Best Sports Announcers – Part 2: Soccer

As quarantine continues and the reality that sports travel is a long, long way off from returning, let’s continue with the Sports Announcer Series. Up next: Soccer
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Favorite Play by Play

1. Arlo White (NBC) – He takes a soccer match and elevates it to another level. As the lead Premier League commentator, soccer fans in the States have it so good with Arlo in the gantry. He has a unique voice when it comes to goals and I remember him at his best in this Liverpool-Man City match a few years ago, specifically when Sadio Mane scored.
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2. John Strong (Fox) – The best American soccer voice, bar none. While the whole Fox soccer experience disappoints in many ways, I am very thankful that big tournaments have John on the call and I hope it is that way for a long time.
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3. Ian Darke (ESPN) – Oh I miss him. We only hear him on a few USMNT games and a random Premier League game or two. Even common fans could recognize that voice as he lead the terrific World Cup coverage in 2010 and 2014.

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Favorite Analyst

1. Stuart Holden (Fox) – Unfairly underrated and I put him in “Tony Romo” category. So natural and such a great fit with John Strong, Stu is fantastic at analyzing a game and talking in the right spots. Relatable and likable.
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2. Ray Hudson (beIN) – There is no one like him and he certainly is an acquired taste. Between his orgasmic yells and his hilarious one-liners, I would tune in just for him. Now too bad he’s with Phil Schoen.
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3. Lee Dixon / Graeme Le Saux (NBC) – Nothing spectacular, just solid analysis and friendly banter with Arlo.

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Dislikes

1. Taylor Twellman (ESPN) – Please Shut Up!!! He honestly may be my most disliked broadcaster in all of sports. I feel like I’m being scolded and yelled at when watching a game. He talks way too much and is incredibly arrogant, smug and condescending.
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2. Max Bretos (ESPN) – Studio guy that isn’t that great as he tries to be loose and cool. It’s even worse when he gets a crack at calling a game.
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3. Warren Barton (Fox) – Beyond the fantastic #1 team at Fox is a bunch of crap and that includes moving people back and forth between the studio and on-site. Boring, dull and predictable best describe Barton.