Anna Witte is the Charlotte FC Match Analyst for the English Radio broadcast. She joins Will Palaszczuk in the booth to begin the 2025 season. The Cary, NC native is also host of the SiriusXM show, USL Super League Game week where she hosts along side Marion Crowder and is a sideline reporter for Carolina Ascent FC. Anna brings almost 10 years of broadcasting history in soccer, working as a play-by-play announcer for the NWSL KC Current, as well as various duties from analyst, sideline reporter, studio host, camera/editing for Goal USA, CBS Golazo, Big Ten Network, NBC Washington. She is also a former college player at Penn State University and loves fashion, pop culture, and finding cool spots to eat food.

X:AnnaWitte_

IG: annawitte

On this episode I talk with Alex Burakoff, Director of Partnership Marketing for Major League Soccer.

Alex was an attorney before his current role. We talk about how that has helped him in his role at MLS as well as his management of the relationships with partners such as RBC Wealth Management for example, and overseeing and executing hundreds of initiatives. Alex and I discuss contract management, the appeal of Major League Soccer to corporate partners, the culture at MLS, and his background transition to sports and the work he continues to do to improve and himself and those around him as a leader.

On this episode I talk with Steven Marques, the cog in the relationship between Ally and Charlotte FC. Steven has been a part of the Ally team working with Charlotte FC since they first were secured the kit rights with the club. Learn more about what Steven does day to day and about his journey to get to be a part of this relationship and his role with Ally. Steven's family immigrated from Portugal and he moved to North Carolina when he was 6. His passion for soccer been with him to this day and has found a good fit at Ally.

This week's crowning moment was that Charlotte FC earned their first point away from home during this past weekend’s a scoreless draw (0-0) against the Colorado Rapids. There is general sense of confidence that has shifted expectations for Charlotte FC recently on these road matches. You could just feel it when watching them play in Colorado.

Charlotte FC moves on to Orlando for a Saturday, April 30 match at 7:30. Orlando City SC recently lost at home to the NY Red Bulls 3-0; being outshot 17-3 despite possessing it 64% of the time. Orlando still sits with 14 points overall in 3rd place in the Eastern Conference. 

Peter Fink is the Director of Programs at Street Soccer 658, a non-profit in Charlotte that provides soccer programming and more for immigrant, refugee, and housing insecurity populations in Charlotte. Charlotte FC approached Street Soccer 658 about providing their integrative life-skills based soccer training for the communities and populations where the mini-pitches would be constructed.

Twitter: @streetsoccer658  | Instagram: @streetsoccer658

Website: http://www.streetsoccer658.org/

Get Involved - http://www.streetsoccer658.org/get-involved.html

Charlotte FC began a stretch of 4 matches on the road that will cover almost 6000 miles of travel. This past weekend in Massachusetts, they took on a sliding New England Revolution, a club The Crown had beaten at home 3-1 just a few weeks ago. We recap the match, finding some crowning moments (The Crown's patient play and attack in the first half after being down early + Ortiz's first goal) for Charlotte FC as the fall to the Revs 2-1. Charlotte FC also has 2 matches this week, with a special midweek US Open Cup event in Greenville, SC followed by an MLS road match at Colorado on Saturday at 9pm ET.

Hector Cortes, also known as Sombrero Man, has been dancing, cheering, and attending Charlotte sporting events for almost a decade. We talk with him about  how it all started, the rise of Charlotte FC, his Mexican roots, and more.

Follow Hector on Twitter @FKNTORO and also on Instagram @fkntoro

Besides winning the rematch with Atlanta United, Charlotte FC showed they can play a beautiful game (one of their best first halves this campaign), make adjustments, and have a home advantage that truly helps the squad on the pitch. Jordi Alcivar scores an "Olimpico" to put the Crowns on top 1-0 for good in the 11th minute. MAR talks about his squad efforts and the special players he has.

On this episode we talk with Atlanta United radio play-by-play announcer Mike Conti to catch up what has been going on since Charlotte FC last met Atlanta United as well as learn a little more about Mike and his work. 

Follow Mike at @MikeConti929

April 5 2022 Charlotte FC falls to Philadelphia Union 2-0 on two early goals in each half. The Crowning Moment this week goes to team's improved passing and spacing despite the early goals and changing the way Charlotte FC needed to play. Charlotte FC takes on Atlanta United on Sunday, April 10 at 1:30pm. This is the second and last regular season meeting with the Five Stripes.

Charlotte FC Spanish TV color analyst, Antonio Ramos joins us on the pod to talk about his work, career, and Charlotte FC. Listen to the "coach in the booth" as he provides key points and insight during Charlotte FC TV broadcasts on Telemundo Charlotte along with his play-by-play announcer, Jaime Moreno.

Antonio Ramos also has worked for the Panthers Spanish Radio Network since 2015, first starting as Manager of Radio Affiliates in Mexico before joining Moreno in the booth in 2020. He also serves as Social Media Content Manager for “Los Panthers”, the team’s Spanish-language social media account.

In addition to his work with the Panthers, Ramos was the Liga MX play-by-play announcer and radio analyst on Media Cancha Deportes (102.5 FM XHJA) for Club Deportivo Veracruz matches.

@Ramos019  | CharlotteFC Spanish TV Broadcast Schedule

📗Take your eyes off the ball 2.0

A new sports team in the Queen City also means our local media have a new and exciting venture to add to their reporting. On this episode we talk with award winning journalist, Alex Andrejev from The Charlotte Observer about Charlotte FC and her other work, including a splendid podcast series called "Payback".

NASCAR and Charlotte FC beat reporter Alex Andrejev joined The Charlotte Observer in January 2020 following an internship at The Washington Post. She is a two-time Associated Press Sports Editor award winner for her NASCAR beat coverage and National Motorsports Press Association award winner. She is the host of McClatchy’s podcast “Payback” about women’s soccer and social inequities in sport.

Twitter: @AndrejevAlex | @theobserver

Payback podcast - https://link.chtbl.com/longshotpayback

March 22 2022

The Crowning Moment - Charlotte FC 3 New England Revolution 1 + striker Karol Swiderski, midfielder Jordy Alcivar, and the match plan (executed masterfully)

In other notes - Charlotte FC striker Karol Świderski and head coach Miguel Ángel Ramírez earned spots on the MLS Team of the Week for Week 4 following the club’s 1st win in MLS history.

The MLS Team of the week consists of 11 starters, 1 coach, and 7 bench players (similar to an honorable mention, not necessarily players who didn’t start.) Ben Bender was recognized as a Bench player in the MLS Team of the Week in Week 3 following his play against Atlanta United.

The Charlotte FC defense did a fantastic job keeping NE Revolution'’s Carles Gil at bay with the exception of conceding the penalty kick score. I am interested to see how Miquel Ramirez has the Crownheads defending the MLS leading goal scorer 6’2 Brandon Vázquez and Luciano Acosta the Argentine midfielder who leads the MLS in Key Passes with 17.

Today we have an amazing English commentator, born and raised in Birmingham, England and works for Apple TV MLS Season Pass as a play by play commentator as well as studio host at CBS Golazo. We talk about his journey in football, his connections to Charlotte FC, and more....Let's meet Callum Williams.
Cal has become a staple in world football commentating from MLS to Conmebol to EPL to LaLiga and he continues to rewrite and up his craft. I forsee him being a part of football commentating for a long time and doing many World Cup matches. I love how focused he is on building community with his group of commentators and bonding with them and also that he is always learning from the fans in the cities he visits for each match. Our conversation reinforced in my head that you have to continue to put yourself out there like Cal and prepare or do the work to put yourself in the best position to be successful.

The March Madness continues...Charlotte FC-style! The first battle between Charlotte FC and Atlanta United goes to the Five Stripes 2-1! This week's Crowning Moments go to Ben Bender who was a spark of creative offensive opportunities while earning his first start in Atlanta, our Manager Miquel Angel Ramirez who continues to make key adjustments at half time to propel another improved second half that produced Charlotte FC's first goal of the season as well as changed the tone of the game and the possession time Atlanta dominated in the first half and lastly to squad overall for continuing to battle and improve each week. Bring on the Revolution!

In this episode we talk about about Charlotte FCs newly acquired designated player, winger, Kamil Jóźwiak. Cory Hancock from The Rams Review Podcast (which follows Derby County Football Club in the EFL Championship, Jóźwiak's former club) joins us to share some insights.

Crowning Moments from last week's home opener versus LA Galaxy and a look at the start of the rivalry with Atlanta United for this weekend's game.

With a new franchise about to have their first home match, we explore the supporters/fans that will attend, watch, and listen as well as some traditions and culture that are already being created for Charlotte FC. + An interview with Charlotte FC Chief Fan Officer, Shawn McIntosh @CharlotteFC_CFO. We talk about how he came into his position and what his role is for Charlotte FC is in shaping these things!

Matchday information:

South Mint St. and Graham St. will be closed to road traffic on match day for foot traffic and pre-match festivities.

Supporters’ groups’ tailgate will take place at the parking lot on the corner of W Morehead St. and McNinch St.

The march to the match start around 90 minutes prior to the start of the match. It follows a path towards Graham St. and enters the stadium through the East Gate off South Mint St.

Supporters Council Groups: Mint City Collective, Southbound & Crown, Uptown Ultras, Carolina Hooliganz, Blue Furia

Learn the Chants - click here

Fan Zone on Mint St. (fun giveaways and interactive experience) opens 2 hours before a match and 1 hour after match start time.

BOA Stadium Policies A to Z 

Parking and traffic - Use Waze or Google Maps (partnered with Charlotte FC to have event day traffic plans)

RADIO NETWORK:

English Radio

• Raleigh, NC- WCMC FM 99.9
• Greenville, SC- WROO FM 104.9
• Myrtle Beach, SC- WSEA FM 100.3
• Lynchburg, VA- WBRG FM 105.1, FM 104.5, AM 1050
• Rocky Mount, NC- WZAX FM 99.3
• Statesville, NC- WSIC FM 105.9, FM 100.7, AM 1400

Spanish Radio

• Charlotte- 106.1 FM (WOLS)
• Triad, NC- 98.3 FM (WIST)
• Greenville, SC- 105.7 FM/910 AM (WOLI)
• Wilmington, NC- 94.1 FM/1310 AM (WLSG)
• Charleston, SC- 103.9 FM/980 AM (WAZS)
• Columbia, SC- 840 AM (WCEO)
• Raleigh, NC- WRTG 1000AM
• Durham, NC- WLLQ 1530AM
• Reidsville, NC- WREV 1220 AM/93.5 FM
• Jacksonville, NC- WSRP 910AM
• Lillington, NC.- WLLN 1307AM/92.7 FM

Crowning Moments - a quick look back what we learned from the DC United match and a look forward to what is ahead for Charlotte FC. Quotes from Charlotte FC coach Ramirez and more.

Episode 101

How did Charlotte FC come about? We talk with Sports Business Journal reporter Bret McCormick (@Bretjust1T) about the bidding process Charlotte and Tepper Sports went through to get the expansion franchise we now call Charlotte FC.

We also explore a little history of the MLS and recap all that has led up to the inaugural game on Feb. 26 in Washington, DC against DC United.

 

On this episode Nic talks with Will Martin, the Communications Coordinator for Charlotte FCs day-to-day media for 1st Team schedules and media operations as well as the primary contact for media assets and player requests. In just a short time, Will has managed to use his writing skills, maturity and understanding of big moments, and a little bit of luck to craft his soccer journey at Charlotte FC.

We talk about his journey and what he does with the team, along with other areas of interest including running, hiking, and appreciation for others including referees.

On this episode Nic has a conversation with Omar Jorge Peña, the CEO of Compare Foods Supermarkets. They discuss what is like to run a family business, football in Charlotte, connecting customers and the community to their sponsorships along with their relationship with Charlotte FC.

On this episode Nic talks with Matt Freeman, the Manager of Charlotte FC Premium Sales (or should I say Experiences?). A former Irmo High School (Columbia, SC metro) soccer star under legend Phil Savitz and Marshall University defender, Matt worked his way from Cybersecurity sales before heading to Charlotte to be around a game he loves and helping others meet their needs for a premium and entertaining time. Matt has been named as part of Charlotte's Top 30 under 30 Future Business Leaders.

Check out the Premium Sales site if you are interested in having an event with Charlotte FC. ⁠🌐https://premium.charlottefootballclub.com/⁠

Follow on Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/matthew-freeman-04941311b/

Today on the show we are lucky to have one of Charlotte's own, Charlotte FC Defender Jaylin Lindsey. We talk about his journey starting in Charlotte, then Kansas City, and back to Charlotte. Jaylin also shares more about his fellow players and personal support team, cooking, living in Charlotte as an adult, and what he does for fun outside of football.

IG: @JaylinLindsey

On this episode we have Tommy Wilson, Technical Director for Charlotte FC. We talk about his journey from Scotland to Philadelphia to Charlotte. Tommy has forged a fantastic career developing club's players, coaches, and culture through his engineering mindset, observation, and communication skills that makes him one of the best!

Nic talks with former Charlotte FC Graphic Designer and Content Creator, Ryland Tunney. Ryland worked for Charlotte FC for two years before moving across the country to take on a new challenge with the NWSL's San Diego Wave FC. We talk design, his journey, and a little walk down memory lane with some of his favorite Charlotte FC creations.

IG: @rylandonline

X: @rylandonline

https://rylandtunney.wixsite.com/rylandtunney

We have the queens of Charlotte FC Fan Podcast, The Queens' Pitch on the show today. I hope you enjoy listening to the story of how Bridget McCall and Kara Hunter started their podcast and what they do to bring a female voice to CharlotteFC-verse. We talk about favors and rats, Queens Tea, and just get to know them beyond their podcast.

We are fortunate to have Ross Smith, a current Apple TV MLS Season Pass Match Analyst, who you hear along with Tony Husband each week during the MLS Season. I hope you enjoy my conversation with Ross, as we talk about his football playing days, being an announcer for the Portland Timbers, and a little thing called No Tippy Tappy.

@RossSmith_20

nttsoccer.com

On this episode I have a conversation with Chris Rivett, Director of Communications for PRO Referees, the organization that provides referees for a number of professional soccer leagues in North America.

I was interested in hearing from Chris his job and role around the structure of PRO Referees, referee training and development, communicating with the public and the media with the challenges of addressing misconceptions, diversity and inclusion in refereeing, and the future of refereeing.

This episode's conversation is with Kyle Sheldon, CEO/Founder of Name and Number. He has built quite a career in sports marketing, having stints at DC United, NASCAR here in Charlotte, the Seattle Sounders, and the Chicago Fire. Kyle has stepped onto the pitch with his own soccer-specific marketing and creative agency called Name and Number is enjoying success early on with a client list that includes MLS and Leagues Cup, Dortmunt, San Diego Wave FC, USL, Kwik Goal, Seattle Sounders, and more. l think you will enjoy learning more about Kyle what he has started in a soccer/football sphere that is about to explode in the States like never before.

X:@kylesheldon

LinkedIn: @kylesheldon 🌐 Name and Number

@NameAndNumber

@Pathway_hq

On this episode, I have a conversation with Karely Avila, Sr Communications Coordinator for Charlotte FC. We talk about the many hats she wears for the club’s communications team as well as her journey: from her parent's move from Mexico to how she ended up in Charlotte and lessons she learned along the way. Enjoy getting to know Karely Avila.

X: @karelyeavila

IG: @karelyavila_

Today on the show I talk with Charlotte FC Defender Nathan Bryne beyond what we see on the pitch. While Nate is a private person, we learn more about him and how he approaches his life as a footballer and more. Nate's effort and intensity on the pitch are two characteristics I have admired since he joined the Crown. I think you will enjoy learning more about Nathan Byrne as much as I did.

Today on the show we talk with Aaron Osborne from Coke Consolidated about their work with Charlotte FC to fit and match two brand objectives to help the overall community and their respective companies. Aaron's work started out on the sporting side working in Minor League Baseball in Asheville and with the Charlotte Checkers Hockey team. He now is the cog that connects Coke to so many things happening in sports beyond just pouring rights at a stadium or venue.

Website CokeConsolidated.com

Instagram @CocaColaConsolidated

Twitter “X” @CokeCCBCC

Facebook Coca-Cola Consolidated

LinkedIn Coca-Cola Consolidated

On this episode we are joined by the Charlotte FC Fan Experience Coordinator, Nezzie Miranda. We talk about here journey to Charlotte from Santa Cruz, California, what she does for the club, and more.

IG: @nezziemiranda https://www.linkedin.com/in/nezziemiranda

On this episode Nic has a conversation with the Emmy award winning Director of live sports, Tom Huet. Tom has created a brilliant career directing and producing all sports from college football to NBA to MLB to the Olympics. He has been a part of all. His passion lies in soccer and how he can help tell the story from his directing matches you watch on MLS Season Pass. Enjoy!

Today on the show I talk with Major League Soccer's Sr. Director of Emerging Ventures, Mihir Kumar, to learn about his job, the start of MLS Innovation Lab and the intersection of technology and soccer, his journey to working for Major League Soccer, and more.

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mihirkumar1 MLS Innovation Lab article from MLS

• A-Champs
• CAMB.AI
• Fabric
• Fitogether
• Reeplayer
• STAIDIUM U.S.

MLS Innovation Lab - Submit to be a part!

Today on the show I talk with Charlotte FC Defender Bill Tuiloma. Bill has had an amazing football journey starting with leaving his mom and dad in New Zealand at age 18 for the opportunity to play professionally in France. Bill shared some of his adventures, how he approaches his craft, his friendships on the club, and more…just a note: we recorded this episode a week before the opener while the club was in Coachella and there was some audio transmission disruptions. Enjoy Bill Tuiloma!

IG: @tuiloma_official

On this episode we talk with Woody Wilder, Director of Communications. Woody has over 10 years in the Communications business working in both the NFL and MLS. Woody shares how he has learned the business, some fun stories along the way and more to come with Charlotte FC in year 3.

X: @woody_wilder

IG:@woody_wilder

Matt Swift joins the show today to talk more about how he has become a leader of the Mint City Collective supporters group as well as hosting the Mint City Soccer Show + his journey to Charlotte and soccer's influence on his life.

X: @160_swiftly

IG: @mattswiftness

A look back at 2024 while also looking ahead at 25 categories that interest us about Charlotte FC, MLS, and soccer in the US.

I am joined by two friends of the podcast, Logan Meyer from the Crowncast and Eli Finelli from Side Story Sports. We give our assessments of 2024 and predictions for 2025 from coaching to players to playing style to MLS All Star Game to Apple TV coverage. Enjoy!

Category

Manager: Dean Smith

1. What is his focus as a leader?

2. Dean’s Tactical focus?

3. Assistant coach most important to the club?

CLTFC:

4. Most impactful DP

5. Most Impactful Newcomer

6. Starter that makes the most difference / hard to replace

7. CLTFC player that got least amount of time on the pitch who should have earned more

8. 1st to depart after season starts (only 2025)

9. Strength of the squad

10. Achilles heel of this squad

11. Competitions (which one do you think will be the best; any that MLS teams compete in)

12. International country most influence on MLS

13. All-star match up (in Austin) vs? (Only 2025)

MLS

14. MLS Supporters Shield (2025 only)

15. MLS Surprise team

16. MLS Overrated Team

17. Playing style wins out or formation

18. MLS player most impactful to team success

19. Set play

(PKs or CK or Free Kick or other)

20. Rule change

21. Celebrations (type)

AppleTV MLS Season Pass

22. Graphics style (2025 only)

23. Statistics (ones we liked introduced in 24’ and ones we think should exist in 2025)

24. Fan Tradition (pre or post) or Chant or types of chant

25. Charlotte FC Regular Season Finish and overall MLS Cup

On this episode, Nic talks all things Video Review with Greg Barkey, the Manager of Video Review with PRO Referees.

• Rule changes/focus 2024
• How VAR communication happens
• Camera/stadiums views
• Dallas central Video Review HQ
• Impact on the game
• Future of video review in soccer




and also Greg's journey from Argentina and his work as a referee in World Cup and MLS matches.

On this episode, Nic talks with Nick Scardina, one of the four 2023 SuperDraft picks who was signed to a CLTFC contract and is battling to be a part of Dean Smith's 1st team. Nick talks about his mindset as a professional, the changes from the college game where he was a standout at Univ. of Washington, his coaches, and challenges with changing positions, and the excitement of being a part of this organization.

IG: @nickscardina

On this episode we talk with Adam Parr, the Head of Performance at Charlotte FC. Adam brings so much MLS Soccer experience to the Performance Team, having worked for Chivas USA, Reno (USL), and Minnesota United as well as having his own training business in Beverly Hills, CA. Enjoy his passion when he talks about data and how those numbers can really escalate and help inform so that performance can be maximized.

Welcome back to another season of the Charlotte FC Podcast where we bring you the fascinating people who work for and around Charlotte FC, MLS, and US Soccer.

On this episode, Nic and Eli talk about the new Coach Dean Smith's impact, new rule changes, and a fun little in and out.

Today on the podcast I talk with Dr. Doug Swanson, Emergency Medical Physician & Pam Black, RN, Charlotte FC Sports Care Manager and Team Nurse. Both of these individuals are part of the Atrium Health team that provides care for the greater Charlotte community as well as fans at Bank of America Stadium each match, and Charlotte FC family and players.

Nic talks with the Refereeing Hall of Famer Alex Prus about his career and his current role as Director of Match Officials for PRO2 Referees. Alex oversees about 80 referees for the NWSL, MLS Next Pro, and USL, from their selection to development to training to mentorship after having a stellar career as an MLS and FIFA referee along with playing for the Polish National Team.

ProReferees.com

@alexprus

We talk today with Bob Ventimiglia, "Chairman of the Board" for i80 Sports (HQ in NJ) about his shows about the NFL, Fantasy,  & MLS which focus on the betting side of games as well as the Wild Card match with New York Red Bulls.

Bob is know for over-opinionated rants and intermittent head-shaving, but he has worked full time as a professional trumpet player and music teacher in the NY/NJ area for the last twelve years as well as being a Red Bull supporter.

All i80 Sports shows are live so check them out at ⁠i80sports.com⁠

Today on the show, Katie Phillips, the manager for the Greater Goals Soccer and Literacy program from Charlotte FC joins me to talk about her role as well as her journey to help kids.

Katie Phillips is from Rochester, New York, and has been around soccer her whole life. She played varsity soccer at Houghton College and moved to Charlotte, North Carolina, following receiving her degree. Here, Katie helped start the Soccer Foundation of Charlotte. As the current Greater Goals Manager for Charlotte FC, Katie is passionate about using soccer as a tool to help connect, mentor and serve the community.

Today's guest is Jon MacGregor. He moved to Charlotte in 2022 to become the Director of Performance & Sports Science, where he oversees all of the Medical and Performance departments for the Club. We talk all things performance, his day-to-day, the big picture for Charlotte FC with Crown Legacy and the Academy, as well as his learning from Real Madrid's head, and his approach to helping players here be their best. Oh yeah, and he is a big sports fan growing up around Boise, Idaho. Jon is in his 13th year in the MLS, beginning with the Vancouver Whitecaps in 2011-2014 as an assistant ATC with the 1st team and lead ATC with the academy. 2015-2016 Assistant ATC with Columbus Crew, in which he was a part of staff of the year in 2015. He was a part of the Eastern Conference win in 2015 with Columbus. In 2017, Jon moved into the Head ATC role with Columbus Crew. 2018-2021 moved to Portland to become the Director of Health & Wellness and Head ATC. In 2018 & 2021, they won the Western Conference. Jon graduated from Boise State University in 2007 with a BS in Athletic Training and graduated from Southern New Hampshire University with an MS in Business Administration in 2015.

Outside of work, Jon has been married for 11 to his amazing wife Kate. They have 3 beautiful girls, Haddie (9), Gwyneth (7) & Setlla (4).

Today on the show we talk tickets with Leah Rodgers, Director of Ticket Sales and Services for Charlotte FC. We discuss managing a team to listening to fans needs to working within budgets and planning for events. Prior to her role with Charlotte FC Leah spent time with the University of Notre Dame and the Detroit Lions in various sales roles. She has been with the Club for three and a half years. She is originally from Lake Mary, Florida and played collegiate volleyball at USC Aiken. Outside of work, Leah likes to cook and grill, and is a loving dog mom to her golden retriever, Lincoln.