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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, Jamil Roberts and Dom Okus welcome Sporting Kansas City’s starting goalkeeper, John Pulskamp, for a deep dive into his remarkable journey from LA Galaxy’s academy to becoming the No.1 at SKC.

We discuss what it takes to be a top MLS goalkeeper, learning from club legend Tim Melia, and adapting to the pressures of being the starter. John shares stories from training with Zlatan Ibrahimović, his eye-opening trial with Premier League side Bournemouth, and the heartbreak of a denied UK work visa that could’ve changed his career.

We also delve into the rigors of an MLS schedule, navigating setbacks in Europe, and what the future holds for Sporting KC following Peter Vermes' departure.

A must-listen for football fans, aspiring goalkeepers, and anyone curious about the realities of professional soccer life in the US and abroad.

00:00 Welcome John Pulskamp  

02:13 Sporting KC's New Number 1  

11:19 No.1 vs No.2 - Difference In Preparation  

15:19 The Rigors of an MLS Schedule  

18:59 The Pressure of Performance  

21:38 What Do Keepers Actually Do In Training?!  

30:12 LA Galaxy: Sharing a Building With Zlatan  

34:20 Bournemouth Trials & Tribulations  

42:07 Portugal & Germany Trials  

49:24 Finding a Home in Kansas City  

58:23 Extra Time with John Pulskamp 

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