THE Soccer Dad-Pod

Steve Pecher, Pat Barry, Dale Schilly, Kevin Kalish, and Jeremy Alumbaugh. Today’s episode has a brain trust of club soccer like no other. We talked about the massive merger slash three way marriage that combined the historic Busch Soccer Club, Scott Gallagher, and Metro United. The end result has grown to over 4300 players, pumped out countless college and pro players, and is now called St Louis Scott Gallagher. From the why, to the players, to the future, we cover a lot. Enjoy a little past present and future of STL club soccer!

Sam Adeniran: The flying eagle, born in Houston, youngest of four, with a player passport that has taken him all around the world, we chatted with STL City’s own… Big Sam! The first half of the show our 6’5” striker breaks down his roots, his family, his roommate, and path, while in the 2nd half we talk all things City and his plans. On top of all that we discuss THE MOST IMPORTANT subject matter to everyone’s day… breakfast. Really. Give it a listen, then a share... Let's Go!!! Thx to Explore STL, Kranzberg Arts Foundation, Crescent Plumbing Supply, and Souter & Co. Realty for all the support!  

Today St Mary Dragon, Flo Valley National Champ, 15 year pro, and coaching director for Gateway Rush Soccer Club Larry Julius joined us to break down his incredible resume. He also talks about his unique relationship with #USMNT & #ACMilan superstar #ChristianPulisic.  He reflects on what helped and hindered his own soccer journey, and the tell tale signs at a young age that made future Captain America stand out. Recorded live from Fenton bar and grill, we had a blast… so will you. Let’s go!

St. Louis Soccer Legends on this episode of Soccer Mom Sunday! Host Jennifer Siess from Mine To Define chatted with Jan and Joan Gettemeyer - twins, soccer studs, strong women, hall of famers. What started on the playground wound up in building the foundation for the Women’s Soccer Program at the University of Missouri - St. Louis, each with All-American honors. With hand-me-down uniforms, the Gettemeyers found connection on the pitch, leading UMSL to the NCAA Final Four, and helped to bring other players along with them into the competitive game. Each with their own excellence, Joan was a member of the Olympic Festival Team while Jan pursued officiating all the way to the FIFA Panel of International Referees. Listen in for stories of how it was, and where the game still needs to go for girls and women.

Today’s episode is all about the red flags popping up around our beloved soccer teams. And who better than former national team member, MLS All Star veteran, and now youth academy coach… and Soccer Dad… Brad Davis. After our #USMNT got bounced out in the first round at #CopaAmerica, right on the heels of #STLCitySC parting ways with Bradley Carnell, we had an unlimited number of questions!!! Should Berhalter go? Should Carnell have gone? Are we developing the best possible players? What is missing on the field? How important is the 26’ World Cup? How important is making the playoffs this year? That… and why he is now known as a quote… Also Chaminade grad. This is a Supermax episode… let’s go! #worldcup #stlmade #concacaf #mlsallstar #mls #euros 

Sometimes "The Beautiful Game” starts on a black top! Host Jennifer Siess from Mine To Define caught up with former schoolmate, and sometimes recess soccer teammate, Derek Burton. Like many, Derek started in youth competitive play then represented his Vianney High School Griffins, helping the team to a state championship in 1991 and #1 national ranking by USA Today. After being a four-year starter at Arkansas-Little Rock, he set his sights on coaching through the college D1 level and attained his B-license. Head Coach at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville, Derek has been leading the Women’s team since 2008. Listen for insight, wisdom, and even some advice from this coach who has played, coached, and parented soccer at top levels in the game. #ncaa #womenssoccer #recruiting #culture #stlmade

One of US Soccer's iconic players, not only in performance, but in brand identity (think mohawk), Clint Mathis! Clint joined us from his home in SoCal and chatted his path from rural south-east Atlanta Georgia to South Carolina ACC life, to the World Cup, and MLS lives in both LA & NY! Pure fun. Check it out, and please subscribe for more! Thanks to #ExploreSTL #KranzbergArtsFoundation #CrescentPlumbing #clintmathis #ussoccer #mls #lagalaxy #newyork #hannover96 #worldcup

Vadim Cojocov is the new Technical Director at the rapidly growing St. Louis Stars Soccer Club. He was born in Moldova to a Russian dad and spent his childhood in Ireland learning the game. Most importantly he learned to not wear an English Beckham jersey to a “south Dublin” public school. Vadim talks about his path and experiences and the influence it all is having on his new role in helping mold and grow the Stars moving forward. And yes... he's actually a model. Let’s go…

Today’s guest was a personal friend slash favor for my substitute carpool cohost, AJ Cochran. Robbie Kristo goes all the way back with AJ to their early Busch days, to SLU, abroad, and back! We had a blast going over his travels, the competition, and they dropped some insight for young kids looking to make that leap to the pro’s and beyond! Let’s go!!!

Six degrees of separation here on Soccer Mom Sunday - probably less for many of us! The name “Champion" is practically synonymous with St. Louis Soccer. Host Jennifer Siess from Mine to Define was joined by Tim and Thom Champion. If you have played soccer the Lou, chances are that you’ve encountered at least one of these twins on a pitch somewhere, sometime, in some way. Tim and Thom each had their own timeline in playing soccer from youth through college. With backgrounds in education, each turned to the coaching side of the game in youth play with their “Champ Camps”, along with high school and college. Listen in for memorable stories, along with their wisdom and perspective from watching The Beautiful Game continue to grow in popularity and opportunity in the US.