Former MLS and U.S. Men’s National Team midfielder Dax McCarty joins The Soccer Ladder for a special conversation filmed during MLS All-Star Week.

After nearly two decades playing at the professional level, Dax shares the lessons he believes matter most for young players trying to grow in the game.

We talk about leadership and why accountability may be one of the most important qualities a young captain can develop — including learning to look inward before pointing fingers at teammates.

Dax also breaks down how young midfielders can improve their soccer IQ and decision-making. His advice? Watch yourself back. Study your training sessions and games, identify where you can improve, and watch great players at the highest level. Dax shares how he studied Paul Scholes growing up and incorporated pieces of his game into his own development.

We also discuss what Dax wishes he had done differently as a young midfielder, why sometimes making the right decision means being a little more selfish in the right moments, and how he learned to use failures as motivation throughout his career.

A conversation packed with practical insight for young players, midfielders, captains, coaches, and soccer parents navigating the development journey.

Filmed during MLS All-Star Week.

Subscribe to The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me for more conversations with professional players, coaches, broadcasters, and experts sharing what they’ve learned with the next generation.

@MLS @AppleTV @daxmccarty

#TheSoccerLadder #DaxMcCarty #YouthSoccer #PlayerDevelopment #MLSAllStar

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MLS veteran Kei Kamara has built an incredible career in soccer, but his impact goes far beyond the field.

In this special conversation for The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me, Kei shares the heart behind the Kei Kamara HEARTshapedhands Foundation, his commitment to giving back, and why using his platform to help others is so important to him.

From his journey in professional soccer to the work he continues to do in communities close to his heart, Kei’s story is a powerful reminder that the impact of the game can extend far beyond the pitch.

Learn more about Kei Kamara & HEARTSHAPEDHANDS:
❤️ Foundation: https://heartshapedhands.com/
📲 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/keikamara/

⚽ The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me
Conversations with players, coaches and leaders from across the soccer world — sharing their experiences, perspectives and lessons with young players and their families.

🎙️ Hosted by Megan Linke
🌐 MeganLinke.com

#KeiKamara #Soccer #MLSSoccer #TheSoccerLadder #GivingBack

Former professional player, Olympian, and MLS on Apple TV Studio Analyst Kaylyn Kyle joins me during MLS All-Star Week for a special conversation on The Soccer Ladder.

Kaylyn shares her perspective on what separates players as they move through the game, the importance of mindset and resilience, and what young athletes can learn from the challenges they face along the way.

We also talk about a question nearly every soccer parent has thought about: What does it really take for a young player to reach the professional level? As a former professional player and now a soccer mom herself, Kaylyn offers a unique perspective on the role parents play—from providing love and support to knowing when a little tough love is needed.

Kaylyn also shares advice for young players chasing big goals, why enjoying the journey matters, and what she’s learned from a lifetime in the game.

A great conversation for young players, soccer parents, and anyone navigating the youth soccer journey.

Filmed during MLS All-Star Week.

Subscribe to The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me for more conversations with professional players, coaches, broadcasters, and experts helping the next generation navigate the game.

@MLS @AppleTV

#TheSoccerLadder #KaylynKyle #YouthSoccer #SoccerParents #MLSAllStar