In our "Voices of MLS" series we will be speaking with some of your favorite broadcasters from around the league. Today we spoke with Chicago Fire broadcaster Kevin Egan. Read on after the jump to find out which team will win the Supporters' Shield in 2014 and which former college star will breakout this season.
Total-MLS (TMLS): How did you get into broadcasting?
Kevin Egan (KE): I’m 28 years of age, but I’ve been involved in Television Sports for nearly 10 years. After tearing my ACL when I was 18, I realized that I needed to focus on a potential career, because I couldn’t play again for a year. I managed to get a job as a production runner on the 2004 Olympics, and that was the break I needed. From there I went on to experience many roles in production, research, reporting for RTE TV and Radio (Ireland’s national broadcaster).
In 2009 I made the somewhat naïve decision to move to my Mother’s home town of Chicago. I joined the Big Ten Network as part of their production team, and from there, to my surprise my boss allowed me put together an online soccer show. One thing led to another and now I’m commentating for BTN, as well as proudly representing the Chicago Fire from the commentary box.
TMLS: How do you prepare for a broadcast?
KE: Mainly, I watch matches. You can read all the notes in the world, but unless you watch the games, you’ll never notice certain trends, traits in players and their emotions. I also like to call fellow broadcasters and journalists for a chat. It’s surprising the amount of random information exchanged over a phone call when two broadcasters spend so much time covering their respective teams.
Also, when possible I love to attend training so I can speak to the lads about their fitness, thoughts on a previous match or a potential matchup in the future.
TMLS: What’s been your most memorable moment in your career, so far?
KE: When I think about my most memorable moment I’m taken back to my roots. My father, Liam, was a Gaelic football player for a famous Dublin team in the 70s. I was a massive ‘Dubs’ fan growing up, and it just so happens my debut as a sideline reporter for RTE was covering an enormous championship match involving Dublin. The stadium, Croke Park, was packed with 82,000 screaming fans, yet I was somewhat numb as I was realizing a childhood dream.
I’m giddy with excitement ahead of the 2014 MLS campaign, and I’m extremely hopeful that I can do my part in creating some memorable moments for the Fire fans this season.
TMLS: Soccer and MLS is growing in North America. From a broadcaster standpoint what do you see as some important steps for the league to continue its growth?
KE: 1. Don’t deviate from the path MLS is on. Major League Soccer is doing a lot right, and it’s important the league doesn’t get ahead of itself. It’s online presence; social media, App, access to live matches and interaction with fans seems to be greater than any other soccer league in the world.
2. Continue to build from the grassroots within the communities and look to develop quality homegrown talents. I think it’s important we see top young players gracing the league at a much younger age. I’m sure most football fans will agree, it was cool to see Gedion Zelalem feature for Arsenal in the FA Cup aged 16. Hopefully we’ll witness a young superstar break onto the MLS scene like Gedion. ‘If you’re good enough, you’re old enough!’
3. Marketing and Branding. I believe the league needs to develop some consistency with match times and certain big games at a set time every week. It’s difficult with timezones, but it’s certainly possible and it would grab the attention of a lot of self-confessed ‘casual fans.’
TMLS: You’re named MLS commissioner tomorrow. What’s the first thing you do?
KE: As I mentioned above, figure out a better marketing strategy to make our game more attractive to the casual TV viewer. Pump more money into advertising in key areas and at opportunistic times. With the World Cup just a few months away, and soccer on the horizon for many, let’s get them thinking MLS. Maybe MLS, US Soccer and their TV partners could combine for a soccer ad during the Super Bowl?!
Also, allow fans from around the world tune in! I’ve got friends in Australia, England and Ireland that would love to pay an annual fee for live MLS matches online. It’s a basic step that could introduce MLS to new nations and markets.
TMLS: With New York City and Orlando joining the league and Commissioner Garber wanting to go to 24 teams, what other markets do you see as possibilities for expansion franchises?
KE: There are a lot of major US cities that I’ve yet to visit and realize their soccer potential at first hand. With the United States being such a massive country, flooded with top class sports stadia and stars, I always think there’s something romantic about the smaller towns succeeding. TV executives crave the LA vs NY MLS Cup, but from a growth standpoint I enjoyed seeing well run clubs like RSL and SKC doing well in the playoffs. With that said, a new club in St Louis would be cool, alongside the expected addition, Miami.
TMLS: If you could have one player from anywhere in the world join MLS, who would it be?
KE: A younger Roy Keane! He’d shake up a few of the leagues softies. On a serious note, I’ll state the obvious and pick Messi. Both he and Ronaldo have plenty of years left, so hopefully one day we’ll see them in MLS. I think Zlatan Ibrahimovic is a more realistic shout for the near future.
TMLS: What storyline will be all following in 2014?
KE: How will Jurgen and his troops do in Brazil? Will Toronto become a force in the east? Will Caleb Porter experience second season syndrome in Portland? Can Mike Magee continue where he left off? What stars will sign on at NYCFC? There’s so many! However, for me it’s about the ‘gaffers.’ With musical chairs in full swing, who will impress at their new club? Following the two Franks will be interesting, Klopas in Montreal and his successor in Chicago, Yallop.
TMLS: Which team do you think will surprise us all in 2014, either good or bad?
KE: We’re about to see what Caleb Porter is really made of in Portland. I think the Timbers are primed for a great season, as they’ve got class, depth and a manager that will have them playing as a unit. I’ll go as far as saying they’ll be the last undefeated team in MLS and they’ll also win the Supporters Shield.
TMLS: Who is one player to watch in 2014 that could have a breakout year?
KE: Harry Shipp was a joy to watch for Notre Dame en route to their NCAA Championship. I think he’s the real deal, and at 22 he’s ready for MLS. Finding a set position for Shipp may prove difficult at the beginning of the season with Magee, Anangono, Rolfe, Nyarko, Alex and Duka all returning for the Fire, but as long as Frank Yallop gives him a chance he’ll take it. If given those precious minutes on the pitch, Shipp will be my bet for Rookie of the Year.
TMLS: Can you give us one bold prediction for MLS in 2014 and one for the world of soccer in general?
KE: Jermain Defoe and Mike Magee will inspire Toronto and Chicago into the playoffs, in place of Houston and Montreal. The US will qualify from their group in Brazil on 4 points after a draw vs Ghana and toppling the mighty Ronaldo and Portugal.
I'd like to thank Kevin for his time. Keep checking back here for more of our Voices of MLS series!
