America the Beautiful Game
37 episodes - English - Latest episode: 3 months ago - ★★★★★ - 2 ratingsAmerica the Beautiful Game is a podcast about soccer in the US and its relationship with Europe. Each week Dan Rutstein, a former sports journalist and diplomat and now head of International at Orange County Soccer Club, sits down with a new guest to discuss the sport and its growth in this country. We have current and former players, coaches, administrators and those from industries linked to soccer - betting, data, marketing and more. America the Beautiful game is a chance to see soccer in the US from a new angle. Please join us.
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Episodes
Matchday 31 - Gareth Ainsworth, Wimbledon legend and manager
February 05, 2024 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBWe talk to former flying winger Gareth Ainsworth about his playing and managerial career. He tells us about his literal baptism of fire at Wimbledon, what he learned there about culture and how he models himself on Diego Simeone. Gareth talks about his desire to manage in the US, the away dressing room at Accrington Stanley and why Ryan Reynolds made such a brave choice at Wrexham. We cover promotion and relegation, causing havoc against Newcastle and his love of music - and performances wit...
Matchday 30 - Simon Leslie, owner of Eastbourne Borough FC
November 28, 2023 12:00 - 31 minutes - 21.5 MBWe talk to entrepreneur Simon Leslie who took the plunge and bought himself a non-league team. He talks about transforming the business into a media company, bringing in celebrities and overcoming fan resistance. Simon explains why he’s in it for the long haul, changing the badge and firing the manager and trying to bring some aspects of American sport to the National League South. He tells us about his long term ambitions, how everyone told him not to buy the club and beating Manchester Uni...
Matchday 29 - Ashley Horsley, Sacramento Republic
May 15, 2023 04:00 - 44 minutes - 30.9 MBI talk to Sacramento Republic boss Ashley Horsley. We talk about the excitement of running a soccer team, what a non-sports job can teach you about sports and what an Open Cup run do for a team. We talk about women in sport, the public nature of the job and trying to conduct a business conversation during a match. Data in sport, cheering the front office team up after a loss and growing the team in a tough business environment are all covered in our wide-ranging conversation.
Matchday 28 - Cody Cropper, goalkeeper Orange County SC
April 26, 2023 06:00 - 46 minutes - 32.2 MBToday is Open Cup day and we speak to Cody Copper, former US Youth and MLS keeper now plying his trade for Orange County Soccer Club. He talks about the magic of the cup, returning to an MLS stadium and why the USL is such a growing league. He tells us about his time in England with Ipswich and Southampton, having bags of urine thrown at him in Guatemala and why America crowds are meaner to goalkeepers. We talk about MK Dons and how much he knew about their franchise story, conceding 13 goal...
Matchday 27 - Devon Kerr, Broadcaster/Analyst
March 06, 2023 07:00 - 1 hour - 42 MBWe talk to ex-player and now leading commentator and analyst Devon Kerr. Together we reminisce about Orange County's 2021 USL Championship victory, the growth of the US game and how much the young American player's experience abroad has changed. We talk about cherishing victories, emotionless commentary and deep research. Devon tells us about his time playing in Germany, training with great players and his move to the commentary box. We talk passion for the game, the growth of the USL and a ...
Matchday 26 - Mark Donaldson, ESPN commentator and Hearts fan
January 18, 2023 03:00 - 57 minutes - 39.8 MBWe talk to the hilarious and fascinating Mark Donaldson, long-time ESPN commentator. We talk to editing radio with a knife, the first team ever to beat the New York Cosmos and writing four sports books. He tells us about his love for Hearts, the importance of Succession to the club’s growth, covering American sports as a Scotsman and who will be the next USMNT coach. Fun, fascinating and nostalgic in equal measure.
Matchday 25 - Kevin Baxter, LA Times soccer reporter
September 21, 2022 06:00 - 43 minutes - 29.6 MBWe talk to LA Times soccer writer Kevin Baxter. We talk the battle for LA supremacy, the rise and fall of LA Galaxy and his love of Manchester City - and his car. He tells us about his reluctant move away from baseball reporting, how his wife shamed into improving his soccer coverage and the use of statistics in covering sports. We talk World Cups, women’s football and America’s chances in 2026. A romp through the world of soccer and sports journalism with one of the best in the business.
Matchday 24 - Adam Richman, Spurs superfan, Grimsby shareholder and former Man vs Food host
August 21, 2022 16:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBWe talk to the effervescent Adam Richman, former host of Man vs Food and a true football lover. He tells us why he chose Spurs, why he bought shares in Grimsby and why he is the shirt sponsor of charity football side Broadley FC. We go deep into fandom, growth of the game in America and why he gets trolled for ten year old tweets about West Ham. Adam assesses America’s World Cup chances, talks about football stars in commercials and we have a brief discussion about food at football stadia. A...
Matchday 23 - Ivor Heller, Commercial Director AFC Wimbledon
August 15, 2022 06:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBWe talk to legendary AFC Wimbledon Commercial Director Ivor Heller. He talks about the franchising of the club, his involvement from day one and why he fell in love with Wimbledon. He describes the chance sponsorship deal with Football Manager, the extraordinary relationship with American influencer John Green and the broad appeal of the club well beyond the usual League 1/2 reach. Ivor tells us about Wimbledon's plans for the future, the mascot on a stag do/bachelor party and the old legend...
Matchday 23 - Ivor Heller, Commercial Director AFC Wimbledon
August 15, 2022 06:00 - 33 minutes - 22.8 MBWe talk to legendary AFC Wimbledon Commercial Director Ivor Heller. He talks about the franchising of the club, his involvement from day one and why he fell in love with Wimbledon. He describes the chance sponsorship deal with Football Manager, the extraordinary relationship with American influencer John Green and the broad appeal of the club well beyond the usual League 1/2 reach. Ivor tells us about Wimbledon's plans for the future, the mascot on a stag do/bachelor party and the old legend...
Matchday 22 - Ajay Nwosu, CEO Teqball USA
July 28, 2022 05:00 - 31 minutes - 21.4 MBWe talk to ex-player, entrepreneur and now Teqball CEO Ajay Nwosu. He explains what Teqball is, why David Beckham loves it and how the best women can beat international male players. He tells us how many MLS, Premier League and even NHL clubs use it and the work he is doing to get the sport into the 2028 Olympics. Ajay tells us about his short playing career, his move to the US and rates his own Teqball ability. A fascinating insight into a global phenomenon.
Matchday 21 - Adrian Healey, veteran broadcaster and Austin FC’s lead commentator
July 05, 2022 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBWe talk to British veteran broadcaster Adrian Healey. He talks about his time calling games for the New England Revolution, ESPN and now Austin FC. We talk about the birth of MLS, PKs vs penalties and the importance and joy of supporting League 2 clubs. We also cover home vs neutral commentary, monitors vs live games and celebrity ownership. Adrian talks about the US’ World Cup chances, the growth of the game and working with a newly-formed club.
Matchday 21 - Adrian Healey, veteran broadcaster and Austin FC’s lead commentator
July 05, 2022 15:00 - 51 minutes - 35.5 MBWe talk to British veteran broadcaster Adrian Healey. He talks about his time calling games for the New England Revolution, ESPN and now Austin FC. We talk about the birth of MLS, PKs vs penalties and the importance and joy of supporting League 2 clubs. We also cover home vs neutral commentary, monitors vs live games and celebrity ownership. Adrian talks about the US’ World Cup chances, the growth of the game and working with a newly-formed club.
Matchday 20 - Mark Cartwright, USL Sporting Director
June 20, 2022 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBWe talk to former pro footballer, technical director at Stoke City and now the USL’s Sporting Director. We talk about the potential of the league’s young players, the record breaking transfer of teenage sensation Kobi Henry to France and a possible move of the USL to the European calendar. Mark talks about winning a college national championship, the potential of the US winning the next World Cup and what Ted Lasso and the Wrexham takeover have done for football here. We talk promotion and r...
Matchday 19 - Jim Piddock, actor, writer, Crystal Palace fan
November 03, 2021 04:00 - 40 minutes - 28.2 MBI talk to actor, writer, producer and transatlantic football fan Jim Piddock. Jim tells us about attending the first ever Galaxy game (with an actor on the bench), the first LAFC game and how much American soccer has moved on since those early days. He talks about the impact of the Premier League, how clubs like Palace are now universally recognized and how Ted Lasso is strengthening the brand of football in this country. He even tells the story of his time performing a one-man show about a ...
Matchday 18 - Sanjit Atwal, data-led sports marketing expert and co-founder of Halfspace
September 15, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 23.5 MBStatistics, data and innovation in sport. We talk to Sanjit Atwal, the co-founder of award-winning agency Halfspace. We discuss data-led marketing in sport, how far behind the industry is compared to e-commerce and how he is trying to change that. Sanjit defines a 'sports fan', the importance of authentic sponsorships and the growth opportunities for both brands and rights holders. We discuss the future of partnerships, the importance of data and building a sports business. An insightful dis...
Matchday 17 - Rob Kiernan, Orange County, Rangers, Watford
September 08, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 24 MBWe talk to Orange County Soccer Club defender Rob Kiernan. The former Rangers, Watford and Wigan player talks about making the transition to the US, his memories of playing at Ibrox and helping the next generation of young US players. Rob talks about the quality of the youth system in the UK, what he learned as a youth at Watford and doing the extra "1%s" that make a difference. He remembers his time in Scotland, the enormity of Old Firm games and his career highlights over there. And he tal...
Matchday 16 - Richard Chaplow, Orange County SC interim head coach
August 25, 2021 04:00 - 48 minutes - 33.3 MBWe talk to former Burnley, West Brom, Ipswich and Southampton midfielder Richard Chaplow. Now interim head coach at Orange County SC of the USL, the former England U-21 international talks about taking the reins in California, transitioning from team captain to coaching and why he moved to the US. He talks about the fine system in British dressing rooms, Gazza playing tricks on the manager at Burnley and playing against Christiano Ronaldo. Richard talks about the USL rivalry with San Diego, ...
Matchday 15 - Paul Hardyman, coach, FA Cup finalist
July 21, 2021 06:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBWe talk to Paul Hardyman, on secondment with Orange County SC from Rangers. He compares youth development in the US and in the UK, talks about the key lessons for young players and why he's taken on the challenge of working in the USL. Paul's talks about being told he wouldn't make it by his career advisor at school and then going on and playing for England U-23s and even appearing in the FA Cup Final - and being mistakenly given a winners' medal. The former Portsmouth and Sunderland player...
Matchday 14 - Richard Hyde, British diplomat
July 16, 2021 06:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBWe talk to Richard Hyde, the British Consul General based in Texas. A keen Liverpool fan, he talks about England's defeat to Italy, the racism that followed the game but then the outpouring of support that followed. We talk about poorly-behaved England fans, how much better things are nowadays and the risks of social media giving a voice to those who don't deserve it. He talks about his experiences watching John Barnes as a young Liverpool fan, the racism he saw then and being on the beach i...
Matchday 13 - Thomas Enevoldsen, Danish international
June 18, 2021 06:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBWe talk to former Danish World Cup player Thomas Enevoldsen about his team-mate Christian Eriksen, what it was like to watch him collapse and see his countrymen play so soon afterwards. He tells about Champions League football, playing in a World Cup and playing without fans. Thomas talks about US football, why he loves Orange County and his regrets at not coming to America earlier in his career.
Matchday 13 - Thomas Enevoldsen, Danish international
June 18, 2021 06:00 - 34 minutes - 23.7 MBWe talk to former Danish World Cup player Thomas Enevoldsen about his team-mate Christian Eriksen, what it was like to watch him collapse and see his countrymen play so soon afterwards. He tells about Champions League football, playing in a World Cup and playing without fans. Thomas talks about US football, why he loves Orange County and his regrets at not coming to America earlier in his career.
Matchday 12 - John Green, author, Liverpool fan, AFC Wimbledon owner
June 09, 2021 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBWe talk to author and passionate football fan John Green. He explains why he detests greed in football, why MLS needs relegation and his disappointment in Liverpool’s participation in the European Super League. John describes the sense of community at AFC Wimbledon, how it’s the only crowd he feels comfortable in and how he tells the story (regularly) at dinner party’s. We discuss his perennial disappointment with the US men’s national team, the success of the women’s team and his interest ...
Matchday 12 - John Green, author, Liverpool fan, AFC Wimbledon owner
June 09, 2021 05:00 - 50 minutes - 34.4 MBWe talk to author and passionate football fan John Green. He explains why he detests greed in football, why MLS needs relegation and his disappointment in Liverpool’s participation in the European Super League. John describes the sense of community at AFC Wimbledon, how it’s the only crowd he feels comfortable in and how he tells the story (regularly) at dinner party’s. We discuss his perennial disappointment with the US men’s national team, the success of the women’s team and his interest ...
Matchday 11- David Mayer, author, podcaster, coach
June 02, 2021 13:00 - 54 minutes - 37.1 MBWe talk to David Mayer, author and podcaster, about his playing career with Blackburn and Wigan and then two different Division One colleges, the injuries that ended his career and why he become inspired to give back to the game. We examine the difference between coaching systems in the UK and the US, the extraordinary facilities at colleges in the US and the different routes American players have taken to reach the top of the game in Europe. David talks about the advantages and disadvantage...
Matchday 10 - Jacqui Oatley MBE, groundbreaking broadcaster
May 19, 2021 06:00 - 43 minutes - 29.8 MBWe speak to Jacqui Oatley, the first female Match of the Day commentator and a leading advocate for women's football and women in broadcasting. We reminisce about sharing a press box at Bradford Park Avenue in 2003, discuss her journey from non-league to World Cups and Champions League and why it's so important to be authentic - even if that means interviewing Sam Allardyce with Peppa Pig stickers in her hair. She explains how she would have prepared for that first Match of the Day commentar...
Matchday 9 - Neil Smythe, Hashtag United
May 12, 2021 06:00 - 41 minutes - 28.8 MBWe talk to Neil Smythe, Media/Operations Director at the football disruptors Hashtag United. He gives remarkable insight of how Hashtag United came about and then rose to having one of the largest social media followings in European football. We talk why the club has appeal in America, the stardom of their players, both the benefits and the scrutiny that brings. We talk sharing a kit manufacturer with Southampton and Everton, taking non-league football seriously and how their less famous opp...
Matchday 8 - Julian Stone, writer, producer and soccer tech
May 07, 2021 05:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBWe talk to writer, producer and soccer tech Julian Stone. We talk about soccer in television and film, why Ted Lasso is so good and why overhead kicks aren't always the best things to film. Julian talks about working with some of the game's biggest stars in commercials, the importance of narrative and story to a soccer team and the wide variety of shirts you see at American soccer games. We talk to the greed of European Soccer League, and why its creation was inevitable given the money in th...
Matchday 8 - Julian Stone, writer, producer and soccer tech
May 07, 2021 05:00 - 52 minutes - 36.1 MBWe talk to writer, producer and soccer tech Julian Stone. We talk about soccer in television and film, why Ted Lasso is so good and why overhead kicks aren't always the best things to film. Julian talks about working with some of the game's biggest stars in commercials, the importance of narrative and story to a soccer team and the wide variety of shirts you see at American soccer games. We talk to the greed of European Soccer League, and why its creation was inevitable given the money in th...
Matchday 7 - Sophie Nicolaou, broadcaster, podcaster and Arsenal fan
April 28, 2021 06:00 - 46 minutes - 32.1 MBWe talk to fellow Brit and long-term broadcaster Sophie Nicolaou. The Beckham effect, the change in profile of women's football and watching soccer the American way, are all covered in this lively discussion by two soccer-loving ex-pats. Sophie talks about her love of Arsenal, how MLS has grown and we discuss whether the women's club game would grow more quickly if the team's were affiliated to existing men's clubs. We also talk about MLS rivalries, Zlatan and the rise of the USL.
Matchday 6 - Oliver Wyss, President of Soccer at Orange County Soccer Club
April 22, 2021 19:00 - 50 minutes - 34.7 MBIn a special crossover episode we combine United States of Dramerica and America the Beautiful Game. We talk to whisky lover and soccer expert Oliver Wyss. The former Swiss international youth player, coach, agent and soccer tech is now the President of Soccer at Orange County Soccer Club in the United Soccer League. We talk about the controversial new European Super League, his love of wine and then whisky and the state of soccer in the United States. Oliver tells us about working on Playi...
Matchday 5 - Warren Barton, Fox Sports and former Wimbledon and Newcastle player
April 07, 2021 05:00 - 37 minutes - 25.8 MBWe talk to ex-player and broadcaster Warren Barton. He talks about the importance of sport during the pandemic, how much the US game has improved in recent years on and off the field but how the college system needs to improve to better prepare young players. We talk about how playing for Wimbledon would have been good preparation for stadiums without crowds, why a coaching weakness cost the US a place at the Olympics and how far ahead the women’s game is in America, although Europe is start...
Matchday 4 - Jason Trost, founder of Smarkets
March 31, 2021 05:00 - 32 minutes - 22.6 MBWe talk to founder and CEO of sports betting company Smarkets Jason Trost. He talks about the betting landscape in the UK, why companies are being put under pressure by regulators, and the failure of the industry to offer fair prices. And he gives his views on the US betting scene, what's legal, what's coming and where soccer sits in all of that. Jason talks about the link between participation and betting volumes, how soccer has some natural benefits that will help it grow in the US and we ...
Matchday 3 - Ryan Bailey, digital content creator (and AFC Wimbledon fan)
March 24, 2021 04:00 - 56 minutes - 38.6 MBWe talk to Ryan Bailey, digital content creator and AFC Wimbledon fan. In a podcast of comparisons, we talk about the evolution of the fan experience in the US, how much American fans love FIFA and the authenticity of fans of new clubs. We explore the strength of the US national sides, when the men's team will challenge for the World Cup and whether they will ever match the women's team's success. We also cover family friendly experiences, the need to build events around games and how soccer...
Matchday 2 - Thomas Gronnemark, Throw-In coach
March 14, 2021 00:00 - 37 minutes - 25.7 MBWe talk to the extraordinary Thomas Gronnemark. He's coached throw-ins for Ajax, FC Midtjylland, RB Leipzig, Atlanta United and, perhaps most famously, Liverpool. The former track and field and bobsled athlete talks about his obsession with throw-ins, 'trying to change the world of soccer' with better technique and what it was like working with Jurgen Klopp's team. He describes how he uses the NBA, art work and even flocks of birds to find inspiration for space creation techniques and why Am...
Matchday 1 - Gary Gibson, Head of Soccer Academies and International Relations Rangers FC
March 10, 2021 05:00 - 34 minutes - 23.6 MBIn our first episode we talk to Gary Gibson of Rangers FC. He explains why the Scottish champions have invested so heavily in their international programs, the importance of outreach and what can be learned from working with clubs abroad. He talks about the US, how it is the next great frontier for a new generation of players and explains his club's partnership with Orange County Soccer Club. Gary also tells his own story of playing with a variety of different Scottish clubs and then coachi...
The Kick Off
March 05, 2021 06:00 - 4 minutes - 2.94 MBDan Rutstein explains what the new podcast is all about.