Soccerwise · Kickback Soccer Media

Breaking New Episode w/New Coaches, Trades, Big Free Agency & Mailbag

December 15, 2025·1 hr 11 min·5 clips

Michael Bradley's Red Bulls are trading away players to create space for a new, more possession-oriented style.

Hosts David Goss and Tommy Scoops open this mailbag episode with a relaxed, end-of-year energy. They begin by covering the official hiring of Michael Bradley as the New York Red Bulls head coach, noting his extensive playing career and deep ties to the New Jersey soccer community. The hosts detail the Red Bulls' active offseason, including trading Lewis Morgan to San Diego FC and placing players like Sean Nealis and Daniel Edelman on the trading block. They report that defender Justin Che is set to join the Red Bulls, a low-risk move signaling a potential stylistic shift under Bradley and sporting director Julian de Guzman. Sources indicate the Colorado Rapids will hire 37-year-old Tottenham assistant Matt Wells as their new head coach. The hosts discuss Wells' background, including his family's footballing legacy and his involvement in the Rapids' offseason planning, such as the Noah Cobb trade. They analyze the Philadelphia Union's transfer activity, including a nearing deal to send striker Tai Baribo to D.C. United for around $4 million. The LA Galaxy are closing in on acquiring defender Jakob Glesnes from the Union in a GAM trade worth over $1 million, a move considered a win-now addition despite potential system fit questions. A surprising insight is that Julian de Guzman has been far more accessible to media than his predecessor, aligning with a need to re-engage the Red Bulls' fanbase. The hosts note the Red Bulls are covering part of Lewis Morgan's salary in his trade to San Diego, making it a low-risk, high-reward move for the expansion side. They highlight that Glesnes' statistical profile shows low pass volume and completion rates, which contrasts with the Galaxy's typical possession style. The Rapids' strategy under Wells mirrors their player acquisition model: targeting undervalued talent, this time in a coach. The tone is conversational and insider-focused, blending news updates with analytical banter between two informed hosts. MLS enthusiasts and fans of roster construction will appreciate the detailed transaction analysis and behind-the-scenes reporting. Listeners seeking narrative storytelling or non-MLS content might find less to hold their interest.

As heard by us

A loose, smart MLS mailbag that turns roster moves into real debate.

SoccerWise keeps a lighter year-end mood, but it never loses sight of the roster problem at the center of the conversation. David Goss and Tommy Scoops let the banter breathe, then turn to the LA Galaxy's defensive issues and the case for bringing in a center-back.

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Why you'd press play

You want the Galaxy's next move explained without the jargon.

Read the full recommendation in PlayNext →

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