The 50/50 Podcast

S3 E4, INSIDE #TXHSSOC: Latest RPI, Region 2 Preview, Best Matches, & Player Game Balls

INSIDE #TXHSSOC returns with Episode 4! Founder & Host, Hector Cano is joined by Rafa Castorena and Steve Sanchez. We unveil the second edition of the RPI (Rafa Power Index) Rankings and also conduct a Regions 2 preview. We then wrap up by discussing some of the best matches we've covered or come across in the last couple of weeks. We end with our very first edition of our Game Balls as we select players from across the state and recognize their recent performance. Don't miss this great episode!
 
[Originally Recorded: 1-31-2023]

Ep. 75, Brandon McGibeny: Head MSOC Coach, Howard Payne University

Founder and Host Hector Cano, is joined by the new Head MSOC Coach of the Howard Payne University Yellow Jackets, Brandon McGibeny. Coach McGibeny shares a ton of great insight with us regarding his four-year coaching experience at the JuCo level with Cisco College and why he knew was ready to take the leap and return home to HPU, this time as Head Men's Soccer Coach. We also discuss his experience and passion for the TXHSSOC game. An episode loaded in great information. Don't miss this great episode! 
 
[Originally Recorded: 1-28-2023]

S3 E3, INSIDE #TXHSSOC: Tournament Talk, Region 1 Preview, & The Growth of our Pod Team

INSIDE #TXHSSOC returns with Episode 3! We start off by welcoming the newest member and contributor to our Podcast Team, Steve Sanchez. We then take a look at three state-level tournaments in the I-10 Shootout, Austin Lakes Elite Showcase, and the Georgetown Governor's Cup. We rap up by kicking off our regional previews with a look at Region I, 4A-6A. Don't miss our final episode of 2022! 
 
[Originally Recorded: 1-16-2023]

Ep. 74, Tom Byer: Founder, Soccer Starts at Home & International Trainer & Consultant

Founder and Host Hector Cano, is joined by the world-renowned Tom Byer, Founder of the Soccer Starts at Home Initiative and International Trainer & Consultant. A highly respected innovator of the game, Tom discusses his thoughts on the performance of the Japan FA in the most recent FIFA Men's World Cup. He also tells us about the recent All-Japan National High School Soccer Tournament he attended and his experience. We also discuss his Soccer Starts at Home movement and his work with the Houston Dynamo and the future of Youth Soccer development. An episode loaded in great information, don't miss this great episode! 
 
[Originally Recorded: 1-9-2023]

Ep. 73, Ahmad Brown: Assistant WSOC Coach & Performance Analyst, Texas A&M University

Texas A&M Assistant WSOC Coach & Performance Analyst and rising star, Ahmad Brown, joins Founder & Host, Hector Cano for this special episode. We examine Coach Brown's background as a U.S. Army Combat Veteran and his transition to civilian and coaching life, to his evolving role as a Performance Analyst and look at data concept and analysis. We discuss why veterans make for great coaches and should be closely considered. We discuss and examine the future of the game through various data points, from the Pro level to the Club and HS level. Lastl, we closely review the many commonalities of the coaches and programs he's had the privilege to work for in Florida, Florida State, and now Texas A&M. An episode loaded with tons of great information...Don't miss this exciting episode! 
 
[Originally Recorded 1-7-2023]

Ep. 72, Dave Simione: Director of Education Programs, United Soccer Coaches

Founder and Host Hector Cano, is joined by the inaugural Director of Education Programs for United Soccer Coaches, Dave Simione. A long-time coach and instructor of the game at multiple levels, we discuss his new role and how it will impact the future of coaches and high school soccer. We get into World Cup talk and discuss significant data analysis and trends coming out of the tournament. We also discuss last November's TASCO High School convention and the evolution of TXHSSOC and where it's headed. From there, Coach Simione gives us insight on the upcoming United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia and the many exciting things planned. An episode loaded in great information, don't miss this great episode! 
 
[Originally Recorded: 1-2-2023]

Ep. 71, Stephen Salas: Head WSOC Coach, Abilene Christian University

Founder and Host Hector Cano, is joined by the new Head WSOC Coach of the Abilene Christian University Wildcats, Stephen Salas. We start on a somber note as we honor and remember the legacy of the late great, Pele. From there, Coach Salas gives insight into how quick the hiring process was at ACU and why he knew was ready to take the leap and return to ACU, this time as Head Coach. We also discuss his recruiting philosophy and passion for TXHSSOC. We also have a pretty good World Cup discussion as well. An episode loaded in great information and laughs. Don't miss this great episode! 
 
[Originally Recorded: 12-29-2022]

Ep. 70, Craig Foster: Head WSOC Coach, Clear Springs HS

Longtime TXHSSOC Coach, and current Head WSOC Coach of Clear Springs HS, Craig Foster, joins us LIVE. From his many years with the Dynamo/Dash to his time at Texas City, we talk about the many great things they've done at Clear Springs and the many changes he's seen in the sports. We discuss a little bit of World Cup talk, and talk about the lessons learned from last year's playoff season as they prepare for this upcoming season. Don't miss this highly insightful, informative and laughter-filled episode! 
 
[Originally Recorded 12-27-2022]

S3 E2, INSIDE #TXHSSOC: Tournaments, RPI Debut, & 2022 Champions Review

INSIDE #TXHSSOC returns with a look at local and state-wide tournaments and are joined by Brandon Rich, Operations Coordinator for the Katy ISD I-10 Shootout Tournament. We also discuss the World Cup Final, the Debut of Rafa's Rafa Power Index (RPI), as well as the 2022 Champions Review, where we discuss which champions are most and least likely to repeat. Don't miss our final episode of 2022! 
 
[Originally Recorded: 12-22-2022]

Ep. 69, The Holiday Edition: Coach Shaun Soderling & Coach Nick Rizzo, #SoccerChat

Year 2 of the Holiday Edition with the #SoccerChat crew is here. Shaun Soderling, Head WSOC Coach of Brescia University and Nick Rizzo, Head WSOC Coach of St. Mary's University (MN) join us LIVE. We talk USMNT and World Cup, as well as a look back at their college seasons and the year ahead, along with their thoughts on the current state of the College Transfer Portal. Don't miss this special episode! 
 
[Originally Recorded: 12-21-2022]