Charlotte FC Podcast
106 episodes - English - Latest episode: 10 days ago - ★★★★ - 12 ratingsThe podcast that follows Charlotte FC on and off the pitch with interviews of the fascinating people who work for and around the Charlotte Football Club, MLS, and US Soccer! Hosted by Nic Finelli
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Episodes
Will Martin, Charlotte FC Communications Coordinator
June 29, 2024 20:35 - 1 hour - 61 MBOn 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. We talk about his journey and what he does with the team, along with other areas of interest ...
Omar Jorge Peña, CEO Compare Foods Supermarkets
June 22, 2024 15:23 - 43 minutes - 35.6 MBOn 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.
Matt Freeman, Charlotte FC Manager Premium Sales
June 15, 2024 20:05 - 46 minutes - 44 MBOn this episode Nic talks with Matt Freeman, the Manager of Charlotte FC Premium Sales (or should I say Experiences?). A former Irmo High School (Columbia, SC metro) soccer star under legend Phil Savitz and Marshall University defender, Matt worked his way from Cybersecurity sales before heading to Charlotte to be around a game he loves and helping others meet their needs for a premium and entertaining time. Matt has been named as part of Charlotte's Top 30 under 30 Future Business Leaders. ...
Jaylin Lindsey, Charlotte FC Defender
June 02, 2024 13:06 - 28 minutes - 23.2 MBToday on the show we are lucky to have one of Charlotte's own, Charlotte FC Defender Jaylin Lindsey. We talk about his journey starting in Charlotte, then Kansas City, and back to Charlotte. Jaylin also shares more about his fellow players and personal support team, cooking, living in Charlotte as an adult, and what he does for fun outside of football. IG: @JaylinLindsey
Tommy Wilson, Charlotte FC Technical Director
May 25, 2024 18:04 - 1 hour - 69.7 MBOn this episode we have Tommy Wilson, Technical Director for Charlotte FC. We talk about his journey from Scotland to Philadelphia to Charlotte. Tommy has forged a fantastic career developing club's players, coaches, and culture through his engineering mindset, observation, and communication skills that makes him one of the best!
Ryland Tunney, Graphic Designer & Content Creator (San Diego Wave FC)
May 18, 2024 20:44 - 1 hour - 55.5 MBNic talks with former Charlotte FC Graphic Designer and Content Creator, Ryland Tunney. Ryland worked for Charlotte FC for two years before moving across the country to take on a new challenge with the NWSL's San Diego Wave FC. We talk design, his journey, and a little walk down memory lane with some of his favorite Charlotte FC creations. IG: @rylandonline X: @rylandonline https://rylandtunney.wixsite.com/rylandtunney
Queens' Pitch Podcast (Kara Hunter and Bridget McCall)
May 18, 2024 13:06 - 1 hour - 42.2 MBWe have the queens of Charlotte FC Fan Podcast, The Queens' Pitch on the show today. I hope you enjoy listening to the story of how Bridget McCall and Kara Hunter started their podcast and what they do to bring a female voice to CharlotteFC-verse. We talk about favors and rats, Queens Tea, and just get to know them beyond their podcast.
Ross Smith, MLS Season Pass Match Analyst
May 04, 2024 20:36 - 59 minutes - 55.4 MBWe are fortunate to have Ross Smith, a current Apple TV MLS Season Pass Match Analyst, who you hear along with Tony Husband each week during the MLS Season. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Ross, as we talk about his football playing days, being an announcer for the Portland Timbers, and a little thing called No Tippy Tappy. @RossSmith_20 nttsoccer.com
Kyle Sheldon, CEO/Founder Name and Number
April 28, 2024 03:12 - 52 minutes - 48.4 MBThis episode's conversation is with Kyle Sheldon, CEO/Founder of Name and Number. He has built quite a career in sports marketing, having stints at DC United, NASCAR here in Charlotte, the Seattle Sounders, and the Chicago Fire. Kyle has stepped onto the pitch with his own soccer-specific marketing and creative agency called Name and Number is enjoying success early on with a client list that includes MLS and Leagues Cup, Dortmunt, San Diego Wave FC, USL, Kwik Goal, Seattle Sounders, and mor...
Karely Avila, Charlotte FC Sr. Communications Coordinator
April 21, 2024 13:11 - 42 minutes - 39.5 MBOn this episode, I have a conversation with Karely Avila, Sr Communications Coordinator for Charlotte FC. We talk about the many hats she wears for the club’s communications team as well as her journey: from her parent's move from Mexico to how she ended up in Charlotte and lessons she learned along the way. Enjoy getting to know Karely Avila. X: @karelyeavila IG: @karelyavila_
Nathan Byrne, Charlotte FC Defender
April 06, 2024 13:26 - 25 minutes - 23.7 MBToday on the show I talk with Charlotte FC Defender Nathan Bryne beyond what we see on the pitch. While Nate is a private person, we learn more about him and how he approaches his life as a footballer and more. Nate's effort and intensity on the pitch are two characteristics I have admired since he joined the Crown. I think you will enjoy learning more about Nathan Byrne as much as I did.
Aaron Osborne, Coke Consolidate Director of Consumer Connections
March 30, 2024 20:13 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBToday on the show we talk with Aaron Osborne from Coke Consolidated about their work with Charlotte FC to fit and match two brand objectives to help the overall community and their respective companies. Aaron's work started out on the sporting side working in Minor League Baseball in Asheville and with the Charlotte Checkers Hockey team. He now is the cog that connects Coke to so many things happening in sports beyond just pouring rights at a stadium or venue. Website CokeConsolidated.com ...
Aaron Osborne, Coke Consolidated Director of Consumer Connections
March 30, 2024 20:13 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBToday on the show we talk with Aaron Osborne from Coke Consolidated about their work with Charlotte FC to fit and match two brand objectives to help the overall community and their respective companies. Aaron's work started out on the sporting side working in Minor League Baseball in Asheville and with the Charlotte Checkers Hockey team. He now is the cog that connects Coke to so many things happening in sports beyond just pouring rights at a stadium or venue. Website CokeConsolidated.com ...
Nezzie Miranda, Charlotte FC Fan Experience Coordinator
March 24, 2024 19:02 - 32 minutes - 29.9 MBOn this episode we are joined by the Charlotte FC Fan Experience Coordinator, Nezzie Miranda. We talk about here journey to Charlotte from Santa Cruz, California, what she does for the club, and more. IG: @nezziemiranda https://www.linkedin.com/in/nezziemiranda
Tom Huet, MLS Season Pass Live Sports Director
March 17, 2024 16:02 - 1 hour - 85.1 MBOn this episode Nic has a conversation with the Emmy award winning Director of live sports, Tom Huet. Tom has created a brilliant career directing and producing all sports from college football to NBA to MLB to the Olympics. He has been a part of all. His passion lies in soccer and how he can help tell the story from his directing matches you watch on MLS Season Pass. Enjoy!
Mihir Kumar, MLS Sr. Director of Emerging Ventures
March 10, 2024 20:23 - 52 minutes - 49 MBToday on the show I talk with Major League Soccer's Sr. Director of Emerging Ventures, Mihir Kumar, to learn about his job, the start of MLS Innovation Lab and the intersection of technology and soccer, his journey to working for Major League Soccer, and more. LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihirkumar1 MLS Innovation Lab article from MLS A-Champs CAMB.AI Fabric Fitogether Reeplayer STAIDIUM U.S. MLS Innovation Lab - Submit to be a part!
Bill Tuiloma, Charlotte FC Defender
March 04, 2024 02:44 - 41 minutes - 38.2 MBToday on the show I talk with Charlotte FC Defender Bill Tuiloma. Bill has had an amazing football journey starting with leaving his mom and dad in New Zealand at age 18 for the opportunity to play professionally in France. Bill shared some of his adventures, how he approaches his craft, his friendships on the club, and more…just a note: we recorded this episode a week before the opener while the club was in Coachella and there was some audio transmission disruptions. Enjoy Bill Tuiloma! I...
Woody Wilder, Charlotte FC Director of Communications
February 26, 2024 03:48 - 1 hour - 61.8 MBOn this episode we talk with Woody Wilder, Director of Communications. Woody has over 10 years in the Communications business working in both the NFL and MLS. Woody shares how he has learned the business, some fun stories along the way and more to come with Charlotte FC in year 3. X: @woody_wilder IG:@woody_wilder
Matt Swift, Mint City Soccer Show
February 19, 2024 05:00 - 36 minutes - 33.6 MBMatt Swift joins the show today to talk more about how he has become a leader of the Mint City Collective supporters group as well as hosting the Mint City Soccer Show + his journey to Charlotte and soccer's influence on his life. X: @160_swiftly IG: @mattswiftness
Greg Barkey, Manager of Video Review PRO
February 18, 2024 16:05 - 1 hour - 60.9 MBOn this episode, Nic talks all things Video Review with Greg Barkey, the Manager of Video Review with PRO Referees. Rule changes/focus 2024 How VAR communication happens Camera/stadiums views Dallas central Video Review HQ Impact on the game Future of video review in soccer and also Greg's journey from Argentina and his work as a referee in World Cup and MLS matches.
Nick Scardina, Charlotte FC
February 12, 2024 01:21 - 37 minutes - 26.6 MBOn this episode, Nic talks with Nick Scardina, one of the four 2023 SuperDraft picks who was signed to a CLTFC contract and is battling to be a part of Dean Smith's 1st team. Nick talks about his mindset as a professional, the changes from the college game where he was a standout at Univ. of Washington, his coaches, and challenges with changing positions, and the excitement of being a part of this organization. IG: @nickscardina
Adam Parr, Head of Performance [Charlotte FC]
February 11, 2024 23:18 - 1 hour - 55.3 MBOn this episode we talk with Adam Parr, the Head of Performance at Charlotte FC. Adam brings so much MLS Soccer experience to the Performance Team, having worked for Chivas USA, Reno (USL), and Minnesota United as well as having his own training business in Beverly Hills, CA. Enjoy his passion when he talks about data and how those numbers can really escalate and help inform so that performance can be maximized.
In/Out 2024
February 11, 2024 22:02 - 46 minutes - 39.9 MBWelcome back to another season of the Charlotte FC Podcast where we bring you the fascinating people who work for and around Charlotte FC, MLS, and US Soccer. On this episode, Nic and Eli talk about the new Coach Dean Smith's impact, new rule changes, and a fun little in and out.
Dr. Doug Swanson Emergency Medical Physician & Pam Black, RN Charlotte FC Sports Care Manager and Team Nurse
November 20, 2023 22:32 - 32 minutes - 23.3 MBToday on the podcast I talk with Dr. Doug Swanson, Emergency Medical Physician & Pam Black, RN, Charlotte FC Sports Care Manager and Team Nurse. Both of these individuals are part of the Atrium Health team that provides care for the greater Charlotte community as well as fans at Bank of America Stadium each match, and Charlotte FC family and players.
Alex Prus, Director of Match Officials PRO2 (NWSL, MLS Next Pro and USL)
November 12, 2023 23:01 - 57 minutes - 39.7 MBNic talks with the Refereeing Hall of Famer Alex Prus about his career and his current role as Director of Match Officials for PRO2 Referees. Alex oversees about 80 referees for the NWSL, MLS Next Pro, and USL, from their selection to development to training to mentorship after having a stellar career as an MLS and FIFA referee along with playing for the Polish National Team. ProReferees.com @alexprus
Bob Ventimiglia i80 Sports Producer
October 25, 2023 02:30 - 33 minutes - 24.9 MBWe talk today with Bob Ventimiglia, "Chairman of the Board" for i80 Sports (HQ in NJ) about his shows about the NFL, Fantasy, & MLS which focus on the betting side of games as well as the Wild Card match with New York Red Bulls. Bob is know for over-opinionated rants and intermittent head-shaving, but he has worked full time as a professional trumpet player and music teacher in the NY/NJ area for the last twelve years as well as being a Red Bull supporter. All i80 Sports shows are live s...
Katie Phillips, Greater Goals Manager for Charlotte FC
September 23, 2023 15:14 - 34 minutes - 31.6 MBToday on the show, Katie Phillips, the manager for the Greater Goals Soccer and Literacy program from Charlotte FC joins me to talk about her role as well as her journey to help kids. Katie Phillips is from Rochester, New York, and has been around soccer her whole life. She played varsity soccer at Houghton College and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, following receiving her degree. Here, Katie helped start the Soccer Foundation of Charlotte. As the current Greater Goals Manager for Char...
Jon MacGregor: Charlotte FC Director of Performance & Sports Science
September 20, 2023 06:23 - 57 minutes - 41.6 MBToday's guest is Jon MacGregor. He moved to Charlotte in 2022 to become the Director of Performance & Sports Science, where he oversees all of the Medical and Performance departments for the Club. We talk all things performance, his day-to-day, the big picture for Charlotte FC with Crown Legacy and the Academy, as well as his learning from Real Madrid's head, and his approach to helping players here be their best. Oh yeah, and he is a big sports fan growing up around Boise, Idaho. Jon is in...
Leah Rodgers: Director of Ticket Sales & Services for Charlotte FC
September 16, 2023 16:39 - 31 minutes - 29.4 MBToday on the show we talk tickets with Leah Rodgers, Director of Ticket Sales and Services for Charlotte FC. We discuss managing a team to listening to fans needs to working within budgets and planning for events. Prior to her role with Charlotte FC Leah spent time with the University of Notre Dame and the Detroit Lions in various sales roles. She has been with the Club for three and a half years. She is originally from Lake Mary, Florida and played collegiate volleyball at USC Aiken. Outsi...
Alex Zietlow: Journalist
September 09, 2023 20:09 - 42 minutes - 39.1 MBToday on the show we talk with Alex Zietlow, a journalist for The Charlotte Observer, who currently covers the Carolina Panthers, after covering the Charlotte Football Club this season. While there is no football match today, American Football hits center stage as the 2023 Carolina Panthers season begins on Sunday in Atlanta against the Falcons. This is the man you will want to follow on Twitter @alexzietlow05 and read his insightful stories in The Charlotte Observer about the Panthers all ...
Tyler Knight: Head Athletic Trainer - Charlotte FC
September 02, 2023 14:37 - 47 minutes - 43.6 MBIn this episode Nic talks with Tyler Knight ("TK") about being the Head Athletic Trainer and Rehab Coordinator at Charlotte FC, his journey, and more. Tyler is approaching a decade in Major League Soccer and is the Head Athletic Trainer and Rehab Coordinator at Charlotte FC. Before arriving in Charlotte, he worked with the USMNT in their build-up to the 2022 World Cup, with Real Salt Lake in the 7 years preceding that, and is a University of Oregon and University of Alabama alum. In 2021, T...
Sam Spencer (Soccer Sheet and QC Nerve)
August 26, 2023 16:34 - 50 minutes - 46.4 MBOn this episode, I talk with Sam Spencer from the Soccer Sheet and QC Nerve. Sam and I discuss football in Charlotte and the world, women's soccer, the community, a little politics, and his story growing up in a house of sports writers. Sam is the Communications Director for US House of Representative Alma Adams and was the Chair of the Charlotte Planning Commission.
Jaime Moreno: Bringing Fun to Charlotte FC match PxP in Español
July 29, 2023 16:37 - 43 minutes - 40 MBWe go deep with the Spanish Radio Play-by-play announcer for Charlotte FC to learn more about how he got started, how he prepares for matches, his elevator ride with John Madden, sharing success, and helping the community. Jaime even sings for us! Listen to Jaime call the matches along with Antonio Ramos on La Raza 106.1 in Charlotte. @jaimeNFLpantera
What we learned...matches 16-23 + Leagues Cup
July 25, 2023 01:43 - 28 minutes - 26.5 MBEli and Nic discuss what we learned from matches 16-23, plus the first Leagues Cup match @FC Dallas (View from the Spires). Also included in this episode are our usual segments, The Gallantry, Voices from the Kingdom, and our Regal Proclamations for the month ahead.
Arturo Uzcátegui: Noventa y Más
July 08, 2023 16:53 - 38 minutes - 36.1 MBSports Journalist covering Soccer, Baseball, Basketball, and Olympic Sports as Sports Director for Progreso Hispano News @progresohispanonews | 🌐https://progresohispanonews.com/ Arturo is also the Founder and Content Creator for Noventa y Más, a new Spanish-language media company covering Charlotte FC, MLS, US National Teams, and CONCACAF. Episodes available on YouTube and other social media outlets. IG: @noventaplusof TW: @noventaplusof Follow Arturo: @atuzcategui
Crowning Moments: Halfway Season 2023 Episode with Toño Ramos
June 24, 2023 16:18 - 30 minutes - 21.8 MBIn this episode, we look at where Charlotte FC is midseason, what players they need, and what a Charlotte FC playoff team would look like. In addition to the Charlotte FC talk, Toño also shares his MLS All-Star lineup. English version at 14m 11s.
Building the Squad: Scott Arfield (formerly from Rangers FC and Canadian national)
June 18, 2023 15:59 - 19 minutes - 17.9 MBOn this episode we talk about Charlotte FCs newly acquired midfielder, Scott Arfield, who comes by way of a free transfer, meaning he was a free agent after playing for Rangers FC for the past 5 seasons. Colin MacDuff from The Gallant Few Podcast (which follows Rangers FC in Scottish Premiership, Arfield's former club) joins us to share some insights. The Gallant Few YT📺 Twitter: @TheGallantFew1
Jorge Gonzales, Owner/CEO of TopBin90
June 10, 2023 17:05 - 46 minutes - 43 MBIn this episode, Nic talks with Jorge Gonzales about his growing sports media company, TopBin90. We learn more about how it started, his approach to covering soccer, his childhood, and his mentors, as well as the future of TopBin90. https://www.topbin90.com/ Twitter: @TopBin90 Instagram: @TopBin90 YouTube TikTok: @realTopBin90
What we learned...matches 9-15
June 02, 2023 04:07 - 47 minutes - 43.5 MBThis week on the Charlotte FC Podcast, Eli and Nic take a look back at what we have learned from matches 9-15 of the season and where the club is going into the month of June. Look for this type of episode to interrupt our regular interviews with the fascinating people around Charlotte FC and MLS each month! Here are some of the fun segments we created for these episodes: 🏰View from the Spires - a collective view of how the club is playing overall during the past matches. 🎖️The Gallantry -...
Khaled Ali: eMLS, Charlotte FC, and parallels between matches on the screen and the pitch
May 27, 2023 19:21 - 51 minutes - 47.8 MBKhaled Ali joins me today on the podcast to explain eMLS, his journey as a gamer and soccer/football fan, and his approach to playing and learning Esports, and the similarities with the Charlotte FC squad. Article 📰: https://www.charlottefootballclub.com/news/competitive-drive-and-work-ethic-has-propelled-khaled-ali-to-fifa-success https://twitter.com/khaledali_97 http://www.twitch.tv/CLTFC_Khaled
Charlotte FC Tifos: Behind the Scenes
May 20, 2023 17:43 - 1 hour - 59.2 MBToday we take an inside look at how the Tifos are made for Charlotte FC. We talk with the operations manager, creative organizer, and other supporters who are a part of making Tifos for Charlotte FC matches! https://twitter.com/CLTFCSGTifo
Sam Jones from MLS Soccer, The Striker, and 5 Stripe Final Podcast
May 13, 2023 06:23 - 33 minutes - 31.5 MBSam Jones joins the show today to share his thoughts on Atlanta United and the upcoming Charlotte FC match as well as his career as a writer for MLS Soccer dot com, The Striker, and his podcast, 5 Stripe Final. @j_SamJones https://www.thestriker.com/team/atlanta-united MLSsoccer.com - https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/topics/voices-sam-jones/ Sign up for the Daily Kickoff - https://www.mlssoccer.com/the-daily-kickoff/ 5 Stripe Final Podcast - https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/atlanta-...
Daniel Bramlette, The Charlotte Soccer Show Co-Host
May 06, 2023 18:23 - 55 minutes - 51.5 MBOn today’s episode we are joined by Daniel Bramlette. He along with John Hayes host The Charlotte Soccer Show. These guys are wildly successful in their day-jobs as producers for ESPN’s SEC Network and the Athletic respectively. I talk with Daniel about why they started their podcast, what they want to do with it, his work as a producer, and more fun stuff about Danny. Twitter: @ForTheCrownBaby Charlotte Soccer Show YT
May 3 Crowning Moments
May 03, 2023 14:21 - 25 minutes - 19.6 MBToño is back from all of the Panther Draft madness and family in town. We crown the moments from the US Cup and DC United. Also, we look ahead the NYCFC match and Orlando City in the US Cup. We flipped it this week. The English version is first and the Spanish version is at 14m23s Toño está de regreso de toda la locura del Panther Draft y la familia en la ciudad. Coronamos los momentos de la Copa EE.UU. y DC United. Además, miramos hacia el partido de NYCFC y Orlando City en la Copa de EE....
Alan Kelly and Joe Fletcher from PRO Referees
April 29, 2023 13:52 - 1 hour - 56.1 MBIt's not every day one gets to sit down and talk with world-class soccer/football referees. We were fortunate enough to have a chat with PRO Referees Director of Senior Match Officials, Alan Kelly, and the Chief Refereeing Officer, Joe Fletcher to learn more about how the organization PRO (Professional Referees Organization) works, their roles now, and an inside look at the refereeing process from training to match day and beyond. Alan Kelly, born in Cork, Ireland is the Director of Senior ...
What we learned...matches 5-8 + looking ahead to match 9
April 22, 2023 20:46 - 35 minutes - 33 MBThis week on the Charlotte FC Podcast, Eli and Nic take a look back at what we have learned from the second 4 matches of the season and where the club is going for match 9 against the Columbus Crew. Look for this type of episode to interrupt our regular interviews with the fascinating people around Charlotte FC and MLS every 5th week! Here are some of the fun segments we created for these episodes: View from the Spires - a collective view of how the club is playing overall during the pas...
April 19 [Crowning Moments]
April 19, 2023 23:22 - 9 minutes - 7.8 MBSeems like a loss when the opponent gets a late goal that tied the match, but the Crown showed some crowning moments this past week against Colorado, scoring goals at home for the first time this season. The Crew come to town this weekend. What will Charlotte FC do to get a win? English starts at 5m23s.
Logan Meyer, Founder and Host of The Crown Cast
April 15, 2023 16:07 - 43 minutes - 32.1 MBOn today's episode, Nic talks with Logan Meyer, the founder and host of The Crown Cast. A podcast that focuses on in-depth analysis of data and reactions to Charlotte FC matches. Listen to the Crown Cast after matches as well as Wednesday each week. The Crown Cast is part of the Queen City Podcast Network and has a website where Josh publishes his weekly articles to provide even more data, heat maps, and conclusions to help make sense of what is happening on the pitch for upcoming games. The...
April 12 [Crowning Moments]
April 13, 2023 01:32 - 9 minutes - 8.13 MBA tough loss at the hands of Real Salt Lake, but there it is not all doom and gloom. There is hope for progress. Charlotte FC is just 3 points from the playoff line and may be ready to have that home match fans have been waiting for. What will they need to do? English version starts at 5m52s
Meg Van Dyk, Sr. Communication Manager for Real Salt Lake
April 08, 2023 20:52 - 38 minutes - 35.6 MBToday we have Meg Van Dyk, she is the Sr. Communication Manager for Real Salt Lake, who Charlotte FC takes on today in Utah. We talk with Meg about her role with the club as well as their academy, the NWSL Utah Royals, her pathway, how the club is playing on the pitch as well what lies ahead for them and her career. @MegVanDyk1