North America's longest running soccer show
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North America's longest running soccer show
sponsored by Dr. David Olivo Family Dentistry
Soccer is a Kick in the Grass Podcasts
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September 13, 2021 - Our Latest Show
Throughout tonight's show, we celebrated the 51st anniversary of the Rochester Lancers winning the 1970 NASL Championship.Our special guest was the owner of the indoor Rochester Lancers, Salvatore's Old Fashioned Pizzeria and Donuts Delite, our long time sponsor, "Soccer Sam" Fantauzzo, who talked about his decision to keep the Lancers on hiatus for the 2022 MASL season, the problems in the business world (and specifically his businesses) in procuring equipment and supplies and the status of the new locations of Salvatore's and Donuts Delite.Dick Howard (a member of the 1970 NASL Champion Lancers, talked about Canada's Men doing well in World Cup qualifying, the return of Cristiano Ronaldo to Manchester United and each of the groups in the UEFA Champions League, which starts this week.Michael Lewis talked about his upcoming book on the NASL Rochester Lancers, the US Men recording a big win over Honduras in World Cup qualifying, the US competing in the Futsal World Cup and the US Women facing Paraguay in Cleveland on Thursday.August 30, 2021 - Our Latest Show
Show replayed on September 6
Andrew Battisti, Joe Sirianni, Dick Howard and Michael Lewis spent the entire show giving their thoughts on the player transfers taking place, including Cristiano Ronaldo's shock return to Manchester United, the latest results from the European leagues and the upcoming 2 weeks of World Cup qualifying for the United States, Canada and countries around the world.- August 23, 2021Our special guest was the first player signed by Rochester's newest pro soccer team, Flower City Union, defender Colin Muller, who spoke on his soccer and personal background, how he came to be signed by FCU and his coming to play in the back line in his career.Joe and Andrew broke the news from US Soccer that the Italian American Sport Club Boom will represent Rochester in the 2022 Lamar Hunt US Open Cup and also the latest on the indoor Rochester Lancers sitting out the 2022 MASL season.Dick Howard talked about Cristiano Ronaldo possibly leaving Juventus, West Ham going top of the table in the Premiership, the fan invasion that took place in the French match between Nice and Marseille and Forge FC advancing in the CONCACAF League.Michael Lewis reported on the NY Red Bulls/NYCFC match being postponed due to hurricane Henri, the MLS All-Star game on Wednesday, Christen Press being the first player signed by Angel City FC of the NWSL and NJ/NY Gotham coach Freya Coombe named as the manager of the team and Christian Pulisic's COVID status for the upcoming US Men's National Team World Cup qualifiers.
August 16, 2021
Our special guest was the owner of our long time sponsor, Allstate Insurance agent and Italian Consulate for Rochester, Enzo Scollo, who talked about his business, his role as the new consulate and his background in soccer with the Italian American Sport Club.Dick Howard, Michael Lewis, Joe Sirianni and Andrew Battisti talked about the two big stories of the day, the retirement of US Soccer superstar Carli Lloyd and the death of the great German striker Gerd Muller.Dick also reviewed the kickoff of the Premiership, Bundesliga and La Liga and previewed Serie A with Joe. Michael talked about the US and Mexico entering the FIFA Men's Top 10 and the US Beach Soccer Team kicking off the Beach Soccer World Cup in Russia this week.August 9, 2021
On the show, Dick Howard and Michael Lewis gave their final thoughts on the Olympic soccer tournament, including Canada's Women winning their first major trophy and discussed the major transfers that have taken place recently in soccer and those rumored, including Lionel Messi from Barcelona to PSG. Dick also previewed the English Premiership season and Michael discussed the upcoming matches between MLS and Liga MX teams.Finally, Andrew and Joe revealed the first two player signings by Flower City Union, Colin Muller and Andrea Pergoni.August 2, 2021
Much of the show focused on the US Men winning the Gold Cup over Mexico 1-0 in the final and the US Women losing 1-0 to Canada in the Olympics semi-final. Proud Canadian Dick Howard and Front Row Soccer's Michael Lewis gave their thoughts and comments on both tournaments.Dick also previewed the start of the Scottish Premiership and France's Ligue 1 and qualifying rounds in the UEFA Champions League.July 26, 2021
Our special guest was the owner of our long time sponsor, Top Notch Monogramming, Tony D'Aiuto, who talked about his business, his Italian roots and thoughts on the Azzurri winning the Euros and his many trips to follow the US National Team over the years.Dick Howard talked about Raphael Varane's transfer to Manchester United, the Canadian Women doing well in the Olympics, the Canadian Men making the semi-finals of the Golds Cup and facing Mexico on Thursday and the latest news from the Canadian Premier League.Michael Lewis talked about the US Women's National Team's struggles and controversies in the Olympics and the US Men's National Team facing Qatar in the Gold Cup semi-finals.Joe and Andrew talked about Jake Schindler and Lukas Fernandes making the NPSL Conference Best XI and the Cleveland Crunch winning the MASL2 title.July 12, 2021
Our special guest was the commissioner of the M2 indoor soccer league, Rochester Rhinos Hall of Famer Chris Economides, who spoke on the M2 playoffs taking place this weekend in Wichita, the success of M2 this year and his thoughts on the Lancers, Rhinos and Flower City Union.Dick Howard wrapped up the Euro 2020 tournament and the Copa America and talked about Canada's opening win in the Gold Cup. Michael Lewis reviewed the US 1-0 win over Haiti in the Gold Cup and talked about the US Women's National Team preparing for the Olympics in Tokyo, which will have no fans in attendance.Joe and Andrew wrapped up the Rochester Lancers' men's and women's seasons and talked about the vandalism that hit the Glacier Ridge Sports Park Dome over the weekend.June 28, 2021
NOTE: On July 5, we replayed our 27th anniversary show
Our special guest was the managing director and Chief Commercial Officer of Flower City Union, Mark Washo, who spoke on Union purchasing the Rochester Lancers outdoor teams, the latest news about preparations for the team's debut in 2022 and what is new in NISA, including a I-90 rival for Union.Dick Howard spoke on the incredible matches in the Round of 16 in Euro 2020 and the start of the Canadian Premiership. Michael Lewis reviewed the latest matches for New York City FC and the NY Red Bulls and his series on the 47th anniversary of him becoming a sportswriter.Joe Sirianni as at the Italian-American Sport Club and talked about the commemorative rings he and Lancers owner Charlie Schiano received at the final Lancers outdoor match on Sunday and the news that the MASL will play a full 24 game schedule in 2021-2022.June 21, 2021
Our special guests were:The owner of the Rochester Lancers, "Soccer Sam" Fantauzzo, who discussed his selling the outdoor Lancers teams to Flower City Union and the plans for the indoor Lancers this season in the MASLThe former Chairman of the Board of the original Lancers, Charlie Schiano, who remembered the late original Lancer player Kenny Allison and talked about Flower City Union and Leicester City's Jamie Vardy buying a stake in the Rochester Rhinos.Michael Lewis gave the latest on the new MLS Developmental League that will start in 2022 and Dick Howard reviewed the Euro 2020 matches today and Canada's men making the final round of CONCACAF World Cup qualifyingJune 14, 2021 - Our 27th Anniversary Show
Our special guests were:US Soccer legend, Rochester Lancers Wall of Famer, New York Red Bulls commentator and the new chairman of the Major Arena Soccer League, Shep Messing, who told stories about the NASL and his new role with the MASL.Former MLS MVP, multiple time champion and the all-time leading scorer for the Canadian Men's National Team, Dwayne DeRosario, who talked about his new autobiography, DeRo - My Life and gave his thoughts on the future of soccer in North America.Michael Lewis and Joe Sirianni also remembered the late Ken Allison, an original member of the Rochester Lancers, who passed away in April and Michael updated us on his soon to be released book about the Rochester Lancers.Dick Howard reviewed the matches so far in Euro 2020 and previewed Canada's World Cup qualifying match against Haiti on Tuesday.June 7, 2021
We previewed the upcoming Euro 2020 tournament with Dick Howard and reviewed the UEFA Champions League and Europa League finals, the recent coaching changes.Michael Lewis of frontrowsoccer.com discussed the US Men's National Team's victory over Mexico in the CONCACAF Nations League finals and previewed the US Men's and Women's National Team matches this coming week.May 24, 2021 (Replayed on May 31, 2021)
We broadcasted live from Shadow Lake Country Club where we said farewell to Rochester Lancers and Salvatore's executive Ashley Maria King Solomianko, who is leaving Rochester for warmer climes. Ashley spoke to Joe and Andrew about here time with Salvatore's and the Lancers, working with owner "Soccer Sam" Fantauzzo and what she will be doing next.We were also joined live by Lancers broadcaster and Soccer is a Kick in the Grass alumnus Joe Giuliano who spoke on the state of soccer in Rochester and how things were different in the time of the original Lancers and the Rochester Rhinos.Michael Lewis of Front Row Soccer talked about Luca Lewis from the NY Red Bulls being accosted by a group of Palestinians last week in New York City, the US Men's National Team facing Switzerland on Sunday and the US Beach Soccer team qualifying for the World Cup.Dick Howard reviewed the final week of European soccer domestic leagues in Italy, England, Spain, France and Germany and previewed this week's Europa League and UEFA Champions League finals.May 17, 2021
Our special guests tonight were the players of the match from the Rochester Lancers opening contests on Sunday: GK Saundra Baron from the Lady Lancers and forward Lukas Fernandes of the Men Lancers.Saundra discussed her philosophy and strategy in the net, her jobs as a teacher and Operations Coordinator at Rochester City Soccer League and Sunday's match against New Jersey Copa FC.Lukas talked about Sunday's 1-1 tie against Cleveland, his drawing and scoring the tying PK late in the match, his strategy when taking PK's and the Lancers next match this Sunday against FC Buffalo.Michael Lewis of Front Row Soccer talked about Atlanta United drawing over 40,000 fans in their 1-0 win over CF Montreal, a world record post-COVID, the controversial non-call in NYCFC's tie vs Toronto and the schedule and groups in the upcoming Gold Cup.Dick Howard reviewed the controversial 3-2 win by Juventus over Inter, Leicester wining the FA Cup over Chelsea and the big match the two teams Tuesday to decide a Champions League berth, GK Allison scoring the winning goal for Liverpool Sunday and Barcelona winning the UEFA Women's Champions League.May 10, 2021
Our special guest was veteran midfielder for the Rochester Lady Lancers, Elysia Masters, who spoke on the team kicking off their season Sunday against FC Buffalo, her role as one of the "mother" figures of the squad, members of Rochester and Buffalo playing for the same collegiate teams, earning her Doctorate in Bio Mechanical Engineering and leaving Rochester at the end of June.Dick Howard discussed Chelsea and Manchester City playing in the UEFA Champions League final, Chelsea and Leicester in the FA Cup Final Saturday, Juventus in danger of missing the Champions League next season, Robert Lewandowski's record run with Bundesliga Champions Bayern Munich and Chelsea Women facing Barcelona in the UEFA Women's Champions League Final on Sunday.Michael Lewis of Front Row Soccer talked about the Columbus Crew rebranding as Columbus SC, 17 year old Caden Clark continuing his fine run with the NY Red Bulls, Chris Wondolowski still scoring goals for San Jose and the Portland Thorns winning the NWSL Challenge Cup against NJ/NY Gotham FC.May 3, 2021
Our special guest was returning forward for the Rochester Lancers men's team, Antonio Manfut, who talked about why is came back to Rochester, playing against his old team Cleveland SC in the opening match on May 16 and how he transitions from outdoor soccer to indoor soccer with boards to futsal.Joe, Andrew, Dick Howard and Michael Lewis all discussed the situation at Manchester United on Sunday with the fans protesting and invading the Old Trafford pitch cause the match against Liverpool to be postponed.Dick discussed Toronto FC's CONCACAF Champions League QF second leg against Cruz Azul, the UEFA Champions League semi-final second legs, the latest from the European Leagues and Chelsea facing Barcelona in the UEFA Women's Champions League Final on May 15.Michael talked about American Jesse Marsch being named the new manager of RB Leipzig of the Bundesliga, the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals second legs and the big matches this weekend in MLS that are on national broadcast TV.April 26, 2021
Our special guest was the head coach of the Rochester Lancers men's team, Doug Miller, who looked back at the last time the team played a match in 2019, who may be starting on May 16 in the opening match and how COVID has impacted the training and lead up to this season.Joe, Andrew, Dick Howard and Michael Lewis all discussed the demise of the UEFA Super League and what the fallout may be for the teams who signed up for the league.Frank Iacovangelo of Faber Builders joined us to discuss Roma's Euporie League semi-final against Manchester United and the hiring of Mauricio Sarri as the new manager.Dick discussed the signing of Venezuela international Yeferson Soteldo by Toronto FC and the Reds CONCACAF Champions League QF against Cruz Azul, the UEFA Champions League semi-final first legs and the latest from the European domestic leagues.Michael previewed the CONCACAF Champions League quarterfinals and reviewed the MLS contest over the weekend, including the Red Bulls losing at the LA Galaxy 3-2 with Chicharito scoring a hat trick, NYCFC winning 5-0 over FC Cincinnati and Austin winning their first ever match.April 19, 2021
Our special guest was the managing director and Chief Commercial Officer of the new NISA franchise in Rochester, Flower City Union, Mark Washo, who discussed the branding, crest and colors of the team that were announced last week, the plans for their debut in the Spring of 2022 and how the team will be promoted this year.Joe, Andrew, Dick Howard and Michael Lewis all debated the merits of the new European Super League, the potential impact on the sport, what FIFA and UEFA are doing to stop these teams from breaking away from the Champions League and what UEFA could do this week with regards to these teams and their domestic and European competitions.Michael and Dick also discussed the success of MLS in the CONCACAF Champions League and the start of the MLS season. Dick reviewed the FA Cup and the UEFA Women's Champions League while Michael gave his thoughts on the San Diego Sockers winning the MASL title this season.April 12, 2021
Our special guest was the owner of the Rochester Lancers, "Soccer" Sam Fantauzzo, who spoke on his sponsoring the free broadcast online of the MASL Ron Newman Cup Championship Series this weekend and the upcoming outdoor Lady Lancers season.Dick Howard discussed Toronto FC drawing at Leon in the CONCACAF Champions League and opening the MLS season against CF Montreal Saturday, the Canadian Women taking on England Tuesday, the latest results from Italy and England and the second leg of the UEFA Champions League quarterfinals.Michael Lewis discussed MLS being undefeated in the CONCACAF Champions League round of 16 and the quarterfinals being held this week, the start of the MLS and NWSL regular seasons and the US Women tying host Sweden and facing France on Tuesday.April 5, 2021
Our special guest was the purveyor of Suttie on Soccer and our MASL correspondent, Greg Suttie, who spoke on the Ron Newman Cup final between San Diego and Ontario and the past season and playoffs in indoor arena soccer.Dick Howard commented on the past week's big league matches and previewed the UEFA Champions league quarter finals first leg. Michael Lewis reported on US Soccer allowing two additional substitutions for concussion related injuries this season and the Round of 16 in the CONCACAF Champions League.March 29, 2021
Our special guest was the first commissioner of Major League Soccer, Doug Logan, who spoke on the influence of the NASL on the success of MLS, his thoughts on how MLS can be on par with the biggest leagues around the world, the growth of the league over the past 26 seasons and his connection to the NASL Rochester Lancers.Dick Howard gave live reports on the Canada/Cayman Islands World Cup qualifying match and discussed Canada losing to Mexico in CONCACAF Men's Olympic qualifying, the week's UEFA World Cup qualifying including the controversial Serbia vs. Portugal match, the big domestic league matches this weekend and the announcement by Sergio Aguero that he will not return to Man City after this season.Michael Lewis spoke about the US Men's Olympic Team losing to Honduras and missing the Games again, the senior US Men's team wins over Jamaica and Northern Ireland and the decision by US Soccer to limit the US Open Cup in 2021 to 16 teams.March 22, 2021
Our special guest was the new head coach of the Rochester Lady Lancers, Marc Dall, who spoke about how he became head coach of the team, his plans for building the roster this season, how the NCAA spring soccer season will impact the UWS season and what he expects to see in the league in 2021.Dick Howard gave live reports on the Canada/Haiti Men's Olympic qualifying match and discussed Canada facing Bermuda and the Cayman Islands in World Cup qualifying this week, Juventus losing to Benevento and possibly missing the Champions League next season, what Italian teams need to do to improve in European play and Zlatan Ibrahimović returning to play for Sweden at age 39.Michael Lewis spoke about the US Men's Olympic Team qualifying for the semi-finals on Sunday, the full US Men's team facing Jamaica and Northern Ireland this week in friendlies and David Beckham's interview on ESPN and his hope for big stars to play for Inter Miami in their later playing days.Joe and Andrew also revealed the Rochester Lancers Men's 2021 schedule that starts May 16 at home against Cleveland.March 15, 2021
Our special guest was the head coach of the Puerto Rican National Team, Brighton native and Rochester Lancers Wall of Famer Dave Sarachan, who spoke on how he became coach of Puerto Rico, the young talent he has on the squad and the upcoming World Cup Qualifying matches next week against St. Kitts & Nevis and T&T.Dick Howard talked about the UEFA Champions League Round of 16 matches, if Cristiano Ronaldo will leave Juventus after this season, the latest European results, the FA Cup quarterfinals and the first matches for Canada in Men's Olympic Soccer qualifying.Michael Lewis spoke about 18 year old Yunus Musah committing to play for the USMNT, the US Men's Olympic Team starting qualification and their chances to advance to Tokyo and the opening home matches for the MLS coming in April.March 8, 2021
Our special guest was the owner of the Rochester Lancers, "Soccer" Sam Fantauzzo, who spoke on the upcoming outdoor men's and women's Lancers seasons, the new head coach of the Lady Lancers, Mark Dall and the latest news from indoor soccer. Sam also broke the news that the outdoor Lancers will open their home season on Sunday, May 16 at Aquinas Stadium.Dick Howard discussed the new head coach of Montreal CF, Wilfried Nancy, Glasgow Rangers winning the Scottish Premiership for the first time in 10 years, Chelsea's win over Everton, Man U beating Man City and the 2nd leg of the UEFA Champions League Round of 16.Michael Lewis discussed the legal battle between Inter Milan and Inter Miami, US players scoring goals in European soccer, the upcoming matches for the US National teams and the latest from the MLS pre-season camps.March 1, 2021
Our special guest was former NASL Rochester Lancer, MISL New York Arrow and US Men's National Team captain David D'Errico, who spoke on his coming to play in the NASL with multiple teams, marking Pele, playing in the MISL with New York and Cincinnati, his business iam360soccer.com and his thoughts on US Soccer recognizing the contribution of those who were part of the NASL.Dick Howard talked about Coach Thierry Henry leaving CF Montreal and who might replace him, the results from the UEFA Champions League, the Premiership and Serie A, the Chinese champions folding suddenly over the weekend and Bundesliga bottom club Schalke 04 firing their entire sporting staff on Sunday.Michael Lewis spoke on Sacramento Republic losing their MLS investor, putting their expansion team in jeopardy and the sudden passing of former NY Metrostars/Red Bull NY goalkeeper coach Des McAleenan.Joe and Andrew gave their thoughts on former Lancer and long time coach Dave Sarachan becoming the manager of the Puerto Rican National Team and their upcoming World Cup qualifiers this month.February 22, 2021
On tonight's show, Joe and Andrew talked about Lancers defender Jake Schindler's excellent play with the Florida Tropics over the past weekend and paid tribute to former Lancers and US National Team Coach Dave Sarachan's mom Flo, who passed away last week.Dick Howard discussed the latest results in the EPL, including Everton's first win at Liverpool in 20 years, Inter going to the top of Serie A, Bayern Munich losing to Frankfurt and last week's and this week's matchups in the Round of 16 in the UEFA Champions League.Michael Lewis also talked about the US Women in the She Believes Cup, who the US will select for the Olympic team, the season ending injury to Jordan Morris and the Red Bulls and Sky Blue having fans at Red Bull Arena this season.February 15, 2021
NOTE: There was no show on February 8
Our special guest tonight was the head coach of the indoor and outdoor Rochester Lancers, Doug Miller, who talked about the team not playing in the MASL this season, Jake Schindler being loaned to the Florida Tropics and the plans for the upcoming NPSL season.Dick Howard discussed the Canadian Women's National team facing the US in the She Believes Cup, the latest news from the Bundesliga, EPL and Serie A and predictions on this week's UEFA Champions League matches.Michael Lewis also talked about the US Women in the She Believes Cup, the MLS owners and players extending their CBA so the 2021 MLS season could start on April 17 and the matchups in the CONCACAF Champions League.Joe and Andrew also celebrated the 75th birthday of former NASL Lancer player from 1977 Portuguese international and world-renown soccer coach Artur Jorge.February 1, 2021
Our special guest tonight was the man who saved pro soccer in the US in 1970 by moving the Rochester Lancers from the American Soccer League to the NASL, former Lancers owner Charlie Schiano, who talked about the new movie about the NASL he is in called "Big Time Soccer – The Remarkable Rise and Fall of the NASL” by Rachel Viollet and told the tale about the Lancers moving to the NASL.
Dick Howard spoke on Jozy Altidore potentially moving from Toronto to Mexico, the firing of Frank Lampard from Chelsea, Man City leading the Premiership, Juventus making a move in Serie A, the big matches this weekend and the start of the Club World Cup.
Michael Lewis gave the latest on the potential MLS player lockout, the USMNT's 7-0 over T&T and the American players moving in the transfer window to European clubs.
Joe and Andrew also remembered former Lancer and Brighton native Terry Lippman who passed away in January from ALS. Click here to donate to Terry's family through GoFundMe: https://www.gofundme.com/f/b2kwe-support-terry-lippman-and-family-in-als-struggle
January 18, 2021
Show replayed on 1/25/2021
Our special guest tonight was the "Godfather" of Indoor Soccer and the owner of the MASL Baltimore Blast, Ed Hale, who spoke on the Blast not playing this season for the first time in 40 years (due to COVID), the impact this has on the players and fans and what the league needs to do to ensure it can stay in business going forward.
Dick Howard spoke on the Montreal Impact rebranding as CF Montreal, Chris Armas being named head coach of Toronto FC, Wayne Rooney retiring and this weekend's upcoming FA Cup matches.
Michael Lewis announced that 5 former NASL Lancers are on the initial ballot for the National Soccer Hall of Fame, Dave Sarachan resigning as coach of North Carolina FC, Phil Neville being hired by Inter Miami as coach and the US Women's National Team facing Columbia in their first matches of 2021.
January 4, 2021
NOTE: We replayed this show on January 11
We previewed the year 2021 in US, Canadian and international soccer with regular correspondents Michael Lewis and Dick Howard, plus had the managing director and Chief Commercial Officer of the new NISA franchise in Rochester, Flower City Union, Mark Washo on as our special guest to talk about the latest news from the team as they prepare for their debut in the Spring of 2022. Mark also said the downtown stadium is being kept up well by the City of Rochester for Union's debut and the team is speaking with an MLS resource from Rochester as a potential hire for the team.
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