The Cooligans

Latest Episodes:

Arsenal Bottle It Again, Santi Gimenez Joins & Griezmann to MLS?! Plus That Wild MLS Handball Drama Mar 23, 2026

Show notes

Arsenal fans, we’ve been here before… and it’s not pretty. The Gunners have let another trophy slip through their fingers, and we’re asking the big question: what’s actually missing? Is it mentality, depth, tactics—or something deeper? We break down where it all went wrong and what needs to change if Arsenal want to stop being “almost” and start being champions. Plus, things get weird off the pitch as Jorginho finds himself in an unexpected back-and-forth with pop star Chappell Roan. Trust us, this story is as chaotic as it sounds.

Then, we’re joined by one of the brightest stars in North American soccer: Santi Gimenez. He talks to us about his road to recovery from injury, what it’s been like navigating the growing wave of CONCACAF talent making moves in Europe, and how his time at AC Milan is shaping his career. We also get into what it would mean for him to represent Mexico in a World Cup played on home soil—a moment that could define a generation.

Finally, we head back to MLS for some classic controversy. Inter Miami vs NYCFC gave us a head-scratching handball non-call involving Dayne St. Clair that has everyone talking—and we’ve got opinions. To top it all off, the rumor mill is heating up with Antoine Griezmann reportedly edging closer to a long-awaited move to MLS. Could this finally be the moment? We break it all down, with plenty of laughs along the way.

Timestamps:
(11:30) – Arsenal bottle another trophy opportunity

(25:00) - Jorginho and Chappell Roan are beefing!?

(35:00) – Santi Gimenez joins The Cooligans

(54:00) – Handball non-call saves Inter Miami vs NYCFC

(1:04:00) - Antoine Griezmann finalizes move to Orlando City

(1:08:00) - MLS suspends Philadelphia Union Sporting Director

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USMNT Roster Drama, Pepi to Fulham Gamble & Premier League’s Champions League Reality Check Mar 19, 2026

Show notes

The World Cup is around the corner, and the USMNT roster decisions are getting real. We dig into Mauricio Pochettino’s latest squad selection and debate whether he got it right—or if there are some glaring issues that could haunt the U.S. on the biggest stage. One of the biggest talking points: Gio Reyna. Is he still deserving of a place in this team, or is it time to move on? We also explore Ricardo Pepi’s reported move to Fulham and why this could be a make-or-break moment in his career as he fights to become the USMNT’s starting striker.

Over in Europe, it was a brutal Champions League Round of 16 for the Premier League. Manchester City, Tottenham, Chelsea, and Newcastle all crashing out? Yeah, we’ve got a lot to say. Is this proof that the Premier League might be overrated this season, or is it just one of those years where things didn’t go their way? We break down what went wrong and what it says about the state of England’s top clubs compared to the rest of Europe.

And then… chaos. Absolute chaos. CAF somehow manages to strip Senegal of their AFCON title and hand it to Morocco nearly two months after the tournament ended. We try to make sense of one of the wildest administrative decisions in recent soccer history—and fail miserably. So instead, we do what we do best: roast the situation, question everything, and unpack just how ridiculous this whole saga really is.

Timetamps:

(9:30) – USMNT roster reaction: did Pochettino get it right?

(33:00) – Ricardo Pepi to Fulham! Can he prove himself at the highest level?

(40:45) – Premier League teams get embarrassed in Champions League

(1:03:30) – CONCACAF Champions Cup: Inter Miam eliminated!

(1:07:00) – Roasting CAF for the AFCON title reversal

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LAFC Running Away With MLS? Liverpool’s Late Meltdowns & Chelsea’s Financial Rule Fine Debate Mar 16, 2026

Show notes

On this episode of The Cooligans, Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros dive into the early MLS season and ask a big question: are LAFC already pulling away from the rest of the league? With Vancouver and Inter Miami chasing close behind, the guys break down whether anyone can keep up with LAFC’s dominant start or if we’re witnessing the beginning of another runaway season.

Across the Atlantic, Liverpool’s frustrating habit of dropping points late in matches continues, raising questions about whether new manager Arne Slot deserves some blame. The hosts also take a look at Pep Guardiola and whether his legendary run with Manchester City F.C. might finally be losing its edge.

Meanwhile, Chelsea F.C. receive what feels like a light punishment for breaking Premier League financial rules—did they get off too easy? Plus, the guys fire off quick reactions to some of the week’s strangest and funniest football moments: Erling Haaland blasting a shot straight into someone’s face, Chelsea’s awkward pre-game huddle, the latest United States Men's National Team World Cup kit reveal, and the big question facing Orlando City SC—who should be their next head coach?

(7:00) – LAFC already separating themselves from the rest of the league?

(13:30) – Inter Miami too dependent on Messi?

(23:45) – Arne Slot to blame for Liverpool’s late game woes?

(31:30) – Pep Guardiola’s time at Man City coming to an end?

(36:30) – Arsenal closing in on PL title

(45:30) - Chelsea fined for financial breach: but is it enough?

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Real Madrid’s Champions League aura, Tottenham fight relegation & Weston McKennie interview Mar 12, 2026

Show notes

Real Madrid continued their quest for their 16th Champions League title on Wednesday in the Round of 16. After handily defeating Manchester City in the first leg 3–0, many are starting to wonder if there is a certain aura surrounding Real Madrid when they play in this tournament. Is it something that the Blues and other potential foes will be able to overcome the rest of the way?

The conversation then shifts to Tottenham Hotspur’s miserable season continuing as they were trounced in their first leg of the Champions League against Atlético Madrid. While their prospects for a better second leg might be dim, it’s the Premier League relegation battle that Tottenham must start to worry about. Can they avoid completing an embarrassing season and being relegated from the Premier League?

Christian and Alexis are then joined by Juventus FC and USMNT midfield star Weston McKennie as he talks about his time playing in Italy, what he’s looking forward to in the upcoming World Cup and his interesting take on a controversial pizza condiment. The guys close the show by previewing the upcoming NWSL season and who they think will be this year’s champion.

7:18 – Top Topic: Real Madrid defeats Man City
22:59 – Tottenham’s relegation battle
33:00 – Weston McKennie joins the show
1:06:46 – 2026 NWSL preview

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Dest Injury, Messi White House Backlash & Which MLS Coach Is Next on the Hot Seat? Mar 10, 2026

Show notes

The international break drama starts with a major blow for the United States as Sergiño Dest goes down with another injury. Alexis and Christian analyze how big the loss is for Mauricio Pochettino’s system and explore the realistic options the USMNT has at right-back moving forward. Is there a clear replacement, or does the position become a tactical problem heading into upcoming friendlies?

The conversation then shifts to Lionel Messi and Inter Miami’s visit to the White House—an appearance that sparked unexpected backlash, particularly among Argentine fans. The hosts unpack why the moment created controversy, how politics and sports collided online, and whether it has any real impact on Messi’s legacy or public perception.

Finally, the guys turn their attention to Major League Soccer and the pressure building on managers whose teams are stuck at the bottom of the Supporters’ Shield standings. With results not improving and expectations rising across the league, Alexis and Christian debate which coach might be the next casualty of MLS’s increasingly impatient ownership groups.

Timestamps:

(10:30) – Who can replace Dest?

(25:35) - Messi and Inter Miami Visit the White House

(43:47) – MLS Teams starting the season bottom of the Supporter’s Shield

(45:00)- What coach could potentially be fired?

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Are Arsenal Too Boring? Man United Back Under Carrick? + Europe’s Next Haaland & Brazil’s WC Panic Mar 05, 2026

Show notes

Are results enough, or should great teams also play beautiful football? The guys debate whether Arsenal F.C.’s winning formula is coming at the expense of the “beautiful game.” If you’re a title contender, should the expectations be higher than just grinding out results? Meanwhile, Manchester United fan Matty FC joins the show to talk about the recent resurgence at Manchester United F.C. and whether the positive run under Michael Carrick is the beginning of something real—or just a short-term bounce.
Next, we look toward the future of Europe’s elite goal scorers. With Erling Haaland and Kylian Mbappé dominating headlines, who will be the next striker to break into that top tier? The boys give their predictions for the next killer No. 9 in Europe and discuss which young forwards have the talent, mentality, and opportunity to reach that rarefied level.
Finally, it’s time to talk about Brazil—and things aren’t exactly calm. With the Brazil national football team entering the lead-up to the 2026 FIFA World Cup amid growing pressure, Matty FC and Christian Polanco break down why the vibes around the Seleção feel uneasy. Can legendary manager Carlo Ancelotti steady the ship and bring Brazil back to World Cup glory, or are deeper problems threatening their chances? The Cooligans dig into it all.

Timestamps:

(5:30) – Are Arsenal ruining the “beautiful game”?

(14:00) - Are Manchester United really back?

(29:00) – Who is Europe’s next killer striker?

(39:15) – Brazil World Cup panic meter

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Julian Hall Hype? San Jose’s Hot Start + Steve Fletcher on Tyler Adams & Iraola’s Bournemouth Mar 02, 2026

Show notes

The MLS season is heating up and we’ve got takes. MLS analyst Matt Doyle stops by to help us separate early-season overreactions from real trends. Is Julian Hall’s breakout with the New York Red Bulls the beginning of a superstar arc or just a hot streak? Are Inter Miami CF papering over long-term roster concerns despite their win over Orlando City SC? And can the early momentum from the San Jose Earthquakes — and Timo Werner — actually last? We dig into what’s real, what’s noise, and what it means moving forward.

Then we head across the Atlantic for an incredible conversation with Steve Fletcher, assistant coach and club legend at AFC Bournemouth. Fletcher gives us insight into why Tyler Adams is one of the most respected players at the club, how his leadership extends far beyond the pitch, and why every team needs a player like him. If you’re an American soccer fan, this is one you won’t want to miss.

We also dive into the impact of manager Andoni Iraola and how his consistency, culture-setting, and tactical identity have helped elevate Bournemouth in the Premier League. Fletcher reflects on his own storied career — from signing in the early ’90s to becoming the club’s all-time appearance leader — and what it means to represent one club for over three decades. MLS chaos, Premier League insight, and legendary football stories all in one episode.

Timestamps:
(7:30) – Julian Hall is leading a youth movement in New York

(16:00) - Will Inter Miami struggle this season despite win?

(22:00) – Can San Jose and Timo Werner’s hot start last?

(26:30) – MLS weekend recap

(37:00) - Steve Fletcher joins The Cooligans

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Griezmann to Orlando City?! Mandy Freeman on Gotham’s Title & Weston Mckennie’s next move Feb 26, 2026

Show notes

Could Antoine Griezmann really be headed to Orlando City SC — and if so, would he be the one player capable of challenging Lionel Messi for MLS supremacy? We kick things off by diving into the rumor, the fit, and what Griezmann’s personality and playing style would mean for the league. Is this realistic, or just classic MLS chaos?

Then NJ/NY Gotham FC defender Mandy Freeman joins the show. She reflects on Gotham’s improbable championship run, the weight of expectations heading into the new season, and what it’s like being a 10-year NWSL veteran who’s seen the league evolve from host families and modest crowds to sold-out stadiums. Mandy also opens up about her love of fashion and gives a thoughtful critique of the NWSL’s new High Impact Player rule — explaining why raising the ceiling doesn’t necessarily raise the floor for players across the league.

We wrap with Champions League drama: Weston McKennie continues to shine, but did Juventus FC let him down again? Is it time for him to seek a bigger move? Vinícius Júnior delivers another electric performance against SL Benfica, while FK Bodø/Glimt stun Inter Milan — raising serious questions about what’s happening with Italian teams in Europe this season.

Timestamps:
(7:30) – Griezmann to Orlando!? Can he dethrone Messi in MLS?

(18:00) - Gotham FC defender Mandy Freeman joins The Cooligans

(42:00) – Weston Mckennie continues to shine but Juve is failing him

(53:30) – Vini Jr. Shuts up Benfica with another amazing performance

(59:00) - Bodø/Glimt stun Inter Milan

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Messi Meltdown in LA, EPL Title Race Drama & Is the 2026 World Cup Already Cracking? Feb 23, 2026

Show notes

LAFC sent a loud message in their 3-0 dismantling of Inter Miami, and it wasn’t just about the scoreline. Los Angeles FC looked sharp, organized, and ruthless, while Inter Miami CF looked frustrated and overwhelmed. We break down what went wrong for Miami, what this result means long-term, and whether Lionel Messi’s heated postgame interaction with referees is a sign of deeper cracks. Plus, we recap the rest of MLS opening weekend and highlight the teams that set the tone early.

Across the pond, the Premier League title race is heating up once again. Manchester City and Arsenal continue to push each other to the limit at the top of the table. Can City pull off another late surge, or is this finally Arsenal’s year? We examine the remaining fixtures, squad depth, and pressure points that could decide the title.

Off the pitch, concerns are growing around the 2026 tournament. With New Jersey canceling its World Cup fan zone and Gillette Stadium reportedly resisting FIFA licensing without additional funding, we ask whether the 2026 World Cup is starting to show serious organizational strain. Is this just early logistical turbulence—or a warning sign for what’s ahead?

Timestamps:
(7:00) – LAFC thrash Messi and Inter Miami

(23:00) - MLS opening weekend recap

(32:00) – Arsenal and Man City continue to battle in PL title race

(47:45) – World Cup in danger of falling apart already?

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Gio Savarese’s 2026 MLS Predictions, USMNT World Cup Outlook & Vinícius Jr Racism Debate Feb 19, 2026

Show notes

The Cooligans welcome former MLS head coach and analyst Giovanni Savarese for a deep dive into the 2026 MLS season. Gio shares his predictions, breakout teams to watch, and how the league continues to evolve ahead of a massive 2026 on home soil. The conversation also turns to the USMNT, as the guys assess expectations, pressure, and what success should realistically look like at the 2026 World Cup.

Christian and Alexis then tackle the troubling racist incident involving Vinícius Júnior during Real Madrid’s clash with Benfica. They unpack how these situations are currently handled, question whether the responsibility to stop a match unfairly falls on the player experiencing abuse, and debate what meaningful structural changes could better protect players moving forward.

Finally, it’s a jam-packed Champions League recap. Folarin Balogun shines in a statement performance against Paris Saint-Germain, Juventus suffer a shocking defeat to Galatasaray, and Bodø/Glimt pull off a stunning win over Inter Milan. The boys react to all the drama, surprises, and what these results mean going forward.

Timestamps:
(6:30) – 2026 MLS preview and predictions

(30:00) - Gio Savarese’s USMNT World Cup outlook

(39:00) – Vinicius Junior deals with racism again: time for a rule change?

(59:00) – Folarin Balogun shines in Champions League loss to PSG

(1:04:30) - Serie A teams suffer shocking Champions League losses

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