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.

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.

On this episode, we’re joined by one of the most recognizable and respected voices in American soccer broadcasting—Steve Cangialosi, play-by-play announcer for MLS Season Pass on Apple TV. With years of experience calling some of the league’s biggest moments, Steve helps us break down everything at stake heading into MLS Decision Day 2025, as Charlotte FC hosts the Philadelphia Union.

With a top-four finish and a home playoff match on the line, we dive into the storylines and pressure points that will define this matchup. Steve shares insight on:

• What makes Philadelphia one of the league’s toughest tests heading into the postseason.

• What Charlotte FC needs to do to finish out strong this season.

It all comes down to this—win, and Charlotte FC locks in a top-four finish.

X: @CangyApple

On this episode we talk with Gary Dicker, Crown Legacy FC Head Coach. Gary was appointed as Crown Legacy FC’s second head coach in November 2024, bringing with him a wealth of experience from a 15-year professional playing career and a recent stint coaching in the Premier League 2 with Brighton & Hove Albion’s U-21s.

In this conversation, Gary reflects on his path from player to coach, the mentors and moments that defined his football philosophy, and how he’s translating those lessons into the Charlotte FC system. He discusses the differences between European and American player development, the balance between winning and growth, and the importance of patience in building a club’s identity from the ground up.

It’s a thoughtful look at the process of building — as a leader, as a mentor, and as someone still learning in a new football culture.

Today’s episode is a special one, because we’re doing a crossover with our sister podcast, Side Story Sports, where we dive into the behind-the-scenes moments and people who make sports happen.

We’re thrilled to welcome back Joe LaBue, who was with Charlotte FC as our President for the first three years and played a pivotal role in shaping the club from the ground up. Since then, Joe has transitioned to the University of Maryland, where he now serves as the Deputy Athletic Director and Chief Revenue Officer.

In this episode, we’ll hear from Joe about his journey, what it takes to build and run a club, and how his experiences at Charlotte FC are influencing his next chapter in college athletics.

X: JCLaBue

In this episode of the Charlotte FC Podcast, we sit down with Trent Slagle, Senior Communications Coordinator for Charlotte FC. From his roots in Sacramento and early work with Real Salt Lake to his role in Crown Legacy’s inaugural season, Trent has built a career centered on telling stories that matter. We dive into how he helps Charlotte FC stay visible in the community and in the media, the strategy behind campaigns like kit launches and impact reports, and what it takes to keep the club top of mind for fans and outlets across the city. Along the way, Trent reflects on sacrifices, mentors, and the moments that have shaped his journey in soccer communications.

Broadcaster Jessica Charman returns to the Charlotte FC Podcast with fresh insights and a new perspective from the MLS Season Pass booth. With Charlotte FC riding a historic win streak and NYCFC surging up the Eastern Conference table, Jess breaks down the tactics, key players, and storylines that make this matchup one of the most compelling of the season. From Wilfred Zaha’s impact in the attack to the rise of Idan Toklamati, from Maxi Moralez’s timeless influence to Matt Freese’s strong goalkeeping, no angle is left uncovered.

Jess also shares her personal journey—why she left the comfort of a secure role in Charlotte to bet on herself, how she earned her place calling MLS matches, and what it means to prove she belongs at the highest level of the sport.

Charlotte FC wants to be more than a soccer club. In its annual Community Impact Report, the team highlights programs that serve kids, families, and neighborhoods across the Carolinas. In this episode, we hear from Trent Slagle, who helps shape the report; CC Schott, who leads community engagement; and Sarah Garrison from Atrium Health, a key partner. Together, they share how camps, clinics, mini-pitches, unified teams, and powerful personal stories are creating a legacy that goes beyond the pitch.

Here is the report: https://www.charlottefootballclub.com/community/community-impact-report