Room 4-4-2 Soccer Show

In the final live show of the year Luke and KJ attempt to sum up a season like no other, looking back on the MLS Cup final and reflecting on their 2020 Footy Talks Live highlights. Special guest TFC legend Drew Moor discusses the Toronto connection in Colorado, the legacy of Greg Vanney, and his most memorable teammates and plays at BMO. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

TFC legend Dwayne De Rosario shares his joy at making the list, and discusses both the ‘miracle of Montreal’ and his new book through some sketchy wifi. And after winning MLS MVP by a huge margin, Luke and KJ discuss the rise of Alejandro Pozuelo - asking if the attacking midfielder can reach even greater heights next season. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Luke and KJ discuss the big managerial names rumored to be in the running at TFC, and praise Justin Morrow for his role in establishing Black Players for Change, after the collective received the MLS Humanitarian of the Year award.  Fox commentator John Strong, who’ll be calling the MLS Cup final this weekend, joins the show to talk about finally getting back into stadiums, Nico Lodeiro’s ‘cu...

The season may be over but the drama certainly isn't. Now that the postseason is upon us TFC have some serious issues to contend with. As if losing the club’s most successful manager wasn't enough, there are questions to consider regarding the roster, with key players at the end of their contracts and others struggling for form or gametime. In this special episode of Footy Talks Live Luke and KJ t...

With the news of Greg Vanney’s departure still sinking in, Luke Wileman and Kristian Jack look back on Vanney’s TFC legacy, and the difficult task of replacing him at the club he helped to transform.  Was this a quick decision at the end of a grueling season or part of a plan much longer in the making? And will Vanney take some time away from the game, or was his decision informed by the pros...

Luke, KJ and Stevie look ahead to the playoffs, with Philadelphia Union the team to beat after picking up the Support Shield. Can Jim Curtin’s men build on an impressive run, or will a lack of postseason experience find them lacking when the pressure is on?  Returning guest Taylor Twellman gives his thoughts on a crazy year in the MLS, the timing of the playoffs, and a surprisingly strong soc...

TFC legend Michael Bradley takes us behind the scenes of TFC’s playoff preparations, and looks back on a season like no other. Bradley discusses leadership in the midst of adversity, the fleeting enjoyment of victory, and maintaining TFC’s winning culture. The gang ask Bradley about MVP nominee Alejandro Pozuelo, and just how far Jonathan Osorio can go. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for m...

It was a big night in Scotland - and in a Scottish pub in Toronto it was a big night for Stevie. After a dramatic injury time equalizer and an even more dramatic penalty shootout Scotland made it to their first international tournament in 22 years. Luke, KJ and Stevie discuss a quantum leap forward for Steve Clarke’s side, and give their views on the players and formations that are likely to featu...

Special guest Jeff Agoos joins Footy Talks Live to talk about the most challenging MLS season ever, and why his official title could be ‘head of consumer complaints’ rather than Vice President of Competition for Major League Soccer. Jeff acknowledges the extra strain placed on Canadian teams, and talks about the systems put in place for players returning from international duty.  We learn abo...

Luke, KJ and Stevie look back on an eventful season of footy and fantastic series of Footy Talks Live. The crew discuss the impact of a congested fixture schedule, and wonder if the increased frequency of games has galvanized some teams and unfairly stretched others. Stevie talks us through a big EPL goal from his time at Newcastle, and KJ breaks down the art of the post-match interview. Hosted on...

Concacaf President & Vice President of FIFA, Victor Montagliani talks about the challenges football has faced during the pandemic, and the growing quality of the CPL. Victor discusses tentative plans to expand the Concacaf Champions League, with details to be announced early next year; as well as how Women’s soccer can grow through more funding at grass roots level. Hosted on Acast. See acast....

Justin Morrow zooms in from TFC’s home away from home in Hartford, Connecticut to talk about the challenges of being on the road, as the club continues to push for three trophies. Justin discusses the important work being done by the Black Players For Change Coalition; how the experience of the squad has served them well on the pitch; and the crucial role of Pozzo - as a player and a person. Hoste...

After another disappointing loss for Greg Vanney’s team, Luke, KJ and Stevie weigh up the impact of injuries across the spine of the team - and the loss of midfield maestro Jonathon Osorio in particular.  With TFC also struggling in the absence of Piatti, is it a sign that the team needs more creative players in general? Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Kaylyn Kyle gives her views on the task facing new Canada Women's manager Bev Priestman - a great hire in the current circumstances, but in a non-pandemic scenario would a more substantial change have been a better move? Kaylyn takes us behind the scenes at Inter Miami - arguably the most glamorous club in the MLS, with a superstar owner and more and more superstars on the pitch. We get the l...

Sporting Kansas City head coach, Peter Vermes breaks down his four coaching principles: the team is always first, intelligence, work ethic and winning mentality. Peter discusses the tenacity and ruthlessness that’s sometimes lacking in MLS, and how from a player standpoint, acceptance into European teams is much more challenging than in North American squads. We hear fascinating anecdotes fro...

Luke, Kj and Stevie look back on Toronto FC’s 2016 Eastern Conference final against Montreal Impact and reminisce about packed crowds and high drama at BMO Field, and with Shakhtar Donetsk beating Real Madrid in the Champion’s League, Stevie questions if a shock result like that could happen at a packed Bernabeu?   The crew discuss the merits of two-legged ties in the Champions League knockou...

Toronto FC General Manager Ali Curtis zooms in from the team’s home base in Hartford Connecticut.  Luke, KJ and Stevie ask Ali about the stresses and strains of leadership in the hardest of times, and discuss the team’s resilience - grinding our results far away from home. Ali gives his views on the Supporters Shield debacle, whether Hartford will remain their home field should TFC reach the...

Greg Vanney joins us from TFC’s base in Hartford, Connecticut to look back on a disappointing game against a dogged New York Red Bull side that just wouldn't stop running.  Vanney talks about the role of ‘tired legs and tired minds’ in a game that saw TFC drawn out of their natural playing style, and off the pitch, he gives his views on the three aspects of communication with his team - ‘the...

The latest episode of Footy Talks Live finds the gang exchanging pant-splitting anecdotes (yes you read that right).  Luke, KJ and Stevie also discuss the upcoming UEFA Golden Boy Award, which for the first time in its history features two Canadians, Alphonso Davies and Jonathan Davies, as part of the best 20 players under the age of 21 in top flight European leagues. KJ gives his views on th...

With Scotland winning their first ever penalty shootout, Stevie and the gang look back on some of the highlights from the European qualification games and friendlies. And after one of the strangest weekends in Premier League history, KJ revel’s in a very special night for Villa and a career defining performance from playmaker Jack Grealish.  The crew give their views on another TFC victory -...

John Herdman gives his frank assessment of the state of Canada Soccer in the wake of ongoing delays and cancellations to the international fixture list, as well as the mental strain on players and coaching staff alike. He takes us behind the scenes on his conversation with Ayo Akinola, with the young striker still to make his big decision on which national team jersey to wear. Herdman also gives h...

Liverpool loanee Tony Gallacher talks to the Footy Talks Live crew about his flying start with TFC. Gallacher talks about the winning mentality of Greg Vanney’s squad and how competition for silverware was a big draw in joining the MLS side.  We learn about the Academy set up at Anfield, Gallacher's Liverpool first team debut against KJ’s Villa, and the young left back also talks us through h...

After TFC played some of their best football of the season, Footy Talks Live looks back on an almost perfect second half against Eastern Conference rivals Columbus Crew, including a man of the performance from wingback Richie Laryea.  Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin discusses the impact of playing without fans, and highlights the importance of player’s mental health, who are once aga...

They were nowhere near their best and fielded an understrength side, but a 89th minute penalty from Alejandro Pozuelo was enough for TFC to secure victory against NYCFC. In this week’s episode of Footy Talks Live, the gang look back on a job well done for Steve Vanney’s men, and KJ breaks down the intricacies of the Poz ‘no tells’ run up. Stevie gives his verdict of fellow Scot,Tony Gallacher, and...

After Montreal (once again) hit the self-destruct button and squandered a place in the Canadian Championship Final, the crew look back on an eventful game against Vancouver Whitecaps that featured goals, violence and farce. Stevie and KJ discuss TFC’s ability to nurture new players, with the high-profile loan signing of Liverpool FC’s under 23 player Tony Gallacher announced this week - a move tha...