America the Beautiful Game

America the Beautiful Game

America the Beautiful Game is a podcast about soccer in the US and its relationship with Europe. Each week Dan Rutstein, a former sports journalist and diplomat and now head of International at Orange County Soccer Club, sits down with a new guest to discuss the sport and its growth in this country. We have current and former players, coaches, administrators and those from industries linked to soccer - betting, data, marketing and more.
America the Beautiful game is a chance to see soccer in the US from a new angle. Please join us.

Recent Episodes

Feb. 5, 2024

Matchday 31 - Gareth Ainsworth, Wimbledon legend and manager

We talk to former flying winger Gareth Ainsworth about his playing and managerial career. He tells us about his literal baptism of fire at Wimbledon, what he learned there about culture and how he models himself on Diego Sim…
Nov. 28, 2023

Matchday 30 - Simon Leslie, owner of Eastbourne Borough FC

We talk to entrepreneur Simon Leslie who took the plunge and bought himself a non-league team. He talks about transforming the business into a media company, bringing in celebrities and overcoming fan resistance. Simon expla…
May 15, 2023

Matchday 29 - Ashley Horsley, Sacramento Republic

I talk to Sacramento Republic boss Ashley Horsley. We talk about the excitement of running a soccer team, what a non-sports job can teach you about sports and what an Open Cup run do for a team. We talk about women in sport,…
April 26, 2023

Matchday 28 - Cody Cropper, goalkeeper Orange County SC

Today is Open Cup day and we speak to Cody Copper, former US Youth and MLS keeper now plying his trade for Orange County Soccer Club. He talks about the magic of the cup, returning to an MLS stadium and why the USL is such a…
March 6, 2023

Matchday 27 - Devon Kerr, Broadcaster/Analyst

We talk to ex-player and now leading commentator and analyst Devon Kerr. Together we reminisce about Orange County's 2021 USL Championship victory, the growth of the US game and how much the young American player's experienc…
Jan. 18, 2023

Matchday 26 - Mark Donaldson, ESPN commentator and Hearts fan

We talk to the hilarious and fascinating Mark Donaldson, long-time ESPN commentator. We talk to editing radio with a knife, the first team ever to beat the New York Cosmos and writing four sports books. He tells us about his…