Rooster and the Villain: An American Soccer Podcast

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. 

 

Interview Series: Abraham Navarro - A.N Pickups, Street FC, and the Love of the Game

I met Abe back in 2022 as we prepared for the World Cup Pop Up party at SoFive Columbia. Abe and his brothers, Alex and Alberto, brought infectious enthusiasm to the project and a connection to growing community of ballers in the Baltimore area. 

Abe and his brothers started A.n Pickups as a way to bring together high level ballers for pick up games. Their "Moose Mondays" has turned into a soccer phenomenon, with hundreds of ballers coming out to the Moose Athletic Facility to work on their skills in a friendly, but competitive environment. Additionally, Abe works as a City Manager for Street FC for the city of Baltimore. Street FC started by former USMNT player, Kyle Martino, is a pick-up Futsal/Soccer app that offers pick-up games daily in the Baltimore area. 

We talk about Abe's current projects, a bit about his beloved Arsenal (boo!), and what the future has in store for Abe. Great guy!

Prem Show: MoCo Spurs Chair, Iain Sawyer is Back

Jake and Mike welcome Iain back on the show to discuss Spurs. Jake gives us a Brighton update and we talk a little about personal histories with the FA Cup. Then we give our Dynamic Duos Top 5. Enjoy!