Everyone who listens to Mark Wheat on The Current knows Mark is a big soccer fan. This year, Mark is even more excited about it now that The Current is officially involved with Minnesota United FC. Out at United's home ground in Blaine, Minn., The Current has its own section of the stadium.

Although they won't come away as spring season champions this year, United have been having a good season, and Minnesota United's match on Saturday, June 13, versus the Fort Lauderdale Strikers is a big game for the team for two reasons: 1) It's the Loons' final spring season fixture; and 2) It's been dubbed Alan Willey Day.

"Never in a million years would I have expected something like this," Willey says.

Willey began his professional career with Middlesbrough F.C. in his native England, but decamped to North America for a career in the North American Soccer League, and subsequently the Major Indoor Soccer League, that saw him play in Minnesota, Montreal and San Diego. Willey remains the second-highest scorer in NASL history.

Nicknamed "the Artful Dodger" during his playing career, Willey is now the color-commentator for Minnesota United telecasts.

Wheat and Willey talk about Willey's playing career, how Willey got to meet Rod Stewart, and how Willey came to be United's TV color man. "My wife, son and I would go to the games anyway," Willey says, "but now I have the best seat in the house."

To hear the complete interview, listen to the audio above.

Alan Willey also participated in the making of these videos, a collaboration between The Current and Minnesota United FC:

Related

• Minnesota United FC vs. Fort Lauderdale Strikers
• Minnesota United FC