The Midfield Battle presented by awaydayz

Special one today. Meet Gio Enriquez, Texas born, developed in Dallas, Cincinnati tested, who's making a name for himself at the highest footballing level in America.Gio's story is one of pure passion, dedication and grit. Picked up by the FC Dallas Academy, he tore up the pitch in his youth, making his way to NCAA D1 footy where he sharpened his skills as a leader and player. Now, Gio shares his talents at FC Cincinnati in the player welfare and administration sectors, where he has a vital impact on some of the biggest names in the MLS. Finding his voice and his feet, Gio is on his way to amazing things in the administration and business side of the game, and we are so excited to watch him grow. I've been incredibly blessed to call Gio a good friend over the past year or so. This guy's got the world at his feet. Don't be afraid to reach out if you find yourself passionate about any of the topics discussed.Interested in the people side of the game? Give this one a listen, you won't want to miss it.#MLS #fccincy #Busquets #business #footy #leadership #FCDallas #FCC2 #MLSNext

What's the point of these international breaks? What's the new format for the European competitions? How are clubs and players going to keep up? Essam and Rob talk about all this and more as Champions League is back this week, with a new look.As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!Instagram: @awaydayz_

What happened to Osimhen? Who had the best transfer window this summer? Who was your favorite signing? These are just some of the many questions we asked ourselves in this episode with Essam, Issa and Rob, recapping the summer transfer market, getting ready for next season with our predictions.Huge thanks to Issa for coming back on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!Instagram: @awaydayz_

Hosted by Essam and Rob, we welcome Juan to the podcast and the awaydayz community, as he shares his love for Salomón Rondón, the Venezuelan national team, and his three clubs of Everton, Barcelona and Houston Dynamo. While still being so young, Juan also goes into his already extensive career so far in the world of sports media. It's all about motivation.Huge thanks to Juan for coming on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!Instagram: @awaydayz_

Was Spain's convincing win predictable? What nations are looking good for the 2026 World Cup? Where are the world class strikers nowadays? These are just some of the many questions we asked ourselves in this episode with Issa, Nick and Rob, recapping the summer of football from the continental tournaments to the transfer market, getting ready for next season.Huge thanks to Issa for coming back on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!Instagram: @awaydayz_

In this episode, Nick gets together with AR and Essam to chat about the Euro Group stage, covering everything from our favorite teams to watch to the most underwhelming performances.We round it out with some knockout stage predictions and some insight into the future while also calling out Roberto for his cheating allegations in the fantasy group.If you're into talking footy, follow us on Instagram and reach out!The awaydayz team

In this episode we welcome back Ebuka, Issa and Taha, as we discuss the European Championships about to start and share our thoughts on the teams, line-ups and as always, our hot takes.Huge thanks to the boys for coming back on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!Instagram: @awaydayz_

In this episode we welcome back AR, Dom and Nick, as we discuss the outcomes of the European semifinals from all perspectives, and give our early predictions on the upcoming finals.Huge thanks to AR and Dom for coming back on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!Instagram: @awaydayz_

Please help us welcome Dominik Jäger to the pod! Dominik hails from Munich, Germany, and has been a lifelong supporter of Bayern Munich. Like for many Germans, fußball has been Dominik's passion for as long as he can remember. In today's amazing conversation we recount his experiences as a fan during Germany's 2014 World Cup win, talk about the Bundesliga and German football culture, his expectations for the 2024 European Championships in Germany, and much much more. Dominik was a very special guest to have on the podcast and we are so grateful to have him as our German football aficionado going forward.As always, if you're interested or want to get involved in the conversation, reach out and let's talk football!

In this episode Ebuka goes head-to-head with his Prem rivals Arsenal (Nick) and Champions League opponents Real Madrid (Ibo), as we discuss the European season heating up and share our thoughts on the close matchups coming up.Huge thanks to Ebuka and Ibo for coming back on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!Instagram: @awaydayz_

We finally welcome back Issa to the podcast, keen on sharing with us his recent experiences watching his Jordanian national team reach the Asian Cup final in Qatar and his trip to London to see his favorite club, Chelsea FC.Huge thanks to Issa for coming on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!Instagram: @awaydayz_

ST. PATRICKS DAY SPECIAL: Today we welcome Ollie Acomb, a Cincinnati native and longtime supporter of Celtic Football Club- a club rich with history, fierce rivalries, and lore. In this episode, we get into the history of Celtic and the Old Firm Derby, understand more about the Scottish Premier League, recount FC Cincinnati memories, our fixture/travel wish lists,  and much more. Huge thanks to Ollie for joining us, you won't want to miss out on this one!Join us for more stories on Instagram @awaydayz_ and our website www.awaydayz.comIf you're interested, reach out, and let's talk football!

After a whole year of Ebuka and Ibo, we finally welcome their eagle brother AR, keen on sharing with us his experiences watching games growing up, the family rivalry support for Chelsea vs Arsenal and his intertwined passions for football, travel, photography and fashion.Huge thanks to AR for coming on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!Instagram: @awaydayz_

Today we welcome back Ibo, a Chicago native of strong Albanian roots, keen on sharing with us his passion for Real Madrid, his first time seeing Brazil live and his wishlist for games to watch in the near future. In the end, we had to acknowledge and praise De Rossi's appointment as Roma's new manager and the beginning of his era.Huge thanks to Ibo for coming on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!Instagram: @awaydayz_

Today we welcome Max Hogan, a University of Cincinnati senior who had the unique opportunity to study abroad in Zurich, Switzerland, and intern in Singapore in 2023.During his travel adventures, Max found himself connecting with people from many different countries and backgrounds through a common love- football.  We recount Max's unique experiences in London, Rome, and Singapore in which he was able to see multiple football matches.Max shares stories and advice from his travels including recommendations for new travelers and inspiration for those thinking about making a trip to see their favorite clubs play. Max was an amazing guest and we're excited to see where his love for the game takes him in the future!As always, if we've ever talked football, reach out, and let's talk football!Instagram: @awaydayz_

In this episode Rob welcomes back Ebuka keen to share his Man City allegiance from the lows in '05 to the build-up and current highs, as well as his open-mindedness and passion for travel, through football and beyond. Huge thanks to Ebuka for coming on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!awaydayz.comInstagram: awaydayz_

In this episode Rob and Nick hop back on as we celebrate 1 year of The Midfield Battle with our guests through Intramural stories, close connection to FC Cincinnati and respective personal experiences in Qatar, Pakistan and Bhutan.Huge thanks to Jack and Taha for coming on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!awaydayz.comInstagram: awaydayz_

Think about your favorite club. Now imagine the only players allowed to play for it had to be from the state, city, or region that it's in. This is the case with Athletic Club de Bilbao, a club teeming with history, culture, and pride.My conversation with John, a Cincinnati native and avid Athletic Club supporter, takes us over to the Basque region- an autonomous area in the north of Spain. John has spent years educating himself on the people and culture of Bilbao, culminating in multiple trips to the region including a 6 month stay during which he worked and studied.John's passion, love, and energy for the people of the Basque region are incredibly admirable. We recount many stories about his travels to Spain, learn about football's synergistic relationship with the people of the region, and hear of a glorious 4-3 win that John was able to experience just a couple of weeks ago.Huge thanks to John for coming on. As always, if you're down to talk football, reach out, and let's talk football!awaydayz.comInstagram: awaydayz_

HOUR LONG SPECIAL!Today, we welcome the "dirty double" of Henry Schwartz and Ethan Miracle. These two share an extraordinary bond forged through the trials and triumphs of playing side by side on the Denison University Men's soccer team, coupled with a lifelong devotion to Manchester United.For Hank and Ethan, supporting United was never a matter of choice; it runs in their veins. From their earliest memories, each recalls sitting on the couch on Saturday mornings with family, passionately cheering on the Reds. Picture being a nine-year-old, crossing the pond to witness your favorite team in action at the peak of their powers!During their time at Denison University, Ethan and Hank savored the sweet taste of victory on the pitch, securing an NCAC Conference championship in the most thrilling fashion.  We recount these memories that will surely last a lifetime.Presently, the bond between Hank and Ethan only strengthens, evident in their recent joint ventures to watch their cherished team in action, accompanied by friends and family. Despite Manchester United's current challenges (a topic we passionately delve into), their passion and loyalty for the club remain unshaken.Join us in our most significant episode to date as we delve into these stories and more—you won't want to miss out!If we've ever talked football, reach out, and let's talk football!Website: awaydayz.comInstagram: @awaydayz_

Today, we are pleased to welcome Evan Brown, a current student at Denison University and a resident of Chicago. Football isn't just a hobby for Evan; it runs in his blood. His heritage hails from England and Germany, where family members passionately supported Liverpool FC and Bayern Munich, respectively.Evan shares his exciting experiences from his study abroad in France last year, highlighting his attendance at several football matches. One standout event was 'Le Classique' between Marseille and PSG, where he had the unique opportunity to witness Lionel Messi live. Evan also made trips to Munich for a Bayern match and traveled up to Liverpool to support his favorite club. His time abroad was truly filled with memorable football moments.Evan's passion for his football clubs is evident through his attendance at hundreds of professional matches. His wealth of experience makes him a valuable source of advice for first-time travelers and new fans of the game. We look forward to having Evan back soon to delve deeper into his travels and share more insights with our audience!As always, if we've ever talked football, let's talk football!Website: awaydayz.comInstagram: @awaydayz_

In this episode, we speak with Andrew Warman, a current architecture master's student, and Chelsea, Columbus Crew, and Wrexham supporter.Andrew's passion for the game has taken him to some amazing places and fixtures.  We talk all about his Champions League experiences in Madrid and Barcelona, his first experiences watching the crew, and his most recent trip with his dad to see Wrexham FC win the league in Wales!Listen until the end to hear Andrew's advice for those considering a trip abroad and his amazing story about being interviewed by CNN in The Turf pub.  Tune in to hear all of this and more!As always, if we've ever talked football, let's talk football!awaydayz.comInstagram: awaydayz_

In this episode, we talk with Henry Burnett, a current resident of Sao Paolo, Brazil, and a supporter of Liverpool FC and Santos FC.Henry has had some incredible experiences seeing football matches- from the 2018 World Cup in Russia, to seeing Messi vs Neymar in New York City in 2012, and most recently watching Santos vs Sao Paulo FC.  We talk all about these experiences and so much more!I had the amazing opportunity to visit Henry in Brazil this past March and can attest that football is woven into the fabric of the Brazilian people and culture. I would urge almost anyone to visit this beautiful country to experience it for yourself.Thanks for listening- and as always, if we've ever talked football, let's talk football!The awaydayz team

In this episode, we talk with Tristan Kovach, a current Cincinnati resident and lifelong Arsenal fan.We cover everything from his humble soccer beginnings to his most recent trip to watch Arsenal beat Manchester City at the Emirates in early October.  Tristan has some great takes on the best ways to get tickets, travel advice, and ways for new fans to stay connected to the game.Follow us on Instagram @awaydayz_ and as always- if we've ever talked football, reach out, and let's talk football!

In this episode, we introduce Alejandro Diaz Peralta, a native Honduran and current resident of Cincinnati, Ohio.  We talk all about his life growing up in Honduras, his love for his local club, Club Deportivo Olimpia, his travels to Madrid to see Real Madrid in action (and his run-in with Zidane!), and much more!Follow us on Instagram @awaydayz_ and as always- if we've ever talked football, let's talk football!

In this episode, we welcome Nick's good friend Justin, as he shares his love for Chelsea, how he got into football growing up and his first time in the UK to see his favorite club.

In this episode, we welcome Nick and awaydayz, the new football platform we are working on to connect our community, travel and the game, coming soon.

In this episode we welcome back Ebuka, Ibo and Varun to talk about the upcoming Premier League season through our new Fantasy Draft league, their favorite team's moves and their expectations for 23/24.

In this summer episode, we welcome back Brett, Essam and Issa to chat about the European transfer market, for our clubs and beyond, while impatiently waiting for August.

In this episode, we welcome back Treble winner Ebuka greeted by Brett and Ibo as we wrap up the Champions League season, give Man City their flowers but also spark a debate: is it just the money or good strategy? Will other clubs follow? 

In this episode we welcome back Essam, Issa and Marc and we introduce Newcastle local Varun as we wrap up the Premier League season with our collective TOTS and individual awards.

In this episode, we welcome back Brett, Ebuka and Ibo as we go from last Champions League final's memories, to Liverpool's current needs and onto this year's final: is it time for Man City? On a more important note, the Europa League owners vs the man who made a legendary career from European finals.

In this episode, we welcome back Taha and introduce new guests Ebuka and Ibo, as we uncover Man City allegiances, try to figure out their tie against Real Madrid and the Milan derby for the Champions League semifinals.

In this episode we introduce Jack and explore three levels of football through his experiences as a promising youth talent in the US, coaching in Bhutan and part of the FC Cincinnati group: the player, the coach, the insights from staff and team ownership.

In this episode Issa and Essam go head-to-head like Real Madrid and Chelsea in the Quarterfinals, while we welcome Marc, discuss the other close matchups and share our thoughts on the final stages of this European football season.

In episode 4, we welcome back Issa and introduce his friend Essam, learn about his program in Barcelona, discuss Man City's investigation and cover the upcoming return of the Champions League, through closest matchups and our picks to go all the way.

In this episode 3, along with Brett, Noah and Tav, we conclude our 2022 wrap up with our young breakout player of the year candidates, share what we're looking forward to in 2023 and look at youth football in the US compared to the rest of the world, while trying to understand Noah's (Villain) Arc.

In this episode 2, we welcome back Brett, introduce our new guests Noah and Tav, discuss Premier League allegiances and wrap up 2022 with our player of the year candidates.

In this first episode, we introduce our first guests Brett, Driss, Issa and Taha, discuss the 2022 World Cup Final, Taha's experience in Qatar, surprising teams and players, while already looking forward to 2026.