Orange Slices

Heath and Mark catch up after a few weeks off. The guys get into Genk's training camp in Spain, Heath's World Cup experience in Qatar and the recent USMNT controversies. Plus, they answer all your questions about their highs and lows from 2022, favorite World Cup moments, their go-to coffee order, which USWNT player they like the most right now and much more. Thank to everyone who submitted a question! Happy holidays to you & yours and we'll see you guys in '23. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

Mark and Heath have a quick chat about the USMNT ahead of their critical match against Iran in the final game of the group stages. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

After taking a few days to process things, Mark and Heath talk through being left off this year’s USMNT roster in the final hour. Mark opens up about being in the final group of players, his phone call with Gregg, how he and his family processed everything and what’s next. Thanks to all the OS listeners who have showed love and support this past week. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

We are less than 3 weeks away from the World Cup and everyone is feeling the pressure in different ways. On this week's episode, Heath and Mark discuss Mark's recent run of form with Genk, the club's great victory over Antwerp over the weekend Mark's mentality heading into these final 2 games before the USMNT World Cup roster announcement. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

Mark & Heath welcome one of the rising Americans abroad, Joe Scally. Joe brings all the positivity in this one from his home in Düsseldorf, Germany. The guys get into the recent USMNT camp and Joe's inclusion in the senior team over the past calendar year, consistent playing time at Borussia Mönchengladbach, drawing Bayern Munich earlier this season and life abroad. He is just an all around positive dude and it will be impossible not to root for continued success for our guy after you listen to this episode. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

Heath and Mark chat through what was a frustrating yet eventful final USMNT camp ahead of Qatar. Mark opens up about some of the goals going into these matches, what he and the team was able to takeaway from them, the vibes in the dining room post match and what he needs to do to stay ready in this crucial lead up to the World Cup. We will be back next week with a guest! Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

It’s been too long OS fam but Heath Pearce and Mark McKenzie are finally back and on the road to Qatar. Mark joins us from USMNT camp and the guys get into a lot in this episode. They address our long break from the pod, the end of last season for Mark at Genk, why he wasn’t playing and his recent run of form for his club. Of course they also get into everything USMNT including Mark’s addition to this September camp and his goals for the next couple of months before the World Cup. The guys will be doing their thing every week until Qatar so subscribe to the feed so you don’t miss an episode. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

It's the business end of the season so no guest but plenty to discuss as Mark and Genk are pushing for the final Conference League spot in the Belgian Playoffs. The guys talk about Mark's recent run of form, the complicated playoff system in Belgium and other Americans dealing with the end of the season in various leagues in Europe. They get into an interesting conversation about the recent run of Americans moving for record fees and the expectations that come with that - is it always best to move to the biggest club available? Finally, the guys get into summer plans ahead fo a weird winter World Cup and setting up expectations for next season (yes, already). Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

Many fans know Kellyn Acosta as the ultimate ish talker in the USMNT but he’s actually a really level headed, thoughtful guy off the pitch. Kellyn stopped by the show to catch up with the boys about everything from his recent move to LA, recapping the intensity of the schedule this past year, facing off against Mexico here and abroad, trades within MLS and much more. He also shares some insight into how he is able to stay present during an unrelenting schedule and how he rewards himself for accomplishments in real time. Such an awesome conversation with one of the more thoughtful leaders we have had on the pod. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

It's been a few weeks but the boys are back with a great conversation about taking the unconventional path to success. In a world where players are pros at 16 or on the academy trail even younger, Christian Ramirez had to build his own path to professional football. He had no offers coming out of college from MLS or abroad and bet on himself in the lower leagues in the States. It eventually paid off and he made a name for himself at Minnesota United and has since enjoyed success at the national team level and now abroad with Aberdeen FC in Scotland. Christian is a humble guy who has a great chat with the boys about his career, staying ready for the national team, life abroad and making the move at what many would consider a late stage in his career. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

Heath and Mark catch up to celebrate the USMNT qualifying for the 2022 World Cup! It's been a 6+ month process... ok 4 year process and our guy Mark played a big role in revitalizing this squad. The guys discuss losing at Costa Rica last night and the mixed reaction post match, taking care of business this window, where they were four years ago when we lost to Trinidad & Tobago, their highs and lows from this qualification process and goals for the rest of this year. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

We've been waiting for the right time to bring in Coach Jim Curtin and this felt like the perfect episode. Jim was Mark's first professional coach and worked with him through the academy years within the Union. On the back of missing out of a few matches at Genk due to illness and not getting called into this USMNT World Cup Qualifying squad, Jim was just the type of motivational force Mark & the boys needed this week. Beyond being a great leader, Jim shares some incredible stories about MLS 1.0, being drafted to the Chicago Fire while in a finance class, Concacaf Champions League war stories and his bold vision for where MLS could go next. It's a great conversation with one of the coaching staples in American soccer today. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

With his first full pro season less than 48 hours away, Paxten Aaronson is keeping things chill and stopped by for a fun conversation with the OS boys. Paxten is the latest Aaronson to take the Philadelphia Union by storm and rumors are already swirling about what’s next. Pax, Mark & Heath get into his expectations for the season, their different routines for day vs night matches, haircuts, where Pax excels on the field, his first impressions of Mark and the evolution of YSC Academy. He also introduces the guys to their new favorite collectible. If Paxton stock is still available you best buy now- the kid is going places. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

OS listeners, we heard your calls and are happy to deliver our first USWNT guest podcast with World Cup winner, Abby Dahlkemper. Not only is Abby an absolute baller but she delivers a great conversation with the boys. They get into everything from the differences between the respective USWNT & USMNT’s changing of the guard, some intense World Cup moments, pilates, and just winning at every level she’s competed at. They also get into a great conversation about the mental side of the game and how each of them have overcome some of their most challenging moments. First of many pods with our friends from the USWNT. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

Heath and Mark catchup after another eventful international break! The guys get into the behind the scenes on all three matches and talk through US Soccer's decision to hold the match in St. Paul, MN in February. After they finishing properly catching up, we open up the mailbag to answer some of our listener's burning questions. Some of the topics include: player most likely to move into coaching, victory songs, best basketball players on the USMNT and an epic Royal Rumble of USMNT managers. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions! Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

When it comes to US Soccer, goalkeepers have long held up our national reputation around the world. Matt Turner is just the latest name to carry the torch for US Soccer. Matt had a really interesting journey to where he is today and just this week his story seems to have taken another exciting turn. Matt opens up about his crazy 2021 with the USMNT and NE Revolution and how difficult it was to mentally switch between the two different environments regularly. We save the youth soccer stories for his return but he goes into detail about his MLS Draft day experience and how it motivated him to where he is today. Truly one of the best storytellers we've had on the pod so far. TELL EVERYONE WE'RE BACK! Season 2! Let's go! Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

When we discussed closing out Season 1, there was really only one guest that came to mind: Chris Richards. A lot has changed for Chris (and Mark!) since we last spoke to him in December 2020. The guys dive into what the last year has been like at Hoffenheim for Chris, his varying playing time abroad, contributing some crucial USMNT minutes in the last World Cup cycle and hypes up his little bro as the next generation. Mark has also had some huge changes recently. Genk has a new manager and Mark has been in a great run of form in Belgium. He talks about how he stayed mentally ready for this moment and his hopes for the rest of the season with the club. Finally, the guys set some goals for them and the USMNT in 2022. Thank you for listening to Season 1! We love making this show and interacting with you on social. We’ll see you in February 2022 for Season 2! Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

Heath and Mark catchup after another eventful international break! The guys talk about the two huge matches against Mexico and Jamaica. Mark opens up about his expectations going into the camp and his general frustration with his playing time but finding other important ways to contribute to the team. With another Dos a Cero in the USMNT's pocket, all focus is on to 2022 to keep this momentum rolling! Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

We're back! No guest this week but we wanted to catch up and say hello to the OS fam. Mark has been focusing on his club football at Genk after the USMNT World Cup Qualifying matches earlier this month. Mark opens up about his frustrations with the club's recent 5 match losing streak and his fight for playing time. Heath shares some of his similar war stories and the guys have a nice chat about staying mentally strong when things aren't going your way. Genk won in the League Cup this week so hopefully this is the start of them getting back on track. Check out FootyCon: https://bit.ly/31daW6P Check out Black Star Initiative's Launch THIS WEEKEND in Detroit: https://bit.ly/3mlHzHx “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

On the eve of their World Cup Qualifying match against Jamaica, we caught up with one of the youngest guys in camp, Gianluca Busio. The guys may have been battling jet lag - 7 hours is no joke - but they still had a great conversation about this camp, Venezia and life outside of soccer. The guys give you a behind the scenes look on this current camp, general vibe, training sessions, how it compares to the Gold Cup and how they stay mentally ready on match day. Plus, Gianluca opens up about his time in Venice: how he feels playing against players he played with on FIFA, new training gear, and who he's swapping a jersey (or shorts) with next. Check out our Spotify Playlist Follow us on Instagram “Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.