Charlotte FC Podcast

Welcome to First Sip from the Charlotte FC Podcast, our look at Charlotte FC hosting the New England Revolution this Saturday, May 23, at Bank of America Stadium. Last weekend was a massive bounceback win for Charlotte FC who found their scoring boots in a dominant 3-1 thumping of Toronto FC, cleansing the palate after a rough patch and proving how dangerous this attack can be when everything clic...

When we watch sports, we watch the surface: the goals, the speed, the final score. But Colin Cerniglia, Sports Journalist for the Charlotte Observer, is looking for something else. In this episode, we dive into the "human undercurrent"—the invisible cues and personal values that dictate whether a team rises or crumbles. Colin, author of Culture of Excellence and a veteran of both the cor...

The Crown is back at the Bank, and the stakes couldn't be higher. In this episode of First Sip , special guest Moisés Linares, MLS on Apple TV Spanish Language PxP Announcer! We break down the high-tension Queen City Derby as Charlotte FC looks to snap a spring slide against a surging FC Cincinnati. With both teams separated by just a single point in the Eastern Conference, Saturday’s clash at...

Welcome to First Sip from the Charlotte FC Podcast, our look at Charlotte FC visiting New York City FC this Saturday, April 18, at Citi Field in New York. Last weekend was a frustrating stumble. Charlotte FC didn't bring their best against the Eastern Conference leaders, Nashville SC, dropping points at home against a rotated squad. But soccer moves fast. Midweek, Dean Smith rotated his own sq...

How do you keep believing in yourself when your body keeps breaking down? Today, we sit down with Charlotte FC's Archie Goodwin. The young Australian phenom details his frustrating battle with growth injuries, his "dog eat dog" competitive childhood, and the exact nutritional and sleep habits (including his Oura ring stats!) that keep him game-ready. Whether you're a young player...

As we head into Matchday 7, this Saturday, Bank of America Stadium isn't just hosting a game—it's hosting a heavyweight collision between the Eastern Conference leaders, Nashville SC, and a Charlotte FC side currently sitting in 3rd and looking to defend their home fortress. But beyond the standings, there’s a massive psychological test waiting for The Crown. Charlotte is riding high after a clini...

The Collision of Two Realities: Match Week 6 We’re heading into MLS Match Week 6, and the honeymoon phase of the season is officially over. We've reached the point where the table stops lying and desperation starts to set in. On this 15-minute preview episode, we explore the collision of two completely fractured psychological realities. On one side, Charlotte FC is riding the euphoric, historic hi...

Matchday 4 is here, and the "honeymoon phase" of the season is officially over. This Saturday, Bank of America Stadium isn't just hosting a game—it's hosting the global spectacle of Inter Miami. But beyond the pink jerseys and the international headlines, there’s a massive statement game waiting for Charlotte FC. To help us cut through the noise, lead MLS on Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman joins...

When you step into a stadium of 40,000 people, the wall of sound feels like an act of nature—spontaneous, raw, and inevitable. But for Fernando Varela, that roar is a piece of high-stakes machinery. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the "invisible architecture" of fan engagement and grassroots marketing for Charlotte FC. We follow the journey of an anxious, introverted teenage...

MLS on Apple TV broadcaster Nate Bukaty joins First Sip for a deep dive into Charlotte FC’s highly anticipated home opener against Austin FC. We break down the early‑season storylines, including Charlotte’s defensive lapses on the road, Austin’s injury‑shaken lineup, and why the midfield duel could define everything on Saturday night. Nate also shares rare insight into his weekly prep as a broadca...

Opening weekend is about hope. Matchday Two is about reality. Ahead of Charlotte FC’s clash with the LA Galaxy, MLS on Apple TV broadcaster Keith Costigan joins The Charlotte FC Podcast: First Sip to break down the tension of Week 2. Both Charlotte FC and the LA Galaxy walked away from opening weekend with a 1-1 draw. Now, the honeymoon phase of the new season is over, and both squads are desperat...

Sports journalist Steve Goldberg joins the show to share his incredible stories covering the 1986 World Cup, witnessing Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God', sneaking into a Bayern Munich tryout, and the early days of Charlotte soccer history with the Carolina Lightnin'.

The first whistle of the 2026 MLS season is finally here. In this high-speed "espresso shot" episode, we’re joined by MLS on Apple TV broadcaster Jessica Charman to preview the league’s curtain-raiser: Charlotte FC at St. Louis CITY SC. Jessica has been a part of the Charlotte story since Day 1 and now brings her expert play-by-play lens to the national booth. We’re breaking down everyth...

The playoff run has continued for Charlotte FC with a penalty kick shootout win in Game 2! Now back to The Bank for Game 3 on Friday Night, Nov. 7. MLS Season Pass Play-by-Play Announcer Tony Husband joins the show to talk about the match he will be calling.

US Soccer Hall of Famer and MLS Season Pass Studio and Match Analyst Marcelo Balboa joins the show to share his insights on Charlotte FC after Game 1 and leading in to Game 2.

Welcome to this special episode of the Charlotte FC Podcast — Charlotte FC 2025: A Look Back at the Season and the Playoffs Ahead. As the regular season wraps up and the postseason comes into focus, I wanted to do something a little different. I reached out to some friends and familiar voices of the show to get their perspective on Charlotte FC’s journey this year. You’ll hear from Will Palaszczuk...

On this episode, we’re joined by one of the most recognizable and respected voices in American soccer broadcasting—Steve Cangialosi, play-by-play announcer for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. With years of experience calling some of the league’s biggest moments, Steve helps us break down everything at stake heading into MLS Decision Day 2025, as Charlotte FC hosts the Philadelphia Union. With a top-f...

On this episode we talk with Gary Dicker, Crown Legacy FC Head Coach. Gary was appointed as Crown Legacy FC’s second head coach in November 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a 15-year professional playing career and a recent stint coaching in the Premier League 2 with Brighton & Hove Albion’s U-21s. In this conversation, Gary reflects on his path from player to coach, the men...

Today’s episode is a special one, because we’re doing a crossover with our sister podcast, Side Story Sports , where we dive into the behind-the-scenes moments and people who make sports happen. We’re thrilled to welcome back Joe LaBue, who was with Charlotte FC as our President for the first three years and played a pivotal role in shaping the club from the ground up. Since then, Joe has transiti...

In this episode of the Charlotte FC Podcast, we sit down with Trent Slagle , Senior Communications Coordinator for Charlotte FC. From his roots in Sacramento and early work with Real Salt Lake to his role in Crown Legacy’s inaugural season, Trent has built a career centered on telling stories that matter. We dive into how he helps Charlotte FC stay visible in the community and in the media, the st...

Broadcaster Jessica Charman returns to the Charlotte FC Podcast with fresh insights and a new perspective from the MLS Season Pass booth. With Charlotte FC riding a historic win streak and NYCFC surging up the Eastern Conference table, Jess breaks down the tactics, key players, and storylines that make this matchup one of the most compelling of the season. From Wilfred Zaha’s impact in the attack...

Charlotte FC wants to be more than a soccer club. In its annual Community Impact Report, the team highlights programs that serve kids, families, and neighborhoods across the Carolinas. In this episode, we hear from Trent Slagle, who helps shape the report; CC Schott, who leads community engagement; and Sarah Garrison from Atrium Health, a key partner. Together, they share how camps, clinics, mini-...

Charlotte FC are chasing history with an eight-game unbeaten run and seven straight wins as they head to Gillette Stadium to face the New England Revolution. To help break it all down, we’re joined by former UNC Soccer NCAA Champion, U.S. Women’s National Team player, coach, and broadcaster Kacey White. With her unique blend of perspectives, Kacey dives into Charlotte’s consistency under Dean Smit...

On this episode of the Charlotte FC Podcast, we sit down with midfielder Eryk Williamson to talk through the chapters of his career and life so far—from growing up in Alexandria, VA, to his development at Maryland and DC United’s academy, to his time in Portugal and Portland, and now his move to Charlotte. Eryk opens up about his personal style and love for sneakers, the influence of mentors like...

On this episode, we welcome back Andrew Wiebe—who joined us last fall to share his career journey and is now a key part of the Sunday Night Soccer crew alongside Jake Zivin and Taylor Twellman. Andrew helps us preview Charlotte FC’s clash with the New York Red Bulls, a matchup loaded with history, streaks, and plenty of tactical intrigue. We’re also joined by Logan Meyer from the Crown Cast to add...