Talkin' Touches

Sporting KC got back to their winning ways against Minnesota United. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch break down a game full of talking points. Busio at the 6. Five subs, including a full on defensive sub. What will come from SKC's lack of a left wing player? Support Talkin' Touches on Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Sporting KC was eliminated by the Philadelphia Union in the MLS is Back Tournament. The big news though is that home games will begin again. And in Sporting KC's case they will resume with fans. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch try to make sense of this decision.  Support Talkin' Touches on Patreon www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch answer your questions about Sporting KC's 0-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps in the MLS is Back round of 16.

Sporting KC advance out of their group in the MLS is Back tournament. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch break down SKC's last two group games, and look forward to the round of 16 game.

As good as Sporting KC looked the first half of their 2-1 loss to Minnesota United, they managed to look just as bad in the second half. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch declare Alan Pulido SKC's best player. The midfield could be a problem. Shelton is playing some of his best soccer. Richard Sanchez is an MLS backup. Gooch has a pessimistic outlook for Sporting's next two games.

After four months and four days, Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch are back talking Sporting KC and the MLS is Back Tournament. They have thoughts.  Support Talkin' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Sporting Kansas City throttled Houston Dynamo 4-0. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch debate if SKC are back or if they played the two worst teams (7:40)? Luis Martins has been standing out in the first two matches (17:04). Peter Vermes has a great plan for substitutions (20:52). Pulido and Kinda continue their great form (26:37). Listen live on the Discord by subscribing to Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches

Week one is in the books. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch look at the top stories coming out of the weekend. Atlanta beat Nashville 2-1, but Josef Martinez is out for the year. Minnesota beat Portland 3-1. MNU are good. San Jose tied Toronto 2-2.  Red Bulls edged Cincinnati  3-2. Both teams are terrible. Champions Seattle beat Chicago 2-1. Jordan Morris for MVP? Subscribe to Patreon and hear an interview with Peter Vermes. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Sporting Kansas City beat the Vancouver Whitecaps 3-1 in their 2020 MLS opener. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch look a the main storylines from the game and decide if they are a "thing" or not.  Bonus pod with Peter Vermes: https://www.patreon.com/posts/peter-vermes-w-34572660 Listen to next week's postgame show live by subscribing to Patreon: www.patreon.com/talkintouches

Get ready for First Kick with a look into Seattle Sounders, Portland Timbers and Minnesota United. In true Talkin' Touches fashion this was recorded minutes before finding out Jeremy Ebobisse signed an extension for the Timbers.  Support Talkin' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches

First Kick is less than a week away and Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch have some thoughts on the upcoming Sporting KC season. They say nice things and mean things about Luis Martins, Ilie, Salloi, Kinda, Busio, Lindsay, and Peter Vermes. Find out which was which.  Support Talkin' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Season previews continue in the MLS segment. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch look at all the moves Atlanta United have made this offseason (1:10). Caleb Porter is making Portland Timbers East in Columbus (10:50). FC Cincinnati are without a coach 11 days before first kick (20:06).  Support Taklin Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Sporting KC finally had a game we could see with our eyes. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch break down the 0-0 draw against Real Salt Lake (4:00). Gaiby Kinda was all over the place. Alan Pulido also brought a variety of things to the field. SKC has made another transfer since the last show. Winston Reid arrived on loan from West Ham making him the sixth center back (35:26). Support Talkin' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch start looking at other teams around the league. First up LAFC, and their trade of Walker Zimmerman to Nashville. Obviously, they had to talk LA Galaxy next. Javier Chichatrito Hernández is the newest Galaxy member. The last team this week is Montreal. With the departure of Ignacio Piatti this could be the last time Montreal is mentioned this year.  Support Talkin' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch are back after an offseason break of their own. A new collective bargaining agreement has been agreed to between the players and owners so the 2020 season will happen (6:00). The TT Crew talks about Sporting Kansas City's newest midfielder Gaiby Kinda (33:00). The segment finishes with a look a preseason boxscores. Get all the bonus hashtag content by subscribing to Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches

Former Kansas City Wizards defender Nick Garcia joins Andy to shed some light on the MLS Collective Bargaining Agreement and the work that goes into one of these deals. From his time as the Wizards' Players Association representative, to the salaries, per diems and relocation expenses that players received in the early 2000s, to his advice for today's players negotiating a new CBA, Nick peels back the curtain on a side of MLS that we know so very little about. This interview was available first on the Talkin' Touches Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkintouches

Dan Karell (@DanielKarell) is one of Andy's colleagues at NBC Sports' ProSoccerTalk, but more importantly he is someone who has actually seen new Sporting KC midfielder Gadi Kinda play. Dan is full of insight on what kind of player Kinda is, how well he fits Peter Vermes' mold for his ideal midfielder, Kinda's rapid rise over the last 12 months, where he ranks in the pecking order for the Israeli national team, and which other clubs had recently been interested in Kinda. This interview was available first on the Talkin' Touches Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkintouches

Former Kansas City Wizards defender Nick Garcia joins Andy to shed some light on the MLS Collective Bargaining Agreement. From his time as the Wizards' Players Association representative, to the salaries, per diems and relocation expenses that players received in the early 2000s, to his advice for today's players negotiating a new CBA, Nick peels back the curtain on a side of MLS that we know so very little about. To hear this interview in its entirety, go to patreon.com/talkintouches

This is a mailbag about Sporting KC as they kick off preseason 2020. We asked you to ask us questions. You asked us questions. We answered your questions. It wasn't supposed to be "that long," but it ended up being an hour. This episode was available first on the Talkin' Touches Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkintouches

It's Day 4 of #CONTENT WEEK, Amadou Dia is the final guest of the week, and his story is an excellent one. He tells Andy all about his journey over the last five years, from getting drafted by Sporting KC, to being blindsided by the trade to Montreal, when he realized he had to grow up and start acting like a professional, dropping down to USL and Didier Drogba himself vouching for Dia to be signed to Phoenix Rising, and his advice to the next player who starts down the same path he was once on. Friday: Mailbag This interview was available first on the Talkin' Touches Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkintouches

#CONTENT WEEK, Day 3! Gerso Fernandes talks to Andy about making massive improvements since arriving in Kansas City in 2017, competing for playing time with a deep and talented attacking unit in 2020, the origin of his goal celebration dating back to when he played in Portugal, and a bright idea for his post-playing career. Thursday: Amadou Dia Friday: Mailbag This interview was available first on the Talkin' Touches Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkintouches

It's day 2 of #CONTENT WEEK! Khiry Shelton talks to Andy about his opportunity to play in Germany starting from the moment the 2018 season ended, the tough decision to leave KC, his injury struggles while overseas and why he doesn't feel he got the chance to show the world what he can do, the easy decision to come back to KC, and whether or not he knew Alan Pulido would be signed (and announced) the very next day. Wednesday: Gerso Fernandes Thursday: Amadou Dia Friday: Mailbag This interview was available first on the Talkin' Touches Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkintouches

#CONTENT WEEK 2020 kicks off with Daniel Salloi talking to Andy about the struggles he endured in 2019, how his teammates kept his spirits high despite going 32 games without a goal, and what it's going to take to get back in the lineup (and score goals again) in 2020. Tuesday: Khiry Shelton Wednesday: Gerso Fernandes Thursday: Amadou Dia Friday: Mailbag This interview was available first on the Talkin' Touches Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkintouches

On today's episode, Andy sits down with Sporting KC head coach Peter Vermes to talk about the club-record signing of Alan Pulido, SKC's new talent identification process (Talent Identification Directors), the importance of scouting a player's personality, and the challenges of building a team with CBA uncertainty hanging over everyone's head. This interview was originally available on the Talkin' Touches Patreon: https://www.patreon.com/talkintouches

Alan Pulido was officially introduced as part of Sporting Kansas City. Listen to quotes from the new striker and manager Peter Vermes. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch give their reaction to Vermes' description of the team's Talent Identification Directors (8:24). It feels like Pulido could come right into a leadership role on the team (21:37). Vermes agrees that Pulido will be a 9.5 (29:25).  Patreon subscribers can listen to Andy's conversation with manager Peter Vermes. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch give their MLS player of the decade. Who was the most fun player from the last 10 years? What does expansion have to do with the CBA negotiations? Support Talkin Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch name their best Sporting Kansas City players of the decade. There are some other surprising names mentioned.  Support Talkin' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch already talked about about what the Alan Pulido signing means for Sporting KC. Now they tap about how they are going to play him. It opens up a whole new world of tactics.  Listen to this discussion when it drops by subscribing to Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

After paying a record transfer fee to Chivas de Guadalajara, Alan Pulido becomes Sporting Kansas City's newest striker. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch talk about what that means for SKC. What will be harder for Pulido, living up to the transfer fee or fan expectations (19:28)? Is the trophy window open again for Sporting KC (29:46)? How good do SKC need Pulido to be (36:22)? How would the 2019 season have been different (41:57)? Need more Alan Pulido content? Listen on Patreon –> https://www.patreon.com/posts/pulido-pod-part-32314940

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch open the show wondering if MLS even needs an expansion draft. Zlatan is moving on from MLS (9:59). Henry is returning to MLS (14:41). Darwin Quintero has been traded to Houston (30:30). The MLS All-Stars will have a new opponent in 2020 (36:47). Support Talkin' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Sporting KC lose Jimmy Medranda to Nashville in the MLS expansion draft. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch talk about what that means along with the trade of Adrian Zendejas.  Support Talking' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon.  www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

It's THE MLS expansion draft szn! The 2017 expansion draft could be a good predictor of the 2019 draft (2:04). The rules are arbitrary and hard to remember (7:42). Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch predict who Sporting Kansas City will protect (10:19). The final two spots are the hardest choices (28:13). Listen to this discussion earlier by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Seattle Sounders beat Toronto FC to win MLS Cup 2019 (1:29). Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch give their options for MLS team of the decade (11:04). Finally, the moment you have all been waiting for. The 2019 Andrew Jacobson Middleman of the Year (14:12). Listen to the expansion draft discussion by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

On the free segment of Talkin' Touches, Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch run through the contract options Sporting Kansas City can pick up. The biggest is that of striker Kriztian Nemeth.  Subscribe to Patreon to hear who SKC should protect in the upcoming expansion draft. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch open the envelope of MLS Cup predictions and see how wrong they were (5:08). THE MLS Cup starts at an inconvenient time (10:15). What will Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC need to do to win (18:32)? Finally, predictions (43:06). Support Talkin' Touches on Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch open the show talking Seattle Sounders and Toronto FC. Both pulled the up set in their respective semifinals. Toronto beat Atlanta United 2-1 (8:44), and Seattle beat LAFC 3-1 (23:25).  Support Talking' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

MLS playoffs have finished, and the new format is good. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch recap the wild weekend and look forward to the second round of games.  Support Talkin' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Last week, Sam McDowell sat down with Mike Illig. The two discussed some transfers that ended up not happening. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch break down what Illig reveled and what that means for Sporting KC moving forward. Support Talking' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

The segments starts with wild speculation around Jürgen Klinsmann. Then Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch take a look at all the playoff matchups.  Support Talkin' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch spend as little time talking about SKC's 2019 finale as possible. It was bad.  Support Talking' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Sporting KC drew their final 2019 home game 2-2 against Portland Timbers. Andy Edwards talked about what goals from Krisztián Németh (19:05) and Daniel Salloi (9:00) mean for each of them moving forward. Roger Espinoza set an MLS record (27:38).     Patreon subscribers were able to learn about Connor Hallisey's new business ventures in the Discord while listening to the postgame show live. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

It was a strange one. Sporting KC fall to Colorado Rapids 3-2 and are eliminated from playoff contention. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch scream into the void about substitutions and poor game management.    Patreon subscribers were able to listen to the postgame show live. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

In this week's MLS segment, Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch list the strengths and weaknesses of all the playoff contenders. Portland and Seattle are indistinguishable. Bruce Arena has turned New England into a dark horse. No one wants to play DC United. Get ready for MLS Cup in a baseball stadium. Support Talkin' Touches on Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch recap the the beatem down that was Sporting Kansas City's 7-2 loss to LA Galaxy (3:23). Ilie wasting asked to do too much and that left him out of position (11:00). Graham Smith was outmatched by Zlatan (15:35). There is just no plan in the attacking third. Support Talkin' Touches by signing up for the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Charles Gooch is on an extended international break, so Producer Sean joins Andy Edwards to recap Sporting KC's 2-1 breakdown against Portland Timbers (3:03). Next they discuss Andy's article for The Athletic about how 6:29 could keep SKC out of the playoffs (14:45). They wrap up the show looking ahead to a truly must win game versus LA Galaxy. Support Talkin' Touches on Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Sporting Kansas City beat Houston Dynamo 1-0 to get their third win a row. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch discuss if this new style can work on the road (3:25). Ilie came off the bench for the third straight game (13:47). Is Graham Smith what this team has been looking for at center back (25:27)? Unfortunately, all the teams Sporting is chasing also won (32:10).  Listen to postgame shows live by subscribing to Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches

Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch break down Sporting KC's 1-0 win over Minnesota United (3:30). Despite a predictable attack Erik Hurtado gave SKC their second win in a row (6:01). Also for the second game in a row Ilie entered as a second half sub and spurred the offense (11:59). Graham Smith looked good as Ike Opara returned to KC (17:03). Salloi still hasn't scored, but he looks more confident (27:25). Listen to postgame shows live on Discord by subscribing to Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Sporting KC keep their season alive with a 2-1 win over the San Jose Earthquakes. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch break down the come from behind win (2:58). SJ started strong, but ran out of gas (6:16). SKC came out of halftime looking like a different team (11:55). Sporting were able to get the win despite San Jose's unique man-marking system (19:33). Listen to postgame shows live by subscribing to Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

The MLS segment is back, and again Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch are talking LAFC to open the show. Producer Sean throws some love to Philadelphia Union's Jim Curtain for Coach of the Year (9:00). San Jose  Earthquakes are fun to watch as well (12:58). Minnesota United are a sneaky good team (14:37). The show finishes with a discussion the stance by MLS against "political messages" from supporters (17:39).  Support Talkin' Touches by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

Sporting KC fall 1-0 to Orlando City FC ending their Supporters' Shield hopes. Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch talk about the demise of the season (3:30). Peter Vermes put out a strange lineup, and it didn't work (9:00). SKC were clearly out of ideas and crossed the ball 28 times (18:30). It also didn't work. Patrons who hate themselves can listen to postgame shows live. www.patreon.com/talkintouches  

After a two week hiatus Andy Edwards and Charles Gooch are back. Sporting fall 2-1 to Real Salt Lake. Again it was a struggle for Andreu Fontas (7:00). Erik Hurtado couldn't follow up his good performance versus Seattle last week (15:00) What to do with Daniel Salloi (28:22)? Listen to postgame shows live on Discord by subscribing to the Patreon. www.patreon.com/talkintouches