Knox Soccer Podcast

That’s right, folks. The ride is sadly over, as your gracious hosts bid you adieu after three years of episodes covering the best of Knoxville soccer.Over that time, we’ve chronicled the birth and rise of One Knoxville SC and spoken to some legends of the local game, including youth coach Junior Santos, former Lady Vol and broadcaster Tori Beeler-Watson, eventual NCAA D1 national champions Taylor Huff and Brian Pensky, Maryville College head coach Pepe Fernandez (3x!), and current USL Championship professional Tyler Gibson. We covered Bearden girls’ soccer’s run to a second consecutive state title, powered by the current Florida Gator Brinley Murphy. We tried time after time to devise new ways to engage our listeners, including a merch store that, unfortunately, went nowhere. After a solid run, the revenue was simply not there to continue moving forward. But the door is not fully closed. Who knows what’s next?For now, listen in as we take you back through our favorite moments of the podcast and predict what’s to come as we, for the last time, attempt to answer the fateful question: is Knoxville really a soccer town?Listen to our full archive of episodes.Thank you, as always, to Markman’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.Markman’s is a proud sponsor of the Knox Soccer Podcast and One Knoxville SC. Located at 6932 Kingston Pike, Markman’s has been Knoxville’s choice for diamonds and fine jewelry since 1976. Visit markmansdiamonds.com.Thanks for listening! Subscribe to receive an email every time we post new Knox soccer content. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knoxsoccerpodcast.substack.com

In our final interview of 2024, Brian spoke with two-time KSP veteran Pepe Fernandez, head coach of the Maryville College men’s and women’s soccer teams, who recently broke the record for most wins (847) in NCAA D3 soccer history.That’s right, one of our very own is now in the national college soccer record books!Fernandez, a Franklin native and former Tennessee Wesleyan player, is a seven-time conference Coach of the Year (most recently in 2023). Since we last spoke in 2022, he led the Maryville College women’s program to consecutive Conference of the South Tournament championships.Besides discussing another historic season, Fernandez talks about the evolution of college soccer, his philosophy of the beautiful game, recruiting locally and internationally, and raising up another generation of coaches. He also participates in a lightning round, shedding light on his favorite warm-up drill, the funniest sideline moment, proposed rule changes, the standout moment of 2024, and more!Listen to our earlier episodes with Pepe Fernandez in 2022 and while he was at the World Cup in Qatar.Thank you, as always, to Markman’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.Markman’s is a proud sponsor of the Knox Soccer Podcast and One Knoxville SC. Located at 6932 Kingston Pike, Markman’s has been Knoxville’s choice for diamonds and fine jewelry since 1976. Visit markmansdiamonds.com.Thanks for listening! Subscribe to receive an email every time we post new Knox soccer content. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knoxsoccerpodcast.substack.com

No better way to start the Christmas season than with the big news that One Knoxville SC has hired former Minnesota United assistant Ian Fuller as its next head coach!In this episode, Patty and Brian sit down with Fuller for an extensive conversation about what drew him to the Scruffy City, his days as a professional in the MLS and lower leagues of American soccer, and what he hopes to bring in approach and mentality to the USL League One club ahead of its 2025 season in the Old City Stadium!Biographical notes: Fuller, a son of the Pacific Northwest, is a former Clemson Tiger drafted by the MLS’s New England Revolution in 2002. He went on to win three titles in prior iterations of the USL with the Charleston Battery (2010) and Orlando City (2011, 2013), with stints as an assistant at both clubs. He followed former Everton legend Adrian Heath to Minnesota ahead of its inaugural MLS season in 2017. During his time there, the club finished as runners-up in the 2019 US Open Cup.Related links:* Buy tickets to see One Knoxville in 2025 at Old City Stadium.* Listen to Ian Fuller on the Minnesota United podcast in 2020.* Follow the latest USL League One news.Thank you, as always, to Markman’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.Markman’s is a proud sponsor of the Knox Soccer Podcast and One Knoxville SC. Located at 6932 Kingston Pike, Markman’s has been Knoxville’s choice for diamonds and fine jewelry since 1976. Visit markmansdiamonds.com.Thanks for listening! Subscribe to receive an email every time we post new Knox soccer content. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knoxsoccerpodcast.substack.com

The last time Patty and Brian had Tim Vacek, chairman of The Scruffs supporters group, on the show was ahead of One Knoxville’s (9-6-5) home opener against Lexington SC. After a season of highs and surprises, the Capo returns with the Boys in Blue guaranteed a playoff spot. Only one point separates them from the Top 4 and a shot at home-field advantage in the USL 1 Quarterfinals!In our conversation with Tim, we touch on everything from the club’s fortunes to new relationships with players and fans, favorite moments, and what things may look like in 2025 at the Old City Stadium. PLUS, we challenge Tim to assign superlatives, including Best ‘Stache, Best Onfield Bromance, and The Player You’d Most Like to Crack Open a Cold One With (aka the Beer Me! Award).Related links:* Became a member of the supporters group for just $20.* Help fund One Knoxville youth club scholarships.* Buy tickets to see One Knoxville in 2025 at Old City Stadium.* Follow The Scruffs on Instagram.Thank you, as always, to Markman’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.Markman’s is a proud sponsor of the Knox Soccer Podcast and One Knoxville SC. Located at 6932 Kingston Pike, Markman’s has been Knoxville’s choice for diamonds and fine jewelry since 1976. Visit markmansdiamonds.com.Thanks for listening! Subscribe to receive an email every time we post new Knox soccer content. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knoxsoccerpodcast.substack.com

In this episode, Patty and Brian sit down with Kempes Tekiela, the man behind more than half of One Knoxville SC’s goals across all competitions this season. The Big German moved to Knoxville from Luxembourg First Division side Union Titus Pétange earlier this year and has been making the most of his time in America.Listen in as we get to know Kempes, from his story of joining Borussia Dortmund’s youth academy as a boy and debuting as a pro to making the big move across the pond in search of goals, glory, and a bit of the American life he experienced growing up with shows like One Tree Hill and Friday Night Lights.All that, plus the return of Know Your Knox Trivia—you don’t want to miss this!Thank you, as always, to Markman’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.Markman’s is a proud sponsor of the Knox Soccer Podcast and One Knoxville SC. Located at 6932 Kingston Pike, Markman’s has been Knoxville’s choice for diamonds and fine jewelry since 1976. Visit markmansdiamonds.com.Thank you for reading Knox Soccer Podcast. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knoxsoccerpodcast.substack.com

Big news across the board this week, as reports emerge that U.S. Soccer has reached an agreement with Argentine Mauricio Pocchetino as the head coach of the men’s national team AND One Knoxville parts ways with its first coach Mark McKeever. Plus, Patty talks with OKSC General Manager Drew McKenna about the club's plans for its future home at Old City Stadium.Thank you, as always, to Markman’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.Markman’s is a proud sponsor of the Knox Soccer Podcast and One Knoxville SC. Located at 6932 Kingston Pike, Markman’s has been Knoxville’s choice for diamonds and fine jewelry since 1976. Visit markmansdiamonds.com.Thank you for reading Knox Soccer Podcast. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knoxsoccerpodcast.substack.com

In our July soccer recap, Patty and Brian talk about everything that’s been going on in the world of professional football this month. We discuss One Knoxville’s hunt for the USL1 playoffs and qualifying for the semis of the Jagermeister Cup; the finals of the Copa América and Euros; preview the U.S. men’s and women’s tournaments at the Paris Olympics; and brainstorm who’s going to be the coach to take the helm for the deservedly departed Gregg Berhalter with the USMNT.This month, make sure to visit Schulz Brau Brewing Company in North Knoxville to enjoy the Olympics game with our friends in the American Outlaws. Related links* One Knox SC results and upcoming games* 2024 Olympics: What to know about the U.S. men’s, women’s soccer* Follow American Outlaws Knoxville on Facebook and InstagramThank you, as always, to Markman’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.Markman’s is a proud sponsor of the Knox Soccer Podcast and One Knoxville SC. Located at 6932 Kingston Pike, Markman’s has been Knoxville’s choice for diamonds and fine jewelry since 1976. Visit markmansdiamonds.com.Thank you for reading Knox Soccer Podcast. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knoxsoccerpodcast.substack.com

In this America Week episode, Patty & Brian chat with Kyle Clark and Giles King, two of the leaders of American Outlaws’ Knoxville chapter, following the painful elimination from the Copa América. We break down the U.S. men's performance, look ahead to the Olympic men’s and women’s soccer tournaments, and discuss how soccer fans in Knoxville can get together to cheer on the Stars and Stripes ahead of the World Cup in 2026.This month, make sure to visit Schulz Brau Brewing Company in North Knoxville to enjoy a game with these superfans!Related links* Follow AO Knoxville on Facebook and Instagram* Check out the full U.S. men’s, women’s, and youth soccer calendar* Meet up at Schulz BrauThank you, as always, to Markman’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.Markman’s is a proud sponsor of the Knox Soccer Podcast and One Knoxville SC. Located at 6932 Kingston Pike, Markman’s has been Knoxville’s choice for diamonds and fine jewelry since 1976. Visit markmansdiamonds.com.Thank you for reading Knox Soccer Podcast. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knoxsoccerpodcast.substack.com

In this very special episode, Brian chats with Farragut-born goalkeeper Mateya Dessieux, a University of Texas commitment and member of the US women’s national team under-17 pool. Mateya’s story takes her three hours from home, where her father, Luc, traveled twice a week with her since her freshman year at Farragut so she could compete with Tophat Soccer Club, one of the best in the United States. Besides being an incredible player, Mateya is a testament to what you can accomplish when committing to the dream. She’s also extending her love for the game to young kids as a coach for One Knoxville SC’s Monsters program. You don’t want to miss this one!Related links* Follow Mateya on Twitter/X* Mateya’s TopDrawerSoccer profile* Watch Mateya’s clips on HudlThank you, as always, to Markman’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.Markman’s is a proud sponsor of the Knox Soccer Podcast and One Knoxville SC. Located at 6932 Kingston Pike, Markman’s has been Knoxville’s choice for diamonds and fine jewelry since 1976. Visit markmansdiamonds.com.Thank you for reading Knox Soccer Podcast. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knoxsoccerpodcast.substack.com

In our June episode, Patty and Brian catch up on everything that’s been going on in the world of professional soccer, from the UEFA Champions League Final and upcoming Copa América on U.S. soil to One Knoxville’s performance in the USL League One and Jägerbomb Cup.Patty also shares some lessons learned from his first season as an assistant coach with AYSO under-8s and his Pentagonal Principles of Prosperity for coaching rec players.Related links* One Knox SC results and stats in USL 1.* The official US Youth Soccer coaching manual* Interview with Tom Byer, author of Soccer Starts at Home.* The infamous Getafe Burger King sponsored jersey from 2009-10.* Our episode with Jared Khan of Khan Soccer Academy on training young players.Thank you, as always, to Markman’s Diamonds & Fine Jewelry.Markman’s is a proud sponsor of the Knox Soccer Podcast and One Knoxville SC. Located at 6932 Kingston Pike, Markman’s has been Knoxville’s choice for diamonds and fine jewelry since 1976. Visit markmansdiamonds.com.Thank you for reading Knox Soccer Podcast. This post is public so feel free to share it. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit knoxsoccerpodcast.substack.com