The Designated Players | An MLS Podcast

In this episode, we chat about some of the biggest moves of the last few weeks! Matt Turner returns home to New England while Max Arfsten stays put for now in Columbus. Luciano Acosta finally leaves MLS but with much less drama than Santiago Moreno left Portland with!

Recorded on: 8/9/25

#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #a...

In this episode, we chat about the first Phase of the 2025 Leagues Cup! WE cover a host of topics including format, attendance, effort, comparison to USOC, most and least impressive teams and make some predictions for the 2nd phase? Which team do you think will move on??

Recorded on: 8/9/25

#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking about more MLS news, with this week specifically focused on Don Garber's state of the league address, and who better to help us cover the news than John Rawlins from Loud and Proud Orlando. Don covered a few hot topics during his press conference such as calendar change, the Apple TV deal, and possibly a new competition format...

In this episode, we chat about the biggest news stories from MLS this week! Messi and Alba cause some All Star Game drama, LAFC pursue Heung Min Son, Vancouver are closing in on Thomas Muller, Columbus get their guy in Wessam Abou Ali, and RSL get some much needed defensive help!

Recorded on: 7/28/25

#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccinci...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're preparing for the Leagues Cup, which for those unfamiliar, is a cup competition involving teams from both MLS and Liga MX! In this episode we will be making predictions for phase one, specifically the western teams this episode. For predictions for the remaining teams, give the last episode a listen. We've gone through each team and listed their current position in ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're preparing for the Leagues Cup, which for those unfamiliar, is a cup competition involving teams from both MLS and Liga MX! In this episode we will be making predictions for phase one, specifically the eastern teams this episode. For predictions for the remaining teams, give the next episode a listen. We've gone through each team and listed their current position in ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking about more MLS news! First we're talking about DC United sacking Troy Lesesne and already having his replacement ready immediately in René Weiler. Next we talk about the rumor of Rodrigo de Paul coming over to Inter Miami to join Messi and friends, but how will they do that with the salary cap restrictions. Lastly we end thing...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're recapping the Club World Cup in its entirety this time! Now that all MLS sides have finished their participation in this tournament, we're here to recap how MLS performed and where it leaves MLS standing on the world stage. We also discuss the tournament as a whole and weather or not it was a success and what can be fixed going forwar...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we continue our series covering all things top 10. As previous listeners will know, there is nothing we like more than yelling at each other and being yelled at by you, so what better way to entice that then by rating top 10s. This week, we will be giving our picks for the top 10 attacking midfielders in MLS history, from all time greats like Dwayne de Rosario to the present stars ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking USMNT again, this time reacting to the complete 2025 Gold Cup. The USMNT lost in the final against Mexico, but what does this mean for the team going forward. We talk about players who helped their stock and others that hurt it, we talk about Pocchetino, and we talk about how we are looking going into the 2026 World Cup. Let us kno...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking about more MLS news! First we're talking about the rumored move of Patrick Agyemang to Derby County and what that would mean for his World Cup chances. Next we talk about Giroud leaving LAFC and who is at fault for the failure of this move. Then we're talking the every resurfacing rumors of Timo Werner to RBNY popping up ...

 In this episode we sit down with Adri Mehmeti, current pro player from #RBNY2 to chat about his pathway to pro, the impact of MLSNP on his development, his career goals, and SO MUCH MORE!

Recorded on: 6/25/25

#MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcda...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back, joined this week by Dylan and Mila of COC Network, and this week we're back covering the Club World Cup! This time we're here to recap the games thus far in the group stage, mainly focusing on how MLS has done thus far. We also cover the tournament itself along with some narratives that teams and fans don't care, are they. Let us know your thoughts...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're unfortunately talking about USMNT! We're going to discuss the recent, and very disappointing, friendlies against Turkey and Switzerland. We discuss where the team goes from here, who's stock up and stock down, and whether Poch is the right man for the job. Then we quickly discuss the Gold Cup and what it would mean to win, as wel...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking about the Club World Cup! We're here to give a preview of all of the MLS sides in the upcoming tournament. Will they have an outside chance at making it out of the group, or will they be embarrassed on the world stage? Let us know your thoughts!

0:00 - Scarf of the Week; 8:00 - Inter Miami Preview; 19:25 - LAFC Preview; 32:03 -...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we continue our series where we retell the stories of MLS history. We've gone through all the team's subreddits and asked for different stories they remember about their teams, and we've got a list of almost all of them. We are going to do our research and then come together to retell everyone about those stories and give them the spotlight they deserve. This week we...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking about more MLS news! First we're talking about the protest from the Seattle Sounders against the payout for the upcoming Club World Cup. After we talk about the Chicago Fire's new soccer specific stadium which is being fully privately funded. Lastly we cover the rumor that Cristiano Ronaldo could be heading to LAFC to bri...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week they're coming with a mid season recap on MLS action thus far. As we are just about at the halfway mark for most teams, we wanted to take a look at each team and give out a few accolades. We start things off covering some of the most under or over performing teams, some breakout players, and more. Afterwards we give out mid season awards such as...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking about more MLS news! We're talking about Olof Mellberg out in St. Louis and what's to come next. After we talk about Lucho Acosta's recent quote criticizing the reception he received from FC Cincinnati fans on his return to Cincy. Lastly we cover the recent brawl between San Diego and LA Galaxy fans after San Diego&a...