Andrew Barnikel and Connor Wright

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're catching up on some recent MLS news. This week we're going to be talking about Pat Agyemang's injury that is going to keep him out of the World Cup, followed by the rumored rebranding of the Colorado Rapids. Lastly, we discuss Neymar's rumored move over to FC Cincinnati. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #f...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're ending off season 6 with just a little more MLS news. This week we're talking about Vancouver's talks of almost moving and also a new stadium, followed by Colorado's new coach for 2026, lastly ending with a little bit of transfer talks on some recent confirmed and rumored moves. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicag...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're reacting to our predictions we made at the start of the season, and oh boy there are some bad ones in here. Our predictions included standings predictions, awards predictions, and bold predictions, so come listen to how well we did (spoiler not very well). Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fc...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're covering Don Garber's State of the League address. In his address, Don talks about all things from the calendar change to the possibility of MLS adopting pro/rel sometime in the future, and we're here to give you all our thoughts. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradora...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're coming in with a recap of the MLS Cup Final as Miami and Messi have lifted their first ever MLS Cup! We recap the game and see where things went right and wrong for both sides and highlighted some standout performances. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapid...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're coming with a brace as we're recapping both the conference finals and predicting the MLS Cup Final! Some really exciting games this round to recap, and then we're going to preview the big game, MLS Cup Final. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columb...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're coming with a double whammy as we're recapping the conference semifinals and predicting the conference finals! Some really exciting games this round to recap, and then we're going to preview each matchup as the teams are one step away from MLS Cup Finals. Let us know your thoughts! #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 predicting the conference semifinals! Some super exciting matchups this round, specifically LAFC v Vancouver, and we're going to predict the winner of all games setting up the conference finals matchups. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscre...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're catching up on some BIG recent MLS news, specifically we are talking about the MLS calendar change, some changes to AppleTV deal, and the potential elimination of conferences and change to one league with divisions. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're catching up on some recent MLS news with a focus again on the coaching side. This week we're going to be talking about some coaching hires, specifically Tata Martino to Atlanta again, as well as Marko Mitrovic to New England for his first ever senior head coach role. Lastly, we give a little shoutout to the RBNY 2 boys for their success in MLS Next Pro. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayo...

In this episode, the boys are back to chat about what went wrong with DC United to cause them to miss the playoffs in 2025! Recorded on: 10/25/2025 #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sportingkc #skc #lagalaxy #losangeles #lafc #intermiami #intermiamicf #messi #lionelmessi #minnesotau...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're catching up on some recent MLS news with a focus on the coaching and front office side. This week we're going to be talking about Chris Armas out in Colorado, followed by a duo out at Red Bull in coach Sandro Schwarz and Director of Football Jochen Schneider. Next we talk about Corey Wray off to St Louis as their new Sporting Director. Lastly, we discuss the use of AI in the sport, specifically in coachin...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're catching up on some recent MLS news. This week we're going to be talking about Ronny Deila out in Atlanta, followed by Marco Donadel announced as the permanent new head coach in Monteal. Next we talk about Chris Armas press conference crash out on Matt Pollard and the Burgundy Wave. Lastly, we discuss the MLS Cup Playoffs being available to all Appletv users. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscu...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're giving our flowers to many recent retirement announcements from guys in MLS including some absolute legends such as Jordi Alba, Sergio Busquets, and Darlington Nagbe. We will recap their entire career, including what they have meant to their teams, to MLS, and to the sport. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we are back and this week we are joined by Sydney Hunte from Scarves and Spikes to help us break down what went wrong for Atlanta United. Where do you begin with this team but evidently it will have to be somewhere and we're here to point out a few reasons why the team missed the playoffs this year. Hopefully we won't be making this episode next season. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we are back and this week, with only a couple games left in the season, we're discussing who will make the MLS playoffs. We are going to go team by team and look at their remaining schedule to determine if they can either hold their position in a playoff spot, or will someone come and take their spot. Let us know what you think and who you think is making the playoffs! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottef...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're catching up on some recent MLS news. This week we're going to be talking about Caleb Porter out in New England, followed by the rumor that Messi and Inter Miami are on the verge of a contract extension. Lastly, we discuss DC United's... interesting move for their newest Managing Director. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf...

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 coaches in MLS history, from all time greats like Sigi Schmid to the present stars like Wilfried Nancy. Let us know your top 10 and what you think of our picks! Rec...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're doing our final recap of Leagues Cup 2025 and boy is there a lot to talk about. We'll talk the game, what it means for Brian Schmetzer's legacy, and of course going to talk about the brawl between Miami and Seattle. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 ...

In this episode, we give our thoughts on the biggest conspiracies to hit MLS this week! Are MLS curating calls to help sell narratives in real time? Do they create success for individual players for clicks? Are they mandating MLS inclusion on the national team for viewers? We cover all that and more this week! Recorded on: 8/28/25 #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking even more transfers from this summer transfer window. This episode we are going to be covering moves such as Paxten Aaronson to Colorado, Brenner back to FC Cincinnati, and more. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #d...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking more MLS news. Actually, we start things off with a little USL news as a few sides are expanding their stadiums to meet division 1 regulations. Next we discuss Evander's return to Portland which ended with some choice words towards him from the Portland fans. Lastly, we talk about Javier Mascherano's wild red card saga in Miami's Leagues Cup game against Tigres. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #ML...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're continuing our recap of summer transfers for MLS. This episode we are going to be covering moves such as Djordje Mihailovic to Toronto, Rob Holding to Colorado, and more. Let us know your thoughts! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdalla...

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 drama involving MLS referee Tim Ford. Next we talk about the rumored game between Barcelona and Villareal taking place in Miami and what that means for MLS and global soccer. Lastly we end things off with yet again another discussion about the USMNT and this time talking about the recent clips involving Tim Weah and Christian Pulisic that have bee...

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, and so we're here to talk about it and give our thoughts. Also let us ...

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 the standings and one player to watch, and some of their recent "big sig...

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 the standings and one player to watch, and some of their recent "big sig...

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 forward. Let us know your thoughts! 0:00 - Scarf of the Week; 5:00 - MLS perfo...

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 know your thoughts! 0:00 - Scarf of the Week; 1:49 - Stock up and stoc...

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 again. Lastly we end things off with a goodbye to a MLS legend in Nico Lodeir...

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! 0:00 - Scarf of the Week; 4:24 - MLS performance in CWC; 10:32 - CWC narrat...

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 - Seattle Sounders Preview #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #a...

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're talking about FC Dallas' stunning win over the super team LA Galaxy, and ...

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 bring a rematch of Messi vs Ronaldo one more time. Let us know your thoughts! 0:...

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 Defender of the year, Coach of the year, and MVP. Let us know your...

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's recent last second win over the Galaxy. Let us know your thoughts! 0:00 - Scarf o...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking about the USMNT for the first time in a long time! We're talking about the recent Gold Cup roster that just dropped and reacting to who is in and who missed out. Next we talk about Pulisic being rumored to have asked to not be included in the squad. Last we react to some (outrageous) tweets about Pulisic asking out. Let us know your thoughts! 0:00 - Scarf of the Week 3:40 - Gold Cup Roster &...

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 LA Galaxy Will Kuntz's recent comments about how MLS roster rules are outdated. We continue our talk of the LA Galaxy with the recent announcement of a contract extension for head coach Greg Vanney while the team sits on 3 points. Next we talk about David Beckham's complaint about Minnesota United's social media post making fun of Miami after Minnesota smac...

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're talking about outfield player Eddie Gaven in goal for the Columbus Crew, ...

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 the latest round of the US Open Cup which saw just 1 USL side win out of 16 matchups against MLS, does this indicate that the gap between MLS and USL is massive? Next we talk about Sportico's recent club valuations which saw a significant number of MLS sides rank very highly. Lastly we talk about the one off playoff between LAFC and Club America to make it ...

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're talking about Will Hesmer's goalkeeper goal for the Columbus Crew, follow...

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 the money being handed out the Club World Cup and how basically none of it may go to the players. This is followed up by the snapchat post from Wilfred Zaha expressing his frustrations with some fans. Lastly we talk about the rumor or Paul Pogba potentially joining DC United as a designated player. Let us know your thoughts! 0:00 - Scarf of the Week 3:59 - ...

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're talking about Real Salt Lake's incredible run in the CONCACAF Champions L...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking about more MLS news! We're going to be recapping the deadline day moves in MLS by discussing some of our favorite moves, least favorite moves, and what teams should have done more. Let us know your thoughts! 0:00 - Scarf of the Week 3:54 - Best Moves 18:20 - Moves to keep an eye on 26:24 - Teams that should've done more #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #fo...

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 the announcement of Steve Cherundolo's departure to Germany at the end of the season and what his legacy in MLS will be. This is followed up by the rumor of Kevin De Bruyne potentially moving to Chicago to join GGG?? Lastly we talk about the extension of Oscar Pareja in Orlando and whether it was deserved or not. Let us know your thoughts! 0:00 - Scarf of t...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're getting a behind the scenes look into life in the RBNY academy with RBNY2 prospect Matthew Dos Santos. Listen in to Matty talk about his game and his time in the academy system and how it's led him to becoming a future RBNY first team player. Let us know your thoughts! 0:00 - Developing in the RBNY academy 10:02 - Rapid fire questions #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlott...

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're talking about Sebastien Le Toux's hattrick in the Philadelphia Union's fi...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're giving our takes on who have been the most surprising and most disappointing teams thus far in the very early MLS season, but we are not alone for this one as we are joined by the guys over at Stateside Soccer Show. Let us know your thoughts! 0:00 - Scarf of the Week 4:50 - Most surprising 20:49 - Most disappointing #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #c...

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're talking about Rihanna’s parking lot party before RBNY’s first game as RBN...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking about the recent sacking of one of the longest tenured managers in history as Sporting KC sack coach Peter Vermes. Afterwards we discuss Kevin De Bruyne saying that he is leaving Man City at the end of the season and discuss potential landing spots in MLS. Lastly we talk about Ernst Tanner's comments talking about their decision to move on from Jim Curtin being the correct decision already. Let us...