In the second hour of "Sports on a Sunday Morning," Jennifer Siess Gansner discusses the highly anticipated NCAA Division I men's soccer rivalry match between the SLU Billikens and the SIUE Cougars for the Bronze Boot trophy. Special guest Brian McBride, a US soccer icon and former Billikens player, shares his experiences of playing in the intense rivalry match and highlights the significance of the Bronze Boot game. McBride praises the decision to host the game at City Park, a professional-level soccer-specific stadium, providing college players with a unique experience.
The discussion also touches on the growth of women's soccer and the excitement surrounding the ongoing Women's World Cup. Soccer fans and newcomers alike are encouraged to attend the thrilling event at City Park on Saturday, September 2nd, showcasing the best of college soccer in St. Louis.
Later in the show, Tom Ackerman speaks with John Mozeliak, the President of Baseball Operations for the St. Louis Cardinals, live from Cardinals Nation inside Ballpark Village. They delve into the persistent rumors surrounding Nolan Arenado and potential trade talks. Mozeliak sheds light on the team's strategy for the trade deadline, emphasizing their focus on acquiring pitching and positioning themselves for success in the 2024 season. He addresses questions about player contracts, bullpen improvement, and the balance between analytics and traditional methods in evaluating players.
Additionally, Mozeliak shares his thoughts on fan reactions and the organization's commitment to regaining competitiveness. The candid conversation offers insights into the Cardinals' future in the MLB.
The hour concludes with Lutz Pfannenstiel, the Sporting Director for St. Louis City, SC. Pfannenstiel discusses his role with the team, recent experiences in the League's Cup, and the importance of realistic expectations and gradual growth for the new soccer team. Lutz shares the team's plans as they approach August 20th and expresses optimism for the upcoming matches.
The hour concludes with a heartfelt tribute to Alan Stout, a beloved producer for Bally Sports, who recently passed away. Ackerman remembers his long association with Stout and acknowledges the void his loss has left in the sports community.