The VAR Verdict: Jimmy Conrad, VAR Fails & Red Card Chaos

VAR takes center stage this week—Christina and Lori break down a botched penalty call and debate whether American VAR will ever get it right (hint: not soon). Plus, is it V.A.R. or "var"? Let the record show: pronunciation matters.

Then surprise guest Jimmy Conrad—who proudly dubs himself Conradinho in honor of his inner Brazilian box-to-box midfielder—joins the pod to explain why he's pursuing a UEFA coaching license instead of navigating U.S. Soccer’s bureaucratic maze. The CBS analyst and Call It What You Want host doesn’t hold back on the red tape, and missed chances for ex-players. He also examines what’s gone so wrong with LA Galaxy.

Also: Christina’s team makes USL W history, but not the good kind—she walks us through the first red card and the ethical headache it left behind.

⏱️ Time-Coded Episode Guide:

00:00 — VAR Chaos & “The Touch”

Lori and Christina debate a rescinded PK in Gotham-Chicago—and why balance can backfire.

03:30 — Don’t Say VAR or PKs 🙅‍♀️

Christina’s pronunciation PTSD and secret referee societies.

07:05 — Why VAR’s Not Working in the U.S.

Christina explains the delays, decisions—and why it’ll take 5–10 years to fix.

14:13 — Red Cards & Real Consequences 🚨

Christina on a player on her team receiving the USL W’s first-ever red card—and her ethical dilemma over an appeal.

17:35 — Surprise Guest Call-Up: Conradinho 🎙️

Surprise guest Jimmy Conrad joins the show. He explains why he calls himself “Conradinho”—and how a center back can dream of being a Brazilian midfielder..

22:13 — Ditching U.S. Soccer’s Coaching License

Jimmy reveals why he chose UEFA over USSF—and how ex-players are boxed out.

38:32 — Can the Galaxy Be Saved? 🌌

Jimmy puts on his coach’s cap: good soccer decisions > panic.

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