MLS Playoff Preview: SDFC Best in the West, El Classico, and Man Utd's Big Win

San Diego FC’s playoff dreams take a painful turn in Soccer City, USA. Mario and Amilcar break down the dramatic loss to the Portland Timbers in a crushing penalty shootout. Then, the guys dive into the first half of UEFA Champions League games this week— Real Madrid’s stumble, Bayern Munich’s dominance, and PSG’s injuries.And in lighter news: MLS names Anders Dreyer Newcomer of the Year… but someone at CBS accidentally used Luca de la Torre’s picture instead creating one one of the funniest mix-ups of the season.Plus: the ongoing saga of Manchester United’s “haircut guy” (@theunitedstrand).Want more soccer content? Find us on instagram and X @_pitchreport

San Diego FC make history with their first-ever playoff win, and Amilcar was there for all of it. Anders Dreyer scores, Chucky sits in “timeout,” and a late Portland red turns it into a thriller.Then: Clásico fallout—big talk, bigger tempers, and why the rivalry is must-watch again.Finally: Manchester United’s three straight (@theunitedstrand haircut watch ON), Forest up next with Spurs circled.Hit follow, rate the show, and say hi on IG/X @_pitchreport.Want more soccer content? Find us on instagram and X @_pitchreport

Mario returns to defend his team’s honor as both Manchester United and Barcelona grab much-needed wins over the weekend — but with huge matches on the horizon, the pressure’s just beginning.San Diego FC clinch first place in the West, becoming only the second expansion team ever to do it. The guys break down what this means for SDFC’s playoff outlook and how the team stacks up against the league’s best heading into the postseason.Plus, a Champions League preview, El Clásico talk, Morocco’s U-20 World Cup triumph, and Graham Potter’s surprising new role as Sweden’s national team coach.Think you can outpick the Pitch Report crew?⚽ Join our official 2025 MLS Cup Playoffs Bracket Challenge and test your predictions against Mario and Amilcar!👉 https://bracket.mlssoccer.com/my-leagues?join=HSvxNxAll that and more on this week’s episode of Pitch Report!Want more soccer content? Find us on instagram and X @_pitchreport

This episode dives into the international break, tracking which nations have secured World Cup spots and whether Italy will finally make it back after missing the last two. We discuss the biggest surprises of qualifying, including Brazil’s unexpected struggles, and check in on the U-20 World Cup with standout stories. The conversation also tackles the debate around MLS continuing play during the break and whether it affects their global credibility. Finally, we break down Gilberto Mora’s transfer market outlook, which clubs are showing interest, and how his next move could shape his future.Want more soccer content? Find us on instagram and X @_pitchreport

We open with Gilberto Mora’s decision, who’s at the table, the real stay-vs-move tradeoffs, and why timing matters more than sticker price. From there, we sweep the U-20 World Cup: surprise group leaders, undercooked heavyweights, breakout prospects, and the trends shaping it, high press, transition chaos, and a set-piece arms race, plus which sides look built for knockouts. We then pivot to the Lamine Yamal injury/call-up debate, balancing player welfare with national duty and what better club-FA communication should look like for a 17-year-old phenom. We wrap with Cristiano Ronaldo’s $1.4B milestone, separating the brand engine from on-pitch output, what’s durable, and what it signals for the next wave of superstar empires.Want more soccer content? Find us on instagram and X @_pitchreport

This week on Pitch Report, we have our guest host Mr. Leo back and we dive into the biggest stories shaking up world football. We kick things off with the drama around the Ballon d’Or, who deserved recognition, who was snubbed, and what it says about the state of the game. Then we turn to Europe, where the Champions League group stage is already serving up heavyweight clashes and surprising storylines. Back home, MLS takes center stage as we unpack the fallout from recent suspensions, playoff positioning, and what it all means heading into the business end of the season. And of course, we couldn’t resist a little fun,  debating some of football’s most unbreakable records and asking the ultimate question: will Manchester United ever manage five straight wins again?Want more soccer content? Find us on instagram and X @_pitchreport

It’s international break week, and Amilcar and Mario check in on SDFC players called up for duty, including Chucky Lozano’s return to El Tri and Anders Dreyer making his case for Denmark’s World Cup squad.We also cover the fallout from Inter Miami’s suspensions after Leagues Cup drama, debate some of the most unbreakable football records, and ask the big question: for the sake of @theunitedstrand , will Manchester United ever manage five straight wins again?All that and more on this week’s episode of Pitch Report!Want more soccer content? Find us on instagram and X @_pitchreport

San Diego FC makes history by defeating LAFC in the SoCal Derby, securing their record-setting 7th consecutive road win and staying just one point shy of the Supporters’ Shield. Meanwhile, Mario opens up about a potentially catastrophic draft strategy in Fantasy Football that could derail his season before it even begins! Beyond MLS and Fantasy talk, we also dive into Manchester United’s disastrous start to the season, the summer transfer shakeups with Son Heung-Min and Gigi Donnarumma, and Liverpool’s bold move to sign Alexander Isak.All this and more on another episode of Pitch Report!Want more soccer content? Find us on instagram and X @_pitchreport

Amilcar and Mario return from their summer break to catch up on the major moments from the past few months. They break down Chelsea’s surprising Club World Cup victory and what the tournament means for team dynamics moving forward. The duo also explores Mexico’s dominance in the CONCACAF Gold Cup, the challenges facing the U.S. Men’s National Team, key summer transfers, and their early projections for the upcoming league seasons.Want more soccer content? Find us on instagram and X @_pitchreport

PSG finally win the Champions League! So we brought in the perfect guest to celebrate: our good friend Florent - the biggest PSG fan we know!In this episode:Reactions to PSG’s long-awaited European triumphTesting Amilcar & Mario's UCL trivia knowledgeBallon d’Or: Lamine Yamal, Dembélé, and other front runnersWe get to know Florent with a rapid-fire Q&A. Check out some of his answers with the links belowFlorent's All Time Favorite Goal:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T0B2IKXRs3YFlorent's Favorite Food - Tartiflette:https://www.bbc.co.uk/food/recipes/tartiflette_59096Florent's Home Town - Annecy:https://www.goworldtravel.com/annecy-france/Want more soccer content? Find us on instagram and X @_pitchreport