Orange Slices

Latest Episodes:

Kellyn Acosta Apr 28, 2022

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Many fans know Kellyn Acosta as the ultimate ish talker in the USMNT but he’s actually a really level headed, thoughtful guy off the pitch. Kellyn stopped by the show to catch up with the boys about everything from his recent move to LA, recapping the intensity of the schedule this past year, facing off against Mexico here and abroad, trades within MLS and much more. He also shares some insight into how he is able to stay present during an unrelenting schedule and how he rewards himself for accomplishments in real time. Such an awesome conversation with one of the more thoughtful leaders we have had on the pod.

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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.

Christian Ramirez Apr 21, 2022

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It's been a few weeks but the boys are back with a great conversation about taking the unconventional path to success. In a world where players are pros at 16 or on the academy trail even younger, Christian Ramirez had to build his own path to professional football. He had no offers coming out of college from MLS or abroad and bet on himself in the lower leagues in the States. It eventually paid off and he made a name for himself at Minnesota United and has since enjoyed success at the national team level and now abroad with Aberdeen FC in Scotland. Christian is a humble guy who has a great chat with the boys about his career, staying ready for the national team, life abroad and making the move at what many would consider a late stage in his career.

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World Cup Qualifying Recap #5: USMNT QATAR BOUND BABY Mar 31, 2022

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Heath and Mark catch up to celebrate the USMNT qualifying for the 2022 World Cup! It's been a 6+ month process... ok 4 year process and our guy Mark played a big role in revitalizing this squad. The guys discuss losing at Costa Rica last night and the mixed reaction post match, taking care of business this window, where they were four years ago when we lost to Trinidad & Tobago, their highs and lows from this qualification process and goals for the rest of this year.

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Jim Curtin Mar 24, 2022

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We've been waiting for the right time to bring in Coach Jim Curtin and this felt like the perfect episode. Jim was Mark's first professional coach and worked with him through the academy years within the Union. On the back of missing out of a few matches at Genk due to illness and not getting called into this USMNT World Cup Qualifying squad, Jim was just the type of motivational force Mark & the boys needed this week. Beyond being a great leader, Jim shares some incredible stories about MLS 1.0, being drafted to the Chicago Fire while in a finance class, Concacaf Champions League war stories and his bold vision for where MLS could go next. It's a great conversation with one of the coaching staples in American soccer today.

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Paxten Aaronson Feb 25, 2022

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With his first full pro season less than 48 hours away, Paxten Aaronson is keeping things chill and stopped by for a fun conversation with the OS boys. Paxten is the latest Aaronson to take the Philadelphia Union by storm and rumors are already swirling about what’s next. Pax, Mark & Heath get into his expectations for the season, their different routines for day vs night matches, haircuts, where Pax excels on the field, his first impressions of Mark and the evolution of YSC Academy. He also introduces the guys to their new favorite collectible. If Paxton stock is still available you best buy now- the kid is going places.

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Abby Dahlkemper Feb 18, 2022

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OS listeners, we heard your calls and are happy to deliver our first USWNT guest podcast with World Cup winner, Abby Dahlkemper. Not only is Abby an absolute baller but she delivers a great conversation with the boys. They get into everything from the differences between the respective USWNT & USMNT’s changing of the guard, some intense World Cup moments, pilates, and just winning at every level she’s competed at. They also get into a great conversation about the mental side of the game and how each of them have overcome some of their most challenging moments. First of many pods with our friends from the USWNT.

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World Cup Qualifying Recap #4 / Mailbag Feb 10, 2022

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Heath and Mark catchup after another eventful international break! The guys get into the behind the scenes on all three matches and talk through US Soccer's decision to hold the match in St. Paul, MN in February. After they finishing properly catching up, we open up the mailbag to answer some of our listener's burning questions. Some of the topics include: player most likely to move into coaching, victory songs, best basketball players on the USMNT and an epic Royal Rumble of USMNT managers. Thank you to everyone who sent in questions!

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Matt Turner Jan 28, 2022

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When it comes to US Soccer, goalkeepers have long held up our national reputation around the world. Matt Turner is just the latest name to carry the torch for US Soccer. Matt had a really interesting journey to where he is today and just this week his story seems to have taken another exciting turn. Matt opens up about his crazy 2021 with the USMNT and NE Revolution and how difficult it was to mentally switch between the two different environments regularly. We save the youth soccer stories for his return but he goes into detail about his MLS Draft day experience and how it motivated him to where he is today. Truly one of the best storytellers we've had on the pod so far. TELL EVERYONE WE'RE BACK! Season 2! Let's go!

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Chris Richards Returns! Dec 22, 2021

Show notes

When we discussed closing out Season 1, there was really only one guest that came to mind: Chris Richards. A lot has changed for Chris (and Mark!) since we last spoke to him in December 2020. The guys dive into what the last year has been like at Hoffenheim for Chris, his varying playing time abroad, contributing some crucial USMNT minutes in the last World Cup cycle and hypes up his little bro as the next generation. Mark has also had some huge changes recently. Genk has a new manager and Mark has been in a great run of form in Belgium. He talks about how he stayed mentally ready for this moment and his hopes for the rest of the season with the club. Finally, the guys set some goals for them and the USMNT in 2022.

Thank you for listening to Season 1! We love making this show and interacting with you on social. We’ll see you in February 2022 for Season 2!

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World Cup Qualifying Recap #3 Nov 19, 2021

Show notes

Heath and Mark catchup after another eventful international break! The guys talk about the two huge matches against Mexico and Jamaica. Mark opens up about his expectations going into the camp and his general frustration with his playing time but finding other important ways to contribute to the team. With another Dos a Cero in the USMNT's pocket, all focus is on to 2022 to keep this momentum rolling!

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