Against All Odds

In this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast, Matt and Mimi sit down to give a full update on their situation with Mimi's pregnancy, Matt's search for a team, their plan for after the baby comes, and what is stressing them out.    Timestamps 0:00-1:03 - Why Haven't I Been Uploading Podcasts 1:03-3:56 - How Mimi Feels at 39 Weeks Pregnant 3:56-5:44 - My Struggle to Find a Contract For Next Season 5:44-7:28 - Will Mimi Miss the Excitement of Moving Every Year? 7:28-11:04 - Misconceptions I Had of Signing a Contract 11:04-12:06 - Matt Struggling to Pick Up All Mimi's Work Right Now 12:06-14:09 - What we are most excited about for the baby 14:09-15:44 - The most nervous I've ever been for a trial 15:44-17:03 - Why we want our baby to come on Friday the 13th 17:03-17:48 - What age are we most excited about for our daughter? 17:48-19:29 - Will our daughter become a footballer? 19:29-22:32 - Our LAST child-free date night 22:32-27:38 - The main thing that's stressing Matt out… 27:38-30:23 - Is Mimi nervous about the pain of childbirth? 30:23-32:22 - Baby interrupting Matt's sleep schedule during Preseason? 32:22-34:36 - When would be the best time to have a child as a footballer?  34:36-36:05 - Mimi or Matt? Who wanted a kid first and why? 36:05-39:06 - Overthinking vs Underthinking 39:06-40:36 - Why most people are age don't have kids nowadays 40:36-41:28 - Envisioning our future 41:28-44:28 - “I didn't expect my career to go as well as it is…” 44:28-45:24 - Outro

Timestamps: 0:00-2:28 - Robbie's Roots 2:28-7:45 - Entry into Rangers FC 7:45-10:19 - Weekly Schedule as a Kid 10:19-12:20 - Process of Signing First Pro Contract 12:20-15:51 - Extra Individual Training Outside Team Training? 15:51-17:26 - First Time Training with Rangers FC's First Team 17:26-19:38 - Best Player Robbie's Played With? 19:38-22:06 - Debut with Rangers FC 22:06-26:40 - How to Calm Nerves Before Big Games 26:40-27:48 - Did You Ever Have an “I Made It” Moment? 27:48-30:42 - How Robbie Handled a 5 Year Contract and the Money That Came With It 30:42-31:51 - Favorite Goal Robbie's Every Scored? 32:33-36:38 - Typical Day in the Life at Rangers FC? 36:38-39:23 - Robbie's Loan Spells 39:23-44:47 - Dealing with Negative Criticism as a Pro 44:47-45:58 - Has Robbie's Versatility Helped or Hurt His Career More? 45:58-48:50 - Robbie's Departure from Rangers FC 48:50-50:39 - Free Agency, Trials in England, Signing with 2nd Tier Scottish Club 50:39-50:55 - Robbie's Drop Down to Non-League Football 50:55-53:34 - Heading Abroad to Play in Iceland 53:54-55:47 - Non-League to Champions League Qualifier in 6 Months 55:47-57:26 - Differences Between Rangers FC and FH in Iceland 57:26-58:26 - Declining a Two Year Contract at FH to Explore Other Opportunities 58:26-1:02:35 - Robbie's Move to IFK in Finland 1:02:25-1:05:21 - Life Playing Footy in Finland 1:05:21-1:09:52 - Declining ANOTHER Contract this time at IFK in Finland 1:09:52-1:12:17 - Signing with the Charleston Battery 1:12:17-1:13:59 - Training with Hibernian FC in Offseason Before 2nd year with Battery 1:13:59-1:15:24 - The Most Stressful Offseason and Signing with Monterey Bay FC  1:18:10-1:21:41 - Engagement, Wife's Pregnancy, and Marriage ALL While in Season 1:21:41-1:22:47 - Robbie's Return to Charleston Battery 1:22:47-1:25:40 - Mindset Shift with a Kid on the Way? 1:25:40-1:29:38 - Robbie's One Piece of Advice for Everyone Watching at Home 1:29:38-1:30:21 - Outro 

In today's episode, Matt sits down with Charleston Battery teammates, Joe Schmidt and Mauro Cichero to talk about their careers and thoughts on a variety of topics!    Timestamps: 0:00-5:01 - Intro and Rapid Fire Questions 5:01-7:06 - Joe's Current Injured Ankle Situation 7:06-10:39 - Is College Soccer a Good Route? 10:39-12:05 - How Joe Was Recruited by Indiana University 12:05-14:23 - How Mauro Was Recruited by SMU 14:23-15:31 - How Joe Signed his First Pro Contract 15:31-17:19 - How Mauro Signed his First Pro Contract 17:19-20:00 - Misconceptions of Playing Pro Football 20:00-21:30 - Girlfriends and Professional Careers? 21:30-24:48 - What is the Most Stressful Aspect of Being a USL Player? 24:48-26:17 - Best thing about Being a USL Player? 26:17-29:06 - Biggest Lesson Learned as a Pro Footballer 29:06-33:24 - Mauro's Experience Playing in Spain 33:24-35:17 - Aging in Professional Football, Our Experience 35:17-39:45 - Offseason Plans 39:45-40:42 - How I Accidentally Stole Mauro's Number 40:42-41:43 - Mauro's Prank on Joe on Day 1 of Preseason 41:43-47:20 - Would You Still Play in the USL if you Won $10,000,000 47:20-50:32 - What Small Change Have you Made, That's Had a Big Impact? 50:32-59:21 - What Do you Wish you Did More of as a Teenager? 59:21-1:00:56 - Weightlifting and College Soccer 1:00:56-1:06:01 - Best Player You've Played With/Against? 1:06:01-1:11:35 - Moment Where You Felt Like You “Made It?” 1:11:35-1:15:40 - Overthinking and Playing Your Best Footy 1:15:40-1:18:45 - Should You Focus on One Position or Become Versatile? 1:18:45-1:23:59 - What Do You Want to Do After Playing? 1:23:59-1:26:50 - Are You Looking Forward to Stability After Your Career? 1:26:50-1:32:19 - One Piece of Advice for People Watching this Video

In the first episode of 2022, Matt sits down with Charleston Battery teammate, Matteo Ritaccio to discuss the young footballer's path to signing his first professional contract with Liverpool FC and his subsequent loan out to Charleston. Sit down, relax, and listen to Matteo's story! 

In this episode, Matt sits down to answer 30+ questions submitted by you guys via Instagram!    Time Stamps 0:00-0:33 - Intro 0:33-3:52 - Benefits of Journaling? 3:52-6:02 - Biggest Learning Experience? 6:02-8:56 - D3 College Athletes to Pro Level? 8:56-11:36 - Improving Decision Making Alone? 11:36-14:05 - Europeans + U.S. Universities? 14:05-16:03 - Have I Improved Since First Pro Contract? 16:03-18:44 - Goals for Next Few Years? 18:44-21:07 - Training Fitness in Offseason? 21:07-24:30 - Advice for Personal Soccer Trainers 24:30-28:17 - Why Do Some Good Youth Players Not Make it Pro? 28:17-30:52 - One Drill to Do Every Day? 30:52-33:35 - How Much Has Analyzing Own Games Helped? 33:35-38:17 - Smallest Change that Made Biggest Difference? 38:17-41:23 - Biggest Misconception in Becoming a Pro? 41:23-43:26 - What Do Attackers Do That I Hate? 43:26-46:09 - How Often Did I Train Individually as a Teen? 46:09-47:39 - What do I Wish I Did More at age 15/16? 47:39-50:54 - Biggest Regret of Career? 50:54-53:56 - Advice for Footballers in Long Distance Relationship? 53:56-56:33 - How Important is Building Friendships Off Field? 56:33-59:36 - Why Do I Only Sign 1 Year Contracts? 59:36-1:02:07 - Difference Between Semi-Pro and Pro Levels? 1:02:07-1:04:24 - Have Any Habits Changed Since Becoming Pro? 1:04:24-1:07:13 - Dealing with Pressure to Perform Every Day? 1:07:13-1:10:43 - How to Perform at Trial with Bad Teammates? 1:10:43-1:12:52 - How to Send Follow-Up Emails to Coaches? 1:12:52-1:17:01 - Do 80% of Results Come From 20% of Effort? 1:17:01-1:19:42 - How to Impress Coach at a New Team? 1:19:42-1:21:11 - How Does Upper Body Gym Translate to Game? 1:21:11-1:26:00 - Has YouTube Affected My Career? 1:26:00-1:26:53 - Have I Ever Experienced a Mindset Shift in my Career? 1:26:53-1:31:07 - How Do I Decide Between Teams or Schools? 1:31:07-1:33:47 - Have My Surgeries Affected My Career? 1:33:47-1:34:28 - Outro  

In this episode, Matt sits down with FC Tulsa teammate, Kembo Kibato to discuss his career. Kembo, a Toronto native, was a part of the Toronto FC Academy set-up before signing his first pro contract abroad in Denmark at just 18 years old.    Although Kembo is young his story is full of highs, lows, and plenty of lessons. Sit back, relax, and enjoy the podcast! 

In this episode, Matt sits down with FC Tulsa teammate, Daniel Gagliardi to talk about his path to the professional game. Danny has an incredible story of patience, perseverance, and highs and lows throughout his journey. 

In this episode, Matt sits down with FC Tulsa teammate, Raphael Ayagwa to talk about his path from Gboko, Nigeria to the Nigerian Professional Football League and then to first division European Football. It's a fantastic story filled with highs and lows. Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of the podcast! 

In this episode of the podcast, Matt sits down with veteran, Kevin Garcia to discuss his prolific professional career. Without spoiling anything, Kevin played D1 college soccer, has professional played in multiple European countries at the pro level, the MLS, and now plays for FC Tulsa in the USL Championship.  This is a long podcast as we discuss Kevin's 9 year career, but definitely worth it!    Timestamps 00:00-53:47 - Youth Career 53:47-1:27:58 - College Career 1:27:58-1:51:01 - Grind to First Pro Contract 1:51:01-2:18:17 - Playing Professionally Abroad 2:18:17-3:11:49 - Houston Dynamo + RGVFC 3:11:49-3:30:16 - FC Tulsa

In this episode, Matt takes on the podcast solo and tackles 36 questions submitted by all of you guys! 

In this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast, Matt sits down with FC Tulsa Teammate, Ciaran Winters to discuss his journey from an MLS Academy to the professional level. Ciaran is the youngest player signed to a professional contract on FC Tulsa at just 19 years old and skipped out on the college route to become a pro directly out of high school. Although his professional career is just in the beginning stages he already has a tremendous story. Sit back, relax, and listen to Ciaran's path to the pro level! 

In this podcast episode, Matt sits down with FC Tulsa teammate, Leo Folla, to talk about his journey to the professional level. Leo's story is full of incredible insight to the perseverance required to make it in today's game. He goes in-depth about his decision to leave two universities, struggles of free agency, the financial reality of most rookie professional contracts, and the harsh living conditions when he was abroad. He also discusses the amazing moments that have come along as well such as his first pro contract and his professional debut. Be sure to sit back, relax, and listen to Leo's Journey so far! 

In this podcast, Matt sits down with previous Tulsa Roughnecks' teammates, DJ Dean and Anthony Legendre to ask them a variety of different questions ranging from football related questions about how they got their first agent to questions about their favorite dish of all time.  This is definitely a more light-hearted episode, but still some great value in here nonetheless! Sit back, relax, and enjoy the podcast. 

In this week's Against All Odds Podcast, Matt Sheldon sits down with FC Tulsa teammate, Eric Bird to chat about his journey as a professional footballer. Eric has an amazing story of highs and lows from winning the NCAA Tournament to suffering some devastating injuries to then making his debut in the MLS. Sit down, relax, and listen to Eric Bird's story! 

In today's Against All Odds Podcast, Matt sits down with FC Tulsa teammate, Jerome Kiesewetter, to talk about his journey as a professional footballer. Jerome was born in Berlin, Germany and played for multiple teams in both the Bundesliga and 2. Bundesliga before making his way to America where he has played for various MLS and USL clubs.  Sit back, relax, and enjoy! 

In this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast, Matt sits down alone and answers some questions submitted by you guys from Instagram! The topics range from everything from productivity tips for student-athletes, girlfriends, where I find drills, what my diet looked like in high school, advice for players who currently are not starters, and so much more!  Sit back, relax, and enjoy this Q+A!

Michael Cunningham of 7mlc is in Tulsa! In this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast, Matt sits down with Michael Cunningham to talk about a variety of topics ranging from why Michael is in Tulsa in the first place, Michael's goals for his career, and his strengths and weaknesses. This is one of the biggest guests we've ever had on the podcast and is definitely an exciting one. Sit back, relax, and listen to Michael and Matt chat!

The Against All Odds Podcast is BACK! After a "brief" year long hiatus over the Covid-19 Pandemic, Matt and Mimi return to the mics to host the first podcast of 2021. In this introductory episode, they cover their move to Tulsa, their new apartment, the reality of living as a professional footballer constantly on the move and what that means for their furniture, and what's to come in this year for the Against All Odds Podcast.

In this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast, Matt sits down and answers some of your guys' questions that were submitted via his Instagram! The questions answered in this podcast are as follows:  What are you going to do when you can’t find any more Vapor XI’s? What’s the best way to train with a small group of friends? How did you stay motivated when people were doubting you? There are so many drills out there how do I know what is best for my growth as a player? Can you still go pro even if you don’t have an amazing college career? How does one deal with burnout? I can’t allow myself to take days off sometimes.. What did you use as motivation to keep working hard every day when you were younger? What is the best way to go about contacting USL League 2 teams? What’s the biggest lesson you’ve learned in your pro career? How do you manage individual football training in season? Do you feel as driven as you were a year ago, 5 years ago, 10 years ago? What is your primary goal today? What are your thoughts on listening to music during a workout vs podcast vs silence? Do you meditate? Why or why not? Do you have a pre-match routine/ritual? Two MUST supplements for pro footballer that actually help? What advice would you give to someone who is trying to build a brand around soccer? What is your favorite moment of your career so far? Sit back, relax, and enjoy this episode of the podcast! 

In this episode, Matt sits down with FC Tulsa teammate Andrew Macrae to talk about his recent injury and surgery. They discuss the specifics of the injury, what Andrew is doing to stay occupied, what he's doing to improve during this time, the difficulties of injuries as pro footballers, and his vision for his future and his career.  This is a fun podcast with some serious topics, so sit back, relax, and enjoy! 

In this episode we dive deep into the period of time from when Matt dropped out of college until he went to Germany. Make sure to listen to the Germany podcast to continue the story. 

In this episode Matt and Mimi talk about their ideal situation after Matt is done playing soccer. Looking around the Tulsa neighborhoods just has them thinking about their future and they are actually agreeing on where they would like to live! Matt has been doing small group trainings and working out on his own, he actually tried a hobby with Mimi and the result was not what either of them expected. Matt and Mimi also talk about how having no games or serious trainings has made him feel like he actually has a normal life right now. They get to enjoy weekends and live a less strict life. Listen for the details!

In this episode Matt sits down alone with a microphone and a camera to talk about his collegiate soccer experience as well as his best advice to have a successful four years in college. Matt attended UC Davis, a D1 college in Northern California, where he played every single game over his four seasons and ended up with 15 goals and multiple assists. Matt discusses how he prepared as an incoming freshman for the fitness tests and how he impressed early on to earn a starting spot in the first game of the season. He also goes in depth to talk about how he improved his game and how he spent offseason each year in order to prepare himself for the next jump... the professional game.  Sit back and listen to Matt talk about his time in college! 

In this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast Matt and Mimi sit down and have a relaxed talk about what's been going on over the last few weeks. They end up diving into a variety of different topics such as how the Quarantine has negatively affected Matt's daily motivation levels, Mimi's weird recurring field hockey dreams, dealing with recent tornadoes, why Mimi is heading back to San Diego, and how this time away from soccer has affected Matt's outlook on retirement.

We're really excited about this week's episode! In this podcast Matt sat down with Michael Cunningham from 7mlc and Jack Blake to discuss some topics surrounding professional football and their careers. In particular, we dive in the mental health of footballers, what could have been done in our past to have helped us have even more successful careers, and lessons that we've learned from being pro footballers that have carried over to other aspects of our lives.  Sit back and listen to Jack, Michael, and Matt talk! Hopefully you guys get some great value from it! 

In this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast, Matt sits down with fellow USL Championship player and YouTuber, Jack Blake for a little chat following one of their Instagram Live workouts. In this discussion they answer questions such as, "What did you do differently than your old teammates/friends to make it to the professional level", "If you could go back and coach your younger self what would you do differently?", and "Do you see any common mistakes that players make today with their training, nutrition, workouts, etc.?" This is a jam-packed episode with a ton of value. Sit down and listen to two professional footballers discuss some big topics! 

In this episode, Matt sits down and answers your questions submitted via Instagram and chosen by Mimi. In this jam-packed podcast, Matt covers topics such as caffeine consumption, ideal body fat percentage, how to improve speed, the shutdown of the US Development academy, biggest regrets in his youth career, and his weakest/strongest attributes of his game and as a person.  Sit back and enjoy! 

In this episode, Mimi and Matt sit down to go in-depth about Matt's time over in Germany. This discuss his decision making behind dropping out of school, how he got the opportunity to head over to Europe, why he decided it was the right time, how he got trials, and his journey from bouncing around all over the country to soon signing a contract to finish out the 2015-2016 regular season.  Sit back and listen to Matt's adventure in Germany that has never been discussed in this much detail. We hope you guys enjoy the podcast! 

In this quarantine episode Matt and Mimi cover some big questions, funny stories from their past, and also new accomplishments. Matt goes in depth about his new certification and the new dynamic of his online team trainings.

In this episode we are trying something a bit different. Today, Matt sits down and talks in-depth about how he went from flying under the radar in high school on B team of a local club team to receiving THREE D1 college soccer offers. Matt explains the entire process from creating a highlight video, creating a CV, how to email coaches, when to attend combines, showcase tournaments, using connections, etc.  If you have any interest in playing college soccer in the United States sit down and listen to Matt's advice! 

In this episode of the podcast, Matt and Mimi are still in Quarantine. Mimi leads the topics, which vary from their differences in personalities and skills to their dream working set up. As with all of the recent podcast episodes, it is very casual and not so soccer dominated. Listen to hear some funny stories from their past and quirky facts about their lives. 

In this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast, Matt and Mimi sit down and ask each other questions to which they genuinely do not know the answer. It's a funny and insightful podcast for both of them where they dig into questions like... What worries you? If you were given a million dollars and had to blow it, what would you spend it on? If you could make time for an additional hobby, what hobby would you do? Sit down, relax, and listen to the newest episode of the Against All Odds Podcast! 

In this episode, Matt and Mimi sit down and discuss everything that's happened over the last week with the Coronavirus outbreak. 

In this episode Matt sits down with two teammates, Panin Boayke and Mfon Udoh, to talk about their upbringing in Africa, their transition to the professional game, the highlights of their successful careers, and their experiences heading abroad to pursue their career.  This podcast is filled with unique experiences and perspectives that only come from talking with players from different backgrounds. Can't wait for you guys to sit back and listen to their stories! 

What's going on guys? After a crazy busy week with multiple games and road trips it was hard to secure a guest for the podcast, so today we are doing a full Q+A with Matt! You guys submitted questions via Instagram and Matt sat down and picked 14 of his favorite questions to really get into and discuss.  Sit back, relax, and hopefully you guys can get some value from this podcast! 

In this episode, Matt sits down with former Roughnecks FC teammate, Anthony Legendre to talk about his first year in the USL Championship and what he's been up to for the last few months of offseason. They get into topics surrounding some of Anthony's favorites moments from the 2019 season, his training/workouts over the offseason, and the recent trials he's gone on in the NISA, USL League 1, and USL Championship, as well as the struggle of bouncing around as a free agent trying to find a team. There is a ton of value in this podcast as we hear firsthand from a professional footballer as he is in the midst of trying to find a new team for the 2020 season. Sit down, relax, and enjoy the episode! 

Today Matt Sheldon sits down with FC Tulsa teammates, Tobenna Uzo and Brayan Reyes to discuss their return to Tulsa for the 2020 season, how their offseason went, what is what like coming back to Oklahoma, what preseason/double days are really like, their morning/night routines, and the extra work they are putting in to ensure they have the best year of their careers. 

In this episode of the podcast, Matt and Mimi are in Portland, Oregon for a few days just before they leave for Tulsa, Oklahoma for Matt's preseason. They sit down and discuss their trip to Europe and Ottawa briefly, their plans for next offseason, Matt hiring his first employee for Become Elite, as well as their plans for driving over to Tulsa. 

In this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast Mimi and Matt discuss a recent comment that Matt received on a YouTube video about how his repetitive workouts and lifestyle was boring to watch, their upcoming trip to Europe and what they are expecting as they travel through Paris, Frankfurt, Bordeaux, and Barcelona as well as their plans for 2020 in Tulsa, Oklahoma. 

Mimi is back for this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast! Mimi and Matt discuss their engagement just a few weeks prior and some behind the scenes stuff of what really went on, Matt's new contract for the 2020 season with FC Tulsa, and they discuss how much influence coaches actually have on pro footballers. 

In this episode Matt Sheldon sits down with teammate and goalkeeper, Sean Lewis to talk about his life and path to the professional game. As they dive into Sean's career they talk about how in almost every single year of Sean's professional career he has faced some sort of obstacle, resistance, or set-back that he had to overcome and grow as both a player and a person.  Sean Lewis has played professionally for many teams around the world including the Harrisburg City Islanders, Olympia FC down in Australia, Tulsa Roughnecks, and Jacksonville Armada.  Sit down, listen, and learn from Sean's story!

In this episode of the podcast, Matt sits down with veteran center midfielder, Manuel Gonzalez to hear about his path from growing up in Colombia to the professional game. Some highlights of Manny's career include dropping out of college to try to play professionally, moving back to Colombia to sign his first contract, playing for Fort Lauderdale Strikers in the NASL, Playing against teams like Juventus, Malmö FF, Boca Juniors, etc. and then going all of 2017 without a club or contract.  It's another amazing story and I'm excited for you guys to sit down, listen, and learn from his journey. 

In this episode, Matt sits down with Tulsa Roughnecks teammate, Tobenna Uzo to discuss his crazy path from Lagos, Nigeria to playing professionally in the states. Toby has a unique story of playing recreational football in the streets of his home country most of his life to walking on to a D1 college soccer program and then eventually being drafted by Orlando City SC in the MLS. Not to mention that he was a goalkeeper until the age of 16 and then converted to a striker.  Sit down and listen to this great story and learn from the highs and lows of a professional player who has had an amazing range of experiences.  

In this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast, Matt sits down with fellow YouTuber, Sheldon Tweedie to talk a bit about his career so far and answer some questions sent in by fans. In this episode of the podcast, the two discuss the following topics: 1. What's a better route to the professional game... College soccer or going abroad searching for pro trials? 2. Have you ever had coaches tell you that you're too small and if so how did you respond to that? 3. Where do you see yourself in 5 years? Ten Years? 4. What's your advice for other athletes/footballers looking to make videos about their journey? 5. What is the biggest difference between the semi-professional level and the fully professional level? 6. What's it like to train with Joner1on1? 7. What is your dream for after your career?

In this episode, Matt sits down with Tulsa Roughnecks teammate, Matt Rogers to discuss his path to the professional game. Rogers has an incredible story from growing up in Mexico to coming to the states to walk on to play D1 college soccer to entering into the real life work force at age 25. After a while of working a normal 9 to 5 job, Rogers realizes that he isn't quite ready to give up on his dream of being a pro footballer. Tune in to listen to Matt's incredible journey! 

In this episode, Matt sits down with teammate Renan Ferreira to discuss his life and career growing up in São Paulo, Brazil. Renan. a center back standing at 6 foot 6 inches, talks about his journey into the professional game in Brazil, playing with Brazilian legend Cafu, trialing in Hungary, playing over in Portugal, as well as how he ended up in Tulsa, Oklahoma playing for the Roughnecks. In addition, we talk about the low periods of his career about his struggles with knee injuries like a torn ACL, fissures in his Patellar Tendon, and problems with the meniscus as well as the hardships of leaving school and constantly being away from family and loved ones. It's a great interview that really gives an in-depth look at the reality of being a professional soccer player. 

In today's episode, Matt got the chance to sit down with Tulsa Roughneck teammate, Frantzly Zephirin. Frantzly, a 26 year old from Montreal, quickly found a love for soccer and spent almost every single day of his childhood from age 4-20 playing for top club teams and futsal teams in Canada dreaming of one day playing professionally.  After four great years at two different universities, Frantzly took the leap abroad to try to sign his first pro contract. His story of bouncing around from country to country and even continent to continent to chase his dream is extremely inspiring and hearing the firsthand experiences of navigating the bustling streets of Punjab, India and taking a ferry to a tiny village in the Faroe Islands is incredibly motivating.  I can't wait for you guys to hear his journey from a young Canadian to now traveling the world as a professional footballer. 

Matt Sheldon sits down with Orlando City SC goalkeeper, Mason Stajduhar to hear his story of how he became a professional soccer player and his path to the Tulsa Roughnecks. Mason talks about signing his first MLS contract at just 17 years old, adjusting from academy soccer to the professional game, being invited to play for the US youth national team, and finally his battle with Cancer.  It's an incredibly inspiring story of perseverance and I hope that all you guys take the time to sit down and listen to it. Many, many great pieces of information. 

In this episode, Matt gets to sit down with Tulsa Roughnecks teammate, Rodrigo Bandeira Da Costa and listen to his story of how Rodrigo went from quitting competitive soccer at age 14 to then signing a professional contract at age 25. It's an amazing story that again just showcases how you can achieve your goal despite what anyone tells you.  In addition, Matt and Rodrigo talk about the differences of youth soccer between the USA and Brazil, how Rodrigo went from playing at an amateur level in Brazil to playing college soccer in Florida, as well as Rodrigo's expectations about entering into a professional team.  Looking forward to hearing what you guys think about this one! 

In this episode, Matt gets to sit down with Portuguese teammate, Janu Silva. Janu grew up and spent most of his life playing soccer in the local parks in Portugal as well as with some top youth teams in the area. At one time, he was even scouted by the same person who also scouted Cristiano Ronaldo. I really recommend all of you guys to sit down and listen to Janu's story and how he went on to have an illustrious professional career!

In this episode I sit down with Akeil Barrett to hear about his journey from growing up playing soccer in local parks in his hometown of Kingston, Jamaica to being recruited by Akron, the number #1 ranked U.S. College at the time, and being drafted by Orlando City SC. Since then, he has played for a number of different professional teams around the US and even one over in Sweden.  We go in-depth about the struggles he's faced with injuries and rejections as well as the absolute highs he's felt while being drafted by an MLS team. Really enjoyed this talk and I hope you guys take something away from Akeil's story!