League One Fun – Episode 71: Bye Toronto FC II & Brandon Fricke

This week on League 1 Fun, Ira and Jason discuss the breaking news on Toronto FC II’s absence from the 2020 season and how it will affect scheduling and format. Brandon Fricke makes an appearance half way though the show.

Speaking of scheduling, the duo breaks down the 2020 season format for the regular season and playoffs. Which teams have an advantage? Which teams will struggle the most?

They also discuss the regional rivals for each team; Who has the best match up, who will struggle, and whether or not they can see an actual rival forming from the sections. Good luck Richmond).

Finally, after they speak with Brandon the guys wrap up the podcast discussing the USL’s new safety protocol and how the league is ensuring that players and fans are going to be as safe as possible during this pandemic (Jason isn’t much of a fan).

Brandon Fricke Joins The Pod

They’re later joined by Greenville Triumph’s Defender Brandon Fricke, who catches up the duo on training in his new home of Greenville. From Des Moines to Sweden, Bandon speaks on his career and the biggest difference between American and European lower league soccer. They also discuss training with the new safety protocols, the difference between Coach Nate Miller and Coach John Harkes, why Greenville is setting up to be a lot more of an attacking team this year, and what are personal traits he’s been working on during the offseason.

Ira is @irajersey, Jason is @homesweetsoccer, the show is @league1fun and Brandon Fricke is @b_fricke5.

For more on USL League One return to play protocols and what teams are doing to prepare for fans in the stadiums, listen to League One Fun Episode 69 and Episode 70.

What is League One Fun

League One Fun is the Beautiful Game Network podcast that covers the entirety of USL League One. Jason and Ira discuss the third tier and lowest tier of professional soccer. The two conduct player, coach and front office interviews as well as review matches and league news. Independent franchises include Greenville Triumph, South Georgia Tormenta, Richmond Kickers, Chattanooga Red Wolves, Forward Madison and Union Omaha. The league also includes USL Championship second team FC Tucson. There are now five MLS2 sides. These include Fort Lauderdale CF (InterMiami), New England Revolution II, Toronto FC II, North Texas SC (FC Dallas), and Orlando City B.

Ira Jersey

twitter: @irajersey Soccer fanatic and nerd with many hobbies, Ira is a New York Red Bull supporter who loves lower division soccer. He is a youth coach with several USSF and United Soccer Coaches licenses; and also a competitive youth referee. He writes and podcasts on USL League One for BGN. Ira has worked in finance for more than two decades focusing on bond markets and is currently the Chief U.S. Interest Rate Strategist at Bloomberg Intelligence, Bloomberg LP's research arm.