Minutes from the Committee Meeting
May 29, 2026 — Committee Meeting # 42
Agenda Items 📋:
- MLS wrapped up the first part of its season ahead of the World Cup this past weekend in a chaotic manner, featuring three matches with eight or more goals.
- These matches included Cincinnati putting six past Orlando, Montréal dramatically rescuing a point in a 4-4 draw in D.C., and Miami and Philadelphia combining for the highest-scoring half and second-highest-scoring match in MLS history.
- Elsewhere in MLS, two more managers have been fired, bringing the season total to seven. Portland parted ways with Phil Neville on Monday, while Philadelphia announced the dismissal of reigning MLS coach of the year, Bradley Carnell, on Wednesday.
- In addition to the firing of Carnell, the Union named former Academy Director Jon Scheer as the club’s new Sporting Director. Ernst Tanner, who most recently held that role, is suspended from MLS until June 1, following an investigation from the league.
- In NWSL news, the Chicago Stars announced that they have agreed to part ways with General Manager Richard Feuz. Chicago sits second from the bottom of the NWSL table with nine points.
- Finally, next month will feature a shot of Triple Espresso for the USWNT! Both Sophia Wilson and Mal Pugh are on June’s USWNT roster, making it the first time Rodman, Pugh, and Wilson have featured on the roster since they starred in the attack at the 2024 Olympics.
Story of the Week:
Seven head coaches and at least two general managers have been fired or let go so far in MLS before the World Cup break. In fact, only two of the twelve clubs outside of the playoffs right now have a coach who coached in 2025, San Diego FC and Toronto FC.
In a league that historically has been much more patient with its leadership, the question is, why?
The first and obvious answer is that we’re seeing the impact of the 2027 schedule change early. The two remaining chunks of play prior to the 2027-28 season—the fall of the ‘26 season, and the 2027 “Sprint Season”—represent ideal periods for testing, whether it be interim coaches or new players. If you’re writing off the 2026 season, you effectively have two distinct periods with training camps and dedicated transfer windows to revamp your club without a full season hanging in the balance.
Secondly, owners are likely becoming wise to how staff may overindex in their impact in a salary cap league. With every team facing the same constraints, only a few clubs (LAFC, Miami) can truly differentiate themselves with the quality of talent they can attract. Others have to develop or identify better than their competition, and then deploy them better. It’s actually cheaper and more impactful to swap out a coach, rather than buyout a Designated Player.
Finally, much like we’re seeing on the player's side, there’s a new generation of “homegrown” staff talent that makes it more likely to find a new star. The implementation of professional front offices approximately a decade ago, and the institution of MLS Next PRO over this decade has provided more opportunities for coaches and front office staff to develop.
Three interim coaches, all who have a shot to stay, are former second team coaches; Ryan Richter in Philly, Laurent Courtois in Columbus, and Martin Perelman in Orlando. Additionally, the Union’s new Sporting Director Jon Scheer developed from an Academy coach and scout into the Academy Director and the club’s leader.
Whether many of the interim coaches remain is to be seen, but the generational shift in leadership is likely here to stay in MLS.
Matches to Watch:
Portland Thorns vs. Utah Royals, NWSL (May 30th, 4:00 PM ET, ION+): First and second in the NWSL standings face off at Providence Park on Saturday! Portland held the top spot heading into last weekend, but was dethroned following a loss and Utah's victory. With Portland leading the league in goals scored and Utah boasting the second-fewest conceded, it’s a true clash of style for the top spot in the table.
Lexington SC vs. Carolina Ascent FC, USL Super League Final (May 30th, 7:00 PM ET, Peacock): Top seeded Lexington plays host to red hot Carolina in the USL Super League Final. Lexington have been dominant this season and are riding a six-match unbeaten streak into the final. They are led by golden boot winner Cat Barry who has 17 goals on the season. Meanwhile, Carolina is on a club-record 12-match undefeated streak and have won theier last seven matches outscoring opponents 13-3. This has all the markings of a entertaining final.
Louisville City FC vs. Tampa Bay Rowdies, USL Championship (May 30th, 7:00 PM ET, CBS Sports Network/Paramount+): Two perennial Eastern Conference powerhouses meet in a rematch of the 2022 Conference Final. The Rowdies have been dominant to begin the season, already holding a seven-point lead atop the East. A huge test awaits Tampa Bay as they travel to face the back-to-back reigning USL Players’ Shield champions in Lou City.
One Knoxville SC vs. Greenville Triumph SC, USL League One (May 29th, 6:30 PM ET, ESPN Select): It’s back to the comforts of home for One Knox, who looks to get back to winning ways with Greenville in town. Despite the South Carolina club being winless in four meetings, the Triumph have found great success in this fixture, winning three of the four meetings in Tennessee. Here’s to Knox getting back in the win column!
Kickback's World Cup Plans!
Kickback Soccer Media announced its 2026 World Cup plans and its featured partnership with the World’s largest soccer retailer, Soccer.com!
Action Items, Kickback:
Soccerwise: We’ve still got your weekly MLS and NWSL reviews and previews, plus more on the USMNT roster reveal, the MLS coaching landscape, and the overall state of Soccer in the nation!
Make sure you listen to Soccerwise with David Gass, Tom Bogert, Matt Doyle, and Jordan Angeli now on SiriusXM, every Monday, Wednesday, and Friday at 9 p.m. on SiriusXM FC 157, and on the SiriusXM App!
Kickback Committee: Susannah Fuller is joined by Chicago Stars midfielder Brianna Pinto to celebrate a birthday victory and also discuss the World Cup, Arsenal winning the Premier League, WUCL, and so much more!
First Touch: Episode 15 is now out of First Touch Weekly, as is the third edition of the First Touch weekly news show, First Touch Dispatch! Make sure to subscribe and listen to the first-ever World Cup 2026 dedicated show, First Touch! Inspired by podcasts with premium, rich storytelling like The Daily and Planet Money, this is Kickback Soccer Media’s most unique offering yet.