The People's Pitch

Recorded live at the Futures game, we talk about how our 100th competitive game came with a double order of goals but the Crows fell to the upstarts RKC. Plus, those Futures just keep on rolling!

We're here with recaps of the season opening loss against St. Croix and the Futures claw back from adversity in the UPSL Midwest West.

Something stinky is afoot in Oklahoma as the NPSL has decided that league mainstays (and friends of the Club) Tulsa Athletic no longer meets the minimum requirements to host games. We talk to our old friend, Tulsa owner Sonny Dalesandro, about the situation the club finds itself in and why lower league soccer always seems to eat its own tail.

The summer of 2023 is here and Matchweek 1 is in the books. We recap the action and look ahead - both for the Futures and for Carl Craig's USL2 squad. Plus, it's Tulsa vs. the NPSL and I think you know what side we're on.

The 2023 season is here! We recap the UPSL opener against Vlora and preview the MN Super Cup game against MNUFC U19. Plus, we finish our player signing introductions, covering off on the returning players.

We recognize two retiring players, wrap up the new player introductions and—GASP—talk about how excited we are to watch an MNUFC team.

We are so close to MPLS City soccer we can almost taste it! We talk Minnesota Super Cup and highlight six of the new players joining the club this summer.

The boys recap the Club Q&A at Utepils with Carl Craig and we meet our newest tribute to the Lower League eCup, Israel Carillo.

We're back and we've got City General Manager Matt VanBenschoten returning to the show to talk about his new role, his recent networking trip to the Netherlands and how he's juggling integrating a big managerial signing into the club while starting the process of roster building. Oh and we get some shots in at the USMNT and the Loons for good measure.

After a week that saw four Crows snatched up by professional clubs and a stellar World Cup finale, there's so much to be thankful for!

We are abdomen deep in World Cup action, so the guys have no choice but to go all in on talking about Team USA and the glorious chaos that is the Group Stage.

Here it is, our half-assed World Cup preview show, in which we throw our off-the-cuff picks against the wall to see what'll stick.

We answer some listener questions and welcome City forward Zach Susee to talk Futures, college ball and ask him to make his MN State Soccer Tourney picks.

As the club officially leaves the NPSL, the boys say goodbye and answer some questions about what the future might look like for everything from player development though to those all-important rivalries.

We round out the Official Unofficial People's Pitch Awards, covering off on the USL2 season. And with the World Cup on the horizon, you know Jon has some opinions about Team USA.

It's the 2nd of three officially unofficial award shows! This time the boys tip their hat to the players and staff that shined for the NPSL squad.

It's the time of year we get into the People's Pitch Season Awards, starting with the UPSL squad—PLUS!—the Old Grand Dad Rant is BACK.

The last week of NPSL and USL 2 action was aaalll good. We cover the final three City games and celebrate a positive conclusion to the season.

Pretty disappointing week across the organization, from the UPSL to the NPSL to the USL 2. With one week left in our seasons, can we finish the season on a high note?

The boys are feeling better after two wins in a row for the NPSL team and the UPSL team is rolling on into the national playoffs!

Two losses in Canada and a loss at home found City on the receiving end of a -9 goal differential in just one weekend. As the negative results mount, the guys get real about what's going on and how to turn it around.

Things are looking up! The NPSL team found itself back on track against Aris and the UPSL team is a sniff away from playoff soccer.

This week has had it all - a thrilling victory against our rival, a come-from behind scrappy draw, a bitter defeat, fights, red cards, puke on the turf…

While Nate questions the club's approach to squad building from game to game, Jon has a message for supporters lamenting our string of Ls - It will be OK.

Correspondent Kyle Eliason gives his recap of the 5.27 0-1 loss away at St. Croix.

City correspondent Kyle Eliason breaks down the weekend's action in Golden Valley.

In another week where the three teams each achieved a different result, we think there is evidence on the horizon that things are about to start clicking across the organization.

This week our three teams ended up with three different results but there are signs that more consistency is on the horizon.

Correspondent Kyle Eliason has your detailed recap of the drama in Peoria.

Just like that, the season is underway! Matchweek 1 is behind us and we've got team-by-team analysis across the UPSL, NPSL and USL 2 results.

Correspondent Kyle Eliason's recap of Minneapolis City's first USL 2 match.

It's finally here, we are about to kickoff the UPSL, NPSL and USL 2 seasons! We'll preview what each conference looks like and try to predict what a whole summer of soccer is going to look like.

We spend a great time talking about soccer that does good for the community with Kyle Johnson of the Karen FA and Mario Wimberly of TC Sol. Check out their Sol of the Cities summer futsal leagues and support them at playwithsol.com.

Lotta new around City HQ this Spring! We start with new player announcements, then we talk with the Crows' new NPSL head coach Marco Campoverde.

Our Open Cup run was about as memorable as you could have asked for even though it was over almost as soon as it began. We breakdown all of the action and share some behind the scenes stories of the Crows' trip to Des Moines. Plus, it's player signing season! We'll talk about the 3 new players announced as of this recording.

It's GAME DAY babies! Minneapolis City kicks off it's season with Open Cup action and we preview what could be a very interesting night in Des Moines.

Here it is, the big number two-zero-zero. We welcome original coach Jeremy Iwaszkowiec, original players Andy Lorei and Abdallah Bah, Futures defender Nick Kent, plus we're treated to some special messages from some special people. Love you guys!

This week's show is nuts! We talk about the pure insanity that is playing outdoor soccer in the dead of a Minnesota winter and go on a classic Old Grand Dad Rant about how year six of the Three Year Plan is shaping up to be pure Loon-acy.

Lots to talk about - eCup, Futures, USSF, Danladi...

This week we're getting our information straight from the top! We sit down with head NPSL coach Matt VanBenschoten and head UPSL coach Michael Prunty to talk about how they rate 2021 and what they hope to see in 2022.

The end is here for City legend Matt Elder. We sit down with one of the original Crows and talk about everything from the first days with the club to what the future might hold.

He's back! Ian 'Steve' Smith joins us all the way from Oslo, Norway to give us an update on his journey from being a 17-year old lad in Minneapolis to signing a professional contract in the actual land of the Vikings. Plus we cover off on the Futures trials and tease the upcoming open trial.

Year One of the Minneapolis City Futures program is in the books and we gather together with Futures mastermind Jeremiah Johnson to recap the successes and get some insight into how the program is growing.

After a little chat about FIFA 22, we welcome Steve Stewart from Football Stadium Prints to the show to discuss what it is about soccer and soccer merch that connects so deeply with fans.

We have a nice long chat with MC2 striker and bicycle expert Derek Oelmann.

It's time to give MC2 it's due! We recap the best moments from the UPSL season as well as cover off on the big news of the week, Minneapolis City to USL2.

Here it is, the ultimate rube fest for the NPSL squad. Here who and what the guys deem are the season's ups, downs, MVPs and more!

This week is about one thing and one thing only: interviewing the co-owner of the 2021 NPSL Champion Denton Diablos.

Whelp, as happens to all teams but 1, the playoff runs have ended for Minneapolis City and MC2. We recap an up and down weekend and look to what's next. Although we've come to the end of the road, still I can't let go. It's unnatural, you belong to me, I belong to you.

Playoff soccer is in full effect! We'll talk about MC2's home victory against Iowa and about all of the action coming to town with the NPSL Midwest Regional playoffs! 

Whelp, this week we found out that the club is indeed vincible. Can we bounce back against Med City? Can the UPSL squad maintain their playoff run? Are flamingos afraid of crows? Let's find out...

Trophies on trophies on trophies lately, and more to come! We recap all of the action from this intense and deeply satisfying holiday weekend, then look forward to the playoff picture for both the UPSL and NPSL teams.

In a week where MC2 clinched the division (conference?) title, we talk about how close Minneapolis City is to doing the same (so close).

Another big points week for the combined club! We cover the UPSL victory and the two Ws our NPSL squad earned, then take a look ahead to see how close playoff soccer is for these fine gentlemen.

Strong defensive efforts all around this week! We recap the double-header against Dakota Young Stars and Med City, then look ahead to the NPSL's trips to visit Dakota Fusion and Joy Athletic.

With this many topics to cover, we probably shouldn't have gone to Utepils first. We recap the comeback against Duluth, the Rochester game and talk about what's on the horizon when undefeated Med City comes to town.

The real soccer is about to begin as City welcomes Duluth for a midweek tilt and City 2 looks to tighten their grip on the UPSL Midwest. Plus we check in with The Citizens to hear about what's going on this season in the stands.

After so long, we had a home opener to remember! We recap the 6-0 victory against Dakota Fusion and cover MC2's first UPSL win against FC Minneapolis. Plus, we preview all of the City action coming this weekend.

Minneapolis City soccer is finally here! Hard to believe but we're recapping action from Wk. 1 of the NPSL and UPSL schedules, covering City vs. Sioux Falls Thunder and MC2 vs. Inter Minneapolis. Then we've got previews for you of all the upcoming weekend action: City vs. Dakota Fusion and MC2 vs. FC Minneapolis.

Minneapolis City soccer is BACK! We're previewing this week's NPSL matchup against the Sioux Falls Thunder and the UPSL home opener against Inter Minneapolis. This is really happening!

It's time to give MC2 their due! With the home opener on the horizon, we introduce every player ready to suit up for the UPSL squad. Plus, we recap the friendly against Karen FA. Get ready to commence soccer!

It's interviews galore this week as we're ramping up for an exciting summer. Ahead of this week's friendly against Karen FA, we talk to City assistant coach Tori Burnett about her experiences as a player, youth coach and now, an NPSL coach. We also talk to City baller Medo Yousef, one of the architects of Minneapolis City's upcoming summer camps about what kids and parents can expect. 

We're live at City training talking about one of the more frustrating weeks in worldwide soccer, but it's all good because Futures forward and new MC2 call-up Zach Susee is dropping by the recording table.

It's always a long strange trip when Minneapolis City play-by-play announcer Eric Nordquist jumps on a call.

We sit down with the ever-impressive Joe Meyer, creator of the Lower League eCup to give us the straight poop on this year's tournament. Every year it keeps getting better! Plus we talk US "Open" Cup and get titillated over the potential 2021 gameday experience.

Rising City star and Goalscorer with a capital G Matt Gibbons makes his first ever appearance on the airwaves! Learn about the kid ready to destroy NPSL defenders (especially if they're playing for Sioux Falls).

Here it is, your full breakdown of the 2021 NPSL roster, from back to front. Enjoy!

It's 100% delicious interview tonight as we go deep with Minneapolis City General Manager & Technical Director Adam Pribyl. 

We're back and raring to go ahead of the 2021 season! We talk Lower League eCup results, the newly released NPSL North schedule and say goodbye to a true People's Pitch icon.

We're back for 2021 with a look back at 2020 and a look forward to City's preseason and the Lower League eCup!

It's 2020's greatest hits! Remember when we interviewed Citizen board member Paul Smejkal and Lower League eCup founder Joe Meyer? Both interviews are here in one great episode.

The guys give a recap of the annual member meeting, pay tribute to Maradona and welcome/speculate about the newest addition to the NPSL North, Joy Athletic Club.

It's a Thanksgiving week throwback! We take you all the way back to the beginning. Relive a legendary moment - when the mics went hot - and enjoy your holiday!

The Futures Trials are complete and people, the kids are alright. We also talk about how excited we are for the future with new MPLS City 2 coach Michael Prunty. Boo-ya!

We welcome the new Minneapolis City Director of Goalkeeping Alli Lipsher to the show as well as cover the COVID-informed MLS playoffs and the future start of the Futures program.

For the first time in podcast form, our May 6th Twitch interview with City players Max Steigwardt, Kevin Hoof and former City player, Nashville SC's Luke Haakenson.

The guys have spent some time with FIFA 21 and Jon is smitten. Plus, we welcome Minneapolis City Board Member and long time fan Paul Smejkal.

We celebrate the 7v7 Tournament that was with a finals recap, awards and a conversation with MVP Mick, I mean Mike Hutton!

The 7v7 Playoffs have begun and folks, we have our first UPSET! We welcome the architect of said upset, City GK Matt Elder.

The 7v7 League playoffs are about to begin! We'll catch up on all of the action from the last week of the season and we welcome City GK and a true wise man between the sticks, Mitch Wolff.

We dive into the week 5 action in the 7v7 Wexler Brotherhood Cup, where goals came from everywhere but where you'd expect them. Plus, we talk about the new signing for our friends across the river.

We sound the Ben Wexler Cup Week 4 upset alarm and welcome Minneapolis City newcomer Medo Youseff to the show!!

Week 3 of the Ben Wexler Brotherhood Cup has come and gone and we're starting to see a team really rise to the top. Can they keep performing and run away with the Cup? Coach MVP gives us his take on how the league is going and what he's excited to see week in and week out. 

A quick little episode giving you all the updates on the 7v7 League action, including MVP of the week and the Pick'em leaderboard.

City OG Steve joins us to talk about the club's 7v7 league, his return to the Murder to train, and his greatest memories from the olden days (aka 2017).

Here it is! We announce the Mpls City Fall 7v7 Cup and outline how supporters can get in to see the super-secret action!

The guys talk about the Loons taking the MLS Is Back Tournament by storm and welcome Coach Matt to fill us in on how team activities have been going during the COVID-19 pandemic.

It's all Futures, all the time tonight. We welcome Minneapolis City Futures program mastermind Jeremiah Johnson to the show to tell us everything about City's groundbreaking new program.

We are excited to welcome Joe Meyer, President and Founder of the Lower League eCup, and our skepticism around the wisdom of the return of the MLS is on full display.

We're back and getting caught up on big goings on in the front offices of Minnesota United's youth academy (it's gone) and Minneapolis City II's UPSL (under new ownership). Plus we talk about the good things Minneapolis City has been doing in the community since the Justice for George demonstrations.

The fellas have a quick message for the listeners of the show.  We will be taking a quick break in providing you soccer content while we shift our focus on supporting those around us during these trying times. Stay safe, be good members of your community and support those in need. 

Until next time...

Jon & Nate

Lots to cover this week: Lower League eCup action, City's upcoming seminar for college prospects, the 2018 Crows' spot on the All-time NPSL list, and Minneapolis City's plan for playing (or not) this summer. Plus we welcome City speedster Nick Hutton to the show!

The guys welcome USMNT great and all-around awesome guy Jimmy Conrad to the show. 'Nuff said.

Social distancing is in full effect but the podcast lives on! For the first time, we take calls from listeners on our new hotline and talk about the sporting world (or the E-sporting world) moving completely online.

As we face the prospect of life without sports the boys welcome former Minneapolis City goalkeeper James Neher to talk about his time with the club and his special connection to a Premier League soccer legend.

Some new faces are flying with the Crows this season and Jon and Nate are here give you the inside scoop on each and every one. Plus, we'll look into our Crow-stal Ball ahead to the summer and predict which games are the ones to make or break the upcoming season.

The boys welcome midfielder and co-captain Max Stiegwardt as we cover off on every announced 2020 Minneapolis City signing to date.

We welcome inaugural Minneapolis City player Andy Lorei to the show to talk about  his journeyman-like career in soccer and his experiences as a Crow.

We're U.S. Open Cup bound and the boys are here to break down all of the first round action. We touch on all of the exciting matchups around the country, profile our opponent Chicago FC United, and we welcome official club Legend Tim Wills to the Anchor phone line to look back on his time with Minneapolis City.

Another year of The People's Pitch starts with a bang as we worship at the altar of club legends and cover the latest Crow to be taken in the MLS Superdraft.

It's the last show of the decade! The guys talk about the big U.S. Open Cup schedule change rocking the lower leagues and how that will effect Minneapolis City in 2020, plus we ruminate on how soccer is, indeed, a gift.

We know what the people want so we give it to you! This week the boys are joined by MCSC II head coach Ryan Nichols to chat all sorts of things but they all revolve around the clubs young and talented second unit.  Plus Ryan calls in from an Applebee's during half priced apps so that is cool. Enjoy!

The boys are back together and ready to rumble. We talk about the NPSL Annual Owners Meeting, the first open trial of the off-season, and take a special request for an extra-special Old Grand Dad Rant.

Nate is out once again so Jon is joined by a world famous (kinda) guest host, THE Adam Prybal! The guys cover updates on Goose, the Annual Member Meeting, open trial news and dabble in some "City At School" news.  Bless your ears folks.

We are back folks on our regular off season schedule (finally!). Nate is off with the birth of his child so I am joined by guest host NPSL head coach MVB to talk all things news around the City world like St. Thomas becoming our first and only D1 soccer program, what is going on with the U23 team and we launched some tasty new kit options.  So we will dive in head first and bring you the hotness you all deserve!

We're back from break, and we're keeping up with ALL of the hot soccer topics of the past month. It's a rapid-fire episode full of goodness, from the USWNT to MNUFC, from Minneapolis City players abroad to those at home hitting a special milestone.

The Official Unofficial Season Recap & Awards show is here! Young Player of the Year, Breakthrough Player of the Year, Comeback Player of the Year, the Offensive/Defensive/Team MVPs, and more.

We have a lot to say on a precious few topics. Our trip to Detroit ended in a loss, but we learned a lot about ourselves, and a little about love. The NPSL playoffs in general are still happening, so we talk about those as well as the upcoming game against the Nebraska Bugeaters.

Holy crap, that's a lot of ups and downs in one short week! We'll catch you up on how the NPSL North regular season finished flatly for us and how we bounced back to punch our ticket to Keyworth Stadium. Plus we're joined by the Nostradamus of NPSL Midwest soccer, Fletcher Sharpe, as he gives us his analysis on the upcoming matchups in Detroit.

We celebrate BACKTO BACK NPSL North championships with a recap of our victory in Duluth, a whole bunch of interviews of players and staff, and a look ahead to what could be a 1st-round-bye-clinching match to close out the season against Med City.

With two games left, City knows it's must-win here on out to clinch that title. We'll talk about how they got it done on the road against Sioux Falls and preview the next road trip up to face 3rd place Duluth FC. It's tight at the top and these are crucial times!

Top of the table with three games to go and it can't get any closer! We'll cover the victory against TwinStars, all of the permutations for making or missing the playoffs, and we'll preview this weekend's game against Sioux Falls Thunder.

The U23 squad has been busy, so we catch up with the Rookery and their travels. We also cover the victory in LaCrosse, the upcoming trip to Dakota and the visit from the TwinStars, plus we paint a very pretty picture of the state of the conference if things go our way this week.

We've hit the halfway point in the season and the drama is adding up. We cover the late-game heroics in Rochester that earned MPLS City a draw vs. Med City, talk about the friendly against Des Moines, and get you ready for a crazy final month of Crows soccer!

Points won and points dropped are the story this week. We'll recap the matches against Twin Stars and Duluth and prepare for the top-of-the-table clash against Med City.

The soccer is free-flowing this week as we breakdown the 2-0 victory against Sioux Falls Thunder, talk about the current state of the NPSL North, look back at the U23 game against Union Dubuque and look forward to a HUGE double gameweek against TwinStars and Duluth.

The fellas ring in the new year with plenty of news around City headquarters...New stadium for 2017, new player signings and a new player interview with City defender Kevin Hoof. If you don't listen we won't be mad, just very disappointed.  Happy New Year

This week we come at you from midweek training, where we recap last weekend's victory against LaCrosse Aris, take a look around the NPSL North action and look ahead to TWO City games—our U23s vs. Union Dubuque and Minneapolis City vs. Sioux Falls Thunder.