Rivalries live and die by the fans. And in Texas, the three teams—FC Dallas, Houston Dynamo, and Austin FC— compete for the Copa Tejas trophy.

Soccer culture in Texas is big, dense, and diverse—just like the state. So this week’s episode is all about the fans whose happiness depends on winning Copa Tejas.

There’s Paul Fletes, lead trumpet for the supporter band La Murga de Austin, Collin Coovert of Dallas’ El Matador, and Jesus Martinez, co-leader of Houston’s El Batallón, the first barra brava in MLS. They each make the case for why their supporters’ group is the best in Texas and share what it’s like to sit in the stands with the diehards during a Copa Tejas match.

Plus, Taylor breaks down Cincy’s big win.

Thanks to Rigo Rodriguez of La Murga de Austin for providing additional audio.

Offside With Taylor Twellman is a Major League Soccer podcast, produced by Apple TV and Rain Delay Media. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.

Want to talk to Taylor? Call (646) 571-8496 or email offsidepodwithtaylor@gmail.com with questions.

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It’s Rivalry Week. Across Major League Soccer, bitter rivals, old and new, are gearing up for matches that fans have had circled on their calendars since the 2024 schedule came out.

Rivalries are a big deal for players too. FC Cincinnati center back Nick Hagglund tells Taylor that when the schedule comes out, the first ones he looks for are the Hell Is Real matchups with the Crew. Born and raised in Cincinnati, Nick talks about the pride and pressure he feels representing his hometown against Columbus, how this derby compares to previous rivalries he’s played in, and what this upcoming clash means to FCC’s season.

Plus, Taylor shares some of his favorite memories of New England’s rivalry matches from his time in the league.

Offside With Taylor Twellman is a Major League Soccer podcast, produced by Apple TV and Rain Delay Media. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.

Want to talk to Taylor? Call (646) 571-8496 or email offsidepodwithtaylor@gmail.com with questions.

http://apple.co/Offside-MLSSeasonPass

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

On the pitch, Giorgos Giakoumakis comes across as a cocky striker. A bruiser who will do anything to score. An absolute villain. But there’s more to the big man than that.

In a special episode of Offside, Giorgos opens up about his life story, including growing up in Crete, his early struggles in the Greek leagues, his scoring titles in Europe, and finally finding a home at Atlanta United.

Also, Atlanta players Brad Guzan and Brooks Lennon tell Taylor why Giorgos makes such a great teammate, and technical director Carlos Bocanegra recalls how he convinced Giorgos to make the switch to MLS.

Plus, Paul John Dykes, host of the podcast A Celtic State of Mind, shares how GG became a fan favorite at Celtic FC in Glasgow and why they miss him to this day.

Offside With Taylor Twellman is a Major League Soccer podcast, produced by Apple TV and Rain Delay Media. Follow and listen on Apple Podcasts.

Want to talk to Taylor? Call (646) 571-8496 or email offsidepodwithtaylor@gmail.com with questions.

http://apple.co/Offside-MLSSeasonPass

See Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.