2022-08-30 Premier news, Haaland & Man City, props for the Noonan bros., and LMU’s big win

🎙️Join Kevin and Dave on this week’s episode Over the Ball podcast as we dive into the captivating career and accomplishments of Bob Lenarduzzi—a living legend whose impact reverberates across stadiums, boardrooms, and hearts. Whether he was donning cleats or making strategic decisions, Lenarduzzi’s passion for the game has left an indelible mark on the field with Reading FC, the Vancouver Whitecaps, and the Canadian national team, where he proudly wore the maple leaf at the 1984 Summer Olympics and the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Bob is

the sole Canadian to have clinched the NASL Player of the Year award in 1979 and played a pivotal role in the Whitecaps’ NASL Soccer Bowl championship triumph that same year, knocking out the Cosmos to a stunned Giants Stadium crowd. 

Bob continued to leave his mark on soccer history as the coach of the Vancouver 86ers (now Whitecaps) to four consecutive Canadian Soccer League titles, taking over later as the club’s general manager and director of soccer operations, where he shaped the team’s destiny. His influence extended to the Canadian national team and where his tireless advocacy for soccer in Vancouver earned him a rightful place in the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the Whitecaps FC president, he turned dreams into reality, establishing a professional soccer legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Tune in to our podcast episode as we unravel the layers of Bob Lenarduzzi’s remarkable career—a journey fueled by passion, resilience, and unwavering love for the beautiful game. ⚽🎧

In the annals of American soccer history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as Rick Davis. A true legend of the sport, Davis left an indelible mark on the landscape of American soccer during his tenure with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). With a blend of skill, tenacity, and leadership, Davis emerged as a beacon of excellence, captivating fans and inspiring future generations of players.

Get ready for an electrifying episode of the Over The Ball podcast as we welcome none other than American soccer icon, Rick Davis, as he joins Kevin and Dave and delves into his unparalleled journey through the world of soccer, reminiscing about his illustrious career with the New York Cosmos in the NASL and his enduring impact on the sport in the United States.

Juan Carlos Amorós, the 38-year-old head coach of NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL, is a rising star in soccer. With extensive global soccer experience, he has successfully led teams in Spain, England, and the U.S.

Fresh from a thrilling NWSL Championship match win against OL Reign, Coach Amorós shares insights from his worldwide soccer ventures. He emphasizes building a club deeply rooted in community and fan connection and reveals his coaching philosophy that centers on treating players as individuals with diverse cultures and perspectives before uniting them as a cohesive force for electrifying play.

Amorós delves into the nuances between men's and women's games while highlighting the global evolution of women's soccer where other nations are catching up to the once-dominant USWNT. His keen observations shed light on the changing landscape of elite women's soccer as he discusses tactical strategies with Kevin and Dave, emphasizing strong leadership at Gotham FC to align with the club's ambition for global recognition.

The boys also critique Ronaldo’s success - or lack thereof - Messi’s god-like stature, and the emergence of Thirty-year old coaches with the hiring of Eric Ramsay at Minnesota United. That and more on this week’s episode of Over The Ball.

Former U.S. men's national team captain, John Harkes, visits Over The Ball to delve into his Greenville experience and reminisce about the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. He reflects on the tragic death of Andreas Escobar and stresses the significance of honoring soccer history. Dave and Kevin explore Harkes' move from European play to MLS and the hurdles of being a soccer commentator. Harksie underlines the necessity of American voices in soccer commentary, recounting his Goal of the Year win in the English Premier League versus Manchester United, navigating their arrogance.

Legendary Chicago Sting Coach, Willy Roy, joins the boys on OTB to discuss Coach Roy's transition from player to coach, the demise of the NASL, and the Chicago Sting's historic win over the Cosmos in the 1981 Soccer Bowl. Dave and Kevin celebrate the Coach's National Soccer Hall of Fame induction in 1989 and his NASL Coach of the Year honors in 1981. The boys also dig into Daryl Dike’s injury, Gio Reyna’s performance for Nottingham Forest, alongside USMNT teammate Matt Turner, and Brazil's surprise failure to qualify for the 2024 Olympics. The mics are a buzzing on this week’s episode of Over The Ball.

Kevin and Dave dive deep into the engaging world of soccer as they chat with the inspirational Nikki Mark, author of "Tommy’s Field - Love Loss and the Goal of a Lifetime." Nikki captivates with her awe-inspiring tale of resilience, recounting how she channeled the heartbreaking loss of her son into a remarkable journey of personal growth, all while sprinkling in a touch of otherworldly guidance. But the excitement doesn't stop there! The dynamic duo also dish on the latest buzz surrounding the World Cup, from the thrilling selection of New York as a host city to the explosive surge in the global adoration of the beautiful game. It's a conversation no soccer aficionado would want to miss!

In this episode, Kevin and Dave go mono y mono concerning Jürgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, Xavi leaving Barcelona, and the decline of American goalkeepers. The boys also dig into the importance of coaching and parental involvement in youth sports, touching on various topics such as the transfer market, promising young players, and Gio Reyna’s need to balance talent with attitude and consistency. Or more simply, just another controversial chat between two opinionated soccer fans.

Join Kevin and Dave on the latest episode of Over The Ball as they chat with the legendary "Soccer Tom" Mulroy. The newly released book, “90 Minutes with the King: How Soccer Saved My Life” is a must-read for all fans, players, and coaches. In this captivating discussion, Tommy takes listeners on a journey through the American soccer scene and shares his passion and dedication for the game. From humble beginnings to playing in the NASL and even guarding Pele himself, Mulroy's stories highlight the crucial role of street soccer in paving the way for today's players and coaches. Listen as Tommy talks about his experience playing against Pele and witnessing his infamous bicycle kick goal, as well as delving into individual ability, sportsmanship, memorable moments, and the pure love of the game.

Get ready for some fun and engaging banter as "Gigante Rojo", better known as the former USMNT stand-out and witty Fox on-air talent Alexi Lalas, join the boys at OTB. They dive into Lalas' impressive soccer career, his transition to broadcasting, and the ever-growing American soccer scene. Kevin and Dave skillfully coax Lalas into discussing the importance of candor and expressing opinions in soccer broadcasting, all while sharing amusing anecdotes from his world stage experiences. Prepare for a hilarious twist as Lalas reveals his secret passion for making music and the therapeutic power it holds. Not forgetting the impactful 1994 World Cup, they discuss soccer's transformation in the US, Lalas' possible venture into politics, and his deep love for the country. Tune in for some exciting takeaways and a memorable outro!

Welcome back soccer lovers, to another exciting episode of Over The Ball. This week, we have a special guest who will surely spark some nostalgia for our die-hard listeners. He's a former national team player and winner of the prestigious Herman Trophy - none other than Bruce Murray himself! Joined by your favorite hosts Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego, this episode is filled with insightful conversations about his illustrious career in soccer, playing overseas professionally, and the importance of having an underdog mentality on the field. The boys also pay tribute to the late Franz Beckenbauer and his impact on the game. The conversation covers Beckenbauer's revolutionary role as a sweeper and his English language lessons. Kevin and Dave also announce the winner of a competition, preview next week’s guest and conclude with a discussion on recent Premier League soccer matches.