Orange Slices
52 episodes - English - Latest episode: over 1 year ago - ★★★★★ - 213 ratingsOrange Slices connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national teams and soccer Americana. From the muddy fields of our youth to the games won and lost on the world's stage, weekly episodes will feature guests from different generations of American soccer sharing stories, insights, and commentary on their soccer experiences and the American game. Come and enjoy a slice of the soccer life!
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Episodes
End of 2022 Mailbag
December 23, 2022 16:00 - 28 minutesHeath and Mark catch up after a few weeks off. The guys get into Genk's training camp in Spain, Heath's World Cup experience in Qatar and the recent USMNT controversies. Plus, they answer all your questions about their highs and lows from 2022, favorite World Cup moments, their go-to coffee order, which USWNT player they like the most right now and much more. Thank to everyone who submitted a question! Happy holidays to you & yours and we'll see you guys in '23. Check out our Spotify Playlist...
Iran-USMNT Match Preview
November 29, 2022 13:58 - 7 minutesMark and Heath have a quick chat about the USMNT ahead of their critical match against Iran in the final game of the group stages. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.
World Cup Disappointment
November 18, 2022 12:00 - 41 minutesAfter taking a few days to process things, Mark and Heath talk through being left off this year’s USMNT roster in the final hour. Mark opens up about being in the final group of players, his phone call with Gregg, how he and his family processed everything and what’s next. Thanks to all the OS listeners who have showed love and support this past week. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals...
Genk Top of the Belgian Table & Final Games Before Qatar
October 28, 2022 14:00 - 21 minutesWe are less than 3 weeks away from the World Cup and everyone is feeling the pressure in different ways. On this week's episode, Heath and Mark discuss Mark's recent run of form with Genk, the club's great victory over Antwerp over the weekend Mark's mentality heading into these final 2 games before the USMNT World Cup roster announcement. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our ...
Joe Scally
October 14, 2022 10:37 - 44 minutesMark & Heath welcome one of the rising Americans abroad, Joe Scally. Joe brings all the positivity in this one from his home in Düsseldorf, Germany. The guys get into the recent USMNT camp and Joe's inclusion in the senior team over the past calendar year, consistent playing time at Borussia Mönchengladbach, drawing Bayern Munich earlier this season and life abroad. He is just an all around positive dude and it will be impossible not to root for continued success for our guy after you listen ...
USMNT September Camp Recap
October 06, 2022 10:55 - 41 minutesHeath and Mark chat through what was a frustrating yet eventful final USMNT camp ahead of Qatar. Mark opens up about some of the goals going into these matches, what he and the team was able to takeaway from them, the vibes in the dining room post match and what he needs to do to stay ready in this crucial lead up to the World Cup. We will be back next week with a guest! Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of...
Don’t Call It a Comeback!
September 22, 2022 11:01 - 31 minutesIt’s been too long OS fam but Heath Pearce and Mark McKenzie are finally back and on the road to Qatar. Mark joins us from USMNT camp and the guys get into a lot in this episode. They address our long break from the pod, the end of last season for Mark at Genk, why he wasn’t playing and his recent run of form for his club. Of course they also get into everything USMNT including Mark’s addition to this September camp and his goals for the next couple of months before the World Cup. The guys wi...
Genk's Playoff Journey
May 13, 2022 10:30 - 42 minutesIt's the business end of the season so no guest but plenty to discuss as Mark and Genk are pushing for the final Conference League spot in the Belgian Playoffs. The guys talk about Mark's recent run of form, the complicated playoff system in Belgium and other Americans dealing with the end of the season in various leagues in Europe. They get into an interesting conversation about the recent run of Americans moving for record fees and the expectations that come with that - is it always best to...
Kellyn Acosta
April 28, 2022 15:15 - 58 minutesMany fans know Kellyn Acosta as the ultimate ish talker in the USMNT but he’s actually a really level headed, thoughtful guy off the pitch. Kellyn stopped by the show to catch up with the boys about everything from his recent move to LA, recapping the intensity of the schedule this past year, facing off against Mexico here and abroad, trades within MLS and much more. He also shares some insight into how he is able to stay present during an unrelenting schedule and how he rewards himself for a...
Christian Ramirez
April 21, 2022 13:00 - 46 minutesIt's been a few weeks but the boys are back with a great conversation about taking the unconventional path to success. In a world where players are pros at 16 or on the academy trail even younger, Christian Ramirez had to build his own path to professional football. He had no offers coming out of college from MLS or abroad and bet on himself in the lower leagues in the States. It eventually paid off and he made a name for himself at Minnesota United and has since enjoyed success at the nation...
World Cup Qualifying Recap #5: USMNT QATAR BOUND BABY
March 31, 2022 19:13 - 33 minutesHeath and Mark catch up to celebrate the USMNT qualifying for the 2022 World Cup! It's been a 6+ month process... ok 4 year process and our guy Mark played a big role in revitalizing this squad. The guys discuss losing at Costa Rica last night and the mixed reaction post match, taking care of business this window, where they were four years ago when we lost to Trinidad & Tobago, their highs and lows from this qualification process and goals for the rest of this year. Check out our Spotify Pla...
Jim Curtin
March 24, 2022 16:08 - 1 hourWe've been waiting for the right time to bring in Coach Jim Curtin and this felt like the perfect episode. Jim was Mark's first professional coach and worked with him through the academy years within the Union. On the back of missing out of a few matches at Genk due to illness and not getting called into this USMNT World Cup Qualifying squad, Jim was just the type of motivational force Mark & the boys needed this week. Beyond being a great leader, Jim shares some incredible stories about MLS ...
Paxten Aaronson
February 25, 2022 12:00 - 50 minutesWith his first full pro season less than 48 hours away, Paxten Aaronson is keeping things chill and stopped by for a fun conversation with the OS boys. Paxten is the latest Aaronson to take the Philadelphia Union by storm and rumors are already swirling about what’s next. Pax, Mark & Heath get into his expectations for the season, their different routines for day vs night matches, haircuts, where Pax excels on the field, his first impressions of Mark and the evolution of YSC Academy. He also ...
Abby Dahlkemper
February 18, 2022 12:00 - 1 hourOS listeners, we heard your calls and are happy to deliver our first USWNT guest podcast with World Cup winner, Abby Dahlkemper. Not only is Abby an absolute baller but she delivers a great conversation with the boys. They get into everything from the differences between the respective USWNT & USMNT’s changing of the guard, some intense World Cup moments, pilates, and just winning at every level she’s competed at. They also get into a great conversation about the mental side of the game and h...
World Cup Qualifying Recap #4 / Mailbag
February 10, 2022 12:00 - 36 minutesHeath and Mark catchup after another eventful international break! The guys get into the behind the scenes on all three matches and talk through US Soccer's decision to hold the match in St. Paul, MN in February. After they finishing properly catching up, we open up the mailbag to answer some of our listener's burning questions. Some of the topics include: player most likely to move into coaching, victory songs, best basketball players on the USMNT and an epic Royal Rumble of USMNT managers. ...
Matt Turner
January 28, 2022 16:45 - 58 minutesWhen it comes to US Soccer, goalkeepers have long held up our national reputation around the world. Matt Turner is just the latest name to carry the torch for US Soccer. Matt had a really interesting journey to where he is today and just this week his story seems to have taken another exciting turn. Matt opens up about his crazy 2021 with the USMNT and NE Revolution and how difficult it was to mentally switch between the two different environments regularly. We save the youth soccer stories f...
Chris Richards Returns!
December 22, 2021 12:00 - 43 minutesWhen we discussed closing out Season 1, there was really only one guest that came to mind: Chris Richards. A lot has changed for Chris (and Mark!) since we last spoke to him in December 2020. The guys dive into what the last year has been like at Hoffenheim for Chris, his varying playing time abroad, contributing some crucial USMNT minutes in the last World Cup cycle and hypes up his little bro as the next generation. Mark has also had some huge changes recently. Genk has a new manager and Ma...
World Cup Qualifying Recap #3
November 19, 2021 11:00 - 25 minutesHeath and Mark catchup after another eventful international break! The guys talk about the two huge matches against Mexico and Jamaica. Mark opens up about his expectations going into the camp and his general frustration with his playing time but finding other important ways to contribute to the team. With another Dos a Cero in the USMNT's pocket, all focus is on to 2022 to keep this momentum rolling! Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, pre...
A Long Overdue Catchup: Genk's Recent Form & USMNT World Cup Qualifying
October 28, 2021 20:48 - 28 minutesWe're back! No guest this week but we wanted to catch up and say hello to the OS fam. Mark has been focusing on his club football at Genk after the USMNT World Cup Qualifying matches earlier this month. Mark opens up about his frustrations with the club's recent 5 match losing streak and his fight for playing time. Heath shares some of his similar war stories and the guys have a nice chat about staying mentally strong when things aren't going your way. Genk won in the League Cup this week so ...
Gianluca Busio
October 07, 2021 10:30 - 59 minutesOn the eve of their World Cup Qualifying match against Jamaica, we caught up with one of the youngest guys in camp, Gianluca Busio. The guys may have been battling jet lag - 7 hours is no joke - but they still had a great conversation about this camp, Venezia and life outside of soccer. The guys give you a behind the scenes look on this current camp, general vibe, training sessions, how it compares to the Gold Cup and how they stay mentally ready on match day. Plus, Gianluca opens up about hi...
Tanner Tessmann
September 30, 2021 11:30 - 1 hourOur guy Tanner Tessmann may just be the most chill guest we have had on the pod, just don’t come at the FC Dallas Academy around him. Tanner stopped by for a great conversation with the guys about his new life in Venice, the food scene, navigating Serie A with a fellow American on the squad, breaking into the team and so much boat talk. Tanner also dives into his USMNT career, his first taste of Concacaf in Olympic qualifying and his future in red, white and blue. Finally, Tanner and Mark may...
World Cup Qualifying Recap #1
September 16, 2021 10:30 - 32 minutesWell, it’s finally time. After talking to countless US Soccer veterans on this pod, Mark has his own Concacaf war stories to share. No guest this week, but Heath and Mark catch up on what has been a truly insane couple of weeks for our host. Mark opens up about El Salvador’s hostile stadium, the team’s vibe in-between matches, the distractions outside the locker room, getting the start in Honduras, how the team came together at half time and propelled themselves to that historic second half a...
Listener Mail #2
September 02, 2021 15:13 - 47 minutesMark is a little busy this week at National Team camp but we didn’t want to leave the OS fam hanging! Heath opens the show talking about these upcoming WCQ matches and what he hopes to see from the squad before we dive into the full episode. A couple of weeks ago Mark & Heath opened the mailbag and answered all your most pressing questions. Find out what the guys really think about dual nationals, their favorite youth soccer memories, coaches who had the biggest impacts on their careers, wha...
USMNT World Cup Qualifying Roster Reaction
August 26, 2021 16:05 - 30 minutesHeath and Mark react to the USMNT Roster announcement that just dropped. Mark is in the squad for his first World Cup Qualifying matches! The guys talk through Mark’s expectations, Heath’s experiences in El Salvador and Honduras, how Gregg has been preparing the guys for this moment and who else Heath is excited to see in this round of games. Finally, the guys react to some of the recent US-Mexico dual nationals news and Heath gives a recap of his MLS All-Star experience. Check out our Spoti...
Antonee Robinson
August 19, 2021 10:30 - 1 hourThe young Jedi himself joins the pod for an awesome conversation this week. Antonee Robinson may have been born in England and spent most of his career across the pond but our guy is an American through and through. Antonee shares some great stories with the guys ranging from his youth career at Everton and with the England Youth National Team, why he chose to play with the US over England, the Nations League, playing for Fulhamerica, the biggest differences between the Premier League and the...
Yunus Musah
August 12, 2021 10:30 - 53 minutesOur guest this week is the most recent multinational to commit to the USA back in March 2021. Yunus Musah is a young baller honing his craft out in Valencia when he’s not tearing it up with the USMNT. He’s rehabbing from an injury right now and took some time out of his busy schedule to catch up with Mark and Heath. The guys get into US Soccer’s recruiting process and why Yunus decided to commit to the USA, his relationship with Gregg Berhalter, who’s got the biggest legs in the squad, his ti...
Sam Vines
August 05, 2021 15:53 - 1 hourWe caught our guest this week on the eve of his biggest career accomplishments to date. Sam Vines joins us on the day before the Gold Cup Final against Mexico and a few days before he moves to Royal Antwerp. Sam was incredibly generous with his time at such a critical moment and we are very thankful to him for chopping it up with us. Sam gives us an inside look at the USMNT vibes throughout the Gold Cup, the matchup against Qatar, reviewing footage with Gregg Berhalter and the USMNT staff, li...
Genk Season 2 Underway, Champions League Qualifying and Mark's a (Dog) Dad
July 29, 2021 17:04 - 39 minutesOn today's Orange Slices, Heath and Mark catchup after what's been a busy couple of weeks for the hosts and US soccer in general. No guest this week, but we'll be back on a normal cadence next week with guests. Heath and Mark catch up on Mark's latest adventure - pet fatherhood, the Belgian Super Cup, the beginning of the Belgian season, Champions League Qualifying against Shakhtar Donetsk right around the corner, Gold Cup, the Olympics and some other fun topics. Join in and listen to a candi...
Mark on Genk Preseason & Previewing the Belgian Super Cup
July 16, 2021 12:37 - 39 minutesNo guest this week but Mark McKenzie and Heath Pearce have plenty to catch up on. Mark shares his epic journey to get back to Belgium, an inside look at training camp so far, thoughts on team bonding activities and, of course, riding bikes in the Netherlands with the boys. The Belgian Super Cup final is this Saturday July 17 at 2:45PM ET on ESPN+ and Mark recaps how Genk made it to the Final and Brugge barely getting away with the league title last season. The guys also get into their thought...
Sacha Kljestan
July 08, 2021 11:00 - 1 hourOur guest this week paved the way for Mark out in Belgium back in the 2010s. Sacha Kljestan had an incredible career with Anderlecht - winning the league 3 times and qualifying for 2 Champions League campaigns. Sacha opens up about his time in Belgium and shares some knowledge with Mark on what it took to push through Champions League Qualifying and make a name for himself out there before American soccer was truly on the European map. The guys also dive into Sacha’s prolific national team ca...
Sebastian Lletget
July 01, 2021 11:35 - 48 minutesThis week’s guest has quickly cemented his place in GGG’s USMNT squad. Sebastian stopped by the pod for a short but action packed episode covering the recent USMNT camp, the Nations League Final against Mexico, Mark’s incredible bounce back performance, hotel life during the pandemic, taking a teammate into the studio with Becky G and much more. It’s just an easy, fun conversation with our guy and his versatility has never been more clear to us. Don’t worry, he’ll be back for a part 2. Check...
Charlie Davies
June 17, 2021 11:16 - 1 hourOur guest this week was one of the biggest rising stars in US soccer in the 2000s. Charlie Davies joins the show to talk about the recent USMNT Nations League matches featuring Mark and the rest of the crew. The guys also get into Charlie’s time with the USMNT, the 2009 Confederations Cup run with Heath, his iconic goal celebrations against Mexico and the heartbreak of missing the 2010 World Cup. Finally, Chuck opens up about his injury and health issues stemming from the car accident in 2009...
Mark McKenzie on the Nations League Final
June 09, 2021 13:20 - 1 hourMark & Heath catch up after a very busy week. Mark & the USMNT won a truly breathtaking game against Mexico to lift their first trophy since 2017. The guys get into everything - they talk about the game from kickoff through final whistle, the atmosphere, the fans inside the stadium and online and what's next for our guy. Mark opens up about some of the racial abuse he has faced online in the past few days and shares a message to the greater soccer community on how we can all move forward. Tha...
Mark McKenzie at USMNT Camp in Switzerland
May 27, 2021 11:00 - 27 minutesAfter a hectic week, Mark and Heath catch up while Mark is at USMNT camp in Switzerland. The guys discuss the incredible end of Genk’s season and what’s next for Mark in Belgium. Plus, the guys dive into Mark’s first European USMNT camp, the vibes after all the American’s success abroad, reconnecting with the squad after so many months away, adjusting to Gregg Berhalter’s tactics and, of course, where to sit on the bus and plane. We’ll be back with a full episode next week! Check out our Spo...
Tim Howard
May 20, 2021 11:00 - 1 hourThe man formerly known as The Secretary of Defense and forever known as the GOAT GK, Tim Howard joins the pod this week. Tim has had an incredible club career spanning MLS 1.0 to the peak of English soccer and back to MLS 3.0 with a few iconic World Cup moments in between. Tim talks to the guys about his journey through the youth ranks in New Jersey, why he skipped college ball, adjusting to life at Manchester United and why Everton felt like home. He also dives into his time with the USMNT a...
Jimmy Conrad
May 14, 2021 14:39 - 1 hourThe legend that is Conradinho joins the pod this week to drop knowledge bombs all over the place. The guys have a great conversation with the Kansas City Wiz about all things American soccer then and now. Jimmy shares his unique story of playing college ball at UCLA, being overlooked in the 1997 MLS Draft and how playing in the A League (aka USL First Division) actually set him up mentally for the rest of his career. The guys also get into whether academy kids are missing out on playing high ...
Alejandro Bedoya
May 06, 2021 12:00 - 1 hourThe captain of Mark’s 2020 Supporters Shield winning Philadelphia Union joins the show today! Alejandro is a great guy and leader and he gets into why he passed on the MLS Draft in 2009 and opted to begin his pro career playing in Europe, how he adjusted to life in Scandinavia and later Scotland and France and why he ultimately decided to come to MLS - specifically the Union - later in his career. He opens up about his experiences with the USMNT including missing out on the 2010 World Cup and...
Mark Wins the Belgian Cup! and Listener Mail
April 29, 2021 15:54 - 1 hourIn a special episode of Orange Slices, Heath & Mark celebrate Genk’s recent Belgian Cup victory! Mark breaks down what went into the match, the 3 periods of winning a cup final and already preparing to turn the page with the playoffs coming up for the club. The guys then answer your questions in a special mailbag episode including some fun food questions, how to stay composed with the ball on defense, dream dinner guests, some future guests and much more. Thank you to everyone who submitted a...
Daryl Dike
April 22, 2021 12:43 - 59 minutesThe hottest striker in the Championship (yeah we said it!) joins the guys for an awesome, candid conversation. Daryl is enjoying life out in Barnsley, banging in goals and improving his game every day. We caught up with Daryl earlier this week so the European Super League was still very much top of mind - the guys don’t hold back on their opinions. Daryl opens up about his time in England, what made Barnsley an attractive opportunity, his impressions of the league and city so far and what’s n...
Stu Holden
April 15, 2021 14:06 - 1 hourThe voice of soccer on Fox Sports and USMNT vet Stu Holden joins the show for an action packed episode. Stu is such an established presence part in broadcast world at this point but he opens up about his career and life in a way that will surprise many listeners. We caught up with Stu a couple of weeks ago so the Olympics were still very much top of mind for the guys at the beginning. They discuss the dominant '06 & ’07 Houston Dynamo teams Stu was part of and how they compare to last year’s ...
Brenden Aaronson
April 08, 2021 11:00 - 1 hourWho’s stock is rising quicker than our guy B?! Brenden stopped by the pod to talk about life at RB Salzburg and his first taste of European soccer in the Europa League. But before we get into all that, the guys discuss the US missing out on the 2021 Olympics, their thoughts on the criticism from near and far and where we go from here. They then get into Brenden’s early career, his high school principal sending him to summer school, why he chose to move to YSC Academy, the MLS is Back tourname...
Dax McCarty
April 02, 2021 12:23 - 58 minutesFew people embody what MLS is more than our guy Dax McCarty. Entering his 16th season with expansion franchise Nashville SC, Dax is as passionate as ever and delivers a great conversation with the guys. They get into a little bit of everything but go deep into the USMNT and what it means to be a fridge player for your country. Dax drops some knowledge on what a successful professional career looks like to him and how it has changed over the years. They get into Dax’s approach to leadership, N...
Eddie Pope
March 12, 2021 11:00 - 49 minutesThere are legends of US Soccer, and then there’s THE legend: Eddie Pope. Eddie is a trailblazer in so many ways: part of the first ever MLS College Draft, scored the winning goal in the first MLS Cup Final, part of the first MLS team to win the US Open Cup, played in 3 World Cups and of course one of the og black icons on the USMNT. Heath and Mark have a great conversation about all of the above with him and also get into life in MLS 1.0, his impressions of the current USMNT, life advice for ...
Tim Weah
March 04, 2021 12:49 - 51 minutesWho has the most drip on the USMNT? Tim Weah and the Orange Slices guys think it’s a pretty easy answer. Tim joins the pod this week to talk about life at the top of Ligue 1 with Lille, why this team has him believing the Ligue 1 title is within reach and his journey to this point. Tim opens up about his time with PSG and shares some behind the scenes stories about Neymar, Thiago Silva and Ángel Di María. Finally, the guys have an impassioned talk about the future of the USMNT and the generat...
Zack Steffen
February 25, 2021 12:00 - 46 minutesZack Steffen is carving out his own story at Manchester City while following in the footsteps of other iconic USMNT keepers. While his on the field success is incredibly impressive, he is also taking a stand off the pitch with his non-profit VoyceNow. Zack was in Dusseldorf for the George Floyd protests last year and decided to take action and engage other athletes and celebrities to advocate for change within soccer and beyond. Zack tells the guys about what’s next for VoyceNow and how Mark ...
Jay DeMerit
February 18, 2021 12:00 - 1 hourThe man with the most unlikely path to professional soccer joins the pod this week! Jay’s story is one of those that is so unbelievable it has to be true. He is now channeling his unparalleled energy and spirit into mentoring young athletes with his new app Rise+Shine The guys get into Jay’s crazy story, his first impressions of European soccer, his time in the USMNT with Heath, the 2010 World Cup, his impressions of Mark and the current USMNT and advice for Mark on how to stay mentally fit w...
Cobi Jones
February 11, 2021 12:00 - 48 minutesFew people personify US Soccer quite like the living legend Cobi Jones. Cobi had an incredible professional career and is now running for US Soccer Vice President to continue to grow the game in the US and make it more accessible for all. Cobi talks to the guys about his VP platform, including reimagining the US Open Cup, how to better connect with underserved communities and how to reach an even wider audience. The guys spend a lot of time talking about the systemic racism that is in the gam...
Tyler Adams
February 02, 2021 12:56 - 45 minutesThis week, the guys welcome on the American Swiss Army knife himself - Tyler Adams. Tyler has quickly become the most versatile player for the USMNT and RB Leipzig and his interests beyond the pitch are just as diverse. Mark and Heath have a great conversation with the young American abroad about his time in the Bundesliga, chasing Bayern, that Champions League goal, coming up in USL, his preferred position, keeping a positive mindset while rehabbing from injuries so far from home and how dif...
Mark McKenzie Moves to Genk!
January 26, 2021 11:45 - 38 minutesOn a special episode of the pod, Mark and Heath catch up after a hectic month for the new American abroad. The guys talk about the transfer, how it all came together, Mark’s early impressions of Belgium and the new club and his goals for the rest of the season. Finally, they both share some thoughts on the MLS labor negotiations. “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international ...
Maurice Edu
December 18, 2020 11:00 - 48 minutesMark McKenzie & Heath Pearce sit down with former Rangers, Stoke City, Philadelphia Union & USMNT player Maurice Edu for a truly awesome conversation. The guys discuss the differences in going pro in the U.S. then & now, Mark's recent USMNT camp and match against El Salvador, Mo's first impressions of Scotland and some advice for Mark amidst the rumor mill buzzing, and the importance of multicultural representation on the national team stage. “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and fu...