Hey, soccer fans! Let's get back to some good old fashioned Major League Soccer news. And what better way to start than with coaching updates: Jim Curtin takes over Austin FC, Pep Guardiola turns down Inter Miami CF, and Phil Neville is out as the manager of the Portland Timbers. Tune in as Nick gives his thoughts on all these moves.

Nick also breaks down MLS transfer news, the Chicago Fire players called up to the US Youth National Teams, and reviews the MLS All-Star First XI. No surprise to see Mbekezeli Mbokazi and Hugo Cuypers next to Leo Messi and Son Hueng-Min, but who else rounds out the team?

Don't forget to go back and check out Nick's conversation with American soccer legend, Clint Mathis, in a prior episode.

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Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back with more World Cup and Chicago Fire content! In this episode, he notes the record 44 Major League Soccer players that will appear at the 2026 World Cup, including the three from the Chicago Fire: Chris Brady, Joel Waterman, and Mbekezeli Mbokazi. He also looks back at the other four Men in Red players who also played in a World Cup or two during their tenure with the Men in Red: Jorge Campos, Xherdan Shaqiri, DaMarcus Beasley, and Josh Wolff.

Don't forget to go back and check out Nick's conversation with American soccer legend, Clint Mathis, in a prior episode.

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Hey, soccer fans! Feed the Fire pivots to World Cup 2026 coverage, and in this episode, Nick gives us his overview of the tournament. He breaks down the countries by their FIFA rankings and odds to win their groups and the entire tournament. He gives us choice matches that could occur and gives his hopes for the United States Men's National Team (USMNT).

With the expanded field to 48 teams, this World Cup brings an added element of drama when eight third-place group teams advance to the knock-out rounds. How will the tie-breakers be applied, and which countries have the best shot at advancing as a 3rd place group finisher? Tune in to hear all the possible scenarios!

Don't forget to go back and check out Nick's conversation with American soccer legend, Clint Mathis, in a prior episode.

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Hey, soccer fans! Time to pivot to World Cup coverage and analysis! Nick starts with a breakdown of the roster as selected by head coach of the USMNT, Mauricio Pochettino. Stars like Christian Pulisic, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams are no surprise, but the inclusion of Tim Ream, Cristian Roldan, and Max Arfsten have people questioning their value and role on the team. Omissions of Diego Luna and Zavier Gozo also had people raising eyebrows. Tune in to hear Nick's takes on all the news surrounding the squad.

Nick also gets into a discussion about Chicago Fire goalkeeper Chris Brady's selection to the team. There is no doubt Brady deserves the call-up, but can he compete for minutes with Matt Turner and Matt Freese? Also, we look at Brady's recent fine from Major League Soccer for embellishment, and Nick asks the difficult question if Brady is getting a bad reputation from the officials.

Don't forget to go back and check out Nick's conversation with American soccer legend, Clint Mathis, in a prior episode.

Tune in and join the conversation! Make sure you like & subscribe, rate & review, and keep growing the show.

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Hey, soccer fans! Nick is back talking Chicago Fire after a short hiatus - for all good things. Tune in as he gives a survey of the Men in Red's recent three-game win streak, identifying trends in tactics and performance, discussing the players that stepped up during the run, and what needs to continue into the second half of the Major League Soccer season.

Nick also takes a deep dive into the Fire's schedule, noting the increase in difficulty. The team will have to face better MLS competition, a rigorous travel schedule, Leagues Cup, and a congested schedule. They'll have to rely on the lessons learned so far this season to maintain their spot among the top teams of the Eastern Conference.

Don't forget to go back and check out Nick's conversation with American soccer legend, Clint Mathis, in the last episode.

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Hey, soccer fans! Feed the Fire welcomes Clint Mathis to the show! He talks about his career in Major League Soccer, his time with the US Men's National Team, and how the game has changed during and since his playing days. Tune in as Nick and Clint relive some of his best moments but also explore how Clint made the transition to a career after soccer. Clint also gives us his take on the latest soccer docuseries "Soccer's American Dream" now out on VICE TV .

"One of the true personalities in American professional soccer, Clint Mathis took full advantage of the 2002 World Cup as a player and a public figure. Capitalizing on several years of hard work in Major League Soccer, he became one of the faces of the Summer of 2002 when the United States advanced to the quarterfinals of the World Cup.

Clint was originally drafted by the LA Galaxy, but rose to prominence as a member of the MetroStars. There he established himself as a reliable goal scorer and showed the flair that would garner him national attention. An ACL injury limited his output in 2001, but he recovered in time to make the US World Cup squad. Mathis scored against Korea in the group stage of that World Cup. At the end of the 2002 MLS season, he had opportunities in Germany’s Bundesliga, eventually joining Hannover 96 in 2004.

Mathis won his last cap with the United States in 2005, the same year he returned to Major League Soccer with Real Salt Lake. He spent time with several MLS clubs before a successful stint at Greek club Ergotelis. He returned to MLS and RSL in 2008, finishing his career in 2010 as a member of the LA Galaxy. Clint worked as an assistant coach with the Chicago Fire in 2014 and 2015." - from https://ussoccerplayers.com/player/mathis-clint

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Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire got a big win in the nation's capital, defeating DC United 3-1 in the rain. They learned from their loss to Red Bulls, generated more attacking momentum, put in early and impactful subs, and came away with the victory. Goals by Robin Lod, Hugo Cuypers (of course!), and Maren Haile-Selassie were enough to overcome a first half goal by Tai Baribo. Tune in as Nick breaks down the Men in Red's adjustments from their last match, reviews the stats behind the performance, and highlights top plays by Puso Dithejane and Philip Zinckernagel.

Nick also discusses the news that the Chicago Fire have partnered with McDonald's for the naming rights of their new stadium. McDonald's Park will open in 2028, and the fast-food corporation will be supporting initiatives off the pitch, as well, expanding the Fire's P.L.A.Y.S. Program and having donation options available for the Ronald McDonald House at vendors around the stadium. Jokes about clowns aside, this is fantastic partnership.

The episode concludes with a brief preview of the Fire's next matchup, an away day to CF Montreal. Montreal was a tough win for the Fire early in the season, and enter this match with a good run-of-form and great home record. Hopefully, the Fire can overcome the travel and condensed schedule to bring back a result.

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Hey, soccer fans! The Chicago Fire have lost their offense and returned to mediocrity. They fall 3-1 at home to the New York Red Bulls after dominating possession but being unable to get dangerous looks on goal. The Men in Red have a serious problem in their midfield, and Robin Lod, Maren Haile-Selassie, and Dylan Borso haven't been able to fill the shoes of Brian Gutierrez and Andre Franco. Tune in to hear the breakdown of the big plays and the statistical analysis of another disappointing loss for the Fire.

Nick also shares an update from Dave Baldwin on the Chicago Fire's new stadium at The 78. The site has been prepped, excavation work has begun, and crews are pile-driving the supports for the new stadium. Baldwin also shares new partnerships and sponsors of the club and an update on the Dear Chicago Experience in the city.

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