The handball rule is back under the spotlight, and this time the boys are not holding back. Why does the UEFA Champions League continue to produce wildly inconsistent handball decisions? From baffling calls to moments where the law seems impossible to interpret, they break down why the current rule is frustrating everyone involved—and what changes could actually fix it.

Then, Tyler Adams joins the show for an insightful and honest interview about his journey with Bournemouth and the USMNT. He opens up about the expectations surrounding a home World Cup, what it means to represent the U.S. on that stage, and how Bournemouth manager Andoni Iraola has helped elevate his game. Tyler also shares thoughts on how U.S. players challenge each other to improve and his partnership with Haleon.

To wrap up, the boys dive into the rumors surrounding Jose Mourinho and a potential return to Real Madrid. Would bringing back the Special One be a brilliant move for one of the world’s biggest clubs—or a sign that the club is looking backward instead of forward? They debate whether Mourinho still has what it takes to lead an elite side, or if football has moved on from his methods.

Timestamps:
(11:00) – Pep Guardiola speaks out against World Cup ticket pricing

(27:45) - Tyler Adams joins The Cooligans

(45:00) – Jose Mourinho to Real Madrid: genius or a mistake?

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Football may be the world’s game, but is it still for the fans? The Cooligans dive into Pep Guardiola’s pointed comments on World Cup ticket prices and his belief that supporters are the heartbeat of the sport. We examine what has gone wrong with the business-first mentality surrounding the tournament and whether football is losing touch with the very people who made it global.

Next, we’re joined by USMNT and Juventus midfielder Weston McKennie for an honest and revealing conversation about the state of the national team. Weston explains why the squad remains confident despite recent concerns, what they need to improve heading into the summer, and how their World Cup experience has better prepared them for the pressure ahead. He also opens up about his goals with Juventus as the season reaches its critical stages.

To close the show, we shift our focus to Europe as we preview both Champions League semi-finals in depth. We break down each matchup, analyze the biggest storylines, and make our predictions for who advances—and ultimately who wins it all. Plus, we debate which club’s supporters would cherish a Champions League triumph the most.

Timestamps:
(9:15) – Pep Guardiola speaks out against World Cup ticket pricing

(26:15) - Weston Mckennie joins The Cooligans

(42:30) – Champions League Semi-Final preview

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The future of the Vancouver Whitecaps is suddenly in question, and fans are not taking it quietly. With stadium complications threatening the club’s long-term place in the city, the Cooligans break down what’s really happening behind the scenes and whether Vancouver can realistically keep its team. This isn’t just about one club—it’s about what MLS values most when push comes to shove: markets, money, or supporters.

Then, Clint Dempsey joins the show for a wide-ranging conversation about the upcoming World Cup and the growing concern that real fans are being priced out of the biggest tournament in the world. He opens up about his Gatorade campaign, the mentality that made him one of the toughest players in U.S. soccer history, and the personal moment when he realized it was time to walk away from the game.

Finally, the guys react to Chelsea FC parting ways with Liam Rosenior and why the constant churn of managers says more about ownership than anything happening on the pitch. Plus, they hit the biggest stories around the global game—from Manchester City leading the Premier League race to Lamine Yamal’s injury and Pellegrino Matarazzo’s surprising Copa del Rey success.

Timestamps:
(7:30) – Can fans keep the Whitecaps in Vancouver?

(21:30) - Clint Dempsey joins The Cooligans

(36:30) – Why BlueCo is to blame for Liam Rosenior’s failure at Chelsea

(47:30) - Rapido Reactions: Matarrazo makes history, Man City top PL & more

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Are Arsenal F.C. doing it again? Another late-season stumble has fans questioning whether this team is truly ready to win the Premier League—or if expectations have gotten ahead of reality. We dive into the growing scrutiny on Mikel Arteta and ask the big question: if Arsenal end the season without silverware, is it time to seriously reconsider the project? Plus, we react to Liverpool F.C.’s massive Merseyside derby win over Everton F.C. and what it means for the European race.

Then we’re joined by NYCFC cult hero and Brooklyn FC midfielder Tommy McNamara for an unforgettable conversation. He shares stories from the early days of New York City FC, including what it was like learning from Frank Lampard, carpooling to training with Andrea Pirlo, and being part of one of the most unique locker rooms in MLS history.

We also dive into his experiences playing under Bruce Arena and why he believes Arena is the greatest coach in MLS history. From veteran leadership to life after soccer, Tommy opens up about what he’s learned throughout his career and what the future might hold once his playing days are over.

Timestamps:
(13:15) – Is Arteta to blame for Arsenal’s continued collapses?

(29:00) - Liverpool strengthen UCL chances with Merseyside Derby win

(33:30) – Tommy McNamara joins The Cooligans

(42:30) - Tommy’s stories of playing with Andrea Pirlo and Frank Lampard

(1:01:30) - Becoming a veteran leader on Brooklyn FC

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Is Kylian Mbappé the problem at Real Madrid? It’s a question that would’ve sounded ridiculous a year ago—but now, with no major trophies since his arrival and his former club continuing to dominate in Europe, it’s a conversation fans can’t avoid. We also dive into whether Harry Kane has emerged as the unexpected Ballon d’Or favorite and break down our picks for who will actually win the Champions League as the semifinals approach.

Then we’re joined by Sophia Wilson for a wide-ranging conversation that goes beyond the pitch. She explains why she intentionally leaves soccer at the door when she gets home, how that mindset keeps her grounded, and how becoming a mother has reshaped her perspective as both a player and a person. We also talk about her competitive edge, her calm demeanor, and her new partnership with Mondelez, the makers of snacks like Chips Ahoy and Ritz. Fans can head to ScoreSnackGoals.com or scan the QR code on limited-edition CHIPS AHOY! products to enter.

Finally, Kaylyn Kyle joins us in studio to break down one of the wildest weeks in MLS. From Javier Mascherano’s unexpected departure from Inter Miami CF to Nashville SC’s historic win over Club América at Estadio Azteca, we ask the big questions: Is Inter Miami the hardest coaching job in MLS? And could BJ Callaghan’s stock be rising fast enough to put him back in the USMNT conversation—this time as the full-time head coach?

Timestamps:
(12:00) – Is Kylian Mbappe the real problem at Real Madrid?

(26:00) - Harry Kane the new Ballon D’or front runner?

(36:00) – Sophia Wilson joins The Cooligans

(47:30) - Is being Inter Miami’s head coach the hardest job in MLS?

(1:08:30) - Nashville make history: BJ Callaghan the future for USMNT?

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Inter Miami were supposed to be unstoppable—but early in the season, they look anything but. Is this just a slow start, or is there something fundamentally wrong with how this team was built around Lionel Messi? We dig into whether David Beckham and the club’s leadership miscalculated, why the supporting cast isn’t clicking, and what Inter Miami can realistically do to fix things before expectations spiral out of control.

Then we take a step back and look across the league. MLS always delivers chaos early in the season, but this year feels especially unpredictable. We break down the biggest surprises and disappointments so far, and spend real time on CF Montréal—a team that doesn’t just look bad, but directionless. Is this a rebuild, a collapse, or something worse?

Finally, we turn to the United States men's national soccer team and have an honest conversation about fear. Not optimism, not hype—fear. What are the two biggest things that could go wrong heading into the World Cup, and are fans ignoring obvious warning signs? We break down what’s real, what’s overblown, and what should genuinely worry supporters right now.

Timestamps:
(6:30) – Does Messi need a better squad around him?

(27:00) - Biggest surprises of the MLS season

(36:30) – Biggest disappointments of the MLS season

(52:00) - Stating our biggest USMNT fears for the World Cup

(1:12:00) - Michele reacts to Italy missing a 3rd World Cup in a row

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Michael Olise is on a ridiculous run, closing in on Lionel Messi’s single-season assist record and forcing a real conversation: is he the best winger in the world right now? We break down what’s actually driving his production, whether the Messi comparisons are fair or completely out of control, and what it says about how quickly fans crown “the next Messi.” Plus, PSG just ran through Liverpool, and now questions are getting louder around Arne Slot—is this a system problem, a personnel issue, or something deeper?

Then we get into one of the messiest stories in global soccer right now: World Cup ticket chaos. Fans are realizing their tickets might not match what they originally bought, as FIFA continues to adjust seating categories behind the scenes. Is this just modern dynamic pricing… or are fans being sold something that doesn’t fully exist yet? We unpack why this feels bigger than just expensive tickets—and what it says about who the World Cup is really for now.

And finally, disaster for the USMNT. Patrick Agyemang is out with a torn Achilles, leaving a massive hole in the squad heading toward the World Cup. We talk through how the team replaces his presence, whether anyone is actually ready to step into that role, and what this injury reveals about the depth—and fragility—of this USMNT group at the worst possible time.

Timestamps:
(6:30) – Is Michael Olise the best winger in the world?

(16:00) - Liverpool dominated again: Arne Slot at fault?

(28:45) – FIFA’s World Cup ticket deceit continues to anger fans

(41:45) - Patrick Agyemang is out for the World Cup. Who will step up?

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In this special episode, The Cooligans go one-on-one with NYCFC CEO Brad Sims for an in-depth conversation about what it really takes to run a club in Major League Soccer. We kick things off with the long and complicated journey to get a stadium built in New York City—why it took so long, what hurdles had to be cleared, and what it reveals about how sports, politics, and business collide in one of the toughest markets in the world.

From there, we zoom out to the league level and tackle one of the biggest questions surrounding MLS today: why isn’t more of the country watching? Brad breaks down the challenges around broadcast, accessibility, and casual fan engagement, and explains why the league may need to rethink some of its rules and structure if it wants to truly grow its audience.

Finally, we look ahead at the future of MLS—where the league is headed, what success could look like in the coming years, and how it plans to compete in an increasingly crowded global soccer landscape. It’s an honest, revealing conversation that gives fans a rare look behind the curtain at how decisions are made and where the game is going in the U.S.

Timestamps:
(0:00) – Brad Sims joins The Cooligans

(3:00) - The trials and tribulations behind NYCFC’s new stadium

(18:00) – How do clubs prepare to capitalize on Messi?

(24:00) - Will NYCFC target a big name signing soon?

(30:00) – How can MLS cap rules be used as an advantage?

(44:30) - How Brad Sims juggles the sporting and business side as CEO

(50:30) - What is MLS’ brand sales pitch?

(1:01:30) - Brad Sims explains why more Superteams are good for MLS

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