Tim Howard—Everton and USMNT legend, known as the “Secretary of Defense”—joins Megan Linke for Episode 40 of The Soccer Ladder. With a record 16 saves against Belgium at the 2014 World Cup, Howard delivered one of soccer’s most unforgettable goalkeeping performances.

But what does it take to reach that level—and what should young players and their parents understand about the journey?

From his beginnings in ODP and with the MetroStars to Manchester United, Everton, and the USMNT, Tim shares his perspective on youth development, setbacks, self-doubt, and the mentality needed to keep moving forward. He also opens up about living with Tourette syndrome and navigating the sidelines as a soccer dad.

In this episode:
• How today’s academy pathway compares with Tim’s upbringing
• Why it’s difficult to predict success at 13 or 14
• When to fight for your place and when to find a new environment
• What separates young players at the highest level
• How parents can support their children without taking over

Plus, Tim answers Liam’s question about his advice for a 13- or 14-year-old dreaming of going pro—and what he would tell their parents.

Follow:
Tim Howard: @timhow1
Megan Linke: @meganlinkeofficial
Liam Linke: @liamlinke18

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What happens when you’re one cut away from the Olympics? And how do young players handle setbacks when their development doesn’t go as planned?

In Episode 39 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan Linke sits down with former USWNT player, NCAA National Champion, coach, and MLS/NWSL broadcaster Kacey White to discuss resilience, player development, and the realities of reaching the highest levels of soccer.

Kacey shares lessons from her playing and coaching career, including what coaches look for in young players, why soccer IQ and decision-making matter, and how parents can support development without adding pressure. She also answers a question from Liam about what helped separate her from other talented young players.

In this episode:

• Lessons from being cut before the Olympics
• What coaches notice in players ages 12–14
• Developing first touch, scanning, and soccer IQ
• Navigating setbacks, competition, and confidence
• What parents can do to support long-term development

Whether you’re a young player, parent, or coach, this conversation offers valuable perspective on why development isn’t always linear.

Follow:

Kacey White: @kaceydwhite
Megan Linke: @meganlinkeofficial
Liam Linke: @liamlinke18

Subscribe to The Soccer Ladder for more conversations with professional players, coaches, and leaders shaping the future of soccer.

Talent gets young players noticed, but what keeps them progressing?

In Episode 38 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan sits down with Miguel Gallardo — former professional goalkeeper, MLS analyst on Apple TV, and Executive Director of South Orlando Soccer Club — to talk about what really separates players as they move through the youth soccer pathway.

Miguel shares what he sees up close in youth development, what his own professional career taught him, and what young players need to understand about the work that happens away from the field. He also answers Liam’s question about what a 13- or 14-year-old should be doing now if the goal is to play professionally.

In this episode:
• Why mentality and discipline can matter just as much as natural talent
• What parents should look for in a club — and why coaching matters more than the label
• How Miguel turned a weakness into one of his signature skills
• The “invisible work” of sleep, hydration, recovery, and nutrition
• How a nonprofit club balances competitive development with access and scholarships
• How parents can support their player without coaching from the sidelines
• Rapid fire: the most underrated skill in a young player, the MLS player to study, and more

Whether you’re a player, parent, or coach, this conversation is about the habits, mentality, and work behind the scenes that help players keep moving forward.

Follow:

📲 Miguel Gallardo: @gallomig01
📲 South Orlando Soccer Club: @southorlandosoccer
📲 South Orlando Soccer Club: https://southorlandosoccer.com/recreational-development-program/

Follow The Soccer Ladder:
📲 Instagram: @meganlinkeofficial
📲 Instagram: @liamlinke18

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Former MLS and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Dax McCarty joins The Soccer Ladder for a special conversation filmed during MLS All-Star Week.

After nearly two decades playing at the professional level, Dax shares the lessons he believes matter most for young players trying to grow in the game.

We talk about leadership and why accountability may be one of the most important qualities a young captain can develop — including learning to look inward before pointing fingers at teammates.

Dax also breaks down how young midfielders can improve their soccer IQ and decision-making. His advice? Watch yourself back. Study your training sessions and games, identify where you can improve, and watch great players at the highest level. Dax shares how he studied Paul Scholes growing up and incorporated pieces of his game into his own development.

We also discuss what Dax wishes he had done differently as a young midfielder, why sometimes making the right decision means being a little more selfish in the right moments, and how he learned to use failures as motivation throughout his career.

A conversation packed with practical insight for young players, midfielders, captains, coaches, and soccer parents navigating the development journey.

Filmed during MLS All-Star Week.

Subscribe to The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me for more conversations with professional players, coaches, broadcasters, and experts sharing what they’ve learned with the next generation.

@MLS @AppleTV @daxmccarty

#TheSoccerLadder #DaxMcCarty #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #MLSAllStar

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MLS veteran Kei Kamara has built an incredible career in soccer, but his impact goes far beyond the field.

In this special conversation for The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me, Kei shares the heart behind the Kei Kamara HEARTshapedhands Foundation, his commitment to giving back, and why using his platform to help others is so important to him.

From his journey in professional soccer to the work he continues to do in communities close to his heart, Kei’s story is a powerful reminder that the impact of the game can extend far beyond the pitch.

Learn more about Kei Kamara & HEARTSHAPEDHANDS:
❤️ Foundation: https://heartshapedhands.com/
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keikamara/

⚽ The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me
Conversations with players, coaches and leaders from across the soccer world — sharing their experiences, perspectives and lessons with young players and their families.

🎙️ Hosted by Megan Linke
🌐 MeganLinke.com

#KeiKamara #Soccer #MLSSoccer #TheSoccerLadder #GivingBack

Former professional player, Olympian, and MLS on Apple TV Studio Analyst Kaylyn Kyle joins me during MLS All-Star Week for a special conversation on The Soccer Ladder.

Kaylyn shares her perspective on what separates players as they move through the game, the importance of mindset and resilience, and what young athletes can learn from the challenges they face along the way.

We also talk about a question nearly every soccer parent has thought about: What does it really take for a young player to reach the professional level? As a former professional player and now a soccer mom herself, Kaylyn offers a unique perspective on the role parents play—from providing love and support to knowing when a little tough love is needed.

Kaylyn also shares advice for young players chasing big goals, why enjoying the journey matters, and what she’s learned from a lifetime in the game.

A great conversation for young players, soccer parents, and anyone navigating the youth soccer journey.

Filmed during MLS All-Star Week.

Subscribe to The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me for more conversations with professional players, coaches, broadcasters, and experts helping the next generation navigate the game.

@MLS @AppleTV

#TheSoccerLadder #KaylynKyle #YouthSoccer #SoccerParents #MLSAllStar

Real Madrid and Germany star Antonio Rüdiger joins The Soccer Ladder for a special conversation from the United Nations in New York City.

Antonio shares the heart behind the Antonio Rüdiger Foundation, why giving back is so important to him, and his commitment to creating opportunities and making a difference beyond the football pitch.

A powerful conversation about using football, influence, and opportunity to create meaningful impact beyond the game.

The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me

Hosted by Megan Linke

Subscribe for more conversations with professional players, coaches, and leaders from across the world of soccer.

#AntonioRudiger #RealMadrid #TheSoccerLadder #Soccer #Football

In Episode 37 of The Soccer Ladder, Megan and Liam sit down with Lou Ruffien, French Youth National Team player, Paris FC academy standout, and incoming Harvard Women's Soccer student-athlete.

After representing France at the UEFA U-17 European Championship and FIFA U-17 Women's World Cup, Lou shares what it's really like to compete at the highest levels of youth soccer, adapt to life in Europe, and prepare for the next chapter at Harvard. She also opens up about resilience, mental performance, and the lessons she's learned through both triumphs and setbacks.

In this episode, we discuss:

⚽ Representing France at the U-17 Euros and FIFA U-17 World Cup

⚽ Choosing Harvard over a professional contract

⚽ The differences between academy soccer and international football

⚽ The importance of versatility and adapting to new positions

⚽ How mental coaching transformed her confidence and consistency

⚽ What French coaches value most in young players

⚽ Balancing pressure, setbacks, and confidence

⚽ Why surrounding yourself with the right people matters

⚽ Advice for young girls pursuing high-level soccer

⚽ Her goals of playing professionally and representing France's senior national team

Follow:

📲 Lou Ruffien: @lou.ruffien11

📲 Paris FC Féminines: @parisfc_feminines

📲 Harvard Women's Soccer: @harvardwsoccer

Follow The Soccer Ladder:

📲 Instagram: @meganlinkeofficial

📲 Instagram: @liamlinke18

🎙️ Subscribe for more conversations with elite players, coaches, and leaders shaping the future of the game. ⚽️🔥