The Soccer Ladder

This week on The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by Bryan Jordan (@bj_6) — former LA Galaxy winger, two-time MLS Cup champion, and one of the hardest-working pros of his era. From grinding through trials to sharing a locker room with David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Robbie Keane, Bryan gets real about what it actually takes to climb — and stay on — the ladder.

What we cover

• From LA kid to pro: Growing up in ultra-competitive Los Angeles, bouncing across top youth teams (Cal Heat), and the showcase moment that led to Oregon State.
• The break-in story: Trialing with the Galaxy, getting sent to Portland Timbers, then earning his way back when LA bought his contract — why persistence + relationships (shoutout to a timely phone call) matter.
• Mentality > talent: How “watch me” became his response to pressure, competition for minutes, and not being the biggest or flashiest player.
• Versatility is a superpower: Playing multiple positions and why that expands soccer IQ (and value) — advice for players learning the 6, CB, or wide roles.
• Handling the spotlight: First impressions in star-studded locker rooms and what top pros’ preparation actually looks like.
• Training load & recovery: Thoughts on academy sessions, private work, rest days, and listening to your body so you can stay available.
• Modern distractions: Social media, focus, and building self-belief in an always-on era.
• Favorite moments & mentors: Commercial work with Christian Pulisic (plus Tyler Adams), what he noticed about their character, and the coaches who knew how to push him (hello, Bruce Arena).

Memorable gems

• “Self-belief, persistence, and showing up — that’s the separator when the door cracks open.”
• “Versatility isn’t a detour. It’s compounding intelligence for your eventual position.”
• “On bad days, don’t guilt yourself — listen to your body so you can live to train well tomorrow.”

Quick hits

• Youth/college moments that shaped his mindset (including learning to balance dribbling brilliance with teamwork)
• How to compete on talent-heavy rosters without losing your edge
• Why smaller players can still make a massive impact (play to your weapons)

Previously connected guests

You’ll hear call-outs to past TSL guests and Galaxy teammates: @tristanbowen, @ajd_20, @seanfranklin5, and Charlie Rugg — plus stories featuring Beckham, Donovan, and Keane.

Connect

Guest: Bryan Jordan — Instagram @bj_6
Hosts: @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18
Show: @thesoccerladder • Listen wherever you get podcasts

In this inspiring episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Mike Chabala (@michaelchabala) — former Houston Dynamo defender, two-time MLS Cup Champion, and founder of @sphere.club — to explore the full-circle journey from professional athlete to purpose-driven entrepreneur. ⚽️

From playing in Europe at just eight years old, to earning his way onto one of the best teams in MLS history, to now creating a global movement through Sphere, Mike’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and heart.

He shares what it truly takes to stay committed through the highs and lows of the professional game — and how that same discipline can be applied to business, wellness, and life.

Key Takeaways:

🌍From Europe to the MLS: Mike’s unconventional start — moving abroad alone at age 8 — and how early adversity shaped his mindset.

💪Perseverance through setbacks: The reality of not playing for four years in the league and what kept him committed to his dream.

⚽️Advice for youth players: Why technical mastery, daily discipline, and a relentless work ethic matter more than talent alone.

 🧠Building community through Sphere: How he transformed his love of soccer and fitness into Sphere, a global fitness movement blending sport, wellness, and connection.

💡Life after the game: Redefining success beyond the field through entrepreneurship and personal growth.

💬Favorite Quote

“It’s always about what you do when nobody’s watching — not what you do at practice when everyone’s there.”

🔗 Connect with Mike & Sphere

📸 Instagram: @michaelchabala
 | @sphere.club

🌐 Website: www.sphere.club

⚽️ Connect with The Soccer Ladder
🎧 Listen to Episode 23 of The Soccer Ladder wherever you get your podcasts.

Hosted by @meganlinkeofficial & @liamlinke18
Follow the show: @thesoccerladder

This week on @thesoccerladder, hosts @meganlinkeofficial and @liamlinke18 sit down with Chijioke Akujuobi (@choppaholic5) — the creator and host of @victorychatterpodcast / @victorychatterpod — for a powerful conversation on mindset, mentorship, and what it really takes to make it in the world of soccer.

From street soccer in Texas to playing professionally in Denmark,  Chijioke’s story is one of grit, faith, and relentless belief in his purpose. In this episode, he shares:

⚽️ How mindset outweighs talent — and why mental strength is the #1 differentiator for elite players.

💬 The moment a coach changed his entire career with one mindset shift.

🌍 What separates U.S. and European youth development systems — and how culture, discipline, and structure play a major role.

🎙 The origin story of The Victory Chatter Podcast and how interviewing pros like AJ DeLaGarza, Kellyn Acosta, and others has deepened his perspective.

🔥 Why self-awareness, mentorship, and consistency are the true markers of success both on and off the field.

🏆 Lessons from players like Michael Bradley and Cristiano Ronaldo on staying hungry and grounded — no matter how far you go.

This episode is packed with gold for players, parents, and coaches who want to build not just a career — but character.

🎧 Listen to Episode 22 now on all streaming platforms.

📲 Follow & Connect:@thesoccerladder @meganlinkeofficial @liamlinke18@choppaholic5 @victorychatterpodcast @victorychatterpod

🎥 TikTok: @choppaholic5 @victorychatterpod

#thesoccerladder #victorychatterpodcast #soccerpodcast #mindsetmatters #shijogakajobi #usmnt #youthsoccer #footballculture #growthmindset #soccerjourney #leadership #athletedevelopment

Guest: Fre Frans, former pro defender turned coach at RWDM Brussels
📲 IG: @frefrans

In this inspiring and globe-spanning episode, we sit down with Belgian footballer and coach Fre Frans (@frefrans), who shares his journey from debuting at 17 in Belgium’s top league to coaching one of the youngest squads in Europe today.

Fre played professionally for clubs like Lierse SK, Beerschot, and Partick Thistle in Scotland, and he’s now mentoring rising talent at RWDM Brussels — a club committed to youth development, global scouting (including American talent), and building strong character on and off the pitch.

We dive into:

• Fre’s early debut at just 17 and how he handled pressure with ease
• His time in Scotland vs Belgium and the cultural & tactical differences
• Coaching lessons he's learned from both the best — and worst — coaches
• Why mentality trumps talent at the pro level
• What it’s like raising a son who dreams of being the next Thibaut Courtois
• RWDM’s exciting philosophy on global development and scouting
• Advice to academy players dreaming of the first team
• And rapid fire questions: toughest opponent, dream stadium, and one young player to watch 👀

🔗 Plus: We get personal about parenthood, mindset, and how creating your own journey (and not comparing it to others) can lead to a long-lasting career in football and beyond.

Whether you're a young player, parent, or passionate fan — this one is packed with life lessons, laughs, and legacy-level wisdom.

📍 Clubs mentioned:
 @lierse_k | @beerschotofficial | @partickthistle | @rwdm_brussels | @krcgenkofficial | @official_kaagent | @realmadrid | @newyorkredbulls

📌 Don’t forget to follow the hosts:
 🎙️Megan Linke: @meganlinkeofficial
🎙️ Liam: @liamlinke18

🎙️Podcast: @thesoccerladder

💥 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts — Episode 21 is live!

#thesoccerladder #frefrans #rwdmbrussels #footballcoach #belgiumfootball #youthdevelopment #soccerjourney #podcastepisode #liandme #mlsacademy #redbullacademy #parentingathletes #soccerparent #goalsetting #footballmentality #sportsleadership #coachlife

MLS veteran. U.S. National Team defender. College champion. Youth trainer. In this episode, A.J. DeLaGarza opens up about what it really takes to have a 14-year career in Major League Soccer—and the moments on and off the field that shaped him most. From Maryland to Miami, and Galaxy to Gold Den, A.J. shares the mindset, heart, and leadership it takes to stay at the top, adapt through change, and give back to the next generation.

🔥 Inside This Episode:
⚽️ How winning two national championships at Maryland prepared him for the pro level
⚽️ What consistency, versatility, and adaptability meant in his 14-year MLS career
⚽️ Playing alongside legends like David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Ashley Cole
⚽️ His most defining moments—from ACL tears to playing out of position to speaking up to coaches
⚽️ Creating The Goalden in Charlotte to fight burnout and build joy in the game again
⚽️ His most powerful moment of overcoming grief—finding healing on the pitch after losing his son in 2014
⚽️ His current work with Photon Sports and how data + recovery are changing the game
⚽️ Why being prepared when your number is called is everything

⚡️ Rapid Fire:

• Messi or Ronaldo?
• Toughest opponent he ever faced
• The match he wishes he could replay
• Locker room prank stories 😂

📲 Connect & Follow:
🎧 Guest: A.J. DeLaGarza — @ajd_20
Training Facility: @thegoalden704
👟 Podcast Host: @meganlinkeofficial

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and give us a comment on instagram @meganlinkeoffical let us know your thoughts on this episode. 

#TheSoccerLadder #AJDeLaGarza #MLSLegend #TheGoalden #YouthSoccer #SoccerPodcast #SoccerJourney #SoccerLeadership #SoccerDevelopment #MLS #SoccerParents #CollegeToPro #Futsal #PhotonSports #SoccerRecovery #SoccerResilience

In this episode, Megan Linke sits down with Tristan Bowen, the first-ever MLS homegrown player, who went pro at just 17 with LA Galaxy. From training alongside icons like David Beckham and Landon Donovan to launching a media brand that gives voice to the athlete journey—Tristan’s story is filled with real-world lessons for players and parents alike.

Inside the episode:

• How Tristan’s path to LA Galaxy unfolded—and the mindset that got him there
• Why he believes players should pursue coaching licenses early
• His time training in Brazil and what it taught him about street-style passion
• Mental health, self-motivation, and bouncing back from hard moments
• How to build your own support system as a young athlete
• Advice for parents navigating their child’s soccer path
• The purpose behind his new platform, ⁠@aproslifemediadotcom⁠, and why athlete storytelling matters more than ever

Plus:

• The most underrated player he’s ever played with
• His take on Messi vs. Ronaldo
• The one thing he wishes every young player knew
• What Beckham was really like off the field

 Whether you’re an academy parent, youth player, coach, or soccer fan—this episode offers rare insights you won’t find anywhere else.

Guest: Tristan Bowen Instagram: ⁠@tristanbowen⁠ 

TikTok: ⁠@tristanbowenn⁠ 

YouTube: ⁠@tristanbowen⁠ 

Media Brand: ⁠@aproslifemediadotcom⁠ 

Host: Megan Linke ⁠@meganlinkeofficial⁠ 

#TheSoccerLadder #TristanBowen #MLSHomegrown #SoccerPodcast #RedBullsAcademy #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerMindset #APLMedia #SoccerJourney #SoccerParents 

This week on The Soccer Ladder, we dive into the physical, mental, and emotional performance demands of elite youth soccer with Ruben Cisneros (@rubencisneros), the U15 Academy Performance Coach for Chicago Fire FC. From boxing roots to building top-level athletes, Ruben shares his full-circle journey back to the Fire, where he now helps shape future pros from the inside out.

⚽️ What We Cover:

• Ruben’s unexpected path from competitive boxer to performance coach in MLS academies
• The real science behind training: GPS tracking, recovery, and tailoring intensity based on game-day cycles
• Why strength training won’t make you slow—and how it's misunderstood in soccer
• The truth about burnout and how to avoid it in young athletes
• Why early specialization can actually hinder growth—and what to do instead
• The one myth about weights Ruben wishes would disappear forever
• A peek into a performance coach’s daily routine, from RPE tracking to weight room support to individualized development (IDP) sessions
• The power of mental performance support and how Chicago Fire is ahead of the curve with two mental coaches on staff
• How data meets instinct when coaching decisions don’t match the numbers

🧠 Top Takeaways:

💥 Whether you're a parent navigating academy pressures, a coach seeking to better support athletes, or a player looking to level up your game—the insights in this episode are pure gold.

📲 Follow the guest:
@rubencisneros

🔥 Listen now to Episode 18 of The Soccer Ladder wherever you get your podcasts.

#TheSoccerLadder #ChicagoFireAcademy #YouthSoccerDevelopment #SoccerFitness #MLSNext #RedBullsAcademy #RubenCisneros #SoccerPerformance #GPSDataInSports #SoccerRecovery #StrengthTrainingMyths #SoccerParents #SoccerPodcast

In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with John Davis—co-founder of @ULETEsports, one of the top multi-sport performance centers in the country—to unpack what it really takes to build elite athletes today.

From growing up on cow-patch soccer fields in Texas to building a world-class training facility guided by faith, vision, and a generational entrepreneurial spirit—John shares the story behind ULETE and what makes it a game-changer for today’s youth.

👟 Inside the Episode:

• The origin story of @ULETEsports youleet_athletics and the God-given vision behind it
• Why today’s youth athletes need more than just drills—they need culture, care, and confidence
• What makes a great coach—and what red flags to look for
• How futsal builds decision-making, mental toughness, and game IQ
• The role of recovery, nutrition, and rest (and what they learned from Ronaldo’s documentary)
• Why burnout is real and how families can prevent it
• Real talk about showcase pressure, standing out in ID camps, and getting recruited
• The underrated impact of multi-sport play (yes, rec basketball counts!)
• Why parents should remember this: “Enjoy it while it lasts—because one day, the game ends.”

💬 “Coaches aren’t recruiting teams—they’re recruiting individuals. So what makes you stand out?”

💡 Whether you're an academy parent, a young athlete, or a coach shaping the next generation—this conversation is packed with insight, heart, and practical wisdom.

📍 Location: Southlake, TX
 🎧 Listen now wherever you stream podcasts.

🧠 Follow & Connect:

• Guest: ⁠@ULETEsports ⁠⁠@volfsocceracademy⁠⁠@volfino13 ⁠⁠@just_4_gk⁠⁠@pablofutsalacademy⁠
• Hosts: @liandmeinnyc & @liamlinke93

#TheSoccerLadder #YouleetAthletics #YouthSoccerJourney #SoccerDevelopment #EliteTraining #FutsalIQ #SoccerPodcast #SoccerMentorship #SouthlakeTX #SoccerParents #AthleteMindset #NextGenAthletes #PlayWithPurpose #SoccerTraining #YouthSports

🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!

In this special father-son episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with the Daughtridges—a powerhouse duo in both soccer and entrepreneurship.

Roark shares what it’s like training with the DC United Academy, balancing school, practice, and friendships, and how he mentally resets after setbacks on the field. Meanwhile, Ryan offers a unique parent perspective on raising a high-level athlete and how those experiences shaped the mission behind @ringersfootball, the soccer-forward lifestyle brand redefining the sideline.

You’ll hear:
Roark’s journey from small local clubs to DC United Academy
Why mindset, calm, and “ice in your veins” matter most after mistakes
Tips for time management and navigating school-sport balance
The sacrifices that come with academy-level commitment
🧢 How @ringersfootball is creating soccer style for parents, players & fans—while donating balls around the world

💡 “If you love the game, there's always somewhere to play.”

This episode is for every parent wondering how to support their child through the competitive grind—and for every young player learning how to shake off a mistake, stand tall, and keep playing.

📲 Follow and Support:
 🔹 Roark Daughtridge – @roarkdaughtridge
 🔹 Ryan Daughtridge – @ryandaughtridge
 🔹 Brand – @ringersfootball

📲 Stay Connected:
Host: @liandmeinnyc
Co-host: @liamlinke93
www.liandmeinnyc.com

🎧 The Soccer Ladder is available now on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Soccer Ladder podcast! Let us know what you think in the comments.

In Episode 15 of The Soccer Ladder, we welcome a true American soccer icon: ⁠@michaelbr4dley⁠ — former USMNT captain, two-time World Cup player, MLS Cup champion with Toronto FC, European veteran, and a leader who’s played the game at every level, around the world.

Michael sits down with Lee and Megan to share his journey from growing up on the sidelines with his dad, legendary coach Bob Bradley, to turning pro at 16, adapting to life abroad, and learning how to handle pressure, setbacks, and the daily grind of a 20-year career.

 ⚽️ Inside This Episode:

✅ What it was like to grow up in a soccer household and how it shaped his love for the game 

✅ How to handle homesickness, being benched, criticism, and staying resilient ✅ His take on young players turning pro at 16 versus developing at their own pace 

✅ The real lessons he learned playing in Europe, Serie A and the World Cup ✅ Advice for parents: the balance between pushing and protecting your child’s joy for the game 

✅ Non-soccer habits that kept him healthy and consistent for two decades — from nutrition and ice baths to yoga and mindset ✅ Why loving the game is the true secret to longevity and growth

💡 Quotes to Remember:

“If you love the game, there’s always somewhere to play.”

“Parents, the experience matters more than the level.”

“Go all in, give everything you have, and make the best of where you are.”

✨ Whether you’re a youth player, an academy parent, or a coach helping kids dream big, this episode is packed with perspective and practical wisdom.

 📲 Follow the Guest:

🔗 Guest:⁠@michaelbr4dley⁠

📲 Stay Connected:

Host: @liandmeinnyc

Co-host: @liamlinke93

www.liandmeinnyc.com

🎧 The Soccer Ladder is available now on Apple, Spotify, and everywhere you listen to podcasts.

👉 Don’t forget to subscribe, rate, and review The Soccer Ladder podcast! Let us know what you think in the comments.

#TheSoccerLadder #MichaelBradley #USMNT #SoccerParenting #YouthSoccer #MLS #SoccerPodcast #SoccerDevelopment #SoccerMindset #RedBullsAcademy #SoccerJourney #SoccerFamily