You're listening to Raising Anchor on 990 WBOB.
Welcome to the Raising Anchor Soccer Show with
Matt Entrekin and Jason Carey. Your home for
news, analysis, and everything Rhode Island FC.
Each week they take you inside the locker room,
inside the practice, and inside the storyline
shaping RIFC. And welcome to another episode
of the Raising Anchor Soccer Show. It's a special
one for all of our listeners as we have our first
player, interview, and profile of the season.
And I'm joined right now with RIFC defender Omadi
Joop. Omadi, welcome to Raising Anchor. Thank
you. Thank you for welcoming. Thank you for having
me out here. It's exciting. This couldn't have
been more better of a timing. We've got World
Cup action ahead. But I want to make this as
much about you as I can today. And that's got
to start at the beginning. Your love of the game.
You know, you're born in Dakar, Senegal. And
all I know next is that somehow you made it to
Florida. You're playing with the USL2 side in
Sima Aguales in Florida. What's the story for
listeners that want to know how we got from an
African country into playing USL Academy ball
in Florida? I mean, I started playing soccer
very young. So obviously, it's my dad's favorite
sport. So as soon as I was born, he got me into
it because it was just right when Senegal were
making their first ever World Cup. That's literally
when I was born. So at that time, my dad was
really into soccer. at a very young age he get
me into it so I remember us playing together
whenever he's done work back in the balcony of
our little apartment so yeah that's basically
how I got into soccer. So it's a young age that
you fall in love but curious there's always that
moment where a player says this can be more right
like I can do something bigger than this it can
go pro maybe it's collegiate The next thing I
see, you're at Monteverde Academy. Is that where
you started to see the bigger vision of where
you wanted to be in the sport, or did that come
later at your time with Clemson? I think that
came really early, actually. I was really good
at school. So, you know, I was trying to kind
of maintain the things, but I always thought
of, you know, I always want to play soccer. You
know, as soon as people started coming to my
parents' house and telling him he need to put
me in an academy, I was maybe five or six, but
I didn't want to be in an academy because you
would have to pass the board to someone else,
and I obviously didn't want to do that. But yeah,
I think as soon as like maybe 10, 12, you know,
I think it started going like, I can really make
this and all. try to really go as far as I can.
So yeah, that was way before I got to Montverde,
Sima or even Clemson. You know, I remember talking
to Ugo and one of the things that was made clear
to him by his family was that you can be a soccer
player, but you have to get that education as
well. How important was that for you and your
family to make sure that you achieved not just
your goals and your accomplishments on the pitch,
but also your academics? It was really important
I think I got in trouble a lot for that because
my mom was you know more about on the educational
side and my dad was a little bit understanding
like I can do both so he was just trying to find
the middle so when one word come and offer for
me to do to be playing soccer and also get my
education you know I think it was just the perfect
path for me to take. So yeah, but education is
really important to my family. I heard a lot
about your family's support and involvement in
the early years. Who else helped shape the soccer
journey for you, especially in those younger
times? Was it coaches? Was it teammates? Was
it mentors beyond the normal circumstances? Is
there someone you would put on like the Mount
Rushmore of influences that you had back in those
days? it's gonna have to be my dad if I'm being
honest with you you know even though my mom would
say no to me not going to play soccer my dad
would find a way to make an excuse saying that
he would take me to a restaurant go get food
but no we're not going there we going to actually
still took a circle soccer tournament or anything
that we would find to play so yeah my dad really
pushed me you know through a lot a lot of hard
times you know yeah I would 100 % say my dad
I'm going to ask this question a couple times
through the show today, but what were the lessons
that you learned at this period of your life
that still kind of echo true today? More soccer
specific, but again, if there's something out
there that we need to hear, what were those lessons
like? I think it's just whatever you are doing,
you have to really believe in it. I think the
fun is going to come and go. But, you know, if
you believe if you don't believe in anything
you're doing in life, you might as well not.
do it at all. So I think that was the belief
that I've had, and I always will have. It doesn't
really matter much what people on the outside
say, you know, it's what you want to do, what
you want to do, you know, and what is, what do
you believe in. So that's, that's, that was really
my, you know, my straight thing, honestly. All
right, well, then let's move into this, right?
Setting the table here for a second. So bear
with me. It's December 2022. You've finished
three seasons with the Tigers, earning multiple
accolades, including a national title along the
way. We're going to get back to that. You've
just signed a Generation Adidas contract, joining
the ranks of legends such as Josie Altador, Kai
Kamara, owner Michael Park, and of course, fellow
teammate JJ Williams. And you're entering the
2023 MLS Superdraft. Yeah. I've heard from some
players amongst your teammates that sometimes
the Superdraft is a bit of a surprise. And then
I've also heard that some people already know
where they're going. Maybe not the priority order,
but they kind of already know through agent conversations
and coach interviews. I need to know. Now we
know as this is going on, we know that Charlotte
FC trades up for the first pick. Yeah. You walk
listeners through, did you know that you were
going first overall in the 2023 draft or was
there a little bit of surprise still in that
decision? I knew 100 % I was I think going to
go go to Orlando because we spoke with Sunless.
They had the first pick back then, you know,
before Charlotte did the trade and they didn't
have any international support for me. So that
was kind of, you know, a block for me. But then
I've been talking with Orlando. I've played with
Orlando first team and I knew they wanted me
had a meeting with them. So they were scared
that I was going to I wasn't not going to fall
to third or fourth or whatever they had. So they
turned it up to get me on a second pick. So yeah,
honestly, that's what I thought. I was going
to go to Orlando until like an hour before the
draft and then Charlotte called. So that's how
I found I was going to go to Charlotte. Now you're
from the Carolinas at this point with Clemson
and all of the other connections that you have
in that area. Was Charlotte a blessing in disguise
at that moment in time? Like as a player, does
your mind shift switch and you're like, okay.
it doesn't matter a team wants me and they want
to be that aggressive in taking me first overall
or was it just like hey there's a lot of attention
on me i'm going to do the best i can whichever
team grabs me uh i think when you are like that
close to being a draft i think i kind of made
up my mind to like going to orlando because there
were some calls again in the morning and i was
almost sure that in anything doesn't happen i'm
going to go to orlando and i live in orlando
but then so i had all my stuff i was ready so
they were like oh yeah you know Before preseason,
Uber is just going to pick you up. We started
talking about housing and stuff like that. So,
yeah, but, you know, then one, you know, an hour
before, and then my agent called me. I was like,
oh, I have good news and bad news. I was like,
oh, what do you mean? He was like, ah, you're
going to go number one pick, but you are going
to struggle. So I didn't really think much of
it back then. I was like, you know, I just want
to go and play whatever the team is. You know,
I just got to go and be ready. Only four players
up till that point, only four African players
ever selected first overall in the Superdraft
and you were the first Senegalese player ever
selected. Is there an impact? Is there an additional
weight on your shoulders or expectations or maybe
just pride in the fact that you were picked first
overall? There was obviously a lot of pressure.
I think just no one ever traded that much for
a number one pick. after all. So there was obviously
immense pressure for me to go and you know, just
prove that I'm worth it. So yeah, there was a
lot of pressure on that. All right. So then now
you're with Charlotte and you know, a lot of
eyes, a lot of expectations for the first overall,
but injuries in your first year with Charlotte
keeping you out of action for extended periods
of time. As a player who just started and I think
you played everything but one game at Clemson.
I don't know if that's entirely true, but the
point is you played almost every game at Clemson.
Now you're sidelined and having to watch the
team go through the action without you. How do
you juggle that from a mindset perspective? How
do you get through that adversity when all you
want to do is validate why you were the first
overall pick? It was obviously super hard because
I think You know, ever since I was a kid, everywhere
I went, it really didn't matter, you know, how
old I was. Even at Clemson, when I was a freshman,
I was a starter. So, you know, coming to Charlotte
and, you know, not playing and then picking up
injury, which really doesn't really happen because
I wasn't really missing games at Clemson. So
that was really a first time experience for me.
So I didn't really honestly know how to deal
with it. Yeah, that was it. I just obviously
didn't know how to deal with not being able to
be healthy and coping to not be playing. So that
was a really tough moment for me. Since this
was your first major injury, you come back. How
do you avoid that? I don't want to say playing
scared, but that, you know, that that piece in
the back of your mind that's like I don't want
to go through this ever again. What's the adjustment
mentally? What's that thing that you did differently
when you got back out to the pitch or was it
have the trust and confidence in yourself and
it doesn't change and you just get back out there?
I think the issue would be confidence at that
level. So you obviously when you come back people
started playing and you know the team started
doing a little bit better. so you're gonna have
to like catch up with your teammates as well
and you know get the concern of the coach to
be playing you again so yeah that was the that
was the hardest part just getting back to your
level and building your confidence up sometimes
in a professional world you know it's games every
sometimes three days so you don't really have
time to do that or yeah that was that was the
harder part too Was there a moment where you
felt that you were ready and medical just wouldn't
clear you or they wanted to make sure that you
were good to go? Sometimes I hear that there's
always a difference of opinion between the technical
staff and the players' mentality on this. Which
way did it go after the recovery? I think it's
a little bit of both, if I'm being honest. I
thought I was ready. At the same time, if I was
playing, I would have not been at 100%. I would
have been at 70 at max. Sometimes at seven you
can play in college, but it's definitely a lot
harder when you want to play at a higher level
So you have to be at a hundred percent since
you want to come and prove it. You cannot be
half and half Fair enough. Well, we got to get
to our first break and when we return we have
more questions for Omni Joke Don't go anywhere.
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All right. back here with Rhode Island FC defender,
Omidy Jope. Omidy, want to move on from Charlotte.
The unthinkable happens. One of the rarest moments
in at least the MLS soccer landscape. You're
selected in San Diego's expansion draft. Before
we get to San Diego though, I want to ask, had
you put down the roots in the Carolinas knowing
that you had this community around you in the
Queen City? What was that like from a personal
level knowing that nobody really knew that this
was going to happen up until that moment in the
expansion draft? I don't think many people knew
if I'm being honest. Obviously the draft is usually
like that. Sometimes you don't find out until
the last minute. So yeah, I mean I got a call
at 5 a .m. saying I got traded You know I kind
of had a little bit of idea because San Diego
wanted me to come But you really never sure until
it happened so I'm pretty sure Charlotte didn't
know until it happened in last minute So and
I wasn't protected so which means that San Diego
can basically pick me for free So and that's
exactly what happened Is there a bit of pride
knowing that out of the 500 player pool obviously
clubs can only protect so many so maybe that
number is a little bit less but is there a sense
of pride that you got cherry -picked or does
it still just kind of not leave a good taste
in your mouth while you're trying to build a
reputation and a relationship with one club only
ripped right out of it? I think I kind of moved
on from shallow at that point like mentally.
you know I was alone in Europe and I was playing
you know I kind of would want it to I wouldn't
mind staying in Europe and keep playing because
we're competing for Europe and stop on that team
on that team I was so I kind of a little bit
had it checked out honestly going back to Charlotte
that's something that I think I didn't want to
do at that point so I was kind of glad I was
going to be off to somewhere else. So at that
same day, I had a, I think I have a game. So,
and I got a call basically saying I won't be
able, I won't be part of the 11, I think the
next day. So, I mean, I wasn't really part of
the team anymore. Obviously MLS is on a different
calendar system than the rest of the international
game. How fast did you have to come back and
report to San Diego then at that point? I think
I had to, I had to go first and go back home.
to renew my visa and you know we are still playing
in Europe but then the transfer window is not
open yet so we're still playing I think it was
around December 18 something like that and that
window is not going to be closed until December
18 so I still it still was there for the team
and then as soon as it's closed I think December
19 I had to fly home renew my visa basically
and then Four days later, I had to fly to San
Diego. But this wasn't an opportunity where you
could stay as long as possible while on loan
in the, it was the Serbian league, right? Yeah.
This wasn't an opportunity for you to be as fit.
You had to stop and then move back. And then
it was like you had to rush to wait, right? Yeah,
yeah. It was basically, yeah, you have to leave.
That's basically what it was. That's how it happened.
Wild. I want to ask, you know, And I don't know
if this is because you were already on loan.
Did you get to have a final conversation with
head coach Dean Smith at Charlotte at that point?
No, he haven't. No, no, no. OK, so it was like,
hey, thanks for everything. But you're a San
Diego player now. Yeah, there was no talk at
all with anyone whatsoever in Charlotte. So I
do not know. I don't think I don't know if they
took the news well, because obviously, you know,
it was between my agent and. San Diego stuff
so yeah there was no talk whatsoever about with
Charlotte or anyone related. We'll talk about
San Diego in a second but I want to ask this
question and sometimes it gets a little dangerous
to ask but that what if right if you hadn't been
selected in the expansion draft by San Diego
you know you would have been on this different
trajectory do you think about it ever or as a
professional player do you just have to focus
on what's in front of you? I mean I don't think
you can not think about it. There is always a
what if. What if I went to Orlando instead of
Charlotte? What if I decided to go to Europe
instead of going to MLS? All those questions
you keep on asking yourself, but then you realize
it doesn't help, so you just gotta move on. But
yeah, there's always a what if, honestly. So
then let's get into San Diego you come in in
the expansion year and you have to prove yourself
all over First question I want to ask is how
difficult is it to assimilate and gel as a young
pro? When you weren't playing a lot of minutes
in the MLS to begin with and you're playing for
a team that didn't exist on paper Three months
prior other than like the financials and that
there was a stadium. Yeah, what was that experience
like for you? I think when everyone just came
the same, I had a similar experience with everyone
because there was a lot of players down there
that were playing in Europe as well. So I think
at first it was a really great experience. So
it was a lot of learning because it's completely
different. All the coaching staff, almost half
of them are from Europe. So it was a lot of learning
for sure. Did everyone come in kind of on a level
playing field? Like is there an advantage to
that? Like were there designated leaders early
on in that locker room experience when you guys
were going through preseason? Or was it kind
of, we're gonna take some time and everyone's
gonna figure this out as we go along the way?
No, I think everything was designated already.
I think, you know, as soon as we came in they
had an idea what their starting eleven would
look like, you know. who would be the starting
goalkeeper, who would be the captain, who are
the team leaders. Now, everything was decided
already, I think. Everyone kind of knows each
other. Obviously, they wouldn't select the people
that they think wouldn't fit for the team, so
they kind of had an idea of what they wanted.
Now, the thing I remember the most about San
Diego in that first year was that not everyone
understood the vision of where San Diego wanted
to go. some early surprises and maybe that wasn't
fair to what you and the guys were doing down
there. I think a lot of people were like, well,
there's not those names that people are familiar
with around the domestic league and San Diego
comes out the gates flying and almost couldn't
be stopped. I mean, it went all the way down
to the end of the season in the playoffs. Were
you as surprised to see such early success and
what do you attribute that to at your time in
San Diego? I wouldn't say I was surprised. I
think if you came and attend our training session
and just watch the games, you can tell the team
is going to go far. Training was as hard as games,
sometimes even more. So I think it was a lot
different to what I experienced in Charlotte,
if I'm being honest. So as soon as that second
week came in, that team is going to be hard to
stop in the league, for sure, I think. The system
was great. So, I mean, coaching staff had a great
system. So, yeah, it was, I mean, if you never
play them, you're not, by the time you figure
out what, you know, what it would be, you are
down two goals already. So, yeah, it would be
hard for any team. Why do you think so many people
were slow to react to what San Diego was building
there in that time? I think it's just brand new
team. You cannot really have a good scouting
report. and you don't the coach never was a head
coach anywhere else so you don't know what the
system is going to bring in sometimes if you
play against an older coach you know how he's
a good one to play so you get your players ready
the team ready so i think when it comes to us
we're just we're just new you just don't know
what to expect so yeah that's basically what
it was And what players were kind of your mentors
or your coaches, not the, of course, coaches,
but the ones that helped you through that time
in MLS? Maybe it's a Charlotte player, maybe
it's a San Diego player, but who were the guys
in the locker room that were really kind of helping
you bring out the best version of yourself? I
think they were really... The locker room in
San Diego was really a bunch of great guys, if
I'm being honest. Everyone is great, I think.
Chucky, you know people might say a lot of things
about what is happening right now, but I thought
he was a great guy in our local so But yeah,
Chucky. There's yet pay Paddy McNer You know
all us all those great guys they play in Europe,
you know, they know what it takes to win. So
It was easy for me to like get to ask any questions
feel like they had the answer for everything
almost So when I ask the difficult question San
Diego flying high we're getting to the middle
of the season, we're past League's Cup, and we
find out that you've been waived from the team.
Were you surprised at that mid -season decision,
considering how well the team was doing? And
how do you deal with that as a setback when it
comes to both being a player and a human being?
Because I didn't see that coming at all when
San Diego's doing that well. What was that like
for you on a personal note? I think it was surprising,
kind of. at the same time it's business because
I came in there and I was you know I was playing
and then you know after eight games in a row
I had a complete hamstring tear it was a four
-month injury you know and as soon as I had my
injury they were like you know we want you here
but you know you're also holding an international
spot so it's gonna be hard to have a player that
is holding an international spot that out for
that much long time you know the league is not
going to wait for us none of those things so
and we had a limited amount of players so that's
basically how it happened and i was yeah i was
surprised but yeah it is it is kind of business
if i'm being honest with you so if you're not
not healthy enough to play you know team are
going to move on that's basically what it is
All right. Well, we're going to get to our second
break. And when we return, we're going to jump
into all of the RIFC action here with defender
Omidy Jope. Don't go anywhere. It's the raising
anchor soccer show. Fans, as the weather becomes
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weather page. Now, let's get back to the Raising
Anchor Soccer Show on 990 WBOB with Matt Entrickett
and Jason Carey. Here with Rhode Island FC defender,
Omidy Jope. Omidy, we want to get into the most
important part of your journey and that, of course,
is with the Amber and Blue here in Rhode Island.
Got to ask the first question. How did you get
connected to Kano Smith and the club? And what
was the allure of joining the Rhode Island FC
football club in the championship? I obviously
didn't really know much about Rhode Island but
I think when I was in Charlotte when I at some
point they wanted me to come along because I
didn't wasn't studying many games in Charlotte
so I think I had an idea on the team and it was
the first year then so but back then I definitely
didn't want to you know come all the way down
it was my first year so I didn't want to come
all the way down to Rhode Island so yeah and
that's how we kind of tight in touch, I would
say. So, yeah, and then, you know, when this
thing happened, it just happened. It's interesting
because we've seen the technical staff and some
of the roster decisions that they've made. It's
always about the relationships in the championship
level, whether it's something from three months
ago or it's an academy run in five or six years
prior. There's nothing like that for this one,
right? This was just the technical staff. understanding
your attributes and the skill sets that you bring.
How hard did Kano have to work as a GM to get
you to this team then? I wouldn't say he worked
hard. I think I made it pretty easy for him.
Let's just say that. They don't put him up with
many competitions. He called me and I was like,
you know, I'll kind of some considerate, you
know, I'm trying to Focus on staying healthy
at first right now because I'm still coming from
a long -term injury. So whenever I'm ready to
Be playing again. Oh, you know, I'll make a call
and then I'll come down and we'll see I don't
want to sugarcoat this but obviously MLS is in
a different caliber than the championship. Were
there hesitations or reservations in coming into
Division 2 time or was it just more about you
getting those minutes at this point and building
your resume back up? I think it was more about
just me being healthy. I think I really needed
to be healthy. and then playing more, more, more
games as much as I can. I think that was my first
thought. There is nothing that make me happy
more than playing games. So I really didn't care
much if it was MLS or any other team. I think
as soon as some course started coming in, you
know, I told my agent, if it is MLS for me to,
you know, be playing a couple of games, I really
don't want to do it. I need to get my legs going
and I just want to play. I really don't care.
As a defender, have you noticed a significant
drop off between Championship and MLS? I won't
pretend like it doesn't exist, but we always
see these physical, you know, smash and grab,
you know, beat up kind of games. We've seen you
tested multiple times since joining the squad.
What is the difference between MLS and USL for
you currently playing in the Championship? I
think MLS. I think it's hard. The games are,
you can manage MLS games a lot easier. But I
think sharing friendship is just super hard.
Like I never get talked as much as I get playing
USL games. And that says a lot as a defender.
And everybody just be coming after you. I don't
know, last game I got maybe five, six times as
a defender. I mean, doesn't happen in MLS for
sure. So yeah, it's a complete different. I think
MLS is more organized, you know. people trying
to maybe press less, you know, there is less
lock, less defensive recovery. So yeah, I think
when it comes to physicality, yourself is just
different unless it's more managing. So yeah.
As a defender, especially when calls don't go
your way, how noticeable has the refereeing and
the lack of support technology like VAR Ben in
being a defender and getting the calls that you
need in this league. And don't get yourself in
trouble, by the way, because we don't want you
getting fined because USL Pro finds out. Nah,
it'll be fine. I think it's very similar. I don't
know, you know, why people are complaining much.
I think MLS refs and the USLR are very similar.
You know, sometimes you might... have good ones
sometimes you might just have bad calls you know
I think it's part of the game and I try to focus
less on you know the bad calls if I'm being honest
and just focus on the things you can control
it's always not gonna go on your way especially
when you're playing our way so yeah you're just
gonna have to manage and just expect worse every
time so you're not gonna disappoint yourself
On a personal note, so take the player out of
this for a second. How have you enjoyed Rhode
Island so far? I ran into Clay the other day
and he told me he wasn't sure he could handle
another rainy day on his day off. Has New England
weather gotten under your skin yet? Yeah, let's
just say that it was really cold in January when
we first got here. I think that's the coldest
I've ever felt. So yeah, but I think you know,
I'm managing, you know, my girlfriend is here.
So she's helping me kind of You know smooth it
out a little bit. So it's always great to have
company with you like this So no conversations
with your agent that any future moves just it
nothing in the north It's got to be warmer temperatures
and better better weather There's no conversation
much as such. I think right now, I just told
him I just want to focus on having a great season,
whatever it is, until the end of the season,
where it is halfway. I think the focus right
now is helping the team get back to where we
deserve to be. I always like to do a shout out
for any restaurants or any locations you visited.
Any sites and bites that you want to give a plug
to that you've enjoyed so far with your time
here in the Ocean State? We went to the California...
California taco. Yes. Yes. It was shout out to
them, you know, gave us great food. So yeah,
shout out to California tacos. You know, it's
fun fact with your time in San Diego, they invented
the California burrito and it's the only place
in all of New England I've ever found that does
the San Diego style of like Tex -Mex. So I'm
glad, I'm glad we could bring you some, some
comfort food from your time back in SoCal. That
is true. That is true. All right. Well, I want
to get back in then to you as a player here and
specifically your type of soccer. I did as much
tape review prior to you joining Red Island FC
when you first signed. I want to know a little
bit more about you watched a lot of your time
at Clemson and Kano called you something very
interesting when you first got signed. He called
you a unicorn and I think he was hinting at the
scarcity of finding a left -footed defender in
this particular league at this particular strength.
Maybe he also thinks you've got some magic in
you as well. But I want to ask, what does it
say about you and what does it take to make a
great defender not just at Rhode Island but in
this league overall today? I think just reading
the game, if I'm being honest, not being scared
to play. be a leader in the back line. I think,
you know, games are going to be hard and people
are going to, you know, be coming at you for
90 minutes. So, you know, got to stay ready,
got to stay healthy and be a leader. So, yeah,
that's what I'm trying to accomplish, obviously.
You know, I haven't gone out our way much, but
we will get there eventually, for sure. Believe
in that. One of the things we love to ask defenders,
especially in our center back line, is understanding
the game that they're playing now, is the way
Kano has asked you to perform different from
previous coaches like Varus or Smith or in Clemson,
is it a new approach to the game or is it him
asking you to do the things you've already done
exceptionally well? I think it's just asking
you to be the best version of yourself. I think
that whatever the game is asking me to do, I
believe I can do it. So, you know, for me to
do that. I just gotta be the best version of
myself and I think that's what the team needs.
That's what the coaching staff wanted me to do.
So just gotta get there, honestly. So we haven't
seen you for a full season yet. We're getting
close to that almost year marker here. Wanna
ask, have we seen you at your absolute best soccer
yet or is there more in the tank to showcase
to fans when you play in front of them in Pawtucket?
Where are we at on the full Omidy Jope experience?
Obviously we haven't gotten there. I think I've
been quite unlucky. Also coming in this season
again, missing the first couple of games with
injury. So I haven't really been at my fitness
100%. Haven't really felt my legs 100%. So yeah,
we are very far from the best version of ourselves.
Not close. Not at all. Now I know you came into
the season late last year, but the defense was
one of the hallmarks of the club this year. it
still feels like the defense is right where it
needs to be. Where do you and the rest of the
defenders want to take this team into the rest
of the season? Because we've seen clean sheets
so far, we've seen some surprise results against
us not going our direction. Where would you rate
this club right now overall defensively? And
what's that next hurdle or milestone to accomplish
as a group? I'll say there are just some games
who get incredibly unlucky. So games we considered
zero goals and then there are games we considered
four. So if you're going to be talking about,
you know, the goal you consider and if you take
two games, you know, like, oh, we considered
four in two games. Yeah, you know, there is one
game you didn't consider at all. So it's kind
of kind of hard. I think the best thing is for
all of us, you know, the the back unit to find
our level, you know, and then for that to happen,
everyone needs to be healthy and everyone needs
to be out there. So I haven't been out there
100 percent. So yeah, that kind of if you want
to be if you're gonna be a starter you kind of
play a big roles on the team You know, you got
to be out there and stay healthy I think as soon
as I find my level the team is gonna be a lot
better Not just defensively but offensively as
well. You can score a lot more I think when I'm
out there helping the team When we talk to attacking
-minded players, they set goals for themselves
or benchmarks that they want to hit. Sometimes
it's goals assist contributions in general. Sometimes
it's their passing accuracy. For a defender,
what are the stats that you want to see yourself
reach on a personal level? Or what are those
goals that you have? Is it clean sheets? Is it
not being stripped off the ball? Is it your tackles,
your recoveries? Like for Omidy Jope, what are
your goals that you're looking to accomplish
individually this year with Rhode Island? I think
I contribute a lot offensively. You know, so
obviously I'm trying to I'm not saying I'm trying
to score, but I think especially as of right
now, all we need to do is win. I care about clinch
it, but if I have to take a 3 -2 win, I'll take
it as of as of right now. So the goals right
now is just ramping up as many points as we can
so we can have a home play of game because i
think that the whole state deserves to have a
home play of game which we haven't had so yeah
that's that's the ultimate goal right now just
ramp up as many points as we can which means
you're gonna have to score goals to win games
so what i'm hearing is 10 goals by the end of
the season from from you right that's that's
your goal Maybe 10 goals from whoever is playing
in the midfield. I think JJ is going to find
his way to get goals, Leo is going to find his
way to get goals. So JJ, I think if he can get
the midfielders to contribute more on goals,
we're going to be really good. Frank was the
third highest goal scorer in 2024, so it's not
not in the wheelhouse for a defender to rise
to the occasion. But I want to talk I told you
we would go back to this I want to get back to
your time at Clemson and I want to talk About
a particular game. So I'm gonna set the table
again one more time It seems like you have a
knack for being a part of very big games at Wake
Med Park in Cary, North Carolina First it was
defeating Washington and Clemson's first national
title since 1987 and then it was last season
ending North Carolina's playoff run and operations
as a club as a whole, really, in November last
year in the playoffs. I'm not going to ask you
to tell us which was the bigger moment, because
I think we know. But has Nick Scardina let that
loss while playing with Washington go, or do
you guys still take cracks at each other every
single day? Every single day. every day because
he we had one of the one of the Tampa players
he was playing left back for Washington so when
they came down to turn you know I was like oh
he told me that he played on that game I was
like damn I didn't even notice you you know I
think so I didn't even even Nick's card in our
play in that game either so yeah I still I still
take that version so almost every day so it's
never going to change probably going to be how
our friendship would be forever Do you just use
that as a win for every argument, even if it's
not related to that moment? Just like, if it's
a five aside and practice, it's like, yeah, you
got it today, but I still beat you in 2021? I
do. I asked him where his ring is, so I told
him, you know, come home, I will let you have
a hold of it. All jokes aside. Did you guys get
to interact? It looked like you guys were on
Charlotte at the same time. So was there that
moment there? And if you did, does it at least
feel good to have a familiar face with you here
in the locker room now in his first year with
Rhode Island? Oh, yes, absolutely. I think if
you were to ask me about... players that I've
played with or like interacted with if you ask
him who I would bring you know in Rhode Island
to be you know my teammates Nick is probably
gonna be in the top three for sure so I'm extremely
grateful and happy you know when he once he texted
me he was like oh do you think do you think Rhode
Island will need a will need a right back I'm
like hey let me let me hit up Kano real quick
and we'll see what we can do So your future is
also as a player agent. Clay Holstead has done
a lot of recruiting for this team, so it sounds
like that's you too. For Nick, I will be that
for sure, just so I can make fun of him. I can't
wait to have Nick on the show later this year
and find out what his answer to this is. But
really quickly, how important was that title
victory for you at Clemson? Did that just open
every door possible for you? And would you say
that that's the most important soccer moment
in your life? Or is there something else that
needs to be accredited as the number one in your
life? No, I think that was the biggest moment.
I think it is no wonder. I don't know it's just
having you know winning with your friends is
just something different so you know and they
haven't won in 36 years you know as soon as I
got in Clemson you know Mike Luna was like oh
we never play freshman as a starter anymore and
we haven't won in 36 years I was like I told
him there's a first time for everything so you
know as soon as we won it that was the best feeling
ever. Best moment so far, as you do have a very
long runway of many more soccer moments. Before
we go to break, I always love hearing this. Who
are the two or three guys within the squad that
are kind of, they're your posse, they're your
gang, they're your homies, they're your buddies.
It seems like everyone's always got that one
or two that makes them a terrible trio. Who are
your terrible trio? Right now in Rhode Island?
Yeah, right. Only Rhode Island. Nick 100 % I
think I have a great relationship with with Karifa
and Jacob as well Danny I mean I want to say
it to you I think there is Nick first for sure
but I have a really great relationship with almost
everyone when they remake Bad Boys for Life,
it's gonna be you and Nick on the silver screen
at one point is what I'm saying. Has to be, has
to be, has to be. All right, well we're gonna
go to our final break and then we're gonna talk
all things World Cup. Don't go anywhere, it's
The Raising Anchor Soccer Show. Now, let's get
back to The Raising Anchor Soccer Show on 990
WBOB with Matt Entrickett and Jason Carey. Alright,
here with Rhode Island FC defender Amadou Jope
talking all things World Cup. I feel like this
is a self -answering question, but how excited
are you to see Senegal take the world stage and
grow the game, especially for your home country?
Do you still get to say and do you get to still
feel connected to Senegal from a sporting performance?
Oh, yeah, absolutely. You know, I watch every
single game Senegal plays. It doesn't really
matter much. what categories, if I get chance
to, I'll watch my parents' silver comms. So yes,
super, super, super connected to the national
team. A lot of young players always dream about
representing their country one day. Is that something
that you're still chasing? If not, what does
it mean to still represent Senegal on the world
stage as a professional player here, both in
America and for Rhode Island? I think I would
still chase it. I think you just want to reach
the highest level. And whenever you reach the
highest level, opportunities are going to be
open up for you. So if that opportunity presents
itself, it would be a blessing for sure. But
yeah, when it comes to representing Senegal here,
just trying to be my best, represent the countries
as good as I can. I'm going to get a little political
here for a second, so bear with me. I just read
that the US State Department reversed the $15
,000 bond requirement that they imposed on certain
African countries, Senegal among them. What are
your thoughts on fans finally being able to visit
and attend the World Cup and get access to the
games? Is it too little too late at this point,
or should it have never happened to begin with?
What are your overall thoughts? Do you have family
and friends that kind of got locked out, that
couldn't come? Oh yeah I actually did have a
friend you know he was playing for Tormenta you
know and because of all that thing he couldn't
fly back and have a precision with his theme
and time so I think it's really unfortunate that
we are in this situation and when it comes to
the world of sport you know everyone you know
it just it just unite people so I don't think
we should have a World Cup that kind of divides
nation and stuff like that because it's called
a World Cup for a reason you know every Every
France has the right to represent its team and
support them as far as they can. If they can
afford it, why not let them do what they can
do? Want to talk about Senegal's chances here
in advancing out of Group I. How do you feel
their chances are? It's a stacked group. France,
Iraq, Norway, Senegal. Overall feelings before
the tournament kicks off here. Where do we stand?
I think France is going to be really hard to
beat, obviously, because it's France. But it's
a world cup. We never know, I think. But the
biggest game will probably be against Norway.
So if we can take care of that game, we'll be
fine. Because I don't think Iraq is going to
cause much issues. I think we can. Obviously,
it's three points that you need to get against
Iraq. But Norway, you've got to. take your chance
and put it away and then friends whatever whatever
happened happened but it's unfortunate because
we're gonna start the first game against France
so yeah speaking of that match against France
i don't think a lot of people understand the
cultural roots between the two nations as a colony
at one point like i talked some of the day about
having this interview with you and they're like
oh well what does he speak i'm like well he speaks
English because otherwise I don't know how he
gets on this show but second I know that he speaks
French and like and they said why would why would
anyone speak French from Senegal the thoughts
overall on the France versus Senegal piece do
you get to kind of root for two countries then
at that point or is it Senegal or nothing? No
I can I think when it comes to France I cannot
root for France you know so yeah I'm not gonna
do that you know. No, that's not gonna happen.
It's not like that. I wasn't sure, yeah. No,
I wasn't sure how that works at that point, so...
No, not me. You know, maybe people that I do
not know, that I have Senegalese, have French,
but not me, for sure. So then, want to talk about
the watch parties and the experiences. Is there
any chance that you're gonna get to go see Senegal
play? They've got two matches down in New Jersey
at New York Stadium. Have you looked at the bank
account? Is there an opportunity to go and attend
any of that? Like do you have do you have Senegalese
connections with the Football Federation? Like
walk with me here. Like how do you get to go
to these games? I think my girlfriend is trying
push to go. She's more pushy than me. You know,
I'm saying if it happens it happens, you know,
but last time we looked at prices. They were
super crazy. I think it was Almost 2 ,000 for
the both of us, you know, so yeah, hopefully
it goes down before then and then we can make
it You know, she want to experience it. I have
a data but I'm not like super overly, you know,
like how she is but If we if we can go we probably
would make it for sure you guys haven't collectively
reached out to Kano or Our FCO ownership and
said hey, it'd be really nice if we could get
some tickets to one game Like that hasn't happened
that conversation hasn't happened yet Maybe if
we get some more wins, they will let us have
some tickets, maybe. See, that's the sporting
metric that is the incentive everyone wants to
hear. If you do well, you get to attend the World
Cup. True, true. I mean, if they put it out there
on the board, I think, you know, we're going
to work twice harder. If you can't make the match,
are you going to attend any of the local soccer
festivals, whether it's Providence or Boston?
Are you going to be out and amongst the people,
or are you the kind of person that sits at home
and just locks in on the game and doesn't want
the distractions around? A little bit of both,
but I think I wouldn't mind doing it at least
once. Go have the experience of people going
to a watch party. I think that'd be an amazing
experience to have. A World Cup is not going
to... happen here anytime soon. It doesn't seem
like so, you know, just go experience it right
now if you can. Well, we will have to see how
Senegal does. I cannot wait for all of the games
ahead for that. I also can't wait for more Rhode
Island FC action. This team has always historically
gotten hot in the middle of the season towards
the back stretch. It's a perfect time. You're
already doing well now, so I can't wait to see
what happens in the months to come. Omidy, final
question of the day. If you could speak to your
younger self, what would that version of Hominy
need to hear in his soccer journey, and how would
you say it to him? I actually haven't thought
about that. It depends, I think, how young are
we talking about. You can pick the age and you
can pick the message. I think when I was maybe...
Five I would not say nothing else, but you know
just keep pushing it. It's gonna happen Just
keep pushing don't I wouldn't say don't do anything
else with education models, and I wouldn't be
here if it wasn't for education But yeah, probably
just keep pushing yourself for sure Well, we
cannot wait to see what you keep pushing here
with Rhode Island and your many years to come
within the professional game Thank you so much
for joining the show cannot wait to have you
back on in the future Thank you for having me.
I appreciate it. Take care. including RAFC news
at TheBlazingMusket .com. Fans, we thank you
for listening. We ask you to be kind and courteous
to your neighbors as you leave the show. We thank
you for joining us and look forward to seeing
you again. Until then, I'm your main man Juju,
and on behalf of the Racing Anchor crew, goodbye
for now. And as always, we are Rhode Island FC.