From Attack to Defense: The Sam Gleadle Story | OneFootball

In the world of soccer, it is common for players to switch positions at pivotal points in their career. For the budding Vincent Kompany, it came as he was beginning his time at Manchester City - transitioning from Defensive Midfielder to Centerback likely kick-started his career. For the aging Bastian Schweinsteiger, it came as he approached retirement with the Chicago Fire - transitioning from Midfielder to Defense likely lengthened his. For Sam Gleadle, it was the former – after failing to break into the starting XI at USL Championship side Reno 1868, Gleadle transition from winger to fullback, where he would eventually enjoy success that would lead him to MLS. I sat down with Gleadle to talk to him about his positional transition and his career this far.

When asked about his positional change, Gleadle noted, “the journey has been crazy, but it’s one that I do not regret at all. I completed 3 full seasons with Reno 1868 FC, where I felt I grew as a player, especially with the mental side of the game. I was thrown into a new position my last year there, and now I believe I can progress my career even further with [this change].”

Gleadle was impressive enough within his new position to earn himself an opportunity to play with Minnesota United FC in MLS. “I was only with Minnesota United for a few months actually, but the caliber of players that I got to train with was top notch.” Gleadle was signed by Minnesota as hey began their 2020 MLS Cup Playoff run – though he did not appear for the club, he was an important depth piece. Gleadle recalls, “we were pushing to extend the playoff run and unfortunately came up short to Seattle. That was the first time I was able to see these players day in and day out, so it gave me good insight to what I needed to improve on. The journey is still young, but so far, so good.”

“The journey has been crazy, but it’s one that I do not regret at all. I completed 3 full seasons with Reno 1868 FC, where I felt I grew as a player, especially with the mental side of the game.”

After his time with Minnesota United, Gleadle was able to sign with San Antonio FC in the USL Championship. Gleadle’s development in defense led him to a starting wingback spot for San Antonio, a role he feels he can thrive in. “I definitely learned a few things about myself this season that will help me move forward as a player. Last year was my first time playing outside back, hence this season being my first as a wingback. It is a position that I believe I can really show myself well in and compete at this level and higher.”

For some, transitioning from attack to defense is not as jarring as some might think. Gleadle mentions, “being an attacking player my whole life, and making fitness a priority, the wingback role is one that suits me. I do not mind defending either, although that is definitely something I want to continue to improve on. The one thing they always preached in Minnesota was to try and play forward as much as you can first before making the easy pass backwards. I needed to be more aware of what is going on in front of me and sooner, due to the level being a bit higher in MLS.”

The 2021 USL Championship season was an interesting one for Gleadle and San Antonio FC. On the final day of the USL regular season, San Antonio lost starting GK Matt Cardone due to injury, ruling him out for their playoff run. I asked Sam about the feelings he and the team had for the veteran USL keeper and their mentality. “We were absolutely gutted for Matt. As you said, he was a brick wall for us all season long, and because of him we may not have been on the verge of hosting playoff matches and even in a playoff spot to begin with! Obviously, he was upset about the injury, but was nothing but a great teammate who provided fantastic energy to the team even from the sidelines. Everything you would expect from a professional of Matt's caliber.”

San Antonio FC signed GK Jordan Farr on an emergency loan from Indy Eleven for the playoffs. I was curious about this; as a teammate, how does it feel to bring in a starting GK on a last minute loan for the playoffs? What did Farr brought into the locker room? Gleadle said, “Jordan is someone who I did not know about, but a few of the guys here in San Antonio him knew well. I actually had a few people text me saying, ‘wait until you see this Jordan guy play,’ and things of that nature. I was very excited to see how he performed on the pitch and with us in the locker room. Luckily he was a complete nut job and a blast to be around. Putting his talents on the pitch to the side, he was someone who integrated into the team easily and was obviously a huge reason why we made it so deep into playoffs.”

“The one thing they always preached in Minnesota was to try and play forward as much as you can ... I needed to be more aware of what is going on in front of me and sooner, due to the level being a bit higher in MLS.”

San Antonio FC were able to beat Landon Donovan’s San Diego Loyal in the first round of the playoffs 2-0, then went on to win an all-Texas second round match against RGV Toros 3-1 in the 2nd round. Unfortunately, San Antonio would eventually lose their semifinal matchup against Orange County via a penalty shootout. It was such an impressive run for San Antonio - if one more penalty kick had gone their way, San Antonio might have made it to the USL Cup Final.

When reflecting on the 2021 USL Championship season, Gleadle stated, “I will remember 2021 as a season where, as a team, we stuck together and stuck to our culture and values through thick and thin. Even as players came in and out of the team and tactical or positional adjustments were made, San Antonio stuck together. As Gleadle states, “if you get to the core of the team, we stuck to the plan and the culture the entire season. We like to make games rough and change the other team's game plan completely.”

Gleadle is originally from England, having emigrated to the US as a child. I am always curious about future plans of players who were born oversees, so I asked Gleadle if he was interested in returning to England, or if he felt he had a long-term future in the United States. Gleadle said, “It would mean the world to me to be able to go back home (England) and play professionally. I have younger cousins who are beginning to really get into football, so for me to be able to play a match with them in the stands would be amazing. It is definitely a dream of mine, and one I am working towards each day. With that being said, you cannot choose in the football world and I will go wherever my talents and the sport allow me to go.”

Finally, I asked Sam if he ever gets a chance to go back to England and see his family. Gleadle mentioned, “I definitely get back to England as much as possible, including this (2021) off season. Besides my parents and my younger brother, the rest of the family is back there, so seeing them as much as we can is a huge priority.” Sam and his family are huge Arsenal fans – Same said they, “try to go to the real team of North London, Arsenal, as much as I can. We went to an FA Cup match against Leeds last time we were home. We basically [try to watch] as much football as possible.”