New England Soccer Journal’s The Goal

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

The Journey of a Rising Soccer Star: Eric Klein

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

Introducing NESJ’s Matt Doherty

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
 

Thayer Girls Soccer Coach Paul Turner

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

High School Season Preview

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

2024 Prep Season Preview

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone welcomes Seamans Media Managing Editor and Girls Prep Soccer writer Mike Zhe. They discuss the upcoming NEPSAC 2024 prep soccer season, focusing on top teams and players in both girls and boys prep soccer. Key highlights include in-depth prospects for perennial powerhouses like Buckingham, Brown, and Nichols (BB&N) on the girls' side and Milton Academy on the boys' side, along with insights into other competitive teams like Taft, Northfield Mount Hermon, and Worcester Academy. The episode also features an engaging ‘extra time’ segment with creative and insightful soccer-related questions.
 
Topics
01:06 Previewing the Girls Prep Soccer Season
01:58 Top Teams to Watch in Girls Prep Soccer
05:12 Founders League Powerhouses
09:15 Class B Contenders: Pingree and Dexter Southfield
11:02 ISL Teams to Watch: Thayer Academy and Nobles
13:38 Teams Outside the Top 10 to Watch
16:08 Transition to Boys Prep Soccer
16:28 Milton Academy: The Team to Beat
17:57 Challengers to Milton Academy
20:53 Western Massachusetts Contenders: Taft, NMH, and Berkshire
22:37 Worcester Academy's Prospects
23:38 Founders League Boys Teams: Loomis Chaffee
23:53 Loomis Chaffee's Promising Season
24:21 Choate: The Team to Beat
24:59 Kimball Union Academy's Rise
25:57 Avon Old Farms and Nobles in the Rankings
26:52 Potential Top 10 Contenders
28:24 The Passion of Prep and High School Soccer
30:11 Extra Time: Fun and Creative Soccer Questions

UMaine Women’s Coach Scott Atherley

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, hosted by Matt Langone, University of Maine women’s soccer head coach Scott Atherley joins the show. They discuss the upcoming 2024 season, reflecting on Maine’s historic 2023 NCAA tournament appearance. Coach Atherley shares his insights on the evolution of the game, team dynamics, the influence of Canadian recruitment, and strategic preparations for the season. The conversation also covers Atherley's approach to developing players' mentality and handling transitions within the sport. 
Topics
00:47 University of Maine Women's Soccer: Season Preparation
01:24 Reflecting on the Historic 2023 Season
02:42 Maine's Soccer Philosophy and Recruitment
06:24 Spotlight on Abby Kramer
07:42 Recruiting Strategies and Challenges
09:48 Selling the University of Maine Experience
13:19 Upcoming Season and Team Mindset
24:14 Extra Time: Fun Soccer Questions
31:56 Conclusion and Farewell

MLS Next All-Star Damario McIntosh

Damario McIntosh: Journey to the MLS Next All-Star Game
In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone interviews Damario McIntosh, a 16-year-old midfielder for New England Revolution II, about his soccer journey. Damario discusses his recent honor of being selected for the MLS Next All-Star Game, his experience traveling, and his developmental journey from Jamaica to California to Boston. They also cover his transition from striker to right back, his soccer influences, and future goals. The episode concludes with a fun segment inspired by Ted Lasso quotes, touching on sports philosophy and personal challenges.
 
Topics
 
00:44 Damario McIntosh's MLS All-Star Game Experience
03:15 Journey from Jamaica to the USA
07:26 Switching Positions: From Striker to Right Back
12:09 Future Goals and Development
14:20 Extra Time: Fun Soccer Questions
21:27 Conclusion and Farewell

Brendan Adams: Building a Winner at Bridgewater State

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone interviews Brendan Adams, the head coach of Bridgewater State men's soccer team. They discuss Adams' two-decade-long tenure, his approach to recruiting, the identity and evolution of his program, and the competitive landscape of Division III soccer in New England. The episode also features a fun segment with producer David Yas, where they evaluate famous soccer goal calls, potential warm-up songs, and soccer movie trailers.
Topics
00:34 Meet Coach Brendan Adams
00:45 Building a Winning Program
03:00 Challenges and Successes in the MassCac
11:20 Recruitment Strategies and Challenges
12:57 The Value of State School Programs
17:33 Balancing Coaching and Recruitment
18:48 Reflecting on a Coaching Career
21:15 Team's Potential for the Season
21:38 Facing New Challenges as Top Dogs
22:06 Extra Time Segment Introduction
22:39 Evaluating Iconic Soccer Goal Calls
27:48 Best Soccer Warm-Up Songs
29:34 Soccer Movie Trailers Quiz
32:53 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts