The U.S. Soccer Podcast – Episode 31: USMNT Defender Mark McKenzie

One of the latest young USMNT players to make the move to Europe, the center back discussed how his adjustment to life in Belgium, how his time coming up with the Philadelphia Union prepared him for the move and gave background on his decision to move to Jupiler League side Genk.
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 In the latest edition of The U.S. Soccer Podcast, Jordan and Charlie welcome current U.S. Men’s National Team defender Mark McKenzie.


One of the latest young USMNT players to make the move to Europe, the center back discussed how his adjustment to life in Belgium, how his time coming up with the Philadelphia Union prepared him for the move and gave background on his decision to move to Jupiler League side Genk.

While he’s still one of the club’s new faces, the 22-year-old made clear what his future aspirations in Europe are. 

 

McKenzie shifted to talk about what he’s done internationally, including what he learned as captain of the U-20 USMNT at the 2019 World Cup, a tough conversation he had with USMNT head coach Gregg Berhalter which served as a wakeup call during his first senior team camp and the fond memories he has of his first team debut on Feb. 1, 2020 vs. Costa Rica. 

And while disappointed that he won’t be able to take part in the upcoming Concacaf Olympic Qualifying Championship, he explains how he plans to stay plugged in with his U-23 USMNT teammates during their time in Guadalajara 

 

Finally, McKenzie discussed what Black History Month means to him after the last year and the role he played in the USMNT’s “Be The Change” initiative. 



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Episode No.             

Guest 

Date

Ep. 30 USMNT Legend DaMarcus Beasley February 12
Ep. 29

USWNT Defender Midge Purce

January 29
Ep. 28 U-23 USMNT Head Coach Jason Kreis January 16
EP. 27

U.S. Disability Soccer Month with Drew Bremer and Josh Brunais

December 11
EP. 24 The U.S. Soccer Podcast - EPISODE 24: Gregg Berhalter November 20
Ep. 23 The U.S. Soccer Podcast - EPISODE 23: Stuart Holden November 12
Ep. 22 USWNT Coach Vlatko Andonovski October 30
Ep. 21  The U.S. Soccer Podcast - EPISODE 21: Maurice Edu October 23
Ep. 20 USMNT and Manchester City goalkeeper Zack Steffen October 16
Ep. 19 Former USWNT Head Coach Jill Ellis October 9
Ep. 18 Former USWNT Defender Stephanie Cox October 2
Ep. 17 Former USMNT Defender Marcelo Balboa September 18
Ep. 16 Former USMNT Defender Oguchi Onyewu September 11
Ep. 15 Former USWNT midfielder Shannon Boxx August 28
Ep. 14 USMNT Head Coach Gregg Berhalter August 21
Ep. 13 USMNT Goalkeeper Tim Howard August 14
Ep. 12 Former USWNT Forward Mia Hamm July 31

Ep. 11

Former USMNT Defender Tony Sanneh

July 24

Ep. 10

USWNT Midfielder Sam Mewis

July 17

Ep. 9

Former USMNT Midfielder Robbie Rogers

July 3

Ep. 8

Former USWNT Midfielder Lori Lindsey

June 26

Ep. 7

U.S. Soccer Sporting Director Earnie Stewart

June 19

Ep. 6

Virtual Roundtable on Racism with Crystal Dunn, Cobi Jones, Jessica McDonald and Zack Steffen

June 12

Ep. 5

U.S. Soccer Chief Medical Officer Dr. George Chiampas

June 5

Ep. 4

USMNT Midfielder Tyler Adams

May 29

Ep. 3

FIFA Referee Katja Koroleva

May 22

Ep. 2

USMNT General Manager Brian McBride

May 15

Ep. 1

USWNT General Manager Kate Markgraf

May 8




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