Orange Slices

Latest Episodes:

Orange Slices Is Back | Mark McKenzie | 37 Days Out May 05, 2026

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Orange Slices is back — and the timing couldn't be better. With 37 days until the World Cup kicks off on home soil, Heath Pearce reconnects with co-host and active USMNT defender Mark McKenzie for a wide-open season premiere. Since the pod went dark: Mark got engaged, planned a wedding in five months (without inviting Heath), had a baby boy, moved from Belgium to Toulouse, and made his Ligue 1 debut — in that order, more or less.

In this episode, Mark breaks down what it's actually like to go head-to-head with Dembélé and Marquinhos at PSG away, why the Vélodrome is the most hostile atmosphere he's ever played in, and what Pochettino demands from the very first training session. He also opens up about the 2022 World Cup cut — the 10 PM phone call, the pit in his stomach, and why, four years later, he'll admit he probably wasn't ready. Plus: the art of channeling competitor rage when you're also managing diapers.

Orange Slices drops 2-3 times a week through the end of August. Subscribe wherever you get your podcasts.

Orange Slices | Trailer May 04, 2026

Show notes

Watch Orange Slices every Tuesday and Thursday wherever you get your podcasts! Orange Slices connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by former U.S. international Heath Pearce and U.S. international Mark McKenzie, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national teams and soccer Americana. From the muddy fields of our youth to the games won and lost on the world's stage, weekly episodes will feature guests from different generations of American soccer sharing stories, insights, and commentary on their soccer experiences and the American game. Come and enjoy a slice of the soccer life! Sponsored by FanDuel Predicts.

End of 2022 Mailbag Dec 23, 2022

Show notes

Heath and Mark catch up after a few weeks off. The guys get into Genk's training camp in Spain, Heath's World Cup experience in Qatar and the recent USMNT controversies. Plus, they answer all your questions about their highs and lows from 2022, favorite World Cup moments, their go-to coffee order, which USWNT player they like the most right now and much more. Thank to everyone who submitted a question! Happy holidays to you & yours and we'll see you guys in '23.

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“Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by emerging U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

Iran-USMNT Match Preview Nov 29, 2022

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Mark and Heath have a quick chat about the USMNT ahead of their critical match against Iran in the final game of the group stages.

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“Orange Slices” connects the past, present, and future generations of U.S. internationals around our collective soccer story. Hosted by U.S. international Mark McKenzie and former U.S. international Heath Pearce, this cross-generational show is an unfiltered celebration of our national team and soccer Americana.

World Cup Disappointment Nov 18, 2022

Show notes

After taking a few days to process things, Mark and Heath talk through being left off this year’s USMNT roster in the final hour. Mark opens up about being in the final group of players, his phone call with Gregg, how he and his family processed everything and what’s next. Thanks to all the OS listeners who have showed love and support this past week.

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Genk Top of the Belgian Table & Final Games Before Qatar Oct 28, 2022

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We are less than 3 weeks away from the World Cup and everyone is feeling the pressure in different ways. On this week's episode, Heath and Mark discuss Mark's recent run of form with Genk, the club's great victory over Antwerp over the weekend Mark's mentality heading into these final 2 games before the USMNT World Cup roster announcement.

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Joe Scally Oct 14, 2022

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Mark & Heath welcome one of the rising Americans abroad, Joe Scally. Joe brings all the positivity in this one from his home in Düsseldorf, Germany. The guys get into the recent USMNT camp and Joe's inclusion in the senior team over the past calendar year, consistent playing time at Borussia Mönchengladbach, drawing Bayern Munich earlier this season and life abroad. He is just an all around positive dude and it will be impossible not to root for continued success for our guy after you listen to this episode.

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USMNT September Camp Recap Oct 06, 2022

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Heath and Mark chat through what was a frustrating yet eventful final USMNT camp ahead of Qatar. Mark opens up about some of the goals going into these matches, what he and the team was able to takeaway from them, the vibes in the dining room post match and what he needs to do to stay ready in this crucial lead up to the World Cup. We will be back next week with a guest!

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Don’t Call It a Comeback! Sep 22, 2022

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It’s been too long OS fam but Heath Pearce and Mark McKenzie are finally back and on the road to Qatar. Mark joins us from USMNT camp and the guys get into a lot in this episode. They address our long break from the pod, the end of last season for Mark at Genk, why he wasn’t playing and his recent run of form for his club. Of course they also get into everything USMNT including Mark’s addition to this September camp and his goals for the next couple of months before the World Cup. The guys will be doing their thing every week until Qatar so subscribe to the feed so you don’t miss an episode.

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Genk's Playoff Journey May 13, 2022

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It's the business end of the season so no guest but plenty to discuss as Mark and Genk are pushing for the final Conference League spot in the Belgian Playoffs. The guys talk about Mark's recent run of form, the complicated playoff system in Belgium and other Americans dealing with the end of the season in various leagues in Europe. They get into an interesting conversation about the recent run of Americans moving for record fees and the expectations that come with that - is it always best to move to the biggest club available? Finally, the guys get into summer plans ahead fo a weird winter World Cup and setting up expectations for next season (yes, already).

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