The 50/50 Podcast

Alexi Upton, Head MSOC Coach of Sulphur Springs and friend of the show, joins us LIVE from Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, for the 2024 TASCO #TXHSSOC Coaches Convention.

Fred Dikranian of the International Soccer School and International Soccer Symposium, joins us LIVE from Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, for the 2024 TASCO #TXHSSOC Coaches Convention.

Stephen Mackey, Founder of 2 Words Character Development & The Texas Way, joins us LIVE from Moody Gardens in Galveston, Texas, for the 2024 TASCO #TXHSSOC Coaches Convention.

Founder and Director of Casa Deportiva Cumbre Alta, Nate Taube, a professional club in the third division of the Ecuadorian soccer pyramid, joins us LIVE from Moody Gardens for the 2024 TASCO #TXHSSOC Coaches Convention.

It's a Special Edition Podcast as we have Breaking News from the UIL as Chris Bezner, President of TASCO and Head WSOC Coach of Wylie High School joins us LIVE. We unpack the major breaking news from the UIL to implement the "Mercy Rule," effective immediately for the 24-25 season. We also take an inside look at TASCO as an organization and the many things they have in the works for high school soccer coaches across the State of Texas. Coach Bezner also gives us a behind the scenes look at the upcoming TASCO Coaches Convention, November 21-23, 2024, in Galveston, Texas. An information-filled and entertaining show...Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 11-11-2024]

We're joined LIVE by Stefani Webb, SWA and Head WSOC Coach of the UT-Tyler Patriots! Coach Webb shares her thoughts and analysis on how her team's season performance so far and why she believes they are off to their best start to a season in program history. Coach Webb also shares her thoughts on what it's like to compete in the Lone Star Conference; regarded by many as one of the top three Division II conferences in the country. We ask her about her unique role as Senior Women's Administrator (SWA) and what that entails, as well as her thoughts on the current climate of college soccer and where it's headed. Lastly, Coach Webb shares her thoughts on TXHSSOC. This and so much more. A great information-filled and entertaining show with lots of laughs. Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 9-30-2024]

Brian Lee, Head WSOC Coach of the Rice Owls, joins us LIVE! Coach Lee shares his thoughts on how his team's season has gone so far and how he approaches non-conference versus conference play. We discuss how their only non-conference loss versus defending national champion, Florida State, has really helped them, as well as the personality and make up of this year's team. Coach Lee shares his thoughts on the many recent changes of college soccer and where it's headed, as well as his thoughts on TXHSSOC and the ongoing development of youth soccer athletes in Texas. This and so much more. A great information-filled and entertaining show. Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 9-25-2024]

We're LIVE with Elias Ramos, Head WSOC Coach of the McKinney Boyd Broncos. Coach Ramos helps us look back at the summer of soccer and his experience of presenting at the 2024 THSCA Coaching School. We discuss how last year helped prep his upcoming season this year and what has him excited about this upcoming season. He also gives us insight on what makes this year's team different from teams from the past. We also discuss where he believes TXHSSOC is headed after the recent major changes from the UIL, along with the many great benefits of TASCO as we look ahead to the upcoming convention in November. This and so much more. A great information-filled and entertaining show. Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 9-9-2024]

Derek Pittman, Head WSOC Coach of UTSA and Jake Plant, Head WSOC Coach of UIW join us LIVE for a very special episode as the highlight the historic announcement of their rivalry match that is scheduled for Sunday, August 18, 6:00pm, at the home of San Antonio FC, Toyota Field. Dubbed "The Battle of the Birds," or as we've labeled it, "The Toyota Field Takeover," we go back and forth with both coaches on how the match came to be, the buzz it is generating, and what it means to the San Antonio Soccer Community. A great show filled with great insight and laughs. Don't miss this exciting episode. [Originally recorded 8-5-2024)

Coach Bryan Hayman, USMNT Super Fan and Head MSOC Coach of Baytown Sterling, joins us for a special "Summer of Soccer" episode. We discuss a wild summer of soccer with Euro, Copa America, and USMNT Head Coach talk, as well as a look ahead at the upcoming Olympics and talk all things USMNT and USWNT. We also discuss TXHSSOC and the inaugural Division I/Division II format. This and so much more. A great information-filled and entertaining show. Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 7-19-2024]

We're LIVE with Jimmie Lankford, Head WSOC Coach of the reigning 5A Girls State Champion - Frisco Wakeland Wolverines. Coach Lankford is also the TASCO Region II Director. We look back at a wild summer of soccer with Euro, Copa America, and USMNT Head Coach talk. Coach Lankford give us an inside look at the tradition and culture of excellence that is Wakeland and what it's like handling expectations as a reigning state champion. We also discuss how TXHSSOC has changed and where he believes it is headed, along with the many great benefits of TASCO and his upcoming soccer coaches clinic in El Paso, hosted by TGCA. This and so much more. A great information-filled and entertaining show. Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 7-15-2024]

We're LIVE with new Head MSOC Coach of the San Antonio Brennan Bears, Collin Salyers. Coach Salyers takes us through the hiring process and how his unique situation in returning to his Alma Mater where he once played and started his coaching career, as an Assistant. Coach Salyers also shares how he knew he was ready for his first head coaching opportunity. We discuss what has him excited about his new program and his thoughts on TXHSSOC. We also dive into some Euro, Copa America, and USMNT talk. This and so much more. A great information-filled and entertaining show. Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 7-10-2024]

We're LIVE with new Head WSOC Coach of the Beaumont West Brook Lady Bruins, Austin Greenway. Coach Greenway takes us through the hiring process and how he know we was ready for his first head coaching opportunity. We discuss what has him excited about his new program and his thoughts on Region 3 and thier new district (19-5A) as they make the shift from 6A to 5A. This and so much more. A great information-filled and entertaining show. Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 6-29-2024]

Proud Partner, Alonso Ramirez, CEO of AR Shorts Photography joins us for Episode 113. Dubbed as "Behind The Lenses," we dive into a deep look at what it means to be a professional photographer covering soccer and sports. Alonso also gives us great insight into content creation and why it and a positive social media presence can help improve an athlete's opportunities during the college recruiting process. Alonso also gives us insight into where he believes the industry is headed. Don't miss this great show! [Originally Recorded: 6.19.2024]

EMERGENCY PODCAST EDITION: Join us for our very first Emergency Podcast episode as we discuss in depth the why, the meaning, and the potential impact of the UIL's historic decision made on 6.11.2024 to split all three classifications into a Division I and Division II format for the State Playoffs. [Originally Recorded On: 6.12.2024]

We're back with Episode 111 and this time we're proud to host our first-ever Athletic Coordinator/Head Football Coach, Kevin Hirst, of San Antonio MacArthur. Coach Hirst gives us insight into the world of an Athletic Coordinator and what the hiring process of a coach looks like from start to finish. We also look back on the year that was for MacArthur Athletics as Coach Hirst highlights the accomplishments of both the Boys and Girls soccer programs in 2023-2024. Don't miss this great episode! [Originally Recorded: 5.31.2024]

INSIDE #TXHSSOC returns for 14th and final episode on the 2023-2024 season with a special edition called "The Champions." Today we highlight the 6A Girls State Champion, Prosper Eagles and their first-ever state title in program history, as well as the 6A Boys State Champion, Katy Seven Lakes Spartans and their second consecutive state title. Don't miss out on this special episode! #TXHSSOC #5050Pod [Originally Recorded: 5-2-2024]

INSIDE #TXHSSOC returns with Episode 13 with a special edition called "The Champions." Today we highlight 5A Boys State Champion, Midlothian Panthers and their first-ever state title, along with the 5A Girls State Champion, Frisco Wakeland Wolverines and their 4th title in program history. Don't miss out on this special episode! #TXHSSOC #5050Pod [Originally Recorded: 4-30-2024]

INSIDE #TXHSSOC returns with Episode 12 and a special edition called "The Champions." Today we highlight 4A Girls State Champion, the Celina Lady Bobcats and their third consecutive state title, along with the 4A Boys State Champion, San Elizario Eagles and their 4th title in program history. Don't miss out on this special episode! #TXHSSOC #5050Pod [Originally Recorded: 4-24-2024]

INSIDE #TXHSSOC is proud to bring you Championship Week!! We look back at Championship Saturday and take an in-depth look at Day 4 along with a look back at the entire tournament and The Season that Was - The 2023-2024 TXHSSOC Season. We're also joined by Coach Jarrett Shipman, TASCO President and Head WSOC Coach of Katy Tompkins, as he gives us his insight on his experience at the 2023 State Tournament and some of the many things TASCO has in the works, along with some major changes that may be headed our way regarding UIL Soccer. We wrap up by looking back at some of the best moments and memories of the show and share our many thank yous to so many. Don't miss this absolutely loaded episode! [Originally Recorded: 4-14-2023]

INSIDE #TXHSSOC is proud to bring you Championship Week!! Coach Stephanie Sazo of TASCO and El Paso Del Valle is back with us again today as she gives us insight from her day covering matches in Georgetown, including crowning our second state champion during the 4A Boys Final. We preview the final day, Championship Saturday, with an inside look at our quadruple-header of finals (5A and 6A). Don't miss this absolutely loaded episode! [Originally Recorded: 4-12-2024]

INSIDE #TXHSSOC is proud to bring you Championship Week!! We're joined by Team Member, Steve Sanchez, gives us insight from his day covering matches in Georgetown. Then we're joined by Stephanie Sazo TASCO Region 1 Asst. Director and Head WSOC Coach of El Paso Del Valle, as she provides in depth analysis of the second half of Day 2 at Birkelbach Field, along with a look at Day 3 and the upcoming 6A Girls and Boys state semifinals. We also examine the upcoming 4A Boys Final between San Eli vs Boerne. Join us each day during the TXHSSOC State Tournament for your end of day wrap-up coverage. Don't miss this absolutely loaded episode! [Originally Recorded: 4-11-2024]

INSIDE #TXHSSOC is proud to bring you Championship Week!! We're joined by Alexi Upton, Head MSOC Coach of Sulphur Springs as we look in depth at Day 1 of the State Tournament with a look back at the 4A Girls and Boys state semifinals along with a look at Day 2 and the upcoming 5A Girls and Boys state semifinals. We also examine the upcoming 4A Girls Final between Celina vs Boerne. Join us each day during the TXHSSOC State Tournament for your end of day wrap-up coverage. Don't miss this absolutely loaded episode! [Originally Recorded: 4-10-2024]

Another great and absolutely loaded show! The INSIDE #TXHSSOC crew returns with Episode 7! It's another State Playoffs edition as we look back at the Regional Tournaments across the state and look ahead to the culmination of the TXHSSOC season with a State Tournament Overview. We're also proud to be joined by both Coach Michael Strong, MSOC Coach of Boerne and Kaitlyn Eidson, Head WSOC Coach of Katy Seven Lakes. Last but not least, we issue out our regular Game Balls & Team Sticker Awards. Don't miss out on this great episode! [Originally Recorded: 4.7.2024]

An absolutely loaded show! The INSIDE #TXHSSOC crew is back with Episode 6! It's a State Playoffs edition of the Pod as we look back at the first three rounds of the State Playoffs and the madness and chaos throughout. We're also proud to be joined by both Coach Bert Atilano of San Antonio Harlan MSOC and Jackson Vaerewyck of the Frisco Sports Networks. We issue out our regular Game Balls & Team Sticker Awards and We wrap up with an in-depth preview of some of the key matchups of the upcoming regional tournaments. Don't miss out on this great episode! [Originally Recorded: 4.3.2024]

Cole Ouren, Assistant WSOC Coach of the Baylor University, joins us LIVE. We look back at Baylor's 2023 fall season and ahead to their Spring and Fall 2024 seasons. He gives us great insight to the many great lessons learned after two years at Baylor and what has him and the Bears coaching staff about the future. We discuss Ouren's coaching journey from Club to NAIA, and D II to his current role at Baylor. We also have a great discussion on how recruiting has changed and is changing and the state of the college soccer game. Don't miss this great episode! [Originally Recorded 3-20-2024]

We're LIVE with David Johnson, Head MSOC Coach of the San Antonio Johnson Jaguars. We look back at their season so far and discuss winning a district title with two matches remaining in the regular season and what it means to his program and community. We also discuss competing in the highly respected District 28-6A and how that prepares them for the playoffs. Coach Johnson talks about the evolution of his program in his time at Johnson and their preparation and goals for the upcoming State Playoffs. A great information-filled and entertaining show with lots of laughs along the way. Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 3-14-2024]

The INSIDE #TXHSSOC crew is back with Episode 5! Coach Banning, Head WSOC Coach of Buda Johnson joins us LIVE. We take a look at Regions 3 and 4 and release the latest RPI State Rankings of the season, along with the latest unveiling of our Teams of the Week and Game Ball Awards, along with the introduction of a new award - our Coach of the Week. Don't miss out on this great episode! [Originally Recorded: 3.10.2024]

Coach Lucas Henderson, Head WSOC Coach of the Monmouth College Fighting Scots, joins us LIVE. We look back at Coach Henderson's 2023 fall season and he gives us great insight on the many great lessons learned after three years at Monmouth. We discuss what the life of a coach and player is at the Division III level and discuss the state of the games from Coach Henderson's perspective. We wrap up with what has Coach Henderson most excited about the future of his program and their goals. Don't miss this great episode! [Originally Recorded 3-4-2024]

The INSIDE #TXHSSOC crew is back with Episode 4! Coach Alexander Adams of Celina WSOC joins us for our Region 2 Overview. We also release the latest RPI State Rankings of the season, along with the latest unveiling of our Teams of the Week and Game Ball Awards. Don't miss out on this great episode!

Jason French, Partnerships Manager for our proud partner, Gipper joins us LIVE. Jason gives us great insight into the 2024 United Soccer Coaches Convention from the unique perspective of a vendor. Jason also gives us a great detail into what makes Gipper a phenomenal social media marketing platform and some of the great things on the horizon for Gipper. Don't miss this great episode! [Originally recorded 2/17/2024]

Newly elected President of United Soccer Coaches and newly named Head WSOC Coach of Hardin-Simmons University, Coach Rusty Oglesby, joins us LIVE. Coach Oglesby tells us about his recent journey and discuss the many new changes in his life, as well as looking back at the recent 2024 United Soccer Coaches Convention. He gives us an inside look at his new roles and his plans for Hardin-Simmons WSOC. We wrap-up by discussing his thoughts on the current state and future of TXHSSOC. Along the way we had a few surprise guests drop-in during the show. Don't miss this great episode! [Originally Recorded 1-20-2024]

INSIDE #TXHSSOC returns with Episode 3! We release the latest RPI State Rankings of the season, along with the initial unveiling of our Teams of the Week and Game Ball Awards. We rap up with a preview of Region I across 4A-6A. Don't miss our first episode of INSIDE #TXHSSOC in 2024!

Coach Bailey Guffin, Head MSOC Coach of Sul Ross State University Lobos, joins us LIVE. We look back at Coach Guffin's first season at Sul Ross. We discuss their upcoming Spring Season and the big jump they are preparing to make from Division III to Division II in July of 2024. Coach Guffin shares with us why he chose Sul Ross and his thoughts after one year in Alpine. We discuss his focus on culture implementation and the programs vision and timeline. Coach Guffin gives us insight into his thoughts on competing in their future conference; The LoneStar Conference. We wrap-up with an inside look on his recruiting focus and thoughts on the TXHSSOC and college soccer scene, as well as showcase events and ID camps he and his coaching staff will be attending in the spring. Don't miss this great episode! [Originally Recorded 1-15-2024]

Bridgett Rogers, Head WSOC Coach of the Lubbock Cooper Lady Pirates, joins us LIVE. We discuss their first tournament weekend in Frisco and the lessons learned along with how this years team has a very different feel. We take a closer look at the highly competitive District 4-5A and how they hope to contend for a playoff birth and more in 2024. Coach Rogers also gives us insight into her role as a play-by-play broadcaster for Texas Tech Women's Soccer and the state of the college game. Lastly, we examine what Coach Rogers thinks of the state of TXHSSOC and where it's headed. A great information-filled and entertaining show filled with laughs...Don't miss this phenomenal episode! [Originally Recorded 1-8-2024]

Founder and Host Hector Cano, is joined by the Director of Strategic Growth for United Soccer Coaches, Brandon Milburn. We discuss all things United Soccer Coaches and their initiatives. Brandon also gives us significant insight into the planning and execution phases of the upcoming United Soccer Coaches Convention and some of the fascinating presenters and events they will host. Slated for Jan 10-14, 2024 in Anaheim, California, this year's event promises to be a special one. An episode loaded in exceptional information that you will get nowhere else and also loaded in tons of laughs. Don't miss this great episode! [Originally Recorded: 1-3-2024]

INSIDE #TXHSSOC returns with a look at state-wide tournaments and are joined by Coach Daniel Dollinger, Head MSOC Coach of Frisco HS and Boys Tournament Director of the Frisco ISD Dr. Pink Invitational and Missy Whitman, Marketing Coordinator for Allen HS Soccer and the Pep Boys Eagle Showcase. We also review the season debut of Rafa's very own, Rafa Power Index (RPI), as well as the 2023 Champions Review, where we discuss which champions are most and least likely to repeat. Finally, we look back at some of our best TXHSSOC memories of 2023. Don't miss our final episode of 2023! [Originally Recorded: 12-30-2023]

It's year three of the "Holiday Edition" with our friends from Soccer Chat. Shaun Soderling, former Head WSOC Coach of Brescia University and Nick Rizzo, Head WSOC Coach of St. Mary's University (MN) join us LIVE. Shaun talks about his recent decision to depart from Brescia while Nick talks about his squad's 2023 season and the imminent arrival of his second child. We also dive into deep talk regarding the state of the college soccer game, as well as recent headline news regarding MLS and the U.S. Open Cup and the recent ruling made by the European Justice Court regarding European Super League and the UEFA Champions League. An episode packed with great info and lots of laughs...Don't miss this special episode! [Originally Recorded: 12-21-2023]

Coach Jake Plant, Head WSOC Coach of The University of the Incarnate Word Cardinals, joins us LIVE. We look back at Coach Plant's first season at UIW after five seasons at Eastern Illinois University and look ahead to their upcoming Spring Season. Coach Plant tells us why he chose UIW and his thoughts after one year in San Antonio. We discuss his focus on culture implementation and the programs timeline. Coach Plant also gives us insight into a comparison between the Southland Conference and his previous conference, The Ohio Valley Conference. We wrap-up with an inside look at his focus on TXHSSOC also discuss what showcase events and ID camps he and his coaching staff will be attending in the spring. Don't miss this great episode [Originally Recorded 12-18-2023]

Three years in...WOW! The Podcast Team looks back at some of the memorable moments of 2023. Our all-star panel is joined by special guests, Shaun Soderling, former Head WSOC Coach of Brescia University and the Soccer Chat Podcast, as well as Jeff Organ, Founder of Texas Soccer Journal, who help us celebrate our second year of existence. Thank you to all our listeners and supporters! [Originally Recorded: 12-16-2023]

Emily Horvath, Head WSOC Coach of the Austin Anderson HS Trojans, joins us LIVE. We discuss how the success at 5A prepped her squad for the jump to 6A in a brutal 26-6A that saw them make the state playoffs last year. Coach Horvath also talks about her journey as she enters her third season at the helm for the Trojans. She gives us insight into what has her excited about the upcoming season and managing having 19 seniors and multiple club players. We wrap up with TASCO Convention talk. A great information-filled and entertaining show...Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 12-2-2023]

Fresh from briefly joining us at the 2023 TASCO Convention, Coach Zane Barnes, Asst. MSOC Coach of Winthrop and Founder of Texas Soccer Network (TSN), joins us LIVE for a full episode. Coach Barnes discusses the successes and many lessons learned from the 2023 season and the optimism going into 2024, as well as coaching and the level of play in the Big South Conference. We also discuss the world of recruiting as it relates to both the D-I and JuCo world, as well as the many great things he's doing with the launch of his new initiative, the Texas Soccer Network. An episode filed with tons of great info - Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 11-24-2023]

We're BAAACK! Back by popular demand, it's Season 4 of INSIDE #TXHSSOC. Founder and Host, Hector Cano is joined by High School Soccer expert and Co-Host, Coach Rafa Castorena of The San Antonio Soccer Roundtable Podcast and the newest member of The 50/50 Podcast Team, our College Recruiting Insider, Frank Corte. In this season's first episode, we preview our upcoming coverage and content for the 2023-2024 UIL and TAPPS Texas High School Soccer season. Don't miss out on this great episode! [Originally Recorded: 11-21-2023]

Coach Dirk Bennett, Head WSOC Coach of the Eastern Illinois University Panthers, joins us LIVE. We look back at Coach Bennett's first season as a Head Coach and look ahead to their upcoming Spring Season. We discuss the impact of the Transfer Portal and COVID-19. Coach Bennett also gives us insight on what the level of play is like in the Ohio Valley Conference and his thoughts on finishing fifth. We also discuss what he and his coaching staff look for when attending a showcase event or tournament and how they place emphasis on attending high school games in the Illinois Area. An episode filed with tons of great info - Don't miss this exciting episode! [Originally Recorded 11-20-2023]