SoccerCast Chicago

Chicago Red Stars defender Zoe Morse joins the show (at 32:30) to discuss her work with Waterboys and the Hometown H20 project, and why environmentalism is important to her.

Before that, Michael Shaw of Fleur-de-lis FC previews the Red Stars' game this weekend against Racing Louisville by discussing Yuki Nagasato's importance on and off the field, Savannah McCaskill's new role in midfield, and why women's pro soccer has been such an instant success in Louisville.

Follow Zoe Morse on Twitter @Zmo10 and on Instagram @zmo101. To learn more about Waterboys and their projects, including Hometown H20, visit waterboys.org

All of Michael's content can be found at fleur-de-lis-fc.com and you can follow him on Twitter @FleurdelisFC1

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Chicago Fire alum and first singing in Chicago House Athletic Club history Drew Conner joins the show to talk about the significance of starting something new, the chance to play for Fire legend (and fellow SoccerCast Chicago guest) C.J. Brown, the opportunity to lead a young team, and his role as part of the 'Stand For Chicago Council' advising the Fire's rebrand process.

Follow Drew on Twitter @Drew_Conner1 and on Instagram @drewconner1

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell and the show @Soccer_Cast

Thank you to Anchor for sponsoring this episode, music by HookSounds

After some news and notes on the Fire and a crazy week in the NWSL, Alex is joined by Donald Wine who in addition to recently being named to the American Outlaws board of directors is a frequent contributor to both Black and Red United (the DC United/Washington Spirit site at SB Nation) and Stars and Stripes FC (the USMNT/USWNT site).

Ahead of Thursday's Fire vs DC game, they discuss new DC United manager Hernan Losada, the club's current injury crisis, what the best role is for Julian Gressel, and breakout Spirit rookie Trinity Rodman.

Follow Donald on Twitter @blazindw

Follow Alex @alex_s_campbell and the show @Soccer_Cast

Remember to subscribe to the show wherever you're listening!

Thank you to Anchor for sponsoring the podcast, music by HookSounds

After a few thoughts on the Fire's continued struggles in their 2-0 to Philadelphia... Alex is joined by Antonio Maza (a.k.a. @NWSLanalitica on Twitter) to talk about how he got into the NWSL from Argentina, the Red Stars' attacking struggles in the Challenge Cup (and options to fix them), if the Portland Thorns are as scary as they look and where they still need work, the re-worked Courage, OL Reign throwing star players from Europe into a young lineup and more!

Follow @NWSLAnalitica on Twitter

You can subscribe to the NWSL Analitica Patreon page at patreon.com/nwslanalitica

Follow Alex @alex_s_campbell and the show @Soccer_Cast

Be sure to subscribe wherever you're listening!

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Alex begins the show by recapping the week in Chicago soccer news, including his thoughts on the NWSL's lack of transparency on their investigation of the racial profiling of Sarah Gorden's boyfriend in Houston and what he'd like to see from the winless Fire this weekend at home vs Philadelphia.

Speaking of which, Alex is then joined by Matt Ralph, the managing editor of Brotherly Game (the Union site at SB Nation) to update all things Philly: their CONCACAF Champions League run, their early season struggles, the impact of Brenden Aaronson and Mark McKenzie's departures and more!

Follow Matt on Twitter @MattRalph_tBG and @BrotherlyGame

Follow Alex @alex_s_campbell and the show at @Soccer_Cast

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Alex is joined by his Hot Time in Old Town colleague Patrick McCraney to talk through the weekend in Chicago soccer:

- The Red Stars' loss to Portland, along with the NWSL's investigation into the racial profiling of Sarah Gorden's boyfriend and how the Red Stars can score some goals

- The Fire's home opener, being at Soldier Field for the game, Luka Stojanovic, the same defensive issues as always, and more!

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Chicago Fire midfielder Fabian Herbers joins the show to talk about his new podcast 'Zee Soccer Pod' with DC United's Julian Gressel, going home to Germany during a pandemic, being a part of CBA negotiations and the Fire's preseason in Orlando

Follow Zee Soccer Pod on Twitter @zeesoccerpod and subscribe to the show!

Follow SoccerCast Chicago on Twitter @soccer_cast (I assume you are subscribed already, but if not you should be)

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On January 8th, Edgewater Castle Soccer Club launched the Solidarity Kit, a jersey designed in collaboration with the Black Fires supporters group and photographer Mel D Cole, with 80% of all proceeds going to My Block, My Hood, My City.

Alex is joined by several of the voices who had input on the project to discuss how it came about, what it says about the priorities of ECFC, and the roll of soccer in helping to shape the communities it takes root in. 

Panel:

- Andrew Swanson, co-founder and general manager of Edgewater Castle FC

- Nabila Ahmed, marketing director for Edgewater Castle FC

- JP Calubaquib, freelance photographer

- Ernesto Gonzalez, My Block My Hood My City

- Adam La Vitola, founder of Clubhouse Athletic

You can follow both Edgewater Castle FC and My Block, My Hood, My City on Twitter, Instagram and Facebook

Video of the kit launch, produced by JP: https://twitter.com/EdgewaterCastle/status/1336385056596766723?s=20

Follow the show on Twitter @soccer_cast

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

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The newly appointed head coach of the soon-to-be-named Chicago NISA team, C.J. Brown joins the podcast to discuss his coaching career, why he felt this was the right fit for his first head coaching job, how Chicago has always felt like home since he retired, what it means to him that fans still think incredibly highly of him, similarities between him and Mauricio Pineda at the same age, what kind of soccer we can expect Chicago NISA to play and more!

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Follow the show on Twitter @soccer_cast

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Kyle Sheldon, Fire Senior Vice President of Marketing, joins the show to discuss the Fire's new identity rebrand, the process they're undergoing to get input, the conversations they're having with fans, some particular individuals who will be contributing to the project, why the club wasn't this transparent last year, and what makes a good soccer brand.

Follow Kyle on Twitter @kylesheldon

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

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Current staff writer for The Athletic and former Chicago-based soccer journalist Sam Stejskal joins the show to talk about Djordje Mihailovic's move to Montreal, the Fire's run of young, international acquisitions and what these moves say about the Fire's strategy in the market and positioning for the future.

Follow Sam on Twitter @samstejskal and check out his and Paul Tenorio's podcast, Allocation Disorder

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

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Alex is joined by Brian Sandalow of the Chicago Sun-Times, Jeremy Mikula of the Chicago Tribune, Patrick McCraney of Hot Time in Old Town, and Guillermo Rivera of The Athletic to talk all things Chicago Fire from the lousy year that was 2020 both on and off the field.

Topics include the logo rollout, missed opportunities due to COVID, "Meet the new boss. Same as the old boss.", whether sports are important or not right now, new signings, Frankowski, Mihailovic, where the Fire should try to further improve in the offseason, the search for a training site, MLS Cup predictions, hopes for 2021 and a whole lot more.

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Bad news first: the Chicago Fire's season is over after a 4-3 loss to NYCFC eliminated them from playoff contention.

Alex starts the show by offering a few thoughts on the game and the feelings around the team following the loss last night.

On a more exciting note, Chicago soccer legend Peter Wilt is back on the show to discuss his latest project: a new soccer team in Chicago as part of the National Independent Soccer Association (NISA), debuting next August! Peter discusses the origins of the team, what he hopes it can be, the importance of fan engagement in the process of developing a team identity, and a little Fire and Red Stars as well.

Check out the team's website, chicagonisa.com

Follow the team on Twitter @ChicagoNISA

Follow Peter on Twitter @PeterWilt1

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

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After a short hiatus the podcast is back!

Alex and Jeremy Mikula from the Chicago Tribune talk about Chicago soccer for an hour.

The Fire's loss to Philly, Robert Beric, defensive issues, evaluating the season, and the Fire's path to the playoffs.

The Yuki Nagasato/Savannah McCaskill trade, where the Red Stars need to improve, and the wizardry that is Rory Dames making trades.

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow Jeremy on Twitter @jeremymikula

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

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Matt Doyle, MLSsoccer.com's Armchair Analyst, co-host of the Extratime podcast, and host of the 'Top Tier' and 'Game Breakers' video series, joins the show to talk Chicago Fire tactics and improvements over the last few weeks including Fabian Herbers' role, what good form could mean for Djordje Mihailovic's USMNT future, the emergence of Mauricio Pineda, the importance of Gaston Gimenez and much more!

Follow Matt on Twitter @MattDoyle76

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

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This week I had the chance to speak with Chicago Fire midfielder Micheal Azira about his personal journey and the work his foundation is doing in his native Uganda. Unfortunately, due to a technical issue with my recording software the audio is not fit for publication. I did my best to transcribe our conversation as faithfully as I could from the poor audio, which you can read here:

https://alexcampbellsports.com/micheal-azira

To learn more about the Micheal Azira Youth Foundation, please visit https://www.aziramichealyouthfoundation.org/

You can follow the foundation on Instagram @aziramichealyouth and on Twitter @aziramicehal

Meanwhile, I still wanted to put out a pod this week and broke down the Red Stars 4-1 win over Sky Blue FC and the Fire's 4-0 win over the Houston Dynamo.

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

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USMNT legend and Soccer Hall of Famer Tony Meola joins the show to talk about his various athletic exploits, the 1990 World Cup, the progression of American men's soccer, becoming a part of the Fire's new broadcast team, broadcasting in the time of COVID, the Fire's recent ups and downs, his advice for Connor Sparrow following his MLS debut, and his brief stint as a professional actor.

Plus, some news about Chicago Red Stars soccer coming to a streaming platform near you.

Follow Tony Meola on Twitter @TMeola1

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

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MLS is back....again! With the regular season back underway, Brian Sandalow of the Chicago Sun-Times joins the show to talk about last Thursday's 3-0 loss to the Columbus Crew, Tuesday's home opener (finally!) against FC Cincinnati, and the news that the Fire have had a player test positive for COVID-19 and the implications of that news.

It would be great if you could subscribe, rate, and review the show wherever you get your podcasts!

Follow Brian on Twitter @BrianSandalow

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

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Another pod, another great guest! Red Stars' midfielder Danielle Colaprico joins the show to discuss her work with KICS Football Club in Chicago with whom she recently ran a free clinic in Hyde Park for kids in the city's south-side neighborhoods, recovering from the NWSL Challenge Cup, and looking forward to her first real break from soccer in years.

Follow Danny on Twitter and Instagram @dannycolaprico

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

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The first three-time guest on SoccerCast, Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Time is back to debrief the last month in Utah for the Red Stars.

In addition to discussing the 2-0 victory for the Houston Dash over the Red Stars in last Sunday's Challenge Cup Championship, we reflect on what we've seen in this abbreviated 2020 season.

How are the players feeling now that they're back home? Where in the world might they be going next? What did we learn this last month and what are the big takeaways? And where are the Red Stars heading into 2021?

Follow Annie on Twitter @AnnieCostabile

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

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BIG SHOW

First things first, let's get the bad news out of the way: the Chicago Fire are out of the MLSisBack Tournament after a 2-0 loss to Vancouver...things were bad on the field, things aren't good off the field, it's not great! (0:00-4:30)

Alright as for the good stuff, Red Stars defender Bianca St. Georges joins the show to talk about the NWSL Challenge Cup so far, her path from Canada to West Virginia to Chicago, being in the presence of Christine Sinclair, and what it would mean to help the Red Stars lift their first NWSL trophy. (5:00 - 21:30)

Then, play-by-play commentator Jenn Hildreth, who will be calling Sunday's final, talks about watching the tournament as both a fan and broadcaster, breaks down the matchup between Houston and Chicago, and discusses her path to being a play-by-play broadcaster and the significance of having an all-female broadcast crew this Sunday on CBS. (21:00 - 45:00)

You can follow Bianca on Instagram @biancastgeorges

You can follow Jenn on Twitter @jennhildreth

You can follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

You can follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

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Happy NWSL Challenge Cup Semifinal Day!

Alyssa Mautz becomes the first Red Stars player on SoccerCast Chicago!

We discuss her recovery from a second ACL injury in two years, the differences/difficulties of going through a similar injury a second time, what motivates her to persevere, and how she hopes her journey can both encourage and inspire others.

As for soccer, we talk about the psychological boost of having Alyssa Naeher in a penalty shootout, the unmatched confidence of Julie Ertz, the challenges as a forward of re-constructing an attack with new players,  the positive attitude and contributions of the Red Stars' young players, the incredible community she and her teammates have built over the last seven years and, of course, the game against Sky Blue (including a very confident prediction).

Patrick McCraney, managing editor of Hot Time in Old Town, joins the podcast to discuss the Fire's defeat to San Jose, what we're looking for in their final group game and if it would be best simply to avoid LAFC, as well as the Red Stars' penalty-kick victory over OL Reign, why Alyssa Naeher is the best, the influence of US Soccer on national team playing time, and whether we're going to see more NWSL after the Challenge Cup ends

The Chicago Fire have their first win of 2020! Alex is joined by Jeremy Mikula, soccer reporter for the Chicago Tribune, to break down the match from tactics to goals to rocket that is Mauricio Pineda's rise.

Then, the Red Stars beat Utah 2-1 to get out of the NWSL Challenge Cup basement and give themselves a North Carolina-free side of the knockout bracket, so how are we feeling at the conclusion of the preliminary round?

Follow Jeremy on Twitter @ jeremymikula

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

Follow the show on Twitter @soccer_cast

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The NWSL Challenge Cup is now poised for the final games of the preliminary round. How did we get here and what do the Red Stars need to avoid playing North Carolina in the first round? Plus a few thoughts on the Red Stars 1-0 to the Courage and how they should approach Sunday's game vs Utah.

MLSisBack got started last night with a tremendously impactful demonstration from Black Players For Change, followed by a sloppy 2-1 win for Orlando City, followed this morning by more moving gestures, this time from the Philadelphia Union who went on to beat NYCFC 1-0.

Also, what the heck is going on with the Fire and who are they playing (I didn't know at time of recording) as Nashville and Dallas have both been withdrawn due to a high number of positive COVID tests.

Finally, Meredith Cash from Insider joins the show to talk about her reporting on the anthem protests and possibility of fans being brought into the NWSL bubble as well as her thoughts on Rory Dames' strategy so far, Shea Groom's vertical, and what to expect from the knockout stage.

Follow Meredith on Twitter @mercash22

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

Follow the show on Twitter @soccer_cast

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On a special weekend bonus episode of sorts, play-by-play commentator Mike Watts joins the show to talk about how he and color analyst Lori Lindsey have adjusted to the unique circumstances of the NWSL Challenge Cup. We also talk about the soccer we've seen so far (up to Thursday when this was recorded), Mike's journey as a broadcaster, how he ended up focusing on soccer, and why he totally understands if you want to mute him sometimes.

Follow Mike on Twitter @MikeWattsOnAir

Follow Alex on Twitter @alex_s_campbell
Follow the show on Twitter @soccer_cast

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We are almost a week into the NWSL Challenge Cup and somehow I haven't talked about it in a podcast yet!

Recapping the Red Stars first two games: what's been good, what's been bad, what could we see next?

Also briefly discussing the other 7 teams in the tournament and North Carolina's slow progression to eventually conquering the world.

I also start by briefly discussing how Casey Short and Julie Ertz found themselves at the center of the conversation about kneeling during the anthem, and how such a moving image shouldn't have been necessary in the first place.

Sorry for subjecting you to 20+ minutes of my voice but I promise there are a bunch of cool guests coming soon to the show!

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With focusing the show recently on the Bundesliga, I knew I wanted to have Jake back on the show to talk about his love for Cologne, how that developed in the first place, and give him the opportunity to pitch listeners on joining him. And we get to that, as well as talk about Cologne's Monday night defeat at home to RB Leipzig. 

But first, if there was going to be a show at all this week, it couldn't just be about soccer given how trivial sports in general feel at this moment.

Jake gives his thoughts on the demonstrations of solidarity and support we've seen in pro soccer this weekend, particularly in the Bundesliga, and how the protests of the murder of George Floyd have seen a lack of leadership from the American soccer leadership when compared to elsewhere. 

THIS IS NOT A DRILL THERE IS GOING TO BE SOCCER IN AMERICA THIS YEAR

On Wednesday morning the NWSL, in partnership with the NWSL Players Association, announced the Challenge Cup, which will take place in Utah starting at the end of June. To discuss and break down the news, Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times returns to the show fresh off a conference call with NWSL officials and fellow journalists. 

Then, as on the previous episode Alex breaks down the Bundesliga with a former co-host, this time Nick Hennion of VSIN. They talk about what the heck happened to the title race, betting on the Bundesliga, and of course gush over Alphonso Davies some more.

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow Alex Campbell on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

Follow Annie Costabile on Twitter @AnnieCostabile

Follow Nick Hennion on Twitter @nickhennion

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It actually happened, there was soccer on TV this weekend! Thank you Bundesliga.

Drake Hills re-joins the show to talk about how he's coping with the quarantine and the roots of his love for Bayern Munich.

We discuss the weekend that was as Alex ranks his Top 4 and Bottom 3 teams from Matchday 26 and Drake offers his thoughts on the threat of Dortmund and other contenders to Bayern, the plight of Werder Bremen, the majesty of Kai Havertz and more!

Follow the show on Twitter: @Soccer_Cast

Follow Alex on Twitter: @alex_s_campbell

Follow Drake on Twitter: @LiveLifeDrake

The Fire get their First point, Gaston Gimenez and Miguel Angel Navarro made their debuts, Boris Sekulic and Luka Stojanovic are in Chicago, and we are inching closer to the home opener at Soldier Field!

Meanwhile, the Red Stars are back in camp as the SheBelievesCup finishes up and the team prepares for their first preseason friendlies including one at Forward Madison!

Finally, I spoke with new Fire play-by-play announcer Tyler Terens about his journey to the MLS booth, dollar beer nights in Phoenix, what has stood out to him through the Fire's first two games and what he's looking forward to for next weekend's return to Soldier Field.

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Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow Tyler Terens on Twitter @TNTerens

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MLS is BACK!

The Fire kick of 2020 in Seattle on Sunday and I take a look at the state of the squad and what we could see from Rafa Wicky on Sunday.

Also, the NWSL schedule is finally out so mark your calendars, particularly for April 25th!

Then, my interview with Chicago Fire defender and Chicago native Andre Reynolds. We talked about his soccer story, being one of the faces of the Fire’s rebrand, being an example for other Chicago kids who want to play soccer, participating in the Black Fires Black History Month event, being mentored by Jonathan Bornstein, his soccer idols, Alphonso Davies, Raphael Wicky, and more!

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Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow me on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

Follow Andre on Twitter @_andre36

After a brief hiatus the pod is back!

I catch up on all the recent Chicago soccer news, primarily the Fire's signings of Boris Sekulic, Luka Stojanovic, Ignacio Alisdea and Gaston Gimenez as the team wrapped up their preseason in southern California.

Also, we now know when the NWSL will be back and when the Red Stars will play their first game of 2020 at SeatGeek Stadium!!!

Then, I talk with former Chicago Fire President and General Manager Peter Wilt about his new role with the USL helping clubs develop strong supporter culture like he did most recently with Forward Madison. He discussed the continuation of USL's expansion, particularly USL League one, and why the league believes there is significant growth opportunity for pro soccer teams across the country. Finally, we of course talked about the Fire and how he feels about the state of the team with just days remaining before the start of the 2020 season.

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow me on Twitter @alex_s_campbell

Follow Peter Wilt on Twitter @PeterWilt1

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The USWNT won the CONCACAF Olympic Qualifying Tournament and Alyssa Naeher didn't allow a single goal the entire time! The USWNT will be back in March and the Red Stars are in camp soon, meanwhile the Fire are off to California for the second half of their preseason but still don't have any more new signings.

After the news, I'm joined by Jake Payne, co-founder of Black Fires, a black culture-focused Fire and Red Stars supporters group. We talked about Black Fires' Black History Month event from this past weekend, how the group started, what they see as their mission, the impact they hope to have on Chicago soccer, and their goals for 2020.

Like, rate, review, share and subscribe if you liked the episode!

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow Black Fires on Twitter @fires_black

Thank you to Anchor for sponsoring the podcast, your brand, company or organization could be a sponsor too!

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The Fire get their first win of the preseason, MLS and its players have a new collective bargaining agreement, the Fire's new home kit was officially released, and it's a mixed bag when it comes to filling out the rest of the squad as another transfer rumor fails to materialize.

Then, original SoccerCast Chicago co-host and Nashville SC beat reporter Drake Hills joins the show to talk about Thursday's friendly, the state of Nashvilles SC's squad, the mess that is Nashville's stadium situation, the new CBA and Dax McCarty (including Dax's thoughts on who may replace him as a leader on the Fire).

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Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow Drake Hills on Twitter @LiveLifeDrake

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I briefly recap the USWNT's dominating 6-0 win over Costa Rica, talk a bit about the Fire's new home kit (more to come on that next time), and update the transfer rumor mill as the Fire look close to signing a new defensive midfielder from Austria.

Then, I'm joined by Jeremy Mikula, soccer reporter for the Chicago Tribune, to talk about his recent conversation with Fire owner Joe Mansueto including the possibility of the logo changing *again*, where you might be able to watch Fire games this season, the club's spending strategy this offseason, and much more!

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow Jeremy on Twitter @jeremymikula

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Today on the show, the Fire prep for preseason and two Red Stars regulars help the USWNT to a good, if shaky, start in Olympic qualifying.

Then, I'm joined by Maggie Dziubek of supporters group Chicago Local 134 to talk all things Red Stars, NWSL, her soccer fan origin story and her hopes for 2020! (4:00)

Follow the show on Twitter: @Soccer_Cast

Follow Maggie on Twitter @mzoobek and Local 134 @ChicaogLocal134

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Today's show starts with a quick recap of news from over the weekend, including the Fire's training camp roster, a new left-back, and a couple Red Stars players getting set for CONCACAF Olympic qualification.

Then, I had the chance to drop in on the annual general meeting of Section 8 Chicago (the Fire's primary supporter organization) to speak to board members about why the 2020 season is so important not just to the club but to them, as well as the state of Section 8 and its relationship with the club (~8:00).

Follow the show on Twiitter: @Soccer_Cast

Follow Section 8 on Twitter @Section8Chicago

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Episode 2! The first Fire-focused episode! I review all of the Fire's offseason news (rebrand, departures, new coaches, new players) to refresh your memory and get you up to speed for the start of preseason. (0:00 - 18:00)

Later, I'm joined by Guillermo Rivera of The Athletic to reflect on Rafael Wicky's first press conference as Chicago Fire head coach, evaluate the remaining needs of the squad, and discuss transfer rumors.

Follow the show on Twitter @Soccer_Cast

Follow Guillermo on Twittter @FireConf

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Episode 1 is here! I recap all the Red Stars news from the past couple weeks, in particular the craziness that was the NWSL College Draft, as well as other roster moves they've made...I'm then joined by Annie Costabile of the Chicago Sun-Times to break it all down.

Follow the show on Twitter @soccer_cast

Follow Annie on Twitter @AnnieCostabile

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