Over The Ball with Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego

Grant Wahl seems to touch everybody he came in contact with his undeniable passion, integrity, honesty, and simple ethic of trying to write the truth without agenda or bias. Friends and accomplished journalists Grayle Howlett and Alexander Wolf both spent years writing for Sports Illustrated, Wolff having spent 36 years there covering basketball, the Olympics, soccer’s World Cup, the World Series, every Grand Slam tennis event, and the Tour de France. Both men share their glowing admiration and praise for Grant Wahl and explain how this book celebrating his talents, unique writing style, and universal appeal came about. They join Kevin and Dave to discuss his impact on the game and explore how he crafted insightful articles that resonated with fans worldwide. In 2019, he launched his Substack, “Fútbol with Grant Wahl,” which became a must-read for anyone passionate about the beautiful game. The remarkable new book: “World Class: Purpose, Passion, and the Pursuit of Greatness On and Off the Field,” which Wolff co-edited with Mark Mravic, features Wahl’s most memorable pieces, from in-depth player profiles to gripping World Cup coverage. It’s a journey through the heart of soccer, capturing the drama, the triumphs, and the human stories that make this sport so captivating.

Impressive. Inspiring. Passionate. Words that capture the personality and drive of ex University of Nebraska soccer player turned uber philanthropist Monica Bosiljevac. Monica's journey from college soccer to an eye-opening trip in Botswana revealed the global demand for sports equipment among kids. With a passion for sports ignited early in her life, Monica excelled in soccer and softball, ultimately choosing to pursue soccer competitively. Transitioning to Division I soccer at the University of Nebraska-Omaha, she balanced athletics with studies in marketing and management.

Her passion for marketing, fundraising, and ticketing for global charities paved her way to an MBA. She co-founded Football For The World Foundation to empower children through soccer, where her altruism shines through as she provides hope and resources for kids aspiring to achieve through the beautiful game. She also became American Outlaws Managing Director where she drives fan support and USWNT and USMNT attendance at matches globally. 

Join us on the Over the Ball Podcast as we delve into Monica's remarkable journey from local fields to impacting lives globally through soccer. Her story embodies how sports can be a catalyst for change and empowerment in both games and life pursuits.

⚽ Tune in as Skip Gilbert, esteemed CEO of US Youth Soccer and ex-goalkeeper for the Tampa Bay Rowdies, tackles the latest in the world of youth soccer on OTB! Don't miss this insightful discussion featuring this week's top soccer news, scores, and highlights. As a former goalkeeper with the Tampa Bay Rowdies and a two-time NCAA Division 1 All-American, Skip brings a wealth of experience and passion to the beautiful game. Join hosts Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego as they delve into Skip’s remarkable journey, discussing everything from the highs and lows of soccer in the US to his leadership roles in USA Swimming, USA Triathlon, and USA Tennis. Discover how Skip’s insights and resilience have guided US Youth Soccer during challenging times, and gain valuable perspectives on early specialization, coaching education, and the KISS principle. Don’t miss this engaging conversation with a true soccer luminary! ⚽🎙️
 
🎧 Tune in to the “Over The Ball” Soccer Podcast! 🎧 🎙️ Your passion for the game deserves the best analysis and commentary – catch it all on our next podcast episode! #OTBSoccer #YouthSoccerInsights #SoccerPodcast

🎙️Celebrated soccer writer John Bolster graces the airwaves on the Over the Ball Soccer Podcast to discuss USMNT’s chances at the CONCEAF tournament, his insights, predictions, and friendly banter about the upcoming Euros, USMNT’s chances at the Olympic, and of course the recent storm surrounding Korbin Albert’s controversial posts. 🌪️🇺🇸

John Bolster, a celebrated soccer journalist that writes for known for his insightful perspectives on soccer, has contributed significantly to the discourse around the sport.

Brace yourselves as John joins OTB hosts Kevin Flynn (comedian extraordinaire) and Dave Gallego (soccer aficionado) as the travel the globe talking about the World’s game from an American perspective. Expect laughter, passion, and a deep dive into the world’s most beloved sport. 🤝⚽

Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, Listen Now to this week’s edition of the Over the Ball soccer podcast. 🎧 #OTB #SoccerPodcast #JohnBolster #CONCEAF #Euro2024 #Olympics #USWNTControversy #thrillist, #MuckRack, #MLS #sportsillustrated 

From the NCAA to the MLS, from the Premier League to the World Cup, Jeff Carlisle brings his insider insights to the table, shedding light on the US Men’s National Team (USMNT), the intricacies of the MLS Referees contract, and the soaring popularity of soccer in the USA. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or a casual observer, this episode promises to be a riveting exploration of the world’s game as the crew dissects the latest news, controversies, sensational plays, and standout moments of the USMNT performances this last week, including the two seemingly different teams that took the pitch in the Jamaica and Mexico games respectively. 

Jeff, Kevin, and Dave review the team's performance in the tournament, including their disappointing performance against Jamaica, followed by their bounce-back win over Mexico. They also discuss coaching decisions and the future of the team. Overall, they agree that the team has talent but still has a lot to prove. They also touch on the upcoming tournaments and players to watch. 

Their lively conversation covers various topics related to the US national team, including the depth and talent of the team, attendance levels and venue choices, challenges of scheduling competitive friendlies, the decline of the Mexican national team, the refereeing situation in MLS, changes to the US Open Cup, and factors contributing to the popularity of soccer.

On this week’s episode of OTB, Kevin and Dave sit with a true legend in the world of sports betting, Johnny Avello from DraftKings. With over 30 years of experience, Johnny has been an influential figure in Las Vegas bookmaking. He spent 13 years as the executive director of the Wynn Las Vegas Sportsbook, where he became known for his on-point odds and his entertaining commentary, often predicting the eventual Oscar winners. Now, he’s bringing his expertise to DraftKings, overseeing retail sportsbook trading and risk management. Soccer’s global reach, diverse betting options, and technological advancements have elevated it to a central position in the world of sports betting. Soccer analytics have evolved significantly. Bettors now have access to detailed player stats, team performance metrics, and historical data. So, whether you’re a seasoned punter or a curious newcomer, there’s always a soccer match waiting for your wager! ⚽🔥📈

🎙️Join Kevin and Dave on this week’s episode Over the Ball podcast as we dive into the captivating career and accomplishments of Bob Lenarduzzi—a living legend whose impact reverberates across stadiums, boardrooms, and hearts. Whether he was donning cleats or making strategic decisions, Lenarduzzi’s passion for the game has left an indelible mark on the field with Reading FC, the Vancouver Whitecaps, and the Canadian national team, where he proudly wore the maple leaf at the 1984 Summer Olympics and the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Bob is

the sole Canadian to have clinched the NASL Player of the Year award in 1979 and played a pivotal role in the Whitecaps’ NASL Soccer Bowl championship triumph that same year, knocking out the Cosmos to a stunned Giants Stadium crowd. 

Bob continued to leave his mark on soccer history as the coach of the Vancouver 86ers (now Whitecaps) to four consecutive Canadian Soccer League titles, taking over later as the club’s general manager and director of soccer operations, where he shaped the team’s destiny. His influence extended to the Canadian national team and where his tireless advocacy for soccer in Vancouver earned him a rightful place in the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the Whitecaps FC president, he turned dreams into reality, establishing a professional soccer legacy that continues to inspire generations.

Tune in to our podcast episode as we unravel the layers of Bob Lenarduzzi’s remarkable career—a journey fueled by passion, resilience, and unwavering love for the beautiful game. ⚽🎧

In the annals of American soccer history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as Rick Davis. A true legend of the sport, Davis left an indelible mark on the landscape of American soccer during his tenure with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). With a blend of skill, tenacity, and leadership, Davis emerged as a beacon of excellence, captivating fans and inspiring future generations of players.

Get ready for an electrifying episode of the Over The Ball podcast as we welcome none other than American soccer icon, Rick Davis, as he joins Kevin and Dave and delves into his unparalleled journey through the world of soccer, reminiscing about his illustrious career with the New York Cosmos in the NASL and his enduring impact on the sport in the United States.

Juan Carlos Amorós, the 38-year-old head coach of NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL, is a rising star in soccer. With extensive global soccer experience, he has successfully led teams in Spain, England, and the U.S.

Fresh from a thrilling NWSL Championship match win against OL Reign, Coach Amorós shares insights from his worldwide soccer ventures. He emphasizes building a club deeply rooted in community and fan connection and reveals his coaching philosophy that centers on treating players as individuals with diverse cultures and perspectives before uniting them as a cohesive force for electrifying play.

Amorós delves into the nuances between men's and women's games while highlighting the global evolution of women's soccer where other nations are catching up to the once-dominant USWNT. His keen observations shed light on the changing landscape of elite women's soccer as he discusses tactical strategies with Kevin and Dave, emphasizing strong leadership at Gotham FC to align with the club's ambition for global recognition.

The boys also critique Ronaldo’s success - or lack thereof - Messi’s god-like stature, and the emergence of Thirty-year old coaches with the hiring of Eric Ramsay at Minnesota United. That and more on this week’s episode of Over The Ball.

Former U.S. men's national team captain, John Harkes, visits Over The Ball to delve into his Greenville experience and reminisce about the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. He reflects on the tragic death of Andreas Escobar and stresses the significance of honoring soccer history. Dave and Kevin explore Harkes' move from European play to MLS and the hurdles of being a soccer commentator. Harksie underlines the necessity of American voices in soccer commentary, recounting his Goal of the Year win in the English Premier League versus Manchester United, navigating their arrogance.