For this rendition of Verde and Black, we are so happy to finally be joined by Austin’s spectacular Video Performance Analyst, Sam Lawson. Sam has had quite a journey in the space and he talks about the influence of football on his youth growing up in Germany which led to him discovering his passion for video analysis thereafter. We hear about how he cut his teeth in the field through experiences thereafter in the UK, New Zealand, and a role in collegiate sports in Missouri, USA. He gets into his later positions in US soccer involving a stint at the Olympics and an MLS job with Minnesota United, talking about the many learnings he had during this time before finally taking up the position with Austin FC. In our conversation, we talk about what exactly a Video Performance Analyst does, the methods used to capture and assess footage, and the vital role they play in preparing the team for games as well as developing them as a whole. Sam also shares his thoughts on why he decided to join Austin, the growth he has witnessed in the team since he joined, and how his methods of analysis are being recognized as some of the best in the business. For all this and more, tune in today!