Claim OwnershipSoccer Talk presented by Kick It Forward
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We talk all things soccer in Iowa and occasionally, beyond.
215 Episodes
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In this episode, we bring together several Iowa high school boys soccer coaches for a round table conversation about the upcoming 2026 season. The group discusses how programs are preparing for the year ahead, what they're seeing across the Iowa soccer landscape, and the challenges and opportunities facing high school soccer in the state. From player development to program culture and expectations for the season, this conversation offers insight straight from the coaches shaping the game in Iowa.
Grand View made history in December, winning the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship for the first time in program history. In this episode, we sit down with Head Coach David Groves to talk about the Vikings' run through the national tournament and the players who helped make it happen. Coach Groves shares how patience, strong leadership, and trust in the process helped shape a championship team. We also discuss recruiting, developing players, and what the future looks like for the Grand View program as they look to build on a historic season.
Continuing the conversation about youth soccer, we are joined by a soccer educator, youth coach, and lifelong soccer aficionado, Frank Gurnick, or as we like to call him, Frankie G! In a broad-ranging discussion, we touch on everything from what defines a community club to the inherent conflict between volunteer non-profit boards and their executive leadership. But it isn't all serious soccer talk. In addition to the standard banter, Frankie G has some of the best one-liners out there and some crazy recall for names and teams of players that he's coached over the years.
In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Heckenlaible to talk through his journey in the game, from growing up playing in Iowa to working through setbacks, trusting his belief, navigating recruiting camps and academy trials, and earning his place at the college level. Andrew shares what the process actually looked like behind the scenes, the moments that tested him, and what he learned by taking ownership of his development along the way.
In this episode, we sit down with Lance Rozeboom, former Iowa youth soccer player, Division I collegiate athlete, and professional, to discuss his approach to player development and why he built RFA Futbol Academy around the youngest age groups. Lance shares why the early years are critical to long term development and how he stays hands on with the day to day coaching, environment, and expectations.
ECNL Super Cup is being positioned as a replacement for high school soccer, but is it really the better option? In this episode we break down which path truly reflects a collegiate environment, where real exposure comes from, the financial barriers involved, and the impact of playing for your community. A conversation every player and parent should hear. 🎙️⚽️
The semifinals are in the books, and the stage is set for a massive Friday finale. In 1A, Van Meter edged Regina 1-0, while West Sioux shut out Hudson 2-0 to earn their shot at the title. Over in 2A, Bishop Heelan put on a clinic with a 7-0 win over Williamsburg, and Gilbert battled past Webster City 1-0. We break down the highlights, key performances, and what to expect when the trophies are on the line.
The 2025 girls state tournament kicked off with a bang—goals, drama, and a few surprises along the way. From Xavier's ten-goal masterclass to Centennial and Waukee surviving from the spot, the quarterfinals delivered across all three classes. We break down the standout performances, smooth finishes, and what each result means heading into the semifinals.
In this episode, we break down the thrilling quarterfinal matchups from the 2025 Iowa Boys State Soccer Tournament. From dominant performances to nail-biting penalty shootouts, we cover all the action across Classes 1A through 4A. Highlights include Johnston's commanding 5-0 victory over Dowling Catholic, Cedar Rapids Washington's dramatic PK win against Dallas Center-Grimes, and Gilbert's double-overtime triumph over Knoxville. Tune in as we analyze each game's pivotal moments and set the stage for the upcoming semifinals at Mediacom Stadium.
The 2025 Iowa High School Boys State Soccer Tournament is back! Join us as we analyze each bracket, highlight key players, and provide insights into the teams vying for the state title. Whether you're a fan, player, or coach, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the road to the championship.
IGHSAU's state soccer tournament is here and we are ready to talk about it. In this episode, we dive into each class, spotlight key storylines, and share our predictions for who might lift the trophy by week's end. From dominant favorites to potential underdog runs, we've got everything you need to get ready for state.
Gary Ross from the IGHSAU joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of girls high school soccer in Iowa. We talk about his background in sports, the elimination of overtime and PKs, updates to the state tournament venue, season start date, rankings system, and changes to yellow and red card rules. We also dig into the growing participation numbers, what Gary enjoys most about overseeing the sport, and a few fun side topics along the way.
Girls substate predictions are here! We're diving into every corner of the girls regional brackets and making our picks for who's punching their ticket to state. Expect bold takes, tight matchups, and a few dark horse teams we've got our eyes on.
This week's episode features a classic showdown between two Des Moines public school programs we've followed closely for years—North and Roosevelt (Boys & Girls). After breaking down the Game of the Week, we shift into a full rundown of the Class 4A boys substate brackets. We go region by region, highlighting key matchups, potential upsets, and the top contenders in each bracket. From powerhouse programs to dark horse threats, we cover everything you need to know heading into the postseason
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