Andrew Barnikel and Connor Wright

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're talking about the recent sacking of CF Montreal coach Laurent Courtois and discussing if this was justified or harsh. While we're on the coach topic, we also discuss some other coaches who might be on the hot seat. Let us know your thoughts! 0:00 - Scarf of the Week 2:12 - Laurent Courtois OUT in Montreal 18:34 - Coaches on the hot seat #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlo...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're reacting to our beginning of the season awards and bold predictions! If you haven't checked out our predictions, no worries, we go over our picks here, but if you want to hear more of our thought process, we suggest you take a listen to our earlier episodes on this topic. Some of predictions were spot on... some not so much. Let us know what you think, and also how your predictions panned out! Recorded o...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're back making more tierlists! What better way to make the return to this series than with making a tierlist ranking the top moments from the 2024 season. There have been so many amazing and hilarious moments this season, some becoming local lore while others became mainstream. Let us know what you think and what your tierlist would be! Recorded on: 12/15/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! ...

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 goals from the 2024 season, from bicycle kicks to goals from the halfway line, there are some bangers in this list.. Let us know your top 10 and what you think of ou...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with this episode covering Don Garber's full state of the league press conference, which covered topics such as US Open Cup, Leagues Cup, roster rules, and more. We'll give our take on some of the more noteworthy points of the press conference. Let us know your thoughts! #ad Recorded on: 12/8/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any em...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're recapping the recent MLS Cup Final. The LA Galaxy are your 2024 MLS Cup Champions, which means we have one sad cohost and another ready to rub it in. We go over how the game planned out, what went wrong for RBNY, and what does the future look like for RBNY. Let us know your thoughts! #ad Recorded on: 12/7/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any emails with questions or comments to: thedpp...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're recapping all of the action from the MLS Cup Playoffs Conference finals and then giving an in depth preview of the MLS Cup Final! We'll start out by recapping the latest round of matchups in the playoffs which set us up for the teams to face off in the final. After that we will be going into a deep dive into the MLS Cup Final between the LA Galaxy and New York Red Bulls. Let us know your picks and your thoughts! #ad Recorded on: 12/1/...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with this episode talking about even more coaching changes including the departure of John Herdman from Toronto FC, Nick Cushing from NYCFC, and Vanni Sartini from the Vancouver Whitecaps. Let us know your thoughts! #ad Recorded on: 12/1/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected] F...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're recapping all of the action from the MLS Cup Playoffs Conference semi-finals and then talking about our favorite podcast topic... predictions! We'll start out by recapping the latest round of matchups in the playoffs which featured a few more upsets and an 8 goal thriller. After that we will be making our MLS Cup Conference finals predictions. Potentially more upsets to come in next round? Listen in to find out. Let us know your picks a...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with this episode talking about a slew of new coach hires including the rumored arrival of Javier Mascherano coming into Inter Miami for the recently departed Tata Martino, Eric Quill in at FC Dallas, and Olof Mellberg joining St Louis City. Lastly we cover the record breaking signing of striker Kevin Denkey by FC Cincinnati. Let us know your thoughts! Recorded on: 11/23/2024 ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about our favorite podcast topic... predictions! This time by we're making our MLS Cup Conference Semifinals predictions for both the east and the west. A couple of really exciting matchups and even some upset picks from the hosts. Let us know your picks and your thoughts! Recorded on: 11/17/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any emails with questions or comments to: thedppod@gmai...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with this episode talking about a potential Luciano Acosta exit from FC Cincinnati, Sporting KC's offseason moves, and lastly about Garth Lagerwey's comments about some recently sold players. Let us know your thoughts! Recorded on: 11/17/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected] Fo...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with this episode recapping Inter Miami's season, Jim Curtin out in Philadelphia, and discussing if Rob Valentino should become the permanent head coach. Let us know your thoughts on all of these topics! Recorded on: 11/10/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected] Follow the Pod on...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're back and this week we will be recapping all of the action from the first round of the MLS Cup Playoffs. DP Pod stock could not be any higher right now, but in addition to talking about both of our teams pulling off improbable upsets, we will also cover all other games, where we saw even more upsets as well. Let us know your thoughts on the playoffs so far! Recorded on: 11/10/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're back making more tierlists! What better way to make the return to this series than with making a tierlist ranking the top 15 most expensive transfers out in MLS history. This has been a hot topic of debate on Twitter, so we wanted to toss our hat into the ring and give you our takes. Let us know what you think and what your tierlist would be! Recorded on: 11/2/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right!...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're reacting to our beginning of the season standings predictions! If you haven't checked out our predictions, no worries, we go over our picks here, but if you want to hear more of our thought process, we suggest you take a listen to our earlier episodes on this topic. We talk through some teams in our standings predictions recap, so listen in if you want to hear our very brief thoughts on your team's perfor...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we are back and this week start up the series where we talk about what went wrong for teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs. This week we are focusing on the remaining Eastern Conference teams eliminated as of decision day, that being DC United and Philadelphia Union. We are going to come up with about 3 points we think drove the team to a lack of success this season and then expand on how it went wrong, and briefly what they can ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with this episode talking about the change to the European calendar that has been rumored for MLS, as well as Evander's recent Twitter comments, Nico Estevez to Austin, and Bruce Arena rumored to San Jose. Let us know your thoughts! Recorded on: 10/26/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any emails with questions or comments...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we are back and this week start up the series where we talk about what went wrong for teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs. This week we are focusing on the Western Conference teams eliminated, that being San Jose Earthquakes, Sporting KC, St Louis City SC, FC Dallas, and Austin FC. We are going to come up with about 3 points we think drove the team to a lack of success this season and then expand on how it went wrong, and briefl...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we are back and this week start up the series where we talk about what went wrong for teams that have been eliminated from the playoffs. This week we are focusing on the Eastern Conference teams eliminated as of the date of recording, that being Toronto FC, Nashville SC, New England Revolution, and Chicago Fire. We are going to come up with about 3 points we think drove the team to a lack of success this season and then expand on how it went ...

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 2024 MLS playoffs. We are going to go team by team for those not clinched or eliminated 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! Recorded on: 9/24/2024 L...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with this episode talking about Vela back to LAFC, Mikey Varas the first ever head coach of San Diego FC, and lastly Gregg Berhalter rumored to be making his MLS return with the Chicago Fire. Let us know your thoughts on all of these topics! Recorded on: 9/22/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any emails with questions or comments to:...

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 Chicago's comeback win against New England in the 2009 conf...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're continuing our new "What If" series. This episode we ask the question, what is MLS got rid of the salary cap today? We each give a few different outcomes of what would happen with this change, but we also want to hear what you think! Recorded on: 8/25/24 Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected] Follow the Pod on Social Media! Website: https://thedppod.buzzsprout.com/ Twitter: https://twitter.com/TheDPPod1 Ins...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the official announcement of Mauricio Pochettino as the new head coach of the USMNT. We talk about his history in coaching, potential changes to the way the USMNT will play, and how competitive he can make the USMNT. Let us know your thoughts on this appointment and where you think he can take the USMNT to. Recorded on: 9/8/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with this episode talking about Columbus ending up with an outfield player in net, Carlos Bocanegra out in Atlanta, and lastly talking about Vancouver's new DP Stuart Armstrong. A lot of controversy and a lot of changes, so let us know what you think! Recorded on: 9/8/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any emails with ques...

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 Toronto's miracle in Montreal and Seattle's Levesque Chop. ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with the conclusion of the 2024 Leagues Cup being the perfect time for us to talk about some ways we can improve the tournament. We're each going to present a couple of arguments and discuss how it could help and how it could potentially be implemented. Some of these ideas are more realistic than others. Let us know your thoughts on ways that Leagues Cup could be improved! Recorded...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with this covering most of the remaining summer transfer window moves. We're talking about lots of moves that almost happened, we talk about some players on their way out, and of course we're talking about some new players from this window. If we didn't cover your team's moves this episode, check out some of our more recent episodes where we may have already covered it. Let us know ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're back making more tierlists! What better way to make the return to this series than with making a tierlist ranking all of the goal of the years in MLS history. There have been some absolute world class bangers history and some that arguably can be scored at the local park. If you are interested in seeing the tierlist as it is made, make sure to check out our YouTube channel to see the full episode with video. Also let us know what you th...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with more big names making moves in and out of the league. We're covering the flurry of transfer activity over the last few weeks including moves from New England, LAFC, Montreal, Columbus, and more. We give our thoughts on how the new additions will fit into the team and then we talk about what direction the teams appear to be moving based on their recent activity. Let us know what...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in recent news with the focus of this week covering the latest week in Leagues Cup. We start things off with coverage of this last week in Leagues Cup including discussion what teams are underperforming and overperforming, some of our favorite moments so far, and some top individual performers thus far. Let us know what you've thought about Leagues Cup! Recorded on: 8/4/2024 Let us know you...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we continue our series where we retell the stories of MLS history, but this week we're joined by Into the Crewniverse! 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 all about the...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in recent news with the focus of this week being mostly Leagues Cup, with some new signings sprinkled in at the end. We're talking about Don Garber's recent comments about the US Open Cup, and how the tournament compares to Leagues Cup in it's early stage. We also cover the debate over attendance in Leagues Cup and US Open Cup and whether there should be any concern for the Leagues Cup. Lastly we talk ab...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're preparing for the Leagues Cup, which for those unfamiliar, is a cup competition involving all teams from both MLS and Liga MX! In this episode we will be making predictions for group I through group O. For predictions for the beginning groups, give the previous episode a listen, it's already out! 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 signing...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're preparing for the Leagues Cup, which for those unfamiliar, is a cup competition involving all teams from both MLS and Liga MX! In this episode we will be making predictions for the group stages through group H. For predictions for the remaining groups, 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 signings". Let us kn...

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 the potential death of a historic rivalry between the Portl...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we continue our series covering all things top 10, but this week we are joined by a special guest, The Wormburner Podcast! 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 foreign managers in MLS history, from current Messi head coach Tata Martino to MLS legend Fra...

Gregg is OUT, and that means we are IN. Listen to this emergency, unedited Gregg out episode where we talk about Gregg's legacy, who we want as next manager, and what's next for Gregg's coaching career. Let us know what you think about the news and anything else we talk about this episode Recorded on: 7/10/2024 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any emails with questions or comments to: [email protected] Follow the Pod on Social Media! Website: ht...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with special guest MoFutbol TV joining us to talk about lots of the recent news in STL including Bradley Carnell out as head coach, as well as Marcel Hartel joining as a designated player. Following that, we talk about the Fidel Barajas move to Chivas Guadalajara and Julian Carranza to Feyenoord. Were these moves good for RSL and Philly, respectively? Recorded on: 7/7/2024 ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're breaking down the recent USMNT Copa America games against Bolivia and Panama, as well as previewing the US's final group stage game against Uruguay. The US started things off relatively well getting a win against Bolivia before completely collapsing against Panama. The team is in trouble and needs a big result against Uruguay to get out of this mess. Let us know what you think will happen and what you've thought of the performances so f...

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, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with this full episode covering the rumored move of Weston McKennie to FC Cincinnati. We talk about what this potential move means to MLS, what it means to the USMNT, and lastly whether or not MLS and the USMNT can both grow or if one needs to fail for the other to succeed. There are many divisive thoughts on this topic, so let us know your thoughts on the situation! Recorded on: 6...

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 a wild plane story in which NE Revs coaches had to restrain...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're breaking down the recent USMNT friendlies against Colombia and Brazil, as well as previewing the US's group stage in Copa America. Some have been panicking based on the recent results and we break down the games to see if the anger and panic is justified. We also talk a bit about Gregg's tactics and whether he has the ability to take the US team deep into tournaments. Lastly we preview the group stage for the USMNT ahead of Copa America...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with continued talk of big names making moves in and out of the league. We start things off with the rumor of Marco Reus to the LA Galaxy, as well as the discovery fee that was paid to Charlotte FC. Is the discovery rule hurting MLS? Next we talk about expansion side San Diego FC's first marquee signing, that of Chucky Lozano. What does this mean for the club and its fans? Lastly, w...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with more big names making moves in and out of the league, as well as some coaches out after slow starts to the season. We start things off though recapping the CONCACAF Champions League final where Columbus lost to Pachuca. Is MLS still behind Liga MX or was there another reason for the loss? Next we stay in Columbus and talk Aidan Morris's rumored move to Middlesbrough. Lastly, we...

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 Taylor Twellman's failed move to Preston North End in Engla...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're breaking down the recent USMNT roster release for the upcoming friendlies against Colombia and Brazil. We talk about who are some surprise additions, who was snubbed, and what we want to see from the upcoming friendlies. We also talk about some of the outrage that has sparked on Twitter over a few MLS related guys on the roster and whether the anger is justified or if the complaining is unneeded. Lastly, we briefly talk about the USOC a...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with a focus on coaches this episode. We start things off with a look into newly announced head coach of the Canada men's national team, Jesse Marsch. What does Canada look like with Marsch in charge? Next we talk about Nashville SC moving on from Gary Smith at head coach. Was this the right decision, and who is the ideal replacement? Let us know what you think! Recorded on: 5/18/2...