Leagues Cup is here! While that doesn't necessarily excite everyone, Moisés Chiullán and Phil West discuss Austin FC's matchups with Pumas UNAM and CF Monterrey, the controversy surrounding Leagues Cup and Open Cup and whether they can co-exist, the kerfuffle over Dani Pereira and the proposed fan boycott (and the perils of the reporter becoming pa…

*DISCLAIMER* If you are looking for Austin FC tactical analysis, please go back or forward one episode for a regular episode of Moontower Soccer. But if you are looking for wholesome content about the good, good boys of Austin FC, you are in the right place. ----------------------- On today's Swoontower Soccer, Steph and Mike are all about the boys…

This week, Landon and Jeremiah discuss the debuts of the new boys and the chaos in the FC Dallas match. Other topics and questions include: - Bukari and Desler play their first minutes - Wild sequence of events in Frisco - Copa Tejas is dead to me - Alex Ring does Alex Ring stuff - Landon's important message about Gallagher - Is 10th place good eno…

This week, Phil West and Moisés Chiullán discuss rough matches against Seattle Sounders FC and FC Dallas, stadium food in Frisco, things Alex Ring said (and why we still like talking to him), Osman Bukari's first experience with jollof rice in Austin, and some Wolff Out matters (but maybe not in the way that you think.)…

This week, Landon and Mike discuss what Austin FC needs to do to stay near the playoff line. They also discuss the #WolfDut banner at the loss to Seattle, and the possibility of Gregg Berhalter taking over in Austin. Other topics and questions include: - Could Berhalter really come to Austin? - #WolfDut - Alex Ring's plausibly deniable quote - Jord…

This week, Phil West and Moisés Chiullán talk about Austin FC's upcoming matches against Seattle Sounders FC and FC Dallas, even with the shadow of Gregg Berhalter's dismissal as the U.S. Men's National Team coach lingering over everything. They also put Gyasi Zardes in charge of a bunch of things, including fixing the U.S. Open Cup, and continue t…

*DISCLAIMER* If you are looking for Austin FC tactical analysis, please go back or forward one episode for a regular episode of Moontower Soccer. But if you are looking for wholesome content about the good, good boys of Austin FC, you are in the right place. ----------------------- On today's Swoontower Soccer, Steph and Mike are all about the boys…

This week, Landon and Mike discuss Austin FC's 2-1 home win against NYCFC, Zardes's big night, and Q2's "Sellout Streak". Other topics and questions include: - Owen Wolff goes ALL CAPS - When is Dani Pereira actually back? - Austin FC look gritty again - Zardes breaks into top 10 MLS scorers - Why Ring is the most frustrating player - Mikkel Desler…

High off Portugal's exit from the Euros at the hands of their beloved France, Phil West and Moisés Chiullán discuss the recent loss to Sporting Kansas City and the offensive woes that were further revealed, what lies in wait Saturday night with Austin FC's match against NYCFC, and then they take a detour into Gregg Berhalter and the U.S. men's nati…

This week, Landon and Jeremiah discuss Austin FC's 2-0 loss at Sporting Kansas City, Josh Wolff's post-match comments, and Moussa Djitte's future. Other topics and questions include: - Why was the attack so poor? - Breaking down post-match comments - How a goal is lucky and deserved at the same time - Jeremiah goes ALL CAPS about Owen Wolff - Is Au…

This week, Phil West and Moisés Chiullán talk about the Osman Bukari welcome party, how to correctly pronounce Osman Bukari, Austin nightclubs that Austin FC could use for future welcome parties, some secrets that Rodolfo Borrell divulged about acquiring the trio of new players, Josh Wolff's first rule of coaching, whether Peter Vermes might someda…

This week, Landon and Jeremiah discuss Austin FC's signing of Ukrainian center back, Oleksander Svatok, the arrivel of Osman Bukari, and our mixed feelings on the team's 4-point week. Other topics and questions include: - Kei Kamara is eternal - Do we feel good about this week? - What's our assessment of 2024 so far? - LAFC and Minnesota anlysis - …

This week, Phil West and Moisés Chiullán discuss the wisdom of going to five in the back to close out matches, Matthew McConaughey's "bottle it" tweet, Josh Wolff's need for "firepower," and share some early impressions about how Copa America might shape up.بقلم Phil West

Steph and Mike are back! This week, we discuss our draw against LAFC, some social media standouts, and OFFICIAL NEW BOY ALERTS! Matchscot feature: Edna ‘Fit Checks for our First and Second Teams! Celly Ratings Social Media Stand Outs and as always, stick around 'til the end to find out The Man of Steph's Jersey! Support the Show.…

This week, Jeremiah and Mike review our 2-0 loss to Colorado, talk with Keith Costigan to preview LAFC, do their best to preview Minnesota, and review the week in Austin FC news. Other topics and questions include: - Coach Wolff sets the Bukari/Desler Countdown in motion - We are who we are until then - Andrew Wiebe's Race to 45 Spreadsheet - Free …

In a special bonus mailbag edition, Phil West and Moisés Chiullán cover the Bukari and Desler signings in some detail, revisit the fun Miguel Borja rumors from this past January, predict how Rodolfo Borrell will celebrate once the roster's been scrubbed of Claudio Reyna contracts, and get into the feelings of being a soccer fan. (Note: This was rec…

This week, Jeremiah and Mike answer listener questions, discuss their (Austin FC) hopes and dreams, and talk with Mark Rogondino to preview Denverde 2024. Other topics and questions include: - Listener Questions - Matt Doyle's Midseason Grades Assessment - International Duty Roundup - Free Ticket Giveaway by Sage Wilson Realty - more Remember to ra…

In an international break in which you may have already forgotten about the heady rush of the official green smoke-aided Mikkel Desler announcement (which you already all knew about), Phil West is joined by Zac Graham of the North End Podcast to talk about how to execute a "three-beer half," Jock Jams, the Austin FC season so far, and the 9+2 theor…

This week, Landon and Jeremiah answer listener questions, discuss Mikkel Desler's place in the team, and (quickly) recap Austin FC's terrible week on the pitch. Other topics and questions include: - Mikkel Desler officialy signed - Gallagher to the bench (or off the team)? - Goals change games against Portland - The effect of game state on possessi…

Phil West is joined by Michelle Sanchez for an Andrew Wiebe fashion report, thoughts on Austin FC's signing of Osman Bukari, the current woes of Sebastián Driussi (with three distinctly bummer-making words, "chronic groin injury"), further thoughts on Emiliano Rigoni's departure, and what Owen Wolff should do at this phase of his career.…

In preparation for Saturday's match against Real Salt Lake, the Crugnolas sat down with podcaster Micaela Miot! Check out the episode to hear Micaela's thoughts on: RSL's current form Whether she feels the national discourse around the team is accurate What the keys to the team's success is Who the most important players on the team are What the lo…

Landon is joined in this bonus episode by Owuraku Ampofo, who is a sports journalist for TV 3 in Ghana, and is one of the leading voices in covering the Ghanaian national team (aka The Black Stars). Owuraku talks about Bukari's strengths and weaknesses as a player, his background in eastern Ghana, and how people thought he was using black magic on …

This week, Landon and Jeremiah discuss what we learned from the Rodolfo Borrell press conference, the reported new DP winger Osman Bukari, and the luck-tinged away draw in San Jose. Other topics and questions include: - Join the Patreon! - What we learned at Rodo's presser - Details of Rigoni buyout - Thin squad draws in San Jose - Pros and cons of…

This week, Phil West and Moisés Chiullán discuss the sudden departure of designated player Emiliano Rigoni, the differing accounts of how said departure unfolded, the transfer rumors involving Osman Bukari and (hold on, let me cut and paste for these accents; there's no way I'm finding these on my keyboard otherwise) Marius Ștefănescu, and the actu…

Steph and Mike are back! This week in the Opponent Spotlight, we're thrilled to be joined again by Ted Ramey: San Jose's official radio announcer, host of the Soccer Hour Podcast, and the biggest Swiftie in the Bay area to talk about our pick for Austin's most natural rival in MLS from the inside. Check out the episode to hear Ted's thoughts on: Th…

This week, Landon and Jeremiah break down Austin FC's six-point week that shot them into 3rd place in the West. They also cover the breaking news of Rigoni being put on waivers. Other topics and questions include: - Join the Patreon! - Rigoni on the way out! - Why it's happening now and what it means - Smart rotation and smart signings pay off - Da…

This week, Moises Chiullan joins Phil West to talk about Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff brightening at the mere mention of Speedbump (the Austin FC armadillo), the forthcoming 2025 MLS All-Star Game in Austin, the upcoming match against Sporting Kansas City on absurdly short rest, some of what we learned about the squad after 2024's first MLSPA Ch…

This week, Landon and Jeremiah analyze the disappointing (and undeserved?) loss in Dallas, and they discuss Sportico ranking Austin FC as the 21st most valuable club in the world. Other topics and questions include: - Join the Patreon! - Austin FC's game plan against FC Dallas - When stats don't quite reflect the result - Copa Tejas becomes more co…

Thomas Rongen of MLS coaching and broadcasting fame (and the namesake for the newly-coined Thomas Rongen Line) sits down with Phil West and Moises Chiullan to talk about Austin FC (from a national pundit's POV), Inter Miami, the one time he went to Q2 Stadium (which wasn't for a game), some insights on coaching at a 1.32 PPG clip, and some insights…

With a great, easy hashtag to remember, Steph and Mike are back! This week in the Opponent Spotlight, we're thrilled to be joined by Gina Miller, a lifelong sportscaster, TV host and traveler. She is currently the Vice President of Media and Communications for FC Dallas, has hosted pre- and post-game shows for every team in the Metroplex. We're so …

This week, Landon and Jeremiah review the ugly but effective performance in Vancouver and look over MLS's new roster reports. Other topics and questions include: - Join the Patreon! - 'the heck is a sod poodle? - Did VAR get it right? - Austin's defensive plan and why it works - How they can add goals to that plan - Dani brings a souvenir back from…

Eric Goodman from the Austin Chronicle joins Phil West to talk about the three things that bring Austin FC head coach Josh Wolff joy in press conferences, the new outlook on the season that beating the Galaxy has brought, thoughts on whether the media was really "slaughtering" Verde in the early part of the season, and a tangent where we talk about…

In preparation for Saturday's match against the Vancouver Whitecaps, the Crugnolas sat down with journalist/writer/reporter Har Johal who covers the Whitecaps, MLS, and the Canadian Women’s National Team for Daily Hive Vancouver, Equalizer Soccer, and Canadian Soccer Daily. Check out the episode to hear Har's thoughts on: Vancouver's current form W…

This week, Landon and Mike Crugnola analyze Austin FC's decisive win over the LA Galaxy and discuss what Diego Fagundez's legacy is in the Austin FC locker room. Other topics and questions include: - Join the Patreon and get the best socks - What do possession numbers mean for Austin? - Mike explains a "Diego Rubio Hat Trick" - Fagundez's legacy in…

Jessica Luther joins Phil West to talk about Brendan Hines-Ike's new appellation, the elusive MLS truth that designated players can transform a team, an update on the kit leak emergency the two of them experienced on a podcast several months prior, and Luther's excellent forthcoming dissertation on women's basketball (and a new exciting player name…

*DISCLAIMER* If you are looking for a typical Moontower show, please go forward or back one episode! This is a mix of guest insights on tactics and national narrative ahead of facing LA Galaxy and the wholesome content about our good good boys that you're used to with Swoontower! In preparation for Saturday's match against the LA Galaxy, the Crugno…

This week, Landon and Jeremiah break down Rigoni's late winner in Houston, and discuss what we know and don't know about Austin FC after 9 games. Other topics and questions include: - Join the Patreon! - Landon and Jeremiah are #thetwofriends - Austin's lowest possession ever - Rigoni and Fodrey's impact on the game - Biro's growth - Best center ba…

In this first-ever Emergency Podcast, Colby Gordon joins Phil West to talk about soccer dreams, Austin's worrisome scoring form away from Q2, the weirdest media moment to ever come out of a match with the Dynamo, and the one time the press box openly cheered for a player. There's also some fretting about the current and future roster.…

In preparation for Saturday's match against the Houston Dynamo, the Crugnolas sat down with journalist/podcaster/writer/reporter Victor Araiza of Deportes Nation and Deportes Houston, formerly of our very favorite independent soccer news website The Striker, to talk about Austin's neighbor to the east and fellow Copa Tejas competitor. Check out the…

This week, Landon and Jeremiah discuss Austin FC's draw on the road in St Louis, and explore how the new MLS roster rules could speed up Austin's rebuild. Other topics and questions include: - New rules could speed up ATX rebuild - How ambitious will ownership be? - 0-1 loss to St Louis City - Good game plan, poor execution - Lack of structure and …

You're clamoring for another Austin FC podcast, are you not? Phil West talks briefly about what this latest podcast in the not-at-all-overstuffed Austin FC podcast universe will be (without giving too many clues). Special thanks to Wammo for the theme song (derived from the goofy theme song Phil came up with when the most recent podcast emergency w…

*DISCLAIMER* If you are looking for a typical Moontower show, please go forward or back one episode! This is a mix of guest insights on tactics ahead of facing St Louis City FC and the wholesome content about our good good boys that you're used to with Swoontower! ----------------------- On today's Swoontower Soccer, Steph and Mike are all about th…

This week, Landon and Jeremiah discuss Austin FC's insane victory over the San Jose Earthquakes and preview the upcoming St Louis City match with Apple TV's Bradley Wright-Phillips. Other topics and questions include: - Live Show at Turnstile on April 10th - Austin FC struggling to find balance - Refereeing debate - Landon and Jeremiah argue about …

In preparation for Saturday's match against San Jose Earthquakes, the Crugnolas sat down with the team's official radio announcer, host of the Soccer Hour Podcast, and the biggest Swiftie in the Bay area, Ted Ramey to talk about our pick for Austin's most natural rival in MLS from the inside. Check out the episode to hear Ted's thoughts on: The Qua…

This week, Landon and Jeremiah discuss Austin FC's first win of the season against FC Dallas and preview the upcoming San Jose Earthquakes match with Apple TV's Mark Followill. Other topics and questions include: - Live Show at Turnstile on April 10th - Just guys playing soccer - Dani and Owen's roles in the victory - Driussi/Rubio partnership taki…

*DISCLAIMER* If you are looking for a typical Moontower show, please go forward or back one episode! This is a mix of guest insights on tactics ahead of facing FC Dallas and the wholesome content about our good good boys that you're used to with Swoontower! ----------------------- On today's Swoontower Soccer, Steph and Mike are all about the boys!…

This week, Landon and Mike Crugnola to discuss Josh Wolff's future after the Orland match and preview the FC Dallas Match with MLS 360 analyst and former Portland Timbers coach, Gio Savarese. Other topics and questions include: - Driussi starts, but it doesn't matter - Horseshoe of Sadness returns - Do we finally have CB depth!? - Stuver obstructed…

This week, Landon and Jeremiah discuss the away draw in Seattle and preview the St Louis game with Apple TV's Nate Bukaty. Other topics and questions include: - Broomtower/Boomtower/Toontower - How do we feel about "Moonies"? - Are we satisfied with the Philly performance? - Halftime subs change the game - Injuries and international call-ups - Who …

*DISCLAIMER* If you are looking for a typical Moontower show, please go forward or back one episode! This is a mix of guest insights on tactics ahead of facing Philadelphia Union and the wholesome content about our good good boys that you're used to with Swoontower! ----------------------- On today's Swoontower Soccer, Steph and Mike are all about …

This week, Landon and Jeremiah are joined by Mike Crugnola (nee Ellison) to discuss the St Louis match and preview the Philadelphia Union. Other topics and questions include: - Encounter with Stephen A. Smith at SXSW - Whose to blame for the late goal? - What subs would we have made? - New set pieces show promise - Can Driussi and Rubio play togeth…