The Cooligans

Latest Episodes:

USMNT in panic mode, USL’s pro/rel announcement sparks more heat & Berhalter has Chicago on fire Mar 24, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to back-to-back embarrassing losses for the USMNT in the Nations League. Where are the USMNT on the panic meter and can these issues be fixed before the World Cup?

Christian and Alexis then react to some comments from their USL promotion/relegation chat from last week. What do the fans think of promotion & relegation in American soccer? How will this change the power dynamic between MLS and USL?

Later, Christian and Alexis recap the major storylines from a busy MLS weekend. Gregg Berhalter has the Chicago Fire rolling, Dean Smith agrees to extension with Charlotte FC & the boys react to an insane Orlando City goal.

(6:50) - USMNT Panic meter

(31:15) - Reacting to comments on USL pro/rel video

(58:00) - Chicago Fire win third consecutive game

(1:03:35) - Dean Smith signs two-year extension with Charlotte

(1:07:00) - Marco Pasalic scores insane goal

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USMNT prepare for major litmus test, USL makes historic announcement & Anton Ferdinand tells us why West Ham is home Mar 20, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros preview the USMNT’s upcoming nations league semi-final against Panama. They tell us who will be the US’s players to watch for as well as what players will have a point to prove going into this match.

Christian and Alexis then react to the bombshell news that USL will be introducing promotion and relegation to all three of their divisions starting the 2027/28 season. How much will this change the soccer landscape in America? Can USL legitimately compete with MLS after this change?

Later, Christian and Alexis bring on West Ham legend Anton Ferdinand ahead of the club’s summer trip to American to play in the Premier League summer series. The boys chat everything from Ferdinand’s football career to his current run on “Dancing on Ice”.

(7:20) - USMNT Nations League preview

(18:00) - USL announces promotion/relegation starting 2027

(39:15) - Anton Ferdinand joins the show

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Messi gets revenge in Atlanta, Dani Pereira previews Austin FC's season & Newcastle ends 70 year drought! Mar 18, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to major MLS and NWSL storylines over the weekend including Lionel Messi and Inter Miami beating Atlanta United on Sunday, getting revenge for their playoff loss to to the same team last season. They also break down a weird no-penalty call in the Galaxy vs. Timbers game. The boys then take a look at 17-year old Melanie Barcenas breaking Sarah Gordon’s ankles during NWSL opening weekend.

Christian and Alexis then bring on Austin FC midfielder Dani Pereira to preview the MLS season as well as chat his journey to becoming a pro.

Later, Christian and Alexis recap Newcastle’s historic Carabao Cup final win over Liverpool that ended a 70 year trophy drought for the club.

(10:30) - Inter Miami def. Atlanta United

(23:30) - LA Galaxy stay winless

(31:45) - Cooligans make cameo in NYCFC’s game winning goal

(36:20) - Melanie Barcenas breaks Sarah Gorden’s ankles

(43:10) - Orlando Pride destroy Chicago Red Stars 6-0

(47:00) - Austin FC midfielder Dani Pereira joins the show

(1:15:55) - Newcastle win Carabao Cup Final

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Real Madrid advance amongst controversy + Deyna Castellanos debuts her signature shoe Mar 13, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Real Madrid’s controversial Champions League win against inner-city rival, Atletico Madrid. The boys debate whether or not Julian Alvarez’s double tap penalty should have counted or not. They also break down Liverpool’s shock exit to PSG and what it means for Mo Salah’s Ballon d’Or chances.

Christian and Alexis then bring on Portland Thorns forward Deyna Castellanos to preview the upcoming NWSL season, as well as her show us her new signature shoe.

Later, Christian and Alexis break down the USMNT’s march roster, including a couple of surprise additions. Has Pochettino made the right decision calling-up Diego Luna over Brenden Aaronson?

(6:45) - Should Julian Alvarez’s penalty counted?

(24:10) - PSG eliminate Liverpool

(33:30) - Deyna Castellanos joins the show

(56:45) - Reviewing USMNT’s march roster

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Noise around Mikel Arteta gets louder, Lo’eau Labonta talks NWSL & are the LA Galaxy in trouble? Mar 10, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Arsenal’s draw against Manchester United that effectively ends the title race in March. Are fans overreacting to Arsenal’s recent struggles or should Mikel Arteta’s job be up for grabs?

Christian and Alexis then bring on KC Current midfielder and celebration queen,Lo’Eau Labonta, to preview the upcoming NWSL season as well as her incredible in-game celebrations.

Later, Christian and Alexis break down another MLS weekend, including the LA Galaxy making history already this season in a bad way.

(4:45) - How much time should Arsenal give Arteta?

(22:15) - Lo’Eau Labonta joins the show

(1:00:20) - Washington Spirit win NWSL challenge cup

(1:04:05) - NYCFC win 10th anniversary game

(1:09:45) - LA Galaxy lose 3rd game in a row

(1:15:15) - Jordan Morris scores club record 87th goal
(1:20:55) - San Diego FC stay unbeaten in first MLS season

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3L9G8HU

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cqRhzO

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

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🖥️ YouTube

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

Real Madrid continue Champions League Dominance, Alisson saves Liverpool & an early Marta award contender! Mar 07, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros recap Real Madrid’s impressive performance against cross town rivals, Atletico Madrid, including Brahim Diaz’s incredible solo goal. They also react to Diaz’s on-field beef with Diego Simeone and Real Madrid’s continued Champions League dominance.

Christian and Alexis react to the other marquee Champions League games this week, including Alisson’s heroic effort in goal to give Liverpool an unlikely win over PSG. They also chat Arsenal’s 7 goal thrashing & Harry Kane’s dominant night.

Later, Christian and Alexis break down a Marta award worth goal from Jacqui Ovalle in Liga MX Femenile.

(11:00) - Real Madrid edge Atleti in 1st leg

(20:35) - Alisson saves Liverpool

(29:40) - Barcelona def. Benfica 1-0

(35:45) - Arsenal score 7 goals on PSV

(42:00) - Bayern Munich def. Leverkusen 3-0
(52:20) - Jacqui Ovalle scores insane goal

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3L9G8HU

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cqRhzO

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

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

Messi’s missed game causes MLS stir, Ricardo Clark talks transition from player to coach & can Manchester City still salvage their season? Mar 04, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to the Houston Dynamo’s public apology after Lionel Messi was absent from their game. Should MLS try to market the sport outside of Messi to fans? The boys also react to Wilfried Zaha’s debut for Charlotte FC.

Christian and Alexis then chat with 2010 World Cup USMNT midfielder Ricardo Clark about his transition from MLS star to MLS NEXT Pro head coach.

Later, Christian and Alexis bring back Rápido Reactions and react to Manchester United’s struggles & La Liga’s tight title race.

(8:45) - Houston Dynamo apologize for Messi’s absence

(19:35) - Inter Miami def. Houston Dynamo 4-1

(24:40) - Wilfried Zaha with goal & assist in Charlotte FC debut

(33:00) - Vancouver Whitecaps II head coach Ricardo Clark joins

(55:40) - Rápido Reactions: Mateta’s injury scare, Manchester United’s woes, La Liga Title race & more

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3L9G8HU

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cqRhzO

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

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

Mohamed Salah states Ballon d’Or case, “Onside” EPs talk show & Lionel Messi’s angry side finally comes out. Feb 27, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros debate whether or not Mohamed Salah deserves more Ballon d’Or buzz as he continues his record-breaking season. They also react to Barcelona and Atletico Madrid’s thrilling 8-goal draw in the first leg of the Copa del Rey.

Christian and Alexis then chat with Executive Producers of the Apple TV docuseries, Onside, about the show and what fans can expect.

Later, Christian and Alexis break down Lionel Messi receiving a fine for violent conduct against an NYCFC assistant coach after Inter Miami’s draw. They also react to the USWNT’s loss to Japan in the SheBelieves Cup final.

(5:35) - Mohamed Salah the Ballon d’Or favorite?

(18:30) - Barcelona draw Atletico Madrid 4-4

(28:35) - Jose Mourinho accused of racist comments

(35:45) - Onside executive producers join the show

(49:35) - Lionel Messi receives fine for violent conduct

(54:20) - Referee suspended after asking for Messi jersey

(59:20) - Japan win SheBelievesCup over USWNT

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3L9G8HU

Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cqRhzO

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

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

MLS is BACK, NYCFC-Inter Miami controversy & Liverpool in driver's seat for the Premier League title Feb 24, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros recap all the big storylines from the first weekend of the MLS season, including a controversial VAR call in the New York City FC-Inter Miami clash that led to extra time and a late equalizer. They also discuss an impressive debut for San Diego FC, with a victory over reigning champions Los Angeles Galaxy.

Christian and Alexis then sit down with Galaxy head coach Greg Vanney to talk about their title defense, expectations for the season and his thoughts on having a camera crew document their season.

Later on this episode of The Cooligans, Christian and Alexis recap the action from the Premier League, where Arsenal’s championship hopes faded further after a loss to West Ham and Liverpool defeated Manchester City. Is it time for Arsenal to start questioning if Mikel Arteta is the right man to lead this club in the future?

(5:09) – NYCFC-Inter Miami recap
(22:25) – Controversial VAR check
(29:39) – Other notes from MLS opening weekend
(43:47) – Interview with Greg Vanney
(56:55) – Liverpool-Man City recap
(1:06:03) – Arsenal’s Premier League title hopes are over
(1:11:01) – Everton-Manchester United draw

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

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Man City & Milan BOOTED from UCL + Steve Cangialosi & Keaton Parks preview 2025 MLS season Feb 20, 2025

Show notes

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down the biggest UCL results of the week including Manchester City looking absolutely abysmal against Kylian Mbappé and the Real Madrid squad. AC Milan drew Feyenoord, ending their UCL run, after several poor decisions on the field like Theo Hernández’s dive in the box and Christian Pulisic being benched.
The duo are joined by MLS play-by-play broadcaster Steve Cangialosi to preview the 2025 season. Steve talks with the boys about the biggest changes in MLS over the last decade, season predictions, and reveals a bit about what dealing with the Lionel Messi circus is like for MLS media members.
Christian & Alexis are also joined by New York City FC midfielder Keaton Parks. The longest tenured player on New York City’s roster, Parks looks forward to working with new head coach Pascal Jansen as he and the squad look to improve their game and return to the MLS playoffs.
(2:42) Steve Cangialosi joins the show
(41:18) Keaton Parks joins the show
(54:21) Man City knocked out of UCL
(1:02:43) AC Milan knocked out of UCL
(1:07:36) Atalanta + Lookman drama

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3L9G8HU

🎧 Spotify: https://spoti.fi/4cqRhzO

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

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