The Midfield Battle presented by awaydayz

Today we welcome Max Hogan, a University of Cincinnati senior who had the unique opportunity to study abroad in Zurich, Switzerland, and intern in Singapore in 2023. During his travel adventures, Max found himself connecting with people from many different countries and backgrounds through a common love- football.  We recount Max's unique experiences in London, Rome, and Singapore in which he...

In this episode Rob welcomes back Ebuka keen to share his Man City allegiance from the lows in '05 to the build-up and current highs, as well as his open-mindedness and passion for travel, through football and beyond.  Huge thanks to Ebuka for coming on. As always, if you’re down to talk football, reach out, and let’s talk football! awaydayz.com Instagram: awaydayz_

In this episode Rob and Nick hop back on as we celebrate 1 year of The Midfield Battle with our guests through Intramural stories, close connection to FC Cincinnati and respective personal experiences in Qatar, Pakistan and Bhutan. Huge thanks to Jack and Taha for coming on. As always, if you’re down to talk football, reach out, and let’s talk football! awaydayz.com Instagram: awaydayz_

Think about your favorite club. Now imagine the only players allowed to play for it had to be from the state, city, or region that it’s in. This is the case with Athletic Club de Bilbao, a club teeming with history, culture, and pride. My conversation with John, a Cincinnati native and avid Athletic Club supporter, takes us over to the Basque region- an autonomous area in the north of Spain. John...

HOUR LONG SPECIAL! Today, we welcome the "dirty double" of Henry Schwartz and Ethan Miracle. These two share an extraordinary bond forged through the trials and triumphs of playing side by side on the Denison University Men's soccer team, coupled with a lifelong devotion to Manchester United. For Hank and Ethan, supporting United was never a matter of choice; it runs in their veins....

Today, we are pleased to welcome Evan Brown, a current student at Denison University and a resident of Chicago. Football isn't just a hobby for Evan; it runs in his blood. His heritage hails from England and Germany, where family members passionately supported Liverpool FC and Bayern Munich, respectively. Evan shares his exciting experiences from his study abroad in France last year, highligh...

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Warman, a current architecture master's student, and Chelsea, Columbus Crew, and Wrexham supporter. Andrew's passion for the game has taken him to some amazing places and fixtures.  We talk all about his Champions League experiences in Madrid and Barcelona, his first experiences watching the crew, and his most recent trip with his dad to see Wrexham...

In this episode, we talk with Henry Burnett, a current resident of Sao Paolo, Brazil, and a supporter of Liverpool FC and Santos FC. Henry has had some incredible experiences seeing football matches- from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, to seeing Messi vs Neymar in New York City in 2012, and most recently watching Santos vs Sao Paulo FC.  We talk all about these experiences and so much more! I had t...

In this episode, we talk with Tristan Kovach, a current Cincinnati resident and lifelong Arsenal fan. We cover everything from his humble soccer beginnings to his most recent trip to watch Arsenal beat Manchester City at the Emirates in early October.  Tristan has some great takes on the best ways to get tickets, travel advice, and ways for new fans to stay connected to the game. Follow us on Inst...

In this episode, we introduce Alejandro Diaz Peralta, a native Honduran and current resident of Cincinnati, Ohio.  We talk all about his life growing up in Honduras, his love for his local club, Club Deportivo Olimpia, his travels to Madrid to see Real Madrid in action (and his run-in with Zidane!), and much more! Follow us on Instagram @awaydayz_ and as always- if we've ever talked football,...

In this episode, we welcome Nick's good friend Justin, as he shares his love for Chelsea, how he got into football growing up and his first time in the UK to see his favorite club.

In this episode, we welcome Nick and awaydayz, the new football platform we are working on to connect our community, travel and the game, coming soon.

In this episode we welcome back Ebuka, Ibo and Varun to talk about the upcoming Premier League season through our new Fantasy Draft league, their favorite team's moves and their expectations for 23/24.

In this summer episode, we welcome back Brett, Essam and Issa to chat about the European transfer market, for our clubs and beyond, while impatiently waiting for August.

In this episode, we welcome back Treble winner Ebuka greeted by Brett and Ibo as we wrap up the Champions League season, give Man City their flowers but also spark a debate: is it just the money or good strategy? Will other clubs follow? 

In this episode we welcome back Essam, Issa and Marc and we introduce Newcastle local Varun as we wrap up the Premier League season with our collective TOTS and individual awards.

In this episode, we welcome back Brett, Ebuka and Ibo as we go from last Champions League final's memories, to Liverpool's current needs and onto this year's final: is it time for Man City? On a more important note, the Europa League owners vs the man who made a legendary career from European finals.

In this episode, we welcome back Taha and introduce new guests Ebuka and Ibo, as we uncover Man City allegiances, try to figure out their tie against Real Madrid and the Milan derby for the Champions League semifinals.

In this episode we introduce Jack and explore three levels of football through his experiences as a promising youth talent in the US, coaching in Bhutan and part of the FC Cincinnati group: the player, the coach, the insights from staff and team ownership.

In this episode Issa and Essam go head-to-head like Real Madrid and Chelsea in the Quarterfinals, while we welcome Marc, discuss the other close matchups and share our thoughts on the final stages of this European football season.

In episode 4, we welcome back Issa and introduce his friend Essam, learn about his program in Barcelona, discuss Man City's investigation and cover the upcoming return of the Champions League, through closest matchups and our picks to go all the way.

In this episode 2, we welcome back Brett, introduce our new guests Noah and Tav, discuss Premier League allegiances and wrap up 2022 with our player of the year candidates.

In this episode 3, along with Brett, Noah and Tav, we conclude our 2022 wrap up with our young breakout player of the year candidates, share what we're looking forward to in 2023 and look at youth football in the US compared to the rest of the world, while trying to understand Noah's (Villain) Arc.

In this first episode, we introduce our first guests Brett, Driss, Issa and Taha, discuss the 2022 World Cup Final, Taha's experience in Qatar, surprising teams and players, while already looking forward to 2026.