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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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In this episode of the Back Stick Podcast, Dom and Jamil delve into the current state of the Premier League's Big Six teams. They discuss Liverpool's dominance, Manchester City's struggles following Rodri's injury, and the ongoing issues at Manchester United. The conversation shifts to Arsenal's need for a game-winner, Chelsea's rise with Cole Palmer, and the persistent challenges faced by Tottenham Hotspur. The hosts provide insights and opinions on each team's performance, management, and future prospects, creating a comprehensive overview of the Premier League landscape.

00:00 The Rise of Liverpool

06:46 The Struggles of Manchester City

13:21 Is Haaland a World Class 'Footballer'?

15:53 The Current State of Manchester United

26:13 Arsenal: What More Do They Need To Win The Prem?

34:26 Arsenal's Corners

37:11 Chelsea On The Rise

44:42 Tottenham's Persistent Struggles

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Kayden Pierre, Genks young flying American full back joins Jamil Roberts and Dom Okus in the studio this week! They discuss KP's transition from the MLS with Sporting Kansas City to European football, his Jamaican heritage, and the influences that shaped his career. KP shares insights about the differences between MLS and the Belgian Pro League, the impact of the European fans on the game of soccer, compared to that of the MLS. And also his lofty aspirations for the future, including the possibility of playing in the World Cup for the United States. While diving into KP’s career, we take a look at not just the highs, but some lows too, including his first team debut for Sporting Kansas City… Enjoy!

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

01:40 Genk: A New Start In Belgium

03:13 New Chapter

03:45 Influences and Heritage

07:25 Wayne Rooney & Changing Positions

10:03 Jam & KP Link Up

10:52 Transition to First Team at Sporting Kansas City

14:28 Debut to Forget...

18:40 Should Footballers be more real?

21:10 Growth and Development as a Player

25:11 The Next Big Thing: Konstantinos Karetsas

27:13 Differences Between MLS and Belgian Pro League

30:25 The Unique Belgian League Structure

33:45 Fan Culture: A Comparison of MLS and Belgian Football

35:55 Why Genk & Not Stay in the MLS?

37:37 First Team, USMNT & World Cup Aspirations

41:03 Extra Time:

43:15 Lionel Messi

50:29 Closing Thoughts with KP

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Christian Chaney joins Jamil & Dom in the Back Stick studio this week. The striker has had quite the career spanning across various clubs in the USL Championship and USL League One. The conversation covers Chaney's reflections on his playing style, and the importance of mentorship from legendary players. We discuss the dynamics of coaching and how management styles can impact player performance. Chaney shares personal stories about playing in his hometown with Fresno Fuego, memorable matches, and his biggest achievements on the pitch, including a heartfelt moment with his family he will never forget. And as always, we round off by taking Christian Chaney through extra time on the Back Stick Podcast.

00:00 Intro & DC Nights Out

03:17 Didier Drogba & Carlton Cole Influences

09:02 Grounding & Mentoring Young Players

11:40 Managing Big Personalities in a Locker Room

14:49 Navigating Managerial Relationships

18:58 CV Fuego: Returning to Hometown Club

24:18 Villyan Bijev Destroyed Jam at Tormenta

27:13 Fuego 2022 Fallout

34:44 Building Confidence Through Adversity

37:21 Is Chaney Misunderstood?

40:29 Chaney vs Jam Funny Story

43:47 Extra Time:

49:07 Nights Out With Chaney

52:56 Proudest Moments for Chaney

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Sporting KC & MLS young standout Cameron Duke joins Jamil and Dom in the Back Stick studio this week. We dig deeper into Cam's journey from the academy at SKC to his MLS first team debut, and being a kid from Kansas becoming Sporting KC’s 11th homegrown player. We delve into his experience as a USA Youth International, and his new experience living in Charlotte, playing in MLSNext Pro and the impact it will have on US soccer. Cam shares insights about his MLS debut, scoring his first MLS goal, and the importance of the early mentorship from veteran players at SKC, players such as Johnny Russell, Roger Espinoza, Graham Zusi & more. As always, Cam goes through ‘Extra Time’, where Cam answers light-hearted questions about his career and teammates.

00:00 Intro & Career Summary

02:05 MLS Next Pro & Its Impact on Player Development

04:48 The Dynamics of Being a Second Team Player

06:05 Adjusting to Life in a New City: Charlotte

07:37 Independence and Personal Growth Away from Home

10:32 Navigating Relationships with Teammates

13:02 Growing Up in a Soccer Family

17:29 US Youth International Call-Ups

23:03 Signing with Sporting Kansas City: A Dream Realized

25:00 MLS Debut Nerves

28:06 The Fast-Paced MLS Game

28:57 Sebastian Blanco Nightmares?!

32:17 First MLS Goal vs Seattle

34:22 SKC Veterans & Johnny Russell Influence

37:03 Extra Time

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Pedro Dolabella is back with the boys on the The Back Stick. With the help of Dom, Pedro and Jam reflect on their journey from being overlooked players to winning a NCAA D1 National Championship with Marshall University Men's Soccer. They discuss the importance of team culture, the impact of their coach Chris Grassie, and the deep bonds formed within their locker room. The conversation also touches on personal growth, the challenges faced, and the joy of achieving their dreams together. As they share anecdotes and insights, the camaraderie and shared experiences shine through, making it clear that their time at Marshall was more than just about soccer; it was about family, resilience, and a brotherhood that will never end.

Chapters

00:00 Building a Championship Team at Marshall

03:30 'Father-Son' Relationship with Chris Grassie

09:28 Chris Grassie's Evolution of Marshall Soccer

11:37 Jam's First Impression of Pedro

13:23 Pedro's 2 Goals Against Jam in 2024...

14:40 The Family Atmosphere in the Locker Room

19:54 Marshall Reunion in Omaha

23:57 Extra Time:

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