Kickback Committee

Susannah welcomes ESPN NFL writer, host of “The Bill Barnwell Show” and contributor to NFL Live, Bill Barnwell to today’s episode of Kickback Committee: Open Mic!03:00 - Sooz and Bill recap their days at SB Nation together and not realizing their respective soccer fandoms.07:00 - Bill explains how he became a soccer fan, a supporter of Leicester City FC and the club formerly known as the NY/NJ Metrostars, now the New York Red Bulls, going back to 1996.12:48 - Sooz asks Bill who are his Leicester City legends. We also get to see Bill’s shiny soccer ball autographed by Kasey Keller. The football phone that is normally in place in Bill’s background, we learn hasn’t worked in 25 years.17:37 - Bill’s best AND worst in-person soccer experience ever.22:15 - Career pivot to Soccer writing at any point? Future Liverpool supporter Graham Barnwell? And Bill’s thoughts on Liverpool’s future ahead.33:41 - Musings on Leicester City’s future, facing back to back relegations and how to manage expectations.36:49 - Bill’s feelings on the upcoming 2026 World Cup and expectations for the USMNT in the face of trying to cultivate a new identity for themselves.45:54 - From someone who covers the most popular U.S. sport, how can soccer use this opportunity for growth in the US? (featuring Bill picking on England because it’s fun to do)50:54 - Bill’s 2nd Team to root for in the World Cup and thoughts on the New York Red Bulls in 202654:52 - Fast Fire Question Round01:00:03 - CloseBill Barnwell: BlueskyThe Bill Barnwell Show: Apple Podcasts SpotifyESPN Work: ContributionsListen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: kickbacksoccer.comSee our First Touch ’26 Preview page for breakdowns on all 48 teams competing this summer: First Touch 26' World Cup Preview

Today’s Committee gathering is with Susannah Fuller and Toronto FC and USMNT defender, Walker Zimmerman! 00:42 - Walker gives us some positive life updates with his third child on the way, his thoughts on Toronto FC’s recent 1-1 draw vs. FC Cincinnati and his game winner vs. the Columbus Crew.07:08 - Marie-Louise Eta is appointed interim manager of Union Berlin in the Bundesliga, becoming the first woman to take charge of a top flight european men’s club. The crew discuss the impact of this appointment. 15:20 - The MLS Coaching Carousel gets rolling ahead with the firing of Marco Donadel by CF Montreal in MLS. Walker gives some insight on being in a locker room when a coach gets let go.24:18 - Sooz chats with One Knox SC owner Drew McKenna on the eve of One Knox’s first match in club history against an MLS opponent, D.C. United, in the U.S. Open Cup. Drew talks about their chaotic victory over Asheville City SC, the landmark trip to Washington, D.C. and their hopes for a Cupset victory.42:00 - Walker talks his experience playing in the U.S. Open Cup from the MLS player POV and gives advice to the One Knox players coming in as the underdog.44:54 - The second legs of the UEFA Champions League Quarterfinals are on deck this week. Sooz and Walker try to predict how all matchups are going to end purely from the vibes across all teams. Sooz vents a bit more about the state of Liverpool in 2026.53:08 - HAIRSTYLES! It’s 58 days until the 2026 World Cup which means we ask Walker to blind rank 10 famous hairstyles from prior men’s World Cups. This list includes Carlos Valderrama and Rodrigo Palacio for Very Different Reasons. We also walk down memory lane and review Walker’s past haircuts in his own career.01:09:54 - The Reality TV Round Up which becomes The Survivor Recap with Walker Zimmerman. The failure of The Billie Eilish Boomerang idol, Blood Moon Triple Elimination, the double edged sword of contestants giving feedback on social media after a show airing and their shared hate of contestants Coach and Emily. 01:23:08 - CloseListen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: kickbacksoccer.comSee our First Touch ’26 Preview page for breakdowns on all 48 teams competing this summer: First Touch 26' World Cup Preview

It’s Susannah Fuller and Jordan Angeli coming to you for this week’s Committee gathering!05:26 - Susannah address some recent changes with her hair on-camera.08:16 - Reports confirm that Patrick Agyemang has torn his achilles and effectively ends his World Cup hopes.11:16 - Sooz airs some grievances over Liverpool’s recent performances and Szoboslai blasting fans for leaving Anfield early mid-match.16:13 - Jordan talks about experiencing the Denver Summit inaugural home game with over 63,000 fans at Empower Field. Producer Doug, who made the trip, joins to talk about the day from his POV. Shoutout to Jordan’s cousin with the pizza oven at the tailgate.34:29 - The crew discuss the latest USWNT roster release and preview the upcoming matches vs. Japan. The returns of Sophia Wilson and Tierna Davidson marks a major boost for the team.45:53 - Sooz talks about her trip to Asheville, NC for One Knox’s US Open Cup game vs. Asheville City SC, better known as The Smokey Boot Rivalry, including the sights and sounds of SCREAMING CHILDREN IN HER FACE. Other USOC matches incoming the week of April 14-15 including One Knox vs. D.C. United57:44 - The Committee continues building the 2nd Team Rooting Guide for the 2026 World Cup and we get Jordan’s answer on what variable she considers to pick a 2nd team.01:02:40 - What is normally the Reality TV Recap is swapped to talk about The Reality TV-esque drama with Christian Pulisic and Alexa Melton.01:09:59 - CloseListen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: kickbacksoccer.comSee our First Touch ’26 Preview page for breakdowns on all 48 teams competing this summer: First Touch 26' World Cup Preview

A dramatic finish to the final international window before the World Cup, including U.S. disappointment, PKs deciding final qualifiers, Italy despondence, and Bosnia glory from checks notes…a Wisconsin native? Gass is joined by Chicago Stars midfielder Brianna Pinto and MLS Reporter Michele Giannone to dive into the formation, lineup choices and performance by USMNT against Portugal and how fans should feel heading into the World Cup. Then they discuss the crazy endings for the last few qualifying games including Italy failing to qualify for their third straight World Cup, best things from the last week, and how to pick a secondary team to root on this summer.Listen to our shows, subscribe our newsletter at: kickbacksoccer.com3:13 Breaking Down the USMNT Performance15:36 What Does Success Look Like for the U.S. this World Cup?30:06 Italy Fails to Qualify Again for the World Cup41:38 Best Things We've Seen this Week52:47 Run Down of the Qualifiers57:51 Picking Your 2nd World Cup Team01:10:05 - Check-In with Brianna and Close

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