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Matt Bentley - MLS Draft Day Chaos, Non-League Grit At Maidstone & USL Comeback - E22
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Matt Bentley - MLS Draft Day Chaos, Non-League Grit At Maidstone & USL Comeback - E22
The Back Stick Podcast›
Apr 29, 20251:15:04
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This week on The Back Stick Podcast, Dom Okus and Jamil Roberts are joined by Chattanooga Red Wolves striker Matt Bentley!
We delve into Matt’s incredible football journey, from a whirlwind MLS Draft experience with Minnesota United to battling through the chaos of non-league football in England with Dover and Hornchurch. Matt opens up about his time at Richmond Kickers, his return to the UK with Maidstone, and how he found his way back to the United States to chase new dreams with Chattanooga in USL League One.
In this episode, we discuss:
Settling into Chattanooga and bonding with a young squad
The madness of draft day and why the MLS Draft system needs major changes
Life grinding in non-league football, balancing work at Amazon, and never giving up
Signing his first professional contract and the emotional highs and lows
How community, culture, and opportunity brought him back to the USA
Matt’s story is an inspiring reminder of resilience, persistence, and chasing your passion despite all odds.
⚽ Don’t forget to like, !
🎧 Available now on YouTube, Apple Podcasts, Spotify & everywhere you listen to podcasts!
00:00 "Warm Welcome" For Matt...
03:14 Settling into Chattanooga and Team Dynamics
06:06 Crazy MLS Draft Story!
08:27 Is The MLS Draft A Flawed System?
17:11 Non-League Football With Dover & Hornchurch
21:57 San Diego Stories
29:58 Transitioning to Professional Football
32:57 Signing Your First Professional Contract
38:59 Perceptions of USL Football
43:51 Reflections on Richmond and Moving Back to the UK
50:58 Returning to the US and New Opportunities
56:21 Chattanooga Rivalry
01:01:00 Community and Soccer Culture in Chattanooga
01:02:50 Extra Time
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