Ball Watching

Send us Fan Mail Ball Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, catch up with recurring guests and part-owners of St. Louis CITY SC, Jim Kavanaugh and Tom Strunk. They talk about their impression of Qatar thus far, the facilities and stadiums, comparing Qatar to other World Cup hosts, the atmosphere for the USMNT games, and their predictions for what the USMNT will do in its final game agains...

Send us Fan Mail Ball Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, dissect the USMNT's second World Cup match against England. They talk other World Cup results, the meaning behind this result, initial thoughts on our match, highlights and low lights from the players, and the current outlook for the USMNT in qualifying for the Round of 16! Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchin...

Send us Fan Mail Ball Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, prep you all for the USMNT's second game of the 2022 World Cup against England taking place on Black Friday! They talk shared history of the two teams, how they've fared in the World Cup thus far, how they matchup against each other, starting 11 expectations, and predictions for the game. Follow the show on X and/or Ins...

Send us Fan Mail Ball Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, dissect the USMNT's first World Cup match against Wales. They talk initial thoughts on the result, highlights and low lights from the match, the current outlook for the USMNT, and what you can tell your family to sound smart at Thanksgiving! Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews...

Send us Fan Mail Ball Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, prep you all for the USMNT's first game of the 2022 World Cup against Wales! They talk history of the two teams, matchup thoughts, starting 11 predictions, and expectations for the game. Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching...

Send us Fan Mail Ball Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, welcome Earnie Stewart, the current and first ever Sporting Director for the United States Soccer Federation (USSF). Earnie played soccer professionally in Holland, in the US and for the USMNT for 16+ years. For the USMNT, he was the first ever black captain for the team at the 2002 World Cup, and is currently tied for 2nd all-ti...

Send us Fan Mail Ball Watching hosts, Jake Koenig and Justin Graham, break down the entire 26-man USMNT World Cup Roster. They share initial reactions, loves, snubs, and final thoughts as the boys embark on their journey to Qatar! Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (@BallWatchingSTL)! Find our guest interviews and all episodes in video form on YouTube by searching https://www.youtube.com/@ballw...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin break down the latest on all CITY news, including some key dates and upcoming events! Additionally, they announce their temporary pivot to covering the U.S. Men's National Team (USMNT) and broader World Cup over the next six weeks, discussing World Cup topics like: History National teams with the most World Cup wins Format Roster sizes What to...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin interview Tim Kelly, St. Louis CITY SC's very own Academy Goalkeeper Coach. The group chats with Tim about: His soccer playing career (MLS & USL) His transition into coaching and his evolution as a GK coach The St. Louis Goalkeeper Union he's created The mental and physical side of being a GK Working with Hope Solo  Expectations for R...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin interview Robert Thomas, drafted by the Blues in the 1st round of the 2017 draft, a part of the 2019 Stanley Cup Championship team, and key player for the Blues for years to come! The guys discuss Robert's upbringing in Aurora, CA, the sport his dad said he was best at, living with the Tkachuks, his favorite opponents, goals for the 2022-23 NH...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin interview Bill McDermott, a lifelong St. Louisan, 2x NCAA National Champion , and renowned soccer commentator for over 50 years in the US. During the interview, the group discusses a whole array of topics including: Bill's coming up in soccer, his thoughts on the history and evolution of SLU Men's Soccer, tips and tricks for color comment...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin interview Tom Strunk, a minority owner of St. Louis CITY SC, CFO of World Wide Technology, and soccer enthusiast in the STL. During the interview, the group discusses Tom's soccer background, his relationship with fellow owner/friend Jim Kavanaugh, his involvement with the Louligans,  his aspirations for CITY as the club moves closer to kickof...

Send us Fan Mail Jake and Justin break down the hottest news and updates surround CITY from the First Team through the Academy. They provide analysis into CITY2's road trip and recent results, talk about first team signings and their thoughts about MLS Next Pro / how they're acclimating to the US, and round it all off with a summary of CITY's newly announced Academy teams and how it...

Send us Fan Mail Drum roll please! In this episode, Jake and Justin announce Ball Watching's first ever sponsorship, Series Six! They interview Series Six owner, Sami Maurer,  talk about the story behind the STL-based apparel and clothing brand, and chat about what makes St. Louis CITY SC so exciting! After the interview, Jake and Justin analyze CITY2's tough loss against the Tacoma Defi...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin deep dive into CITY's style of play which has been championed by key club staff and coaches. They breakdown many of the buzzwords you've heard in interviews / new signing articles, and cue you into what to watch for as a fan or spectator. Additionally, your hosts discuss the newly announced Lou Fusz Plaza, a 125,500 square foot area just...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin dive into an update on St. Louis CITY SC's first team. The roster has taken nice shape since the last update including new signings like Eduard Lowen and Isak Jensen. Additionally, the crew formally welcomes CITY's goalkeeper, Roman Burki, to St. Louis, and discusses  some CITY2 players capable of making the jump to the first team along w...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin bring you an update from the club, introducing the Director of Musical Experience, Mvstermind. They also provide a breakdown on the recently announced MLS & Apple TV deal, highlighting the important elements worth knowing. Finally, the episode ends with a bang as special guest and current CITY 2 midfielder, AJ Palazzolo, joins the podcast to pr...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin continue their interview Jim Kavanaugh, a part-owner of St. Louis CITY SC. During the interview, the group discusses a whole host of topics including, but not limited to: an owner's perspective on the St. Louis Blues Stanley Cup run in 2019, St. Louis' rebirth as a soccer capitol, CITY's culture from an insider's perspective, Wo...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin continue their refresher / crash course on the MLS and how St. Louis CITY SC fits in. The guys share a lite version of the MLS' roster rules, salary cap, GAM/TAM,  and other relevant rules and regulations. They also talk about expansion teams (St. Louis CITY SC is one), their fees, and what normal team valuations look like. Finally, your hosts...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin provide a refresher / crash course on the MLS and how St. Louis CITY SC fits in. The guys tell the story of the MLS and how it came to be, touch on some of the original marquee signings, and shed light on how the MLS is set up. They also speak to the professional soccer pyramid in the US, the MLS All-Star Game, the potential for promotion / relegat...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin interview Jim Kavanaugh, a part-owner of St. Louis CITY SC. During the interview, the group discusses Jim's growing up playing soccer in St. Louis, his brief Olympic and professional career, the MLS2STL failure, the qualities of the ownership group at St. Louis CITY SC, and what to look out for as a fan! Follow the show on X and/or Instagram (...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin provide you with a formal introduction to St. Louis City SC's current club staff and first team player signings. Additionally, they provide a recap of CITY2's results up until the episode's airing, highlighting key takeaways from each of the games. At the end, they announce Ball Watching's first ever guest interview, slated to a...

Send us Fan Mail In this episode, Jake and Justin introduce you to their new podcast, Ball Watching - a St. Louis CITY SC Podcast, your home for all things St. Louis City SC, the broader MLS, and soccer in general, especially in the local community of St. Louis. The guys get you caught up on STL's MLS history, the ownership group,  CITY's name/crest/colors, stadium background, and the cl...