New England Soccer Journal’s The Goal

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

Matt Langone is joined by NESJ writer Matt Doherty to discuss important upcoming dates in the New England club soccer scene. They highlight significant events such as the Girls Academy Northeast Talent ID in New Jersey, the MLS Next Flex event in Maryland, and the ECNL showcases and playoffs. The hosts delve into how these events provide vital exposure for players, help with college recruiting, and represent a pivotal part of the soccer calendar. Additionally, the crew has fun creating and casting hypothetical soccer movies.   Topics 00:56 Spring Club Soccer Calendar Highlights 02:52 Girls Academy Northeast Talent ID Event 04:29 MLS Next Flex Event Overview 08:08 ECNL Girls and Boys Upcoming Events 14:51 Extra Time: Creating Soccer Movies 17:44 Casting Choices for Jade and Coach Terry 18:33 Debating Theme Songs for the Movie 19:07 Plot and Casting for the World Cup Thriller 23:06 Plot and Casting for the Comedy Movie 26:57 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

The guest is Oakwood Soccer Club Girls Academy Director Marisa Kresge. She covers Oakwood's strong performances in the Jefferson Cup, Marisa's transition from college coaching to club directing, and the challenges she faced in her first year. The conversation covers the importance of consistent communication, individual player development, and strategic plans for Oakwood's future. They also delve into broader topics in women's soccer, including the impact of NIL and transfer portal on college soccer, the distinctions between coaching at college and youth levels, and the benefits of the Girls Academy platform. The episode concludes with a fun 'Would You Rather' segment focused on soccer scenarios. Topics 00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome 00:31 Guest Introduction: Marisa Kresge 00:53 Oakwood Soccer Club's Recent Success 01:45 Marisa's First Year at Oakwood 03:02 Coaching Philosophy and Communication 04:29 Transition from College to Youth Soccer 06:15 Differences Between College and Youth Coaching 08:03 Marisa's Playing Background and Credibility 13:29 Challenges in College Soccer and Recruiting 20:53 Balancing Academics and Athletics in the Big 10 21:24 NIL Deals in Women's Soccer 22:40 Oakwood Soccer Club's Progress and Goals 26:34 Extra Time: Fun and Goofy Soccer Questions 34:07 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

Matt Langone is joined by NESJ reporter Matt Doherty to discuss the current state of college soccer recruitment, focusing on the class of 2025. They explore the slow pace of commitments due to a multitude of factors including the rise of multiple leagues, the impact of COVID-19, the transfer portal, and the influx of international players. They also delve into how these factors are affecting high school, prep school, and Division III recruiting landscapes. The episode concludes with a segment on potential rule changes in soccer, sparking lively debates.   Topics 00:53 Recruitment Challenges in 2025 03:39 Impact of the Transfer Portal 10:27 Division 3 Soccer's Rise 19:54 Advice for High School Players 23:34 Extra Time: Soccer Innovations 31:14 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone is joined by NESJ writer Matt Doherty and New England Revolution Academy coach Abel Wasswa. Abel discusses his new role as the U14 coach for the academy, sharing his objectives, learning experiences, and the differences between coaching college and younger players. He emphasizes the importance of game intelligence, individual duels, and a positive coaching environment. Abel also details his participation in the Elite Formation Coaching License program with the French Federation. The episode concludes with a fun 'Extra Time' segment featuring potential rule changes in soccer. Topics 01:21 Coaching Philosophy and Objectives 02:17 Transition from College to Academy Coaching 05:02 Coaching Younger Players: Challenges and Strategies 08:04 Influences and Inspirations in Coaching 12:31 Creating a Positive Coaching Environment 16:11 Player Development and Tactical Mastery 22:32 Personal Playing Experience and Coaching Impact 25:54 Elite Formation Coaching License Program 26:36 Introduction to the 18-Month Course 28:13 Course Structure and In-Person Meetings 29:14 Observations and Assignments 30:10 Final Evaluation and Conclusion 30:37 Overtime Session: Zany Soccer Questions 31:30 Sin Bin for Yellow Cards 35:22 Kick-Ins Instead of Throw-Ins 39:09 Multi-Ball Chaos Mode 43:19 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

The guest is Amherst College senior Niall Murphy. Murphy reflects on his crucial role in leading Amherst to a national championship in 2024 and discusses the team’s journey starting from their loss in the 2023 national title game. He shares insights on the competitive nature of NESCAC soccer, the significance of his leadership, and the personal milestones of overcoming injuries and adapting to new positions. Murphy also opens up about his academic path in computer science and his upcoming career in finance while balancing his passion for soccer.   Topics   00:34 Meet Niall Murphy: Amherst College Soccer Star 00:57 The Journey to the National Championship 02:16 Facing Rivals and Overcoming Challenges 03:44 Personal Reflections and Experiences 13:00 High School Days and Recruitment Challenges 19:00 Life After College Soccer 20:29 Extra Time: Fun and Unexpected Questions 26:03 Conclusion and Farewell  

Matt Langone is joined by colleague Matt Doherty, who reports on the ECNL Girls' Winter Showcase in Florida. Despite battling a virus, Doherty shares his observations on the competitive matches, standout teams, and the significant presence of college coaches scouting talent. They discuss the promising performances from New England clubs including FC Stars, South Shore Select, and Scorpions SC, and how the showcase serves as a prelude to the upcoming spring season. The episode wraps up with a fun segment of Extra Time, where they analyze famous soccer quotes. Topics 01:29 Discussion on ECNL Florida Winter Showcase 02:53 College Coaches and Competitive Atmosphere 10:10 Comparing ECNL and MLS Next Fest 13:33 Teams to Watch in the Spring Season 20:14 Dining Experiences in Florida 21:34 Spring Soccer Coverage Preview 21:46 Extra Time: Fun Soccer Questions 34:22 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Host Matt Langone and co-host Matt Doherty discuss the top five soccer stories to watch in 2025. They start by highlighting the University of Vermont's 2024 national championship win and debating the team's chances for a repeat. They then move on to the budding rivalry between FC Stars and South Shore Select in ECNL Girls, followed by a deep dive into the upcoming MLS Next Flex event and the New England clubs to watch. The pair also explore the ongoing parity in boys' prep school soccer, questioning whether Taft can repeat as champions. Finally, they address the changing landscape of recruiting post-COVID, anticipating an uptick in player commitments. The episode concludes with personal reflections on the challenges and goals for the new year in soccer journalism.   Topics 02:13 Vermont's Historic National Championship 07:24 South Shore Select Joins ECNL Girls 10:43 MLS Next and Playoffs Preview 15:23 Boys Prep Soccer Parity 18:49 Milton vs. Taft: A High School Soccer Showdown 19:35 The Challenge of Repeating Championships 20:49 Impact of COVID on College Recruiting 22:17 Recruiting Trends and Delays 24:11 The Future of Soccer Recruiting 25:44 Top Five Soccer Stories Recap 26:27 Extra Time: Soccer Insights and Predictions

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty are joined by guest Max Murray, a standout player from the University of Vermont. The discussion centers around Vermont's historic first national championship win in NCAA soccer, with Murray sharing his experiences and the team's journey. Murray elaborates on the dynamics and special qualities of the team, notable moments from their championship run, and his transition to professional soccer after being drafted by New York City FC. The episode also delves into Murray's personal journey, his versatility on the field, and his thoughts on the team's future.   Topics   00:50 Winning the National Championship 02:59 Team Dynamics and Strategies 04:38 Community Support and Team Bonding 08:08 Versatility and Position Changes 17:45 Draft Day and Professional Aspirations 24:47 Panelists Share Their Favorite Soccer Championships 28:27 Greatest Soccer Comebacks Ever Witnessed 33:48 Imagining a Statue to Commemorate the Championship 38:34 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewells

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone is joined by New England Soccer Journal writer Matt Doherty and University of New Haven men's soccer head coach, Tom Mattera. They discuss New Haven's historic season, recruiting strategies, and the challenges and successes faced along the way. Mattera shares insights into building a competitive program and the unique attributes of the Northeast 10 conference. The episode also features a discussion about memorable soccer moments and stadiums in the Extra Time segment.   Topics 01:08 Historic Season for New Haven 02:57 Recruitment Strategies and Challenges 07:10 New Haven's Playing Style and Key Moments 10:54 Division II Landscape and International Recruitment 16:55 Transfer Portal and Recruitment Challenges 20:20 The Transfer Combine Craze 20:32 Building a Winning Culture 21:15 Winter Plans and Recruiting 21:52 Extra Time Segment Introduction 22:37 Impressive Soccer Stadiums 26:36 Unique Soccer Uniforms 28:37 Memorable Soccer Plays 34:42 Wrapping Up and Farewell

Matt Langone is joined by Matt Doherty to discuss the upcoming MLS Next Fest. They talk about the significance of this major showcase for young soccer talent, the participation of New England teams, and the opportunities it presents for players in terms of exposure and recruitment. The conversation delves into the dynamics of the event, the level of competition, and the player development landscape. They also recount memorable experiences and share insights into the life of a sports journalist. The episode concludes with bonus questions that explore their most memorable interviews and writing moments.   Topics   00:50 MLS Next Fest Preview 02:40 Importance of Exposure for Players 04:35 Teams and Players to Watch 06:19 Event Logistics and College Recruitment 15:16 Post-Event Content and Coverage 19:33 Extra Time: Fun and Personal Stories 34:19 Conclusion and Wrap-Up