience. You know they earned the championship so I didn't know what to expect but just loved it. And then he moves to Everton and Everton has Kevin Campbell and Duncan Ferguson as not only two of their start, two of their three strikers because a little guy called Wayne Rooney's come through but they both go down injured. And so Moisey, he's like, hey, do you want to come on loan? I'm like, yeah, yeah, let's do it. So I go there and the first thing he says to me goes hey Brian, I just want set the expectations. I've told the board that I'm not bringing any, any players over 30 into the club anymore. And he goes, and my, my two center forwards are the two highest paid players on the team so they'll be back. I just want to set the expectations. So I said no, no problem. I totally get it. And then go and have a pretty good.
- [56:39]
A
Yeah. How many did you score?
- [56:40]
B
I think score four. Four and eight.
- [56:43]
A
Four and eight.
- [56:43]
C
That's crazy.
- [56:45]
A
Yeah, it's amazing.
- [56:46]
B
And, and before I left he's like, I can't tell you what he told me.
- [56:54]
C
Yeah you can. Times passed.
- [56:57]
B
It's fine. He was trying to work something out.
- [57:00]
A
Let's just. Moise is a Wheeler and dealer. Moyes is a fan of the show and we know he's a Wheeler and dealer. And I mean you were a proper Everton striker. I mean that's when I, when I got there and fell in love with the club and spent 10 years there and obviously Landon was a part of that journey. That's what, that's what Evertonians would say, say to me Brian McBride was a proper Everton number nine. And that by the way, for me it gives me goosebumps to say because I think that's one of the greatest compliments someone can give you. Being an Everton myself. So yeah, that's in another world. But Fulham, Fulham got a great one, so that's awesome.
- [57:35]
C
B. Did you feel, did you feel right away accepted, wanted, loved at the club? Did you feel like you had to earn it?
- [57:43]
B
I think, I think there was acceptance. I think right away and I think that could have been because they knew they needed a player because they didn't really have a center for it. I think the we the first. I got there on a Friday they were playing an FA cup game in Shrewsbury, Shrewsbury on Saturday and the field at Shrewsbury was like. It was. I mean I, I don't. I didn't see a Field like it after. In the professional ranks, let's just put it that way. And it was rainy and muddy.
- [58:17]
A
Sounds about right.
- [58:18]
B
And Wayne Rooney was the only person. No, Wayne and Thomas Radzinski were. So you have your. I think they were in, they were in Division 2 at the time, maybe Division 1. I don't want to disparage them. And they basically were set up to play long ball, so the ball, the field didn't matter. And I mean, I was like, oh, wow. You know, this is, this is going to be a different story. But so you knew that, you knew that they loved their number nines there. Yeah, so I knew I was going to have, if I played well, I was going to, I was going to get some playing time. But, yeah, it just turned out to be just a great experience.
- [58:59]
A
And it's a short, I mean, you know, your time Everton was short, but even when you went there for a few games and then you were at Fulham early on, I mean, you, I talk about it all the time, Landon. We talk about how difficult the Premier League is. You try and put it into words and then you're like, God, I'm lost for words. Because it's just this feeling that it's faster and it's chaotic. And so having played in the World cup yourself and been experienced and feeling like you, you could play at a high level. When you first stepped on the pitch and got to grips with the game, did it, like, how long did it take you to think, yeah, I fit in here, or did it. Was that a longer process?
- [59:38]
B
Yeah, I think the national team and the World cup experience definitely helped me. Yeah, it was, you know, because it is. The speed of play is definitely, definitely better. But I'd also say the execution side of it is, is the one you really see. You rarely get the, the pass on the wrong side of the body or pass behind you. You know, people see runs better than, you know, in different leagues. Just the talent level is that much higher.
- [60:06]
A
Sure.
- [60:06]
B
I'd actually say at that time when I, when I went to the Premier League, MLS was more physical just because there wasn't as much talent in MLS as there is now. And so people relied on being more hands.
- [60:20]
A
Sure.
- [60:21]
B
You know, it was there, there. That part didn't really affect or that that was actually not something that stood out to me. But what stood out to me is just the, the speed of play and the just amazing talent in that throughout the league.
- [60:38]
A
It's. And I, I, we say that all the time, like the Premier League for better for worse and for better. It's. It's the richest league in the world. And money buys you quality and abundance and so can other leagues buy top players? Sure, but they not top to bottom. And every team has so much quality. It's. It's. It's impressive to see. Yeah.
- [60:55]
C
All right, B. Last few and then we'll get you out of here. You've been very gracious. Thank you. And I just. I want to reiterate what I said earlier. I mean, your ability to go and break down some barriers. When I went. The reason I asked is because when I went to Everton, and this only just clicked in my head when you were saying this, from the minute I walked in on A. Whatever January 1st, and it was in the stands for an away or a home FA cup match that you guys had. To me, the minute I walked in, the whole crowd as I walked through was like, welcome, Landon. Loud. Welcome, welcome. Great to have you. Great to have. And from the minute I stepped on the field, they were behind me. And the reason why is because guys like you and Tim and others made it. If you had had a terrible experience there, there would have been some reticence and some hesitation. And so the, the reason that you did that allowed. And I think all of our current players owe guys like you a debt of gratitude as well, because you, you helped people accept us from the. We still have to do the job right when you step on the field. But you allow that too. That's what. Of course. And that's. And that allowed you to go and that. And so that's a big part of growing this whole thing. Okay. Last. Last few. Just out of curiosity, I'm very curious. Who was the best player anywhere you played with? National team Fulham? Any like the. Where you were, like, this guy was just so good.
- [62:18]
B
So Edwin Vandisar. Oh, was amazing.
- [62:22]
A
Yeah.
- [62:22]
C
Sorry, Tim.
- [62:23]
A
No, no, he was Learn. Learn so much.
- [62:27]
B
There was a time. Well, there's been plenty of times where I was off. Like my timing striking the ball was just off. And so I had a way to get myself feeling back more in rhythm. And I went through the first part, which is very stationary. And then I asked one of our assistant coaches to. To serve balls from the wing to me and I would just stand at the. In between the penalty spot and the six and take Bali's hit hit balls on the ground. You know, just really get my timing down. So I. I take three or four steps back then time, you know, time the ball hit it. So I'm. I'm Putting it on frame and Edwin comes over. He goes, brian, you mind if I hop? And goal. My Edwin. I'm pilling balls from penalty spot in the six yard line. He goes. He looks me straight in the face. He goes. Does that happen in the game?
- [63:21]
A
Wow.
- [63:22]
B
That was the first time I've ever like anyone normally. And Tim, you know this normally goes are like don't shoot from inside the penalty area.
- [63:31]
C
That's unrealistic. Totally.
- [63:35]
A
And he's Dutch, so he knows. He knows everything about football, I will say.
- [63:39]
C
And he'll let you know.
- [63:40]
B
He knows everything.
- [63:41]
A
Yeah, I know, but he was brilliant. He came to Everton, obviously. I was mad as a Hornet because I got dropped, but he came to Everton and you know, I put that quickly aside and I spent a year under his tutelage just standing behind him watching, learning every day, man. I mean he was world class and I learned so much. So. Yeah. Yeah.
- [63:58]
C
I was not expecting that.
- [64:00]
B
Come on now. Should we pull up a Belgian match?
- [64:03]
C
Timmy was world class for one game.
- [64:07]
A
Who was club or country? Who was your favorite manager?
- [64:14]
B
Well, club. It's. It's. It's Bruce and then country. As far as like. I'm sorry, club.
- [64:22]
C
Country is.
- [64:22]
B
Sorry, Country's Bruce. Yeah, club. You know, I didn't spend a ton of time with him, but Moisey and people ask me like, who is the best manager you ever played under? And David Moyes is. Is it just because not only does he understand the game and can. Can coach the game and you know, in training, even though Alan does a lot of the stuff and I don't know if he's still doing a lot of this stuff. Moisey is always the one that gives like the what. What we're trying to get out of this. Right? This is, this is exactly why we're doing this. And then having the ability to man manage like he does. Yeah, of course that mixture of that those two things is. Is really special.
- [65:07]
A
Two good managers who.
- [65:09]
C
What was your favorite Premier League stadium outside of Craven Cottage?
- [65:15]
B
Well, I mean I would say it would be, you know, Everton's just. I was. Yeah. You know, Goodison park was. It was the first time I ever experienced when I first. When I went there on loan, when I ever experienced a crowd going absolutely nuts because you ran five yards backwards.
- [65:40]
C
So true.
- [65:41]
A
Tackle somebody sounds very Everton.
- [65:45]
B
It was just.
- [65:46]
C
It's so true.
- [65:47]
B
The. Just putting the effort in, the extra effort in was respected. And then, you know, everybody in the stands knows the game. So all the other like nice passes and goals, great. But it was the first time I. I'd seen a group of fans go give you a, big up when you did something defensively.
- [66:06]
C
Or B, the. The first week I was there, I've told this story. I'm in, like, the. Near the cantina, and I'm walking through the hall, and Stubsy walks by me and he says, landon, lad. So, yeah, and he said, I want to tell you one thing. Like, what's that? Said, you don't have to score a goal, you don't have to complete a pass, you don't have to get on the score sheet, whatever. If you just run and work, those people out there will love you forever. I gotta have chills. And I'm like, huh? Okay, first. Sure enough, first game, I. You know, I didn't do anything special, but, like, I ran and ran, and then we had a home game, and sure enough, they were just behind me. And you just run and work, and they. That's all they wanted. It's all they wanted. It was amazing, man. Yeah, it is.
- [66:50]
B
So good atmosphere.
- [66:51]
A
Great. B. Okay, so. So you're the captain of a five aside team. You're in the park. Flip a coin, you get first pick of all of your. Of all of your former US Men's national team teammates. Who are you taking with the first pick? I know your answer.
- [67:06]
B
Sorry, Landon, you're taking who?
- [67:08]
C
Clint in a five aside. Yeah, I am, too.
- [67:11]
A
Yeah. And if I'm. I'm taking Claudio. So Landon's like, third pick.
- [67:17]
C
Am I even on the team?
- [67:18]
A
I don't know. We'll see.
- [67:19]
C
Okay, you don't want me in a five aside. You want me on a big field.
- [67:22]
A
You. By the way, you just picked the best five aside. Like, if it's Clint in tight spaces. Yeah, yeah.
- [67:28]
C
Just give him the ball and in front of the goal.
- [67:30]
A
Yeah.
- [67:30]
C
All right. I actually agree with that. So it's fine. We forgive you. Well, we're never having you on the pot again, but, no, you're always, always welcome. All right, B, this has been amazing. Wishing you the very best. I mean, now this podcast has allowed us to, like, reach out and reconnect and talk to different people. And then we also. Now we have new alliances, like my old coaches at AC Boise, so I'm following them now. You're at Brooklyn fc. We're all following intently, watching the games. You know, you're on My Favorites on Fat Mob now, so we're just wishing you the very best, man. It's been really fun and really excited to get out to a game at Brooklyn fc. So thanks, man.
- [68:07]
B
I'd love to have you, both of you guys. Everybody there at the podcast, let us know. And great to see you, Landon and Tim.
- [68:15]
A
Yeah, man.
- [68:16]
B
Talking with you and keep up the great work.
- [68:18]
A
We appreciate it. Thanks for the time. We'll be out representing Brooklyn FC for sure.
- [68:21]
C
Awesome. It's stoppage time. Sponsored by FanDuel. New to FanDuel Sportsbook. New customers can score up to $300 back in bonus bets every day for 10 days from bets that don't win. Download the FanDuel Sportsbook app to get started. All right, Champions League Round of 16 this week. And we got a juicy, juicy up. Real Madrid hosting Manchester City. Love, love, love this matchup. I think lots of goals in this one. This is going to be a little bit of a throwback to the 2000s, 2010s, when Champions League games were back and forth and action and scoring. So a lot of goals in this one. I think in the end it'll be a draw. Probably a 2, 2 draw. Sounds about right to me. Erling Holland will, of course, score. He's back informant and back healthy. So I think he scores a goal. Definitely going over the two and a half goals. And I believe a goal will be scored in both halves. Should be a really exciting game. I think everyone's gonna love this one. So again, we have a draw. Erling Holland to score over two and a half goals and a goal scored in both halves. Don't forget to check out the full list of unfiltered soccer's same game parlays on our socials later this week. All right, let's take a break. When we get back, we will get into your questions and the AT&T fan connection right here on Unfiltered Soccer with Landon and Tim, presented by Volkswagen. This episode is brought to you by Airbnb. All right, Tim, between your work, your daughter, your son, or maybe just your own enjoyment, how much traveling do you think you've done to see soccer this year?
- [69:59]
A
Honestly, I lost track at this point. You know, just this summer alone, I was all over the place. But it is. It's a beautiful thing to see how many soccer fans and how soccer has been embraced, no matter where we go.
- [70:10]
C
Yeah, I mean, I was just in Austin. I'll be traveling to New York. Everywhere I go, I meet fans. Whether I'm going to see a game myself or just on vacation. I see people everywhere. I hear stories. I hear stories about their pilgrimage to Everton to go watch a game, to go see the New stadium to go see their favorite team. They get immersed in the chants, the songs, that incredible feeling of seeing the game up close and personal.
- [70:32]
A
Well, I mean, I think that's what, that's where the game has changed. These trips have become a big deal for soccer fans, and this summer is going to be no different as we'll see the soccer community make their way to 11 host cities here in the US to support their favorite national team.
- [70:44]
C
That's going to be incredible. I can't wait for it. And what if those fans could turn their homes into an opportunity while they're away at the game? Hosting your home on Airbnb while you travel is an easy way to earn a little bit of extra cash. Maybe go towards tickets for your game that you want to go to. We know they're not cheap. Or maybe to help your kids pursue their soccer dreams.
- [71:02]
A
Yeah, your home might be worth more than you think. So find out how much@airbnb.com host LD things are about to get really hectic. End of the Premier League season, summer soccer tournament coming up. It is just like all soccer, all the time, tons of travel. I feel like now is a time where it's important to relax and choose chill.
- [71:22]
C
Yeah, this might not make sense, but for me, choosing chill, I talk to my wife about this all the time, is not like sitting on the couch, relax. For me, choosing chill is actually choosing chill by going to play hockey, which is cold and freezing and like exerting a lot of energy. But by the end, it's so relaxing. It feels so good. It's a connection to my Canadian roots, to my dad. I love it. And that's when I choose chill.
- [71:44]
A
Choose chill and then reach for Coors Light. Get Coors Light delivered straight to your door. Visit Coors Light.com UFS or you can find it pretty much anywhere that sells beer.
- [71:54]
C
Yes, sir. As always, celebrate responsibly. Coors Brewing Co. Golden, Colorado Beer there's
- [72:01]
A
nothing better than feeling like someone has your back and that things are going to get done even without you having to ask. Like your crisp new Jersey waiting for you in the locker room or a perfectly set up wall for a free kick.
- [72:12]
C
Yeah. As we unfiltered soccer get ready for next summer, we know that very little in the beautiful game is guaranteed. But as we prepare to bring our unfiltered brand of nonstop soccer coverage, it's good to know AT&T has your back. With the AT&T guarantee, staying connected matters.
- [72:27]
A
That's why in the rare event of a network outage at&t will proactively credit you for a full day of Service. That's the AT&T guarantee.
- [72:35]
C
Learn more at att.com guarantee AT&T connecting changes everything.
- [72:42]
A
Credit for fiber downtime lasting 20 minutes or more or a wireless downtime lasting 60 minutes or more caused by a single incident impacting 10 or more towers must be connected to impacted towers at onset of outage. Restrictions and exclusions apply. See att.com guarantee for full details. It's time for the Fan connection, presented by AT&T. Every week, we invite you, the listener, to connect with us by submitting your questions at, AT and T. Connecting changes everything. And on uslnt, our connections with you will help grow the game. Welcome into the AT&T fan Connection. How are you, Jordan? What's happening?
- [73:19]
D
I am spectacular. How are you guys doing? Good.
- [73:24]
A
Spring. Spring is sprung here in our neck of the woods. Yes.
- [73:28]
D
I have the window open. I'm letting the fresh air come in. I feel like a whole new woman. It's.
- [73:33]
C
The cold is done now, right. For good. Good. I'm coming next March, April.
- [73:37]
A
We could get a snowstorm night.
- [73:39]
C
No, no, no.
- [73:40]
A
100%.
- [73:41]
C
Really? Could.
- [73:41]
D
We could.
- [73:42]
B
Yeah.
- [73:43]
A
You know what?
- [73:43]
D
In fact, do you want. Do you want me and Tim to order ours? Because we could order it.
- [73:48]
C
No, thank you. No, keep it just like that.
- [73:50]
A
LD you know why I love spring in. In New York? Because why? I don't ride. I ride bikes everywhere. Everywhere. And in the. And it's too cold. It's too cold and with the snow and the ice. So I have to. Have to. I have to take a car everywhere now. I just bike.
- [74:05]
C
Do you have a bike or do you use those bikes that they have?
- [74:07]
B
Both.
- [74:07]
A
I prefer the city bike. I prefer to use a city bike, the electric one.
- [74:10]
C
Kind of nice, isn't it?
- [74:11]
A
It's great. There's one right outside my apartment. And so. Yeah, it's amazing.
- [74:14]
C
That's great. Can we talk about. Drivers are crazy.
- [74:18]
A
All right.
- [74:18]
C
Go ahead, John. For sure.
- [74:19]
D
Can we talk about. I'm wearing my Brooklyn fc. Yeah, you are, since you guys are just talking to Brian McBride. But also, there is a Portland Hearts of Pine scarf behind me because the lovely people at the Portland Hearts of Pine sent a big bag of stuff for the production team. So everybody on the production team got a hoodie and I kept a scarf. And so, yeah. So thanks.
- [74:44]
C
They know where their bread gets buttered.
- [74:46]
A
Crook. You know what I think you should do, Jordan? I think you need to invest. I think you need to invest in A USL team. You're very dialed into usl.
- [74:53]
C
Yeah, you are.
- [74:54]
A
You need to invest.
- [74:55]
D
Okay. Which one should I invest in, do you think? I think you need the Long Island Rough Riders.
- [75:00]
A
Oh, that's old school. I used to play against Long Island Rough Riders. No, I'm just saying, honestly, I think.
- [75:05]
C
Do they have a team now?
- [75:07]
D
They still do, yeah.
- [75:08]
C
Oh, that's cool.
- [75:09]
A
I don't know.
- [75:10]
D
I think they play like a small
- [75:11]
A
investment to a club and we'll figure it out.
- [75:14]
C
Okay. Yeah, but then she. But she likes to support everyone.
- [75:16]
A
I know.
- [75:17]
C
And she'd be all in on one. I don't. I disagree, actually.
- [75:20]
D
Okay, well, if you are listening or watching this podcast and you let me know if you think. Well, let me. Let me know if you think I should invest in a. In a USL club club. I would listen. Which one and why and how much one and why?
- [75:34]
C
What percentage will you give her?
- [75:35]
A
And are you giving a discount? Is Jordan getting a. A USL discount on the purchase?
- [75:40]
C
There you go.
- [75:40]
D
I definitely need free merch, obviously. Okay, let's get into some questions.
- [75:45]
C
All right.
- [75:46]
D
This first one is from Isaac via email. And Isaac says the guys have mentioned several times that MLS is not a good offensive league, but a bad defensive league. It seems this is because clubs would rather spend their money on attacking players than defensive players. Do you agree what would happen if a club spent their big money on a star studded defense, whether that is backline, defensive midfielder, goalie, or all three. Do you think an MLS club like this could be a perennial contender? It's a good phrase.
- [76:17]
A
Yes. Ike, listen for all those reasons and land. Ls going to have his own. His own comments. He's going to. He's going to agree with mine for sure. It. Defensively, the league is so poor and the way that the league was set up by nature of the David Beckham rule, which turned into the DP rule
- [76:35]
C
and all the rest of it.
- [76:36]
A
The idea was to spend money on something that was flashy to sell tickets.
- [76:43]
C
Yes.
- [76:43]
A
This is. This is prior to. Prior to, like us having this amazing league and educated fans in stadiums and all that. Right. So it was to get people butts in seats, which may be still the way. I think the way to get butts in seats is to put a good product on the field personally. And so by nature of the, of the rule. And we can probably go in a. We'll. We'll do a list at some point on social media, like from its inception. It's Striker 10, Striker 10, Striker 10. That's who you bring in, maybe a tricky winger. You're not bringing in a goalkeeper, you're not bringing in a center back, you're not bringing in a defensive number six, a Rodri to be a stalwart. You just aren't doing it because fans in MLS are clamoring for a big name. So that's sort of. And the tide hasn't turned. And if you look around the world, Man City's spending as much money on their defenders as they're spending on their attackers. Like that's normal. But we don't do that.
- [77:43]
C
Completely agree. And you know, when we talk to sporting directors or GMs or people who are, you know, run the cap for MLS teams, they'll say the same thing. They'll be like, well, we can basically spend like, I'm making this up 2 to 300 grand on a left back and 4 to 500 grand on a defense. And they've got these like charts and these structured like what you spent on. And I'm like, this is a bunch of bs. Like, throw that out the window. What's going to help you win? To Tim's point, the league used to need, and I mean need these stars and these exciting players, whatever. Most of these teams are selling out every week. Like when you look at. They're selling out every week and. And it's because they're a good part of the community or they put on entertainment or good product. But these teams are selling out, so majority don't need that anymore. And honestly, if it were me and I were running a team, my first. Well, maybe not my first, but I would put so much emphasis on a physical, athletic center back who can deal with bad moments and put out fires. I mean, the galaxy won the 1 MLS cup with this kid Garces having the game of his life last year. I mean, he was everywhere, all over the field, just. And he's, you know, he has his flaws.
- [78:59]
A
Yeah.
- [79:00]
C
Doesn't play all the time, but that would be my number one priority. And you could. The rest of it's going to come like, you're going to find good attacking players. The teams do a great job of finding that. There's tons of talent. South America, they're finding tons of talent. But Tim's right. I mean, the defending in this league is just shocking.
- [79:18]
D
Do you think if one team did it, it would change?
- [79:20]
C
Yes. If they were successful. For sure. For sure. And it just, it will. I mean, I mean, sorry, eventually teams want to win, the owners are going to look and you know they're not as educated and they'll go, wait, why are they winning? Why is this happening? What? You have to be really successful. But like Man City, to Tim's point, Man City changed the game with like Kyle Walker Stones. They spent a ton of money on Yosco Guardiol. Like these are guys that can deal with. Look at Virgil Van Dyke. He changed Liverpool. They're now they've been a dominant force for five, seven, eight years because they have a center back who can deal with all that.
- [79:54]
A
Yeah.
- [79:55]
D
So I'm glad you said it and I didn't have to. LD.
- [79:59]
C
Yeah, whatever.
- [80:01]
D
Landon. Landon, I noticed that there is a sign behind you. Behind your head right now.
- [80:09]
C
Yes.
- [80:10]
D
Happy birthday, dad.
- [80:11]
C
Yeah. Let's go.
- [80:13]
A
Nice.
- [80:13]
D
Okay.
- [80:14]
C
So can I kid said real quick?
- [80:17]
A
Sure.
- [80:19]
C
Dear dad, we want to say thank you for all the work you do. We are really grateful for how hard you work for our family. Even though sometimes we are mean towards you, we want you to know that we still are grateful for the work that you do. And we want to say we love you.
- [80:38]
A
Hashtag privileged kids.
- [80:39]
C
Even though we're mean to you, they are mean to me sometimes.
- [80:42]
A
They're amazing. Your kids are amazing, bro.
- [80:44]
C
I know. All right, continue.
- [80:45]
D
Your kids and I have that in common. Even though I am also sometimes mean to you, I appreciate you. Okay, here we go. I'm going to. There's a reason why I brought attention to that sign. This email is from Salvador via email and he says, my question is to ld and Tim, since they're both fathers. My wife and I are expecting our first baby. Got any advice for a first time father? P.S. it's a boy. Really wanted to name him Landon, either as a first name or a middle name, but my wife said no.
- [81:17]
A
First of all, where's he from?
- [81:20]
D
I don't know. He didn't say.
- [81:22]
A
Interesting.
- [81:23]
C
First off, my condolences. Your life's about to get miserable. It will eventually get good, but probably two to three years, Salvador. And it's. It's miserable. All right, what are thoughts on being a father? There are amazing moments. It's really hard if you decide to be involved, heavily involved in your kid's life. But it's worth it. So my advice would be be involved. Don't be their friend. It's okay not to be their friend. You're their parent, not their friend. But I've my learning in. In all of my fathering is I'm on one end of the spectrum where I'm probably too strict, too much like worried about the future. And how they're going to be and it's okay to still like, have fun. And so I'm trying to, to meet them in the middle. So somewhere.
- [82:12]
A
Yeah. Yeah. My parenting advice is along the lines of soccer. So be a good husband. Tell your wife she can sleep in and you take the baby and get up and watch Premier League every Saturday and Sunday morning. You'll get brownie points. You'll get brownie points. Get a scarf, Get a, get a, get a little a ball and a jersey. Create a, create a Premier League fan and a bond with you and your son. I don't know where you are. That's why I asked where you live. Go to. You know, go buy tickets or a ticket package to your local MLS team, if there's one nearby. Sort of start those traditions early because they last a lifetime and they create, they create a father son bond that is really special around the game of soccer.
- [82:59]
C
And Salvador, if you send NBC and Tim a picture of that, they'll put you on my Premier League mornings.
- [83:05]
A
Yeah, we'll put you up on premolate mornings in your, in your kit.
- [83:08]
C
So I don't get extra points from the wife.
- [83:11]
A
Extra, extra points.
- [83:12]
D
I, I don't know this for sure, but I can almost guarantee that Everton sells a onesie for an infant. So make sure.
- [83:18]
A
Yeah.
- [83:23]
D
And please take, take advice from the people who work on the show. Don't ever refer to watching your own children as babysitting. Please, Salvador, don't do that.
- [83:31]
A
No, it's daddy daycare. If dad has to. If dad has to spend, spend time or watch the kids, it's Daddy daycare. That's just how it is universally. It's how it goes. We're looking for help everywhere we can. Moms are amazing. Moms are amazing.
- [83:44]
C
It's crazy.
- [83:45]
D
Let's try a new rule. This one's really chaotic, so I'm really looking forward to. Okay, this one's from Stephen via email. Stephen sent in a soccer rule change proposal. A multi ball system introduced during stoppage time in a nil nil match to increase excess excitement. Matches can still end in a draw, but you have to survive the multi ball chaos.
- [84:09]
A
What happens? There's more than one ball on the field.
- [84:11]
C
Are there two or like multiple?
- [84:15]
A
That's like.
- [84:16]
D
That was all he wrote.
- [84:18]
C
Tim. I don't know if teams do this anymore. Do you remember training sessions where you'd have multiple goals on each side? So you'd have like four goals, two on one side and two on the other and there'd be Multiple.
- [84:28]
A
Do I remember? Of course. I got pepper, people.
- [84:31]
C
So you'd have. You'd have two balls on the field. So you're like, trying to score over here, but you got to defend that side, and then you might have to defend the other side and attack on the other side, and there's. It is so chaotic. I have no idea why is the perfect.
- [84:45]
D
Yeah. I was just gonna say, like, I think it's just.
- [84:47]
A
Be on your head, on a swivel.
- [84:48]
C
Yeah. It's actually, to be fair, it's not the worst. I mean, it has nothing to do with how you play or your game model or anything, but it's kind of. It was fun.
- [84:57]
A
I have a feeling. I have a feeling there's a rule change coming in. I don't know how much I'm. How much of it you clued into ld. But someone. It's idiotic, but I'm just gonna say it. Someone came up with this. Arsenal. Have you seen this? With Arsenal's time wasting. Have you. Have you seen any of this or no? So basically. So basically. Basically every time Arsenal take a free kick, they're. They're taking really long to take free kicks. And over the course of the season, someone came up with this big stat, which. Which sounds really mean and. And terrible that they've wasted X amount of hours or whatever, but I have a feeling that that's coming. I have a feeling that. Yeah, I have a feeling there's going to be a rule, which, by the way, I don't. Which I. I think so. Which, by the way, I don't care. I don't care. Arsenal doesn't waste. Like, no one cared about that until this study came out. Yeah, it was like. It was like when the Premier League added. Remember when the Premier League two seasons ago added extra time? They added more time, like at the end of each half, and it was like 12 minutes of stoppage time.
- [85:57]
C
In the World cup, they did it, too.
- [85:59]
A
Yeah. And there was a survey that went around, which is bullshit. A survey that they surveyed fans and they said, we want more extra time, but we want more time. I'm like, no one's ever walked away from a football match and gone, I wish it was five more minutes. No, they enjoyed the match. Right. And so no one. No one, up until that report came out, no one was clamoring for, hey, Arsenal, wasting all this time. No one thought of it. Literally no one thought of it.
- [86:24]
C
Right.
- [86:25]
D
So according to the Internet, yep. In their match against Brighton on March 4, they wasted 30 minutes and 51 seconds. I'm sorry, in a game that's only 90 minutes long, that seems.
- [86:38]
C
What do you mean they waste. How exactly waste? 30 minutes. How do you define what's Arsenal normal?
- [86:43]
D
Total of 30 minutes and 51 seconds to restart play. 30 minutes.
- [86:50]
C
Yeah, but Jordan, normal match, I bet that number's like 25 or 27 minutes.
- [86:55]
A
They don't tell you that, they don't give you that because by the way,
- [86:57]
C
because every time the ball goes out it's 15 seconds, 30 seconds.
- [87:01]
A
Okay, on average, Jordan, in, in, in a 45 minute half of football, do you know how long the, the ball is out of play?
- [87:10]
D
Yeah, I have no idea.
- [87:12]
A
22 minutes.
- [87:13]
C
There you go. What?
- [87:15]
A
The ball's out of play or stopped for 22.
- [87:18]
C
Yeah, that's, I mean that's the reality.
- [87:19]
A
It's like, that's.
- [87:20]
C
You don't think of it that way but think about how often the ball goes out for a goal kick, corner throw in, penalty foul, etc.
- [87:29]
D
Yeah, that's insane.
- [87:30]
A
It's insane.
- [87:31]
C
Take a stopwatch.
- [87:32]
D
All of life. All of life is an illusion.
- [87:34]
C
My dad used to do this. My dad would send me a text, he'd be like, the NFL is such a joke. He goes, I took a stopwatch and watched the game and the ball is actually in play for like whatever six minutes and it takes three and a half hours. And I'm like that. It's just part of the game. Dude, chill out.
- [87:51]
A
That's crazy. The NFL is crazy.
- [87:52]
C
It's true.
- [87:54]
D
In a couple of weeks I'm going to do this. I don't know which game.
- [87:57]
C
I'm going to come back and give us your data.
- [87:59]
D
I, I will give you data.
- [88:01]
C
Do a normal game and do an Arsenal game and let's see how they
- [88:04]
D
compare a normal game and an Arsenal game. Yes. Okay, well Liverpool's playing Spurs at the weekend, so maybe we'll do a Spurs game and an Arsenal game.
- [88:13]
A
I'm worried about, I'm worried about spurs this weekend. By the way.
- [88:15]
D
We can't talk about this because there are too many spurs fans who work on this show and I don't want
- [88:20]
A
to saying, I'm just saying they're not. It's at Anfield, isn't is.
- [88:24]
D
Yes.
- [88:25]
A
They're not going to Anfield and win.
- [88:26]
D
It is right? Somebody, somebody nod.
- [88:29]
A
I think it's, I think anyway they're not going to win.
- [88:33]
D
They're shrugging like we don't care. It doesn't matter.
- [88:35]
A
They do, they care. They care a lot. We know who you Are.
- [88:39]
D
Well, if you care about Liverpool versus Spurs or really anything that you would like to tell me about, you can email me@feedbackfiltered soccer.com so there you go.
- [88:49]
A
That went so.
- [88:50]
D
Thanks, guys.
- [88:51]
A
Thanks.
- [88:51]
C
You're always on brand. Great job. All right. Amazing show. Thank you to our former teammate, Brian McBride. I just want to tell a quick anecdote. I told him off air, but there was a game, Tim, I would. We were playing Cuba in the Gold Cup. I had not scored, I think in six or seven games for the national team. And it was really weighing on me, like I was struggling. He got played through in the first half. We are literally going on a two on zero. You guys can Google this. Two on zero. He could have taken a touch. He was on the left side. He could have taken a touch inside and he scores nine out of ten times. He, he rolled it across the goal mouth to me to a wide open tap in goal. And you know, you know how it is. You don't want your other forward to succeed all the time. He made the right play in the right moment. I ended up scoring four goals that game and went on like a tear forever because I got that tap in and I'm so grateful. He was such a great competitor, great teammate. Love you, B. Thanks for coming on. That was amazing. Thank you guys for being with us as always. Please, please, Please subscribe on YouTube, Apple Podcast, Spotify, anywhere you get your pods. Follow us at Unfiltered Soccer on social media for bonus content. Thank you as always to Volkswagen, our presenting sponsor, our fan connection sponsor AT&T and our stoppage time sponsor, FanDuel.
- [90:01]
A
Yeah, huge shout out to B. Mac Brian McBride, Fulham Legend, US Men's National Team legend, friend and teammate. He's, he's a dog, man. He's an absolute warrior. I mean, you talk about being in the tunnel with someone knowing he's going to give it all. I mean, absolutely incredible. And some, and some real, real good reflections today. So thanks, Brian. Thanks also to our unfiltered refresh sponsor, Coors Light and our additional sponsors Airbnb and Walmart. Have an amazing week. We'll be back next Tuesday with another edition of Unfiltered Soccer.
- [90:41]
D
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