The guest is Amherst College senior Niall Murphy. Murphy reflects on his crucial role in leading Amherst to a national championship in 2024 and discusses the team’s journey starting from their loss in the 2023 national title game. He shares insights on the competitive nature of NESCAC soccer, the significance of his leadership, and the personal milestones of overcoming injuries and adapting to new positions. Murphy also opens up about his academic path in computer science and his upcoming career in finance while balancing his passion for soccer.

Topics

00:34 Meet Niall Murphy: Amherst College Soccer Star

00:57 The Journey to the National Championship

02:16 Facing Rivals and Overcoming Challenges

03:44 Personal Reflections and Experiences

13:00 High School Days and Recruitment Challenges

19:00 Life After College Soccer

20:29 Extra Time: Fun and Unexpected Questions

26:03 Conclusion and Farewell

Matt Langone is joined by colleague Matt Doherty, who reports on the ECNL Girls' Winter Showcase in Florida. Despite battling a virus, Doherty shares his observations on the competitive matches, standout teams, and the significant presence of college coaches scouting talent. They discuss the promising performances from New England clubs including FC Stars, South Shore Select, and Scorpions SC, and how the showcase serves as a prelude to the upcoming spring season. The episode wraps up with a fun segment of Extra Time, where they analyze famous soccer quotes.

Topics

01:29 Discussion on ECNL Florida Winter Showcase

02:53 College Coaches and Competitive Atmosphere

10:10 Comparing ECNL and MLS Next Fest

13:33 Teams to Watch in the Spring Season

20:14 Dining Experiences in Florida

21:34 Spring Soccer Coverage Preview

21:46 Extra Time: Fun Soccer Questions

34:22 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Host Matt Langone and co-host Matt Doherty discuss the top five soccer stories to watch in 2025. They start by highlighting the University of Vermont's 2024 national championship win and debating the team's chances for a repeat. They then move on to the budding rivalry between FC Stars and South Shore Select in ECNL Girls, followed by a deep dive into the upcoming MLS Next Flex event and the New England clubs to watch. The pair also explore the ongoing parity in boys' prep school soccer, questioning whether Taft can repeat as champions. Finally, they address the changing landscape of recruiting post-COVID, anticipating an uptick in player commitments. The episode concludes with personal reflections on the challenges and goals for the new year in soccer journalism.

Topics

02:13 Vermont's Historic National Championship

07:24 South Shore Select Joins ECNL Girls

10:43 MLS Next and Playoffs Preview

15:23 Boys Prep Soccer Parity

18:49 Milton vs. Taft: A High School Soccer Showdown

19:35 The Challenge of Repeating Championships

20:49 Impact of COVID on College Recruiting

22:17 Recruiting Trends and Delays

24:11 The Future of Soccer Recruiting

25:44 Top Five Soccer Stories Recap

26:27 Extra Time: Soccer Insights and Predictions

Matt Langone and Matt Doherty are joined by guest Max Murray, a standout player from the University of Vermont. The discussion centers around Vermont's historic first national championship win in NCAA soccer, with Murray sharing his experiences and the team's journey. Murray elaborates on the dynamics and special qualities of the team, notable moments from their championship run, and his transition to professional soccer after being drafted by New York City FC. The episode also delves into Murray's personal journey, his versatility on the field, and his thoughts on the team's future.

Topics

00:50 Winning the National Championship

02:59 Team Dynamics and Strategies

04:38 Community Support and Team Bonding

08:08 Versatility and Position Changes

17:45 Draft Day and Professional Aspirations

24:47 Panelists Share Their Favorite Soccer Championships

28:27 Greatest Soccer Comebacks Ever Witnessed

33:48 Imagining a Statue to Commemorate the Championship

38:34 Wrapping Up: Final Thoughts and Farewells

Matt Langone is joined by Matt Doherty to discuss the upcoming MLS Next Fest. They talk about the significance of this major showcase for young soccer talent, the participation of New England teams, and the opportunities it presents for players in terms of exposure and recruitment. The conversation delves into the dynamics of the event, the level of competition, and the player development landscape. They also recount memorable experiences and share insights into the life of a sports journalist. The episode concludes with bonus questions that explore their most memorable interviews and writing moments.

Topics

00:50 MLS Next Fest Preview

02:40 Importance of Exposure for Players

04:35 Teams and Players to Watch

06:19 Event Logistics and College Recruitment

15:16 Post-Event Content and Coverage

19:33 Extra Time: Fun and Personal Stories

34:19 Conclusion and Wrap-Up

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone is joined by club soccer writer Matt Doherty, IFA New England MLS Next Director Rohit Gautam, and club president Bill Altieri. They discuss IFA New England's development strategies, the importance of the MLS Next platform, and the club's competitive environment. The conversation also explores their goals for player development, international experiences, and upcoming events. The episode concludes with a fun Q&A segment, 'Extra Time,' where the guests tackle various soccer dilemmas.

Topics

00:58 IFA New England's Ambitions and Progress

02:44 The Role and Impact of MLS Next

05:37 Weekly Routine and Player Development

09:06 Competitiveness and Unique Approach of IFA New England

21:00 International Exposure and Future Plans

24:13 Reflecting on a Successful Event

24:43 Future Plans for International Tournaments

25:19 MLS Next Fest and Its Importance

25:54 Showcasing Talent and Competing

28:25 The Extra Time Segment Begins

28:58 Handling Time-Wasting Tactics

32:40 Dealing with Injured Players

37:04 Managing Fiery Players

41:11 Closing Remarks and Farewell

In this episode of New England Soccer Journal's The Goal Podcast, host Matt Langone is joined by Siemens Media Managing Editor and Girls Prep Soccer Writer Mike Zhe. They delve into the upcoming NEPSAC soccer tournaments, providing a comprehensive breakdown of both girls and boys teams. They discuss potential top teams, analyze their performances during the season, and predict who might make it through to the finals. The episode also features 'Extra Time' where the hosts respond to thought-provoking soccer-related quotes. This episode is a must-listen for serious soccer players and their supporters looking to navigate the high-stakes environment of New England prep soccer.

Topics

01:01 NEPSAC Tournament Overview

03:14 Girls Prep Soccer: Top Teams Analysis

06:15 Class A Contenders Breakdown

13:51 Class B Insights and Predictions

17:02 Boys Prep Soccer Preview

18:44 Milton and Berkshire: The Teams to Watch

19:33 Contenders for the Boys' Championship

21:22 Filling Out the Field: The Final Teams

23:52 Class B Championship Predictions

26:46 Bracketology and Final Thoughts

28:28 Extra Time: Soccer Quotes and Insights