Those Two Soccer Dads

Episode 2.05 - On this episode we give a high level preview of what is ahead for the two SC del Sol teams that qualified to the MLS Next Flex 2024 event. How did they get there, who are they playing, and what to expect on this 5-day event that is a qualifier for the MLS Next Cup in June.

Episode 2.04 - Interview with Orlando Vasquez and his mother María. Orlando plays for the SC del Sol 2008 MLS Next team. Many times we see development as a ladder, or a straight line, a series of forward steps until we reach our desired destination. But development is anything but a straight line. Many times what we see as setbacks, or steps backwards, are simply necessary movements to help our development, so we can then continue improving and moving towards our goal. We hope Orlando's story inspires you to continue working hard no matter where you are in your soccer journey.

Episode 2.03 - Interview with Michael Tamm and his son Alex, who plays for the SC del Sol 2008 MLS Next team. In soccer, and in life, we will face setbacks, adversity, and failure. How we deal with these hard times will determine our path in life. Alex’s story reminds us all that grit and resilience are important human traits to have and to nurture if we are to bounce back from adversity and failure. We hope that you are inspired by his story, and if you have time after listening to our podcast, we invite you to also checkout these short Ted Talks videos on grit and resilience, and why setbacks, adversity and failure are an important part of growing, learning and living a healthy, fulfilling and joyful life. - Grit: the power of passion and perseverance - Resilience: The Art of Failing Forward - Failure is knowledge, knowledge is success

Episode 2.02 - MLS Next 2023-2024 Season overview. On this episode we give a high level overview of the season schedule, age groups, league format, and special events during the season. We also talk about last season MLS Next Cup winners, and we wrap up the results for the Women's World Cup, the Concacaf U15 championship and more Messi Magic.

Episode 2.01 - Before we dive into the new MLS Next season, we are going to talk about the tournaments and events that have happened during this very exciting summer of soccer. Concacaf Nations League and Gold Cup, FIFA Women's World Cup, Messi coming to Inter de Miami and his League Cup impact, and last but not least, the Concacaf U15 championship.

Episode 1.09 - Interview with Jesus "Chuy" Ruiz and his son Miguel. Chuy has been involved in the game of soccer for a long time, first as an academy player at Atlas, then as a professional player, then as a coach, and now as a scout for the academies of SC del Sol and Rayados de Monterrey. His older son Diego is currently a member of the Rayados academy, while Miguel is a member of the 2008 MLS Next team at SC del Sol. We discuss and compare the state of youth soccer in Mexico and the US. We also talk about the opportunities that Diego and Miguel can find in Mexico because they are dual-nationals. We also discuss the work Chuy is doing in his current role as a scout.

Episode 1.08 - In today's episode we talk about a mixture of topics. First, we briefly cover the Generation Adidas Cup going on in Florida at the moment. We also talk about the upcoming MLS Next Flex event. And last but not least, we join the discussion on the US Men's National Team search for a new coach. Which US academy is doing well in the GA cup? How many del Sol teams made it to the Flex event? Who do we think should be the next USMNT manager? Listen in if you want to know the answers.

Episode 1.07 - Interview with Kristin Serrano and her son Beau. Beau is the goalkeeper for the SC del Sol 2008 MLS Next team. We talk to him and his mom about life as a GK player and parent, the highs and the lows, and most important of all, the mindset needed to not only succeed but also enjoy playing such a difficult position.

Episode 1.06 - Interview with four players of the South Yorkshire Elite U15 team that just participated in the SC del Sol's President's Day Tournament (PDT). These four boys, along with the rest of their teammates, were selected via tryouts and came all the way from the U.K. to participate in this tournament. We ask them about their experience in the U.S., their lives as footballers in the U.K., and how football shapes the lives of the people in their communities.

Episode 1.05 - This episode is about the 2023 SC del Sol 44th Annual President’s Day Tournament (PDT). Played at two of the top soccer venues in the state, Reach 11 and Bell Bank Park, PDT is Arizona’s #1 soccer tournament. Bringing together over 350 teams and more than 4,000 players to compete, as well as college and professional scouts looking to recruit players for the next level.

Episode 1.04 - In this episode we talk about MLS Next, specifically the differences between the League and the MLS Next Flex competitions, and how they both lead to the MLS Next Cup playoffs. We also go over the club teams performances so far, and what the current outlook is for our teams to make the playoffs. We conclude with a short preview of our away game at City SC.

Episode 1.03 - We interview Jason Siegler and his son Sebastian. Sebastian is a current 2009 SC del Sol player that plays with both, the 2008 and the 2009 MLS Next teams. We talk about his unique background, as a British, Australian and American citizen. We also discuss how he and his family had to deal directly with FIFA and US Soccer so he could play soccer after his arrival to the States.

Episode 1.02 - Interview with Michael Hagan and his son Eli, whose career has taken a slight detour. Eli is a SC del Sol U15 (08) Boys Academy player, who was presented with an opportunity to live and play soccer in Spain through a company called European Soccer Solutions. Michael and Eli share with us how this opportunity came about, and their experience so far.

Episode 1.01 - We interview Sonia Dawley and her son Lewis, who is an ex-SC del Sol player, and now plays for the Philadelphia Union Academy. They are sharing with us how was their experience while being recruited by one of the best youth soccer academies in the US, and how things are going for them on the other side of that life-changing decision.