Charlie Mitchell - From Paisley to Hawaii

On this episode of Open Wide for Some Soccer we’re joined by guest Charlie Mitchell, who played in the North American Soccer League for ten seasons. Charlie shares what led him to play with the Rochester Lancers, his greatest memories in playing with some of the best players in the NASL, and what he wishes he appreciated more looking back on his experiences.

On this episode:
● How Charlie ended up playing for the Rochester Lancers.
● What was happening in the NASL at the time Charlie joined the Lancers.
● What made Rochester so soccer centric.
● What community’s soccer should be reinvigorated in and why.
● The dynamic when Giorgio Chinaglia joined the New York Cosmos.
● What it was like playing with some of the best players in the NASL.
● When the players went on strike and why.
● How Charlie felt finding out he was being traded to the Cosmos.
● How Pelé acted behind the scenes.
● What Charlie wished he appreciated more looking back.
● The player that easily took other players for a walk.
● The kick Pelé always wanted to make in America and how Charlie made it happen.
● Why Charlie says he was at the right place at the right time.
● The worst conditions Charlie has played under.
● How Charlie reacted when he got asked to go play in Hawaii.
● What happened when other players came to Hawaii for away games.
● Why Charlie enjoyed playing indoor soccer.
● The trajectory of Charlie’s career after Hawaii.
● The type of player that Peter Lorimer was.