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

In this high-energy episode of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by the inspiring brothers behind @game_awareness, the Canadian-based trainers revolutionizing youth soccer with cutting-edge awareness training.

From scanning and shoulder checks to creating elite-level soccer IQ, these coaches are showing young players what it really takes to stand out on the pitch—not just with skill, but with vision, intelligence, and mindset.

💡 What We Cover:

• The origin story of @game_awareness and their breakthrough trip to Holland
• How their training evolved from 1:1 sessions to full team showcases
• The massive difference between Canadian and European player development
• Why awareness is the hidden skill that separates good players from great ones
• How they’re reshaping youth soccer with the Super League, international tournaments, and elite showcases
• Their take on development vs. competitiveness—and why scorekeeping matters
• Tactical mindset shifts every young player needs to succeed long-term
• The role of scanning, decision-making, and mistake-embracing in building world-class athletes
• Honest advice for parents on letting kids own their journey
• 
  

🎯 Key Takeaway:Soccer IQ isn’t something you’re born with—it’s something you train.

🔥 Bonus Highlights:

• Liam reflects on beating Sporting in Portugal
• Insights on Red Bulls training & the importance of the #6 position
• Behind-the-scenes of their upcoming YouTube channel, 1v1 tournaments, and ball launcher drills

📲 Follow the Guests:

Instagram: ⁠@game_awareness⁠
YouTube:  ⁨@gameawareness8312⁩  
www.gameawarenesstraining.com



📲 Stay Connected:

Host: @liandmeinnyc
Co-host: @liamlinke93

www.liandmeinnyc.com

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

In this can’t-miss episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Michael Parkhurst @mikeparkhurst3—former USMNT captain, MLS Cup champion, European pro, and co-founder of @beyondgoalsmentoring—to go deep on the sacrifices, mindset, and structure required to go pro and stay pro.


Whether you’re an academy parent, a player chasing the dream, or a coach shaping the next generation, this episode is filled with gold.


🔹 From Rhode Island to Europe to founding Rhode Island FC (@rhodeislandfc), Michael shares:


His journey from IMG to Wake Forest to Europe and MLS


What it really takes to handle pressure and develop long-term


The importance of mental resilience and the three D's: Determination, Dedication, Discipline


Why not every kid should go pro at 14 or 15—and what maturity differences he’s seen in college vs. academy grads


Powerful lessons for parents about motivation, overtraining, and sideline behavior


💬 “If I want it more than my kid does—that’s a problem.”


💡 Plus:


Why youth players should play multiple positions


How small setbacks are key to long-term growth


What inspired the creation of Beyond Goals Mentoring and how it’s changing lives on and off the pitch


📲 Follow & Connect


Guest: @mikeparkhurst3


Mentorship: @beyondgoalsmentoring


Club: @rhodeislandfc

📲 Stay Connected:

Host: @liandmeinnyc

Co-host: @liamlinke93


🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts.

In this episode, we sit down with Alessio Carlone, a former professional footballer and co-founder of FPD Academy in Genk, Belgium. Alessio shares his inspiring journey from signing his first pro contract at 16, navigating international club moves, and ultimately being forced to retire early due to a genetic heart condition. But Alessio didn’t stop there—he channeled his passion into building a next-level training academy that focuses on both the technical and human development of players.

🎧 We discuss:

• Alessio’s rise through KRC Genk’s academy and professional clubs in the Netherlands, Belgium, and Romania
• The tough decision to retire and how that experience shaped his mission for FPD Academy
• What sets FPD Academy apart from others across Europe
• Training methods that develop not just athletes, but people—including the use of innovative tools like reflex glasses and GPS data
• Why mindset, hunger, and having the right people in your corner matters more than geography
• Alessio’s mentorship of rising talents, including his longtime connection with Dante Vanzeir, who joins this episode in a surprise appearance!

🔥 Dante Vanzeir jumps on to share his experience training with Alessio and why FPD Academy is one of the best environments for young players looking to elevate their game. Dante is a professional Belgium Football players who plays for K.A.A. Gent and the Belgium national team. Dante played for the New York Red Bulls for two seasons and was an integral part of the Red Bulls MLS Cup run.

If you’ve ever wondered what it really takes to succeed in Europe, this is the episode for you.

📲 Be sure to follow:

• ⁠@alessiocarlone⁠
• ⁠@fpdacademy⁠
• ⁠@krcgenkofficial⁠
• ⁠@dantevanzeir31⁠
• 
  

📍Coming to Belgium? Don’t miss Alessio’s recommendations for training, food, and local culture in Genk—just two hours from Amsterdam.

This week on The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by the incredible Larrys Mabiala  (⁠@mynameislarrys)⁠—former PSG Academy player and Portland Timbers pro, now author of Soccer Dreams to Reality. We dive into his journey from juggling a ball in a tiny Paris apartment to signing a professional contract at just 17.

Larrys' path is one of grit, resilience, and generational impact. He shares the raw truth of what it takes to go pro, the differences in development between Europe and the U.S., and the powerful lessons passed down from his father—both as a player and a man.

Whether you're a player, parent, or coach—this episode is packed with powerful perspective on mindset, development, and dreaming big without losing your grounding.

What You'll Learn in This Episode:

⚽️ The difference between talent and mental resilience 

📚 What the French academy system does right (and how U.S. clubs can improve) 🧠 Why the “3 D’s” (Determination, Dedication, Discipline) matter more than talent alone 

📘 What inspired Larisse to write Soccer Dreams to Reality and who it’s for 

🗣️ How parents and coaches can make or break a player’s future from the sidelines 

🎯 When self-motivation should begin—and what happens if it doesn’t

A Few Standout Quotes:

“At 14, I wasn't just chasing a dream—I had a goal. I wasn’t leaving home for nothing.” “If soccer in Europe was pay-to-play like in the U.S., I never would’ve gone pro.” “Talent got me seen. Mentality got me signed.” “My father challenged me to juggle with my left foot—and that changed everything.”

📲 Stay Connected: 

Guest: @mynameislarrys 

Host: @liandmeinnyc 

Co-host: @liamlinke93

🎙️ Subscribe and don’t forget to leave a review. It helps more families, coaches, and players find us! 

👉 New episodes every Thursday

www.liandmeinnyc.com 

His Book: Soccer Dreams to Reality

Website: 

⁠https://www.larrysrecommends.com⁠