Episode 7: Turning Setbacks into Stepping Stones with Heath Pearce

The Soccer Ladder with Li & Me

In this week’s episode of The Soccer Ladder, we sit down with Heath Pearce—a seasoned pro who’s played in the MLS, Germany’s Bundesliga, and earned 35 caps with the U.S. Men’s National Team. Heath unpacks his journey from breaking his leg at age 16 to turning pro, what he’s learned from being cut, benched, and doubted—and how those moments shaped his mentality and career.

Whether you’re a player, coach, or parent, this episode is packed with powerful mindset shifts, real talk about the emotional ups and downs of soccer, and tactical advice for navigating the complex journey from youth soccer to the pro level.

In This Episode We Cover:

• Heath’s journey through MLS, Bundesliga, and the U.S. National Team
• How to mentally handle setbacks like injury, being benched, or being cut from a team
• The importance of having short-, mid-, and long-term goals
• Why working backwards from your dream (and staying flexible) is the key to longevity
• Turning frustration with coaches into motivation and leadership
• The Red Bull System, club culture, and how it shapes the modern game
• Creating space for youth to stay in love with the game—even if they don’t go pro
• What parents can do to cultivate a soccer culture that supports long-term development
• Why curiosity is your competitive edge as a player—and how to develop it daily
• Advice for young athletes: being uncomfortable, setting micro-goals, and staying curious

Key Quote:
"A coach can make a player’s career—but they should never break it. Unless you let them." – Heath Pearce

Don’t Miss This If:
You’re navigating the pressures of competitive youth soccer, trying to go pro, or supporting a young athlete and want honest, experienced insight on what it really takes.

📲 Follow us here:

🔹 Instagram: @heathpearce
For Soccer: www.forsoccer.com

🔹 Megan linke : ⁠@liandmeinnyc⁠

🔹Liam: ⁠@Liamlinke93

Follow on YouTube:
YouTube: @liandmeinNYC

Listen on Apple, Spotify & all major platforms.

👇 Tune in now and learn what it really takes to climb the soccer ladder.

#TheSoccerLadder #YouthSoccer #MLS #SoccerParenting #HeathPearce #SoccerPodcast #RedBullAcademy #PlayerDevelopment #SoccerCulture #SoccerJourney #SoccerGoals