Charlotte FC Podcast

Charlotte FC Podcast
  • 3.9 (15)
  • SOCCER
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

The podcast that follows Charlotte FC on and off the pitch with interviews of the fascinating people who work for and around the Charlotte Football Club, MLS, and US Soccer! Hosted by Nic Finelli

  1. Fernando Varela: Engineering the Roar and Connection

    3D AGO

    Fernando Varela: Engineering the Roar and Connection

    When you step into a stadium of 40,000 people, the wall of sound feels like an act of nature—spontaneous, raw, and inevitable. But for Fernando Varela, that roar is a piece of high-stakes machinery. In this episode, we pull back the curtain on the "invisible architecture" of fan engagement and grassroots marketing for Charlotte FC. We follow the journey of an anxious, introverted teenager from Los Angeles who used a bold white lie and a cold call to talk his way into the front office of a pro sports team before he was even old enough to vote. From founding the legendary 3252 supporters union to his current role as the Grassroots Marketing and Fan Engagement Manager for Charlotte FC, Fernando reveals how he transitioned from hiding behind his headphones to designing the heartbeat of a city. It is a story about the science of camaraderie, the unglamorous "boots-on-the-ground" work of community building, and what happens when a shy kid becomes the conductor of a stadium’s soul. This isn’t just about soccer; it’s about the meticulous engineering of human connection.

    27 min
  2. First Sip: Nate Bukaty on Charlotte FC, Austin, and the Battle in Midfield

    5D AGO · BONUS

    First Sip: Nate Bukaty on Charlotte FC, Austin, and the Battle in Midfield

    MLS on Apple TV broadcaster Nate Bukaty joins First Sip for a deep dive into Charlotte FC’s highly anticipated home opener against Austin FC. We break down the early‑season storylines, including Charlotte’s defensive lapses on the road, Austin’s injury‑shaken lineup, and why the midfield duel could define everything on Saturday night. Nate also shares rare insight into his weekly prep as a broadcaster, what it’s like calling matches inside Bank of America Stadium, and a powerful personal moment that changed how he views his work behind the mic. From tactical adjustments to the players most likely to influence the match, this episode is your full‑steam warm‑up ahead of kickoff.

    19 min
  3. First Sip: The Matchday 2 Reality Check with Keith Costigan | Charlotte FC at LA Galaxy

    FEB 27 · BONUS

    First Sip: The Matchday 2 Reality Check with Keith Costigan | Charlotte FC at LA Galaxy

    Opening weekend is about hope. Matchday Two is about reality. Ahead of Charlotte FC’s clash with the LA Galaxy, MLS on Apple TV broadcaster Keith Costigan joins The Charlotte FC Podcast: First Sip to break down the tension of Week 2. Both Charlotte FC and the LA Galaxy walked away from opening weekend with a 1-1 draw. Now, the honeymoon phase of the new season is over, and both squads are desperate for their first three points. In this episode of First Sip, we bypass the standard score predictions and take you behind the scenes. Keith Costigan wears two hats: he’s the voice calling the action for millions alongside Mo Edu, and he’s a coach who knows exactly what a Tuesday morning training session feels like after dropping points. Keith takes us inside the broadcast booth and breaks down the exact tactical chess moves to watch for at Dignity Health Sports Park. In this episode, we cover: The Week 2 Mindset: How the locker room temperature changes when you need a win. Tactical Chess: The specific adjustments Charlotte FC must make against the LA Galaxy on the road. Behind the Mic: Unspoken cues, booth chemistry and brotherhood with Mo Edu Watch the match this Saturday on MLS on Apple TV 10:30 pm ET/ 7:30pm PT. Subscribe to the Charlotte FC Podcast and follow @cltfcpodcast for more exclusive interviews and behind-the-scenes stories.

    20 min
  4. Steve Goldberg: From Covering the Cosmos, the World Cup, and Soccer's Holy Trinity to Charlotte FC

    FEB 23

    Steve Goldberg: From Covering the Cosmos, the World Cup, and Soccer's Holy Trinity to Charlotte FC

    Sports journalist Steve Goldberg joins the show to share his incredible stories covering the 1986 World Cup, witnessing Diego Maradona's 'Hand of God', sneaking into a Bayern Munich tryout, and the early days of Charlotte soccer history with the Carolina Lightnin'.

    54 min
  5. The Espresso Start: 2026 MLS Opener with Jessica Charman

    FEB 20 · BONUS

    The Espresso Start: 2026 MLS Opener with Jessica Charman

    The first whistle of the 2026 MLS season is finally here. In this high-speed "espresso shot" episode, we’re joined by MLS on Apple TV broadcaster Jessica Charman to preview the league’s curtain-raiser: Charlotte FC at St. Louis CITY SC. Jessica has been a part of the Charlotte story since Day 1 and now brings her expert play-by-play lens to the national booth. We’re breaking down everything you need to know about the clash at Energizer Park in our signature 90-second "Matchday Sprints." The 30,000-Foot View: Why CLT vs. STL is the perfect tactical chess match to kick off the new year. Tactical Deep Dive: How Dean Smith's Charlotte FC plans to weather the the unknown of a St. Louis squad with Yoann Damet. The X-Factor: The players Jessica believes will dictate the rhythm of the entire broadcast. The Personal Sip: Jessica shares a 90-second "behind-the-mic" story from her journey as the first female radio color commentator in MLS history to the Apple TV booth and her 2025 MLS Apple on location debut in Chicago with Ian Joy. The Golden Goal: One bold, non-scoreline prediction for what the headlines will say on Sunday morning. Match Details: 📅 Saturday, Feb 21 ⏰ 2:30 PM ET / 1:30 PM CT 📺 Watch: MLS on Apple TV 🎙️ On the Call: Jessica Charman & Ian Joy Grab your coffee. The season starts now.

    17 min
  6. Game 3 Preview NYCFC vs. Charlotte FC with Tony Husband, MLS Play-by-Play Announcer

    11/07/2025

    Game 3 Preview NYCFC vs. Charlotte FC with Tony Husband, MLS Play-by-Play Announcer

    The playoff run has continued for Charlotte FC with a penalty kick shootout win in Game 2! Now back to The Bank for Game 3 on Friday Night, Nov. 7. MLS Season Pass Play-by-Play Announcer Tony Husband joins the show to talk about the match he will be calling.

    16 min
  7. NYCFC vs. Charlotte FC: The Series with Marcelo Balboa

    10/30/2025

    NYCFC vs. Charlotte FC: The Series with Marcelo Balboa

    US Soccer Hall of Famer and MLS Season Pass Studio and Match Analyst Marcelo Balboa joins the show to share his insights on Charlotte FC after Game 1 and leading in to Game 2.

    19 min
  8. Charlotte FC 2025: A Look Back at the Season and the Playoffs Ahead

    10/20/2025

    Charlotte FC 2025: A Look Back at the Season and the Playoffs Ahead

    Welcome to this special episode of the Charlotte FC Podcast — Charlotte FC 2025: A Look Back at the Season and the Playoffs Ahead. As the regular season wraps up and the postseason comes into focus, I wanted to do something a little different. I reached out to some friends and familiar voices of the show to get their perspective on Charlotte FC’s journey this year. You’ll hear from Will Palaszczuk, Danny Bramlette from the Charlotte Soccer Show, Tom Bogert, MLS announcer Tony Husband, Ross Smith, and Kacey White — all sharing their thoughts on what’s stood out most this season.

    31 min
See All (144)

Ratings & Reviews

3.9
out of 5
15 Ratings

About

The podcast that follows Charlotte FC on and off the pitch with interviews of the fascinating people who work for and around the Charlotte Football Club, MLS, and US Soccer! Hosted by Nic Finelli

Information

  • Creator
    Charlotte FC Podcast
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2026
  • Episodes
    144
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Charlotte FC Podcast
  • Show Website
    Charlotte FC Podcast

You Might Also Like