Andy Dolich - Washington Diplomats

Today we’re joined by Andy Dolich, Senior Vice President and former General Manager of the Washington Diplomats. He talks about his most memorable moments in the North American Soccer League, the greatest players in history, and what it takes to create a successful team.

On this episode:
● A bit about Andy’s career and the previous sports he worked in.
● How Andy ended up working in soccer.
● An overview of the new book Andy wrote called “Loss of Logo.”
● What Andy and Bob call one of the most exciting times in soccer.
● The slogan that Johan Cruyff used a lot.
● What Andy learned in post-game conversations with Cruyff.
● Why Andy wanted Johan Cruyff to come to Washington.
● Bob’s thoughts on the documentary about the New York Cosmos.
● What happened after the Cosmos lost the semi-finals in 1978.
● Why Andy calls the Cosmos the “Cirque du Soleil” of soccer at that time.
● A funny memory Andy has of Charlie Bluhdorn, chairman of Gulf & Western.
● Why Andy tried to put a group together to buy the Diplomats.
● What Johan Cruyff went on to do after the Washington Diplomats.
● The thing Cruyff shared that he learned from his time with the Diplomats in his book.
● What Andy’s son is doing to make him proud.
● How much soccer has grown over the decades.
● When Washington decided to try another franchise, and why it didn’t work.
● How Bob felt going from New York to Washington.
● What Andy calls a “hole in his soul.”
● What Andy did after the Washington Diplomats.