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The Call Up

Sports & Recreation Podcasts

Not many people are as close to Major League Soccer’s players, coaches and fans as MLSsoccer.com’s Jillian Sakovits and Susannah Collins. Whether it’s on the sidelines or working on a feature story, they spend much of the season on the road and interacting with the newsmakers of the league. With 9 seasons of MLS experience between them and the closest of friends, Jill & Susannah invite you to pull up a chair and be a part of the conversations that up until now had stayed between them over a couple cocktails! We pull back the curtain to what it's like covering MLS – on and off the field.

Location:

United States

Description:

Not many people are as close to Major League Soccer’s players, coaches and fans as MLSsoccer.com’s Jillian Sakovits and Susannah Collins. Whether it’s on the sidelines or working on a feature story, they spend much of the season on the road and interacting with the newsmakers of the league. With 9 seasons of MLS experience between them and the closest of friends, Jill & Susannah invite you to pull up a chair and be a part of the conversations that up until now had stayed between them over a couple cocktails! We pull back the curtain to what it's like covering MLS – on and off the field.

Twitter:

@mls

Language:

English


Episodes
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A Perfect Hollywood Ending: LAFC Wins MLS Cup

11/6/2022
Goals in extratime, a Gareth Bale header that sends the game to PKs, and a goalkeeper sub that ends in an MVP performance sound like a Hollywood movie, but that is exactly what MLS Cup 2022 featured. Join The Call Up in our season finale as we take in all the emotions.

Duration:00:13:56

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Unfinished Business in Philadelphia

10/25/2022
Get to know Leon Flach! The 21 year old German has played every game since arriving last season & just had the game winner to send the Union back to the Eastern Conference Final!! Hear about his journey, why he loves Jim Curtin, and the epic upcoming Conference Final rematch with NYCFC.

Duration:00:31:21

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Brad Stuver: “These are the games that make rivalries explode”

10/18/2022
From the ESPY’s to the Audi 2022 MLS Cup Playoffs, we cover it all with Austin FC Goalkeeper Brad Stuver. Fresh off his penalty kick win, he talks upcoming date with rival FC Dallas, his path to a starting role, and his advocacy for ALL. This episode will have you as hyped as we are for more Playoffs action.

Duration:00:40:25

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A Golden Season for Hany Mukhtar

10/11/2022
2022 MLS Golden Boot Pres. by Audi winner Nashville SC midfielder Hany Mukhtar is a ray of sunshine on this very timely & smiley episode. We discuss his 2022 scoring prowess, Nashville SC’s Playoff plans, and who he wants to see in the MLS Cup Final. No matter your team, this episode gives you all the positive vibes.

Duration:00:29:51

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¡Bienvenidos a Ximena Cebreros: the MLS Español collab you’ve been waiting for!

10/4/2022
We catch up with MLSES host & reporter Ximena Cebreros. From Mexico to NYC, Ximena shares her career path, from covering news and entertainment in her home country to now interviewing the biggest names in MLS. She discusses the difference between media coverage in the US and Latin America and why a partnership between MLS and Liga MX is a win for the sport globally.

Duration:00:47:35

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Eskandarian Chronicles: Leaving Iran, 2004 D.C. United, & Kim Kardashian

9/27/2022
Alecko Eskandarian joins the show! Find out what the former MLS Cup MVP said about the secret to that 2004 DCU team and how his 2010 date with Kim Kardashian came to be. Plus, his family’s incredible journey from Armenia to Iran to the NY Cosmos and what he recalls about a young Christian Pulisic.

Duration:00:41:36

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Gaga Slonina Gets Set to Join Christian Pulisic at Chelsea

9/20/2022
18 year old Chicago Fire goalkeeper is about to make the move of a lifetime to Chelsea FC of the Premier League. The ladies discuss his breakout season with the Fire, what USMNT goalies have lent a helping hand, and his secret talents! Plus, where he got the name Gaga and we unveil his ranking for 22 Under 22 presented by BODYARMOR!

Duration:00:25:22

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Giorgio Chiellini: Why MLS has more talent than Serie A

9/13/2022
Get star stuck on this episode with superstar Giorgio Chiellini! A "student" of the game, Chiellini discusses how the defender role has changed through the years and which MLS defenders impress him. His love for tacos, LAFC supporters, and the Supporters' Shield race. Plus, what is the real story behind THAT espresso machine?

Duration:00:40:50

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Did Phil Neville & David Beckham sign a friendship pact?

9/6/2022
Inter Miami manager Phil Neville shares his “brilliant basics” and Beckham’s 2022 expectations. The Pep Guardiola + Bruce Arena dinner party you don’t want to miss and what will surprise you about Gonzalo Higuain. Neville also shares the amazing story of the Bury FC (pronounced “Berry”) family business. P.S. he gets it from his mama!

Duration:00:42:57

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Making Sure "Cinderella Gets the Slipper Put on Her Foot"

8/30/2022
Ahead of their historic appearance in the U.S. Open Cup Final, Sacramento Republic head coach Mark Briggs joins the pod. He discusses his team’s “Cinderella story” in this year’s tournament as they look to become the first non-MLS team to take home the Lamar Hunt trophy since 1999, facing off against Orlando City in the final. Also, Mark explains why the city of Sacramento has embraced this team and how their supporters will make their presence known at Exploria Stadium on Sept 7th!

Duration:00:22:42

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Tesho Akindele: “Pressure is a Privilege”

8/23/2022
The Call Up welcomes Orlando City forward Tesho Akindele back to the pod. Fresh off his game winning goal, Tesho explains why he’s able to show up in big moments, saying “pressure is a privilege”. He discusses his relationship with head coach Oscar Pareja and what it would mean for OCSC to win their first trophy in the US Open Cup. Plus - his advice to young players planning for the future.

Duration:00:34:01

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Matt Miazga: MLS return, José Mourinho, & USMNT Future

8/16/2022
Fresh off his signing with FC Cincinnati, Matt Miazga joins the pod. He discusses his return to the U.S. and MLS (he still calls it football, lol), and how he and the league have evolved since his time with the New York Red Bulls. Matt also shares his hopes for the USMNT and reveals what that first meeting with José Mourinho was really like.

Duration:00:25:35

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LIVE from Minnesota: Featuring Adrian Heath, Walker Zimmerman & MORE!

8/8/2022
It's All-Star Week and we are HYPED! Join Susannah Collins and Jillian Sakovits as they chat with your 2022 MLS All-Stars LIVE from Minnesota.

Duration:02:21:56

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The Woman Behind the 2022 MLS All-Star Game Pres. by Target

8/2/2022
MNUFC President Shari Ballard joins the show. In 2021, Ballard joined the few but growing number of female MLS club presidents. After 25 years at the highest ranks of Best Buy, she says the club “feeds her soul.” Listen to her fascinating story & get set for the 2022 All-Star Game Presented by Target in Minnesota!

Duration:00:33:34

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Vanni Sartini's Democracy

7/26/2022
Vancouver Whitecaps head coach Vanni Sartini joins the ladies ahead of the Canadian Championship Final. How he made his way to Vancouver, his preferred pizza toppings, and a special cameo from Frida the Cat.

Duration:00:31:28

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Paul Arriola’s Pugs Deliver Big News

7/19/2022
Fresh off being named to his first MLS All-Star Roster, Paul Arriola joins the pod! He discusses the epic way in which he found out about his All-Star selection (spoiler: his dog was involved), his connection with teammate Jesús Ferreira, and why FC Dallas feels like home. Plus, a super fun edition of USMNT Superlatives!

Duration:00:31:33

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Anton Tinnerholm’s Triumphant Return, an NYCFC Repeat, & Taty Castellanos' Future

7/12/2022
Anton Tinnerholm makes his triumphant return to the field after his October achilles injury. After missing MLS Cup, the right back is eager for NYCFC to repeat. He discusses Ronny Deila’s departure and Taty Castellanos’ desire to go to Europe. Plus - if NYCFC repeats, will Nick Cushing follow suit and do a Deila-level celebration? Tune in to find out!

Duration:00:31:48

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How Macklemore Helped Turn Kelyn Rowe into an Icon

7/5/2022
MLS mainstay and style ICON Kelyn Rowe drops by with what has now become the infamous jacket. Post CCL championship celebrations, all the wine chat you could ever imagine, and how Macklemore helped make his CCL celebrations iconic. You won't want to miss this one!

Duration:00:35:16

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An important discussion & interview with Jenny Chiu of CBS

6/28/2022
Jenny Chiu of CBS joins the show to discuss her role with CBS, captaining the U-17 Mexican national team, career journey, and her fight to play on a boys team to make it all happen. Plus, a message from Jillian & Susannah in what has been a dark week for many - you are not alone.

Duration:00:45:53

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Dániel Gazdag Makes History with Hungary

6/21/2022
The Philadelphia Union midfielder is fresh off international duty after his native Hungary shocked the world, beating England 4-0 to now lead their group in UEFA Nations League (which includes Germany & Italy). Gazdag is also having a standout season with the Union and is determined to have another MLS Cup run. We get a tattoo guarantee you only find here!

Duration:00:28:04