Quad Quips: Week Two

Submissions undergo light copy editing for clarity.

MLQ athletes have a lot to say and now we’re giving them space to broadcast those opinions weekly. “Quad Quips” is a series consisting of player thoughts and feelings from around MLQ. Each week a randomly-selected batch of athletes are sent a number of questions and prompts for which to respond. The majority are open-ended though multiple choice surveys are sometimes included.

Survey Results

Both these players had at least one assist per game last year when they squared off, who has more this weekend?

Ben Zimet (MPLS): 61.5% of respondents

Ashton Glenn (DET): 38.5%

Two USNTDA seekers go head-to-head this weekend. Who walks away with more flag pulls? 

Joe Goulet (MPLS): 61.5% of respondents

Neil Peterson (DET): 38.5%

Credit Beth Hosek

Who is the player to watch this weekend and why?

“Ryan Hsu. First year head coach, first year called up to team USA, and his first real test this season. This series will allow Hsu's rising star to continue to shine bright.” David Banas Jr., Detroit Innovators

“Emma Persons in the east division is gonna be fun.” Kieran Collier, Boston Forge

“Max Meier was unavailable for our series against Detroit last year. I'm excited to see Max ball out this time around!” Ben Schlueter, Minneapolis Monarchs

“Joe Goulet. Specifically the look of exhaustion on his face as I make him do wind sprints during FROP. Rest up buddy!” Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators

“Mehio on Minny is a must watch. If the Monarchs want to win a North Division championship again, they need him to ball all season.” Tad Walters, Chicago Prowl

“Phoebe Thomas, Minneapolis Monarchs, best press avoider in the country” Ben Zimet, Minneapolis Monarchs

“Brady Charles - how did playing a year of USQ club as a 19 year old grow his game?” Nathan Podolsky, Minneapolis Monarchs

“MPLS new addition of Ryan Mehio looks to be a game changer for them with an extra threat for Detroit and the rest of the North to watch out for.” Austin Cruz, Charlotte Aviators

What plate matchup deserves all eye this weekend?

“Ryan Davis vs William Richardson: though Boston's strong beater core should give Richardson the advantage in time engaged with the flag runner, a few seconds is all Davis needs to change the tide in Charlotte's favor. Expect the forge to look to stabilize space around Richardson with control, while the aviators work to destabilize that space with chaotic engagements to give Davis an opportune and lethal look." Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators

“Max Meier vs Ryan Mehio. I know they’re on the same team, but are they gonna be able to pass to each other?” Kieran Collier, Boston Forge

“Ryan Hsu vs Nathan Podolsky. Two fast paced beaters who like to constantly apply pressure. Also two proud Michigan Men.” Tad Walters, Chicago Prowl

“Brady Sowers vs Ben Zemit. Competitive bang bang players.” Julien Theuerkauf, Detroit Innovators

“Celine Richard vs Lulu Xu: two of the best free beaters in the world” Tony Bonadio, Charlotte Aviators

Our #MLQ2025 Series of the Week is the Minneapolis Monarchs vs. the Detroit Innovators. Give us your thoughts.

“Excited to see Detroit still ball without Leo Friend. I expect a lot of reliance on beaters, so let’s see how the chasers are able work off that advantage.” Adam Thompson, Cleveland Riff

“Detroit sweep. Gear up, Hammer down.” Gwen Pratt, Detroit Innovators

“I think a lot of people are going to expect the narrative in Detroit to surround the absence of Leo Fried and that the Monarchs are the favorites as a result. All I'll say is that I think you will be impressed with what we have to offer this season. Don't be so sure we are the underdogs here.” Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators

“Battle of the old legs vs. the tired legs as Cody Narveson and the Monarchs corps take on the fast-paced duo of Ryan Hsu/Rei Brodeur. Without many beater subs for Detroit (Brooke Smiley’s absence looms large), I can see Monarchs gaining steam throughout the series as they cycle in some fresh beater talent throughout the games.” Kieran Collier, Boston Forge

“If Monarchs has a near full roster they smoke Detroit, with every game won convincingly. Ryan and Rei will cook a little bit, Neil will get some catches, but overall it won't be enough.” Tad Walters, Chicago Prowl

“3-0 Minneapolis, the games are kept close by the fact that Ryan Mehio keeps throwing passes to the empty space that would ordinarily be occupied by Bitzy Archibold.” Ben Zimet, Minneapolis Monarchs

“I’m curious to see how Detroit handles Minneapolis when they can’t just play Leo Fried for 25 minutes a game!” Nathan Podolsky, Minneapolis Monarchs

“Monarchs sweep no issues.” Austin Cruz, Charlotte Aviators

“Machines vs Butterflies? All I'm gonna say is that I've never had to pull a robot out of the grill of my car.” Neil Peterson, Detroit Innovators

“If the innovators don't slow down or stop the Mehio-Goulet connection, they're getting alley-ooped to a quick 3-0.” Tony Bonadio, Charlotte Aviators

Whip out the magic 8 ball and give us your upcoming weekend's predictions that you have not already provided.

“With elite seekers on all of the rosters this week, there will be a flag catch in every game this week. For Detroit's catches, however, you might be surprised with who makes the grab. 👀” Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators

“Now that her knee is fully back, Emma Persons reminds the league why she’s on Team USA with a double double.” Nathan Podolsky, Minneapolis Monarchs

“Boston vs Charlotte is an absolute snooze fest as Kieran Collier and Company ground all Aviator flights.” David Banas Jr., Detroit Innovators

“Joe Goulet goes 3/3 on catches.” Austin Cruz, Charlotte Aviators

Water Cooler: What do you want to talk about or comment on going into week two?

“T-Time should be meaner to good teams. Stop picking on Ottawa, let’s hear more trash talk about the Soldados. I’m not sure if Tyler is watching tape, but I know Teddy is.” Kieran Collier, Boston Forge

“Congrats Cleveland on a huge milestone for their program. It's awesome to see a team grow and improve consistently like they have the past few seasons. Y'all got a fan in me(until next week 😈)” Tad Walters, Chicago Prowl

“Monarchs are just a worse TCQC who won’t make it past the quarters.” Julien Theuerkauf, Minneapolis Monarchs

“If Washington wants to send Bryan Mulcahy behind hoops that’s their business, but I would consider putting the ball in my best player’s hands more often.” Kieran Collier, Boston Forge

Credit Hanna Reese

Taunting is Legal

“To the entire league: step up your taunting game. So many good players but none of them putting their mouth where their money is. Can't have me carrying you all in quips again like I did last year.” Ryan Hsu, Detroit Innovators

“Ryan Hsu has put out more podcast episodes (1) than he will get wins this weekend 😭” Nathan Podolsky, Minneapolis Monarchs

“Ryan Hsu: I’ve decided I’m better. CLE-DET : 3-0” Adam Thompson, Cleveland Riff 

“@Cleveland Splish Splash, the Riff are trash" (but congrats on the series win pookie)” David Banas Jr., Detroit Innovators

“Ben Peachey, this is the summer that I become the one true secondary ballhandling chaser on a North Division team whose name is ben, so get ready for that.” Ben Zimet, Minneapolis Monarchs

“Minneapolis is lucky they're named after butterflies and not actual rulers cause they'd have to rename themselves.” Gwen Pratt, Detroit Innovators

“Can any beater in the North Division please give me a f*ckin challenge? Cause right now y'all are all barbecue chicken.” Tad Walters, Chicago Prowl

“Innovators have to prove their mettle without Leo Fried bolstering their lineup. Otherwise, they'll get flushed down Detroilet.” Ben Schlueter, Minneapolis Monarchs

“Caleb Williams is the worst beater in the North.” Julien Theuerkauf, Detroit Innovators

“The Titans are gonna follow the Knicks this year: lose in the semis and fire their coach.” Tony Bonadio, Charlotte Aviators

Become a member of the MLQ Network to catch live games and coverage of the season all summer along.