Aristocrats Soccer Podcast

“Into the Archives” takes a look back into some classic matches in Jake Keegan’s career. This episode brings us to Edmonton, Canada for an NASL match during the 2016 season.

Armando Quezada is a busy man. He has played at every level of the American soccer pyramid while helping start a massive goalkeeping company and running his own restaurant. Listen to his story on good vibes and living for today.

Puerto Rican international, Sidney Rivera has played in Vietnam, Bangladesh, Puerto Rico and every level in the American soccer pyramid. Listen to his unique story from playing alongside ballon d’or winners, captaining his country and the power of marketing yourself.

“Into the Archives” takes a look back into some classic matches in Jake Keegan’s career. This episode brings us back to Galway for the EA Sports Cup Final.

Everyone has what ifs in life. We are left to wonder as life doesn’t always give us a second chance. Three former Division 1 soccer players join us to discuss what could have gone differently in their respective lives and careers.

Jake and David do a rare episode with no guests so they can do their own tribute to Gus. Amateur soccer in the US is covered in depth as a person who was one of a kind is remembered.

Gus Xikis was a very well known and influential person in New York soccer. Sadly, he passed away in 2020 with so much more to do. Michael Lewis from Front Row Soccer joins us to share some stories about the impact Gus had on the beautiful game.

Matt Mahoney hails from Hudson Valley, NY and has spent his entire career playing in USL. He recently signed with the Colorado Springs Switchbacks after stints with Sacramento Republic and Bethlehem Steel. Listen to his thoughts on college soccer, Chris Wondolowski and more!

Daryl Fordyce has had a wildly successful career playing in five different countries. He has won two league titles, two cups and became FC Edmonton’s all time leading scorer along the way. We discuss coming across world class players and managers like Marcos Senna, Harry Redknapp, Stephen Davis, Joe Cole and Asmir Begovic.

Geoff Cameron was a vital figure for the United States in the 2014 World Cup and can quite literally do it on a rainy night in Stoke. His career has taken him to heights very few Americans have reached. He is also unapologetically true to who he is and what he believes in. This is a fascinating discussion on football, life and everything in between.

Marion Cole from the Greenville Triumph goes up against Jason Klein from Forward Madison in the ultimate battle of USL League One knowledge.

Jake Keegan discusses in depth what led to his decision to leave defending USL 1 Champions, Greenville Triumph and sign with Forward Madison. A lot goes into these decisions and some you probably would have never thought of. Also get some insight into just how close Jake was to playing back overseas.

Gina Lewandowski has taken the road less traveled in women's soccer. She spent over a decade playing overseas in Germany winning the European treble with Frankfurt and two league titles with Bayern Munich. She now plays for Sky Blue FC in the NWSL in a move that brought her closer to home. Listen to Gina discuss her career and getting to know Bayern Munich legends Robert Lewandowski and Thomas Muller.

What have we been up to? Marion updates us on some exciting new things going on at the Greenville Triumph. Jake and Dave update everyone on some potential clubs for the next stop of Jake's career. The people have spoken and Bangladesh Police are at the top of the list! Also, our buddies at Footwork have created an awesome challenge that everyone should take part in.

Jordan DiBiasi is a skillful midfielder for the Washington Spirit in the NWSL. Prior to being drafted, she won a national championship at Stanford. Catch the episode to see hows she’s spending her offseason, get some old college rivalry stories and reunite with Marion Cole who she previously trained with at the Washington Spirit!

Veronica Latsko has always been an underdog. Her work rate, desire and love for the game has taken her to heights that very few people believed to be possible. Today, she is a NWSL Champion with the Houston Dash and a prolific goal scorer in the US and Australia. We can not wait to see what she is able to accomplish next.

Amber Brooks of the OL Reign has been called the Encyclopedia of women’s soccer. Get her take on the growth of the NWSL, playing abroad, a dynasty in Carolina and one of the most important traits a professional athlete can possess.

Canadian international Shamit Shome joins us to discuss his time at FC Edmonton in the NASL and Montreal Impact in MLS. Shamit is only 23 and has already won a Canadian Championship and played for Thierry Henry. He’s currently looking for his next club and we can not wait to see where he lands next.

Malia Berkely has IT. She has won a national title at Florida State and will be turning pro next season. The question that remains is where will she land? With her impressive ability and great knowledge on the game, we have no doubts that she is someone that will become a household name to US soccer fans.

On this episode, Gabby Seiler reunites with her old college roommate Marion Cole. Gabby recently was traded from Portland to Houston in the NWSL. We go into the state of women’s sports, Gabby’s not so secret talent and re-live the glory days at both Georgia and Florida.

Leah Pruitt is only 23 and has already won a national championship in college at USC and an NWSL Championship with the North Carolina Courage. Her recent move to the OL Reign has only ignited her fire for more success. We discuss her recent 3 year contract extension, her love for USC and why it’s not always best to commit to the first university who shows an interest in you.

Nebraska alum, Haley Hanson has had a terrific start to her professional career. She has played three seasons for the Houston Dash and won the 2020 NWSL Challenge Cup. She also spent an off-season down under on loan with the Melbourne Victory. Haley is hungry for more success and is looking to break back into the US National team picture after making her debut in 2018. This week’s episode also has a surprise guest!

Kevin Garcia is a true American soccer success story. He has been on failed trials, been released and traveled the globe in search of opportunities. He has been through all the ups and downs of the game and has come out on the other side stronger. Five years after leaving Villanova, he signed his first MLS contract. He would go on to play 4 seasons with the Houston Dynamo, winning a US Open Cup and marking Zlatan along the way! Tune in to listen to his incredible story of persistence and self belief.

In Volume 2 we discuss the second half of Jake’s professional career. Beginning with FC Edmonton in the star studded, high paying NASL then moving back to Ireland in the capital city with St. Patrick’s Athletic. After Pats, US National team legend John Harkes reached out on FaceTime and the move to Greenville Triumph was sealed. Two seasons in Greenville has been a success from scoring the first goal in club history, to the first final in 2019 and culminating in the 2020 League One Title. Now the only question that remains is what’s next?

Jake Keegan discusses his career in depth from his youth career in East Fishkill, NY to his time in Galway. Among the topics covered are youth and college soccer in the US, the MLS draft, USL League 2, USL Championship, Israel, Austria, Germany, and ultimately success with Galway United in Ireland.

John Hackworth is currently the head coach of Louisville City, in the USL Championship. He is widely respected in US Soccer circles and has crossed paths with seemingly every top American prospect through his roles both with the US National Team and the U17 squad. Listen to his thoughts on creating a winning culture and what can cause top young prospects to miss out on their full potential.

Perry Van der Beck has been everywhere in the soccer world, but all roads lead back to Tampa Bay. He starred as player in the original NASL with the Tampa Bay Rowdies and with the US National team. After an extensive indoor playing career, Perry moved to the sidelines as a coach in MLS for the Tampa Bay Mutiny. The only thing left to do was move upstairs to the front office, so Perry became the general manager of the Tampa Bay Rowdies. Tune is this week to hear just what is in the water in Tampa that keeps Perry coming back!

Ashley Hatch is a Mormon forward and so much more. She currently plays with the Washington Spirit of the NWSL and with the USWNT. Ashley joins us this week to share her journey both on and off the field.

Vinny Faherty recently retired after a 14 year career, most notable for his years at Galway United where he was teammates with Jake. Vinny joins us this week to reunite with his former strike partner and recap his distinguished career.

Brian Maisonneuve is currently the head coach of the Ohio State men’s soccer team. As a player, “Maze” played for the Columbus Crew for nine seasons and the United States National Team on thirteen occasions including the 1998 World Cup. Brian joins us this week to talk about his career as a player and coach, and share his thoughts on American soccer.

South Carolina native Kaleigh Kurtz from the North Carolina Courage of the NWSL joins us to discuss the recent season, the mental side of the game, and the unique travel experiences of a professional soccer player.

Omar Mohamed aka “Mojo” is a Somalian National team player and teammate of Jake’s with the Greenville Triumph. Omar joins us to talk World Cup qualifiers, being named Somalian Footballer of the Year, a USL 1 Championship, and giving back to his native country.

Dallas Jaye, Cesar Murillo and co-host Jake Keegan discuss Greenville Triumph’s 2020 USL League One Championship with David Harris. Dallas is the league’s back to back Golden Glove winner and Cesar is the only player in league history to win back to back titles.

Kevin Hartman is one of the most accomplished goalkeepers in MLS history. He owns the league record for most saves, won 2 MLS Cups and was MLS Goalkeeper of the Year in 1999. Listen to his thoughts on his playing career, goalkeeping technique, the USMNT player pool and the future of soccer in this country.

This week we are joined by Greenville Triumph’s media relations manager, Marion Cole. Marion is asking the questions for the Triumph’s weekly 11 questions segment. Learn a little more about your co-host, Jake Keegan and listen to Dave Harris make fun of his answers!

Imagine training with Brazil during the 1994 World Cup alongside the likes of Dunga, Romário, Bebeto, Cafu and a 17 year old by the name of Ronaldo. Imagine being coached by US soccer icons Bruce Arena and Steve Sampson. Imagine coaching David Beckham and Landon Donovan when Becks first came to MLS in 2007. Imagine being the middle man between Ruud Gullit and Alexi Lalas working in the front office. Paul Bravo has done it all and has the stories to prove it. Strap in and enjoy!

Sofia Huerta has been on both sides of the rivalry between the US and Mexico. Initially she earned 4 caps with Mexico before switching allegiance to the US. Going against the opinions of many she is determined in her pursuit of making a World Cup and Olympic squad with her home country. Her tremendous self belief is what drives her. She has accomplished a lot in her career, but she is nowhere near finished.

This week we go north of the border to talk to Allan and Bruno Zebie. Both currently play in the Canadian Premier League. We talk failed European trials, FC Edmonton’s NASL days and how important the CPL is to the development of both Canadian players and coaches. The future looks bright up north. Let’s hope it doesn’t come at America’s expense!

In this episode, we speak to our first guest, Matt Hedges. Matt has spent his entire career with FC Dallas (MLS) and has accumulated numerous team and individual honors along the way. We cover numerous topics including prematch chipotle, playing alongside Zlatan, winning the US Open Cup and massive moths in Central America. (Photo credit: FC Dallas)

Introduction to the Aristocrats Soccer podcast. We go into what ignited Dave’s passion for lower league soccer and discuss how Jake and Dave crossed paths. A few interesting stories along the way!

Welcome to the Aristocrats Soccer Podcast. On this podcast we are going into all the untold stories of professional soccer. We will be interviewing guests on both the men’s and women’s side of the game. These guests will provide great stories, excellent insight and valuable learning experiences for the young players and the aspiring professional. So please join your co-hosts Jake Keegan and David Harris on our journey!