(Video of this podcast is available on youtube)Justin and Maria are back to talk about the world of football (the soccer kind)! This week we talk about their experience at the recent town hall with Gregg Berhalter hosted by this Chicago Fire. We also discuss the USMNT's international break, which was overshadowed by one celebratory dance. Was Christian Pulisic's Trump dance appropriate, or alienating to fans? Plus, why on earth are their so many international breaks!?

(video of this podcast available to stream here: https://youtu.be/CLnQsDmgvgU) We’re back! After a short break, Justin and Maria are back in studio to discuss all things from the world of football (the soccer kind). This week is all about the great American tradition of “playoffs.” We discuss the various formats used throughout history, from the pre-MLS era to recent changes influenced by star players like David Beckham and Lionel Messi. Is the playoff format still relevant? Has it ever been?Justin and Maria also spend some time on the recent branding changes made by the Chicago Red Stars, and what that means for fans of the team.Shownotes:Introduction (1:00-4:00)Red Stars Rebrand (4:00-8:00)The History of Playoffs in Soccer (8:00-11:00)Early days of playoffs:American Soccer League playoffs in the 1920sUnique and sometimes convoluted formatsNASL and the Soccer Bowl:The creation of the Soccer Bowl as a way to increase interest in soccerThe impact of the NASL's multiple conferences on playoff structureThe 1981 Soccer Bowl and its significanceThe Evolution of MLS Playoffs (15:03 - 30:00)Early MLS playoffs:Best-of-three series formatNeutral site finalsThe impact of international breaks on the playoff scheduleThe Beckham era and playoff changes:Introduction of the wild card roundHome-and-away series formatThe 2019-2020 format:Single-elimination formatIncreased excitement and momentumThe 2023 format:Changes influenced by Lionel Messi's arrivalNew playoff structure with wild card rounds and different game formatsPotential drawbacks of the new formatThe Problems with the Current MLS Playoffs (30:14 - 33:17)Frequent format changes make it confusing for fans.The current best-of-three series with spread-out games disrupts momentum.International breaks further disrupt the flow of the playoffs.The emphasis on wild card teams to allow for more games by stars like Messi can lead to undeserving teams advancing.The long gaps between games, especially for teams that win early, can lead to rust.The current format does not sufficiently value the regular season.Possible Solutions (33:17 - 37:02)Switch to a single-elimination tournament with a smaller playing field.Emphasize the Supporters' Shield as the regular season trophy and create an inter-conference playoff.Adopt an international calendar where the season runs through spring and fall.Eliminate playoffs altogether and determine the champion based solely on the regular season.Playoffs Around the World (37:02 - 38:19)In some countries, playoffs have high stakes, like a single-game promotion decider with significant financial implications.The UEFA Champions League is a separate playoff-style tournament with its own excitement.Opinions (38:19 - 40:03)Does the current format effectively determine the best team?What’s  the impact of focusing on star players like Messi on the overall quality of the playoffs?What’s the problem when the current format is trying to fit an American sports structure to a sport with a different established format.Additional Notes (00:40:03 - 00:41:37)Keywords:MLS playoffs, soccer playoffs, playoff format, MLS, soccer, soccer bowl, NASL, Major League Soccer, David Beckham, Lionel Messi, international breaks, regular season, postseason, single-elimination, home-and-away series, aggregate score, wild card round.

(Stream video of this episode at youtube.com)Join us on this episode of the Footy Museum Podcast as we dive deep into the age-old question: is it soccer or football? Justin and Maria explore the history of the terms, their origins in England, and how they've evolved in the United States. Discover why this seemingly simple debate has sparked such passionate discussions. From the early days of the sport to the modern-day MLS, we uncover the cultural and historical factors that have shaped the way Americans perceive and embrace the beautiful game.Timestamps:1:00 - The Terms "Soccer" and "Football"2:30 - Origins of Soccer6:30 - Cuju Football in China8:00 - Indigenous Football in North America11:00 - The Soccer vs. Football Debate16:00 - The Evolution of Soccer in the US, and the changing perception of soccer in the US and the shift towards a more European-style design approach40:00 - Final ThoughtsKeywordssoccer, football, history, sports, terminology, cultural differences, MLS, US soccer, England, Europe, American culture, global sports, football vs. soccer debate

(Video of this podcast available at youtube.com/@thefootymuseum)LAFC and Sporting KC will face off in this year's US Open Cup final on September 25. In anticipation, we're looking back at the two teams who are tied for the most ever US Open Cup titles: Maccabee Los Angeles and Bethlehem Steel--both with five titles to their name. Bethlehem Steel FC, a powerhouse of early 20th century soccer, is a quintessential example of the industrial teams of the period. We cover the early amateur years, the birth of the American Soccer League, their ultimate downfall in the soccer wars, and a scoring record that stood for decades. The Los Angeles Maccabee Soccer Team was a prominent force in American soccer during the 1970s. The club, founded in 1958, represented the Jewish community in Los Angeles and was known for its competitive spirit and talented players. We take a look at their most successful years in the midst of turbulent times in American soccer, as well as some of their most interesting players and dynamics of a diversifying squad. Timestamps: 00: intro 2:00 All about Bethlehem Steel FC 13:30 All about Los Angeles Maccabee #USOpenCup #soccerhistory #soccer

(find video of this podcast at youtube.com/@thefootymuseum)Welcome back pumpkin spice season I mean English Premier League! On today's podcast Justin and Maria talk about EPL's matchweek 1, some antics from Arsenal, and the state of the kits--with a specific focus on the neck region. They also bring it back to MLS and chat about changes happening at the Chicago Fire with the announced exit of sporting director Georg Heitz and DP Xherdan Shaqiri. So sad to say goodbye. But it's also time to say hello to Mauricio Pochettino as we welcome him to the USMNT. Big news as the USL introduces it's latest addition: the USL Super League--a designated Division One women's league. In the post-olympic void, Maria and Justin discuss the history of the very first Women's soccer game in the US dating back to 1893, and what we can do to make sure we keep women's soccer at the front of our minds.Timestamps: 00: intro 1:30: EPL is back 4:40: Kit reactions 9:10: Changes at the Chicago Fire 14:35: Mauricio Pochettino 19:07: Introduction of the USL Super League, and a history lesson about the first ever (documented) women's game in the U.S.#soccer #premierleague #footyheadlines

(video of this podcast is available at youtube.com/@thefootymuseum)USA! USA! USA! The USWNT have won olympic gold! On this week's episode, we talk about the match, Emma Hayes, the great team, and wrap up our Paris Olympics coverage with some excellent Naeher puns. And after a summer of major tournaments, the EFL season has begun. Justin looks into the crest history of Oxford United, and Maria celebrate's the start to the Leeds United season. Justin also gives a recap on what's been going on with the US Open Cup, as coverage has been lost to all the soccer noise out there.#soccer #football #paris2024 #footballnews #soccernews #usopencup #efl

(video of this podcast is available at thefootymuseum.com)Welcome to the Footy Museum Podcast, where we talk about culture and design in the world of football (the soccer kind!). On this week's episode Justin and Maria talk about past and present of soccer in the Olympic games, giving an update on where the US stands in the soccer tournament, and also taking a look back at designs and visuals from Olympics past. Justin also prepares a special set of riddles all about the European teams touring the US right now. Can you do better than Maria?Timestamps: 00: intro 2:00 European summer tour riddle quiz! 9:00 Olympic soccer update - USNMT eliminated, USWNT against Japan 16:00 Looking at the designs of Olympics Past#soccerpodcast #footyheadlines #olympics #soccer #football

(find video of this podcast at thefootymuseum.com)Welcome to the Footy Museum Podcast, where we discuss design and culture in the world of football (the soccer kind). Yes, the Olympics ARE a footballing event, so of course we're here to talk about it. On this week's episode we're reacting to the opening ceremonies and the first few games of the USMNT and USWNT at the Paris Olympics. We chat about some of the latest kit drops from MLS and Leeds United, and one very special logo redesign from Feyenoord Rotterdam. Timestamps: 00: Olympic Games Opening Ceremony reactions 11:30 Soccer at the Olympics - Team Canada, Argentina, Morocco, USMNT, and USWNT 30:00 MLS All Stars Kit, Leeds United smiley throwback, Pink Kits and Inter Miami 44:00 Feyenoord Rotterdam rebrand

(Stream video of this podcast at thefootymuseum.com)Welcome to the Footy Museum Podcast where we celebrate all things design and supporter culture from the world of football (the soccer kind!). On today's pod, we discuss the latest kit rollouts (do they seem to be dropping earlier and earlier, or is that just us?) and as well as what's to come with the Paris Olympic Games (and beyond!).Timestamps: :25 - Intro 2:00 - Kit talk Chelsea, Arsenal, LA Galaxy, LAFC, Kansas City Wizards, Portland Timbers, Inter Miami FC 17:30 - Leeds United and the Red Bull Brand Mythology 23:00 - Paris Olympic Games logo and LA 2028 preview#footyheadlines #mls #soccerpodcast

(video of this podcast is available at thefootymuseum.com)Welcome back to the Footy Museum Podcast, where we talk all about the supporter culture and designs of the footballing world! Today Justin and Maria close the chapter on the summer’s two favorite tournaments, discussing their favorite moment and failures from Euros 2024 and Copa America. That and more in this week’s episode.Timestamps:00: Intro2:00 Euros final between Spain and EnglandMessi and baby YamalFavorite friendly rivalries and Saxophone magic man8:19Copa America final between Argentina and Colombia Stadium chaosUruguay players in the standsMarcelo Bielsa vs Jesse MarschFans breaking into Hardrock StadiumMessi’s injuryGregg Berhalter fired24:00US Open Cup continues with Indy ElevenChicago Red Stars seasonAnticipating the Paris Olympic Games with the USWNT and USMNT

(video of this podcast is available at thefootymuseum.com)Welcome to the Footy Museum Podcast, where we talk all things design and culture from the world of football (the soccer kind!). This week Justin and Maria talk about the start of 2024 Euros, and what they're loving about it. They also discuss the release of the Ralph Lauren capsule collection for the U.S.A olympic team.#footyheadlines #euro2024 #olympics

(find video of this episode at thefootymuseum.com)We're back this week to talk about all things design and culture from the world of football (the soccer kind)! this week, Justin and Maria cover the latest from the USMNT and their loss to Columbia, along with Maria's experience being one of the 35,038 people at Wrigley Field to break the NWSL attendance record. They also chat about design highlights in from this year's LGBTQIA+ Pride month. Timestamps: 00: US National Soccer 7:00: Chicago Red Stars and Bay FC play at Wrigley, breaking the NWSL attendance record 15:00: LGBTQIA+ Pride Month design highlights

(Get the full experience by viewing video of this podcast at thefootymuseum.com)That's a wrap on the 23-24 European footballing season! (For most of Europe, anyway.) In this episode of the Footy Museum Podcast, Justin and Maria talk about their favorite kits, tifos, sideline looks, and other styles from the season. Timestamps00: Weekend summary 2:20 Favorite designs and looks from the 23-24 season.Kaiserslautern, Leverkusen, Pep Guardiola, RB Leipzig, Victoria Park Vixens, Athens Kallithea, Patrick Bamford, Manchester United, Mo Salah, Christian Pulisic, AC Miilan, Gareth Ainsworth

(Stream video of this podcast with all our visuals at thefootymuseum.com)Welcome to The Footy Museum where we talk all things culture and design in the world of football (the soccer kind!). This episode we're taking a look at six bad football club rebrands from history, and discussing the obvious and subtle reasons of why we think the changes don't work. Timestamps: 00: This week in soccer news 5:00 Bad Rebrands of history! Atalanta, Nagoya FC, Sao Paulo FC, Lincoln City FC, FC Andorra, FC Lorient

(Stream video of this episode at thefootymuseum.com)The Footy Museum is back to talk about all things football, the soccer kind! This week we catch up on US Open Cup, MLS Rivalry Week, English Football's end of season antics, and Jesse Marsch's new job in Canada.

(find video of this podcast at thefootymuseum.com)Welcome to the Footy Museum, where we discuss all things design and culture from the world of football, and sometimes also Cowboy Carter. This week Justin and Maria talk about a few of the latest and greatest tifos coming out of Sweden, France, Mexico, and Los Angeles. Teams discussed: Djurgårdens IF Fotboll, AIK Fotboll, AS Saint-Étienne, PSG, C.F. Monterrey, Malmö FF, LAFCTimestamps: 00:00 - Catching up on the week in soccer 11:39 - Tifo discussion

Justin and Maria are both back from spring break and are here once again with their very unsolicited and under-informed opinions about the world of football (the soccer kind). They chat about their Inter Miami kit bet, Justin's trip to the Premier League Mornings Fan Fest in Nashville PLUS his trip to Geodis Park. They also get caught up with US Open Cup and Justin shares his feelings about the state of the national team.

As a tumultuous Turkish season nears its end, we touch base with Onur Ozturk to get insights on what is happening in Turkey.

(Video of this episode is available at thefootymuseum.com)This week we welcome Kristi Kivi to the Footy Museum podcast! Kristi is a member of the Pride, an FC Cincinnati supporters group. She serves on the board, and is also a member of The Forge, the group of FCC SGs dedicated to designing, making, and organizing tifo displays. Kristi talks to us about some of the recent tifos they've produced, and gives a peak behind the scenes of their processes.

Find video of this episode at thefootymuseum.comWelcome to another Unsolicited and Under-informed Opinions weekly episode, where Justin and Maria chat about all things in the world of football. This week they really cover it all, from Liverpool/Man City to the W Gold Cup, to the Dutch league, and pre-US Open Cup chatter.

(find video of this episode at thefootymuseum.com/footypod)This week, we continue our exploration into the history of the beautiful game in Chicago. This episode is part of an ongoing series focused on the rich history of soccer in the United States, with a special look at the game's long and fascinating journey in the Windy City.In Part 2 we pick up where we left off in Part 1, at the start of the 20th century. We introduce the character of Peter J. Peel, Chicago soccer's biggest advocate and the founder of the Peel Cup. We then discuss three powerhouse teams that dominated the Chicago Leagues and played on the national stage in these decades: Pullman FC. The Bricklayers and Masons, and Chicago Sparta. We also discuss the role of parks and school in the development of the youth and women's game. Each of these teams were born from and reflected a unique aspect of the Chicago community, and give a window into the politics and culture of the times.

(find video of this podcast at thefootymuseum.com)Welcome to another Unsolicited and Under-informed Opinions segment, where we dive into the week in the world of soccer. This episode Justin and Maria talk about the latest with the US Open Cup drama, MLS's matchweek 2, the "Snow Bowl" between Real Salt Lake and LAFC, and the continued referee mess. They also chat about news from England. Most importantly, they give their reactions to this year's NWSL kit release with designs from Nike.

(find video of this episode at thefootymuseum.com)Soccer is back! MLS commences with its 29th season. An exciting opening weekend, not without its controversies (looking at you, replacement refs). Justin and Maria also share updates on EPL, the biggest match of the season in the Championship, and that sneaky little tifo by Legia Warsaw supporters.

(Video of this episode is available at thefootymuseum.com)The start of the MLS season means new kits, and we're here with our hot takes! Justin and Maria share their unsolicited opinions on this year's releases. They also discuss club and community identities, fan involvement, and the meeting place of fan culture with current events.

(video of this podcast is available at thefootymuseum.com)There's so much to talk about this week in the world of soccer. Continued US Open Cup drama, USL's Super League given D1 status, and Lindsey Horan's non-apology. Not to mention the referee lockout ahead of MLS season openers, plus more from the UK and Europe. Justin and Maria are here to share their Unsolicited and Under-informed Opinions.

Video of this podcast Is available at thefootymuseum.comToday we welcome special guest, Alan Królikowski from Men In Red 97 (MIR97), a podcast and media group dedicated to covering all things Chicago Fire. Alan geeks out with us about the Fire, supporter culture, and what he's looking forward to this coming season. Find MIR97 here: https://meninred97.com/ Find the Barn Burners here: https://barnburners1871.com/

Find video of this podcast at thefootymuseum.comWelcome to a conspiracy-packed Unsolicited and Under-informed podcast about the world of football--no not that kind, the other one! This week Justin and Maria share their thoughts on the bizarre broadcast announcement by Fifa for the 2026 World Cup, the conclusion of AFCON, Chicago Fire's return to red and the MLS pre-season. They also discuss Lindsey Horan's harsh remarks made in an interview with the Athletic, and chat about the latest in football design news. #footballtalk #soccerpodcast #footyheadlines #mls #premierleague #afcon2023

1:34 History of the town of Pullman8:29 First association rules football game in Chicago13:48 Chicago Football Association and early Chicago teams31:38 World’s Columbian Exposition Football Championship38:25 End of the CFA40:45: Final thoughts

(stream video of this episode at thefootymuseum.com)Another Unsolicited and Under-informed for all you Footy Museum friends out there! Tune in as we catch up on this week in the world of football, from Jürgen Klopp's announcement he will leave Liverpool, to the MLS kit leak, and more favorite crests from the FA Cup.

(Find video of this podcast at thefootymuseum.com)On this week's Unsolicited and Under-Informed Opinions, Justin and Maria dive into everything from golazos at AFCON to answering the question "what is a liver bird?" They also talk about Ivan Toney's controversial free kick, dish on Man City's year of the dragon kits, fan actions from Crystal Palace and Sporting KC, and the return of the Reign.

(find video of this podcast at thefootymuseum.com)You've been asking for it, and we're ready to deliver: The Footy Museum history. Did you know that we've actually been around for over a hundred years? (wink wink). From grocery stores, to basements, to astro domes, and now the modern Footy Era. Sit back and hear the (enormously fabricated) tale.

(Find video of this podcast at thefootymuseum.com)Burrrr it's cold in the studio this week as Justin and Maria share their unsolicited and under-informed opinions about the week in soccer. This episode they chat about what would improve MLS stadium atmospheres, Suarez joining the retirement community in Miami, and the weekend's matches in AFCON and Premier League.

(find video of this podcast at thefootymuseum.com)The 2023 African Cup of Nations begins on January 13th (yes, in 2024 -- we explain), and we are here to chat about our favorite crests from this year's participating countries. We talk about Angora, South Africa, host nation Ivory Coast, and dive deep into the political history of soccer in the Democratic Republic of the Congo.

(Find video of this episode at thefootymuseum.com)Welcome back to the Footy Museum for this week's Unsolicited and Uninformed Opinions about the world of football. This episode Justin and Maria talk about La Liga's broadcast graphics and the inevitable AI takeover, why the Turkish Super Cup was suspended, and Justin's new favorite club badge of all time. #soccerpodcast #footballtalk #footyheadlines #turkishsupercup #laliga #turkishsuperlig

Find video of this episode at thefootymuseum.comOn this week's deep dive, Justin and Maria get to know Girona FC, the little club that's been dominating La Liga. Take a listen to learn more about the region, the origins of the club, and the very old history of the team's crest.

Find video of this episode at thefootymuseum.comHappy New Year Footy Museum friends! Justin and Maria are ringing it in by recapping all the soccer happening the last week of 2023. The also chat about MLS off season transfer news, the Golden Girls of Inter Miami, and the latest with the proposed Super League.

Find video stream at thefootymuseum.comWe're back with our 2023 rankings, this time with the best supporter moments of the year! Who made the list, and do you agree? Let us know!

Find our video stream at thefootymuseum.comOn this week's not so "unsolicited and uninformed," Justin shares his thoughts as a long time MLS fan on the league's decision not to participate in the US Open Cup, and what it means for the future of soccer in the U.S. Justin and Maria also get into the latest with Leeds United, PSV, and the sweater layering choices of Pep Guardiola.

Find the video stream at thefootymuseum.com The Footy Museum is back with our best and worst football kits of 2023! Who made our list, and do you agree?

Video stream available at thefootymuseum.com Welcome to this week's Uninformed and Unsolicited Opinions from The Footy Museum. This week Justin and Maria react to the MLS Cup final, sanctions against the fans of LAFC, 90s throwbacks, the Premier League standings and more. #soccerpodcast #footballtalk #mls #columbuscrew #lafc #mancity #premierleague

Stream video of this episode at thefootymuseum.comWe’re wrapping up the year with our bests and worsts of 2023. This episode, we tackle best and worsts crests. New teams and rebrands are on the table! Stay tuned for more best and worsts in the world of football design as 2023 comes to a close.

Video of this episode can be found at thefootymuseum.comWelcome to the Footy Museum's first Unsolicited and Uninformed Opinions segment, a bite sized podcast where we break down what happened in football this week. This episode, Justin and Maria recap the MLS conference finals, and touch on what's happening in Europe. Our in-depth design deep dive will arrive later in the week.

Video at thefootymuseum.comIt's international break, but there's still plenty to talk about. We vent about the latest behind-the-scenes drama with the Chicago Fire as well as the nonsensical MLS playoff structure, and chat about the latest release from the studio of Obama portrait artist Kehinde Wiley. This week's design deep-dive gets into the very special summer of 1967 when the United Soccer Association imported teams from Europe and South America to play in its first and only season. Enter the LA Wolves (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Vancouver Royals (Sunderland), the Cleveland Stokers (Stoke City), and a whole host of others. What were the designs like? Why do some say it was the best soccer final ever played on US soil? Justin and Maria get into it on this week's episode.Timestamps: 00: This week in soccer: Chicago Fire, MLS, Kehinde Wiley7:30: USA league and the summer of 1967

Video available at thefootymuseum.comToday on the pod we welcome special guest Joe Novak of the Northern Guard, a Detroit City FC supporters group. He shares about the rich history of soccer in Detroit, their unique international connections, and the amazingly strong TIFO and supporter culture of this USL team. Maria and Justin also chat about this week in global football, breaking down the MLS playoffs, a lack-luster Noche d'Or, Dortmund supporters political messages, and the NWSL final between OL Reign and Gotham FC.  Timestamps:1:00 - NWSL Final3:00 - This week with Leeds United4:00 - Haaland halftime kit swap5:00 - Dortmund supporters political demonstrations 7:00 - Noche d'Or9:25 - MLS playoffs10:20 - USL on the rise11:00 - Interview with Joe Novak of Northern Guard, a Detroit City FC supporters group46:00 - Conclusion

00:50 Noche d-Or! 02:35 MLS Playoffs 06:48 VAR Controversy! 09:13 Europa League Crest Deep Dives 24:20 Soccer in Times of War This week Maria and Justin acknowledge the Noche d'Or to all those who celebrate. We also each take a deep dive into the design and stories of the crests of the Europa League team FC Sheriff and SK Sturm Graz. Justin also reflects on sports role in this time of global conflict.

Video at thefootymuseum.comMaria is back from vacation and ready to catch up with Justin on all the latest with Chicago Fire and Leeds United. They also discuss the new MLS playoff structure, and the logo announcement from the new San Diego FC. Justin questions the effectiveness of design by committee when put against the test of the latest AI. They also talk about Maria's shock at seeing an MLS kit abroad, and shares a very special soccer badge from the arctic circle. Timestamps: 00: Chicago Fire and Leeds United Updates 9:00 MLS playoff structure 14:00 San Diego FC 28:00 MLS Kits Abroad 34:00 Looking forward to this week #SoccerPodcast #FootballTalk #FutbolPodcast #SoccerNews #SoccerCulture #SoccerFans #mls #efl #messi #intermiami #sandiegofc

Sheryl Shectman from Terminus Legion talks to Justin about her experience falling in love with the beautiful game in Atlanta Georgia. A fan of Atlanta United since their founding Shectman has been a member of the supporters group Terminus Legion since 2018. In that role, she has overseen the creation of numerous tifo projects. In this interview, she shares some insight into how some of the most active fans in Major League Soccer have made Atlanta a fortress for their team and the envy of the league.

00:00:26 Intro and Chicago Fire/Leeds recap00:05:35 K Staller Interview00:54:56 Closing

Maria and Justin dive into the designs of defunct soccer teams from the US. They take a look at some great 1970s and 80s designs from Chicago Sting, California Lazers, and bizarre 5 years for the San Diego Sockers. They also chat about the newest design from Carolina Core, and MLS Next Pro team. Watch the video stream here: https://www.thefootymuseum.com/footypod/defunct-teams Tags:#SoccerPodcast #FootballCulture #GlobalFootball #SoccerDesign #BeautifulGame #FootballCommunity #SoccerTalk #SoccerAnalysis #WorldFootball