The Cooligans

Latest Episodes:

Have USMNT struck gold with their new formation? + Nottingham Forest begin Ange Postecoglou era Sep 11, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to the USMNT’s big win over Japan and break down what Mauricio Pochettino’s new tactical formation could mean for the team going forward. Can the new-look USMNT be the key to their future success?

Next, Christian and Alexis discuss Nottingham Forest’s head coach shake-up. Was the club right to sack Nuno Espírito Santo, and is Ange Postecoglou the right man to lead them forward?

Later, the boys recap the latest from World Cup qualifiers around the globe. Which Cinderella stories should we watch out for, and which big names are on the hot seat?

(14:30) - Has USMNT struck gold with new formation?

(26:30) - Pochettino right to experiment with squad?

(33:45) - Nottingham Forest replace Nuno with Ange Postecoglou

(44:00) - Recapping notable World Cup Qualifier stories

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Folarin Balogun and Christian Pulisic Power USMNT to Much-Needed Win Over Japan | What Did We Learn This Window? Sep 10, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to the USMNT’s 2-0 friendly win over Japan. The boys break down the entire performance, including Folarin Balogun’s strong showing at striker. Has Balogun cemented his place as the starting striker for next summer? They also recap Christian Pulisic’s return to the USMNT and explain why he’s such a crucial piece for the team.

Then, they grade the September international window, which included both a win and a loss. They also highlight their “stock up” player following this game. Can Alex Zendejas make a case to compete with Tim Weah for the right-wing spot?

Finally, Christian and Alexis reveal where their USMNT confidence meter stands after another mixed international window under Mauricio Pochettino.

(0:00) – Match recap

(8:00) – Grading the September window

(19:00) – Breaking down Christian Pulisic’s performance

(30:00) – Stock up: Alex Zendejas

(35:00) – USMNT confidence meter

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Lionel Messi & Luis Suárez make headlines as Inter Miami CF crashes out Sep 04, 2025

Show notes

Inter Miami CF has never been short on storylines since the arrival of Lionel Messi but after crashing out of the Leagues Cup against Seattle Sounders FC, the noise has only gotten louder. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros dive into the Luis Suárez spitting incident and Lionel Messi allegedly threatening Pedro de la Vega during the League Cup final. The guys then recap their trip to Germany visiting the Bundesliga, break down transfer news involving Liverpool and FC Bayern München and react to the breaking news from Tottenham Hotspur.

8:16 – Inter Miami CF crashes out of the Leagues Cup

26:40 – Messi makes a threat

36:31 – USMNT friendlies roster revealed

39:05 – The Cooligans go to Germany

1:11:15 – Transfer window news

1:20:48 – Daniel Levy out at Tottenham

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Chris Wingert tells INSANE stories from his MLS career Aug 28, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros are joined by former MLS player and current agent Chris Wingert as they talk about his MLS career, which included winning the 2009 MLS Cup, playing in New York City FC’s inaugural season and his views on current American players. Chris shares stories about playing with Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard, why winning the MLS Cup was such a huge moment for the league and going backstage at a concert featuring The Black Crowes and The Smashing Pumpkins.

1:55 – Chris Wingert joins the show!

5:40 – His experience getting drafted

22:47 – Playing with Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard

42:55 – Why did Chris become an agent?

55:21 – The current state of American soccer players

1:25:47 – Memories from the 2009 MLS Cup

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Thomas Müller spills the USMNTea + Isak stuck in Newcastle & Eze to Arsenal Aug 25, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco & David Gass dive into MLS headlines—highlighting Thomas Müller first goal for the Vancouver Whitecaps and his accidental reveal of Tristan Blackman’s USMNT call-up. They also chat Son Heung-Min’s early LAFC impact, the decline of LigaMX in Leagues Cup and the jumbled MLS Eastern Conference playoff race. The pair wrap up with NWSL & EPL weekends by hitting some of the biggest stories including a threatened fine against Kansas City Current and Eberechi Eze’s return to Arsenal.

(0:40) David Goss joins the Hooligans

(9:12) Müller spills the USMNTea!

(25:18) MLS weekend wrap-up

(46:35) NWSL news

(52:43) Premier League recap

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USMNT's most underrated rising stars + Jayden Nelson interview Aug 21, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros deliver a United States Men’s National Team summer round-up, highlighting which players are flying under the radar and which ones on the squad they’re concerned about.

The guys are then joined by Vancouver Whitecaps FC and Canadian National Team star Jayden Nelson. They discuss the impact of Thomas Müller on the team, Jayden’s upbringing and how he fell in love with the game, his thoughts on the Whitecaps’ season so far and the mentality the team will need as they push toward the playoffs.

Christian and Alexis close the episode with some Rápido Reactions, where they discuss Alexander Isak still holding out for Liverpool, Arsenal closing in on Eberechi Eze and whether the controversial James Tarkowski handball should have been a penalty.

1:40 – Who’s flying under the radar for the USMNT?

9:01 – Which players on the squad make us worry?

16:19 – Jayden Nelson joins the show

28:52 – Jayden’s thoughts on the Whitecaps’ season

41:16 – Rápido Reaction

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Son Heung-Min is already proving Christian wrong + Cooligans celebrate 10 years together! Aug 18, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros discuss Son Heung-Min’s fast start in MLS and why Christian is already being proven wrong about Son’s impact on the field. They also talk about Matt Turner’s return to MLS and whether Gio Reyna should follow suit ahead of a crucial season leading up to the World Cup.

Then, they react to the Premier League and offer their overreactions to opening weekend. Could Manchester United improve this season, or are we in for more of the same? They also address the racist abuse directed at Antoine Semenyo.

Finally, Christian and Alexis celebrate 10 years of The Cooligans! They share heartwarming messages from friends and fans and reflect on their journey together.

(10:30) – Son Heung-Min shines in full MLS debut

(25:00) – Matt Turner returns to MLS: should Gio Reyna do the same?

(37:00) – Premier League opening weekend overreactions

(47:00) – Around the Premier League

(59:30) – Celebrating 10 years of The Cooligans

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Who are the Premier League title favorites? + Christian Pulisic & Tim Weah clap back at critics but is it warranted? Aug 14, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Stefano Fusaro preview the Premier League season ahead of the 2025–26 opening weekend. They share their title favorites along with a full set of season predictions, including Player of the Season, best transfer, and relegation picks.

Then, they react to Christian Pulisic and Tim Weah’s response to the criticism they've faced this summer. Was their clapback warranted—or are they being overly sensitive?

Finally, Christian and Stefano bring back Rápido Reactions, breaking down the latest global football news—including a surprising hidden skill from Benjamin Šeško.

(5:45) – Who will be crowned Premier League Champion?

(13:00) – Predicting FA Cup & Carabao Cup predictions

(18:00) – Premier League predictions: player of the season, relegation & more

(33:00) – Pulisic and Weah clap back at critics: warranted or soft?

(44:30) – Rápido Reactions: Gigi Donnarumma, Benjamin Šeško & more

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Marcelo Balboa on MLS Growth Since Its Inception + Can USMNT Recreate the World Cup Hoopla of 1994? Aug 11, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros welcome USMNT and MLS legend Marcelo Balboa to the show. They discuss his soccer journey, including his decision to return to the U.S. to help launch Major League Soccer in 1996. What were the hardships that came with it — and was it worth the sacrifice?

Christian and Alexis then dive into Marcelo’s USMNT journey, including his role in the 1994 World Cup team’s magical run on home soil. Will the 2026 World Cup in the U.S. live up to 1994? How can this new squad elevate soccer in America to the next level?

Later, Marcelo reflects on the honor of having his jersey retired by the Colorado Rapids. He also shares why he has a problem with former USMNT players — like Landon Donovan — being overly critical of the current squad, and why Christian Pulisic deserves a break.

(2:30) – Marcelo Balboa joins The Cooligans

(6:30) – Marcelo on why he helped launch MLS

(29:00) – Marcelo’s USMNT journey & thoughts on team’s World Cup future

(44:00) – What it meant to have his jersey retired by Colorado Rapids

(48:00) – Marcelo on criticism from ex-USMNT players

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Son Heung-Min joins LAFC! Will he have the Messi effect? + Newcastle continue to stumble this summer window! Aug 07, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down Son Heung-Min’s arrival at LAFC and what it could mean for Major League Soccer both on and off the field. They also look back on Son’s time at Tottenham and the legacy he leaves behind at the club.

Christian and Alexis then recap Phase One of the Leagues Cup. Does the competition’s new format make the Leagues Cup more exciting? They also react to some of the best moments from the tournament so far.

Later, they discuss the news that Benjamin Šeško has chosen Manchester United over Newcastle. Why does Newcastle continue to strike out on transfers this summer?

(6:00) - What impact will Son Heung-Min have on MLS?

(22:00) - Discussing Son Heung-Min’s Tottenham legacy

(25:30) - Does new Leagues Cup format improve competition?

(35:00) - Why are players rejecting Newcastle?

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

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📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv