New England Soccer Journal’s The Goal

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.

Rick Warren, head coach for Suffield Academy, is the guest. Prior to arriving at Suffield, he was the assistant men’s soccer coach at Kenyon College. Rick is a native of Jamaica who played for his country at the youth level.

Sam Lopes was named the ninth head coach of the Providence women’s soccer program in 2014 In his first nine seasons as head coach, Lopes has guided the Friars to seven winning seasons, one appearance in the NCAA Tournament (2021) and appearances in seven of the last eight Big East Tournaments. In 2021, Lopes guided the Friars to their first NCAA Tournament appearance since 1993.

New England Soccer Journal's Matt Langone and Mike Zhe preview the upcoming prep school soccer season for both the boys and girls squads.

Just days away from the start of the season, Coach Jen Hughes joins the show to talk Amherst College soccer.

The guest is Marc Hubbard, who is in his ninth season as UNH men’s soccer head coach. The Wildcats have recorded 10+ win seasons each of Hubbard's first eight years and is currently a top-25 ranked team.

With the U.S. pursuing a first-ever threepeat at the World Cup, longtime soccer writer Frank Dell'Apa joins the show to talk about the expectations around the Americans team and the New Englanders who will play a role in reaching those goals. He also joins host Matt Langone to break down how the Revolution have played this season (22:18) and the U19 championship won by the Revs' academy team (24:30). They finish with a look at the impact Lionel Messi will have as he joins the MLS in Miami (25:20).

Curt Onalfo, technical director of the New England Revolution, joins the show to talk about a host of issues including the signing of local soccer phenom Peyton Miller.