Kickback Committee

Susannah is joined by TacticsFreeZone writer and Committee member Matt Doyle on today’s gathering of the Committee! Matt gives an update to his new life as a freelancer since his last appearance on the show. We look at results over the weekend including victories for Committee members Brianna Pinto and Walker Zimmerman. Many blowouts across MLS and Matt dives into the phenomenon. Antoine Griezmann's reported move to Orlando City is finally happening. UEFA playoffs for the final World Cup spots are on the horizon. Reactions to the latest USMNT rosters and what we can take from the upcoming friendlies. Matt talks about his two favorite World Cup memories that he holds close to his heart. Sooz continues fleshing out the 2nd Team Rooting Guide and Matt gives us two items to consider when following a 2nd team. The show closes out with a Reality TV recap and March Madness chat, with Sooz and Matt’s respective Illinois Fighting Illini and UConn Huskies making noise in the Men’s March Madness tournament.Listen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: kickbacksoccer.comSubscribe to TacticsFreeZone here: tacticsfreezone.ghost.io02:18 - Check-In with Doyle06:58 - Notable Results from The Weekend29:18 - UEFA Playoffs39:10 - USMNT Roster Reaction and Preview47:56 - Doyle’s Favorite World Cup Moments52:01 - 2nd Team Rooting Guide58:33 - Reality TV and March Madness Recap

Susannah is joined by Toronto FC and USMNT defender Walker Zimmerman for his debut as a member of Kickback Committee! The two look back on when they first met in 2018 before diving into recent events in the soccer world over the past week. Walker talks about his move to Toronto FC, the impact on his family, his community in Nashville and adjusting to life in a colder-climate city. Sooz and Walker react to your voicemails! With the World Cup incoming, we help decide what factors should be considered for picking a 2nd team to root for. The Reality TV recap returns with Walker’s love and fandom of Survivor and The Traitors becoming a perfect fit for Kickback Committee.Listen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: kickbacksoccer.com01:51 - when Sooz met Walker 06:24 - News in the Soccer World 19:47 - Walker’s love-hate relationship with the US Open Cup25:34 - Catching up with Walker Zimmerman 35:24 - Voicemails 49:47 - Favorite World Cup Memory and Helping Pick a 2nd World Cup Team58:41 - Reality TV Recap: Survivor and The Traitors 01:05:55 - Closer

We bring you another Open Mic (Open Mike?) session this week! Susannah is joined by Dan LeBatard Show Host and Meadowlark Media Producer, Mike Ryan Ruiz. The duo discuss when they first met and worked together at Inter Miami’s inaugural match for ESPN. Sooz goes into Mike’s life journeys. His working career that lead him to Meadowlark and his soccer history with the USMNT, Chelsea F.C. and Inter Miami. Mike revisits his recent comments after Inter Miami’s visit to the White House and internalizing the weaving of Soccer and U.S. Politics in the current moment. His World Cup 2026 plans, Post-World Cup plans and a quick fire question session before we close out the show.Listen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: kickbacksoccer.comMike Ryan Ruiz: instagram.com/michaelryanruizMeadowlark Media: meadowlark-media.com03:48 - Intro with Mike Ryan Ruiz06:47 - Working together at ESPN for Inter Miami’s first match08:31 - Diving into the journey of Mike’s career15:08 - Mike’s Soccer Fandom19:52 - Mike’s relationship with Inter Miami as a fan27:23 - The future of Inter Miami, Post-Messi29:52 - Sports and Politics in 2026 after Inter Miami’s White House Visit37:57 - Watching the 2026 World Cup with Everything Going On44:46 - Post-World Cup plans on following Soccer48:09 - Quick Fire Questions Round51:50 - Close

With NWSL’s kickoff on the horizon, Susannah is joined this week by Jordan Angeli, who is ready to party with Denver Summit’s inaugural game incoming. The pair talk recent events in the soccer world, including the infamous fight between Cruzeiro and Atlético Miniero that resulted in TWENTY-THREE red cards handed out. This is where we learn Jordan received two red cards in her career. The USWNT wins another SheBelieves Cup and the pair discuss who increased their stock with Emma Hayes as we get closer to 2027. NWSL kicks off this weekend and the pair assess which teams look primed for a title run, who may surprise and who may painfully disappoint. The debut of Denver Summit and Boston Legacy this year spurs a discussion on everyone’s favorite inaugural games across soccer they’ve experienced. Jordan talks about the weight and impact of Denver Summit’s debut on her life. We round out the show with our Reality TV recap, talking the latest on The Traitors and Love Is Blind. Shoutout to the Columbus Crew!Listen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: kickbacksoccer.com00:37 - Intro04:33 - Recent Events in Soccer12:47 - USWNT wins SheBelieves Cup and The 99ers Film26:40 - NWSL Kickoff Preview and Denver Summit Debut40:35 - Mascots!44:11 - Favorite Debuts 57:11 - Reality TV Round Up01:05:19 - Close

Susannah is joined this week by Chicago Stars midfielder and newly settled Chicago resident, Brianna Pinto for this week’s episode of Kickback Committee. We have MAJOR TRANSFER NEWS for Kickback Soccer Media to announce. We go over some of our favorite recent storylines in soccer including Bodø/Glimt’s upset over Inter Milan in the UCL. Our favorite underdog stories in soccer's past. Orlando City’s collapse over Inter Miami. Brianna updates on her preseason training with the Chicago Stars, looking forward to their season opener vs. Angel City and her settling down in Chicago as the weather warms. Touchline Tailor returns as the duo review the 2026 NWSL Kits with their Top 3 and Bottom 3 selections. We round out the week with a Reality TV Recap, touching base on Love Is Blind and NWSL: The Final Third. Listen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: kickbacksoccer.com02:56 - MAJOR KICKBACK SOCCER MEDIA TRANSFER NEWS05:17 - Favorite Storylines in Soccer21:43 - Catching up with Brianna in Stars Preseason and settling in Chicago 38:32 - Touchline Tailor 53:21 - Reality TV Check-In

Susannah is joined this week by newly minted Kickback Soccer Media member and TacticsFreeZone newsletter writer, Matt Doyle for this week’s show. With MLS’s 2026 opening weekend finally here, the duo discuss notable results from the past weekend including LAFC’s decisive victory over Inter Miami and RBNY playing the kids to defeat Orlando City. Josh Sargeant’s impending transfer to Toronto FC is confirmed during recording (Thanks, Tommy Scoops!). A new segment is debuted, Sip or Swipe, where the crew run down which soccer figures they would sit to have a couple of drinks with (and which ones they would not). Stay for Doyle’s A+ impression of Bruce Arena. Our newly introduced voicemail line attracted a number of callers over the weekend with various forms of joy, despair and reflection among fans after Match Day 1. Sooz and Doyle close out the show chatting about the end of the 2026 Winter Olympics including the exhibition gala and the US men’s hockey victory over Canada in the gold medal game.Listen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: kickbacksoccer.comSubscribe to TacticsFreeZone: tacticsfreezone.ghost.io01:17 - Doyle joins the Committee and talks about his first weekend as an Independent writer09:21 - Biggest Storylines from MLS Opening Weekend24:53 - Sip or Swipe?39:24 - We listen to your Voicemails55:08 - Olympics Recap58:53 - Close

Welcome to our first episode of Open Mic! Susannah is joined today by her friend, former coworker and co-host of The Sports Gossip Show, Charlotte Wilder. Sooz and Charlotte recollect when they first met at SB Nation (Thanks Mitch Trubisky!). Charlotte goes into her sports origin story, career and lead-up to the formation of The Sports Gossip Show. The success of the show among Women and especially Men. The Beckham family drama and its connective tissue to powerful figures. Charlotte’s soccer fandom, World Cup 2026 and the arrival of Boston Legacy to the NWSL.Charlotte Wilder: instagram.com/thewilderthingsThe Sports Gossip Show: sportsgossipshow.comListen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: kickbacksoccer.com03:38 - When they first met 06:30 - Charlotte’s Sports origin story 11:26 - How she found up into Sports Media16:13 - Creating of The Sports Gossip Show22:23 - Men being fans and “Socially Acceptable Gossip”25:58 - The Beckham Family Drama34:23- World Cup 202639:12 - Impacts of the World Cup and Boston Legacy’s first season43:37 - 5 Quick Fire Questions

Susannah is joined this week by Committee member and Chicago Stars midfielder Brianna Pinto, speaking from Stars preseason in Spain. Brianna opens up about her move to Chicago, what motivated her to join the club and gives insight on the day-to-day as a pro in NWSL Preseason training. Sooz being a Chicago local, she and Brianna talk recommendations about what to do in the city (Brianna has heard from Literally Everyone). The duo chat soccer jerseys including their best and worst of the recently revealed 2026 MLS kit lineup. The show closes with their favorite current soccer stories including some preseason tactics in the Coachella Valley Invitational and a gigantic teddy bear.Listen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: https://kickbacksoccer.com/01:47 - Brianna goes into NWSL Preseason from her POV 17:59 - Sooz gives Brianna recommendations on what to see and do in Chicago 30:27 - Touchline Tailor: Brianna’s takes on Soccer Kits, Best and Worst 2026 MLS Kits 47:34 - Favorite Things We’re Following in Soccer56:52 - Closer

We're entering a new era at Kickback Soccer Media. David Gass and Susannah Fuller sit down to talk about two incredible new shows, and to meet our HUGE winter window signing...Matt Doyle!It's Kickback Soccer Media 2.0, and we can't wait to share this momentous soccer year for American soccer with you!Listen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter on: https://kickbacksoccer.com/Subscribe to TacticsFreeZone: https://tacticsfreezone.ghost.io/an-end-to-my-days-at-mls-and-my-plan-for-whats-next/

Susannah is joined by David Gass for today’s gathering of the Kickback Committee. Gass recaps his first successful attempt at a half-marathon. The crew chat Major Non-Soccer events from the past weekend including the Super Bowl (which is 99% about the Bad Bunny halftime show). The Winter Olympics are underway which means looking at it through a soccer lens. Torch bearers, venues, athletes, there’s still plenty of Soccer DNA across the games. CANKS ABROAD makes its return as we chat about various US and Canadian players abroad, including Weston McKennie and Jacen Russell-Rowe. The show caps off with an EMERGENCY KIT REVIEW BY SOOZIE SCOOPS as MLS opted to release their 2026 jerseys while we were recording.Listen to our Shows, Subscribe our Newsletter on: https://kickbacksoccer.com/01:46 - Gass runs a half marathon05:32 - Benito Bowl15:09 - Winter Olympics34:22 - Canks Abroad48:47 - MLS KIT DROP EMERGENCY53:00 - Closer

After taking an offseason break, The Kickback Committee is back for 2026! Susannah returns from her travels in France and is joined by Committee member and Surprise Bread Connoisseur Jordan Angeli. The duo recap noteworthy transfers and deals during the recent winter transfer window. With the offseason winding down, the crew reviews various wedding set-ups from newlywed players across the scene (They’re all winners). Sooz and Jordan mention their favorite things in Soccer right now, including the fans of Corinthians Femenino and the madness of Real Madrid vs. Benfica in the UCL. The show winds own with a Reality TV Round-Up, reacting to the news of Prue Leith leaving GBBO and Nigella Lawson taking her place. Jordan bring out a (delicious) surprise on-camera. The Traitors (US) has Sooz hooked as a new obsession. Listen to our Shows, Subscribe our Newsletter on: https://kickbacksoccer.com/02:40 - Jordan joins the Show06:25 - Winter Transfer Window Recap 23:46 - Wedding Offseason In Review42:21 - Favorite Things We’re Following in Soccer50:46 - Reality TV Round-up58:17 - Close

Sooz and David are here to ring in the new year! The World Cup will be the biggest soccer event in the world in 2026 but the Committee aims to pull back and see the wider scope of soccer locally and abroad from the leap until the end of 2026, complete with specific dates. From pre-season at Coachella Valley on Feb. 7th, through the World Cup’s kickoff on June 11th, to the NWSL Championship and U-17 World Cup in November, the Committee reviews it all to kick off the new year in the sport.Listen to First Touch ’26 Capsule Podcasts to prepare for the 2026 World Cup: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksmSubscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/03:44 - Coachella Valley Invitational 07:54 - Season Kickoffs16:57 - CONCACAF Champions Cup19:17 - FIFA World Cup Intercontinental Playoffs22:36 - UEFA Champions League25:20 - 2026 World Cup34:02 - US League Breaks and Post-Season 38:32 - Ballon D’or 40:57 - U20 & U17 Men’s and Women’s World Cup42:24 - Closer

Hey Kickback crew this is David dropping a sample of our new podcast "Kickback '26". We have built a capsule like this for every country that has qualified for 2026 World Cup so far. They all follow a similar format covering the history of the sport, top world cup moments/soccer moments for each country, urban legend or unsung heroes, and young players to know. All the episode are between 10-18 minutes long so consumable and easy to binge! About a quarter of them have interviews as well including players, fans, and journalists. Please follow the link below if you enjoy this and share with anyone you think might like it as well!https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/kickback-26/id1857994985https://open.spotify.com/show/1Vx00ibBgMbgB5Y2LaQ8WN

The Committee gather to present the Ultimate Soccer Holiday Gift Guide. Books, Apparel, a Video Game and more for this 2025 holiday season. David presents his pitch and story for a Hallmark Christmas Soccer Movie and we are ENTHRALLED by the end of the tale. Kickback Committee’s 2025 Ultimate Soccer Holiday Gift Guide Adidas 2026 World Cup Kits: https://www.soccer.com/shop/products/fifa-world-cupDespelote: https://despelote.game/The Messi Effect by Paul Tenorio: https://read.macmillan.com/lp/the-messi-effect-9781250364173/The Striker by Ana Huang: https://anahuang.com/books/thestriker/TSA Pre-Check: https://www.tsa.gov/precheckAway Luggage: https://www.awaytravel.com/collections/carry-on-luggageBody Armor Zero Sugar Drink Packets: https://www.drinkbodyarmor.com/flash-iv-sticksDirt Pitch Apparel: https://dirtpitch.com/Dreadfully Drawn Illustrations: https://www.dreadfullydrawn.co.uk/02:37 - The Committee’s Soccer Holiday Gift Guide 25:53 - David’s Pitch for a Soccer Hallmark Christmas Movie

The Committee gathers for the final Happy Hour livestream for 2025. We celebrate the end of 2025 and Susannah reaching the successful end of her treatments. Friend of the Committee Jillian Sakovits surprises Sooz for the occasion, celebrating the milestone and the work it took Sooz get here. We keep the party rolling with Sooz’s home state of Illinois for 50 States of Soccer and discuss the entries we’ve received for 5-a-side and Favorite locations.Listen to First Touch ’26 Capsule Podcasts to prepare for the 2026 World Cup: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksmSubscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/

Susannah and David are in the holiday mood as we enter the middle of December. David gives us a lesson on the difference between a Menorah and a Hanukkiah candle. The winners of the Kickback Soccer Media Bracktober American Soccer Contest are announced! David recants a favorite World Cup memory, meeting a pair of celebrities during a USMNT match. The pair rundown the slate of soccer being played during the month of December across the worlds. For the occasion, we also bring back CANKS ABROAD and check in on US and Canadian talents making their mark abroad. We mourn the loss of the Jägermeister USL Cup (the sponsor, not the cup competition itself). 50 States of Soccer swings to Susannah’s home state, Illinois for this week. Listen to First Touch ’26 Capsule Podcasts to prepare for the 2026 World Cup: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksmSubscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/03:33 - David talks Hanukkah and the difference between a Menorah and Hanukkiah candle. 05:48 - Giving Presents as Adults 12:55 - Caleb Williams does the Cold Palmer celebration 15:20 - Kickback Soccer Media Bracktober American Soccer Challenge Winners Announced23:20 - Favorite World Cup Moment: David Meets a Celebrity 28:35 - December Soccer Rundown across The World (Bundesliga, Ligue 1, La Liga and Serie A)48:30 - CANKS ABROAD Check-In01:05:00 - Soccer Rundown continued (Premier League, AFCON, Arab Cup) 01:10:44 - RIP USL Jägermeister Cup, Hello Prinx Tires USL Cup 01:12:29 - 50 States of Soccer: Illinois 01:24:00 - Close

Susannah and David roll in for this week’s Committee gathering. The duo recap the MLS Cup Final. Where it went wrong for Vancouver and what the victory means for Inter Miami and MLS onward. Reactions to the World Cup Draw and the realization almost none of the predictions from last week’s show came to fruition (except one awkward one). Trinity Rodman’s contract situation looms large over the future of NWSL and the impact if she leaves for a team abroad. Favorite things we’ve been watching in Soccer outside the US. 50 States of Soccer returns to chat about the Peach State of Georgia. We close out the show remembering Grant Wahl, this week marking 3 years since his passing. Listen to First Touch ’26 Capsule Podcasts to prepare for the 2026 World Cup: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksmSubscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/03:47 - MLS Cup Final Recap21:21 - World Cup Draw Reactions 30:47 - World Cup City & Stadium Power Rankings, Top and Bottom 351:35 - Trinity Rodman Contract Situation 01:00:42 - Favorite Things We’ve Been Watching in Soccer01:07:43 - 50 States of Soccer: Georgia 01:21:35 - Close and Remembering Grant Wahl

Kickback 26 is your front-row seat to the 2026 World Cup. Hosted by David Gass, Claudia Pagan, Heath Pearce, and Eric Krakauer, this podcast breaks down every World Cup group with a mix of tactical insight, big-picture context, and a healthy dose of banter. From host-nation pressure on Mexico, Canada and USA to dark horses, “groups of chaos,” and which third-place teams might sneak through, the Committee walks you through the tournament one group at a time—making sense of the draw, matchups, and storylines that will define 2026.In this section, the team reacts to the World Cup draw and goes group by group, giving their analysis, predictions, and must-watch fixtures. Expect debates over Mexico’s ceiling as a co-host, South Africa’s resurgence, how dangerous Korea can be, what Switzerland and Italy really are at this stage, and which UEFA playoff nations could flip a group on its head. If you want smart, funny, and deeply informed World Cup talk that actually helps you understand what’s coming in 2026, this is where you start.Listen to our World Cup Capsule Podcasts and follow us on First Touch: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm01:35 - Group A12:01 - Group B18:59 - Group C27:12 - Group D35:07 - Group E39:35 - Group F43:00 - Group G46:37 - Group H48:58 - Group I52:02 - Group J56:01 - Group K59:22 - Group L

The Committee gathers for a major week in the American soccer world as the 2026 World Cup Draw and MLS Cup Final are in sight this coming weekend. Sooz recaps her holiday in Asheville, NC. We preview the MLS Cup Final with a pair of special guests. Javon Haughton of the Black Herons United supporter group and Michael McColl of the AFTN Soccer Show podcast join us to preview their respective sides vying for their first ever MLS Cup. Sooz and David talk about things they want to see from the World Cup Draw, both the opening ceremony itself, on-field matchups and team base camp locations. Running down the list of team base camps including a segue into where Santiago Solari played college soccer in the US. We end the show with our First Touch ’26 live show and podcast feed announcement to preview the 2026 FIFA World Cup from now until the Final next year.Black Herons United: https://blackheronsutd.com/pages/our-storyAFTN: https://aftn.ca/First Touch ’26: https://linktr.ee/firsttouchksm01:32 - Sooz’s Asheville, NC Holiday08:37 - A Lot of Soccer Things 09:00 - Javon Haughton, Black Herons United33:54 - Michael McColl, AFTN Soccer Show58:36 - Things We Want to See In The World Cup Draw01:34:20 - Show Close and First Touch '26 Announcement

Susannah and David are here to helm this week’s show. The duo recap the NWSL and USL Championship Finals from the weekend. Gotham FC defeat Washington Spirit 1-0 to claim their second title in league history. Producer Doug gets shown on TV in anguish. Pittsburgh Riverhounds defeats FC Tulsa in penalties for their first USL Championship title. MLS Conference Semifinals are the harbingers of chaos and drama. CBS New York spotlights a project called Soccer Bedtime Stories created by NY Resident and Friend of Kickback, Tomek Krzyzostaniak. We stick with the Krzyzostaniak family and share a favorite World Cup memory from Kickback staffer and brother of Tomek, Kuba Krzyzostaniak. 50 States of Soccer takes us to the state of Florida. A new spin on the Five-a-Side selections where Sooz and David pick their lineup for the ideal Thanksgiving dinner. Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/CBS NY Feature, Soccer Bedtime Stories: https://youtu.be/NQlkQCTl4C8?si=ahIunSoeZx1wno_bSoccer Bedtime Stories: https://www.soccerbedtimestories.com/03:55 - NWSL Final, Gotham FC vs. Washington Spirit Recap24:44 - USL Championship, Pittsburgh Riverhounds vs. FC Tulsa Recap 34:49 - MLS Conference Semifinals, Vancouver vs. LAFC Recap45:22 - NYCFC vs. Philadelphia Union52:41 - Miami vs. FC Cincinnati59:45 - Soccer Bedtime Stories 01:02:23 - Favorite World Cup Memories, Kickback Staffer Kuba Krzyzostaniak01:07:19 - 50 States of Soccer: Florida 01:17:29 - Thanksgiving Dish Five-a-Side 01:26:28 - Close