SoccerWise

Their are games in the book but the news keeps rolling in. David is joined by two special guests to talk about the biggest stories right now. First Valair Shabilla joins to recap the week of CONCACAF results, and what the bracket looks like going forward. Then they hit on the breaking news from Griezmann's fit in Orlando, to Timo Werner's impending debut, and the big extensions signed in LA & Vancouver. Then Jamie Watson the man of many talents joins to talk about his biggest storylines in MLS, NWSL & USL and then looking forward to the big matches coming to the yes on the "Road To 26."4:28 Whitecaps Moving On In CONCACAF6:30 LA Galaxy 3 Games In10:00 Nashville Hot Start & Miami Rivalry Renwed19:20 Antoine Griezmann In Talks With Orlando29:42 Timo Werner San Jose Debut33:11 Denis Bouanga Signs LAFC Extension37:28 Caps Extend Blackmon & Cubas44:20 Jamie Watson Joins To Talk MLS, NWSL, USL & Road To 26 Powerhouse Friendlies

The NWSL 2026 season is right around the corner. Ahead of Jordan & David's team by team previews coming up next week they talk superlatives. Who is poised this year to make the biggest leap as a club and a player? They talk through that plus which club is poised for the biggest fall, and which under the radar transfers could hit biggest.4:57 Club Making The Biggest Jump11:32 Club Making The Biggest Drop 18:21 Must Watch Clubs25:02 Most Improved Player Candidates36:42 Under The Radar Player Transfers That Will Fit Perfectly

The soccer has finally been played! That means it is time to over analyze and who better to do it with then two of our favorites Matt Doyle (Tactics Free Zone) & Andrew Wiebe coming right out of LA. They talk about the biggest stories of the weekend from Bradley's Baby Bulls, to referee mishaps in Seattle, MVPs getting injured, and much more. They hit on every single game from the weekend so EVERYONE is included.4:52 Michael Bradley MLS Debut w/The Baby Bulls13:37 Worries In Orlando16:31 Niko Tsakiris Takes The Reign's In San Jose20:30 Timbers Army Tifo & Attacking Vibes In Portland/Columbus28:53 LAFC v Miami Extravaganza At The Coliseum38:40 Messi + Hallway & Stairwells Controversy45:38 Evander Injury And What It Means For Cincy51:50 Josh Sargent Latest Transfer News54:50 FC Dallas 2026 Potential56:58 DC United Victorious Champions58:43 Nashville Dominates The Revs1:00:17 Seattle Overcomes Rapids & Refs1:02:10 Sam Vines Cut In Colorado Changing Of The Guard1:03:48 Bright Start For STL1:05:25 Whitecaps Survive Over Real... Monarchs1:07:00 Austin & Minnesota Came To Play In 20261:08:45 Galaxy & NYCFC Underwhelm1:13:30 San Diego Handle MTL1:15:00 CCL Quick Preview

David chats with some local experts to continue to get ready for the kickoff of the 2026 MLS season.0:13 LAG: Rob & Ananda (La Cuna Galaxiana) Talk Another Year Without Riqui Puig17:40 MIA: Daniel (Battered Herons) Joins Coming Out Of A First MLS Cup And Into A New Stadium31:21 SKC: Chad Smith (KC Soccer Journal) Shines The Light On The Massive Rebuild In KC49:03 FCD: Dan Crooke (3rd Degree) Comes On To Talk David Into Or Out Of Love With FC Dallas1:04:47 COL: Andre Simone (DNVR Rapids) Looking Into The Matt Wells Era1:24:39 MTL: Andy Coronado (TBIR MTL) On Another Unknown Year In Quebec

The first games are ready to kickoff in the 2026 season of MLS. To preview every team going into the first game friend of the show Michele Giannone joins David. They go game by game with 4 minutes on the clock (that they blow through) to give thoughts on each team.

A huge episode of NWSL conversation on Soccerwise. David & Jordan contextualize the blockbuster deal of Claire Hutton to Bay, Croix Bethune to KC & a MILLION dollars to Washington. What does it mean for these elite players, these teams, and the league. They also touch on Emma Hayes latest roster for the upcoming SheBelieves Cup. And then Caitlyn Flores Milby the General Manager of Racing Louisville joins the show. She covers so much ground from her career path to where Racing sits in the landscape of the game and how to operate with that. And they talk about some big picture NWSL conversations like future of youth development & the introduction of the HIP rule.6:07 Blockbuster Trade And Biggest Moves Ever9:35 What This Means For Bay FC & Claire Hutton12:50 What This Means For KC & Croix Bethune22:50 What Does This Trade Mean For Washington Spirit34:30 Interview Racing Louisiville GM Caitlyn Flores Milby

We have finally arrived to the first week of the 2026 season! Matt Doyle (Tactics Free Zone) joins Gass to go through all their predictions. They hit the big ones like MVP, Golden Boot and Defender Of The Year. They of course hit their deep cut stuff like "Gass Theorem" and Fullback Of The Year favorites. And then they add some team superlatives like the "League Pass" teams they are most excited to watch.7:30 Nashville Big Week CCL + BJ Callaghan Contract + Reed Baker-Whiting Trade11:00 MVP & Golden Boot Predictions21:30 Young Player Of The Year Favorites25:00 GKOY, DPOY & Fullback Of The Year40:00 Midfielder Of The Year (steal from NWSL)45:00 Coach Of The Year52:30 Newcomer & Gass Theorem Favorites58:40 Team Your Most Excited To Watch (League Pass Favorites)1:05:40 Biggest Points Climber Of 20261:08:20 Biggest Fall Off Of 2026

Our season previews roll onto into the final week with some big conversations. First they chat about big pressure in Ohio on FCC, then they talk about the early injury crisis in Orlando, not be missed is the midway rebuild in STL, and finally the Michael Bradley revolution in New Jersey.0:13 FFC: Kevin Wallace (Post Cast Podcast) On Pressure Bubbling Up In Cincy20:37 ORL: Mike Spillane (ORL Lions Den Podcast) On Big Spending Down In Brazil43:18 STL: Jake Koenig & Justin Graham (Ball Watching STL) On The Rebuild In St. Louis1:03:01 RBNY: Mark Fishkin (Seeing Red Pod) On Michael Bradley's Revolution In New Jersey

David talks to some local experts to get ready for the 2026 MLS season in New England, LA, Houston & DC.0:14 Revs: Seth Macomber (Blazing Musket) On Mitrovic's Revolution In Boston18:17 LAFC: Vince La Rosa (Happy Foot Sad Foot) On LAFC's Big Season Coming Up With Stephen Eustaquio In The Fold44:33 HOU: Victor Araiza (Deportes Nation) On The Big Money Rebuild In H-Town58:48 DC: Jon Hoffman (RFK Refugees) & Gregory Roache (Pitch Pass Podcsat) On The Only Direction DC Can Go UP (hopefully)

David chats with more local experts to prep for the 2026 MLS Season for some big clubs in ATL, SEA, NYC & Chicago.0:12 ATL: Sam Jones (Five Stripe Final) On ATL Banking On Tata To Turn Things Around13:36 SEA: Jeremiah Oshan (Sounder At Heart) & Noah Riffe/Ari Liljenwall (Lobbing Scorchers) On The Sounders Strong Chances Of Winning The Shield50:05 NYCFC: Jon Baney (Hudson River Blue) On NYCFC's Hectic Offseason Of Failed DP Transfers1:15:02 CHI: Tim Hotze (Men In Red 97) On The New Dawn For The Powerhouse Chicago Fire

The moment you have all waited for. With Chris Wittingham acting as a proxy for team Tom/Calen, and our former producent folding up his club like Chivas USA the draft is on! Ten rounds plus defenders to finally decide who is the ultimate ball knower.

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/

Our 2026 MLS Season preview continues with three playoff teams from 2025. They all join Gass to talk through the biggest topics for the upcoming season. Starting with the awkward fit of the high priced pieces in Austin. Then they talk through Charlotte's playoff woes, and finally James-manie hits the twin cities!0:00 Austin FC w/North End Podcast22:45 Charlotte FC w/TopBin9034:33 Minnesota United w/Loony Bin Podcast

The start of the season is around the corner and yet some clubs have left us waiting on signings. Matt Doyle joins Gass to discuss the four biggest additions he is still waiting on in Toronto, San Jose, Dallas & Atlanta. Plus they run through the big moves that have been made by LAFC and MIN and how impactful (and long) they will be for those clubs. Then David starts his team specific previews for 2026. First up is expansion darlings San Diego w/Tony Sanchez of the San Diego.Futbol crew to talk about the amazing year that was and how this year can rival it (without even Chucky Lozano). Then Kicback Committee member and 615 Soccer host Valair Shabilla checks in to talk about the OTHER offseason darlings Nashville SC. With the addition of Cristian Espinoza could it be title town in Tennesse?4:55 San Diego Leg 2 CCL Preview13:59 TFC Waiting On Sargent23:15 San Jose's Needs At #1026:50 FC Dallas Looking For Musa's Support31:10 ATL Keeping It Together For Tata34:30 Stephen Eustaquio Signs With LAFC38:50 Details On James Rodriguez Contract42:50 Jonny Perez Joins Chivas USA45:25 Myrto Uzuni Transfer Saga51:43 Discord Mailbag On Slow Transfer Windows57:55 2026 San Diego Season Preview w/Tony Sanchez (2 Balls And A Mic)1:11 2026 Nashville Season Preview w/Valair Shabilla (PharmaceuticalSoccer Podcast)

Well the ice cream shop is closed for a little (sorta) with Tom on dad duty. So Joe Lowery joins David for a big show. They revel in the addition of the Boy Star James Rodriguez to Minnesota United and figure out WHAT IS GOING ON! Then they dig through all the biggest moves since last show. They compliment Seattles development of Obed Vargas, weigh the improvements or lack there of Red Bulls, and what is going on with these failed medicals. Finally they go over Joe's favorites additions of the offseason so far.8:30 San Diego's Dominant CONCACAF Debut16:14 James Rodriguez Joining Minnesota26:47 Obed Vargas Development & Transfer To Atleti35:09 Red Bull Attacking DP Addition39:45 Carles Gil Extends His Time In New England42:15 Orlando CB Signing & NYCFC DP Fail Transfer Medicals45:45 Whitecaps Retool49:55 Crew Rotated CFs With JRR Sale & Thiare Trade52:45 Stephen Eustaqio's Potential Fit In LA & Bounga Transfers56:00 Joe's Favorite Offseason Moves Mamadou Fall, Robin Lod, Erik Thommy & Timo Werner

The moves continue to come as all teams have started training camp but continue to build their rosters. After putting a bow on Gotham's London trip. Jordan and David dive into the big defenders added starting with USWNT CB Eva Gaetino joining Denver from PSG. They then talk about Bay breaking West Hams transfer record for their new addition, Chicago loading up on the backline, and North Carolina finding their Denise O'sullivan replacement.7:00 Corinthians Shine At FIFA Women's Champions Cup11:45 Gotham Win 3rd Place18:49 Denver Adds Eva Gaetino & Sells 40k Tickets31:40 Bay FC Spend Big On Additions From West Ham & Manchester United37:27 Mexico Intl Aliyah Farmer Joins Chicago Defense40:55 NC Courage Finally Add Along Their Spine

Our favorite annual tradition is back for the second time ever. Matt Doyle the keeper of the numbers rejoins the show to take Tom & Gass through the rankings. The three of them way in on every team in MLS and add in their locks for the five picks they each feel most confident about. Spoilers from DC United at the bottom to reigning MLS Cup champs Inter Miami at the top they talk through it all.**Note this was recorded on 1/27 due to the birth of Carmelo Skattebo Bogert. So some host takes will be dumber than usual.**

Get your pencils and notebooks out because it is time to get wiser about soccer together! Bobby Warshaw (Bloom Sports) takes David & Matt through the exercise of planning a winning MLS roster. He asks them the same questions he asks some of the biggest clubs CSO's. Listen to the debate and conversation. And you can answer the questions yourself about the club you would build. See the questions below and send the hosts your thoughts on Bluesky or in the Discord!What are your objectives for the next 1-3-5 years? How are we measuring our targets?What's your thesis on why you will be successful? In 1-2 sentences, tell me why you'll beat out the 29 other people trying to do the same thing as you?What are your Roster Pillars? What are the ~5 things that you need to achieve with your squad to be successful in MLS? (They do not need to be the same for every team.)What are the categories of players within your roster? How are you defining and measuring them?

We finally have games to talk about like on the field! David & Jordan break down the Gotham match vs Corinthians. They look as well at their two big additions in Jared Dudley & Savanah McCaskill. Then they look at the biggest stories out of USWNT camp especially Rodman's world record contract. Finally they talk about North Carolina Courage finally bringing in their new coach and center forward.3:30 Gotham Loss In London19:12 USWNT Camp Reaction29:12 Rodman's New Contract36:30 North Carolina Courage New Coach & Players

With the end of the European transfer window in sight a few huge moves have dropped. Tom & David start with USMNT young phenom Alex Freemen's transfer to La Liga side Villarreal. They look at what it means for him, USMNT, and Orlando. Then they check in on Fulham's $38 million bid for Ricardo Pepi, NYCFC's big moves up front, and the opening round matchups of USOC.9:15 Alex Freeman Sale To Villarreal21:35 Ricardo Pepi Potential Fulham Move25:55 NYCFC Alonso Martinez Replacement DP & More Movies36:15 Toulouse Offer For Jacen Russell-Rowe39:02 RSL Big Attacking Signings46:52 Tomas Aviles Loaned From MIA to MTL55:20 USOC 1st Round Matchups Set59:54 USL Premier Structure

MLS dropping some big rule changes as Tom & David jump in to to go over all of it. They talk through what this means for MLS teams in 2026 and beyond. Then they dig into the big stories of the week from MIA trying to Big Dawg LAFC to ATL working on their rebuild. There can't be a Soccerwise episode without a long conversation around GAM. And finally the admin puts our hosts through the REAL MLS Jeopardy ringer. 8:20 MLS Transfer Window, Loan & Cashfer Changes17:20 Inter Miami Try To Big Dawg LAFC For Denis Bouanga25:50 LAG Buying Joao Klauss From STL38:50 ATL United Connected To Guido Rodriguez44:30 MLS GAM Release And Minnesota United57:15 Admin MLS Trivia

We finally have an NWSL schedule! And while it is one of the earliest releases we have had it isn't straight forward. David & Jordan talk through all the oddities and intricacies of 2026. Then they talk about the massive moves of Delphine Cascarino & Denise O'Sullivan moves to Europe. And finally talk about the effect of Temwa Chawinga & Michelle Coopers injuries in KC.8:30 NWSL Schedule For 202623:30 Delphine Cascarino Leaving San Diego27:15 Denise O'Sullivan Joins Liverpool & Questions in NC33:25 Spirit Spend $950k For Paraguayan Phenom42:15 Temwa Chawinga & Michelle Cooper SEI Injuries

An active weekend once again includes who else but Inter Miami. Tom & David chat about HOW good this MIA team can become if Bertarame comes on board. They of course talk about the new majority owner of SKC who says they will spend to win. And the "Ice Cream Shop" is LOADED with Facu Torres approaching Austin, Houston adding Bogusz, and of course Josh Sargent's update.

David sit downs in person with these four MLS stars. They talk about a range of topics from youth development, to living in the moment around the World Cup, Wilfred Nancy's future in Europe, Jersey pizza, and much more.1:00 Seb Berhalter (VAN) on player development, World Cup memories, making the WC roster, and who is next up for the Whitecaps.8:05 Tim Ream (CTL) on growth of MLS, living in the moment, work life balance, Charlotte's next steps, and more.22:19 Steven Moreira(CLB) on what makes Nancy special, good fighting in the locker room, his position change, losing Darlington Nagbe, and what Columbus means to him.37:32 Paxten Aaronson(COL) on coming back to MLS, Jersey pizza, having a professional soccer brother, and much more.

It is the first show of 2026 for Jordan & David and the news is flying across NWSL. They sit down with the new coach of KC Current Chirs Armas to talk about his new role and what he is looking to bring to the team. They also run through the biggest stories across the league from Lindsey Heaps heading home to Denver to San Diego's record trade, and Angel City's rebuild.5:40 Lindsey Heaps Joins Denver Summitt17:55 Sam Coffey Signs In Manchester22:20 NWSLPA Files Grievance On HIP Rule In NWSL27:30 San Diego Trade For Ludmilla While Cascarino Looks To Move33:40 Angel City Rebuild With Emily Sams45:40 Chris Armas Interview

A big show packed with news and guests for Soccerwise. First Tom breaks the news as Timo Werner & San Jose approach a landmark deal. They also talk about Toronto's pursuit of Josh Sargent and Eric Ramsey leaving Minnesota. Then David sits down with Michael Boxall (MIN) & Brandon Vasquez (Austin).6:30 Timo Werner In Talks With San Jose18:50 TFC Potential Record Transfer For Josh Sargent38:00 Eric Ramsey Leaves MIN & Cam Knowles Takes Over45:11 Ice Cream Shop Chucky Lozano1:08:10 Michael Boxall Interview1:24:05 Brandon Vasquez Interview

The band is back together for a megashow to open up the 2026 Ice Cream Shop. Tom & David go through all the biggest breaking news stories. From Nashville pushing into MLS Cup territory to Miami retooling. 4:50 Nancy Out At Celtic10:18 Nashville Blockbuster Signing For Espinoza20:00 Jacob Shaffelburg Traded To LAFC23:30 Inter Miami Secure Allende Return + Big Additions36:25 Houston In Talks To Acquire Mateus Bogusz40:50 Seattle Acquire u22 Initiative CM Nikola Petkovic43:55 Charlotte FC Sign Luca De La Torre50:45 Riqui Puig Heartbreaking Injury & LA Galaxy's Plans58:33 DC United Record Signing Forward1:03:20 Coaching Hires For SKC, CLB & Red Bulls1:12:20 Robin Lod to Chicago & Minnesota Restocking

To close out our holiday slate we have one of our favorite episodes. Friends of the show Matt Doyle & Bobby Warshaw come on to bounce around some big and small topics around MLS. They dig into what makes a winner and how they would run a club.

Chief Soccer Officer of FC Dallas talks to the SW crew about Lucho-mania, schedule change affect on his work, Superdrafts value, and plans for 2026.

Soccerwise was lucky to sit-down with Chicago's Director of Football & Head Coach Gregg Berhalter as the offseason begins. He talks with David about his time with the USMNT, the special season his son had, what wins in MLS, the potential of big name additions in Chicago, and much more.

The Soccerwise crew is preparing for a week without live shows. So Tom is setting the stage for what is most important to keep your eyes on. From coaching vacancies in KC & CLB to big DP holes in the attack of TOR, DAL & San Jose. Then they break down all the latest news from trades and signings + Superdraft news.10:15 SKC Coaching Hire Needs13:30 CLB Coaching Search21:00 TFC DP #9 Search28:00 Whitecaps Roster Squeeze33:30 FCC Roster Needs & Dream Dado Valenzuela Homes46:00 Christian Espinoza's Questionable MLS Future45:05 Justin Haak Ideal Landing Spots47:15 FCD & SJ Hunt For Game Changer DP #10s53:25 Sean Nealis & DC's Remake59:45 Orlando City Finding A Way Out Of Muriel Contract1:02:00 Thomas Chancaly Potential MLS Rehab Spots1:03:05 Austin's Dream Sale Of Osman Bukari + Nelson/Rosales Trades1:09:00 Rapids Sign U22 Defensive Mid1:12:25 Orlando Seal Two More Signings1:16:15 FC Dallas Commit Big To The Superdraft

Hey Soccerwise 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, of course not all as incredible as the great Diego Valeri. 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 news never stops around MLS. Tom has all the big stories to dig into with a massive Cashfer heading to the Revs, Austin looking to offload DPs, Lewandowski talking to Chicago, and much more. And of course they have to talk about the new MLS Divisions being set up & STL landing on a coaching hire.10:10 MLS Sets 5 Divisions For New League Structure21:00 Yoann Damet Hired As STL Manager29:20 Dayne St. Clair Leaves MIN For MIA42:00 Austin Selling Osman Bukari & Trade For Jayden Nelson51:05 Revs Casher Brooklyn Raines For $1.6mill56:15 Robert Lewandowski Talking To Chicago Fire1:00:45 Rothrock Coming Home w/Hassani Dotson & Friends1:05:05 FCD Sign New Wingback From Sweden

The last live show of the year has a lot to cover. Jordan and David sit down one last time to talk about the newest NWSL roster rule. The "High Impact Player"rule that unlocks millions in spending. We already see it at play with Sophia Wilson announcing her return to Portland for the 2026 season. Then they look at the big off-seasons upcoming for North Carolina, KC, and Angel City. And finally have some NWSL new years resolutions.

Oh do you want breaking news around MLS? Then you are talking Tom ball so get excited! First the guys dig into all the latest new coach hirings, trades, free agencies & more. Then they dig into a mailbag to hit all the the biggest topics you want to talk to from both the discord and the live chat.4:55 Michael Bradley Named New York Red Bull Manager9:00 Lewis Morgan Trade to San Diego & Other Red Bull Transfers18:45 Matt Wells Leaves Tottenham For Colorado Head Coaching Job24:40 Union Offloading Tai Baribo & Jakob Glesnes27:20 Galaxy Retool With Glesnes30:20 DC United Buying Baribo34:45 SKC Update36:05 IG Reporting On Henry Kessler In Dallas & Cristian Espinoza In LA38:26 Dante Sealy Traded To COL For $2mill42:18 Orlando Sign Carlos Coronel To Free Agent Deal45:10 Walker Zimmerman Signs In Toronto50:40 Inter Miami Fighting The Winners Salary Cap Monster53:40 Mailbag On Development Through College Soccer57:40 Mailbag On Early Offseason Biggest Standing's Risers1:00:14 Mailbag MLS Regular Season Lack Of Jeopardy1:02:40 Mailbag On How To Define Ambition In Modern MLS1:05:40 Mo Salah MLS Connections

It is officially Tom season with MLS Cup in the rearview mirror. So Tom walks us through all the biggest news and what to watch for. And David gives his thoughts and grades plus big free agent landing spots and ConcaChampions bracket.

After a week "off" with Jordan grinding through a buffet of 7v7 elite soccer, and David through a world cup draw. There is so much to talk about! They dig into the latest around Trinity Rodman's future, and what to make of all the twists and turns. They then look at the coaching news in both Portland & Bay and what they will mean. And finally they talk about some of the the things that have been on their mind from this talented rookie class playing as Sophomores, to expansion builds, Alyssa Naeher, and much more.2:00 Recapping World 7s11:42 Trinity Rodman's Washington Future22:20 Haley Carter Leaves Orlando For Washington28:35 Portland Let Rob Gale Go38:05 Bay Hire Emma Coates As Head Coach44:15 Alyssa Naeher Re-signs & Chicago's Outlook52:30 Gotham FC Dynasty Potential56:55 Expansion Excitement57:00 Rookie Sensations

An all-time weekend in the North American soccer sphere has finally come to a close. And I am not just talking about Tom going full Miami vice. The guys sit down to recap everything they saw in the swamps of Fort Lauderdale. After they decompress from the last game of the MLS season they look at the big news around the league starting with LAFC's new coach. And of course they break down the big news for USA & Canada form the World Cup draw.4:30 Miami Gameday Experience14:10 MLS Cup Game Reaction37:30 What It Means For Inter Miami44:05 Big MLS Offseason Coach & Front Office Hires LAFC, NYCFC, SKC, STL & ATL1:03:44 Offseason Player Preview

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

Soccerwise are prepping for the biggest game of the year and who else to do it with than the biggest writer in the game. Paul Tenorio (The Athletic) joins Tom & David to talk about the topic he literally wrote on a book on “The Messi Effect.” They preview MLS cup from the X-factors to what it would mean to both clubs if they do or don't win. Then Paul walks them through how the league is trying to advance globally, Messi's influence on those moves, and the biggest factors that could help or hurt the league going forward. And never not grinding Tom has a staple of scoops in the “Ice Cream Shop” from Philly's record signing to the return of Cade Cowell.Pre-order Paul's book today at this link5:01 MLS Cup On Field Preview18:20 Paul Tenorio Joins The Show Talking Messi Effect & MLS's Fight To Grow48:50 What Would MLS Cup Mean To Miami And What's Their Future?56:38 What Would MLS Cup Mean To Vancouver And What's Their Future?1:03:14 Ice Cream Shop1:0325 Philly Record Signing Striker1:06:40 Cade Cowell Heading To NYRB1:09:07 Chicago Big Center back Signing1:11:26 Zimmerman Replacement In Nashville & Maybe Paul Rothrock

The big dance is finally set in MLS and it takes us back to the this years CCL semifinal between Miami & Vancouver. Tom & David rejoin post Thanksgiving to dive into all the semifinal action. They look back at Maxi vs Messi, Brian White's Offensive Explosion, and what this all means for San Diego's debut season. Then they look forward to MLS Cup where we are guaranteed a first time winner. Finally the "Ice Cream Shop" is always open for Tommy's Scoops.7:00 Miami's Triumph Over NYCFC18:30 Looking Back On NYCFC's Season22:00 MLS Cup Finalists Means To Miami30:15 Whitecaps Bounce San Diego38:50 San Diego's Historic Expansion Season48:50 Mo Salah To SD?50:47 MLS Cup Miami vs Vancouver Preview58:45 Mueller vs Messi All-time1:07:30 Chicho Arango Heading To Pumas?1:09:50 Robin Jansson Resigns In Orlando1:10:45 Paul Rothrock & Other Top Free Agents

After a weekend of breathtaking single elimination soccer it is time to take a second to talk soccer before turkey. Tom & David dive into everything we saw from the stunner in Vancouver to the upset in Chester. Then they preview the upcoming round of games as the conference finals are set for Saturday.

A Rosey finish to the season for the 2nd time in three years for Gotham. Jordan & David stop hanging out on the West Coast to breakdown everything from the week. They talk about what is so special about Gotham as a club, what does this mean big picture for Washington, and much more.

The Riverhounds are heading to Tulsa for a final showdown in the USL Championship. And this time the star of the show is a goalkeeper as Eric Dick has won two shootouts in the playoffs and is yet to concede a goal. He sits down with David to talk about this run so far, the task in the final, and what Pittsburgh has come to mean to him.

The USMNT made history this week IN A GOOD WAY! Did you see that coming? Yea you're not alone. Tom & David get together to revel in the US big win over Uruguay & Paraguay. Then they refocus on the MLS playoffs digging into all the matchups coming up. The crew cannot talk only on the field though as they run through the groundbreaking article on the Guardian written by Pablo Maurer investigating a number of reported indiscretions by Union Sporting Director Ernst Tanner.4:55 Guardian Article On Ernst Tanner11:58 USMNT Thrash Uruguay33:30 Details on USMNT Pre-World Cup Plans38:20 WCQ Global Wrap Up42:20 Van-LAFC Preview50:33 FCC-MIA Preview56:50 PHI-NYCFC Preview1:01:44 SD-MIN Preview1:07:30 Mateus Bogusz MLS Return?1:11:03 RBNY Plans Under Julian De Guzman1:18:30 Orlando's End Of Season Roster Moves

It is the big one the NWSL Championship is on the horizon. Jordan & David sit down to talk about all the action of the semis and preview the final. Not to be forgotten is all the big breaking news outside the games. Of course Trinty Rodman's future is a huge topic. And while we're looking at the championship game the Shield holders have made more news moving Vlatko Andonovski's role.7:15 Washington's Dominant Semifinal Win Over Portland26:15 What Does A Second Straight Final Mean For the Spirit29:00 What To Make Of Portland's 2025 Season33:00 Trinity Rodman's Future & The League's Salary Structure43:40 Gotham's Dramatic Win Over Orlando1:01:45 NWSL Championship Preview1:08:45 What Would The Title Mean To Both Spirit & Gotham1:12:50 KC Current Front Office Shakeup

MLS's owners are sitting down right now to vote on flipping the MLS calendar and changing the league structure. So Tom & David sit down on their own to talk about the pros and cons behind these moves. But this isn't the only news of the week as Tommy Scoops opens the "Ice Cream Shop" on a Nashville club legend entering free agency alongside Quakes star Cristian Espinoza. Plus of course they talk USMNT heading into the big clashes against the Guays.3:18 BOG Vote On MLS Schedule Change21:41 Change Of MLS Format To Single Table33:55 Wilfred Nancy Heading To Celtic?38:00 Walker Zimmerman's Next Destination46:30 Cristian Espinoza MLS Free Agent53:15 FC Dallas Offseason Preview56:40 Austin FC Season Recap1:00:00 Chicago Fire Offseason Preview1:04:05 USMNT Must See

What a week to keep up with! We had the arguably the biggest upset in NWSL Playoff history, a PK shootout, three extra time games, AND a new expansion club. David is joined by Committee member Brianna Pinto to relive it all. First they dig into all the drama from round one of the playoffs. How Washington overcame a valiant Louisville, Portland's magical home experience, Gotham's dream upset & Marta willing her way on to the next round. Then they look forward to two monumental matchups coming up this weekend and what could decide those games. They talk about the big news coming out of the southeast as Atlanta is awarded the 17th club in NWSL. And finally with the finalists announced they give away their postseason awards.1:30 Brianna Pinto's NWSL Skills Challenge Debut5:08 Gotham's Historic Upset Of KC16:35 Washington Survive Against Louisville In Dramatic Fashion27:05 Thorns Extratime Winner30:55 Orlando Powered By Marta37:19 Preview Of Washington vs Portland45:45 Preview Of Orlando vs Gotham50:12 Atlanta NWSL Expansion58:55 NWSL Postseason Awards

Did we just witness the greatest playoff game in MLS history? With David off celebrating love Tom is joined by the second best bald man in his orbit Matt Doyle. They break down everything they saw to finally close out this round of MLS playoffs. Then look ahead to the USMNT.

Soccerwise 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/

David can see Tom's crystal blue eyes in person as the squad camps in Charlotte ahead of Friday's elimination game. The squad goes game by game to preview the weekend of must win games. Then they talk about the breaking news around Tata Martino & his old buddy Josef Martinez. And of course they have to dig into the first Berhlater-Reyna roster under Poch. And then Kristijan Kahlina joins the show to talk PK shootouts, the pressure of must win games, winning GKOY, and much more.8:15 CTL-NYCFC14:03 MIN-SEA19:50 Pressure On Pat Noonan23:55 Preview FCC-CLB27:50 Suarez Retroactive Suspension31:00 MIA-NASH Preview35:10 SD-POR39:45 Tata Martino Back To ATL43:50 Josef Martinez Leaving SJ47:35 USMNT Final 2025 Camp56:50 Kristijan Kahlina Interview