Advertise on podcast: The World’s GAM - A Major League Soccer Podcast

CONCACAF Champions League (it'll always be League to us) is already here and what better time to preview the tournament!? But before CCL there's plenty of MLS news around the league, starting in Minnesota where ICE's military action in the Twin Cities is having a direct impact on their ability to recruit players. Despite that, they still landed James Rodriguez of all players before the World Cup! Vancouver is also in the news this week for off the field activities, this time maybe looking for a way out of the city? Public negotiations are tense as it's not clear what the path forward is for the Canadian team. Then it's transfer stories, failed medicals and Dennis Bouanga, that keep the love of MLS nice and spicy. Part Two is all a look at CONCACAF Champions League with predicting who will go furthest, who will have a tough time, and which non-Miami team has a shot at this thing.    Timestamps: (16:16) - Minnesota United and the Battle for the Twin Cities (40:06) - Vancouver may be on the Move!? (50:10) - MLS Transfer Sagas (1:10:16) - Champions League Preview   Links:  Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and watch this episode on YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

The Season is quickly approaching so in the second episode of 2026, it's a look at odd decisions being made, particularly regarding the San Jose Earthquakes and their recent roster moves. A little conspiracy talk surrounding team management and the implications of certain player transfers. Then a little news around the potential for MLS teams to participate in the prestigious Copa Libertadores. We can't forget the incredibly exciting and not at all odd cultural impact of Walmart's sponsorship with MLS's Saturday programing and of course the naming conventions of the new USL Premier.   Timestamps: (5:22) - San Jose Earthquakes (20:24) - Walmart x MLS Collab (35:20) - Copa Libertadores  (51:19) - MLS Round Up  (1:04:02) - USL Premier    Links:  Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and watch this episode on YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

The first episode of 2026! The World's GAM is BACK! The conversation starts off with the recent loss of FB Ref's advanced stats, raising concerns about the influence of sports gambling on data access. Then of course, a delve into Inter Miami's "Creative" player acquisition strategy, league compliance, and competitiveness with Messi's team. There was also an MLS team sold this offseason, taking a look at the valuation of Sporting Kansas City, the growing popularity of soccer in the U.S., and the future of Major League Soccer (MLS) including potential expansion and financial strategies involving GAM. Then Part Two is all about the new managers in the league. Looking at the dynamics between coaches and players, and the pressure faced by new managers as they navigate their roles. New England Revolution, Sporting Kansas City, Atlanta United, Columbus Crew, LAFC, St Louis CITY, New York Red Bulls, Minnesota United, and the Colorado Rapids all with new faces at the helm.  Timestamps:  (00:00) - RIP FB Ref (00:00) - What's Miami Doing (00:00) - SKC Sold! (00:00) - New Managers in 2026   Links:  Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and watch this episode on YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy  

Reflecting back on the 2025 MLS season, discussing the dominance of Inter Miami, led by Lionel Messi, and its implications for the league's future. Taking a Quick Look back at the MLS Cup final, the efficiency of Miami's play, and the challenges other teams face in replicating their success. The conversation also touches on the evolving roster rules in MLS and the changing competitive landscape. The episode concludes with the inaugural Gammies, celebrating various achievements in the league, including the competition for the best team, and the World's GAM Peace Prize.   Timestamps: (00:42) - MLS Cup Final Fallout (38:29) - The Gammies!   Links:  Looking for an MLS podcast? Check out The World's GAM Visit our friends at Streetside Brewery Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Join the Discord Server and jump into the conversation Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy Links:  Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

In the last World's GAM before MLS Cup, we take a look back at the season that was and the recent changes in Major League Soccer (MLS), specifically regarding player movement and roster management.  We also discuss the disappointing seasons of various MLS teams, focusing on the Columbus Crew's expected struggles and the positive trajectory of Minnesota United and Vancouver Whitecaps. We analyze the potential for improvement in teams like Nashville SC and Chicago Fire while also addressing the downward trends of the New York Red Bulls and New England Revolution. The conversation culminates in a preview of the MLS Cup Final, highlighting the contrasting styles and star power of Miami and Vancouver, and the expectations for an entertaining match.   Timestamps: (16:08) - How Cash-Transfers changes the league this year (31:50) - Total Season Superlatives (1:12:42) - MLS Cup Preview and Predictions    Links:  Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and watch this episode on YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

The awkward transition to video in podcasting, the excitement surrounding the MLS playoffs, and the standout performances of teams left. Kevin and The Chief analyze the implications of Messi's impact on Miami's success, the coaching dynamics in MLS, and the challenges faced by teams like the Philadelphia Union. The conversation culminates in predictions for the upcoming conference finals and the narratives and stakes involved. Links:  Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

MLS Playoffs are BACK! But before the matchups can be discussed, MLS went and had one of the busiest news weeks ever. What exactly does a league commissioner do, and do fans really know what Don Garber is there for? Regardless, MLS is planning on a future without The Soccer Don. Apple and MLS have changed their media rights deal, is it good for MLS? Bad for MLS? How do we read the tea leaves? And then there's the massive story from Pablo Maurer about Philadelphia Union GM Ernst Tanner and the terrible behavior he's alleged to have been up to behind closed doors, and in front of them. Part Two is a look at the MLS CUP PLAYOFFS, ranking the matches by which ones are worth clearing the schedule for.    Timestamps:  (9:09) - Apple and MLS alter the deal  (23:12) - Planning on Passing on the Don (43:33) - Pablo Maurer's investigation into Ernst Tanner (1:12:06) - Playoff Preview   Links:  Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Join the Discord Server and jump into the conversation Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

Looking at the looming vote for Major League Soccer (MLS) to switch to a fall-spring calendar, aligning with European leagues. The implications of this change for fans and the league are explored, highlighting concerns about the fan experience. Timestamps:  (The whole thing is about the Calendar shift)   Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Join the Discord Server and jump into the conversation Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

After what feels like 6 months, the MLS Cup Playoffs Round One is about to be completed on Sunday. Five match-ups have gone to a game three, and someone has to predict the outcomes. But before playoff talk there is Atlanta United news, a new manager in New England, RSL sticking with their men, and the MLS Best XI is out, but would it actually be any good?    Timestamps:  (13:02) - Atlanta United Runs it Back (19:14) - New New England Manager (25:16) - RSL doubles down (29:30) - MLS best XI discourse  (39:52) - Game Three Previews and Predictions

Game 1 of Round 1 is in the books! Reactions to the first set of games, storylines to keep an eye on, and more. Part One has a look around the league at different stories that have broke over the last week. Part Two is a lovely conversation with MLS Season Pass play-by-play announcer Jake Zivin on the playoffs so far, what he's seen out of the teams in the early rounds, and how does one prepare for penalties exactly? Part Three asks which team that lost in Game One do you think still has the best chance to advance in the playoffs.    Timestamps:  (5:23) - Messi finally does US Media! (19:13) - MLSPA Salary Release (31:48) - Changes at NYRB (43:01) - Conversation with Jake Zivin (1:10:26) - Comeback picks in Round One   Links:  Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

The World's GAM, it its very first season, has won an MLS Community Award for best MLS podcast, otherwise known as a Favi. Favian Renkel joins to talk about the MLS community, independent media, and MLS culture. The Playoffs start this weekend as well so predictions are in order as well as a few brief headlines around the league.    Timestamps:  (5:30) - Atlanta United makes a coaching change (13:40) - Who is in charge in St Louis? (19:52) - Conversation with Favian Renkel (57:44) - First round playoff predictions   Links:  Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Join the Discord Server and jump into the conversation Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

After taking a week off due to the international break the World's GAM is back with an extra long episode! Part one is all about the end of year awards and not saying who should win, but predicting who will actually win. Part Two is two different interviews, first with commentator Tony Husband where we talked all about the league, favorites for the playoffs, and what went right and wrong for some teams this year. Then we are joined by Laurel Pfahler in a re-broadcast from the Cincy PostCast talking about MLS Media Access, and covering MLS vs the NFL. Finally in Part Three it's matches to watch this weekend for decision day!    Timestamps:  (5:17) - Predicting end of year awards (31:25) - Conversation with MLS Season Pass's Tony Husband  (1:01:29) - Laurel Pfahler on MLS Media Access (1:41:25) - What to watch this weekend   Links:  Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Join the Discord Server and jump into the conversation Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

The playoff field is shaping up and the New York Red Bulls will not be a part of it for the first time in 15* years. What went wrong in New York and what is the future of this team? Philadelphia looks like a shield lock, but how many other teams are going to get to 60 points this season? When is it ok to put your own name on a kit, is Dr Erkut Sogut inventing a new fiction genre, and giving GGG his flowers.    Timestamps:  (4:54) - Red Bulls miss the playoffs (13:33)  New York and MLS (24:10) - Chicago Fire and the Eastern Conference Playoffs (32:38) - Table Talk (41:38) - Dr Erkut Sogut  (51:00) - Western Conference Update (59:27) - What to Watch this Weekend     Links:  Shop US Soccer Gear: US Soccer Shop PROMO CODE: POST for 10% Off! Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

Kevin and Grayson take in the week that was in MLS including Minnesota falling flat on their face, the Open Cup final asking how much does it matter these days, Columbus Crew in trouble, DC's GM's Books gets an early review, and so much more!  Timestamps:  (1:38) - How much does the Open Cup matter in 2025? (9:37) - Minnesota's very bad week  (11:57) - Does Columbus suck now?  (17:49) - Miami might actually do this  (23:59) - Jim Curtin to New England? (44:36) - Dr. Erkut Sogut's writing  (57:35) - What to Watch This Weekend   Links:  Shop US Soccer Gear: US Soccer Shop PROMO CODE: POST for 10% Off! Check out The Post at www.thepostcincy.com Music by Jim Trace and the Makers Follow us on BlueSky, Twitter,  Facebook, Instagram, and YouTube Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

It was really a week of highs and lows around MLS with firings, hirings, win streaks, winter schedules, and incredible works of fiction. As MLS heads into the last month or so of matches, these are the biggest, funniest, and weirdest stories we're keeping an eye on.    Timestamps:  (9:29) - NYCFC CEO Open to Winter Schedule (15:24) - DC United hires agent turned author turned GM to run the team  (30:42) - Caleb Porter is fired, unloved (40:48) - Charlotte ties the all-time win streak (45:47) - US Open Cup Final is set after late, late winner in Minnesota (57:23) - What to Watch This Weekend   Links:  Shop US Soccer Gear: US Soccer Shop PROMO CODE: POST for 10% Off! Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy