Soccerwise | World Cup, U.S. Soccer, MLS, NWSL - podcast cover

Soccerwise | World Cup, U.S. Soccer, MLS, NWSL

Kickback Soccer Mediakickbacksoccer.com
Soccerwise is dedicated to covering the world of North American soccer with informed analysis on MLS, NWSL, the US National Teams, and everything else in between! Multiple times each week, you can join host David Gass, Tommy "Scoops" Bogert, Matt Doyle, and NWSL broadcaster Jordan Angeli as they break down the top matches, players, and stories in North American soccer, all while answering listener questions.
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Episodes

U.S. Soccerwise: USMNT vs. Türkiye Preview presented by Soccer.com

The USMNT has already secured first place in Group D, and David Gass and Matt Doyle discuss the growing buzz around the team, the rising attention on the World Cup and what comes next against Türkiye. With the knockout rounds looming, how much should Mauricio Pochettino rotate? The guys break down the latest on Christian Pulisic, Cristian Roldan and the yellow-card situation, look ahead to potential Round of 32 opponents and discuss what's next for Folarin Balogun after a breakout World Cup perf...

Jun 23, 202639 min

How To Build A Soccer Team with Gotham FC GM Yael Averbuch West

David Gass welcomes Gotham FC GM Yael Averbuch West to the show! Gotham FC are preparing to face-off against Kansas City Current in the 2026 NWSL Challenge Cup in Columbus, OH on June 26. Yael and David talk about managing the volume of cup competitions to play in, building NWSL rosters in 2026 without the college draft, the function of the HIP Rule, building the necessary infrastructure for the women’s game and the future of the sport as Yael sees fit. Producer’s Note: This interview was record...

Jun 23, 202629 min

First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Messi Makes History, Mbappé Leads France and Ronaldo, Portugal Under Pressure

Lionel Messi made history for Argentina, Algeria kept its World Cup hopes alive and France booked its place in the knockout rounds on Day 12 of the tournament. David Gass, Jordan Angeli and Matt Doyle break down all the action before turning their attention to Day 13, where Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal face mounting pressure, England takes on Ghana, Colombia meets DR Congo and Croatia looks to bounce back against Panama. 0:00 Intro 1:53 3 Big Things 13:18 Messi Makes History Against Austria 18...

Jun 23, 20261 hr 12 min

First Touch ’26 World Cup Daily Show: Spain Dazzles, Belgium Disappoints & Cape Verde Does It Again

Spain finally found their scoring touch against Saudi Arabia, Cape Verde continued their stunning World Cup run, and Belgium stumbled again as the drama ramped up on Day 11 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup. David Gass, Jordan Angeli, and Michele Giannone break down all the biggest stories from the day, project the USMNT lineup for its showdown with Türkiye, welcome Volair Shabila to discuss Iraq's tournament, and look ahead to another loaded slate of matches featuring Lionel Messi, Kylian Mbappé, and ...

Jun 22, 20261 hr 17 min

First Touch ’26 World Cup Daily Show: Netherlands Statement Win, Germany Advances & Spain Under Pressure

David Gass and Michele Giannone are back talking about all the action from Day 10, including a rout by the Netherlands against Sweden, Germany punching its ticket to the next round against Ivory Coast and a historic scoreless draw between Curaçao and Ecuador. The pair plays another game of Buy or Sell this time looking at the Mexico, Canada and the USA and look ahead to a pressure-filled day as everyone on Day 11 is sitting one point. 0:00 Intro 2:55 Buy or Sell: North American Edition 13:30 Net...

Jun 21, 20261 hr 7 min

First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: USMNT Advance, Brazil Injury Concern & Paraguay's 10-Man Win

The United States is through to the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup! David Gass and Michele Giannone are back to discuss Alex Freeman’s breakout performance and look ahead to the USA’s last group game and beyond. Plus, Paraguay earns a dramatic victory despite playing down a man, Türkiye faces mounting frustration, Morocco holds off Scotland, Brazil cruises to another win, and Sweden strengthens its position in Group C. The guys also look ahead to key Matchday 11 matchups, including G...

Jun 20, 20261 hr 7 min

USMNT v Australia World Cup Postgame Show Presented By Soccer.com

The United States is through to the knockout rounds of the 2026 FIFA World Cup! David Gass, Michele Giannone and Matt Doyle react to the USMNT's 2-0 win over Australia, discuss Mauricio Pochettino's impact on the program, break down big performances from Alex Freeman, Weston McKennie and Tyler Adams, and examine what Christian Pulisic's absence revealed about the depth of this squad. Plus, the crew debates just how far this U.S. team can go at the World Cup.

Jun 19, 20261 hr 12 min

First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: USA vs Australia, Mexico Clinches Knockout Spot & Canada's Historic Win

It’s all about Concacaf at the 2026 FIFA World Cup today. David Gass, Michele Giannone and Matt Doyle break down Mexico securing a spot in the knockout round with a win over South Korea and Canada's historic 6-0 victory over Qatar behind a Jonathan David hat trick. Then the crew previews a pivotal Group D showdown as the United States takes on Australia in Seattle with major knockout-round implications. Plus, a look at the other games today including Scotland vs. Morocco, Brazil under pressure a...

Jun 19, 20261 hr 17 min

First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: England Impress, Portugal Stumble & Mexico Looks Ahead

The hosts dive into the first matches of the 2026 FIFA World Cup, playing "Buy or Sell" on France's favoritism and Cristiano Ronaldo's place in Portugal's starting XI after their draw with DR Congo. They praise England's statement win over Croatia and Colombia's impressive performance, while lamenting Panama's disappointing start. The episode also provides updates on Christian Pulisic's injury with the USMNT and previews pivotal second matches for Canada and Mexico, including a deep dive into Mexico's tactical adjustments.

Jun 18, 20261 hr 12 min

U.S. Soccerwise: USMNT vs. Australia Preview presented by Soccer.com

The USMNT opened the 2026 FIFA World Cup with an emphatic win over Paraguay, but a much tougher challenge awaits against Australia. David Gass and Matt Doyle break down what made the U.S. performance against Paraguay so convincing, whether that level can be replicated against stronger opposition, and how the Americans match up with the Socceroos. The guys discuss Australia's impressive win over Turkey, the threat posed by Nestory Irankunda and Australia's transition attack, Christian Pulisic's f...

Jun 17, 202640 min

First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Haaland, Mbappe, Messi Goals Galore, England and Croatia Face Off

Day 6 dazzled at the 2026 FIFA World Cup as the stars took center stage. Susannah Fuller, David Gass and Matt Doyle break down Kylian Mbappé's record-breaking performance for France, Erling Haaland's standout World Cup debut for Norway and another milestone moment from Lionel Messi as Argentina opened its campaign. Then the crew looks ahead to another huge day of action, including England and Harry Kane's showdown with Croatia, Cristiano Ronaldo and Portugal's tournament debut, Colombia's clash ...

Jun 17, 20261 hr 16 min

Believing in the Utah Royals w/ Head Coach Jimmy Coenraets

David Gass welcomes Utah Royals head coach Jimmy Coenraets to the show today! The Royals are 2nd in the NWSL table at the summer break and lined up as a contender for the NWSL Shield. Gass and Coenraets chat about maintaining belief as the team was being built, recruitment strategy, the changes European coaches experience when moving to the NWSL and how Utah will approach the 2nd half of the NWSL season. 00:34 - Managing emotions as the Royals are gelling as a cohesive and winning team 01:38 - M...

Jun 16, 202624 min

First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Iranian World Cup Opener, Messi & Mbappe Begin & More

Cape Verde delivers the shock of the 2026 World Cup by taking points off Spain, while Belgium and Egypt share the spoils and Saudi Arabia frustrates Uruguay and New Zealand and Iran with a wild match to cap off the night. Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass break it all down from a day of draws at the World Cup. Attention turns to France and Argentina as two of the tournament favorites begin their World Cup campaigns. Will France vs. Senegal deliver? Can Erling Haaland lead Norway on the ...

Jun 16, 20261 hr 11 min

First Touch '26 World Cup Daily Show: Tunisia Fires Coach, Japan-Netherlands Thriller & England Preview

Day 5 of the 2026 FIFA World Cup brought unexpected drama, from Tunisia's coaching change after a heavy loss to Sweden to Japan and the Netherlands delivering a tournament classic. The hosts break down Germany's big win against Curacao and Ivory Coast's late triumph over Ecuador. Flo Lloyd-Hughes joins to discuss England's prospects, Harry Kane's legacy, and offers predictions for favorites and dark horses as the group stage continues, alongside a fun segment on World Cup kits and unique fan stories.

Jun 15, 20261 hr 25 min

First Touch ’26 World Cup Daily Show: World Cup Fever Builds

Day 4 of the World Cup here we go. Susannah Fuller, David Gass and Matt Doyle break down Qatar's dramatic draw with Switzerland, Brazil and Morocco's heavyweight showdown, Scotland's first World Cup win in 28 years and Australia's statement victory over Turkiye led by Nestory Irankunda. Plus, Doyle reacts to the USMNT's opening win and looks ahead to Game 2 as the crew previews Germany vs. Curaçao, Netherlands vs. Japan, Ivory Coast vs. Ecuador and more from another packed day at the World Cup. ...

Jun 14, 202651 min

First Touch ’26 World Cup Daily Show: USMNT's Statement Win, Brazil-Morocco Showdown

This episode of First Touch 26 revels in the USMNT's commanding 4-1 victory over Paraguay, hailed as a defining moment in American soccer history. The hosts delve into the tactical masterclass, Balogun's impressive performance and Golden Boot prospects, and the team's newfound depth. They also analyze Canada's historic first World Cup point in a 1-1 draw against Bosnia & Herzegovina and preview today's high-stakes matches, including Qatar vs. Switzerland, Brazil vs. Morocco, Haiti vs. Scotland, and Australia vs. Turkey, offering insights into each team's strategies and expectations.

Jun 13, 20261 hr 23 min

USMNT v Paraguay World Cup Postgame Show Presented By Soccer.com

The United States opened its 2026 FIFA World Cup campaign in style, defeating Paraguay 4-1 in one of the most impressive performances in modern USMNT history. David Gass and Michele Giannone break down Christian Pulisic's starring role, standout performances from Malik Tillman and Folarin Balogun, Mauricio Pochettino's impact, and what the statement victory means for the Americans' chances of making a deep run on home soil. Plus, was this the best World Cup performance the U.S. has produced in t...

Jun 13, 202642 min

First Touch ’26 World Cup Daily Show: USA & Canada Kick Off

Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass get you ready for the USA's opening match of the 2026 FIFA World Cup against Paraguay with Doyle's latest USMNT tactical session, a Football Manager 2026 simulation, and a full match preview. Plus, the crew recaps the opening day of the World Cup, including Mexico's historic win over South Africa and South Korea's comeback victory against Czechia, before looking ahead to Canada vs. Bosnia & Herzegovina. 0:00 Intro 3:42 Three Big Things 8:30 Mexico v...

Jun 12, 20261 hr 7 min

First Touch ’26 World Cup Daily Show Opening Day

The day has finally arrived and Susannah Fuller, Matt Doyle and David Gass give you all their fun soccer picks and predictions heading into the 2026 World Cup. They talk a little US and Canada with a special tactical breakdown from Doyle and a special World Cup simulation before the crew previews the first games of the tournament: Mexico against South Africa and a showdown between South Korea and Czechia. 0:00 Intro 4:53 1 Wish for this World Cup 9:36 The Tourney Favorites 15:40 The Dark Horses ...

Jun 11, 20261 hr 4 min

U.S. Soccerwise: USMNT vs. Paraguay Preview presented by Soccer.com

David Gass and Matt Doyle are joined by Tom Bogert from California to preview the USMNT's opening match against Paraguay. Tom shares the latest from camp, while the group breaks down Paraguay, projects Mauricio Pochettino's lineup and discusses the biggest questions facing the U.S. ahead of its World Cup opener. 0:00 Revisiting the Last USMNT-Paraguay Matchup & Group Outlook 8:07 Tom Bogert's USMNT Camp Report & Musings 22:16 Projecting Pochettino's Starting XI 28:52 Breaking Down the Pa...

Jun 09, 20261 hr 2 min

2026 World Cup Golden Boot Draft presented by Soccer.com

David Gass, Matt Doyle, Susannah Fuller and Tom Bogert go live from Soccer House in Chicago for a World Cup Golden Boot Draft, building their teams and predicting which stars will lead the tournament in goals. The group also discusses breakout candidates, tournament favorites, favorite World Cup memories and the fan cultures that make the tournament special. Please note: This episode was recorded live at Soccer House in Chicago ahead of the World Cup. Audio quality may differ from our standard s...

Jun 08, 202640 min

USMNT, Canada & MLS's World Cup Outlook Presented by Soccer.com Presented by Soccer.com

The World Cup is almost here, and David Gass and Matt Doyle break down the biggest questions facing the U.S. and Canada before the tournament begins. From the USMNT's final tune-up against Germany to Canada's injury concerns and roster questions, the guys look at where both teams stand with the World Cup just around the corner. Finally, a look at MLS's growing presence on the global stage as players from across the league prepare to represent their countries at the World Cup. 0:00 World Cup Coun...

Jun 04, 20261 hr 5 min

Who's No. 1? NWSL Power Rankings & Midseason Awards

The NWSL heads into the World Cup break, and it's the perfect time to take stock of the league. David Gass and Jordan Angeli break down the biggest takeaways from the weekend, including where teams like Washington, Orlando, Utah, Portland and North Carolina stand as the season reaches its midway point. The duo also discusses the latest league news, from the NWSL Championship heading to Washington, D.C., to the USWNT goalkeeper picture. Then it's time for the latest NWSL Power Rankings and a look...

Jun 02, 20261 hr 14 min

USMNT vs. Senegal: What We Learned presented by Soccer.com

David Gass, Michele Giannone, and Matt Doyle react to the USMNT's 3-2 win over Senegal and discuss what the performance revealed ahead of the World Cup. They examine Christian Pulisic's standout showing, Ricardo Pepi's impact, Mauricio Pochettino's tactical setup, and the biggest lineup decisions still facing the U.S. ahead of the tournament. Plus, they discuss World Cup expectations for the USMNT and where Canada and Mexico stand entering the World Cup.

Jun 01, 20261 hr 13 min

MLS Coaching Changes & Summer of Soccer Storylines Presented by Soccer.com

David Gass, Tom Bogert, and Matt Doyle break down the Philadelphia Union reset, Portland's next chapter, and the biggest MLS storylines to watch this summer. They discuss the league's coaching landscape, Neymar and Casemiro's MLS links, LAFC's roster decisions, whether Real Salt Lake can keep Diego Luna and Xavier Gozo, and the biggest roster needs facing both New York clubs. Plus, they explain why they're buying stock in San Jose and San Diego and discuss what they need to see from the USMNT be...

May 28, 20261 hr 36 min

USWNT Roster Reactions, Triple Espresso Returns & NWSL Storylines

The latest USWNT roster is here, and David Gass and Jordan Angeli break down the return of Triple Espresso, the biggest roster questions, and how the squad is taking shape moving forward. They also discuss Alexia Putellas and NWSL’s pursuit of global stars, Club América winning the CONCACAF W Champions Cup, Utah extending its unbeaten run, Kansas City looking more like itself again, and the biggest matches before the World Cup break. 0:00 World Cup Programming Updates 6:34 Triple Espresso is Bac...

May 27, 20261 hr 5 min

The Officially Official USMNT World Cup Roster Reaction Show Presented by Soccer.com

As FOX officially revealed the USMNT World Cup roster, David Gass and Matt Doyle went live to hang out, talk soccer, and chat through the squad, the World Cup, and the state of the game in America ahead of the tournament this summer. A wide-ranging Soccerwise conversation ahead of the biggest tournament in the world.

May 26, 20261 hr 7 min

USMNT Roster Debate & MLS Storylines Before the Break

Mauricio Pochettino’s USMNT World Cup roster is here, and the debates are already underway. David Gass, Matt Doyle, and Tom Bogert break down the biggest roster surprises, concerns about the squad balance, and what the selections say about Pochettino’s approach heading into the World Cup. The crew also digs into Nashville’s Supporters’ Shield form, Inter Miami’s wild 6-4 win over Philadelphia, Columbus finding its footing again, Charlotte moving on from Wilfried Zaha, and some of the biggest MLS...

May 25, 20261 hr 29 min

Chris Richards Injury, Turkey Preview Presented By Soccer.com + USOC Quarterfinal Reactions & Casemiro's MLS Future

So much to talk about and so little time! Tom and Doyle join David to react to the big US Open Cup Quarterfinal matches in the books this week. They look at what this means for the four winners and losers going forward. Then they discuss Casimero's potential move to Miami over LA and the biggest games in this final match day before the World Cup. Finally they dig into the news around Chris Richards injury and why it might not be as bad as it sounds, and how Turkey matchups against this USMNT squ...

May 21, 20261 hr 16 min

Utah’s Rise, San Diego’s Statement Win & NWSL Form Check

The Utah Royals are up to second in the NWSL table, San Diego and Washington deliver a potential championship preview, and the CONCACAF W Championship semifinals are set. David Gass and Jordan Angeli break down Utah’s rise, San Diego’s statement win, Orlando’s recent struggles, and Mallory Swanson’s return for Chicago. Gotham and Washington also prepare for massive continental matchups, while Angel City searches for answers and the crew previews a packed week of NWSL action. 0:00 Intro 3:16 Utah...

May 19, 20261 hr 2 min
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