New England Soccer Journal’s The Goal

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty preview the boys club soccer spring season amid winter weather delays, focusing on MLS Next and ECNL boys postseason qualification for MLS Next Flex and the playoffs in a shortened calendar year. They discuss New England clubs in strong positions (IFA, Bolts, NEFC, Beachside) and highlight key players. The hosts note a surge in 2026 college commitments, a slow pace for 2027 commits, and how the transfer portal and potential Division 2 roster reductions impact recruiting, citing a UMass Boston coach prioritizing transfers. They mention upcoming events like Generation adidas Cup, Jefferson Cup and Florida showcases, including strong ECNL showings by FC Stars U-16 and AC Connecticut U-18/19. "Extra Time" debates player allegiance after transfers, memorable “loud silence” moments, and choosing Bruce Arena as a World Cup final coach. https://youtu.be/XTx4n1PHuTw Topics 01:50 Flex and Playoff Race 03:31 Top Prospects and IFA Rise 05:26 Commitments and Recruiting Trends 07:56 Transfer Portal Ripple Effect 10:53 Showcases and Key Events 12:48 ECNL Boys Florida Standouts 18:37 Next Wave of Talent 21:32 "Extra Time" Segment 23:42 Modern Fandom Debate 25:33 Fans Athletes Owe 27:10 Loudest Silence Moments 29:24 Tuck Rule Storytime 31:02 Pick World Cup Coach 33:53 Ted Lasso Wrap Up

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty welcome Tufts University men's soccer coach Kyle Dezotell. The coach shares his experience of winning the national championship and discusses the aftermath, the strength of NESCAC, and his vision for the future of the program. The conversation delves into how the team overcame challenges, built the championship roster, and maintained its competitive spirit. The podcast also explores broader themes in soccer, including the popularity of the sport in the U.S. and the significance of player attitudes and multi-sport athletes in building successful teams. In the "Extra Time" segment, the discussion includes philosophical insights into why people passionately support soccer clubs and a fun dive into the best goalkeepers in history. Topics 00:47 Welcome to the Goal Podcast 01:19 Interview with National Champion Coach Kyle Dezotell 02:01 Reflecting on the Championship Season 04:42 Building a Winning Team 10:53 Recruitment Strategies and Player Development 19:24 The Role of Multi-Sport Athletes 21:46 Looking Ahead: Goals and Challenges 28:26 Recruitment Plans and Future Prospects 28:54 National Championship Reflections 29:40 Extra Time with David Yas 30:26 The Passion of Soccer Fans 36:41 The Rise of Soccer in the U.S. 42:48 Dream Goalkeepers for the World Cup 47:14 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty welcome James Proctor, the director of boys soccer at Masters Academy International. The discussion centers around the launch of MAI, a soccer academy aiming to nurture student-athletes with a year-round program. Proctor shares insights on transitioning from Worcester Academy, the recruitment process, and the development of the program, including domestic and international travel plans. He also discusses the establishment of the coaching staff and how MAI will coexist with other New England prep schools. The episode concludes with Proctor's vision for an attacking and energetic soccer style at MAI. Topics 00:36 Guest Introduction: James Proctor 01:10 Building Masters Academy International 02:51 Recruitment and Staffing 07:51 Program Structure and Schedule 10:17 Challenges and Excitement 12:31 League Participation and Competitions 18:20 Future Vision and Style of Play 19:21 Conclusion and Farewell

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty return to the studio after a holiday hiatus. They discuss Matt Doherty's recent trip to Florida for the ECNL Florida National Showcase, where he observed promising teams and standout players. The podcast delves into team performances, recruiting opportunities, and the strengths of various New England clubs, with a special focus on the 2010 age group. The hosts highlight key takeaways from the showcase, including the strong showing from Connecticut FC and the building excitement for the upcoming ECNL spring season. Additionally, the episode features a trivia segment on global soccer club names and concludes with light-hearted banter about the best meals in Florida.   Topics 00:41 Matt Doherty's Florida Trip Recap 01:39 ECNL Florida National Showcase Highlights 03:58 Standout Teams and Players 06:40 Recruiting Insights and Future Prospects 11:44 Connecticut FC and Select Club Analysis 13:22 Weather and Player Performance 14:53 College Coaches and Recruitment 16:18 Transfer Tracker and College Game Movement 16:39 Playoff Spots and League Emphasis 17:14 Key Matches and Team Aspirations 18:14 Food Adventures in Florida 19:46 Extra Time Trivia Challenge 27:11 Concluding Remarks and Farewell

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty provide an in-depth recap of the 2025 MIAA high school soccer season. The discussion covers key highlights from championship weekend, standout teams and players, and reflections on the season's surprises and anticipated outcomes. Additionally, the hosts offer early bold predictions for the 2026 season and engage in a light-hearted trivia segment on athletes with soccer connections. Topics 00:34 Recap of Massachusetts High School Soccer Season 01:17 Championship Weekend Highlights 03:02 Surprising Results and Predictions 05:53 Reflections and Predictions Accuracy 09:40 Standout Players and Teams 14:55 State of Massachusetts High School Soccer 16:38 Spotlight on Girls' Soccer Teams 17:11 Natick's Impressive Run and Key Players 18:03 Medfield's Dominant Season 20:21 Other Notable Teams and Performances 21:03 Bold Predictions for Next Season 23:16 Extra Time: Sports Trivia 28:53 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Matt Doherty and Matt Langone discuss the conclusion of the 2025 scholastic soccer season, including key highlights from the NEPSAC boys and girls championships. The discussion covers the dominant performances of the Taft boys team and Mount St. Charles in Class B, key players and significant moments from the season. They also touch upon standout teams and upcoming predictions for the 2026 season. The episode concludes with a challenging soccer trivia segment, reflecting on various soccer-themed movies. Topics 00:49 Recap of Scholastic and Prep Seasons 01:09 NEPSAC Boys Finals Highlights 02:05 Taft's Dominance in Class A 08:23 Nobles' Impressive Season 09:33 Surprises and Consistencies in Class A 12:22 Mount St. Charles' Remarkable Journey 15:30 NEPSAC Girls Champions 19:23 Challenges of NEPSAC Tournaments 22:24 2026 Preseason Predictions 23:25 Teams to Watch in Class B 24:10 ISL Teams on the Rise 24:47 Brewster's Soccer Journey 25:38 Season Recap and Future Coverage 26:18 Extra Time: Soccer Trivia 34:16 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Matt Doherty, alongside Matt Langone and Mike Zhe, offers an in-depth preview of the NEPSAC boys and girls soccer tournaments. They discuss the upcoming matches and potential top teams, and they speculate on the brackets, with special attention to Class A and Class B. The episode also includes personal anecdotes on memorable soccer experiences and predictions for the soccer season ahead. Topics 00:39 NEPSAC Boys and Girls Tournament Preview 01:50 Class A Girls Analysis 07:45 Class A Boys Analysis 18:48 Class B Girls Analysis 24:52 Class B Boys Analysis 26:26 Suffield's Playoff Prospects 26:56 ISL Teams Battle for Playoff Spots 27:26 Brooks and Vermont Academy's Strong Seasons 28:09 Teams Fighting for the Last Playoff Spots 30:39 The Excitement of NEPSAC Tournaments 34:18 Extra Time: Panelists' Soccer Experiences

Patrick Donnelly and Matt Doherty delve into the MIAA soccer playoffs as the postseason approaches. They discuss the top contenders and potential upsets in each division for both boys and girls soccer. Patrick and Matt dive into specific teams and players to watch, highlight noteworthy games, and provide insights into the playoff picture in the five divisions. Additionally, producer Dave Yas challenges the hosts with a soccer history and rules quiz, adding an entertaining element to the discussion. Topics 00:31 Excitement for the Upcoming Playoffs 01:30 Division 1 Boys Soccer Preview 02:44 Top Contenders in Division 1 04:27 Potential Upsets and Dark Horses 10:13 Division 2 Boys Soccer Preview 15:19 Division 2 Boys Soccer Preview 19:46 Division 4 and Five 5 Soccer Preview 23:21 Transition to Girls Soccer Discussion 29:52 Underdogs to Watch in the Tournament 31:11 Division 1 Insights and Predictions 31:21 Division 2 Contenders and Dark Horses 35:26 Division 3: The Most Exciting Division 40:12 Division 4 and 5: Dynasties and Rising Stars 42:47 Extra Time: Soccer Quiz Challenge

Matt Langone is joined by Matt Doherty and Pat Donnelly to discuss the current high school soccer season, providing a mid-season check-in on MIAA boys' and girls' teams. The conversation covers early impressions, standout teams, and players, as well as the impact of the MIAA power rankings system. The hosts also share their bold predictions for the rest of the season. Additionally, the episode features a fun segment of 'Overrated or Underrated,' focusing on soccer traditions such as suits for managers, half-and-half scarves, and club mascots.   Topics 00:45 Weather Talk and Fall Vibes 02:28 High School Soccer Mid-Season Check-In 02:48 MIAA Boys Soccer Insights 04:21 MIAA Girls Soccer Insights 06:28 Power Rankings Discussion 11:27 Surprise Teams and Performances 16:54 High-Level Club Players in High School Soccer 20:21 Bold Predictions for the Season 20:32 Newton South's Impressive Comeback 21:40 Natick's Potential to Win Out 22:56 Underrated Teams to Watch 23:15 Disclaimer and Final Thoughts 24:16 Extra Time with Producer David Yaz 25:21 Overrated or Underrated: Soccer Traditions 35:11 Wrapping Up the Show

Matt Doherty is joined by NEPSAC experts Matt Langone and Mike Zhe to discuss the state of high school soccer as of October 1st. They review surprising performances, key matchups, and standout players from September, and preview what to expect in October. The discussion covers both boys and girls teams, highlighting notable results, emerging contenders, and impactful players. The episode concludes with a light-hearted 'Overrated or Underrated' segment on various soccer-related topics.   Topics 00:28 Season Overview and Surprises 02:36 Albany Showcase Insights 03:50 Top Teams and Key Matches 06:33 Founders League Breakdown 14:01 ISL Teams to Watch 16:33 Standout Players in NEPSAC 18:26 Highlighting Top Young Talent 18:55 Standout Female Players 20:20 Addressing Reader Concerns 22:38 Extra Time: Overrated or Underrated 26:11 Flopping in Soccer: Crisis or Not? 29:29 The Impact of Tifo Displays 31:51 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead

Matt Langone and NESJ writer Matt Doherty interview Nico Calabria, the captain of the U.S. Men's National Amputee Soccer Team. Nico shares his journey growing up playing soccer on crutches, his rapid rise in amputee soccer, and his global experiences, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. They discuss the development and challenges of amputee soccer in the U.S., the growth of the sport, and upcoming competitions. The episode also includes a lively extra-time segment with soccer memories and favorite moments.   Topics 00:40 Meet Nico Calabria: Captain of the US Amputee Soccer Team 01:05 Nico's Early Soccer Journey 02:38 Challenges and Triumphs in High School Soccer 04:38 Understanding Amputee Soccer 06:20 Nico's Transition to Amputee Soccer 07:39 Pathway to the National Team 11:09 Building Amputee Soccer in the US 19:15 Climbing Mountains: Nico's Other Adventures 21:43 Future Vision for Amputee Soccer 24:57 Unexpected Moments in Soccer 25:10 Challenges and Aspirations of the Team 26:14 Extra Time with David Yaz 27:13 First Soccer Memories 30:34 Memorable Soccer Chants 32:35 Incredible Soccer Plays 36:50 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Matt Doherty is joined by Matt Langone and Mike Zhe to discuss the upcoming prep soccer season. They delve into both boys' and girls' teams, offering insights on teams to watch, key players, and preseason predictions. They spotlight top contenders like Taft, Berkshire, BB&N, and Suffield while also discussing potential surprise teams. The panel also talks about dynamic matchups, standout players, and the intense nature of the three-game playoff format. Additionally, the hosts answer fun questions in the 'Extra Time' segment and debate the significance of stellar strikers versus goalies. The episode is a comprehensive primer for any soccer enthusiast gearing up for the New England prep soccer season.   Topics 00:49 Prep Soccer Season Preview: Girls' Teams to Watch 02:13 Top Contenders in Girls' Class A Soccer 07:53 Dark Horse Teams and Rising Stars in Girls' Soccer 09:51 Class B Girls' Soccer Powerhouses 10:58 Players to Watch This Fall 12:15 Surprise Teams and Season Dynamics 16:03 Upcoming Matches and Key Events 18:15 Boys' Soccer Season Preview: Top Teams and Players 21:44 Class B Contenders and Movements 23:35 Excitement of the Tournament 25:56 Preseason Storylines and Expectations 28:20 Extra Time: Fun and Games 36:38 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty dive into the onset of the high school soccer season in Massachusetts. They discuss preseason preparations, the excitement surrounding the new season, and top teams to watch out for. They highlight the impact of players leaving for MLS Next and private schools on MIAA Boys' Soccer, and examine powerhouses like St. John's Prep, Newton North, and Oliver Ames, who continue to dominate despite roster turnovers. On the girls' side, they emphasize the competitiveness and depth of talent, mentioning key programs and players expected to make significant impacts. The episode wraps up with an engaging 'Extra Time' segment, where rapid-fire questions cover personal soccer memories, key aspects of the game, and reflections on the evolving landscape of soccer in the U.S.   Topics 00:35 High School Soccer Season Preview 03:00 Impact of MLS Next on High School Soccer 06:28 Exciting High School Soccer Stories 09:57 Teams to Watch in Boys' Soccer 14:34 Girls' High School Soccer Preview 23:52 Extra Time: Rapid Fire Questions 27:40 Reflecting on Memorable Sports Moments 29:16 The Best Soccer Matches We've Seen 30:44 Comparing Soccer Atmospheres to Other Sports 32:10 The Business Side of Soccer 33:12 Misunderstood Rules and Underrated Skills in Soccer 38:26 Will Soccer Overtake Major US Sports? 43:21 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty chat with UMass Men's Soccer Head Coach Fran O'Leary. They discuss the upcoming 2025 season, the success of the 2024 season, the team’s impressive clean sheet record, and the challenge of replacing key player Alec Hughes. The conversation also delves into the importance of recruitment, team leadership, and the move to the highly competitive Summit League. The episode concludes with a fun segment called 'Extra Time' where the guests answer soccer-related questions.   Topics 00:32 Meet the Guest: Fran O'Leary 01:14 UMass Soccer Season Preview 02:40 Challenges and Strategies 04:37 New England Soccer Talent 07:30 Building a Successful Program 09:47 Transition to the Summit League 12:44 Recruitment Insights 15:25 Advice for Incoming Freshmen 17:01 State of Division One Soccer 19:10 Looking Ahead to 2025 20:15 Reflecting on the Season's Philosophy 21:03 Applying Life Lessons from Soccer 21:19 Previewing the Upcoming Season 21:42 Extra Time: Fun and Wild Questions 21:57 Youth Soccer: Positive and Negative Habits 24:41 The Importance of Leadership in Soccer 27:09 Comparing Coaching Roles Across Sports 33:26 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty recap the 2024-25 club soccer season, discussing notable performances, standout players, and key learnings from their coverage. They delve into the success stories of various clubs such as FC Stars, Scorpions, and NEFC, and the competitive landscape of platforms like MLS Next and ECNL. The hosts share their experiences from traveling to showcase events and provide insights into the player development pipeline in New England. The episode concludes with a lighthearted extra time segment where the hosts discuss memorable soccer uniforms and hypothetical memorabilia.   Topics 00:32 Recap of the Club Season 02:02 Highlights from National Showcases 04:33 Standout Teams and Players 07:43 Club Competitiveness and Development 17:46 MLS Next and Player Development 22:39 Beachside's Strong Season and IFA's Impact 23:23 The Rise of MLS Next and ECNL Boys 24:56 The Influence of MLS on Youth Soccer 25:52 Reflecting on the Club Season 28:03 Extra Time: Fun and Games 37:19 Wrapping Up the Episode

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty speak with Greg Glynn, founder of Pliable Marketing, and Charlotte Belanger, a freshman at Maine playing for Maine Women's Soccer. The conversation covers Charlotte's journey into NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals before starting her college career, her motivations, and future aspirations. They discuss the significance of NIL in college sports, particularly for non-revenue generating sports like women's soccer, and the opportunities it provides for athletes to build their brands and create future career opportunities. The podcast also delves into personal experiences, including Greg's commitment to women’s sports inspired by his 13-year-old daughter and Charlotte's experience balancing academics, athletics, and NIL efforts.   Topics 00:48 Charlotte's Journey with Pliable Marketing 02:11 Greg's Perspective on NIL and Women's Sports 03:14 University of Maine and NIL Opportunities 05:57 Aroma Joe's Partnership and Community Ambassador Role 07:59 Choosing University of Maine and Team Culture 10:45 NIL's Future and Athlete Branding 24:22 Social Media's Role in Athlete Recruitment 28:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty are joined by special guest Frank Dell'Apa, a New England Soccer Journal contributor who covers the Revolution for the Boston Globe. The trio discusses the state of U.S. Soccer as the nation prepares to host the 2026 World Cup. They analyze the U.S. team's performance in the last World Cup, expectations for the upcoming tournament, and the potential impact on soccer's growth in the U.S. Key players like Christian Pulisic, Miles Robinson and Patrick Agyemang are highlighted, and the broader implications of hosting the World Cup, including the excitement and challenges it brings, are discussed. Additionally, predictions for likely World Cup contenders and insights into how the event might unfold are provided.   Topics 00:38 Special Guest Introduction: Frank Dell'Apa 01:06 US Soccer's Current State and World Cup Expectations 05:11 Impact of the 1994 World Cup on US Soccer 09:49 Key Players to Watch for US Team in 2026 18:05 Global Soccer Powerhouses and Predictions 23:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Matt Doherty and Matt Langone interview the University of New Hampshire (UNH) Men's Head Soccer Coach Rich Weinrebe. They discuss the complexities of building a college soccer roster, particularly in the context of the challenges posed by the transfer portal. The coach shares insights on maintaining team culture amidst high turnover and international recruiting, and elaborates on the changing dynamics of player development and resilience in modern college soccer. They also explore UNH's strategic recruiting efforts, the impact of the transfer portal on team building, and reflections on the success and rivalry within the America East Conference. Additionally, Coach Weinrebe discusses the importance of recruiting local talent, his growth as a young head coach, and the balance between professional responsibilities and personal life.   00:00 Introduction and Welcome 00:25 Special Guest: UNH Men's Head Coach Rich Weinrebe 00:46 Building the 2025 Roster 03:57 Navigating the Transfer Portal 06:21 Challenges and Changes in College Soccer 08:57 UNH's Rise in College Soccer 11:05 Rivalry with Vermont and Conference Dynamics 16:26 Recruiting Local Talent 21:20 Coaching Philosophy and Personal Growth 24:58 The Journey Back to UNH 25:23 Summer Plans and Preparations 26:33 Excitement for the Upcoming Season 27:25 Extra Time: Unfiltered Soccer Opinions 31:05 Memorable Soccer Moments 34:02 Greatest Comebacks in Soccer 39:57 Wrapping Up and Farewell

Matt Langone amd Matt Doherty discuss the impactful work of Project GOAL with its executive director and co-founder, Darius Shirzadi. Founded to support inner-city youth in Rhode Island by combining academic mentoring and soccer, Project GOAL has thrived for over 21 years. Shirzadi shares insights on the challenges and successes of running a free, impactful program that addresses both educational and athletic development. The conversation covers the program's structure, its community impact, partnerships with schools and sports teams, and success stories of alumni. The episode concludes with a fun segment, 'Extra Time,' featuring soccer-related questions.   Topics 00:28 Meet the Guests: Darius Shirzadi and Project Goal 00:55 The Origins and Mission of Project Goal 02:19 Challenges and Community Impact 03:59 Program Structure and Success Stories 07:23 Soccer's Growth in Rhode Island 12:48 Future Aspirations and Expansion 18:30 Extra Time: Fun and Insights 22:05 Tales from the Sidelines 23:06 A Shocking Incident at an AAU Game 24:07 The Escalating Insanity of Youth Sports 25:35 Parental Behavior and Its Impact on Kids 27:35 Misconceptions About Soccer 30:17 The Athleticism Debate 34:01 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

The guest is Kelvin Martinez, the newly appointed head coach of Berkshire School Boys Soccer. Martinez discusses his excitement about leading one of the top prep programs in New England, touching upon his coaching philosophy, the talent in his roster, and his strategies for building a dynamic and competitive team. Martinez shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing in Honduras, his soccer journey, and the international influence in prep school soccer. The episode also delves into Martinez's endeavors in establishing a soccer academy in Honduras, emphasizing his commitment to giving back to his community. The show concludes with an engaging 'Extra Time' segment featuring thought-provoking questions about the intricacies and joys of soccer.   Topics 00:33 Meet Kelvin Martinez: New Berkshire School Boys Soccer Head Coach 01:25 Excitement and Expectations for Berkshire Soccer 02:53 Balancing Family and Coaching 04:16 Outdoor Adventures and Family Life 04:36 Berkshire's Soccer Legacy and Future 06:27 Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics 11:42 Kelvin's Soccer Journey from Honduras to the US 16:47 Giving Back: Building a Soccer Academy in Honduras 19:34 International Influence in New England Prep Soccer 22:39 Recruiting Talent from Around the World 24:23 Expectations for the 2025 Season 25:42 Extra Time  26:38 Kelvin's Insight on Soccer's True Essence 29:40 The Challenges of Being a Goalie 33:20 Debunking the Myth: Soccer is Boring 40:11 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewell