GoalLess: A Soccer Show (Feat. Rory Scovel)

Podcast: The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz
Hosts: Dan Le Batard, Stugotz (Russell Howard), Winnie
Guest: Rory Scoville
Location: Elser Hotel, Downtown Miami

1. Introduction and Guest Welcome [00:11 - 00:51]

Winnie introduces the episode of Goalless, highlighting Rory Scoville as the guest. Rory is recognized for his multifaceted career, including roles in popular films like Babylon with Brad Pitt, and his stand-up and documentary specials such as Live Without Fear. Winnie sets the stage for a conversation that intertwines Rory’s soccer background with his entertainment career.

Notable Quote:

• Winnie: “Make sure to subscribe wherever you get your podcasts. Welcome back to Go list.”

2. Rory’s Soccer Journey [01:15 - 03:37]

The discussion begins with Rory’s deep-rooted connection to soccer, tracing back to his childhood at age five. He played club soccer from around age eleven, continuing through high school and college. Rory played at the University of Central Florida (UCF) before transferring to the University of South Carolina Upstate (USC Upstate). He reflects on the American collegiate system, emphasizing how education and sports are intertwined—a contrast to international models where academies focus solely on the sport.

Notable Quotes:

• Rory: “I started playing at 5 years old and then started doing club around, like, 11, I think.”
• Rory: “It was tied to school, and you tried to get a scholarship... But I don't know that long term, it's the smartest way to do it.”

3. American vs. Global Soccer Culture [03:38 - 06:35]

Rory elaborates on the distinction between being a soccer player in the U.S. compared to being a fan. He expresses that many high-level players may not be true fans but use soccer as a pathway to education. However, Rory counters by sharing his genuine passion, fueled by an influential coach who deepened his love for the game through obsessive analysis and exposure to global soccer, particularly the English Premier League (EPL).

Russell Howard draws parallels between American football and soccer in England, noting the evolving landscape where American sports are gaining traction overseas and vice versa.

Notable Quotes:

• Rory: “I was very obsessed with it. It was something I started at such a young age.”
• Russell: “It's so interesting when you say that the world is so much smaller now... It’s so cool.”

4. Pub Culture and Premier League in the U.S. [06:35 - 09:40]

The conversation shifts to the social aspect of soccer fandom, particularly the role of pubs in fostering a sense of community. Rory reminisces about the early days when pubs began broadcasting EPL games, creating a shared space for diverse American fans. He highlights the unique unity among fans who support various EPL teams, contrasting it with the tribalism often seen in more localized sports fandoms.

Rory observes the increasing acceptance and infrastructure supporting soccer in the U.S., such as more pubs showing live games, which were previously rare.

Notable Quotes:

• Rory: “It's like, hey, if we splinter off and all hate each other... it was like consolidation.”
• Russell: “There's a Premier League tribe rather than an individual football tribe. It's quite cool.”

5. Transition from Soccer to Comedy [09:40 - 14:31]

Rory delves into how his soccer career has influenced his comedy and entertainment endeavors. He shares his longing for the camaraderie and competitive spirit of team sports, expressing nostalgia for the bond and intensity experienced on the field. This passion translates into his stand-up, where he aims to capture the spontaneity and emotional highs of being a team captain.

The hosts discuss the challenges of maintaining athleticism and competitive drive as one ages, using humor to reflect on Rory’s transition from an active player to a comedian who draws inspiration from his sports experiences.

Notable Quotes:

• Rory: “I know you never wanted to regurgitate things... I still always wanted a crowd to feel as though, no, this is right now and he's selling it.”
• Rory: “I would just say whatever Russell Crowe said in Gladiator.”

6. Anecdotes and Personal Insights [14:31 - 17:37]

Russell shares a humorous anecdote about an imaginary breakdown similar to Ryan Giggs’ real-life controversies, playing on Rory’s mention of Giggs as his ideal soccer role model. This segues into a light-hearted yet pointed discussion on the fallibility of heroes and the importance of separating personal admiration from their off-field actions.

Rory concludes by emphasizing the importance of teamwork and sacrifice in both sports and life, paralleling his leadership on the field with his approach to comedy and performance.

Notable Quotes:

• Rory: “We would rip each other apart on that field... there's something about that.”
• Winnie: “The greatest ability in sports to make this incredibly hard thing look effortless.”

7. Conclusion and Contact Information [17:13 - 17:43]

The episode wraps up with Rory sharing where listeners can find him, including his website and social media handles. He expresses gratitude for the therapeutic experience of the interview, highlighting the seamless blend of his sports and entertainment worlds.

Notable Quotes:

• Rory: “roryscoville.com or if you go to Instagram or TikTok, I think it's just Roryscoville.”
• Rory: “This was like, therapeutic, really.”

Key Takeaways

• Rory Scoville’s Dual Passion: Rory’s lifelong dedication to soccer has deeply influenced his approach to comedy and entertainment, blending teamwork and camaraderie into his performances.

• Soccer in America vs. Globally: The podcast highlights the differences between how soccer is integrated into education and sports culture in the U.S. compared to its global standing, emphasizing the evolving landscape and growing acceptance in America.

• Community through Sports Fandom: The rise of EPL games in U.S. pubs signifies a unifying factor for diverse soccer fans, fostering a sense of community despite varied team loyalties.

• Humanizing Sports Figures: The discussion underscores the complexity of idolizing sports heroes, acknowledging their personal flaws while celebrating their athletic prowess.

Notable Quotes with Timestamps

• Rory on Starting Soccer Early [01:35]:

  “I started playing at 5 years old and then started doing club around, like, 11, I think.”

• Rory on Soccer and Education [02:05]:

  “It was tied to school, and you tried to get a scholarship... But I don't know that long term, it's the smartest way to do it.”

• Rory Reflecting on Team Camaraderie [10:13]:

  “I greatly miss having a team, and I greatly miss going to battle as a team and having that camaraderie.”

• Rory’s Influence on Comedy [14:31]:

  “I still always wanted a crowd to feel as though, no, this is right now and he's selling it.”

• Rory's Closing Remarks [17:37]:

  “Guys, thank you so much. This was great. This was like, therapeutic, really.”

This episode of The Dan Le Batard Show with Stugotz offers an insightful blend of sports passion and comedic reflection through Rory Scoville’s experiences, providing listeners with a heartfelt exploration of how soccer shapes personal and professional identities.