The Spokane Soccer Show

Spokane Velocity FC responded to its summer slump with four consecutive wins, including a 3–0 shutout of Charlotte Independence and a 3–1 comeback against Fort Wayne FC.

Benji and Mike break down both home victories, Shavon John-Brown’s two-goal, one-assist return, the influence of Nil Vinyals and Jack Denton, Sean Lewis’s improved form, and the tactical adjustments behind Velocity’s resurgence.

Also discussed: Salmon Bay’s USL W League championship, Vermont Green’s unbeaten inaugural W League season, Spain’s World Cup victory over Argentina, Kyah Le and Erin Ewers signing with Pogoń Szczecin, and whether Velocity is once again a legitimate championship contender.

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Introduction and shout-outs
(06:15) Salmon Bay wins the USL W League title
(09:34) Spain wins the World Cup
(14:20) Velocity’s four-game winning streak
(18:11) Velocity 3–0 Charlotte
(32:59) Velocity 3–1 Fort Wayne
(51:42) Is Velocity a contender again?
(57:40) Upcoming matches and closing

The Spokane Soccer Show is proudly presented by Flatstick Pub and supported by Spokane City Credit Union, Inland Imaging, and Wildland Co-op.

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💸Support the Podcast:

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🏟️Match Schedule:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.spokanesoccershow.com/matches⁠⁠⁠⁠

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Velocity FC advances to the USL Cup quarterfinals despite a difficult stretch in League One, Pierre Reedy retires, nine former Zephyr players find new clubs, and Benji and Mike break down the World Cup semifinals while previewing Spain vs. Argentina.

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Intro & Shout Outs: (former) Zephyr FC players signings, Neco Brett, Pierre Reedy & Abby Carchio

(16:00) Velocity's Miserable Slide in League One

(23:45) Veidman's Triumph vs. Oakland Roots & League Cup Quarterfinal Preview

(36:30) USMNT Eliminated by Belgium

(42:00) World Cup Semifinals Recaps

(59:45) Spain vs. Argentina Final Preview

(01:02:20) Wrap Up

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💸Support the Podcast:

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🏟️Match Schedule:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.spokanesoccershow.com/matches⁠⁠⁠

🔔 Stay Updated:

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Benji and Mike catch up on everything that's happened in the three long weeks since we last recorded, beginning with Velocity FC's recent run of results. After three straight League One defeats, Spokane bounced back with an entertaining (and convincing) 2-1 win over Westchester SC at ONE Spokane Stadium.

They then briefly recap the USL Cup win over AC Boise before diving deep into what changed against Westchester, including beautiful buildup play, standout performances from Medgy Alexandre and Derek Waldeck, and why Velocity's attacking tempo made all the difference.

Then it's USMNT and World Cup time. Benji and Mike compare notes on the U.S. Men's National Team after wins over Paraguay and Australia followed by a dead rubber match loss to Türkiye. They also discuss Christian Pulisic, Folarin Balogun, Gio Reyna, the emergence of Sebastian Berhalter, and their expectations for the knockout stage match vs. Bosnia and Herzegovina.

Finally, the show turns to one of the most memorable soccer moments for Benji and Mike: Egypt's national team training at Gonzaga’s Luger Field. Benji and Mike reflect on watching Mohamed Salah, Omar Marmoush and the Pharaohs train just minutes from downtown Spokane before Benji shares the story of attending his very first FIFA World Cup match, Egypt vs. Belgium at Lumen Field. Benji describes why it became one of his favorite sporting experiences ever and Mike compares it to watching Brazil vs. Ghana in the 2006 World Cup in Germany.

CHAPTERS

(00:00) Spokane's Summer of Soccer

(04:45) Recap of Velocity FC's win vs. AC Boise

(13:45) Velocity's Three-Game Slide in League One

(16:20) Westchester Match Breakdown

(30:10) Medgy, Derek, & Velocity's Standouts

(37:10) League One Standings & Looking Ahead

(40:00) USMNT Through the Group Stage

(51:45) Egypt Trains in Spokane

(57:45) Benji's First FIFA World Cup Match

(01:02:40) Spokane Shadow & Closing Thoughts

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💸Support the Podcast:

⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.spokanesoccershow.com/donate⁠⁠⁠⁠

🏟️Match Schedule:

⁠⁠https://www.spokanesoccershow.com/matches⁠⁠

🔔 Stay Updated:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spokanesoccershow/⁠⁠

Velocity FC's three-match winning streak comes to an end after a frustrating 2-1 loss to Hearts of Pine despite a very good performance. Benji and Mike break down the key moments from the match, including Shavon John-Brown's goal, Ollie Wright's controversial bicycle, missed chances, and a few...defensive lapses. Then, Benji makes his opening and closing arguments for why this should be called The Pine Derby from now on.

Ponderosas vs. Eastern White Pines = no competition. (Ours are bigger and better.)

Then, Benji makes his opening and closing arguments for why this should be called The Pine Derby from now on. Ponderosas vs. Eastern White Pines = no competition.

We then turn our attention to the first ever "River City Rivalry" between Velocity FC and AC Boise at ONE Stadium. How do we feel about the name of this derby? River City Derby better?

The second half of the show is dedicated to the broader Spokane soccer community. Benji and Mike launch a new ongoing segment highlighting local soccer throughout the region, including Spokane Shadow, WE Surf, WPSL, EPLWA, Cascadia Premier League, Gonzaga, Whitworth, Eastern Washington, Spokane Falls, and more.

Plus:

• Hope Hisey, Emma Jaskaniec, and Reese Tappan earn all league honors
• Kenzie Weinert scores a massive goal for Lexington SC to help them win a second trophy
• Egypt's national team is coming to Spokane

Subscribe for weekly coverage of Spokane soccer at every level!

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) Intro & Best Vibes Only Restored

(02:20) Zephyr FC All-League Honors & Community Shoutouts

(09:45) Egypt's National Team Coming to Spokane

(21:20) Velocity FC vs Hearts of Pine Breakdown

(39:30) Benji Pitches Mike on "The Pine Derby"

(47:25) Spokane's Summer Soccer Scene Explained

(57:45) AC Boise Preview & "River City Rivalry"?

(01:00:40) This Week's Local Soccer Matches

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💸Support the Podcast:

⁠⁠⁠https://www.spokanesoccershow.com/donate⁠⁠⁠

🏟️Match Schedule:

⁠https://www.spokanesoccershow.com/matches⁠

🔔 Stay Updated:

Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spokanesoccershow/⁠⁠

Zephyr FC's 2025-2026 season will be their last in the USL Super League. In the most emotional, cathartic, and therapeutic episode we’ve ever recorded, Benji Wade and Mike Pellicio use all five stages of grief to process the announcement that Spokane Zephyr FC will not return to the Super League in 2026.

They reflect on the club’s final match and the heartbreak of watching a team fall one point short of the playoffs before everything changed.

The conversation dives into the realities facing the ENTIRETY of the Super League, attendance struggles, league structure, travel, ownership, media coverage, and what the Spokane situation says about the state of professional soccer in America, not just WoSo.

This episode is also about grieving. It's about rupture and the need for repair.

So come on in! Join us as we try to figure out what Zephyr FC has meant to us for the last 2.5 years and where go from here as supporters and members of this community.

CHAPTERS:

(00:00) - Grief, emotions & thanking the Zephyr players

(05:18) - Zephyr’s final match: 4-0 win against Brooklyn

(08:28) - The playoff push: 13 points from the final 5 games

(15:29) - USL Spokane announces the club is ending

(24:28) - ANGER at the USL system, instability & league structure

(35:26) - Coaching, player development & what Zephyr did right

(44:12) - Spokane soccer fans, media & frustration with the response

(53:10) - Grief, guilt, and asking: “Did we do enough?”

(58:49) - Unforgettable memories, Zephyr players, and what they meant to Spokane

(01:07:51) - Acceptance, accountability, and: What happens next?

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💸Support the Podcast:

⁠⁠https://www.spokanesoccershow.com/donate⁠⁠

🏟️Match Schedule:

https://www.spokanesoccershow.com/matches

🔔 Stay Updated:

Instagram: ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/spokanesoccershow/⁠⁠

Discord: ⁠⁠https://discord.gg/VHgUPk7jxp

Zephyr FC repeat the drama of 2025 with this year's playoff race and it is equal parts stressful and exciting.

Benji and Mike break down Zephyr’s massive win over Fort Lauderdale, a tense scoreless draw against Lexington SC, and why Hope Hisey continues to be one of the best goalkeepers in the world.

They also talk about Lena Silano quietly being one of the best attacking players in the league.

They also talk through:

• The tactical shift behind Zephyr’s recent form
• Cat Rapp’s growing influence at striker
• Velocity FC’s frustrating road form and upcoming home stretch
• Former Sounder Obed Vargas earning his first goal contribution for Atlético Madrid

Plus: Mo Salah to Spokane, Emina Ekic signs with Houston Dash, and much more.

Everything is on the line now for Zephyr FC!

CHAPTERS

0:00 - Intro, Shout Outs, and Breaking News

11:50 - Zephyr FC beat Fort Lauderdale: tactics, goals & playoff stakes

22:00 - Zephyr vs Lexington: Hope Hisey wears her cape again in competitive draw

29:00 - Playoff race: Dallas, DC Power & what Zephyr need in last two matches

34:30 - Velocity’s rough road trip & Sacramento loss

43:30 - Velocity return home: Naples, Vegas & expectations

46:20 - Final thoughts & massive weekend ahead

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💸Support the Podcast:

⁠https://www.spokanesoccershow.com/donate⁠

🔔 Stay Updated:

Instagram: ⁠https://www.instagram.com/spokanesoccershow/⁠

Discord: ⁠https://discord.gg/VHgUPk7jxp

What has this season been like for Zephyr FC?

Benji is joined by Hope Hisey, Emma Jaskaniec, and Katie Murray for a wide-ranging conversation about their journeys to Spokane, the team’s recent win over Sporting JAX, and how Zephyr FC can compete and win against any opponent in the USL Super League.

They talk through the mentality shift behind the team’s recent performances, the challenges and realities of setbacks like injuries, and how belief and consistency will be critical to this season’s playoff push.

The conversation also dives into the personal stories of each player, from draft day emotions and career detours to what it means to build something new in Spokane and connect with a rapidly growing soccer community.

This is the most honest and insightful conversation we’ve ever had about Zephyr FC.

CHAPTERS

0:00 – Intro of Hope, Emma, and Katie and their GIFTS!

2:45 – Reign FC, Jess Fishlock's retirement announcement, & player comparisons

6:30 – Sporting JAX win: intensity and commitment13:50 – What changed? mentality, tactics & belief

19:45 – Early Zephyr days: first game & building the team

22:15 – Emma Jaskaniec: draft story & path to Spokane

30:45 – Katie Murray: career journey from Europe to America, an untimely ACL injury, her comeback, and her role

40:15 – Hope Hisey: her goalkeeper story, mindset & development, and becoming a leader of the team

50:00 – The growth & team identity of Zephyr FC

52:10 – Playoff push: confidence and consistency down the final stretch

54:20 – Community questions

1:01:00 – What Hope, Emma, and Katie want to be remembered for

1:07:30 – Final reflections + upcoming match

Host: Benji Wade

Guests: Hope Hisey, Emma Jaskaniec, and Katie Murray

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💸Support the Podcast:

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Discord: https://discord.gg/VHgUPk7jxp

Velocity FC are in incredible form following a rough stretch of fixture congestion to start 2026. Back-to-back dominant 3 - 1 wins at ONE Stadium powered by standout performances from Shavon John-Brown, Jack Denton, and a wave of new signings making a big impact.

In this episode, Benji and Mike break down the reasons behind Velocity's impressive performances, including Shavon John-Brown’s influence at striker, breakout performances from Rocky Wells and Medgy Alexandre, and the tactical shifts that led to two convincing wins. They also dig into whether this level of play is sustainable over the rest of the season.

Elsewhere, Zephyr FC are fighting to keep their playoff hopes alive with five home games remaining while the Sounders face a must-win moment in the CONCACAF Champions Cup and Spokane says goodbye to Reign FC and Benji's favorite NWSL player, Sam Meza.

CHAPTERS:

0:00 Intro, shoutouts and farewell to Reign FC

14:30 Velocity Are BACK

24:00 AV Alta win and standout performances (Wells, Booth, John-Brown)

35:20 Richmond win breakdown and Medgy Alexandre's brilliance

6:00 Is this sustainable for Velocity? tactics, identity & new signings

52:30 Zephyr FC Playoff push & what needs to happen

59:45 Final thoughts & upcoming matches

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💸Support the Podcast:

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We're still in disbelief, but THAT just happened.On Wednesday night, Spokane hosted a CONCACAF Champions League match and treated a record crowd to a Sounders FC victory over the Whitecaps at ONE Stadium. Meanwhile, Velocity FC advanced to the second round of the U.S. Open Cup and Zephyr FC put Brooklyn to the sword on a frigid Saturday evening.

During this episode, Benji and Mike describe what was a surreal and historic moment for soccer in Spokane: the atmosphere in the stadium, the chaos (anxiety?!) of tracking two matches at the same time, and what's next for professional soccer in the Lilac City.

They also shout out loads of people and organizations including Jeremiah Oshan of Sounder at Heart and Noah Riffe & Ari Liljenwall of the Lobbing Scorchers podcast.

0:00 – A “fever dream” night for Spokane soccer

2:25 – Sounders in Spokane: vibes, build-up & pregame scene

9:00 – March to the Match & ONE Stadium atmosphere

22:00 – Sounders vs Whitecaps: early chances & opening goal

27:45 – Tracking TWO games at once: Velocity vs. VC Fusion in the Open Cup

32:00 – Fusion level through horrible PK & momentum swing

36:00 – Peter Kingston changes the game and Sounders take control

40:45 – Rothrock seals it for Sounders, Gallardo for Velocity, it's a perfect night of results

44:50 – Zephyr FC 3–0: most complete performance yet in beatdown of Brooklyn

49:00 – Velocity FC 1-0 win vs. Omaha: what’s working (and concerns)

Hosts:

Benji Wade

Mike Pellicio

💸Support the Podcast:

https://www.spokanesoccershow.com/donate

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Discord: https://discord.gg/VHgUPk7jxp

Benji and guest Ryan Harnetiaux cover many topics over the course of 90 minutes, starting with Ryan's shared perspectives from the first four years of USL club ownership: highs and lows, lessons learned, and challenges as well as opportunities moving forward. They then talk about the introduction of promotion and relegation in USL men's soccer, ideas to bolster attendance in 2026, and the genesis of how the Seattle Sounders and Reign ended up scheduling games at ONE Stadium in Spokane. Finally, they go over the economics of USL club ownership, player signings and philosophy, and whether or not we can expect to see VAR in the USL.

Host: Benji Wade

Guest: Ryan Harnetiaux of USL Spokane / Aequus Sports

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