The Spokane Soccer Show

Benji is joined by Brandon Mays of USL League One Review to discuss the first 16 players signed by Spokane Velocity FC (04:08). Then, they put together a hypothetical first eleven for Coach Leigh Veidman (01:08:44).

Host: Benji Wade

Guest: Brandon Mays

Additional contributions: Kaylor Hodges

J is back! Velocity VP Phil Harrison joined us. We catch up on all the things: schedule, head coach, tryouts, signings, our HYPE for the coming months. Get stuck in!

Host: Benji Wade

Guest: J Atkins and Phil Harrison

Kenny Pierpoint was playing goalkeeper with the Spokane Sounders at a tournament in California and ended up getting recruited to play soccer at an academy in Mendoza, Argentina. Benji, along with Kenny's dad, Jesse, talk about that story, how Kenny became first a soccer player and eventually a goalkeeper, and much much more.

RUNNING ORDER:

(02:20) - Kenny's path to playing soccer and NOT football

(15:56) - How a tournament in California with the Spokane Sounders ended with an offer to play in Argentina

(23:22) - The Pierpoints' first experiences with Mendoza United FC and Kenny making the Godoy Cruz youth team

(32:57) - Kenny's future with soccer, his favorite pro goalkeepers, and his development as a player

Benji responds to Chris Watkins leaving Gonzaga for Boston College and the Spokane Velocity signing their first two players (00:32). Then, Benji is joined by special guest Chuck Booth of CBS Sports to discuss the MLS attempting to ruin the U.S. Open Cup (03:45), the differences between the MLS and USL (21:42), and the prospects of promotion and relegation coming to America (28:50). Finally, they talk about the latest in the legal battle between UEFA and the European Super League and the influence of Lionel Messi on soccer in the United States (42:10).

Host: Benji Wade

Guest: Chuck Booth of CBS Sports

Benji is joined for the first time by Spokane Velocity FC Head Coach Leigh Veidman and USL Spokane Sporting Consultant Dr. Gareth Smith.

RUNNING ORDER:

Benji sits down with WCC Coach of the Year, Chris Watkins, to discuss how the Gonzaga women's team exceeded (everyone's) expectations in 2023. They then analyze the performance of the team in their 2-1 loss to UC Irvine in the NCAA tournament. Finally, they explore the excitement ahead in the 2024 season.

Benji and J react to the Gonzaga Women's loss in the NCAA tournament (01:01). J then asks Benji about the foibles of meal splitting (05:28). Then, they discuss the NWSL TV deal (16:14), Emma Hayes announcement as head coach of the USWNT and her book, "Killing the Unicorn," (19:04) before wrapping up with a conversation about difficult decisions of game attendance (31:48). Finally, Benji tells J how he felt about the Spokane Zephyr FC event (40:10).

On the Friday before the Gonzaga women’s historic 1-0 win over Santa Clara, Benji and J covered a lot of ground with head coach Chris Watkins and players Marissa Garcia and Kelsey Oyler. It starts with a Benji-narrated journey through the team’s fall schedule before J asks our guests a series of thoughtful questions that produce lots of insights, honesty, shared perspectives, and much more.

Benji and J begin with the story of how they came together to start a podcast, J's history with Adidas and her role with USL Spokane, and Benji's history with the name and design of Spokane Velocity FC. They then talk about the U.S. soccer tier system and where the local USL teams will fit in. Finally, they describe their excitement for the Gonzaga women's soccer team and their thrilling season.

Friends and fanatics Benji Wade and J Atkins bring only the best vibes while covering all things soccer in Spokane, including every USL team and much more.