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Sporting KC & MLS young standout Cameron Duke joins Jamil and Dom in the Back Stick studio this week. We dig deeper into Cam's journey from the academy at SKC to his MLS first team debut, and being a kid from Kansas becoming Sporting KC’s 11th homegrown player. We delve into his experience as a USA Youth International, and his new experience living in Charlotte, playing in MLSNext Pro and the impact it will have on US soccer. Cam shares insights about his MLS debut, scoring his first MLS goal, and the importance of the early mentorship from veteran players at SKC, players such as Johnny Russell, Roger Espinoza, Graham Zusi & more. As always, Cam goes through ‘Extra Time’, where Cam answers light-hearted questions about his career and teammates.

00:00 Intro & Career Summary

02:05 MLS Next Pro & Its Impact on Player Development

04:48 The Dynamics of Being a Second Team Player

06:05 Adjusting to Life in a New City: Charlotte

07:37 Independence and Personal Growth Away from Home

10:32 Navigating Relationships with Teammates

13:02 Growing Up in a Soccer Family

17:29 US Youth International Call-Ups

23:03 Signing with Sporting Kansas City: A Dream Realized

25:00 MLS Debut Nerves

28:06 The Fast-Paced MLS Game

28:57 Sebastian Blanco Nightmares?!

32:17 First MLS Goal vs Seattle

34:22 SKC Veterans & Johnny Russell Influence

37:03 Extra Time

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Pedro Dolabella is back with the boys on the The Back Stick. With the help of Dom, Pedro and Jam reflect on their journey from being overlooked players to winning a NCAA D1 National Championship with Marshall University Men's Soccer. They discuss the importance of team culture, the impact of their coach Chris Grassie, and the deep bonds formed within their locker room. The conversation also touches on personal growth, the challenges faced, and the joy of achieving their dreams together. As they share anecdotes and insights, the camaraderie and shared experiences shine through, making it clear that their time at Marshall was more than just about soccer; it was about family, resilience, and a brotherhood that will never end.

Chapters

00:00 Building a Championship Team at Marshall

03:30 'Father-Son' Relationship with Chris Grassie

09:28 Chris Grassie's Evolution of Marshall Soccer

11:37 Jam's First Impression of Pedro

13:23 Pedro's 2 Goals Against Jam in 2024...

14:40 The Family Atmosphere in the Locker Room

19:54 Marshall Reunion in Omaha

23:57 Extra Time:

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Union Omaha’s star man Pedro Dolabella joins Jamil Roberts and Dom Okus on this week's edition of the back stick podcast. The Brazilian shares his journey from Brazil to the US, his experiences in the Sao Paolo academy system, and the challenges faced by young men in Brazil, such as Endrick. The conversation delves into the cultural differences and similarities between England and Brazil, the importance of football as a means of escape from difficult circumstances, and the support systems in place for young footballers in Brazil. Pedro reflects on his recent achievements, including winning the USL League One double with Union Omaha, and the emotional journey of the playoffs. The discussion also touches on the dynamics of playing against friends as Pedro & Jam face off for the first time in their professional careers after being teammates for so long.

Enjoy Part 1, Part 2 coming soon!

00:00 Introduction

01:04 Accolades: Pedro Dolabella

04:12 "A New Journey In New Jersey"

08:27 Sao Paulo & Brazilian Youth Football

11:25 Brazil & England - Football is the Only Escape

14:18 Ravel Morrison, Nile Ranger etc.. Football & Violent Backgrounds

16:13 Endrick CRAZY Story

21:09 'Goalabella'

21:57 Scoring in Finals & Jam is Pedro's HERO?

23:19 Mechack Jérôme - GET WELL SOON!!!

25:59 Union Omaha 2024 Play Off Run & Winning for Mechack!

31:38 Message for Mechack & 2024 Reflections

32:35 Dolabella vs Roberts?! Friends to Enemies

35:12 Scouting & Opponent Analysis Insights

37:42 "Nice Guys Win Nothing" - No Friends On The Field!!

39:07 Part 2 Preview.... Building a Championship Team at Marshall

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Kaz is back for part 2 with the Back Stick as he shares his experience of transitioning from Tottenham to the USL with South Georgia Tormenta FC, discussing his early challenges, the excitement of playoff football, and the emotional rollercoaster of his first season in the US. Both Kaz and Jamil reflect on their journeys, the camaraderie built within the team, and the joy of achieving success together.

We sat down and discussed the 2022 USL League One Play off run, which culminated in Kaz and Jam being crowned champions. The pair go through their goals in the final, and just what it meant to both of their careers. The discussion also touches on personal growth, injuries, and the transition to new teams, providing insights into the life of professional athletes.

This episode also marks the debut of ‘Extra Time’ - a staple segment of the Back Stick Podcast, where each guest will tell us the answer to 4 simple questions! Kazaiah discusses Harry Kane, a Champions League debut and a few menaces on a night out during this edition of Extra Time on the Back Stick Podcast.

00:00 Transitioning to Professional Football in America

05:21 Does Kaz Really Have 9 Toes?!

09:14 Hitting Form in 2022

10:33 The Craziest Game Of Our Lives

15:20 2022 Tormenta Play-Off Run

24:52 Goalscorers: 2022 USL 1 Final

31:06 Jam's 5 Celebrations?!

32:42 2022 Championship Reflections

34:09 Tormenta 2023 Ups & Downs

36:17 Transition To Pittsburgh

37:53 City Life In Pittsburgh

39:09 Extra Time

46:46 Champions League Debut

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In the debut episode of the Back Stick Podcast, Jamil Roberts and Dom Okus sit down with Kazaiah Sterling, a former player of Tottenham, Tormenta FC and currently of Pittsburgh Riverhounds, to discuss his journey through football. Kazaiah shares insights about his time in the Tottenham Academy, the challenges he faced during his loans, and his transition to playing in the US. He reflects on the importance of resilience, the impact of injuries, and the joy of rediscovering his love for the game in a new environment.

Part 2 Coming Very Soon...

00:00 Introduction and Background of Kazaiah Sterling

02:58 First Experiences Of America

04:09 Early Football Journey and Trials

11:12 Clout of a Spurs Schoolboy Footballer

13:36 First Session with Tottenham First Team

14:56 Rondo Nightmares

16:09 The Reality of Professional Football

18:13 Life at Tottenham U18s

21:06 Reflections on Youth Football Experience

23:33 Cleaning Harry Kane's Boots

24:29 Academy Manager & Mental Toughness

26:10 The Impact of Loans on Development

27:36 First Team Football Changing Rooms

28:47 Changing Dynamics in Youth Football

30:10 Pressure of Loan Expectations

32:11 First England Call Up & FA Youth Cup Memories

35:14 Getting Sent Home From International Duty

39:44 Sunderland Loan

43:06 First Professional Goal

45:01 Injuries & COVID Struggles

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Welcome To The Back Stick Podcast! Coming Tuesday, December 10th!

Hosted by Jamil Roberts & Dom Okus, this is your weekly source of banter, professional soccer insider stories, and behind-the-scenes scoops from the MLS, USL, and all levels of the US Soccer pyramid.

The Back Stick is all about authentic, funny and insightful soccer interviews that highlight the careers and personalities of pro players in the US. While also bridging the gap between passionate soccer fans and the professional soccer players they support week in, week out.
Whether you’re a lifelong soccer or a football fan eager to get to know the players you cheer for, a lover of behind the scenes stories in professional sports, or just someone who loves soccer in the US at all levels from college to the pro’s, The Back Stick is the show for you!

Expect unfiltered conversations, pro soccer insights that you won’t hear anywhere else, and plenty of laughs along the way.

Mark your calendars—our debut episode drops this Tuesday, December 10th! Be the first to find out who our debut guest will be.

Watch and listen on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify, or wherever you get your podcasts.
Follow us @TheBackStickPod on Instagram, TikTok, X, Facebook, and more to stay updated.

Hit subscribe now and join us on this journey. Cheers, and we’ll see you Tuesday!

Song: Baddest Alive

Music by: CreatorMix.com

Video: https://youtu.be/czkF07Eihok

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