Kickback Committee

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

Susannah and David helm today’s big show. ONE KNOX ARE USL LEAGUE ONE CHAMPIONS!! Susannah recaps One Knox reaching the USL League One mountain top, defeating Spokane Velocity 2-0. What the crowning achievement means to her, the team and the city of Knoxville. A preview of the NWSL Final in San Jose with a pair of guests. Gary Gibson from Soccer Over Gotham and Ella Brockway from Hey Spirits join the Committee to preview their respective teams, how they made it to the Final and what winning the NWSL Championship would mean for their communities. Soccer Scandals comes back with a story about Voodoo use during a CAF World Cup qualifying match. World Cup Qualifying continues, recapping the shock upsets by Scotland and Ireland and preview the slate ahead. Sooz debuts FLOW SHOW to review some cuts of hair that were seen over the weekend. 50 States of Soccer comes to the state of California in likely the hardest five-a-side to pick from yet.Soccer Over Gotham: https://linktr.ee/soccerovergothamHey Spirits: instagram.com/heyspiritspod/Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/02:00 - One Knox Wins USL1 Championship 16:22 - Gotham Preview with Gary Gibson, Soccer Over Gotham34:01 - Spirit Preview with Ella Brockway, Hey Spirits57:48 - Sooz and David Preview the NWSL Final01:00:41 - World Cup Qualifying 01:12:00 - Soccer Scandals01:19:17 - FLOW SHOW01:28:26 - 50 States of Soccer: California

Today’s Happy Hour brings us to the land of Puerto Rico for 50 States of Soccer. Susannah and Ian Fuller host today’s happy hour. For the occasion, we welcomed Minnesota United coaching assistant and former Puerto Rico national team player Zarek Valentin along with fellow Puerto Rico teammate and Miami FC forward Ricardo Rivera to the Happy Hour. The crew react to the breaking news of MLS announcing the schedule shift to fall-spring in 2027 and its impact on the wider US soccer landscape. The crew then dives into their love for Puerto Rico and its rising status as a soccer space. Because we love timing and the dedication, Claudia Pagán joins the happy hour from her post-flight Uber to add to the love and lore of Puerto Rico.Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/

David is recuperating from his sister’s wedding weekend so today’s Committee episode is hosted by fellow member and CBS Golazo Network host Claudia Pagán alongside Susannah. The pair discuss their intersection in life as WAGS and Soccer media members. Sooz recaps One Knox defeating FC Naples and reaching the USL League 1 Final. They will host Spokane Velocity who achieved victory in one of the most dramatic semifinals in recent USL1 history. The dramatics continued over into NWSL as the pair discuss all of the NWSL postseason madness, headline by Gotham FC’s historical upset over KC Current. The duo take time to admire the scenes and snow at the CPL Final featuring the newly named “Icicle Kick” goal. Adidas launched their 2026 World Cup kits which means it’s time for kit reviews. World Cup Qualifying comes back around so we look at various regions with games on deck. A check in on the USMNT with a RIZZ METER for various players on the November Camp roster. The Gio Reyna situation is not improving and the pair discuss the conundrum Mauricio Pochettino faces. 50 States of Soccer heads to Claudia’s home region of Puerto Rico and gives insight into the rise of the sport on the island. Yes, we do talk about Bad Bunny. The show wraps with another Great British Bake-Off with some surprise takes from Claudia’s husband, Luke. Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/01:16 - Life as a WAG in Media22:11 - One Knox makes it to the USL1 Final25:36 - Spokane Velocity Wins Semifinal 27:45 - MLS Playoffs 32:49 - NWSL Playoff Chaos37:16 - CPL Final Snow Classic 41:56 - World Cup Kit Reviews58:08 - WCQ International Break01:05:15 - USMNT RIZZ Check-In01:18:47 - The Gio Reyna Conundrum01:24:11 - 50 States of Soccer: Puerto Rico01:33:24 - GBBO Recap

Cross-Post with SoccerwiseSoccerwise comes to you live from Charlotte, NC at Sycamore Brewery on the eve of Game 3 between Charlotte FC vs. New York City FC. David and Tom are joined by Zoran Krneta, CSO of Charlotte FC, Dean Smith, Charlotte FC Manager and MLS Play by Play commentator, Eric Krakauer.Sycamore Brewery: https://www.sycamorebrew.com/

Susannah and David return to helm this week’s Committee show. Susannah recaps One Knox winning its Round One match up vs. Charlotte Independence. A wider look at what happened across USL Championship and League 1 including Detroit City’s shock upset over Louisville City. KC Current co-founder and owner Chris Long joins the Committee to talk all things about Kansas City, KC Current winning the Shield and beyond. 50 States of Soccer brings us to the state of Missouri, which Long helps fill out some choices such as Best Youth Club. The duo chat NWSL Decision Day’s final results including Racing Louisville making the playoffs for the first time in club history and Gotham FC’s collapse vs. North Carolina. David goes into a favorite World Cup memory involving the South Korean community of Flushing, NY. This segues into finding out Sooz used to train for multiple marathons. We end with another Great British Bake-Off Recap chatting about Patisserie Week. Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/Play The American Soccer Playoff Challenge, NWSL Round: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSeYHVlclPXpx0_RP6YisgqwqlkBxdES144mjofLUyveAkIx4Q/viewform01:19 - USL Recap 12:55 - Chris Long joins The Committee40:55 - NWSL Playoff Preview55:36 - Fav World Cup Memory01:01:33 - Surprise Sooz Marathon Training 01:08:21 - GBBO - Patisserie

Susannah and David are joined by One Knox Head Coach and Husband of Susannah, Ian Fuller along with the owner of Black Hart of St. Paul and Minnesota Aurora co-founder Wes Burdine for this week’s Happy Hour. The group discuss Ian and One Knox winning the USL1 Shield along with the debut of his new playoff mustache. 50 States of Soccer then goes into a deep dive into Minnesota soccer history with Ian’s lengthy tenure as Minnesota United assistant coach and Wes’s journey that lead to him owning Black Hart and Aurora.Black Hart of St. Paul: https://www.instagram.com/blackhartstp/Minnesota Aurora: https://mnaurora.com/Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/

Susannah and David roll in for this week’s Committee episode. Susannah celebrates One Knox winning the USL League One Player’s Shield as the top regular season team of the league for 2025 and what it means to her and Ian. Sooz runs down the USL League One slate of playoff games incoming this weekend. Gass tries to have hope in his Bracktober picks. Detroit City FC Defender and YouTuber Matt Sheldon joins the show to talk about Detroit City making its way into the USL Championship Playoffs, preparing for Louisville City, growing his highly successful YouTube channel and his thoughts on USL’s future. 50 States of Soccer swings to the state of Minnesota for this week’s spotlight. Yes, we already know Black Hart of St. Paul is the pick for Best Soccer Bar. A recap of the USWNT games against Portugal this past weekend along with some choice words from Emma Hayes on reviewing the initial loss. Favorite World Cup Memories, this time from Producer Doug’s choice. The show wraps with another Great British Bake Off Recap, this time for Dessert Week.Matt Sheldon’s YouTube Channel: https://www.youtube.com/@BecomeEliteSubscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/00:50 - One Knox wins USL1 Shield09:17 - USL League 1 Playoff Preview17:10 - Bracktober Picks 19:20 - Matt Sheldon joins The Comittee46:13 - 50 States of Soccer: Minnesota01:05:02 - Favorite World Cup Memories 01:14:32 - GBBO Recap: Dessert Week 

Susannah and David welcome Live Breathe Futbol co-founder Ebun Olaloye to the show and talk all things about Fashion in Soccer and Philadelphia. Ebun’s journey in the United States, watching the sport from childhood and what inspired him to eventually create the clothing and lifestyle brand, Life Breathe Futbol. The trio chat 50 States of Soccer’s passage into Pennsylvania and talk various hallowed grounds and players for the 5-A-Side. Susannah and David talk about Kickback Soccer Media’s new Great American Soccer Postseason Pool aka BRACKTOBER! Their picks for the upcoming MLS Postseason pool which you, dear listener, can join with the link below this description. Susannah talks her anxiety with One Knox on the verge of claiming the USL League One Supporter’s Shield this weekend to close out the Happy Hour. Live Breathe Futbol: https://livebreathefutbol.com/Join Kickback Soccer Media’s Great American Soccer Postseason Pool aka BRACKTOBER HERE: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSdPH_yxjlRY2fdwKd1_qizzUx7lv_tvAfb2_AqvGiP5uudjcA/viewform?usp=dialogYou must be a subscriber of The Kickback Minute Newsletter to participate in Bracktober: https://kickbacksoccer.com/

Susannah and David have a loaded show for you this week, our longest one yet! The duo react to the breaking news of La Liga canceling the previously announced match between FC Barcelona and Villarreal in Miami, FL. Suz talks about her first visit to Dolly Parton’s Stampede. Matt Doyle joins the Committee about his cat, Taquito and the MLS Cup Playoffs. The mystery of Lexington SC soccer player Nicole Vernis who has been refusing to report to S.S. Lazio’s women’s team and recap some of Lazio’s prior infamy. The thoughts on the recently announced Women’s World Cup 2031 bid across four CONCACAF regions including the United States. Reminiscing on a favorite World Cup memory from Susannah: The 1994 World Cup opening ceremony. Favorite things we’re following in the soccer world including Suz’s favorite Swedish team, Mjällby. 50 States of Soccer heads to Pennsylvania, a state loaded in men’s and women’s soccer talent. The Great British Bake Off recap returns with Merengue Week. Producer Doug appears on the Committee for the first time to talk about his supporter group's new kit done in conjunction with Icarus FC and the Black Women’s Player Collective.Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/Purchase Rose Room Collective’s Black Sheep Kit, a collaboration between RRC, Icarus FC and the Black Women’s Player Collective here: https://icarusfc.com/collections/rose-room-collective-club-shop/products/rose-room-collective-black-sheep-jersey00:55 - La Liga cancels Barcelona vs. Villarreal in Miami14:17 - Suz goes to the Dolly Parton Stampede17:00 - Matt Doyle joins the Committee23:03 - MLS Cup Playoffs Preview50:57 - The Mystery of Nicole Vernis, Lexington SC and Lazio Player01:02:51 - Women’s World Cup 2031 Bid Announcement01:12:42 - Favorite World Cup Moments: 1994 World Cup Opening Ceremony01:23:37 - Favorite Things we’re following: Mjällby and One Knox01:26:52 - 50 States of Soccer: Pennsylvania01:31:00 - GBBO Recap: Merengue Week01:35:17 - Producer Doug shows off a cool new kit you can buy01:40:12 - Closer

Susannah and David gather for today’s happy hour session. David recounts his time at a T-Pain concert last night before going into an impromptu education session for Susannah. The most interesting things in soccer right now. USL Playoffs looming and the impact it’s having on Susannah’s home. 50 States of Soccer chats about the state of Arizona before reminiscing on Pablo Mastroeni’s famous water fountain shoot. Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com

Susannah and David steer the ship for today’s show. David recaps his trip to Austin, TX for the USMNT vs. Ecuador match along with witnessing Landon Donovan’s new hairpiece for the first time in person. The chatter over the hairpiece leads into a conversation over the impact of hair and mental health. The Vancouver Whitecaps send David a surprise gift which he debuts on the air. To recap the USMNT’s victory over Australia and the camp window, Brian Dunseth joins the show. The trio discuss the outcome of the match, what Dunny took away from calling the game, the culture being built by Mauricio Pochettino, DUNSETHERY, Christian Roldan’s stock rising and a possible roster selection as we get closer to 2026. Suz and David recap World Cup Qualifying from around the world including a bizarre situation brewing involving San Marino and Romania in UEFA. The USWNT release their roster for the October Camp window with some expected and surprise inclusions. The duo give their flowers to Christen Press who announces her retirement from the sport and reflect on her impact on the game. 50 States of Soccer heads to the southwestern state of Arizona who boast a strong list of players for a potential five-a-side. We end the show with a recap of the Great British Bake-Off on this week’s Pastry Week episode. Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com00:23 - Witnessing Landon Donovan’s New Hairpiece07:23 - World Mental Health Awareness Day and Hair. 10:36 - Gass gets a surprise from the Vancouver Whitecaps15:31 - Dunny Joins the show 49:41 - World Cup Qualifying Around The World01:08:02 - USWNT Roster Drop01:12:09 - Christen Press Retires01:16:42 - 50 States of Soccer: Arizona01:19:20 - GBBO Recap 

Soccerwise and Kickback Committee bring you a special joint show for the occasion! Tom and David talk about Darlington Nagbe’s retirement from soccer and his legacy on the American game. Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba also announce their retirements and discuss their impacts on MLS along with what their exits mean for Inter Miami’s future. The duo react to the 2025 MLS 22 Under 22 list. A preview of the USMNT vs. Ecuador match. Susannah Fuller joins the show after some slight tech hiccups on behalf of Kickback Committee. The crew talks the final result of the USMNT U-20’s victory over Italy in the round of 16 U-20 World Cup match. 50 States of Soccer heads to the state of Maine with Susannah’s One Knox taking on USL League One’s rising star franchise, Portland Hearts of Pine. The State of 2026 World Cup Tickets after a viewer mentions he landed tickets mid-show. Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com02:25: Tom’s dual loves between the US and Italy  06:07 - Darlington Nagbe announces retirement from soccer 21:56 - Sergio Busquets and Jordi Alba retire 30:56 - Miami’s DP replacements 38:16 - MLS 22 Under 22 List57:25 - USMNT vs. Ecuador Preview01:04:09 - Suzannah Fuller (finally) joins the show!01:06:31 - USMNT U-20s defeat Italy to reach the Round of 801:15:17 - 50 States of Soccer: Maine and USL Playoffs01:27:31 - The State of World Cup 2026 Tickets 01:35:29 - Show closer

Susannah and David are back to host today’s show. Susannah opens the show speculating on the Real Madrid reference a certain music superstar dropped in a new album release. The International break is upon us so we go across the world, visiting all six FIFA confederations and the current state of World Cup Qualifying at each region. The break also means the return of CANKS ABROAD as the duo check in on various USMNT and Canadian MNT players abroad. 50 States of Soccer returns to the New England region, for the state of Maine with much love going to Portland Hearts of Pine. We wrap with another GBBO Minute and talking the show’s Chocolate Week episode. Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com01:00 - David's Yom Kippur Break and Bagel Adventure02:39 - Suz’s no good, very bad Sports Weekend05:23 - Real Madrid reference 10:00 - International break and World Cup Qualifying 35:00 - CANKS ABROAD, USMNT50:45 - Canadian MNT01:01:02 - 50 States of Soccer: Maine 01:10:33 - GBBO Minute - Chocolate Week 

Susannah is joined by former tag team partner on The Call-Up and current host of Full Time on The Athletic, Jillian Sakovits! The duo IN-PERSON this time chat all things about Nashville SC’s U.S. Open Cup triumph over Austin FC. One Knox defeated in-state rival Chattanooga Red Wolves to take the top of USL League One. 50 States of Soccer continues the Connecticut conversation. Here For This tips the hat to the Washington Spirit, Chicago Fire FC and Gregg Berhalter's old USMNT staff. We end with talking about the coaching fits from the One Knox and Chattanooga head coaches.

Susannah and David chat all things US Open Cup Final on this week’s show with a special trio of guests. Kickback Soccer Media announces a brand new slate of partnerships and initiatives. Austin FC host Nashville SC this Wednesday with a trophy on the line. For the occasion, we welcomed Zac Graham from The North End Podcast to talk all things about the impact of Austin hosting their first Cup Final at home and a Bachelorette Party themed name for the Final. From the Nashville end, we welcomed Stephen Robinson, host of Pharmaceutical Soccer and part of the Six One Five Soccer Network to talk about the improbable run by Nashville and the impact of possibly winning the first major league professional sports trophy for the state of Tennessee. We round out the show with the first appearance of Friend Of The Committee and U.S. Open Cup winner, Calen Carr to the show. Calen talks his memories of competing and winning the Cup in 2006 with the Chicago Fire along with digging out his old rookie card. We close out the show with 50 States of Soccer heading to the state of Connecticut with the USL Jägermeister Cup final between Sacramento Republic and Hartford Athletic looming next. Kickback Soccer Media Partnership Announcement: https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamesnalton/2025/09/30/bluesky-and-kickback-join-a-new-era-of-united-states-soccer-media/The North End Podcast (Austin FC): https://www.thenorthendpodcast.com/Pharmaceutical Soccer (Nashville SC): https://www.sixonefivesoccer.com/pharma-soccer/03:14 - Kickback Soccer Media Partnership Announcement 10:34 - Zac Graham of The North End Podcast 34:23 - Stephen Robinson of Pharmaceutical Soccer51:17 - Friend Of The Committee, Calen Carr 01:08:05 - 50 States of Soccer: Connecticut and Closer

Susannah Fuller and Claudia Pagán are joined for today's Committee Happy Hour by Houston Dash defender and Lincoln, NE native Paige Nielsen to close out this week's 50 States of Soccer series in Nebraska. The crew start off with reviewing Indy Eleven’s recently announced Oktoberfest kit. Paige’s season with the Houston Dash, two points off of the playoff line and undefeated in 7 of their last 8 matches. Her preference to training over game days. The path Paige took from Lincoln, Nebraska to the top flight at the NWSL. We cap off with 50 States of Soccer: Nebraska running through all candidates including a new candidate for Urban Legend presented by Paige. Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.comSee Indy Eleven's new Oktoberfest kit here: https://www.instagram.com/p/DO8t9x_DLYi/

Susannah and David are joined for the first time by fellow Committee member and midfielder for the NC Courage, Brianna Pinto! The trio discuss KC Current winning the NWSL Supporter’s Shield in the fastest time in league history. Brianna discusses an upcoming collaboration between the Black Women’s Player Collective, Allstate and Black Star Soccer in November. The crew chat about the results of the Women’s and Men’s Ballon d’Or. A goal celebration is conjured up for the next time Brianna scores a goal. 50 States of Soccer enters the Cornhusker State, Nebraska. Susannah recounts her experience in Omaha at the Union Omaha vs. One Knox USL 1 game which includes salutes to the city of Omaha and Omaha Parliament, the Supporters Group for Union Omaha. The show closes with a breakdown of The Great British Bakeoff and their recent ✨B R E A D W E E K✨ episode.Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.comFollow The Black Women’s Player Collective here: https://www.instagram.com/blackwplayercollective3:40 - KC Current win the Supporter’s Shield18:00 - BWPC x Black Star Soccer22:00 - Women’s Ballon D’or 34:52 - Men’s Ballon D’or41:20 - Create-A-Goal Celebration 51:13 - 50 States of Soccer: Nebraska 01:02:00 - Closer and The GBBO Minute

Susannah is joined by co-host of the Full Time podcast on The Athletic and former Call Up partner (long live The Call Up), Jillian Sackovits, for today's Happy Hour! The duo discuss 50 States of Soccer: Tennessee, the concept of Cheeleaders in Soccer, the on-air debut of the youngest member of Jillian’s family and the revival of "Here for This" in Kickback form. Jillian also reveals that she buried the lede from her prior appearence on Kickback: SHE TOUCHED AND SMELLED DAVID BECKHAM.Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/