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 ShopPROMO 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 ShopPROMO 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 ShopPROMO CODE: POST for 10% Off! Support us on Patreon https://www.patreon.com/ThePostCincy

Kevin, Grayson, and The Chief are on an international break shortened episode this week. The USMNT had a very up and down international window, but MLS had to save the day in the end. What does it say when the national team looks better the more MLS players you put in it? St Louis takes the bold stance of being anti-anti-childhood cancer. St Louis also took a ton of shots with nothing to show for it! And Miami v Seattle might be without Suarez, but it's still the match of the week-ish. Thankfully, MLS delivers the best weekend slate of games of the entire season (so far!)   Timestamps:  (5:23) - USMNT Talk  (14:03) - St Louis's questionable banner decisions (22:47) - 42:4, what happened!?  (25:06) - Suarez is actually suspended in MLS (32:59) - What to Watch this Weekend

Kevin and Chief do their best to get their minds around the Leagues Cup aftermath. Fights on the field and outside the stadium, all for the biggest and best trophy in the entire world. Obviously. Tim Howard offers a solution, because the league won't. Charlotte is also on a heater, and won't stop winning games. San Diego and LAFC put together one of the best MLS games ever. And Don Garber speaks to the media.  Timestamps:  (3:10) - Leagues Cup  (27:35) - Don Garber speaks (41:30) - Charlotte's win streak (47:54) - San Diego and LAFC (57:38) - What to Watch this Weekend

It has been a good week for MLS storylines. Thomas Müller bags his first goal with Vancouver but not without controversy. A crazy PK calls into question VAR, "clear and obvious", and when you're allowed to ask a question. Caleb Porter attempts some historical revisionism, then utterly denies it. Leagues Cup brings the absurdity that is Javier Mascherano, Miami, Galaxy, and more. Finally, the USMNT has a distinct MLS flavor, good or bad? Then it's three matches this weekend that have our full attention.    Timestamps:  (6:41) - Vancouver PK Controversy (30:05) - Caleb Porter history lesson (39:41) - The Leagues Cup (56:12) - USMLSNT (1:16:26) - What to Watch this Weekend

Kevin and the Chief have a load of topics to tackle in this one, starting with Paxten Aaronson heading to the Colorado Rapids! The only problem is, Paxten didn't first run this move past the angry mob known as USMNT twitter fans. PRO makes a mockery of pool questions after NYRB-Philly. Evander and Kevin Kelsy both had their revenge games against each other in a thriller. And ESPN, MLB, and Apple TV are all making moves that generally don't mean good things for MLS, what's next for the league's broadcast partner?   Timestamps:  (6:19) - Paxten Aaronson transfer to Colorado (25:19) - PRO and Written Questions (38:23) - Evander and Kelsy revenge matches (44:35) - MLB and Apple TV may be moving on (59:49) - What to Watch this Weekend

The MLS Secondary Transfer Window is wide open and we've got comings and goings all around the league. We break down a few of the new additions made in the past few days. Plus, Miami once again seems to be after a new international transfer -- with what TAM/GAM and which international spot?! Son Heung-min Mania hits LAFC as the newest DP draws huge fan interests around the league and abroad. Plus, we dive into the controversy surrounding PRO referee Tim Ford and social media posts that seem to indicate he's an LAFC fan. (2:40) Inter Miami targeting Gonzalo Piovi from Cruz Azul (17:34) Drake Callender traded to Charlotte FC (23:33) Lucho Acosta deal finalized (25:15) Santi Moreno officially out, Kristoffer Velde in for Portland Timbers FC (30:35) Archie Goodwin signs with Charlotte FC (34:55) Son-Mania hits LAFC (43:07) Supporters Shield Rundown (47:05) PRO Referee Tim Ford under investigation for openly supporting a team (1:03:44) What to Watch this weekend in MLS!

It is a very fun time to be an MLS fan as Leagues Cup is in full swing and the transfer market is as hot as it's ever been. So, much, drama with players demanding to leave, not being allowed to leave, and Toronto spending a lot of cash on a player you've heard of before. Portland and Colorado might have issues behind the scenes while Vancouver continues to do good business. There's so much to cover, and that's just on the player side. Turns out, there's a few non-players who have also been asked to leave as well!   Timestamps:  (6:50) - Messi's Bodyguard banned from Leagues Cup (12:21) - Make American Great Again hat banned in St Louis  (20:56) - Djordje Mihailovic to Toronto (31:25) - Columbus Crew transfers in and not out  (38:23) - Lucho Acosta's MLS time comes to an end  (45:12) - Santi Moreno demands to leave Portland  (53:44) - What to Watch this Weekend

Kevin, Grayson, and Chief are finally back in their happy place: talking about Leagues Cup. As the number 1 cheerleaders of all things Leagues Cup, this episode is dedicated to what should be your favorite tournament. Explaining the format, who to root for, how we got here, and what the future of the tournament might look like. Then in Part Two it's matches this weekend to checkout since there is no MLS action.    Timestamps:  (0:42) - Leagues Cup Overview and Preview (49:26) - What to Watch this Weekend

In another unorthodox World's GAM the focus is only on two big stories of the day: Inter Miami and Messi possibly (maybe, maybe not?) cheating. Would it be so bad if everyone else got to play by these new rules? Also this week was MLS All-Star which means owner meetings and a "State of the League" talk from Don Garber. TV viewership numbers, ICE protests, and the looming calendar switch were all topics. Then, it's what to watch for this weekend!   Timestamps:  (0:40) - Inter Miami, Messi, and following rules (25:35) - MLS All-Star and everything around the game (57:10) - What to Watch This Weekend