On today's episode of the Hot Cast, Ruben and RJ break down the game against Columbus. They discuss the role the front office and coaching staff played in the Fire's total collapse, and what Ezra and co. could have done to change the outcome. They then have a frank discussion on where the club is both in the season and toward the future. Then things get a bit positive toward the end as Ruben discusses all the good stuff from Saturday, including the continued maturation of Jhon Duran and Brian Gutierrez. All of that plus convenience store pizza on this week's Hot Cast. 

On today's episode of the Hot Cast, Ruben and RJ break down the game against Columbus. They discuss the role the front office and coaching staff played in the Fire's total collapse, and what Ezra and co. could have done to change the outcome. They then have a frank discussion on where the club is both in the season and toward the future. Then things get a bit positive toward the end as Ruben discusses all the good stuff from Saturday, including the continued maturation of Jhon Duran and Brian Gutierrez. All of that plus convenience store pizza on this week's Hot Cast.

Number B

Ruben and RJ are back to squeeze in a HotCast! Recorded just after the Final Whistle on Wednesday, your hosts revel in the victory as much as they can, breaking down what went right against Philly that didn't happen on Saturday in Houston. They talk about Shaqiri's effectiveness and relitigate where he's most effected. All of that and more on this post-game edition of the Hot Cast. Note: Ruben was feeling sick and tested positive for Covid the next day. We apologize for any quality issues. 

Ruben and RJ are back to squeeze in a HotCast! Recorded just after the Final Whistle on Wednesday, your hosts revel in the victory as much as they can, breaking down what went right against Philly that didn't happen on Saturday in Houston. They talk about Shaqiri's effectiveness and relitigate where he's most effected. All of that and more on this post-game edition of the Hot Cast. Note: Ruben was feeling sick and tested positive for Covid the next day. We apologize for any quality issues.

The Post Game Show

Ruben and RJ are back from the international break, and so are the Fire's winning ways! Your hosts break down all the happenings of the match. They praise the breakout performance of Brian Gutierrez as well as heap praise on Chris Mueller. Then they talk about the narrative surrounding Gaston Gimenez and how is performances don't quite fit it. They go on to talk about all the things they missed from their time off. RJ has some thoughts on the Arlo White situation, and Both Ruben and RJ have thoughts on the Apple TV situation. All of that plus NASCAR(!?) on this week's Hot Cast.

Ruben and RJ are back from the international break, and so are the Fire's winning ways! Your hosts break down all the happenings of the match. They praise the breakout performance of Brian Gutierrez as well as heap praise on Chris Mueller. Then they talk about the narrative surrounding Gaston Gimenez and how is performances don't quite fit it. They go on to talk about all the things they missed from their time off. RJ has some thoughts on the Arlo White situation, and Both Ruben and RJ have thoughts on the Apple TV situation. All of that plus NASCAR(!?) on this week's Hot Cast.

Winner Winner

Start your 4 day week right with this week's episode of the Hot Cast. Ruben and RJ talk about the heartbreaker against TFC and what went wrong (spoiler, not much), and why it always seems to happen to the Fire. Then, they talk tactics. They figure out why things looked so good over the weekend Ruben makes an argument that the Fire are clearly better then their record is, and RJ pushes back a little. After they exhaust the topic, they talk a bit about the weekend in world soccer. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast.   Note: This was recorded Saturday Night due to scheduling conflicts over the weekend 

Start your 4 day week right with this week's episode of the Hot Cast. Ruben and RJ talk about the heartbreaker against TFC and what went wrong (spoiler, not much), and why it always seems to happen to the Fire. Then, they talk tactics. They figure out why things looked so good over the weekend Ruben makes an argument that the Fire are clearly better then their record is, and RJ pushes back a little. After they exhaust the topic, they talk a bit about the weekend in world soccer. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast.  Note: This was recorded Saturday Night due to scheduling conflicts over the weekend

Anger and Helplessness

The Hot Cast is tired. Ruben and RJ slog through the week that was in Chicago Frie Soccer. They talk through the Fire's week in New York and while there was a lot of good play, the results trump the good progress they've made. They continue to talk about the struggles of Xherdan Shaqiri and what the team has to do to get him going. They then branch out to talk a bit about the larger soccer world, as it was the final day of the Premier League and Serie A. It was not a good day for one of our hosts. All of that and more on this week's episode of the Hot Cast. 

The Hot Cast is tired. Ruben and RJ slog through the week that was in Chicago Frie Soccer. They talk through the Fire's week in New York and while there was a lot of good play, the results trump the good progress they've made. They continue to talk about the struggles of Xherdan Shaqiri and what the team has to do to get him going. They then branch out to talk a bit about the larger soccer world, as it was the final day of the Premier League and Serie A. It was not a good day for one of our hosts. All of that and more on this week's episode of the Hot Cast.

Exhaustion 

Ruben and RJ return with a brand new Hot Cast after the Fire's loss to FC Cincinnati. Today, they go over what went wrong with the Fire's defense and why they can't seem to find the back of the net except on set pieces. They have a long discussion about Xherdan Shaqiri and where he could help the team because it doesn't seem like the middle is it. However, the boys are actually pretty optimistic about the club's future despite the loss, so if you want some reassurance for the rest of the year, this is the show for you! All of that plus an RJ Food Review on this week's Hot Cast.

Ruben and RJ return with a brand new Hot Cast after the Fire's loss to FC Cincinnati. Today, they go over what went wrong with the Fire's defense and why they can't seem to find the back of the net except on set pieces. They have a long discussion about Xherdan Shaqiri and where he could help the team because it doesn't seem like the middle is it. However, the boys are actually pretty optimistic about the club's future despite the loss, so if you want some reassurance for the rest of the year, this is the show for you! All of that plus an RJ Food Review on this week's Hot Cast.

Shaqiri Solutions

Ruben and RJ return for a brand new episode of the show. Ruben sounds like he's in a fish bowl because he's developed an allergy to bad defense, and the Fire are trying to kill him. They break down what went wrong on the turf fields of the Benz, including a disastrous performance by Carlos Teran. They then talk about what to do with Xherdan Shaqiri and where he's the most effective. Ruben then gets positive about the future while RJ seems a little less convinced. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast! Now on Mondays!

Ruben and RJ return for a brand new episode of the show. Ruben sounds like he's in a fish bowl because he's developed an allergy to bad defense, and the Fire are trying to kill him. They break down what went wrong on the turf fields of the Benz, including a disastrous performance by Carlos Teran. They then talk about what to do with Xherdan Shaqiri and where he's the most effective. Ruben then gets positive about the future while RJ seems a little less convinced. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast! Now on Mondays!

The Old Fire

Calm

Ruben and RJ return after a week off because Ruben was moving. They discuss the loss to the Red Bulls and why this keeps happening. They discuss the officiating quality of Jon Freedman as well as MLS and PRO referees as a whole, bemoaning their general lack of consistency and compatance. Then they talk about Jairo Torres and Chris Mueller’s impending arrivals, and what that would mean tactically for the squad. Spoiler: 2011 Real Madrid gets a mention. All that plus RJ’s long-awaited two-sentence review of Hazy Pitch on this week’s Hot Cast.

Ruben and RJ return after a week off because Ruben was moving. They discuss the loss to the Red Bulls and why this keeps happening. They discuss the officiating quality of Jon Freedman as well as MLS and PRO referees as a whole, bemoaning their general lack of consistency and compatance. Then they talk about Jairo Torres and Chris Mueller’s impending arrivals, and what that would mean tactically for the squad. Spoiler: 2011 Real Madrid gets a mention. All that plus RJ’s long-awaited two-sentence review of Hazy Pitch on this week’s Hot Cast.

Storm Before the Calm

The Chicago Fire are out of the Open Cup, and Ruben and RJ are here to talk about it. They go over every little detail of the match from coaching strategy to the on-field performances to the rub of the green and lack of it. No stone is unturned and nothing is left unsaid. Then they run down the results from the rest of the 3rd round and go over tonight's fixtures. They also take a bit of time to go over the LA Galaxy match from last weekend and look forward to the trip up to Minnesota at the weekend. It's all that plus some expensive hot dogs on this week's Hot Cast. 

The Chicago Fire are out of the Open Cup, and Ruben and RJ are here to talk about it. They go over every little detail of the match from coaching strategy to the on-field performances to the rub of the green and lack of it. No stone is unturned and nothing is left unsaid. Then they run down the results from the rest of the 3rd round and go over tonight's fixtures. They also take a bit of time to go over the LA Galaxy match from last weekend and look forward to the trip up to Minnesota at the weekend. It's all that plus some expensive hot dogs on this week's Hot Cast.

Extinguished 

The Chicago Fire finally lost and Ruben and RJ are back this week to discuss the inevitable. They go over the loss to Orlando including praise of the Defense's attention to detail. They also discuss the lack of offensive production, and Ruben finally gives you all permission to panic. Brian Gutierrez's red card is also talked about, and your hosts talk about the lack of discipline of the squad and how they have to wake up to the new reality of not being able to disrupt quick restarts. All of that plus a look to the LA Galaxy this weekend on this week's Hot Cast. 

The Chicago Fire finally lost and Ruben and RJ are back this week to discuss the inevitable. They go over the loss to Orlando including praise of the Defense's attention to detail. They also discuss the lack of offensive production, and Ruben finally gives you all permission to panic. Brian Gutierrez's red card is also talked about, and your hosts talk about the lack of discipline of the squad and how they have to wake up to the new reality of not being able to disrupt quick restarts. All of that plus a look to the LA Galaxy this weekend on this week's Hot Cast.

Inevitability

A weekly Chicago Fire podcast from Hot Time in Old Town

Ruben and RJ are here to discuss all things Chicago Fire. They begin the show talking about the 0-0 draw with FC Dallas that kept the Brimstone Cup in Chicago for another year. They talk through the team's reaction to having their two most important signings of the winter be out and still be able to get a result. Rhen they talk through their worries about the attack and what they need to do going forward. Then they react to the Fire making the top 10 of the MLS power rankings for the first time in years, and what that tells us about how the MLS Inteligencia feels about the team. All of that plus the US Open Cup 2nd round on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ are here to discuss all things Chicago Fire. They begin the show talking about the 0-0 draw with FC Dallas that kept the Brimstone Cup in Chicago for another year. They talk through the team's reaction to having their two most important signings of the winter be out and still be able to get a result. Rhen they talk through their worries about the attack and what they need to do going forward. Then they react to the Fire making the top 10 of the MLS power rankings for the first time in years, and what that tells us about how the MLS Inteligencia feels about the team. All of that plus the US Open Cup 2nd round on this week's Hot Cast.

Worst Case Scenario 

Ruben and RJ are back this week after taking the international break early due to health reasons, so they have a jampacked show for you today. First, they talk a bit about the win over SKC and how well they played on the day and what it means going forward. They also discuss the big picture of the Fire's first 4 games. What's impressed them, and what they're still worried about. They then spend the second half of the show talking about all sorts of miscellaneous soccer stuff. They talk about how the CAF and AFC need more love from the west, and how Ocianna does not. They then talk a bit about the USMNT and circle back around to Saturday's match against FC Dallas. All of that and Kingdom Hearts on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ are back this week after taking the international break early due to health reasons, so they have a jampacked show for you today. First, they talk a bit about the win over SKC and how well they played on the day and what it means going forward. They also discuss the big picture of the Fire's first 4 games. What's impressed them, and what they're still worried about. They then spend the second half of the show talking about all sorts of miscellaneous soccer stuff. They talk about how the CAF and AFC need more love from the west, and how Ocianna does not. They then talk a bit about the USMNT and circle back around to Saturday's match against FC Dallas. All of that and Kingdom Hearts on this week's Hot Cast.

The Fire are Good

Ruben and RJ are both ecstatic and perplexed by this week's win at DC United. They talk about the improved defense, Ezra Hendrickson and the rest of the coaching staff's involvement in turning this ship around, and goals, Jerry, goals! They also spend a lot of time talking about Gastón Giménez and how frustrating he is with his inconsistent play. They end the show with some talk about the situation in Mexico from a fortnight ago and the lack of response from the governing bodies of football. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ are both ecstatic and perplexed by this week's win at DC United. They talk about the improved defense, Ezra Hendrickson and the rest of the coaching staff's involvement in turning this ship around, and goals, Jerry, goals! They also spend a lot of time talking about Gastón Giménez and how frustrating he is with his inconsistent play. They end the show with some talk about the situation in Mexico from a fortnight ago and the lack of response from the governing bodies of football. All that and more on this week's Hot Cast.

Victory

Ruben and RJ are back to break down the weekend's action (or lack thereof). They start with some praise of the Fire's defense and how it's so much better than in the last several seasons. Then they talk a bit about the problems the offense is having, and how they're really unable to fix it during the transfer window. Aftrer breaking down the match against Orlando, your hosts then chat about The Athletic's 2022 MLS Anonymous GM Servey. The Fire were mentioned a bunch we talk about how the Fire are seen by the rest of the league. All of that plus some video game talk on this week's Hot Cast! 

Ruben and RJ are back to break down the weekend's action (or lack thereof). They start with some praise of the Fire's defense and how it's so much better than in the last several seasons. Then they talk a bit about the problems the offense is having, and how they're really unable to fix it during the transfer window. Aftrer breaking down the match against Orlando, your hosts then chat about The Athletic's 2022 MLS Anonymous GM Servey. The Fire were mentioned a bunch we talk about how the Fire are seen by the rest of the league. All of that plus some video game talk on this week's Hot Cast!

No Goals No Problems? 

Ruben and RJ are back and on-topic this week as there was a lot to digest after the scoreless draw in Miami. They go through what happened on Saturday evening player by player and attempt to put their finger on what went right for the Fire and what they need to do to improve on their performance. Then they talk about Saturday's home opener while Ruben tries to convince RJ that Jhon Durán should be starting instead of Fabian Herbers. All of that plus a Manny's Deli shoutout on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ are back and on-topic this week as there was a lot to digest after the scoreless draw in Miami. They go through what happened on Saturday evening player by player and attempt to put their finger on what went right for the Fire and what they need to do to improve on their performance. Then they talk about Saturday's home opener while Ruben tries to convince RJ that Jhon Durán should be starting instead of Fabian Herbers. All of that plus a Manny's Deli shoutout on this week's Hot Cast.

And So It Begins

Ruben and RJ are back for another year of The Hot Cast. They break down the Fire's offseason and discuss their overhaul of the roster. Then they move on to discuss where they think the Fire can go, and try to answer who the club's MVP will be. They then turn their attention to the match at Inter Miami and talk Fire win conditions. All that plus predictions and thoughts on the Cup on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ are back for another year of The Hot Cast. They break down the Fire's offseason and discuss their overhaul of the roster. Then they move on to discuss where they think the Fire can go, and try to answer who the club's MVP will be. They then turn their attention to the match at Inter Miami and talk Fire win conditions. All that plus predictions and thoughts on the Cup on this week's Hot Cast.

The 2022 Chicago Fire Season Preview

Ruben and RJ return for their last podcast before the official season preview and they're here to talk about all things Xeridan Shaquiri. They not only talk about what this move means for the club and their ambitions for the league but also take a deep dive onto the audio chalkboard to discuss the tactics of the move. They talk about where they think he'll be best used and what the squad can do around him to make the most of a player of his caliber.  They then shift the conversation to tactics in general, and how they'd like to see the Fire set up, and discuss some of the challenges Esra Hendrickson will have putting a line-up together. All of that plus some CONCACAF Champions League on this week's Hot Cast. 

Ruben and RJ return for their last podcast before the official season preview and they're here to talk about all things Xeridan Shaquiri. They not only talk about what this move means for the club and their ambitions for the league but also take a deep dive onto the audio chalkboard to discuss the tactics of the move. They talk about where they think he'll be best used and what the squad can do around him to make the most of a player of his caliber.  They then shift the conversation to tactics in general, and how they'd like to see the Fire set up, and discuss some of the challenges Esra Hendrickson will have putting a line-up together. All of that plus some CONCACAF Champions League on this week's Hot Cast.

Offseason 3 Shaquiri Tactics

Ruben and RJ return to check in on what the Chicago Fire have been up to since their last show. They discuss the brand new signing Rafael Czihos from FC Köln in the German Bundesliga and what impact they'll have on the squad. Then they go over everything that happened over the month of December including Ezra Henderickson rounding out his coaching staff with club legend CJ Brown (and discuss what that means for The House and NISA) the various small signings, and the release of the 2022 schedule. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast.

Ruben and RJ return to check in on what the Chicago Fire have been up to since their last show. They discuss the brand new signing Rafael Czihos from FC Köln in the German Bundesliga and what impact they'll have on the squad. Then they go over everything that happened over the month of December including Ezra Henderickson rounding out his coaching staff with club legend CJ Brown (and discuss what that means for The House and NISA) the various small signings, and the release of the 2022 schedule. All of that and more on this week's Hot Cast.

The December Check-In is Late!

Happy Thanksgiving from the Hot Cast! Ruben and RJ are back sooner than expected to talk about the recent coaching news for both top flight teams in the city. They discuss Ezra Hendrickson's background and examine his resume, talk about how he'll affect the transfer moves during the offseason, and what kind of football to expect out of the club next season. Score another point for Ruben's theory that mid-2000's Chivas USA is secretly the most important MLS club in league history.  Then they discuss the accusations from the Washington Post against former Red Stars head coach Rory Dames. They address the allegations and discuss how we all need to do better to identify and prevent this from happening in the future.  Note: This was recorded Monday 11/22 and some of the things discussed in the podcast may not reflect on moments that came after. 

Happy Thanksgiving from the Hot Cast! Ruben and RJ are back sooner than expected to talk about the recent coaching news for both top flight teams in the city. They discuss Ezra Hendrickson's background and examine his resume, talk about how he'll affect the transfer moves during the offseason, and what kind of football to expect out of the club next season. Score another point for Ruben's theory that mid-2000's Chivas USA is secretly the most important MLS club in league history.  Then they discuss the accusations from the Washington Post against former Red Stars head coach Rory Dames. They address the allegations and discuss how we all need to do better to identify and prevent this from happening in the future.  Note: This was recorded Monday 11/22 and some of the things discussed in the podcast may not reflect on moments that came after.

The Coach Show

It's the last episode of the season, which means it's time to eulogize and autopsy the 2-21 Chicago Fire. Ruben and RJ discuss what went wrong, what went right, and everything in between. They discuss their general feelings from the season, the new logo, and have a (very short) debate over who the MVP for the team was. They also ask who the Fire should hire to manage the squad, and try to figure out what the club needs to do to improve the roster for next season. All that and why PSG suck on this week's Hot Cast. 

It's the last episode of the season, which means it's time to eulogize and autopsy the 2-21 Chicago Fire. Ruben and RJ discuss what went wrong, what went right, and everything in between. They discuss their general feelings from the season, the new logo, and have a (very short) debate over who the MVP for the team was. They also ask who the Fire should hire to manage the squad, and try to figure out what the club needs to do to improve the roster for next season. All that and why PSG suck on this week's Hot Cast.

Season 3 Episode 25: The Finale

The Hot Cast

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