Welcome to this week's Uninformed and Unsolicited Opinions from The Footy Museum. This week Justin and Maria react to the MLS Cup final, sanctions against the fans of LAFC, 90s throwbacks, the Premier League standings and more.

We’re wrapping up the year with our bests and worsts of 2023. This episode, we’re tackling the best and worsts crests. New teams and rebrands are on the table! Stay tuned for more best and worsts in the world of football design as 2023 comes to a close.

Welcome to the Footy Museum's first Unsolicited and Uninformed Opinions segment, a bite sized podcast where we break down what happened in football this week. This episode, Justin and Maria recap the MLS conference finals, and touch on what's happening in Europe. Our in-depth design deep dive will arrive later in the week.

It's international break, but there's still plenty to talk about. We vent about the latest behind-the-scenes drama with the Chicago Fire as well as the nonsensical MLS playoff structure, and chat about the latest release from the studio of Obama portrait artist Kehinde Wiley. This week's design deep-dive gets into the very special summer of 1967 when the United Soccer Association imported teams from Europe and South America to play in its first and only season. Enter the LA Wolves (Wolverhampton Wanderers), Vancouver Royals (Sunderland), the Cleveland Stokers (Stoke City), and a whole host of others. What were the designs like? Why do some say it was the best soccer final ever played on US soil? Justin and Maria get into it on this week's episode.

Today on the pod we welcome special guest Joe Novak of the Northern Guard, a Detroit City FC supporters group. He shares about the rich history of soccer in Detroit, their unique international connections, and the amazingly strong TIFO and supporter culture of this USL team. Maria and Justin also chat about this week in global football, breaking down the MLS playoffs, a lack-luster Noche d'Or, Dortmund supporters political message, and the NWSL final between OL Reign and Gotham FC.

This week Maria and Justin acknowledge the Noche d'Or to all those who celebrate. We also each take a deep dive into the design and stories of the crests of the Europa League teams FC Sheriff and SK Sturm Graz. Justin also reflects on sport’s role in this time of global conflict.

Maria is back from vacation and ready to catch up with Justin on all the latest with Chicago Fire and Leeds United. They also discuss the new MLS playoff structure, and the logo announcement from the new San Diego FC. Justin questions the effectiveness of design by committee when put against the test of the latest AI. They also talk about Maria's shock at seeing an MLS kit abroad, and shares a very special soccer badge from the arctic circle.

Sheryl Shectman from Terminus Legion talks to Justin about her experience falling in love with the beautiful game in Atlanta Georgia. A fan of Atlanta United since their founding Shectman has been a member of the supporters group Terminus Legion since 2018. In that role, she has overseen the creation of numerous tifo projects. In this interview, she shares some insight into how some of the most active fans in Major League Soccer have made Atlanta a fortress for their team and the envy of the league.

This week Maria and Justin speak with K Staller about her experience as a member of the Rose City Riveters. The Riveters are one of the leading supporters groups in the country and help to give their club, the Portland Thorns, a massive home field advantage within the confines of Providence Park.

Maria and Justin dive into the designs of defunct soccer teams from the US. They take a look at some great 1970s and 80s designs from Chicago Sting, California Lazers, and bizarre 5 years for the San Diego Sockers. They also chat about the newest design from Carolina Core, and MLS Next Pro team.

It’s international break this week! This episode co-hosts Justin and Maria break down crests from the two nations the USMNT is playing friendlies against this week: Uzbekistan and Oman. ALSO the Footy Museum Podcast streams in video now! Check out the video.

Maria chats with tifo artist Beth Smith from Los Verdes, an Austin FC supporters group. They dive in to the collaborative process of making and displaying a tifo, and what it means to Beth to be a part of a supporters group.

Maria and Justin break down this week in football, from the Leeds United match against Ipswitch to Inter Miami’s wins of the week. We head to Saudi Arabia, breaking down the politics, controversies, and designs of the Saudi Pro League. We also discuss the aftermath of Spain’s victory in the Women’s World Cup, and the future of the women’s game.

Justin and Maria break down a big week in football, sharing their reactions to the Women’s World Cup Final, the Leagues Cup Final, Leeds United vs West Brom, and more in Europe and MLS. They also chat about Allsvenskan, or the All-Swedish league. There are some great designs and tifos in this batch.

Maria and Justin are joined by Billy Baumann of Delicious Design League, a Chicago-based design firm. Billy could talk for days about sports logos and team badges, and we had a blast having him on the pod. We also catch up on Women’s World Cup, League’s Cup, EFL Championship, and the first week of the Premier League season.

We’re back to talk about all things soccer and design. Maria reports on the first match of Leeds United’s regular season back in the EFL Championship, and also shares the new Leeds away kit. We also talk about the USWNT loss to Sweden this Sunday, and Justin shares his super scientific design theory and the success of the remaining Women’s World Cup teams. We also cover the latest in Leagues Cup, and Messi’s continued domination of MLS. Images discussed linked below!

Justin and Maria are back to talk about this week’s match of USWNT vs Netherlands, Messi dominating the Leagues Cup, Premier League 23/24 season predictions, and strong opinions about the latest PL kits.

Maria and Justin catch up on a crazy soccer Summer. From the World Cup to the Barcelona reunion in South Beach.

Maria and Justin catch up with a summertime minisode as they continue reaching out to designers and working on Footy Museum exhibitions.

Justin and Maria jump into a design discussion for the Footy Museum’s new crest! They compare club badges, and discuss what makes for a successful badge design. They also talk about the Chicago/Houston US Open Cup Quarterfinal game, and Messi’s signing with Inter Miami.