Charlotte Soccer Show

Allan Saint-Maximin tore through the defense, Idan Toklomati & Liel Abada finished off the goals, Charlotte FC brought home the 3 points in front of thousands of traveling supporters, and another beautiful chapter in the history of this rivalry was written. Danny Brams listens in to the postgame commentary from Dean Smith, Abada, and young defender Will Cleary!

The Queen City vs the Kings of the South Derby has matured into a proper MLS rivalry in all facets both on and off the soccer pitch, and who better to conversate with on the eve of the next iteration than Jessica Charman, who's life and career has been intertwined with both clubs and cities for nearly a decade now, and who's been on the mic for more Charlotte FC matches than most recently.It's a fun reunion with one of our favorites and it's always For the Crown, Baby!

John and Danny are at Middle James Brewing in Pineville for the latest episode of Soccer City! The guys ask big questions about the squad heading into the fall stretch of the 2026 MLS season. Did Zoran do enough in the transfer window? Allan Saint-Maximin has officially made his debut. Can Dean Smith get the best out of The Crown's new star? It's For the Crown, Baby!

After an unthinkable dropping of points in Toronto, Charlotte FC finds itself in a bit of emotional distress, while Dean Smith preaches patience and appreciation of the overall performance.Apple TV's Ian Joy has had his eye on CLT more than most in the commentary ranks lately and joins Danny Brams for an assessment of the team and an evaluation of the next challenge on the slate...and in the end Ian turns tables on Danny and asks a few questions of his own.Fun conversation, enjoy it For the Crown, Baby!

A glorious night at the fortress got off to an early start with Brandt Bronico's 1st Minute opener. Then Liel Abada tacked on a PK shortly thereafter and the rout was on. Allan Saint-Maximin made his MLS debut at halftime and looked lively, while Pep Biel finished off a wonderful team goal to cap the scoring for the Crown.

The new Designated Player is here ready for his full MLS Debut. Let's hear what he has to say!

Everything was going great, until it wasn't. Despite looking like a favorite to win the Leagues Cup for most of the tournament so far, a missed PK and a big defensive mistake saw Charlotte FC bounced from Quarterfinal Qualification. Let's talk about it with Dean Smith & Ashley Westwood!

Dean Smith & Tyler Miller talk the Crown's quest for the Cup

John Hayes and Danny Brams are at Selwyn Pub discussing all things Charlotte FC. The guys react to The Crown going 1-1-1 during MLS' 3-game window before Leagues Cup. MLS is being flooded with soccer superstars but Zoran Krneta & Dean Smith don't think Charlotte can land one. Why not? We're still waiting for Allan St. Maximin to make his club & league debut. Where is he? Should The Crown take Leagues Cup seriously or play the kids? Charlotte is a Soccer City.

We're slowly cranking this thing back up after an extended World Cup hiatus, and we begin by welcoming Apple TV's Francisco X. Rivera to Soccer City to preview a massive matchup with the Chicago Fire this weekend. We'll talk about replacing the newly-departed Kerwin Vargas, why Chicago brought in the aging Robert Lewandowski despite already having Hugo Cuypers, and what type of tactics the Crown will need to get 3 points. Plus we dive into the Leagues Cup that begins next week. Por la Corona, baby!

Why mess with a good thing, right? With one more win to go for a USL Super League Championship, Carolina Ascent Coach Philip Poole makes his fourth visit to Soccer City to share some insight on how his team got to this title match, and how they plan to win it. You'll gain a lot from his focus on process over results and how it paid off in the down times. It's for the climb, Baby!

Idan Toklomati's fancy footwork finished off a nice team goal and 10-man Charlotte FC held on thanks to Kahlina denying Carles Gil's Free Kick. It was the perfect way to head into the extended summer break as the World Cup takes center stage. The win also served as Wilfried Zaha's farewell match in Charlotte, which is going to play heavy into the 2nd half of the season once MLS play resumes. John and Danny will break it all down, say farewell to Wilf, hype up Tim Ream's selection to the USMNT, and maybe even a shoutout to new Premier League Champions Arsenal.

The Carolina Ascent are unbeaten in 10 matches with one game left in the regular season, and they have a massive party planned at ALMS for the occasion. Fullback Jill Aguilera and Coach Philip Poole pop into Soccer City to talk about the win streak, the club's growth in Year 2, the mindset going into the playoffs, and of course the Fan-tastic finale on deck. If there's one soccer team you were betting on to bring hardware to the Queen City this season, this is it, so there's every reason to get on board as the Ascent are just a handful of wins away from a Championship...It's for the Climb, Baby!

A lifeless effort from Charlotte FC saw the Crown go down 1-0 at home to NYC FC. What's gone wrong with this club in 2026? Is it just the regular ups and downs of a season? Or is there a deeper rot settling into the locker room?DannyBrams searches for those answers by digging into the postgame commentary from Tim Ream, Dean Smith, and Luca de la Torre. There are definitely hints to be found reading between the lines, let's discover them together!

The hottest team in Soccer City is the Carolina Ascent, unbeaten in 9 straight matches with just two games left in the regular season before their USL Super League Championship chase hits the playoffs. Leading goalscorer Rylee Baisden stops by Soccer City for a chat with Danny Brams about what's led to the streak, how the club is growing more established in Year 2, and how they plan to win it all this time around. She also breaks down her recent game-winning goal that clinched the club's playoff status for the season, and talks about the calmness her teammates feel in late-game, pressure-packed situations. In the end, we even bring her to (happy) tears with a blast from the past that literally no one was expecting! It's for the Climb, Baby!

The assignment was simple, the understanding was...lacking. Charlotte FC traveled to a nearly empty stadium on a Wednesday night and fell flat on their faces vs the worst team in the MLS Eastern Conference, shipping 4 goals to Orlando City and creating a universe of questions around the club's actual identity in 2026. Danny & John pour themselves a couple strong ones and stare out into all the stars of the sky to try to answer as many of those questions as possible, and what they can't figure out, the Soccer Citizens are there to fill in the gaps. Possibly the Most Important Episode We Have Ever Done, It's For the Crown, BABY!!

Charlotte FC's 2026 campaign hits the road, and Special Guest Jillian Sakovits says there's only one thing they should be focused on for this trip to New York City: Revenge! The Apple TV host and reporter makes her Soccer City debut to preview a massive matchup this weekend, and also gets into her recent experiences working the sidelines at Bank of America Stadium, why MLS needs strong personalities like Dean Smith to always speak their minds, and what Charlotte has to offer when it comes to attracting superstar talent to the squad. The Season Never Sleeps, and it's always For the Crown, Baby!

The match we've waited years for is finally just days away...are you ready for it? Hayes & Brams are here to prepare you for Charlotte FC vs Charlotte Independence in the Open Cup Round of 32, and they're joined by very special guest Clay Dimick, captain of the Jacks! Along with previewing the Cup match, they'll dive into the latest social media breadcrumbs being dropped by soon-to-be Free Agent Wilfried Zaha, plus dive into what exactly went wrong in a loss to Nashville last weekend and whether or not it really even mattered in the long run. We got a lot to talk about, it's For the Crown, Baby!!

2026 Vibes are STRONG in Soccer City as the first-ever Charlotte Derby has been confirmed for the US Open Cup Round of 32, while The Crown rides high on the wings of a wonderful winner from Wilf that secured 3 points last time out at The Fortress.Now, ahead of a titanic showdown vs Nashville, Apple TV's Ross Smith visits with John and Danny for a raucous midweek livestream full of incisive soccer analysis, double-pour brown liquor, and a whole lotta laughs. Special thanks as well the TFOS and Soccer Citizens for the lively and interactive chat all the way through. Lock in for the full hour cuz this one is definitely For the Crown and Up the Jacks all damn day!

John & Danny react to Dean Smith's comments about Charlotte not being sexy enough to attract top players in Europe. GM Zoran Krneta echoed that statement in an interview with Backheeled. It's matchweek 6 and struggling Philadelphia Union is coming to the Queen City. Plus, the USMNT is in action over the international break! Will Patruck Agyemang make the final roster?

The Carolina Ascent are on a 4-match winning streak and they've picked a perfect time to get hot with the season hitting its stretch run.Fueling their recent success has been the stellar play of winger Tyler Lussi, who's scored twice in fine fashion during the streak and shown off her signature "No Sleeves" flexing cellie in the process.Tyler sits down with Danny Brams to talk about the togetherness of her new club, as well as the career path that led her from the Ivy League, to the PNW, then a detour in more ways than one down in Hollywood, before finally finding a home in the Carolinas.Shoutout to the Moms (and the Dads!) raising kids who want to grow up and make the world a better place, this is the feel good episode you might not have even realized you needed!

John & Danny revel in a historic night at the Fortress where Charlotte FC dropped SIX goals on rival Red Bulls 6-1.WATCH on the Soccer City YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/live/fwTPKJ7NVtY?si=RdwWfKgaBIp7Nv9O

The only way they can stop him is to foul him, and he's had enough. With support from the gaffer Dean Smith, Wilf Zaha is mad as hell, and he's not gonna take it anymore! We dive in to the fiery comments.

We brought back the Messi Stopper ahead of Charlotte FC's showdown vs Inter Miami this weekend, and dive deep into what to make of the Crown three matches into the 2026 MLS Season. Dax dishes on what it's like to play for a pragmatic English manager, why Pep Biel is Charlotte's best player, and how Dean Smith is still figuring out his perfect midfield mix. One of the best voices in the game who never pulls his punches, you don't want to miss McCarty's thoughts on where this club currently stands. It's for the Crown, baby!

One of our absolute faves returns to Soccer City for the first time this season! Apple TV host Kevin Egan has seen Charlotte FC get 1 goal and 0 points from 2 games in 2026...but he's not pushing the panic button yet! Kev gives DannyBrams some reassurance about Wilfried Zaha's contract situation, The Crown's backline blunders, and how Dean Smith can make all the pieces fit...and on top of it all he's got an Austin FC scouting report for us this weekend. The home opener is just a few days away, and it's For the Crown, Baby!

Don't look now but Charlotte's only professional women's sports team is in playoff position with just 10 games left to go in the USL Super League Season. Coach Phillip Poole and newly-signed Striker Ava Cook take a trip to Soccer City to talk about Year 2 in the brand new league, adapting to Charlotte after moving here from the frozen north, and how the Queen City can support the club as it enters the home stretch of the season...and you may be surprised at the factoids Coach has to share that show just how successful this brand new franchise has already been in the Carolinas.It's time to Join the Climb, Baby!

It's the Morning After a dismal performance by Charlotte FC...so why is Johnny Hayes smiling?? Get your a.m. coffee (or bourbon!) and hang with John & Danny Brams as they look back at the tough loss, resetting expectations for the season, and most importantly...who to blame! Dean Smith and Ashley Westwood also check in as we contemplate silver linings, big picture concerns, and what needs to change immediately before the Crown's home opener vs Austin FC next Saturday.It's the best way to shake off a sad night and it's always For the Crown, Baby!

With just a few days to go before Charlotte FC kicks off the 2026 MLS season for the entire league out in St. Louis, we welcome back Andrew Wiebe to Soccer City! While he freely admits that preseason prognostication is a fool's game in this league, Andrew does offer up some tasty takes on how Luca de la Torre reshapes the Charlotte Midfield, why there's no urgency just yet when it comes to Wilf Zaha's contract situation, and why Nathan Byrne might be the most underrated player in all of MLS.We might've even squeezed out an answer to the question of "How far can Charlotte FC go in 2026?" We're so so so so close, folks, and we're always For the Crown, Baby!

Welcome to the 2026 Charlotte FC Campaign! John Hayes and Danny Brams get you set for the Charlotte FC's 5th MLS season. 4:45 - Frosty First Steps 9:00 - Long March Home 14:45 - All Quiet on the Eastern Front 21:00 - World Cup Break 25:50 - Riding Out vs. Rivals 33:10 - Strange Days 36:54 - The Final PushWATCH this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/8_8fAfDKRPU

Wilfried Zaha met the media with just a handful of weeks to go before the 2026 MLS season kicks off. Danny Brams fires up the ol' Livestream to break down what he heard from the superstar winger looking to take The Crown to it's best finish ever in season five as a franchise.

Charlotte FC's biggest signing of the offseason (so far?) is versatile midfielder Luca de la Torre, a veteran of Fulham, Celta Vigo, the USMNT, and most recently, San Diego FC. Danny Brams sits down with Tony Sanchez from SanDiego.futbol for inside info on what kind of player CLT fans can expect to see, why Luca's mindset is especially valuable for a club like ours, and why anyone would ever leave the tropical paradise that is San Diego, California. It's for the Crown, Baby!

It may've been freezing cold out but that didn't stop Charlotte FC captain Ashley Westwood from his appointed rounds meeting with local journalists and podcasters as the Crown opens its 2026 campaign. Westy gave insight into his mindset on season goals, replacing Adilson Malanda, and welcoming Luca de la Torre into the squad.In all kinds of weather, it's For the Crown, Baby!

The Crown is back, Baby! Charlotte FC is set to open its 5th season as a franchise with higher hopes than ever, but plenty of questions to be answered. Our first CSS episode of 2026 is a Decoding the Presser special that sees Danny Brams reunited with his main man Deano breaking down everything that was said in the Learning Zone on Day 1. Lock in, it's For the Crown, Baby!

John and Danny have fresh pints of Guinness at Goldies in LoSo! The guys review Charlotte FC's 2025 campaign, debate roster decisions, react to the 2026 schedule and discuss significant changes to MLS in the future.

It was a fiasco at the Fortress as Charlotte FC failed to capitalize on a dominant performance, and conceded 3 counterattack goals to NYC FC in Game 3 of their MLS Cup 1st Round Series...and now the Crown's 2025 season is over. DannyBrams checks in on a groggy morning after to decode what Dean Smith, Ashley Westwood, Archie Goodwin and Adilson Malanda had to say about the loss, the season, and the future...a future that won't include our talismanic French defender, as Malanda prepares to head to Middlesborough in the English Championship.

MLS Legend Bradley Wright-Phillips returns to the show to break down a Win-Or-Go-Home Game 3 between Charlotte FC and NYC FC in Round 1 of the MLS Cup Playoffs. BWP gives his takes on Wilfried Zaha's mercurial style, Idan Toklomati's slowdown in production, Kristijan Kahlina's heroic shootout performance in Game 2, Adilson Malanda's final few matches with the club, and more!

The soccer broadcasting Rookie of the Year returns to the show ahead of Charlotte FC's must-win match vs the Supporters Shield-winning Philadelphia Union. Dax breaks down why Wilfried Zaha, Idan Toklomati, and Kristijan Kahlina will be critical to the Crown's playoff hopes, why it's so important to get homefield advantage when chasing the MLS Cup, and how to hit the mental reset button when entering a new phase of the season. It's a fantastic perspective to get right before such an important match, and it's always For the Crown, Baby!

Home field advantage and a trip to the CONCACAF Champions Cup is on for Charlotte FC on MLS Decision Day. John Hayes and Danny Brams discuss how The Crown will only go as far as Wilfried Zaha and Idan Toklomati take them! It's #forthecrown baby!

Charlotte FC's historic win streak ended on a dreary morning in a baseball stadium. How will the squad keep that disappointment from derailing the playoff positioning train? Kaylyn Kyle from Apple MLS Season Pass makes a return visit to the show to explain why Charlotte isn't looking to bounce back so much as they are looking to make a statement. Bringing back some positivity after a tough loss is always For the Crown, Baby!

With Charlotte FC on the verge of 10 wins in a row which would set a record for longest win streak in Major League Soccer History, we've called in a big gun. MLS Legend Sacha Klejstan joins us from the Apple MLS Season Pass crew to preview the Crown's Saturday Afternoon Showdown in New York City, and brag on the skills of Idan Toklomati, the leadership of Wilfried Zaha, and the culture created by Dean Smith & Ashley Westwood. Plus: Why Pep Biel should NOT jump right back into the starting XI after his return from injury. It's a history-chasing episode and it's always For the Crown, Baby!

John Hayes makes his debut on Decoding the Presser! Dean Smith talks about Charlotte FC's MLS record win streak, The Crown's trophy hunt, star striker Idan Toklomati & the trip to the Bronx this weekend for a high-stakes matchup vs. NYCFC

Even the GOAT, Lionel Messi, couldn't derail Charlotte FC's unstoppable run! The Crown rolled to a 3–0 win thanks to Idan Toklomati's stunning hat trick, tying the Seattle Sounders' MLS record with nine straight victories. John Hayes and Danny Brams break it all down, with special guest Matt Geslin joining to share his behind-the-lens view of the action.

A massive matchup calls for a massive guest and we couldn't be happier to welcome longtime analyst Warren Barton to the show to break down Charlotte FC's chase for win streak history against Inter Miami and Lionel Messi. Warren identifies a few keys to the match that should allow the Crown to find some joy, especially with an inspiring attitude from Wilfried Zaha headed into the match, and a promising injury update on El Mago Pep Biel. It's the biggest dose of hype you could possibly hope to receive ahead of Saturday's showdown at the Fortress, and as always it's For the Crown, Baby!

John and Danny have the build up for the biggest game of the season vs. Inter Miami. What's on the line? The MLS record of 9 straight wins and The Crown's playoff home field advantage hopes. Dean Smith and Luis Suarez are both suspended for the match...for very different reasons. Can The Crown get it done?Watch the show and subscribe to our YouTube page: https://youtu.be/-kdLez8dygQ

It's getting real for Charlotte FC with just 7 matches left in the MLS regular season and still needing to solidify a playoff berth. One way to do that would be continuing the 6-match win streak the Crown currently sits on, and some incoming transfers should help the cause of keeping the form we saw in a 1-0 win over Real Salt Lake. That victory was definitely helped with an epic, tone-setting coronation ceremony with Carolina Panthers Great Roman Harper, who went stone cold with a double-fisted chug on the throne and fired up the entire stadium. Roman joins John and Danny to peel back the curtain and break it all down in one of the best episodes we've ever had...it's truly For the Crown, Baby! #soccer #charlotte #carolinapanthers #transfers #winning

Archie, Archie Archie...Oi! Oi!! Oi!!!20-year-old Australian striker Archie Goodwin has arrived in the Queen City brimming with confidence, looking to win a starting job, and flashing a brilliant smile. The A-League golden boot winner from last season met the Charlotte media and shared details on turning pro as an early teenager, growing up a Liverpool fan, and keeping his mum busy as the oldest of three rambunctious brothers. Goodwin clearly sees that he's entered the Crown camp as a backup option to Idan Toklomati, but wasn't shy about his ability to offer "healthy competition" for the starting striker spot, and his history of stepping off from the bench and into the spotlight in his previous career stop at Adelaide United.DannyBrams has clearly fallen under Archie's spell early on, and after watching this, you might as well...It's For the Crown, Baby!

Charlotte FC has a new left back who's already enjoying the Southern Hospitality after traveling to the Carolinas from his native UK. Danny Brams is here to break down what Harry Toffolo had to say in his introductory press conference, and also has some bonus content with Tim Ream previewing The Crown's upcoming match vs Real Salt Lake. It's the reaction to the reaction to the reaction and it's always For the Crown, Baby!

Charlotte FC has won 5 straight games for the first time in club history. John and Danny are at Dom's dive bar!

Despite 3 wins in a row (and 4 unbeaten on the spin!) there remains zero margin for error for Charlotte FC this weekend at home to face Toronto in the final MLS match before Leagues Cup begins.Dean Smith talked about momentum and mentality and DannyBrams is here to listen to everything the Gaffer had to say, and react to it. The British-isms abound as we break down exactly how the Crown is feeling going into yet another must-win match...plus we get a bonus shoutout to the Prince of Freaking Darkness.It's for the Crown, Baby!

John and Danny are on the patio at Triple C to catch up about all things soccer in Charlotte over crafty pints. Charlotte FC has won 3 games on the spin & Pep Biel is orchestrating the campaign. Idan Toklomati has filled in admirably for the departing Patrick Agyemang. Should Zoran Krneta sign another striker? The MLS summer transfer window is officially open.

With 2000+ away supporters turning Mercedes Benz Stadium into a virtual home game (again) for Charlotte FC, The Crown delivered in a must-win match vs Atlanta United. But it wasn't easy! Goals by Toklomati, Zaha, and Biel helped turn around a 1-0 halftime deficit, and Charlotte also successfully defended a one-goal lead through 8 minutes of stoppage time. DannyBrams is here to listen to what the Gaffer & the Captain had to say about the big victory, and shed some light on halftime speeches, social media monitoring, and the fact that everybody loves an extra day off.It's for the Crown, Baby!