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The Hot Cast

The Hot Cast

By The Hot Cast

A weekly Chicago Fire podcast from Hot Time in Old Town
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Season 3 Episode 6: Rock Bottom

The Hot CastMay 06, 2021

00:00
36:30
Rain On Me

Rain On Me

Ruben and RJ are back to discuss everything but the Fire's 1-1 draw with the New England Revolution, but they do that anyway. But they start the show talking about the referee lockout being over before getting into the draw. They talk about Allen Arigoni's good performances and the bounceback game from Tobias Salquest and also praise the performence of Hugo Cuypers, as well. They also spend some time talking about some of the problems with Frank Klopas' tactics.


In the second half of the show, discuss Next week against Atlanta, the international games taking place last weekend, and Omari Glasgow. Plus RJ gives his prediction for the White Sox record. All that and more on this week's HotCast


you can support the show over at patreon.com/TheLantern

Mar 27, 202436:30
Winning is good?

Winning is good?

The Chicago Fire won their first game of the season. That's good! But Ruben and RJ wonder, Was it really deserved? They discuss everything from the wind to bad refereeing to the continued struggles of Xherdan Shaqiri.


It wasn't all negative though. They heap praise on Fabian herbers and Allen Arigone, two players playing above expectations right now, as well as other Fire players playing well.


Then they talk about next week in New England and what a Shaqiriless lineup (he's on international duty) will look like.


All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.

Mar 19, 202438:07
Counting the Lights

Counting the Lights

Ruben and RJ are back to discuss the Fire's 2-1 loss to Columbus and what the potential fallout should be. They discuss if it was a bad game or a game ruined by one bad performence. Related: Should the bench Xherdan Shaqiri? They also discuss the performence of the defense and Ruben makes the case for them having a good night. They also talk about officiating and the scab referees.

In the second half of the show, the hosts discuss the upcoming game against CF Montreal and whet the Frie have to do to get their first win of the season.


you can support the show over at patreon.com/TheLantern

Mar 12, 202430:30
Fall on Their Face

Fall on Their Face

After a 2 day sick delay, the Hot Cast is back to finally discuss everything awful about the loss against Cincinnati. They discuss Frank Klopas' formation mistake and bad substitutions, Rafael Czichos's worst game in a Fire shirt, and why they look so poor up front.


All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.


You can support the show at patreon.com/TheLantern

Mar 07, 202431:35
The Philly Special

The Philly Special

The Fire come out of Philadelphia with a point and mixed emotions and the Hot Cast is here to break it all down. Ruben and RJ discuss the good of Brian Gutierrez's two-point night to the bad of losing their starting left back after two minutes and everything in between.

Then, they transition into the upcoming game against Cincinnati and talk about what the Fire will need to do to get their first win of the season.


In the second half of the show, they talk about the behind-the-scenes news that broke midweek including the ongoing labor discussions between PRO and the referee's union and the US Open Cup deal that would see the Fire not participate in the tournament.

All that and more on this week's Hot Cast


You can support the show at patreon.com/TheLantern

Feb 29, 202441:45
The 2024 Chicago Fire Season Preview

The 2024 Chicago Fire Season Preview

The New MLS season is upon us and so is Season 6 of the Hot Cast. Ruben and RJ preview the Fire's 2024 campaign thoroughly by going over the squad changes and talking about how they'll affect how the team plays. They also go over their expectations of the team and look at their competition in the Eastern Conference, which looks to be another season-long battle royale.

They also spend time discussing the bad vibes surrounding MLS and the Open Cup and other things surrounding the beginning of the American soccer calendar. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast.


You can support the show at patreon.com/TheLantern




Feb 21, 202458:07
Transfers! At the Deadline

Transfers! At the Deadline

It's been a long time since we last had a show. But there's been a lot of activity surrounding the Chicago Fire. So Ruben and RJ return to the microphone to discuss all of it. They talk all of the transfers coming in from Hugo Cuypers to Andrew Gutman and everyone in between. They also give a temperature check on their feelings about the Fire's prospects for the season and laugh at the Duncan McGuire Blackburn saga. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.


You can support the show over at patreon.com/LanternSoccer

Feb 05, 202445:22
Chicago Fire Episode V: The The Klopas Strkies Back

Chicago Fire Episode V: The The Klopas Strkies Back

The Chicago Fire have chosen their new manager... and It's Frank Klopas for the fifth time. Ruben and RJ are back for the first time this offseason to discuss his return. They talk about what this hire says about the state of the club and how the move not only affects the next season but the seasons beyond. Ruben also reveals his tin-foil theory about the club's goings-on from 2016 to 2019 and they discuss whether or not the club was going to go out of business.


They also manage to talk about the acquisition of Tom Barlow from the New York Red Bulls and take a look at the Fire's preseason schedule at Coachella. All that And More on the second offseason edition of the Hot Cast.

Dec 08, 202345:36
Meet The New Boss, Same as The Old Boss

Meet The New Boss, Same as The Old Boss

Georg Heitz is back as the Sporting Director for at least another season and Ruben and RJ return to react to it! They dissect this move from every angle and contemplate the thought process and reasoning behind returning them for another season.

After that, they address the other news out of that announcement including the expansion of the Fire's scouting network into Africa, the rumors of a big-name striker, and the head coaching vacancy.

(Note: this was recorded before the announcement that Chris Armas will manage the Colorado Rapids in 2024.)


You can support the show over at patreon.com/TheLantern

Nov 17, 202350:41
And With a Whimper

And With a Whimper

Ruben and RJ are back to put a bow on the 2023 Chicago Fire season. They discuss the end of the season at the hands of NYCFC and how it was a microcosm of the season-- Good but passive defense and a feeble attack. They do praise the club for their defensive improvements throughout the season, but it just wasn't enough. Then, they discuss what the club should do in the offseason.

In the second half of the show, they take a look at all of the Fire's expiring contracts and try to determine who's options to pick up and whether or not to trigger the buy option on Maren Hallie-Selassie (Yes they should)

All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.

You can support the Podcast over at patreon.com/TheLantern

Oct 27, 202345:08
The Future is the Past

The Future is the Past

Ruben and RJ return with maybe the second to last episode of the season. They go over the disappointing performance against Charlotte, including bad performances from the midfield and the lack of good goalscoring chances.

In the second half of the show, the boys dicsuss the recent report by friend of the program Alex Calibrese that Djordje Mihailovic may be on his way back to the lakefront. They talk about how he could work tactically on the field and whether or not it's a good idea for the club to bring him back off the field.

They also mention the US Youth call-ups of Brian Gutierrez, Chris Brady, and Sergio Oregel. (this was recorded before Javier Casas was called in as an injury replacement)

All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.


You can support the show by going to patreon.com/TheLantern

Oct 12, 202339:33
Own Your Destiny

Own Your Destiny

It's a special postgame Hot Cast! Ruben and RJ are here to break down the Fire's win over Miami. They start with a discussion on the vibes of the game and then quickly discuss some things the Fire could have done better because they're maniacs. After that, they discuss all the good things, and boy were there a lot of good things.

After the break, Ruben breaks down the table and what the playoff math looks like for the Fire beyond the win and you're in scenario they find themselves in. (spoiler, they can finish 7th) and RJ smacks him back to reality.


You can support the show at Patreon.com/TheLantern

Oct 05, 202335:17
Stagnation

Stagnation

After a week of technical difficulties, the Hot Cast returns. Ruben and RJ discuss the Revs match and contrast that performence with the two lost games from last week. But before that, they talk about the staleness of the club overall, and how much these last couple of weeks are going to stink.


however, there was some positives. They discuss the play of the young talented core of players they have including Jonathan Dean and Brian Gutierrez's (before his injury) games. Ruben also pushes back on the push back he's been getting over Carlos Teran being good.


Then, they discuss the Eastern Conference playoff race and how no one actually wants to be in the 8/9 play-in game. Because of that the Fire are still in it! It's a joke! All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast!

You can support the show over at:

patreon.com/TheLantern

Sep 26, 202332:47
When the Wheels Fall Off

When the Wheels Fall Off

Ruben and RJ return to the Hot Cast to discuss everything going wrong with the Chicago Fire. They talk about the seeming lack of effort on display against DC and the disappointment they have in the front office and coaching staff, along with the players. They also have a deep discussion on the role of the designated player and whether or not they should be looked at to be leaders of the team.

In the second half of the show, they talk about playing the Fire's kids and what a lineup where they do that will look like. All of that plus what the boys are going to do during the international break on this week's Hot Cast.

Sep 06, 202336:47
Greek Tragedy

Greek Tragedy

On this week's episode of the Hot Cast, recorded just after Wednesday's final; whistle, Ruben is... upset at the approach the coaching staff Fire took in last week's losses in LA and Vancouver, but especally against the Whitecaps. He reads the riot act to the coaching staff while RJ does his best to calm him down while also acknowledging what a poor display the Fire put on.


Things get lighter in the second half of the show. They talk about all the clubs around the Fire also slipping up and preview Saturday's winnable game against DC United in DC. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast.


You can support the podcast via Patreon over at patreon.com/TheLantern

Aug 31, 202334:43
It's a Wash

It's a Wash

Ruben and RJ return to the Podcast Studio after what was determined to be a sad performance by the Chicago Fire. They discuss the lack of verve and desire at the end of the game. and talk about Georgios Koutsias's poor performence.

On the flip side, They talk about how good the Fire's spine was with the addition of Ousmane Doumbia and how despite his bad performence, Koutsias's disallowed goals were more unfortunate bad luck than anything else.


In the second half of the show, they talk about the Fire's playoff position-- the loss didn't really affect them. And the upcoming week against LA Galaxy and Vancouver Whitecaps. And in the last few minutes, they touch on Portland changing coaches and a host of other topics.


You can support the podcast over at Patreon.com/TheLantern

Aug 24, 202331:25
Pause

Pause

Ruben and RJ return to the microphone to discuss the end of the Fire's run in the Leagues Cup at the hand of Club America. They discuss the Fire's performence in the match and how it was actually pretty good from a certain point of view. They talk about Mauricio Pineda and Osumene Doumbia's growth and the offense's continued struggles to create and score goals.


In the show's second half, they step back and look at the Leagues Cup as a whole to try and find some meaning in the tournament. Plus, they speak on what they're looking forward to as the European Season is about to begin. All of that plus Ruben has a video game recommendation on this week's Hot Cast.


you can support the show at patreon.com/TheLantern

Aug 09, 202335:10
Top of the Group

Top of the Group

The Fire finished P1 in the Central 2 group over Pachuca and Minnesota United and Ruben and RJ needed to discuss it with you! They started by discussing the tournament as a whole and tried to determine it's value to the soccer ecosystem. Then they went on to discuss the Fire's performence and what they did to get on top.

In the second half of the show, they look forward to Friday's match against Club America. Ruben gets all football romantic about it and RJ has to bring him crashing down to reality. All of that plus 90 seconds of Messi talk on this weeks's Hot Cast.

Aug 03, 202339:44
Playoffs?

Playoffs?

Ruben and RJ are back just in time to take a break! They discuss the Fire's recent good run of results, but both of them have questions about the quality of those performances. Then in the second half of the show, they discuss the League's Cup, its worth as a tournament, and how they think the Fire will get on in it. All of that plus a fun idea brewing on this Week's Hot Cast!

Thank You to all out patrons over at patreon.com/TheLantern

Jul 20, 202327:58
Two Steps Back

Two Steps Back

The Fire followed up their 2 road wins with an egg-laying in central Florida, and your hosts try to figure out what went wrong. Ruben and RJ discuss the Fire and Orlando's tactical approach, poor refereeing, and the Fire's lackluster performence, all of which contributed to the loss.

They then talk about what it would take for the Fire to still, despite everything, be a playoff contender.


Then in the second half of the show, they talk about the Jim Curtin news and what it means for the Fire's coaching search. They also decide whether it was a mistake by ownership to wait until the offseason to make a hire.


Support the show over at patreon.com/TheLantern

Jul 06, 202336:19
Two on the Bounce

Two on the Bounce

On today's episode of the Hot Cast, Ruben and RJ discuss the 6-point week on the road for the Chicago Fire. They start with the 2-1 win in Portland and use that game as a framework to discuss the emerging greatness that is Brian Gutierrez. They also talk about Jairo Torres and his improvements, as well as the return to the back 4 and how that's helped them. They then talk about the win against Kansas City and dicsuss whether or not this was the best win of the year.


In the show's second half, they talk about new signing Ousmane Doumbia and what his signing could mean for the way the Fire play in the future, and what it means for the current roster.

All of that plus RJ's opinion on the League of Legends Coke on this week's Hot Cast.

Jun 28, 202337:01
Where Do We Go From Here?
Jun 15, 202332:59
And the Road Ends

And the Road Ends

The Chicago Fire have been eliminated in the US Open Cup and we're here to talk about it. Ruben and RJ discuss the penalty decision and how it was game over afterward, the questionable tactics from Head Coach Frank Klopas, and how the roster was not prepared for the schedule congestion. Then they spend some time on where the Fire go from here and we stake our early claim on who the new manager should be of all the known candidates. All of that plus some rage and sadness on this week's Hot Cast.


https://www.patreon.com/TheLantern

Jun 07, 202333:30
Quarterfinal Bound
May 25, 202332:46
Live By The Klopas Die By The Klopas

Live By The Klopas Die By The Klopas

The Hot cast is back and so is the Frank Klopas era! Ruben and RJ discuss his two first league games and the highs and lows their in. They talk about how on the road, his conservative approach led to Charlotte having too much time on the ball, whereas RJ talks about how the players let themselves down. Then they talk about the St. Louis match and how Frank got the personnel and the tactics 100% right. They go on to discuss how he can try to find some sort of middle ground.

After thanking our patrons, They then talk about Xherdan Shaqiri and try to identify what if anything is different is going on with him. Then they move on to the games at the weekend and whether or not they should rotate the squad at home against Atlanta to make sure they have the best chance of winning their Round of 16 Open Cup match in Austin midweek. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast

May 18, 202337:17
Worth

Worth

Ruben and RJ are back to discuss an action-packed week in Fire soccer, and it's not even over yet. They start with the game against Nashville and talk about how much it stunk to lay down in service of the Open Cup midweek. Then they discuss Ezra Hendrickson firing what it means for the club, and how Frank Klopas would change the team. They transition nicely into the Open Cup game from Tuesday. They discuss how the team played well and how they dealt well with St. Louis's press at times. Then they look at Saturday and beyond to see how the next few weeks could go for the club.


Thank you to everyone who supports the podcast and everything else going on at patreon.com/TheLantern

May 10, 202331:46
Checkpoint

Checkpoint

Ruben and RJ are back after a disappointing draw with the New York Red Bulls. They discuss some big-picture themes on what's going on before getting on to the game proper. There, they discuss the pleasant surprise of Meran Halie-Selassie and what he means for the team. Then they talk about the goal at the end of the game, and discuss what is actually the real problem. After that and the Patreon thank yous, they look forward to the game against Nashville. All of that plus RJ reviews a Jack & Coke on this week's Hot Cast.

May 03, 202336:48
Roller Coaster week

Roller Coaster week

Ruben and RJ are back post US Open Cup to discuss the last week of Fire soccer. They start, inevitably, with Xherdan Shaqiri and the Fire's loss against Atlanta United. They discuss the wasted good performances and worry about things other than performence deciding lineups. Then they discuss the first-ever Chicago Derby as the Fire took on Chicago House for the very first time. They talk about how impressed they were with the amateur squad and what the game meant to them. Finally they talk about the upcoming game against the Red Bulls—all that and more on this week's Hot Cast.


You can support the podcast over at Patreon.com/TheLantern

Apr 27, 202331:55
The Most Dangerous Lead

The Most Dangerous Lead

Welcome back to the Hot Cast. On today's show, Ruben and RJ go over another collapse against the Philidelphia Union. They start by discussing Gastoin Gimenez's value while Ruben asks if he's either the only sane man or the actual crazy one when mentioning how valuable the former DP is to the team this year. Then they spend some time talking about Xherdan Shaqiri and Georgios Koutsias, who made their return from injury and team debuts respectfully. Then, after taking a break to thank our Patrons (patreon.com/thelantern), they go on to discuss the defense and the problems the team face there. They end the show with concerns over this Sunday's game against Atlanta. All of that plus RJ's allergies on this week's Hot Cast.


PS. I apologize for the audio. We had some technical difficulties.

Apr 20, 202333:57
Brighter Days

Brighter Days

The Chicago Fire have won two in a row, but more importantly, they have an opponent for their Third Round Open Cup match, and It's Chicago House! Ruben and RJ start this week's show by talking about the cupset and giving some Open Cup trivia about the last time the Fire played another team from the Chicagoland tournament in the oldest of American Soccer traditions. After that, they then transition to talking about the Fire's relatively easy win over Minnesota United and the looming specter of Xherdan Shaqiri. Then after thanking our Patrons, they go on to talk about next week's clash with the CCL-depleted Philidelphia Union. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast.


You can Support the podcast at patreon.com/TheLantern

Apr 12, 202348:31
Boring Boring Fire

Boring Boring Fire

Ruben and RJ are back this week for a quick episode of the Hot Cast. In today's show, they discuss the 0-0 draw against a DC United side trying to figure themselves out. They talk about the improvements at full-back for the Fire and how that will help them move forward. After that, they talk a bit about up front and what the club needs to do to get back to the way they were playing and scoring in the last two weeks. Then they go on to discuss the upcoming game against MNUFC. All of that plus Ruben has a cold on this week's HotCast.

Apr 05, 202328:44
The First Win of the Year

The First Win of the Year

Welcome back to the Hot Cast! Ruben and RJ return to discuss the Fire's first win of the year. Unfortunately, it's not the happy discussion that one would think. The Fire blew a 2-0 lead and the hosts are feeling some type of way about it. They also discuss Ezra Hendrickson's stubbornness about the number 10 situation. Then they go on to talk about next week's game against DC United and what to expect from Wayne Rooney's side. All that plus RJ's pizza adventures on this week's Hot Cast.


Mar 29, 202346:11
Here We go Again

Here We go Again

The Chicago Fire blew another 2 goal lead and Ruben and RJ have things to say! On this week's episode of the Hot Cast, your hosts discuss the collapse against Cincinnati while also being positive about the things they should be positive about like the play of Maren Haile-Selassie and Brian Gutierrez. Ruben then breaks down where the Fire went wrong on the goals. Then they discuss why they play better with Gaston Gimenez and without Xherdan Shaqiri. All of that plus them desperately trying not to talk about the World Baseball Classic on this week's Hot Cast.

Mar 22, 202342:12
It Could Be Worse

It Could Be Worse

Welcome back to they return of the HotCast. On Today's show, Ruben and RJ talk about the two opening games of the season, and how much trouble they think the Fire are actually in. They break down what worked and didn't work against NYCFC and Philly; including a breakdown of the how the Fire stopped the Union from finding many dangerous chances. Then they discuss the news of the new left-back,  the new training facility, and more. It's all that and the World Baseball Classic on this week's HotCast. 

Mar 15, 202350:32
The 2023 Fire Season Preview

The 2023 Fire Season Preview

The Chicago Fire are back and so is the Hot Cast! For the 5th year, Ruben and RJ Preview the season just days before the first match against NYCFC. They review all the outgoing and incoming players before talking about each position group and their key players, including what they think about Kacper Przybylko, Xherdan Shaqiri, and new face Arnoud Souquet (and hear Ruben struggle with basic French pronunciation) After that and a time out to thank our Patreon subscribers, we then move on to discuss the weekend's matchup wth NYCFC. All of that plus what RJ thinks of the confetti kit on this week's Hot Cast.


You can now support us at Patreon.com/TheLantern. Subscribe today to get the very best in Fire news and analysis.

Mar 02, 202351:04
The 2023 Schedule Show

The 2023 Schedule Show

The 2023 schedule is out and that means the return of the Hot Cast! Ruben and RJ return to talk first about the last month or so of soccer. From the World Cup and Xherdan Shaqiri's performances to the tragedy surrounding Grant Whal's passing. Then they talk bout Jhan Duran's situation. What clubs are coming for him, and where the best place for him to end up would be. After that, they transition into talking about the Fire's schedule. What are the most interesting games? What's the toughest stretch for the club? And is it an easy schedule or difficult? All of that and more on this schedule reveal edition of the Hot Cast. 

Dec 21, 202241:39
The World Cast: Here Come the Knockouts

The World Cast: Here Come the Knockouts

It's been an absolutely crazy couple of days in Qatar and Ruben and Alex are here to talk about it. Group E and Group H finished off with some crazy results and some surprise additions to the knockout stage. Ghana get revenge of a sort against Uruguay for the actions of 12 years ago and South Korea continue the country's year of miracles by beating Portugal and qualifying themselves into the last 16. Their reward? A match against Brazil. Meanwhile, the hosts look forward to the first knockout round. Ruben has some American optimism while Alex is not so sure. And Did Spain Miscalculate by wanting to finish 2nd in the Group? All that and more on the Group Stage wrap up edition of the World Cast

Dec 03, 202237:13
The World Cast: Decider Days

The World Cast: Decider Days

Welcome to episode 2 of the World Cast, Hot Time's World Cup podcast. Today on the show, Ruben and Alex start by talking about their feelings on the tournament as a whole, from the lack of quality games and the crackdown on protesters of all sorts to the amazing upsets and teams underperforming. Then they go over all the groups and scenarios on who will make the knockout stage. They talk about what went wrong for Mexico, which team is going to play spoiler, and which Cinderella teams are going to make it to the dance. They end the show discussing USA vs Iran and why Geovanni Reyna is going to be the most important player in the squad tomorrow. All that plus Can Wales ruin the England party on this edition of the World Cast! 

Nov 29, 202259:03
The World Cast: World Cup Preview

The World Cast: World Cup Preview

Welcome to the World Cast! Hot Time in Old Town's World Cup podcast. In this episode, Ruben and Alex preview the group stage and get you ready for the month-long journey in West Asia. They start by going over the USMNT roster and attempt to figure out who's going to start up top and on the wings, as well as what their ideal XI is. They then go group by group talking about the teams and who will survive to the knockout stage. There are some spicy hot takes here, and you don't want to miss out on which big teams they think are going out in groups! But before all of that, there was a bit of MLS news they had to discuss. The pricing of the Apple TV deal was released and both Ruben and Alex have some thoughts (The WC preview starts at 10:52 if you want to skip the MLS media talk). All of that plus what is going to be the most entertaining game of the group stage on this preview edition of the World Cast.

Nov 17, 202201:26:16
The Grand Finale

The Grand Finale

On the final episode of the HotCast for the 2022 season, Ruben and RJ take stock of the Fire in a free-flowing conversation that takes you all over the place. They start with the question of whether or not the campaign was a disappointment (it was) and from there, they discuss what part randomness had to play in the fate of the 2022 Men in Red. From there, they discuss what the club needs to do in the offseason to improve, and little room for error there is. Plus, Ruben has a bad take about the GM position. All of that and more on the season finale of the Hot Cast

Oct 17, 202201:21:50
Young Bucks

Young Bucks

On this week's episode of the Hot Cast, Ruben and RJ break down all things Fire at Cincinnati. They discuss all the blossoming of young talent on this team after the Team of the Week performances by both Brian Gutierrez and Jhon Duran. They then question whether or no the team is better without Xherdan Shaqiri, and what that could mean going into next year. They then leapfrog from that to discussing where the Fire would be best served by DP's with all this young talent on the roster. Do you want to stick a DP in front of Guti, Duran or Mueller? And finally, at the end of the show, they also briefly discuss the findings of the Yates investigation of the NWSL misconduct allegations. All that and more on The Hot Cast.  

Oct 04, 202253:30
Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

The Hot Cast returns as Ruben and RJ are here to herald the end of the season. They start the show talking about Saturday's collapse against Charlotte, and the play of Kendell Burks, and how he's a talented but not an MLS-level player. (yet, according to Ruben) And from there, they talk about Xherdan Shaqiri. How he seems uninterested in helping the Fire and they discuss whether or not the Fire should accept a deal for him, what a deal like that would look like, and where it could come from. After that they talk about some of the good things that came from that game, including the emergence of Jhon Duran and the continued improvement of Brian Gutierrez. All of that plus some needed clarification on their comments about Georg Heitz and Nelson Rodriguez.  

Sep 19, 202239:33
Clearing the Table

Clearing the Table

On today's show, Ruben and RJ talk about the virtual end of the Chicago Fire's season. They go over the good, bad, and indifferent of the two games against Miami and Montreal- including the performances of their younger players. That dovetails into a discussion about Ezra's job as a coach as well as Georg Heitz's positive and negative qualities. Then, they start thinking about next season a bit as they discuss where the roster needs to improve, and what space they have on the roster to do so. All of that plus Gaga under Graham Potter on this week's Hot Cast. 

Sep 15, 202245:52
Lamentations

Lamentations

Ruben and RJ are back to discuss the week in Fire news. They start by briefly discussing the results of the two Derbys from last week, both 0-0 draws on the road. They complain a bit about the Gillette Stadium field quality and lament the lack of finishing from Fire attackers. Then they talk about the injuries that have plagued the team's creative players for the last month. They then get positive with praise for the defense and the job the coaching staff have done to make them one of the best units in MLS. All of that plus a look ahead on this week's Hot Cast.  

Sep 05, 202227:38
Ballgame

Ballgame

Ruben and RJ are back this week to prematurely eulogize the Chicago Fire's season. They dissect the loss against Montreal and explain how it wasn't that bad a performance until they couldn't score any goals. They then talked about the injuries to Shaqiri and Czichos and how that, more than the loss itself, was the nail in the Fire's coffin. They then talk about how the club are going to finish the season with these injuries and a two-game rivalry week on the horizon. Finally, they talk about the emotions of the upcoming week of matches and Ruben tries to convince you to go to Columbus this weekend. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.

Aug 29, 202236:13
Just Bad

Just Bad

Ruben and RJ are back to discuss the demoralizing loss to NYCFC. They break down what went wrong for the Fire, including an in-depth explanation of what happened during the pigeon's first goal. They also discuss what City did well and how they smothered the Fire's potent midfield attack. They eventually move on to talk about the injury problems and what they're going to do if Carlos Teran isn't healthy. They also look at the remaining 8 games to see if the Fire can do the damn thing. Ruben is more positive whereas RJ has trouble believing, and you can't really blame him. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.

Aug 22, 202240:39
GG Go Next

GG Go Next

The Hot Cast returns to look at the Fire's loss against the Union. Ruben and RJ break down the defensive errors, and both of them have positive and negative things to say. They then talk about what the Fire should do moving forward without Gaston Gimenez, including tactics and personnel decisions that need to be made rather quickly. After that, they leave MLS behind to talk a little about the first ever Girrard/Lampard coaching derby and a detour to the Field of Dreams game. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast. 

Aug 15, 202241:56
Playoff Positive

Playoff Positive

Ruben and RJ return with another episode of the Hot Cast. On today's show, they rap about the Fire's come from behind win on the road in Charlotte. They discuss how this wouldn't have happened in the past, and how this team's mental fortitude projects to good things going forward. They also talk about how good the defense was, considering the circumstances, and they praise Xherdan Shaqiri and Kacper Przybylko for finally coming into their own.

 Then they talk about all the news from the last week. They go over the Chinonso Offor deal, and Ruben explains why it was good, even if at first glance it looks like they got hosed in the deal. They then spend a few minutes talking about the Jhon Duran Instagram controversy. All of that plus EVO 2022 on this week's Hot Cast! 

Aug 08, 202243:07
Goodbye Gaga

Goodbye Gaga

Welcome back to the Hot Cast. Ruben and RJ start the show with the big news of the week; Gabriel Slonina's impending transfer to Chelsea in England. They discuss what it means for his career, the pros and cons of the move, and what it means for the Fire. Then they go on to break down the Fire's 0-0 draw with Atlanta. They talk about Jairo Torres getting the start, as well as all of the other tweaks Ezra Hendrickson made over the weekend. They also talk about what tactical changes he could make to get the best team on the field. Plus, Ruben makes a bold tactical comparison in which an ex-Fire player is involved. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast. 

Aug 01, 202239:20
The Fire Are Good Now?

The Fire Are Good Now?

Ruben and RJ return to the Hot Cast! On today's show, your hosts discuss the amazing turnaround of the Fire's season over the last 10 or so days. They talk about what's happened for the Fire to get there, and what they need to do to continue to get better in order to not just make the playoffs, but do some damage there. They look forward to the weekend against Atlanta and fantasize about the results. All of that plus RJ's Food Review on Water!!! on this week's Hot Cast. 

Jul 25, 202236:01