The gap between being great in college and thriving as a pro is smaller than a square of grass, and that’s exactly where Tommy McCabe lives. We sit down with the Oakland Roots midfielder to unpack how a backyard obsession, a London childhood, and the Jersey hotbed launched a journey through youth national teams, Notre Dame, MLS, and the USL Championship. Tommy brings calm clarity to a noisy landscape: the right path isn’t a league acronym, it’s the daily training environment that pushes you while helping you belong.

We dive into the core pro separators, awareness, scanning, and first touch, and why the game gets tighter and faster with every level. Tommy explains how to keep the ball and structure under pressure, how to master the basics without boredom, and why decision-making starts with seeing the right picture before the ball arrives. From there, we talk culture: the best clubs build environment, connection, and belonging. He shares candid insights on roster turnover, improving USL contracts, and the delicate balance between opportunity and stability that shapes a season and a career.

Curious about MLS vs USL differences, player lifestyle, and what promotion and relegation could mean for the American game? Tommy offers a measured view rooted in player welfare and professional standards while still embracing the excitement of higher stakes. We also look ahead to Oakland’s potential on and off the field, training at the former Raiders facility, and turning a historic stadium into a fortress. If you care about player development, coaching, and what truly makes a professional, this conversation will sharpen your lens.

If this resonated, follow and subscribe, share it with a teammate or coach, and leave a review to help more people find the show. What’s the one habit you think separates a pro from the rest?

Two weeks of elite matches, one clear lesson: when the level jumps, only a real game model holds up. We take you inside our MLS NEXT stretch, what it taught our players about competing under pressure, why we refused to chase short-term results, and how that decision drew college coaches and academy scouts to our sidelines. From early setbacks to late surges, the story is about identity, resilience, and turning tough minutes into future opportunities.

We break down the competition step by step: why some squads were shell-shocked in opening games, how others clawed back, and what it means to be “just another dog” on a national stage. The recruiting lens is wide open too. You’ll hear how Division I contact rules actually work, why Division III and JUCO conversations often happen field-side, and how the transfer portal is reshaping timelines and selectivity. Most importantly, we map out what players can control: preparation routines, consistency, and the ability to perform when a dream school is quietly watching from the touchline.

Behind the scenes, our staff focused inward, refining our style, amplifying our players’ strengths, and sharing film and schedules with trusted college networks to get the right eyes on the right games. The results speak for themselves: broad interest for the U-19s, crucial reps for the U-17s, and a pathway younger age groups can now see in front of them. If you care about player development, college soccer recruiting, and the realities of MLS NEXT competition, this highlight reel delivers practical insights you can use today.

If this resonated, follow the show, share it with a teammate or coach, and leave a quick review to help more players find their path.

The desert delivered. Four Ozark United academy teams stepped onto 24 pristine fields at MLS Next Fest and found themselves surrounded by pro scouts, MLS academies, and a sea of college coaches, all hunting for players who can think fast, compete harder, and play brave. We came to showcase, not chase trophies, and the offers, interest, and hard lessons that followed proved why that choice matters.

We break down what MLS Next Fest actually is, more than a showcase, it’s an ecosystem, combining games, the MLS Draft and combine, coaching education, and real-world recruiting conversations. You’ll hear how our U15s, U16s, U17s, and U19s handled the step up, what cold desert kickoffs taught them about preparation, and why our staff focused on our game model instead of opponent tape. From live video boards and field side cameras to packed sidelines featuring D1, D2, D3, NAIA, and JUCO coaches, this was the most heavily scouted environment our players have experienced, and it changed how they approach every minute.

We talk candidly about recruiting: how rules differ by division, why the transfer portal shifts timelines, and how to evaluate fit across academics, finances, and playing time. You’ll also get a look at the road ahead, finishing league play before high school season, partnering with local coaches to keep players healthy, and aiming for regionals in Kansas City with Next Cup qualification paths clear. Along the way, we celebrate the best part: hearing respected programs and scouts praise the way Ozark United plays, and watching our community put Arkansas firmly on the national soccer map.

If you enjoyed this deep dive into development, recruiting, and the pathway to pro, follow the show, share it with a soccer friend in your life, and leave a review so more listeners in NWA and beyond can find us.