Mint City Soccer Show
100 episodes - English - Latest episode: 4 days ago -A Charlotte FC podcast.
We love Charlotte. We love soccer. We love Charlotte soccer.
Listen for Charlotte FC and MLS news, the history of the beautiful game in Charlotte and interviews with folks who love Charlotte soccer as much as we do.
Brought to you by the Mint City Collective, CLTFC’s supporters’ group.
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Episodes
99. It's not as bad as you think (LIVE!)
September 27, 2023 11:18 - 1 hour - 116 MBFour draws and a loss: Not exactly the form Charlotte FC was looking for as the Crown makes a push for the playoffs. In this episode (streamed live Tuesday night) Matt Swift and David Gusler talk about the recent form, give a realistic look at CLTFC's playoff chances, and discuss what changes need to be made for this team to improve next season.
98. Charlotte FC vs. Philadelphia Union preview (w/José Nuñez)
September 19, 2023 13:52 - 1 hour - 83.8 MBAfter yet another draw with D.C. United over the weekend, Charlotte FC have a quick turnaround with Philadelphia Union coming to town Wednesday night. To preview the match, Matt Swift invited the amazing José Nuñez, who covers the Union, to join him on this week's episode.
97. Deja vu all over again (LIVE!)
September 08, 2023 13:58 - 1 hour - 75 MBTwo matches, two late goals conceded, two draws. In this episode (broadcast live on YouTube), David Gusler and special guests Russell Varner and Vaughn Pollman take a look at Charlotte FC's draws against Nashville and Orlando City. Who is to blame for these late-game mistakes? How can the team avoid this in the future? And what do CLTFC's playoff chances legitimately look like? Join us as we try to find the answers.
96. A new hope
August 29, 2023 12:34 - 59 minutes - 55.2 MBCharlotte FC came out of the Leagues Cup break with a huge home win over LAFC. Matt and David break down the much-needed victory, discuss Christian Lattanzio’s … very different lineup, and look ahead to a big midweek home match against Orlando City.
95. Zoran Krneta, Sporting Director of Charlotte FC
August 22, 2023 12:27 - 1 hour - 74.6 MBThis week we have a special guest! Charlotte FC Sporting Director Zoran Krneta joined Matt Swift and David Gusler to take a deep dive into what it took to build Charlotte FC's roster over these first two seasons. We talk to him about how he built the initial team, the obstacles CLTFC overcame being a new team in MLS trying to recruit overseas and how he hopes to see the team build in going forward. It's a conversation you won't want to miss!
94. The gang brings the tea
August 16, 2023 11:57 - 1 hour - 71 MBSpecial guest Matt Chantry joins David Gusler to talk about Charlotte FC's Leagues Cup run and exit at the hands of Messi and how this could impact the last stretch of the MLS season. We also answer your listener questions and start to think about who should (and shouldn't) be on CLTFC's roster next year. This episode was streamed live on YouTube, so for the full visual effect be sure to watch on our channel and tune in to future broadcasts: https://www.youtube.com/@MintCitySoccerShow
93. 3 points – what is this feeling?
August 01, 2023 12:03 - 1 hour - 100 MBFinally, something good to talk about! Charlotte FC dominated Necaxa 4-1 to move on to the knockout stage of the Leagues Cup and looked as good as they have all season. Matt Swift and David Gusler break down the match, explain why the next game will be played in Texas, discuss the summer transfers so far and answer your listener questions.
92. Charlotte is a bit Messi
July 18, 2023 12:16 - 1 hour - 139 MBThis episode, we're going to spend most of our time talking about the big news in MLS this week – Charlotte FC's abysmal 2-0 loss to CF Montreal. Wait, there was other news? Good friend of the show Vaughn Pollman joins the crew to talk about where Charlotte FC goes from here, and, of course, we discuss the impact of Lionel Messi joining MLS and Inter Miami.
91. Things are getting dumb
July 11, 2023 12:31 - 1 hour - 131 MBAnother week, another frustrating draw for Charlotte FC. This time it came after the Crown took a 2-0 lead in the first half then conceded twice in the second half to draw FC Cincinnati 2-2. Why does this keep happening to Charlotte? Why do we keep messing with the lineup? Where is Ben Bender? So many questions and David and Swift try to answer them all this week. Stay tuned to also hear a little more about our new sponsor, Renegade GK!
90. When a draw feels like a loss
June 27, 2023 11:34 - 1 hour - 93.4 MBCharlotte FC returned to Bank of America Stadium Saturday night and played CF Montreal to a frustrating 0-0 draw. Chances aplenty for the Crown, but nothing to show for it. Matt and David break down the match and also answer your burning listener questions. We also introduce a new member of the Mint City Soccer Show family: Renegade GK, our newest show sponsor! They make beautiful goalkeeper gloves – including the ones used at The Soccer Tournament this summer – and we're excited to be par...
89. When a draw feels like a win
June 13, 2023 13:42 - 1 hour - 119 MBCharlotte FC and Seattle Sounders played to a wild 3-3 draw at Bank of America Stadium Saturday night, with Crown goals from Jaylin Lindsey (set up by an unbelievable touch by Karol Swiderski), Ashley Westwood and Patrick Agyemang. Matt and David break down the match, look ahead to an off weekend and answer your questions.
88. "Sometimes we may be good, sometimes we may be shit"
June 06, 2023 12:16 - 1 hour - 102 MBMatt and David are back together to talk about ... another loss. Charlotte FC fell on the road to Columbus Crew 4-2, so the guys discuss what went wrong ahead of this weekend's home MLS match against Seattle Sounders. (Are the calls for #LattanzioOut getting louder?) Then we take a look at goal – who has been the better goalkeeper this year: George Marks or Kristijan Kahlina? And then, of course, we answer your listener questions.
87. You win some, you lose some
June 02, 2023 12:22 - 51 minutes - 70.7 MBA tale of two 1-0s. Charlotte FC beat LA Galaxy on the road Saturday, but lost in Philadelphia to a strong Union squad Wednesday. Matt Swift is back with Corey Inscoe to break down the two matches, discuss the positive (and not-so-positive) things we took away from the matches and, of course, answer your questions.
86. Mantis shrimp
May 26, 2023 11:49 - 1 hour - 111 MBSince we last recorded, Charlotte FC beat Chicago Fire at home – that feels like a long time ago ... – then lost a heartbreaker to Nashville and fell apart against Birmingham Legion in U.S. Open Cup. How worried should we be at this point? David and Corey break down both matches, look ahead to LA Galaxy Saturday and answer your questions.
85. 1,200 CLTFC fans went down to Georgia
May 17, 2023 11:14 - 1 hour - 160 MBDavid and special guest Jeff Eklund revel in Charlotte FC's dominant 3-1 win over That City, which they watched as part of a large and rowdy group of traveling supporters that crashed Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Then they looked ahead to the mid-week match with Chicago Fire, leaning on Jeff's history as a Fire fan and his knowledge of Chicago food. Finally, of course they answered your listener questions and gave their predictions.
84. Embrace the brace
May 09, 2023 11:44 - 1 hour - 95.3 MBOn the heels of another Charlotte FC home win – 3-2 over New York City FC – and ahead of an Open Cup clash against Orlando City and the weekend's rivalry match down in That City, Matt and David discuss Enzo Copetti’s brace, lineup options for this week and, of course, answer your questions.
83. As the World Turns
May 03, 2023 18:39 - 1 hour - 98.8 MBWell, the good vibes from the three victory week are gone. Charlotte FC loses an ugly one to D.C. United 3-0 and we have some breaking news about Andre Shinyashiki. (Crown Legacy won, though! Thank goodness for Crown Legacy.) Matt and David break down the latest news and results and try to bring positivity into the show through your listener questions. Here's the link to Carroll Walton's Charlotte Ledger story about Shinyashiki.
82. Dinner for 4 with Sir Minty
April 28, 2023 15:42 - 1 hour - 130 MBCharlotte FC beat Columbus Crew for its first home MLS win of the season, Crown Legacy won its fourth-straight match the following day and CLTFC earned a convincing win against South Georgia Tormenta in the U.S. Open Cup match Tuesday. And David wasn't there to see any of them. Coincidence? We break down the winning week and answer your questions about the backline depth (or lack thereof) after Bill Tuiloma's injury, whether Marks or Kahlina should get the start Saturday against D.C. United ...
81. Park the bus (?)
April 18, 2023 14:20 - 1 hour - 129 MBWhat looked like a euphoric Charlotte FC comeback home win turned into a disappointing draw Saturday night, as Colorado Rapids equalized late to keep CLTFC winless at Bank of America Stadium this season. Matt, David and Corey debate the late-game tactics, specifically the substitutions and how the team switched to a defensive posture in the final 15 minutes. But it's not all doom and gloom. To keep things light, we asked listeners to send us some fun questions, and boy they delivered. Someti...
80. Bad vibes
April 11, 2023 14:55 - 1 hour - 117 MBCharlotte FC ended its three-game unbeaten streak with a disappointing 3-1 loss on the road at Real Salt Lake. Why? Let us count the ways. Matt and David break down the game, including the head-scratching substitutions, and answer all your questions. Then we turn a hopeful eye on this weekend's home match against Colorado Rapids. Let's share our feelings together. This is a safe place.
79. Cornercopia
April 04, 2023 16:18 - 1 hour - 146 MBAnother match, another draw. Charlotte FC traveled to windswept BMO Field and erased a two-goal deficit in the second half to draw Toronto FC 2-2. Ben Bender got back in the scoring column and Kamil Jóźwiak finally opened his MLS account. Matt and David discuss their takeaways from the match, look ahead to Real Salt Lake this weekend and answer your listener questions!
78. #SendIt
March 29, 2023 12:17 - 1 hour - 132 MBAfter Charlotte FC’s 1-1 draw with New York Red Bulls, we had a sense that super guest Vaughn Pollman was itching to get back on the show. We dedicate this episode to answering all your fan questions, and in the process break down the weekend’s MLS match, preview the upcoming fixture against Toronto FC and touch on Crown Legacy’s first match.
77. Orlando magic
March 20, 2023 21:46 - 1 hour - 100 MBFinally! We get to record an episode after a Charlotte FC win – on the road no less! Charlotte FC beat Orlando City SC 2-1 Saturday to get its first win of the 2023 season. We discuss the lineup changes for this match, player performances that stood out and Matt's tweets. And, of course, we answer your burning fan questions.
76. We're not mad, we're just disappointed
March 13, 2023 21:15 - 1 hour - 148 MBWhat can we say about that match? Charlotte FC lost to Atlanta United 3-0 at Bank of America Stadium in one of the most deflating performances of the team's short history. So we're doing this episode a little differently: Y'all sent in a ton of questions, so we devoted the entire episode to answering them. We cover everything from who gets the blame for the goals, what's happening at left back, what's the most worrisome part of this slow start and why there were so many Atlanta fans in the c...
75. Ribs, tattoos and bad luck
March 08, 2023 11:27 - 1 hour - 126 MBBad mistakes. Charlotte FC's made a few. Matt and David are back from St. Louis after watching CLTFC lose 3-1 to the expansion side. We discuss the trip as a whole before trying to understand what happened on the field. Then we look ahead to That City coming to town Saturday and the Anton Walkes scarf and tribute. Finally – understandably – we got a lot of fan questions this week so we dig into those as we try to figure out how Charlotte FC moves forward from this slow start.
74. False start
March 01, 2023 12:09 - 1 hour - 104 MBIt wasn't the start we wanted. Charlotte FC lost the first game of the 2023 season 1-0 to New England Revolution in front of a home crowd of 69,000+. Matt and David discuss what went well and what didn't during the match – both on and off the field – and ask some questions about the starting lineup and substitutions. Then we look ahead to St. Louis this weekend and answer your fan questions.
73. 2023 Charlotte FC kickoff show LIVE
February 25, 2023 04:04 - 1 hour - 102 MBThis episode, we celebrate. We celebrate the kickoff of the 2023 Charlotte FC season this weekend at Bank of America Stadium. We celebrate the release of Lenny Boy Brewing's Mint City Pilsner. And we celebrate the people who make Charlotte FC's supporter culture the best in the league by inviting some of our good friends onto the show that we recorded live at Lenny Boy Brewing Friday night. (Yes, another live show at a bar. Ambiance at no additional charge.)
72. For Anton: This year feels different
February 15, 2023 13:02 - 1 hour - 91.1 MBThis Charlotte FC season feels different for many reasons. First, the tragic loss of Anton Walkes. We discuss that and tell you about a fundraiser that supporters in Charlotte in Atlanta created together to support Walkes' family. But it also feels different on the field with new signings and more positive preseason results. With less than two weeks until the season opener, Matt, David and Corey dig into how the team looks now, the 3-0 preseason win over Charleston Battery and what we can exp...
71. What's NEXT (w/Darrius Barnes)
January 31, 2023 14:01 - 32 minutes - 44.9 MBThere's a new team in town: Crown Legacy FC. Team President Darrius Barnes joined the show this week to talk about Charlotte FC's new MLS NEXT Pro squad. We talk about the team's branding, where it fits within the club's structure, how it will impact the first team and what to expect at matches this summer.
70. Happy Enzo Copetti Day
January 12, 2023 11:29 - 1 hour - 97.2 MBCharlotte FC news is coming fast and furious as we get closer to the start of the season. Matt and David break down the latest, including the worst-kept secret in Charlotte: Enzo Copetti joining the club. They also talk about Christian Fuchs' move to the coaching staff, Harrison Afful's dual role and the Ashley Westwood signing. And they answer a boatload of your reader questions.
69. The Mighty Purple and Pink
December 30, 2022 20:25 - 1 hour - 105 MBWe all knew the black and mint kit would only last a season. So how will Charlotte FC replace that wildly popular look? We got a clue this week through a leaked color scheme and David and Matt have very different feelings about it. They debate the look in the first half of this week's episode, then dive into the mailbag to answer your questions. Nice.
68. 2023 schedule release and MLS SuperDraft preview
December 21, 2022 12:19 - 1 hour - 99.1 MBNow that we know who and when Charlotte FC will play in 2023, it's time to start marking our calendars and circling matchups we don't want to miss. Hosts David Gusler and Matt Swift are joined by the great Vaughn Pollman to discuss the schedule, the upcoming MLS SuperDraft and other CLTFC roster news. Finally, the guys talk a little World Cup and take your listener questions.
67. World Cup Group B Preview
November 16, 2022 22:13 - 1 hour - 83 MBWales. England. Iran. The United States. Four will enter, two will advance. Who will it be? Matt Swift is joined by two other Matts – Chantry and Livingston – and a Russell (Varner) to break down World Cup 2022 Group B and answer important questions like, "How many countries are in this country?"
66. World Cup Group A Preview: 'Moisex'
November 10, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBLet's dig into the teams, shall we? The team takes a closer look at Group A with two special guests: Becca Mitchem, who fills us in on the complicated story of the Qatar national team, and Greg Tosi, who covered Ecuador and should be credited – blamed? – for this episode's title. Cohost Matt Swift rounds out the preview with a look at the Netherlands and we make score predictions for the group's opening games. Like video with your audio? You can also check this and other Mint City Soccer S...
65. World Cup 2022 Kickoff Show
November 05, 2022 20:19 - 55 minutes - 75.6 MBWe start our comprehensive World Cup preview with special guest Vaughn Pollman! He joins Matt Swift and David Gusler to discuss the controversy around Qatar hosting, big storylines heading into the tournament and they answer your burning World Cup questions!
64. On the Mark
October 29, 2022 16:05 - 30 minutes - 42.4 MBCharlotte FC goalkeeper George Marks joins the Mint City Soccer Show to talk about his journey to the pro level, which keeper on the team is best at penalties and his takeaways from the Crowns' first season.
63. Mint Condition
October 19, 2022 11:00 - 1 hour - 98.3 MBThe first Charlotte FC season has come to an end with the Crown coming up just short of a playoff berth. David Gusler and Matt Swift invited special guest Matt Chantry on the show this week to recap the final two matches of the season, discuss the end-of-season roster decisions already made – and those to come – and also share all of the behind-the-scenes work Mint City Collective and the other supporters' groups did to make game day in Bank of America Stadium so magical.
62. Four the Crown
October 04, 2022 15:57 - 1 hour - 104 MBDaniel. Rios. What a night. Matt and David discuss Rios' four-goal performance in Charlotte FC's historic win over Philadelphia Union on Fan Appreciation Night, then look ahead to Wednesday's rescheduled – and massive – home match against Columbus. And, as always, they answer your listener questions!
61. Fire Extinguisher
September 21, 2022 12:16 - 1 hour - 134 MBCharlotte FC does the flippity flop. Matt and David discuss the epic comeback win over Chicago Fire, evaluate playoff scenarios and take a look ahead to Philly.
60. Seriously, you're saying there's still a chance?
September 15, 2022 17:56 - 1 hour - 116 MBYeah, we're saying it. Charlotte FC's path to the playoffs isn't easy, but it's possible and it starts with a must-win trip to Chicago this weekend. Matt and special guest Russell Varner look back at the sweep of NYCFC, look ahead to Crown vs. Fire, describe how Matt became Chico's Instagram boyfriend at the CLTFC shoe event and answer your questions.
59. Dazed and Confused in Cincinnati
September 08, 2022 04:06 - 1 hour - 138 MBWhat in the world happened in Cincinnati? That's the central question this week as David rejoins Matt on the show to discuss Charlotte FC's 2-0 road loss and look ahead to the final stretch of games in this inaugural season. And we answer your questions in everyone's favorite segment!
58. So You're Telling Me There's a Chance ...
September 01, 2022 03:49 - 1 hour - 142 MBVaughn Pollman is back! He joins Matt Swift to answer all of your burning Charlotte FC questions, such as "Is there really still a chance Charlotte makes the playoffs?!?" The guys also discuss how CLTFC stacks up to other recent expansion teams, expectations for the rest of the year, team needs for next season and – now that they've coached the same number of matches – how MAR and Christian Lattanzio's records compare.
57. The Charlotte FC Roller Coaster
August 25, 2022 11:37 - 1 hour - 128 MBWhat a week. Just days after flying high following a massive road win against New York City FC, Charlotte FC comes crashing down to Earth with a disappointing home loss to Orlando City SC. David and Matt are back to break down just what happened in that match, look ahead to this weekend's match against Toronto FC and reassess the Crowns' playoff chances. We also share some breaking news about the Andre Shinyashiki situation and dispel rumors about his lack of playing time.
56. Eric Krakauer: The voice of Charlotte FC
August 19, 2022 16:42 - 1 hour - 148 MBHe's the soundtrack to all of your favorite Charlotte FC moments. Charlotte FC play-by-play master Eric Krakauer joined Matt and David at Salud to talk about how he got into this industry, how he landed in Charlotte (and how he got paired with Lloyd Sam), his favorite moments from the season and his reaction to Charlotte FC's upset road win over New York City FC. Then, we wrap it all up with reader questions.
55. California dreaming? More like a nightmare
August 17, 2022 02:27 - 1 hour - 112 MBIt's a busy – and crucial – week for Charlotte FC. Matt and David discuss the 5-0 shellacking at LAFC and preview Wednesday's road test against New York City FC. And Producer Corey makes no apologies for the 1-minute cold open about cheesecake.
54. Burn baby burn
August 12, 2022 18:30 - 1 hour - 124 MBThe boys are back, though a little late as Matt tries to fight off bronchitis (ain't nobody got time for that). Our fearless hosts break down Charlotte FC's loss to Chicago Fire, the loss of the club's OG player and answer the question: Are Charlotte's playoff hopes lost, too? Then we get to your fan questions, a segment that still has no name or hashtag.
53. Joe LaBue, Charlotte FC President
August 03, 2022 14:36 - 1 hour - 96.7 MBMatt and David treated a special guest to beers at Lenny Boy Brewing this week. Charlotte FC President Joe LaBue joined the show to discuss: Columbus game cancellation and reschedule Player signings Training facility update Reality show update Sir Minty Kit update and distribution info Joe's top 3 moments of the season so far
52. McKinze Gaines and Sergio Ruiz
July 27, 2022 12:21 - 1 hour - 102 MBMatt and David distract themselves from the bad weekend loss by inviting not one but two special guests onto this week's show! Charlotte FC Winger McKinze Gaines and midfielder Sergio Ruiz join the show to talk about their time in Charlotte and their favorite moments from the season so far. Then, eventually, Matt and David do talk about the Toronto loss and look ahead to the three-game homestand that starts this weekend against Columbus Crew.
51. Charlotte FC Video Manager Brittany Alvarado: Her own paparazzi
July 20, 2022 13:58 - 1 hour - 132 MBVideo Manager Brittany Alvarado takes us behind the scenes to show how Charlotte FC content gets made and just how much work goes into producing the great material we see on social media. We find out what it's like to work alongside the creative team and ask Brittany about her favorite moments from the season so far.
The 50th Episode!
July 14, 2022 16:49 - 1 hour - 107 MBThe whole gang is back together again to celebrate the 50th episode of the Mint City Soccer Show! Johnny, David, Matt and Corey gathered in front of a live audience at Edge City Brewery to discuss our favorite moments from the season so far, Charlotte FC's big win over Nashville, transfer options, the road ahead for a playoff spot and ... straws?