188 episodes

Subscribe to this weekly soccer podcast hosted by comedian and ex-pro Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego as they celebrate the World's Game from an American Perspective. The boys at OTB delve into everything soccer from the latest action in the Premier League to the surging growth of the MLS, from the hysteria leading up to the 2024 World Cup to excitement, controversy and news coming from the USMNT and USWNT. OTB's expert hosts analyze the latest news, controversies, sensational plays, and standout moments of the week. With their immense knowledge and unwavering passion, these two soccer players turned obsessive fans leave no topic untouched. Step onto the pitch weekly with OTB and experience the world's game like never before.

Over The Ball with Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego

    • Sports
    • 4.7 • 38 Ratings

Subscribe to this weekly soccer podcast hosted by comedian and ex-pro Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego as they celebrate the World's Game from an American Perspective. The boys at OTB delve into everything soccer from the latest action in the Premier League to the surging growth of the MLS, from the hysteria leading up to the 2024 World Cup to excitement, controversy and news coming from the USMNT and USWNT. OTB's expert hosts analyze the latest news, controversies, sensational plays, and standout moments of the week. With their immense knowledge and unwavering passion, these two soccer players turned obsessive fans leave no topic untouched. Step onto the pitch weekly with OTB and experience the world's game like never before.

    Author, magazine writer, and speaker Elizabeth Rusch visits OTB to discuss her book “A Greater Goal: The epic battle for equal pay in women's soccer--and beyond”

    Author, magazine writer, and speaker Elizabeth Rusch visits OTB to discuss her book “A Greater Goal: The epic battle for equal pay in women's soccer--and beyond”

    While Kevin’s lost at sea, Dave talks to author Elizabeth Rusch about her new book, 'A Greater Goal: The Epic Battle for Equal Pay in Women's Soccer and Beyond' to explore the fight for equality in women's soccer, the challenges faced by the women's national soccer team, and the need for a coach for the men's team. Elizabeth shares the inspiration behind the book, which was her sister's experience fighting for a girls' varsity soccer team in high school and the lack of opportunities for women in professional soccer. She highlights the unequal pay and treatment of the USWNT compared to the USMNT, the challenges they faced in their fight for equal pay, and the role the equal pay deal has had on the ongoing struggle for gender equality in sports. 

    Dave also digs into the ongoing USMNT search for a head coach, rumors about Kevin De Bruyne’s departure from Man City, Caleb Wiley’s signing, transfer rumors, Mexico’s coaching changes, and the MLS All-Star Game.

    • 41 min
    Dave goes solo and talks with Columbus Dispatch’s Soccer Sportswriter Brianna Mac Kay about USMNT, the Crew, and the MLS All-Star game

    Dave goes solo and talks with Columbus Dispatch’s Soccer Sportswriter Brianna Mac Kay about USMNT, the Crew, and the MLS All-Star game

    Brianna Mac Kay, a sportswriter from the Columbus Dispatch, discusses the excitement surrounding the upcoming MLS All-Star game and the strong support for the Columbus Crew in the city. She also talks about the Save the Crew movement and the team's success under coach Wilfried Nancy. Brianna shares her experience covering the team and interacting with the fan base. She also reveals her love for romance novels and her go-to author. The rapid-fire questions reveal her preference for grass over artificial turf, her endorsement of Target, and her recent binge-watching of the TV series 'How to Get Away with Murder.'

    In this episode of Over the Ball, Dave discusses the potential candidates for the new coach of the US men's national team. He mentions several names, including Gareth Southgate, Rafa Benitez, and Luis de la Fuente. Dave also talks about the recent Copa America and Euro tournaments, highlighting the success of Argentina and Spain. The conversation concludes with a discussion about the growth of women's soccer and the recent purchase of a stake in the NWSL team Angel City.

    • 41 min
    Kyle Foley from the Orlando Sentinel joins OTB to discuss the Orlando Pride, USMNT, Kaká, Messi, Copa America, Euros, and Berhalter’s future.

    Kyle Foley from the Orlando Sentinel joins OTB to discuss the Orlando Pride, USMNT, Kaká, Messi, Copa America, Euros, and Berhalter’s future.

    In this electrifying episode of Over the Ball, hosts Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego team up with Kyle Foley, the dynamic beat writer for the Orlando Sentinel, to dive deep into the world of soccer. The trio explores the phenomenal rise of the Orlando Pride women's team, breaks down the US Men's National Team's latest performances, and examines the transformative influence of superstars like Kaká and Messi on Orlando's soccer scene. The conversation heats up with lively debates on the Copa America and Euros, speculation on potential candidates for the US Men's National Team coach, and a shared disdain for the nail-biting tension of penalty shootouts. They also highlight the booming success of soccer on television and don't hold back in slamming Kid Rock's misguided comments about the sport. This episode is a must-listen for soccer fans craving insightful analysis and spirited discussion.

    • 51 min
    Michelle Kaufman, the Miami Herald’s talented veteran sportswriter talks about Messi, USMNT’s failures at Copa America, and Berhalter’s future.

    Michelle Kaufman, the Miami Herald’s talented veteran sportswriter talks about Messi, USMNT’s failures at Copa America, and Berhalter’s future.

    The Miami Herald’s lead sports writer, Herald’s Michelle Kaufman, joins OTB to discuss her experience covering soccer for 25 years, shares her insights on Lionel Messi's move to Miami, what’s next following USMNT’s losses at Copa America tournament, and the future of coach Greg Berhalter.

    Michelle Kaufman has covered 14 Olympics, six World Cups, Wimbledon, U.S. Open, NCAA Basketball Tournaments, NBA Playoffs, Super Bowls and has been the soccer writer and University of Miami basketball beat writer for 25 years. She was born in Frederick, Md., and grew up in Miami. She is also the host of the Inside Inter Miami podcast.

    • 58 min
    Emergency Episode: USMNT Once Again Underperforms. Is Berhalter out?

    Emergency Episode: USMNT Once Again Underperforms. Is Berhalter out?

    Five years ago, Gregg Berhalter was tasked with rebuilding the U.S. men’s national team after their painful failure to qualify for the 2018 World Cup. His mission: to elevate a new generation of talent and restore pride to American soccer. Fast forward to the present, and the USMNT finds itself in a precarious situation at the Copa America. A surprise 2-1 loss to Panama has raised serious questions about Berhalter’s leadership, player development, and tactical choices. With their hopes hanging by a thread, is Berhalter’s job on the line? Dave Gallego dissects the match, analyzes the team’s stagnation, and explores whether the coach’s tenure is in jeopardy.

    • 6 min
    Kevin and Dave dig into USMNT, the Euros, ticket prices, grass pitches, the NCAA’s demise, and Alex Morgan being left off USWNT.

    Kevin and Dave dig into USMNT, the Euros, ticket prices, grass pitches, the NCAA’s demise, and Alex Morgan being left off USWNT.

    On this episode of OTB, Kevin and Dave discuss USMNT vs. Bolivia, the Alex Morgan controversy, the Euros, overly harsh English fans, temporary grass pitches, skyrocketing ticket prices, changes inside NCAA and D1, and the pros and cons of the NCAA transfer portals.

    OTB Executive Producer, Ken Park, joins the boys for the shows new “Getting to Know You” segment to discuss his experiences as a professional skateboarder, his first celebrity crush, and more.

    • 42 min

Customer Reviews

4.7 out of 5
38 Ratings

38 Ratings

OTB with Kevin Flynn ,

Over The Ball with Kevin Flynn

At the encouragement of a soccer loving British friend living in America, I recently listened to the May 10th episode of Over The Ball with Kevin Flynn in which Flynn interviewed The Douglass Brothers. Not being a soccer fan, I knew NOTHING about the sport except what scoring a goal means to the game. That’s it! I became VERY interested in soccer as a result of listening to this compelling interview which focused on the documentary the Douglass brothers have produced about Brazilian soccer legend, Ronaldinho. Flynn’s easygoing, fun personality and quick wit made it easy for me to dive in to the interview without worrying about my ignorance about the game. There were many things I learned about soccer as a result of the interview — yet most interesting to me was that Ronaldinho was especially great for the “beauty” he brought to the game through his form, finesse and strategy on the field. In other words, there are players who have great skill — then there are players like Ronaldinho who elevate their skills — and the game — to the level of an art form when played as masterfully as Ronaldinho played. I have since listed to several other podcasts from the OTB archives — which is remarkable since I never had interest in soccer until I learned a few things from this podcast. WELL DONE!
Richard C; California

Biffaldinho ,

Score

Kevin and Chris are a spectacular team. They are fun, informative, and keep me up to date on soccer around the world.

Beacon+ ,

Roadmap for a Better World

As a woman and an Over the Ball virgin, I was struck by how refreshing it was to listen to a podcast about soccer that combined humor, respect (Kevin and Chris for each other and for the Douglas Brothers, the sport and Ronaldinho), talent and unbridled joy. The professional camaraderie permeating every second of the Douglas Brothers’ podcast (and the documentary discussed) transcended different fields, backgrounds and countries, settling into an unforgettable and life-affirming common ground of humanity. What a wonderful reminder of the way true sportsmanship can be a roadmap to a better world.

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