Against All Odds

"They Told Me I'd Only be a D3 lvl Soccer Player" | Colton Haskin's Road to Pro

In this podcast, I got the chance to sit down and talk to one of the younger guys on the team, Colton Haskin. Even though this is his first year playing professional soccer, Colton has had a very successful and inspiring career so far. One of the highlights that stuck out to me was when he tried out at a top D1 soccer program only to be told by the coaches that he'd make a good D3 level soccer player. Colton printed that out, taped it up on his bedroom door, then used it as motivation every single day to push on to the D1 level and eventually the professional level. 

Dropped Out of Junior College to Play Abroad | Brayan Reyes' Path to Pro

In this episode, I got the chance to sit down and listen to Brayan Reyes' story of how he went from playing pick up soccer with his cousins to scoring the game winning goal of a Cup Final in Honduras in front of tens of thousands of people. Other highlights of Brayan's career include playing Junior College soccer in the United States of America to dropping out and flying out to Hungary to play professionally. 

I'm really excited for you guys to sit down and listen to the highs and lows of a great player and his story of how he became a professional soccer player now playing for the Tulsa Roughnecks.

Playing Barefoot in the Streets of Cameroon to the MLS | Cyprian Hedrick's Path to Pro

This is the longest podcast to date, but is also one of the most inspirational stories I've ever heard. Cyprian Hedrick went from playing barefoot in the streets of Cameroon to moving to America at age 9 to eventually being drafted as the 30th overall pick to Sporting Kansas City. 

The 29 year old center back then went on to a successful professional career with multiple USL clubs and now is the captain of the Tulsa Roughnecks. Cyprian's story is full of ups and downs, but is incredibly inspiring the entire time. I can not wait for all of you to sit down, relax, and listen to Cyp's story.  

"During Those 2-3 Years I Never Thought About Quitting." | Andrew Macrae's Path To Pro

“I was staying in a roach infested apartment in Egypt…” | Moses Makinde's Path to Pro

Roach infested apartments in Egypt, 15 hour bus rides to Romania, going 2 years without seeing his Mom or Dad... Moses Makinde has an incredible story of perseverance and determination as he played professional soccer around the globe. This is one of the craziest journeys that I've ever heard.

Makinde was born in England, but later moved to America and had an ideal youth career, and was consistently on one of the best youth teams in the country. He went on to play D1 soccer at NC State for four years and then went on to play and trial in dozens of countries including England, Ireland, Germany, Serbia, Cyprus, Romania, Austria, Czech Republic, Finland, Estonia, Slovenia, Egypt, Sweden, and the USA.

So pumped for you guys to sit down and listen to this one! It's sure to inspire every player out there especially if you've ever been cut from a team or faced rejection. Absolutely amazing journey. 

Trialed in 5 Different Countries to Become a Pro | Anthony Legendre's Path to Pro

In this episode Matt sits down with Tulsa Roughnecks FC's latest signing, Anthony Legendre, to talk about his journey to signing his first professional contract. Anthony has an inspiring story from facing rejection from his youth club to going on trials with teams in 5 different countries. Any player can benefit from sitting down and listening to the story, advice, and lessons of Anthony Legendre. 

CUT From High School Team to Pro Footballer | Akwafei Ajeakwa's Road to Pro

In this episode of the Against All Odds Podcast, Matt sits down with former opponent, former teammate, and now current teammate, A'kwafei Ajeakwa to hear his story about how he made it to the professional level after being cut from his high school team at age 14, his experience playing abroad in England and Spain, and how he started the successful clothing company, Pala Design. AJ's seemingly impossible journey is sure to inspire and any player. Really excited for you guys to hear his story!  

 

A'kwafei, or AJ, has played at the D2 level for Chico State University, Biggleswade FC in England, Orange County Blues FC, San Antonio FC, Colorado Switchbacks FC, and now the Tulsa Roughnecks FC.

"I Dropped Out of College on Move-In Day" | DJ Dean's Road to Pro

In this podcast Matt sits down with fellow Roughnecks teammate, DJ Dean, to hear about how he went from playing soccer in high school to being recruited to the University of Central Arkansas. They discuss his decision to drop out on move-in day, and how that all lead to him signing his first professional contract with the Tulsa Roughnecks. 

New Year's Resolutions?

A lot has happened since Episode 10: Christmas, New Year’s, A Trip To Ottawa, and big life changes. Matt and Mimi go in depth about their last few weeks and also explore some major millennial problems. Technology and entrepreneurship can sometimes take a toll on other aspects of life. Can you relate?

Positionless Podcast | Matt's First Guest Appearance

Absolutely loved sitting down with Oliver Maroney of the Positionless Podcast! This was my (Matt's) first ever guest appearance and I had an absolutely amazing experience going over our time playing together back in the early stages of our youth careers, how I got recruited to the collegiate level, my transition to the pro level, and my journey of vlogging and documenting my career on YouTube and Instagram. Great episode with a completely different dynamic than what you guys are used to!