Play By Players
47 episodes - English - Latest episode: 12 months ago -A podcast straight from the players. Former Major League Soccer player Bobby Boswell talks one on one with MLS players past and present about life on and off the field.
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Episodes
Sean Davis
May 19, 2023 11:15 - 56 minutes - 52.4 MBThis week Bobby sits down with Nashville SC's Sean Davis. They discuss Sean's upbringing in New Jersey, his time at Duke University, and his MLS career with New York Red Bulls and Nashville SC - including the role free agency played in his career. Sean also discusses the importance of his Asian heritage and how Japanese culture has influenced his life on and off the pitch. As well as what it's like having a TikTok star in the family!
Sean Franklin
May 05, 2023 14:48 - 1 hour - 61.3 MBSean Franklin grew up in a large athletic family where all sports were accounted for, except soccer. That changed when the two-time MLS All Star picked soccer over basketball and discovered his natural passion for the game as a result. Franklin recalls high school as some of his best memories playing soccer while basking in a competitive high school rivalry, but it wasn’t until he was called up to the U-20 Men’s National Team camp that he realized he had the potential to play profes...
Jake Nerwinski
April 21, 2023 11:50 - 48 minutes - 45 MBThis week, Bobby Boswell sits down with St. Louis City SC’s multifaceted right-back Jake Nerwinski to talk about his soccer journey. Coming from a big soccer family, Nerwinski talks about the natural love he found for the game while playing under the same coach his father had growing up, Tab Ramos. Before getting drafted by Vancouver Whitecaps FC, it wasn’t until Nerwinski’s senior year at The University of Connecticut (UCONN), that he considered playing professionally. Between inju...
Sebastien Ibeagha
April 07, 2023 11:00 - 52 minutes - 48.3 MBIt’s showtime for Play By Players Season 3, and your host Bobby Boswell is kicking it off with FC Dallas defender Sebastien Ibeagha. Beginning his soccer journey back home in Nigeria as part of an exceptionally athletic family, Ibeagha came to the United States at a young age and continued his soccer career there. Ibeagha has played over 200 professional games and received various accolades throughout his college, USL and MLS career. In this week’s episode, the two sit down and dis...
Uri Rosell
October 14, 2022 11:00 - 58 minutes - 106 MBPlay By Players brings Sporting KC defensive midfielder Uri Rosell, to the podcast this week! Uri and Bobby talk about the influence of his childhood in Catalonia, adapting to the different culture in MLS and finding your role in the soccer world. Born and raised in a small province in Spain, Puig-Reig, Catalonia, Rosell grew up playing soccer in school and realized his love for the game early on. As Bobby shifts the conversation in and out of MLS, listeners will learn how Rosell...
Tesho Akindele
October 07, 2022 11:00 - 56 minutes - 103 MBThis week, Bobby and Play By Players bring Orlando City SC and Canada Men’s National Team forward Tesho Akindele to the podcast. Akindele boasts over 280 games played throughout his Major League Soccer career, 19 Canadian International Team representations, and two Open Cup championships. Listen in to hear more as Tesho sheds light on his life off the field, including the importance of education, exploring other interests as a professional athlete, and athletes using their voice for...
Cristian Roldan
September 30, 2022 11:00 - 59 minutes - 109 MBOn this week’s episode, Cristian Roldan of Seattle Sounders FC and the U.S. Men’s National Team talks with Bobby Boswell about the driving forces behind his midfield domination over 250 professional games, two MLS Cup Championships, and MLS All-Star status. Cristian spent much of his youth in Pico, California learning what it meant to build yourself from the ground up and remain loyal to family, community, and teammates. Playing soccer with his brothers at a young age, Roldan has ...
Brandon Vazquez
September 23, 2022 11:00 - 44 minutes - 61.6 MBBobby Boswell sits down with FC Cincinnati’s dynamic forward Brandon Vazquez, to talk about his unique and ‘meteoric rise’ to MLS. Growing up in Chula Vista, California, Vazquez spent many days of his week crossing the border from the U.S. to Mexico where he played for Club Tijuana. From playing across the country on dirt fields and training long hours every day, Vazquez worked his way up to his leading role on FC Cincinnati with no plans to stop there. Through the lens of Vazquez...
Diego Fagúndez
September 16, 2022 11:00 - 56 minutes - 103 MBAustin FC's Diego Fagúndez joins the latest episode of Play by Players with Bobby Boswell.
Brad Stuver
September 09, 2022 12:59 - 1 hour - 120 MBBrad Stuver joins Bobby Boswell on the pod this week. Brad, who was recently nominated for the 2022 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, shares his passion for community involvement and giving back.
Memo Rodríguez
September 02, 2022 12:19 - 58 minutes - 107 MBHouston Dynamo homegrown Memo Rodríguez joins Bobby on the podcast.
Jaylin Lindsey
August 19, 2022 11:00 - 57 minutes - 105 MB"To go in there and play in front of 74,000 fans at a stadium I grew up going to... it was unreal." Bobby is joined by Charlotte native Jaylin Lindsey to hear all about what it's like to play for your hometown club. Listen in to learn more on how Jaylin's soccer journey brought him back home.
Steve Birnbaum
August 01, 2022 17:12 - 55 minutes - 102 MBPlay by Players is back for season two! To kick things off, Bobby is joined by DC United's Steve Birnbaum. The former teammates and old friends cover all of their history together, going all the way back to the RFK days. *Note: Episode was recorded in June 2022.
Justin Mapp
November 15, 2021 18:26 - 1 hour - 57 MBBobby Boswell catches up with former 15-year MLS veteran Justin Mapp on the latest episode of Play by Players. Justin walks Bobby through his career, from going pro at just 17 years old to signing the first free agent deal in MLS history.
Drew Moor
November 02, 2021 11:00 - 1 hour - 58.3 MBBobby is joined by 17-year MLS veteran Drew Moor on this week's episode. Fresh off his 400th appearance, Drew takes Bobby back to where things began when he was scoring 100 (literally) goals for his high school team. You'll hear about all the major moments; from what it was like to sign as Generation Adidas, to the moment he found out he made the All-Star team just 11 months after tearing his ACL. Plus, you won't want to miss the story of when Drew was a player coach for the week. ...
Clyde Simms
October 22, 2021 19:13 - 1 hour - 60.7 MBBobby Boswell speaks with his friend and former teammate Clyde Simms.
Chase Gasper
October 04, 2021 14:45 - 57 minutes - 52.8 MBMinnesota United defender Chase Gasper joins the podcast this week. In the episode, Bobby gets the scoop on his collegiate career all the way up to his first national team call up. Listen in to get the inside look at where Chase thought he was getting drafted before ending up in Minnesota and what life in MLS has been like so far.
Miguel Berry
September 15, 2021 18:50 - 57 minutes - 52.6 MBMiguel Berry joins the podcast this week and talks with Bobby about bursting onto the scene with the Columbus Crew this year. Miguel also shares what it was like to move to the U.S. from Spain at a young age, and how he finds strength from a close personal loss.
Jeff Attinella
August 09, 2021 23:00 - 1 hour - 63.5 MBPortland Timbers goalkeeper Jeff Attinella joins Bobby for a conversation on his journey to the Timbers, and how he became an author and t-shirt maker off the field.
Jeff Larentowicz
July 27, 2021 19:00 - 1 hour - 58.7 MBAfter 16 MLS seasons, Jeff Larentowicz announced that he was hanging up his cleats in 2021. Now, the man notorious for having no social media is back to catch Bobby up on his life after the game. The two-time MLS Cup Champion takes Bobby through his MLS tenure, including the simple things that kept him motivated to play more than 400 games and his time on the MLSPA Executive Board.
Matt Turner
June 29, 2021 13:51 - 51 minutes - 47.2 MBGoalkeeper Matt Turner joins Bobby on the latest episode of Play by Players. Listen in to hear about Matt's journey to the league, the funny story of when he got the call from the New England Revolution, and his experience with the USMNT.
Tim Parker
April 23, 2021 16:00 - 53 minutes - 73.5 MBHouston Dynamo center back Tim Parker joins Bobby Boswell this week. Tim and Bobby cover his life on and off the field, from starting his pro career in Vancouver to how he ended up on the runway in New York Fashion Week.
Zarek Valentin
April 15, 2021 22:55 - 1 hour - 97 MBZarek Valentin joins Bobby on the podcast this week. The pair cover everything from his experience growing up in Lancaster, PA to all of the best "only in MLS" stories from his career.
Diego Rubio
April 08, 2021 15:00 - 51 minutes - 71.2 MBPlay by Players is back this week with Diego Rubio joining Bobby Boswell. Listen in as the guys discuss Diego's family of soccer players, his time in Europe and the decision to make the move to MLS.
Andrew Dykstra
January 19, 2021 22:12 - 1 hour - 86.9 MBBobby's former DC United teammate Andrew Dykstra joins him on the podcast this week. The pair dive into Andrew's journey through MLS and the USL, and how he's staying involved in the game today.
Jeremy Ebobisse
December 30, 2020 23:00 - 1 hour - 93.6 MBPlay by Players is back this week as Bobby is joined by Black Players for Change (BPC) Executive Board Member Jeremy Ebobisse. Jeremy provides perspective on the Timbers' time in the bubble and the creation of BPC. Plus, find out why he is still getting made fun of for his goal celebrations.
Alecko Eskandarian
December 22, 2020 00:30 - 1 hour - 122 MBOn this week's episode of Play by Players, Bobby is joined by his friend and former teammate Alecko Eskandarian. The duo cover why Alecko's high school had to limit him to five goals a game, his Armenian-Iranian heritage and how he's raising awareness for the invisible injury. Plus, you won't want to miss the stories these guys have about being roommates on the road. Follow Alecko on social media to learn more about his mission to donate to Armenian families.
Jalil Anibaba
December 14, 2020 18:00 - 1 hour - 83 MBThere's no shortage of laughs this week as MLS veteran Jalil Anibaba joins Bobby Boswell on the podcast. Bobby and Jalil cover everything from the grainy footage of his first goal, to the 100+ pairs of shoes he has in his closet. Plus, the pair discuss Jalil's important work on the board of Black Players for Change.
Mikey Ambrose
December 07, 2020 23:00 - 46 minutes - 64.6 MBBobby Boswell catches up with Mikey Ambrose on the latest episode of Play by Players. Bobby and Mikey chat about Mikey's decision to leave home at 14 to pursue soccer, the path his career has taken in MLS and how he keeps his signature positive mindset.
Chris Mueller
November 18, 2020 20:00 - 47 minutes - 64.8 MBOrlando City SC's Chris Mueller joins Bobby on Play by Players this week ahead of the start of the 2020 MLS playoffs. Chris shares his journey to the pros, including the book that lead him to have a crucial mindset change. The Orlando leading scorer also shares his passion for his club, as well as how his passion for reading off the field inspired him to start his Be The Best bookclub.
Chris Rolfe
November 10, 2020 00:00 - 1 hour - 86.5 MBThis week on Play by Players Bobby is joined by his old friend, and teammate, Chris Rolfe. Chris and Bobby take a trip down memory lane and look back on Chris' playing career, the time they spent on the field together and what Chris is up to now.
Justin Morrow
November 03, 2020 00:00 - 45 minutes - 62.6 MBSince entering the league in 2010, Justin Morrow has always had a passion for using his platform as an athlete for good. In June, Justin and more than 70 MLS players organized to create Black Players for Change. Since then, he has stepped into a leadership role and now serves as their Executive Director. Justin joined Play by Players to share his journey in MLS, how he balances his on and off field responsibilities and why we all need to do our part in making sure the conversations ...
Will Bruin
October 26, 2020 20:00 - 44 minutes - 60.6 MBNow in his 10th MLS season, Will Bruin stops by to chat with Bobby Boswell about making his return from an injury in the middle of a very unique season. The former teammates also cover Will's time in Houston and what it's like to play against your old club. Plus, Will makes a prediction about when he'll score again that (spoiler alert) already came true.
Tony Sanneh
October 19, 2020 18:00 - 51 minutes - 70.7 MBTwo-time MLS Cup Champion Tony Sanneh joins Bobby Boswell on the podcast to discuss his decorated MLS career and his dedication to giving back. In 2003, Tony started the Sanneh Foundation with the mission of empowering kids, improving lives and uniting communities in Minnesota.
Harry Shipp
June 26, 2020 19:00 - 48 minutes - 66.6 MBHarry Shipp joins the podcast this week to talk about his recent decision to hang up his cleats, his time with the PA and what comes next in his life off the field.
Mark McKenzie
May 22, 2020 20:00 - 44 minutes - 60.9 MBPhiladelphia Union Homegrown Mark McKenzie hops on Zoom with Bobby in the latest episode of Play by Players and earns the title of youngest podcast guest to date! Bobby chats with Mark about his path from college to MLS, his time with the USMNT and his dancing skills.
Julian Gressel
May 05, 2020 21:00 - 45 minutes - 63 MBOn the latest episode of Play by Players, Bobby chats with former teammate Julian Gressel. Fresh off a trade to DC United, the midfielder joins Bobby on Zoom to talk about his transition to a new city and team and fill us in on what he's been up to off the field during the suspension of play.
Steven Lenhart
April 30, 2020 19:00 - 47 minutes - 64.6 MBOn another Zoom edition of Play by Players, Bobby is joined by former MLS player Steven Lenhart. Lenhart, who is better known for being one half of the infamous "Bash Brothers," talks all things life after soccer and the journey his career took him on.
Walker Zimmerman
April 28, 2020 16:00 - 52 minutes - 48.1 MBWalker Zimmerman, or "big beautiful man" as Bobby likes to call him, joins us for Play by Players this week. Walker chats with Bobby about the journey his career has taken him on so far, including how he found out about the trade to Nashville just as he was settling in to watch The Bachelor.
Tommy Thompson
April 14, 2020 16:00 - 45 minutes - 62.5 MBBobby Boswell is joined by Tommy Thompson via Zoom this week as the two practice responsible social distancing. Tommy lets us know more about how he was inspired to start his skills challenge to bring joy to kids during the COVID-19 emergency and why it's so important to be more than "just a soccer player."
Nick Rimando
March 31, 2020 15:00 - 53 minutes - 48.7 MBBobby talks to Nick Rimando about his many years in the MLS. They discuss breaking things around the house, acting as a role model off the field, the strange relationships between keepers, proving doubters wrong, entrepreneurship and a legacy written in beer names.
Jimmy Conrad
March 17, 2020 09:00 - 1 hour - 102 MB"You were never a guy that I wanted to punch." In the latest episode of Play by Players, Bobby Boswell is joined by Jimmy Conrad. The guys cover a wide variety of topics from Conrad's MLS tenure, including how not being drafted was a blessing in disguise, several of his former teammates and the ups and downs of his soccer career.
Sam Cronin
March 03, 2020 10:00 - 57 minutes - 78.4 MBSam Cronin and Bobby discuss a long career in MLS including the impact of former teammates, the experience of being traded, starring in early promo videos with Wondo, getting under David Beckham's skin and a brief career kicking field goals. Sam also opens up about the end of his career and the impact of concussions, noting both the improvements in medical understanding and the lingering stigma. As a former Executive Board member, Sam shares his thoughts on working in the PA and ...
Dax McCarty
February 18, 2020 10:00 - 1 hour - 102 MBBobby chats with Dax McCarty about the importance of the Emirates Cup, the virtues of Florida, early MLS mayhem, playing with Thierry Henry, staying on the right side of the trash talk line and representing the US at the Olympics.
Michael Parkhurst
February 03, 2020 19:00 - 34 minutes - 47.1 MBBobby talks to Michael Parkhurst about his long and storied professional career. Parkhurst discusses his experience as a rookie in New England, the cast of characters he has called teammates, embracing leadership and his experience in the UEFA Champions League.
Chris Wondolowski
January 21, 2020 10:00 - 53 minutes - 73.8 MBBobby Boswell talks to Chris Wondolowski about the MLS experience on and off the field. In a wide ranging discussion Chris talks about record goal scoring, dangerous celebrations, Native American heritage and surviving the early years of MLS. This conversation originally took place at the end of September 2019.
Introducing... Play By Play(ers)!
January 07, 2020 05:00 - 1 minute - 1.33 MBA teaser for the MLSPA's upcoming podcast series hosted by former player Bobby Boswell.