New England Soccer Journal’s The Goal

Project GOAL’s Darius Shirzadi

Matt Langone amd Matt Doherty discuss the impactful work of Project GOAL with its executive director and co-founder, Darius Shirzadi. Founded to support inner-city youth in Rhode Island by combining academic mentoring and soccer, Project GOAL has thrived for over 21 years. Shirzadi shares insights on the challenges and successes of running a free, impactful program that addresses both educational and athletic development. The conversation covers the program's structure, its community impact, partnerships with schools and sports teams, and success stories of alumni. The episode concludes with a fun segment, 'Extra Time,' featuring soccer-related questions.
 
Topics
00:28 Meet the Guests: Darius Shirzadi and Project Goal
00:55 The Origins and Mission of Project Goal
02:19 Challenges and Community Impact
03:59 Program Structure and Success Stories
07:23 Soccer's Growth in Rhode Island
12:48 Future Aspirations and Expansion
18:30 Extra Time: Fun and Insights
22:05 Tales from the Sidelines
23:06 A Shocking Incident at an AAU Game
24:07 The Escalating Insanity of Youth Sports
25:35 Parental Behavior and Its Impact on Kids
27:35 Misconceptions About Soccer
30:17 The Athleticism Debate
34:01 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Coach Kelvin Martinez of the Berkshire School

The guest is Kelvin Martinez, the newly appointed head coach of Berkshire School Boys Soccer. Martinez discusses his excitement about leading one of the top prep programs in New England, touching upon his coaching philosophy, the talent in his roster, and his strategies for building a dynamic and competitive team. Martinez shares personal anecdotes about his upbringing in Honduras, his soccer journey, and the international influence in prep school soccer. The episode also delves into Martinez's endeavors in establishing a soccer academy in Honduras, emphasizing his commitment to giving back to his community. The show concludes with an engaging 'Extra Time' segment featuring thought-provoking questions about the intricacies and joys of soccer.
 
Topics
00:33 Meet Kelvin Martinez: New Berkshire School Boys Soccer Head Coach
01:25 Excitement and Expectations for Berkshire Soccer
02:53 Balancing Family and Coaching
04:16 Outdoor Adventures and Family Life
04:36 Berkshire's Soccer Legacy and Future
06:27 Coaching Philosophy and Team Dynamics
11:42 Kelvin's Soccer Journey from Honduras to the US
16:47 Giving Back: Building a Soccer Academy in Honduras
19:34 International Influence in New England Prep Soccer
22:39 Recruiting Talent from Around the World
24:23 Expectations for the 2025 Season
25:42 Extra Time 
26:38 Kelvin's Insight on Soccer's True Essence
29:40 The Challenges of Being a Goalie
33:20 Debunking the Myth: Soccer is Boring
40:11 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewell

Key Dates in New England Club Soccer

Matt Langone is joined by NESJ writer Matt Doherty to discuss important upcoming dates in the New England club soccer scene. They highlight significant events such as the Girls Academy Northeast Talent ID in New Jersey, the MLS Next Flex event in Maryland, and the ECNL showcases and playoffs. The hosts delve into how these events provide vital exposure for players, help with college recruiting, and represent a pivotal part of the soccer calendar. Additionally, the crew has fun creating and casting hypothetical soccer movies.
 
Topics
00:56 Spring Club Soccer Calendar Highlights
02:52 Girls Academy Northeast Talent ID Event
04:29 MLS Next Flex Event Overview
08:08 ECNL Girls and Boys Upcoming Events
14:51 Extra Time: Creating Soccer Movies
17:44 Casting Choices for Jade and Coach Terry
18:33 Debating Theme Songs for the Movie
19:07 Plot and Casting for the World Cup Thriller
23:06 Plot and Casting for the Comedy Movie
26:57 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Oakwood Soccer Club’s Marisa Kresge

The guest is Oakwood Soccer Club Girls Academy Director Marisa Kresge. She covers Oakwood's strong performances in the Jefferson Cup, Marisa's transition from college coaching to club directing, and the challenges she faced in her first year. The conversation covers the importance of consistent communication, individual player development, and strategic plans for Oakwood's future. They also delve into broader topics in women's soccer, including the impact of NIL and transfer portal on college soccer, the distinctions between coaching at college and youth levels, and the benefits of the Girls Academy platform. The episode concludes with a fun 'Would You Rather' segment focused on soccer scenarios.
Topics
00:00 Introduction and Host Welcome
00:31 Guest Introduction: Marisa Kresge
00:53 Oakwood Soccer Club's Recent Success
01:45 Marisa's First Year at Oakwood
03:02 Coaching Philosophy and Communication
04:29 Transition from College to Youth Soccer
06:15 Differences Between College and Youth Coaching
08:03 Marisa's Playing Background and Credibility
13:29 Challenges in College Soccer and Recruiting
20:53 Balancing Academics and Athletics in the Big 10
21:24 NIL Deals in Women's Soccer
22:40 Oakwood Soccer Club's Progress and Goals
26:34 Extra Time: Fun and Goofy Soccer Questions
34:07 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

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