If you don’t know who Dave Denholm is, you may be missing out on one of the best soccer podcasts out there. Dave works for ESPN radio in Los Angeles on the Dameshek, Denholm and Long show on 710AM. His coverage of MLS is insightful and he never shy’s away from letting his opinion be known. In addition to this he is a Galaxy season ticketholder, which makes him OK in my book.I asked Dave if he would be willing to answer some questions to help us get to know the man behind the mic better. He was nice enough to agree. Make sure to check out the link to his podcast above and his radio show can be streamed live over the internet as well.

ASR- Did you play soccer growing up, or was it something that came to you later in life?

DD-  I was a typical American kid in the late 70’s. I played soccer for a few years, but didn’t really think much about it at all! I loved every other sport, but 1994’s World Cup here changed everything for me.

ASR- Talk about your role at ESPN. How did you convince them to let you do a soccer podcast.

DD-  I am currently doing the afternoon drive show as part of “Dameshek, Denholm and Long” from 4-8pm. I have kinda become known around L.A. media as the “soccer guy” and I wanted to talk about it on a regular basis, so I convinced the suits to let me do it for the web.

ASR- Do you find yourself having to defend your love of soccer to your ESPN colleagues?

DD-  At one point, I did have to. But over the last few years, not so much. Anymore, I don’t even waste time with people who “hate” soccer for no good reason.

ASR- During your podcast you make your allegiance to the Galaxy no secret. Do you worry at all that this may make you appear bias to listeners?

DD-  I get e-mails like that a lot. I’ve never hidden my love of the Galaxy, but most listeners know I am impartial. I have been very critical of the Galaxy when necessary. I was brutal towards that hideous 2007 season and rightfully so. We stunk and I said so. What else can a listener demand, right? You just have to be honest.

ASR- What does the Galaxy need to do in the upcoming transfer window, if anything, to improve it’s backline troubles?

DD-  Abel Xavier has been getting slightly better, but I would love another center back. Someone under 40 would be preferable.

ASR- In your opinion, is Edson Buddles recent run of goals the real deal? And if so, does this make Carlos Ruiz expendable?

DD-  Buddle just looks like he gets it under Ruud. Edson looks lively, engaged and into each match. That is a real positive for him. I think Ruiz could still be very valuable on this club, so unless it’s to get a major defensive upgrade, then I say keep El Pescadito as well.

ASR- You, like myself, have not been shy about hailing the stand-out performances of rookie Sean Franklin so far this season. He got my All-Star vote. Did he get yours?

DD-  He actually has to get consideration for the Galaxy MVP this season. (don’t freak out everyone…I’d still give it to Landon). Franklin has been one of the best rookie defenders in league history. Just so steady and smart going forward as well as just being lock-down on the defensive end.

ASR- Have you noticed anything different about the HDC crowds since Beckham arrived?

DD-  They are a little bigger. And they wear his jersey.

ASR- Is it just me, or does it seem like the supporters groups have really stepped it up this year?

DD- Yeah, I think the Riot Squad is always in full voice, but they just seem to be growing nicely. I like the addition of ACB and the always faithful Galaxians to the other end of the stand. It adds some depth of noise and cheering. I gotta say that L.A. has the BEST MLS fans. You can have your Red Patch or Cabbage Patch or whatever Kids they are in Toronto.

ASR- You have been very vocal in calling out Bob Bradley for consistently playing two holding central midfielders. Do you hold Ruud Gullit’s feet to that same fire for using a similar tandem?

DD- No, not at all because Ruud demands they go forward and be two-way players. Plus, Ruud interchanges guys within a match and gets them to change up their positions and even style of play within the flow of a match. I don’t see any of that with Bob.

ASR- I assume you are credentialed, so why pay for season tickets rather than going to the games for free and sitting in the press box?

DD- I do both. I share two season tix with a good buddy of mine and I like to feel the atmosphere and be able to scream my lungs out for my beloved 11.

ASR- Back to the podcast before I let you go. What progress would you like to see from it by the end of this season and going into 09?

DD- I just want to see more interaction from the listeners. Let me hear the good and the bad at davedenholm@710espn.com

Well, you heard him kids, get out there and interact.  Here is a gentlemen taking it upon himself to try and carve out a niche for all of us.  Make sure you click the link and support what is, for my money, the best soccer podcast out there.