Filibuster Podcast

D.C. United took on Orlando City SC, and the game was all level after 90 minutes; the last 6 minutes, however, were madness. Jason, Adam, and Ben are here to break down every aspect of Luciano Acosta’s third (!) goal and the run, tackle, and pass by Wayne Rooney that made it possible. We also discuss the burgeoning partnership between Lucho and Rooney, including Lucho’s other goals and the red card that didn’t get called, as well as what Orlando’s formation against United meant for this and future games. In the second segment we bring on William Conwell from Stumptown Footy to preview the Portland Timbers’ inaugural trip to Audi Field. We discuss their long unbeaten streak and its end as well as the team under new coach Gio Savarese. We ask William about the trade of Fanando Adi and his replacement by Samuel Armenteros, as well as the trade of Vytas to D.C. United and what that means for Zarek Valentin. Finally, we compare the performance of D.C. United’s Costa Rican players with Portland’s Costa Rican player

Filibuster has reached its 300th episode, and we’re here to celebrate with you! Jason, Adam, and Ben talk about D.C. United’s 1-1 draw against the Montreal Impact, in which we discuss the disaster of the first 8 minutes and what happened after the team showed up. We break down the lineup Ben Olsen chose and the lineups that we thought we would see, and analyze Yamil Asad’s goal. Finally, we look at Wayne Rooney’s performance and his role in this pressing style. In the second segment we talk about D.C. United’s Sunday game against Orlando City SC, who have a new coach from the last time we played them. We talk about James O’Connor and his style for Orlando City, discuss the trade of Justin Meram back to the Columbus Crew, and discuss how we would gameplan the Lions. Give it a listen! If you want to donate to the Down Syndrome Association of Greater Richmond, which supports people with Down Syndrome and their families and which Ben talked about early in the episode, you can do so at http://bit.do/filibuster .

D.C. United got stymied midweek before getting some points on the weekend, and Filibuster breaks it down for you. Jason, Adam, and Ben talk about how D.C. United let the New York Red Bulls play the style that they wanted to play and contrast that with how Wayne Rooney influences the game, as shown by their uptick in play when he subbed in and his play throughout the game against the Colorado Rapids. We also discuss Russell Canouse’s return and figure out who should be playing in D.C. United’s central midfield. We have to break down Kellyn Acosta’s goal and how he got so wide open, continue to discuss D.C. United’s defense, and talk about Tim Howard’s poor play. In the second segment we preview D.C. United’s weekend road trip to face the Montreal Impact. We talk about how the Impact are likely the team that United will have to beat out to make it to the playoffs, discuss their horrific start (which seems to have been a theme for them), and discuss how they’ve started to right the ship. When you talk about the

Atlanta’s return to form against D.C. United has continued, and we are here to break it down. Jason, Adam, and Ben talk about Josef Martinez’s hat trick as well as spend another section talking about D.C.’s defense and their inability to win headers. We discuss the new starters that are needed on the back line, and talk about David Ousted’s contribution to the defensive issues. We end the segment talking about empty spaces all over the field, including the areas that Atlanta’s attackers ran into and the spaces between Wayne Rooney and his teammates. In the second segment, we discuss the two games up this week, both at Audi Field: Wednesday against the New York Red Bulls and Saturday against the Colorado Rapids. We discuss how good the Red Bulls are this year, and what Chris Armas will do now that Jesse Marsch has taken a paid internship in Germany. We also break down the game of a player who may join Marsch in Germany soon in Tyler Adams. For the Rapids, we break down their roster and specifically talk about

The first game at Audi Field has actually happened, and it was a win! Jason, Ben, and Adam talk about all of our feelings about the new stadium, warts and all, and hope that the warts will be quickly ironed out. We also talk about the issues between the team and two of its supporters’ groups, which was noticeable on game day, and talk about how we hope that the situation can be worked out. In the second segment, we talk about the game! We talk about Yamil Asad’s first goal at Audi Field, before breaking down all aspects of Wayne Rooney’s debut and what it meant for the team. We also had to talk about the defense and how there aren’t as many people who can win headers as in years past. Finally, we talk about what this win means for the season and where the team can go from here. Give it a listen!

It is finally here! D.C. United opens Audi Field this weekend, and Jason and Adam are here and excited! (Ben is also excited, but he’s on a beach this week.) But before we get to Audi Field, we have to talk about D.C. United’s comeback draw against the LA Galaxy, and we wonder if this could be a turning point in the team’s season. In the second segment, we welcome on Emily Olsen of Pro Soccer USA to talk about all things Audi Field! We discuss the weeklong hoopla, the opening events, and what this means for the team’s future. In a rare post-guest third segment, Jason and Adam break down the game at Audi Field against the Vancouver Whitecaps, including what the defense needs to do against Kei Kamara and Alphonso Davies, and how to attack when they’re going to have the bulk of possession. Give it a listen!

D.C. United lost their umpteenth frustrating game this season, and Jason, Adam, and Ben walk you throw it. We talk about the contrasting games that Frederic Brillant and Yamil Asad had, and ponder if Ben Olsen could change up his starters to try and get better results. We observe how Ben Olsen doesn’t really bench players like he used to a few years ago, and we have to talk about the terrible game that Allen Chapman had (even if it didn’t change the outcome much). We end the first segment by talking about the LA Galaxy game tomorrow night and wondering if their lineup changes have been the key to their better play recently. In the second segment we talk about D.C. United’s newest forward, Wayne Rooney, and break down what his impact means for the rest of the team. We throw out a couple of different formations into which he might fit, and tease out what those formations would mean for the rest of the players on the field. Give it a listen!

With Adam out scouting the beaches for top new prospects, Jason and Ben welcome Donald back on the podcast to talk about D.C. United’s U.S. Open Cup flop. Before we talk (12:05) about the bad penalty kicks, the play of Chris Durkin, and how this team is almost clicking, we talk about the terrible quality of the stream and the awfulness of US Soccer’s bespoke video platform. It really is quite bad. In the second segment (49:55), we talk about the New England Revolution, and ponder what kind of world we live in where Teal Bunbury is in the top 5 in MLS goals scored. We also discuss D.C. United’s road trip so far, and what they’re going to have to do once Audi Field opens. Give it a listen!

All three members of the Filibuster squad are fit and back in action, ready to break down (9:48) D.C. United’s preposterous 4-4 draw against Toronto FC. We talk about the dream-like qualities of the game, and discuss all the things that went well in the first half. We look at what Toronto did in the second half to adjust, and how D.C. United’s defense suffered a complete breakdown at every angle. We pivot to look a little forward to end the segment, including what kinds of mid-season signings are both likely and needed, and what kind of structure in which they will need to fit. In the second segment (43:47), we welcome back Michael Citro of The Mane Land to talk about United’s U.S. Open Cup matchup against Orlando City SC. We have to discuss the fact that Jason Kreis is out and all of the injuries they have suffered. We also discuss Chris Mueller, their temporary head coach, and try to inflict Dunga upon them as their permanent coach. Give it a listen!

Even though technology conspired to destroy Ben’s computer while trying to record this podcast (quite literally), he was still able to put together Jason and Adam’s effort as they soldiered on without him. The lonely boys talk about D.C. United’s loss to the Seattle Sounders, including what went wrong on the two Sounders goals, what generally went right otherwise, and the misunderstood enigma that is Darren Mattocks. They also talk about the lack of other scoring options, and the possible squad rotation upcoming in Toronto. In the second segments the boys welcome on Dunch Fletcher from The Vocal Minority. They ask him whether or not Toronto FC are back to being scary-good after their win over Philly, the difference in playing Michael Bradley at his actual position, the future of Greg Vanney, and how to gameplan against the Red. Give it a listen!

D.C. United didn’t have a game this past weekend, but they have two coming up this week, and Filibuster is here to preview them all early on a Monday morning. Jason, Adam, and a muffled Ben (8:55) talk to Neil Morris of WRAL Sports Fan to get the lowdown on all things North Carolina FC. We discuss their players to look for, including Daniel Rios on loan from Chivas, as well as discuss their coach (who is a former Richmond Kickers head coach). We ask what has gone wrong with their season so far, check in with their D.C. United alums, and break down their switch from NASL to USL and the North Carolina FC rebrand. In the second segment (44:23), we welcome back Dave Clark of Sounder at Heart to break down what is happening with the Seattle Sounders. We ponder if they’ve gotten too old (especially Clint Dempsey), and whether Garth Lagerway has mucked this whole thing up. We finish up by figuring out what the Sounders’ plan is, looking at who is playing well, and by asking Dave to gameplan the Sounders for us. Give

Filibuster is back late on a Wednesday, and we talk about D.C. United’s draw against LAFC. We discuss the result, Paul Arriola in midfield, and the play of former D.C. United centerbacks. We also get into Joseph Mora, the subs, and discuss the decisions of Ismail Elfath. In the second segment, we break down all of the questions you gave us in the Twitterbox. Give it a listen!

Filibuster is back and finally has a D.C. United win about which to talk! Jason, Adam, and Ben talk (9:10) about how good it feels to have watched a well played game, and one that scored multiple goals off of the high press. We break down Paul Arriola’s move to central midfield and what that meant for Zoltan Stieber. We get into Darren Mattocks and whether or not Wayne Rooney would have been in position to finish the second-half chance that Mattocks did not, heap praise on Chris Durkin, and take another look at the status of the back line. In the second segment (41:04) we welcome back a Filibuster favorite: Alicia Rodriguez of Angels on Parade. We talk about her shiny new team, its star player, Carlos Vela, and their new stadium. We also discuss their back line prospects against D.C. United, since many of their players will be away on national team duty, as well as their central midfield. We end be asking Alicia about LAFC’s local broadcast deal with YouTubeTV and ask her to gameplan LAFC for us. Give it a li

Strap on your seatbelts and get ready for an extra-long episode of Filibuster. Jason, Ben, and Adam have a lot to say about the very frustrating game against Real Salt Lake, and we start (8:42) with what frustrated us the most. We talk about how both the beginning and end of the game were good, but there was a disaster in that middle hour. We get into whether or not it is a coaching problem, what can be done about the fullbacks, and whether or not we think this was as bad as the Philadelphia Union game. We break down who should be playing in the midfield, the Paul Arriola central midfield experiment, and end on D.C. United’s play on set pieces. We dedicate the second segment (53:51) to the dominating rumor of the past week: D.C. United’s pursuit of Wayne Rooney. We talk about the team signing a big name, the madness some of this has devolved into, whether or not this is an attempt to gain mindshare and what that mean’s about D.C. United’s place in the community, and how the team can balance signings like this

Wayne Rooney may or may not be coming to D.C. United, but Filibuster will always be coming to your ears. Jason and Adam kick off the show (12:29) by going team-by-team up the Eastern Conference standings to get a lay of the land in the first segment. Ben had been sidelined by goat fever and was unable to participate, though he still used his goat hooves to edit this episode. In the second segment, Brian Dunseth, or Dunny as he’s known on the internet, comes on to preview United’s visit to the Wasatch Range, discussing Real Salt Lake’s drop off from the end of last year, the bunched-up Western Conference standings, some of the Claret-and-Cobalt’s less heralded players, the organization’s emphasis on infrastructure for RSL and the new NWSL Utah Royals, and how Dunny would gameplay against Mike Petke’s team.

D.C. United didn’t show up for the last 80 minutes, but Filibuster is here for the full 90. Jason, Adam, and Ben break down United’s worst performance of the year against the Philadelphia Union, and go through our own parade of horribles. We discuss the center backs, the fullbacks, and central midfield, before breaking down the striker battle and examining the high press. In the second segment we welcome Charles Boehm to the show to get a 30,000 foot view of the team. You’ll want to read his interview with Ben Olsen before getting into this segment, so we’ll wait right here. Welcome back! We ask Charlie about Bennyball generally and their defensive play, before getting his read on United’s high press. We inquire about if there are any striker rumors and break down Olsen’s plan for young players generally and Chris Durkin specifically. We end by talking about the relationship between the team and the community in the youth development sphere, possible new owners, and the fans generally and the front office in

Its a little late in the day, but don’t worry; Filibuster is always here for you. Jason, Adam, and Ben are joined by regular guest and DC101 megastar Greg Roche, and we answer your questions (10:06) from the Twitterbox. We talk about the fact the this weekend’s game will be broadcast on Twitter, Grant Wahl’s ambition ratings, and the front office, before getting weird. Listen, there’s a lot of talk of the hairstyles of MLS referees, and it is a raring good time. In the second segment (47:36) Roche has to depart, but we are joined by Matt Ralph from Brotherly Game, the SB Nation site about the Philadelphia Union. We ask him about the Union’s season so far, the high line they’ve played, and how their new DP, Borek Dockal, has faired so far. We also talk about their forwards, David Accam, and how their defense is mostly homegrown players, before asking Matt to gameplan the Union for us. Give it a listen!

D.C. United has their first win of the year and Filibuster are here to talk about it! Jason, Ben, and Adam discuss the 1-0 win over the Columbus Crew, and break down Ulises Segura’s very fast goal in all its glory. We also discuss the very effect press and how it shut down Columbus’ midfield, and then talk about how the game shifted when Paul Arriola was sent off. We head praise upon the midfield and the centerbacks, and look ahead to what this means going forward. We kick off the second segment by talk about the rumors swirling about new ownership buying into the team. We discuss Patrick Soon-shiong, America’s richest doctor, and the other rumors that are out there. We discuss possible designated player signings this summer and going forward, and then give a high level preview of the long road trip on which United now finds themselves. Give it a listen!

D.C. United may soon have a new owner, but the Filibuster crew will stick with you through thick, thin, and three separate ownership groups! In this episode of the podcast, Jason, Adam, and Ben talk about goats and Adam’s failures at March Madness (9:29) before getting back into your questions. We talk (16:52) about the goal production so far this year, what MLS coaches we might want to see take a crack at coaching D.C. United, the size of the new stadium at Audi Field, and the team’s revenue. We also take a look at the production of D.C. United’s designated player so far, and what this season has been like so far, before ending with some breaking news that we don’t know what to do with. In the second segment (48:35) we talk about D.C. United’s match against the Columbus Crew in Annapolis, talk about their season so far, and how the team can cut down on mistakes. We also talk about the return of Russell Canouse and couple other D.C. United players from injury and whether they can help United turn their fortun

D.C. United has a week off, but your friends at Filibuster do not! Jason, Adam, and Ben are here to get us through D.C. United’s game against Sporting Kansas City, and we start (10:55)with how the Sporks attacked D.C. United’s right side and how the team as a whole showed a lot of “not good enough.” We talk about the disconnect at central midfield and ponder when the team was last good playing only one defensive midfielder (it was a long time ago). We end the segment talking about the forward signings and how the lack of improvement there was a mistake we identified in the offseason that has manifested itself even more in the season. In the second segment (40:12) we open up the Twitterbox and take your questions. We talk about the midfield, Ben Olsen’s seat and its relative temperature, the fact that D.C. United has three games over the next 6 weeks, and what D.C. United has to do to avoid digging too deep a hole before the opening of Audi Field. Give it a listen!