Thrills, Skills, and a Million-Dollar Win: Our Tournament Recap + Interviews with 7 Pros

Ultrain’s Alexis Catt and Darrius Marcellin attended The Soccer Tournament’s 7v7 Million-Dollar competition to get inside the minds of European and American pro players and coaches. They got to know the brain games of strikers and their lethal mentality, how defenders keep a level head and hold down the back line, and what keeps professional players from getting complacent.

Read on for the first installment of TST players, and stay tuned for more mentality tips and coaching advice in the coming weeks. Let us know which piece of advice resonates with you, or the tips you will share with your players!

The Top 3 Takeaways from this edition:

• Pro tips from Marlon Harewood, Stephen Ireland, Nicole Baxter, Jay DeMerit, Dwayne De Rosario, Carlton Cole, and Jimmy Conrad
• Marlon Harewood recalls his game-winning goal in West Ham's 2006 FA Cup semi-final vs Middlesbrough
• Additional position-specific advice for strikers and defenders

1.) Marlon Harewood, Striker

When the ball came over, I just put into action what I’ve been practicing my whole career.

A name synonymous with power, precision, and passion on the football field, former West Ham United striker Marlon Harewood is known for his ability to find the back of the net with thunderous strikes and his imposing physical presence. Harewood's tenure at West Ham showcased his unwavering work ethic and consistent goal scoring. His pivotal role in the club's promotion to the Premier League and his performances in the FA Cup solidified his status as a fan favorite. He shared a memorable experience with us, alongside a pro tip for strikers.

Darrius: What was a top moment for you in the Premier League, and what are some tips from your playing experience you would give younger players coming up?

Marlon:

1. An unforgettable moment for me, scoring the goal in the FA Cup semi-final against Middlesbrough to put us into the final. We had been working on more physicality in training, so that discipline led to physicality in big moments in games.
2. My era was tough. Playing against John Terry, Vincent Kompany, Rio Ferdinand… very physical, top class center-halves who made it challenging, but I enjoyed it.
3. Enjoy it while you’re growing and developing at the academy level. Work hard and prepare yourself for the higher levels, but once you get there all of that hard work starts kicking in. Be relentless and resilient.

2.) Stephen Ireland - Midfielder

Anybody can train their body to be physically better and fitter, but it’s the brain that is the most important part, how you speak to yourself.

Stephen Ireland, the former midfielder of Manchester City, is a player whose technical finesse and creativity dazzled football fans during his time with the club. Ireland's exceptional vision, ball control, and ability to dictate the tempo of the game earned him widespread acclaim. We were able to hear directly from him how to set yourself apart.

Alexis: What would you tell a younger Stephen Ireland just about to break onto the pro scene?

Stephen:

1. Train your brain, the mental side of the game. How can you push your own boundaries mentally.
2. How you speak to/manage yourself is vital. It’s the difference in going out there and having confidence in yourself on the pitch.
3. For me, doing the extras away from the club, the things people don’t see, that’s the most important part.

3.) Nicole Baxter - Midfielder

In order to get the best training and on to the best teams, you have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations.

Nicole Baxter is a former NWSL midfielder with international experience in Sweden. She was selected to be part of the USWNT’s 7v7 squad at The Soccer Tournament, which fielded current and former national team players. Her journey is unique and special, and we were happy to see her back on the pitch with Gotham last season after taking a break. She’s no stranger to the Ultrain family, and we loved getting to catch up with her at TST.

Darrius: What are 3 pieces of advice you would give your younger self?

Nicole:

1. Get uncomfortable. You have to put yourself in situations where you might not know people, you might be scared, but in order to get the best training and get on the best teams, you have to put yourself in uncomfortable situations.
2. Take risks. You might be scared to go to that trial or join a new team but take that leap of faith.
3. Be confident. Confidence can make or break any player. So if you're showing up to a new team or group, be confident in who you are as a player and who you are as a person.

4.) Jay DeMerit - Defender

Revered in international soccer, Jay DeMerit is known for his inspiring journey from humble beginnings to professional success. DeMerit's rise to prominence reached its pinnacle when he played a crucial role in captaining Watford's promotion to the Premier League in 2006. Known for his tenacious defending and leadership qualities, he represented the USMNT, becoming a symbol of inspiration for aspiring soccer players. Not only does he give back to the youth community with his RISExSHINE mentorship programming, but he also took a moment to give valuable advice to the younger players.

Alexis: What is one of the most important things you would tell young players?

Jay:

Understand that you have your own identity. Don’t compare yourself to other people’s stories or you’ll be taking away from your own story. Be yourself, the best player you can be, refine your skills. Everything that you do has to be part of your own journey.

5.) Dwayne De Rosario - Forward

Have a short-term memory. You miss your chance, be ready for the next one.

Dwayne De Rosario is a highly decorated Canadian forward who has left an unmatched mark on the world of soccer. With a career spanning over two decades, De Rosario has been a four-time winner of the MLS Cup, earning two titles with the San Jose Earthquakes, one with the Houston Dynamo, and Toronto FC. De Rosario has also been named the MLS MVP twice and has received numerous MLS All-Star selections. And of course the 2011 Golden Boot. Additionally, De Rosario has represented the Canadian National Team, earning the CONCACAF Gold Cup MVP award in 2002 and helping Canada win the tournament in 2000. His accolades and contributions expand past the pitch as he has created the DeRo TFC Academy and DeRo Foundation to always be giving back. You’ll definitely want to pick up his advice for strikers.

Alexis: You've had so many successes playing in the attack, what tips can you share for upcoming forwards?

Dwayne:

1. Playing forward is a short-term memory game. If you miss your chances, be ready because it could come again at any time.
2. Be a snake in the box. Be patient and ready to pounce.
3. Forwards gotta have charisma. Express yourself, especially in the attacking third. Take people on, keep your head up.

6.) Carlton Cole - Striker

Former Premier League powerhouse Carlton Cole always made his presence known and exuded elite goal-scoring ability. Most notably, he spent the majority of his career with West Ham United, where he became a fan favorite. Known for his physicality, aerial prowess, and clinical finishing, Cole played a pivotal role in West Ham's promotion to the Premier League in 2005 and their subsequent survival in the top flight. Cole's contributions to English football, particularly in the Premier League, cemented his status as a respected and admired player among fans and fellow professionals alike.

Darrius: What helped you develop a career as a striker in the Premier League?

Carlton:

Be unselfish - Hold up the defense as a striker, attract players toward you to release pressure, create space for others. If you’re a team player, you won’t always have to score the goals but work to provide goal-scoring opportunities for others. You’ll be invaluable to your teammates.

7.) Jimmy Conrad - Defender

The communication, putting fires out before they start, and just understanding where the space is and where the other team might be looking to play… it all ties together.

Jimmy Conrad, Conradinho, Coach Jimmy. However you know him, you know him for his charismatic personality and exceptional defensive skills. Best known for his time with Sporting Kansas City, Conrad's leadership qualities and commanding presence on the field made him a respected figure in MLS. He earned several accolades, including three MLS Best XI selections and the MLS Defender of the Year award in 2005. Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Conrad's engaging personality and love for the sport have made him a beloved figure in the soccer community, and he continues to make a significant impact as a media personality and ambassador for the sport. Want to learn defensive tactics from the best? Read on.

Darrius: Can you share 3 things that come to mind that can help young defenders

Jimmy:

1. Put fires out before they start. Put guys ahead of you so that they are in good starting positions to protect the back line.
2. You gotta talk! Communication is as for a defender.
3. Always have your head on a swivel. Look around, identify where everybody needs to be. I got that piece of advice from former USMNT coach Bob Gansler and it took me to the next level.

Thank you!!!!

?? Stay tuned for Part 2 of interviews next week

?? Which pro left the best advice for you? Leave your thoughts in the comments.

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