Andrew Barnikel, Connor Wright

In this episode of Pathway to Pro, we sit down with RBNY 2 midfielder Paul Sokoloff to chat about his path from the U8 academy all the way to a future HG contract with the first team, his long term goals, favorite memories, and so much more! #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscrew #crew96 #dcu #dcunited #fcdallas #dtid #houstondynamo #holditdown #sp...

In this episode, MLS History RETURNS! We are diving into a crazy story about the time when the New England Revolution made a player signing from Nigeria, and a different player stepped off the plane! #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 #inter...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're back to covering the USMNT, with this segment covering the two last games before Pochettino makes his roster selection. Things did not go well this international window, so we are here to break it down and see if we can find any bright spots. Lastly, we will cover the recent news of Franco Panizo having his press access denied to the home opener at Miami's brand new stadium, and the divide it has created ...

In this episode, MLS History RETURNS! We are diving into a story of brighter days in the PNW, covering the very first MLS game in Vancouver Whitecaps history! #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 #...

In this episode, MLS History RETURNS! We are diving into one of the coolest and oldest traditions in MLS History, the Portland Timbers' Log Cutting Tradition! Recorded on: 3/23/26 #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...

In this episode, we chat about the biggest MLS News Stories on the week! MLS has announced its new playoff schedule for the 2026 season as well as their schedule for the highly anticipated "sprint season" in Feb 2027. USMNT also dropped their roster for the March friendlies with some very interesting names on it, and then we will cover the news of Ernst Tanner being suspended without pay from MLS for comments made to and about referees, coaches, players, and staff. 1:38 - MLS Schedules...

In this episode, we chat about the biggest MLS News Stories on the week! USL has a strike on the table, but isn't using it just yet. Should they? MLS also handed out lifetime bans to two former players for betting on their games. And finally, drama at Orlando City this week when Antoine Griezmann announced he will not join Orlando City yet, and Oscar Pareja was let go from his role as head coach. Can they get back on track? Recorded on: 3/14/26 #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantau...

In this episode, MLS History RETURNS! We are diving into how DC United, RFK Stadium, and a Family of Raccoons created one of the best memes in MLS history that still goes on to this day! Recorded on: 3/8/26 #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 #losangele...

In this episode, we sit down with Mike from Orlando Lions Den Podcast to chat about the biggest news stories in MLS this week! Orlando City may be bringing over Antione Griezmann to MLS, Apple TV posted some BIG first week numbers, and we give our thoughts on which coaches may be on the hot seat! Recorded on: 2/28/26 #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire #fccincinnati #fcc #allforcincy #coloradorapids #rapids96 #columbuscr...

In this episode, we sit down with Bob from the Designated Pundits to chat about the current state of MLS Media. In a time where the league boasts massive increases in engagement and revenue, media cuts are being made left right and center. Should we be worried? Read Matt Pollard's Article Here: https://burgundywave.com/2026/02/16/matt-doyle-leaves-mlssoccer-media/ Recorded on: 2/22/26 #MLS #MLSCup #mlscupplayoffs #ATLUTD #atlantaunited #austinfc #charlottefc #forthecrown #cf97 #chicagofire ...

In this episode, we take make our 2026 MLS Predictions! End of Season standings, end of the year awards, and our BOLDEST predictions yet! Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments! Recorded on: 2/8/26 #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 #losan...

In this episode, we take make our 2026 MLS Predictions! End of Season standings, end of the year awards, and our BOLDEST predictions yet! Let us know your thoughts and predictions in the comments! Recorded on: 2/14/26 #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 #losa...

In this episode, we take a not so deep dive into San Jose Earthquakes' 2026 season with Devon from Tectonic Takes! Recorded on: 2/11/26 #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 #minnesotaunited #mnufc...

In this episode, we take a not so deep dive into NYCFC's 2026 season with Javier from The City Boys Show! Recorded on: 2/11/26 #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 #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legiono...

In this episode, we take a not so deep dive into Austin FC's 2026 season with Hernan from We Are Austin TV! Recorded on: 2/7/26 #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 #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legion...

In this episode, we take a not so deep dive into Charlotte FC's 2026 season with Brian from TopBin90! Recorded on: 2/11/26 #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 #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legionofloo...

In this episode, we take a not so deep dive into St Louis City's 2026 season with Matt from Flyover Footy! Recorded on: 2/3/26 #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 #minnesotaunited #mnufc #legiono...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week we're joined by a super special guest, Colorado Rapids #11, Omir Fernandez! In this episode we talk about Colorado's resurgent season last year, followed by a look into the upcoming preseason with the Rapids, and ending with some rapid fire (pun intended) questions. Let us know your thoughts! Recorded on: 1/5/2025 Let us know your thoughts and if we got it right or right! Send any ema...

In this episode, we introduce a new series called "What If"! Here we take a hypothetical situation and play it out in a positive and negative light to figure out what exactly would happen if it actually came to fruition. This episode foucses on What IF MLS Removed the Superdraft! Let us know how you think it would end in the comments or at the email below! Recorded on: 8/25/24 #MLS #draft #mlssuperdraft #nwsl 0:00 - Scarf of the Week 6:05 - Negatives of No Draft 7:41 - Less Re...

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 predictions and 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're roughly at the midway point through the season, so we wanted to check in and see how our predictions are panning...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. This week we're Taty's move to Girona in Spain, Cucho's electric start, and a new look DC United under Rooney! Taty appears to have finally gotten his move abroad, but what do we think about the destination and the decision to stay within City Group? We've spoken before about Cucho's move to MLS, but now he's here and ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. This week we're covering the recent transfer rumors/news that have occurred during the MLS transfer window thus far, including some massive names! We're talking Jesse Lingard potentially coming to MLS, Federico Bernardeschi to Toronto FC, Mark Anthony Kaye traded to Toronto, and much more! We briefly talk about what ea...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. This week we're covering all of the recent transfer rumors/news that have occurred, including some massive names! We're talking Gareth Bale to LAFC, Cucho Hernandez to Columbus, and Matt Miazga to FC Cincinnati. We briefly talk about what each move means to the league and each respective team, as well as what our initi...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week it's a special one again! We're talking with legendary Columbus, Chicago, and SJ goalkeeper, Jon Busch!. If you know anything about MLS history, you know Jon Busch. He is a 2x Supporter's Shield winner, 1x USOC winner, 1x GKOTY winner, and 2x GKOTY finalist. However despite all of the accolades, the journey hasn't always been easy, and Jon is here to tell us about how he was able to fight through the bad moment...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week it's a special one! We're talking all things CF Montreal with Patrick, also known as P_dubs13 on twitter. If you've looked at any of our CF Montreal tweets on twitter, you've probably seen Patrick in the comments, so we figured who better to bring on to talk about CF Montreal. We talk about everything from MVP Djordje Mihailovic, to the link with Bologna, so make sure to tune in and let us know what you think! ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. This week we talk the shocking sacking of Miguel Angel Ramirez at Charlotte FC, Ezequiel Barco's recent comments on MLS, MLS potentially being involved in Copa Libertadores, and where MLS ranks amongst other leagues in the world. Lots of fun topics, so please let us know your thoughts! Recorded on: 5/31/2022 &n...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. This week we give our thoughts on the recent USMNT roster drop for the upcoming friendlies and Nations League, we try to figure out why LAFC are rumored to get Giorgio Chiellini, and Leeds surviving relegation and now rumored to bring in Brendan Aaronson and Tyler Adams. Lots of fun topics, so please let us know your t...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. This week, as if the topic couldn't be more obvious, Messi has been rumored to be joining MLS soon (again)! We talk about what his joining MLS would mean for the league and for Inter Miami. Would this garner the league more respect and attention? Listen in to find out what we think. We also talk MLS player salaries thi...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week they're coming with a quarter season recap on MLS action thus far. Please note that we recorded this on 5/2/2022 and therefore didn't include the results from week 10. As we are just about at the quarter mark for most teams, we wanted to take a look at each team and answer a few "simple" questions. We ask, 1) is the team under or over performing, 2) who has been the best player, and 3) what has been the team's ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. This week we talk about the Seattle Sounders resounding victory to become the first ever MLS winners of the CONCACAF Champions League, Zlatan's recent comments about him being the greatest MLS player of all time (and more), and wrapping things up with a question of the day surrounding the new soccer specific stadium fr...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back and this week they're coming with a quarter season recap on MLS action thus far. As we are just about at the quarter mark for most teams, we wanted to take a look at each team and answer a few "simple" questions. We ask, 1) is the team under or over performing, 2) who has been the best player, and 3) what has been the team's biggest surprise this year. Some teams were so easy it only took about a minute to answer, others how...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. This week we are covering the recent coach firings, the US Open Cup upsets, and the Zardes trade to the Colorado Rapids. We start things off picking up from a small bit we discussed last episode on Matias Almeyda, except now there's another coach in that boat, Hernan Losada for DC United. We talk Losada's time in DC an...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue our series where we recap the MLS action from the previous week. This week we are recapping week 7! In our recap we will be diving into players whose stock went up this week, players whose stock went down this week, star of the week, flop of the week, best and worst team, and wrapping up with Hype Train or Dumpster Fire, where we discuss if a statement related to the season thus far is fair or a stretch. Topics i...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. This week we are covering the continuing injury issues for the USMNT and Atlanta United, and also the El Trafico controversy. For the USMNT, we talk the recent Gio Reyna injury as well as the injury bug that has been plaguing our star players so far in their careers. We talk about the next man up and if this team can s...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue our series where we recap the MLS action from the previous week. This week we are recapping weeks 5 & 6! In our recap we will be diving into players whose stock went up this week, players whose stock went down this week, star of the week, flop of the week, best and worst team, and wrapping up with Hype Train or Dumpster Fire, where we discuss if a statement related to the season thus far is fair or a stretch....

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to talk USMNT during this international break. As of the recording, and the time this episode is released, the USMNT have played their first 2 games of the qualifying window against Mexico and Panama, while one last game against Costa Rica remains. We will recap the good, the bad, and the CONCACAF of the first 2 games played, and finish off the episode with our predictions for the last game of qualifiers. Did Gregg get it ri...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue their series where they recap the MLS action from the previous week. This week they are recapping week 4! In their recap they will be diving into players whose stock went up this week, players whose stock went down this week, star of the week, flop of the week, best and worst team, and wrapping up with Hype Train or Dumperster Fire, where we discuss if a statement related to the season thus far is fair or a stret...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. In week 4 we are covering the New England Revolutions disastrous Concacaf Champions League performance in leg 2, the USMNT Roster Release for the final window of World Cup qualifying, and finally we talk St Louis City SC's first few signings. The Revs have been on an absolute awful run of form the last few games, but g...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. In week 3 we are covering all things Charlotte FC! We are talking Charlotte’s Coach (Miguel Angel Ramirez) whining about the build-up of the club, Charlotte’s astronomical ticket prices, and Charlotte’s new DP signing of Kamil Jozwiak. We’ve touched on Ramirez’s comments before regarding the roster, but now more has co...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue their series where they recap the MLS action from the previous week. This week they are recapping week 2! In their recap they will be diving into players whose stock went up this week, players whose stock went down this week, star of the week, flop of the week, best and worst team, and finally a new segment, tentatively called Fact or Cap where we discuss if a statement about a team's season thus far is truth or ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back to continue the series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the news recently. In week 2 we are covering NYCFC signing a 14 year old, Hector Herrera's move to Houston Dynamo, Djordje Mihailovic interest in Europe, coaches call out the owners, and Fabian Herbers calls out Gonzalo Higuain. Some interesting transfer news with Mihailovic getting interest from teams like Dortmund, Bologna, and Newcast...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back with the start of a new series where we recap the MLS action from the previous week. This week we are recapping week 1! In our recap we will be diving into players whose stock went up this week, players whose stock went down this week, coaches on the waaaaaaay too early hot seat, star of the week, flop of the week, and best and worst team. Some super exciting games this past week (some absolute lullabies) so listen in ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back with the start of a new series where we talk about some of the biggest headlines in MLS/USMNT in the new recently. In our first week we are covering the departure of Kevin Thelwell from RBNY, Jesse Marsch's move to Leeds, and Don Garber's comments on Neymar. We talk Marsch's move to Leeds and what this means for his chances with USMNT and what it means for American coaches abroad. Then we talk Don Garber's thoughts on Neymar...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back with their highly anticipated standings predictions ahead of the 2022 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 hear where we think your ...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, the guys are back with their award and bold predictions ahead of the 2022 MLS season! As we all know, we never get any predictions wrong ever, so SPOILER ALERT if you are worried about finding out who wins what. We will check back in at the end of the season to see how each of our predictions have performed. We have selected a few players that we believe will be finalists for each award as well as our ultimate winner. Awards include young pla...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we jump into part 4, the finale, of our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2022 season. We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time. In this episode we are covering NYCFC, Charlotte, Austin, Orlando, Philadelphia, Real Salt Lake, and Miami. We will be looking into the transfer activity, where are the holes, who to watch, and much more for each team in the episode. Don't worry if your team is...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we jump into part 3 of our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2022 season. We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time. In this episode we are covering Montreal, Atlanta, Dallas, Cincinnati, Kansas City, Toronto, and Houston. We will be looking into the transfer activity, where are the holes, who to watch, and much more for each team in the episode. Don't worry if your team is not in this ep...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we jump into part 2 of our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2022 season. We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time. In this episode we are covering Chicago, San Jose, Vancouver, Colorado, LA Galaxy, Minnesota, and New England. We will be looking into the transfer activity, where are the holes, who to watch, and much more for each team in the episode. Don't worry if your team is not in th...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we begin our not so deep dives into each MLS team ahead of the 2022 season. We say not so deep dive as there are too many teams to cover and not enough time. In this episode we are covering RBNY, Seattle, Portland, DCU, LAFC, Nashville, and Columbus. We will be looking into the transfer activity, where are the holes, who to watch, and much more for each team in the episode. Don't worry if your team is not in this episode as we are going to co...

In this episode of the Designated Players Podcast, we are back and we are talking our top 5 players at each position for this upcoming MLS season. One quick thing to note before jumping in, we have left out all new players for this season, meaning no Insigne on the list, as well as leaving off some players that are not going to be in the league this season, such as Matt Turner. Other than that, everyone else is up for grabs for our top 5 spots. As always, whatever we have mentioned absolutely...