The Cooligans

2d ago

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros sit down with Premier League and MLS legend Jermain Defoe for a wide-ranging conversation on one of the most memorable careers in modern soccer. Defoe reflects on his iconic five-goal performance for Tottenham Hotspur, what it meant to hear Spurs fans chanting his name before his emotional return to the club, and the toughest defenders he battled in the Premier League. He also shares the surreal story of receiving a phone call from Drake ahead of his move to Toronto FC, and gives his take on which MLS players he believes could have succeeded in Europe. From Premier League glory to MLS insight, this is a must-listen interview with one of England’s most prolific strikers. Timestamps: (1:00) – Jermain Defoe joins The Cooligans (6:00) – Memorable moments from his time with Toronto FC (11:30) – Breaking down Jermain’s legendary Premier League career (37:15) – Breaking down his decision to join Toronto (41:00) – Not being at Tottenham for the 2008 Carling Cup win (46:30) – MLS players that could’ve played in Europe Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

5d ago

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros share their 2026 Major League Soccer early overreactions. Who will be the biggest disappointment? Will Inter Miami repeat as MLS Cup champions? And can anyone compete with Messi for MVP? Next, Christian chats with Danny Navarro, aka Travel Futbol Fan , ahead of the 2026 World Cup. Danny shares his best tips and tricks on how to make the World Cup a little more affordable. Later, Danny also tells us what to expect in the USA next summer as the World Cup comes stateside. Timestamps: (9:30) – Who Will Be MLS’ Biggest Disappointment in 2026? (15:00) – Biggest Offseason Signing (19:00) – 2026 MLS MVP Predictions (21:00) – 2026 MLS Surprise of the Season (24:15) – Predicting the 2026 MLS Cup Winner (28:30) – Danny Navarro Joins The Cooligans Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Dec 11

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to Mohamed Salah’s rumored potential move to San Diego FC. Would Mo Salah be the biggest signing in MLS history? And why might San Diego FC’s ownership convince him to choose MLS over Saudi Arabia? Next, Christian and Alexis chat on the subway with New York City’s mayor-elect Zohran Mamdani. They talk all things soccer, including why Zohran is pushing back against FIFA over skyrocketing ticket prices for the 2026 World Cup. They also discuss the USMNT’s World Cup group and his biggest soccer memories as a fan. Later, the boys break down an impressive Champions League week for American players. Folarin Balogun scores in his third consecutive Champions League match, and Weston McKennie shines against Pafos FC for Juventus. Are the USMNT’s key figures peaking at the right time? Timestamps: (7:30) – Mo Salah Headed to MLS? (23:00) – Zohran Mamdani Joins The Cooligans (35:00) – Folarin Balogun Scores Again in the Champions League (38:30) – Weston McKennie Shines Against Pafos (42:00) – Christian Pulisic Continues to Dominate in Serie A (45:15) – Can Xabi Alonso Save His Job at Real Madrid? Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Dec 7

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react live to Inter Miami and Lionel Messi’s 3–1 victory over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS Cup Final. The boys break down Messi’s two-assist performance en route to capturing his first MLS title and discuss what this means for his legacy in Major League Soccer. Then, Christian and Alexis look back at the MLS careers of Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba as they play their final match as MLS champions. They also break down Rodrigo De Paul’s importance to Inter Miami throughout the entire season, including his impact in the championship match. Finally, they recap the entire Major League Soccer season as it comes to an end — including their favorite moments and their pick for playoff MVP. (0:30) – MLS Cup Final Match Recap (5:00) – Player of the Game: Lionel Messi (16:30) – Highlighting Rodrigo De Paul’s Impact This Season (21:00) – Looking Back on Busquets and Alba’s Careers (38:00) – MLS Season Recap Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Dec 5

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros give their live reaction to the World Cup Draw. The boys discuss the USMNT’s group — which includes Australia and Paraguay — and how far the Stars and Stripes can go next summer. They also look at the draw overall and reveal their pick for the “Group of Death.” Then, Christian and Alexis break down the tournament’s biggest juggernauts, including England, France, Portugal, Spain, and Argentina, and share who they think is primed for a deep run. They also compare Ronaldo and Messi’s legacies ahead of what is likely each of their final World Cups. Finally, they reveal their dark horses for the tournament and predict who will hoist the World Cup in July. They also discuss how far the USMNT will go — and what would qualify as a successful tournament for the Red, White, and Blue. (2:00) – USMNT World Cup Group Preview (16:30) – Examining Each Potential “Group of Death” (25:15) – Which Juggernaut Is Primed to Win It All? (36:00) – Ronaldo vs. Messi: One Last Time? (41:00) – Who’s the World Cup Dark Horse? (49:00) – Predicting the 2026 World Cup Winner (51:30) – Breaking Down the Remaining Six WC Spots (56:00) – How Far Will the USMNT Go in 2026? Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Dec 1

Christian Polanco and Taylor Twellman react to Inter Miami and the Vancouver Whitecaps’ dominant performances in the MLS Conference Finals. Will Lionel Messi and Inter Miami finally hoist the MLS Cup, or can Thomas Müller’s gritty Vancouver side spoil the celebrations? Next, Christian and Alexis bring on MLS and USMNT legend Clint Dempsey to chat all things USMNT, including what Mauricio Pochettino has changed within the squad to spark their current resurgence. Clint also shares his thoughts on what the new Summer–Spring calendar will mean for Major League Soccer. Later, Clint discusses the USMNT’s striker dilemma and why he believes competition for the starting spot is a good thing. Timestamps: (2:45) – Are Inter Miami unstoppable? (13:00) – Can Thomas Müller & Co. spoil Miami’s party? (18:30) – MLS Cup Final preview (28:45) – Breaking down the USMNT ahead of the World Cup (36:00) – Clint Dempsey reacts to the new MLS calendar change (41:00) – Breaking down the USMNT’s striker dilemma Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Nov 24

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros react to a crazy weekend in the MLS playoffs. First, LAFC were stunned by the Vancouver Whitecaps — how did it all go down, and does this make Vancouver the Western Conference favorites? Then, Inter Miami dominated FC Cincinnati. Will Javier Mascherano bench Luis Suárez permanently? Next, Christian and Alexis bring on MLS and USMNT center back Tim Ream to chat all things USMNT, including Gio Reyna’s unlikely return. How will the USMNT prepare heading into the final stretch before the World Cup, and what difference has Pochettino made for the team? Later, the boys break down whether Arsenal can stave off competition from Man City and Chelsea and continue their impressive start to the season. They also look at Liverpool’s struggles and what that means for Arne Slot. Timestamps: (6:30) – LAFC stunned by 9-man Vancouver (20:00) – Are Inter Miami better off without Luis Suárez? (37:00) – NYCFC eliminate top-seeded Philadelphia Union (47:30) – Tim Ream joins The Cooligans (1:02:00) – Can anyone catch Arsenal in the title race? Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv

Nov 23

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros give their live reaction to the NWSL Final, where Gotham FC beat the Washington Spirit 1–0 to clinch their second NWSL title in three seasons. They discuss the controversial foul by Lilly Reale in the second half and whether the referee should have given her a second yellow card for the offense. Then, Christian and Alexis break down Rose Lavelle’s game-winning goal and why she was their Player of the Game. Did Hal Hershfelt’s injury and brief absence in the second half turn the momentum toward Gotham? Finally, they take a look at Trinity Rodman and discuss whether this was her final game in the NWSL, as her contract with the Washington Spirit is set to expire. Does the league need to do whatever it takes to keep her? They also recap the NWSL awards, including a surprise winner for Coach of the Year. (0:00) – Match recap (3:00) – Breaking down Lilly Reale’s controversial foul (19:30) – Player of the Game: Rose Lavelle (26:00) – Trinity Rodman’s last game in the NWSL? (38:30) – NWSL awards recap Subscribe to The Cooligans on your favorite podcast app: 🎧 Apple Podcasts 🎧 Spotify 🖥️ YouTube 📢 Check out the Yahoo Sports podcast network or yahoosports.tv