Urban Pitch Podcast - The Beautiful Game of Life

By Urban PitchSociety & Culture Sports Soccer

Urban Pitch Podcast - The Beautiful Game of Life episodes

April 16, 2024 153. Another Banger El Trafico
Year in and year out, the El Trafico derby between LAFC and LA Galaxy fails to disappoint us. Whether it's exciting action on the pitch or the raucous fans in and out of the stadium, the rivalry game is a must-watch every time. The latest edition was no different, as a 2-1 LAFC victory rife with controversy and heated play thrilled us all (except for maybe Galaxy fans upset at that penalty decision).
On this episode of the Urban Pitch Podcast, the crew dissects everything that went down both on and off the pitch in the latest showdown between the two Los Angeles clubs.
Timestamps
(01:23) Another wild El Trafico derby match
(14:30) Healthy banter amongst the fans
(29:40) John McCarthy's return to BMO and LAFC fans paying respect to former players
(40:02) The latest El Trafico tifo
Cast
Hosts: Ramsey Abushahla, Julio Monterroza, & Brigitte Flores
Producer: Roy Cho
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46 min
April 10, 2024 152. The Wild Start to the 2024 NWSL Season ft. Jessica Black
We're one month into the 2024 NWSL season, and to no one's surprise, there's been a ton of chaos so far. From raucous crowds to shocking moments, there's been plenty of action to take in through the league's first set of matches. We link up with friend of the pod Jessica Black to recap some of the biggest storylines from the 2024 season so far, while also looking ahead to what we can expect moving forward.
Timestamps
(02:31) The start of the NWSL season so far -- wild opening matches and new atmospheres
(09:41) Angel City FC's identity on the pitch
(16:55) Portland Thorns in trouble?
(19:22) Teams at the top of the table: Kansas City and Chicago
(25:54) Gotham FC's mid-table start
(29:30) NWSL new expansion locations?
(50:00) Angel City's offensive struggles
(56:00) Bold predictions for the 2024 season
Cast
Hosts: Ramsey Abushahla, Julio Monterroza, & Brigitte Flores
Producer: Roy Cho
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1 hr 5 min
April 02, 2024 151. The Fashion Episode With Christian Ferretti and Tony Magaña
There are many moving parts in the world of fashion. From a consumer perspective, we're focused on trends, brands, and what's currently in— and that's enough to keep anyone busy. But for those in the industry itself, there's a million more things to worry about. With the help of designer Christian Ferretti and The Football Boutique founder Tony Magaña, we get some insight into what goes on behind the scenes in the world of fashion, and how soccer always seems to be a relevant influence across the entire space.
Timestamps
(02:43) Christian's background in fashion
(07:52) What makes the football kit so appealing to fashion designers
(14:40) How Tony and Christian fell in love with soccer
(18:14) The nature of jersey releases
(27:20) Thoughts on current trends in fashion
(34:50) Christian's do's and don't for fashion
(40:00) Pieces to watch for at The Football Boutique and what Tony looks for when sourcing new pieces
(43:40) What's on their playlists
Cast
Hosts: Ramsey Abushahla, Julio Monterroza, & Brigitte Flores
Producer: Roy Cho
Subscribe to our newsletter for more interviews and latest news on street football, freestyle, and urban culture, read more about soccer culture on our website, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

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49 min
March 26, 2024 150. Portland Timbers/Indy Eleven Goalkeeper Hunter Sulte
Since joining the Portland Timbers academy at the age of 13, goalkeeper Hunter Sulte has steadily risen the ranks, and made his first-team debut at the age of 19 in 2021. Now looking to become a full-time starter with the Timbers, Sulte will spend the 2024 season on loan to USL Championship side Indy Eleven, where he will compete for the team's starting role and gain valuable experience.
We sit down with the promising prospect to discuss his youth days in Alaska, what it was like making the move to Portland away from his family at a young age, and some of the wildest things he's heard from fans while in the net.
Timestamps
(01:08) Being on loan to Indy Eleven and going back and forth to Portland
(04:52) Growing up in Alaska, and picking soccer in a hockey-dominated state
(14:34) Getting acclimated to Indianapolis and joining Indy Eleven
(21:28) The growth of MLS, and the wildest crowds he's played in front of
(27:02) The expectations and goals he's set for himself this season with Indy Eleven
(32:38) What's on his current playlist
(34:40) Getting into golf
Cast
Hosts: Ramsey Abushahla, Julio Monterroza, & Brigitte Flores
Producer: Roy Cho
Subscribe to our newsletter for more interviews and latest news on street football, freestyle, and urban culture, read more about soccer culture on our website, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

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44 min
March 21, 2024 149. Angel City FC Defender Paige Nielsen
Angel City FC center back Paige Nielsen has not only emerged as one of the team's most dependable players, but she's also had a massive role in the team's chemistry. Whether it's showing off her dance moves or amping up the pregame playlist, it's enough to earn her the title of ACFC director of vibes. We sat down with the NWSL veteran to discuss her time with Angel City, her outlook for the 2024 season, and co-hosting the In These Cleats podcast alongside comedian and soccer super-fan Tien Tran.
Timestamps
(01:20) Paige Nielsen's role as Angel City's executive director of vibes
(05:55) The team's competitive spirit and preparing for the 2024 season
(20:38) Her experience at 'The Offseason' reality show
(25:20) The range of ages within Angel City FC and interacting with the younger players
(34:30) Her fitness regimen and taking new supplements
(38:57) Starting the In These Cleats podcast
(48:25) What's on Paige's playlist
Cast
Hosts: Ramsey Abushahla, Julio Monterroza, & Brigitte Flores
Producer: Roy Cho
Subscribe to our newsletter for more interviews and latest news on street football, freestyle, and urban culture, read more about soccer culture on our website, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

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56 min
March 12, 2024 148. San Jose Earthquakes Defender Jamar Ricketts
Jamar Ricketts doesn't have a typical journey to the professional ranks. He wasn't a highly touted recruit — he only played one year of varsity soccer in high school — yet he was able to blossom into a professional prospect while in college at California State University, Northridge, and earn a contract with the San Jose Earthquakes after being selected with the 14th pick in the MLS Super Draft.
But he's not ready to say he's made it yet. Getting to the pros was just another item on his career goal checklist, and now he's focused on staying there and making an impact with his new team. He joins the latest episode of the Urban Pitch Podcast to discuss his underdog journey, getting adjusted to the pro ranks, and the vibes in the San Jose Earthquakes locker room.
Timestamps
(01:16) Growing up in New Jersey, attending St. Benedict's prep, and only playing one year of varsity soccer
(14:30) Committing to CSUN to play collegiate soccer
(29:13) Making the adjustment to the pro ranks and the vibes in the Earthquakes locker room
(42:28) Jamar's fashion and sense of style and his pregame playlist
Cast
Hosts: Ramsey Abushahla, Julio Monterroza, & Brigitte Flores
Producer: Roy Cho
Subscribe to our newsletter for more interviews and latest news on street football, freestyle, and urban culture, read more about soccer culture on our website, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

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53 min
March 05, 2024 147. Claudia Pagán and the Dímelo Podcast
DC United reporter Claudia Pagán joins the latest episode of the Urban Pitch Podcast to discuss her journey in sports and sports media, the importance of Latino and Latina voices in MLS coverage, and her new upcoming Dímelo podcast, which we are honored to be one of the first guests on!
(03:55) The vibes at the LAFC 2024 home opener
(09:49) Claudia Pagán joins the show
(12:17) How Claudia got into soccer and sports media growing up in the DMV
(27:51) Starting the Dímelo Podcast
(39:54) Latino and Latina representation in sports media
(50:37) Claudia's favorite music artists and what she's currently listening to
Cast
Hosts: Ramsey Abushahla, Julio Monterroza, & Brigitte Flores
Producer: Roy Cho
Subscribe to our newsletter for more interviews and latest news on street football, freestyle, and urban culture, read more about soccer culture on our website, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

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58 min
February 27, 2024 146. MLS Kits and Matt Pollard of the Holding the High Line Podcast
As the new MLS season kicked off over the weekend, we had a chance to finally see some of the new kits in person and in action. We went through some of our favorites on the latest episode of the Urban Pitch Podcast, just before we had a chance to chop it up with one half of the Holding the High Line Podcast, Matt Pollard!
Holding the High Line does an amazing job covering the Colorado Rapids, and as a fellow BLEAV pod, we had to link up to get a glimpse at what the Rapids gameday experience is like. He drops recommendations and tips, while also describing why Colorado might be the most underrated away days destination in the league.
Timestamps
(02:00) Our thoughts on the new MLS kits
(16:29) Matt Pollard of the Holding the High Line Podcast joins the show
(19:03) The Rapids' new home shirt and Matt's favorites from across the league
(24:50) The fan experience at Colorado Rapids home matches
(43:08) Our tips for an away days trip to LA
Subscribe to the Holding the High Line Podcast to stay updated with their latest episodes!
Cast
Hosts: Ramsey Abushahla, Julio Monterroza, & Brigitte Flores
Producer: Roy Cho
Subscribe to our newsletter for more interviews and latest news on street football, freestyle, and urban culture, read more about soccer culture on our website, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

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49 min
February 20, 2024 145: A 2024 MLS Season Preview With Eli Lesser
MLS is back! After a hectic offseason, we're finally getting into the action this week, and we couldn't be more excited. To take a look at what lies ahead for this year, we enlist the help of Eli Lesser, an MLS expert and social media superstar. We discuss which teams had the biggest offseasons, dish out hot takes, and predict which team will win the 2024 MLS Cup.
Timestamps
(01:59) The biggest movers in the MLS offseason
(11:00) Chicharito's era at Galaxy and the growing rivalry between Liga MX and MLS
(19:55) Griffin Dorsey's status as the MLS community GOAT
(25:38) MLS hot takes 36:35 Inter Miami's disastrous preseason tour
(49:32) Our picks for the MLS Cup winner
Cast
Hosts: Ramsey Abushahla, Julio Monterroza, & Brigitte Flores
Producer: Roy Cho
Subscribe to our newsletter for more interviews and latest news on street football, freestyle, and urban culture, read more about soccer culture on our website, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
54 min
February 13, 2024 144. Blue Cards, the World Cup Schedule, and a Wild 2024 Summer of Soccer
It was another wild week in the world of football, and two-thirds of the Urban Pitch Podcast broke it down on the latest episode! With Brigitte out, Ramsey and Julio sit down to discuss the rumors of blue cards coming to the game, the recently announced 2026 World Cup schedule, and more young footballers choosing MLS over lower-tier European leagues.
Timestamps
(01:00) Blue cards coming to football?
(09:08) The 2026 World Cup schedule release
(24:33) Atuesta's return to LAFC and more young players choosing MLS over European leagues
Cast
Hosts: Ramsey Abushahla, Julio Monterroza, & Brigitte Flores
Producer: Roy Cho
Subscribe to our newsletter for more interviews and latest news on street football, freestyle, and urban culture, read more about soccer culture on our website, and follow us on Instagram, Twitter, TikTok, and Facebook.

Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
44 min