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In this episode of the Center Mid Philosopher, Matt and special guest Alec Smir guest discuss the challenges that the American soccer system faces, such as pay-to-play and the Academy system. They explore the hiring of Matt Crocker by the U.S. Soccer Federation and the potential solutions that other countries, like Britain, offer. The conversation also touches on the financial dynamics of sports teams, player transfers in soccer, and the different approaches that clubs like Real Madrid and Chelsea take when it comes to player acquisitions. The guest, Alec Smir, shares his soccer journey and his thoughts on the next U.S. men's coach. The discussion concludes with a hypothetical perfect 11 team and Alec's closing remarks emphasizing the show's theme of channeling the qualities of a center midfielder in life.

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Socials -

IG - https://instagram.com/thecentermidphilosopher/

Augustus Roark - https://instagram.com/augustus_royale/

Morrisette Media is a digital media/marketing agency based in Richmond, VA, that specializes in the creative side of marketing and branding. We love to work with small to medium-sized businesses to help grow and promote their brand to their target customers through highly thought-out commercial video and photo.

In addition to photo and video work, we also do advertising campaign strategies, brand voice and strategy, consulting on brand or marketing projects, web design, and social media management - and even weddings through Morrisette Photo & Video, another sub-brand under the MM umbrella.

Thank you to our primary sponsor Augustus Roark! Shop and check out all they have to offer below!

https://www.augustus-roark.com

Houston Dynamo's Rob Lovejoy comes through the Center Mid Philosopher Podcast today to share his stories of playing in the MLS, the time he got to train with Messi and the Argentina 1st team in Houston, and all of his thoughts on the USMNT.

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IG - https://instagram.com/thecentermidphilosopher/

Augustus Roark - https://instagram.com/augustus_royale/

Morrisette Media is a digital media/marketing agency based in Richmond, VA, that specializes in the creative side of marketing and branding. We love to work with small to medium-sized businesses to help grow and promote their brand to their target customers through highly thought-out commercial video and photo.

In addition to photo and video work, we also do advertising campaign strategies, brand voice and strategy, consulting on brand or marketing projects, web design, and social media management - and even weddings through Morrisette Photo & Video, another sub-brand under the MM umbrella.

Thank you to our primary sponsor Augustus Roark! Shop and check out all they have to offer below!

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Logan Pause joins the episode of Center Mid Philosopher today to share his stories from his 12 year playing career with the Chicago Fire, his thoughts on Gregg Berhalter coaching the US Men's National Team, and much, much more.

Socials -

IG - https://instagram.com/thecentermidphilosopher/

Augustus Roark - https://instagram.com/augustus_royale/

Morrisette Media is a digital media/marketing agency based in Richmond, VA, that specializes in the creative side of marketing and branding. We love to work with small to medium-sized businesses to help grow and promote their brand to their target customers through highly thought-out commercial video and photo.

In addition to photo and video work, we also do advertising campaign strategies, brand voice and strategy, consulting on brand or marketing projects, web design, and social media management - and even weddings through Morrisette Photo & Video, another sub-brand under the MM umbrella.

Thank you to our primary sponsor Augustus Roark! Shop and check out all they have to offer below!

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In this episode, host Matt and guest MLS Star William Hesmer discuss the recent craziness in soccer, including fan violence, the prospects of young players, and potential solutions to the academy system's problems. They also interview former players and guests who share their opinions and insights on the current state of soccer in the US. Additionally, they discuss ways to watch soccer games and the benefits of an Apple membership. Matt encourages viewers to create beauty from chaos and be a good team member, putting good karma into the atmosphere.

Socials -

IG - https://instagram.com/thecentermidphilosopher/

Augustus Roark - https://instagram.com/augustus_royale/

Morrisette Media is a digital media/marketing agency based in Richmond, VA, that specializes in the creative side of marketing and branding. We love to work with small to medium-sized businesses to help grow and promote their brand to their target customers through highly thought-out commercial video and photo.

In addition to photo and video work, we also do advertising campaign strategies, brand voice and strategy, consulting on brand or marketing projects, web design, and social media management - and even weddings through Morrisette Photo & Video, another sub-brand under the MM umbrella.

Thank you to our primary sponsor Augustus Roark! Shop and check out all they have to offer below!

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In "The Center Mid Philosopher | Ep.3- A Love Letter and Deep Dive Into Italian Football

In this episode, Matt and Zack dive into Italian soccer culture, including the defensive playing style of catenaccio and the role of soccer in Italian history and politics. The show discusses the intense rivalries within Italian clubs and the corruption that plagues the sport, highlighting Juventus' numerous scandals. The hosts also explore the unique vocabulary and lingo used in Italian soccer and how it reflects cultural values like loyalty and tribalism. Matt ends the episode by discussing the integral role of fashion in Italian soccer and how clubs like Venezia FC have successfully used it to become a global brand. Overall, the episode provides an in-depth look into the cultural significance of Italian soccer.

We hope you enjoy the show!

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In "The Center Mid Philosopher | Ep.2- Grant Porter on Recruiting, USMNT, and His Best 11 of All Time

Welcome back Soccer lovers! In this video, The UNC Men's Head coach Grant Porter and Matt discuss the USMNT Head Coach search and who they like for the job. They also touch on the challenges of recruiting soccer players from a large and geographically widespread pool in the United States, and the need to set up the best league and academies possible to invest in young talent at the national level. Additionally, the conversation delves into the process of finding and recruiting players, and the qualities that coaches look for in potential recruits. The video ends with discussions about favorite soccer jerseys and attending future games together. As always, we dive into rapid fire questions on some of Grant's soccer legend preferences and Best 11 of all time.

We hope you enjoy the show!

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In "The Center Mid Philosopher | Ep.1 Eddie Robinson," Welcome to the first episode! Matt interviews Eddie Robinson, a professional soccer player and Center mid who had a profound MLS career. Robinson discusses his love of the game and how it has shaped his worldview, his favorite player, Ryan Giggs, and how he compares to other players, and his experiences playing on different teams. Matt also discusses with Eddie who should be the USMNT coach, some of his USA playing experience, and some rapid fire questions that we think you’ll really enjoy. Robinson talks about the importance of soccer and how it has had a positive impact on his life. They also discuss the Academy system, its current state and possible future, and how solidarity payments could help improve MLS teams. This is a great one, we hope you like it! Please comment on what topics you’d like to see Matt get into as the show progresses!