The World's game from an American perspective

Love soccer? Join the Conversation

newest OTB episode

Former NASL and Canadian soccer star Bob Lenarduzzi joins the boys at Over the Ball

EPISODE

242

:

March 12, 2024

:

Bob Lenarduzzi, Kevin Flynn, Dave Gallego

🎙️Join Kevin and Dave on this week’s episode Over the Ball podcast as we dive into the captivating career and accomplishments of Bob Lenarduzzi—a living legend whose impact reverberates across stadiums, boardrooms, and hearts. Whether he was donning cleats or making strategic decisions, Lenarduzzi’s passion for the game has left an indelible mark on the field with Reading FC, the Vancouver Whitecaps, and the Canadian national team, where he proudly wore the maple leaf at the 1984 Summer Olympics and the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Bob is the sole Canadian to have clinched the NASL Player of the Year award in 1979 and played a pivotal role in the Whitecaps’ NASL Soccer Bowl championship triumph that same year, knocking out the Cosmos to a stunned Giants Stadium crowd. Bob continued to leave his mark on soccer history as the coach of the Vancouver 86ers (now Whitecaps) to four consecutive Canadian Soccer League titles, taking over later as the club’s general manager and director of soccer operations, where he shaped the team’s destiny. His influence extended to the Canadian national team and where his tireless advocacy for soccer in Vancouver earned him a rightful place in the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the Whitecaps FC president, he turned dreams into reality, establishing a professional soccer legacy that continues to inspire generations. Tune in to our podcast episode as we unravel the layers of Bob Lenarduzzi’s remarkable career—a journey fueled by passion, resilience, and unwavering love for the beautiful game. ⚽🎧

Heard On

espn-logo-transparent

&

sirius logo color

Your "Over The Ball" Hosts

Kevin Flynn

Kevin Flynn is a stand-up comedian, actor, television host, and Founder/Executive Director of the Nantucket Comedy Festival, which benefits Stand Up and Learn, a comedy education program that teaches kids confidence, creativity, and communication skills through the medium of stand-up comedy.

After graduating from the University of Massachusetts where he was captain of the soccer team, Kevin went on to play three years of professional soccer in the Major Indoor Soccer League (MISL).  Following his soccer career, Kevin transitioned from pro-athlete to professional sportscaster, host and entertainer.  He covered World Cup Soccer for Fox Sports, ESPN and ABC. Flynn’s Sports Figure show on ESPN received the POLK Award for excellence in children’s programming.

Kevin-Headshot-02b

Dave Gallego

Dave, like all of us is a huge sports fan hailing from Long Island, NY. Being the son of two European parents, father from Spain, mother from England , it would’ve been “illegal” in his household to not play soccer. As such, he developed a keen interest in the sport. He brings a sometimes brash and opinionated style of commentary to the podcast not always being so politically correct. When not watching soccer, Dave works in sales at NBC Universal. He also keeps busy playing music. He is active in two bands, Jerry and the Newcomers and classic rock band The Haze.

recent OTB EPISODES

Former NASL and Canadian soccer star Bob Lenarduzzi joins the boys at Over the Ball

EPISODE

242

:

March 12, 2024

:

Bob Lenarduzzi, Kevin Flynn, Dave Gallego

🎙️Join Kevin and Dave on this week’s episode Over the Ball podcast as we dive into the captivating career and accomplishments of Bob Lenarduzzi—a living legend whose impact reverberates across stadiums, boardrooms, and hearts. Whether he was donning cleats or making strategic decisions, Lenarduzzi’s passion for the game has left an indelible mark on the field with Reading FC, the Vancouver Whitecaps, and the Canadian national team, where he proudly wore the maple leaf at the 1984 Summer Olympics and the 1986 FIFA World Cup. Bob is the sole Canadian to have clinched the NASL Player of the Year award in 1979 and played a pivotal role in the Whitecaps’ NASL Soccer Bowl championship triumph that same year, knocking out the Cosmos to a stunned Giants Stadium crowd. Bob continued to leave his mark on soccer history as the coach of the Vancouver 86ers (now Whitecaps) to four consecutive Canadian Soccer League titles, taking over later as the club’s general manager and director of soccer operations, where he shaped the team’s destiny. His influence extended to the Canadian national team and where his tireless advocacy for soccer in Vancouver earned him a rightful place in the National Soccer Hall of Fame and the Whitecaps FC president, he turned dreams into reality, establishing a professional soccer legacy that continues to inspire generations. Tune in to our podcast episode as we unravel the layers of Bob Lenarduzzi’s remarkable career—a journey fueled by passion, resilience, and unwavering love for the beautiful game. ⚽🎧

EPISODE

241

:

March 5, 2024

:

Rick Davis, Kevin Flynn, Dave Gallego

In the annals of American soccer history, few names evoke as much reverence and admiration as Rick Davis. A true legend of the sport, Davis left an indelible mark on the landscape of American soccer during his tenure with the New York Cosmos in the North American Soccer League (NASL). With a blend of skill, tenacity, and leadership, Davis emerged as a beacon of excellence, captivating fans and inspiring future generations of players. Get ready for an electrifying episode of the Over The Ball podcast as we welcome none other than American soccer icon, Rick Davis, as he joins Kevin and Dave and delves into his unparalleled journey through the world of soccer, reminiscing about his illustrious career with the New York Cosmos in the NASL and his enduring impact on the sport in the United States.
legendary Chicago Sting soccer coach Willy Roy

EPISODE

240

:

March 1, 2024

:

Juan Carlos AmorĂłs, Kevin Flynn, Dave Gallego

Juan Carlos AmorĂłs, the 38-year-old head coach of NJ/NY Gotham FC in the NWSL, is a rising star in soccer. With extensive global soccer experience, he has successfully led teams in Spain, England, and the U.S. Fresh from a thrilling NWSL Championship match win against OL Reign, Coach AmorĂłs shares insights from his worldwide soccer ventures. He emphasizes building a club deeply rooted in community and fan connection and reveals his coaching philosophy that centers on treating players as individuals with diverse cultures and perspectives before uniting them as a cohesive force for electrifying play. AmorĂłs delves into the nuances between men’s and women’s games while highlighting the global evolution of women’s soccer where other nations are catching up to the once-dominant USWNT. His keen observations shed light on the changing landscape of elite women’s soccer as he discusses tactical strategies with Kevin and Dave, emphasizing strong leadership at Gotham FC to align with the club’s ambition for global recognition. The boys also critique Ronaldo’s success – or lack thereof – Messi’s god-like stature, and the emergence of Thirty-year old coaches with the hiring of Eric Ramsay at Minnesota United. That and more on this week’s episode of Over The Ball.

EPISODE

239

:

February 21, 2024

:

John Harkes, Kevin Flynn, and Dave Gallego

Former U.S. men’s national team captain, John Harkes, visits Over The Ball to delve into his Greenville experience and reminisce about the 1990 and 1994 World Cups. He reflects on the tragic death of Andreas Escobar and stresses the significance of honoring soccer history. Dave and Kevin explore Harkes’ move from European play to MLS and the hurdles of being a soccer commentator. Harksie underlines the necessity of American voices in soccer commentary, recounting his Goal of the Year win in the English Premier League versus Manchester United, navigating their arrogance.
legendary Chicago Sting soccer coach Willy Roy

EPISODE

238

:

February 13, 2024

:

Willy Roy, Kevin Flynn, Dave Gallego

Legendary Chicago Sting Coach, Willy Roy, joins the boys on OTB to discuss Coach Roy’s transition from player to coach, the demise of the NASL, and the Chicago Sting’s historic win over the Cosmos in the 1981 Soccer Bowl. Dave and Kevin celebrate the Coach’s National Soccer Hall of Fame induction in 1989 and his NASL Coach of the Year honors in 1981. The boys also dig into Daryl Dike’s injury, Gio Reyna’s performance for Nottingham Forest, alongside USMNT teammate Matt Turner, and Brazil’s surprise failure to qualify for the 2024 Olympics. The mics are a buzzing on this week’s episode of Over The Ball.

EPISODE

237

:

February 7, 2024

:

Nikki Mark, Kevin Flynn, Dave Gallego

Kevin and Dave dive deep into the engaging world of soccer as they chat with the inspirational Nikki Mark, author of “Tommy’s Field – Love Loss and the Goal of a Lifetime.” Nikki captivates with her awe-inspiring tale of resilience, recounting how she channeled the heartbreaking loss of her son into a remarkable journey of personal growth, all while sprinkling in a touch of otherworldly guidance. But the excitement doesn’t stop there! The dynamic duo also dish on the latest buzz surrounding the World Cup, from the thrilling selection of New York as a host city to the explosive surge in the global adoration of the beautiful game. It’s a conversation no soccer aficionado would want to miss! Learn more about this incredible book at https://nikkimark.com/
soccer tommy tom mulroy

EPISODE

236

:

January 30, 2024

:

Kevin Flynn, Dave Gallego

In this episode, Kevin and Dave go mono y mono concerning Jürgen Klopp’s departure from Liverpool, Xavi leaving Barcelona, and the decline of American goalkeepers. The boys also dig into the importance of coaching and parental involvement in youth sports, touching on various topics such as the transfer market, promising young players, and Gio Reyna’s need to balance talent with attitude and consistency. Or more simply, just another controversial chat between two opinionated soccer fans.
soccer tommy tom mulroy

EPISODE

235

:

January 25, 2024

:

Tommy "Soccer Tom" Mulroy, Kevin Flynn, Dave Gallego

Join Kevin and Dave on the latest episode of Over The Ball as they chat with the legendary “Soccer Tom” Mulroy. The newly released book, “90 Minutes with the King: How Soccer Saved My Life” is a must-read for all fans, players, and coaches. In this captivating discussion, Tommy takes listeners on a journey through the American soccer scene and shares his passion and dedication for the game. From humble beginnings to playing in the NASL and even guarding Pele himself, Mulroy’s stories highlight the crucial role of street soccer in paving the way for today’s players and coaches. Listen as Tommy talks about his experience playing against Pele and witnessing his infamous bicycle kick goal, as well as delving into individual ability, sportsmanship, memorable moments, and the pure love of the game.
soccer tommy tom mulroy

EPISODE

234

:

January 16, 2024

:

Alexi Lalas, Kevin Flynn, Dave Gallego

Get ready for some fun and engaging banter as “Gigante Rojo”, better known as the former USMNT stand-out and witty Fox on-air talent Alexi Lalas, join the boys at OTB. They dive into Lalas’ impressive soccer career, his transition to broadcasting, and the ever-growing American soccer scene. Kevin and Dave skillfully coax Lalas into discussing the importance of candor and expressing opinions in soccer broadcasting, all while sharing amusing anecdotes from his world stage experiences. Prepare for a hilarious twist as Lalas reveals his secret passion for making music and the therapeutic power it holds. Not forgetting the impactful 1994 World Cup, they discuss soccer’s transformation in the US, Lalas’ possible venture into politics, and his deep love for the country. Tune in for some exciting takeaways and a memorable outro!
soccer tommy tom mulroy

EPISODE

233

:

January 9, 2024

:

Bruce Murray, Kevin Flynn, Dave Gallego

Welcome back soccer lovers, to another exciting episode of OTB. This week, we have a special guest who will surely spark some nostalgia for our die-hard listeners. He’s a former national team player and winner of the prestigious Herman Trophy – none other than Bruce Murray himself! Joined by your favorite hosts Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego, this episode is filled with insightful conversations about his illustrious career in soccer, playing overseas professionally, and the importance of having an underdog mentality on the field. The boys also pay tribute to the late Franz Beckenbauer and his impact on the game. The conversation covers Beckenbauer’s revolutionary role as a sweeper and his English language lessons. Kevin and Dave also announce the winner of a competition, preview next week’s guest and conclude with a discussion on recent Premier League soccer matches.
soccer tommy tom mulroy

EPISODE

232

:

January 4, 2024

:

Juan Guerra, Kevin Flynn, Dave Gallego

OTB hosts Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego interview Juan Guerra, the 36-year-old Venezuelan-born coach and former pro player who is currently the head coach of the USL Champions Phoenix Rising FC, becoming the youngest Head Coach to lift the trophy in league history. Dave and Kevin also discuss the week’s Premier League action, sharing their insights on how Liverpool and Aston Villa are doing while Manchester United struggles. They debate what makes a great soccer coach. Some prefer an authoritarian like JosĂ© Mourinho, while others prefer managers who motivate and support players like Jurgen Klopp, noting how star players Kevin De Bruyne and Mohamed Salah did not thrive under Mourinho but excelled under Klopp. Lastly, the OTB boys discuss how players like Djordje Mihailovic and Hugo Lloris coming to MLS will improve the league. All on this week’s episode of OTB.

EPISODE

231

:

December 27, 2023

:

Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego

Hey there! In this episode of Over the Ball, our hosts and soccer fanatics Kevin Flynn and Dave Gallego get into all things soccer. They dive into the great ‘soccer’ versus ‘football’ debate, and guess what? Dave surprises Kevin by putting him on the hot seat and grilling him about his pro soccer career, his hilarious experiences at the Nantucket Comedy Festival, and his gig as a comedian, actor, and soccer TV analyst. Kevin, being the storyteller he is, spills the beans about playing in the MISL, going toe-to-toe with Pele, and his wild soccer journey before the MLS explosion. Oh, and of course, they give us a sneak peek of their upcoming interview with the one and only Juan Guerra, the coach of the USL champion Phoenix Rising. You don’t want to miss it!