The TRUTH About Going PRO in Soccer

The TRUTH About Going PRO in Soccer

August 21, 2025 Duration: 19:19
There are so many different paths to going pro in soccer in North America, but which one is the best? We had Raheem, former MLS player Isaiah Reid, and ZthTraining talk about their own journeys and debate which route gives players the best shot at making it šŸ”„ With teenagers like Cavan Sullivan, Mathis Albert, and more signing pro contracts at such a young age, is the college route still the way to go, or are leagues like MLS Next and the USL pipeline taking over? šŸ¤” The squad broke it all down, weighing the pros and cons of MLS Next, College Soccer, USL, and more. Let us know in the comments which path YOU think is the best, and don’t forget to like, subscribe, and turn on noti’s so you never miss a Rondo debate! šŸ’Æ Timestamps: Intro:(0:00) Isaiah’s Path To Going Pro:(0:20) How Things Have Changed:(0:50) Pro’s & Con’s Of MLS Next:(2:01) Other Options Outside Of Academies:(3:05) The USL Pipeline:(3:40) The College Pathway:(6:51) US Club Soccer Pathway:(11:40) Recreational Soccer:(14:40) #football #soccer #mls #usl #mlsnext #ncaa #ecnl #usmnt #goalusa #therondo Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Every Thursday, The Rondo by GOAL sets up for a deep dive into the stories that actually matter in American soccer. This isn't just a highlights reel; it's a conversation from the heart of the sport. You'll get genuine behind-the-scenes perspective on the US National Teams, thoughtful analysis of the latest across MLS, NWSL, and the USL, and honest check-ins on how American players are faring in leagues overseas. The hosts bring a specific flavor to the discussion, often marked by their choice of classic jerseys and a willingness to make those bold, sometimes cheeky, calls on what's coming next. That blend of informed insight and personality is what makes this podcast feel like hanging out with the most knowledgeable fans you know. It covers the entire landscape of the domestic game with a focus on context and consequence, turning the week's news into a cohesive narrative. For anyone who follows soccer in the United States, from the youth academies to the biggest international stages, this weekly rondo is a engaging and essential trap to find yourself in.
Language: English Episodes: 54

The Rondo by GOAL
Podcast Episodes
Is America Ruining World Soccer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 39:26
Is soccer becoming too American? šŸ‘€ With FIFA officially confirming the first-ever halftime show for the 2026 World Cup Final, the debate around the ā€œAmericanizationā€ of football has only gotten louder. Coldplay’s Chris M…
Landon Donovan: Can Small Soccer Clubs Compete in 2026? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 50:27
This week, The Rondo boys breakdown how to beat billionaire soccer clubs with USMNT legend and strategic advisor to English League One club Lincoln City, Landon Donovan. Can small soccer clubs can truly compete against t…
Will The USMNT  Ever Dominate World Soccer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:04
How good are the U.S. at men's soccer really? And will they ever be any better?It has long been assumed that if the United States got people to care just a little more about the beautiful game, then international glory i…
Will Promotion/Relegation Work In US Soccer? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 25:53
Promotion and relegation is one of the biggest things missing from American soccer, but could that finally be changing? On this episode, we break down whether promotion/relegation can actually work in the US, why it has…
Is Bottling in Football REAL? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 40:38
What is a bottle? Many have accused Arsenal of ritually chucking away the Premier League for a few years now. But is that fair? Are they serial chokers limited by their own shortcomings? Or are they just unfortunate to b…
Is MLS Actually GOOD? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 43:07
MLS season is underway, which means it's time for our Rondo guys to get excited about American soccer again. To be honest, they missed it quite a bit. So, to kick things off, we decided to ask one big fat question: Is ML…
USMNT Legend Builds the ULTIMATE American Gameday [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 9:48
We had USMNT legend and RCD Mallorca co-owner Stu Holden on the show this week, and we built the ULTIMATE American gameday šŸ˜®ā€šŸ’ØšŸ‡ŗšŸ‡ø The squad picked from six different categories: Stadiums, uniforms, coaches, fanbases, masc…
Can You BELIEVE This Year's FIFPRO World 11? [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:39
The FIFPRO World 11 list dropped yesterday and social media went CRAZY after seeing players like Mo Salah and Raphinha NOT make it šŸ‘€ BUT unlike most awards, this list is actually voted on by the players themselves, so we…
The BIGGEST Surprise Of The Season SO FAR [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 10:44
What has been the BIGGEST surprise of the new EPL season so far? šŸ‘€ There were some HUGE transfers over the summer, and new talent has arrived at some of the biggest clubs in the league … but which signings have hit the g…
The BEST Man United Squad of All-TIme [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 16:20
Manchester United is one of the biggest and most historic clubs in world football … but things haven’t been great in recent years 😬 We had the squad build out a 5-a-side team featuring past and present Manchester United…