Erik McCue and Helmer Rusten join us to discuss their fascinating footballing journeys. Born in 2001 and raised in expat environments, Erik and Helmer became best friends in Thailand in 7th grade and represented FC Bangkok. 

Erik, a Swedish/American centre-back, has played in the DC United academy, represented Houston Dynamo from 2017-2021, and currently plays for El Paso Locomotive in the USL (2nd tier of US football). Helmer, a centre-back turned right-back, has represented Norway at U15-17 level, and currently plays for Kjelsås, a 3rd tier Norwegian side. Helmer is also Cwa’s cousin.

Timestamps

00:00 - Welcome Erik McCue and Helmer Rusten!

01:16 - Helmer intro

02:12 - Erik intro

03:33 - The friendship

08:16 - Helmer’s transition from Thailand to Norwegian youth football

12:15 - Helmer time in Norway’s U15-U17 national teams

13:02 - Helmer’s 907 days of injury

19:41 - Helmer at Kjelsås

23:53 - Kjelsås’ run to the Norwegian Cup QF

28:06 - Helmer’s next goal

29:16 - Erik’s transition from Thailand to DC United

33:30 - Erik’s time at Houston Dynamo

36:43 - Erik’s call up to Sweden U19 national team

37:25 - Erik on confidence, and the MLS Homegrown All Stars

40:58 - Erik’s encounter with Zlatan

45:11 - Erik’s struggle to find a club after leaving Houston

48:36 - Erik on life at AB Argir in the Faroe Islands

51:19 - Erik’s season at El Paso Locomotive

59:25 - Erik’s next goal

1:01:11 - Gazelle vs Bull - the art of defending

1:05:15 - Quickfire questions

1:17:50 - Outro

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