Matt Langone and Matt Doherty recap the 2024-25 club soccer season, discussing notable performances, standout players, and key learnings from their coverage. They delve into the success stories of various clubs such as FC Stars, Scorpions, and NEFC, and the competitive landscape of platforms like MLS Next and ECNL. The hosts share their experiences from traveling to showcase events and provide insights into the player development pipeline in New England. The episode concludes with a lighthearted extra time segment where the hosts discuss memorable soccer uniforms and hypothetical memorabilia.

Topics

00:32 Recap of the Club Season

02:02 Highlights from National Showcases

04:33 Standout Teams and Players

07:43 Club Competitiveness and Development

17:46 MLS Next and Player Development

22:39 Beachside's Strong Season and IFA's Impact

23:23 The Rise of MLS Next and ECNL Boys

24:56 The Influence of MLS on Youth Soccer

25:52 Reflecting on the Club Season

28:03 Extra Time: Fun and Games

37:19 Wrapping Up the Episode

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty speak with Greg Glynn, founder of Pliable Marketing, and Charlotte Belanger, a freshman at Maine playing for Maine Women's Soccer. The conversation covers Charlotte's journey into NIL (Name, Image, Likeness) deals before starting her college career, her motivations, and future aspirations. They discuss the significance of NIL in college sports, particularly for non-revenue generating sports like women's soccer, and the opportunities it provides for athletes to build their brands and create future career opportunities. The podcast also delves into personal experiences, including Greg's commitment to women’s sports inspired by his 13-year-old daughter and Charlotte's experience balancing academics, athletics, and NIL efforts.

Topics

00:48 Charlotte's Journey with Pliable Marketing

02:11 Greg's Perspective on NIL and Women's Sports

03:14 University of Maine and NIL Opportunities

05:57 Aroma Joe's Partnership and Community Ambassador Role

07:59 Choosing University of Maine and Team Culture

10:45 NIL's Future and Athlete Branding

24:22 Social Media's Role in Athlete Recruitment

28:04 Conclusion and Final Thoughts

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty are joined by special guest Frank Dell'Apa, a New England Soccer Journal contributor who covers the Revolution for the Boston Globe. The trio discusses the state of U.S. Soccer as the nation prepares to host the 2026 World Cup. They analyze the U.S. team's performance in the last World Cup, expectations for the upcoming tournament, and the potential impact on soccer's growth in the U.S. Key players like Christian Pulisic, Miles Robinson and Patrick Agyemang are highlighted, and the broader implications of hosting the World Cup, including the excitement and challenges it brings, are discussed. Additionally, predictions for likely World Cup contenders and insights into how the event might unfold are provided.

Topics

00:38 Special Guest Introduction: Frank Dell'Apa

01:06 US Soccer's Current State and World Cup Expectations

05:11 Impact of the 1994 World Cup on US Soccer

09:49 Key Players to Watch for US Team in 2026

18:05 Global Soccer Powerhouses and Predictions

23:41 Conclusion and Final Thoughts