Segment one is pure MLS therapy. The Cooligans rank and debate the worst Designated Player signings of all time, asking how so many big names with even bigger expectations fell flat. From Rafa Márquez’s infamous tenure to the complicated legacies of Giroud, Shaqiri, and Insigne, the guys break down why hype doesn’t always translate on the field — and what MLS should learn from these costly misfires.

In segment two, attention shifts to England as Liverpool’s clash with Manchester City sparks controversy. Was the red card justified, or did it unfairly tilt the match? The boys react in real time to City’s statement win and zoom out to assess what it means for the Premier League title race, with Arsenal now feeling real pressure as City creep closer.

The episode wraps with a moment that raised eyebrows across the soccer world: Mauricio Pochettino telling Timothy Weah to “keep quiet” about World Cup ticket prices. The guys unpack why that comment hit a nerve, what it reveals about the relationship between players and federations, and why conversations about access and cost around the World Cup aren’t going away anytime soon.

Timestamps:
(9:00) – Revealing the worst MLS DP flops of all-time

(27:30) - Was Liverpool’s red card justified?

(40:30) – Premier League title race heats up as Man City inch closer

(49:00) – Reacting to Pochettino telling Tim Weah to “keep quiet” about World Cup ticket prices

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Is James Rodríguez really headed to Minnesota United? In one of the strangest transfer rumors we’ve ever seen, the Cooligans unpack how a global superstar could end up in MLS, what it would mean for Minnesota, and whether James still has enough left to move the needle in the league — or if this is destined to be pure chaos.

Next, we revisit the USMNT hype machine and ask some uncomfortable questions. Gio Reyna, Yunus Musah, Gianluca Busio, Jordan Morris — all players who once felt like sure things. So what happened? We break down why their trajectories have stalled, what went wrong at club level, and whether there’s still time for a second act.

Finally, we react to the wildest stories from around world soccer. From Vinícius Jr.’s girlfriend revealing uncomfortable details involving Real Madrid, to Gabriel Barbosa’s tense encounter with fans, to Cristiano Ronaldo’s “missing” posters popping up in Saudi Arabia — it’s another reminder that no sport delivers chaos quite like football.

Timestamps:
(6:30) – James Rodriguez’s shock transfer to Minnesota United

(21:30) - USMNT rising stars that have now faded

(49:30) – Vini Jr’s girlfriend’s weird ointment story

(53:30) – Reacting to other news around the soccer world

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Legendary commentator Derek Rae joins Christian and Alexis for a wide-ranging conversation on soccer, culture, and storytelling. From his upbringing in Scotland to his deep connection with German football, Derek explains how his love for languages and history shaped his broadcasting career—and why getting players’ names right is about far more than phonetics. He shares a powerful story about the real impact correct pronunciation can have on players and their families.

Derek also takes listeners behind the scenes of how he became the voice of EA FC, revealing what the audition process was like, how the opportunity came together, and what it means to be recognized worldwide through a video game. Along the way, he reflects on the evolution of soccer media, iconic broadcasting moments, and the responsibility that comes with being a trusted voice of the sport.

Finally, the conversation dives into the global game itself. Derek breaks down the cultural differences between MLS and European leagues, explains why Germany has become such fertile ground for American players, and offers thoughtful insight into the unique identity of soccer fandom in the United States. It’s a smart, funny, and deeply human conversation with one of the most respected voices in the game.

Timestamps:
(2:00) – Why pronouncing player names correctly is important to Derek Rae

(10:45) - Derek Rae’s soccer origin story

(15:00) – How Europeans currently perceive MLS

(23:45) – Is Germany the best place for Americans to develop?

(35:00) – Is 2026 the year where the US becomes a real soccer country?

(39:00) - How Derek Rae became the voice of EA FC

Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app:

🎧 Apple Podcasts

🎧 Spotify

🖥️ YouTube

📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv