Watch the Full Episode on YouTube at Footwork Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Ynrmfdp_Zvg&t=2186s In this episode, Sean Vinberg and special co-host Jake Keegan sit down with Mikey Lopez, a seasoned professional and former MLS midfielder, for a raw and thoughtful conversation about the highs and lows of football. From youth national team appearances to the grind of staying relevant in the pro game, Mikey shares the defining moments that have shaped his career—both on and off the pitc...
Jun 30, 2025•1 hr 7 min•Ep. 155
We sat down with José Galán , the ultimate football journeyman whose career has taken him across more than 16 countries (without counting trials!) and countless cultures. From the pitches of Spain to the far corners of Asia, the Middle East, and beyond, Galán has lived the dream in a way few others have, through adaptation, resilience, and an unshakable love and passion for the game. Just look at this list of countries: Spain, Thailand, Indonesia, Austria, Jordan, Cyprus, Romania, Finland, Andor...
Jun 02, 2025•1 hr 49 min•Ep. 154
Watch the Full Episode on YouTube at Footwork Podcast: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0phL3mSfBKU In this episode, Sean Vinberg sits down with Nathan Messer , professional soccer player for Portland Hearts of Pine , for an honest and inspiring conversation about his unique path in the game. From early challenges to breakthrough moments, Nate shares the ups and downs of his journey and what it truly takes to play pro soccer. They dive into the mindset behind his relentless work ethic, how he sta...
May 26, 2025•1 hr 23 min•Ep. 153
In this episode, we’re joined by Mael Corboz, captain of 3. Liga side Arminia Bielefeld, who are making headlines with one of the most remarkable DFB Pokal runs in recent memory. Against all odds, Bielefeld have knocked out one 2. Bundesliga team and four Bundesliga giants — including title contenders Bayer Leverkusen — to earn a place in the final. We dive into the mindset behind this underdog story, the moments that defined their cup journey, and what it means for the club, the fans, and Corbo...
Apr 14, 2025•39 min•Ep. 152
2025 is off to an interesting start! We know we haven't been publishing new episodes so often but that's all about to change. BUT FIRST, we get an update from the boys and a Footwork favorite and USL League One legend Jake Keegan. Sean and Jake have both recently signed new contracts for the new club Portland Hearts of Pine. A fantastic organization, making waves for it's pride, marketing, and community driven team. We talk everything that led into these new ventures, about the upcoming season a...
Mar 24, 2025•43 min
Welcome back to Footwork. Sean and Dylan have enjoyed a decent career up until this point. But you're only as good as your last game and for our hosts, it is no different. The boys talk about the journey that they are currently on, trying to get a new contract in the USA after playing abroad or playing for a team that folded and all the things that come with it. From open to invite-only trials, USL League One and USL Championship talk, the struggles, staying persistent, expectations vs reality, ...
Jan 13, 2025•34 min•Ep. 150
Professional footballer Justin Rennicks is currently playing for AC Oulu in Finland's Veikkausliiga. He has played in the MLS, USL Championship and USL League One as well as taking the field for the USA in the U-20 World Cup. Having over 30 appearances in the MLS for the New England Revolution, Justin decided to leave the comfort of his hometown and make the bold move to Finland, where he is now thriving in the Veikkausliiga. We discuss the importance of being adaptable and never settling, being...
Dec 02, 2024•55 min•Ep. 149
We sat down for the second time with sport psychologist Dan Abrahams. Dan has worked some of the world's best athletes including premier league players and most recently with Arne Slot at Feyenoord during their title winning season. Even Gareth Bale said Dan's book "Soccer Tough" was life changing. It's been over 2 years since we had him on and he has furthered his insights into how athletes tick. In this episode, we covered a range of topics from ANTS, Game Face & Match Script which we touc...
Nov 11, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 148
We sat down with the powerful Satara Murray, a professional soccer player for Sheffield United whose journey is as inspiring as it is unique. Born in Brooklyn and raised in Austin, Satara's love for the game propelled her to a national championship with the UNC Tar Heels, marking the beginning of an impressive career. From her debut with Liverpool to stints in the NWSL with Houston Dash and Racing Louisville, and playing abroad in Norway's top tier and England with Bristol City, Satara has showc...
Oct 28, 2024•1 hr 20 min•Ep. 147
THE FULL VIDEO VERSION IS AVAILABLE ON YOUTUBE: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kI7ss7b7BWU&t=2180s Sean sits down with Ashkanov Apollon, a Haitian international who defied the odds to carve out a successful career in professional soccer despite starting at the age of 17. Ash shares the fascinating story behind his late start, explaining how his love for the game ignited and how he managed to develop his skills at a lightning pace. From playing in Thailand and Vietnam to landing contracts in...
Oct 10, 2024•1 hr 45 min•Ep. 146
We sat down with American professional soccer player Sam Rogers. At 25 years old, Sam has spent time playing in the USL Championship, Norway's First and Second tier, US Youth National Team and has made 1 appearance for the US Men's National Team. Sam shares his unique journey with us, from deciding to pursue the professional route instead of college, playing a few seasons in the USL Championship, making the jump over to Norway, how a strong season in Norway's first tier earned him a cap with the...
Sep 16, 2024•1 hr 18 min•Ep. 145
Small sided is a segment where we highlight one of our favorite moments with a guest. This one is from our episode with Caleb Stanko, the former Bundesliga and MLS player who was most recently in Greece's top league. We discuss some of the best advice he's ever received on how to approach games in a calm manner and how to respond after making mistakes. All from two legend of the game, Frank Lampard and Gelson Fernandes. You can scroll down and check out the full episode : 1:44 Giving Your Best i...
Aug 26, 2024•3 min
Dylan and Sean talk about the new Pro deal Sean signed recently. After spending 1 season in Mongolia and almost 7 years in Germany, Sean is finally back playing in the US. They talk about the importance of staying game ready, networking and how it lead to this opportunity for Sean, having confidence going into a trial, Sean's debut this past weekend, USL League One as a whole, what Sean misses about Germany, and much more. Purchase a Layover Hoodie: footwork.club/product/the-layover-hoodie/ WHAT...
Aug 21, 2024•36 min
Small sided is a segment where we highlight one of our favorite moments with a guest. This one is from our episode with Peter Swinkels, the former USL League One goalkeeper who recently decided to retire from the sport of soccer. In this snippet we talk about that transition into the business world and the similarities that he found. As well as the topic of self-identity as a footballer and having to move on from that mindset. You can scroll down and check out the full episode : 1:42 Hanging Up ...
Aug 15, 2024•8 min
We recently connected with American professional soccer player Caleb Stanko. At 31, Caleb has experienced the highs and lows of a soccer career that spans multiple countries and leagues. A current free agent, Caleb has played across 4 countries and even has a cap for the USMNT. Caleb shares his journey from moving to Germany as a teenager to join SC Freiburg, making his Bundesliga debut, and adapting to life in Europe. He talks about his loan spell in Switzerland and his return to the United Sta...
Aug 05, 2024•1 hr 33 min•Ep. 144
We sat down with Joe Gyau, a professional American soccer player whose journey has taken him from Silver Spring, Maryland to the soccer pitches of Europe and beyond. At just 17, Joe made the bold decision to leave his home and pursue his dream in Germany, joining the ranks of TSG Hoffenheim. In Germany, Joe spent time with renowned clubs such as FC St. Pauli, Borussia Dortmund, SG Sonnenhof Großaspach and MSV Duisburg. He opens up about his return to the United States with FC Cincinnati in the M...
Jul 22, 2024•1 hr 42 min•Ep. 143
Small sided is a segment where we highlight one of our favorite moments with a guest. This one is from our episode with Jordan Bender, the former Orlando City, Cape Town City, and Charlotte Independence midfielder who is now playing in the Latvian first tier. We talk everything Flow State. Entering it, keeping it, the differences we find in our game, tricks and tips and comparing to the best athletes. Every athlete can benefit from this one. You can scroll down and check out the full episode : 1...
Jul 11, 2024•12 min
We sat down with Peter Swinkels, the former USL League One goalkeeper who recently decided to hang up his boots and explore life beyond the soccer field. Peter's career has seen him play for teams like One Knox and Spokane Velocity, with formative experiences in the Netherlands shaping his professional journey. We delve into Peter's decision to retire and how he knew it was the right time to step away from the game he loves. Peter shares his thoughts on self-identity and the uncertainties that c...
Jul 08, 2024•1 hr 26 min•Ep. 142
In this exciting episode, we're joined by Chris Griebsch, the co-founder of Warubi Sports and a former professional soccer player with an enlightening journey. 🌏⚽️ Chris shares his unique story of transitioning from the soccer fields to the entrepreneurial world. We'll dive into his soccer career that took him to playing at Hofstra University in New York, the sunny shores of Australia, the beautiful island of Cyprus and the inspiration behind Warubi Sports and the many ways they are helping ind...
Jul 04, 2024•1 hr 5 min•Ep. 141
In this exciting episode, we're joined by Chris Griebsch, the co-founder of Warubi Sports and a former professional soccer player with an enlightening journey. 🌏⚽️ Chris shares his unique story of transitioning from the soccer fields to the entrepreneurial world. We'll dive into his soccer career that took him to playing at Hofstra University in New York, the sunny shores of Australia, the beautiful island of Cyprus and the inspiration behind Warubi Sports and the many ways they are helping ind...
Jun 18, 2024•41 min•Ep. 141
Our Fast Feet Quick Fire Questions from episode1:40 Taking in the Moment with Jordan Bender: The American in Latvia Favorite Player, Best Moment, Best Player He's Ever Played with and More! Check out the full episode on our feed below this one: We recently sat down with Jordan Bender, a 22-year-old American soccer player now making waves in the Latvian First Tier with FK Metta. A former U20 USA national team player, Jordan's professional career began with a homegrown contract at Orlando City SC,...
May 31, 2024•6 min
We recently sat down with Jordan Bender, a 22-year-old American soccer player now making waves in the Latvian First Tier with FK Metta. A former U20 USA national team player, Jordan's professional career began with a homegrown contract at Orlando City SC, where he played and trained alongside legends like Kaká, Nani, and Pato. His career also saw him try the jerseys of Charlotte Independence and Cape Town City in South Africa, each experience contributing to the player and person he is today. Jo...
May 27, 2024•58 min•Ep. 140
Small sided is a segment where we highlight one of our favorite moments with a guest. This one is from episode 1:39 Fight For What You Want With The Uruguayan Professional Footballer Mateo Aramburu. We talk about being grateful with where you are as a player, the amazing opportunity of playing in the Uruguayan first tier, comparison, and striving for happiness in whatever you do. Check out the full episode below this one! We discuss difficult times without a club, highlighting the importance of ...
May 24, 2024•8 min
Our Fast Feet Quick Fire Questions from episode 1:39 Fight For What You Want With The Uruguayan Professional Footballer Mateo Aramburu. Favorite Player, Best Moment, Best Player He's Ever Played with and More! Check out the full episode right next to this one: We discuss difficult times without a club, highlighting the importance of maintaining belief and resilience in the face of adversity. As well as finding gratitude in the present moment, rather than constantly chasing the next opportunity. ...
May 21, 2024•3 min
The remarkable journey of Mateo Aramburu, a footballer whose story transcends borders and embodies the true spirit of resilience. Born in Guatemala and of Uruguayan and English descent, Aramburu's passion for the game has taken him on a whirlwind adventure across continents. He is currently playing for CA Progreso in the Primera División Apertura, Uruguay's top football league. From showcasing his talent in the football hotbeds of Argentina, England, Germany, the Netherlands, and France, to find...
May 13, 2024•1 hr 12 min•Ep. 139
Discover the remarkable journey of Sarah Puntigam, Austrian soccer sensation and captain of the national team. From her roots in Europe to her current role with the Houston Dash in the NWSL, Sarah's career epitomizes breaking barriers and embracing challenges. With experience across top leagues in France, Germany (including stints at FC Köln and Bayern Munich), and Switzerland she's not only a force on the field but also a beacon of inspiration for young female players. Those which were not so a...
Apr 08, 2024•49 min
At just 22 years old, Marcelo Palomino has already left an indelible mark on the sport, representing the youth USA national team, gracing the pitches of Major League Soccer with the Houston Dynamo, and now, embarking on a new chapter in the Superettan league in Sweden.Marcelo Palomino is a 22 year old professional soccer player from Houston, Texas. He is currently playing for GIF Sundsvall in Sweden’s 2nd tier, Superettan. After spending his whole youth career with Houston Dynamo, and even makin...
Mar 25, 2024•1 hr 7 min
Johan Gómez is a 22 year old professional soccer player from Texas, currently playing for Eintracht Braunschweig in the 2nd Bundesliga. Having known he wanted to test his abilities in Europe, Johan ventured to Porto after several trials around Europe, eventually joining their u19 setup and B team one year after the other. A testing time for the young striker, who reveals some of his lowest and most humbling moments struck there. But it certainly didn’t stop the dream, moving to east Germany to j...
Mar 11, 2024•1 hr 8 min
Marcus Urban is currently the head of education of coaching at 1. FC Union Berlin. Having spent years traveling the world, Marcus realized he was fascinated by football development in different countries. He knew that his goal was to work in football but the question was how could he best utilize his talents and carve his own way. A student of the game, he’s used his travels to take knowledge from (examples of where he’s worked or been) all with the determination to become a master of his craft....
Feb 26, 2024•1 hr 34 min
Kayla Fernandez is a professional footballer for Atlas FC in the Liga MX Femenil, Mexico's first tier. After teaming up with her two sisters at Tulsa University, Kayla decided to venture into a new country and environment. Guadalajara has been the starting point to her professional career and hopefully helps her get back to the Mexican national team, for which she has already featured for in various youth setups. This jump took years of sacrifices and is a testament to what it takes to achieve a...
Feb 12, 2024•59 min
