New England Soccer Journal’s The Goal

Matt is joined by UVM Men’s Soccer Head Coach Rob Dow, who is already looking ahead to the next season. It is looking promising following the team’s win in last season’s America East tournament. Coach Dow talks about his program, especially what he looks for in a player and how Burlington, Vermont, is a beautiful town in which to play and learn.

Joining us via Zoom this week is the Executive Director of FC Stars and ECNL Girls Director Jason Dewhurst. He has helped the non-profit organization flourish and become one of the top clubs in New England. Dewhurst talks with host Matt Langone about why he does the job and what soccer players get out of this exciting program.

The hosts of the hilarious Soccerheads New England podcast join Matt in studio for a funny look at soccer and their history with the game. Jim Ruberti, Dave Rattigan and Paul Nardizzi share their observations and jokes about the game in this fast and fun take on the game. 

Northeastern Women’s Soccer Head Coach Ashley Phillips joins the podcast to discuss the recent agreement that resulted in the US Women’s Soccer Team getting paid the same as the men’s team. Phillips, a former player for the Boston Breakers, is in her seventh year coaching Northeastern, and was the first head coach during CAA history to win the conference’s regular season and postseason championships during their first season as head coach. Phillips also discusses what she looks for in a player.

From his roots in Jamaica to his home now in Hartford, Rashawn Dally has had an amazing background in soccer. Dally, a Quinnipiac alumnus, is a forward for the Hartford Athletic of the USL and joins us via Zoom with his story. 

The ranks of the USL2 soccer league are growing, and now there’s a Boston rivalry to watch. Boston City FC joins the Boston Bolts in bringing high-quality soccer to the region. Boston City FC founder Renato Valentin joins Boston Bolts CEO Brian Ainscough to talk about the new rivalry and how the league is growing.

Just three years ago, Massachusetts soccer had 5,000 referees. Now, that number is below 2,000. Covid played a role, but the combination of difficult parents, shouting coaches and even arguing players has made potential refs give a second thought to whether their time is worth it. New England Soccer Journal Contributor Adam Scott, who is also the Head Boys’ Varsity Soccer Coach at Pembroke High, joins Matt to talk about this crisis, and what’s being done about it.

Vermont Green FC kicks off its inaugural season in May, shepherded by founder Matthew Wolfe and Sporting Director Adam Pfeifer. The new team is part of USL League Two, and focuses on environmental responsibility just as much as it does on soccer. Hear about their unique approach as they join us via Zoom from their club’s home offices at the University of Vermont.

Coach Brendan Hamilton of South Shore Select joins the podcast to talk about what makes his group special. Hamilton is the Director of Coaching for the Hingham, Mass.-based. group, and he talks about building positive values for his teams. Coach Hamilton, who grew up in North Attleboro, Mass., also discusses the realities of playing soccer at a high level and what it takes to be a winner.

Jason Lowe enjoys the challenge of boosting an underperforming program and makingg it shine. He has joined Boston College as the head coach of the women's program, coming to B.C. after years as a player and coach at Wake Forest. And, after some delays due to COVID, his team is ready to get out of the field and get back into national championship contention. What will that take? Listen, as he has a frank discussion with our host, Matt Langone.