Rooster and the Villain: An American Soccer Podcast

Interview Series: Baltimore City FC

I recently solicited my Instagram followers for some interviewees and Baltimore City FC responded to the request. BCFC plays in the American Premier Soccer League in America's 4th tier of the pyramid. They are new-ish to the Baltimore soccer scene but have big goals in mind. Nick Siler, the Director of Club Management and Head Coach, Joe Nixon jumped on to talk about their personal soccer history, the club's history, and the goals of the club for the upcoming year. 

Prem Show: The Three Amigos

Well, the fellas are contemplating moving away from premier league "coverage' and into the USL Championship coverage as we all fall down the rabbit hole of lower division soccer in the country. But for now; how about another Prem Show episode? The fellas talk about "Top 5 Underrated", quick hits on Brighton, Spurs, and Villa, and enjoy chatting about soccer. Enjoy. 

Interview Series: Erik Stover - CEO of North Jersey Pro Soccer

Erik has been in and around the beautiful game since his days as the Operations Director for Giants Stadium around year 2000. In that role, he got his first taste of professional soccer through the NY/NJ Metrostars, and the international teams that rolled through that area. Around 2008, he became the Managing Director for Red Bull NY and oversaw the development, opening, and operation of one of the US's best soccer-specific stadiums; Red Bull Arena. In 2012, he moved on to be the CEO in the successful reboot of the New York Cosmos in 2013. He oversaw international tours, championship teams, US Open Cup wins, and more. Around September of 2018, Stover Management and Consulting, LLC started up and Erik was involved in projects from Fox Soccer Academy (of Christian Fuchs fame), to consulting for Bundesliga teams, and something that is near and dear to my heart as a native Northern Jersey guy, the redevelopment of Hinchcliffe Stadium in Paterson, NJ. 

Erik was kind enough to carve out time in his day to jump on this humble production to talk about his journey in soccer and the recently announced "USL to Jersey" campaign. There are so many reasons to be excited about this project, and the announcement of USL's intention to go D1 only adds to it. 

 

Prem Show: Brighton, Spurs and a United Soccer League Tangent

Jake and Mike get together to discuss the latest updates on their clubs, and then we talk about the state of USL and soccer in America.

Interview Series: Forrest Tucker - Sports Storyteller and On-Air Personality

Forrest Tucker is currently a Sports Reporter and Anchor for WTVQ based out of Lexington, Kentucky. He shoots, writes, and edits short and long form feature stories, and has gained experience in covering College and Professional teams and covering events like March Madness, Triple Crown Horse Racing, PGA Tour, and MLS Cup. 

He's also covered American soccer through his podcast, "The Cleared Off the Line Podcast" as well as covering the Charleston Battery, and even provided Color Commentating for my beloved Maryland Bobcats.

Originally from the Annapolis area, we discussed local soccer in the DMV, and his personal journey in the game. From there, we talk extensively about the United Soccer League, which currently operates in the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th tier of the US pyramid and which recently announced ambitions of joining the 1st tier of the pyramid.

Interview Series: Travis Ward on Life as a Professional Soccer Player

The Maryland Bobcats' starting right back came on the podcast to discuss his journey from High School soccer player in Maryland to professional journeyman in the US's 3rd Division.

Travis has played for Greenville Triumph of the USL-L1, Michigan Stars, Stumptown, Chattanooga and Bobcats of NISA, and is currently on the hunt for his next job in professional soccer. Travis talks about each stop of his soccer journey, beating USL-Championship squad Memphis 901 in the Open Cup and taking on Atlanta United in the next round, and more.

If you're looking for an experienced professional player, give him a shout!

Interview Series: Scott Westcoat and the Business Side of Soccer

Scott has been in the event space surrounding the game since the late 1980s. He has fascinating insights on the game before MLS existed, the 1994 world cup, MISL, and more. We could have talked for another few hours about the beautiful game. Fun conversation and fun person to talk to. Enjoy!

Prem Show: The Game's Gone

Jake and Mike ramble about Brighton, Spurs, and Champions League. Then, some terrible 37 year old white rapping. 

Prem Show: Silly Season

Jim and Jake dive headfirst into Brighton and Villa coverage, as well as who they want to see join or leave their clubs.

Interview Series: Devin Pugh, Director of Community Outreach for the Annapolis Blues

Devin joins the podcast to give an update on the Annapolis Blues project in Naptown. It's been a busy offseason for the club as they switched the Men's team from NPSL to USL League Two and added a Women's team to USL-W.