The US men’s national soccer team got off to a disappointing, yet expected, start in their quest for Olympic glory when they lost 3-0 to France in their opening match of the group stage. Although the result was not what they wanted, there was plenty of reason to be encouraged by what the youth squad did in their first appearance in the games since 2008.

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros break down the entire match, including why they were successful in the first half of the game, where they need to show improvement as they head into a critical match with New Zealand on Saturday and if not getting out of the group stage would be a complete disappointment for this U-23 squad.

Also on this episode of The Cooligans, the guys get into the multiple controversies that have already occurred at the Olympics including the wild ending to the Argentina-Morroco match and two members of the Canadian women’s soccer team being sent home for using a drone to spy on a New Zealand practice.

Christian and Alexis close the show by touching on the MLS All-Star Game that happened in Columbus, as well as commissioner Don Garber giving his state of the league address.

(6:15) - USMNT loss to France in Olympics

(21:20) - Importance for US to get out of their group

(27:11) - Wild ending to Argentina-Morocco

(36:57) - Dominican Republic’s first ever Olympic match

(48:08) - Canadian women’s team caught spying

(55:54) - MLS All-Star recap + state of league address

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The long-awaited 2024 Summer Olympics officially start this week with the men’s United States soccer team immediately getting into action on Wednesday night. They’ll face-off against France as they look to medal for the first time in the modern Olympics era.

Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros preview what to expect from the US men’s side on the pitch and get into why it’s so important for this squad to find some success by getting out of the group stage. They also wonder about the link between USMNT's lack of success at the Olympics and their recent failures in player development.

Also on this episode of The Cooligans, the guys talk about how the news of Riccardo Calafiori joining Arsenal was broken by his now ex-girlfriend over a social media post, Atlanta United star Caleb Wiley signing with Chelsea and if there’s any hope for Everton to be sold before a sticky situation could arise.

Christian and Alexis later talk about the MLS League Cup games starting up soon and why we’ll never see the impact that Lionel Messi had on Inter Miami last year replicated again in the future, as well as how Miami seems to find success in the most unlikely places.

(3:07) - Transfer news

(5:12) - Riccardo Calafiori's ex-girlfriend breaks his news

(14:51) - Caleb Wiley signs with Chelsea

(22:16) - MLS All-Star preview

(24:53) - US men’s Olympic soccer preview

(38:57) - MLS League Cup is starting up

Exclusive content:

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This is where we put everything we shouldn't say 😉

🖥️ Watch full episodes on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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

Cavan Sullivan has officially become the youngest player to debut in the MLS — and in all of North American sports. Christian Polanco and Alexis Guerreros give their thoughts on the debut and how the soccer world has evolved to handle younger and younger stars.

Also on this episode of the Cooligans, Christian and Alexis give an update on Lionel Messi’s injured ankle and when he might be back on the pitch. Plus they dig into the controversy surrounding Enzo Fernandez’s problematic post and the reaction from players and politicians alike.

Then the guys discuss Marco Reus joining the LA Galaxy, Kylian Mbappé being introduced to the Real Madrid fans and whether or not it’s time to hit the panic button over the USWNT’s inability to score.

(7:30) Cavan Sullivan makes history with his debut

(16:57) Lionel Messi injury update

(23:20) Enzo Fernandez’s problematic post

(44:30) Marco Royce traded to LA Galaxy

(48:48) Kylian Mbappé introduced to Real Madrid fans

(55:12) Is it time to panic about USWNT scoring?

Exclusive content:

https://www.patreon.com/SoccerCooligans

This is where we put everything we shouldn't say 😉

🖥️ Watch this full episode on YouTube

Check out the rest of the Yahoo Sports podcast family at https://apple.co/3zEuTQj or at Yahoo Sports Podcasts

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