Episode 20: Longevity, Loss, and Letting the Game Teach You – with A.J. DeLaGarza

MLS veteran. U.S. National Team defender. College champion. Youth trainer. In this episode, A.J. DeLaGarza opens up about what it really takes to have a 14-year career in Major League Soccer—and the moments on and off the field that shaped him most. From Maryland to Miami, and Galaxy to Gold Den, A.J. shares the mindset, heart, and leadership it takes to stay at the top, adapt through change, and give back to the next generation.🔥 Inside This Episode: ⚽️ How winning two national championships at Maryland prepared him for the pro level ⚽️ What consistency, versatility, and adaptability meant in his 14-year MLS career ⚽️ Playing alongside legends like David Beckham, Landon Donovan, and Ashley Cole ⚽️ His most defining moments—from ACL tears to playing out of position to speaking up to coaches ⚽️ Creating The Goalden in Charlotte to fight burnout and build joy in the game again ⚽️ His most powerful moment of overcoming grief—finding healing on the pitch after losing his son in 2014 ⚽️ His current work with Photon Sports and how data + recovery are changing the game ⚽️ Why being prepared when your number is called is everything⚡️ Rapid Fire:Messi or Ronaldo?Toughest opponent he ever facedThe match he wishes he could replayLocker room prank stories 😂📲 Connect & Follow: 🎧 Guest: A.J. DeLaGarza — @ajd_20 Training Facility: @thegoalden704 👟 Podcast Host: @meganlinkeofficial🎧 Listen now wherever you get your podcasts and give us a comment on instagram @meganlinkeoffical let us know your thoughts on this episode. #TheSoccerLadder #AJDeLaGarza #MLSLegend #TheGoalden #YouthSoccer #SoccerPodcast #SoccerJourney #SoccerLeadership #SoccerDevelopment #MLS #SoccerParents #CollegeToPro #Futsal #PhotonSports #SoccerRecovery #SoccerResilience