In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone is joined by Siemens Media Managing Editor and Girls Prep Soccer Writer Mike Zhe. They delve into the upcoming NEPSAC soccer tournaments, providing a comprehensive breakdown of both girls and boys teams. They discuss potential top teams, analyze their performances during the season, and predict who might make it through to the finals. The episode also features 'Extra Time' where the hosts respond to thought-provoking soccer-related quotes. This episode is a must-listen for serious soccer players and their supporters looking to navigate the high-stakes environment of New England prep soccer.

Topics

01:01 NEPSAC Tournament Overview

03:14 Girls Prep Soccer: Top Teams Analysis

06:15 Class A Contenders Breakdown

13:51 Class B Insights and Predictions

17:02 Boys Prep Soccer Preview

18:44 Milton and Berkshire: The Teams to Watch

19:33 Contenders for the Boys' Championship

21:22 Filling Out the Field: The Final Teams

23:52 Class B Championship Predictions

26:46 Bracketology and Final Thoughts

28:28 Extra Time: Soccer Quotes and Insights

In this episode of the New England Soccer Journal's 'The Goal' podcast, hosts Matt Langone and Matt Doherty sit down with Eric Klein, New England Revolution II midfielder and the Revolution Academy Player of the Year for the 23-24 season. Klein opens up about his journey from Pennsylvania to the Revs Academy, highlighting the honor of his award and the significance of adaptability on the field. The episode delves into his physical and skill development, the importance of fitness, and the challenges of professional soccer. Notable discussions include the value of mentorship, the nuances of player-coach relationships, and parental support in youth sports. The conversation is enriched with Klein's personal soccer memories, aspirations, and the essential qualities that make a great coach.

Topics

00:00 Introduction and Welcome

00:31 Meet Eric Klein: Revolution Academy Player of the Year

01:05 Eric's Journey and Achievements

03:39 Life in the Academy and Residency Program

06:08 Transition to Professional Soccer

10:45 Personal Growth and Future Goals

17:54 Producer David's Toughest Questions

18:38 Memorable Soccer Moments

22:39 Advice for Soccer Parents

27:17 Qualities of a Good Soccer Coach

31:27 Closing Remarks and Farewell

Host Matt Langone introduces new soccer reporter Matt Doherty. The episode highlights Matt's background, including his experience in sports journalism and his focus on club and academy soccer in the New England region. They discuss the dynamic soccer landscape, especially in the context of youth clubs and academies, such as MLS Next and ECNL. Matt shares his excitement about covering the burgeoning soccer scene and the opportunity to share untold player stories. The podcast also features a segment of 'extra time', where hypothetical scenarios about soccer movies and fascinating rules are discussed.

Topics

00:36 Meet the New Reporter: Matt Doherty

01:34 Matt Doherty's Background and Experience

03:31 Insights on MLS Next and Club Soccer

07:24 High School vs. Club Soccer

10:37 Future Coverage and Club Dynamics

17:44 Extra Time: Fun and Random Questions

31:03 Conclusion and Farewell

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone chats with Paul Turner, the new head coach of Thayer Academy Girls Soccer. Turner, who has extensive coaching experience in high school soccer, shares his excitement about the new role, the challenges of leading a team with significant injuries, and his coaching philosophy. He also reflects on his journey from London to the U.S., the modern club soccer landscape, and his hopes for the future of the sport. Additionally, Turner and Langone discuss the growth of the National Women's Soccer League and the pros and cons of artificial turf in soccer.

Topics

00:34 Meet Paul Turner: Thayer Academy's New Head Coach

01:10 Paul Turner's Coaching Journey

02:45 Challenges and Opportunities at Thayer Academy

04:23 Team Dynamics and Player Development

06:12 Coaching Philosophy and Team Strategy

14:01 Paul Turner's Background and Passion for Soccer

17:01 Reflecting on the Evolution of Soccer

17:57 Challenges in Club Soccer

19:56 Defining a Successful Season for Thayer

21:55 Extra Time: Random Questions

22:31 The Future of Women's Soccer

25:42 Debate Over Artificial Turf

28:10 First Memories of Soccer

30:26 Closing Thoughts and Farewell

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