RFK Refugees Podcast

Something is different. After a 2-1 win over Toronto FC and a comeback draw against Nashville SC, Jon and Ted are feeling something unfamiliar — genuine optimism about DC United's 2026. They break down both results, dig into what Louis Munteanu and João Peglow are bringing to the team, talk through the new signings and the competition they're adding to the squad, and get into stadium changes at Audi Field. Then it's the big league news: Don Garber riding off into the sunset after 25+ years, Larry Berg as the next MLS commissioner, Inter Miami reportedly closing in on Kevin De Bruyne, and Jon's chaotic proposal to blow up the DP rule entirely. The extended breakdown — more DC United detail and Patreon questions — is at the $5 tier. IN THIS EPISODE Solo dad life: Jon waited for a small child to fall asleep to record this Ted catches the Black Keys at the Allianz Amphitheater in Richmond DC United 2-1 Toronto FC: strong first half, Sean Johnson man of the match The Nashville SC comeback draw and what it says about this team's mentality Louis Munteanu and João Peglow — the improvements turning heads New signings and the competition they bring to the squad Stadium changes at Audi Field Don Garber's legacy: from ten teams nearly folding to thirty with stadiums everywhere Larry Berg as next MLS commissioner — what it means for spending and the salary cap Inter Miami reportedly closing in on Kevin De Bruyne Jon's proposal: unlimited DPs, but lose three roster spots per signing

Jon and Ted discuss the return of MLS, recent player signings, and the impact of the World Cup on the league. They also explore the challenges of developing young talent and the potential for future growth in the league. Takeaways MLS is back and the hosts are cautiously optimistic about the upcoming season. The development of young talent and the impact of the World Cup on the league are key topics of discussion. Chapters 00:00 MLS is Back 07:27 The Impact of the World Cup 24:04 Offseason Player Signings 30:19 Challenges of Developing Young Talent

We're back. After a hiatus — and a Riverside studio that updated itself the second we hit record — Jon and Ted return to a weekend with no DC United or Washington Spirit match (World Cup + international break). So we ran a full World Cup roundup, made the case that the Washington Spirit are the best team in town, and broke down DC United waiving Aaron Herrera. The World Cup has us hooked against our will: the USMNT's four-goal outburst, Folarin Balogun climbing the all-time charts, a Christian Pulisic calf scare, Gio Reyna's worldie and the celebration that told on him, plus why Cape Verde, Curaçao and Haiti are the best argument for a 48-team field. Then it's all things Spirit, and a primer on how MLS waivers actually work now that Herrera's on his way out. More DC United news — the stuff for the sickos — is on the $5 Patreon edition. IN THIS EPISODE Welcome back / the new Riverside studio and live on-air troubleshooting Jon's hockey injury and a PT's blunt advice A man of no conviction: the World Cup has us USMNT score four; Folarin Balogun fourth all-time in US men's World Cup scoring Christian Pulisic dazzles, then the calf scare Gio Reyna's worldie vs Paraguay & the celebration The 48-team debate: Cape Verde, Curaçao, Haiti — and Italy out again Japan's comeback draw with the Netherlands; Scotland and Japan as dark horses Fox's coverage gets roasted Why the Washington Spirit are on a rocket ship Aaron Herrera waived: how MLS waivers actually work World Cup targets for DC + Kevin Paredes a free man Who we want to win vs who'll actually win 🎙️ Extended DC United breakdown at the $5 tier: patreon.com/rfkrefugees Vamos. 🔴⚫

DC United draw 4-4 with Montreal CF in their last game before the World Cup break. Four goals scored. Four goals conceded. Dead legs everywhere. Renée Weiler's future is the big conversation — Jon says he's gone after the half season, Ted says end of 2028. Either way, he'll go when he wants to go. Plus the Washington Spirit lose the CONCACAF Women's Champions Cup final 4-3 to Club América in heartbreaking fashion. In this episode: DC United 4-4 Montreal CF: four goals, four goals conceded, the dead legs problem explained Why does DC keep blowing leads? It's not complicated — there's no rotation depth Weiler trusts Louis Munteanu looking more settled: less pressing, more facilitating Jared Stroud scores and continues to quietly have a moment Lucas Bartlett peaks and valleys — Owusu [confirm spelling] caused problems all night Tai Baribo: quiet game other than the penalty kick goal Keisuke Kurokawa handball: was it a penalty? Sean Johnson: largely not at fault Renée Weiler's future: Jon says half season, Ted says end of 2028 "Nothing about this club is sustainable" — Jon's long-term take Caden Clark heading for the exit in the summer window Aaron Herrera and Gabriel Pirani departure timelines Kevin Paredes out of contract at Wolfsburg — a realistic target? International slot situation and what it means for incoming transfers Mauricio Pochettino's phone call controversy Washington Spirit 3-4 Club América: Sofia Cantore screamer, Rose [confirm] takes over, Sandy McIver's difficult moment Spirit still second best in goals conceded in the NWSL Backup goalkeeper discussion Vote for who Jon interviews during the World Cup break — get your votes in by June 2nd Extended analysis, roster grades, and full Patreon listener Q&A at the $5 tier: patreon.com/rfkrefugees Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @rfkrefugees Vamos.

DC United lose 1-3 to Chicago Fire and draw 1-1 with St. Louis City. The vibes are undecided. Aaron Herrera wants out. Gabriel Pirani's contract is being terminated. Nikola Markovic at right back did not work. But João Peglow scores a late equalizer, Louis Munteanu and Tai Baribo are starting to show something together, and Jared Stroud is quietly having a moment. Jon and Ted break it all down before the World Cup break. In this episode: DC United 1-3 Chicago Fire: Nikola Markovic at right back, Louis Munteanu's back heel assist, the Zickernagel goal, the soft penalty Aaron Herrera officially wants to leave — and Renée Weiler said it out loud Gabriel Pirani contract termination: where does he go? Jackson Hopkins: he can only be failed, not fail Sean Johnson: saves the point against Chicago, rough night on the third goal DC United 1-1 St. Louis City: João Peglow's late equalizer, Tai Baribo's missed header, Louis Munteanu bundling one in... offside Jared Stroud quietly having a moment The Munteanu-Baribo partnership: something is developing Renée Weiler's brutal press conference honesty: "It astonishes me that people are surprised we lost" Kevin Paredes out of contract at Wolfsburg — could he come home? Caden Clark likely on the way out in the summer window International slot situation and what it means for the transfer window Vangar offside rule debate: Ted is not a fan The vibes are undecided heading into the World Cup break Extended analysis and full Patreon listener Q&A at the $5 tier: patreon.com/rfkrefugees Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @rfkrefugees Vamos.

DC United go up 2-0 at Nashville. Silvan Hefti gets a red card. Nashville score twice in 14 minutes. DC hold on for a 2-2 draw. It's a monkey's paw. Jon and Ted break it all down plus Chicago on Wednesday and a Washington Spirit update. In this episode: DC United 2-2 Nashville SC: the monkey's paw draw Louis Munteanu scores again — the DP slot is starting to look better Silvan Hefti red card: Ted referees the refs Aaron Herrera: poor performance, 90 minutes Wednesday to prove himself Jackson Hopkins misses two clear chances — he's not a forward Matti Peltola: steady as ever Sean Johnson: 3.38 expected goals faced, saved the point late Gabriel Pirani: mutual contract termination reportedly agreed Andy Najar: DC's greatest academy product, still embarrassing us at 33 Renée Weiler's sub decisions explained Tai Baribo return: how does the Baribo-Munteanu partnership work? Caden Clark trade value in the summer window Kye Rowles green card update Chicago Wednesday: seven points minimum from the next three games Washington Spirit lose in Seattle: Claudia Martinez scores, Trinity Rodman ankle scare Sandy McIver: a tough night in goal Full Patreon listener Q&A Extended analysis and Chicago preview at the $5 tier: patreon.com/rfkrefugees Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @rfkrefugees Vamos.

DC United win 2-0 at NYCFC. Louis Munteanu scores twice. First back-to-back wins since October 2024. Fifth place in the Eastern Conference. Jon and Ted are back together and taking full credit. Hold onto it. Treasure it. In this episode: DC United 2-0 NYCFC: the best road performance of the season First back-to-back wins since October 2024 Louis Munteanu: two goals, the partnership with Tai Baribo to come Keisuke Kurokawa and Jared Stroud: the long throw combination Renée Weiler buries Pirani again — is he ever playing for DC United again? Brandon Servania's best game of the season Matti Peltola and Silvan Hefti: the unsung backbone Jackson Hopkins or Aaron Herrera on the right when Baribo returns? DC's open DP slot: winger or eight? Kye Rowles green card situation Nikola Markovic vs Lucas Bartlett — not yet Caden Clark trade value Nashville preview: can DC steal a result on national TV? Four games before the World Cup break — how many points? Washington Spirit: Claudia Martinez is a star, Andy Sullivan is back Adrian Gonzalez wins manager of the month Full Patreon listener Q&A Extended analysis at the $5 tier: patreon.com/rfkrefugees Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @rfkrefugees Vamos.

Ted is here to break down a wild week that saw 7 goals and 4 points. He talks briefly about the 4-4 draw against the New York Red Bulls that saw the team come back 3 times. He also talks about the wild 3-2 win at home against Orlando including goals from the shiny DP from Romania

Ted's on vacation so Jon called in Gregory Roche from Pitch Pass for 90 minutes of group therapy. DC United grind out a 0-0 draw against Philadelphia Union, the CSO posts AI-written LinkedIn content that doesn't know how many championship stars are on the badge, and Louis Munteanu's future becomes a very real conversation. In this episode: DC United 0-0 Philadelphia Union: defensively solid, offensively invisible The LinkedIn Chronicles: AI-written post cites wrong number of stars on the badge Renée Weiler sounding like a podcast host in press conferences, not a coach Open Cup exit vs One Knoxville SC: the beginning of the end for Gabriel Pirani? Was this Weiler's transfer window or the doctor's? Gregory makes the case The schizophrenic roster build: great defense, no attacking plan Louis Munteanu: Gregory raises the uncomfortable question — is he gone before the end of the season? Silvan Hefti and Aaron Herrera: the right back situation explained Gavin Turner and Caden Clark need more minutes — both hosts agree Nikola Markovic in the six role: working for now The Pirani Summer/Fall cycle: it's coming, it always comes Locker room sources: reportedly not well-liked internally Is the season done and dusted? Gregory says absolutely not Eastern Conference reality check: DC United are in a playoff spot How to actually market this club — Eddie Pope, Clyde Sims, the flag The academy, Kevin Flanagan, and the talent rich DC area Orlando preview: yin and yang of MLS mediocrity Full listener Q&A This week's full episode is on the free feed — no Patreon required. Check out Gregory Roche at pitchpass.com Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @rfkrefugees Vamos.

DC United fall 0-1 to the New England Revolution and Louis Munteanu still hasn't started a game. Jon has a theory. Renée Wilder won't say. Jon and Ted break down the loss, the Munteanu situation, Aaron Herrera's return, and whether this team should go all in on Wednesday's Open Cup match. In this episode: DC United 0-1 New England Revolution: another clean sheet on the wrong side The Louis Munteanu situation: $7 million, still no start, Jon has questions Why does Renée Wilder keep starting the same lineup? Gabriel Pirani: grading on a curve per Jason Anderson, still not good enough per Jon Aaron Herrera returns: solid, five of five on crosses, right role in the system Kye Rowles back: DC's best defensive pairing in years Tai Baribo out injured — Foot Mob says mid-May Hakim Karamoko: still listed as illness, still no update Matti Peltola hits the post again — the brand is building Silvan Hefti and the goal conceded Jackson Hopkins as false 9: too close to goal, not his best Gavin Turner off the bench: flying around with something to prove Louis Munteanu's 30 minutes: what we saw Would Renée Wilder get fired or walk away first? Open Cup Wednesday vs one Knocks: full rotation? Jon says yes Listener Q&A: Atlanta transfers, Wilder's future, lineup questions Extended analysis and full Patreon listener Q&A at the $5 tier: patreon.com/rfkrefugees Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @rfkrefugees

Jon has a chat with Jason Anderson from Green Line Soccer ( https://green-line-soccer.ghost.io/green-line-soccer-intro/ ) about DC United's season so far and touched briefly on the Washington Spirit's season that is much better than the standings would have you think.

Ted is here for a solo show to break down a bad loss to FC Dallas. He talks about what went wrong and what to look for from Rene moving forward. He answers listener questions and relays Cochella recomendations from Jon

DC United grind out a 0-0 draw in Atlanta and are somehow seven points from five games. The defense is excellent. The offense is not bringing anyone to the yard. Renée Wilder knows it, admits it, and is playing the hand he's been dealt. Jon and Ted break it all down — plus a full Washington Spirit recap after a 2-2 draw against Louisville Racing. In this episode: DC United 0-0 Atlanta United: defensively stout, offensively anemic Renée Wilder admits the team can't score right now — and this is what he must do Silvan Hefti: early season MVP conversation Matti Peltola: another big game Brandon Servania: quietly his best performance of the season Gabriel Pirani: still the problem, still starting Peglow and the right wing situation — time for a change? Caden Clark and Hosei Kijima off the bench: immediate difference Jackson Hopkins as an eight — is Dax McCarty right? Gavin Turner's debut Aaron Herrera and Louis Munteanu: both back after the international break Hakim Karamoko: still listed as illness, still no update Is this the good version of Benny Ball? Would you rather be DC United or Atlanta right now? Listener Q&A: did we learn anything? Bunkering vs Dallas? Washington Spirit 2-2 Louisville Racing: so close, yet so far Sofia Cantore screamer from 25 yards Trinity Rodman concussion sub — will she start against Utah? Sandy McIver under the microscope Lucia de Guglielmo: the Silvan Hefti of the Spirit Hal Hirschfeld, Andy Sullivan's return, and the Croix Bethune discussion Claudia Martinez impressing early Extended analysis and full Patreon listener Q&A at the $5 tier: patreon.com/rfkrefugees Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @rfkrefugees Vamos.

DC United pick up a fortuitous but very welcome 2-1 win over the Chicago Fire. Jon and Ted break down the result, what it means for the season, and the rare good problem of having two right backs competing for a starting spot when Aaron Herrera returns from injury. Note: tonight's show was briefly interrupted by a storm in Fredericksburg — thanks for bearing with us. In this episode: DC United 2-1 Chicago Fire: fortuitous but we'll take it Matti Peltola scores his first DC United goal — and was man of the match again Silvan Hefti continues to impress — early season MVP conversation Gabriel Pirani: nine to twelve listener questions can't be wrong Keisuke Kurokawa and set piece delivery looking sharper Jackson Hopkins' worst professional game — the handling call Louis Munteanu picks up an injury — Romanian media breaks the news Nikola Markovic late scratch — two keepers on the bench explained Aaron Herrera returning: does he start over Hefti? Caden Clark off the bench — still searching for impact Brandon Servania: a quietly better performance this week The racist/homophobic chant incident involving Tai Baribo — what happened and what should have happened Washington Spirit 0-1 Portland: opening day blues, Lucia de [confirm spelling] impresses, Gift Monday disconnected Trinity Rodman back healthy for a full 90 Croix Bethune's absence felt in the attacking third Extended analysis and full Patreon listener Q&A at the $5 tier: patreon.com/rfkrefugees Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @rfkrefugees Vamos.

70,000 fans in Baltimore. Lionel Messi. Wale at halftime. DC United falls 1-2 to Inter Miami, and the circus is officially over. Jon and Ted break down the spectacle, what it means for the club long-term, and whether the next two road games against Chicago and Atlanta are where this team finally finds its footing. In this episode: DC United 1-2 Inter Miami: business success, soccer disappointment Renée Wilder's postgame: he's not rude, he's just Swiss Lucas Bartlett and the first goal — this one's on him Messi's goal: what can you do Gabriel Pirani: borderline invisible, days as a starter may be numbered Nikola Markovic comes on and immediately looks like he belongs Louis Munteanu: best performance yet — Jon says he starts next week Caden Clark off the bench: he's alive Jackson Hopkins semi-assist on Tai Baribo's goal — and should DC extend him now? Brandon Servania fading — is Markovic overtaking him? Supporter section issues in Baltimore Listener Q&A: the Baltimore charade, will Messi ever play at Audi Field, and more Chicago and Atlanta previews — over/under on points from the next two games Extended analysis, full Patreon listener Q&A including the Aaron Herrera question, and more at the $5 tier: patreon.com/rfkrefugees Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @rfkrefugees Vamos.

DC United fall 1-0 to Austin FC on the road in Week 2 and Jon and Ted are back to work through it. The good vibes from Opening Day are on a temporary hiatus. Jon may have a concussion. Ted refereed youth soccer this weekend and called his first penalty kick. We're all fine. In this episode: DC United 0-1 Austin FC: Renée Wilder's postgame explained The lineup change: Jared Stroud and Hosei Kijima in, Jackson Hopkins out, Caden Clark not even on the bench Matti Peltola and Silvan Hefti: the only two bright spots Tai Baribo: frustrated, limited service, still working Louis Munteanu: 13 minutes — when does he get his first start? Sean Johnson: elite shot stopping, crosses a growing concern Eastern Conference check: DC United in playoff position, the East is a mess Be More United in Baltimore: Wale at halftime and the deleted comments Trinity Rodman knee scare vs. Argentina Discord Q&A: Sean Johnson, Hosei Kijima and Keisuke Kurokawa, and more Extended analysis, Inter Miami preview, and full Patreon listener Q&A at the $5 tier: patreon.com/rfkrefugees Follow us on Bluesky, Facebook, Instagram, and Threads @rfkrefugees Vamos.

We're hiring a Producer for the 2026 season, this is a paid (not a lot, but!) position with commission potential on advertising. This role will have editing, social media, and live show responsibilities 1x a week during the season. Please send a notice of interest to rfkrefugees@gmail.com.

We are releasing an offseason episode every 2 weeks for our $5 patron on www.patreon.com/rfkrefugees. Considering joining us! Vamos

Welcome in ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, to RFK Refugees Podcast. Ted and Jon talk very briefly about DC United in 2025 (don't check the runtime). They review the final game, talk roster decisions for 2026, and just what the plan is. They also discuss the future of the show moving into the long cold offseason. Join us Live Monday at 8:30PM and Subscribe so you can get this and every episode wherever you get your podcasts! Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear and you want to help support our show and get exclusive content, head on over to our Patreon or subscribe to our Twitch page with your free Amazon sub (or your American Fiat Currency!) Follow us on Twitter , Threads , Facebook , Instagram , BlueSky , Youtube and Golz.tv . Vamos! RFKRefugees.com

Welcome in ladies and gentlemen, boys and girls, to RFK Refugees Podcast. Ted and Jon answer listener questions and break down what is becoming an annual beat down at the hands of Philadelphia. He also talks to a long time fan about the supporters protest, the loss of community at DC, and more! Join us Live Monday at 8:30PM and Subscribe so you can get this and every episode wherever you get your podcasts! Thank you for listening! If you like what you hear and you want to help support our show and get exclusive content, head on over to our Patreon or subscribe to our Twitch page with your free Amazon sub (or your American Fiat Currency!) Follow us on Twitter , Threads , Facebook , Instagram , BlueSky , Youtube and Golz.tv . Vamos! RFKRefugees.com