New England Soccer Journal’s The Goal

A Look at the 2025 Recruiting Landscape

Matt Langone is joined by NESJ reporter Matt Doherty to discuss the current state of college soccer recruitment, focusing on the class of 2025. They explore the slow pace of commitments due to a multitude of factors including the rise of multiple leagues, the impact of COVID-19, the transfer portal, and the influx of international players. They also delve into how these factors are affecting high school, prep school, and Division III recruiting landscapes. The episode concludes with a segment on potential rule changes in soccer, sparking lively debates.
 
Topics
00:53 Recruitment Challenges in 2025
03:39 Impact of the Transfer Portal
10:27 Division 3 Soccer's Rise
19:54 Advice for High School Players
23:34 Extra Time: Soccer Innovations
31:14 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

NE Revolution Academy Coach Abel Wasswa

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone is joined by NESJ writer Matt Doherty and New England Revolution Academy coach Abel Wasswa. Abel discusses his new role as the U14 coach for the academy, sharing his objectives, learning experiences, and the differences between coaching college and younger players. He emphasizes the importance of game intelligence, individual duels, and a positive coaching environment. Abel also details his participation in the Elite Formation Coaching License program with the French Federation. The episode concludes with a fun 'Extra Time' segment featuring potential rule changes in soccer.
Topics
01:21 Coaching Philosophy and Objectives
02:17 Transition from College to Academy Coaching
05:02 Coaching Younger Players: Challenges and Strategies
08:04 Influences and Inspirations in Coaching
12:31 Creating a Positive Coaching Environment
16:11 Player Development and Tactical Mastery
22:32 Personal Playing Experience and Coaching Impact
25:54 Elite Formation Coaching License Program
26:36 Introduction to the 18-Month Course
28:13 Course Structure and In-Person Meetings
29:14 Observations and Assignments
30:10 Final Evaluation and Conclusion
30:37 Overtime Session: Zany Soccer Questions
31:30 Sin Bin for Yellow Cards
35:22 Kick-Ins Instead of Throw-Ins
39:09 Multi-Ball Chaos Mode
43:19 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Amherst Standout Niall Murphy

The guest is Amherst College senior Niall Murphy. Murphy reflects on his crucial role in leading Amherst to a national championship in 2024 and discusses the team’s journey starting from their loss in the 2023 national title game. He shares insights on the competitive nature of NESCAC soccer, the significance of his leadership, and the personal milestones of overcoming injuries and adapting to new positions. Murphy also opens up about his academic path in computer science and his upcoming career in finance while balancing his passion for soccer.
 
Topics
 
00:34 Meet Niall Murphy: Amherst College Soccer Star
00:57 The Journey to the National Championship
02:16 Facing Rivals and Overcoming Challenges
03:44 Personal Reflections and Experiences
13:00 High School Days and Recruitment Challenges
19:00 Life After College Soccer
20:29 Extra Time: Fun and Unexpected Questions
26:03 Conclusion and Farewell
 

Showcase Takeaways and Forecasting the Spring Season

Matt Langone is joined by colleague Matt Doherty, who reports on the ECNL Girls' Winter Showcase in Florida. Despite battling a virus, Doherty shares his observations on the competitive matches, standout teams, and the significant presence of college coaches scouting talent. They discuss the promising performances from New England clubs including FC Stars, South Shore Select, and Scorpions SC, and how the showcase serves as a prelude to the upcoming spring season. The episode wraps up with a fun segment of Extra Time, where they analyze famous soccer quotes.
Topics
01:29 Discussion on ECNL Florida Winter Showcase
02:53 College Coaches and Competitive Atmosphere
10:10 Comparing ECNL and MLS Next Fest
13:33 Teams to Watch in the Spring Season
20:14 Dining Experiences in Florida
21:34 Spring Soccer Coverage Preview
21:46 Extra Time: Fun Soccer Questions
34:22 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

5 Soccer Stories to Watch in 2025

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

UVM Standout Max Murray

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

New Haven Coach Tom Mattera

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone is joined by New England Soccer Journal writer Matt Doherty and University of New Haven men's soccer head coach, Tom Mattera. They discuss New Haven's historic season, recruiting strategies, and the challenges and successes faced along the way. Mattera shares insights into building a competitive program and the unique attributes of the Northeast 10 conference. The episode also features a discussion about memorable soccer moments and stadiums in the Extra Time segment.
 
Topics
01:08 Historic Season for New Haven
02:57 Recruitment Strategies and Challenges
07:10 New Haven's Playing Style and Key Moments
10:54 Division II Landscape and International Recruitment
16:55 Transfer Portal and Recruitment Challenges
20:20 The Transfer Combine Craze
20:32 Building a Winning Culture
21:15 Winter Plans and Recruiting
21:52 Extra Time Segment Introduction
22:37 Impressive Soccer Stadiums
26:36 Unique Soccer Uniforms
28:37 Memorable Soccer Plays
34:42 Wrapping Up and Farewell

Inside the MLS Next Fest: A Deep Dive

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

Rohit Gautam and Bill Altieri from NE MLS Next

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

NEPSAC Tournaments Preview

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