The Soccer Ladder
The Soccer Ladder is a soccer media and player-development podcast hosted by Megan Linke, founder of The Soccer Ladder, with appearances from her son Liam. Through conversations with professional players, coaches and industry leaders, the show explores elite youth development, mindset, pathways and the modern game.Megan:@meganlinkeofficialLiam:@liamlinke18
Episode 40: Tim Howard on Youth Soccer: Pressure, Setbacks & the Parent’s Role
Tim Howard—Everton and USMNT legend, known as the “Secretary of Defense”—joins Megan Linke for Episode 40 of The Soccer Ladder. With a record 16 saves against Belgium at the 2014 World Cup, Howard delivered one of soccer’s most unforgettable goalkeeping performances.
But what does it take to reach that level—and what should young players and their parents understand about the journey?
From his beginnings in ODP and with the MetroStars to Manchester United, Everton, and the USMNT, Tim shares his perspective on youth development, setbacks, self-doubt, and the mentality needed to keep moving forward. He also open...
Episode 39: One Cut Away from the Olympics: Kacey White on Resilience & Youth Soccer
What happens when you’re one cut away from the Olympics? And how do young players handle setbacks when their development doesn’t go as planned?
In Episode 39 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan Linke sits down with former USWNT player, NCAA National Champion, coach, and MLS/NWSL broadcaster Kacey White to discuss resilience, player development, and the realities of reaching the highest levels of soccer.
Kacey shares lessons from her playing and coaching career, including what coaches look for in young players, why soccer IQ and decision-making matter, and how parents can support development without addi...
Episode 38: Talent Gets You In, Mentality Keeps You There | Miguel Gallardo
Talent gets young players noticed, but what keeps them progressing?
In Episode 38 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan sits down with Miguel Gallardo — former professional goalkeeper, MLS analyst on Apple TV, and Executive Director of South Orlando Soccer Club — to talk about what really separates players as they move through the youth soccer pathway.
Miguel shares what he sees up close in youth development, what his own professional career taught him, and what young players need to understand about the work that happens away from the field. He also answers Liam’s question about what a 13- or 1...
Kei Kamara on Giving Back & the Kei Kamara HEARTshapedhands Foundation
MLS veteran Kei Kamara has built an incredible career in soccer, but his impact goes far beyond the field.
In this special conversation for The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me, Kei shares the heart behind the Kei Kamara HEARTshapedhands Foundation, his commitment to giving back, and why using his platform to help others is so important to him.
From his journey in professional soccer to the work he continues to do in communities close to his heart, Kei’s story is a powerful reminder that the impact of the game can extend far beyond the pi...
Dax McCarty on Leadership, Soccer IQ & Developing as a Midfielder | The Soccer Ladder
Former MLS and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Dax McCarty joins The Soccer Ladder for a special conversation filmed during MLS All-Star Week.
After nearly two decades playing at the professional level, Dax shares the lessons he believes matter most for young players trying to grow in the game.
We talk about leadership and why accountability may be one of the most important qualities a young captain can develop — including learning to look inward before pointing fingers at teammates.
Dax also breaks down how young midfielders can improve their soccer IQ and...
Kaylyn Kyle on Youth Soccer, Mindset & the Path to the Pros | The Soccer Ladder
Former professional player, Olympian, and MLS on Apple TV Studio Analyst Kaylyn Kyle joins me during MLS All-Star Week for a special conversation on The Soccer Ladder.
Kaylyn shares her perspective on what separates players as they move through the game, the importance of mindset and resilience, and what young athletes can learn from the challenges they face along the way.
We also talk about a question nearly every soccer parent has thought about: What does it really take for a young player to reach the professional level? As a former professional player and now...
Antonio Rüdiger on Giving Back & the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation | The Soccer Ladder
Real Madrid and Germany star Antonio Rüdiger joins The Soccer Ladder for a special conversation from the United Nations in New York City.
Antonio shares the heart behind the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation, why giving back is so important to him, and his commitment to creating opportunities and making a difference beyond the football pitch.
A powerful conversation about using football, influence, and opportunity to create meaningful impact beyond the game.
The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me
Hosted by Megan Linke
<...Episode 37: Lou Ruffien — From the French National Team to Harvard Soccer
In Episode 37 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan and Liam sit down with Lou Ruffien, French Youth National Team player, Paris FC academy standout, and incoming Harvard Women's Soccer student-athlete.
After representing France at the UEFA U-17 European Championship and FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, Lou shares what it's really like to compete at the highest levels of youth soccer, adapt to life in Europe, and prepare for the next chapter at Harvard. She also opens up about resilience, mental performance, and the lessons she's learned through both triumphs and setbacks.
In this episode, we d...
Episode 36: Matteo Masucci — Building Better Players Through Development, Mindset & Innovation
In Episode 36 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan and Liam sit down with Matteo Masucci, founder of Juventus Academy Los Angeles, entrepreneur, coach, and creator of innovative AI-powered coaching technology.
Born and raised in Italy, Matteo shares his journey from professional soccer and sports science to building one of the premier youth development environments in the United States alongside Alessandro Del Piero. He offers valuable insight into player development, technical training, decision-making, and what today's players and parents should really be focusing on.
In this episode we discuss:
⚽ The biggest differences between European and Ame...
Episode 35: Tab Ramos — World Cups, Youth Development, & The Future of American Soccer
In Episode 35 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan and Liam sit down with soccer legend Tab Ramos.
A three-time FIFA World Cup player, Olympian, former U.S. U-20 Men’s National Team Head Coach, and MLS Head Coach, Tab shares lessons from decades at the highest levels of the game.
In this episode we discuss:
⚽ Playing in three FIFA World Cups
⚽ What players ages 12–15 should focus on right now
⚽ Why technical ability and ball mastery still matter most
⚽ The realities of pay-to-play soccer
⚽ Early vs. late developers
⚽ What separates elite midfielder...
Episode 34 | Janine Willis (Soccer in the Streets)
A conversation on access, opportunity, and using soccer to change communities.
Hosts
Megan
Liam
About This Episode
In Episode 34 of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Janine Willis, former Canadian Women’s National Team player and Board of Directors member for Soccer in the Streets (@soccerstreets).
From her journey playing at Princeton and with the Canadian National Team to now helping lead one of the most impactful soccer nonprofits in the country, Janine shares how soccer can become a vehicle for ac...
Episode 33 | Jose Angulo (New York Cosmos, USL MVP)
A conversation on player pathways, local talent, and building the next generation through community.
Hosts
Megan
Liam
About This Episode
In Episode 33 of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Jose Angulo (@j_angulo), Scout and Manager of Youth Partnerships for the New York Cosmos (@nycosmos).
A North Jersey native from Paterson, Jose Angulo’s journey through the local soccer scene led him to a professional career — where he was named USL Championship MVP. Today, he’s giving back to...
Episode 32 | Dr Marc Bubbs (Performance Nutritionist, ProBio Nutrition)
A conversation on fueling youth athletes, building longevity, and mastering the fundamentals of performance.
Hosts
Megan
Liam
About This Episode
In Episode 32 of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by Dr Marc Bubbs (@Drbubbs), a performance nutritionist working with professional and Olympic athletes across elite sport, including @canadabasketball, @usmnt, and @underarmour.
With over 20 years of experience, Dr Marc Bubbs breaks down what truly matters when it comes to fueling development, recovery, and long-term performance — especially for...
Episode 31 | Jozy Altidore (USMNT Veteran, Sogility)
A conversation on development, pressure, longevity, and building the next generation of players.
Hosts
Megan
Liam
About This Episode
In Episode 31 of The Soccer Ladder, we are joined by Jozy Altidore (@jozyaltidore) — a U.S. Men’s National Team veteran who signed professionally at just 16 and built a career across Europe and MLS.
Now stepping into a new chapter, Jozy Altidore is focused on developing the next generation through @Sogility and @SogilityGO, bringing technology-driven training into the m...
Episode 30 | Jesús Pérez (USMNT Assistant Coach)
A behind-the-scenes look at elite preparation, mindset, and what young players can learn from the highest level of the game.
About This Episode
In Episode 30 of The Soccer Ladder, we are joined by Jesús Pérez (@jpp_71), assistant coach of the U.S. Men’s National Team (@usmnt) and longtime collaborator of head coach Mauricio Pochettino (@pochettino).
With the next World Cup on the horizon, Jesús Pérez shares what elite tournament preparation truly looks like behind the scenes — and why this U.S. team ge...
Episode 29 | Dan Motchman (Elite Performance Chef)
A behind-the-scenes look at how the world’s top athletes fuel performance, recovery, and longevity — and what youth players and parents can learn from elite nutrition strategies.
About This Episode
In Episode 29 of The Soccer Ladder, we dive into one of the most overlooked pillars of performance: nutrition.
We’re joined by Dan Motchman, a private performance chef who works with some of the top athletes in the world across soccer, boxing, Formula 1, and Olympic sport. Dan shares how nutrition changes by sport, position, travel demands, and age — a...
Episode 28 | Amir Lowery (Open Goal Project, District of Columbia FC)
In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, hosts Megan Linke (@meganlinkeofficial) and Liam Linke (@liamlinke18) sit down with Amir Lowery — former professional player, D.C. native, and founder of Open Goal Project.
Amir shares his powerful journey from playing professionally in MLS and USL to returning home to Washington, D.C., where he’s now working to dismantle barriers in youth soccer and create access for players from underserved communities.
Episode Highlights
Amir’s path from D.C. public schools to Wake Forest...Episode 27 | Jeroen Chantrain (Royal Antwerp FC, RSC Anderlecht)
In Episode 27 of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by Jeroen Chantrain, a Belgian youth coach who has worked at two of the most iconic clubs in European football — RSC Anderlecht, Belgium’s most successful club, and Royal Antwerp FC, the oldest club in the country.
Jeroen brings a rare inside look at elite European player development, sharing how top academies think about technical skill, mentality, patience, and the long-term pathway from grassroots football to the first team.
This episode is a must-listen for
Episode 26: The Exchange FC (Grassroots to Pro Pathways)
Local Football, Access, and the Future of the American Player Pathway
In Episode 26 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan sits down for a solo-hosted conversation with the voice behind @TheExchangeFc a platform deeply rooted in local football culture and grassroots storytelling.
With Liam at school for the day, this episode becomes a deep dive into the local soccer ecosystem, access to the game, and how untapped talent across the U.S. could change the future of American soccer if given the right opportunities.
This conversation challenges the traditional pay-to-play model and explores what real inclus...
Episode 25 | Haley McCutcheon (Orlando Pride, NWSL)
This one really is legendary — we’re welcoming our first-ever NWSL player to The Soccer Ladder! In this episode, we’re joined by Haley McCutcheon of the Orlando Pride, and she brings such real, grounded insight into what it takes to develop, stay mentally strong, and build a career that lasts.
Also… quick behind-the-scenes moment: I usually record with Liam, but I accidentally scheduled studio time on a school day (mom fail 😅) — so Liam pops in with a few questions and we keep it moving.
🎙️ Guest
Haley McCutch...
🎙️ Episode 24: Grit, Versatility & Showing Up When It Counts — with Bryan Jordan
This week on The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by Bryan Jordan (@bj_6) — former LA Galaxy winger, two-time MLS Cup champion, and one of the hardest-working pros of his era. From grinding through trials to sharing a locker room with David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Robbie Keane, Bryan gets real about what it actually takes to climb — and stay on — the ladder.
What we cover
From LA kid to pro: Growing up in ultra-competitive Los Angeles, bouncing across top youth teams (Cal Heat), a...🎙️Episode 23: Perseverance, Purpose & Building Community Beyond the Game with Mike Chabala
In this inspiring episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Mike Chabala (@michaelchabala) — former Houston Dynamo defender, two-time MLS Cup Champion, and founder of @sphere.club — to explore the full-circle journey from professional athlete to purpose-driven entrepreneur. ⚽️
From playing in Europe at just eight years old, to earning his way onto one of the best teams in MLS history, to now creating a global movement through Sphere, Mike’s story is one of resilience, innovation, and heart.
He shares what it truly takes to stay committed through the highs and lows of the profession...
🎙️ Episode 22: Building Mindset, Mentorship & Momentum with Chijioke Akujuobi
This week on @thesoccerladder, hosts @meganlinkeofficial and @liamlinke18 sit down with Chijioke Akujuobi (@choppaholic5) — the creator and host of @victorychatterpodcast / @victorychatterpod — for a powerful conversation on mindset, mentorship, and what it really takes to make it in the world of soccer.
From street soccer in Texas to playing professionally in Denmark, Chijioke’s story is one of grit, faith, and relentless belief in his purpose. In this episode, he shares:
⚽️ How mindset outweighs talent — and why mental strength is the #1 differentiator for elite players.
<...🎙Episode 21: From Belgium to the Big Leagues – Fre Frans' Global Soccer Journey
Guest: Fre Frans, former pro defender turned coach at RWDM Brussels
📲 IG: @frefrans
In this inspiring and globe-spanning episode, we sit down with Belgian footballer and coach Fre Frans (@frefrans), who shares his journey from debuting at 17 in Belgium’s top league to coaching one of the youngest squads in Europe today.
Fre played professionally for clubs like Lierse SK, Beerschot, and Partick Thistle in Scotland, and he’s now mentoring rising talent at RWDM Brussels — a club committed to youth development, global sc...
Episode 20: Longevity, Loss, and Letting the Game Teach You – with A.J. DeLaGarza
MLS veteran. U.S. National Team defender. College champion. Youth trainer. In this episode, A.J. DeLaGarza opens up about what it really takes to have a 14-year career in Major League Soccer—and the moments on and off the field that shaped him most. From Maryland to Miami, and Galaxy to Gold Den, A.J. shares the mindset, heart, and leadership it takes to stay at the top, adapt through change, and give back to the next generation.
🔥 Inside This Episode:
⚽️ How winning two national championships at Maryland prepared him for the pro level
🎙 Episode 19 — Tristan Bowen: From First-Ever MLS Homegrown to Empowering the Next Generation
In this episode, Megan Linke sits down with Tristan Bowen, the first-ever MLS homegrown player, who went pro at just 17 with LA Galaxy. From training alongside icons like David Beckham and Landon Donovan to launching a media brand that gives voice to the athlete journey—Tristan’s story is filled with real-world lessons for players and parents alike.
Inside the episode:
How Tristan’s path to LA Galaxy unfolded—and the mindset that got him thereWhy he believes players should pursue coaching licenses earlyHis time training in Brazi...Episode 18: Building Better Athletes with Ruben Cisneros of Chicago Fire
This week on The Soccer Ladder, we dive into the physical, mental, and emotional performance demands of elite youth soccer with Ruben Cisneros (@rubencisneros), the U15 Academy Performance Coach for Chicago Fire FC. From boxing roots to building top-level athletes, Ruben shares his full-circle journey back to the Fire, where he now helps shape future pros from the inside out.
⚽️ What We Cover:
Ruben’s unexpected path from competitive boxer to performance coach in MLS academiesThe real science behind training: GPS tracking, recovery, and tailoring intensity based on game-day cyclesWhy streng...🎙️ Episode 17: Building Better Athletes with Heart, Hustle & Vision – Featuring John Davis
In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with John Davis—co-founder of @ULETEsports, one of the top multi-sport performance centers in the country—to unpack what it really takes to build elite athletes today.
From growing up on cow-patch soccer fields in Texas to building a world-class training facility guided by faith, vision, and a generational entrepreneurial spirit—John shares the story behind ULETE and what makes it a game-changer for today’s youth.
👟 Inside the Episode:
The origin story of @ULETEsports youleet_athletics and the God-giv...Episode 16: Sacrifice, Style & Staying in the Game
🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts!
In this special father-son episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with the Daughtridges—a powerhouse duo in both soccer and entrepreneurship.
Roark shares what it’s like training with the DC United Academy, balancing school, practice, and friendships, and how he mentally resets after setbacks on the field. Meanwhile, Ryan offers a unique parent perspective on raising a high-level athlete and how those experiences shaped the mission behind @ringersfootball, the soccer-forward lifestyle brand redefining the sideline.
You’ll hear:
Roark’s journey fro...
Episode 15: Michael Bradley — The Journey, The Mindset & Lessons for Every Player and Parent
In Episode 15 of The Soccer Ladder, we welcome a true American soccer icon: @michaelbr4dley — former USMNT captain, two-time World Cup player, MLS Cup champion with Toronto FC, European veteran, and a leader who’s played the game at every level, around the world.
Michael sits down with Lee and Megan to share his journey from growing up on the sidelines with his dad, legendary coach Bob Bradley, to turning pro at 16, adapting to life abroad, and learning how to handle pressure, setbacks, and the daily grind of a 20-year career.
⚽️ Inside This E...
Episode 14: Building Smarter Players with Game Awareness Training
In this high-energy episode of The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by the inspiring brothers behind @game_awareness, the Canadian-based trainers revolutionizing youth soccer with cutting-edge awareness training.
From scanning and shoulder checks to creating elite-level soccer IQ, these coaches are showing young players what it really takes to stand out on the pitch—not just with skill, but with vision, intelligence, and mindset.
💡 What We Cover:
The origin story of @game_awareness and their breakthrough trip to HollandHow their training evolved from 1:1 sessions to full...Episode 13: The Journey, the Pressure & the Power of Mentorship with Michael Parkhurst
In this can’t-miss episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Michael Parkhurst @mikeparkhurst3—former USMNT captain, MLS Cup champion, European pro, and co-founder of @beyondgoalsmentoring—to go deep on the sacrifices, mindset, and structure required to go pro and stay pro.
Whether you’re an academy parent, a player chasing the dream, or a coach shaping the next generation, this episode is filled with gold.
🔹 From Rhode Island to Europe to founding Rhode Island FC (@rhodeislandfc), Michael shares:
His journey from IMG to Wake Forest to Europe and MLS
🎙 Episode 12 – From Player to Pro Developer: Inside Belgium’s Elite Training with Alessio Carlone
In this episode, we sit down with Alessio Carlone, a former professional footballer and co-founder of FPD Academy in Genk, Belgium. Alessio shares his inspiring journey from signing his first pro contract at 16, navigating international club moves, and ultimately being forced to retire early due to a genetic heart condition. But Alessio didn’t stop there—he channeled his passion into building a next-level training academy that focuses on both the technical and human development of players.
🎧 We discuss:
Alessio’s rise through KRC Genk’s academy and profess...Episode 11: Soccer Dreams to Reality ft. Larrys Mabiala
This week on The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by the incredible Larrys Mabiala (@mynameislarrys)—former PSG Academy player and Portland Timbers pro, now author of Soccer Dreams to Reality. We dive into his journey from juggling a ball in a tiny Paris apartment to signing a professional contract at just 17.
Larrys' path is one of grit, resilience, and generational impact. He shares the raw truth of what it takes to go pro, the differences in development between Europe and the U.S., and the powerful lessons passed down from his father—both as a player an...
EP 10: From Pro Players to World-Class Coaches: A Global Approach to Player Development
In this special milestone episode, we're joined by former pro players and now elite-level coaches, Libor Volf and Alex Jakubov, the founders of Volf Soccer Academy. With academies across the U.S., Canada, Europe, and even Uganda, these two bring a wealth of international experience to the table.
They dive deep into:
⚽ Their personal journeys from small villages and top European academies to professional contracts
⚽ The truth about early pro signings vs. going the college route
⚽ Why loving the game matters more than ever in today’s s...
Episode 9: Building the Dog Mentality with Coach Juan Ocampo
In this jam-packed episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Coach Juan Ocampo—founder of Pro Soccer Academy and mentor to some of the top youth players in the state. Known for cultivating what he calls the “dog mentality,” Coach Juan shares the real behind-the-scenes of what it takes to rise through the youth soccer system and develop not just talent, but true toughness.
🔥 In this episode, we cover:
Juan’s powerful journey from playing in the streets of Colombia to a professional stint with the CosmosWhy the years from 8–12 are the most importan...Episode 8 — Legendary Stories & Real Talk with Shep Messing
In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we're honored to be joined by the iconic Shep Messing — former U.S. Olympic goalkeeper, New York Cosmos star, broadcaster, and lifelong ambassador of the game. Known for his time alongside legends like Pelé and Beckenbauer, Shep brings not only decades of soccer experience but also unfiltered wisdom, powerful stories, and refreshing perspective on what the game is truly about.
What You’ll Hear in This Episode:
The surprising truth: Shep didn’t start playing soccer until age 16How cross-training in multiple sports helped shape his unique pathWha...Episode 7: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones with Heath Pearce
In this week’s episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Heath Pearce—a seasoned pro who’s played in the MLS, Germany’s Bundesliga, and earned 35 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Heath unpacks his journey from breaking his leg at age 16 to turning pro, what he’s learned from being cut, benched, and doubted—and how those moments shaped his mentality and career.
Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with powerful mindset shifts, real talk about the emotional ups and downs of soccer, and tactical advice...
Episode 6: Beyond the Game with Charlie Rugg – From MLS Cup to Life After Soccer
This week on The Soccer Ladder, we’re joined by former LA Galaxy striker Charlie Rugg—a standout athlete turned artist who shares his incredible soccer journey from small-town sports to winning an MLS Cup and beyond. ⚽🎨
Charlie opens up about:
Growing up playing multiple sports and why that made him a better soccer playerHis early success as an All-American and first-round MLS draft pickThe harsh transition from college to professional soccer—and what he wishes he had done differentlyHonest reflections on setbacks, self-belief, and the importance of being more than just an athleteWhy watching th...Ep 5: Navigating College Soccer & Beyond with Coach John Velasco
In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with John Velasco, Assistant Men’s Soccer Coach at Temple University, to explore the journey from youth soccer to college — and even the pro level. From growing up in Plainfield to coaching at every level of the game, John's insight is invaluable for players and parents alike navigating the modern soccer landscape.
We talk about:
John’s journey as a player and how an early injury changed his pathThe evolution of U.S. Soccer and the opportunities in today’s academy systemHow the college recruiting process really wo...