We Are Soccer Central

This week, Robert Kerr talks to Oakland University graduate, and current midfielder for Forge FC in the Canadian Premier League, Noah Jensen. Jensen made his professional debut last week for Forge in the second leg of their Concacaf Champions League Round of 16 tie against Cruz Azul at the Estadio Azteca, of all places. He speaks about what brought him to Oakland University, his early life as a pro, as well as the state of soccer in Canada and how the sport is growing in the Great White North.

Youth development often gets lost in the shuffle of Detroit City FC's success at the senior level and their move to the USL Championship. This week, Robert Kerr welcome's the club's Director of Youth Development Tyler McManus to the show to talk about the variety of youth programs DCFC offers as well as the impact they are having on the local youth soccer landscape.

Anyone who thought Detroit City FC and the Michigan Stars would need to wait a while to renew their on-pitch hostilities was sorely mistaken. Host Robert Kerr welcomes MSC contributor and Editor in Chief of thecup.us Josh Hakala back to the show to talk about this year's U.S. Open Cup and the match between DCFC and the Stars in the second round. Before and after that, show editor Jenny Hojnacki comes on to discuss the latest batch of DCFC signings and more.

Robert Kerr brings on a pair of guests from the state capital this week to talk about the very busy semi-pro soccer scene in Lansing. (00:05:18) First up, is Lansing Common captain Julian Birge to talk about the club's second season in the Midwest Premier League . Then, (00:31:18) Lansing State Journal digital sports reporter Phil Friend jumps in to update the Lansing soccer scene, which now includes Lansing Common FC, Lansing City FC, and Cap City Athletic. Follow @MISoccerCentral on social media for complete coverage of MI soccer.

Host Robert Kerr is joined by recurring guest and friend of the show Mitch Gatzke to go through the plethora of soccer news that's out there this week (2:00-29:20) before a U.S. Open Cup update from contributor Josh Hakala from thecup.us (30:00-34:00). Robert is then joined by Flint City AFC president Costa Papista to discuss his club's partnership with Corktown AFC, youth development in the Detroit and Flint area, and much more (35:00-1:17:09). Robert and Mitch talk USMNT following their WCQ defeat to Canada (1:20:30-1:39:00). 

Host Robert Kerr gets some help this week as guest contributor Kyle Clayton talks with Detroit City FC Graphic Designer & Video Producer Jon Hevron about the club's online and social media presence, as well as his attachment to the club. Before that, however, Robert brings back writer Sean Spence to look at how DCFC is constructing their USL Championship debut season roster.

Follow Michigan Soccer Central on social @MISoccerCentral

Sean's writing can be found at https://www.patreon.com/wordsaboutshapes#:~:text=About%20Words%20About%20Shapes%20by,re%2Dform%20in%20new%20shapes.

Robert Kerr is joined by MSC's first MLS guest as Portage, Michigan's own Brandon Bye joins the pod. Bye talks about becoming the first Western Michigan University graduate to be drafted into MLS, his road to the pros, and a great deal more.

Robert Kerr is joined by AFC Ann Arbor Sporting Director Eric Rudland to discuss the club's return to action after two years off thanks to the COVID-19 pandemic. Their men's team will compete in USL League Two next season while the women's side will join the newly formed USL W-League and Rudland couldn't be more excited to get going once again. Rudland also talks about his experience as a scout at multiple levels and more about the goings on in Michigan soccer.

With all the Michigan teams taking part in United Women's Soccer next season, Robert Kerr welcomes the league's Director of Community Engagement and Relations and host of UWS Weekly Jonathan Ward onto the show to discuss the league's footprint in Michigan, how it got stronger in 2021, what 2022 has in store, and where UWS sits in the overall picture of women's soccer.

Host Robert Kerr is joined by many merry men at the Boxing Day Watch Party Extravaganza 2021. Recorded live at the Detroit City Clubhouse, Robert chats to Mitch Gatzke, Craig Hearn, and Maki, about festive Premier League action and being a fan from afar. All three guests hold positions and passions in local soccer, but are also huge fans of the famous clubs across the pond. Enjoy and have a safe New Year!