We had a special Memorial Day show focusing on The 7v7 Soccer Tournament taking place this weekend in Cary, NC. (www.thetournament.com/tst). Our special guests were former members of the Rochester Rhinos who are playing in the tournament: 2015 champion Rhinos Tony Walls, Brandon Miller and Nate Boudreau, plus former US International and 1996-97 Rhino Henry Gutierrez, who is coaching NCFC in the event!

Our special guest was Flower City Union keeper Trevor Wilson, the Man of the Match in Union's 1-0 loss to Chattanooga FC on Saturday. Trevor spoke about how he came to the east coast from Oregon to play soccer, his connection to the Rochester Lancers, how Union played against Chattanooga and Saturday's match in Auburn against the LA Force where Union will be playing as Salt City Union.    

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), and the newly released 2nd book "Still Alive and Kicking - The Story of the 21st Century Rochester Lancers, spoke about the reveal of the World Cup 2026 brand in NYC last week, the US U-20 men winning their 1st match in the World Cup, the US and Mexico bidding together for the 2027 Women's World Cup and next weekend's TST 7v7 soccer tournament with the winning team taking home $1MM.

Andrew and Joe discussed Flower City Union GM Andrew Hoyt stepping down, Flower City 1872 losing to FC Buffalo 6-0 in their opening match,

Joe gave his thoughts on Juventus receiving a 10 point penalty Monday for false accounting in the club's transfer dealings and their 4-1 loss today to Empoli that keeps them out a European place currently. Joe and Andrew also talked about the European finals with an Italian team in each of the 3 title matches, Manchester City winning the Premiership and Everton staying out of the drop zone and Borussia Dortmund needing a win on Saturday to break Bayern Munich's run of 10 straight Bundesliga titles.

Our special guest was Flower City Union midfielder Oscar Sanchez. who spoke about how he got involved in soccer, his playing for top flight FC Motagua in Honduras, what brought him to Flower City Union, the team's 3-0 loss to Maryland in the home opener and the big match on Saturday against visiting Chattanooga.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), and the newly released 2nd book "Still Alive and Kicking - The Story of the 21st Century Rochester Lancers, spoke about the content and format of the new Lancers book and his attending the 93rd birthday party for legendary soccer journalist Paul Gardner.

Andrew and Joe talked about the home opener for Flower City 1872 this Saturday against FC Buffalo and the new head coach of 1872, Diana Groth. plus the latest international soccer news, including Barcelona winning La Liga and being chased off the pitch of their in-city rivals Espanyol for celebrating a bit too much, Chelsea winning the women's FA Cup 1-0 over Manchester United through a goal from former Western NY Flash star Sam Kerr, the upcoming second legs of the UEFA Champions League and Europa League semi-finals and the critical matched this weekend in Italy, England and Germany to decide European qualification and who is being relegated.

Our special guest was the goalkeeper for Flower City Union Mike Mejia, who spoke on his father and 4 brothers also being keepers in their soccer careers, how he came to play for Union, how the team has been preparing for home opener against Maryland on Saturday and who is favorite keeper is (other than his dad and brothers).

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), and the newly released 2nd book "Still Alive and Kicking - The Story of the 21st Century Rochester Lancers, spoke the release of his new Lancers book, the sacking of the NYRB and Chicago Fire coaches and the US Soccer Hall of Fame induction ceremony this past weekend for Steve Zungul, Landon Donovan, DaMarcus Beasley, Lauren Holiday, Kate Markgraf, Hope Solo, Jill Ellis and the late Grant Wahl (Colin Jose Media Award). 

Andrew announced the home opener for Flower City 1872 would be delayed a week to 5/20 and gave the latest international soccer news, including the US mini-football national team winning a big tournament in Slovakia, Napoli winning Serie A and the tight race for the European qualifying spots, the fight for 5 teams trying to remain the English Premiership and the big UEFA Champions and Europa League semi-final first legs happening this week.

Our special guest was indoor soccer correspondent,Greg Suttie from "Suttie on Soccer", who reviewed the MASL playoffs with the Chihuahua Savage winning the title for the 1st time by beating regular season champion San Diego in the semis and sweeping Baltimore, with MASL2 Rochester Lancers player/coach Jake Schindler, in the finals. Greg and Andrew also previewed the 2023-24MASL and MASL2 seasons with new teams joining the leagues.
 

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), and the upcoming 2nd book "Still Alive and Kicking - The Story of the 21st Century Rochester Lancers, spoke about NFL legend J.J. Watt and former US midfielder Kealia Watt becoming minority investors in newly promoted Burnley, the departure of 8 year USL President Jake Edwards. the CONCACAF Champions League semi-final leg 2 on Tuesday between LFC and Philadelphia and Girona striker Taty Castellanos, on loan from NYCFC, scoring all 4 goals in a 4-2 win over Real Madrid and also scoring in Girona’s 2-0 win vs Sevilla.

Joe and Andrew reported on Flower City Union's 5-0 loss to Loudoun United in the US Open Cup, Napoli ready to capture Serie A for the first time since 1990 and the fight for positions 2-7 this weekend, Erling Haaland tying the EPL mark for goals in a season with 34 (50 overall) as Man City moved to the top of the Premiership and the battle for first in the Bundesliga.

Our special guest was the coach of Flower City 1872 (formerly the Rochester Lady Lancers), Adam Schwartz, who recalled last season's division championship side, the current status of the team's players as they prepare for their 1st match on May 13 and playing this season at the Downtown Soccer Stadium.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), and the upcoming 2nd book "Still Alive and Kicking - The Story of the 21st Century Rochester Lancers, spoke about Southampton director of football operations Matt Crocker being named as the new sporting director of the U.S. Soccer Federation, the US U20 Men's draw for the upcoming World Cup in May, The US and Mexico putting in a joint bid for the 2027 Women’s World Cup, the mixed results for the NY City MLS teams and the CONCACAF Champions league semi-final rematch of the 2022 MLS Cup between LAFC and Philadelphia Union.

Joe and Andrew reported on Flower City Union's 1-0 loss to host and NISA 1st place Chattanooga, Juventus' 15 point penalty being suspended, putting them back into 3rd in Serie A, the historic FA Cup final in early June between Manchester City and Man United, the matchups for the semi-finals in the UEFA Champions League and Europa League and the critical matches this week in the EPL and Serie A.

Our special guest was the captain of the 2023 Flower City Union squad, Mumbi Kwesele, who spoke on his family coming from Zambia, growing up in Seattle as a fan of the Sounders, his pro career starting with a legendary team in Spain, being named captain of Union and Saturday's important NISA match against 1st place Chattanooga.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), and the upcoming 2nd book "Still Alive and Kicking - The Story of the 21st Century Rochester Lancers, spoke about his new book on the 21st century Rochester Lancers and when the book will be released, the exciting El Trafico derby with LAFC beating host LA Galaxy 3-2, the NY Red Bulls tying Houston with the fans walking out before the match in protest, the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Champions League with MLS Cup finalists LAFC and Philadelphia Union meeting and the US Men facing Mexico in a "Friendly" on Wednesday in Arizona.

Joe and Andrew gave their thoughts on the local Rochester soccer environment in 2023 and commented on international soccer news, including Argentina being named as the new host for the FIFA U-20 World Cup in May, Roma in trouble with the Italian soccer federation, Arsenal losing their lead in England, the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals this week and the FA Cup semi-finals this weekend.

The show had 2 special guests:

NASL Rochester Lancers Chairman of the Board Charlie Schiano who remembered the late Renato Costa (Raul Herrera) who was a key member of the 1970 Champion Lancers and earned playoff MVP honors with 3 goals in the championship series.

The Man of the Match in Flower City Union's 3-1 2nd Round US Open Cup win over Manhattan SC, scoring 2 go, defender Stephen Elias, who discussed the Cup win, his background in soccer, why he came to play for Union from 2022 champion Michigan and how the team is preparing for their next league match at Chattanooga on 4/22.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), and the upcoming 2nd book "Still Alive and Kicking - The Story of the 21st Century Rochester Lancers, spoke about the serious injury suffered by USWNT leading scorer Mallory Swanson, the controversy in the NY Red Bulls 1-1 draw with San Jose, NYCFC drawing 10-man Atlanta 1-1, the 1st El Trafico match in 2023 with the LA Galaxy hosting LAFC and the CONCACAF Champions League QF 2nd legs.

Andrew and Joe gave the international report including Serie A 2nd place Lazio beating Juventus, Erling Haaland scoring his 30th goal of the year for Man City and the UEFA Champions League quarterfinal 1st leg matches this week.

The show marked the return of host Joe Sirianni and had the head coach of Flower City Union, Jordan Sullivan as the special guest. Jordan spoke on the 1-0 opening match loss in Maryland in very bad weather, Tuesday's US Open Cup tie at home against Manhattan SC, the new players on the team and working with his former college coach, Nelson Cupello, who is his new assistant with Union.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), and the upcoming 2nd book "Still Alive and Kicking - The Story of the 21st Century Rochester Lancers, spoke about the release of the new Lancers book, the US Men beating El Salvador 1-0 to make the semi-finals of the CONCACAF Nations League against Mexico in June, the US Women facing World Cup debutante Ireland in a pair of matches starting on Saturday and this week's CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals.

Joe gave his thoughts on the end of the Lancers indoor season, the start of Flower City Union's second year and the demise of the Rochester Rhinos. Joe and Andrew also gave the international report on Serie A, the EPL and the Bundesliga.

The show had 2 special guests:

Rochester Lancers President and GM, Kayla Klark Kent Moriera, who spoke on this past season for the team in the MASL2, just missing the postseason, how the team was supported by the fand and the staff and what the team and the game experience will be like in 2024.

The GM of Flower City Union and the new UWS women's team, Flower City 1872, Andrew Hoyt, who talked about the official announcement of 1872 in a press conference at the Susan B Anthony House and Museum and how the museum is affiliated with the franchise, the planned home opener, the building of the roster and ticket availability. Andrew also talked about the Union opener on Saturday in Mar and the US Open Cup match at home on 4/4 vs Manhattan SC.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), and the upcoming 2nd book "Still Alive and Kicking - The Story of the 21st Century Rochester Lancers, spoke about being the special guest of the Lancers this past weekend for their final 2 matches, the US Men facing El Salvador in the CONCACAF Nations League Monday, the success of St. Louis City in MLS and the potential move of Lionel Messi to MLS.

Andrew gave the international report including results of the Euro 2024 qualifiers this past week, Antonio Conte leaving Spurs on Sunday and the big matches this weekend in Europe, including Bayern Munich vs Borussia Dortmund on ABC on Saturday.

The show had 2 special guests:

Rochester Lancers defender Konrad Zydowicz, who spoke on his background in soccer, the Lancers 2 road losses in Iowa last weekend and the critical pair of home contests against the Iowa Raptors this weekend that will decide a playoff spot.

The new assistant coach of Flower City Union, Hall of Famer Nelson Cupello, who talked about how he was brought out of retirement to join Union and his former player at MCC, head coach Jordan Sullivan, the preseason friendlies in preparation for the season opener on April 1 in Maryland and the US Open Cup home match on April 4.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), and the upcoming 2nd book "Still Alive and Kicking - The Story of the 21st Century Rochester Lancers, spoke on Arsenal likely being the opponent for the MLS All Stars in July at Audi Field in DC and the US Men's Natl Team contests in the CONCACAF Nations League against Grenada on Friday and El Salvador next Monday.

Andrew gave the international report including the quarterfinal results in the FA Cup, Man City and Erling Haaland on a tear, the pairings for the UEFA Champions League final 8 and the Euro 2024 qualifiers this week.

The show had 2 special guests:

Rochester Lancers player/coach, Jake Schindler, who spoke on the team's sweep of Muskegon to put them in 1st place in the North division, the status of his injured ankle, the new affiliation with the Baltimore Blast and the 2 critical games this weekend in Iowa where the team can clinch a playoff spot.

The owner of Flower City Union, Jimmy Paola, who talked about the team's merger with AC Syracuse and playing some games in Auburn, the new makeup of the team with 1st year coach Jordan Sullivan and his assistant, Lancers Wall of Famer Nelson Cupello, the US Open Cup match at home on April 6 and the upcoming announcement on the new Union women's team.

Joe and Andrew gave their comments on RNY FC (Rhinos) ceasing operations for the 2023 MLS Next Pro Season, if the franchise is gone forever and what that means for Rochester soccer.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), and the upcoming 2nd book "Still Alive and Kicking - The Story of the 21st Century Rochester Lancers, spoke on the celebration of life on March 11 for former Lancers captain and indoor soccer legend Jim Pollihan and the final report from US Soccer on the controversy between US Men's coach Gregg Berhalter and the Reyna family.

Our special guest was the leading keeper in the MASL2, Rochester Lancers netminder Jake Mitchell, who spoke on how he started in soccer and became a goalie, the difference between the position in outdoor and indoor soccer, the big win over Iowa 2 weekends ago, the upcoming pair of home games against Muskegon this weekend and his career as a nurse at Rochester General Hospital.

This was also Dick Howard's final show as a weekly correspondent and he spoke on his personal situation that is the reason for his retirement, his favorite memories of the show, travelling around the world and working with smaller Caribbean countries for FIFA. Dick also reviewed Liverpool's big 7-0 win over Manchester United, Juventus losing 1-0 to Roma and 4th tier Grimsby Town upsetting Premiership's Southampton in the FA Cup.

Joe and Andrew remembered the late Nuri Sabuncu, minority owner of the Rochester Lancers, who passed away last week at the age of 90 and also reported on Flower City Union purchasing the Rochester Lady Lancers of the UWS as of March 6.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), spoke on his long time relationships with Nuri Sabuncu and Dick Howard, the New York City MLS teams both drawing over the weekend, St. Louis City starting off with 2 wins, NYCFC opening at Yankee Stadium against Inter Miami and the 1st leg of the CONCACAF Champions League matches this week.

Our special guest was Rochester Lancers indoor soccer scorer Taner Bay, who spoke on his background in soccer, why he decided to play indoors, the big differences between outdoor and indoor soccer, the two matches in Iowa last weekend and what he does for a living outside of soccer.

Dick Howard talked about Everton's upset win over top of the table Arsenal, Man City losing to Spurs and the charges filed against the Citizens for over 100 breaches of rules that could cause the club to be booted from the EPL, Napoli leading Serie A by 13 points, the Club World Cup semi-finals and FA cup replays this week and the turn of "safe Standing" areas to English stadia.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), discussed Leeds sacking US coach Jesse Marsch and if he may be in line to be the next Men's National Team manager, Seattle losing to Al Ahly in the Club World Cup and the upcoming start of the MLS season with Nashville hosting NYCFC without their captain Sean Johnson, who is now with Toronto FC.

Andrew and Joe talked about Flower City Union opening the 2023 season on April 1 at the Maryland Bobcats.

Our special guest was Rochester Lancers indoor soccer keeper Dan Maddock, who spoke on his background in soccer, why he became a goalkeeper and the Lancers upcoming 2 matches in Iowa this coming weekend.

Andrew and Joe talked about Flower City Union returning to a 9 team NISA league this coming spring and the team splitting matches between the Rochester and Syracuse areas.

Dick Howard talked about the confirmed and rumored player moves in the transfer window, Everton hiring a new coach, this weekend's matches in the FA Cup, the big matches this weekend, including the Club World Cup and the upcoming schedule for the Canadian Premiership and new team Vancouver FC.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), discussed US Soccer's plan to implement all 12 of the recommendations made to address the abusive behavior and sexual misconduct in women’s professional soccer, Earnie Stewart leaving his position as director of US Soccer and who will be coming in to lead the USMNT in World Cup 2026 prep, Seattle Sounders being the 1st MLS team to complete in the Club World Cup and Shep Messing being signed to be studio analyst for MLS matches on Apple TV.

Andrew started the show with the news of the Flower City Union soccer club merging with AC Syracuse Pulse for the 2023 NISA season and how that will impact the schedule, the business side and the home venues for team.

Dick Howard reviewed Juventus being docked 15 points in the Serie A table and a number of senior executives at the club being barred from soccer for over a year due to serious transfer irregularities, Harry Kane tying the 40+ year old record of Jimmy Greaves for most goals scored for Tottenham Hotspur, Everton's manager Frank Lampard being sacked due to the Toffees being in the relegation zone, Erling Haaland notching another hat trick to bring his total for Man City to 25, Arsenal still on top of the Premiership and the huge FA Cup tie on Friday between Arsenal and Man City.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), remembered when the late Italian actress Gina Lollabrigida came to Rochester in 1974 as the guest of the Lancers, Brian McBride likely being sacked as USMNT GM and if Gregg Berhalter will soon follow, the 2 friendlies with the US Men in the coming week and the young team that will be representing the US, the US women sweeping 2 friendly matches from host New Zealand and the draw for the upcoming Leagues Cup featuring MLS and Liga MX (Mexico) top flight teams this summer in a World Cup style tournament.

Our special guest Rochester Lancers indoor soccer star Frankie Ciliberto, who spoke on the team returning to the turf after a 3 year hiatus, winning their 1st 2 matches in MASL2 over Muskegon, the differences between the 2020 and 2023 teams and how the players will prep for their next matches in February.

Dick Howard and Joe Sirianni discussed Juventus' 8 match winning streak with no goals allowed and the big top of the table clash with Napoli on Friday. Dick also discussed the surprise retirement of Welsh international Gareth Bale, reviewed the FA Cup surprises over the weekend and previewed the upcoming Spanish SuperCup final 4.

Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis, the author of "Alive and Kicking, the Incredible but True Story of the Rochester Lancers" (go to rochesterlancersbook.com), discussed 4 NWSL coaches being banned for life today by US soccer, the issues with USMNT coach Greg Berhalter and the Reyna family, Zinedine Zidane almost becoming USMNT coach and the retirement of US international Sacha Kljestan.

Joe and Andrew remembered the late Italian International and striker for Sampdoria, Juventus and Chelsea, Gianluca Vialli, who passed away Friday from pancreatic cancer at age 58.