October 3, 2025 • 32 mins
Philly’s got one hand on the Shield — and this podcast is here to tell the story. Hit play & hear what the gang thinks as the Union chase more hardware!
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Episode Transcript
Available transcripts are automatically generated. Complete accuracy is not guaranteed.
Speaker 1 (00:00):
Ex president of the Sons of Ben, Matt Gantastic X
head Capo, Adam Booth, ex player and forever a Union legend,
Sebastian Latoo. These may be exes, but they're the experts
when it comes to the Philadelphia Union. This is exes
in the You.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Welcome back everybody to ohn Wah, my my mind. A
very exciting week of Union soccer again. Hi am Mattandazik
the former president of the Sons of Ben, and they
the only sons have been president that actually held the shield.
We'll see if that's going to change. Another shield holder,
Adam Booth X head Capo, you're with us and then
(00:40):
of course Union legend Sebastiana. Two guys, how are we
doing this week?
Speaker 3 (00:47):
It is a beautiful week in the Union versus potentially,
so I'm very excited.
Speaker 4 (00:53):
Yes, i am too. Can't of wait for Saturday.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Yeah, Saturday, Saturday just got a lot more interesting and
we're gonna get into that first thing. First, they took
care of business down in DC. It was a rainy
match day, but you know what else it was raining, guys,
It was raining. Goals six zero Bruno with two, Indiana
with two, Milan and your a all contribute. Let's talk
(01:19):
about the good before we get to the bed. Who
wants to talk about DC United six nothing with the
offense doing what we wanted to do, Seba, you want to.
Speaker 5 (01:28):
Yeah, you crack.
Speaker 4 (01:30):
I mean, like you said, so exactly what we needed.
Speaker 6 (01:32):
You know, we need like a big win against the
club who didn't play for anything, and it's always some
trapping game, you know, but they really, you know, came
to this game with the right mentality.
Speaker 4 (01:45):
Maybe in the first no, fifteen to twenty minutes.
Speaker 6 (01:48):
We were like, oh, you know DC hitting the oppose
the crossbar, We're like, oh, we're like giving some chances,
but we were kind of like lucky to get you know,
those goals out.
Speaker 4 (01:58):
Of the way.
Speaker 6 (01:59):
And you know, the only let's say a bad note
on this game is injury from Queen Sullivan, who happened
early in the game, so you know, start to not
having him, you know, for the rest of the season.
But then the guys reacting well, I think sixth goal,
you know, really playing at a good level, getting confident
(02:19):
in front of the goal kind of what we needed.
Who are you know scoring you know, he lost key,
you know, doing another great game for him.
Speaker 4 (02:26):
Offensively. I think, you know, Deny.
Speaker 6 (02:28):
Was was good as well, Like I really love when
you play you know, more vertical with running up and
down the field. It was pretty open game, but you
can see that all the guys know we're focused, can
shoot again for hundreds. So everything works perfectly in that
game and it was nice to see. And you know,
with all the results, who was positive as the Union
(02:49):
now still be first and with the two games left
in a season.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Very very true, Adam, I know you were glued to
the TV, to your Apple TV thoughts on this one.
Speaker 5 (03:02):
I mean, look, this was how do they how's the
song go our house? In the middle of d c
our house it?
Speaker 3 (03:11):
I mean, look, I don't know what is up with
that club? You know, maybe we can get into a
deeper dive on another day, especially because I would love
to hear from the perspective of SEBA. When you see
an organization as dysfunctional as DC United, you know, like
what does that even mean? Like how does that even
get there? Because it's just been year after year after
(03:35):
year after year after year of managers and just not
getting it together and putting these type of performances together,
and these things happen when we go to d C
more after more often than when they come to Chester.
So that's an entire different conversation. But that was the
comprehensive wind that you were looking for. What Seba says
(03:56):
is one hundred percent correct. You know, this was a
game I think a lot of Union fans were waiting for,
mainly because of how good this team has been all year.
You know, the attempts of firepower, it has, the record
it has in years prior for nothing, a six to nothing,
(04:17):
a seven nothing. Those lopsided results are a little bit
more common. I'm not saying they were all the time,
but they happen more than you know, once in a while.
This result right here, perfect moment, perfect time. The Quinn
cull of an injury is catastrophic. I it makes me
wonder if they're going to have enough bullets in the
chamber for MLS Cup. I do believe our depth is fantastic,
(04:40):
and I do believe that, you know, we could survive it.
But it just he was such a dynamic part of
what this team was doing and such a lifeblood for
what this team was doing through the midfield.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
It's a it's a loss. It's a loss.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
I don't think we can short change that, but just
speak on the game against DC.
Speaker 5 (05:01):
You know, you had an.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Opponent that again had nothing to play for in sloppied
environments on that steamy Potomac and you absolutely house them
in a way that was a shot against the ballots
of the rest of Major League Soccer, letting you know
that just because the results haven't been as pretty as
you want, doesn't mean that the Union can't you know,
hang up a touchdown on you when necessary. And they
(05:25):
proved that again.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
And it was a nice comeback from you know, getting
a touchdown from Vancouver just a couple of weeks ago.
So look good. And they were moving the ball the
way said I think you said last week. You know
you wanted to see the offense move the ball. There's
a couple really pretty plays, but let's talk about the ugly.
The ugliest. Quinn Sullivan goes down torn ACL. I mean,
(05:48):
if he had any long shot for the US men's
national team, that's pretty much out. I don't even know
how long he might be out. He might not be
able to play till the end of next season. And
it definitely hurts where we don't have a lot of
depth in two different areas of the field. It hurts
us there. So for a playoff run, what the hell
(06:10):
do we do? Sabah. Do you think the Union hole
cabin out of the under seventeens to keep him here?
Speaker 4 (06:19):
I don't know.
Speaker 6 (06:21):
We'll see you. There's still two games to play. I
don't think they will. World Cup is always important. It's
better of your player, you know, in it especially.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
I think he will play more and he will play
for the Union.
Speaker 6 (06:32):
But you know, I think with the performance like Vassi left.
You know, we saw him, you know, playing a bit
different role in the past couple of games. It was
great to have him, you know, scoring too good as well.
I think it's confidence, it's pretty high. I think you
will probably see more. He's lost key, you know, sliding
more into a number ten position than a forward. And
then you will need to try to find the balance
between Barribo didn't play, you know because we spended and Damiani.
(06:57):
So if we can get you know, those four health
and then you know you have a little rotation at
the midfield, you know, between the three number six we
still have, you know, when all look Kits and Deny
and then on the right side you can you know,
have that left coming in on his left.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
You can have Loosky be on the right. You can
mix it up.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
So I feel like it's all about let's say it's
trying to stay healthy now until until the end of
the season. And yeah, it's a big, big, big game
on Saturday. Because you win, you can really now be
able to rest all your guys. There's a week off
next in two weeks because of the international date. Then
(07:37):
you don't have to play your best team in Charlotte,
so you can really like focus on on can getting
back everybody one hundred percent, which I know there's a
you know, some banged up you know here and there
from the guys, but most important, try to try to
build the team to be one hundred percent ready physically,
(07:59):
you know, to have the first game at home in
a playoff, because it's always in all little break every
time doing the end of the season to then starting
the playoffs, especially winning the shield, we will have a
buye so we are not going to play for a
long time. So I think the plan for the team
and coaching stuff and physio will be to make sure
(08:19):
everybody feel one hundred percent and add their peak, you know,
physically when when we start the playoff and as a goal,
so not having a game maybe in Charlotte, FA not
having everybody has to play in Charlotte. If we win Saturday,
it could be huge, you know, to get all the
squad ready. And I think we will have pretty much
like everybody back, depending on of course of the US
(08:40):
national team with the westfield with however right now, so
we'll see, we'll be back maybe for the playoff.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
This is going to be interesting. Let's let's go into
a little shield watch and then we can talk about
the upcoming with Charlotte, the playoffs, news and all that.
But the shield, I mean, everything fall in the place
the way you could only hope to fall into place.
I mean, I thought it was going to go to
the last day it could. But you know, Miami got
a drawl right after we get the win, since he
(09:09):
tied Orlando, San Diego lost to San Jose. I mean
they missed Geloski for sure, Vancouver, TI, Seattle, Minnesota, Tis Colorado.
It was just falling together. And Adam, I don't know
if you know this, but Red Bull Arena will be
available if New York City needs a playoff home because
Red Bull's not in the playoffs for the first time
(09:30):
in fifteen years. Pretty interesting stuff. And then Miami again.
Chicago takes care of business last night. So what can
you say except this is within our reach. Guys, the
Shield is within our reach. All we have to do
is basically take care of business with New York City
on Saturday. SABA you're calling that game, you know, let's
(09:55):
just talk about it. Let's say, Adam, if you're current
president of the Sons of Ben, are you calling Miami
and saying, get that thing on a UPS overnight immediately?
Do you bring the Shield into the building for Saturday night?
Speaker 3 (10:08):
I think it's irresponsible not to at this point, especially
given the history of this club in that particular trophy.
You know, I still love our Captain America Shield as
much as anyone, but I like when logistics can work
out and we're not in the middle of a pandemic.
So yeah, I get that thing on UPS expedited.
Speaker 5 (10:28):
Look, this is this is.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Almost overwhelming how well it worked out for the Union
in terms of the pieces falling into place. I was
actually texting with friend, Oh, we're not going to get
to this position.
Speaker 5 (10:44):
I'm not saying they have won it.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Yeah, but I'm saying almost crazy that it worked out
this way to at least give the Union this opportunity
to just basically, you know, do what they have to
do to secure it as opposed to need help.
Speaker 5 (10:58):
And I was.
Speaker 3 (10:59):
Talking to a friend of the pod, Jonathan tanne Wald,
about you know, just the scenarios and going through it,
and he just straight upside me, Look, I don't think
Chicago's winning tonight, so we're gonna probably have to wait
for another thing.
Speaker 5 (11:13):
They might get a draw.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
I don't think they're laying tonight, so I think basically
you're gonna.
Speaker 5 (11:18):
Have to wait until Charlotte.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
And I texted him right after the result as I'm
watching and I'm glued, and I'm sure a lot of
other Union fans last night were glued to the only
MLS matchup, which was a Chicago Miami and to see
Jack Elliott and the boys put five goals in down
at Chase Field and secure at least a possibility for
(11:44):
the Union to win this Shield on Saturday.
Speaker 5 (11:46):
And that was a moment. I texted him right after
and he was just like, yes, Saturday is it? You know?
Speaker 3 (11:52):
So this was this was serendipitous, almost especially after how
bad the Vancouver game was. I think a lot of
people were getting into the Nigadelphian position of, oh, of
course we're gonna blow this, you know, it's it's it's
how it goes here in but and again, we still
haven't secured it yet. But I would say the position
(12:14):
that you have is very advantageous. You have two games
to do it, essentially, and if you do it on Saturday. One,
you do it in front of your home fans, which
is nothing better than doing that. Two, you have an
opportunity to rest your players for Charlotte because one of
the biggest things about Charlotte is they're competing for playoff position.
(12:36):
They're very you know, in a mode of they've got
to win because they've been on a recent slide after
their tremendous nine game winning streak. But then also they
play on one of the worst surfaces in Major League Soccer,
in a stadium that is open, aired completely, there is
no coverage in that place, in a warm part of America,
where as of this week we were having ninety eight
(12:58):
degree games down in Texas. So I think it's very
advantageous that the Union try to win this game on Saturday.
For multiple reasons, but ultimately to say, all right, rotate
everyone you can. And I wouldn't even send Andre Blake
on the plane to Charlotte if we win, you know,
I would just bubble wrap everyone that matters and keep
(13:20):
it moving. But it's look, you don't want to overlook it.
You don't want to look into it. You don't want
to feel like you've already wont it. And I obviously
I am not saying any of this, but to be
in this position, after all of what this season was
supposed to be, after all the turmoil, the ups and downs,
(13:41):
the roller coasters, it is an insane thought to think
that the Union could with three points secure the regular
season title in Major League Soccer this year.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Yeah, Sabah, your thoughts on what the Union need to
do against New York City to make sure they cure
number the second trophy in the in the Cabinet shield
and then follow up to that, what do you think
it means to the team winning two shields?
Speaker 6 (14:11):
I mean, you know what they need to do. I
think it's let's just take this game like it's a
player game. You know, it's it's a kind of do
or die. And I feel it's you.
Speaker 4 (14:19):
Know, the easiest way to win the trophies. Here is
a shield. You know, we have a great radition.
Speaker 6 (14:25):
I think we're all the great results happening in our
way in or with all the results you say earlier,
but last weekend about yesterday Chicago, be in Miami night.
Can we winning at home and be fantastic and it's
great feeling, you know, to celebrate, you know with the
old you know, your your family, your friends. You know,
for the players to just be all together and just
(14:47):
enjoy this moment. It be fantastic to just get the
straight points and in the game. But they just have
to play the same ways they've been playing allier with
of course in the back of their minds that you know,
the extra kind of feeling and motivation that it's for
the ship.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
We win, we get the shield.
Speaker 6 (15:04):
So it's all about you know, being together, playing hard
and for the fans, you know, to be even like
Louder to try to pull his team to get one
more win to get the show so great position. It
could be a fantastic night on Saturday. So yeah, I
feel like everything is really united to win at home,
(15:26):
which is always more fun. You don't want to. Of course,
you want to win the Shield, but not in Charlotte.
You know, it'd be fun to have it here at
super Park. So yeah, winning two maybe be amazing. And
you know, like you said, the first one of the
Captain American Ship was not the real one. Can they
bring the real one on this one, and you know,
(15:46):
show it to the player and have a full stadium
to celebrate because the first time when they win it,
the stadium was not full, you know, it was doing COVID.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
It was a bit weird, you know.
Speaker 6 (15:55):
So having a pack house, you know, on Saturday and
having in front of all the funs be fantastic to
be able to raise it, you know, in front of
all the true you know, philology of fans will be
will be on Saturday. So yeah, it's a fantastic feeling
to think about it. But now I know they just
need to put the mentality into it. And I think
(16:16):
it's a playoff game. It's the most playing for the
MS Cup because EMS Cups be very hard to win,
for sure, but this one is a let's say, easier
trophy we can win. We have two chants, but I'm thinking,
let's just think about we just have that chance, and
you know, put it all in because you win that,
you can have guys being you know, relaxed and rest
and get ready back for the playoffs for three weeks.
Speaker 4 (16:39):
So it could be it could be huge.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
I watch just footnote on that Captain America's shield for
for the record, LA their supporters groups, they're the ones
that screwed up sending the shield to us. They sent
it to day Ups but did not want make the deadline,
and two did not for a Saturday delivery. So that's
(17:02):
what happened. That's why we had to have that shield.
It came to my house that followed that Monday, right afterwards,
tracking that stinking truck. But yeah, that's kind of the
background story. And after we win the shield, we'll go
into all the shield history, all the shield drama that
we dealt with that I'm in twenty twenty because let
me tell you, that trophy as long as you know,
as much as it's cool that it's from the fans,
(17:23):
for them, it's a pain in the ass. Let me
just tell you right now. Lugging that stupid thing around
during a global pandemic so everybody can touch it. What
a pain in the you know what that was so
good luck. And for the supporters groups, it's not just
the sons of Ben. The dupe and delinquents are now
(17:43):
recognized by AC. So we're gonna see some inner supporter
group drama if that hardware, if that plate comes back
in our possession, and I'm just glad I'm not part
of it.
Speaker 3 (17:53):
I So I believe everyone's going to behave and be
model cet a sentence because why not? Yeah, I mean
the unbridled joy of victory. You know, we're all gonna
be good little boys and girls.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
Yeah, just like we were in twenty twenty. There was
no drama with that thing, all right, real quick? In news,
there's an app for that. The Union app has been launched.
I downloaded it. I entered a contest. I don't think
I won squat yet, but we'll see. But we're gonna
see the Union app. Let's see how that gets traction.
And then the US Men's are coming to super Park
(18:29):
on November fifteenth. Still haven't gotten my comp tickets yet.
Don't know if you guys did, I haven't seen anything,
but yeah, tonight US Open Cup Austin versus Nashville. We
could have been playing in that I guess I'm glad
we're not. I don't know with the schedule and the shield,
but US Open Cup Austin versus Nashville. I'm team Austin
(18:50):
because Nashville's just pissed me off. And then you know,
let's we'll get in the playoffs. But just around the
Soccer World Cup, FIFA says lottery winners have been or
will soon be informed by email if they got the
chance to buy tickets. I haven't seen anything, and I'm
on a couple of these lotteries. But the good news
(19:12):
is adam American Airlines. They're loyalty programmed people. You can
use miles to get World Cup tickets. I'm number two
on that list to use my miles to get World
Cup tickets. So that might help the help the old wallet,
and then some Horizon customers can get free World Cup tickets.
Speaker 3 (19:32):
Being stuck at phl for your launch city finally has
paid off for me, paying off in Philadelphia International Airport,
in that land locked, uh economically locked hub that is
American Airlines.
Speaker 5 (19:45):
It's finally paid off. I'm so happy.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
Yeah, I'm I'm glad. I'm platinum pro. I get to
jump in there and use some points for those tickets. Uh,
I believe it's tonight, right Adam Gotham versus Washington Spirit
at Super Park.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
Yeah, yes, the women are coming to Philadelphia, and look
I like it cool. I'm happy to we have women's
soccer in Philadelphia. No one wants to root for a
New York team in the city, I got I just
I can't stress this enough or a DC team. I
think we literally have a chant about rooting against both
(20:18):
of them, respectfully and lighting them on fire in a bonfire.
So USL or NWSL just send somebody else next time,
like the Seattle you know, send La, send someone who's
just on a road trip, whomever. Stop sending us our
rival cities because no one cares, and you're gonna use
(20:40):
that against us as Oh well, they don't care about
women's soccer in Philadelphia. No, just like every woman's sport
that we don't have. We care about it profusely and
we're very confused and why it doesn't exist in our
city in the first place. But the most important thing
about this is we've been deserved another shot at women's
(21:00):
soccer in the city. And it's it's for me almost
egregious that they keep dangling these games in front of
us as barometers, as if this is going to be
the reason why, you know what, we weren't really sure
that Philadelphia liked sports.
Speaker 5 (21:16):
You know, we were.
Speaker 3 (21:16):
Confused that Philadelphia was a sports town. So we had
to jangle some keys in front of them and think
if this is a real sports town.
Speaker 5 (21:24):
It's just it's insulting. Frankly, it's insulting.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Well, I hope some people show up for it, but
who knows. Now, last bit of around the world news
that Adam, I think you're gonna love this. Just yesterday,
Milan City Council officially approved the sale of San Cyril
to enter NAC Milan twenty four votes to twenty against.
(21:49):
I mean four votes to sell a two hundred and
thirty one million dollar RFK stadium in the middle of Milan.
So yeah, we're going to see some big things now.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
And when you say RFK stadium, this is not hyperbole,
like this is one of like when you go to
Italian soccer stadiums that are not Juventus.
Speaker 5 (22:08):
These are some of the.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
Most decrepit, brutalistic stadios I've ever seen nap from Napoli
to Palermo, Sosan Siero to all of them were built
decades before your parents are even born, and they are
falling apart, all of them. So the fact that two
clubs that are fantasy, two of the best clubs in
the world, two of the most famous clubs in the world,
(22:31):
finally get to upgrade their stadium when clubs like Tottenham
now have beautiful stadiums. This is way pasted overdue, and
I hope it starts a gold rush in Italian soccer because,
let's be frank, the facilities are one of the things
that are holding Syria back these days.
Speaker 5 (22:46):
You know, you can't get the best.
Speaker 3 (22:48):
Players in the world to want to plane stadiums that
are literally falling apart. But shout out to Christian Polistic,
who might be the best player in Syria right now.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
And set up any thoughts on either of the the
n w s L coming to super Park, I mean,
will you be in attendance tonight and any thoughts on
your your your Milan teams getting a new stadium.
Speaker 6 (23:09):
No, I mean I will not be tonight unfortunately for
this game. But like Adam say, yeah, it's it's kind
of weird. It's not a Philadelpia team in play in
the stadium. You know it should be so hopefully we'll
have a women's team in Philadelphia. But yeah, it's I
guess to bring it here. I know some people are coming,
you know, it's a fun to to see the women
(23:30):
player as well, But no, I will not be there,
and for the easily. You know, it's one of the
country I've never been to thee A game, so yeah,
maybe I will go to the new stadium.
Speaker 4 (23:40):
When you come out, we have to.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
Do a road trip. We'll get a we'll get true
fan travel on that and we'll do a suber Goes
to Italy trip and you can join Subah.
Speaker 5 (23:49):
You know, it's nice to watch the sport.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
It's just the stadium now these days, so I'm hoping
that the starts a revolution in the countryside.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
Can I drink wine in the stadium like I can
drink cider in Germany? So you can't.
Speaker 3 (24:05):
I think you can drink wine in the stadium. I
don't know if you can purchase wine. I mean, look,
Palermo is bare bones with it and all I could
buy was peronis and ham and cheese sandwiches. But outside
of the stadium is one of the best carnival food
atmosphere as possible, so you're gonna get absolutely obliterated before
you even step inside. So you know, yeah, pretty much.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
Sounds good to me. All right, guys, let's just discuss it.
If the playoffs happen today, we get the winner of
Columbus Chicago Charlotte's play in Miami, which then we would
get the winner of that. It looks like I mean,
it's just all over the place. It's Cincinnati versus Orlando,
New York City versus Nashville. I mean, it's us, it's everywhere.
(24:48):
But I mean, it's too early to talk about the playoffs,
right am?
Speaker 3 (24:51):
I am?
Speaker 2 (24:52):
I overstepping it? Should we We don't even want to
talk talk just yet. We just want to make sure
everybody's healthy and we want to get the winner. I
don't know, I think you hope. I almost hope Chicago
can beat Columbus at this point.
Speaker 5 (25:05):
If Chicago can walk into Miami and beat MESSI when
they actually need that game, Chicago might be a little scary.
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (25:13):
But ultimately, no, you know, look, let's win Saturday. That's
I think seblood after this. But let's let's get Saturday
out of the way. Let's get something nice and shiny
and then we can go after the second nice and
shiny thing. But you know, especially after getting close to
the first shiny thing and not quite getting it and
having to see two clubs that I'm not sure are
(25:33):
better than us fight for it right now, Yeah, Saturday
could be one of the greatest days in club history.
Speaker 5 (25:40):
So I'm really excited.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
Yeah, let's just talk about Saturday. Just I know, we
talked about it a bit, But New York City has
won six of its last eight games. They beat Red
Bull three to two in the Hudson River Derby. They
don't need a win. They're in the third seed. They
got a home game locked up wherever home is gonna be.
They have a home game playoff game locked up, so
(26:03):
you know, well we're gonna see so Seba again. Just
any any quick keys to this game in regards to
New York City, we know Matt Freeze is in in
goal and our former players love to stick it to us.
I mean, what are your what are your inside thoughts
on just the game itself, not just the improvements of
the shield, but how do we tactically win this game?
(26:24):
What do we need to do.
Speaker 6 (26:26):
I mean, I feel like you said, for this game,
I will give a little age to the Union just
because we have probably more motivation to win that game
than New York CDFT already, like you say, third, they
already have a home, you know, a game for the playoffs,
so they just want to play to maybe you know,
finish second. You know, it could be like something for them,
But yeah, it's going to be I feel like just
(26:50):
like a like a playoff game field.
Speaker 4 (26:52):
I feel like.
Speaker 6 (26:52):
For for this New York is gonna come without too
much pressure, so we can be scary as well.
Speaker 4 (26:57):
There's more pressure on the Union to win the game.
Speaker 6 (26:59):
But I feel like it's all about, yeah, kind of
winning your due, winning the battle. You know, be here
from the first whistle and and get it done. You know,
no matter how you can be an ugly game or not.
You know, nobody will care if at the end of
the day you got to straight points and you get
the shift. So yeah, when it's what we want, and yeah,
let's hopefully doing the right way like we did in DC,
(27:20):
you know, with everybody ready to play, and if we
can crush New York, it'd be fantastic.
Speaker 2 (27:27):
Adam your your two cents on New York City itself?
How do we beat this opponent and send the second
favorite son of Wayne Pennsylvania back to New York City crying?
Speaker 5 (27:36):
He's definitely the favorite time at this point.
Speaker 3 (27:38):
But I will say that, look, they'll be playing in
the Yankee Stadium well no matter what, because the end
he will be eliminated by Thursday, so it won't matter.
Speaker 5 (27:46):
That being said, look, it's it's it.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
Is a.
Speaker 5 (27:53):
It's an emotional game in every conceivable way. You know
you're gonna deal with the team like New.
Speaker 3 (27:58):
York does not have as much to play for, but
they don't want to not play for it. It's a
rivalry game, so they might want to play a little
bit of spoiler and do all that fun stuff. You're
better than them, you should beat them, and you should
beat them because you're one again better than them. Two,
it's at home. Three what's on the line. You should win,
(28:21):
and I think they're probably going to. But again I
can't be wrong, and we can have another conversation next
week about how a guy go beat Charlotte now, and
I understand that, but this is a moment where I
think a lot of things have come together for Saturday.
You know, a lot of things have worked. And I'm
(28:43):
not just talking about results of other matches. I'm talking
about the building of this roster. I'm talking about the
signing of the players. I'm talking about the depth. I'm
talking about getting a guy like Milan and Loaski, who
we're not even talking about it now, could be one
of the best signings we've ever had as a club.
It's like we're really early to the conversation about it,
but like his immediate impact in terms of signing and
(29:04):
then immediately translating onto the pitch might be one of
the quickest of all time. So this is a moment
in time that I think, if this goes well on Saturday,
this is folklore. This whole season, this whole season is folklore.
And what a beautiful way to finish the chapter and
finished the story.
Speaker 5 (29:24):
Then to win it on Saturday against New York.
Speaker 2 (29:27):
Yeah, I mean my thoughts are just win this because
I don't know if you've read this or not, but
the Union have never won in Charlotte. I think I've
counted that in eighteen different articles I've read this week,
and it's been Jonathan Tannimal's byline this whole time. So
you know what, just win the damn thing. Winning at home.
I want to see if the Sons of Bend can
(29:48):
set off as many smoke bombs as Adam did in
twenty twenty. And let's see if we can win in
front of you know, nineteen thousand people, not twenty seven
hundred and fifty six.
Speaker 3 (29:58):
They, in my sense, had masks on. All of us
were in the stands with masks on.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
So you know what, I may I may have to
bring one of those little masks in the river. I
might have to bring one of those. Just the amount
of smoke bombs.
Speaker 3 (30:12):
It would be adorable if, like the O G Sons
and then people just all braw surgical masks at the
end of the game.
Speaker 5 (30:20):
I die laughing. I really would.
Speaker 2 (30:22):
Yeah, So we're gonna see, well, guys, any anybody have
anything else before we wrap this sucker up?
Speaker 4 (30:29):
I'm sorry, but you know, impact signing. I think you
know you could have put my name on that. But
that's okay, I guess, and I have an impact right away.
Speaker 5 (30:39):
I said one of.
Speaker 2 (30:43):
Look, see this is in journalism called Adam Adam. Adam
was a journalism major, not.
Speaker 6 (30:50):
I said one of also Okay, sorry, I was like
to be confused, but.
Speaker 2 (30:58):
Weren't you more of a supplemental draft picked then an acquisition?
Like wasn't that more like the second time? Yeah, the
second time.
Speaker 5 (31:05):
Second time, that's an acquisition.
Speaker 4 (31:07):
Thank you, just bring out there, but appreciate it. Thanks
for the help.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
Well, my name is on the building at Yeah.
Speaker 4 (31:17):
You know, I want to make sure I don't remember.
I know I'm getting old, so that side.
Speaker 3 (31:21):
Don't make me pull out your long sleeved jersey than
I have in my closet right now because they still make.
Speaker 4 (31:28):
It back then, all right, we keep it for another
time this month.
Speaker 5 (31:31):
Oh, by the way, you too.
Speaker 3 (31:35):
Doing the lord's work down there, And they're in second
place right now in the power rankings, right behind Saint Louis.
So don't forget about the baby snakes. The baby Snakes
are doing good stuff down.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
There, all right. Well, ladies and gentlemen, this was episode
number fifty one, officially Shield Watch. We're gonna see you
all on Saturday. Let's try to get some more silverware
for the club. Let's do it up, see you everybody.
Saturday looks like a great day. Saba, thank you so
much for joining us again for episode number fifty one. Adam,
(32:06):
same thing. I look forward to seeing both you gentlemen
in lovely Chester, Pennsylvania, this Saturday, and everybody, let's go Union.
Speaker 1 (32:14):
Dupe missed anything from today's show. All of the Gambler's
content can be found at foxphlgambler dot com
Ex president of the Sons of Ben, Matt Gantastic X
head Capo, Adam Booth, ex player and forever a Union legend,
Sebastian Latoo. These may be exes, but they're the experts
when it comes to the Philadelphia Union. This is exes
in the You.
Speaker 2 (00:19):
Welcome back everybody to ohn Wah, my my mind. A
very exciting week of Union soccer again. Hi am Mattandazik
the former president of the Sons of Ben, and they
the only sons have been president that actually held the shield.
We'll see if that's going to change. Another shield holder,
Adam Booth X head Capo, you're with us and then
(00:40):
of course Union legend Sebastiana. Two guys, how are we
doing this week?
Speaker 3 (00:47):
It is a beautiful week in the Union versus potentially,
so I'm very excited.
Speaker 4 (00:53):
Yes, i am too. Can't of wait for Saturday.
Speaker 2 (00:56):
Yeah, Saturday, Saturday just got a lot more interesting and
we're gonna get into that first thing. First, they took
care of business down in DC. It was a rainy
match day, but you know what else it was raining, guys,
It was raining. Goals six zero Bruno with two, Indiana
with two, Milan and your a all contribute. Let's talk
(01:19):
about the good before we get to the bed. Who
wants to talk about DC United six nothing with the
offense doing what we wanted to do, Seba, you want to.
Speaker 5 (01:28):
Yeah, you crack.
Speaker 4 (01:30):
I mean, like you said, so exactly what we needed.
Speaker 6 (01:32):
You know, we need like a big win against the
club who didn't play for anything, and it's always some
trapping game, you know, but they really, you know, came
to this game with the right mentality.
Speaker 4 (01:45):
Maybe in the first no, fifteen to twenty minutes.
Speaker 6 (01:48):
We were like, oh, you know DC hitting the oppose
the crossbar, We're like, oh, we're like giving some chances,
but we were kind of like lucky to get you know,
those goals out.
Speaker 4 (01:58):
Of the way.
Speaker 6 (01:59):
And you know, the only let's say a bad note
on this game is injury from Queen Sullivan, who happened
early in the game, so you know, start to not
having him, you know, for the rest of the season.
But then the guys reacting well, I think sixth goal,
you know, really playing at a good level, getting confident
(02:19):
in front of the goal kind of what we needed.
Who are you know scoring you know, he lost key,
you know, doing another great game for him.
Speaker 4 (02:26):
Offensively. I think, you know, Deny.
Speaker 6 (02:28):
Was was good as well, Like I really love when
you play you know, more vertical with running up and
down the field. It was pretty open game, but you
can see that all the guys know we're focused, can
shoot again for hundreds. So everything works perfectly in that
game and it was nice to see. And you know,
with all the results, who was positive as the Union
(02:49):
now still be first and with the two games left
in a season.
Speaker 2 (02:55):
Very very true, Adam, I know you were glued to
the TV, to your Apple TV thoughts on this one.
Speaker 5 (03:02):
I mean, look, this was how do they how's the
song go our house? In the middle of d c
our house it?
Speaker 3 (03:11):
I mean, look, I don't know what is up with
that club? You know, maybe we can get into a
deeper dive on another day, especially because I would love
to hear from the perspective of SEBA. When you see
an organization as dysfunctional as DC United, you know, like
what does that even mean? Like how does that even
get there? Because it's just been year after year after
(03:35):
year after year after year of managers and just not
getting it together and putting these type of performances together,
and these things happen when we go to d C
more after more often than when they come to Chester.
So that's an entire different conversation. But that was the
comprehensive wind that you were looking for. What Seba says
(03:56):
is one hundred percent correct. You know, this was a
game I think a lot of Union fans were waiting for,
mainly because of how good this team has been all year.
You know, the attempts of firepower, it has, the record
it has in years prior for nothing, a six to nothing,
(04:17):
a seven nothing. Those lopsided results are a little bit
more common. I'm not saying they were all the time,
but they happen more than you know, once in a while.
This result right here, perfect moment, perfect time. The Quinn
cull of an injury is catastrophic. I it makes me
wonder if they're going to have enough bullets in the
chamber for MLS Cup. I do believe our depth is fantastic,
(04:40):
and I do believe that, you know, we could survive it.
But it just he was such a dynamic part of
what this team was doing and such a lifeblood for
what this team was doing through the midfield.
Speaker 5 (04:53):
It's a it's a loss. It's a loss.
Speaker 3 (04:55):
I don't think we can short change that, but just
speak on the game against DC.
Speaker 5 (05:01):
You know, you had an.
Speaker 3 (05:02):
Opponent that again had nothing to play for in sloppied
environments on that steamy Potomac and you absolutely house them
in a way that was a shot against the ballots
of the rest of Major League Soccer, letting you know
that just because the results haven't been as pretty as
you want, doesn't mean that the Union can't you know,
hang up a touchdown on you when necessary. And they
(05:25):
proved that again.
Speaker 2 (05:27):
And it was a nice comeback from you know, getting
a touchdown from Vancouver just a couple of weeks ago.
So look good. And they were moving the ball the
way said I think you said last week. You know
you wanted to see the offense move the ball. There's
a couple really pretty plays, but let's talk about the ugly.
The ugliest. Quinn Sullivan goes down torn ACL. I mean,
(05:48):
if he had any long shot for the US men's
national team, that's pretty much out. I don't even know
how long he might be out. He might not be
able to play till the end of next season. And
it definitely hurts where we don't have a lot of
depth in two different areas of the field. It hurts
us there. So for a playoff run, what the hell
(06:10):
do we do? Sabah. Do you think the Union hole
cabin out of the under seventeens to keep him here?
Speaker 4 (06:19):
I don't know.
Speaker 6 (06:21):
We'll see you. There's still two games to play. I
don't think they will. World Cup is always important. It's
better of your player, you know, in it especially.
Speaker 4 (06:29):
I think he will play more and he will play
for the Union.
Speaker 6 (06:32):
But you know, I think with the performance like Vassi left.
You know, we saw him, you know, playing a bit
different role in the past couple of games. It was
great to have him, you know, scoring too good as well.
I think it's confidence, it's pretty high. I think you
will probably see more. He's lost key, you know, sliding
more into a number ten position than a forward. And
then you will need to try to find the balance
between Barribo didn't play, you know because we spended and Damiani.
(06:57):
So if we can get you know, those four health
and then you know you have a little rotation at
the midfield, you know, between the three number six we
still have, you know, when all look Kits and Deny
and then on the right side you can you know,
have that left coming in on his left.
Speaker 4 (07:13):
You can have Loosky be on the right. You can
mix it up.
Speaker 6 (07:16):
So I feel like it's all about let's say it's
trying to stay healthy now until until the end of
the season. And yeah, it's a big, big, big game
on Saturday. Because you win, you can really now be
able to rest all your guys. There's a week off
next in two weeks because of the international date. Then
(07:37):
you don't have to play your best team in Charlotte,
so you can really like focus on on can getting
back everybody one hundred percent, which I know there's a
you know, some banged up you know here and there
from the guys, but most important, try to try to
build the team to be one hundred percent ready physically,
(07:59):
you know, to have the first game at home in
a playoff, because it's always in all little break every
time doing the end of the season to then starting
the playoffs, especially winning the shield, we will have a
buye so we are not going to play for a
long time. So I think the plan for the team
and coaching stuff and physio will be to make sure
(08:19):
everybody feel one hundred percent and add their peak, you know,
physically when when we start the playoff and as a goal,
so not having a game maybe in Charlotte, FA not
having everybody has to play in Charlotte. If we win Saturday,
it could be huge, you know, to get all the
squad ready. And I think we will have pretty much
like everybody back, depending on of course of the US
(08:40):
national team with the westfield with however right now, so
we'll see, we'll be back maybe for the playoff.
Speaker 2 (08:47):
This is going to be interesting. Let's let's go into
a little shield watch and then we can talk about
the upcoming with Charlotte, the playoffs, news and all that.
But the shield, I mean, everything fall in the place
the way you could only hope to fall into place.
I mean, I thought it was going to go to
the last day it could. But you know, Miami got
a drawl right after we get the win, since he
(09:09):
tied Orlando, San Diego lost to San Jose. I mean
they missed Geloski for sure, Vancouver, TI, Seattle, Minnesota, Tis Colorado.
It was just falling together. And Adam, I don't know
if you know this, but Red Bull Arena will be
available if New York City needs a playoff home because
Red Bull's not in the playoffs for the first time
(09:30):
in fifteen years. Pretty interesting stuff. And then Miami again.
Chicago takes care of business last night. So what can
you say except this is within our reach. Guys, the
Shield is within our reach. All we have to do
is basically take care of business with New York City
on Saturday. SABA you're calling that game, you know, let's
(09:55):
just talk about it. Let's say, Adam, if you're current
president of the Sons of Ben, are you calling Miami
and saying, get that thing on a UPS overnight immediately?
Do you bring the Shield into the building for Saturday night?
Speaker 3 (10:08):
I think it's irresponsible not to at this point, especially
given the history of this club in that particular trophy.
You know, I still love our Captain America Shield as
much as anyone, but I like when logistics can work
out and we're not in the middle of a pandemic.
So yeah, I get that thing on UPS expedited.
Speaker 5 (10:28):
Look, this is this is.
Speaker 3 (10:32):
Almost overwhelming how well it worked out for the Union
in terms of the pieces falling into place. I was
actually texting with friend, Oh, we're not going to get
to this position.
Speaker 5 (10:44):
I'm not saying they have won it.
Speaker 3 (10:45):
Yeah, but I'm saying almost crazy that it worked out
this way to at least give the Union this opportunity
to just basically, you know, do what they have to
do to secure it as opposed to need help.
Speaker 5 (10:58):
And I was.
Speaker 3 (10:59):
Talking to a friend of the pod, Jonathan tanne Wald,
about you know, just the scenarios and going through it,
and he just straight upside me, Look, I don't think
Chicago's winning tonight, so we're gonna probably have to wait
for another thing.
Speaker 5 (11:13):
They might get a draw.
Speaker 3 (11:14):
I don't think they're laying tonight, so I think basically
you're gonna.
Speaker 5 (11:18):
Have to wait until Charlotte.
Speaker 3 (11:20):
And I texted him right after the result as I'm
watching and I'm glued, and I'm sure a lot of
other Union fans last night were glued to the only
MLS matchup, which was a Chicago Miami and to see
Jack Elliott and the boys put five goals in down
at Chase Field and secure at least a possibility for
(11:44):
the Union to win this Shield on Saturday.
Speaker 5 (11:46):
And that was a moment. I texted him right after
and he was just like, yes, Saturday is it? You know?
Speaker 3 (11:52):
So this was this was serendipitous, almost especially after how
bad the Vancouver game was. I think a lot of
people were getting into the Nigadelphian position of, oh, of
course we're gonna blow this, you know, it's it's it's
how it goes here in but and again, we still
haven't secured it yet. But I would say the position
(12:14):
that you have is very advantageous. You have two games
to do it, essentially, and if you do it on Saturday. One,
you do it in front of your home fans, which
is nothing better than doing that. Two, you have an
opportunity to rest your players for Charlotte because one of
the biggest things about Charlotte is they're competing for playoff position.
(12:36):
They're very you know, in a mode of they've got
to win because they've been on a recent slide after
their tremendous nine game winning streak. But then also they
play on one of the worst surfaces in Major League Soccer,
in a stadium that is open, aired completely, there is
no coverage in that place, in a warm part of America,
where as of this week we were having ninety eight
(12:58):
degree games down in Texas. So I think it's very
advantageous that the Union try to win this game on Saturday.
For multiple reasons, but ultimately to say, all right, rotate
everyone you can. And I wouldn't even send Andre Blake
on the plane to Charlotte if we win, you know,
I would just bubble wrap everyone that matters and keep
(13:20):
it moving. But it's look, you don't want to overlook it.
You don't want to look into it. You don't want
to feel like you've already wont it. And I obviously
I am not saying any of this, but to be
in this position, after all of what this season was
supposed to be, after all the turmoil, the ups and downs,
(13:41):
the roller coasters, it is an insane thought to think
that the Union could with three points secure the regular
season title in Major League Soccer this year.
Speaker 2 (13:53):
Yeah, Sabah, your thoughts on what the Union need to
do against New York City to make sure they cure
number the second trophy in the in the Cabinet shield
and then follow up to that, what do you think
it means to the team winning two shields?
Speaker 6 (14:11):
I mean, you know what they need to do. I
think it's let's just take this game like it's a
player game. You know, it's it's a kind of do
or die. And I feel it's you.
Speaker 4 (14:19):
Know, the easiest way to win the trophies. Here is
a shield. You know, we have a great radition.
Speaker 6 (14:25):
I think we're all the great results happening in our
way in or with all the results you say earlier,
but last weekend about yesterday Chicago, be in Miami night.
Can we winning at home and be fantastic and it's
great feeling, you know, to celebrate, you know with the
old you know, your your family, your friends. You know,
for the players to just be all together and just
(14:47):
enjoy this moment. It be fantastic to just get the
straight points and in the game. But they just have
to play the same ways they've been playing allier with
of course in the back of their minds that you know,
the extra kind of feeling and motivation that it's for
the ship.
Speaker 4 (15:03):
We win, we get the shield.
Speaker 6 (15:04):
So it's all about you know, being together, playing hard
and for the fans, you know, to be even like
Louder to try to pull his team to get one
more win to get the show so great position. It
could be a fantastic night on Saturday. So yeah, I
feel like everything is really united to win at home,
(15:26):
which is always more fun. You don't want to. Of course,
you want to win the Shield, but not in Charlotte.
You know, it'd be fun to have it here at
super Park. So yeah, winning two maybe be amazing. And
you know, like you said, the first one of the
Captain American Ship was not the real one. Can they
bring the real one on this one, and you know,
(15:46):
show it to the player and have a full stadium
to celebrate because the first time when they win it,
the stadium was not full, you know, it was doing COVID.
Speaker 4 (15:53):
It was a bit weird, you know.
Speaker 6 (15:55):
So having a pack house, you know, on Saturday and
having in front of all the funs be fantastic to
be able to raise it, you know, in front of
all the true you know, philology of fans will be
will be on Saturday. So yeah, it's a fantastic feeling
to think about it. But now I know they just
need to put the mentality into it. And I think
(16:16):
it's a playoff game. It's the most playing for the
MS Cup because EMS Cups be very hard to win,
for sure, but this one is a let's say, easier
trophy we can win. We have two chants, but I'm thinking,
let's just think about we just have that chance, and
you know, put it all in because you win that,
you can have guys being you know, relaxed and rest
and get ready back for the playoffs for three weeks.
Speaker 4 (16:39):
So it could be it could be huge.
Speaker 2 (16:42):
I watch just footnote on that Captain America's shield for
for the record, LA their supporters groups, they're the ones
that screwed up sending the shield to us. They sent
it to day Ups but did not want make the deadline,
and two did not for a Saturday delivery. So that's
(17:02):
what happened. That's why we had to have that shield.
It came to my house that followed that Monday, right afterwards,
tracking that stinking truck. But yeah, that's kind of the
background story. And after we win the shield, we'll go
into all the shield history, all the shield drama that
we dealt with that I'm in twenty twenty because let
me tell you, that trophy as long as you know,
as much as it's cool that it's from the fans,
(17:23):
for them, it's a pain in the ass. Let me
just tell you right now. Lugging that stupid thing around
during a global pandemic so everybody can touch it. What
a pain in the you know what that was so
good luck. And for the supporters groups, it's not just
the sons of Ben. The dupe and delinquents are now
(17:43):
recognized by AC. So we're gonna see some inner supporter
group drama if that hardware, if that plate comes back
in our possession, and I'm just glad I'm not part
of it.
Speaker 3 (17:53):
I So I believe everyone's going to behave and be
model cet a sentence because why not? Yeah, I mean
the unbridled joy of victory. You know, we're all gonna
be good little boys and girls.
Speaker 2 (18:06):
Yeah, just like we were in twenty twenty. There was
no drama with that thing, all right, real quick? In news,
there's an app for that. The Union app has been launched.
I downloaded it. I entered a contest. I don't think
I won squat yet, but we'll see. But we're gonna
see the Union app. Let's see how that gets traction.
And then the US Men's are coming to super Park
(18:29):
on November fifteenth. Still haven't gotten my comp tickets yet.
Don't know if you guys did, I haven't seen anything,
but yeah, tonight US Open Cup Austin versus Nashville. We
could have been playing in that I guess I'm glad
we're not. I don't know with the schedule and the shield,
but US Open Cup Austin versus Nashville. I'm team Austin
(18:50):
because Nashville's just pissed me off. And then you know,
let's we'll get in the playoffs. But just around the
Soccer World Cup, FIFA says lottery winners have been or
will soon be informed by email if they got the
chance to buy tickets. I haven't seen anything, and I'm
on a couple of these lotteries. But the good news
(19:12):
is adam American Airlines. They're loyalty programmed people. You can
use miles to get World Cup tickets. I'm number two
on that list to use my miles to get World
Cup tickets. So that might help the help the old wallet,
and then some Horizon customers can get free World Cup tickets.
Speaker 3 (19:32):
Being stuck at phl for your launch city finally has
paid off for me, paying off in Philadelphia International Airport,
in that land locked, uh economically locked hub that is
American Airlines.
Speaker 5 (19:45):
It's finally paid off. I'm so happy.
Speaker 2 (19:47):
Yeah, I'm I'm glad. I'm platinum pro. I get to
jump in there and use some points for those tickets. Uh,
I believe it's tonight, right Adam Gotham versus Washington Spirit
at Super Park.
Speaker 3 (19:58):
Yeah, yes, the women are coming to Philadelphia, and look
I like it cool. I'm happy to we have women's
soccer in Philadelphia. No one wants to root for a
New York team in the city, I got I just
I can't stress this enough or a DC team. I
think we literally have a chant about rooting against both
(20:18):
of them, respectfully and lighting them on fire in a bonfire.
So USL or NWSL just send somebody else next time,
like the Seattle you know, send La, send someone who's
just on a road trip, whomever. Stop sending us our
rival cities because no one cares, and you're gonna use
(20:40):
that against us as Oh well, they don't care about
women's soccer in Philadelphia. No, just like every woman's sport
that we don't have. We care about it profusely and
we're very confused and why it doesn't exist in our
city in the first place. But the most important thing
about this is we've been deserved another shot at women's
(21:00):
soccer in the city. And it's it's for me almost
egregious that they keep dangling these games in front of
us as barometers, as if this is going to be
the reason why, you know what, we weren't really sure
that Philadelphia liked sports.
Speaker 5 (21:16):
You know, we were.
Speaker 3 (21:16):
Confused that Philadelphia was a sports town. So we had
to jangle some keys in front of them and think
if this is a real sports town.
Speaker 5 (21:24):
It's just it's insulting. Frankly, it's insulting.
Speaker 2 (21:29):
Well, I hope some people show up for it, but
who knows. Now, last bit of around the world news
that Adam, I think you're gonna love this. Just yesterday,
Milan City Council officially approved the sale of San Cyril
to enter NAC Milan twenty four votes to twenty against.
(21:49):
I mean four votes to sell a two hundred and
thirty one million dollar RFK stadium in the middle of Milan.
So yeah, we're going to see some big things now.
Speaker 3 (22:01):
And when you say RFK stadium, this is not hyperbole,
like this is one of like when you go to
Italian soccer stadiums that are not Juventus.
Speaker 5 (22:08):
These are some of the.
Speaker 3 (22:09):
Most decrepit, brutalistic stadios I've ever seen nap from Napoli
to Palermo, Sosan Siero to all of them were built
decades before your parents are even born, and they are
falling apart, all of them. So the fact that two
clubs that are fantasy, two of the best clubs in
the world, two of the most famous clubs in the world,
(22:31):
finally get to upgrade their stadium when clubs like Tottenham
now have beautiful stadiums. This is way pasted overdue, and
I hope it starts a gold rush in Italian soccer because,
let's be frank, the facilities are one of the things
that are holding Syria back these days.
Speaker 5 (22:46):
You know, you can't get the best.
Speaker 3 (22:48):
Players in the world to want to plane stadiums that
are literally falling apart. But shout out to Christian Polistic,
who might be the best player in Syria right now.
Speaker 2 (22:56):
And set up any thoughts on either of the the
n w s L coming to super Park, I mean,
will you be in attendance tonight and any thoughts on
your your your Milan teams getting a new stadium.
Speaker 6 (23:09):
No, I mean I will not be tonight unfortunately for
this game. But like Adam say, yeah, it's it's kind
of weird. It's not a Philadelpia team in play in
the stadium. You know it should be so hopefully we'll
have a women's team in Philadelphia. But yeah, it's I
guess to bring it here. I know some people are coming,
you know, it's a fun to to see the women
(23:30):
player as well, But no, I will not be there,
and for the easily. You know, it's one of the
country I've never been to thee A game, so yeah,
maybe I will go to the new stadium.
Speaker 4 (23:40):
When you come out, we have to.
Speaker 2 (23:42):
Do a road trip. We'll get a we'll get true
fan travel on that and we'll do a suber Goes
to Italy trip and you can join Subah.
Speaker 5 (23:49):
You know, it's nice to watch the sport.
Speaker 3 (23:52):
It's just the stadium now these days, so I'm hoping
that the starts a revolution in the countryside.
Speaker 2 (24:00):
Can I drink wine in the stadium like I can
drink cider in Germany? So you can't.
Speaker 3 (24:05):
I think you can drink wine in the stadium. I
don't know if you can purchase wine. I mean, look,
Palermo is bare bones with it and all I could
buy was peronis and ham and cheese sandwiches. But outside
of the stadium is one of the best carnival food
atmosphere as possible, so you're gonna get absolutely obliterated before
you even step inside. So you know, yeah, pretty much.
Speaker 2 (24:26):
Sounds good to me. All right, guys, let's just discuss it.
If the playoffs happen today, we get the winner of
Columbus Chicago Charlotte's play in Miami, which then we would
get the winner of that. It looks like I mean,
it's just all over the place. It's Cincinnati versus Orlando,
New York City versus Nashville. I mean, it's us, it's everywhere.
(24:48):
But I mean, it's too early to talk about the playoffs,
right am?
Speaker 3 (24:51):
I am?
Speaker 2 (24:52):
I overstepping it? Should we We don't even want to
talk talk just yet. We just want to make sure
everybody's healthy and we want to get the winner. I
don't know, I think you hope. I almost hope Chicago
can beat Columbus at this point.
Speaker 5 (25:05):
If Chicago can walk into Miami and beat MESSI when
they actually need that game, Chicago might be a little scary.
I don't know.
Speaker 3 (25:13):
But ultimately, no, you know, look, let's win Saturday. That's
I think seblood after this. But let's let's get Saturday
out of the way. Let's get something nice and shiny
and then we can go after the second nice and
shiny thing. But you know, especially after getting close to
the first shiny thing and not quite getting it and
having to see two clubs that I'm not sure are
(25:33):
better than us fight for it right now, Yeah, Saturday
could be one of the greatest days in club history.
Speaker 5 (25:40):
So I'm really excited.
Speaker 2 (25:42):
Yeah, let's just talk about Saturday. Just I know, we
talked about it a bit, But New York City has
won six of its last eight games. They beat Red
Bull three to two in the Hudson River Derby. They
don't need a win. They're in the third seed. They
got a home game locked up wherever home is gonna be.
They have a home game playoff game locked up, so
(26:03):
you know, well we're gonna see so Seba again. Just
any any quick keys to this game in regards to
New York City, we know Matt Freeze is in in
goal and our former players love to stick it to us.
I mean, what are your what are your inside thoughts
on just the game itself, not just the improvements of
the shield, but how do we tactically win this game?
(26:24):
What do we need to do.
Speaker 6 (26:26):
I mean, I feel like you said, for this game,
I will give a little age to the Union just
because we have probably more motivation to win that game
than New York CDFT already, like you say, third, they
already have a home, you know, a game for the playoffs,
so they just want to play to maybe you know,
finish second. You know, it could be like something for them,
But yeah, it's going to be I feel like just
(26:50):
like a like a playoff game field.
Speaker 4 (26:52):
I feel like.
Speaker 6 (26:52):
For for this New York is gonna come without too
much pressure, so we can be scary as well.
Speaker 4 (26:57):
There's more pressure on the Union to win the game.
Speaker 6 (26:59):
But I feel like it's all about, yeah, kind of
winning your due, winning the battle. You know, be here
from the first whistle and and get it done. You know,
no matter how you can be an ugly game or not.
You know, nobody will care if at the end of
the day you got to straight points and you get
the shift. So yeah, when it's what we want, and yeah,
let's hopefully doing the right way like we did in DC,
(27:20):
you know, with everybody ready to play, and if we
can crush New York, it'd be fantastic.
Speaker 2 (27:27):
Adam your your two cents on New York City itself?
How do we beat this opponent and send the second
favorite son of Wayne Pennsylvania back to New York City crying?
Speaker 5 (27:36):
He's definitely the favorite time at this point.
Speaker 3 (27:38):
But I will say that, look, they'll be playing in
the Yankee Stadium well no matter what, because the end
he will be eliminated by Thursday, so it won't matter.
Speaker 5 (27:46):
That being said, look, it's it's it.
Speaker 2 (27:50):
Is a.
Speaker 5 (27:53):
It's an emotional game in every conceivable way. You know
you're gonna deal with the team like New.
Speaker 3 (27:58):
York does not have as much to play for, but
they don't want to not play for it. It's a
rivalry game, so they might want to play a little
bit of spoiler and do all that fun stuff. You're
better than them, you should beat them, and you should
beat them because you're one again better than them. Two,
it's at home. Three what's on the line. You should win,
(28:21):
and I think they're probably going to. But again I
can't be wrong, and we can have another conversation next
week about how a guy go beat Charlotte now, and
I understand that, but this is a moment where I
think a lot of things have come together for Saturday.
You know, a lot of things have worked. And I'm
(28:43):
not just talking about results of other matches. I'm talking
about the building of this roster. I'm talking about the
signing of the players. I'm talking about the depth. I'm
talking about getting a guy like Milan and Loaski, who
we're not even talking about it now, could be one
of the best signings we've ever had as a club.
It's like we're really early to the conversation about it,
but like his immediate impact in terms of signing and
(29:04):
then immediately translating onto the pitch might be one of
the quickest of all time. So this is a moment
in time that I think, if this goes well on Saturday,
this is folklore. This whole season, this whole season is folklore.
And what a beautiful way to finish the chapter and
finished the story.
Speaker 5 (29:24):
Then to win it on Saturday against New York.
Speaker 2 (29:27):
Yeah, I mean my thoughts are just win this because
I don't know if you've read this or not, but
the Union have never won in Charlotte. I think I've
counted that in eighteen different articles I've read this week,
and it's been Jonathan Tannimal's byline this whole time. So
you know what, just win the damn thing. Winning at home.
I want to see if the Sons of Bend can
(29:48):
set off as many smoke bombs as Adam did in
twenty twenty. And let's see if we can win in
front of you know, nineteen thousand people, not twenty seven
hundred and fifty six.
Speaker 3 (29:58):
They, in my sense, had masks on. All of us
were in the stands with masks on.
Speaker 2 (30:03):
So you know what, I may I may have to
bring one of those little masks in the river. I
might have to bring one of those. Just the amount
of smoke bombs.
Speaker 3 (30:12):
It would be adorable if, like the O G Sons
and then people just all braw surgical masks at the
end of the game.
Speaker 5 (30:20):
I die laughing. I really would.
Speaker 2 (30:22):
Yeah, So we're gonna see, well, guys, any anybody have
anything else before we wrap this sucker up?
Speaker 4 (30:29):
I'm sorry, but you know, impact signing. I think you
know you could have put my name on that. But
that's okay, I guess, and I have an impact right away.
Speaker 5 (30:39):
I said one of.
Speaker 2 (30:43):
Look, see this is in journalism called Adam Adam. Adam
was a journalism major, not.
Speaker 6 (30:50):
I said one of also Okay, sorry, I was like
to be confused, but.
Speaker 2 (30:58):
Weren't you more of a supplemental draft picked then an acquisition?
Like wasn't that more like the second time? Yeah, the
second time.
Speaker 5 (31:05):
Second time, that's an acquisition.
Speaker 4 (31:07):
Thank you, just bring out there, but appreciate it. Thanks
for the help.
Speaker 2 (31:11):
Well, my name is on the building at Yeah.
Speaker 4 (31:17):
You know, I want to make sure I don't remember.
I know I'm getting old, so that side.
Speaker 3 (31:21):
Don't make me pull out your long sleeved jersey than
I have in my closet right now because they still make.
Speaker 4 (31:28):
It back then, all right, we keep it for another
time this month.
Speaker 5 (31:31):
Oh, by the way, you too.
Speaker 3 (31:35):
Doing the lord's work down there, And they're in second
place right now in the power rankings, right behind Saint Louis.
So don't forget about the baby snakes. The baby Snakes
are doing good stuff down.
Speaker 2 (31:45):
There, all right. Well, ladies and gentlemen, this was episode
number fifty one, officially Shield Watch. We're gonna see you
all on Saturday. Let's try to get some more silverware
for the club. Let's do it up, see you everybody.
Saturday looks like a great day. Saba, thank you so
much for joining us again for episode number fifty one. Adam,
(32:06):
same thing. I look forward to seeing both you gentlemen
in lovely Chester, Pennsylvania, this Saturday, and everybody, let's go Union.
Speaker 1 (32:14):
Dupe missed anything from today's show. All of the Gambler's
content can be found at foxphlgambler dot com
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