The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me
The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me is a podcast dedicated to young soccer players and their families who dream of going pro. Hosted by soccer mom Megan Linke and her son Liam, this show brings in professional players, coaches, and industry experts to share their journeys and offer insights into what it takes to climb the ranks in the soccer world. Whether you're just starting or already on the path, we provide real stories, practical advice, and inspiration to help you reach the next level.
For more follow us along @liandmeinnyc on YouTube and Instagram
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Episodes
15 episodes
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, E...
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Season 1
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Episode 15
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30:17
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.Fro...
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Season 1
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Episode 14
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25:12
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 structu...
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27:01
🎙 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 interna...
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Season 1
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Episode 12
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50:54
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, no...
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Season 1
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Episode 11
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39:07
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 U...
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Season 1
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Episode 10
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30:36
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 9
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54:58
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 8
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39:43
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 ...
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Season 1
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Episode 6
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29:25
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. ⚽🎨Ch...
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26:43
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 coac...
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Season 1
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Episode 5
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49:04
EP 4: From 12-Year-Old Prodigy to Champion: Greg Garza on Resilience, Pressure & The Path to Success
Guest: Greg Garza – Former MLS & Liga MX Champion, U.S. National Team Player, Co-Founder of Beyond Goals MentoringIn this episode, we sit down with Greg Garza, a player whose career has taken him across Brazil, Mexic...
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47:11
Ep. 3: A Conversation with Julian Valerio of Fundamental Ball Academy
In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Julian Valerio, founder of Fundamental Ball Academy, to talk about youth player development, soccer IQ, strength training, and the importance of a well-rounded app...
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Season 1
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Episode 3
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29:45
Ep. 2: From the NFL to New Adventures – A Conversation with Vernon Davis
In this episode of The Soccer Ladder, we welcome NFL legend Vernon Davis! As a Super Bowl champion, two-time Pro Bowler, and one of the greatest tight ends in the game, Vernon shares his incredible journey from high sc...
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Season 1
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Episode 2
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15:25
From Academy to Pro – A Journey with Serge Ngoma of the New York Red Bulls
In this episode of The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me, we sit down with Serge Ngoma, a homegrown player for the New York Red Bulls, to talk about his journey from youth soccer to signing his first professional contract at j...
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Season 1
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Episode 1
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28:29