Beyond The Touchline

In this episode of Beyond the Touchline, we sit down with Cameron Brooks, defender for the North Carolina Courage, to talk about the real journey behind becoming a professional soccer player. Cameron’s story is anything but traditional. From growing up in Texas and playing youth national team camps, to committing to the University of Texas in ninth grade, her path seemed clear early on. But the ro...

In this powerful episode of  Beyond the Touchline , Mo and Marcus sit down with Zjada Baydass — midfielder, late bloomer, and proud representative of the Palestinian Women’s National Team . Zjada’s journey doesn’t follow the traditional soccer script. She started at 13. She never made her high school team. She doubted herself more than anyone else ever could. And yet — through relentless work, min...

Austin Heid story is NOT just about soccer, it’s about resilience, rejection, and creating something from nothing. When the world told him he was just below the mark, he chose to build his own path. From bouncing between clubs, battling injuries, and facing the brutal reality of semi-pro life, Austin’s journey is a rallying cry for anyone who’s ever felt undervalued or wondered if they should quit...

What happens when the dream doesn’t unfold the way you imagined? In this episode of  Beyond the Touchline , we sit down with Gianna Merigliano — a former college standout who took her game overseas to Italy and Israel, chasing the professional dream. But her journey was anything but linear. From position changes and injuries to playing abroad without guarantees, navigating visa complications, and...

In Ep. 9 of Beyond the Touchline, Mo and Marcus dive into the mental side of the game — the part of soccer that doesn’t show up on the stat sheet but impacts everything. From handling mistakes and pressure to confidence, preparation, and response after setbacks, they break down how mentality shapes players at every level. Drawing from their experiences coaching youth, high school, college, and com...

In this episode, Myles Ulrich defies the traditional path to soccer success by choosing to play abroad in Spain. Discover how this bold move is reshaping his career and redefining what it means to succeed in sports. Myles shares insights on building confidence, the importance of environment, and the mindset shifts necessary to thrive outside conventional systems. His journey is a testament to the...

In this episode, Mo & Marcus delve into the inspiring journey of Isaac Scheer, a Division I athlete at West Virginia University. From his early days playing soccer in the backyard with his brothers to navigating the challenges of collegiate athletics, Isaac shares his experiences and insights. He discusses the delicate balance between academics and sports, the mental resilience required to suc...

In this episode, Mario Wimberly, co-founder of SOL of the City, shares how soccer can be a powerful vehicle for service, access, and community building in the Twin Cities. Mario reflects on his personal journey with the game and how those experiences led him to challenge traditional youth soccer norms. The conversation dives into SOL’s Serve to Play model—an alternative to the pay-to-play system t...

In this episode of Beyond The Touchline, host Mohamed Gubara and Marcus Anthony sit down with professional soccer player Nelson Rodriguez. They discuss Nelson's journey from his early days in Springfield, Virginia, to playing in El Salvador and signing his first professional contract. Nelson shares insights on the sacrifices required to pursue a career in soccer, the importance of competition and...

Isaac Khanna shares an honest and inspiring look into his journey from college soccer in the United States to professional trials across Sweden, Finland, and Denmark. Isaac opens up about the pivotal decision to stay on campus during the summers and train with Chicago Fire instead of going home—sacrifices that demanded discipline, focus, and belief in a bigger vision. He walks us through the reali...

In Part 1 of this episode of  Beyond the Touchline , hosts Mohammed Gubara and Marcus Anthony sit down with Isaac Kannah to explore the often-overlooked journey of a professional soccer player. From his beginnings in Liberia to rising through the ranks in the U.S. and overseas, Isaac shares the real challenges, sacrifices, and triumphs that shaped his path. The conversation dives into the mindset,...

In this episode of Beyond The Touchline, hosts Mohamed Gubara and Marcus Anthony delve into the complexities of the player pathway in soccer, discussing the transition from club to college soccer, the importance of highlight tapes, and the role of coaches and parents in player development. They emphasize the need for players to be well-prepared both academically and athletically, and share insight...

In this episode of 'Beyond the Touchline,' hosts Mohammed Gubara and Marcus Anthony explore the untold stories of high school soccer. From personal journeys and coaching philosophies to the challenges and triumphs on and off the field, this episode delves into the heart of the game. Join us as we discuss the importance of development, the role of parents, and the unique experiences that shape athl...