Love Soccer Podcast

Carson Speight’s journey begins in the dew-soaked mornings of Raleigh fields and stretches through rivalries, state cups, and floodlit nights that made the game feel larger than life. Carson reflects on a career built on hustle, grit, and fun. He shares how growing up with the same teammates forged trust, why intramural soccer brought freedom back into the game, and how one perfectly timed run led...

From the pitches in Pakistan to lining up against West Point and the Naval Academy men—all before women were admitted, Dr. Cynthia Macri’s life in soccer reads like a hidden chapter of the game’s history. In this episode, Jonathan Janik interviews Cynthia, who shares how a misread “soccer tryout” flyer led her to play onto a men’s college team, and how Title IX and a $100 bill helped her found the...

From refugee camp to Vermont’s endless green, Toutou Marsden discovers soccer—and never lets go. She bikes 10 miles each way to preseason, earns her place, and flips a men’s-league script from “go easy on her” to “play for real.” ODP tryouts, slide-tackle grit, and a Boston adult-league title (PKs, a Chastain-moment , pure joy). This episode is a heartbeat-loud tribute to resilience, drive, relent...

From chasing butterflies to Highbury on New Year’s Day , Preston Golson traces a fan’s pilgrimage that turns into a player’s rebirth. In episode 11 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik speaks with Preston, who relives 2 a.m. World Cup watch parties, the birth of American Outlaws, and the orange-soaked streets of Amsterdam—soccer as community, ritual, and thunderbolt. As an Arsenal diehard—ei...

In episode 10 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik continues his conversation with Tedd Ogren. Part two of this interview dives into Tedd’s service-side soccer life—organizing base teams worldwide, forging friendships across ranks, and stewarding the Pentagon Soccer Club. He recalls the Donovan Cup honoring Bill Donovan, complete with anthems, a gleaming new trophy, and a final British Embas...

In episode 9 (part 1) of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik speaks with Tedd Ogren. From fourth-string fullback to college starter, tracing a late-blooming love story; barefoot pickup; a powerhouse Ridgewood (NJ) high school program; and kicking around with neighbor and ex-Cosmos pro Dave Clement. Tune into Part II.

In Episode 8 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik interviews Kevin Brown. Kevin shares his journey playing soccer as a child in Maryland in recreational and travel soccer. He highlights the influence of his coaches, and the camaraderie built with teammates. Kevin reflects on his college soccer experience, his time in the military, and playing soccer internationally. He emphasizes the importa...

In episode 7 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik sits down with Brendan Bartley, who shares his soccer journey from early days in Maine playing on the state team to club soccer at university and adult leagues in Florida, Georgia, and Massachusetts. Brendan discusses his perception as the unknown "new guy" on each team as well as his coaching influences and the importance of commun...

In episode 6 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik interviews Albes Gaona, who shares his journey from playing soccer in Colombia to his experiences in the U.S. and internationally. Albes discusses the organic nature of soccer in his youth, the influence of friends, and the transition to organized play. He reflects on the freedom of street soccer, the joy of scoring goals, and the importance...

In episode 5 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik interviews his former high school coach Bruce Leader, who shares his extensive journey in soccer from his childhood in Buffalo, New York, to his coaching experiences in various international schools. Bruce discusses the pivotal moments in his youth that shaped his love for the game, his achievements in high school soccer, and the philosophy h...

In episode 4 of the Love Soccer Podcast, Jonathan Janik asks Bernard Assily about the profound impact childhood friends have on the development of soccer players. Street soccer in Lebanon, a memorable coach, the influence of a daughter, and more. Join us as we delve into personal stories, revealing how these formative relationships can shape a player's journey to success. Tune in to discover t...

In Episode 3 of the Love Soccer Podcast, host Jonathan Janik talks with Ben Carroll on the challenges of learning soccer as an adult in Germany. Ben shares the joy of playing alongside his son and learning the game together. Tune in to hear about Ben's experiences in the German club system, his coaching philosophy, and the inspiring figures who have influenced his soccer journey. Whether you're a...

In Episode 2, Jonathan Janik features fellow coach and soccer dad, Micah Porter , whose journey took him from California AYSO fields playing for the "Top Guns" to military bases across 10+ states. A fun personal connection through video gaming FIFA, and much more.

In this inaugural episode of the Love Soccer podcast, host Jonathan Janik and Minnesota native Andreas Tempelis share their personal soccer journeys, from early memories of playing in youth leagues to experiences in high school and adult pickup games. They discuss the evolution of soccer culture, coaching experiences, and the importance of overcoming adversity in their love for the game. The conve...