Charlotte FC Podcast

On this episode we chat with Hector Samani, President of the Charlotte FC Black Supporters Union. As we know the supporters lead the atmosphere that makes Charlotte FCs home such a Fortress. The other special thing about Hector and those who lead these groups is they are contributing to bringing people together to enjoy and share experiences together beyond just football.Follow the Charlotte FC Black Supporters Union on Instagram: @charlottefcasu

On this episode we have award winning sports commentator Tony Husband, Apple TV MLS Season Pass Match Play-by-Play Announcer back on the show, but this time we talk about the match this week against San Diego FC. IG: ⁠@tony_husbandX: ⁠@TonyHusband

Today on the show my guest is someone who’s been quietly shaping the future of American soccer for decades. From Ivy League sidelines to MLS academies, Bryan Scales has poured his life into developing young talent—not just as athletes, but as people. Now, as the Executive Director of the Academy at Charlotte FC, he’s building something from the ground up, and bringing all those years of wisdom with him. We talk about the winding path that brought him here, the kids who changed him along the way, and the ‘why’ that still fuels him every day. Let’s get into it.

We shake it up a bit this week talking about the upcoming Colorado Rapids away match with MLS Season Pass Match Analyst, Devon Kerr. I think you will like his take on a lot of what Charlotte FC is able to do thus far this year and his bonus shout out at the end.IG: @dvnkrrX: @DevonKerr9

Welcome, Bienvineidos to the Charlotte FC Podcast. Today, we delve into the personal side of Charlotte FC Center Back Andrew Privett. We'll discover his passions outside of soccer, the values that drive him, and the experiences that have shaped him as a person and an athlete. Get ready for an insightful conversation that goes beyond the game. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Andrew Privett.

In this episode, I sit down with Charlotte FC Assistant General Manager Bobby Belair, who works closely with GM Zoran Krneta on player personnel decisions and the construction of Crown Legacy, shaping the talent and depth of the club.A Carolina native, Bobby played college soccer at Brown and Clemson before transitioning to coaching and administration due to injuries. He gained early experience as a graduate assistant under Mike Noonan at Clemson before joining Atlanta United in 2016 as Academy Administrator. There, he quickly moved into player personnel, learning under Carlos Bocanegra. Bobby made the jump to Charlotte in 2021 and has been instrumental in the club’s growth ever since.Join me as we dive into Bobby’s journey, insights, and impact on Charlotte FC. Hope you enjoy the episode!x:@BobbyBelair | IG:bobbybelair/🌐charlottefootbllclub.com/technical-staff

Anna Witte is the Charlotte FC Match Analyst for the English Radio broadcast. She joins Will Palaszczuk in the booth to begin the 2025 season. The Cary, NC native is also host of the SiriusXM show, USL Super League Game week where she hosts along side Marion Crowder and is a sideline reporter for Carolina Ascent FC. Anna brings almost 10 years of broadcasting history in soccer, working as a play-by-play announcer for the NWSL KC Current, as well as various duties from analyst, sideline reporter, studio host, camera/editing for Goal USA, CBS Golazo, Big Ten Network, NBC Washington. She is also a former college player at Penn State University and loves fashion, pop culture, and finding cool spots to eat food.X:AnnaWitte_IG: annawitte

On this episode I talk with Alex Burakoff, Director of Partnership Marketing for Major League Soccer.Alex was an attorney before his current role. We talk about how that has helped him in his role at MLS as well as his management of the relationships with partners such as RBC Wealth Management for example, and overseeing and executing hundreds of initiatives. Alex and I discuss contract management, the appeal of Major League Soccer to corporate partners, the culture at MLS, and his background transition to sports and the work he continues to do to improve and himself and those around him as a leader.

On this episode I have a conversation with Chris Rivett, Director of Communications for PRO Referees, the organization that provides referees for a number of professional soccer leagues in North America.I was interested in hearing from Chris his job and role around the structure of PRO Referees, referee training and development, communicating with the public and the media with the challenges of addressing misconceptions, diversity and inclusion in refereeing, and the future of refereeing.

A look back at 2024 while also looking ahead at 25 categories that interest us about Charlotte FC, MLS, and soccer in the US.I am joined by two friends of the podcast, Logan Meyer from the Crowncast and Eli Finelli from Side Story Sports. We give our assessments of 2024 and predictions for 2025 from coaching to players to playing style to MLS All Star Game to Apple TV coverage. Enjoy!Category Manager: Dean Smith1. What is his focus as a leader?2. Dean’s Tactical focus?3. Assistant coach most important to the club?CLTFC:4. Most impactful DP5. Most Impactful Newcomer6. Starter that makes the most difference / hard to replace7. CLTFC player that got least amount of time on the pitch who should have earned more8. 1st to depart after season starts (only 2025)9. Strength of the squad10. Achilles heel of this squad11. Competitions (which one do you think will be the best; any that MLS teams compete in)12. International country most influence on MLS13. All-star match up (in Austin) vs? (Only 2025)MLS 14. MLS Supporters Shield (2025 only)15. MLS Surprise team16. MLS Overrated Team17. Playing style wins out or formation18. MLS player most impactful to team success 19. Set play(PKs or CK or Free Kick or other)20. Rule change21. Celebrations (type)AppleTV MLS Season Pass22. Graphics style (2025 only)23. Statistics (ones we liked introduced in 24’ and ones we think should exist in 2025)24. Fan Tradition (pre or post) or Chant or types of chant25. Charlotte FC Regular Season Finish and overall MLS Cup