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Andrew welcomes the author Kareem Rai, founder and CEO of One Soccer Nation, to discuss soccer in America, the uniqueness of USL, and how politics affects those involved in the sport.

In this episode of Stone by Stone, host Lauren gets an update from GM and club co-founder Andrew Swanson on the state of the club ahead of our USL debuts.

Andrew is joined by none other than avian op-ed columnist Chad the Bird to discuss Chicago, pinball and Malort!

Andrew is joined by Joel Nash, SVP of USL's pre-professional leagues, talking the growth of the leagues, Joel's role in building up USL League Two and USL W League, and more!

Andrew is joined by CJ Brown, a legend in the local soccer space in Chicago, playing for Chicago Fire FC for 13 years, and now coaching and focusing on youth development. The two talk about iconic Chicago soccer moments, as well as CJ's journey to the top.

This week, Andrew is joined by Mike Magee, former MLS MVP, and former Chicago Fire FC player. The two discuss Mike's path to professional soccer, being a household name in MLS, playing against Wayne Rooney, and more!

Lauren Hall is joined by Will Quam, an architecture photographer based in Chicago, who founded Brick of Chicago, an increasingly-popular Instagram account that highlights Chicago architecture. The two discuss Will's growth as a photographer, his love of architecture, and increasing knowledge of the sport of soccer.

Andrew sits down with Chris Mueller, Chicago native and Chicago Fire FC player. The two talk about Mueller's upbringing and what led him down the path of professional soccer, what being a Chicago native means to him, and more!

Lauren Hall is joined by Emma Woodley, head coach of Edgewater Castle FC's USL W League side. The two talk about Woodley's upbringing in soccer in Colorado, what brought her to Chicago, and her experience with Edgewater Castle FC so far.

Part-owner, Kellyn Acosta, is joined by Dan Polyak, graphic artist and Chicago native, to discuss all things football and fashion. The two talk about Dan's involvement in ECFC and designing Edgewater Castle FC's 2026 Lotto kits.

Andrew is joined by Tobi, Sebastian, and Michael Wimmer to discuss their influence on Edgewater Castle FC as players and fans alike, their time abroad in Germany, and the community that they're helping build here in Chicago. Tobi and Sebastian play for ECFC, while their youngest brother, Michael, has played club soccer locally in Chicago and abroad in Germany. The Brothers talk about their parents' influence as part of the ownership group, and their development playing for various clubs in Chicago, MLS Next, and Germany.

Bardia Kimiavi, current ECFC player, is joined by Northwestern Wildcats Men's Soccer coach, Russell Payne, talking about his journey into soccer, his role as a U.S. Youth National Team coach and scout for U.S. Soccer, and so much more!

Andrew is joined by John Carruthers of Crust Fund Pizza, known for "Charitable pizza in a secret Chicago alley" that makes Chicago tavern style pizza. The two discuss Chicago Fire FC's 2025 season, pizza, going on Chopped, the World Cup influence, and so much more in this week's episode of Stone by Stone.

Andrew is joined by Patrick Infurna, co-founder of current USL League Two champions, Vermont Green FC. The two discuss growing in USL, and Vermont Green's unique approach to operations.

Stone by Stone headed to the Chicago Fire FC wildcard playoff match to talk to supporters about the evolution of soccer culture in Chicago, and with Jake Payne to explore multi-national soccer fandom.⁠Website⁠ | https://www.edgewatercastlefc.com/⁠LinkTree⁠ | https://linktr.ee/edgewatercastle—✅ Like this episode? Don't forget to subscribe, leave a comment, and share your own experiences with international soccer.🔔 Turn on notifications so you don’t miss future conversations!#chicagofire #SoccerFandom #bundesliga #AmericanSoccer #mls #SoccerPodcast #StoneByStone #RedLineSG #mlsplayoffs #ecfc #GoRooks #VamosRooks 🌊🏰