If any soccer parent had an inside track on college recruiting, it was Steve Gans. A former player who went through the process himself (and played for both Cornell and Brandeis University), he has served as a pro soccer executive, and an advisor, consultant and attorney for players, coaches, clubs, administrators, owners and colleges. He […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
New commissioner Kendra Halterman leads WPSL into 25th season
Kendra Halterman is a WPSL lifer. The Utah native has been a player, run a team, and served as a conference delegate, associate commissioner and league ambassador. This month, as it begins its 25th season, she was named commissioner of the Women’s Premier Soccer League. That quarter-century makes the WPSL the longest active women’s soccer league […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Mike Lynch embarks on path to United Soccer Coaches leadership
To Mike Lynch, sports is the closest experience to combat. They’re both filled with pressure. They demand a variety of physical and mental skills, combined with intense decision-making. They create deep bonds. The difference: Athletic contests are not life-and-death situations. Lynch should know. A former United States Air Force Academy all-region player, then an assistant […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Chelsea signs Enzo Fernandez for Premier League-record $131 million
Chelsea has signed World Cup winner Enzo Fernandez from Benfica for a British-record 121 million euros ($131 million), the Portuguese club announced early on Wednesday. The midfielder, 22, was named Best Young Player of the World Cup for his displays during Argentina’s successful campaign in Qatar. The fee eclipses the previous record of $123 million […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Kyle Martino returns to TV amid his youth ball and soccer cafe projects
In 2018, Kyle Martino lost his bid to become president of the United States Soccer Federation. It was the best thing that ever happened to him. He campaigned in part on a pledge to address the financial barriers that keep many boys and girls from advancing in the game, or even playing at all. Losing the […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Kyle Beckerman embraces college coaching after two decades in the pros
For many soccer coaches, the move to NCAA Division I is long and arduous. They move from assistant to associate to head coach. They move from community college or NAIA to Division III and II. They move from state to state to state. Kyle Beckerman moved directly from MLS to D-I. He moved from playing […]
Posted inSoccer America Daily, Story
Tite brings back Brazil aura with sixth World Cup win in sights
A smooth operator with the dedication of a monk and a philosophical mind, Tite has brought back Brazil’s aura as the Selecao begin the quest for a sixth World Cup crown in Qatar. The 61-year-old Adenor Leonardo Bacchi — to use Tite’s real name — was a virtual unknown outside of Brazil and specialist soccer […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Bayonle Arashi: Working in Houston to keep Nigerian children's dreams alive
Bayonle Arashi’s Nigerian youth team faced challenges no American coach ever thinks of. In 2010, a year after competing successfully in U-17 tournaments in Germany and Denmark, he looked forward to a repeat visit. But another Nigerian team never returned from an overseas trip. Visa requests were refused. Undaunted, Arashi took his club to South […]
Posted inStory, World Cup Watch
World Cup television schedule: How to watch Qatar 2022
The World Cup begins on Nov. 20. The USA plays its first game on Nov. 21. Kickoff times begin at 5 a.m., 8 a.m., 11 a.m. and 2 p.m. ET at start of group play before moving to 10 a.m. and 2 p.m. ET. Note: All times ET. *Subject to change (on final day […]
Posted inSoccer America Confidential, Story
Jeff Bradley on a career in sports journalism and soccer media relations, and his athletic family
Jeff Bradley grew up in New Jersey, where his favorite sport was “whatever was in season.” He played soccer, ice hockey, basketball and baseball. His older brothers loved sports too. Scott — an all-state high school quarterback — eventually concentrated on baseball. After a nine-year Major League career as a catcher, he is now in his […]