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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