Andrew Barnikel and Connor Wright

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with things kicking off with an unhappy Messi at a new MLS rule that impacted him in his recent game, as well as Suarez furious with a referee after he was carded for leaving the field too slowly. This is followed by a dive into the madness that was Toronto FC and NYCFC fight and allegations. Let us know what you think! Recorded on: 5/18/2024 Let us know your thoughts ...

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 next iteration of the Houston Dynamo and FC Dallas riva...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with lots of big names potentially coming over to MLS in this summer transfer window, followed by Charlotte moving on from Copetti, and lastly talking the recent round of the US Open Cup. The Athletic, specifically Tommy Scoops has released an article covering a bunch of players who could be making moves to MLS soon and where there best landing spots could be. We give our thoughts a...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're trying out a new series where we make tierlists! What better way to start this off than with making a tierlist ranking all teams by their designated player history. There have been some incredibly legendary and impactful designated players in MLS history and some that never even played a minute as a designated player. If you are interested in seeing the tierlist as it is made, make sure to check out our YouTube channel to see the full e...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with the Premier League possibly adopting a salary cap, and lastly covering the mayor of Indianapolis stating his intentions for the city to gain an MLS team. We start with our friends across the pond potentially getting a taste of the good ole salary cap and how this will impact the Premier League. Is there any potential impact to MLS? Next we talk about Indianapolis mayor Joe Hogs...

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 NE Revolution carrying around a $5K stuffed animal bunn...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with the proposed "icon rule", San Diego FC implementing a school as part of their academy, and European teams being allowed to play games in the US. We start off with MLS looking to implement another roster rule in the icon rule, allowing teams to take less of a cap hit for signing players 33 and older. Is this a good idea, or is this making things more complicated? Next we talk ab...

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 David Beckham's first game in MLS which was a 9 goal thrill...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with the new roster rule changes to be implemented in summer 2024, Emanuel Reynoso disappearing from Minnesota AGAIN, and MLS nearly being fully knocked out of CCC already. We start with the the big one, new roster rules dropped for summer 2024 and we go over what the new changes are, and whether or not it is a good move for the league. Next we talk about Minnesota's starboy Emanuel...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with the Cucho suspension, renderings of NE's potential new soccer specific stadium, and lastly covering recent comments made about MLS Next Pro and their performance in US Open Cup. We start with the suspension of Cucho, specifically the lack of transparency when it came to the reason for it. Next we talk about the rumor of a potential new soccer specific stadium for the NE revolut...

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 Club America legend Cuauhtémoc Blanco joining the Chicago F...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we continue our series covering all things top 10. This is going to be a controversial one! 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 strikers in MLS history, from all time leading scorer Chris Wondolowski to the ageless wonder Kei Kamara. Let us know your t...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with the rumored signing of Olivier Giroud, the confirmed signing of Jonathan Cabecita Rodriguez, and lastly covering the potential downfall of the Saudi Pro League. We start with the confirmed signing of Cabecita by Portland, and what Portland's new ceiling is. Next we talk about the rumor of Giroud to LAFC and talk about what expectations we would have for him and for LAFC. Lastly...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in USMNT in recent news with the recent performance in the Nations League Semifinal against Jamaica! We talk about how individual players performed, how Gregg's tactics performed, and what the future of the USMNT, including Gregg's future in charge, looks like. This is always a very back and forth topic, especially on Twitter, so let us know what you think! Recorded on: 3/23/2024 Let us kno...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with talks of MLS 2 teams rebranding with local teams, followed by MLS' recent performances (or lack thereof) in CONCACAF Champions Cup, and finally ending with the potential new rule change decoupling the DP tag with the U22 initiative. We're focusing on the recent rebranding being performed by MLS Next Pro teams such as Ventura County and The Town. What does it mean for MLS, and i...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with talks, once again, of the US Open Cup with Don Garber and Nelson Rodríguez answering some question in regards to the recent US Open Cup drama involving MLS. We have covered the US Open Cup drama on multiple occasions, so listen in to those if you want to know our full thoughts. Some of the quotes from Garber and Rodríguez seem to have some merit, while others just make MLS look...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with talks of MLS changing their schedule, NYCFC's new "Cube" stadium, and finally all the recent re-signings of star players. Twitter's hot topic lately has been the discussion around whether MLS should change to the European winter calendar. We talk about the pros and cons of a switch. Then we talk about NYCFC finally getting their own stadium and what we think it means for the te...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with talks of low attendance at the CCL games for MLS sides, coaches on the way too early hot seat, and finally Carlos Vela to San Jose? (This was recorded right before it was rumored to be off). When talking about the low CCL attendance numbers, we're mainly looking at the recent game for Nashville and analyzing why this may have happened and if there is a fix. Then we talk about C...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with talks of the PRO referee strike, the replacement referees, and MLS' recent drama with the US Open Cup. The recent lockout from the PRO referees after they could not come to an agreement in recent meetings with MLS, and how the replacement referees performed in week 1, and whether it will impact MLS' reputation. Then we talk about the most recent drama involving MLS and the US O...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back with their highly anticipated, and often controversial standings predictions ahead of the 2024 MLS season! As we all know, we never get any predictions wrong ever, so SPOILER ALERT if you are worried about finding out who finishes where. We will check back in at the end of the season to see how each of our predictions have performed. We will be covering both the eastern and western conferences in this episode, so tune in to ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Adam and Justin from the Post 90 Podcast! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the tran...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Cameron and Aaron from the Sounders Scuttlebutt Podcast! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be lookin...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Hayden from the Royal Riot Podcast! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer a...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Scotty and Aaron from the Outer Roses Podcast! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Chad from KC Soccer Journal and For the Glory KC Podcast! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looki...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Ivan from Tectonic Takes! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer activity, w...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Jose from GOLZ TV! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer activity, where ar...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Christopher from Shoulder 2 Shoulder! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Patrick also known as @P_Dubs13 on Twitter (X)! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into th...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Nick from Glass House Soccer! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer activit...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Andres and Pablo from the Offsides Podcast! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the tr...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Matt from the Burgundy Wave and the Holding The High Line Podcast! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Connor from the Loonacy Podcast! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer acti...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Bryant from News Across the Galaxy! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer a...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Thomas from Canada Soccer Daily! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer acti...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by AJ and Luke from the Doopy Brothers! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by James from DC U.K.! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer activity, where a...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Zac from the The North End Podcast! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer a...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Ben and Tre from the Upper 90 Club Podcast! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the tr...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Greg from Revolution Recap! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer activity,...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Brad from the FC Cincy Tac Talk or Talking Tactics with Coach Gough! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We wi...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Dan and Chris from the Battered Herons! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transf...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Tim from Club and Country! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer activity, ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Bob from Designated Pundits: MLS on i80! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the trans...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by OSG and Andres from NoodleTime! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer activ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Chris from STL Soccer News! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer activity,...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by Michael from Away From the Numbers (AFTN Canada)! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2024 season, but this year with a twist! We are bringing in a guest who is an expert on the team, and for this episode we're joined by John from Loud and Proud Orlando! We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time, but this year with our guest specialist, we'll get a bit more detailed than in prior years. We will be looking into the transfer act...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're continuing off of the last episode and giving a more in depth review of the MLS Cup Final. We talk a bit about the atmosphere, as well as a deep dive into the big moments of the game, including the goals, controversial calls, and close chances. While this definitely wasn't as exciting as MLS Cup 2022, there was still plenty to talk about. Let us know what you thought about the Final! Recorded on: 12/12/2023 Let us know you...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we're talking about the hottest topics in MLS in recent news with the roster rule changes (or lack thereof), overall rule changes, and MLS' decision to back out of the US Open Cup. The recent announcement from commissioner Don Garber saw the league make very minimal changes heading into the 2024 season, and we're here to recap the changes and how it will impact the league in the current season and moving forward. Then we talk about a conseque...