The Cooligans

Latest Episodes:

Gotham clinch 2nd NWSL title in 3 seasons! Will that be the last time we see Trinity Rodman in the NWSL? Nov 23, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros give their live reaction to the NWSL Final, where Gotham FC beat the Washington Spirit 1–0 to clinch their second NWSL title in three seasons. They discuss the controversial foul by Lilly Reale in the second half and whether the referee should have given her a second yellow card for the offense.

Then, Christian and Alexis break down Rose Lavelle’s game-winning goal and why she was their Player of the Game. Did Hal Hershfelt’s injury and brief absence in the second half turn the momentum toward Gotham?

Finally, they take a look at Trinity Rodman and discuss whether this was her final game in the NWSL, as her contract with the Washington Spirit is set to expire. Does the league need to do whatever it takes to keep her? They also recap the NWSL awards, including a surprise winner for Coach of the Year.

(0:00) – Match recap

(3:00) – Breaking down Lilly Reale’s controversial foul

(19:30) – Player of the Game: Rose Lavelle

(26:00) – Trinity Rodman’s last game in the NWSL?

(38:30) – NWSL awards recap

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USMNT record historic win over Uruguay! Does Pochettino have the team gelling at the right time? Nov 19, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Matt Doyle give their live reaction to the USMNT’s historically dominant 5–1 win over Uruguay. Does Mauricio Pochettino have the team coming together at the right time, or is this just luck? Should the USMNT rely on Gio Reyna more going forward?

Then, Christian and Matt share their biggest takeaways from the match, as well as their grade for the USMNT during this window. They also explain why Alex Freeman and Sebastian Berhalter impressed them the most against Uruguay.

Finally, they look at the window as a whole and reveal who they think has locked up a roster spot for the USMNT at the World Cup.

(0:00) – Match recap

(6:00) – Breaking down USMNT’s historic win

(12:00) – The Gio Reyna dilemma

(22:30) – USMNT vs. Uruguay: Players of the Game

(32:30) – USMNT stock up / stock down

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No Pulisic OR McKennie — Time for USMNT to Panic? + MLS Approves Schedule Change to Fall! Genius or Chaos? Nov 13, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Weston McKennie being left off the November USMNT roster. Should Mauricio Pochettino have selected the midfielder just months ahead of the World Cup? The boys also pick their best XI from this roster and highlight one fringe player they believe deserves to make the World Cup squad.

Next, Christian and Alexis react to the shocking news that MLS has decided to switch to a fall–spring schedule starting in 2027. Is this the right move for the league? And how will MLS adapt to the European soccer calendar?

Later, the boys preview both NWSL semifinal matchups and give their predictions — including who they guarantee will win it all.

(6:30) – No McKennie or Pulisic: Time for USMNT to Panic?

(17:00) – USMNT November Best XI Predictions

(25:30) – USMNT Player Spotlight: Who Deserves to Make the World Cup Roster?

(30:00) – MLS Approves Change to Fall–Spring Calendar

(48:00) – NWSL Playoffs Semifinal Preview

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Is it time for Inter Miami to bench Luis Suárez? + Leander Schaerlaeckens breaks down USMNT past, present & future Nov 10, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Inter Miami’s convincing win over Nashville SC without Luis Suárez. Is it time to bench Suárez for the remainder of the playoffs? The boys also break down every other MLS Playoff Game 3, including San Diego’s demolition of the Portland Timbers and some big penalty drama in Minnesota.

Next, Christian and Alexis welcome USMNT writer Leander Schaerlaeckens to chat about the history of soccer in America as well as the current state of the USMNT. How confident should we be in Mauricio Pochettino?

Later, the boys react to the KC Current’s shocking loss to Gotham FC in the opening round of the NWSL playoffs. Is it the biggest upset in NWSL history? They also discuss other playoff results, including Aubrey Kingsbury’s heroics for the Washington Spirit in their penalty shootout.

(8:00) – Is it time for Inter Miami to bench Luis Suárez?

(17:30) – MLS Playoffs Game 3 reaction

(37:30) – Leander Schaerlaeckens joins The Cooligans

(44:00) – Explaining the history of U.S. soccer

(59:15) – Looking behind the curtain of the USMNT

(1:11:00) – Gotham FC shock KC Current! Biggest upset in NWSL history?

(1:23:15) – NWSL Playoffs 1st round reaction

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Luis Suárez is Suspended for Game 3! Can Inter Miami Survive Without Him? + Cuco on Supporting Both Chivas and Club América Nov 06, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Luis Suárez’s suspension for Game 3 of the MLS Playoffs against Nashville SC. Are Inter Miami better or worse off without him? They also share their predictions for every Game 3 matchup in the MLS Playoffs.

Next, Christian and Alexis welcome Chicano singer-songwriter Cuco to chat about his roots, music, and love for soccer. Cuco reveals how he became a die-hard LA Galaxy fan and explains why he supports both Club América and Chivas!

Later, the boys react to the latest USMNT roster announcement for November and the surprise call-up of Gio Reyna. Has Gio earned this opportunity — and is this his last chance to impress before the World Cup?

(7:30) – Are Inter Miami better or worse off without Luis Suárez?

(16:45) – MLS Playoffs Game 3 predictions

(23:30) – Cuco joins The Cooligans

(32:00) – Cuco talks LA Galaxy fandom

(38:30) – Will Cuco attend the 2026 World Cup?

(44:30) – Cuco explains his complicated Liga MX fandom

(56:30) – Breaking down Gio Reyna’s surprise USMNT call-up

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Inter Miami & Messi Are in Danger of Another Early Playoff Exit! Can They Fix Their Defensive Issues? Nov 03, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Inter Miami’s shocking Game 2 loss to Nashville. Can Inter Miami fix their defensive issues, or will Messi and company exit the playoffs in the first round for the second consecutive season? They also recap other big playoff games, including LAFC’s Game 2 domination of Austin and NYCFC’s disappointing loss to Charlotte.

Next, Christian and Alexis recap the NWSL’s Decision Day and what it means for teams in the playoffs. Can Gotham FC find a way to play spoiler against the Kansas City Current? The boys also react to yet another poor season for Angel City and why Alexis Ohanian admitted it’s because of him.

Later, the boys react to major soccer news, including Tyler Adams’ first Premier League goal and Real Madrid and Bayern Munich’s early domination.

(9:00) – Can Inter Miami avoid an early playoff exit?

(20:30) – LAFC dominate Austin FC

(25:30) – Charlotte FC win, force Game 3 vs. NYCFC

(32:30) – Can Gotham upset KC Current?

(35:45) – What has gone wrong so far with Angel City?

(42:00) – Sarah Gorden responds to Elizabeth Eddy’s article

(51:45) – Rápido Reactions: Tyler Adams, Real Madrid, Bayern Munich & more

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MLS Playoffs Early Overreactions! Who’s the Playoff MVP Front-runner? + NWSL Decision Day Preview with Meg Linehan! Oct 30, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros overreact to the start of the MLS Playoffs and give us their early thoughts. Which team has impressed the most so far? Who will win MLS Playoff MVP? Which contender is in danger of an early exit? They also break down the latest playoff games, including NYCFC’s 1-0 win over Charlotte FC.

Next, Christian and Alexis bring on Meg Linehan, the women’s sports lead for The Athletic, to preview NWSL Decision Day. Can anyone stop the KC Current? How far can the Washington Spirit go without Trinity Rodman? They also react to Elizabeth Eddy of Angel City’s recent Op-Ed in the New York Post.

Later, the boys react to major soccer news, including Vinicius Junior’s apology, Barcelona’s discontent with Lamine Yamal, and much more!

(8:00) – Which MLS team has impressed the most?

(11:00) – Which MLS Cup contender is in danger?

(13:30) – Who can win Playoff MVP outside of Messi?

(18:30) – Which head coach is in trouble?

(20:30) – MLS Playoffs Game one recap

(33:00) – Meg Linehan joins The Cooligans

(35:00) – Elizabeth Eddy: NWSL must adopt gender standards

(42:00) - Can anyone stop the KC Current?

(44:00) - Who will clinch final home playoff spots?

(50:30) - Where do you see the NWSL’s future?

(55:30) - What midfield will we see with USWNT going forward?

(1:01:15) - Rápido Reactions: Vinicius Jr., Lamine Yamal & more

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Real Madrid win El Clásico! Are they better off without Vini Jr.? + Why the Union’s shaky Game 1 win is cause for concern Oct 27, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Real Madrid’s win over Barcelona in El Clásico. Vinicius Junior was unhappy after being subbed off and reportedly threatened to leave the team. Would Los Blancos be better off without him, or is he irreplaceable?

Next, Christian and Alexis break down the MLS playoff games from the weekend. Should the Philadelphia Union be worried after a shaky Game 1 win against Chicago? The boys also respond to ESPN’s Michael Wilbon’s comments on the MLS playoffs — and why they were unnecessary.

Later, they discuss the latest in the Premier League, including Manchester City’s and Liverpool’s recent struggles. Can Arsenal pull away in the title race?

(6:45) – Are Real Madrid better off without Vinicius Junior?

(18:00) – Philadelphia Union look shaky in win vs. Chicago Fire

(22:15) – San Diego defeat Portland Timbers 2–1

(29:30) – Mike Wilbon comments on MLS playoffs

(38:45) – Liverpool lose fourth league game in a row

(46:15) – Are Man City too reliant on Erling Haaland?

(50:00) – Are Arsenal starting to pull away in the title race?

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Lionel Messi Signs New Deal with Inter Miami! Is He Now MLS’s Villain? + MLS Playoffs Preview with Kevin Egan Oct 23, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros bring on MLS 360 host Kevin Egan to break down all things Major League Soccer. They discuss Lionel Messi’s contract extension with Inter Miami and what it means for the future of the league. The guys also preview the MLS Playoffs, giving their predictions for conference champions, dark horses, and MLS Cup winners.

Next, Christian and Alexis react to another Champions League matchday. Is Liverpool’s 4-4-2 formation the solution to their problems? Are PSG and Barcelona the Champions League favorites? Can Arsenal continue their early-season dominance?

Later, the boys react to NBC’s Premier League crew and a hilarious gaffe while promoting the NBA on NBC.

(8:00) – Lionel Messi, Inter Miami sign extension until 2028

(15:30) – MLS Playoff First Round Predictions

(30:30) – Western Conference Predictions

(33:30) – Eastern Conference Predictions

(39:00) – MLS Dark Horse to Watch

(41:30) – MLS Cup Champion Predictions

(50:00) – Liverpool’s new formation: a possible solution?

(57:30) – PSG, Barcelona thrash opponents

(1:03:30) – Arsenal continue early-season dominance

(1:11:30) – NBC crew’s hilarious gaffe

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Lionel Messi Finishes a Season for the Record Books! But Is It Enough to Win MLS Cup? + Julie Foudy Talks the Future of Women’s Soccer Oct 20, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Matt Doyle break down MLS Decision Day as the regular season comes to a close. Lionel Messi finishes the season on a historic run, but is it enough for Inter Miami to win MLS Cup? Can the Philadelphia Union replicate their regular season success in the postseason? And what has gone so terribly wrong for D.C. United?

Next, Christian and Matt welcome World Cup winner and USWNT legend Julie Foudy. Julie breaks down the future of the NWSL and women’s soccer, including what needs to change if the league wants to keep its top talent. They also discuss Emma Hayes’ tenure so far with the USWNT and look back at Julie’s iconic USWNT class, which helped lay the foundation for the national team’s long-term success.

Later, the boys react to Nottingham Forest sacking Ange Postecoglou and debate whether Sean Dyche is the right man to stabilize the club.

(12:00) – Is Messi’s brilliance enough for Miami to win MLS Cup?

(20:00) – Can Philadelphia Union win MLS Cup and complete the double?

(25:30) – Wilfried Zaha red card leaves Charlotte short-handed

(30:00) – San Diego FC wins Western Conference

(34:00) – What’s gone wrong with D.C. United?

(38:30) – Julie Foudy joins The Cooligans

(47:30) – Can the NWSL compete financially with Europe?

(58:45) – Breaking down USWNT past and present

(1:17:45) – Nottingham Forest sack Ange Postecoglou

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