The Nutmeg News Interview: US Soccer's Number One and Only Satirical Website

In a vast soccer blogosphere, The Nutmeg News stand alone as the only satirical website focused on American soccer. TNN varies their output from covering Clint Dempsey's lunch buffet suspension, to making their own series of YouTube videos, and having a reoccurring kit giveaway contest. With such a unique take on the American soccer landscape, I reached out to editorial staff to find out how the The Nutmeg News work behind the scenes.

Tell us about how you started The Nutmeg News and the site's A/S/L.

By registering a domain. Yes, we support American Sign Language, and especially support the hearing impaired. We made it a point to caption our videos, something Major League Soccer hasn't started doing despite a surprisingly easy process to do so on Youtube that requires virtually no effort what so ever.

Nutmeg News has been the center of several controversial articles. What is the site’s philosophy on publishing a story that could possibly tarnish individual reputations?

There's no point in trying to be controversial just to be controversial if the meat of the article within doesn't contain an element of truth. If something doesn't ring true, it isn't going to make a person laugh or think or interact with that story at all. When it comes to individuals, for example the Abby Wambach story, there is truth to the matter of how she reacted regarding Magic Jack, and how she publicly treated Ella Masar, how she interacted with Dan Borislow and the fact that as a golden icon of American soccer she tends to get away with these things. However, to imagine that a stupid website that writes stupid things could tarnish someones legacy is laughable. No one looks at Abby Wambach and denies her place in the pantheon of amazing international players because of this website.

Tell us about the mega kit giveaway. How does a person enter the contest and how important is it for their twitter handle to include the term "stooge" in order to win?

The editorial staff takes their own money and buys a randomly selected winner a kit. We let our intern Bobby decide which kit you get. You enter by following The Nutmeg News on Twitter or Facebook and sending us an email, @, or comment on Facebook that you want a free kit. It's quite simple. And no, you don't need the term stooge. Simply by following The Nutmeg News most people are going to think that anyway.

What is the main focus of TNN when it comes on deciding what news to report?

In order of ridiculous things, it goes

1. The League (i.e MLS/NASL/USL/NPSL)
2. The Fans
3. The Players

And most of the egomaniac players (see: Landon Donovan) have retired without an appropriate person to take their place, yet. The Nutmeg News isn't written for the general public, it is written for the editorial staff only. Other people read it and seem to find it funny, but it is only written for the editorial staff and the tastes of the editorial staff may change on a whim.

How cohesively do you work with the rest of media? 

We interact with many other media outlets on a regular basis using Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V almost exclusively.

Nutmeg’s motto is “Sports. Glory. Infamy” Why was pizza excluded from the motto?

We let the Executive Director of our Branding Department (based in New York City), Pete Hamilton, answer this question for you. 

Our apologies for that, Pete is a complex individual.

That was incredibly overwhelming. What are some goals you've set for TNN moving forward?

We would really like to sell out, get paid, have a severe drop off in our quality, get cut out of the company, invest our money into bonds, come back and buy The Nutmeg News when it is low and start all over again.

What are your predictions for the MLS Final?

2-2 tie and, according to this press release we have been handed just now, NYCFC will be pronounced the winner.

 

Related: Horse Guy Interview: A New Addition to MLS

Libby Stout Interview: From Liverpool to Boston

Libby Stout is a twenty-five year old American goalkeeper for the Boston Breakers. After playing last season with Liverpool, she has returned to the US and signed with Boston. Libby, who placed second in last month's USWNT Goalkeeper Pool, opens up about her time overseas and what brought her back stateside.

This interview is a follow up to the one conducted back in March, which is referenced later.

Liverpool finished first in the WSL in 2014 but dropped to seventh in 2015, just one spot above relegation. What happened last season? What does Liverpool need to do moving forward to get back to the top of the table?

Yes, unfortunately, we had a bit of a down year in the league. I think what really hurt us throughout the entire season were injuries. By the end of the year we virtually had our entire starting eleven, including myself, watching from the sidelines. I felt like we were also never able to find our rhythm through the season, as we would win one then lose one, and we had nearly a two month break for the World Cup. That being said, we fought hard to reach the semi-finals of the Continental Cup [a competition between the top two leagues in England], and narrowly lost out in advancing to the next round of the Champions League. So I wouldn’t say the season was a loss. I certainly learned a lot this year. Liverpool will do well under the direction of Scott Rogers. He’s a good young coach and I know he has big plans for the club and I wish him and the girls all the best.

Your manager at Liverpool, Matt Beard, took over the Breakers in September. Was a return to the US and following Beard to Boston your goal back then? How did the move back unfold?

When Matt told us he was leaving at the end of the year I didn’t immediately think it was a possibility to return to the States with him. It wasn’t until we sat down in a meeting and he let me know he’d like me to come. I did a lot of deliberation, but it became clear to me that the right move for me personally and in my career was to come home. And I’m very excited to be back and can not wait to get started in Boston!

Back in March you said, “I just think there is no better place to be playing soccer than here in England” in reference to why you’re playing in England and not rushing to come back to the US. What has changed for you now that you’re back to the US earlier than expected?

I think when I said that before it was more in reference to that fact that England is basically is a Mecca for soccer players and soccer in general. It is just a different culture that was really enjoyable to be a part of. But I could not have expected this chance to go back especially to continue to play for Matt, so I felt like it was an opportunity that I couldn’t pass up.  I think playing here will give me a better shot at being seen by National Team coaches and scouts, and not to mention my family and friends will be able to see me play more often.

What are some differences in the NWSL compared to the WSL that you’re looking forward to?

I’m really not sure what the actual differences are between the two leagues, as I have never played in the NWSL. I do think that in general the American women tend to be a little bit more athletic and as a result the game may be a bit faster and more technical. I definitely think it will be a challenging league and it’s really great to see the league expanding again this year. The expansion is a great step for American women’s soccer continuing to build off the recent World Cup gold medal, which was an amazing journey to watch by the way!

How much time have you spent with the Breakers players thus far?

I haven’t actually spent any time at all with the team yet! I’m here in Kentucky during the off season, but all of my correspondence with the staff has been amazing and everyone very helpful. I’m very excited to get up to Boston in the new year and get the new season under way!

2016 American Goalkeeper Destinations

cover photo belongs to Rob Carr at Getty Images

The first ever 2015 American Goalkeeper Destinations went well last year so we're following up with another edition. Here you can find hot takes on each club's goalkeeper depth chart. Not much has changed from last year's set up except for the lineup of teams. We have nine more teams than last year for a grand total of sixty-three.

If the doc is having trouble loading, try clicking here.

Jon Dawson Interview: Indy 11 Goalkeeper Recounts Path to Becoming a Professional

Jon Dawson is the backup goalkeeper for Indy 11. After a stellar record while playing in the Developmental Academy, Dawson attended Butler then signed with Indy 11 in early 2014. Dawson talks about his thoughts on the DA vs High School issue, his time at Butler, and how he embraces the struggle.

 

Talk about your high school experience. What are some outstanding memories and where did you play?

I played four years of varsity soccer at Brebeuf Jesuit here in Indianapolis. My freshmen year was my first time playing seriously. I was a two year starter and sat my first two years behind one of the more influential players in my career, Matt McCain. He wasn't the best goalie I've played with but I was young and he showed me how straight up fun it is to be a goalie. To play varsity soccer and to just all around be a soccer player. He taught me how to handle certain shots. He gave me confidence but also kept me humble. A bunch of guys from the Indy scene were like that. Kelly Powers, Tyler Keever, Joe Mills, and Andrew Moor, just to name a few. They were good guys and we all worked hard together and learned from one another.

My junior and senior year I was the starter for my high school as well as Carmel United Soccer Club DA. (At that point you could play both and it wasn't an issue.) We won two national championships in the DA, the first ever U-16’s in 2008 and the following year 2009 for the U-18’s

[Carmel United was later re-named Indiana Fire Academy.]

The most fun times of my life were playing in high school games against teams with DA players on them. Not having DA and high school is a mistake, I think. The kids need to see what it is like to be on a bad team, as bluntly as that is. Our DA team only lost three games, I think, in two years. My highschool team? Well our game plan was hope we scored on a counter and let me make fifteen saves a night. Guys need to learn what it takes to be a leader for a group of players who aren't going to be playing at the next level. It keeps you grounded to know that losing happens and players make mistakes. The difference is how good of a teammate you can be to help them through it.

Winning sectionals and making it to regionals my senior year [with the high school team] was the furthest the team had been in twelve years or something. So that was super special. Obviously, winning back to back DA titles was cool too. *laughs*

You attended Butler University from 2009-2013. What stood out about Butler that made you want to attend that school?

Winning both [DA] championships and being highly decorated at Brebeuf gave me an opportunity to basically go anywhere I wanted. I knew the goalkeepers in my class so I stayed away from some of those schools, Georgetown, Boston College, UCLA, etc. The DA head coach for us [at Carmel], David Costa, was Butler’s assistant coach. He is another huge role model for me. So when he said come to Butler, I jumped at it. I committed in April of my junior year.

The coaching staff at Butler was everything I wanted. The environment was truly professional. Sometimes I wished I was at a Big-10 or an ACC school that had a lot of inflow of revenue from other sports. Or an early Under Armor school. That would have been cool *laughs*. But, no, if I did it all over I would have either stayed with Butler or picked a big school for the wrong reasons. Butler was a blessing. Plus a degree from the business school is pretty good so I am thankful for that opportunity.

You essentially sat for the entirety of the first two years at Butler, only playing one game. How does this affect a 18, 19 year old goalkeeper? Is sitting for two years different for a goalkeeper versus a field player?

I sat behind Fabian Knopler and he was super helpful. Very knowledgeable of the game and insightful. But my first year I broke my foot and two weeks later broke my hand. My second year I sat healthy and that was hard. Especially like I mentioned previously being so highly recruited and decorated, I thought I should play. But he was twenty-five and I was nineteen. He knew everything and was so clean and crisp. I can't blame them.

[Sitting] was hard and it made me tougher mentally and it literally has helped me today. But I don't think everyone can do it. It's hard for a goalkeeper. Only one of us can play. If I was a field player I would find my way into the field with fitness or changing positions or something. I wouldn't take no for an answer. But as a goalkeeper, what can I do except work hard? And that's what I did. Like I said, I think sitting made me tougher especially now in my professional career. I’m still waiting for my chance but I train as hard as I can every day. I learned that from a young age in the Academy and at Butler.

After redshirting your first year, you became a three year starter with Butler. What stands out looking back on your time with Butler?

The guys I played with were just good guys. Every day we went to battle together and we knew we were there for each other. In college, I showcased my shot stopping ability. We gave up a lot of shots, so that was a double edge sword, but I showed I could make plays. I look back with joy at how hard we fought as a team. Going from the Horizon League to the Atlantic-10 (2012) to the Big East (2013) was hard. But we held our own and competed every day. We were a tough team to play against.

What was the process like for you going from amateur to professional? Where did you look? What worked, what didn’t work?

I would say the process was just hard work. I put myself out there every summer and went to PDL teams in different parts of the country and that helped me create new connections. So when I needed a club to look for I had a bunch of different people who were able to help me. I didn't sign with an agent early on so having these connections was how I got my name out there.

I tried the open tryouts and the combines and they were decent but never worked for me. I need one-on-one time so that they can see close up how I train and how I move. So for me, going into training camps or places where I was there for multiple days worked best for me. But the biggest thing I did was just work hard and take risks. What was the worst that could happen? If someone said no, and I was in the same place I started.

What advice would you give to a young goalkeeper trying to become a professional?

After the DA, I had a few different opportunities to go overseas. Looking back, of course I wish I would have [gone overseas] since I sat out my first two years of school. But it all has worked out for me. I am not to the level I want to be at yet, but I see progress every day and that is what matters. So I would tell them keep every door open till the right one closes the others. Keep working hard and shake everyone's hand. Good things happen to those who are ready for it.

You’ve been with Indy 11 as a back up for two seasons now. How have the past two years helped you develop as a goalkeeper?

I’ve learned from Kris, Keith, Jurgen, Gary* and all the other coaches we have brought in. There have been other goalkeepers who have come in on trial or to train and I have learned from them. I just try to be a sponge and soak up all the information I can so that when my opportunity comes I’ll know what to do. Sitting has taught me to be a better teammate and to appreciate the struggle. I love the fight everyday. I love waking up and going to work and going as hard as I can every day for the whole day. Just knowing that when my time comes I have put myself in the position to succeed from working hard in training.

* - Goalkeepers Kristian Nicht, Keith Cardona, previous Head Coach Juergen Sommer, and Assistant Coach Gary Yohe

What’s your situation with Indy like now? Are you looking to return or eyeing another club?

I am fully committed to Indy. I want to be here and this is my hometown team. I am looking forward to the opportunities that are ahead.

Last three miscellaneous questions, who’s the best player you’ve played with or against?

Kleb. [Brazilian midfielder Kléberson] But that’s obvious. Andy Najar from DC Academy was special. To me, there are a bunch of good players in the NASL but Kleb and Andy are the two who stick out the most to me.

Do you have any pre-game superstitions?

I used to be very routine, but now it's changed to just whatever happens on that day. I guess that might revert to the old days if my playing time increases.

And lastly, three years from now, what’s your dream situation?

Lifting hardware somewhere. I work hard to win, and I want that to pay off!