What’s up, Internet? This week on Last Word SC Radio, we’ve got a whole slew of folks joining the podcast for their first or second show. Rachael Kriger hosts, and brings along staff writers who know our Concacaf teams the best: Edward Vento, who covers the U.S. men, Raheem Bashir who covers Canada and Sean Garmer, who knows a plethora of facts about México. Rachael covers Costa Rica to round out the four teams.
The four talk about the Concacaf teams at the World Cup, dissecting each squad and their chances in the group stage, some breakout players to watch and what they’re looking for from the U.S., Canada, México and Costa Rica.
Finally, the group finishes the show by giving their general World Cup predictions. Rachael and Sean agree on who is winning the World Cup, while Edward and Raheem give their picks. Meanwhile, the four discuss the Golden Boot and who they think will surprise in Qatar.
In Last Word, Rachael gives a message to fans to enjoy the World Cup and not feel guilty about watching it.
About the Hosts:
Matt Pollard is the Managing Editor of Last Word on Soccer and an engineer. When he’s not watching soccer or at work, the Colorado transplant enjoys skiing and hiking all over the state. The LA Kings will always be his first sports love, though MLS didn’t exist at the time. Once called the Shakespeare of LWOS, he covers the LA Galaxy and Colorado Rapids. Like the Galaxy, he too was handcrafted in LA.
Rachael Kriger is a Senior Editor at Last Word on Soccer. She is the lead writer for the Seattle Sounders and U.S. Women’s National Team. Hailing from Moscow, Russia, she resides in Pittsburgh, Pa., where she is a youth minister. Rachael is a big fan of her home country’s national teams and cried when Russia beat Spain in the World Cup Round of 16. However, Rachael has to admit that basketball was her first love and still keeps in contact with that sport through coaching.
Daniel Sperry is an Editor at Last Word on Soccer. He covers mainly Sporting KC and U.S. Soccer for LWOS and discusses San Francisco Giants baseball elsewhere. He was born and raised in Northern California, hence his love for Bay Area teams. He currently resides in the KC Suburbs with his incredible wife and energetic puppy. Outside of sports and writing, he loves a good stout and nature, whether that is hiking, camping, canoeing, birding, or some activity with all four.
Harvey Cruz is a staff writer at Last Word. He covers the New York Red Bulls. Born in New Jersey, where all the fun weather is at. Taylor ham or pork roll, he doesn’t care because it’s Bacon-Egg & Cheese for life. Your playoff heartbreaks don’t compare. But it’s okay, because you’ll likely never meet another Harvey in your life. Unique.
Jamie Rooke is LWOS’ man from across the pond, born down in Devon but studying sports journalism up in London. He lives and breathes the sport whether it be watching his beloved Plymouth Argyle or covering the New England Revolution. When he’s not doing that, he’s probably watching basketball, boxing or F1, cooking, reading, listening to anyone from Loyle Carner to ABBA or just nerding out over Harry Potter as a proud Hufflepuff!
Next stop: #Qatar2022 ✈️#USMNT x @budweiserusa pic.twitter.com/xFZHYjsYXM
— U.S. Men's National Soccer Team (@USMNT) November 9, 2022
