Joining Susannah for this week’s Gathering of The Committee is TacticsFreeZone writer and Kickback member Matt Doyle!

00:12 - Opening and May The 4th Be With You, Matt Doyle. With the day here, Matt gives some thoughts on Star Wars, Indiana Jones and Steven Speilberg.

05:01 - Sooz has thoughts and feelings about the slate of announcers hired by Fox for their 2026 World Cup coverage and its lack of American voices.

18:48 - Checking in with Doyle on his independent career, how’s it’s going for him and some advice he leaves for others in the same work space. Doyle also leaves his thoughts on the MLS season so far and his biggest surprises on a team and league level

30:51 - We get BREAKING NEWS as Kei Kamara’s retirement is announced, mid-recording (Thanks, Tommy Scoops!). We celebrate Kamara’s career and success story in life.

35:04 - At the ripe age of 74, Bruce Arena is leading his 5th MLS club into a Supporters Shield contender. We look at his remarkable career and parse the broader coaching tree formed from working in american soccer for over four decades, including current coaches like B.J. Callaghan and Pat Noonan.

49:06 - Previewing UEFA and CONCACAF Champions League & Cup with both competitions in their 2nd legs of the semifinals. The ethical case on why Arsenal should lose this competition. The issues on why MLS teams in the modern era struggle to win CONCACAF constantly and prior missed opportunities.

01:02:56 - Reality TV Recap which is Today, The Other Sports Recap. Sooz and Doyle watched the Kentucky Derby and the former talks about her appreciation and desire to wear one of those giant hats. Doyle talks about his Celtics losing Game 7 of their first round series vs. the Sixers. Doyle also talks about what drink he would be having right now as spring settles in.

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See our First Touch ’26 Preview page for breakdowns on all 48 teams competing this summer: First Touch 26' World Cup Preview