Episodes

  • Pablo Maurer Let's It Fly!
    May 15 2025

    The Athletic's Pablo Maurer joins Roche to discuss the D.C. United ownership group, whether they are malicious or inept (and which is "better"), how the rest of the club has to manage with this type of owner, and the Audi Field experience.

    Then, the guys chop it up over career transitioning, covering soccer in the USA and the challenges that come with it.

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    51 mins
  • Is D.C. United's Academy Still Free?
    May 9 2025

    There's been a lot of conversation around a recent report stating that D.C. United's Academy is no longer free.

    MLSsoccer.com's Charles Boehm joins Roche to help clarify the situation as well as discuss DCU's transfer plans for the summer, the club's roster profile, and, why Gavin Turner hasn't debuted with the first team yet.

    Read Charlie's excellent piece on the Philadelphia Union Academy here.

    Follow Charlie on Bluesky...and skeet him there.

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    50 mins
  • The Washington Post's Steven Goff On D.C. United: It's a Weird Time
    Apr 17 2025

    With D.C. United's season slowly going off the rails, this is a good time to see how their off the field year is going.

    Washington Post journo, Steven Goff, joins the show to discuss the "weird time" the club is going through, the likelihood of on field reinforcements before the end of the season (and when to expect them), and if the owners are aware of the restlessness of the fanbase.

    Then, Roche and Steven reminisce about the early days of D.C. United and the joy Steven still gets from telling the human stories at the club.


    Follow Steven on Bluesky and read his work on The Washington Post.

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    51 mins
  • Troy Lesesne on Tactics, Culture, and Expectations
    Mar 26 2025

    After a solid (but not spectacular) start, D.C. United stumbled badly in their first big test of the season.

    What went wrong?

    Can it be corrected?

    Does this team have the talent to make the playoffs?

    To get some answers, DCU head coach Troy Lesesne joins Roche to discuss the state of the team, why "win now" has to be the mantra, why the club switched player models during the preseason, and how bought in ownership is.


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    37 mins
  • David Schnegg: I've Always Wanted To Play In MLS, But It's Not That Easy
    Mar 13 2025

    Eight years ago, David Schnegg was 19, a full time construction worker, and a part time soccer player in a semi-pro league.

    Today, he is the starting left back for D.C. United and someone who is being counted on to return the club to glory.

    He joins Roche to discuss his unusual path to professional soccer, how he fits into Troy Lesesne's system, why he's always wanted to play in the United States, what Liechtenstein is like, and how he still doesn't understand what a credit score is.


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    28 mins
  • D.C. United-TFC Recap. Plus, Jason Anderson on Troy's Tactics
    Feb 25 2025

    Roche kicks off the show with a player by player recap of D.C. United's season opening draw against Toronto FC at Buzzard Point. He was in the house for the match and gives his thoughts on the new fan experiences at Audi Field.

    Then, Pro Soccer Wire's Jason Anderson joins the show to break down the new wrinkles in DCU's tactics. What worked, what didn't, what needs more time, and what's Troy Lesesne's intent behind his tactical decisions.

    Here's a link to Marc Machado's fantastic breakdown of DC's tactics.

    Follow Jason on Bluesky.


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    55 mins
  • It's A D.C. United Season Preview Crossover Event With Soccerwise!
    Feb 17 2025

    D.C. United's regular season kicks off Saturday against Toronto FC and, to set the stage, it's very special episode of Pitch Pass...a crossover event with the Soccerwise podcast!

    Roche and David Gass review the Black and Red's offseason, who came, who went, what to expect from the club this year, as well as some of the more interesting storylines heading into the season.

    Then, Matt Doyle checks in with his thoughts on the upcoming year for DCU and everyone gives their predictions for the season.

    Follow Soccerwise on X and Bluesky and subscribe to their fantastic podcast!


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    39 mins
  • Who Are The Academy Players At D.C. United's Preseason Camp?
    Jan 23 2025

    D.C. United is keeping things under wrap this preseason, including what Academy players have joined the first team in Florida. After some digging, we have a rough idea of what two youth players are there. Travis Clark of Top Drawer Soccer joins the show to discuss those players as well as a few Academy players who are not there and why?

    Travis also breaks down the pros and cons of college vs MLSNext Pro, the value of winning at the youth level, and the DCU Academy outlook for 2025.

    Follow Travis on Bluesky and X and Top Drawer Soccer on X.

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    1 hr and 11 mins