Soccer Talk presented by Kick It Forward

A packed week of boys action as we break down the Merle Hay Cup and Iowa City West at Ankeny Centennial. Big moments, key goals, some referee controversy, and what these results mean as we get closer to postseason play.

This episode breaks down two key girls matchups across the state, including Dowling vs Ankeny Centennial and Southeast Polk vs Waukee, with a deep dive into the moments that decided each game. The guys analyze goals conceded, highlighting preventable mistakes, defensive positioning, and the importance of communication and game management in crucial moments.

The high school soccer season is in full swing and this episode we dive into the Crosstown Invitational, a loaded event featuring some of the top ranked teams in the state all competing in one place. We break down key matchups including Ankeny Centennial vs Linn-Mar, highlight standout goals and moments, and talk through what makes this event so valuable with college coaches in attendance.

We're back with another Game of the Week breakdown, this time covering a girls matchup between Lincoln and North that ended in a 1-1 draw. The guys break down key moments including a first-half penalty, a chaotic equalizer, and a close offside decision that could've shifted the result. They also touch on the growth of both programs, rising participation numbers, and early season results and storylines from around the state.

The high school soccer season is officially underway, and we kick things off with our first Game of the Week breakdown. We dive into Roosevelt vs. Dowling, covering a controversial penalty decision, missed chances, and the game-winning goal in a 1-0 result, while also discussing roster turnover and what it means for both teams. Around the state, we hit early results, storylines, and teams to watch, plus player development and decision-making in key moments. On the girls side, we recap a strong Dowling win, highlight standout performances, and get into the high school vs. club conversation, finishing with thoughts on facilities, atmosphere, and why the high school game still matters.

We're back with another roundtable episode, this time talking all things girls high school soccer! During this conversation, coaches discuss what it takes to build a successful high school soccer program, challenges within the game, the importance of developing leaders, and for some, getting players invested in something bigger than just winning games. From player development and expectations for the season to the evolving relationship between club and high school soccer, this conversation offers insight from the coaches working every day to grow the girls game in Iowa.

In this episode, we bring together several Iowa high school boys soccer coaches for a round table conversation about the upcoming 2026 season. The group discusses how programs are preparing for the year ahead, what they're seeing across the Iowa soccer landscape, and the challenges and opportunities facing high school soccer in the state. From player development to program culture and expectations for the season, this conversation offers insight straight from the coaches shaping the game in Iowa.

Grand View made history in December, winning the NAIA Men's Soccer National Championship for the first time in program history. In this episode, we sit down with Head Coach David Groves to talk about the Vikings' run through the national tournament and the players who helped make it happen.

Coach Groves shares how patience, strong leadership, and trust in the process helped shape a championship team. We also discuss recruiting, developing players, and what the future looks like for the Grand View program as they look to build on a historic season.

Continuing the conversation about youth soccer, we are joined by a soccer educator, youth coach, and lifelong soccer aficionado, Frank Gurnick, or as we like to call him, Frankie G! In a broad-ranging discussion, we touch on everything from what defines a community club to the inherent conflict between volunteer non-profit boards and their executive leadership. But it isn't all serious soccer talk. In addition to the standard banter, Frankie G has some of the best one-liners out there and some crazy recall for names and teams of players that he's coached over the years.

In this episode, we sit down with Andrew Heckenlaible to talk through his journey in the game, from growing up playing in Iowa to working through setbacks, trusting his belief, navigating recruiting camps and academy trials, and earning his place at the college level. Andrew shares what the process actually looked like behind the scenes, the moments that tested him, and what he learned by taking ownership of his development along the way.