Boot It! Podcast: Recent Episodes
Matt Crumb
Talking all things American soccer and life in Washington, DC. Topics include USMNT, USWNT, MLS, NWSL, American players abroad, European leagues, CONCACAF, Lower Leagues, and Youth. Hosts Matt Crumb and Jake Lucas
Its Summertime in the USA and hosts Matt in Jake are in full warm-up mode for Copa America and Olympic prep. The USMNT released its 27-man preliminary roster for Copa, and Matt and Jake have some FEELINGS. Emma Hayes also launches her USWNT tenure with a roster of her own for upcoming friendlies. As the European season winds down, Matt and Jake check in with the MLS and NWSL.
The sun was blocked out, but not the U.S. men's, women's, and Olympic teams! Hosts Matt and Jake review a successful Nation's League campaign for the USMNT, Gold Cup and SheBelieves for the USWNT, and great results for the U-23 USMNT preparing for the Paris games. Things get contentious when hosts dive into player and coaching decisions for Gregg Berhalter, but everything looks on the up heading into this year's Copa America.
We're not even out of winter and US soccer is already in full swing! Hosts Matt and Jake preview the year ahead in USMNT, USWNT, and MLS. The USMNT have Nations League and Copa America to look forward to in the coming months, so Matt and Jake take stock of the depth chart going into these crucial games. MLS is back and it is Messi's first full year in the league. What are the biggest questions for the MLS season? The USWNT have a new coach and kick off the first ever Women's Gold Cup - what roster changes are they heading into it with?
Its that time of year again. The holidays are upon us and another year of U.S. soccer is coming to end. In this jolly episode, hosts Matt and Jake recap the USMNT's qualification for Copa America via victory over tricky Trinidad and Tobago and talk about the group that the Yanks have been drawn into for next year's tournament. How far can they go? MLS also wrapped up with some scintillating soccer by Cup champions Columbus Crew (Matt totally called it). In the final segment, Matt and Jake consider which US players in Europe have been naughty or nice this year. Santa Crumb and Santa Lucas away!
Its Halloween, and that means things are starting to feel spooky. Matt and Jake return to cover a wide range of topics including the USMNT's recent friendlies against Germany and Ghana, how American players are doing in Europe, and playoff time in America for MLS and USL. Plus, the hosts touch on spooky things that could happen to USMNT and USWNT fans alike. Scream if you must!
Its Fall (kind of) and that means the European season is back. Many USMNT players in find themselves with new clubs and a few stars are already making a big impact. After a long summer, hosts Matt and Jake recap ley takeaways from the USWNT's disappointing World Cup, update listeners on key European news for men's stars, and talk about the Messi-mania gripping the MLS. Its the best time of year!
The sizzling summer of soccer rolls on. It is time to turn our attention to the land down under for the 2023 Women's World Cup. The US Women enter as favorites and hosts Matt and Jake break down key storylines and players that will determine whether the USWNT complete the 3-peat. Matt and Jake also (quickly) cover the US Men's so-so Gold Cup and European transfer news for USMNT stars.
[Volume Up] On this episode of the Boot It! Podcast, hosts Matt and Jake review the USMNT's second straight Nations League title with resounding wins over CONCACAF rivals Mexico and Canada. Matt and Jake also react to the re-hire of Gregg Berhalter and look at prospects for the Gold Cup.
Its happening! As one very wise podcast host predicted, Leo Messi is officially coming to America's shores. Hosts Matt and Jake talk about Messi's decision to take his talents to South Beach and what it means for American soccer. Summer of soccer has officially begun for the USMNT, who look to defend their CONCACAF Nations League title in June. They'll have to get past Mexico in the semifinal first, and Matt and Jake break down roster decisions and potential approaches for America's own big names.
Its Spring, and things are warming up for both the USWNT and USMNT. The Women are three months away from kickoff in Australia/NZ for the World Cup and were victorious in a recent two-leg friendly, but will a key injury spoil their plans? Its another year of the U.S. men clashing with its big continental rival, Mexico. The U.S. and Mexico meet in the inaugural "Continental Clasico" before a high stakes semifinal in the Nations League, and possibly a third meeting in the summer's Gold Cup. Hosts Jake and Matt prepare listeners for another summer of soccer in America and also catch up on how overseas USMNT stars are doing.
The domestic focus continues as hosts Jake and Matt discuss this year's MLS season (already underway) and recap a successful SheBelieves Cup run for the USWNT, a competition played in the U.S. this past month. Jake and Matt discuss MLS' strongest teams, the state of player development and talent identification in the league, and make predictions for the Supporters Shield, MLS Cup, and CONCACAF Champions League. The hosts also discuss the progress the USWNT is making as they prepare for July's World Cup.
Its 2023, and hosts Matt and Jake take listeners on a magic carpet ride of sorts, taking a break from USMNT talk to focus on the USWNT's World Cup preparation and discuss the U.S. soccer ecosystem in 2023. We are just seven months away from the Women's World Cup in Australia/New Zealand and the USWNT are gathered in New Zealand for a January camp. Matt and Jake preview the expanded Women's World Cup and U.S. prospects. Next, the hosts dive into the state of American soccer in 2023. What is the youth system like? What do recent movements in pro leagues mean for the sport? Lastly, we consider a few young men's players who you might here more about in the coming years.
It's been eight years, but we're finally here. Gregg Berhalter announced his 26-man squad to compete in Qatar and the USMNT is mere days away from kickoff against Wales. Does it feel real yet? Hosts Matt and Jake break down Berhalter's roster decisions and talk about how the US should approach the Wales and England games. What are the surprise inclusions? Snubs? Break it down on the Boot It! Podcast.
You always have to end on a positive note, so after explaining everything that could go wrong in Part 1, hosts Matt and Jake paint the rosiest picture of what success looks like in Qatar. How far can the USMNT go? Find out in Part 2 of our Double Header!
The World Cup is mere weeks away, and the nerves are building! In this two-part Boot It! Double Header, hosts Matt and Jake first explain why they are negative about the USMNT's chances in Qatar before pivoting to why they are positive in Part 2. Don't let Part 1 get you down!
The Beatles may have invaded America, but young USMNT stars are now invading England! Hosts Matt and Jake break down a busy summer of transfers, recent successes for the USWNT and U-20 USMNT, and give predictions for Yanks competing in England this year.
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).
2020 is a wrap! Matt and Jake discuss MLS Cup and the Columbus Crew's victory, continued domination and debuts for young Americans in Europe, USWNT players, and notes on the USMNT-El Salvador friendly. Matt and Jake also take big takeaways for 2020 and bold predictions for 2021, including who might win the Gold Cup. Listen for the latest!
It has been awhile, but hosts Matt "Viktor" Crumb and Jake "from State Farm" Lucas are back to talk USMNT, USWNT, and MLS playoffs. Matt and Jake run through the results and player performances from the recent friendly matches against Wales (0-0 tie) and Panama (6-2), culminating in a fun game of "Swipe Right, Swipe Left" for players from those games they would keep on a hypothetical WCQ roster. The USWNT was also in action this past month against the Netherlands, and Matt and Jake talk next steps for the World Champions. The focus then shifts to home soil where the MLS playoffs are nearing completion and where the USMNT will play another friendly against El Salvador with a MLS-heavy player pool. Keep up with all things U.S. soccer and find out why Tyler Adams should think about sporting a ponytail.
We have waited a while, but America finally gets to see its boys play some soccer! Hosts Matt Crumb and Jake Lucas provide a deep dive preview of upcoming friendlies against Wales and Panama. The roster is (nearly) a dream roster for the U.S. soccer fan, and Matt and Jake talk form and prospects for each player heading into camp, as well as who they want to see play with each other over the two games.
The Boot It! Podcast is back! Hosts Matt and Jake, settling back in to reality after early fall travel, talk all things happening with Americans in Europe, including promising starts for the likes of Sergino Dest, Gio Reyna, Weston McKennie, and Tyler Adams in domestic league play. The Champions League is also back and featuring plenty of Americans. Matt and Jake travel across Europe to talk all players getting minutes in both competitions and what it means for the future of the USMNT. In the final segment, Matt and Jake review the Mexican national team, which played European friendlies in recent weeks. The hosts break down Mexico's formidable full-strength team and how/when the U.S. may catch up.
In this episode of the Boot It! Podcast, Jake and Matt provide updates for American men and women breaking through and joining new clubs in Europe, including an Italian destination for Weston McKennie. They also break down what has been an inspiring MLS Restart (Phase 10A?) with many young American players getting significant minutes and becoming stalwarts for their clubs. As for CONCACAF and the Octopus, Matt and Jake preview the prospects of an aging Costa Rican national team in desperate need of a youth explosion, as well as inform listeners on happenings in the Costa Rican Primera.
In this episode of the Boot It! Podcast, Matt and Jake take listeners on a jet lag inducing journey to Europe, North America (CONCACAF), and BACK to Europe again. They talk American players (men's and women's) on the move in Europe's top leagues, preview the USMNT's Octopus WCQ schedule (it's tough!), and give their predictions for breakout young U.S. players in Europe as the new season rolls around. But first, listeners are updated on the birthday tubing adventure in Harpers Ferry, and the MISadventures of young intern Staley. See who made it out alive!
Hosts Matt and Jake take you on a soccer trip around the region, and the world! Topics for the first segment include MLS is Back Tourney wrap-up and season restart, USL Championship, leagues continuing play around CONCACAF, Champions League, American men and women on the move in Europe, and some life updates in DC! In the final segment, Matt and Jake imagine a brave new American soccer world, starting from scratch. How should the top leagues be structured? Pro/Rel? Listen in and find out!
Welcome to the first ever Boot It! Podcast episode, where Matt Crumb and Jake Lucas introduce the motivations for sounding off on everything American soccer (USMNT, USWNT, MLS, NWSL, Lower Leagues, Youth), CONCACAF, and Americans playing abroad. In this first episode, Matt and Jake catch listeners up on how Americans have been doing in the European restart, MLS is Back tournament, and NWSL tournament. They also discuss and break down their respective 30-man depth charts for the current USMNT. Who's in and who's out? Who should get a call up? What can USMNT fans expect in the coming years for a (hopefully) post-COVID restart. Find out here!