Charlotte FC Podcast

On this episode, we’re joined by one of the most insightful voices in American soccer broadcasting—Ross Smith, MLS Season Pass Match Analyst. Known for his sharp tactical breakdowns, storytelling from his playing days, and years covering the league, Ross helps us preview a big Western Conference test: Charlotte FC hosting Real Salt Lake. With both sides pushing for playoff position and fresh off r...

On this episode we sit down with legendary North Carolina Hall of Fame Soccer Coach, Bill Finneyfrock! "Frock" was part of the Carolina Lightnin', the first professional soccer team in Charlotte (1981) that happened to also win the ASL in their first year of existance. After his playing days Bill devoted himself to coaching, spending decades building powerhouse high school programs a...

On this episode we’re joined by one of the sharpest voices in American soccer broadcasting—Kyndra de St. Aubin. Known for her tactical eye, on-field experience, and years behind the mic, Kyndra helps us preview a crucial Eastern Conference matchup: Charlotte FC visiting Chicago Fire at Soldier Field. With both teams desperate for points and coming off frustrating midweek results, we dig into the t...

In this episode of the Charlotte FC Podcast, host Nic Finelli sits down with Patrick Daka , Charlotte FC's Head of Pre-Formation, U-14 Academy Coach, and Talent Discovery lead. Patrick shares his incredible journey through the world of soccer, from his upbringing in Zimbabwe and playing professionally in Germany, to his impact on youth development in the United States. Discover the core princi...

On this episode we have award winning sports commentator Christian Miles, Apple TV MLS Season Pass Match Commentator on the show, to talk about Charlotte FC and their match again the Columbus Crew on May 24, 2025. "He is a familiar personality to MLS fans having served as the radio voice for the LA Galaxy from 2016-22 and from his long-time presence at FOX Sports. During a 15-year run with FO...

On this episode we chat with Hector Samani, President of the Charlotte FC Black Supporters Union. As we know the supporters lead the atmosphere that makes Charlotte FCs home such a Fortress. The other special thing about Hector and those who lead these groups is they are contributing to bringing people together to enjoy and share experiences together beyond just football. Follow the Charlotte FC B...

On this episode we have award winning sports commentator Tony Husband, Apple TV MLS Season Pass Match Play-by-Play Announcer back on the show, but this time we talk about the match this week against San Diego FC. IG: ⁠ @tony_husband X: ⁠ @TonyHusband

Today on the show my guest is someone who’s been quietly shaping the future of American soccer for decades. From Ivy League sidelines to MLS academies, Bryan Scales has poured his life into developing young talent—not just as athletes, but as people. Now, as the Executive Director of the Academy at Charlotte FC, he’s building something from the ground up, and bringing all those years of wisdom wit...

We shake it up a bit this week talking about the upcoming Colorado Rapids away match with MLS Season Pass Match Analyst, Devon Kerr. I think you will like his take on a lot of what Charlotte FC is able to do thus far this year and his bonus shout out at the end. IG: @dvnkrr X: @DevonKerr9

Welcome, Bienvineidos to the Charlotte FC Podcast. Today, we delve into the personal side of Charlotte FC Center Back Andrew Privett. We'll discover his passions outside of soccer, the values that drive him, and the experiences that have shaped him as a person and an athlete. Get ready for an insightful conversation that goes beyond the game. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Andrew Privet...

In this episode, I sit down with Charlotte FC Assistant General Manager Bobby Belair , who works closely with GM Zoran Krneta on player personnel decisions and the construction of Crown Legacy , shaping the talent and depth of the club. A Carolina native, Bobby played college soccer at Brown and Clemson before transitioning to coaching and administration due to injuries. He gained early experience...

Anna Witte is the Charlotte FC Match Analyst for the English Radio broadcast. She joins Will Palaszczuk in the booth to begin the 2025 season. The Cary, NC native is also host of the SiriusXM show, USL Super League Game week where she hosts along side Marion Crowder and is a sideline reporter for Carolina Ascent FC. Anna brings almost 10 years of broadcasting history in soccer, working as a play-b...

On this episode I talk with Alex Burakoff, Director of Partnership Marketing for Major League Soccer. Alex was an attorney before his current role. We talk about how that has helped him in his role at MLS as well as his management of the relationships with partners such as RBC Wealth Management for example, and overseeing and executing hundreds of initiatives. Alex and I discuss contract managemen...

On this episode I have a conversation with Chris Rivett, Director of Communications for PRO Referees, the organization that provides referees for a number of professional soccer leagues in North America. I was interested in hearing from Chris his job and role around the structure of PRO Referees, referee training and development, communicating with the public and the media with the challenges of a...

A look back at 2024 while also looking ahead at 25 categories that interest us about Charlotte FC, MLS, and soccer in the US. I am joined by two friends of the podcast, Logan Meyer from the Crowncast and Eli Finelli from Side Story Sports. We give our assessments of 2024 and predictions for 2025 from coaching to players to playing style to MLS All Star Game to Apple TV coverage. Enjoy! Category Ma...

On this episode Nic talks with Andrew Wiebe, a journalist with Major League Soccer working on MLS Season Pass as an analyst, a columnist at MLS Soccer, and Extratime Podcast Host. Andrew has been a part of Major League Soccer since 2010 working as an editor, writer, columnist, podcaster, host, and MLS Season Pass TV analyst on Countdown, 360 and Wrap-up. He is intensely passionate about soccer and...

Today on the show, we have a conversation with Kristijan Kahlina, Goalkeeper for Charlotte FC. Kristijan has been one of the few faces of Charlotte FC that have been with the club since match one back in 2022. He is a fan favorite and having the best season of his career. I was fortunate enough to spend some time with him this week to learn more about him, what it was like for him growing up, how...

On this episode I talk with Gabriel Gabor, Major League Soccer's Senior International Communications Consultant about his job, how he got there, what makes MLS special and the adventures he has had along the way. IG: thegabegabor X: @MLSGabor Black and White Cookie Song YT @OutMyWindowLive

On today's episode we talk with Charlotte FC Match Entertainment Manager, Courtney Wright. Courtney has such a positive energy about her that it is not hard to see why she thrives in leading what fans see before a match, halftime, and after that have made some of the club's traditions and entertainment special. We talk with Courtney about her work, how she got here, the risks and challenge...

I want to welcome you into my conversation with Natalee Jarrett, the Vice President of Business Operations for Charlotte FC. As you may know, we created this podcast because there are so many fascinating people behind the scenes that drive what fans and the community see. We want to share their stories. Natalee was one of the first employees for the club working in partnerships during the beginnin...

On today's episode I was lucky enough, no Irish pun intended there, to sit down with Kevin Egan the host of MLS 360 and MLS Wrap-Up, part of MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. We talk about what it is like working for MLS, these shows, how he approaches his career, and a little about his journey and things learned along the way. #MLS360 @kev_egan

On this episode I talk with Steven Marques, the cog in the relationship between Ally and Charlotte FC. Steven has been a part of the Ally team working with Charlotte FC since they first were secured the kit rights with the club. Learn more about what Steven does day to day and about his journey to get to be a part of this relationship and his role with Ally. Steven's family immigrated from Por...

Today we have an amazing English commentator, born and raised in Birmingham, England and works for Apple TV MLS Season Pass as a play by play commentator as well as studio host at CBS Golazo. We talk about his journey in football, his connections to Charlotte FC, and more....Let's meet Callum Williams. Cal has become a staple in world football commentating from MLS to Conmebol to EPL to LaLiga...

On this episode Nic talks with Will Martin, the Communications Coordinator for Charlotte FCs day-to-day media for 1st Team schedules and media operations as well as the primary contact for media assets and player requests. In just a short time, Will has managed to use his writing skills, maturity and understanding of big moments, and a little bit of luck to craft his soccer journey at Charlotte FC...

On this episode Nic has a conversation with Omar Jorge Peña, the CEO of Compare Foods Supermarkets. They discuss what is like to run a family business, football in Charlotte, connecting customers and the community to their sponsorships along with their relationship with Charlotte FC.