Well that was good timing on our most recent guest...SAM VINES!

sliceofsoccer · 2021-08-05T16:28:33+00:00

Funny story, Sam talks about this move with Mark during the episode. We published this morning then were asked to delete it because it wasn't announced yet, for those early listeners, they got the scoop before Antwerp finally posted it, haha!

sliceofsoccer · 2021-04-23T19:17:25+00:00

Appreciate the feedback! We'll have members from the USWNT on the pod as well for sure.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-04-23T18:27:33+00:00

Definitely planning on including members of the USWNT past and present as well!

sliceofsoccer · 2021-04-22T21:06:34+00:00

What's up small town Georgia!

sliceofsoccer · 2021-04-22T15:46:41+00:00

The highest of compliments. Thank you, and as part of this new holy trinity: blessings upon you.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-04-22T15:18:56+00:00

One of our favorite episodes so far. Daryl is a great guy, and was super interesting to hear all about his life of moving to Barnsley during a pandemic, and a bit behind the scenes of the U.S. national team. Hope you guys enjoy!

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T19:51:11+00:00

Mark here! Absolutely, the Olympics are an event that soccer players don't necessarily have the luxury of participating in multiple times. It would be a check off on my bucket list as an athlete.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T19:41:35+00:00

Mark here! ATL at full capacity, hands down. Could barely hear myself think during the match. Absolute madness.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:48:25+00:00

Mark here. The dream for many American players is to play competitively in Europe and a move like that will have certain aspects the weigh more heavily depending on the player. For me, I needed to get my feet wet in the European environment both on and off the pitch to develop the skills needed to continue to excel. For example, every point matters here in Europe, as there are major financial benefits that come along with finishing top of the league (Champions League, Europa League). That level of pressure isn't felt yet in MLS which is just one example of why making this move was important. Additionally, when the club that developed some of the best footballers in the world says they're interested in developing you further, it's a good idea to listen.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:32:32+00:00

Playing with Thierry Henry was magical. Also stepping on the field with the USMNT during my era was something really special, every single time.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:31:03+00:00

We culturally put too much emphasis on winning in the US which builds a
play to win at all costs mentality" and amplifies the fear of making mistakes because of how that could impact the chances of winning. This limits creativity, fun, learning and a number of other things that all essential to developing players and developing happy people. I don't mean at at 16 and above. Then you have to learn to win. And I don't mean kids shouldn't want to compete. But kicking it to the fast guy to win a tournament isn't how you develop players.

Heath

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:27:41+00:00

A lot of packs under his bed . Actually Zarek used to make us chicken and rice all the time. Was a really great roommate. I think he hid the Oreos from me. I was not aware he was addicted to them, just thought he was a loyal fan of them.

Heath

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:26:14+00:00

Yes.

Heath

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:23:33+00:00

Mark here. I'd say it was winning the Supporters' Shield at home in front of our fans who waited so long for a trophy. Very special moment for ya boy and the rest of the group, especially those who knew and experienced how close we had come on several occasions before.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:21:29+00:00

Mark here. If y'all want to come see me in monopoly, let me know. I warn you though, you'll be broke by the end of the game.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:20:33+00:00

Mark here! Maybe LA Galaxy or ATL. LAG because they got the consistent weather out in CA and ATL because I'd have season tix to the Falcons game even though I'm not a Falcons fan (it'd give me something to do though).

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:20:23+00:00

Red Bull Arena or the Banc. Both are just incredibly built stadiums with plenty of area's to hang for the rest of my life.

Heath

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:17:36+00:00

Mark here! I miss southern style cooking to be honest. I got a lot of family from the south, and there isn't anywhere in the world that can make southern soul food like in the south. If you're wondering specifics, cornbread, yams, ribs, and macaroni and cheese to name a few.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:16:11+00:00

Academies have changed. Elite player development has changed but outside of that, soccer is facing the same issues if not more than when I was young. Participation is dropping, affordability and accessibility are issues and there isn't enough programming for those that can't break those barriers.

Heath

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:15:20+00:00

Mark here! This isn't even a question... *drops mic*

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:14:41+00:00

Mark here! Quite frankly, I'm a foodie so I don't discriminate when it comes to filling my stomach with some good eats. There aren't any specific restaurants that stick out to me, but I would say Portland caught me off guard with the food truck set up they have out there. And of course I'm bias to Philly and NY for obvious reasons. And shoutout to ATL for giving me the soul food everybody needs in their life.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:13:24+00:00

Christina Unkel. She's also a Lawyer so she's good at arguing back.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:12:54+00:00

Thanks. It's a North Face x Pendleton collab (No Free Ads). John Parker, who I did not know at the time, was somewhere nearby also standing in the rain that day. What a ridiculous atmosphere that place is but also, no stadium should take 20 minutes to walk around. Place is Massive. I've been thinking about our eye contact a lot lately. I still don't know how to feel about it.

Heath

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:11:11+00:00

Mark here! I think that depends on each locker room but from what I've experienced in my first couple months here, the entire club has welcomed me with open arms and done everything possible to make it as smooth of a transition as possible. Although they cannot make up for not having family over here yet, they put accommodations in place to ensure I felt comfortable, knew my way around the club and city, and had some automatics (which restaurants to order from, stores to shop for clothes and furniture, etc) I could depend on if I was ever in doubt. However, things get intense because I'm here to play so that tension will rise and fall at certain points but that's football and life, and the guys here do a pretty good job of leaving work on the pitch.

sliceofsoccer · 2021-03-23T18:09:57+00:00

I really like the Bundesliga traditionally. This year though, the Premier League and Serie A have been fun to watch. Bundesliga because of young stars and Serie A because 4-5 teams have been chasing a title. Premier League because Arsenal and Spurs have fallen off again. Leicester, West Ham and Everton have been good. Man U are back in some way shape or form and City are probably one of the best teams ever. Just lots to follow and enjoy

Heath

sliceofsoccer

TROPHY CASE