Zee Soccer Podcast Podcast

Zee Soccer Podcast

Julian Gressel & Fabian Herbers
Soccer, life in the US, and everything in between. Germans, Julian Gressel (Vancouver Whitecaps) and Fabian Herbers (Chicago Fire), first competitors now friends, share their weekly experiences on and off the field as they manage their way through the Major League Soccer season. Get an inside perspective of their personal lives, cultural challenges, and their German view of the beautiful game - pragmatic, honest & direct.
From Plastic to Porcelain
ZeePodDerby 3.0 (or should we say ZeeClasico?) is in the books and Fabi & the Fire win for the third time this season. Julian describes his experience as he wore the Whitecaps jersey for the first time. Despite the loss, the Whitecaps have a big week ahead as they face a revived Toronto side in the Canadian Championship final. Not an easy task with the recent big signings of Bernadeschi and Insigne. Moreover, Jules gives his personal impression of the city and the club and what challenges he will face being in a different country.ZeeSoccerFund 2.0 2022 fundraiser for the Azira Michael Youth Foundation: https://gofund.me/4f70180a
Jul 26, 2022
37 min
Traded from DC to Vancouver
Zee Soccer Pod is going international! Two days after finding out he’s been traded from DC to Vancouver, Julian talks about all the details.How he got told about the trade, his initial feelings, and what the process since then has been like. His wife’s reaction, what the plan is in the coming days/weeks, and even how his first interactions with Vancouver staff/players went. Certainly a great insight into how this trade unfolded and all the challenges that come up when a player gets told he has to move 3000 miles across to a new country within a few days.
Jul 18, 2022
32 min
Not appreciating the jersey.
After two devastating losses with their respective clubs, the players don’t shy away to talk about the games and analyze what went wrong. Before that however, we talk about the Azira Michael Youth Foundation which will be the charity for ZeeSoccerFund. Thanks to Michael for taking the time, and please support his cause! Most excitingly, we discuss the breaking news of Wayne Rooney appointed as new DCU manager, and Gaga Slonina’s verbal agreement with FC Chelsea. Lastly, don’t miss Josef Martinez’ quote bashing his teammates at Atlanta United.The Azira Michael Youth Foundation: To use sports as a vehicle to give kids in Uganda access to education, nutrition and character development.WebsiteTwitterInstagram
Jul 12, 2022
45 min
Walk of Shame
Happy 4th of July everybody! Safe to say Jules had a better holiday than Fabi after DCU (finally!) picked up 3 points again in Orlando. Jules even overcame a bird attack and a some not very original heckling from Orlando fans. The Fire’s trip to California didn’t go as planned but they have a big home stretch coming up with a family visit for Fabi, too. We also discuss our winners & losers of the week and talk a bit more serious about America’s gun laws sparked by the sad shooting in Highland Park, Illinois that happened on July 4th. Have a great week everybody!
Jul 6, 2022
41 min
Grateful
A big THANK YOU to the community for all the donations to ZeeSoccerFund. In total we came up to $1700 and the winner of the jerseys are Cecelia Stephens and Matthew Daversa. To the negative: both DC and the Fire lost their respective games.The players break down their games, and talk MLS: Philly vs NYCFC and their creation of an authentic rivalry. In addition, we talk about Gareth Bale’s move to LAFC and how Jules is doing extra sprint training to keep up with him in their matchup in August. At the end, Fabi has some roommate rules and suggestions for a pleasant rooming experience on a road trip with the team.
Jun 28, 2022
34 min
ZeePodDerby, Round 2
ZeePodDerby is behind us and Fabi is over the moon as the Fire beat DC 1-0 and he actually scored the game winning goal. We discuss the game in some good detail and Jules is trying to find some answers to what is missing for DC to start winning games again. We also finally talk about Julian’s new vegan lifestyle and how the change has affected him so far. Other topics include MLS’ new TV deal with Apple, 2026 World Cup Stadium announcements, and Sadio Mane to Bayern Munich. Lastly, make sure to donate to Zee Soccer Fund for your chance to win the match worn parley jerseys the guys wore a few weeks ago. Good luck!
Jun 21, 2022
44 min
Brandt Bronico & Grindset
Another great guest for Zee Soccer Pod. Brandt Bronico (aka BB13) from Charlotte FC and a former Fire teammate of Fabi. Incorporating the “grindset” lifestyle BB talks about defeating the odds and establishing himself as a Pro in MLS. He is a role model of how far hard work can really take you. He also talks about his commitment to the city of Charlotte and his experience with the expansion team. Also, don’t miss his exciting insights about Charlotte FC’s firing of Miguel Ramirez and his difficult relationship with the players. Lastly, the hosts give a preview of the upcoming #zeepodderby and upcoming topics: Vegan-Jules, Covid-Fabi etc…Stay safe and keep grinding! 
Jun 14, 2022
45 min
Willkommen Kevin Paredes
The first guest who doesn’t play in MLS joins the guys for this weeks pod. Kevin Paredes, the former DC United and current VFL Wolfsburg player, hoped on during his summer break to reminisce about old times at DCU and talk about the last six months in Germany. His transition to life in a different country away from home, on the field differences, his changed attitude, and his outlook on the new season were all big talking points. Some good stories of Kevin and Jules certainly made it in the episode, as well, so make sure to give this one a listen!
Jun 7, 2022
44 min
Vacation Break
The crew is on a break for the Memorial Day weekend and MLS international window as Julian briefly addresses the listeners and fans over the weekend's results and the crew's return next week.
May 30, 2022
2 min
Show Me The Money
After a disappointing week where both teams dropped important points, we try to find positives along the way. A big one was the new CBA agreement between the USWNT & USMNT with the US Soccer Federation which is a huge stepping stone in closing the pay gap between the genders. Talking about pay - the MLSPA released the players’ salaries with general increases for players around the league. At the end, we break down the Premier League drama, and Brendan Aaronson 30 million dollar transfer to Leeds United. P.S. Don’t miss Julian’s new secret vacation spot! 
May 24, 2022
37 min
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