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

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

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone is joined by club soccer writer Matt Doherty, IFA New England MLS Next Director Rohit Gautam, and club president Bill Altieri. They discuss IFA New England's development strategies, the importance of the MLS Next platform, and the club's competitive environment. The conversation also explores their goals for player development, international experiences, and upcoming events. The episode concludes with a fun Q&A segment, 'Extra Time,' where the guests tackle various soccer dilemmas.

Topics

00:58 IFA New England's Ambitions and Progress

02:44 The Role and Impact of MLS Next

05:37 Weekly Routine and Player Development

09:06 Competitiveness and Unique Approach of IFA New England

21:00 International Exposure and Future Plans

24:13 Reflecting on a Successful Event

24:43 Future Plans for International Tournaments

25:19 MLS Next Fest and Its Importance

25:54 Showcasing Talent and Competing

28:25 The Extra Time Segment Begins

28:58 Handling Time-Wasting Tactics

32:40 Dealing with Injured Players

37:04 Managing Fiery Players

41:11 Closing Remarks and Farewell

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