Charlotte FC Podcast

Matchday 4 is here, and the "honeymoon phase" of the season is officially over. This Saturday, Bank of America Stadium isn't just hosting a game—it's hosting the global spectacle of Inter Miami.But beyond the pink jerseys and the international headlines, there’s a massive statement game waiting for Charlotte FC. To help us cut through the noise, lead MLS on Apple TV analyst Taylor Twellman joins our First Sip.In this episode, we step inside the broadcast booth with Taylor to discuss his role as a "narrative guardian" and how he ensures the grit of The Crown isn't lost in the global spotlight. We break down the internal temperature of a locker room coming off a streak-snapping win over Austin, the physical midfield chess match awaiting Ashley Westwood, and the unspoken "muted mic" signals Taylor shares with partner Jake Zivin when a broadcast goes completely off the rails.Grab your brew and get ready for Matchday 4. Kickoff against Inter Miami is Saturday at 7:30 PM ET, streaming live and free on MLS on Apple TV. Cheers!

When you step into a stadium of 40,000 people, the wall of sound feels like an act of nature—spontaneous, raw, and inevitable. But for Fernando Varela, that roar is a piece of high-stakes machinery. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the "invisible architecture" of fan engagement and grassroots marketing for Charlotte FC.We follow the journey of an anxious, introverted teenager from Los Angeles who used a bold white lie and a cold call to talk his way into the front office of a pro sports team before he was even old enough to vote. From founding the legendary 3252 supporters union to his current role as the Grassroots Marketing and Fan Engagement Manager for Charlotte FC, Fernando reveals how he transitioned from hiding behind his headphones to designing the heartbeat of a city.It is a story about the science of camaraderie, the unglamorous "boots-on-the-ground" work of community building, and what happens when a shy kid becomes the conductor of a stadium’s soul. This isn’t just about soccer; it’s about the meticulous engineering of human connection.

MLS on Apple TV broadcaster Nate Bukaty joins First Sip for a deep dive into Charlotte FC’s highly anticipated home opener against Austin FC. We break down the early‑season storylines, including Charlotte’s defensive lapses on the road, Austin’s injury‑shaken lineup, and why the midfield duel could define everything on Saturday night.Nate also shares rare insight into his weekly prep as a broadcaster, what it’s like calling matches inside Bank of America Stadium, and a powerful personal moment that changed how he views his work behind the mic.From tactical adjustments to the players most likely to influence the match, this episode is your full‑steam warm‑up ahead of kickoff.

Opening weekend is about hope. Matchday Two is about reality. Ahead of Charlotte FC’s clash with the LA Galaxy, MLS on Apple TV broadcaster Keith Costigan joins The Charlotte FC Podcast: First Sip to break down the tension of Week 2.Both Charlotte FC and the LA Galaxy walked away from opening weekend with a 1-1 draw. Now, the honeymoon phase of the new season is over, and both squads are desperate for their first three points.In this episode of First Sip, we bypass the standard score predictions and take you behind the scenes. Keith Costigan wears two hats: he’s the voice calling the action for millions alongside Mo Edu, and he’s a coach who knows exactly what a Tuesday morning training session feels like after dropping points. Keith takes us inside the broadcast booth and breaks down the exact tactical chess moves to watch for at Dignity Health Sports Park.In this episode, we cover:The Week 2 Mindset: How the locker room temperature changes when you need a win.Tactical Chess: The specific adjustments Charlotte FC must make against the LA Galaxy on the road.Behind the Mic: Unspoken cues, booth chemistry and brotherhood with Mo EduWatch the match this Saturday on MLS on Apple TV 10:30 pm ET/ 7:30pm PT.Subscribe to the Charlotte FC Podcast and follow @cltfcpodcast for more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories.

Sports journalist Steve Goldberg joins the show to share his incredible stories covering the 1986 World Cup, witnessing Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God', sneaking into a Bayern Munich tryout, and the early days of Charlotte soccer history with the Carolina Lightnin'.

The first whistle of the 2026 MLS season is finally here.In this high-speed "espresso shot" episode, we’re joined by MLS on Apple TV broadcaster Jessica Charman to preview the league’s curtain-raiser: Charlotte FC at St. Louis CITY SC.Jessica has been a part of the Charlotte story since Day 1 and now brings her expert play-by-play lens to the national booth. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the clash at Energizer Park in our signature 90-second "Matchday Sprints."The 30,000-Foot View: Why CLT vs. STL is the perfect tactical chess match to kick off the new year.Tactical Deep Dive: How Dean Smith's Charlotte FC plans to weather the the unknown of a St. Louis squad with Yoann Damet.The X-Factor: The players Jessica believes will dictate the rhythm of the entire broadcast.The Personal Sip: Jessica shares a 90-second "behind-the-mic" story from her journey as the first female radio color commentator in MLS history to the Apple TV booth and her 2025 MLS Apple on location debut in Chicago with Ian Joy.The Golden Goal: One bold, non-scoreline prediction for what the headlines will say on Sunday morning.Match Details:📅 Saturday, Feb 21⏰ 2:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM CT📺 Watch: MLS on Apple TV🎙️ On the Call: Jessica Charman & Ian JoyGrab your coffee. The season starts now.

The playoff run has continued for Charlotte FC with a penalty kick shootout win in Game 2! Now back to The Bank for Game 3 on Friday Night, Nov. 7. MLS Season Pass Play-by-Play Announcer Tony Husband joins the show to talk about the match he will be calling.

US Soccer Hall of Famer and MLS Season Pass Studio and Match Analyst Marcelo Balboa joins the show to share his insights on Charlotte FC after Game 1 and leading in to Game 2.

Welcome to this special episode of the Charlotte FC Podcast — Charlotte FC 2025: A Look Back at the Season and the Playoffs Ahead.As the regular season wraps up and the postseason comes into focus, I wanted to do something a little different. I reached out to some friends and familiar voices of the show to get their perspective on Charlotte FC’s journey this year.You’ll hear from Will Palaszczuk, Danny Bramlette from the Charlotte Soccer Show, Tom Bogert, MLS announcer Tony Husband, Ross Smith, and Kacey White — all sharing their thoughts on what’s stood out most this season.

On this episode, we’re joined by one of the most recognizable and respected voices in American soccer broadcasting—Steve Cangialosi, play-by-play announcer for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. With years of experience calling some of the league’s biggest moments, Steve helps us break down everything at stake heading into MLS Decision Day 2025, as Charlotte FC hosts the Philadelphia Union.With a top-four finish and a home playoff match on the line, we dive into the storylines and pressure points that will define this matchup. Steve shares insight on:What makes Philadelphia one of the league’s toughest tests heading into the postseason.What Charlotte FC needs to do to finish out strong this season.It all comes down to this—win, and Charlotte FC locks in a top-four finish.X: @CangyApple

On this episode we talk with Gary Dicker, Crown Legacy FC Head Coach. Gary was appointed as Crown Legacy FC’s second head coach in November 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a 15-year professional playing career and a recent stint coaching in the Premier League 2 with Brighton & Hove Albion’s U-21s.In this conversation, Gary reflects on his path from player to coach, the mentors and moments that defined his football philosophy, and how he’s translating those lessons into the Charlotte FC system. He discusses the differences between European and American player development, the balance between winning and growth, and the importance of patience in building a club’s identity from the ground up.It’s a thoughtful look at the process of building — as a leader, as a mentor, and as someone still learning in a new football culture.

Today’s episode is a special one, because we’re doing a crossover with our sister podcast, Side Story Sports, where we dive into the behind-the-scenes moments and people who make sports happen.We’re thrilled to welcome back Joe LaBue, who was with Charlotte FC as our President for the first three years and played a pivotal role in shaping the club from the ground up. Since then, Joe has transitioned to the University of Maryland, where he now serves as the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Revenue Officer.In this episode, we’ll hear from Joe about his journey, what it takes to build and run a club, and how his experiences at Charlotte FC are influencing his next chapter in college athletics.X: JCLaBue

In this episode of the Charlotte FC Podcast, we sit down with Trent Slagle, Senior Communications Coordinator for Charlotte FC. From his roots in Sacramento and early work with Real Salt Lake to his role in Crown Legacy’s inaugural season, Trent has built a career centered on telling stories that matter. We dive into how he helps Charlotte FC stay visible in the community and in the media, the strategy behind campaigns like kit launches and impact reports, and what it takes to keep the club top of mind for fans and outlets across the city. Along the way, Trent reflects on sacrifices, mentors, and the moments that have shaped his journey in soccer communications.

Broadcaster Jessica Charman returns to the Charlotte FC Podcast with fresh insights and a new perspective from the MLS Season Pass booth. With Charlotte FC riding a historic win streak and NYCFC surging up the Eastern Conference table, Jess breaks down the tactics, key players, and storylines that make this matchup one of the most compelling of the season. From Wilfred Zaha’s impact in the attack to the rise of Idan Toklamati, from Maxi Moralez’s timeless influence to Matt Freese’s strong goalkeeping, no angle is left uncovered.Jess also shares her personal journey—why she left the comfort of a secure role in Charlotte to bet on herself, how she earned her place calling MLS matches, and what it means to prove she belongs at the highest level of the sport.

Charlotte FC wants to be more than a soccer club. In its annual Community Impact Report, the team highlights programs that serve kids, families, and neighborhoods across the Carolinas. In this episode, we hear from Trent Slagle, who helps shape the report; CC Schott, who leads community engagement; and Sarah Garrison from Atrium Health, a key partner. Together, they share how camps, clinics, mini-pitches, unified teams, and powerful personal stories are creating a legacy that goes beyond the pitch.Here is the report: https://www.charlottefootballclub.com/community/community-impact-report

Charlotte FC are chasing history with an eight-game unbeaten run and seven straight wins as they head to Gillette Stadium to face the New England Revolution. To help break it all down, we’re joined by former UNC Soccer NCAA Champion, U.S. Women’s National Team player, coach, and broadcaster Kacey White. With her unique blend of perspectives, Kacey dives into Charlotte’s consistency under Dean Smith, New England’s mentality in a must-win spot, the goalkeeper duel between Kristijan Kahlina and Matt Turner, and the difference-makers on both sides—from Carlos Gil to Charlotte’s wide threats like Vargas and Zaha. Plus, Kacey shares what it’s like working alongside Jessica Charman in the broadcast booth.X and IG: @kaceydwhite

On this episode of the Charlotte FC Podcast, we sit down with midfielder Eryk Williamson to talk through the chapters of his career and life so far—from growing up in Alexandria, VA, to his development at Maryland and DC United’s academy, to his time in Portugal and Portland, and now his move to Charlotte. Eryk opens up about his personal style and love for sneakers, the influence of mentors like Miles Joseph, overcoming two ACL injuries, and why Charlotte’s culture and locker room made it the right place for his next step. Off the pitch, he shares his passions for coffee, movies, and life with his dog in a new city.

On this episode, we welcome back Andrew Wiebe—who joined us last fall to share his career journey and is now a key part of the Sunday Night Soccer crew alongside Jake Zivin and Taylor Twellman. Andrew helps us preview Charlotte FC’s clash with the New York Red Bulls, a matchup loaded with history, streaks, and plenty of tactical intrigue. We’re also joined by Logan Meyer from the Crown Cast to add some local perspective to a big night on MLS Season Pass.

On this episode, we’re joined by one of the most insightful voices in American soccer broadcasting—Ross Smith, MLS Season Pass Match Analyst. Known for his sharp tactical breakdowns, storytelling from his playing days, and years covering the league, Ross helps us preview a big Western Conference test: Charlotte FC hosting Real Salt Lake.With both sides pushing for playoff position and fresh off results that could shift momentum, we dive into the key battles and storylines ahead. Ross breaks down:Why Real Salt Lake’s fluid attack can be so difficult to contain even with the Moonman.The strengths and risks of Charlotte’s mid-block against RSL’s movementWho plays the 10 for Charlotte?Can Charlotte continue for 6 straight wins?You can watch Charlotte FC vs. Real Salt Lake this Saturday, live on MLS Season Pass on Apple TV.Follow on X: @RossSmith_20

On this episode we sit down with legendary North Carolina Hall of Fame Soccer Coach, Bill Finneyfrock! "Frock" was part of the Carolina Lightnin', the first professional soccer team in Charlotte (1981) that happened to also win the ASL in their first year of existance. After his playing days Bill devoted himself to coaching, spending decades building powerhouse high school programs at Charlotte Catholic and Providence Day, and mentoring hundreds of young players. With over 400+ career wins, 7 state titles, and a place in the North Carolina Soccer Hall of Fame, he’s left a permanent mark on the sport at every level in Charlotte.