Soccer Talk presented by Kick It Forward

The semifinals are in the books, and the stage is set for a massive Friday finale. In 1A, Van Meter edged Regina 1-0, while West Sioux shut out Hudson 2-0 to earn their shot at the title. Over in 2A, Bishop Heelan put on a clinic with a 7-0 win over Williamsburg, and Gilbert battled past Webster City 1-0. We break down the highlights, key performances, and what to expect when the trophies are on the line.

The 2025 girls state tournament kicked off with a bang—goals, drama, and a few surprises along the way. From Xavier's ten-goal masterclass to Centennial and Waukee surviving from the spot, the quarterfinals delivered across all three classes. We break down the standout performances, smooth finishes, and what each result means heading into the semifinals.

In this episode, we break down the thrilling quarterfinal matchups from the 2025 Iowa Boys State Soccer Tournament. From dominant performances to nail-biting penalty shootouts, we cover all the action across Classes 1A through 4A. Highlights include Johnston's commanding 5-0 victory over Dowling Catholic, Cedar Rapids Washington's dramatic PK win against Dallas Center-Grimes, and Gilbert's double-overtime triumph over Knoxville. Tune in as we analyze each game's pivotal moments and set the stage for the upcoming semifinals at Mediacom Stadium.  

The 2025 Iowa High School Boys State Soccer Tournament is back! Join us as we analyze each bracket, highlight key players, and provide insights into the teams vying for the state title. Whether you're a fan, player, or coach, this episode offers a comprehensive look at the road to the championship.

IGHSAU's state soccer tournament is here and we are ready to talk about it. In this episode, we dive into each class, spotlight key storylines, and share our predictions for who might lift the trophy by week's end. From dominant favorites to potential underdog runs, we've got everything you need to get ready for state.

Gary Ross from the IGHSAU joins us for a wide-ranging conversation on the state of girls high school soccer in Iowa. We talk about his background in sports, the elimination of overtime and PKs, updates to the state tournament venue, season start date, rankings system, and changes to yellow and red card rules. We also dig into the growing participation numbers, what Gary enjoys most about overseeing the sport, and a few fun side topics along the way.

Girls substate predictions are here! We're diving into every corner of the girls regional brackets and making our picks for who's punching their ticket to state. Expect bold takes, tight matchups, and a few dark horse teams we've got our eyes on.

This week's episode features a classic showdown between two Des Moines public school programs we've followed closely for years—North and Roosevelt (Boys & Girls). After breaking down the Game of the Week, we shift into a full rundown of the Class 4A boys substate brackets. We go region by region, highlighting key matchups, potential upsets, and the top contenders in each bracket. From powerhouse programs to dark horse threats, we cover everything you need to know heading into the postseason

During the offseason, we sat down with Todd Tharp from the IHSAA to talk all rule changes coming to Iowa High School Soccer. We dive into this year's state soccer format, why overtime rules have changed, and what else could be coming to high school soccer in Iowa. Don't miss this behind-the-scenes look at the decisions shaping the game!

This week's featured matchup takes us to the pitch for a clash between the Valley Tigers and Ankeny Centennial Jaguars. In this episode, we delve into a CIML Class 4A showdown, highlighting all the goals, pivotal moments, and tactical adjustments that defined the final result. We also celebrate Aziz Haffar's 600 career wins and talk controversies beyond the match. Tune in now to catch all the action and insights!

On this week's episode of Game of the Week, we break down the clash between CIML opponents Ankeny and Ames. While the scoreboard didn't tilt in Ames' favor, the Little Cyclones brought energy and moments of promise—especially in the second half. Tune in as we highlight key plays, standout performances, and what this result could mean for both squads as the season progresses.

On this week's episode of Game of the Week, perennial powerhouse Iowa City West hits the road to face Dowling Catholic in a marquee boys soccer matchup — and this game did not disappoint. Jonathan Mendez stole the show with a hat-trick, but that didn't stop the Trojans from making it interesting. We break down all the key moments, tactical insights, and what this result means moving forward. Tap in for the full recap of one of the most anticipated games of the week!

This week's featured matchup takes us to the pitch for a clash between North Fayette Valley and Center Point-Urbana. We break down the goals, key moments, and standout players from a game that delivered plenty of action and quality play. Who controlled the midfield? Who made the difference in the final third? We've got all the highlights and analysis right here. Tune in now for your weekly dose of Iowa high school soccer!

Game of the Week is BACK! Ben Brackett and Blake Siberz are joined by the Titan Tactician and now Dowling Girls Head Soccer Coach, Matt Sahag, to discuss fridays game between the Maroons and Roughriders.

Kick It Forward's Ben Bracket & Blake Siberz are joined by current Des Moines Menace spark plug, Leroy Enzugusi, and debuting podcast cohost, Fred Frimpong, to discuss the second round of U.S. Open Cup. Listen now to hear more about The Valley, fun locker room stories, and more with this Soccer Talk crew.

We sat down with new Des Moines Menace head coach, Charlie Latshaw III, to discuss his season plans, the quickly approaching U.S. Open Cup, and his vision for the team's success. 

Watch and listen to our recap of semifinal action on day 2 of the boys state soccer tournament!

Watch and listen to our recap of semifinal action on day 2 of the girls state soccer tournament!

Watch and listen to our recap of quarterfinal action on day 2 of the boys state soccer tournament!

Watch and listen to our recap of quarterfinal action on day 1 of the girls state soccer tournament!

It's that time of year once again! Today we sat down to discuss the recently released Iowa High School State soccer groups for both the boys and girls sides. Follow us closely for the next week to see what goes down at Cownie Soccer Complex and Mediacom Stadium in Des Moines.

Watch & listen to the Kick It Forward crew talk about the Perry vs. Winterset Girls match and get some additional commentary from Lincoln vs. Ames on the boys side.

Watch & listen to the Kick It Forward crew talk about this CIML rivalry and get another in-depth tactical analysis from the tactician himself, Matt Sahag.

Watch & listen to the Kick It Forward crew talk about this early season matchup and get an in-depth tactical analysis from the tactician himself, Matt Sahag.

The Iowa High School Boys Soccer Coaches Round Table is back! Watch and listen to these coaches discuss changes they would like to see on the boys side, their favorite parts about high school soccer, and what the future holds for this coming spring season.

The Iowa High School Girls Soccer Coaches Round Table is back! Watch and listen to these coaches discuss changes they would like to see in the girls game, their favorite parts about high school soccer, and what the future holds for this coming spring season.

Kick It Forward's Ben Brackett and Blake Siberz are joined by Jimmy Frizzell to discuss the Johnston Dragons Boys 2023 state tournament run, how he approached the season even in a "rebuilding year," and what to expect for the upcoming season. Tune in for state champion insights, fun coaching perspectives, and much more. Soccer Talk presented by Kick It Forward.

Kick It Forward's Ben Brackett and Blake Siberz are joined by Matt Harding to discuss the Iowa City Liberty Lightning 2023 state tournament run, their move from 2A to 3A, and what to expect for the upcoming season. Tune in for state champion insights, fun coaching perspectives, and much more. Soccer Talk presented by Kick It Forward.

Kick It Forward's Ben Brackett and Blake Siberz are joined by Eric Shafer to discuss the Johnston Dragons Girls 2023 state tournament run, how he kept the team connected despite starting 0-2, and what to expect for the upcoming season. Tune in for state champion insights, fun coaching perspectives, and much more. Soccer Talk presented by Kick It Forward.

Kick It Forward's Ben Brackett and Blake Siberz are joined by BJ Jordison to discuss the soccer community in Gilbert, Jordison's time as a head coach for the Tigers, and how he keeps his team connected throughout the year. Tune in for another round of state champion insights, fun coaching perspectives, and much more. Soccer Talk presented by Kick It Forward.

Kick It Forward's Ben Brackett and Blake Siberz are joined by Dan James to discuss the 2023 Iowa High School soccer season, Dallas Center-Grimes' team culture, and his vision for the season ahead. Tune in for state champion insights, fun coaching perspectives, and much more. Soccer Talk presented by Kick It Forward.

Watch and listen to our recap of semifinal action on day 2 (day 4 overall) of the girls state soccer tournament!

Watch and listen to our recap of semifinal action on day 2 (Day 3 overall) of the boys state soccer tournament!

Watch and listen to our recap of quarterfinal action on day 1 of the boys state soccer tournament!

Watch and listen to our recap of quarterfinal action on day 1 of the girls state soccer tournament!