Matt Langone and NESJ writer Matt Doherty interview Nico Calabria, the captain of the U.S. Men's National Amputee Soccer Team. Nico shares his journey growing up playing soccer on crutches, his rapid rise in amputee soccer, and his global experiences, including climbing Mount Kilimanjaro. They discuss the development and challenges of amputee soccer in the U.S., the growth of the sport, and upcoming competitions. The episode also includes a lively extra-time segment with soccer memories and favorite moments.

Topics

00:40 Meet Nico Calabria: Captain of the US Amputee Soccer Team

01:05 Nico's Early Soccer Journey

02:38 Challenges and Triumphs in High School Soccer

04:38 Understanding Amputee Soccer

06:20 Nico's Transition to Amputee Soccer

07:39 Pathway to the National Team

11:09 Building Amputee Soccer in the US

19:15 Climbing Mountains: Nico's Other Adventures

21:43 Future Vision for Amputee Soccer

24:57 Unexpected Moments in Soccer

25:10 Challenges and Aspirations of the Team

26:14 Extra Time with David Yaz

27:13 First Soccer Memories

30:34 Memorable Soccer Chants

32:35 Incredible Soccer Plays

36:50 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Matt Doherty is joined by Matt Langone and Mike Zhe to discuss the upcoming prep soccer season. They delve into both boys' and girls' teams, offering insights on teams to watch, key players, and preseason predictions. They spotlight top contenders like Taft, Berkshire, BB&N, and Suffield while also discussing potential surprise teams. The panel also talks about dynamic matchups, standout players, and the intense nature of the three-game playoff format. Additionally, the hosts answer fun questions in the 'Extra Time' segment and debate the significance of stellar strikers versus goalies. The episode is a comprehensive primer for any soccer enthusiast gearing up for the New England prep soccer season.

Topics

00:49 Prep Soccer Season Preview: Girls' Teams to Watch

02:13 Top Contenders in Girls' Class A Soccer

07:53 Dark Horse Teams and Rising Stars in Girls' Soccer

09:51 Class B Girls' Soccer Powerhouses

10:58 Players to Watch This Fall

12:15 Surprise Teams and Season Dynamics

16:03 Upcoming Matches and Key Events

18:15 Boys' Soccer Season Preview: Top Teams and Players

21:44 Class B Contenders and Movements

23:35 Excitement of the Tournament

25:56 Preseason Storylines and Expectations

28:20 Extra Time: Fun and Games

36:38 Wrapping Up and Looking Forward

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty dive into the onset of the high school soccer season in Massachusetts. They discuss preseason preparations, the excitement surrounding the new season, and top teams to watch out for. They highlight the impact of players leaving for MLS Next and private schools on MIAA Boys' Soccer, and examine powerhouses like St. John's Prep, Newton North, and Oliver Ames, who continue to dominate despite roster turnovers. On the girls' side, they emphasize the competitiveness and depth of talent, mentioning key programs and players expected to make significant impacts. The episode wraps up with an engaging 'Extra Time' segment, where rapid-fire questions cover personal soccer memories, key aspects of the game, and reflections on the evolving landscape of soccer in the U.S.

Topics

00:35 High School Soccer Season Preview

03:00 Impact of MLS Next on High School Soccer

06:28 Exciting High School Soccer Stories

09:57 Teams to Watch in Boys' Soccer

14:34 Girls' High School Soccer Preview

23:52 Extra Time: Rapid Fire Questions

27:40 Reflecting on Memorable Sports Moments

29:16 The Best Soccer Matches We've Seen

30:44 Comparing Soccer Atmospheres to Other Sports

32:10 The Business Side of Soccer

33:12 Misunderstood Rules and Underrated Skills in Soccer

38:26 Will Soccer Overtake Major US Sports?

43:21 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts