Kickback Committee

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/

Susannah and David are at the helm to talk all things U.S. Open Cup. With the semifinal rounds occurring this week, the Committee decided to recap and discuss the history of the prestigious tournament. The duo run down their personal favorite moments before going into some staff submitted favorite memories across MLS, USL, and beyond. With semifinals incoming, Walker Zimmerman of Nashville SC joins the show to talk about his history in the tournament, recapping his greatest successes (winning it all with FC Dallas in 2016) and his most painful memories (Injuries and PK misses) before talking about his views on the tournament as a watcher when he doesn’t play. The crew kicks off 50 States of Soccer: Tennessee before closing out the show. Producer's Note: This episode was recorded before the Tennessee Lady Vols soccer team was defeated 3-2 in an upset by Mississippi State on the night of September 12, 2025.Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/Read The Cup.US for comprehensive U.S. Open Cup coverage at all levels of U.S. Soccer: https://thecup.us/10:00 - Our favorite USOC memories 27:00 - Kickback Staff Choices 34:17 - Walker Zimmerman Interview 59:40 - Chatting up more USOC history 01:04:28 - 50 States of Soccer: Tennessee

Susannah and David are joined by former USMNT forward, CBS Golazo Network host and now writer for The Athletic, Charlie Davies on today's Happy Hour! Charlie talks about his upbringing in Manchester, New Hampshire and his journey across the wider New England region. His post-playing career, the possibility of USL in New Hampshire and a deep dive into 50 States of Soccer: New Hampshire featuring the Budweiser Clydesdales.

Susannah and David steer the ship for today’s show. The duo recap the USMNT’s victory over Japan from the night prior. The improvements made from the South Korea match, the formation and personnel changes and thoughts from Mauricio Pochettino. Brief segway to discuss Ian Fuller’s first red card as coach for One Knoxville. The crew tries to make some sense of Pochettino’s process and trust it. The international break means running down the rest of World Cup qualifying across the world in other regions. Shoutout to the Pitches In Peril report on climate change affecting soccer globally by Football For Future and Common Goal. 2026 World Cup tickets go on sale as NYC Mayoral Candidate Zohran Mamdani launches a petition to call on FIFA to abandon its plan for dynamic pricing and re-institute reserved tickets for locals. 50 States of Soccer: New Hampshire kicks off this week.Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/Read the Pitches In Peril: A Landmark Climate Report Ahead Of the 2026 World Cup Report: https://footballforfuture.org/pitchesinperilTimecodes:07:00 - USMNT vs. South Korea08:00 - USMNT vs. Japan Reaction18:20 - Ian Fuller’s first Red Card of the Season21:00 - Player Ratings29:00 - Concerns looking ahead35:00 - Striker Power Rankings42:00 - Qualifying Across The World Rundown51:00 - WC Ticket News57:55 - Pitches In Peril01:00:00 - 50 States of Soccer: New Hampshire and End

Susannah and David are joined by Tom Bogert and Heath Pearce for today’s Happy Hour. Coming live from Susannah’s power outage, the crew discuss the incoming USMNT matches. Pearce gives insight on what it’s like for new players called up into a camp. More discussion on 50 States of Soccer: New Jersey. Our show barely holds up by the end before we’re visited by a ghost that wishes us a Happy Baby Friday.Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/

Susannah is leading today’s Committee gathering while David is off in the badlands riding a bison. The Committee is joined by Susannah’s former tag team partner and current co-host of Full Time for The Athletic, Jillian Sackovits. The duo are joined by Committee members Tom Bogert and Matt Doyle. Tom celebrates his championship victory at his adult rec soccer league. Jillian gives us the inside scoop of what it was like to be on the field for the Luis Suarez spitting incident after the Leagues Cup Final in Seattle. The crew discuss their best and worst transfers of USMNT players after the European transfer window has closed and Tom has gotten sleep. Susannah asks Matt if he knows what “RIZZ” is before Jillian unveils her Rizz Player Power Takes. The crew picks their preferred players to see for this Saturday’s USMNT vs. South Korea friendly in Harrison. 50 States of Soccer: New Jersey kicks off this week before closing out the show and give our flowers to Jillian and The Call Up.Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/Listen to Full Time at The Athletic: https://fulltimepod.com/Show Timecodes:02:21 - Tom’s Victory Lap and Trophy03:25 - Luis Suarez spitting incident17:33 - USMNT Best & Worst Transfers39:37 - Jillian’s RIZZ Player Takes49:55 - Preferred USMNT Starting XI vs. South Korea01:03:13 - 50 States of Soccer: New Jersey01:17:48 - Close of Show and Call Up Shoutout

Do you think love can bloom, even on a soccer field? We prove, in fact, yes! Susannah and Claudia Pagán are joined by One Knoxville Head Coach and Husband of Susannah, Ian Fuller on today’s Happy Hour. The trio discuss Ian’s background, Lukas Kwaniok’s match day fit from a coaching POV, some thoughts on the recent 0-0 draw to FC Naples and Ian’s experiences in Idaho to wrap out 50 States of Soccer: Idaho. More on the big Liverpool vs. Newcastle game day, Manchester United losing to Grimsby Town and USL League One’s future with new teams in 2026.Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/

Susannah and David host this week’s Committee’s gathering, post-USMNT roster drop. The duo lead into a discussion of the show The Summer I Turned Pretty (Team Conrad or Team Jeremiah?) before going into Susannah’s House Divided experience between her Liverpool fandom vs. Ian’s affiliation with Newcastle United over the weekend. 50 States of Soccer goes into the land of potatoes, Idaho, for this week’s spotlight. Touchline Tailor returns to discuss Lukas Kwasniok’s fashion faux pas at the 1. FC Köln game. The crew dig into Feel Good soccer stories around Real Oviedo and Mjällby before going into our favorite Bad Soccer Bets (ALL SOCCER BETS ARE BAD) for this week. We close out the show with an INSTANT REVIEW of the latest USMNT roster selection for September Camp.Subscribe to The Kickback Minutes here: https://kickbacksoccer.com/Timecodes:00:41 - The Summer I Turned Pretty Discussion04:45 - A House Divided (Liverpool vs. Newcastle, Susannah vs. Ian)14:04 - 50 States of Soccer: Idaho26:08 - Touchline Tailor - Lukas Kwasniok32:02 - Feel Good Stories in Soccer - Real Oviedo and Mjällby42:41 - Bad Soccer Bets49:05 - USMNT Roster Drop Review

The best weekly hangout in soccer is back once again on a "baby Friday". This time former MLS DOY & current SKCII Interim Head Coach Ike Opara joins Susannah, Claudia & David. They talk all things North Carolina soccer, college sports rivalry, and weddings around playing.

Susannah and David are joined by MLS Armchair Analyst, Matt Doyle. The trio discuss the MLS season so far before going into the “Hear Me Out” thoughts for the week, including a USMNT friendly idea presented by Matt that needs to be heard to be believed. Susannah compares soccer supporter scenes to college football including the availability of boat drinks at tailgates. Canks Abroad, discussing the futures of Josh Sargeant and Malik Tillman. Everyone picks a club to say three nice things about including an arch rival of Susannah’s in Chattanooga. The joys of Bass Pro Shops and we end with discussing 50 States of Soccer: North Carolina.02:27 - Thoughts on MLS so far 11:42 - Hear Me Out32:17 - Canks Abroad 47:29 - Three Nice Things59:26 - Bass Pro Shop Interlude 01:00:30 - 50 States of Soccer: North Carolina

Susannah and David are in command of today's Happy Hour. The duo are joined by Committee member Jordan Angeli from her Uber on the way to the airport. The crew closes out 50 States of Soccer: Colorado with Jordan's knowledge and Colorado origins. After Jordan takes off, the duo chat about ESPN's recently released Sports Misery Index. MLS and NWSL's misery numbers lead into discussions over their non-soccer fandoms and personal misery index scores (SOMEONE SCORED A 90). We end with how Susannah's fandom has changed with a family member involved with a team.00:00 - 50 States of Soccer: Colorado with Jordan Angeli15:25 - ESPN Sports Misery Index25:00 - Susannah's fandom with One Knoxville

Susannah and David are joined for the first time by Committee member and San Jose Earthquakes midfielder Mark-Anthony Kaye to co-host today’s show. The Committee roll into 50 Days of Soccer with the Rocky Mountain state of Colorado up next. For the occasion, USMNT and Colorado Rapids legend Marcelo Balboa joins to talk about his upcoming number retirement, the people who were crucial to his career, the current state of the USMNT and his love for Rapid Man, the divisive mascot of the Rapids. Introducing our “Touchline Tailor” segment, Susannah presents her Best and Worst dressed managers of the MLS season so far. You’ve heard of Yanks Abroad? Welcome to our CANKS ABROAD segment as we talk about Canadian MNT players abroad with Mark. (We ALSO do a Yanks Abroad check-in.) We close with thoughts on the trend of penalty kick aids getting tossed away by goalies and getting stage fright.08:51 - Marcelo Balboa joins the show46:29 - Touchline Tailor1:02:21 - Canks Abroad1:12:54 - Yanks Abroad1:16:41 - Goalies tossing water bottles