Podcast: Goalkeeper Max Weinstein on becoming a pro with Revolution II

New England Revolution II goalkeeper Max Weinstein joined 'The Goal' podcast. (New England Revolution)

The latest guest on New England Soccer Journal’s “The Goal” podcast is New England Revolution II goalkeeper Max Weinstein (Montpelier, Vt.).

Last month, the 18-year-old signed an MLS NEXT Pro contract with the Revolution II ahead of the 2023 season. He became the ninth player to ascend to Revolution II’s roster from the Revolution Academy since 2020.

So far on this young season, the Revolution II has a record of 2-0-0, but Weinstein has not seen game action as of yet.

He joined host Matt Langone to discuss becoming a pro, developing in the Revolution Academy, growing up in Vermont, and more. 

The full podcast can be accessed below and is available on all major platforms. If you enjoy it, please leave a rating and a review.

Here are some highlights from our discussion with Weinstein.

On the thrill of signing a pro contract:

Weinstein: “It was a really good moment and something that I’m really proud of. It felt great to sign my first professional contract and feels like a lot of the hard work I’ve been putting in is starting to pay off. I’m just excited to keep going.”

On the decision to become a pro instead of playing college soccer at the University of Vermont:

Weinstein: “I honestly love Vermont. I’m really close with all the coaches there, and I really just like the place. I love the state and my family is there. But, honestly, my goal has always been to be a pro. So in that aspect, college didn’t really align with my goals and what I want to do in my life.”

On the mindset a goalkeeper has to have:

Weinstein: “At the end of the day, you’ve got to keep the ball out of the net. I think a lot of people kind of get caught up, especially in games, of how to keep the ball out of the net in different ways. At the end of the day, though, a save is a save, but of course you want to be making the save the best way you can and the cleanest way you can, too. Our job is just to keep the ball out of the net. So, every time I play, obviously I want to win with my team, but also to do my job and keep a clean sheet.”

On playing at the pro level with other young players who came through the Revolution Academy:

Weinstein: “It’s honestly great. I think it’s great to see all of them do that and it’s really inspiring, too. When I have a question about something, I’ll go and talk to Esmir (Bajraktarevic) and Noel (Buck), Jack (Panayotou), Malcolm (Fry) and Brandonn (Bueno). I’ll go and talk to all of them and we kind of all help each other out, I think. It’s really motivating to see them, because that’s what I want, too.”

The Goal” podcast is brought to you by the New England Revolution and Soccerheads New England.

For advertising opportunities, please contact [email protected].