Larry Henry Jr. joins Sean Brace to talk all things Philadelphia Union, FIFA Club World Cup, USMNT and the Gold Cup, and more.
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Episode Transcript
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Speaker 1 (00:00):
Number one on your car radio preset hand the new
and improved iheard radiop WDAS and WD two seven three
D Philadelphia is Fox Sports Radio the Gambler.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Yes, indeed, if you're just tuning in Phillies Game two
versus Padres reigned out, it's nasty outside, stay inside.
Speaker 3 (00:26):
Watch TV.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Plenty to watch to tune into these days, including the
great game of soccer.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
Oh my goodness.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
If you're a soccer fan, you're absolutely loving what's taking
place here in Philadelphia. Of course, you know, coast to
coast with the club championship, and then we got US
men's national team with the Gold Cup right now Guatemala
tomorrow in a semifinal game. We got the World Cup
coming up next year right here in North America.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Hey, that's not all people.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
The Philadelphia Union surprising everybody, top dogs in the East
and one of the best teams in the MLS. So
to talk a little bit more about all of that,
it's our good friend Larry Henry J.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
And you're joining us right now. Larr. How are we
doing today, sir, Yeah, it's up Sean.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
Good to be back with you, my friend. Yeah, everything's good. Man.
Just saw one of the latest summer storms go by.
I was nervous, my hope, worried that my power was
gonna go out, but pushed through it. It's nice and
calm now. So unfortunately no Phillies tonight, but that just
means more FIFA Club World Cup tonight, my friend.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Let's go all right, I want to dive into the
FIFA World Club Cup.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Did I get it right there?
Speaker 4 (01:44):
Yeah? FIFA Club World.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Cup, Club World Cup the best of the best. Two
weeks ago, I decided to do a show for game
one for the Mets and Phillies.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
We get down.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
There, and took me a little bit of a while,
a little bit extra to get down there because Chelsea
was playing at Lincoln Financial Field. What is going on
right now? It is amazing. I did see a pretty
good game the other day. PSG absolutely embarrassed Miami, but
the expectations weren't there for Miami to compete in that game.
But it's pretty cool. Is this new? Is this whole
(02:13):
tournament new? Have they been doing this over the years?
Take me through that.
Speaker 4 (02:17):
Yeah, So it's the same tournament, just with a different format. Normally,
FIFA will host this tournament, usually somewhere in the middle
East Saudi Arabia. I think Morocco has hosted it. And
normally the format used to be eight clubs, the best
of the best, you know, the YUEFA Champions League winner,
the CONCACAF Champions League winner, the Asian Champions League winner.
(02:39):
FIVA decided with the World World Cup coming to North
America next summer, they decided to expand the format to
thirty two clubs, take not only the Champions League winners
from around the world, but also take some of the
best teams that have finished in their respective standings. So
you have Manchester City, you have PSG, you have Real Madrid.
(03:02):
But then you also tossed in the teams like you
said in Miami, Seattle Sanders from MLS where it was
in the tournament, LAFC was in the tournament. Now we're
right now in the round of sixteen, getting ready for
the quarterfinals to happen this weekend. And really it's just
given some teams that might not have had the opportunity
to be in this tournament the chance to be there.
(03:24):
And there's also a lot of prize money that goes
with it. The winner of the tournament could receive up
to one hundred and twenty five million dollars just for participation,
for their results, for winning the competition. I know, Man
City got knocked out last night. They're gonna walk away
with I think it's fifty one million from just advancing
to the round of sixteen and for participation, which unfortunately
(03:47):
I wanted to see the win, but to get fifty million,
I mean, that's that's pretty cool to have, you know,
in your back pocket. So it's really been cool to see.
I know you mentioned the Chelsea match. I'm pretty sure
I saw your tweet. I'm at the stadium. You text, hey,
I see your broadcast is coming. You might get combarded
over there Philly's Mets. But it's been awesome in Philly.
Man close to two hundred I think it's over two
(04:09):
hundred fifty thousand fans now have gone to seven matches
and we still have one more match in Philly on
fourth of July, with palm Aris and Chelsea facing off
in the quarterfinals.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Palm Maris did they play, Yeah, they they played Chelsea
in that game.
Speaker 4 (04:26):
Yeah, they're playing this Friday. They This will be a
rematch of the twenty twenty two Club World Cup Final,
which Chelsea beat palm Aris two to one, and palm
Aris was at the Link last weekend. It was an
all Brazilian affair because they beat Bodafogo. Who they play.
Speaker 3 (04:44):
Joey oh but crazy.
Speaker 4 (04:50):
Yeah, No, it's been awesome, man, Yeah, it has been.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
And you know, look, we don't take those things slightly
where you're bringing all those people from all across the
into this city and they're spending money.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
And they're out and they're rock and It'sfinity Live, you know.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
I know they do very well for football games, and
I know that Phillies games home stands are rocking. But man,
like they're those bartenders, does way staff everybody? That place
is on fire right now. With downtown, it's really cool
stuff to see.
Speaker 4 (05:20):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
And of course it's just getting this ready for next year,
which is gonna be even more electric when it comes
to the World Cup. We'll talk a little bit more
about that. I am looking forward to a quick question though.
If the Philadelphia Union were to win one hundred and
twenty five million, say they got an opportunity to compete
and win the Club World Cup, they get a one
hundred and twenty five million right in their back pockets,
(05:42):
would they spend it on a good play. Would they
go out there and get us a player that we
actually know.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Are we gonna still trust Ernes? What is your thoughts
on that?
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Are the owner is gonna just pocket all that cash
one twenty five You can't win one hundred and twenty
five million and not spend a decent sum on some
players out there that we all know about.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
No, I think you're right. I think you have to
spend the money and get some players in the door.
I mean, we know the Philadelphia Union. They love to
invest in the academy. They've invested so much in the
training facilities. I haven't been down there in a long
time now, but I'm excited to go down there soon
and hopefully see the training facilities. I heard it's like
top notch. Now. Chelsea's was training there for their group
(06:22):
stage matches, so that was pretty cool to see. Yeah,
I think you did. Definitely would have to get some players.
I think it was even reportedly Jonathan Tannenwald, my colleaguer
at The Inquirer, reported about Thomas Mueller being his representatives
reaching out to the Union about Muller leaving Bayern Munich
this summer. At the end of the Club World Cup
and would he be interested, would the Union be interested
(06:45):
in getting him? I think it was like the Union
would pay maybe four to five million for a year,
whereas Mueller wanted I think ten million. If you get
one hundred and twenty five million year, there's no reason
why you cannot sign three or four, maybe five players
pending how and Ernst Tanner's good with it. I think
with spending the money in terms of finding diamonds in
the rough. And at that point you don't have to
(07:06):
go for diamonds in the rough anymore. Man you can
go out and get whoever you want.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Yeah, I'll tell you what.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
They deserve a lot of credit for being able to
go through all the change that they did this past season,
and of course where they're at right now on top
of the East. Let's go ahead and transition over to
the Philadelphia Union. We're here with the great Larry Henry
Junior talking all things about the beautiful game of soccer,
and as I said, I am a diehard soccer fan,
love it. Have not paid too much attention. I know
you're gonna get a Manchester in the United joke off,
(07:31):
but that's fine. Some of it's true, but all in all,
of the Philadelphia Union always will have a place in
my heart, and I have been tuning in watching those
games and it's been a very, very big surprise to
me how well they are playing this year. I can't
believe that they have taken to baton of course, from
Jim Curtin onto Carol the new head coach.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
And where they're at right now, I'm blown away.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
How surprised are you at the success that the Union
are having in year one with the new coach.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
I'm definitely surprised, for sure. I mean, Bradley Carnell has
been around MLS. He coached Saint Louis City, helped them
that first season of their expansion year. They did really good.
They exceeded all expectations as an expansion team, and then
the second year is where they kind of maybe we're
figured out a little bit. Carnell eventually got fired and
is now with the Union. I've definitely been impressed with
(08:22):
how disappointing the Union were last year. They are miles
better this season. I think ultimately the biggest thing was
making Super Roup Park a fortress again, winning at home,
not losing results at home. I mean you've been down
there so many times. I've been down there. A lot
of our colleagues have had super rou park when it's
packed and the place is rocking. I mean, it's one
of the better atmospheres in MLS. So getting the fans
(08:46):
back there, getting them behind the team, I think has
been important. Defensively, they've gotten back to what was a
strength under the last few years under Jim Curtin. Their
twenty goals conceded in MLS are the second fewest in
the league, so that's obvious. It's important. I know they
suffered a loss on Sunday to Columbus. They were short handed.
They've been missing people that are at the Gold Cup
(09:06):
with Team USA. It was their first loss in over
two months, so I mean, I'm sure Bradley Curdell is
not too disappointed with that. But overall things are clicking.
The offensive clicking. They have a lot of different guys
that can score. Todd Berribo's having a great year, you know,
Quinn Sullivan's having a really positive year as well. That's
why he's with the national team right now. You know. Defensively,
(09:28):
like I said, they've been really good, so hopefully they
can keep it going and hopefully this can be you know,
the start of a maybe a new regime under Carnell
where we can get the union back being fighting for
that number one spot for the next couple of seasons,
not just one year, and then you know you struggle
back a bit, phil have you?
Speaker 2 (09:44):
And plus a fifty to win it all this year?
And wouldn't that be just unbelievable if this is the
year that they put it all together and get the
job done. I was a huge Jim Curtin supporter. I
didn't understand the removal, but on all I think the
saying has been an earn speech trust and you know
he's got it going in the right direction right now
with the new head coach, Bradley Carnell, who I've mispronounced
(10:06):
his name.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
That's great stuff by me.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
There, but where we are, That's why we got Larry
on the show to correct me. But plus a fifty
for the Philadelphi Union, San Diego FC eight to one,
Vancouver seven to one, and inter Miami five to one.
Speaker 3 (10:20):
Take us through. Have they played Miami yet this year?
Speaker 4 (10:25):
Yeah? I believe they played Miami.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Or Miami slam dunk.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
I understand why they're favored because we have to factor
in the odds or the money coming in.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
It's messy. It's that team that's loaded.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
But when they go up against the team like inter Miami,
let's say it's the playoffs. Is this similar to and
I hate to bring another sport into it, but like
how the Dodgers.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
Are right now, is Miami that good with the.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Embarrassment of riches that they have put together with all
those players, I think they're that good.
Speaker 4 (10:55):
But I also think similar to the Dodgers right where
I think it was about a month ago, the Dodgers
hit that kind of that spell where they they lost
a couple series. They were they were getting beat by
some teams probably that they should have been beating up on.
And I know MLB MLS two different seasons. MLB's a
long season. Teams go through slides. We've seen it with
the Philadelphia Phillies. I think Miami will be neck and
(11:16):
neck with the Union. You have those world class players
like Messi, like Busquetes, like Suarez, like Albo that can
basically win you games. I know earlier this season the
Union had that three to three drawl in May at
home against Miami where Messi scored just a sublime free kick,
which is what he's known for we've seen, and then
they scored a stoppage time equalizing minute. Yeah, so it's
(11:40):
three to three that match. And then Miami also won
two to one back in March. I'm not too sure
if they play again this season, but I would think
that these two would square off in the playoffs. And
I think ultimately for the Union too. Not only is
MLS Cup on the on the table, I mean right
now they're in the quarterfinals the US Open Cup. I
think ultimately for them winning a trophy and just getting
(12:01):
back to that winning winning ways like they did with
the Supporter Shield and getting them as Cup in twenty
twenty two. You want to win as many trophies as
as you can. They got the Red Bulls at home
in the quarterfinals. They should be favored in that, and
then after that, I think it's you know, they would
be the favorite to win, favorites to win that competition.
So overall, good things from the Union. I expect them
(12:22):
to continue it up as the season goes on, and
they'll get their players back from the Gold Cup.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
Yeah, it was gonna be my next question. First, I
want to give a plug to ex's into you.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
Of course, Adam Booth, Matty G and Sebastiana too Club Legend.
You can catch that podcast right here on The Gambler
at Foxphro Gambler dot com. Those guys have done a
great job the last two seasons for US recording weekly
and it's a great deal to have Sebastian, who is
on the radio call as well weekly here on The Gambler,
And of course I play that throughout the course of
the week here on on air, but you can always
(12:51):
get the podcast formtfoxptro Gambler dot com. With that being said, yeah,
they just played a tough Columbus game down to their
fifth st. I had some people on my timeline saying,
and we know how it works in the world of soccer,
but is this something that they will have to deal
with throughout well, there is there any other tournaments that
are coming up later this season they're going to take
(13:12):
some good players off of the roster or is it
just we're home free after that after the Gold Clup,
and you're gonna get the best at the best at
the Union are able to put on the field.
Speaker 4 (13:21):
I think you're going to get the best from the
Union for sure. Basically MLS gave the clubs and an
opportunity to pick what competition that they wanted to feature
in the Union decided to go with the Open Cup
rather than the League's Cup, which is that competition with
MLS and Liga MX clubs from Mexico. So right now,
I mean, once the Union get these guys back from
the Gold Cup from international duty, they'll be back at
(13:44):
full strength. And ultimately, I mean looking through the schedule,
right you have this weekend coming up. You have Nashville
sc away that's not going to be easy, Nashville is
really good at home. Then you have back to back
matches against the Red Bulls. You have the Open Cup
match midweek, and then you have the Red Bulls at
that following weekend, and then then you have some matches
after that which would favor the Union. You have c
(14:06):
F Montreal, who had been atrocious this season. You have
the Euston Dynamo away, and then you have the Colorado
Rappins at whom and then you have an international friendly
against Iron Track Frankfurt, which would probably by then I
would imagine you would fully have everybody back and that fit.
So yeah, I think the Union for sure. Keeping everyone
healthy will be key. If they can do that, there's
(14:27):
no reason why this team can't run the table and
win the MLS Cup.
Speaker 2 (14:30):
Wow, that's crazy, man, Like, you know, we'll take it.
Listen to me, We'll take it. No, Like at the
end of the day, it's just an incredible vibe and
this team, this franchise, like we were always going to pull forth,
but Jim was such a huge piece to that puzzle,
and for them to move off of him, I just
(14:51):
felt like, all right, like I'm willing to give anything
an opportunity. Did not like it, did not agree with it,
but sure as hell did not see this type of success.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
So I am blown away.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
But you got Bribo out there is doing And then oh,
by the way, the moves that they made, like Jack McGlenn,
Like Jack mclar what what are we doing right now?
Jack McGlenn, we're getting rid of him. So these are
some of the things. But it always comes back to Ernest,
it does. Larry, like this dude is so damn good
at what he does.
Speaker 4 (15:19):
Yeah, no, he is. He's one of the best directors
you know in MLS. He's found so many Like I
said earlier, diamonds in the rough, Kai Wagner getting him
from a lower league in Germany for you know, cheap money,
and then turning him into one of the best left backs,
if not the best left back in MLS guys in
the past, Leon Flock, you know, some others as well,
(15:42):
Damian Lowe getting him in and then he goes off
to Saudi Arabia. So yeah, Tanner has been awesome in
the job. I'm actually shocked that he is still with
the Union. I would imagine that there's been some interest
from Germany, from the Bundesliga or the Second Bundesliga for
his services, because you know, that's where he's come from
and he's done so well in MLS. So I think
(16:04):
right now, you know, Union fans should be happy with
what the team's doing. And like I said, you're gonna
get players back. You're gonna get hopefully everyone playing, you know,
fit free, injury free soccer for the rest of the season.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Got to ask a Cavin Sullivan question, because he is
the chosen one. He's only fifteen years old. Maybe people
don't know about this story, but last year busted on
the scene had an opportunity to make his professional debut,
and I believe broke the record, if I'm not mistaken,
for youngest player to make a professional sporting debut for
(16:37):
the Philadelphia Union last year at the age of fourteen
years old. Good grief. What is going on with Cavin?
Is this all part of the process, all part of
the plan. They don't need him. He's in they're in
first place. If they weren't in first place, would we
see more playing time from him? Where are we at
as far as the Cavin Sullivan's story right now?
Speaker 4 (16:55):
Yeah, it's tough for right now right because he's so
He's a promising talent. He's obviously the next big thing
in American soccer. And with now, I believe he's fifteen,
So at with a fifteen year old, it's trying to
keep his head on straight and focus on what's going
on and all the bright lights around him. He's you know,
he's played against Leo Messi and other international stars, so
(17:17):
it must be pretty pretty special for him. Unfortunately, this
team right now, there's just a lot of guys in
midfield and a lot of attackers that they have that
are playing well, and I think that's too You don't
want to put too much pressure on it. Kevin Sullivan
at his age, I think there's gonna be opportunities for
him to play, maybe in the Open Cup next week,
maybe other I know he came off the bench and
that lost to Columbus, played forty five minutes off the bench.
(17:40):
So I think as long as he's playing and playing regularly,
whether it's with the first team, whether it's MLS, next pro,
I think that's important for his development. Obviously we know
the reports about him being linked with Manchester City and
potentially going there when he turns eighteen. Obviously City haven't
commented on it. The Union haven't really commented on it
as well. I know he was at the man City
(18:01):
match at the Link last two weeks ago in the
Club World Cup. He was in the in the boxes
watching potentially his future club. Even we even asked Pep
Cordiola tried to hint around the question but wasn't allowed
to say anything. So, but yeah, he's a promising talent
for sure. I think he's going to be a special player.
And whether that's you know, he gets that time with
(18:23):
the Union or eventually when he does go to man City,
I imagine he's going to be loaned out and getting
regular playing time elsewhere before he gets the opportunity with
the City first team. But it's cool to see. Obviously
we know Quinn and what he's done for the program,
and it's really awesome to see Cavin as a young
player fifteen years old. I mean, just imagine what were
you doing at fifteen? Saw, Well, we were getting right
(18:44):
for high school sports.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Had a girl friend when I was fifteen. I remember that.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
Yeah, yeah, that was that was all about girls in
those days. Man, that's what it was. Girls in football.
Take me back, take me back that we got Larry
every junior right now joining us talking out things about
the beautiful game of soccer here and yeah, look, the
Philadelphi Union are on top Plinty to discuss. But it's
a long, long season, so let's transition and let's get
(19:12):
on over to the boys in red, white and blue,
and let's talk about the US men's national team with
the Gold Cup. And there's a pretty good interview with
Tyler Adams on Colin Kawhert before me, and he was honest.
Speaker 4 (19:22):
You know.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
They asked him about how important is it to winning
this Gold Cup and he said, you know what, anytime
it's a knockout game.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
There's so much you can take away from it.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
So you know, look, I think I got my answer,
because it is interesting when you talk about the Gold Cup.
I feel like there's nothing to gain. Yeah, when they win,
it's cool and what they've done it before. But when
they lose, it's a huge deal. Right, you can't be
losing that. But all in all, next year we're gonna
be seeing a whole different roster. So it's just important
for these guys to make their mark, play well, and
(19:53):
for some players to separate themselves from the bunch to
overall make the roster. That's how I see it. Do
you see this Gold Cup right now? And of course
the semifinal game against Guatemala.
Speaker 4 (20:03):
Tomorrow, I think it's definitely important. For sure, Like you said,
this roster is gonna look a whole lot different this
time next year, and probably even in the fall when
a lot of the European bass players are back in
the Christian Poliitics the West the McKinney's, the tim Way
is the Anthony Robinson's. But overall, I still think this
is important for US soccer because Mauricio Pozatino still has
(20:26):
a lot of scouting to do with this roster in
terms of who can be part of that that World
Cup roster. Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, Tim Reim. Those three
guys I think right now that are on this current
Gold Cup roster, you're you're definitely gonna see them on
the World Cup roster. I don't think there's any reason
why not. They're important to the team, they're veterans of
the team. Unless they're injured, I don't see why they're
(20:48):
not there. The rest of the roster I think is
still up for grabs in terms of all these other
guys that are in the current squad, they have a
big opportunity right now with some players missing due to rest,
due to injury, due to summer break, due to club
World Cup activity. So right now, I think the Guatemala
match is definitely, you know, important right now for the
(21:10):
program because after this tournament, it's basically friendlies here on
out for the program. So this is the last competitive
tournament for them, the last opportunity for them to bring
hum a trophy. I think it would be awesome to
get a trophy under Pachetino before the World Cup starts.
There was definitely pressure on him going into the Gold
Cup after they lost to Turkey and Switzerland and a
pair of hoom friendlies, and they were beaten pretty bad
(21:33):
in both of them, and those are two teams that
you could potentially see in the World Cup. So I
think they've eased the pressure a little bit, but I
don't think the pressure is fully off yet because they
play at Guatemala side on Wednesday night, who you know,
they haven't faced in nine years. That was actually the
last time they had lost to Guatemala. Guatemala is coming
off an upset winner for Canada and they definitely have,
(21:56):
you know, playing with house money right now. Where you
look at the USA their favorite to win this, and
they should be favored to win this by at least
two goals.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Yeah, that's the issue. And it's like, you know, it's tough,
it's it's soccer. So I'm not going to get caught
up in the fact that they had to go two
penalties against Costa Rica. But again, it was a tough
game and they had it. They were up two to
one and then all of a sudden you had nine
guys in the box just standing around looking at each other,
and of course cost Rica even to score a pretty
good game there and final ending as well. Diego Luna,
(22:27):
Is he the star of the show right now for
the US men's team? Where are we at, Like, who's
shining the most for you?
Speaker 4 (22:34):
Yeah? I think Diego Luna is definitely one of those guys.
I think the player of the tournament for the US
has to be Malec Tillman, the midfielder with PSV who
is reportedly set to join bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga
in the deal worth forty million euros. So he's having
a really great tournament and I think that's important for
him because this was a player that I had kind
of singled out and hope you know, he had I
(22:56):
think it was fifteen maybe caps before that, hadn't scored assisted.
He's had a couple of goals now, he's worked hard,
he's won fouls, delivered some big time assists. I think
Tilman's been really good. He's been the player of the
tournament for the team USA. Diego Luna is definitely up
there as well. Max Arfston has done a lot of
good things on the offensive side of the field. Patrick
(23:17):
Ajumon is fighting for that number nine striker role with
a lot of guys out. You know, there's there's a
bunch of strikers that could have been in this camp
that just couldn't be because they've they've been hurt. Falaren Ballagan,
Josh Sargent, Hadgi Wright recorded Peppy. So right now, like
you said, Diego Luna has been really well, I think
Matt Freeze has done exceptionally well. Is two former Philadelphi
(23:37):
Union guy three saves in the shootout against Costa Rica.
That number one goalkeeping position is still up for grabs,
and I think Freeze has done pretty well. So like
I said that, those guys Tilman, Luna, Rston Ajamon, even
Matt Freeze, I think those guys that have definitely carried
the torch, and Chris Richards as well. I mean he
him and Tyler Adams are the two veterans of the bunch.
(23:58):
We know what they're expecting to do. The other guys,
they were the ones that were asked to step up,
and I think they have and we're going to need
more of that against Guatemala and potentially against Mexico in
the final.
Speaker 2 (24:07):
Yeah, Freeze, I think they did something stupid of Fox,
one of those talking shows, and they were like the
man of the weekend and it was Matt Freezer. They
look at that, all right, give a shout out to
Matt Freeze as far as you kind of were hitting
on it a little bit because a big talking point
about the US men's national team going into the last
World Cup and of course this upcoming World Cup and
(24:28):
matches in between. The striker that's position at the top
so important, of course, new coach, So are we still
looking at it in the same manner? A and MB
Is there somebody right now? Like I was a huge
peppy guy. Obviously he didn't grab the baton and run
with it. It was his opportunity to do so. Josh
Sargent had an opportunity to do it as well. Is
there somebody else that's out there that we're not looking at,
(24:51):
somebody that's new. Is there somebody that's separating themselves from
the pack in your mind for next year's World Cup
where we had the striker position, the all important man
at the top.
Speaker 4 (25:01):
It's tough to say right now, just because there's so
many guys that are missing, Like you said, Pepi was.
Peppy had an injury at the second half of the
season with PSV, which kind of ruled him out. Hoddy
Wright was in camp and then had to leave with
an achilles issue, which hopefully that's not serious because achilles
serious Achilles injuries could be a year out. Josh Sargent
(25:21):
has hasn't scored a US goal in five years. We
know what he's done with Norwich City, but you haven't.
He hasn't done that with the national team and right
now he was an injury. He was just a decision
made by pots of team not to bring him in,
just a choice, so I think that's deservedly so he
hasn't proven anything in the other guys. Flaren Ballagan had
(25:41):
an injury as well, so it ruled him out. I
think Ballogan eventually is going to be the guy that
will get the opportunity. I think he's the most talented
of the bunch, and I think Peppi will be right
behind him as a backup for PSV. He still still
scored seventeen goals in all competitions, which has led to
interest growing in his services elsewhere, so I think those
(26:02):
two guys will be in there. I think Ajemon's done
pretty well. He's a physical beast of a striker. He
just wins dules, wins, battles, drawls, fouls. Maybe doesn't score
the prettiest goals, but he's a poacher. He's around the
box and he'll score. So I think he's definitely boosted
his stock. So I think he'll be those three guys
right now. Maybe Sergeant can get back in the mix,
(26:23):
maybe Hoddy Ray can get healthy and get back in
the mix as well, But overall, I think it'll be
those three guys, I said, Balligan Peppi, and maybe Patrick
Adimon as we head into the September window.
Speaker 2 (26:33):
All right, Tomorrow nights it is USA and Guatemala at
seven pm USA minus three sixty. You got Guatemala plus
nine to fifty in the draw plus four seventy five.
On the other side, he got Mexico and Hondurs. That
goes off at ten pm. Mexico a big time favorite,
UT minus three ten. It'd be great to see USA
versus Mexico, obviously, get the juices going to the best
(26:55):
kind of want to see Canada in there. It's just
because we wanted to see, you know, some really good competition.
But no one's looking past anybody with Team USA Soccer,
that's for sure, all right, Larry. Great stuff there. Let's
go ahead and hit the ice for a second. Let's
talk about what the Flyers just did. A lot of
hype going out with the Flyers right now, big trade.
You got a big draft party taking plays down there
in Atlantic City.
Speaker 3 (27:16):
A lot of people love them. What they're doing these days.
Are they putting it together?
Speaker 2 (27:21):
And are we talking about a team that will be
back into playoffs next year?
Speaker 4 (27:26):
Oh, that's tough. I still think they know. I still
think that they've done a really good job of kind
of piecing the roster together. I think getting Trevor Zegris
from Anaheim for basically nothing was a really good deal.
The only thing with Zegres is he hasn't played a
full season in five NHL seasons. He's been injured parts
(27:48):
of it. But when he's out there, he can score goals.
He did so for a really bad Anaheim mighty duck squad.
I think getting him in Philly now with the guys
like mitchkov and Connectnee and Katerrier, think that's going to
be important for him. If he can stay healthy, then
that that could be the difference of them making the
playoffs or not. In the draft, they were able to
(28:08):
get a lot of good talent for sure. I definitely
like the first round picks, you know, getting Porter martoone, uh,
the eighteen year old, the forward. I don't think he's
gonna be up anytime soon, but that's one for the future.
And then recently they've started getting some lower end deals
for some players, Christian Devorak from Montreal, who I think
(28:29):
could be a good depth piece for them. He's worked
with Rick Tockett before, so I think, you know, getting
some guys familiar to tacket style of play is important.
I still think the big question mark remains, and we
always talk about this is the goaltending. Can they consisting goaltending?
Ever since Carter Hart has left, that goaltending has hasn't
been as consistent. I mean, whether it's Samuel Orson, whether
(28:51):
it's Ivan Fadidov, whether it's Alexei Cola sev. They need
to get a guy and hopefully ride that number one train,
you know, into the season. They shuffled around too many
times and I think, I just think that doesn't lead
to a consistent team. So I think if they can
get the goaltending figured out in camp, whether it's Arson,
whether it's Beididol and then over overall too get the
(29:14):
special teams units back to being in the top ten
like they were several seasons ago. I think that's going
to be important for them in a really tough metro division.
Speaker 2 (29:22):
Man, if only they can find a goalie like that
that guy from Florida, Lebroski, Man, he was, He's awesome.
I mean, it would be great if they could get
a goalie like that someday. I Kim, obviously he was here,
you're going to he wasn't the same goalie here at
the end of the day, though he was pretty damn good.
Speaker 3 (29:40):
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (29:40):
It's just the world we live in when it comes
to hockey players. But he's having a lot of success.
He's a Hall of Fame goalie.
Speaker 3 (29:47):
In fact.
Speaker 2 (29:48):
A lot of fun there, all right, Larry, great job man.
You caught us up with everything as far as soccer
is concerned. Truly, speaking here selfishly, I was looking forward
to this hit because of we're going to go around
the world having time soccer in quite some time. The
Philadelphia Union front and center of course, red white and blue,
with everything that's happening, Gold Cup and the World Cup
next year and of course, all this club club Championship
(30:10):
that's going on right now, A lot of people are
catching the attention there. We didn't talk about who's gonna
win it. Who do you got winning at that tournament?
Speaker 4 (30:18):
Oh, that's tough. I think PSG is gonna win it.
PSG routed Miami. I know they had a hiccup in
the group stage against Bodafogo, but overall, I think it's
gonna be them. They have a tough one though they
got to play Bayern Munich next. I think whoever wins
that match is going to eventually win the competition. But
PSG being the reigning Champions League winners, I don't see
any reason why they can't win it. But who knows.
(30:41):
There's been a lot of surprises. Man City coughed it
up an extra time against Al Halal, Inter Milan lost
to Flumenes. Real Madrid's on right now, so a lot
can happen, you know, knockout tournaments. Man, anything can happen,
and could be some money to be made there as well.
Speaker 3 (30:57):
I'm mad.
Speaker 2 (30:58):
I wanted to make that Real Madrid game nine o'clock
at night and it was raining and I'm just like, no,
can't swing that with the new baby, but that crowd
looked electric. Was that the best crowd? What's been the
best crowd down at the Link in your opinion?
Speaker 4 (31:10):
Yeah, that was definitely. The Real Madrid match was over
sixty thousand. That that was, you know, more than double.
I think every pretty much triple even some of the
earlier matches. But yeah, Real Madrid was awesome. Being able
to be you know in the locker you know, in
the locker room with these guys Trent Alexander, Arnold Venetius
Junior teen, these world class players, Jude Bellingham, and just
(31:32):
seeing the support. I think you touched on it earlier
with the fans, I mean right now for a lot
of international fans, I wouldn't put the US as a
destination spot right now with everything going on in the
world and everything, but these fans have made the trip.
You know, early in the competition, we had fans from Morocco,
fans from Tunisia, fans from Brazil. We've had Man City fans,
(31:54):
We've had Chelsea fans. It's been really cool to see.
I think everything's been pretty safe down at the Link.
They've done it really good job with security and everything,
which is awesome, because I think it's just going to
get Risen up to the next level next summer with
the World Cup. But overall, like Real Madrid was awesome
and it'd be cool to get them back here again.
Unfortunately that's not going to happen this summer.
Speaker 2 (32:13):
Well said Larry, Great job across the board. Man, can't
thank you enough for stopping by again today. We'll catch up,
of course, We've got a long summer in front of
us with the Philadelphia Union a lot to discuss there.
You can find Larry at El Henry zero one nine
on socials. Does a bang up job for a lot
of outlets out there, including the athletic and SBI soccer
(32:35):
and then some so be sure to give him a
follow if you don't already at El Henry zero one nine. Larry,
you're the best. Enjoy these games. We'll catch up later
this summer and talk some more. So Philadelphia Union. Hopefully
a US men's national team Gold Cup victory, how about that?
Speaker 4 (32:52):
Yeah, man, hopefully Thanks a lot sewing. And I gotta
leave you with this one club that wasn't at the
Club World Cup, Manchester United too busy playing Hopscott, you're
over there in England.
Speaker 3 (33:02):
Can't help yourself get there. He's gone, I'm running him,
get out.
Speaker 2 (33:10):
I love Larry. Yeah, Look he always gives me the jab,
and that's a good stuff there. Look, you know, I'm
a fair weather fan. At the end of the day.
The United stuff has been killing me. Can't even tune
in to watch this these them play, I can't. It's brutal.
A new season. We'll see what happens, but man, it's
been frustrating. Of course, new coach coming. She's like, man,
(33:31):
what is going on right now? But he is right
about that. He's also right about the fact that the
USA is dealing with a lot right now, and we
know where we're at when we get into that discussion,
and it's very unfortunate. But it's ugly. It is so
(33:52):
ugly the stuff that has taken place right now, and
to the point that I can't even listen to me, like, well,
you're on my pedestal here. I can't even look at
the timeline, like I've tried as much as possible not
to be on social media because the stuff that you
are seeing is just straight up disgraceful. And I have
no idea how we've got here. We're building these these
(34:14):
camps now in the middle of the Everglades, and we're
rolling around on Fox News like it's an episode of
house Hunters, like what is going on right now? Ripping
people from their families like man, and like, yeah, I
get it, you know, people coming in here across the
border that weren't here legally understood, But there's just You've
(34:38):
heard a million one people say it, including Joe Rogan,
that there's got to be a better way, and it's
just sad. It really is sad where we're at right now.
And if you're enjoying it, they knock yourself out. Good,
I'm glad you are, But me, Nope, not happy with
anything that's happening. And it's disgraceful and you have to
wonder whether or not it's going to have a carryover
effect into twenty twenty six, which was supposed.
Speaker 3 (35:00):
To be this huge year for us.
Speaker 2 (35:03):
And then you know, underlying, who the hell knows what
we're going to be dealing with in twenty twenty six
right I honestly, we don't even know what we're gonna
deal with next week, tomorrow. Every day it's something new.
It's very unfortunate to where we're at right now, and
I just I don't know. Man, even his biggest supporters,
even as the administration's biggest supporters, are really wondering what
(35:25):
the hell's going on, So you tell me. But bottom
line is, it's ugly. And we were talking to some
people from Brazil and it was it.
Speaker 3 (35:33):
Was very eye opening the fact that they were here.
Speaker 2 (35:35):
On that Friday when we were down Infinity Live, I
had a conversation with two dudes speaking broken English and
I'm just like, I'm glad to see you guys here.
Speaker 3 (35:42):
And the one dude made a joke and I was
just like, man, it sucks. That's sad. That's sad to
hear him have to worry about being here legally.
Speaker 2 (35:49):
But none of that matters, right, None of that matters.
So anyways, moving off of that, do have some other
stuff that is happening in a serious world that we
live in. There has been a verdict reached in the
Puff Daddy trial, a partial verdict, excuse me. So that's
the news that will be on your timeline now and
moving forward, I think the big one they have not
(36:11):
found a verdict or not come to an agreement on
a verdict there so I don't think that that works
in Diddy's favor. If you paid attention to the trialt all,
which is the longest trial I can remember. This thing
has been going on forever. It does not look good
for Diddy, but who knows, maybe he can swing some
money to the right people at the higher ups and
then get themselves spelled out, you know, get a pardon,
(36:35):
because that seems to be the thing to do these
days as well. So when it surprised me, when it
shocked me. But we'll see how that one plays out
there with Diddy. And then, last but not least, this
one came across my timeline yesterday, not my timeline. iHeartRadio
does a great job sending out emails keeping you up
to day with all the news that's happening around the world,
and you know, I signed up for all of them,
(36:55):
obviously working for iHeart. The Idaho murder, which if if
you remember, going back a couple of years ago, that
dude went in and murdered all those college girls, and
I think there was a dude. There was four people murdered.
The authorities out there in Idaho came to an agreement,
and it's crazy that they came to an agreement where
(37:17):
they would remove the death penalty if he pled guilty.
This dude, Brian Coburger, I believe had Pennsylvania tized.
Speaker 3 (37:25):
Didn't he? That we should be saying that did he
get popped the PA? I forget what happened there.
Speaker 2 (37:29):
Anyways, Brian Coburger will serve consecutive death penalties, four straight
a matter of fact, and we'll never see the light
of day ever again. But the death penalty has been removed.
Now here's the crazy part. He had one set of family,
or he had one side of the family that was
one of the murder victims that they were happy that
(37:52):
they were able to say that the express relief, noting
that the plea allows them to avoid a trial and
focus on healing. Yet the other victims were now thrown
around things that this is shocking and cruel, and they
are they are criticizing officials for the lack of input
from victims' families. Steve Conclaves, who lost his daughter Kaylee
(38:18):
quote this is anything but justice clothes quote, and he
expressed frustration over their secretive nature of the deal. Now,
this happened in twenty twenty two Slash twenty twenty three,
because I think he was arrested in twenty three of January.
Speaker 3 (38:33):
But that's like, I'm not saying.
Speaker 2 (38:36):
That that's easy, But how to hell do you go
against Like I understand it, you don't want to trial,
you don't want the thing to drawn out. But he
was one hundred percent going to get guilty, convicted of
the crimes that he committed. They had somebody that saw
him there. Of course, there were some other things that
(38:58):
we were privy to as far as it details that
where they were being discussed. I remember the connection of
his clothes driving. There were so many things that were
connecting him to the spot. And for them to say,
you know what, we're gonna give him a plea deal
and specifically not keeping the family members involved, I just
(39:21):
I don't agree with that. When I saw it yesterday,
my job was on the floor. I said it to
my wife. I said, how the hell do you give
him a plea deal? Come on, man, don't do that.
And I'm not even you know, a victim in this
in this murder, Like imagine if your daughter or your
son was murdered and all of a sudden they're like, yeah,
we're gonna take the death Pedaly off, We're gonna put
him in prison, no way, huh huh.
Speaker 3 (39:42):
Sorry.
Speaker 2 (39:43):
But again on the flip side of that, you do
have other victims families saying, you know what, we accept
it and we are ready to focus on healing. So like, man,
if you're a prosecutor, somebody has to make that decision.
That is tough, That is tough business. But it's very
sad that that dude is going to continue to live
(40:03):
and of course in a prison. Why don't we put
him in Alligator Alcatraz. Why don't we do that, you
know what, put him down there and make him walk
to it. This criminal maybe he'll try and get a
part in some way, somehow to its daily ticket. Having
some fun as we often do here NBA Free Agency.
Let me get you a baseball organ. All right, enough
(40:28):
of this serious stuff. Five o'clock hour're coming up. You
know it's NBA Free Agency. Sat down with Sam Ostri
earlier today, great conversation and all things NBA Free Agency,
And you know, I opened up today's show with a
little bit of frustration, and you know, I understand where
we're at when it comes to the seventy six ers.
(40:50):
But the Atlanta Hawks have a fresh new approach. They
were building something up of last year. They go out
there and sign him and make some moves these past
few days slash week, Porzingis come into town. Of course,
the Dallas Mavericks, everything that they have done, Orlando Magic
look pretty good. The Calves have put it together, and
the Knicks are good. Yet the seventy six ers are
(41:10):
gonna roll out Joel Embiid and Paul George yet again.
And it all comes down to what a hope and
a prayer to the big Man above that these guys
remain healthy or else this team will not compete for
anything other than a trip to the playoffs and one
and done.
Speaker 3 (41:28):
And that sucks. But that's the reality where we're at,
or is it.
Speaker 2 (41:33):
Sam does push back on me on that I'm gonna
play that for you. On the other side, he actually
says there's some newness with this team, and he makes
the case in the five o'clock hour once again, don't
go anywhere and if you miss anything f FOXPHO Gambler
dot com.
Speaker 1 (41:48):
It's the daily ticket with Sean Brace Monday to Friday.
Speaker 2 (41:54):
Bryce Harper is back in the Phillies lineup, and there's
no better time than right now, Harper. He's been out
since June fifth, and the fightings were just twelve and
ten in that stretch. Now, you didn't need to be
a baseball officionado to see the offense lacked firepower.
Speaker 3 (42:09):
Just look at the recent road trip. Brilliant pitching performances.
Speaker 2 (42:13):
Wasted, including Ranger Suarez tossing sixteen scoreless.
Speaker 3 (42:16):
Innings without a single run of support. Brutal.
Speaker 2 (42:20):
Harper's return pushes everyone back into their proper spots, locks
down the first base on defense, and brings the swagger
of a showman ready to deliver that clutch home run.
Speaker 3 (42:30):
That we can count on time and time again. It's
great to have Bryce back in the lineup.
Speaker 1 (42:37):
If you can wager on it, we're talking about it
right here on the Gamblers
Number one on your car radio preset hand the new
and improved iheard radiop WDAS and WD two seven three
D Philadelphia is Fox Sports Radio the Gambler.
Speaker 2 (00:18):
Yes, indeed, if you're just tuning in Phillies Game two
versus Padres reigned out, it's nasty outside, stay inside.
Speaker 3 (00:26):
Watch TV.
Speaker 2 (00:27):
Plenty to watch to tune into these days, including the
great game of soccer.
Speaker 3 (00:34):
Oh my goodness.
Speaker 2 (00:35):
If you're a soccer fan, you're absolutely loving what's taking
place here in Philadelphia. Of course, you know, coast to
coast with the club championship, and then we got US
men's national team with the Gold Cup right now Guatemala
tomorrow in a semifinal game. We got the World Cup
coming up next year right here in North America.
Speaker 3 (00:56):
Hey, that's not all people.
Speaker 2 (00:58):
The Philadelphia Union surprising everybody, top dogs in the East
and one of the best teams in the MLS. So
to talk a little bit more about all of that,
it's our good friend Larry Henry J.
Speaker 3 (01:11):
And you're joining us right now. Larr. How are we
doing today, sir, Yeah, it's up Sean.
Speaker 4 (01:17):
Good to be back with you, my friend. Yeah, everything's good. Man.
Just saw one of the latest summer storms go by.
I was nervous, my hope, worried that my power was
gonna go out, but pushed through it. It's nice and
calm now. So unfortunately no Phillies tonight, but that just
means more FIFA Club World Cup tonight, my friend.
Speaker 2 (01:37):
Let's go all right, I want to dive into the
FIFA World Club Cup.
Speaker 3 (01:42):
Did I get it right there?
Speaker 4 (01:44):
Yeah? FIFA Club World.
Speaker 2 (01:45):
Cup, Club World Cup the best of the best. Two
weeks ago, I decided to do a show for game
one for the Mets and Phillies.
Speaker 3 (01:51):
We get down.
Speaker 2 (01:52):
There, and took me a little bit of a while,
a little bit extra to get down there because Chelsea
was playing at Lincoln Financial Field. What is going on
right now? It is amazing. I did see a pretty
good game the other day. PSG absolutely embarrassed Miami, but
the expectations weren't there for Miami to compete in that game.
But it's pretty cool. Is this new? Is this whole
(02:13):
tournament new? Have they been doing this over the years?
Take me through that.
Speaker 4 (02:17):
Yeah, So it's the same tournament, just with a different format. Normally,
FIFA will host this tournament, usually somewhere in the middle
East Saudi Arabia. I think Morocco has hosted it. And
normally the format used to be eight clubs, the best
of the best, you know, the YUEFA Champions League winner,
the CONCACAF Champions League winner, the Asian Champions League winner.
(02:39):
FIVA decided with the World World Cup coming to North
America next summer, they decided to expand the format to
thirty two clubs, take not only the Champions League winners
from around the world, but also take some of the
best teams that have finished in their respective standings. So
you have Manchester City, you have PSG, you have Real Madrid.
(03:02):
But then you also tossed in the teams like you
said in Miami, Seattle Sanders from MLS where it was
in the tournament, LAFC was in the tournament. Now we're
right now in the round of sixteen, getting ready for
the quarterfinals to happen this weekend. And really it's just
given some teams that might not have had the opportunity
to be in this tournament the chance to be there.
(03:24):
And there's also a lot of prize money that goes
with it. The winner of the tournament could receive up
to one hundred and twenty five million dollars just for participation,
for their results, for winning the competition. I know, Man
City got knocked out last night. They're gonna walk away
with I think it's fifty one million from just advancing
to the round of sixteen and for participation, which unfortunately
(03:47):
I wanted to see the win, but to get fifty million,
I mean, that's that's pretty cool to have, you know,
in your back pocket. So it's really been cool to see.
I know you mentioned the Chelsea match. I'm pretty sure
I saw your tweet. I'm at the stadium. You text, hey,
I see your broadcast is coming. You might get combarded
over there Philly's Mets. But it's been awesome in Philly.
Man close to two hundred I think it's over two
(04:09):
hundred fifty thousand fans now have gone to seven matches
and we still have one more match in Philly on
fourth of July, with palm Aris and Chelsea facing off
in the quarterfinals.
Speaker 2 (04:21):
Palm Maris did they play, Yeah, they they played Chelsea
in that game.
Speaker 4 (04:26):
Yeah, they're playing this Friday. They This will be a
rematch of the twenty twenty two Club World Cup Final,
which Chelsea beat palm Aris two to one, and palm
Aris was at the Link last weekend. It was an
all Brazilian affair because they beat Bodafogo. Who they play.
Speaker 3 (04:44):
Joey oh but crazy.
Speaker 4 (04:50):
Yeah, No, it's been awesome, man, Yeah, it has been.
Speaker 2 (04:52):
And you know, look, we don't take those things slightly
where you're bringing all those people from all across the
into this city and they're spending money.
Speaker 3 (05:03):
And they're out and they're rock and It'sfinity Live, you know.
Speaker 2 (05:07):
I know they do very well for football games, and
I know that Phillies games home stands are rocking. But man,
like they're those bartenders, does way staff everybody? That place
is on fire right now. With downtown, it's really cool
stuff to see.
Speaker 4 (05:20):
Uh.
Speaker 2 (05:20):
And of course it's just getting this ready for next year,
which is gonna be even more electric when it comes
to the World Cup. We'll talk a little bit more
about that. I am looking forward to a quick question though.
If the Philadelphia Union were to win one hundred and
twenty five million, say they got an opportunity to compete
and win the Club World Cup, they get a one
hundred and twenty five million right in their back pockets,
(05:42):
would they spend it on a good play. Would they
go out there and get us a player that we
actually know.
Speaker 3 (05:48):
Are we gonna still trust Ernes? What is your thoughts
on that?
Speaker 2 (05:50):
Are the owner is gonna just pocket all that cash
one twenty five You can't win one hundred and twenty
five million and not spend a decent sum on some
players out there that we all know about.
Speaker 4 (06:01):
No, I think you're right. I think you have to
spend the money and get some players in the door.
I mean, we know the Philadelphia Union. They love to
invest in the academy. They've invested so much in the
training facilities. I haven't been down there in a long
time now, but I'm excited to go down there soon
and hopefully see the training facilities. I heard it's like
top notch. Now. Chelsea's was training there for their group
(06:22):
stage matches, so that was pretty cool to see. Yeah,
I think you did. Definitely would have to get some players.
I think it was even reportedly Jonathan Tannenwald, my colleaguer
at The Inquirer, reported about Thomas Mueller being his representatives
reaching out to the Union about Muller leaving Bayern Munich
this summer. At the end of the Club World Cup
and would he be interested, would the Union be interested
(06:45):
in getting him? I think it was like the Union
would pay maybe four to five million for a year,
whereas Mueller wanted I think ten million. If you get
one hundred and twenty five million year, there's no reason
why you cannot sign three or four, maybe five players
pending how and Ernst Tanner's good with it. I think
with spending the money in terms of finding diamonds in
the rough. And at that point you don't have to
(07:06):
go for diamonds in the rough anymore. Man you can
go out and get whoever you want.
Speaker 3 (07:09):
Yeah, I'll tell you what.
Speaker 2 (07:10):
They deserve a lot of credit for being able to
go through all the change that they did this past season,
and of course where they're at right now on top
of the East. Let's go ahead and transition over to
the Philadelphia Union. We're here with the great Larry Henry
Junior talking all things about the beautiful game of soccer,
and as I said, I am a diehard soccer fan,
love it. Have not paid too much attention. I know
you're gonna get a Manchester in the United joke off,
(07:31):
but that's fine. Some of it's true, but all in all,
of the Philadelphia Union always will have a place in
my heart, and I have been tuning in watching those
games and it's been a very, very big surprise to
me how well they are playing this year. I can't
believe that they have taken to baton of course, from
Jim Curtin onto Carol the new head coach.
Speaker 3 (07:51):
And where they're at right now, I'm blown away.
Speaker 2 (07:54):
How surprised are you at the success that the Union
are having in year one with the new coach.
Speaker 4 (08:00):
I'm definitely surprised, for sure. I mean, Bradley Carnell has
been around MLS. He coached Saint Louis City, helped them
that first season of their expansion year. They did really good.
They exceeded all expectations as an expansion team, and then
the second year is where they kind of maybe we're
figured out a little bit. Carnell eventually got fired and
is now with the Union. I've definitely been impressed with
(08:22):
how disappointing the Union were last year. They are miles
better this season. I think ultimately the biggest thing was
making Super Roup Park a fortress again, winning at home,
not losing results at home. I mean you've been down
there so many times. I've been down there. A lot
of our colleagues have had super rou park when it's
packed and the place is rocking. I mean, it's one
of the better atmospheres in MLS. So getting the fans
(08:46):
back there, getting them behind the team, I think has
been important. Defensively, they've gotten back to what was a
strength under the last few years under Jim Curtin. Their
twenty goals conceded in MLS are the second fewest in
the league, so that's obvious. It's important. I know they
suffered a loss on Sunday to Columbus. They were short handed.
They've been missing people that are at the Gold Cup
(09:06):
with Team USA. It was their first loss in over
two months, so I mean, I'm sure Bradley Curdell is
not too disappointed with that. But overall things are clicking.
The offensive clicking. They have a lot of different guys
that can score. Todd Berribo's having a great year, you know,
Quinn Sullivan's having a really positive year as well. That's
why he's with the national team right now. You know. Defensively,
(09:28):
like I said, they've been really good, so hopefully they
can keep it going and hopefully this can be you know,
the start of a maybe a new regime under Carnell
where we can get the union back being fighting for
that number one spot for the next couple of seasons,
not just one year, and then you know you struggle
back a bit, phil have you?
Speaker 2 (09:44):
And plus a fifty to win it all this year?
And wouldn't that be just unbelievable if this is the
year that they put it all together and get the
job done. I was a huge Jim Curtin supporter. I
didn't understand the removal, but on all I think the
saying has been an earn speech trust and you know
he's got it going in the right direction right now
with the new head coach, Bradley Carnell, who I've mispronounced
(10:06):
his name.
Speaker 3 (10:06):
That's great stuff by me.
Speaker 2 (10:07):
There, but where we are, That's why we got Larry
on the show to correct me. But plus a fifty
for the Philadelphi Union, San Diego FC eight to one,
Vancouver seven to one, and inter Miami five to one.
Speaker 3 (10:20):
Take us through. Have they played Miami yet this year?
Speaker 4 (10:25):
Yeah? I believe they played Miami.
Speaker 3 (10:28):
Or Miami slam dunk.
Speaker 2 (10:30):
I understand why they're favored because we have to factor
in the odds or the money coming in.
Speaker 3 (10:35):
It's messy. It's that team that's loaded.
Speaker 2 (10:37):
But when they go up against the team like inter Miami,
let's say it's the playoffs. Is this similar to and
I hate to bring another sport into it, but like
how the Dodgers.
Speaker 3 (10:46):
Are right now, is Miami that good with the.
Speaker 2 (10:49):
Embarrassment of riches that they have put together with all
those players, I think they're that good.
Speaker 4 (10:55):
But I also think similar to the Dodgers right where
I think it was about a month ago, the Dodgers
hit that kind of that spell where they they lost
a couple series. They were they were getting beat by
some teams probably that they should have been beating up on.
And I know MLB MLS two different seasons. MLB's a
long season. Teams go through slides. We've seen it with
the Philadelphia Phillies. I think Miami will be neck and
(11:16):
neck with the Union. You have those world class players
like Messi, like Busquetes, like Suarez, like Albo that can
basically win you games. I know earlier this season the
Union had that three to three drawl in May at
home against Miami where Messi scored just a sublime free kick,
which is what he's known for we've seen, and then
they scored a stoppage time equalizing minute. Yeah, so it's
(11:40):
three to three that match. And then Miami also won
two to one back in March. I'm not too sure
if they play again this season, but I would think
that these two would square off in the playoffs. And
I think ultimately for the Union too. Not only is
MLS Cup on the on the table, I mean right
now they're in the quarterfinals the US Open Cup. I
think ultimately for them winning a trophy and just getting
(12:01):
back to that winning winning ways like they did with
the Supporter Shield and getting them as Cup in twenty
twenty two. You want to win as many trophies as
as you can. They got the Red Bulls at home
in the quarterfinals. They should be favored in that, and
then after that, I think it's you know, they would
be the favorite to win, favorites to win that competition.
So overall, good things from the Union. I expect them
(12:22):
to continue it up as the season goes on, and
they'll get their players back from the Gold Cup.
Speaker 3 (12:26):
Yeah, it was gonna be my next question. First, I
want to give a plug to ex's into you.
Speaker 2 (12:29):
Of course, Adam Booth, Matty G and Sebastiana too Club Legend.
You can catch that podcast right here on The Gambler
at Foxphro Gambler dot com. Those guys have done a
great job the last two seasons for US recording weekly
and it's a great deal to have Sebastian, who is
on the radio call as well weekly here on The Gambler,
And of course I play that throughout the course of
the week here on on air, but you can always
(12:51):
get the podcast formtfoxptro Gambler dot com. With that being said, yeah,
they just played a tough Columbus game down to their
fifth st. I had some people on my timeline saying,
and we know how it works in the world of soccer,
but is this something that they will have to deal
with throughout well, there is there any other tournaments that
are coming up later this season they're going to take
(13:12):
some good players off of the roster or is it
just we're home free after that after the Gold Clup,
and you're gonna get the best at the best at
the Union are able to put on the field.
Speaker 4 (13:21):
I think you're going to get the best from the
Union for sure. Basically MLS gave the clubs and an
opportunity to pick what competition that they wanted to feature
in the Union decided to go with the Open Cup
rather than the League's Cup, which is that competition with
MLS and Liga MX clubs from Mexico. So right now,
I mean, once the Union get these guys back from
the Gold Cup from international duty, they'll be back at
(13:44):
full strength. And ultimately, I mean looking through the schedule,
right you have this weekend coming up. You have Nashville
sc away that's not going to be easy, Nashville is
really good at home. Then you have back to back
matches against the Red Bulls. You have the Open Cup
match midweek, and then you have the Red Bulls at
that following weekend, and then then you have some matches
after that which would favor the Union. You have c
(14:06):
F Montreal, who had been atrocious this season. You have
the Euston Dynamo away, and then you have the Colorado
Rappins at whom and then you have an international friendly
against Iron Track Frankfurt, which would probably by then I
would imagine you would fully have everybody back and that fit.
So yeah, I think the Union for sure. Keeping everyone
healthy will be key. If they can do that, there's
(14:27):
no reason why this team can't run the table and
win the MLS Cup.
Speaker 2 (14:30):
Wow, that's crazy, man, Like, you know, we'll take it.
Listen to me, We'll take it. No, Like at the
end of the day, it's just an incredible vibe and
this team, this franchise, like we were always going to pull forth,
but Jim was such a huge piece to that puzzle,
and for them to move off of him, I just
(14:51):
felt like, all right, like I'm willing to give anything
an opportunity. Did not like it, did not agree with it,
but sure as hell did not see this type of success.
Speaker 3 (14:58):
So I am blown away.
Speaker 2 (15:00):
But you got Bribo out there is doing And then oh,
by the way, the moves that they made, like Jack McGlenn,
Like Jack mclar what what are we doing right now?
Jack McGlenn, we're getting rid of him. So these are
some of the things. But it always comes back to Ernest,
it does. Larry, like this dude is so damn good
at what he does.
Speaker 4 (15:19):
Yeah, no, he is. He's one of the best directors
you know in MLS. He's found so many Like I
said earlier, diamonds in the rough, Kai Wagner getting him
from a lower league in Germany for you know, cheap money,
and then turning him into one of the best left backs,
if not the best left back in MLS guys in
the past, Leon Flock, you know, some others as well,
(15:42):
Damian Lowe getting him in and then he goes off
to Saudi Arabia. So yeah, Tanner has been awesome in
the job. I'm actually shocked that he is still with
the Union. I would imagine that there's been some interest
from Germany, from the Bundesliga or the Second Bundesliga for
his services, because you know, that's where he's come from
and he's done so well in MLS. So I think
(16:04):
right now, you know, Union fans should be happy with
what the team's doing. And like I said, you're gonna
get players back. You're gonna get hopefully everyone playing, you know,
fit free, injury free soccer for the rest of the season.
Speaker 2 (16:16):
Got to ask a Cavin Sullivan question, because he is
the chosen one. He's only fifteen years old. Maybe people
don't know about this story, but last year busted on
the scene had an opportunity to make his professional debut,
and I believe broke the record, if I'm not mistaken,
for youngest player to make a professional sporting debut for
(16:37):
the Philadelphia Union last year at the age of fourteen
years old. Good grief. What is going on with Cavin?
Is this all part of the process, all part of
the plan. They don't need him. He's in they're in
first place. If they weren't in first place, would we
see more playing time from him? Where are we at
as far as the Cavin Sullivan's story right now?
Speaker 4 (16:55):
Yeah, it's tough for right now right because he's so
He's a promising talent. He's obviously the next big thing
in American soccer. And with now, I believe he's fifteen,
So at with a fifteen year old, it's trying to
keep his head on straight and focus on what's going
on and all the bright lights around him. He's you know,
he's played against Leo Messi and other international stars, so
(17:17):
it must be pretty pretty special for him. Unfortunately, this
team right now, there's just a lot of guys in
midfield and a lot of attackers that they have that
are playing well, and I think that's too You don't
want to put too much pressure on it. Kevin Sullivan
at his age, I think there's gonna be opportunities for
him to play, maybe in the Open Cup next week,
maybe other I know he came off the bench and
that lost to Columbus, played forty five minutes off the bench.
(17:40):
So I think as long as he's playing and playing regularly,
whether it's with the first team, whether it's MLS, next pro,
I think that's important for his development. Obviously we know
the reports about him being linked with Manchester City and
potentially going there when he turns eighteen. Obviously City haven't
commented on it. The Union haven't really commented on it
as well. I know he was at the man City
(18:01):
match at the Link last two weeks ago in the
Club World Cup. He was in the in the boxes
watching potentially his future club. Even we even asked Pep
Cordiola tried to hint around the question but wasn't allowed
to say anything. So, but yeah, he's a promising talent
for sure. I think he's going to be a special player.
And whether that's you know, he gets that time with
(18:23):
the Union or eventually when he does go to man City,
I imagine he's going to be loaned out and getting
regular playing time elsewhere before he gets the opportunity with
the City first team. But it's cool to see. Obviously
we know Quinn and what he's done for the program,
and it's really awesome to see Cavin as a young
player fifteen years old. I mean, just imagine what were
you doing at fifteen? Saw, Well, we were getting right
(18:44):
for high school sports.
Speaker 3 (18:46):
Had a girl friend when I was fifteen. I remember that.
Speaker 2 (18:51):
Yeah, yeah, that was that was all about girls in
those days. Man, that's what it was. Girls in football.
Take me back, take me back that we got Larry
every junior right now joining us talking out things about
the beautiful game of soccer here and yeah, look, the
Philadelphi Union are on top Plinty to discuss. But it's
a long, long season, so let's transition and let's get
(19:12):
on over to the boys in red, white and blue,
and let's talk about the US men's national team with
the Gold Cup. And there's a pretty good interview with
Tyler Adams on Colin Kawhert before me, and he was honest.
Speaker 4 (19:22):
You know.
Speaker 2 (19:23):
They asked him about how important is it to winning
this Gold Cup and he said, you know what, anytime
it's a knockout game.
Speaker 3 (19:30):
There's so much you can take away from it.
Speaker 2 (19:32):
So you know, look, I think I got my answer,
because it is interesting when you talk about the Gold Cup.
I feel like there's nothing to gain. Yeah, when they win,
it's cool and what they've done it before. But when
they lose, it's a huge deal. Right, you can't be
losing that. But all in all, next year we're gonna
be seeing a whole different roster. So it's just important
for these guys to make their mark, play well, and
(19:53):
for some players to separate themselves from the bunch to
overall make the roster. That's how I see it. Do
you see this Gold Cup right now? And of course
the semifinal game against Guatemala.
Speaker 4 (20:03):
Tomorrow, I think it's definitely important. For sure, Like you said,
this roster is gonna look a whole lot different this
time next year, and probably even in the fall when
a lot of the European bass players are back in
the Christian Poliitics the West the McKinney's, the tim Way
is the Anthony Robinson's. But overall, I still think this
is important for US soccer because Mauricio Pozatino still has
(20:26):
a lot of scouting to do with this roster in
terms of who can be part of that that World
Cup roster. Tyler Adams, Chris Richards, Tim Reim. Those three
guys I think right now that are on this current
Gold Cup roster, you're you're definitely gonna see them on
the World Cup roster. I don't think there's any reason
why not. They're important to the team, they're veterans of
the team. Unless they're injured, I don't see why they're
(20:48):
not there. The rest of the roster I think is
still up for grabs in terms of all these other
guys that are in the current squad, they have a
big opportunity right now with some players missing due to rest,
due to injury, due to summer break, due to club
World Cup activity. So right now, I think the Guatemala
match is definitely, you know, important right now for the
(21:10):
program because after this tournament, it's basically friendlies here on
out for the program. So this is the last competitive
tournament for them, the last opportunity for them to bring
hum a trophy. I think it would be awesome to
get a trophy under Pachetino before the World Cup starts.
There was definitely pressure on him going into the Gold
Cup after they lost to Turkey and Switzerland and a
pair of hoom friendlies, and they were beaten pretty bad
(21:33):
in both of them, and those are two teams that
you could potentially see in the World Cup. So I
think they've eased the pressure a little bit, but I
don't think the pressure is fully off yet because they
play at Guatemala side on Wednesday night, who you know,
they haven't faced in nine years. That was actually the
last time they had lost to Guatemala. Guatemala is coming
off an upset winner for Canada and they definitely have,
(21:56):
you know, playing with house money right now. Where you
look at the USA their favorite to win this, and
they should be favored to win this by at least
two goals.
Speaker 2 (22:03):
Yeah, that's the issue. And it's like, you know, it's tough,
it's it's soccer. So I'm not going to get caught
up in the fact that they had to go two
penalties against Costa Rica. But again, it was a tough
game and they had it. They were up two to
one and then all of a sudden you had nine
guys in the box just standing around looking at each other,
and of course cost Rica even to score a pretty
good game there and final ending as well. Diego Luna,
(22:27):
Is he the star of the show right now for
the US men's team? Where are we at, Like, who's
shining the most for you?
Speaker 4 (22:34):
Yeah? I think Diego Luna is definitely one of those guys.
I think the player of the tournament for the US
has to be Malec Tillman, the midfielder with PSV who
is reportedly set to join bayer Leverkusen in the Bundesliga
in the deal worth forty million euros. So he's having
a really great tournament and I think that's important for
him because this was a player that I had kind
of singled out and hope you know, he had I
(22:56):
think it was fifteen maybe caps before that, hadn't scored assisted.
He's had a couple of goals now, he's worked hard,
he's won fouls, delivered some big time assists. I think
Tilman's been really good. He's been the player of the
tournament for the team USA. Diego Luna is definitely up
there as well. Max Arfston has done a lot of
good things on the offensive side of the field. Patrick
(23:17):
Ajumon is fighting for that number nine striker role with
a lot of guys out. You know, there's there's a
bunch of strikers that could have been in this camp
that just couldn't be because they've they've been hurt. Falaren Ballagan,
Josh Sargent, Hadgi Wright recorded Peppy. So right now, like
you said, Diego Luna has been really well, I think
Matt Freeze has done exceptionally well. Is two former Philadelphi
(23:37):
Union guy three saves in the shootout against Costa Rica.
That number one goalkeeping position is still up for grabs,
and I think Freeze has done pretty well. So like
I said that, those guys Tilman, Luna, Rston Ajamon, even
Matt Freeze, I think those guys that have definitely carried
the torch, and Chris Richards as well. I mean he
him and Tyler Adams are the two veterans of the bunch.
(23:58):
We know what they're expecting to do. The other guys,
they were the ones that were asked to step up,
and I think they have and we're going to need
more of that against Guatemala and potentially against Mexico in
the final.
Speaker 2 (24:07):
Yeah, Freeze, I think they did something stupid of Fox,
one of those talking shows, and they were like the
man of the weekend and it was Matt Freezer. They
look at that, all right, give a shout out to
Matt Freeze as far as you kind of were hitting
on it a little bit because a big talking point
about the US men's national team going into the last
World Cup and of course this upcoming World Cup and
(24:28):
matches in between. The striker that's position at the top
so important, of course, new coach, So are we still
looking at it in the same manner? A and MB
Is there somebody right now? Like I was a huge
peppy guy. Obviously he didn't grab the baton and run
with it. It was his opportunity to do so. Josh
Sargent had an opportunity to do it as well. Is
there somebody else that's out there that we're not looking at,
(24:51):
somebody that's new. Is there somebody that's separating themselves from
the pack in your mind for next year's World Cup
where we had the striker position, the all important man
at the top.
Speaker 4 (25:01):
It's tough to say right now, just because there's so
many guys that are missing, Like you said, Pepi was.
Peppy had an injury at the second half of the
season with PSV, which kind of ruled him out. Hoddy
Wright was in camp and then had to leave with
an achilles issue, which hopefully that's not serious because achilles
serious Achilles injuries could be a year out. Josh Sargent
(25:21):
has hasn't scored a US goal in five years. We
know what he's done with Norwich City, but you haven't.
He hasn't done that with the national team and right
now he was an injury. He was just a decision
made by pots of team not to bring him in,
just a choice, so I think that's deservedly so he
hasn't proven anything in the other guys. Flaren Ballagan had
(25:41):
an injury as well, so it ruled him out. I
think Ballogan eventually is going to be the guy that
will get the opportunity. I think he's the most talented
of the bunch, and I think Peppi will be right
behind him as a backup for PSV. He still still
scored seventeen goals in all competitions, which has led to
interest growing in his services elsewhere, so I think those
(26:02):
two guys will be in there. I think Ajemon's done
pretty well. He's a physical beast of a striker. He
just wins dules, wins, battles, drawls, fouls. Maybe doesn't score
the prettiest goals, but he's a poacher. He's around the
box and he'll score. So I think he's definitely boosted
his stock. So I think he'll be those three guys
right now. Maybe Sergeant can get back in the mix,
(26:23):
maybe Hoddy Ray can get healthy and get back in
the mix as well, But overall, I think it'll be
those three guys, I said, Balligan Peppi, and maybe Patrick
Adimon as we head into the September window.
Speaker 2 (26:33):
All right, Tomorrow nights it is USA and Guatemala at
seven pm USA minus three sixty. You got Guatemala plus
nine to fifty in the draw plus four seventy five.
On the other side, he got Mexico and Hondurs. That
goes off at ten pm. Mexico a big time favorite,
UT minus three ten. It'd be great to see USA
versus Mexico, obviously, get the juices going to the best
(26:55):
kind of want to see Canada in there. It's just
because we wanted to see, you know, some really good competition.
But no one's looking past anybody with Team USA Soccer,
that's for sure, all right, Larry. Great stuff there. Let's
go ahead and hit the ice for a second. Let's
talk about what the Flyers just did. A lot of
hype going out with the Flyers right now, big trade.
You got a big draft party taking plays down there
in Atlantic City.
Speaker 3 (27:16):
A lot of people love them. What they're doing these days.
Are they putting it together?
Speaker 2 (27:21):
And are we talking about a team that will be
back into playoffs next year?
Speaker 4 (27:26):
Oh, that's tough. I still think they know. I still
think that they've done a really good job of kind
of piecing the roster together. I think getting Trevor Zegris
from Anaheim for basically nothing was a really good deal.
The only thing with Zegres is he hasn't played a
full season in five NHL seasons. He's been injured parts
(27:48):
of it. But when he's out there, he can score goals.
He did so for a really bad Anaheim mighty duck squad.
I think getting him in Philly now with the guys
like mitchkov and Connectnee and Katerrier, think that's going to
be important for him. If he can stay healthy, then
that that could be the difference of them making the
playoffs or not. In the draft, they were able to
(28:08):
get a lot of good talent for sure. I definitely
like the first round picks, you know, getting Porter martoone, uh,
the eighteen year old, the forward. I don't think he's
gonna be up anytime soon, but that's one for the future.
And then recently they've started getting some lower end deals
for some players, Christian Devorak from Montreal, who I think
(28:29):
could be a good depth piece for them. He's worked
with Rick Tockett before, so I think, you know, getting
some guys familiar to tacket style of play is important.
I still think the big question mark remains, and we
always talk about this is the goaltending. Can they consisting goaltending?
Ever since Carter Hart has left, that goaltending has hasn't
been as consistent. I mean, whether it's Samuel Orson, whether
(28:51):
it's Ivan Fadidov, whether it's Alexei Cola sev. They need
to get a guy and hopefully ride that number one train,
you know, into the season. They shuffled around too many
times and I think, I just think that doesn't lead
to a consistent team. So I think if they can
get the goaltending figured out in camp, whether it's Arson,
whether it's Beididol and then over overall too get the
(29:14):
special teams units back to being in the top ten
like they were several seasons ago. I think that's going
to be important for them in a really tough metro division.
Speaker 2 (29:22):
Man, if only they can find a goalie like that
that guy from Florida, Lebroski, Man, he was, He's awesome.
I mean, it would be great if they could get
a goalie like that someday. I Kim, obviously he was here,
you're going to he wasn't the same goalie here at
the end of the day, though he was pretty damn good.
Speaker 3 (29:40):
I don't know.
Speaker 2 (29:40):
It's just the world we live in when it comes
to hockey players. But he's having a lot of success.
He's a Hall of Fame goalie.
Speaker 3 (29:47):
In fact.
Speaker 2 (29:48):
A lot of fun there, all right, Larry, great job man.
You caught us up with everything as far as soccer
is concerned. Truly, speaking here selfishly, I was looking forward
to this hit because of we're going to go around
the world having time soccer in quite some time. The
Philadelphia Union front and center of course, red white and blue,
with everything that's happening, Gold Cup and the World Cup
next year and of course, all this club club Championship
(30:10):
that's going on right now, A lot of people are
catching the attention there. We didn't talk about who's gonna
win it. Who do you got winning at that tournament?
Speaker 4 (30:18):
Oh, that's tough. I think PSG is gonna win it.
PSG routed Miami. I know they had a hiccup in
the group stage against Bodafogo, but overall, I think it's
gonna be them. They have a tough one though they
got to play Bayern Munich next. I think whoever wins
that match is going to eventually win the competition. But
PSG being the reigning Champions League winners, I don't see
any reason why they can't win it. But who knows.
(30:41):
There's been a lot of surprises. Man City coughed it
up an extra time against Al Halal, Inter Milan lost
to Flumenes. Real Madrid's on right now, so a lot
can happen, you know, knockout tournaments. Man, anything can happen,
and could be some money to be made there as well.
Speaker 3 (30:57):
I'm mad.
Speaker 2 (30:58):
I wanted to make that Real Madrid game nine o'clock
at night and it was raining and I'm just like, no,
can't swing that with the new baby, but that crowd
looked electric. Was that the best crowd? What's been the
best crowd down at the Link in your opinion?
Speaker 4 (31:10):
Yeah, that was definitely. The Real Madrid match was over
sixty thousand. That that was, you know, more than double.
I think every pretty much triple even some of the
earlier matches. But yeah, Real Madrid was awesome. Being able
to be you know in the locker you know, in
the locker room with these guys Trent Alexander, Arnold Venetius
Junior teen, these world class players, Jude Bellingham, and just
(31:32):
seeing the support. I think you touched on it earlier
with the fans, I mean right now for a lot
of international fans, I wouldn't put the US as a
destination spot right now with everything going on in the
world and everything, but these fans have made the trip.
You know, early in the competition, we had fans from Morocco,
fans from Tunisia, fans from Brazil. We've had Man City fans,
(31:54):
We've had Chelsea fans. It's been really cool to see.
I think everything's been pretty safe down at the Link.
They've done it really good job with security and everything,
which is awesome, because I think it's just going to
get Risen up to the next level next summer with
the World Cup. But overall, like Real Madrid was awesome
and it'd be cool to get them back here again.
Unfortunately that's not going to happen this summer.
Speaker 2 (32:13):
Well said Larry, Great job across the board. Man, can't
thank you enough for stopping by again today. We'll catch up,
of course, We've got a long summer in front of
us with the Philadelphia Union a lot to discuss there.
You can find Larry at El Henry zero one nine
on socials. Does a bang up job for a lot
of outlets out there, including the athletic and SBI soccer
(32:35):
and then some so be sure to give him a
follow if you don't already at El Henry zero one nine. Larry,
you're the best. Enjoy these games. We'll catch up later
this summer and talk some more. So Philadelphia Union. Hopefully
a US men's national team Gold Cup victory, how about that?
Speaker 4 (32:52):
Yeah, man, hopefully Thanks a lot sewing. And I gotta
leave you with this one club that wasn't at the
Club World Cup, Manchester United too busy playing Hopscott, you're
over there in England.
Speaker 3 (33:02):
Can't help yourself get there. He's gone, I'm running him,
get out.
Speaker 2 (33:10):
I love Larry. Yeah, Look he always gives me the jab,
and that's a good stuff there. Look, you know, I'm
a fair weather fan. At the end of the day.
The United stuff has been killing me. Can't even tune
in to watch this these them play, I can't. It's brutal.
A new season. We'll see what happens, but man, it's
been frustrating. Of course, new coach coming. She's like, man,
(33:31):
what is going on right now? But he is right
about that. He's also right about the fact that the
USA is dealing with a lot right now, and we
know where we're at when we get into that discussion,
and it's very unfortunate. But it's ugly. It is so
(33:52):
ugly the stuff that has taken place right now, and
to the point that I can't even listen to me, like, well,
you're on my pedestal here. I can't even look at
the timeline, like I've tried as much as possible not
to be on social media because the stuff that you
are seeing is just straight up disgraceful. And I have
no idea how we've got here. We're building these these
(34:14):
camps now in the middle of the Everglades, and we're
rolling around on Fox News like it's an episode of
house Hunters, like what is going on right now? Ripping
people from their families like man, and like, yeah, I
get it, you know, people coming in here across the
border that weren't here legally understood, But there's just You've
(34:38):
heard a million one people say it, including Joe Rogan,
that there's got to be a better way, and it's
just sad. It really is sad where we're at right now.
And if you're enjoying it, they knock yourself out. Good,
I'm glad you are, But me, Nope, not happy with
anything that's happening. And it's disgraceful and you have to
wonder whether or not it's going to have a carryover
effect into twenty twenty six, which was supposed.
Speaker 3 (35:00):
To be this huge year for us.
Speaker 2 (35:03):
And then you know, underlying, who the hell knows what
we're going to be dealing with in twenty twenty six
right I honestly, we don't even know what we're gonna
deal with next week, tomorrow. Every day it's something new.
It's very unfortunate to where we're at right now, and
I just I don't know. Man, even his biggest supporters,
even as the administration's biggest supporters, are really wondering what
(35:25):
the hell's going on, So you tell me. But bottom
line is, it's ugly. And we were talking to some
people from Brazil and it was it.
Speaker 3 (35:33):
Was very eye opening the fact that they were here.
Speaker 2 (35:35):
On that Friday when we were down Infinity Live, I
had a conversation with two dudes speaking broken English and
I'm just like, I'm glad to see you guys here.
Speaker 3 (35:42):
And the one dude made a joke and I was
just like, man, it sucks. That's sad. That's sad to
hear him have to worry about being here legally.
Speaker 2 (35:49):
But none of that matters, right, None of that matters.
So anyways, moving off of that, do have some other
stuff that is happening in a serious world that we
live in. There has been a verdict reached in the
Puff Daddy trial, a partial verdict, excuse me. So that's
the news that will be on your timeline now and
moving forward, I think the big one they have not
(36:11):
found a verdict or not come to an agreement on
a verdict there so I don't think that that works
in Diddy's favor. If you paid attention to the trialt all,
which is the longest trial I can remember. This thing
has been going on forever. It does not look good
for Diddy, but who knows, maybe he can swing some
money to the right people at the higher ups and
then get themselves spelled out, you know, get a pardon,
(36:35):
because that seems to be the thing to do these
days as well. So when it surprised me, when it
shocked me. But we'll see how that one plays out
there with Diddy. And then, last but not least, this
one came across my timeline yesterday, not my timeline. iHeartRadio
does a great job sending out emails keeping you up
to day with all the news that's happening around the world,
and you know, I signed up for all of them,
(36:55):
obviously working for iHeart. The Idaho murder, which if if
you remember, going back a couple of years ago, that
dude went in and murdered all those college girls, and
I think there was a dude. There was four people murdered.
The authorities out there in Idaho came to an agreement,
and it's crazy that they came to an agreement where
(37:17):
they would remove the death penalty if he pled guilty.
This dude, Brian Coburger, I believe had Pennsylvania tized.
Speaker 3 (37:25):
Didn't he? That we should be saying that did he
get popped the PA? I forget what happened there.
Speaker 2 (37:29):
Anyways, Brian Coburger will serve consecutive death penalties, four straight
a matter of fact, and we'll never see the light
of day ever again. But the death penalty has been removed.
Now here's the crazy part. He had one set of family,
or he had one side of the family that was
one of the murder victims that they were happy that
(37:52):
they were able to say that the express relief, noting
that the plea allows them to avoid a trial and
focus on healing. Yet the other victims were now thrown
around things that this is shocking and cruel, and they
are they are criticizing officials for the lack of input
from victims' families. Steve Conclaves, who lost his daughter Kaylee
(38:18):
quote this is anything but justice clothes quote, and he
expressed frustration over their secretive nature of the deal. Now,
this happened in twenty twenty two Slash twenty twenty three,
because I think he was arrested in twenty three of January.
Speaker 3 (38:33):
But that's like, I'm not saying.
Speaker 2 (38:36):
That that's easy, But how to hell do you go
against Like I understand it, you don't want to trial,
you don't want the thing to drawn out. But he
was one hundred percent going to get guilty, convicted of
the crimes that he committed. They had somebody that saw
him there. Of course, there were some other things that
(38:58):
we were privy to as far as it details that
where they were being discussed. I remember the connection of
his clothes driving. There were so many things that were
connecting him to the spot. And for them to say,
you know what, we're gonna give him a plea deal
and specifically not keeping the family members involved, I just
(39:21):
I don't agree with that. When I saw it yesterday,
my job was on the floor. I said it to
my wife. I said, how the hell do you give
him a plea deal? Come on, man, don't do that.
And I'm not even you know, a victim in this
in this murder, Like imagine if your daughter or your
son was murdered and all of a sudden they're like, yeah,
we're gonna take the death Pedaly off, We're gonna put
him in prison, no way, huh huh.
Speaker 3 (39:42):
Sorry.
Speaker 2 (39:43):
But again on the flip side of that, you do
have other victims families saying, you know what, we accept
it and we are ready to focus on healing. So like, man,
if you're a prosecutor, somebody has to make that decision.
That is tough, That is tough business. But it's very
sad that that dude is going to continue to live
(40:03):
and of course in a prison. Why don't we put
him in Alligator Alcatraz. Why don't we do that, you
know what, put him down there and make him walk
to it. This criminal maybe he'll try and get a
part in some way, somehow to its daily ticket. Having
some fun as we often do here NBA Free Agency.
Let me get you a baseball organ. All right, enough
(40:28):
of this serious stuff. Five o'clock hour're coming up. You
know it's NBA Free Agency. Sat down with Sam Ostri
earlier today, great conversation and all things NBA Free Agency,
And you know, I opened up today's show with a
little bit of frustration, and you know, I understand where
we're at when it comes to the seventy six ers.
(40:50):
But the Atlanta Hawks have a fresh new approach. They
were building something up of last year. They go out
there and sign him and make some moves these past
few days slash week, Porzingis come into town. Of course,
the Dallas Mavericks, everything that they have done, Orlando Magic
look pretty good. The Calves have put it together, and
the Knicks are good. Yet the seventy six ers are
(41:10):
gonna roll out Joel Embiid and Paul George yet again.
And it all comes down to what a hope and
a prayer to the big Man above that these guys
remain healthy or else this team will not compete for
anything other than a trip to the playoffs and one
and done.
Speaker 3 (41:28):
And that sucks. But that's the reality where we're at,
or is it.
Speaker 2 (41:33):
Sam does push back on me on that I'm gonna
play that for you. On the other side, he actually
says there's some newness with this team, and he makes
the case in the five o'clock hour once again, don't
go anywhere and if you miss anything f FOXPHO Gambler
dot com.
Speaker 1 (41:48):
It's the daily ticket with Sean Brace Monday to Friday.
Speaker 2 (41:54):
Bryce Harper is back in the Phillies lineup, and there's
no better time than right now, Harper. He's been out
since June fifth, and the fightings were just twelve and
ten in that stretch. Now, you didn't need to be
a baseball officionado to see the offense lacked firepower.
Speaker 3 (42:09):
Just look at the recent road trip. Brilliant pitching performances.
Speaker 2 (42:13):
Wasted, including Ranger Suarez tossing sixteen scoreless.
Speaker 3 (42:16):
Innings without a single run of support. Brutal.
Speaker 2 (42:20):
Harper's return pushes everyone back into their proper spots, locks
down the first base on defense, and brings the swagger
of a showman ready to deliver that clutch home run.
Speaker 3 (42:30):
That we can count on time and time again. It's
great to have Bryce back in the lineup.
Speaker 1 (42:37):
If you can wager on it, we're talking about it
right here on the Gamblers
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