New England Soccer Journal’s The Goal

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone speaks with New England Soccer Journal high school soccer writer Patrick Donnelly about the upcoming high school soccer season. They discuss top teams and players to watch, challenges posed by the MLS Next factor, the impact of club soccer on high school participation, and share experiences covering high school sports. The episode also includes a fun segment called Extra Time, where the participants answer random soccer-related questions. Topics 01:12 High School Soccer Insights 02:55 MLS Next Impact on High School Soccer 04:41 Early Season Highlights and Rankings 05:39 Challenges of Covering High School Sports 08:04 Players to Watch This Season 10:41 State Championship Atmosphere 12:16 Comparing High School and Prep School Sports 14:55 Pat's Background and Experience 16:04 Extra Time: Fun Questions 24:34 Conclusion and Sign Off

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone welcomes Seamans Media Managing Editor and Girls Prep Soccer writer Mike Zhe. They discuss the upcoming NEPSAC 2024 prep soccer season, focusing on top teams and players in both girls and boys prep soccer. Key highlights include in-depth prospects for perennial powerhouses like Buckingham, Brown, and Nichols (BB&N) on the girls' side and Milton Academy on the boys' side, along with insights into other competitive teams like Taft, Northfield Mount Hermon, and Worcester Academy. The episode also features an engaging ‘extra time’ segment with creative and insightful soccer-related questions. Topics 01:06 Previewing the Girls Prep Soccer Season 01:58 Top Teams to Watch in Girls Prep Soccer 05:12 Founders League Powerhouses 09:15 Class B Contenders: Pingree and Dexter Southfield 11:02 ISL Teams to Watch: Thayer Academy and Nobles 13:38 Teams Outside the Top 10 to Watch 16:08 Transition to Boys Prep Soccer 16:28 Milton Academy: The Team to Beat 17:57 Challengers to Milton Academy 20:53 Western Massachusetts Contenders: Taft, NMH, and Berkshire 22:37 Worcester Academy's Prospects 23:38 Founders League Boys Teams: Loomis Chaffee 23:53 Loomis Chaffee's Promising Season 24:21 Choate: The Team to Beat 24:59 Kimball Union Academy's Rise 25:57 Avon Old Farms and Nobles in the Rankings 26:52 Potential Top 10 Contenders 28:24 The Passion of Prep and High School Soccer 30:11 Extra Time: Fun and Creative Soccer Questions

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, hosted by Matt Langone, University of Maine women’s soccer head coach Scott Atherley joins the show. They discuss the upcoming 2024 season, reflecting on Maine’s historic 2023 NCAA tournament appearance. Coach Atherley shares his insights on the evolution of the game, team dynamics, the influence of Canadian recruitment, and strategic preparations for the season. The conversation also covers Atherley's approach to developing players' mentality and handling transitions within the sport. Topics 00:47 University of Maine Women's Soccer: Season Preparation 01:24 Reflecting on the Historic 2023 Season 02:42 Maine's Soccer Philosophy and Recruitment 06:24 Spotlight on Abby Kramer 07:42 Recruiting Strategies and Challenges 09:48 Selling the University of Maine Experience 13:19 Upcoming Season and Team Mindset 24:14 Extra Time: Fun Soccer Questions 31:56 Conclusion and Farewell

Damario McIntosh: Journey to the MLS Next All-Star Game In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone interviews Damario McIntosh, a 16-year-old midfielder for New England Revolution II, about his soccer journey. Damario discusses his recent honor of being selected for the MLS Next All-Star Game, his experience traveling, and his developmental journey from Jamaica to California to Boston. They also cover his transition from striker to right back, his soccer influences, and future goals. The episode concludes with a fun segment inspired by Ted Lasso quotes, touching on sports philosophy and personal challenges. Topics 00:44 Damario McIntosh's MLS All-Star Game Experience 03:15 Journey from Jamaica to the USA 07:26 Switching Positions: From Striker to Right Back 12:09 Future Goals and Development 14:20 Extra Time: Fun Soccer Questions 21:27 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone interviews Brendan Adams, the head coach of Bridgewater State men's soccer team. They discuss Adams' two-decade-long tenure, his approach to recruiting, the identity and evolution of his program, and the competitive landscape of Division III soccer in New England. The episode also features a fun segment with producer David Yas, where they evaluate famous soccer goal calls, potential warm-up songs, and soccer movie trailers. Topics 00:34 Meet Coach Brendan Adams 00:45 Building a Winning Program 03:00 Challenges and Successes in the MassCac 11:20 Recruitment Strategies and Challenges 12:57 The Value of State School Programs 17:33 Balancing Coaching and Recruitment 18:48 Reflecting on a Coaching Career 21:15 Team's Potential for the Season 21:38 Facing New Challenges as Top Dogs 22:06 Extra Time Segment Introduction 22:39 Evaluating Iconic Soccer Goal Calls 27:48 Best Soccer Warm-Up Songs 29:34 Soccer Movie Trailers Quiz 32:53 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

The guest is Santiago Somorrostro, the New Hampshire Gatorade Player of the Year from Nashua South, who achieved the honor twice consecutively. They discuss Santi's high school legacy, the surprise of winning the award, his transition to UMass Lowell for Division I soccer, and his involvement in soccer and other sports over the years. Santi shares advice for younger players, insights into his goals and playing style, and his excitement about starting his college soccer career. Topics 01:47 Winning the Gatorade Player of the Year 03:29 Balancing Academics and Athletics 07:14 Choosing UMass Lowell 09:03 Club Soccer Experience 10:49 Family and Early Soccer Influences 12:18 Advice for Young Soccer Players 14:12 Preparing for College Soccer 17:16 Extra Time: Fun Soccer Questions 22:22 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone interviews Dave Barrett, head coach of Fairfield University women's soccer team. Dave discusses his insights and strategies as a college recruiter and coach, emphasizing the importance of athleticism, character, and transparency in the recruitment process. He shares experiences from his coaching career, talks about the blend of technical ability and character he seeks in players, and highlights the critical nature of fit for both the program and the athlete. The discussion also covers the importance of managing expectations, handling rejection, and the evolving role of social media in recruitment. As Fairfield prepares for another competitive season, Dave expresses optimism about the team's prospects and reflects on the significant emotional moments in his coaching journey. Topics 00:45 Recruiting Insights and Philosophy 04:58 Handling Rejection and Thick Skin 13:03 Geographical Recruitment Strategy 15:03 Social Media's Role in Recruitment 19:21 The Importance of Live Interaction in Recruiting 19:50 Evaluating Player and Family Dynamics 20:46 The Initial Contact Process 21:44 Challenges with Player Parents 24:01 Goalkeeper Perspective in Coaching 25:48 Program Expectations for 2024 29:15 Extra Time: Fun and Insightful Questions 38:09 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

The guest is Ally Giovino, a forward transitioning from Colgate University to the University of New Hampshire for a graduate year. Ally discusses her bittersweet emotions about leaving Colgate, her reasons for choosing Colgate over other schools during her recruiting process, her development as a player, and how the COVID-19 pandemic affected her college experience. She also talks about her plans for the future, her strong work ethic, and her experiences coaching younger players during the summer. Topics: 00:37 Reflecting on Colgate Experience 03:17 Navigating the COVID-19 Challenges 04:57 Choosing UNH for Grad Year 08:16 Leadership and On-Field Role 10:32 Recruitment and Transfer Insights 15:43 Early Soccer Journey and Multi-Sport Background 17:35 The Benefits of Playing Multiple Sports 19:07 The Impact of Club Soccer on Development 19:36 Summer Training Plans and Personal Coaching 20:17 Future in Coaching and Training Young Players 21:57 Extra Time: The Best Coach

New England Soccer Journal contributor, Frank Dell'Apa discusses the current state of the New England Revolution, their struggles in the Eastern Conference, and the broader context of soccer development and superstar influence in MLS. The conversation delves into the Revolution's performance, historical context under Bruce Arena's management, and prospects for improvement. Also, the transformative effect of Lionel Messi's arrival in MLS with Miami, comparing the impact of star power on soccer dynamics in the U.S. to global trends. Additionally, the pod covers the role of youth development, the future of American soccer leading up to the 2026 World Cup, and the potential ramifications of sports gambling on the game. 00:42 Diving Deep into the New England Revolution's Current Struggles 02:04 Analyzing the Revolution's Performance and Potential Turnaround 05:00 The Impact of Youth and Homegrown Talent on the Revolution 07:33 Caleb Porter's Optimism and the Challenges Ahead 12:52 Miami's Game-Changing Approach to MLS 18:07 The Future of the Revolution in the Competitive MLS Landscape 19:52 The Game-Changing Potential of Soccer's Accessibility 19:59 The Spontaneity of Soccer and Its Fans 21:17 The Messi Effect: A Case Study in Star Power 24:17 The Future of Soccer: Star Players and Team Strategies 28:35 Extra Time: Deep Dives into Soccer's Evolution, Challenges, and Gambling

In this episode of The Goal Podcast, Matt Langone and producer David Yas discuss the television docuseries 'Welcome to Wrexham,' which follows Hollywood actors Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney as they purchase and manage Wrexham AFC, a historic yet struggling Welsh soccer team. They delve into the show's influence on soccer's popularity, its appeal to a broader audience, and its representation of the sport's emotional and competitive aspects. The episode also covers the concept of relegation in soccer, the team's challenges and successes under new management, and the unique community support around Wrexham AFC. Additionally, they touch on a new venture by Reynolds and McElhenney into Mexican soccer with Club Nacaxa. Interviews, clips from the series, and discussions highlight key moments, fan culture, and the personal investment of the owners in the team's turnaround. Topics: 00:27 Diving Deep into 'Welcome to Wrexham' 02:18 The Hollywood Effect: Ryan Reynolds and Rob McElhenney's Impact 03:25 The Emotional and Financial Investment in Wrexham AFC 04:04 Exploring the Cultural Phenomenon of Soccer Through 'Welcome to Wrexham' 11:36 Understanding Soccer's Relegation System and Its Impact 19:32 Rob and Ryan's Strategy: Star Power and Community Engagement 22:37 Fan Engagement and Ownership Dynamics 23:31 SportsCenter Parody and Team Performance Analysis 24:17 The Power of Self-Deprecation in Sports 25:37 Cultural Impact and Audience Connection 27:35 The Unique Charm of Soccer Chants 30:57 The Evolution of Rob and Ryan's Public Persona 32:28 Season Recap and Looking Ahead 40:00 Expanding the Empire: New Ventures

The guests are Steve McAuliffe, Executive Director, and Brendan Hamilton, Academy Director, from South Shore Select. The episode delves into the club's significant transition to ECNL girls from the Girls Academy for the 2024-25 season, marking a major milestone. McAuliffe and Hamilton discuss the club's joy and competitive ambitions with this move, highlighting their long-term effort in fostering soccer talent and the club's development over the past 30 years. They share success stories, including nurturing players like number one NWSL draft pick Ally Sentnor. The conversation also touches on the club's strong community ties, the importance of maintaining a competitive yet respectful club culture, and their perspectives on future growth and challenges within the changing landscape of club soccer. The podcast concludes with a light-hearted Celebrity Soccer Fantasy Draft. More at https://selectma.com/ Topics 00:00 Welcome to The Goal Podcast with South Shore Select Leadership 00:41 Major Club Announcement: Transition to ECNL 02:38 Reflecting on Club Success and Player Development 07:50 The Competitive Spirit and Future Aspirations 16:22 Navigating the Club Soccer Landscape and Focusing on Self-Improvement 19:07 Exploring the Club's Unique Approach and Community Impact 19:38 The Importance of Familiarity and Personalization in Club Sports 20:59 Expansion Strategies and Maintaining Club Identity 21:57 Transitioning to a New League: Expectations and Preparations 23:14 Club and Community Excitement for the Upcoming Season 23:56 Celebrity Soccer Fantasy Draft: A Fun Divergence

Scott Halpern was named head coach of Loomis Chaffee's soccer teaam in 2023. Halpern previously worked with the men’s soccer program at the University of Connecticut. He joins the show to talk about this off-season, including adding some new students and off-season training and conditioning programs.

New England Revolution forward Olger Escobar joins the show to talk about the team's training in Florida and the excitement surrounding the new season. Also covered in the show: Olger shares insights into his transition from youth soccer to professional soccer, emphasizing the motivation he draws from seeing young players progressing through the ranks and his determination to adapt quickly to the demands of professional play. The conversation touches upon Older's accolades, such as being named the Revolution Academy Player of the Year for 2022-23, highlighting his journey from joining the academy to receiving recognition for his performance and dedication. Olger discusses his international experience, including his call-up to the Guatemalan national team and his debut, offering insights into the emotions and significance of representing his country on the soccer field. Olger also reflects on his personal soccer journey, discussing his early dedication to the sport, family influences, and experiences playing for various teams. He shares memorable moments, such as crucial penalty kicks and the impact of watching and learning from soccer legends like Lionel Messi

St. John's Shrewsbury Coach Sean Noonan joins the show to talk about his playing days and his successes at St. John's.

The guests are Boston Bolts MLS Next Director Shawn Napier and Director of Coaching Greg Robertson who join the show to look ahead to the MLS season and discuss how the Bolts are distinguished from the rest of the club landscape in New England.

The guest is Aztec Soccer Junior Boys Director Jeff Winterton. Jeff, a veteran of the club, discusses its new ownership, changes in structure and more.

Chris Watkins was named the new head women's soccer coach at Boston College this past December. Watkins previously coached seven seasons at Gonzaga, where he compiled a 79-33-16 record.

Milton Academy recently claimed the the Class A championship, after a "gauntlet" of a tournament. Coach Chris Kane joins the show to talk about the achievement.

Host Matt Langone is joined by Seamans Media Managing Editor and Girls Prep Soccer writer Mike Zhe to preview the New England prep school playoffs.

The guest is Jennifer Epstein, one of the owners of Boston's brand new National Women's Soccer League franchise that will begin play in 2026.