The PitchGrid

Coaching Through Cancer | Why Football Is Bigger Than a Game

Football is about more than what happens on the field. In this special episode, John sits down with Derek Messulam and youth soccer coach Deanna Giordano to discuss Goals For Good, the impact football has on local communities, and Deanna's inspiring journey coaching while battling cancer. From grassroots soccer to life-changing relationships, this conversation explores how the game connects people and creates lasting impact far beyond the final whistle. Timestamps: 0:00 Intro 0:36 Goals for Good: What is It and Its impact? 12:23 Deanna’s Story: Coaching In Spite of Cancer 22:18 Why Football/Soccer is More Than Just a Game 47:51 What The Hopeful Impact and Legacy of Goals for Good? 54:55 Outro

World Cup Preview, Pressure, and USMNT Expectations with Abe Gordon

Abe Gordon returns to The PitchGrid for a full World Cup preview. We discuss USMNT expectations, format changes, roster decisions, World Cup controversies, MLS growth, dark horses, predictions, and whether the United States is actually ready to host. Who wins it all? Timestamps: 0:00 — Intro & Welcome Back Abe Gordon 0:28 — Is the New World Cup Format Better or Worse? 4:11 — Why This World Cup Feels Different (And Potentially Problematic) 21:18 — USMNT Expectations: What Counts as Success? 34:50 — Can This World Cup Change Soccer in America? MLS, Growth & Future Impact 42:48 — Abe Gordon’s Rapid Fire World Cup Predictions 47:08 — Final Thoughts & Outro

Irreverent Riot Grrrls: Inside Portland Cherry Bombs FC

Portland Cherry Bombs FC may be new, but they already know exactly who they want to be. GM Courtney Schmidt and Head Coach Janine Sparra join The PitchGrid to discuss creating a women’s club from scratch, building community support, Portland soccer culture, women’s soccer pathways, and why representation matters both on and off the field. This episode goes beyond soccer and into what building something meaningful actually looks like. Timestamps: 00:00 Introduction to Cherry Bombs FC 02:06 Season Overview and Initial Impressions 05:04 Community Engagement and Youth Impact 07:24 Unique Game Experiences and Fan Reactions 09:57 Merchandising Success and Brand Identity 12:38 Challenges of a New Team 15:20 Understanding the League Structure 17:47 Recruitment and Player Dynamics 20:30 Community Relationships and Accessibility 23:07 Defining Success in Year One 25:39 Team Philosophy and Coaching Approach 27:29 Building Team Culture and Support 29:35 Embracing Portland's Soccer Heritage 31:23 The Unique Spirit of Portland 32:46 Creating Pathways for Women in Soccer 34:32 The Role of Community in Soccer 35:34 Lessons from Early Matches 38:01 Navigating the Challenges of Running a Club 39:47 Opportunities in Women's Soccer Today 45:56 The Impact of the World Cup on Women's Sports

The Whitecaps Relocation Crisis Explained

The Vancouver Whitecaps are one of the best stories in all of sports this season. Despite success on the pitch, serious concerns remain about the club’s future in Vancouver. In this episode of The PitchGrid, we’re joined by Ciaran, the president of the Vancouver Southsiders, to discuss: * the Whitecaps relocation fears * the Save The Caps movement * supporter culture in Vancouver * MLS economics * football identity and community * why football clubs mean more than business This conversation became about much more than just one club. It became about what football means to communities — and what happens when supporters fear losing part of their identity. Huge thanks to Ciaran and the Vancouver Southsiders for joining the show. #SaveTheCaps Timestamps: 0:00 Vancouver Whitecaps: A Club At Risk 6:01 Understanding Vancouver’s Football Culture 9:14 The Whitecaps’ Unique Identity 11:59 The Emotional Connection to the Club 17:52 Frustrations About Financial Instability While Successful 21:03 Future of MLS: Promotion/Relegation a Possibility? 23:54 Stadium Situation Misinformation 30:17 Misinformation in Sports Economics 34:59 The Perception of Soccer in North America 38:19 Modern Football Ownership Concerns 41:25 Relocation Hurts Trust 45:37 Outro

Building A Football Community | Alan McCann Interview

Switchbacks FC became one of the stories of the US Open Cup — defeating Sporting Kansas City, pushing the Colorado Rapids to penalties, and helping unite a growing football culture in Colorado Springs. But in this conversation with head coach Alan McCann, we go beyond results. We discuss: * the emotional Open Cup run * supporter culture * building club identity * organic football growth in America * community connection * and what truly makes a football club matter. A thoughtful conversation on football culture, supporters, and building something bigger than the game itself.