Stone by Stone

Andrew is joined by Tobi, Sebastian, and Michael Wimmer to discuss their influence on Edgewater Castle FC as players and fans alike, their time abroad in Germany, and the community that they're helping build here in Chicago. Tobi and Sebastian play for ECFC, while their youngest brother, Michael, has played club soccer locally in Chicago and abroad in Germany. The Brothers talk about their parents' influence as part of the ownership group, and their development playing for various clubs in Chicago, MLS Next, and Germany.

Bardia Kimiavi, current ECFC player, is joined by Northwestern Wildcats Men's Soccer coach, Russell Payne, talking about his journey into soccer, his role as a U.S. Youth National Team coach and scout for U.S. Soccer, and so much more!

Andrew is joined by John Carruthers of Crust Fund Pizza, known for "Charitable pizza in a secret Chicago alley" that makes Chicago tavern style pizza. The two discuss Chicago Fire FC's 2025 season, pizza, going on Chopped, the World Cup influence, and so much more in this week's episode of Stone by Stone.

Andrew is joined by Patrick Infurna, co-founder of current USL League Two champions, Vermont Green FC. The two discuss growing in USL, and Vermont Green's unique approach to operations.

Stone by Stone headed to the Chicago Fire FC wildcard playoff match to talk to supporters about the evolution of soccer culture in Chicago, and with Jake Payne to explore multi-national soccer fandom.⁠Website⁠ | https://www.edgewatercastlefc.com/⁠LinkTree⁠ | https://linktr.ee/edgewatercastle—✅ Like this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your own experiences with international soccer.🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future conversations!#chicagofire #SoccerFandom #bundesliga #AmericanSoccer #mls #SoccerPodcast #StoneByStone #RedLineSG #mlsplayoffs #ecfc #GoRooks #VamosRooks 🌊🏰

In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson sits down with longtime friend and coaching leader Tom Roe, Director of Coaching at Northwind Soccer Club. From his childhood in Scarborough, England to building a youth soccer culture in Chicago, Tom shares insights on coaching philosophy, youth development, and how his background in psychology helps shape his approach on and off the field.

💬 Topics covered include:

• Growing up around soccer in Northern England
• Memories of following Manchester United
• The evolution of youth soccer in the U.S. vs the UK- Building technically skilled, decision-making players
• The role of education and communication in American club soccer
• Technology and media’s impact on how kids learn the game- Balancing competition with development and enjoyment

Whether you're a coach, parent, player, or just love the game, find out what it really takes to grow soccer stone by stone.⁠

Website⁠ | https://www.edgewatercastlefc.com/

⁠LinkTree⁠ | https://linktr.ee/edgewatercastle

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✅ Like this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your own experiences in youth sports or coaching.

🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future conversations!

#YouthSoccer #CoachingPhilosophy #ManchesterUnited #AmericanSoccer #SoccerPodcast #StoneByStone #NorthwindSoccer #SoccerDevelopment #GrassrootsSoccer #GoRooks #VamosRooks 🌊🏰

Local artist Kadin McGreevy talks about his late blooms into art and soccer, two things that now play major roles in his life. Learn the story behind the Idaho-native responsible for ECFC’s beautiful matchday posters and exclusive merch on this episode of Stone by Stone, presented by Tightrope Recording.

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#GoRooks #VamosRooks 🌊🏰

In the most recent episode of Stone by Stone podcast, Andrew Swanson sits down with Lamont Lynn and Senad Drpljanin, the co-founders of Chicago’s PXM Fitness. The pair share how they transformed an Edgewater CrossFit box into today’s thriving full-service gym.

Listeners hear the founders’ inspiring backstories: Lamont, a lifelong Chicago athlete, recalls playing football and running track through high school and channeling early childhood hardships into the drive to support others.

Senad describes moving from Macedonia in 2012 to chase a fitness career, leaving law school, and even earning the title “2020 Fittest in Macedonia” after qualifying for the 2020 CrossFit Games.

Find out more about them at pxmfitness.com

Andrew Swanson welcomes former pro soccer player David Abidor to Stone by Stone. They discuss David’s childhood in Lincolnwood as the son of Ukrainian immigrants, his introduction to soccer through his father's influence, and his development as a youth player in Chicago. David recounts his college soccer career at Dayton and Creighton, and the rollercoaster ride of his professional career, including playing in the U.S., Sweden, Finland, and Israel. Now a coach at the Chicago Fire Academy, David shares insights on youth development, coaching philosophies, and how his playing days inform his approach to mentoring young athletes. The episode wraps up with David’s predictions for the 2026 World Cup and what the future holds for U.S. soccer.

Key Topics:

Growing up as a Ukrainian-American in Chicago

Transitioning from youth soccer to college and professional play

Experiences playing in Sweden, Finland, and Israel

The challenges and rewards of a journeyman soccer career

Moving from playing professionally to coaching

Youth development in the U.S. and the Chicago Fire Academy

2026 World Cup predictions

In this insightful episode of Stone by Stone, host Andrew Swanson welcomes Sean Phillips, the Head Coach of the UIC Flames men's soccer program. Journey with Coach Phillips as he recounts his formative years in the heart of Texas, tracing his early passion and development through the youth soccer landscape. From the fields of his childhood to the sidelines of a prominent NCAA Division I program in Chicago, Phillips shares the pivotal moments and experiences that shaped his career. Discover the dedication and vision that have defined his long-standing leadership of one of the city's top collegiate soccer programs, and learn more about his perspective on the game as a whole in our country in this engaging conversation.