Off the Pitch

In this episode we are joined by Brendan Hannan, the managing partner of media production company Skylark, a former MLS executive and sports entrepreneur. In this episode, Brendan shared with us his unique path to end up in sports, which led to a career working on some of the most exciting projects in American Soccer. Brendan recounted his career step-by-step, detailing some PR stunts that were pu...

In this episode, we are joined by none other than Peter Moore, a legend in both the gaming and sports worlds, who has embarked on his latest venture of founding Santa Barbara Sky FC. In this episode, Peter recounted his dynamic career trajectory, starting from his influential roles at Sega and Microsoft, through his transformative tenure at Liverpool FC, to laying the groundwork for his own USL Ch...

Grab a pair of headphones and join us for a chat with Dimitrios Efstathiou, Senior Vice President of Strategy at Atlanta United FC. Dimitrios, a seasoned strategist in the world of Major League Soccer, took us through his unique journey from legal courtrooms to the soccer pitches of the US and beyond, shedding light on the intersections of law and sport through his own experiences. Dimitrios recou...

In this insightful episode, we spoke with Shaun Oliver, the current Vice President of Operations at Sports Illustrated Stadium (formerly Red Bull Arena). Shaun detailed how he began working part-time for the New England Revolution just as MLS was getting off the ground, which quickly led to him becoming the Director of Operations at the newly rebranded New York Red Bulls. We spoke with Shaun about...

Join us for a conversation with Matt Bilodeau, the Chief Strategy Officer of The Tournament, renowned for orchestrating the exhilarating TST (The Soccer Tournament) and TBT (The Basketball Tournament), each featuring a $1 Million prize for the winning team.  Since leaving his 10+ career at Reebok and joining The Tournament in late 2023, Matt has been instrumental in driving forward the ambitious v...

In this insightful episode, we dit down with Kevin Couture, the Senior Vice President of the USL's Club Performance Group, who brings a wealth of experience from his diverse career in sports marketing and management. Starting as a college soccer player at Merrimack College in Massachusetts, Kevin transitioned into a significant role with USA Hockey, where he climbed the ranks over 19 years to...

In this standout episode, we sit down with Radhika Duggal, the Chief Marketing Officer of Major League Soccer, who brings a wealth of experience and a unique perspective to one of the fastest-growing sports leagues in the world. Radhika shared her journey, reflecting on her upbringing detailing how her childhood interests and earl exposure to sports helped shape her path towards a career in market...

In this compelling episode, we explored the journey of Nick Ragain, President of USL Championship side Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC. Nick opened up about his unconventional path into the world of soccer, a sport that was not a part of his life until he spearheaded the Swtichbacks. He shared insights into his personal background and the unlikely story of how he transitioned from a newcomer to th...

In this episode, we delved deep with Michelle Hyncik, President of Utah Royals, exploring her remarkable transition from a law career to spearheading a major NWSL club. Michelle began with an overview of her legal background and her initial foray into the sports industry, highlighting the skills and experiences that prepared her for leadership in soccer. Michelle discussed the strategic decisions...

In this episode, we're joined by John Guagliano, the Chief Marketing Officer of MLS club Minnesota United FC. John shared his fascinating journey through professional sports, which spans across major sports leagues including the MLS, NBA, MLB, and NHL, detailing the path from his humble beginnings to now being at the helm of the marketing department for Minnesota United FC. John dove into his...

In this episode, we're joined by the visionary Commissioner of the Major Arena Soccer League (MASL), Keith Tozer. Keith shared his extensive journey and deep passion for the sport, offering insights into his career and what draws him to the fast-paced nature of indoor soccer. Keith explained the unique appeal of indoor soccer, addressing common misconceptions about the MASL and highlighting t...

Join us as we dive into the intriguing career of Calen Carr, former MLS star turned top TV analyst for Apple TV's MLS Season Pass. In this episode, Calen opens up about his transition from playing professional soccer to shaping its narrative behind the scenes. Calen shared how his passion for storytelling emerged during his playing days and the catalysts that pushed him into the media realm....

Join us as we sit down with Tim McDermott, the President of MLS Club Philadelphia Union, to uncover his multifaceted journey through the world of professional sports management. In this episode, Tim dove into his personal and professional background, sharing insights from his expansive career that spans across the NFL, NHL, NBA, and now the MLS. Tim opened up about the influential figures from his...

In this episode, we're joined by Lee Cohen, the President of USL Championship side Charleston Battery and former President of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Lee shared with us his extensive journey through the soccer landscape, revealing the insights and strategies that have shaped his successful career so far. Lee took us back to his early experiences as an intern at the PDL that quickly found himse...

In this episode, we're joined by Ron Patel, President of USL Championship side New Mexico United. Ron shared his unique journey from being born in Liverpool and quickly getting exposed to the passion for the game, to now leading one of the most community-focused soccer clubs in the US. Ron reflected on the early challenges of starting a soccer club (Albuquerque Sol), the lessons learned from...

Join us as we explore the journey of James Keston, Owner & CEO of USL Championship side Orange County SC, and his transformative impact on the club. James shared the backstory of how he almost became the owner of teams in Portland and Seattle almost ten years prior to acquiring Orange County SC, and he discussed the detailed process of purchasing an existing club and the strategic decisions be...

Join us for a conversation with Chris Canetti, the visionary behind Houston's 2026 World Cup bid and former President of Houston Dynamo and Dash. In this episode, Chris shares his journey from the baseball fields of New Haven to leading one of MLS' most successful franchises, and now spearheading Houston's effots to host the world's most prestigious soccer event. Chris delves i...

Join us as we dive into the fascinating world of Brett Johnson, who's not just shaping soccer clubs, but entire communities. As the Chairman & Co-Founder of USL Championship side Rhode Island FC and a key stakeholder in Premier League Club Ipswich Town FC, Brett has a story you'll want to hear. In this episode, Brett reveals how his investment firm, Benevolent Capital, ventured in to...

Ever wondered what goes into rebranding a legendary game like FIFA? Well, in this episode, we re joined by Eric Beard, the former Creative Director of EA Sports FC. Eric took us through the major transition from FIFA to EA FC, revealing the strategic shifts and creative innovations that define the new era of his iconic game. We explored the challenges and triumphs of developing EA FC's new id...

Join us as we sit down with Jeremy Alumvaugh, the influential President of the USL Championship. From coaching at the youth level to calling the shits for U.S. Soccer's second division, Jeremy's journey through soccer is nothing short of inspiring. In this episode, Jeremy takes us behind the scenes of how he keeps the league running smoothy, from fan engagement to negotiating major broad...

In this episode, join us for an enlightening conversation with Steven Aldrich, Chair and Investor of the Oakland Roots; a club that's quickly become a beloved part of the of the U.S. sports landscape. Steven takes us back to the inception of the club, revealing the challenges and triumphs of transforming a bold idea into a reality with a sold-out home opener. He discussed the Roots' stra...

Have you ever thought about what it takes to pivot from being a Premier League player to a leading voice in sports broadcasting? Join us as we catch up with Stu Holden, who's done just that. From thrilling fans on the field for clubs like Bolton Wanderers and the U.S.National Team to now sharing his sharp insights on Fox Sports, Stu's had quite the journey. In this epidoe, Stu shares how...

Imagine starting your finance career at a top firm like Ernst & Young and then 20 years later having worked all the way up to being at the financial helm of MLS' most valuable club. Well meet Stacy Johns, LAFC's CFO & COO, who has a tale of ascension that's as instructive as it is inspiring. Starting her sports journey with the Indianapolis Colts in 2004 and now playing a pi...

When you think of which MLS club has had the most star power and one of the most financially successful histories, the LA Galaxy is likely the first club that comes to mind. And at that club, someone has to be in charge of generating said money and success. Well, meet Urel Martinez - LA Galaxy's Chief Revenue Officer. With a career spanning across the MLB, NBA, and now MLS, Urel Martinez is o...

For the San Jose Earthquakes, a lot has changed over the years: different stadiums, a new city, and Hall of Fame players coming and going. Although there has been lots of change, Jed Mettee has been there since the beginning.  Listen to our conversation with the Jed - the Chief Operating Officer at the San Jose Earthquakes. We talk about what it was like to work in the early days of the MLS and ho...