SoccerPod
The soccerPod hosts long-form, heart to heart interviews with past legends of the game of soccer. There is a massive market for soccer in the United States today, but it wasn’t always this way. We go back in time and talk to legends from the prior era, whose stories are not well known in the United States. We talk about playing with no shin guards, the apparent impossibility of a straight red card and smoking cigarettes at halftime. We talk about the legendary games they were a part of, the goals they scored and the trophies that they won. But we also explore the time and culture in which our guests grew up – whether it was, as a kid - seeing the Berlin Wall go up in their backyard, or going to sleep to the sounds of IRA bombs in 1980’s Belfast. From childhood through their professional careers, on to where they are today – our guests’ have all had interesting rides – and we explore them here.
For those who love it, the beautiful game connects us all. So relax, kick back and if you are into soccer talk with a nod towards nostalgia – or you just want to hear some fascinating stories that will make you laugh - give us a go.
SoccerPod
John Harkes
He was the best American soccer player when America could care less about soccer.
Today, the most talented 21 year old American player – we know that guy. He is probably quite famous, rich and playing at a massive club. This was not the case in 1989 for John Harkes.
But his ability could not be overlooked, and as such he was able to play at levels no American ever had before: the Prem, FA Cup, Wembley.
He would star in two World Cups, and with his teammates and friends, were so successful that the US National Team will never again be as irrelevant as it was when John was coming up.
He was a key member to the initial launch of the MLS – and while more lucrative opportunities lay elsewhere – as a US Player, who never really had ‘a league of their own’ he, along with his colleagues, wanted to leave one for those players that came after.
I loved my chat with John – smiled the entire time - Give us a listen and I hope you enjoy our conversation.
EP: 16 – the great John Harkes
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