Play By Players

10 Episodes
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By: MLSPA

A podcast straight from the players. Former Major League Soccer player Bobby Boswell talks one on one with MLS players past and present about life on and off the field.

Sean Davis
#46
05/19/2023

This week Bobby sits down with Nashville SC's Sean Davis. They discuss Sean's upbringing in New Jersey, his time at Duke University, and his MLS career with New York Red Bulls and Nashville SC - including the role free agency played in his career. Sean also discusses the importance of his Asian heritage and how Japanese culture has influenced his life on and off the pitch. As well as what it's like having a TikTok star in the family!


Sean Franklin
#45
05/05/2023

Sean Franklin grew up in a large athletic family where all sports were accounted for, except soccer. That changed when the two-time MLS All Star picked soccer over basketball and discovered his natural passion for the game as a result. Franklin recalls high school as some of his best memories playing soccer while basking in a competitive high school rivalry, but it wasn’t until he was called up to the U-20 Men’s National Team camp that he realized he had the potential to play professionally. Tune in this week to hear more about Franklin’s soccer journey where...


Jake Nerwinski
#44
04/21/2023

This week, Bobby Boswell sits down with St. Louis City SC’s multifaceted right-back Jake Nerwinski to talk about his soccer journey. Coming from a big soccer family, Nerwinski talks about the natural love he found for the game while playing under the same coach his father had growing up, Tab Ramos. Before getting drafted by Vancouver Whitecaps FC, it wasn’t until Nerwinski’s senior year at The University of Connecticut (UCONN), that he considered playing professionally. Between injuries and working to improve his game over the years, Nerwinski describes how shocked he was to be selected 7th overal...


Sebastien Ibeagha
#43
04/07/2023

It’s showtime for Play By Players Season 3, and your host Bobby Boswell is kicking it off with FC Dallas defender Sebastien Ibeagha. Beginning his soccer journey back home in Nigeria as part of an exceptionally athletic family, Ibeagha came to the United States at a young age and continued his soccer career there. Ibeagha has played over 200 professional games and received various accolades throughout his college, USL and MLS career.

In this week’s episode, the two sit down and discuss the mental and emotional aspects that play into an athlete’s ability to perform while Ibeagh...


Uri Rosell
#42
10/14/2022

Play By Players brings Sporting KC defensive midfielder Uri Rosell, to the podcast this week!  Uri and Bobby talk about the influence of his childhood in Catalonia, adapting to the different culture in MLS and finding your role in the soccer world. 


Born and raised in a small province in Spain, Puig-Reig, Catalonia, Rosell grew up playing soccer in school and realized his love for the game early on. As Bobby shifts the conversation in and out of MLS, listeners will learn how Rosell’s culture, childhood, and experiences have led him to versatility and prosperity as a...


Tesho Akindele
#41
10/07/2022

This week, Bobby and Play By Players bring Orlando City SC and Canada Men’s National Team forward Tesho Akindele to the podcast. Akindele boasts over 280 games played throughout his Major League Soccer career, 19 Canadian International Team representations, and two Open Cup championships. Listen in to hear more as Tesho sheds light on his life off the field, including the importance of education, exploring other interests as a professional athlete, and athletes using their voice for greater change.

Akindele grew up in Canada and then moved to Colorado where he spent most of his adolescent years. Brought up...


Cristian Roldan
#40
09/30/2022

On this week’s episode, Cristian Roldan of Seattle Sounders FC and the U.S. Men’s National Team talks with Bobby Boswell about the driving forces behind his midfield domination over 250 professional games, two MLS Cup Championships, and MLS All-Star status. 


Cristian spent much of his youth in Pico, California learning what it meant to build yourself from the ground up and remain loyal to family, community, and teammates. Playing soccer with his brothers at a young age, Roldan has never been a stranger to competition. While reiterating the importance of fan and commu...


Brandon Vazquez
#39
09/23/2022

Bobby Boswell sits down with FC Cincinnati’s dynamic forward Brandon Vazquez, to talk about his unique and ‘meteoric rise’ to MLS. Growing up in Chula Vista, California, Vazquez spent many days of his week crossing the border from the U.S. to Mexico where he played for Club Tijuana. 


From playing across the country on dirt fields and training long hours every day, Vazquez worked his way up to his leading role on FC Cincinnati with no plans to stop there. Through the lens of Vazquez, listeners will be able to see how perseve...


Diego FagĂșndez
#38
09/16/2022

Austin FC's Diego FagĂșndez joins the latest episode of Play by Players with Bobby Boswell.


Brad Stuver
#37
09/09/2022

Brad Stuver joins Bobby Boswell on the pod this week. Brad, who was recently nominated for the 2022 Muhammad Ali Sports Humanitarian Award, shares his passion for community involvement and giving back.