Marcelo Balboa on MLS Growth Since Its Inception + Can USMNT Recreate the World Cup Hoopla of 1994?

Marcelo Balboa on MLS Growth Since Its Inception + Can USMNT Recreate the World Cup Hoopla of 1994?

Author: Alexis Guerreros & Christian Polanco August 11, 2025 Duration: 57:07
Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros welcome USMNT and MLS legend Marcelo Balboa to discuss his soccer journey, including his decision to return to the U.S. to help launch Major League Soccer in 1996. They also revisit his experience during the 1994 World Cup and ask if the 2026 tournament can compare. Marcelo weighs in on criticism from former USMNT players and shares why Christian Pulisic deserves some grace.

Think of the most passionate, opinionated, and funny conversation you might overhear at a soccer bar, then bottle that energy. That’s essentially what you get with The Cooligans. This isn't your typical sports analysis show buried in tactical diagrams and spreadsheets. Instead, hosts Alexis Guerreros and Christian Polanco-both working stand-up comics from New York-apply their comedic lens to the global game. They’re here for the drama, the bizarre headlines, and the pure, unadulterated chaos that makes football so compelling. Each episode feels like hanging out with two of your most knowledgeable yet hilarious friends, dissecting the weekend's most outrageous moments with sharp wit and relentless jokes. The focus is firmly on entertainment, offering a refreshing and laugh-out-loud alternative to more serious commentary. Tuning into this podcast means setting aside the dry recap for a celebration of the sport's inherent silliness and spectacle. Released twice weekly, it’s your regular dose of humor to counterbalance the on-field tension, proving that the beautiful game is even better when you’re not afraid to laugh at it.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 100

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