​Today's interview is brought to you by For the Love of Futbol. For the Love of Futbol is a blog dedicated to covering the lower level soccer scene in the Midwestern United States, and this site will give you player profiles, team updates, interviews and more with teams like Grand Rapids FC and Detroit City FC. Check them out at ftlofutbol.com to read more and keep up with exploding Midwestern soccer scene.

Welcome back to American Pyramid everybody! Hopefully got some rest after staying up late last night to catch US Open Cup games. Sadly, the New York Cosmos couldn't quite get it done, but the Fort Lauderdale Strikers are through to the 'Elite 8,' a historic achievement for the NASL and for lower level soccer. If I remember correctly, there hasn't been a lower division team playing this late into the USOC since the mid-2000's.

Now, on to today's interview. I got to speak with Santiago Rodriguez Rey of Greater Lowell United a few weeks ago. This team has gone through a dramatic turnaround. In 2014, their first season in the National Premier Soccer League, they managed 4 points. In 2015, they managed 1 point. This year, through 12 games they have 19 points and are sitting in third place. Mr Rey explained the team's origins, some of the keys to the turn around, and drops a ton of global soccer knowledge on me. Seriously, it's pretty crazy stuff. Check it out.

​Let's start simple. Who you are, where you're from, and what your role is with the Rhode Island Reds.
My name is Jonathan Fonseca and I'm from Cranston, Rhode Island a state in which I've lived my entire life. I am the President of the Rhode Island Reds where I've served in the roll for 3 years now.

What got you interested in working with a soccer team?
I've been a soccer fan my entire life and since I wasn't a fantastic player my goals quickly turned to coaching and getting involved with the backroom and running a club.

Which position did you play?
I was a central defender but I had a solid cross so the one day they put me as a full back I got slid tackled from behind and tore my Achilles. And that was the end of that chapter.

Oh man. All it really takes is one bad move and it's over. I got kicked in the back of the heel in a pickup game last spring and had a limp for three to four months after. As life long Rhode Islander, how would you say the soccer scene in Rhode Island has changed from when you were a kid to now, as an adult?
No kidding! Oh man, where do I begin with this one. When I was a kid there really wasn't anything but local town leagues and some club teams. Then came the Rhode Island Stingrays who played in the USL Pro and later the USL PDL. It was a fun family atmosphere to go watch these local guys play against other teams from around the country. And then the MLS really began to take off and a lot of these teams began to fall away.

Recently I'd say pretty much since 2012 the NPSL in particular has done an amazing job in reengaging these markets to showcase local talent.

It seems like the landscape has changed a lot in soccer from when I was a kid to now. Now it's not just a game for kids and their parents. You have a whole supporter culture beginning to rise up. It's truly amazing to see the level of support grow.

Is that level of support affecting the Reds? Like, do you guys have a supporters group and consistent attendance? It's way harder to find these things out then it should be sometimes.
It's been grown year to year. Will we ever be as big as a Detroit City FC? My guess is no. The reason behind that is we have 5 Major League sports teams in New England. Patriots, Red Sox, Celtics, Bruins, and the Revolution.

As for a supporters group, we do not have one at the moment, but I'm hoping something will grow soon.

I think it will always be tough for any team in New England who's within a hour of a Major sports team to be able to compete. Just look at the history of teams in Boston.

That's a very good point, and one I don't think a lot of people consider when it comes to new teams in the northeast. It's already a heavily saturated market. Let's focus on the Reds for a bit. How did the Reds even come into being? I guess you could say, much like a comic book, what's the 'origin story?'
The Owner, Kabba Joof, who is from The Gambia has been living in Rhode Island for a while now and fell in love with the state. After the Rhode Island Stingrays dissolved in 2009 he noticed a void for soccer players over the age of 18. When he realized nobody was going to take over the spot as the main developmental club for players over 18 he seized the opportunity. That's pretty much how the Reds was born. Kabba wanted to help out these local kids make it to the next level whether that was making it to play pro or playing in the NPSL and giving back to the community, and in 2012 they fielded their first NPSL team. Two of those players are now playing pro soccer in the NASL. Pedro and Paulo Mendes.

​Today's interview is brought to you by For the Love of Futbol. For the Love of Futbol is a blog dedicated to covering the lower level soccer scene in the Midwestern United States, and this site will give you player profiles, team updates, interviews and more with teams like Grand Rapids FC and Detroit City FC. Check them out at ftlofutbol.com to read more and keep up with exploding Midwestern soccer scene.

Welcome once again to AP ladies and gentlemen! The sun is shining and summer is in full swing. And the Euro's start tomorrow, which means my work load is going to drop drastically. Now, a quick preface. Today's interview is different.  I got to interview the head coach of National Premier Soccer League club Temecula FC, Willie Donachie. Since the season has already started, and h'es busy guy, it's not as long as some of the other interviews, but it's still a good read. Hopefully we can link up after the season for a second interview. 

Some background on Willie before we go any further. He was born in Glasgow, Scotland, and played at left back for Manchester City, the NASL version of the Portland Timbers, had thirty five caps with the Scottish National Team, and has previously coached at Millwall and the Men's National Team for Antigua and Barbuda before making it to California. Now, with that out of the way, I give you an the interview with Willie Donachie. Check it out.

When did you first get interested in soccer in general and helping run a soccer team in particular? Was there a certain event that got you into the sport, or have you always been into soccer?
Where I was born soccer was the religion and literally thousands from Glasgow have become professional players.I went on to play over 400 times for Man City and play for Scotland in the World cup before playing for Portland Timbers 1980 to 1982. Going back to England I kept playing and started coaching and was lucky to work with lots of good people and many European international players.

Can you recap the history of Temecula FC for me? 
Temecula FC is a fantastic club in a beautiful part of the world. The city is mainly families and young people giving it a healthy vibrancy. Positioned in a beautiful valley with mountains all round it has a perfect climate, usually sunny and cool at night. Very safe place with vineyards on one side and a casino at the other.

Temecula was the idea of Brandon Jantz and his friend Vince Pacconi who both grew up here. They had a noble vision of a pathway for young players to carry on playing after University at a level where they could become professional. They saw the need and the response from local young players has been superb. They give their time and money to try and become professional players and I respect them so much for this.

I would like to see more local people and businesses get behind the club as I know it is a constant struggle to keep going financially. However Brandon will keep it going and sacrificing a lot will build this club into a stepping stone for young local players to become full professional soccer players here or in Europe where we have many contacts.

Personally I have been blessed as I have always played or coached soccer all my life so I do not really feel I have had a job, more I get paid for doing what I love. My family are all healthy, good people. What more can one ask for?

Cast a vision for me: Where do you want to see Temecula FC in 5 years?
In 5 years I hope the National Premier Soccer League has grown in numbers and fans and is professional. Hopefully the community gets behind the club as they are providing a wonderful opportunity for local youngsters and serving some exciting entertainment and coaching for young people.