This interview first appeared on the CanPL.ca Newsroom, a weekly podcast dedicated to the Canadian Premier League and Canadian soccer. Click here to watch, listen, and subscribe.

York United goalkeeper Niko Giantsopoulos joined the CanPL.ca Newsroom Friday to discuss his new podcast presented by York: ‘The Last Line: A Goalkeeper’s Podcast’

The show went live last Thursday with three episodes and three star guests – Canadian women’s national team netminders Erin McLeod and Stephanie Labbé and former English Premier League star Shaka Hislop.

“We’re interviewing different goalkeepers talking about the pressures that come with the position,” Giantsopoulos told hosts Marty Thompson and Charlie O’Connor-Clarke. “I think goalkeepers are a unique bunch. We have a bunch of stories that we accumulate throughout our careers.”

‘The Last Line’, which is produced by York United, has also featured some deep conversations about high-profile errors, mental health, and overall wellness that factor into their between-the-posts performances. Labbé, who has over 70 caps for Canada, opened up about her battle with depression following the 2016 Rio Olympics.

"You feel lost & empty. I had no motivation to keep going. I went into this dark place & the happiness and joy I had felt had all gone away."

Such raw honesty & bravery from @stephlabbe1 as she speaks to @NikolaosGiants in the first episode of our new podcast, The Last Line. pic.twitter.com/4GwCegYWzT

— York United FC (@yorkutdfc) April 30, 2021

McLeod, who was Canada’s first-choice ‘keeper for almost a decade, broke down how she learned to manage her on-pitch mistakes to become a better netminder.

Giantsopoulos was quick to point out that the mental element is a major part of the podcast, which is set to release more episodes in the coming weeks.

“Goalkeeping is such a mental position. I mean, we could be as athletic as we want but if we’re not tuned in mentally, it’s really tough to be successful,” Giantsopoulos concluded.

Giantsopoulos teased new episodes, including with an unnamed ‘keeper who “died right there on the pitch,” on the Newsroom and also played a game: Which sport would be beneficial to ‘keeper skillsets?

To hear Giantsopoulos’ interview in full, as well as the rest of the podcast episode, subscribe to the CanPL.ca Newsroom by clicking here.