Filibuster Podcast

Nothing is going quite to plan for D.C. United on the field, but everything is full steam ahead for your favorite D.C. United podcasters. Jason, Adam, and Ben break down D.C. United’s frustrating 3-1 loss to the Columbus Crew by first contrasting the best 15 minutes stretch of the season so far with the with the rest of the game, especially the goals. We discuss the up-and-down play of the attacking players, and talk about Chris Durkin’s first start in MLS and the role of a defensive midfielder on this team. In the second segment, it is just us again! We talk about D.C. United’s upcoming match against Sporting Kansas City, the dark magic that Peter Vermes weaves, how they’ve been so good for so long, and if D.C. United has any chance of beating them. Give it a listen!

D.C. United came back to draw against the Houston Dynamo, and Filibuster comes back to break it all down. Jason, Adam, and Ben talk (8:32) first about the special place that is the Maryland SoccerPlex and try to first concentrate on the good, so we talk about the second half and Joseph Mora. We also have to talk about the goals the team gave up and the quandry that is the central midfield, before ending by talking about the tone and the speed of the game. In the second segment (40:40) we bring on Pat Murphy of Massive Report to preview the game against the Columbus Crew. We ask Pat about their season so far and the goalscoring prowess of Gyasi Zardes, in addition to asking him about the swapping out of Justin Meram for Pedro Santos. We discuss the Crew’s youth and their Ricardo Clark-iness, before ending talking about their bench and Federico Higuain. We also check in on the Save The Crew movement before calling it a day. Give it a listen!

D.C. United has now played in the most attended MLS game of all time, and Filibuster is here to talk about the result against Atlanta United. We discuss the play of the midfield and how much it concerns us, the performance of the new acquisitions and what that means for the rest of the season, and how the team isn’t able to win turnovers. We keep at it with the central midfield, before taking a look at the other positions and see how we feel 2 games in. In the second segment we welcome back goat-enthusiast Alicia Tolar of Dynamo Theory to talk about D.C. United’s home game (at the SoccerPlex!) against the Houston Dynamo. We discuss their midfield, Rommel Quioto in particular, Phillipe Senderos, DeMarcus Beasley, their goalkeeping situation, and much, much more. Give it a listen!

We have a game to analyze, and so Filibuster is here to take you through it. Jason, Adam, and Ben talk about D.C. United’s opening draw against Orlando City SC, and we have to start with the second half. We talk about tactics versus execution of those tactics, and how the midfield was less than the sum of its parts. We also discuss Darren Mattocks’ break away and penalty kick, the disturbing trend of late goals, and how this was the best played game of the entire first week of MLS. In the second half, we welcome on Eric Quintana from Dirty South Soccer to preview D.C. United’s weekend nationally televised match against Atlanta United. We discuss what happened in their 4-0 opening day loss, the departures of Carlos Carmona and Yamil Asad, and the play of their defense. We also discuss Miguel Almiron, what thebest position is for Darlington Nagbe, whether Andrew Carleton should have played, and their new stadium. Give it a listen!

This is the last episode of Filibuster before there are regular season MLS games to talk about! Jason, Adam, and Ben break down D.C. United’s llama-filled final preseason game (9:18) against the Las Vegas Lights. We compliment Paul Arriola and look at the team’s overall play going into the season, including the style of play for which they are going. We also look at the team’s defense and goalkeeping, as well as ponder who will start this Saturday. In the second segment (39:46) we welcome back Michael Citro from The Mane Land to take a look at D.C. United’s first opponent this year, Orlando City SC. We talk about their secret preseason and their offseason moves, including the Cyle Larin saga. We also talk about the suspended Sascha Klestjan as well as what Jason Kreis needs to do this year and if he’s on the hot seat. Give it a listen!

The season is just around the corner (and the Concacaf Champions League starts tonight!) and Filibuster is here to bring you up to speed. In the first segment (10:39), Jason, Adam, and Ben talk about D.C. United second preseason game. We heap praise on Darren Mattocks and especially Zoltan Stieber, talk about Luciano Acosta and the midfield, and get excited for Chris Durkin and his ability to win balls. We also go over the defense, and Oniel Fisher in particular. In the second segment, we welcome back our old friend Matt Doyle of MLSSoccer.com to get his thoughts on MLS as a whole going into 2018. We talk about the money and talent that is infusing the league, both on the field and on the sidelines, and how there might be even more moves in the summer. We discuss the weird offseasons that Minnesota, Colorado, and other teams have had, and the tactical trends around the league. We look at D.C. United’s striker situation and how their homestand will play out, before asking Matt who the most interesting team is

With one preseason game behind us and another big signing under their belts, Jason, Ben, and Adam talk (8:29) about D.C. United’s performance against Malmo FF. We talk about the game overall and the play of Darren Mattocks, and go deep into the roles of the revamped midfield. We also discuss whether or not the starters in this game gave us any insight into Ben Olsen’s thinking, the cuts to the preseason campers after this game, and the arrival (finally) of Yamil Asad. In the second segment (41:10) we welcome back Alicia Rodriguez of Angels on Parade to discuss the new folks in town: LAFC. We try to come up with a team nickname, before jumping into the big name players and who might be an under the radar signing. We ask if they know they can sign more than 18 players, ask about our old friend Deja Jakovic, and the work that they’ve done in the community, before ending with their shiny new stadium. Give it a listen!

We were worried that we wouldn’t have much to talk about on this week’s episode of Filibuster, but then the team gave us a present right before recording. Adam, Jason, and Ben are here to talk about all aspects of D.C. United (probably) acquiring Yamil Asad (8:08), attacker formerly of Atlanta United. We talk about how he would fit into a team that already has plenty of attacking midfielders, the salary cap implications, and the speed implications. We also discuss the balance of the roster, including the striker position and the fullbacks. In the second segment (56:00), we have some fun and talk about the newly revealed numbers that each player will be wearing. In Filibuster fashion, it gets weird. Give it a listen!

Practices are happening, players are training, and Filibuster is here for you. In the first segment (11:01), Jason, Adam, and Ben dive into D.C. United’s preseason decampment to Clearwater, Florida and take a look at the current status of the roster. We talk about the trialists, specifically Sheanon Williams and Chris Odoi-Atsem, and we wish for better fullback options. We also talk about how the potential Latin American attacker (but not a true striker) could fit into the team before talking about Audi field. We also briefly talk about the USMNT, and mostly about why none of us watched the game. In the second segment (41:01), we look at what the rest of the Eastern Conference has done so far this offseason, taking them in reverse order of finish from last year. Some of these teams are gonna be really bad, so give it a listen! We want to again thank everyone who has supported us on Patreon and who allow us to continue to make this show and make it better; if you want to help us, click the link and take a look

2017 is gone, 2018 is here, and the preseason is upon us! Jason, Adam, and Ben kick off the new season (11:11) by talking about the MLS SuperDraft and what D.C. United did in it. we talk about their trade of the 3rd pick in the draft and the two Brazilian players they selected in the fourth round (who might be closer to not needing an international roster spot than we think). We also break down the Eryk Williamson situation and assess the spoils that United got in return. In the second segment (44:11), Adam talks with Nathan Fry, director of merchandising for D.C. United, to talk about all aspects of United’s brand new jersey. This is a segment for all you kit nerds and for everyone who wants to know exactly what goes into creating a new jersey.

With preseason less than a week away, the Filibuster crew is really digging in for 2018. In the first segment (8:34), Adam, Jason, and Ben talk about the rumor that Gonzalo Veron is headed back to Argentina (and not signing with D.C. United). That leads us into a discussion of the two positions at which D.C. United needs the most help right now: striker and fullback. In the second segment (36:59), we take a look at the players that United currently has and goes through a long list of possible formations. This includes much more likely formations such as the 4-2-3-1 and the 4-3-3, and much, much less likely formations such as Ben’s suggested (joked) 3-4-3 that employs 0 wingbacks. Give it a listen! We want to again thank everyone who has supported us on Patreon and who allow us to continue to make this show and make it better; if you want to help us, click the link and take a look!

For the first week in January, there sure was a lot of D.C. United news and Filibuster is here to cover it. Jason, Adam, and Ben open the show (3:39) by discussing the recently announced MLS schedule and what it means for D.C. United, their big roadtrips, and their many appearances on national TV. We discuss the three United players called up to the USMNT and the fact that Jonathan Gonzalez has chosen to play for Mexico instead. We end the first segment by discussing United’s trade of the rights of Perry Kitchen and whether or not we would want to trade for Ola Kamara or Justin Meram, both of whom are rumored to want out of Columbus. In the second segment (41:46) we welcome on our old friend Travis Clark of Top Drawer Soccer to talk about the MLS SuperDraft. We ask Travis whether or not this draft class is weak and who the best available players are that D.C. United could take at the third spot. We discuss the fact that the Generation adidas class is mostly international players and discuss the top picks in t

A new year, but the same Filibuster you’ve come to rely upon. Jason, Adam, and Ben talk about the signing of Junior Moreno and the potential trade for and signing of David Ousted. We discuss the math on D.C. United’s international roster spots, before jumping into a tease about D.C. United’s schedule which may have been announced by the time you hear this. In the second segment we look around the league at three big signings: Sacha Kljestan to Orlando City SC, Dom Dwyer staying in Orlando, and Benny Feilhaber going to LAFC. We also discuss the Garden State Ultras getting banned from supporting NYRB as a group. Give it a listen!

On the week of Christmas, the Filibuster crew returns to make sure you have a podcast under your tree! Jason, Adam, and Ben talk about the two new signings (well, 1.5 new signings) and discuss how Gonzalo Veron and Ulises Segura would fit into the team. We also discuss what this moves mean for Ben Olsen's outlook on the team. In the second segment we welcome on B&RU writer and Loudoun County resident Ryan Keefer to discuss the team's proposed new USL stadium and training complex. We discuss what it means for the team and what it would mean for the community in which it is located. Give it a listen!

With a dearth of D.C. United news to talk about this week, Jason, Adam, and Ben take stock of what United have done so far and what still needs to be done. In the first segment, we break down the positions that need the most work: fullback and striker. We also talk about the new influx of discretionary targeted allocation money and what that means for the kinds of players at whom United should be looking. In the second segment, we address to state of the rest of the positions, starting with the center backs and the attacking midfield. We end with discussing whether or not United needs to upgrade the central midfield and the goalkeeper position. Give it a listen!

The Filibuster trio is back together, and not a moment too soon. Jason, Adam, and Ben discuss MLS Cup, the final game of the 2017 season, and we talk about Toronto FC’s formation switch and the great game of Michael Bradley. We wonder if Seattle Sounders could have done anything sooner and better, and whether or not this TFC team had the best season in MLS history. In the second segment we get one of Adam’s Fun Time News Roundup Times!, in which we discuss the signing of Frederic Brillant and Darren Mattocks, the state of the team’s international roster spots, and the re-signing of Steve Clark in goal. We also discuss what Eryk Williamson’s best position is and whether or not he will sign for D.C. United, as well as the expansion draft and the Re-Entry draft. Give it a listen!

Due to Ben's unending war against his Internet provider, Jason and Adam team up to preview MLS Cup. Well, not alone; they also invited on Dave Clark of Sounder at Heart and Duncan Fletcher of The Vocal Minority to discuss the last game of the MLS season. They get into how each team will try and play and whether or not this game will be a carbon copy of last year. In the second segment, Adam and Jason cover the expansion draft and discuss how D.C. United's protected list basically writes itself. Then they dive into season reviews for the rest of the roster -- looking at everyone from Chris Odoi-Atsem to Travis Worra to decide whether we'd want them back in Black-and-Red next year. Give it a listen!

Back after our Thanksgiving break, Jason, Ben, and Adam are ready to give you an extra-long episode. We start with continuing are look back at the 2017 season, and what it means for 2018, and today we concentrate on the single most important day of this year: the transfer deadline day that brought in Paul Arriola, Zoltan Stieber, Russell Canouse, and Bruno Miranda. We look at what they did this year and what we expect them to do next year. In our second segment we continue with our reviews of individual players and ask if we want them back next year. Since we skipped last week, we have a lot of players to get through: Sean Franklin, Bill Hamid, Ian Harkes, Jared Jeffrey, Taylor Kemp, Chris Korb, Bruno Miranda, Patrick Mullins, and Patrick Nyarko. Finally, we get to your Twitterbox questions where we talk about turkey, D.C. United players as Thanksgiving dishes, Dos Equis, the Washington Spirit and NWSL, and so much more. Give it a listen!

There was so much about D.C. United’s season to break down last week that we moved some of it to this week. After Jason, Adam, and Ben talked about the central defense and defensive midfield last week, we we start by talking about the rest of central midfield this week. We also talk about the addition of speed on the wings and whether the problems of finishing were a fluke or more systemic issue. We also do some cake or death reviews of players. In the second segment we hoped to have on Dave Clark of Sounder at Heart and Alicia Tolar of Dynamo Theory, but technical difficulties prevented us from having Dave on. So instead, we talked with Alicia about all things Dynamo, including their injuries and suspensions, Angry Joe Willis, and whether or not they have a chance against the Sounders. Give it a listen!

Before we move further into the offseason we want to take a look back at 2017 with a more aerial viewpoint, breaking down what exactly went wrong. Jason, Adam, and Ben spend so much time talking about areas of the field, central midfield and the center backs, that other positions will come next week (or maybe even later!) We talk about what happened during the season was the fruit of seeds planted last year, and also through in a couple of season reviews on specific players: Julian Buescher, Deshorn Brown, and Steve Birnbaum. In the second segment we welcome on Kristin Knowles from The Vocal Minority and Josh Mlot from Massive Report to pitch us, D.C. United fans, on why we should support their team throughout the rest of the playoffs. We talk about playing styles, personalities, mascots, regional rivalries, and more! Give it a listen!