Sounding Off on Soccer with John Krysinsky

John Krysinsky
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Pittsburgh Soccer Now's John Krysinsky talks all things soccer, including the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, collegiate and scholastic competition, MLS, Premier League, International Soccer and more.

  1. The Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy breaks down the biggest World Cup talking points for USMNT

    May 28

    The Sporting News' Mike DeCourcy breaks down the biggest World Cup talking points for USMNT

    The 2026 FIFA World Cup is just weeks away, and Mauricio Pochettino has officially set the roster for the USMNT. The 26-man squad features massive tactical gambles, headline-grabbing snubs, and a heavy reliance on a select few stars to carry the load on home soil. On this episode of Sounding Off on Soccer, Pittsburgh Soccer Now Managing Editor John Krysinsky sits down with veteran sports journalist and Pittsburgh's own Mike DeCourcy of The Sporting News. Instead of a standard Q&A, John puts Mike on the hot seat at the start in a "Buy or Sell" segment, then togehter they look at the final squad, and dive deep into Mike's latest Sporting News column on why this tournament is Gio Reyna's ultimate legacy moment, and much more!

    49 min
  2. Steel City FC's veterans Emily Graeca and Payton O'Malley anchor W League core

    May 21

    Steel City FC's veterans Emily Graeca and Payton O'Malley anchor W League core

    Summer soccer in Western Pennsylvania is officially in full swing, and this week the spotlight shines directly on the women’s pre-professional landscape. Ahead of their anticipated USL W League season opener this Friday night, Pittsburgh Soccer Now sat down with two foundational pillars of the Steel City FC Women squad: defensive anchor Emily Graeca and veteran goalkeeper Payton O'Malley. The duo represents a massive chunk of the veteran leadership driving Head Coach Tom Ovenden's roster this summer. Graeca, a standout defender at James Madison University and a DuBois area native, alongside O'Malley, the Chartiers Valley product now commanding the box at Bowling Green, bring elite NCAA Division I pedigree back to the Steel City locker room. In a wide-ranging interview segment, the pair broke down everything from the club's unique family culture to high-stakes regional travel, upcoming tournament cameos, and a summer schedule loaded with local fireworks.

    28 min
  3. Steelers and BVB partnership beyond the Black & Gold — it's a strategic bridge between two "Steel Cities"

    May 13

    Steelers and BVB partnership beyond the Black & Gold — it's a strategic bridge between two "Steel Cities"

    The partnership between the Pittsburgh Steelers and Borussia Dortmund moved from the front office to the pitch this week. On Wednesday, the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex hosted youth athletes for the BVB International Academy North America tryouts—a landmark moment for the collaboration announced last year. On the latest episode of Sounding Off on Soccer, Pittsburgh Soccer Now's caught up with BVB’s Dru Wright (Chief Football Officer - BVB International Academy North America) and and the Steelers’ Reagan Berube (Sr Director Content and International Development) to discuss the tangible impact of this global bridge. From coaching education and School of Excellence scouting to hosting flag football in Germany, learn how these two legendary organizations are leveraging their shared Steel City DNA to create a unique holistic environment for local players. Topics and Highlights of the interview included:  The Steel City Synergy: How the shared industrial heritage and Black & Gold identity of Pittsburgh and Dortmund created a natural foundation for this partnership.A Very Real Connection: Why hosting youth tryouts at the UPMC Rooney Sports Complex is a major milestone in making the partnership tangible for local families.The BVB Way: Dru Wright explains the Heavy Metal football philosophy—high tempo, high intensity, and a focus on doing things the right way.Global Brand Expansion: Reagan Berube discusses the Steelers’ international efforts in Germany, including flag football camps and official watch parties at Signal Iduna Park.Player Pathways: Details on the School of Excellence program and the direct scouting line for Pittsburgh players (both male and female) to train in Germany.Holistic Development: Moving beyond pay-to-play to focus on building professional skill sets that serve athletes both on and off the pitch.Coaching Education: The commitment to developing local Western PA coaches through monthly calls and direct mentorship from BVB’s German staff.Future Vision: A look at the step-by-step growth of the collaboration and the potential for more international soccer events returning to Pittsburgh.About the guests:  Dru Wright, Chief Football Officer - BVB International Academy North America Dru is the gatekeeper of the "BVB Way." Dortmund is world-famous for its youth development (think Pulisic, Bellingham, Haaland). Wright’s goal is to ensure the Pittsburgh kids aren’t just wearing the badge but are actually learning the Dortmund methodology. Reagan Berube, Sr Director Content and International Development, Pittsburgh Steelers Reagan is a key architect of the Steelers' international expansion. Since the Steelers received NFL marketing rights for Germany in 2024, they’ve been aggressive in building a "home away from home" in the DACH region (Germany, Austria, Switzerland).

    25 min
  4. Stadium Expansion, Corporate Giants, World Cup events and pro soccer's major place in City of Champions with Riverhounds President Jeff Garner

    May 6

    Stadium Expansion, Corporate Giants, World Cup events and pro soccer's major place in City of Champions with Riverhounds President Jeff Garner

    In the latest episode of Sounding Off on Soccer, host John Krysinsky is joined by Riverhounds and Riveters President Jeff Garner for an in-depth discussion on the rapidly evolving landscape of professional soccer in Pittsburgh. From landmark corporate partnerships to the ambitious vision for F.N.B. Stadium, Garner pulls back the curtain on the business decisions driving the club's growth both on and off the pitch. In This Episode, We Discuss: The Corporate Power Play: Insights into the recent naming rights deal with FNB and the new partnership with Edgar Snyder & Associates. Stadium Expansion & Timetable: How does the new corporate backing accelerate the plan for a 15,000-seat stadium, and what is the realistic timeline for seeing shovels in the ground?The World Cup 2026 Connection: With the World Cup looming, discuss the Riverhounds and Riveters efforts to capitalize on the momentum as they host events that have already been announced (USMNT Watch Parties at FNB Stadium) plus many other ways that they're getting involved with World Cup activities in and around the Greater Pittsburgh region.Additionally, Garner addresses potential expansion to grass surfaces as potential way to host national teams and FIFA sanctioned competitions and events.Riveters Year Two: Reflecting on the inaugural impact of the Pittsburgh Riveters and what fans can expect as the organization enters its second season of W League play.The Major Sports Narrative: Garner addresses the social media chatter head on —as he makes his case for the franchise's evolving place as an essential part of the City of ChampionsFan Experience: A look at what’s working, from theme nights to matchday atmosphere, and the challenges the front office is working to overcome.And much more!

    33 min
  5. Having worn crest for both Riverhounds and Steel City FC, Nicky Kolarac weighs in on historic Open Cup clash

    Mar 16

    Having worn crest for both Riverhounds and Steel City FC, Nicky Kolarac weighs in on historic Open Cup clash

    Pittsburgh native Nicky Kolarac, who has played for three different teams in the US Open Cup: Michigan Bucks, Pittsburgh Riverhounds and Steel City FC, joined John Krysinsky on Sounding Off on Soccer Podcast to discuss the historic match between the Riverhounds and Steel City.   The match between the Riverhounds and Steel City (Tuesday, March 17 -- 7 p.m. at Highmark Stadium) will be the first time two teams from the Pittsburgh area will face off against each other in the proper US Open Cup tournament since 1957 -- a span of nearly seven decades and 69 years! John and Nicky discussed an array of topics, including:  How the Pittsburgh soccer landscape has changed since he was a young player Playing in US Open Cup with three different clubs (Michigan Bucks -- 2014 PDL Champions, Riverhounds in 2015 and Steel City FC in 2024)Experience of being with Riverhounds in 2015 during its Open Cup run, when current Head Coach Rob Vincent scored in three straight matches during the Cup competition Being brought to Steel City FC (initially Pittsburgh Hotspurs) to help provide leadership and veteran presence, eventually helping play a key role in building successful, winning culture, which has included three straight Division championships (2023 and 2024 in NPSL, 2025 in USL League Two) Significance of the first match between two Pittsburgh clubs in the Open Cup since 1957!And much more!

    45 min
  6. Steel City FC's Nick Graeca and Grant McIntosh look forward to facing Riverhounds in Open Cup

    Mar 11

    Steel City FC's Nick Graeca and Grant McIntosh look forward to facing Riverhounds in Open Cup

    On the newest episode of Sounding Off on Soccer Podcast, Pittsburgh Soccer Now's John Krysinsky is joined by Steel City FC's Nick Graeca and Grant McIntosh to discuss their upcoming Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup match vs the Riverhounds Among the topics discussed included:  Juggling post-collegiate life while still training and competing with Steel City FCHow Steel City's roster evolved through Open Cup qualifying, building a strong player pool and rounding into form as the Open Cup and USL League Two season approaches Thoughts on building on a successful first season in USL League Two Importance of match between two Pittsburgh-area teams in the US Open Cup (First Match between two Pittsburgh clubs in USOC proper in 69 years) What it will be like to have Steel City FC supporters and soccer family supporting them at Highmark Stadium Importance of Open Cup friendlies against Robert Morris and Duquesne Thoughts on facing the Riverhounds

    45 min
  7. Down to the wire in USLPA-USL CBA negotiations, plus Riverhounds 2026 predictions

    Mar 5

    Down to the wire in USLPA-USL CBA negotiations, plus Riverhounds 2026 predictions

    Pittsburgh Soccer Now's John Krysinsky and Mark Goodman are back and ready on a new Episode of Sounding Off on Soccer to discuss the new season as the Riverhounds get set to defend its USL Championship title.  However, will the season start on time?   The USLPA and USL Headquarters continue to negoiate in good faith, but with less than 48 hours before kickoff, there is still no new Collective Bargaining Agreement between the players and the league.   John and Mark share their thoughts on the 11th Hour negoiations, then roll up their sleeves to discuss some of the Five Burning Questions for the Riverhounds as they begin their title defense under a new, permanent Head Coach, Rob Vincent, then make their Annual predictions.

    1h 4m
  8. Steel City FC's Tom Ovenden and Dan Brower on historic Open Cup match with Riverhounds SC

    Feb 10

    Steel City FC's Tom Ovenden and Dan Brower on historic Open Cup match with Riverhounds SC

    On Friday, Steel City FC and the Riverhounds announced that its historic US Open Cup match has been moved to Highmark Stadium -- on March 17, at 7 p.m.     This seemed like a great opportunity to bring back and check in with Tom Ovenden and Dan Brower, Steel City FC's owner/president and the men's first team Head Coach to discuss the match and the club's efforts to partner with the Riverhounds in hosting the Open Cup match.

    44 min
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Pittsburgh Soccer Now's John Krysinsky talks all things soccer, including the Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC, collegiate and scholastic competition, MLS, Premier League, International Soccer and more.

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