Justin and Maria are back in studio to discuss all things from the world of football (the soccer kind). This week is all about the great American tradition of “playoffs.” We discuss the various formats used throughout history, from the pre-MLS era to recent changes influenced by star players like David Beckham and Lionel Messi. Is the playoff format still relevant? Has it ever been?

Join us on this episode of the Footy Museum Podcast as we dive deep into the age-old question: is it soccer or football? Justin and Maria explore the history of the terms, their origins in England, and how they've evolved in the United States. Discover why this seemingly simple debate has sparked such passionate discussions. From the early days of the sport to the modern-day MLS, we uncover the cultural and historical factors that have shaped the way Americans perceive and embrace the beautiful game.

The history of how the U. S. Open Cup has outlasted numerous soccer leagues in the United States.

Welcome back pumpkin spice season I mean English Premier League! On today's podcast Justin and Maria talk about EPL's matchweek 1, some antics from Arsenal, and the state of the kits--with a specific focus on the neck region. They also bring it back to MLS and chat about changes happening at the Chicago Fire with the announced exit of sporting director Georg Heitz and DP Xherdan Shaqiri. So sad to say goodbye. But it's also time to say hello to Mauricio Pochettino as we welcome him to the USMNT. Big news as the USL introduces it's latest addition: the USL Super League--a designated Division One women's league. In the post-olympic void, Maria and Justin discuss the history of the very first Women's soccer game in the US dating back to 1893, and what we can do to make sure we keep women's soccer at the front of our minds.

On today's pod, we discuss the latest kit rollouts (do they seem to be dropping earlier and earlier, or is that just us?) and as well as what's to come with the Paris Olympic Games (and beyond!).

This week we welcome Kristi Kivi to the Footy Museum podcast! Kristi is a member of the Pride, a FC Cincinnati supporters group. She serves on the board, and is also a member of The Forge, the group of FCC SGs dedicated to designing, making, and organizing tifo displays. Kristi talks to us about some of the recent tifos they've produced, and gives a peak behind the scenes of their processes.

Welcome to another Unsolicited and Under-informed Opinions segment, where we dive into the week in the world of soccer. This episode Justin and Maria talk about the latest with the US Open Cup drama, MLS's matchweek 2, the "Snow Bowl" between Real Salt Lake and LAFC, and the continued referee mess. They also chat about news from England. Most importantly, they give their reactions to this year's NWSL kit release with designs from Nike.

Soccer is back! MLS commences with its 29th season. An exciting opening weekend, not without its controversies (looking at you, replacement refs). Justin and Maria also share updates on EPL, the biggest match of the season in the Championship, and that sneaky little tifo by Legia Warsaw supporters.

The start of the MLS season means new kits, and we're here with our hot takes! Justin and Maria share their unsolicited opinions on this year's releases. They also discuss club and community identities, fan involvement, and the meeting place of fan culture with current events.

Today we welcome special guest, Alan Królikowski from Men In Red 97 (MIR97), a podcast and media group dedicated to covering all things Chicago Fire. Alan geeks out with us about the Fire, supporter culture, and what he's looking forward to this coming season.

Welcome to a conspiracy-packed Unsolicited and Under-informed podcast about the world of football--no not that kind, the other one! This week Justin and Maria share their thoughts on the bizarre broadcast announcement by Fifa for the 2026 World Cup, the conclusion of AFCON, Chicago Fire's return to red and the MLS pre-season. They also discuss Lindsey Horan's harsh remarks made in an interview with the Athletic, and chat about the latest in football design news.

Another Unsolicited and Under-informed for all you Footy Museum friends out there! Tune in as we catch up on this week in the world of football, from Jürgen Klopp's announcement he will leave Liverpool, to the MLS kit leak, and more favorite crests from the FA Cup.

Burrrr it's cold in the studio this week as Justin and Maria share their unsolicited and under-informed opinions about the week in soccer. This episode they chat about what would improve MLS stadium atmospheres, Suarez joining the retirement community in Miami, and the weekend's matches in AFCON and Premier League.

Happy New Year Footy Museum friends! Justin and Maria are ringing it in by recapping all the soccer happening the last week of 2023. The also chat about MLS off season transfer news, the Golden Girls of Inter Miami, and the latest with the proposed Super League.

Today on the pod we welcome special guest Joe Novak of the Northern Guard, a Detroit City FC supporters group. He shares about the rich history of soccer in Detroit, their unique international connections, and the amazingly strong TIFO and supporter culture of this USL team. Maria and Justin also chat about this week in global football, breaking down the MLS playoffs, a lack-luster Noche d'Or, Dortmund supporters political message, and the NWSL final between OL Reign and Gotham FC.

Maria is back from vacation and ready to catch up with Justin on all the latest with Chicago Fire and Leeds United. They also discuss the new MLS playoff structure, and the logo announcement from the new San Diego FC. Justin questions the effectiveness of design by committee when put against the test of the latest AI. They also talk about Maria's shock at seeing an MLS kit abroad, and shares a very special soccer badge from the arctic circle.

An explanation of the evolution of Major League Soccer’s playoff format.

Sheryl Shectman from Terminus Legion talks to Justin about her experience falling in love with the beautiful game in Atlanta Georgia. A fan of Atlanta United since their founding Shectman has been a member of the supporters group Terminus Legion since 2018. In that role, she has overseen the creation of numerous tifo projects. In this interview, she shares some insight into how some of the most active fans in Major League Soccer have made Atlanta a fortress for their team and the envy of the league.

Maria and Justin break down this week in football, from the Leeds United match against Ipswitch to Inter Miami’s wins of the week. We head to Saudi Arabia, breaking down the politics, controversies, and designs of the Saudi Pro League. We also discuss the aftermath of Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup, and the future of the women’s game.