Down the Pub Podcast- A Soccer Podcast

It's CPL play off weekend!!

I got the chance to talk to two time CPL champion and 2020 golden glove champion, Triston Henry. We chatted about Canada's win against Mexico and the game against York this weekend. 

We looked back at the incredible journey in this year's Concacaf League and qualifying for the Champions League. We also talked about the Championship game against CF Montreal and what it was like having to take a penalty. 

All of this and more on this week's episode!!

While most of us watched Netflix and started DIY projects during covid, this week's guest Alix Bruch, started a football agency.

Alix talks about the inspiration behind starting Shift Athletes and why it's important for women to take on these roles in the women's game. 

Alix tells us the difficulties of representing Canadian women in a country with no professional league. We also get tips on how to make the best highlight tape (essential for Canadian players) and the steps that go into getting a player signed for a club.

Alix has always been a trailblazer and this is an amazing journey she is starting. Please check out Shift Athletes and give them a follow on social media. 

https://www.shiftathletes.ca/

On this episode I am joined by author of the fantastic new book Emerald Exiles: How the Irish Made Their Mark on World Football, Barry Landy. 

We chat about the inspiration behind the book and how it came to be. We look at how Irish people were a big part in the history of two of the world's biggest clubs, Ajax and Barcelona. 

We talk about how Irish people have turned up in some unlikely places like Terry Conroy in Hong Kong and Conor Nestor winning a championship in Cambodia. We also look at the great advantages of playing abroad and also some of the pitfalls. 

This is a fantastic book and definitely worth checking out with incredible stories about Jack Kirwan, Anne O'Brien, Patrick O'Connell, Liam Brady, Robbie Keane and others. There's also first hand interviews with players including Stephanie Roche, Cillian Sheridan, Claire O'Riordan, Darren O'Dea and a host more.

The book is available on Kindle and most other e-reader platforms. It's also available in all good bookshops in Ireland. You can also check it out here: https://www.newisland.ie/nonfiction/emerald-exiles

On this episode, I am joined by San Diego Loyal midfielder, Jack Blake. 

We chat about the Loyal's first ever play off game against San Antonio and how the squad is doing ahead of it. We also talk about the amazing fan base in San Diego and how Jack is enjoying like in Cali.

We look back at Jack's time growing up in the Nottingham Forest youth system, moving to the States and playing with Joe Cole. 

We also hear Jack's 5 aside team and the secret to being able to score long range goals!!

On this episode I am joined by Forge FC's Canadian International defender Maxim Tissot!

We chat about the culture at Forge and where the never say attitude and determination comes from. We also talk about what type of coach Bobby is and how the team is handling the fixture congestion. 

We look back at where Maxim's interest in football came from and growing up in the CF Montreal/Impact academy. Maxim tells me about winning the NASL in San Francisco and the team folding days later. 

Maxim chats about his interest outside football especially financial advice and how players need to be careful with the money they ear.

All this and Maxim's 5 aside team!! (It will blow your socks off!)

On this week's episode I'm going solo!

I look back on the horrendous story of a York United player being racially abused online. 

I also look back at Canada's great International window and look at how good this team is. 

Seeing as it was Canadian Thanksgiving last week, I talk about how grateful I am for The Wanderers and look at my fav moment at The Grounds. I got some CPL fan submissions as well so I read those out too which was great fun! 

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On this episode I am joined by Phoenix Rising midfielder Aodhan Quinn!

We chat about the season so far and clinching the playoffs and winning the Western Conference Pacific. We also chat about the new stadium and scoring on his debut.

We look back to Aodhan's time at FC Cincinnati and the run to the US Open Cup Semi. We talk about what it's like playing against someone like Bastian Schweinsteiger and we also chat about Man United's season so far (Aodhan's a Man United Fan)

All this and an incredible 5aside team too!!

On this episode I am joined by Memphis 901's Canadian defender Skylar Thomas.

We chat about Memphis' play-off push, being drafted by TFC, playing college football for Syracuse and playing with Canada.

We also talk about Skylar's training company UVU training and the creation of Kick Deck, a tool to help young players training from home. 

All this and an amazing 5 a side team!

Check out UVU at https://uvu.training/

On this episode I am joined by San Diego Loyal captain Charlie Adams!

We chat about San Diego's playoff push and playing under US legend Landon Donovan. 

We talk about Charlie growing up in Brentford's youth system and how far the club has come in such a short period of time. We also look back at Charlie's time in Austria and the move to the US with Louisville. 

Charlie also gives his 5 aside team and tells us who is the worst dresser at The Loyal and who should play him in a movie. 

On this episode I am joined by OKC Energy's Canadian Under 23 international Aidan Daniels.

We chat about life in OKC, growing up in the TFC academy system and being part of the Canadian Olympic qualifying squad. 

We also talk about the Energy's push for the playoffs, Tajon Buchanan's amazing year and we get an incredible 5-aside team.