At last, a goal for Jozwiak
Plus: Podcast palooza — we break down 11 Charlotte FC podcasts; Preview of Saturday's game at Salt Lake
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The star player from Poland breaks through with a goal (and assist) vs. Toronto
Jozwiak putting on some moves against Toronto. (Photo by Charlotte FC photographer Alana McCallion.)
When Kamil Jozwiak slid to get an authoritative right foot on a pass from Kerwin Vargas and tie last Saturday’s game 2-2 in Toronto, it broke a streak of 43 games he’d played without scoring a goal. That scoreless streak included one game with the Polish National team and four with his previous English Championship club, Derby County. (Jozwiak also assisted Ben Bender for the first goal against Toronto with a pinpoint cross.)
It had been a year and a half since the blond-topped winger had last scored for the Polish National team on Nov. 12, 2021, in a 4-1 World Cup Qualifying win in Andorra, the tiny country nestled in the Pyrenees mountains between France and Spain.
It was also Jozwiak’s first official goal in 38 games he’d played in since arriving in Charlotte, if you include two U.S. Open Cup games and the exhibition against Chelsea. Jozwiak scored the final penalty kick in the 5-3 shootout win over Chelsea last July, but shootout goals don’t count towards statistical totals.
Otherwise, Jozwiak had hit the back of the net just once — during a preseason exhibition against Birmingham when Charlotte FC got goals from each of its three designated players (stars signed without regard to the salary cap).
Unlike Karol Swiderski, who scored in his third-ever game with Charlotte FC last year, and Enzo Copetti, who scored in his second with Charlotte this season, Jozwiak had to sweat out his first goal. The perma-grin on his face after he finally scored it gave a pretty good indication of the relief he felt. And the dogpile Jozwiak got from a host of teammates punctuated the moment as one that felt bigger, even, than a game-tying goal.
When asked Saturday night how he’s handled the wait, and the ups and downs including a benching after three straight losses this year, Jozwiak said:
I’m only focused on my work. I trust the process, what we’re doing here, what I’m doing. I know I’m doing everything (I can) in every training. I always try to give my best, and I am happy that it worked today. I hope that it will be working this season a lot of times more.
The process for Jozwiak hit some jags early on as he tried to acclimate to what previous coach Miguel Angel Ramirez wanted of him. Jozwiak found smoother sailing once Christian Lattanzio took over. Lattanzio valued Jozwiak’s aggressiveness in the high press and on defense, even when the goals weren’t coming. By late last season, though, Lattanzio recognized some offensive flow.
Lattanzio pointed out Thursday that it was Jozwiak’s work in the 4-0 win over Philadelphia Union last Oct. 1 that got lost in the frenzy of Daniel Rios’ four-goal night. Jozwiak assisted the first two those goals, and he made the pass on a Nuno Santos shot that drew a handball, resulting in Rios’ third goal on a penalty kick. Lattanzio also pointed out that Jozwiak had two near-goals last season in Houston.
“He knows he has my trust as a player,” Lattanzio said. “… I understand why he has been criticized because of the numbers, but I thought that his contribution was always tangible with the team. And I’m glad that we are starting to see the numbers as well. Even in preseason, he came out creating chances. Kamil is working really hard and in the end, hard work and quality pays off.”
Here’s the video of the goal:
And a photo of the celebration afterward:
Jozwiak celebrating his goal with two fellow DPs in tow (Copetti left and Swiderski right). (Photo by Charlotte FC photographer Alan McCallion.)
Podcast palooza: Finding your favorite Charlotte FC podcasts in a sea of them
That old saying “Everybody’s got a podcast” is starting to ring especially true, eh? (Smile.) It certainly is with Charlotte FC. Part of being indoctrinated into professional soccer culture, apparently, is learning how prevalent podcasts are among not just soccer media, but fans and fan groups. Out of curiosity, and to force ourselves to figure out who was who, we compiled a master list of Charlotte FC podcasts. So far, we’ve got 11 and counting.
I’m starting to think you could listen to Charlotte FC podcasts back-to-back-to-back and get from Sunday to Wednesday each week. Is it overkill? Depends on how many you listen to, I suppose, but having so many podcasts in the orbit of one team seems to be another tangible indicator of the excitement around town for professional soccer. It also shows the sheer dedication of the people who do this for free. Plus I hear there are some podcast rivalries building, which keeps it all interesting.
And yes, the sheer volume of podcasts is a bit overwhelming. Not to worry. We are here to help you sort through them and pick those you might want to try or add to your regular rotation. No one should ever have to sit at a traffic light or in a fast food drive-through without some Charlotte FC analysis to pass the time. (You can find each of these podcasts on social media, and they link to their podcasts each week.)
Each of these is available on Apple Podcasts and typically on other major podcast platforms (unless otherwise noted).
Feel free to skim!
Crown Talk, a Charlotte FC production (available periodically throughout the season, usually about 52 minutes). Hosted by Apple TV and former Charlotte FC-specific broadcasters Eric Krakauer and Lloyd Sam, plus a new addition this season in Caleb Adams, the official writer for the team website, www.CharlotteFootballClub.com. You might recall the video version of Crown Talk last season and how great it was to follow Sam to a tattoo parlor or Krakauer into a Coors beer cold tub. These guys bring the same knowledge and humor to the audio version and are so easy on the ears, too.
Crown Corner, produced by Sports Radio WFNZ (available 2-3 times a week, usually about 20 minutes). Hosted by the Charlotte FC radio broadcast team of Will Palaszczuk and Jessica Charman, who make these listens both professional and snappy. Not only will you get some analysis, interviews with players and staff, a couple of clips from game broadcasts or a press conference, and some humor mixed in, you can do it all on a trip to pick up carpool.
MLS Corner by TopBin90 (available every Tuesday or Wednesday on YouTube). Hosted by Jorge Gonzalez and Brian Maurer of TopBin90 and Lee Hannibal of CLTFC Fan TV, and usually a fourth guest. Fan media site TopBin90 has proven to be one of the most hooked-in sources for Charlotte FC news, and the accompanying Zoom-cast is on par with the brand. These guys review the previous game and advance the upcoming one, usually with guests familiar with the next opponent. Sometimes it’s a reporter, sometimes it’s a player, like U.S. National team veteran Tim Ream, who grew up in St. Louis and provided a unique perspective to the inaugural game there.
Mint City Soccer Show (available on Mondays or Tuesdays, generally 60 to 90 minutes). Hosted by David Gusler and Matt Swift, two of the most locked-in officers at Mint City Collective, Charlotte FC’s largest supporters’ group. They bring the cachet of being knowledgeable fans who have insider info on what’s happening in the supporters’ section. They draw good guests, they focus on fan questions, and they don’t depress you with a bunch of negative vibes. They also bring the experience of doing 79 shows dating back to February of 2020. They often rank among the Top 30 nationally in soccer podcasts, with some 1,000 listeners per episode. Here was a good one they did during the offseason with goalkeeper George Marks.
Charlotte Soccer Show (available a couple of times weekly, 45 minutes). Hosted by John Hayes, an executive producer at The Athletic, and Danny Bramlette, a senior producer at ESPN, who cover both the fan and media angles. They bring a professional sound, along with personality, and like to interact with their listeners by highlighting local beers and bars and hosting a match preview each week at Elizabeth Parlour Room.
The Crown Cast (available twice weekly, 45 minutes). Hosted by fans Logan Meyer, Josh Nazlian, Euan Reynard and Rolando Vera. These knowledgeable and entertaining fans mix in thoughtful tactical analysis, personality and humor in two podcasts each week, one looking back at the previous game and one ahead to the next one. They also stock a website with game-by-game write-ups, photos and more.
Queens’ Pitch CLT (available Mondays, about 60 minutes). Hosted by fans Kara Hunter and Bridget McCall, this ladies-led podcast thrives on Bridget’s sense of humor and Kara’s soccer acumen. This is their first season with a podcast, and they focus on post-game analysis. As their cachet grows, they will start mixing in more guests. For now, they’ve had to settle for people like me. Here’s a link to a recent conversation I had with them about covering soccer as women, parenting young CLT FC fans, whether Karol Swiderski should be a captain and more.
Charlotte FC Podcast (available match days and Wednesdays). Hosted by Nic Finelli, a former teacher and now education IT specialist, who has brought a unique twist. He interviews people who work in and around Charlotte FC. Whether he’s talking to a team executive or event staffer, a local TV sportscaster or CLT radio broadcaster, or yours truly (the link is for my mom), Nic is very thorough and prepared. He also produces a bilingual podcast each Wednesday called “Crowning Moments” with Charlotte FC Spanish broadcaster Antonio Ramos. Kudos for the versatility.
Offsides! Podcast (available Mondays, 60 minutes). Hosted by Andres and Pablo Robledo, two brothers who have lived and played amateur soccer in Charlotte for 20 years. They recap the previous game and hit on news surrounding the team, while keeping the mood casual.
The Royal Dump (available every week or so, 45-60 minutes). Hosted by Jeremy Hachen and Sam McFarlane, co-founders of the QC Royals supporters’ group. These two friends will analyze the games and power rank the players but as a rule, they like to focus on vibes over stats. They’re great about inviting fellow fans on the show to share their opinions.
The Queen City Soccer Show (available a couple times a week, usually around 20 minutes). Hosted by Cole Godrey of the Mint City Collective Upstate. Usually, one episode looks at the previous match, and one looks ahead.
➡️ Did I miss any? Drop me a line and I’ll include it next time.
News and Notes
U.S. Open Cup: Charlotte learned Thursday night that it had drawn South Georgia Tormenta FC in the third round play of the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup. Tormenta FC is based in Statesboro, Ga. and plays in USL League One, the same level as the Charlotte Independence. The game will be played at the Mecklenburg County Sportsplex in Matthews later this month — the date is to be announced this afternoon. Tickets will be $15 for Charlotte FC season ticket holders and $25 for the general public. They will go on sale at 3 p.m. today.
Charlotte advanced to the Round of 16 in the U.S. Open Cup last season, defending two USL League One opponents in Greenville and Richmond before losing to the New York Red Bulls.
Kahlina closer: Goalkeeper Kristijan Kahlina returned to action with Charlotte FC goalkeepers in practice this week, a big step forward in his return from offseason back surgery. “The moment of him being back is getting closer,” Lattanzio said Thursday. He added there are still some “procedures to follow,” in an effort not to rush Kahlina back too soon and have a setback. Charlotte is undefeated (1-0-2) in three games with second-year keeper George Marks in goal.
Corujo progressing: Center back Guzman Corujo is making similar progress both on the field and off in his comeback from knee ACL surgery. Gorujo has been back in practice for several week doing running and small-group drills. He has yet to do full squad workout so that he doesn’t “fall on the last hurdle,” Lattanzio said. This week he traveled to his native Uruguay to take steps toward securing a green card.
Up Next: Charlotte FC (1-3-2) at Real Salt Lake (1-4)
When/Where: 9:30 p.m. Saturday, America First Field, Sandy, Utah.
How to watch: MLS Season Pass on Apple TV for FREE. (Apple TV has chosen occasional games to put in front of its paywall.) For information on how to sign up, click here.
How to listen: WFNZ 92.7 FM in English and WOLS 106.1 FM in Spanish.
This is the first-ever meeting between Charlotte FC and Real Salt Lake, of the MLS Western Conference.
Charlotte FC would seem primed for a second win against a team that has lost four straight games, including back-to-back 4-0 games — not that Charlotte FC can take anything for granted at this point.
Real Salt Lake started 17-year-old Gavin Beavers in goal in a 4-0 loss to Columbus its last game (he came off the bench in two others). He’s the youngest-ever keeper to play an MLS match.
Midfielder Brandt Bronico returns to action after serving a one-game suspension for a red card from Charlotte’s game March 25 against the New York Red Bulls.
Midfielder Ashley Westwood is out for a third consecutive game with a right thigh injury. He has begun practicing again, albeit in separate drills, and traveled with the team to Salt Lake.
Carroll Walton is a longtime baseball writer with the Atlanta Journal-Constitution now cutting her teeth on soccer and the Charlotte FC just as fans in Charlotte do. She would love to hear from you. E-mail her with questions, suggestions, story ideas and comments!
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