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.
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Matchday 12 - John Green, author, Liverpool fan, AFC Wimbledon owner
We talk to author and passionate football fan John Green. He explains why he detests greed in football, why MLS needs relegation …
Matchday 10 - Jacqui Oatley MBE, groundbreaking broadcaster
We speak to Jacqui Oatley, the first female Match of the Day commentator and a leading advocate for women's football and women in…
Matchday 8 - Julian Stone, writer, producer and soccer tech
We talk to writer, producer and soccer tech Julian Stone. We talk about soccer in television and film, why Ted Lasso is so good a…
Matchday 5 - Warren Barton, Fox Sports and former Wimbledon and Newca…
We talk to ex-player and broadcaster Warren Barton. He talks about the importance of sport during the pandemic, how much the US g…
Matchday 2 - Thomas Gronnemark, Throw-In coach
We talk to the extraordinary Thomas Gronnemark. He's coached throw-ins for Ajax, FC Midtjylland, RB Leipzig, Atlanta United and, …
Matchday 1 - Gary Gibson, Head of Soccer Academies and International …
In our first episode we talk to Gary Gibson of Rangers FC. He explains why the Scottish champions have invested so heavily in th…
Recent Episodes
Matchday 20 - Mark Cartwright, USL Sporting Director
June 20, 2022
We talk to former pro footballer, technical director at Stoke City and now the USL’s Sporting Director. We talk about the potential of the league’s young players, the record breaking transfer of teenage sensation Kobi Henry …
Matchday 19 - Jim Piddock, actor, writer, Crystal Palace fan
Nov. 3, 2021
I talk to actor, writer, producer and transatlantic football fan Jim Piddock. Jim tells us about attending the first ever Galaxy game (with an actor on the bench), the first LAFC game and how much American soccer has moved o…
Matchday 18 - Sanjit Atwal, data-led sports marketing expert and co-founder of Halfspace
Sept. 15, 2021
Statistics, data and innovation in sport. We talk to Sanjit Atwal, the co-founder of award-winning agency Halfspace. We discuss data-led marketing in sport, how far behind the industry is compared to e-commerce and how he is…
Matchday 17 - Rob Kiernan, Orange County, Rangers, Watford
Sept. 8, 2021
We talk to Orange County Soccer Club defender Rob Kiernan. The former Rangers, Watford and Wigan player talks about making the transition to the US, his memories of playing at Ibrox and helping the next generation of young U…
Matchday 16 - Richard Chaplow, Orange County SC interim head coach
Aug. 25, 2021
We talk to former Burnley, West Brom, Ipswich and Southampton midfielder Richard Chaplow. Now interim head coach at Orange County SC of the USL, the former England U-21 international talks about taking the reins in Californi…
Matchday 15 - Paul Hardyman, coach, FA Cup finalist
July 21, 2021
We talk to Paul Hardyman, on secondment with Orange County SC from Rangers. He compares youth development in the US and in the UK, talks about the key lessons for young players and why he's taken on the challenge of working …
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