25 stories that made mls by The Brothers Rahman
It's a set piece, it's a header, it's a goal, It's Chad Marshall. The Brothers talk about the unassuming defender that played exclusively in MLS and finished with the best career for a defender in MLS history, including the most Defender of the Year awards by a player ever.
The third entry to the brother's MLS Hall of Fame is Dwayne De Rosario. An MLS legend and Canadian legend that didn't make it to MLS until 23 and didn't become a starter until 26 but put together an all time career including a record six MLS Best XIs.
The DC United talisman, Jaime Moreno, is the second person in our first class of MLS Hall of Fame. The first person into the 100/100 club, learn about how Moreno grew up in the same academy as Marco Etcheverry, became the first Bolivian in the EPL before landing in MLS. He would have almost two careers across two eras filled with stats and trophies.
The brothers kick of season 2 with our series of the first 25 players that should enter the MLS Hall of Fame (as soon as it's made). The first name leading the way in our MLS Hall of Fame? Who else but the greatest American player of all time, Landon Donovan.
Tutul and Neetol come out of their hibernation to announce season 2, which will have two seperate series:
How passionate fans of the Columbus Crew organized, protested and eventually saved the Crew and what it means to be a fan moving forward.
How a bond between a player and a coach resulted in an unbelievable but for an MLS Expansion team, the largest sale in MLS history and an opening of an unprecedented pipeline of Latin American talent.
How a Canadian phenom who's parents escaped a Liberian Civil War to settle in Edmonton eventually became MLS' greatest export and glimpse to the future it may hold.
How two new clubs, Atlanta United and LAFC, in MLS embraced the 3.0 model and became the giants in the league from spending, relevance and marketing.
How a report from a consultant group led to a new salary mechanism which propelled player spending in MLS to new heights.
How four American stars were developed in MLS, got sold to Europe, had success and then returned to have more success and money than could've been imagined.
In our most technical episode yet, the brothers talk about how each collective bargaining agreement evolved player movement and salary spends of MLS that has helped shape the league today.
How the MLS team in Kansas City went from being last in attendance and fan engagement to being a model MLS franchise that's always sold out - one of the best turnarounds in all of sports.
How MLS' Homegrown Rule pushed MLS teams to nurture young talent in their academies and why it took so long to take hold and meet it's full potential.
How the supporter culture and following of MLS teams led to the creation of one of the three main trophies & the eventual expansion into 3 new teams.
How two corrupt CONCACAF officials made Concacaf Champions League which eventually propelled MLS to improve their quality of play.
Neetol grades every new MLS Jersey from a designer's point of view. Tutul chimes in with some marketing points.
How the largest signing in league history, David Beckham, happened in the first place and how it changed the direction of MLS forever.
An early BONUSODE at the pods halfway point. The brothers discuss the state of the pod and give shoutouts (04:10), talk about Gressel and Chicharito (13:55), and close with comparing the players in this January camp vs the team that lost in Trinidad in 2017 (29:15).
How MLS expanded into Canada for the first time, stepping into MLS 2.0 for the first time. The brothers also talk about the long windy road that made the circumstances right for Toronto FC to join the league.
How the business plan and strategy that saved the league also came with a bad side: the relocation of a storied franchise. Luckily it works out in the long run for the San Jose Earthquakes.
How MLS's first true star to penetrate pop culture came in a 14 year old, Freddy Adu in 2004.
How MLS went from 3 owners and 10 teams in 2003 to 6 owners and 12 teams in 2005. Includes the new owner for Colorado Rapids, and the entry of Chivas USA and Real Salt Lake.
The brothers talk about what to look forward to in the new year including the new schedule, CBA negotiations and our wishes for the next MLS season.
How a co-venture between US Soccer and MLS brought a new pipeline of talent into the league.
Early MLS had some weird rules. No ties. Running shootouts. Clocks going up and not down. 4th subs for goalkeepers. What's weirder were some of the rules they were looking at, like bigger goals or kick-ins instead of throw ins. Listen to how Don Garber, the internet and Bob Bradley each had a hand in ending those rules.
How Tim Howard was scouted as a prospect, became an MLS star and eventually transferred to the best team in the world.
How a former US national lacrosse and soccer player became the most accomplished coach in MLS and US Soccer history.
The brothers take a break from the 25 Stories to thank those who are listening and to then debate the merits of Promotion / Relegation in the US.
The brothers talk about the most important meeting in Major League Soccer history.
Tutul tells the story of how a 1998 World Cup failure and a report from a foreign coach led to the first soccer residency which would change the face from MLS in the early 2000s.
Tutul tells the story of how the combination of an ambitious owner, declining attendance, financial losses, losing public votes and stadium repairs led to the first soccer specific stadium in the US.
Neetol takes over host duties. Tutul tells the story of how a failed lawsuit established the backbone of the MLS business model - single entity. Neetol explains that MLS is basically like Applebees.
In the first episode, Tutul tells the story of how the soccer tournament in the 1984 Olympics eventually led to the founding of Major League Soccer.
