Épisodes

  • Director of Analytics, Mustang Soccer Club, Dana Taylor

    Director of Analytics, Mustang Soccer Club, Dana Taylor
    Nov 1 2025
    Analytics has officially entered the pitch — and at Mustang Soccer Club, it’s changing everything. In this episode, hosts Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Dana Taylor, Director of Analytics at Mustang, to explore how data and technology are transforming youth soccer from the inside out. Taylor, a longtime collegiate and club coach, shares how Mustang has built one of the most advanced youth analytics programs in the country — tracking everything from workload and heart rate to tactical touches and player decision-making. Together, they discuss how analytics can improve coaching, elevate player performance, and even prevent injuries — while raising big questions about the art, science, and heart of the game. Key Topics [00:01:00] Introducing Dana Taylor and the future of analytics in soccer [00:03:00] Dana’s journey from player to coach — and how it shaped his philosophy [00:06:00] What makes a great youth coach — and how much influence they really have [00:10:00] Balancing data, psychology, and development in player growth [00:13:45] How Mustang created a Director of Analytics role — and why it matters [00:16:00] How data gives parents and players new insight into performance [00:18:00] Using AI and B-Pro 11 to analyze every touch, pass, and decision [00:20:30] Tracking heart rate and workload with Beyond Pulse [00:23:00] The importance of active participation and coach accountability [00:26:30] Preventing overtraining and injuries with real-time data [00:29:50] Creating a one-stop data hub for player analytics [00:31:30] Why Mustang’s model could change youth soccer everywhere [00:35:00] How analytics may reshape recruiting and scouting [00:38:00] What data can’t measure — heart, resilience, and creativity [00:43:30] Advice for players: decision-making and not losing the ball [00:44:30] Balancing data and artistry in the modern game [00:48:00] Dana’s World Cup picks and players to watch Connect with Us 🎙️ Hosts: Claudine Wong & Alex Lobban @thealexloban 📸 Claudine on Facebook & Instagram: @ClaudineWongKTVU 🎵 Claudine on TikTok: @ClaudineKTVU 📺 Claudine on YouTube: ClaudineWong 🌐 ktvu.com | foxlocal.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    51 min
  • 39 years with Santa Clara Women's Soccer Head Coach Jerry Smith

    39 years with Santa Clara Women's Soccer Head Coach Jerry Smith
    Oct 31 2025
    In this episode of "Offside in the Bay" Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban as kick off the college season with a deep dive into the roots and future of soccer. This week, they welcome Jerry Smith, the legendary head coach of Santa Clara University women's soccer. With over 500 career wins, two national championships, and a legacy of developing professional and international players, Coach Smith offers invaluable insight. They explore his enduring coaching philosophy, the critical pathway from youth to collegiate soccer, and the evolution of the women's game. Whether you're a player, a coach, or just a lifelong fan, don't miss this conversation about sustained success and the "bigger picture" of sportsmanship. Coach Smith shares stories from his own journey, including being drafted to the NASL, the importance of playing multiple sports, and a heartwarming lesson from his very first coaching experience. Connect with Us Hosts: Claudine Wong & Alex Lobban @thealexloban 📸 Claudine on Facebook & Instagram: @ClaudineWongKTVU 🎵 Claudine on TikTok: @ClaudineKTVU 📺 Claudine on YouTube: ClaudineWong 🌐 ktvu.com | foxlocal.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    52 min
  • Sarina Bolden – Philippines Women’s National Team Forward

    Sarina Bolden – Philippines Women’s National Team Forward
    Oct 4 2025
    In this episode, Claudine Wong and co-host @thealexlobban sit down with Sarina Bolden, the Bay Area–born striker who made history for the Philippines by scoring the country’s first-ever FIFA Women’s World Cup goal. From her youth soccer days in Milpitas to representing her heritage on the world stage, Sarina shares her journey of resilience, family influence, and chasing dreams across continents. She opens up about navigating burnout, choosing between sports, overcoming an ACL injury, and finding pride in inspiring the next generation of players. Whether it’s grassroots development, international play, or her ambitions to compete in the NWSL and beyond, Bolden’s story is one of grit, identity, and unshakable love for the game. Key Topics - [00:01:17] Making history at the 2023 FIFA Women’s World Cup - [00:02:33] Growing up in Milpitas & choosing soccer over softball - [00:07:31] Burnout, pressure, and the importance of balance - [00:09:21] Navigating the Bay Area club scene & college recruiting - [00:13:29] Choosing LMU over her dream of UCLA - [00:16:13] Setting her sights on playing professionally - [00:18:19] Joining the Philippines Women’s National Team - [00:22:49] Scoring *the* goal — emotions and global impact - [00:25:41] Becoming a finisher: lessons from coaches & repetition - [00:29:40] Playing abroad: Australia, Italy, and career aspirations - [00:31:21] ACL injury, recovery, and advice for young athletes - [00:35:41] Staying motivated, setting new goals, and seeking opportunity - [00:36:59] Reflections on the U.S. youth soccer system & global game growth - [00:40:21] Advice to her younger self and what’s still ahead Connect with Us Hosts: Claudine Wong & @thealexlobban Visit us at ktvu.com and foxlocal.com Watch on YouTube Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    46 min
  • Building Soccer Community with Town FC

    Building Soccer Community with Town FC
    Sep 19 2025
    Episode Summary What does it take to build a professional soccer club from the ground up—and make it matter to the community it serves? In this episode of Offside in the Bay: To the Pitch and Beyond, Claudine and Alex sit down with Tennyson Wilson, co-founder of Town FC, the Bay Area’s MLS Next Pro affiliate of the San Jose Earthquakes.From youth academies to the pro pathway, Town FC is working to create opportunities for players, families, and fans while growing the game in the East Bay. Tennyson shares the origin story of the club, its unique partnership with the Earthquakes, and why building a true community hub matters just as much as what happens on the pitch. You’ll hear about: The vision behind Town FC and why “The Town” represents more than a name. How MLS Next Pro bridges the gap between youth soccer, college, and the first team. The importance of family-friendly game day experiences that make fans come back. Challenges and opportunities in the U.S. soccer landscape, from pay-to-play to pathways. Town FC’s new academy merger and upcoming women’s program launch. Episode Highlights (Timestamps) 00:03 – Welcome to Offside in the Bay 02:15 – Tennyson Wilson’s personal soccer story 03:38 – Founding Town FC: grassroots beginnings and Oakland roots 06:47 – How MLS Next Pro creates a player pathway 09:11 – Town FC’s partnership with the San Jose Earthquakes 12:24 – Building first-team experiences for young players 15:41 – Balancing college eligibility and pro opportunities 18:47 – The long-term vision: independence, academies, and women’s programs 23:29 – Growing soccer culture in the U.S. 25:29 – Launch of the Town FC Academy (and merger with Diablo Valley) 29:46 – The politics of youth soccer and pay-to-play challenges 37:45 – From Town FC to MLS and beyond: player success stories 39:42 – What’s next for Town FC Whether you’re a youth player, a parent, or just a Bay Area soccer fan, this conversation gives you a window into how Town FC is building a future for the sport.Connect with Us Follow Claudine Wong: ⁠Instagram⁠ | ⁠Facebook⁠ | TikTok | ⁠YouTube⁠ Follow Alex Lobban: ⁠@thealexlobban⁠ More from us: ⁠KTVU.com⁠ | FoxLocal | Podcast Pagefacebook.com ⁠Log in or sign up to view⁠ See posts, photos and more on Facebook. YouTube⁠ Claudine Wong⁠ Share your videos with friends, family, and the world Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 min
  • Soccer Fandom with Steve Powell

    Soccer Fandom with Steve Powell
    Sep 10 2025
    Hosts: Claudine Wong & Alex Lobban Guest: Steve Powell Vice President, For Soccer; former executive with Oakland Roots, Houston Dynamo, San Jose Earthquakes) This week, Claudine and Alex sit down with longtime soccer executive Steve Powell to dig into the evolving world of soccer fandom in the U.S. Steve has spent decades shaping the sport from the inside — from MLS beginnings to grassroots development — and now helps brands and clubs connect authentically with fans at 4soccer.They discuss what draws Americans to the game, how fandom is shifting with new media and investment, and what the 2026 World Cup could mean for soccer’s long-term future here. What You’ll Hear in This Episode The fan journey – why U.S. soccer fandom doesn’t always mirror Europe, and how community ties are growing. Media explosion – from a single PBS highlights show in the ’70s to 3,000 live matches available to U.S. fans today. Opportunities for growth – the rise of USL, the youth game, and unaffiliated Hispanic leagues as hidden talent pools. Commercialization vs. authenticity – how brands can engage without exploiting the sport. The World Cup factor – defining success in 2026 and why underdog stories matter. [00:01:02] Steve’s background in global soccer and career in MLS and club management. [00:04:42] How broadcasting transformed soccer fandom in the U.S. [00:08:33] Why clubs should focus on multicultural communities instead of converting NFL/NBA fans. [00:13:45] Over-coaching, pay-to-play, and the importance of unstructured soccer. [00:17:27] Inside 4soccer’s mission: research, marketing, and authentic brand connections. [00:23:23] The growth of fan culture — pubs, bars, and local club adoption in the U.S. [00:30:23] Why the U.S. Men’s National Team struggles to shed its “underdog” identity. [00:33:27] How the 2026 World Cup could plant lasting seeds for American soccer. [00:38:29] The slow but steady cultural shift toward promotion/relegation and grassroots passion. Episode Highlights Listen now on ⁠KTVU.com ⁠or stream on the FOX Local app. Follow Claudine: Facebook & Instagram: ⁠⁠@claudinewongktvu⁠⁠ YouTube: ⁠⁠ClaudineWongKTVU⁠⁠ TikTok: @claudinektvu Follow Alex: Instagram: ⁠@thealexlobban⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 min
  • From Scotland to the Bay: What separates good players from great?

    From Scotland to the Bay: What separates good players from great?
    Aug 22 2025
    In this episode of Offside in the Bay: To the Pitch and Beyond, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Ben Maxwell, owner and coaching director at Player One Performance. From his beginnings in Scotland to leading supplemental training in Northern California, Ben shares insights on youth development, the U.S. soccer landscape, and what separates good players, coaches, and programs from great ones. His story is a journey of passion, mentorship, and building environments where kids can fall in love with the game. What You’ll Hear[00:01] Growing up in Scotland and discovering a lifelong love of soccer[00:03] Realizing he was an “average” player and turning early to coaching[00:04] A PE teacher’s surprising influence and first coaching experience — in rugby[00:06] The leap to the U.S. through sports camps in Texas[00:07] First impressions of American youth soccer in 2004[00:09] Changing perceptions of U.S. soccer internationally[00:12] How supplemental training supports (not replaces) club and school soccer[00:14] Why technical development is critical — and the “golden age” for building it[00:18] Parents’ dilemmas: timelines, competitiveness, and when to push or hold back[00:21] Passion vs. burnout: why kids don’t “burn out” if they love the game[00:23] Traits of the top 1% of players he’s trained — from relentless work ethic to perfectionism[00:25] What makes a great coach (hint: connection > credentials)[00:27] The Bay Area’s role in U.S. soccer growth and upcoming big events[00:29] One change he’d make to U.S. youth soccer: smaller-sided games[00:31] The power of futsal in player development[00:32] Advice for parents: “It’s their journey, not yours”[00:33] Advice for players: enjoyment leads to improvement Connect With Us Instagram: @claudinewongktvu | @thealexlobban TikTok: @claudinektvu Facebook: Claudine Wong KTVU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    36 min
  • From West Virginia to the Bay: Cailin Mullins on Why Junior College Soccer Deserves a Second Look

    From West Virginia to the Bay: Cailin Mullins on Why Junior College Soccer Deserves a Second Look
    Aug 15 2025
    In this episode of Offside in the Bay: To the Pitch and Beyond, Claudine Wong and Alex Lobban sit down with Cailin Mullins, head women’s soccer coach at Diablo Valley College. From her unlikely start as a young girl playing on boys’ teams in West Virginia, to competing in the ACC against legends like Mia Hamm, to coaching at Stanford and ultimately leading a junior college program, Cailin shares insights on resilience, opportunity, and why the junior college path can be a powerful choice for soccer athletes. What You’ll Hear [00:01:22] Growing up in West Virginia and playing multiple sports before focusing on soccer. [00:02:36] Choosing the goalkeeper position — and the unique mindset it requires. [00:04:06] Competing on boys’ teams until 16, and how a loss became a turning point. [00:06:13] Mentorship from a Chilean coach and early goalkeeper training. [00:07:26] Breaking into college soccer before Title IX’s full impact. [00:08:56] Starting all four years at Maryland and facing future soccer icons. [00:10:13] Changing majors to balance academics with athletics. [00:11:22] How time demands for student-athletes have increased over the decades. [00:14:53] Moving to California to join Stanford’s coaching staff. [00:15:49] Finding a passion for coaching — and why she eventually chose the junior college level. Connect With Us Instagram: @claudinewongktvu | @thealexlobban⁠⁠ TikTok: @claudinektvu Facebook: Claudine Wong KTVU Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    41 min
  • Whispering Talents Versus Shouting Talent: How Jordan Ferrell Finds Talent Around Him

    Whispering Talents Versus Shouting Talent: How Jordan Ferrell Finds Talent Around Him
    Aug 9 2025
    Episode Summary:In this episode, we sit down with Jordan Ferrell, Technical Director for the Oakland Roots Sports Club, to explore how he spots soccer talent in a diverse and competitive landscape. Jordan breaks down his unique approach to scouting—distinguishing between the obvious “shouting talents” and the often overlooked “whispering talents.” From youth academies to professional transitions, he shares insights on player development, building community through local talent, and the future of soccer in the Bay Area. Jordan also discusses the importance of environment, patience in development, and how Oakland Roots is shaping a pathway for local players to thrive on the professional stage. Timestamps & Highlights: [00:18:46] Jordan reflects on the universal language of soccer and the diversity he embraces in coaching across different levels. [00:19:45] He shares his coaching journey from youth clubs to colleges and beyond, highlighting the impact he’s made at each stage. [00:21:47] Jordan describes his current role as Technical Director, emphasizing his job as a connector across coaches, players, and departments to align with the club’s vision. [00:23:10] The scouting process: a mix of video analysis, data, and essential live scouting, especially for youth players in Northern California. [00:25:05] Jordan explains his talent evaluation philosophy using the concepts of “shouting talents” (obvious stars) vs. “whispering talents” (hidden gems). [00:28:47] The importance of professional development beyond just technical skill, including psychological and physical preparation. [00:30:09] How early identification and structured pathways help talents like Ali transition from amateur to professional levels. [00:31:53] The challenges players face once they reach the first team and the coping strategies Oakland Roots implements through Project 510. [00:32:14] Three key traits Jordan looks for in whispering talents: affection for the ball, ambition, and a winning mindset. [00:34:46] Examples of late bloomers and the intrinsic motivation that helps players succeed despite initial setbacks. [00:34:59] The future of youth development at Oakland Roots and the strategy of supporting multiple local clubs rather than monopolizing young talent. [00:36:02] How the Roots influence local soccer through coaching education, referee training, and community partnerships. [00:39:48] The unique focus on transitioning teenagers into men’s football to better prepare them for professional play. [00:40:53] Oakland Roots as a destination club for players nearing professional readiness rather than competing for early-age recruitment. [00:42:34] The value of developing local talent beyond just economics—building lifelong fans and community pride. [00:44:18] Discussion on soccer as a community event and the cultural importance of local players representing their hometown clubs. [00:45:53] The club’s vision for the future, including the Howard Terminal Stadium and how success could inspire others. [00:46:44] The balance of local and global talent for a winning and exciting team that fans can rally behind. [00:48:10] Jordan shares his current assessment of the team’s progress and optimism for climbing the table in the season ahead. Connect with Us: Claudine Wong: ClaudineWongKTVU Instagram | ClaudineKTVU TikTok | Facebook Claudine Wong Ktvu Alex Lobban: (Instagram @thealexlobban) Follow Oakland Roots SC for the latest updates: oaklandrootssc.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices
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    50 min