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.com

3:13 Breaking Down the USMNT Performance

15:36 What Does Success Look Like for the U.S. this World Cup?

30:06 Italy Fails to Qualify Again for the World Cup

41:38 Best Things We've Seen this Week

52:47 Run Down of the Qualifiers

57:51 Picking Your 2nd World Cup Team

01:10:05 - 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.com

Subscribe to TacticsFreeZone here: tacticsfreezone.ghost.io

02:18 - Check-In with Doyle

06:58 - Notable Results from The Weekend

29:18 - UEFA Playoffs

39:10 - USMNT Roster Reaction and Preview

47:56 - Doyle’s Favorite World Cup Moments

52:01 - 2nd Team Rooting Guide

58:33 - 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.com

01:51 - when Sooz met Walker

06:24 - News in the Soccer World

19:47 - Walker’s love-hate relationship with the US Open Cup

25:34 - Catching up with Walker Zimmerman

35:24 - Voicemails

49:47 - Favorite World Cup Memory and Helping Pick a 2nd World Cup Team

58:41 - Reality TV Recap: Survivor and The Traitors

01:05:55 - Closer