New England Soccer Journal’s The Goal

Matt Doherty and Matt Langone discuss the conclusion of the 2025 scholastic soccer season, including key highlights from the NEPSAC boys and girls championships. The discussion covers the dominant performances of the Taft boys team and Mount St. Charles in Class B, key players and significant moments from the season. They also touch upon standout teams and upcoming predictions for the 2026 season. The episode concludes with a challenging soccer trivia segment, reflecting on various soccer-themed movies. Topics 00:49 Recap of Scholastic and Prep Seasons 01:09 NEPSAC Boys Finals Highlights 02:05 Taft's Dominance in Class A 08:23 Nobles' Impressive Season 09:33 Surprises and Consistencies in Class A 12:22 Mount St. Charles' Remarkable Journey 15:30 NEPSAC Girls Champions 19:23 Challenges of NEPSAC Tournaments 22:24 2026 Preseason Predictions 23:25 Teams to Watch in Class B 24:10 ISL Teams on the Rise 24:47 Brewster's Soccer Journey 25:38 Season Recap and Future Coverage 26:18 Extra Time: Soccer Trivia 34:16 Wrapping Up and Final Thoughts

Matt Doherty, alongside Matt Langone and Mike Zhe, offers an in-depth preview of the NEPSAC boys and girls soccer tournaments. They discuss the upcoming matches and potential top teams, and they speculate on the brackets, with special attention to Class A and Class B. The episode also includes personal anecdotes on memorable soccer experiences and predictions for the soccer season ahead. Topics 00:39 NEPSAC Boys and Girls Tournament Preview 01:50 Class A Girls Analysis 07:45 Class A Boys Analysis 18:48 Class B Girls Analysis 24:52 Class B Boys Analysis 26:26 Suffield's Playoff Prospects 26:56 ISL Teams Battle for Playoff Spots 27:26 Brooks and Vermont Academy's Strong Seasons 28:09 Teams Fighting for the Last Playoff Spots 30:39 The Excitement of NEPSAC Tournaments 34:18 Extra Time: Panelists' Soccer Experiences

Patrick Donnelly and Matt Doherty delve into the MIAA soccer playoffs as the postseason approaches. They discuss the top contenders and potential upsets in each division for both boys and girls soccer. Patrick and Matt dive into specific teams and players to watch, highlight noteworthy games, and provide insights into the playoff picture in the five divisions. Additionally, producer Dave Yas challenges the hosts with a soccer history and rules quiz, adding an entertaining element to the discussion. Topics 00:31 Excitement for the Upcoming Playoffs01:30 Division 1 Boys Soccer Preview02:44 Top Contenders in Division 104:27 Potential Upsets and Dark Horses10:13 Division 2 Boys Soccer Preview15:19 Division 2 Boys Soccer Preview19:46 Division 4 and Five 5 Soccer Preview23:21 Transition to Girls Soccer Discussion29:52 Underdogs to Watch in the Tournament31:11 Division 1 Insights and Predictions31:21 Division 2 Contenders and Dark Horses35:26 Division 3: The Most Exciting Division40:12 Division 4 and 5: Dynasties and Rising Stars42:47 Extra Time: Soccer Quiz Challenge

Matt Langone is joined by Matt Doherty and Pat Donnelly to discuss the current high school soccer season, providing a mid-season check-in on MIAA boys' and girls' teams. The conversation covers early impressions, standout teams, and players, as well as the impact of the MIAA power rankings system. The hosts also share their bold predictions for the rest of the season. Additionally, the episode features a fun segment of 'Overrated or Underrated,' focusing on soccer traditions such as suits for managers, half-and-half scarves, and club mascots.   Topics 00:45 Weather Talk and Fall Vibes 02:28 High School Soccer Mid-Season Check-In 02:48 MIAA Boys Soccer Insights 04:21 MIAA Girls Soccer Insights 06:28 Power Rankings Discussion 11:27 Surprise Teams and Performances 16:54 High-Level Club Players in High School Soccer 20:21 Bold Predictions for the Season 20:32 Newton South's Impressive Comeback 21:40 Natick's Potential to Win Out 22:56 Underrated Teams to Watch 23:15 Disclaimer and Final Thoughts 24:16 Extra Time with Producer David Yaz 25:21 Overrated or Underrated: Soccer Traditions 35:11 Wrapping Up the Show

Matt Doherty is joined by NEPSAC experts Matt Langone and Mike Zhe to discuss the state of high school soccer as of October 1st. They review surprising performances, key matchups, and standout players from September, and preview what to expect in October. The discussion covers both boys and girls teams, highlighting notable results, emerging contenders, and impactful players. The episode concludes with a light-hearted 'Overrated or Underrated' segment on various soccer-related topics.   Topics 00:28 Season Overview and Surprises 02:36 Albany Showcase Insights 03:50 Top Teams and Key Matches 06:33 Founders League Breakdown 14:01 ISL Teams to Watch 16:33 Standout Players in NEPSAC 18:26 Highlighting Top Young Talent 18:55 Standout Female Players 20:20 Addressing Reader Concerns 22:38 Extra Time: Overrated or Underrated 26:11 Flopping in Soccer: Crisis or Not? 29:29 The Impact of Tifo Displays 31:51 Wrapping Up and Looking Ahead