A Half of Nothing

Put this together round seven of this MLS season. It's where I reached my breaking point with local broadcasting. Picking on the Crew a bit here, but it's the same mostly everywhere. It's all the non-game action stuff. I figured it was going to be just a few minutes. Enough to prove my point that calling a game these days was nothing but facts, figures and ads.

Boy was I wrong.

It's a full 15 minutes of the first half. Maybe not half of a half, but close a damn 'nuff. It's hard to believe that there is a field full of 22 humans + a crowd of thousands in front of them.

This was sent to a few fans early in the year, so some may have heard it already. Public now. Medals to anyone who makes it through. Imaginary medals. Wear them in your heart.

[podcast] The Long Break

[podcast] A Conversation in Helltown

Justin Bell and Larry Johnson talk about USMNT in the wake of the Guatemala match in Columbus. This recording started in the shadow of the US U23s losing to Colombia for the right to go to the Summer Olympics. It's informal. Hitting the record button and getting unmeasured, unfiltered thoughts as it was happening.

[PODCAST] The Ghost of Helltown

BREAKING: We were recently told the MLS season started. Justin Bell and Larry Johnson got together to talk about things up to this point. Mostly MLS / Crew stuff - some other what-not sprinkled in. We'll resume our regular Red Cards in Helltown (with the incomparable Mr. Rick Gethin) programming shortly. As always, thanks for listening. We do it because we love it, eventhough we don't have any bathroom breaks.

[PODCAST] Red Cards in Helltown: Post Cup Show

Rick Gethin, Justin Bell and Larry Johnson get together to talk about what happened before, during and after the MLS Cup here in Columbus. Fun show, plenty to talk about. Remember, be sure to check out past shows over at Soundcloud and iTunes.

Thanks for listening!

[podcast] Red Cards in Helltown: Conf Finals Special

Rick Gethin, David Burgin, Justin Bell and Larry Johnson talk about the Columbus Crew SC win in the first leg against The NY Red Bulls and look forward to next week's matchup.

[podcast] Red Cards in Helltown: Season 2, Episode 18

Host Rick Gethin is joined by Larry Johnson and Justin Bell this week for the latest episode of Red Cards in Helltown.

00:50 HEADLINES
► Thoughts on France, news
► Neat insight from NHL players, coach
► Upcoming MLS matches, week break
► International calendar
► USMNT performance against St. Vincent...

18:00 COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS, NOTES
► Edge in the NY / Columbus upcoming match
► What Crew need to do, central defenders
► Lots of words on Dax McCarty (good... and bad)
► Robles or Clark
► How much is NYRB doing well Jesse Marsch

33:40 GENERAL DISCUSSION
► MLS Playoff television ratings
► Crew pulled good numbers, why?
► Justin's experiences in 2008
► Always play 2nd fiddle

33:40 GENERAL DISCUSSION
► Rick's Hawaiian shirts
► Good talk on "rubber crumbs" (pellets)
► Important to keep things open

Reminder that you can also find us over on iTunes as well. Thanks for listening.

[podcast] Red Cards in Helltown - Playoff Special

Rick Gethin, David Burgin, Justin Bell and Larry Johnson got together right after the two Eastern Conference Semifinals to talk about what went down. Check it out!

[podcast] RCiH : Decision Day Special!

Major League Soccer's unique approach to the final round of the 2015 season called for a special edition of Red Cards in Helltown. Rick Gethin, Justin Bell and Larry Johnson talk about what happened and what it means (including the huge 5-0 Crew SC demolition of DC United). Thanks for listening!

[podcast] Red Cards in Helltown: Season 2, Episode 17

New show - two weeks in a row. Host Rick Gethin is joined by Justin Bell and Larry Johnson this week to talk a mess of soccer. Thanks for listening!

00:40 - HEADLINES
► USMNT Costa Rica friendly
► Where was everyone?
► Meaning of result, Klinsmann...
► Fabian Johnson, dirty laundry
► Grant Wahl sneakiness
► Liverpool - Jurgen Klopp's 1st game
► Sporting KC investment group exploring purchase of Everton

19:00 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES
► Big win for Crew over Toronto
► "bloody big deal" - TFC make playoffs
► Defense looked good, Gaston Sauro, Parkhurst
► TFC looked lethargic
► Measuring stick game for Trapp
► "Finlay's going to get get called up"
► Kamara, Higuain out next week
► DC United matchup, game meaning
► Who the Crew don't want to face
►.....playoffs....
► does a bye week benefit

40:10 - GENERAL DISCUSSION
► Teams not going to the playoffs
► NYCFC, what happened
► Biggest disappointment in MLS? (hint: huge market)
► Rick getting fired up about MLS competition format
► The rarity of a regularly occurring MLS podcast
► Giovinco's wonder-goal
► "MLS: Up your game"

52:20 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP
► Austin Aztex (USL, Crew affiliate) are not playing next year
► Investment profile, MLS
► TV viewership - Impact of NFL on MLS

Podcasting without a net.

[podcast] Red Cards in Helltown: Season 2, Episode 16

Great show this week. Host Rick Gethin is joined by Justin Bell and Larry Johnson this week as the team goes over the latest in soccer here in the US. As always - Red Cards is recorded one hour straight through, no bathroom breaks. Reminder: you can also find us on iTunes and over at soundcloud.

00:40 - HEADLINES
► USA / Mexico, home games
► What to do with Klinsmann
► "Can't market patience"
► Quality of US player
► Missing players calm on the ball
► MLS's role
► US similarities to England
► Aging players

17:00 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES
► Expectations, just waiting for the playoffs
► Crew defending
► Discussion on Tyson Wahl
► Parkhurst decline?
► How much playoff format impacting play
► Kei Kamara decision
► "Changing the culture"
► (not) performing in front of a large crowd
► Biggest match in Toronto FC's history coming up?

37:40 - GENERAL DISCUSSION
► Adam Jardy moving to new position at Dispatch*
► Next beat writer at the paper? None?
► What MLS wants
► Justin's thoughts on Jardy
► "the Tyson Wahl of beat reporters"
► A league worried about everything

50:53 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP
► FIFA News!
► MLS limping to finish line

*good a time as any to thank Adam Jardy for his coverage of the Crew the last few years and wish him the best going forward. 

[podcast] Red Cards in Helltown : Season 2, Episode 15

SPECIAL EDITION of Red Cards in Helltown as show host Rick Gethin and analyst Larry Johnson go over the latest in the world of soccer things. As always the show is recorded live. Sixty minutes, start to finish - no bathroom breaks. Thanks for dropping by!

Questions, comments > ljohnson@helltownbeer.com.

00:40 - HEADLINES
► Thanks to Craig Merz for joining last show
► Coming off international break, MLS
► Don Garber, Soccerex convention comments
► MLS: Promotion, relegation, unique league set up
► EPL: David De Gea contract
► EPL: Chelsea's historically bad start
► Every match matters

14:40 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES
► Hibiscus infused brandy! (Larry's homemade aperitif)
► FC Dallas and how the played the Crew
► Steve Clark's season
► Shots in the box against (h/t Patrick Guldan)
► Tyson Wahl, Parkhurst and the defense
► Interesting to hear outsiders view on team
► Kei Kamara, Stern John
► A look at the jacked up MLS table
► Even goal difference is average soccer
► Top Crew SC moments, voting on team site

37:30 - GENERAL DISCUSSION
► Where to find Rick's Columbus Blue Jacket and Crew SC coverage
► Crew SC coverage on TV, quality isn't there

48:40 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP
► Copa America location up in the air
► Chances it it held in the US
► David Beckham Miami drama continues
► Outlook of pro sports in Florida
► Manchester United, Liverpool match
► American ownership - stale, sterile

[PODCAST] Red Cards in Helltown: Season 2, Episode 14

Great show this week as writer / author / reporter Craig Merz joins host Rick Gethin and Larry Johnson in the 34th episode of Red Cards in Helltown.

Craig spent 25 years with the Dispatch covering just about everything here in Columbus and is currently with NHL.com. He's also co-author of the wonderful book Chill Factor: How a Minor-League Hockey Team Changed a City Forever.

00:40 - HEADLINES
► Introduction of Craig Merz
► Talk about Craig's book Chill Factor
► International matches, popularity of the sport
► MLS not taking an international break
► Ideas on how to improve it, change it
► Crew / Dallas playing shorthanded on national cable TV

14:40 - COLUMBUS CREW, NEWS NOTES
► Crew seem more comfortable this year
► Best playoff spot, Crew defense still shaky
► Knockout games, scary.
► McInerney a good pick up if Kamara leaves
► Montreal, Klopas middle of the night firing
► Teams fighting for the playoffs
► A look at the table
► Discussion on Ethan Finlay

34:32 - GENERAL DISCUSSION
► Wil Trapp, his impact on the team (on and off pitch)
► Topic for Merz: Pro sports in Columbus, the future
► Relationship to Ohio State, room for all
► Future of Crew Stadium, decisions need to be made

48:40 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP
► NASL challenging D1 standards
► Merger at top level? Tiered? What coming
► How would a suit impact US Soccer / MLS / SUM

Thank you again to Craig Merz for joining the show!

[PODCAST] Red Cards in Helltown: Season 2, Episode 13 (with video)

Host Rick Gethin and analyst Larry Johnson sit down to talk the latest for this week's Red Cards. Remember, you can find us here on Helltownbeer.com, over at SoundCloud and on iTunes. Thanks for listening!

00:40 - HEADLINES
► Thanks Chris Doran for joining last show
► Rick Gethin writing for TodaysCornerKick.com
► Toronto FC asking for Bradley and Altidore to not be called up
► Barclays Premier League headlines, results

13:30 - COLUMBUS CREW SC - NEWS, NOTES
► Recapping Crew v. NYCFC midweek
► Team lacking "killer instinct"
► Crew SC one of the best teams over last 11 weeks
► Overall goal difference is slim, a couple horrid results
► Two Crew goals offside? (passive offside a thing in MLS?)
► Jack McInerney delivers, needs time in team system
► Looking at team defense, new players
► Afful looking good thus far

37:30 - MLS, LEAGUE LOOK
► Playoff picture, in / out
► No coaching changes in MLS? Odd? Why?
► San Jose is hot right now in the West
► Supporters' Shield unique in domestic sports

49:40 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP
► Drogba debut and crappy Philly tactics against him
► Quick look at TV ratings across the board, European future in US?
► NBC Sports EPL games approaching midseason MLB games on ESPN

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Here's a bonus look in at this week's show. Hope you enjoy! Questions, comments? email us at ljbaby654@gmail.com

[PODCAST] Red Cards in Helltown: Season 2, Episode 12

Very special guest Chris Doran (Crew SC Match Day Host at Time Warner Cable Sports Channel Ohio) joins podcast host Rick Gethin and analysts David Burgin and Larry Johnson. Great show this week. As always - we record one hour, non-stop. It's sort of like playing Scrabble the old school way. Hope you enjoy and thanks for listening!

-------------------------------------
01:25 - HEADLINES
-------------------------------------
► Introduction of Chris Doran
► Barclays Premier League opening weekend
► AFC Bournemouth's first year ever in the PL (125 yrs)
► Other promotion sides - Watford FC, Norwich City
► Bundesliga about to kick off on Fox Sports 1
► MLS Transfer window, Chris gives his thoughts
► LA a winner, Crew SC as well
► Toronto, Montreal, Sporting rising

-------------------------------------
13:35 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES
-------------------------------------
► Going back for a minute to the Orlando City match
► Revisiting Berhalter's decision not to address team, impact this week
► Kristinn Steindórsson start
► Thoughts on Justin Meram
► "What's going on with Emanuel Pogatetz?"
► Great discussion on the Crew backline and system
► ...more awesome discussion
► The role Gaston Sauro fills
► New additions

-------------------------------------
35:50 - GENERAL DISCUSSION
-------------------------------------
► Looking over next four for Crew SC
► Will it be different for the playoffs this year for the Crew
► Number of 6 pt games remaining is key, Doran's piece LINK
► DC United, 1 shot, 1 goal
► A look at the top of the table
► Playoff format, takes different approach
► Speed in the central defense

-------------------------------------
49:25 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP
-------------------------------------
► Wraparound - balance between advertising / sponsorship and the sport
► Level / quality of play in MLS
► MLS being shaped by culture, not basing decisions based on long history
► Is there room for growth for foreign leagues in USA


Thank you again Chris Doran for joining the show!

Be sure to visit http://www.chrisdoran18.com/

Questions, comments - email me at ljohnson@helltownbeer.com

[PODCAST] Red Cards in Helltown: Season 2, Episode 11

There he goes, one of God's own prototypes. A high powered mutant of some kind. Never considered for mass production. Too weird to live, too rare to die. Rick Gethin and Larry Johnson are back this week with the latest and greatest way to spend an hour in 2015.

-------------------------------------
01:30 - HEADLINES
-------------------------------------
► Gold Cup, USMNT v Panama
► US players - can see the bottom of the pool (as David Burgin would say)
► Were does the US go from "Dempsey, Donovan (and Beasley)"
► Controversy surrounding the Gold Cup
► Fallout from finishing 4th
► Wold Cup Qualifying draw, Concacaf
► MLS All-Star news, Frank Lampard out - Dax McCarty in
► International Champions Cup news

-------------------------------------
19:35 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES
-------------------------------------
► Crew SC blow a three goal lead, Berhalter not upset (publicly anyway)
► The MLS table is an illuuuussssion, Crew not 2nd place
► Crew got points from Chicago but didn't necessarily look good
► Toronto game not a "tale of two half's"
► Have to recognize that Altidore is looking for a penalty late
► Berhalter audio (24:00)
► Berhalter didn't seem upset about the result
► Player's meeting always a sign of something bad
► What's going on with Pogatetz
► All the Eastern Conference teams giving up the most goals
► MAPFRE STADIUM SELLOUT!! (aka Dollar Beer and Brat Night)
►Berhalter irritated (and arrogant, but that's not all bad)

-------------------------------------
37:40 - GENERAL DISCUSSION
-------------------------------------
► ...okay, a few good words on Berhalter, managed change very well
► A look at the MLS table, East and West
► East as some garbage teams this year
► LA looked disinterested in the Houston heat (and sprinklers)
► Seattle slide, a look at the Supporters' Shield race
► Drogba talk

-------------------------------------
48:40 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP
-------------------------------------
► Opening weekend of EPL coming up
► Appreciating of the honesty of the Premier League structure
► Refreshing, playing once at home and once away. Simple!
► Kudos to NBC Sports Network coverage
► Alexi Lalas, Eric Wynalda opinions of Jurgen Klinsmann
► How did some of the 90s stars get good, is the US regressing?
► US slipping to a level Jamaica is rising to


Thanks for listening! You can also find us on iTunes and Facebook. In fact, 1st listener to email me at ljohnson@helltownbeer.com with what Meram says right at the end of the podcast will get a $20 iTunes gift card. No foolin'!

[PODCAST] Red Card in Helltown: Season 2, Episode 10

David Burgin and Larry Johnson join host Rick Gethin this week for another episode of RCiD. Great show this week with one of the best Crew SC segments we've ever recorded. Enjoy!

01:05 - SOCCER HEADLINES
► US Women's National Team win 3rd World Cup
► Better than the '99 team?
► Game way more enjoyable to watch now
► FIFA updates, Chuck Blazer banned for life
► CNN report on FIFA, Blazer LINK
► CONCACAF Gold Cup update
► How meaningful is the Gold Cup and to whom
► Steven Gerrard introduction, Pirlo, Lampard

15:40 - COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES
► Montreal blank Columbus 3-0, early goals!!
► Dwight Burgess and Neil Sika losing their minds!
► Lack of emotion from coach extending into the team (a calm?)
► Crew lost part of what was developing last year, ability to control pace
► Predictable approach
► Aging group with nothing behind them on the bench
► Debate sparked over Berhalter's role, team needs
► Bench Parkhurst? New captain? Berhalter brave enough?
► Conversation continues on Berhalter's work load

35:10 - GENERAL DISCUSSION, RULE CHANGES
► Target Allocation Money (TAM)
► Adding difficulty to finding players
► Who benefits? Who does it hurt?
► How TAM impacts the Crew and other teams
► Parity as a sales pitch is gone
► Watching good teams is fun!
► 2015 LA looking like best team in MLS history
► Fix the cap

49:30 - QUICK HIT, WRAP UP
► Question of the week: How can you tell you're watching a bad MLS team
► Points worst indicator of good team in MLS...
► David breaks down what equals a good game
► Summer distractions for MLS
► Schedule needs to change

Really fun show, thanks for listening!

PODCAST: Red Cards in Helltown: Season 2, Episode 9

Host Rick Gethin and analyst Larry Johnson go over the latest in the world of, in and around soccer in the US. Enjoy!

01:30 SOCCER HEADLINES
► Women's World Cup
► FOX Sports hashtag "#ScoreToSettle"
► WWC setup
► Standout players (Larry = Johnston, Rick = Heath)
► Jill Ellis approach (the Narrative)
► Copa America - Chile v Argentina final
► "There is no evil that lasts 100 years"
► Big name transfer rumors MLS, summer window

17:45 COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS AND NOTES
► Crew record A SIGN
► Place on the table, where they always seem to be
► Kamara and Finlay leading league in key cats
► Impact of Cedrick's arrival, change in tactics
► Meram maturation, future with team
► MLS players kinda stuck, difference with NHL and other leagues
► TWC broadcast missed red card
► Crew bow out of US Open Cup vs Orlando City
► NY tired themselves out midweek against NY Cosmos
► Realistically the only path to CCL for Crew

38:45 GENERAL DISCUSSION
► The hard break
► Rick and Larry solve some MLS problems
► New "Core Player" rule
► Hard Cap a solution?
► Impact of the Designated Player looms large in today's MLS
► Playing a board game and the rules change halfway through
► How the Core Player works

50:40 QUICK HIT, WRAP UP
► Sepp Blatter not in town for the WWC Final
► 13th edition of the Gold Cup, news notes
► Going to be a couple games played in an inferno (like... Qatar? hmm)
► A look at where the games are being played


That's all! Don't forget we are on iTunes as well. Thanks for listening.

PODCAST: Red Cards in Helltown: Season 2, Episode 8

Host Rick Gethin, analyst Larry Johnson and David Burgin get together this week for jam-packed hour of talking soccer. As always - one hour long. Not bathroom breaks.

01:00 HEADLINES
• Clint Dempsey notebook tearing temper tantrum
• MLS / USSF suspensions
• Lots of overlap in organizing bodies
• US Women's World Cup news
• Competition setup to sell tickets

16:40 COLUMBUS CREW SC NEWS, NOTES
• Crew mediocre at best right now
• Difference between this year and last at same point in season
• US Open Cup match, win vs. Richmond Kickers
• 20:00 - Berhalter audio
• "sounds like a limp fish"
• "Fallout with MLS structure"
• David talks about best looking soccer in MLS history, in Columbus!
• Berhalter wearing two hats, too much?
• Depth of roster a problem
• Kristinn Steindórsson a bust (?)
• Crew SC looked great in midfield in USOC v. Richmond
• David asks if we would rather reach for results over style
• Trapp update, no reserve team here hurts
• Do fans in Columbus respond to results??
• No bid for a home USOC match
• 96-er gives quick and succinct comment on yellow kits

37:10 GENERAL DISCUSSION
• ESPN FC player poll: Promotion / Relegation, and more!
• League administration comments
• "you want the reward and understand failure"
• Having a huge say in MLS for a low buy in price
• Advanced Nation ?
• Couple clear signs of a "elite" league

52:00 QUICK HIT
• Don't send some guy 20 bucks just because he asks you...
• Rick likes Anthony Bourdain
• Sepp Blatter not going away
• Why the delay in the election
• We are the corrupt federation
• World Cup in the US? funny
• FIFA guys cashing out, long game is the wrong game

LET ME SEE YOUR WAR FACE

PODCAST: Red Cards in Helltown - Season 2, Episode 6

Host Rick Gethin and analyst Larry Johnson are back this week talking soccer and also MLS. It's a jam-packed hour this week as we cover as much as we can, as quick as we can. Along with our normal SoundCloud post you can now also find us on iTunes. Just search "Helltown Beer" to subscribe. Thanks for listening!

02:20 HEADLINES
• "Our Open. Our ode. Our respect. Our homage to the armed forces."
• Lamar Hunt US Open Cup, catching up to date
• Who Crew SC may face
• NASL focus on the US Open Cup, motivated
• NASL = Apple, Microsoft = MLS (?)
• What's the prize? Something to play for
• Intensity between Columbus and Dayton years past
• Helltown will be posting up streams of Rd 3
• Red Cards in Helltown on iTunes
• 'Championship Sunday' in EPL, News, notes
• [Larry misplaces Rick's audio... LIVE!]
• A check on other leagues, Bundesliga call out

20:55 COLUMBUS CREW SC SEGMENT
• "Most human problems can be solved by an appropriate charge of high explosives"
• Jumping back to the San Jose away result
• Convo on teams playing late (eastern)
• Berhalter audio
• Wil Trapp still out
• Berhalter hitting a wall? Overbearing disciplinarian?
• Halfway through 3 year Berhalter plan
• Mapfre with a booth at German Village yard sale... approved?

37:32 NEWS AND NOTES
• "Market Garden"
• A couple minutes on Don Garber
• What's MLS doing to improve low TV ratings?
• TV ratings, Fox Sports 1, ESPN2
• A look at the MLS table
• Will Frank Lampard have impact this year, or no
• Might be too late for NYCFC's 1st season
• Seattle Sounders leading Supporters' Shield race

51:21 CLOSE, QUICK HIT
• "...one of those American Western Films"
• There is no "was" a Marine
• on the International Champions Cup in the USA
• MLS opens the door for this

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This weekend we remember those who have served and paid the ultimate price for our freedoms.