Boot It! Podcast

We did it! The USMNT navigated the final Octopus WCQ window to solidify a spot in Qatar 2022. Not only that, we have our World Cup group! Matt and Jake recap the final qualifying games and dive into World Cup groups on this Celebration podcast. How should we think about England, Iran, and another European team? What is the group of death? All this and more in the latest Boot It! podcast.

It all comes down to this, three games to decide the fate of the USMNT's World Cup Qualifying journey. The USMNT face the daunting Azteca, a home game against a strong Panama team, and another away trip to Costa Rica - where they have never won. Hosts Matt and Jake run through qualification scenarios, the roster that Berhalter selected for these crucial games, and strategies for getting a result against Mexico in the first game. Buckle up, America!

Its been nothing but USMNT and the CONCACAF Octopus for the last few episodes, so hosts Matt and Jake turn their attention elsewhere for this episode. MLS is back! Matt and Jake break down season favorites and USMNT hopefuls looking to catch Berhalter's eye this season. A young USWNT also played in the SheBelieves Cup and did away with lesser competition. Plus, BlazerBucks is a full go and Matt/Jake make some picks that will make you money...maybe.

Things have fully heated up in the Octopus! Just five points separates the second through fifth place teams, including the USMNT, with three games remaining. Hosts Matt and Jake recap the Jan/Feb window where Berhalter's men sputtered their way to two home wins and were beaten by Canada, the new kings of CONCACAF. What's wrong with the "A team"? Is it the players? Gregg? Jake and Matt dive deep into current frustrations. On the positive side, the pipeline to Europe continues for young Americans who will look to make an impact a their new clubs. Matt and Jake also introduce a new betting segment, Blazer Bucks, set to fully debut in the next episode. 

What a year it was for the USMNT. Hosts Matt and Jake look back on the first half of 2022 CONCACAF World Cup Qualifying and note highs and lows for Berhalter's men. Matt and Jake also talk about the end of the MLS season and what it meant for young Americans, and preview the last six games of WCQ (spoiler, they will be tough!).

We're back! After a long summer delay, hosts Matt and Jake dive back in the U.S. Soccer world. The USMNT had an insanely successful summer, winning both the Nations League and Gold Cup and beating two A-level Mexico squads along the way. Matt and Jake break down the performances, the players, and what it all means for World Cup Qualifying. The USWNT won bronze at the Olympics, but the performances were not stellar. Is it time for a changing of the guard? Matt and Jake also discuss promising young players in MLS and preview European seasons.

Professional soccer in America has returned. MLS and NWSL teams are now underway competing domestically and internationally in the CONCACAF Champions League. MLS teams are catching the CCL fever and perfect so far! Matt and Jake run through CCL action and preview teams and players in the MLS and NWSL, they can hardly contain their excitement! The hosts also recap a pair of friendlies for the USWNT and talk about some mens player catching fire in Europe. 

After a long layover (with new furry friends), Jake and Matt are back at it to recap U.S. soccer happening at all levels - youth (Olympic Qualifying failure), Men's (two friendly wins over Jamaica and Northern Ireland), and Women's (SheBelieves Cup dominance). The hosts also provide some Europe-based player news and transfer talk, briefly preview the NWSL season, and look into the development of Men's CONCACAF foes as the summer approaches. Enjoy!

Hosts Matt and Jake talk January camp wrap up with a friendly against "The Team Who Must Not Be Named" (TnT). USMNT coach Gregg Berhalter released his squad for the upcoming friendly and the hosts break down player selection and potential line-ups. Matt and Jake also introduce the Bootsies awards, given to impactful Americans playing in the top leagues oversees. Mid-season stats are compared and the hosts give out their Bootsies selections. The USWNT also wrapped up a pair of friendlies against Colombia, which were a bit one-sided, but provided run outs for key women's players.

Its 2021, and that means a jam-packed schedule for the U.S. men and women, including SheBelieves Cup, Gold Cup, Olympics, and World Cup Qualifying. Matt, Jake, and special guest Aaron review January camps for the senior men's and women's teams as well as a deep dive on the U23 USMNT camp that Jason Kreis will be preparing for Olympic qualification. The hosts also talk through debuts and hype trains to jump on for young Americans in Europe (Hoppe, Olasunde), and Jake and Aaron discuss how youth clubs should share in the spoils of young player success. Here's to an action-packed new year, mostly played in Orlando (as the hosts realize).