Cameron Duke - Sporting KC’s Homegrown kid & MLSNext Pro Impact - E5

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Sporting KC & MLS young standout Cameron Duke joins Jamil and Dom in the Back Stick studio this week. We dig deeper into Cam's journey from the academy at SKC to his MLS first team debut, and being a kid from Kansas becoming Sporting KC’s 11th homegrown player. We delve into his experience as a USA Youth International, and his new experience living in Charlotte, playing in MLSNext Pro and the impact it will have on US soccer. Cam shares insights about his MLS debut, scoring his first MLS goal, and the importance of the early mentorship from veteran players at SKC, players such as Johnny Russell, Roger Espinoza, Graham Zusi & more. As always, Cam goes through ‘Extra Time’, where Cam answers light-hearted questions about his career and teammates.

00:00 Intro & Career Summary

02:05 MLS Next Pro & Its Impact on Player Development

04:48 The Dynamics of Being a Second Team Player

06:05 Adjusting to Life in a New City: Charlotte

07:37 Independence and Personal Growth Away from Home

10:32 Navigating Relationships with Teammates

13:02 Growing Up in a Soccer Family

17:29 US Youth International Call-Ups

23:03 Signing with Sporting Kansas City: A Dream Realized

25:00 MLS Debut Nerves

28:06 The Fast-Paced MLS Game

28:57 Sebastian Blanco Nightmares?!

32:17 First MLS Goal vs Seattle

34:22 SKC Veterans & Johnny Russell Influence

37:03 Extra Time

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