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FC Tulsa’s new signing Kalil El Medkhar joins the boys in the studio this week! A former college standout with the University of Kentucky, we explore his college career, as well as his already impressive professional career with MLS powerhouse FC Dallas, to Loudoun United and his more recent signing with FC Tulsa. The conversation covers Kalil's transition from college soccer to the professional game, his experiences with team dynamics, and the challenges of playing at a professional level compared to college soccer. We discuss the importance of team chemistry, the impact of college rivalries, and the complexities of MLS contracts. Kalil shares insights on his playing style, expectations for the upcoming season, and reflects on his college career, highlighting the significance of teamwork and personal growth.

00:00 Intro & West Ham's New Manager

02:48 2025 FC Tulsa Expectations

06:09 Loudoun United & DMV Living

08:15 Kalil's Playing Style, Cody Gakpo?

12:06 Kentucky Mens Soccer Reflections

18:19 Marshall vs Kentucky Soccer Rivalry

23:54 FC Dallas Reflections

26:22 Will MLS Ever Be A Top 5 League?

30:37 FC Dallas Reflections

38:41 Extra Time with Kalil Elmedkhar

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Skelts is back for part 2, reflecting on the successes and challenges of the inaugural 2023 season with One Knoxville, emphasizing the importance of implementing a strong team culture, communication on and off the field, and building for the future of the club. He discusses the impact of losing long standing coach Mark Mckeever midway through 2024, and what effect that had on team dynamics and the growth of the club. The conversation also touches on defining success for One Knoxville and the significance of personal achievements in football, including playing for England Schoolboys and winning a national title. And trying to volley a certain USMNT international as he was being danced around…

00:00 2023 Breakout Season

02:37 One Knox Defensive Unit

04:31 Reaction to Mckeever Exit

06:35 Jam's Red Card vs Skelts

13:59 What Makes a Good USL1 Team?

17:01 What is Success for Skelton & One Knoxville

20:13 Mark McKeever's Impact on Player Development

24:59 Extra Time

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One Knoxville captain Jordan Skelton joins the boys in the Back Stick studio this week! In a lively conversation with Jordan, we share his journey from the UK to the US. From England Schoolboys, to captaining an ambitious USL League One club in One Knox. The discussion covers various themes including the cultural differences in football between the two countries, the challenges of communication due to the thickest geordie accent of all time, and the pressures of professional football. Jordan reflects on his early influences, the competitive landscape of football, and the importance of leadership and communication on the pitch. He also opens up about his struggles with mental health, the impact of injuries, nearly falling out of professional football completely, and his journey to finding joy in the beautiful game again.

00:00 Intro

01:18 UK vs UK Weather

02:47 Geordie Accent in America

07:11 Fabregas, Arsenal & Newcastle

09:13 Different Pathways to Professional Football in the UK

18:31 Leadership on the Pitch

24:50 Different Types of Leaders in Football

25:44 Reflections on Leadership Style

29:30 North Carolina FC Reflections

31:53 College & PDL

35:04 Agent caused 1st Year Pro Contract to Fall Through

37:03 Fighting Injuries in PDL Again

40:39 Overcoming Adversity in Pursuit of Professional Football

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