Podcasts about skc ii

For the Glory KC is back with the 132nd episode of the show after an unexpected week off. Sporting Kansas City had a very busy week loaded with (frankly, ridiculous) travel. After nearly 5,000 miles, they picked up two hard fought points against St. Louis City SC and San Diego FC. The draw against their cross-state rivals definitely felt like a victory as they snatched the point from the jaws of defeat. The San Diego game was more of a slog, as though a team had travelled a ton, heavily rotated their lineup, missed one of their two Designated Players and were playing a superior opponent at home. Despite that, they still earned a draw.Sheena returns after a brief hiatus, and we work our way through both of those games as well as a brief mention of the 1-0 loss to the Portland Timbers from last week we didn't get to cover.The theme of the three games was definitely defense, villains and goalkeeping. All three get high marks as Shapi Suleymanov and Jansen Miller tortured the St. Louis fans. Pulskamp also stood on his head across all three games. And Robert Voloder may have cemented himself as the starter next to Miller at center back, with a revolving door of fullbacks playing next to them.Since our last episode, MLS also released roster compositions for all 30 MLS teams. Sporting KC have no surprises with two open international spots and the ability to add a Designated Player along with a U-22 Initiative player, or two U-22 signings. To aid in that addition this summer is $1,928,679 in General Allocation Money (GAM), of which at least $500,000 is burning a hole in their pocket and has to be spent. Also, we get into the movement of the LAFC/SKC game from a crowded week to an international break weekend.The KC Current got back to their winning ways with us taking the last week off. They beat Bay FC 4-1 before heading on the road to take out the Orlando Pride 1-0. The biggest questions coming off the victory that further cemented their first-place status is, at what cost did it come? Alana Cook, Debinha and Temwa Chawinga all left the game injured.In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including:SKC II slightly improving on their strugglesFormer SKC player updates on CJ Sapong, Kei Kamara and Gianluca BusioGreg Vanney gets his contract extended after the worst start to a season in MLS historyHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):A Hard Fought SKC Point against San Diego - 6:36Sporting KC's big comeback vs St. Louis - 18:41A quick look at SKC vs. Portland - 48:10Sporting KC have room to spend - 52:17KC Current slip by Orlando and crush Bay FC - 1:06:28Digital Crawl - 1:14:33Upcoming GamesSKC II vs. LAFC2, Friday, May 23rd at 6:00PM CDT KC Current vs. Chicago Stars, Saturday, May 24th at 6:30PMSporting KC vs New England Revolution, Saturday, May 24th at 7:30PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 131st episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City made Major League Soccer history this week. While it's not the history that anyone really wants to make, taking zero shots in a game, the part that is historic is they won. No team in the 30 years of MLS has ever failed to take a single shot and still found a way to win.The 1-0 win over the basement dwelling LA Galaxy wasn't easy. Los Angeles had two of their Designated Players in the starting lineup and arguably their strongest lineup since MLS Cup 2024. Despite that, they fell for Sporting KC's first home 1-0 win since August 27, 2022 against the San Jose Earthquakes. The Galaxy's own goal from captain Yoshida, left SKC with a 0.00 expected goals (xG) mark, in victory.The game featured an amazing defensive output from goalkeeper John Pulskamp and center backs Jansen Miller and Robert Voloder (earning Robi team of the week honors). It also featured a trio of injuries for Logan Ndenbe and LA's DPs, Gabriel Pec and Joseph Paintsil. On top of everything else it was Star Wars night and the Sporting KC media game. To cover all of that, guest host Kevin Ferstl of Seven.One Magazine joined me for the show with Sheena out of town (she's back next week).Despite the good results in Kansas City, the same wasn't present for the KC Current who lost 1-0 on the road to the Seattle Reign in controversial fashion.In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including:SKC II continue their strugglesVancouver Whitecaps make CCC finalDesiree Scott's first professional goal!Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):Sporting KC are breaking records - 9:12KC Current lose with controversy - 53:22Digital Crawl - 1:06:28Upcoming GamesSporting KC @ Portland Timbers - Sat. May 10th at 9:30PM CDTKC Current vs. Bay FC - Sun. May 11th at 11:50AM SKC II have an off weekAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 130th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City continued their up and down form with a loss to FC Cincinnati after a fun win last weekend against the San Jose Earthquakes. Even though the results didn't go their way, it was a pretty competitive game. Many pundits are picking Cincy to win the Supporters Shield, MLS Cup or both and Sporting KC hung right there with them. If not for a "goal of the year candidate," maybe they earn the result.We talk about all the key moments from the Sporting KC game, including Zorhan Bassong's first professional goal, why Jacob Bartlett is taking free kicks, Keven Denkey's ridiculous goals and other random observations.Beyond just the game, it was transfer deadline week for the Major League Soccer primary transfer window and Sporting KC were busy. They made a signing and a trade and set themselves up to be active in the summer transfer window (they have to spend the GAM they acquired).The signing is 22-year-old Mexican American striker Santiago Munoz (more on him here). His arrival cleared the way for Mike Burns to deal William Agada to Real Salt Lake. Willy isn't the only former SKC player to end up in Salt Lake City this week as Johnny Russell also made the move. We talk about RSL as a rival, worse potential destinations (there is only one) and everything else related to those moves.Usually, we count on the KC Current to lift our spirits but somehow nothing went right in KC soccer (including SKC II). The Current were stunned late against the North Carolina Courage, breaking all kinds of streaks.In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including:SKC II signing and a two-loss weekThe NWSL is trying to start a new second divisionHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):Sporting KC fall in a close one with Cincy - 4:52A signing, an Agada trade and goodbye Johnny Russell - 28:08KC Current lose a stunner - 52:01Digital Crawl - 1:08:58Upcoming GamesSKC II @ Austin FC II, Friday, May 2nd at 7:30PM CDTKC Current @ Seattle Reign, Friday, May 2nd at 9:30PMSporting KC vs. LA Galaxy, Sunday, May 4th at 6:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 125th episode of the show!We were all set to talk about another Sporting Kansas City loss when Sunday the KC Cauldron and South Stand "demanded" Peter Vermes resigns his jobs. We started there and then moved into discussing another loss.In terms of the cries for Vermes' resignation, Sheena and I get into whether we actually think this will happen and the case to be made for and against him leaving. It's also worth remembering, he's just entering this second year of a five-year extension. That contract continues to age poorly, which feels like yet another indictment of ownership.Turning our attention to the game, despite a losing effort, Sporting KC actually showed some promise against FC Dallas. There were significant changes to the lineup that paid off immediately with another Daniel Salloi goal. He's scoring 0.71 goals per 90 after only scoring 0.13/90 in 2024. Another spark may have come from the first start of Jake Davis in the midfield. We also learn Davis' unique middle name during this week's podcast.Finally, the KC Current rescue the soccer weekend yet again with a great performance back home against the Utah Royals. While it was a great day for the Current, it was a tough outing for old friend Kate Del Fava who was involved in all three goals KC scored.In other KC Current news, they had an immense number of international call-ups, and we played a mini game about how they would fare with those nine players missing. Luckily, it was just a thought experiment, as the Current have the next weekend off since NWSL doesn't play through international windows. As for those call-ups, let's list them:United States: Claire Hutton, Michelle Cooper, Alana CookBrazil: LorenaCanada: Nichelle PrinceCosta Rica: Rocky RodriguezKenya: JerekoUS U-18s: Mary Long, Katie ScottIn the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including:SKC II winning in penalty kicksBoston's NWSL rebrandDenver's NWSL side announcing new facilitiesUS Open Cup broadcast rights on Paramount+Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):Calls for Peter Vermes to Resign - 5:32Sporting KC make progress, but still falter against Dallas - 29:17The KC Current continue to dominate - 53:13KC Current round-up - 1:01:20Digital Crawl - 1:08:50Upcoming GamesDes Moines Menace vs. Union Omaha, Wed. April 2nd at 7:30PM CDTUSWNT vs. Brazil, Sat. April 5th at 4:00PMSporting KC vs. St. Louis City SC, Sat. April 5th at 7:30PMUSA vs. Brazil, Tues. April 8th at 9:30PM SKC II and KC Current have no gamesAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

Rox and Ken discuss topics from the past week in the world of soccer:USL adopting pro/rel for 2028 seasonRochester Rhinos and Jamie Vardy?Des Moines Menace beat SKC II in Open Cup… but that's not a surprise.Disclaimer: The views, opinions, and statements expressed during this podcast are solely those of the individual speakers and do not necessarily represent the views, opinions, or positions of the podcast's hosts, guests, sponsors, or any affiliated entities, including employers of the participants.The content provided is for informational and entertainment purposes only and should not be construed as professional advice or endorsements of any kind. The creators and sponsors of this podcast disclaim any liability for any errors, omissions, or actions taken based on the content of this podcast.Listeners are encouraged to form their own opinions and consult appropriate professionals for specific advice. By continuing to listen, you acknowledge and agree to these terms.

For the Glory KC is back with the 123rd episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City came back to life on Saturday night. When it looked like they were dead and destined to extend their 10-game losing streak, they clawed back for a 3-3 draw against Minnesota United. A draw isn't a win, but it's a step in the right direction. That first point of 2025 also keeps them out of the basement of the league (on goal differential, but it counts).Sheena and I work through our thoughts from the game. We talk about John Pulskamp's performance (and awful new scar).We also talk about the performance of Robert Voloder, Daniel Salloi being a spark (and giving the team wings), Memo Rodriguez, Dejan Joveljic's stunning goal and of course all the bad that led to Minnesota being up 3-0 in the first place. Overall, let's hope this is some positive momentum for Sporting KC as they host LAFC next week.And let's hear it for Kansas City weather. Wait five minutes, right? Sleet. Snow. An Orange ball. Wild times.In the SKC round-up, we talk about more signings coming to Sporting KC, Dany Rosero's injury situation, Ian James getting an important international call-up and Memo expecting his second child.Finally, the KC Current do what they do and play beautiful soccer to start the 2025 season. In a single game, they have more points than Sporting KC and it felt like more great chances created. From the glorious goal and hair of Temwa Chawinga, to the golazo of Michelle Cooper and 'the best version' of Debinha, the team showed up at Saturday's opener against the Portland Thorns.Also, we have KC Current injury updates for Bia, Gabby Robinson, Alex Pfeiffer, Regan Steigleder and Mallory Weber's situation with the team. Plus, the team made a new signing.In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including:SKC II vs. Des Moines MenaceFelipe Hernandez's returnTony MeolaAD Franch's new teamAnd an NWSL rebrand in BostonHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):SKC w/ a wild 3-3 Draw against Minnesota United - 3:16SKC round-up - 35:23KC Current win big to start 2025 - 41:25Digital Crawl - 1:03:00Upcoming GamesSKC II vs. Des Moines Menace - Wed. March 19th at 6:30PM CTKC Current @ Washington Spirit - Sat. March 22nd at 6:30PMSporting KC vs. LAFC - Sat. March 22nd at 7:30PMSKC II @ St. Louis City II - Sun. March 23rd at 4:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 122nd episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City played their first game on full rest for the 2025 MLS season, and it seemingly didn't matter. D.C. United pulled off a 2-1 come from behind victory at home. Maybe it's rest plus chemistry that Sporting KC need. Plus, Jake Davis in the midfield. Plus... something else?Sheena and I open the episode looking for positives from Saturday's game before inevitably turning to the negatives. One list did outweigh the other, sadly.In a more fun story, we spend some time talking about what's happening at our neighbors to the north. The Des Moines Menace are signing all kinds of retired MLS players to bring some positive attention to the 2025 US Open Cup. Among those signings is Sporting KC legend and former SKC II coach, Benny Feilhaber. He'll be joined by at least eight other retired MLS players as they take on Sporting KC II in the opening round of the US Open Cup on March 19th.After that, we blitz through the Sporting KC round-up which includes an injury update for Andrew Brody, last week's SKC penalty maybe being the wrong call and why Erik Thommy is only the captain "right now," according to Peter Vermes.Finally, the KC Current get to bring us some joy with their season getting started next week. We take a quick look ahead to the season opener against the Portland Thorns.In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including:MLS Next Pro looking for more teams out of their primary markets ("2" teams included)Chris Rindov finds a new clubSophia Smith Wilson is pregnantand upcoming goalkeeper rule changesHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):Sporting KC lose their 10th straight - 1:35Benny Feilhaber is back (sort of) - 28:56SKC Round-Up - 41:10KC Current season is starting - 48:29Digital Crawl - 56:17Upcoming GamesSKC II vs. STL City II - Fri. March 14th at 6:00PM CSTKC Current vs. Portland Thorns - Sat. March 15th at 11:45AMSporting KC vs Minnesota United - Sat. March 15th at 7:30PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 121st episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City had another poor week with two more games played and two more losses. Sheena and I try to work through if the team is truly bad or if it's a combination of a lot of other factors. Sporting KC did play four games in 11 days, and two of the games were against Inter Miami who are loaded with stars. The team also just signed three of its more critical offseason additions in Dejan Joveljic, Manu Garcia and Shapi Suleymanov. Their chemistry will take time.The good news with 32 games to go there is very little congestion the rest of the way for Sporting KC. That excuse will mostly vanish and SKC just to start talking steps in the right direction. We worked our way through the bad and the good from both games, with a greater focus on the 2-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes. The discussion really started around the lack of rotation, despite the short rest between the 3-1 loss to Inter Miami and the SJ game. The tired legs really seemed to be a problem, despite being up a man for over 40 minutes.The CONCACAF Champions Cup game with Miami didn't get much time this episode since no one really expected KC to advance when the game was announced. That said, we had to talk about the defensive blunders that ended the first half.There was plenty of other SKC news this week too. William Agada was rumored to be part of a trade with Real Salt Lake. Benny Feilhaber popped up in a UMKC/SKC II game as a guest player and gave us a hint about his future. Andreu Fontas retired officially. Sebastian Cruz found a new home. SKC executed a minor trade, and some other roster news came out.Sheena and I also watched the Sporting KC/St. Louis City episode of Onside, the new Apple TV+ show. It's good, we definitely recommend it.Finally, the KC Current had a slightly louder week with the release of the Teal Town secondary kit. They also made a minor trade, played a couple preseason games and made some news with the USWNT.In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including: SKC II updates Jaylin Lindsay finds a new home Seattle Sounders running a "first match on us" free game promo The ref who took Messi's jersey got suspendedHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): SKC lose their home opener to San Jose - 6:01 SKC bounced from CCC by Miami - 46:24 RSL called about William Agada - 53:24 SKC Round-up, Including a Benny Feilhaber update - 58:37 KC Current news - 1:13:11 Digital Crawl - 1:17:57Upcoming Games Sporting KC @ D.C. United - Saturday, March 8th at 6:30PM CST As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 118th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City had a very busy week with two more preseason games under their belts. Before that theylocked down the signings of Designated Player Manu Garcia and Russian winger Shapi Suleymanov. Sheena and I discuss where they fit into the team and if it makes us more confident going into CONCACAF Champions Cup and the 2025 MLS season.After the second preseason game againstMinnesota United, theKC Soccer Journal asked Peter Vermes where he still wants to add to the roster."Honestly, all over the place," started Vermes. "As I've told you guys before, we're in an area of trying to rebuild this team. I would say that there is no position, nothing that is off limits. We're going to continue to add players and move this team around."If you missed the preseason action, the games are available to stream in their entirety on YouTube. TheNYCFC game ended in a0-0 draw in a game mostly played by the starters. And the backups faced starters in arough 6-0 loss against MNUFC. We give our thoughts on what the results mean (not much), who played where (a little more), injury updates and the general state of the team heading towards the final preseason game.Beyond the action in the games, there were a bunch of random Sporting KC tidbits that came out this week.Roger Espinoza was spotted coaching players in both preseason games. Tim Melia, Johnny Russell and Andreu Fontasall showed up to the Super Bowl. MLS also released a ton of new roster rules, expertly explained bySixOneFiveSoccer.com's Chris Ivey in thethread on BlueSky.Part of that layout of rules confirmed that Sporting KC, along with all the other MLS teams, cannot receive General Allocation Money (GAM) for the sale of a DP. That means Alan Pulido won't be adding any GAM to SKC's roster, but at least they got off that terrible salary and added Dejan Joveljic in his place. Speaking of Pulido, after missing a few games injured for Chivas, he playedand scored in his second appearance.We also talk about how young this team has become, a few more Peter Vermes quotes, how likely Messi is to play on February 18th at Children's Mercy Park and answer a really good listener question about developing and selling players.It's not until the Digital Crawl, but SKC II announced the preseason roster and KCSJ's Mike Kuhn gave aquick breakdown of those players, including a few familiar names.Finally, theKC Current had a relatively quiet week, but they did announce two closed door preseason games. First, they'll playRacing Louisville on February 23rd and theChicago Red Stars on March 2nd.In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including:SKC II's US Open Cup announcement against the Des Moines MenaceJack Kortkamp got called up to the US U-17sAnd a ton of big MLS moves, including Cucho Hernandez leaving and Atlanta swinging bigHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):More Sporting KC Signings - 8:00Two Preseason games for SKC - 18:24Random SKC Stories - 36:39How should Sporting KC handle youth development/sales - 52:49KC Current News - 1:00:53Digital Crawl - 1:12:10 As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too.Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 117th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City kept us on our toes through an entire phase of preseason, but they finally got a blockbuster deal over the line on Saturday night. The team announced they paid the LA Galaxy $4 million for star striker Dejan Joveljic to make him their newest Designated Player. We break down his history (he's just 25) in Los Angeles, Germany and Serbia. How we think he'll fit in with Sporting KC and what it means for the other center forwards on the roster (William Agada, Mason Toye). While this is a very different SKC team than the Galaxy team he just left, LA wasn't really good until last season. And even if you think it's a bad move, essentially, he's replacing Alan Pulido. SKC appeared set to have Pulido for two more years at way too much money but instead they have a younger, faster, more athletic DP set to wear the #9 jersey. In addition to the Joveljic signing, another rumored popped up this week for 21-year-old CB Bryan Okoh from RB Salzburg. We look at his potential fit and if it's a good use of a U-22 Initiative spot. Sporting KC also played their third and final preseason game of phase one of preseason. It got off to a much better start with the first team heading into halftime up 1-0. The game slipped away when full changes were made but Vermes said the team made "significant progress." We also give injury updates on a few players. The last big of SKC news comes in the form of the US Open Cup. Sporting KC will not be involved with SKC II replacing them. They won't be in Leagues Cup either. It's just CONCACAF Champions Cup and MLS play for the first team this year. That means if KC can't get past Inter Miami, they'll have more time to focus on MLS play and far less midweek fixtures. Finally, the KC Current had a very busy week. The biggest move is likely the contract extension to Temwa Chawinga through 2028. They also traded for Haley Hopkins from the North Carolina Courage. They re-signed Elizabeth Ball and Kristen Hamilton, and they had their 2025 kit leaked by Footy Headlines. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including: Apple MLS Season Pass set to auto-renew February 16th Updates on Garcia and Suleymanov rumors Istvan Urbanyi is the new SKC II coach (and Ike is still there too) MLS will not send broadcast crews to all games this year Denver is officially an NWSL team Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC trade for Dejan Joveljic - 7:05 Another SKC rumor - 29:43 A 3rd SKC preseason loss - 37:33 No US Open Cup for Sporting KC - 47:43 KC Current make several moves - 52:00 Digital Crawl - 1:04:43 As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 116th episode of the show!  Sporting Kansas City have not one, but two rumored signings coming to town. While it's two rumored players, they are both from the same team. The first one we learned about early last week appears to be the Designated Player #10 the team has been saying they are chasing. That's Manu Garcia (learn more about Manu here). The second rumor is for right-winger Magomed-Shapi Suleymanov (more on Shapi here). Both players play for Aris in the Greek first division. The rumored combined fee, according to GiveMeSport's Tom Bogert comes in around €5 million. We get into the details and stats for each player and try to decide if these feel like good signings. One notch in favor of Garcia, despite his lower numbers are those of another Spanish midfielder Mike Burns brought to MLS. Look at the stats both before and after arriving in MLS: La Liga: 74 GP, 3 G, 9A, 4,702 min LALiga2: 49 GP, 4G, 1A, 3,044 min Premier League: 28 GP, 2G, 2A, 1,799 min MLS: 157 GP, 39G, 45A, 13,402 minutes and an MLS MVP That player? Carles Gil for the New England Revolution. He joined just a year younger at 26-years-old and went from relatively unimpressive numbers to being one of the best players in the league. There is no saying if Manu Garcia can do that, but Vermes and Burns surely have to hope so. It's worth noting that both Garcia and Suleymanov were held out of Aris' game this weekend. Teams don't do that for no reason, but it's always possible it still falls through. Randomly snuck into the middle of this rumor conversation was a prior rumored signing, Unai Hernandez, who appears headed to Saudi Arabia for big money. We also found a way to work in Dom Dwyer leaving the Oakland Roots. In addition to talking rumors, we have to mention the second straight preseason loss for Sporting KC, this time to Chicago. It's tough to take much from a game we didn't see, but there were some good quotes from Peter Vermes and Erik Thommy. One of those quotes was Vermes confirming he's happy with John Pulskamp as the starting goalkeeper and he has no plans to add a veteran keeper. It'll be an extremely young GK room with Pulskamp (23), Ryan Schewe (22) and Jack Kortkamp (16 now, 17 on the 28th). Is that the right decision? Finally, the KC Current and the entire NWSL have their schedule announced. They open the season (again) against the Portland Thorns, this time on March 15th. They play a perfectly balanced 26 game regular season schedule, 13 games, against all 13 other teams, before a break, then they repeat the task after the CBA summer break. There were some potential road trips combining SKC and Current games on the docket as well. 23 of those 26 games are on National TV (ION, ABC, CBS, CBS Sports Network, ESPN and Prime). At some point talking about the Current the subject of watching games at a bar to avoid buying Amazon Prime came up. One potential spot, is the female-owned The Dub KC. If you heard us talking about them and want to support them, check out their Instagram or website. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including: SKC II schedule Robert Castellanos update USMNT and USYNT And Neymar! Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC Rumor: DP #10 Manu Garcia - 5:01 2nd Sporting KC rumor for a Winger - 22:28 Another preseason game for SKC, another loss - 32:27 Thommy to forward and no veteran competition for Pulskamp - 38:05 KC Current schedule released - 52:26 Digital Crawl - 1:06:20 Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 111th episode of the show. The 2024 MLS season just came to an end eight days ago, but we've already got Sporting Kansas City dates for 2025. This past week the draw for Sporting KC's CONCACAF Champions Cup opponent happened and the team drew fellow MLS club Inter Miami. Shortly after, the Feb 18th and 25th dates were announced for the two-legged competition. As a part of that release, January 11th was listed as the date that SKC's 2025 preseason will begin with players reporting to Kansas City. That's just under a month from a soccer ball being kicked in preparation for CCC and the season. Sheena and I get into what we think about Sporting KC playing Messi and Miami again. We ponder if Messi will play (on a cold Tuesday night in KC) and if the game will be moved from the announced location of Children's Mercy Park to Arrowhead Stadium again. In addition, there were several quicker stories in the Sporting KC universe, including having no player selected in the expansion draft and the club not selecting anyone in the first round of the Re-Entry Process. Stage two comes next week, along with the 2025 MLS SuperDraft where SKC will pick fourth. The KC Current made news this week with their end of year roster announcements. Three more players are added to the list of women not returning to the club, and we got official word on Bia Zaneratto and Regan Steigleder coming back. We weight in on those moves and a few other stories, including a record five players in the top 19 of jersey sales for the NWSL this past season. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: MLS rumors The Vancouver Whitecaps are for sale Bailey Sparks, formerly of SKC II, is up for the Mac Hermann Trophy USL have an expanded Jägermeister Cup announcement and more! Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC Learn their CCC Opponent - 6:16 SKC's Preseason Announced - 27:15 Other Sporting KC updates - 35:32 KC Current updates - 49:18 Digital Crawl - 59:08 As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E42 (#107) - For the Glory KC is back with the 107th episode of the show.   The week of the offseason we've been waiting for and simultaneously dreading has arrived. Sporting Kansas City announced their roster moves, including moving on from eight players. And it sounds like they wanted to move on from more. Due to an emergency, Sheena missed her second straight podcast (it's a really good reason, find it in your heart to forgive). In her stead we brought on not one, but two extra co-hosts: KC Soccer Journal staff writers Juan Cisneros and Josh Wallace. Due to their intricate knowledge of all things Sporting KC, the podcast lost a bit of its casual perspective, and we went much deeper. Discussing the departures, along with the players that stayed, and if we agreed with them or not. Juan had a hot take on Memo Rodriguez that Josh and I roundly rebuffed. We also got into who should be the captain of the team with Johnny Russell gone and where the future of the goalkeeper position lies with Tim Melia also out the door. We couldn't talk about so many players leaving without reliving our favorite memories of Russell, Melia and Remi Walter, including legendary penalty kick shootouts, Melia dropping a Rock Bottom on Cristian Roldan, Russell nearly fighting all of the Vancouver Whitecaps and Remi scoring bangers. A part of Sporting KC announcing all these moves was new Sporting Director, Mike Burns, talking to the media for a better part of half an hour. If you missed it, Burns hit on a lot of topics, that we discussed as well, including: The candid response on the guys still on the roster Insight on Benny Feilhaber parting from SKC II The way SKC will build their roster, including a new U-22 approach Building out the staff with an Assistant Sporting Director, more scouts, technical and analytic staff We also spun back in time to talk about Sporting KC II's roster moves from last week, which leaves the team with just four players under contract for 2025. Plus, the other guys we wouldn't mind see coming back that are out of contract (Sebastian Cruz and Ethan Bryant among others). Then we had to talk about the tough KC Current loss that sees their season come up just short of playing in the NWSL title game. We talk through whether we are rooting for or against the Orlando Pride and Marta. Plus, set things up for a 2025 title run in the NWSL. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: The USMNT win over Jamaica UMKC winning the Summit League and NJ/NY Gotham building a massive new training facility Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC announce their roster moves - 2:35 Mike Burns talked to the Media about those moves and more - 59:30 SKC II also have moves, including their coach - 1:19:59 KC Current Season comes to a painful end - 1:31:00 Digital Crawl - 1:40:08 Upcoming Schedule: USMNT vs. Jamaica (2nd Leg, Nations League) - Monday, Nov. 18th @ 7:00PM NWSL Championship: Washington Spirit vs Orlando Pride - Saturday, Nov. 23rd @ 7:00PM (in KC) We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E41 - For the Glory KC is back with the 106th episode of the show. This week, there is very little Sporting Kansas City in the episode, but they always find their way into the show, simply for comparisons sake if nothing else. Plus, I ran into Graham Zusi at the KC Current game, so we have to talk about that! Instead of SKC, this is a KC Current focused episode considering they just won a home playoff game in the NWSL for the first time in a decade (and that was FCKC). Kansas City hosted the North Carolina Courage and pulled out a 1-0 win on an 8th minute Temwa Chawinga goal. To break it all down, Xander Kennedy joins the show this week as one of our resident KC Current experts here at the KC Soccer Journal. He and I go through the changes to the lineup and if it was the best path to victory. We break down the team effort that led to the Chawinga goal and find a few unsung heroes on that play. The game wasn't one way traffic either, as NC had some big chances, including the wide-open miss by Alene Gomes and the goal that was called off for a foul by Manaka on Almuth Schult. Speaking of Schult, we both sing her praises as she's in the 99th percentile in some key goalkeeping stats. And the topic of protecting Temwa had to come up after the referee let her basically be abused throughout the match, something that didn't go unnoticed by Vlatko Andonovski. It led to an interesting scuffle between Bianca St. George and Ellie Wheeler after BSG taunted Temwa after hacking her to the ground. Xander and I also share some Graham Zusi stories, talk about Inter Miami being bounced from the MLS Cup Playoffs and the rest of the NWSL playoff matchups. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: Ian James and Jack Kortkamp get callups for SKC Jim Curtin is out at the Philadelphia Union While Bruce Arena is in over at the San Jose Earthquakes Plus, the USL Super League, USL Championship and USL League One all get into the show Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): KC Current win a playoff game - 1:58 MLS Update - 1:06:30 Digital Crawl - 1:13:14 Upcoming Schedule: KC Current @ Orlando Pride, Sun Nov 17th at 2:00PM CST Sporting KC and SKC II seasons are over... We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E40 - For the Glory KC is back with the 105th episode of the show.  This week, we do what we've teased off and on for months. We play Fantasy Sporting Director (move aside Mike Burns!) for Sporting Kansas City. It's something we did last year too. I imagine, you may want to play along as well. We'd love to hear from you in the comments, or on the various social media accounts we plug at the end of every podcast, who you would or wouldn't keep. There are 16 players that are either out of contract or on options years. Do you bring people back at a discount? Move on entirely? How much turnover do you foresee. We've already made the case the overhaul may not come this offseason, though movement definitely will. Sheena and I agreed on a few moves, but there was a surprising divide on a few players and some relatively big names we've decided to move on from (though we did a fair amount of waffling). We also both briefly discussed the reaction to my editorial from the week, "Blame Ownership, Not Vermes, for Sporting KC's Failings." Additionally, the KC Current deserve our attention after another win to wrap up their 2024 regular season. They have scored more goals than any team in NWSL history, and they did so in an essentially meaningless game. Well, it wasn't meaningless for the Chicago Red Stars, but you couldn't tell from their play in the first half. Chicago fell to 8th place and hit the road to face the Orlando Pride, while KC already knew they'd be hosting the North Carolina Courage next weekend in the opening round of the playoffs. Sheena and I briefly talked about the happenings in MLS including upsets of Real Salt Lake, Inter Miami and the Columbus Crew in the playoffs. Plus, FIFA playing games by putting Miami in the Club World Cup against MLS's wishes. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: Alenis Vargas gets a call-up The US U-17 Women win Bronze at the World Cup And San Diego has a stadium problem ahead of MLS Expansion next year Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Fantasy Sporting KC Sporting Director - 4:30 My ‘Controversial' Vermes Editorial - 55:38 KC Current won a meaningless game - 1:05:46 MLS Updates - 1:16:06 Digital Crawl - 1:22:46 Upcoming Schedule: KC Current vs. North Carolina Courage - Sat. Nov 9th @ 11:00AM CST Sporting KC and SKC II seasons are over... We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E39 - For the Glory KC is back with the 104th episode of the show. Sporting Kansas City's offseason got underway this week with two big chunks of news coming out. First, the MLS Players Association released the final 2024 salary information much later than in previous years. That meant we found out the salary of new signing Joaquin Fernandez, an increase in compensation showed up in the numbers for Alan Pulido and a new signing was leaked out. Ian James, a yet-to-be-announced Homegrown signing for Sporting KC is set to join the team at just 16-years-old. We're excited for Ian, but also want to temper expectations a bit for such a young player to make an immediate impact. The other info came in the form of Vermes' first press conference after the season ended. There were a lot of insightful things said which can give a clue to what is coming in the next few weeks and years. A few stand out topics include: Sporting KC taking their time with the current roster announcements. A heavy use of the word "rebuild" by Vermes. The main priority remains an attacking midfielder (#10) with a 'Pulido level' spend. A snippet about the formation of the future. And a hint at more Homegrown signings and potential roster rule changes. There were also a handful of dates that came out around Sporting KC's 2025 season starting. We know MLS play will begin on the weekend of February 22-23. We also know that the CONCACAF Champions Cup (CCC) draw will take place December 10th where Sporting KC will learn their first opponent. SKC could be playing as early as February 4th! What didn't make it into the podcast, yet again, was our Fantasy Sporting Director discussion. Next week (probably) we'll get into who should stay and who should go from the 16 eligible players. Not to be left out, the KC Current won their second trophy of the season. This time, the much more prestigious Summer Cup was lifted on Friday night in San Antonio in front of a meager crowd. KC had to work their way through a competition featuring all the NWSL teams and many of the Liga MX femenil teams. Kansas City defeated NJ/NY Gotham in the finals, but the game, much like the initial tournament, came during an international break. Gotham were particularly devastated with injuries and absences, but the Current were shorthanded too. Temwa Chawinga scored two more goals, bringing her total in all competitions to 23 for 2024. The KC Current also announced a new contract for Vanessa DiBernardo that runs through 2026 with a mutual option for 2027. Plus, it was leaked that options were picked up for 2025 for Bia Zaneratto and Regan Steigleder. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: A potential fall through spring MLS schedule starting in 2026 Two USWNT wins during the break The US U-17s advancing to the World Cup semifinals San Diego FC being tied to Manchester City star Keven de Bruyne Bruce Arena potentially headed to the San Jose Earthquakes and a WNBA team maybe coming to KC. Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): New Sporting KC salary release and a signing - 4:12 Lots of Peter Vermes quotes - 24:44 KC Current win another Trophy + Roster News - 54:24 Errors and Corrections - 59:15 Digital Crawl - 1:00:16 Upcoming Schedule: KC Current at Chicago Red Stars - Sun. Nov. 3rd @ 1:00PM CST Sporting KC and SKC II seasons are over... We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E38 - For the Glory KC is back with the 103rd episode of the show.  After a week off, the podcast returns. Sporting Kansas City also had a week off, and now we know the offseason schedule, so the urgency to do our fantasy Sporting Director episode has waned for a week. It'll make a great topic for next week. This week though, we briefly talk about the action on the field in the season finale. Sporting KC lost 2-1 to FC Dallas, but technically outscored them if you count that Joaquin Fernandez own goal. The more interesting topic of conversation was the lineup, but more so, who wasn't available and why. Suddenly added to the injury report were Jake Davis, Johnny Russell and Remi Walter. Also out were Andreu Fontas, Khiry Shelton and the known surgery to Dany Rosero. It could have been the absolute last chance to see a handful of those guys. Oh, and Tim Leibold played right back. That was something. After the game, Sheena and I reflect on the season. Technically it's the second worst record ever, but there are more games now, so the points may be inflated. Was it actually the worst season ever? We also gave our takes on the Sporting KC Pitch Black award winners, and we only took umbrage with one category: Newcomer of the Year. Memo Rodriguez was snubbed, and we have the stats to back it up. Things were happier on the Missouri side of soccer as the KC Current just keep winning. Two more wins for the ladies, but they still linger in fourth place as the Washington Spirit and Gotham refuse to drop a single point. In the last nine days, the Current have defeated expansion Bay FC and the San Diego Wave and Temwa Chawinga has just kept shattering records. We have some funny press conference stories, and of course, cover the retirement of Desiree Scott. Since Sporting KC are done, we also circled back to the MLS Cup Playoffs and our retired segment, the Messi Update. Inter Miami set the single season points record, and Messi led the league in goal contributions, despite missing significant time. Atlanta United snuck into the playoffs (shades of SKC in 2023) and Sheena will not be watching the 18-team playoff. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: KC Current's international call-ups for Mace, Ballisager, Prince and Magaia A Bia Zaneratto injury update SKC U-15 call-ups and a Benny Feilhaber stat The KC Comets schedule is out! A couple USMNT games U-17 Women's World Cup Chicago Fire's stadium plans What the heck is a BOS Nation? Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC lose again - 5:56 What do the next few months look like for SKC? - 23:15 KC Current win two more - 51:17 Catching up on MLS - 1:01:40 Digital Crawl - 1:06:48 Upcoming Schedule: USWNT vs. Iceland - Thursday, Oct. 24th at 6:30PM CDT KC Current vs. Gotham - Friday, Oct 25th at 7:00PM (Summer Cup Final) USWNT vs. Iceland - Sunday, Oct. 27th at 4:30PM Sporting KC and SKC II seasons are over... We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E37 - For the Glory KC is back with the 102nd episode of the show. Sporting Kansas City are one game away from the end of their 2024 season, but it's effectively over. This past Saturday served as the final home game of the season. According to my colleague, Mike Kuhn, a statistically terrible one. We keep our conversation about the 3-0 loss to LAFC to a minimum, though Tim Melia and the debut of Joaquin Fernandez got some time. Mostly, we focused on a few of the players who are out of contract after the 2024 season. First, Sheena's favorite, Remi Walter. He was a surprise addition to the starting lineup after Khiry Shelton was a late scratch with a calf injury. He pushed Jake Davis to right back and took his spot in the midfield before coming off in the 60th minute. Was it his final appearance? Then the attention turned to Johnny Russell. He wanted to score so bad, but it just wasn't coming off for him. He ended the night with just 0.1 xG (per FBref) of the teams meager 0.7 xG. In 31 minutes, Erik Thommy accounted for 0.4 of that total. But we're not talking about Thommy (this week). Russell stared off into the distance, taking it all in for a while, after the final whistle blew. It was the look of a man who knew it may be his final time in a Sporting KC uniform. For his part, he wants to come back, though apparently, it's not been discussed yet. Next week on the podcast, we'll look closer at the whole roster, and all 16 guys that could potentially be gone, and make our roster decisions. After the Sporting KC talk ended, things livened up with wins from the KC Current and SKC II. The Current pulled just one point out of second place in the NWSL standings with three games to go. Sporting KC II on the other hand were bounced from the playoffs despite their victorious efforts. Benny Feilhaber also confirmed he's out of contract after the season and he's "uncertain of his future." In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: Women's College championship coming to CPKC Stadium Mary Long called up for US U-17 Women's World Cup Josh Wolff fired from Austin FC Gianluca Busio gets the call-up Inter Miami to the 2025 Club World Cup Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC lose their final home game - 1:27 The Future of Remi and Johnny (and Fontas a little) - 11:06 Dany Rosero has surgery - 37:05 KC Current keep winning! - 48:26 SKC II and Benny Feilhaber Talk - 53:09 Digital Crawl - 1:00:10 Upcoming Schedule: USMNT vs. Panama - Saturday, October 12th @ 8:00PM CDT KC Current at Bay FC - Saturday, October 12th @ 9:00PM Sporting KC on the international break SKC II's season is over We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E36 - For the Glory KC is back with the 101st episode of the show. Sporting Kansas City had a busy, but ultimately disappointing, week. To take things in reverse order we start the discussion with For the Glory KC heading into enemy territory to experience CITYPARK as SKC took on St. Louis City SC. We give our thoughts on the stadium, the atmosphere, the food and everything else that happened in the soccer portion of the trip. And we're happy to report the in-person fans were much better than the online ones. And it came up in the conversation, so here is the story I promised about the state of Sporting KC's offseason rebuild and why it may be slower than fans would like. Complete with math (everyone's favorite)! The week started off with the promise of a chance to win a trophy, but that came up short too. Sporting KC headed to Los Angeles to take on LAFC but came up short against the better side. The game was not without controversy as an unconscionably bad call may have tilted things. We talk about that, plus other happenings from the game. Jake Davis and Tim Melia played out of their minds. And Khiry Shelton got some undeserved hate when he shut down Denis Bouanga, one of the best players in the league, all night. The KC Current played to a controversial result of their own. Michelle Cooper was impeded by a referee, who definitely changed directions into her path to gift Gotham their only goal of the game (though KC shouldn't have shut off in the moments after that). Kansas City were the better team, and probably deserved all three points. Missed chances and final passes plagued the team, despite Temwa Chawinga adding to her Golden Boot leading pace. The Current remain in fourth place with four league games to go. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: An important transfer fee nugget on Robi Voloder and Logan Ndenbe A quick rundown and breakdown of recent SKC II results The KC Current's team valuation FIFA Club World Cup hosts and ambition from the San Jose Earthquakes? Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Our trip to St. Louis - 1:31 Sporting KC lose a Final - 46:28 The KC Current earn a controversial draw - 1:02:44 Digital Crawl - 1:09:06 Upcoming Schedule: KC Current @ Racing Louisville - Sat. Oct 5th @ 6:30PM CDT Sporting KC vs. LAFC - Sat. Oct. 5th @ 7:30PM SKC II vs. LAFC2 - Sun. Oct. 6th @ 3:00PM We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E32 - For the Glory KC is back with the 97th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City pulled off a great win when they returned to MLS play on Saturday. They won 3-0 over Orlando City which will serve as a nice tune-up for the do-or-die game against Indy Eleven on Tuesday in the US Open Cup semifinals. We break down the unique lineup, that included Zoran Bassong in the midfield. Also, the top moments from the game including the goals and the other performances that stood out to us. Then we get to the rumor of the week that Kayden Pierre was being sold to Belgian club, Genk. A rumor, later confirmed by Peter Vermes. Is Mike Burns responsible for the first sale since Gianluca Busio? We talk through what this means for youth development, how the transfer fees come back into the system to help Sporting KC and more. Unfortunately, when one KC teams wins, apparently the other one isn't allowed to. The KC Current fell to the Washington Spirit earlier today in a crushing 4-1 result on the road. Kansas City remain on the road to face the North Carolina Courage next weekend, who are suddenly nipping on their heels as KC slipped from 1st to 3rd in the standings in back-to-back NWSL games. What went wrong? We give our theories. In more mixed Current news, the teams moved on from Alexa Spaanstra and Lauren this week but signed Hildah Magaia to offset some of that movement. Jereko also made her debut against Washington, but it wasn't with enough time left to change the game. And in possibly the biggest soccer news of the week, the NWSL and NWSLPA reached a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA) through 2030 that includes elimination of all drafts (college and expansion), free agency for all, players ability to veto trades and a whole lot more. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: SKC II results The Women's Cup teams Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): A Fun Benny Feilhaber Story (and some nonsense) - 1:52 Sporting KC Win! - 11:15 Kayden Pierre Sold - 38:55 KC Current lose - 51:14 Three more KC Current moves - 59:44 Historic NWSL CBA - 1:08:09 Digital Crawl - 1:21:10 Upcoming Schedule: Sporting KC vs. Indy Eleven (US Open Cup), Tuesday, August 27th @ 7:00PM SKC II at Vancouver Whitecaps 2, Saturday, August 31st @ 6:00PM KC Current at North Carolina Courage, Sunday, September 1st @ 1:00PM We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E30 - For the Glory KC is back with the 95th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City came back down to earth this week with two losses just days apart to get bounced from the Leagues Cup. First, there was a competitive game against Toluca FC that featured a beautiful Stephen Afrifa goal, only to come up short. But SKC won the expected goals (xG) battle and showed some promise. Then Vermes benched Willy Agada and went back to Alan Pulido and the team had an abysmal 4-0 loss against the Columbus Crew that only had an xG of 0.1 over the 90 minutes. The Crew are really good, but they made Sporting KC look even worse. And perhaps, SKC aided them in that. They kept it close for 44 minutes and then it went completely off the rails. Over the course of these two games, Sheena and I discuss some good news (returning injured players like Logan Ndenbe, Jake Davis and Dany Rosero) and a lot of bad news (Pulido playing the 10, Agada missing so many shots PV thought Pulido was the solution, etc.). In particular, we got to wondering if there is a starting center back among the five on the roster currently. Right now, the team has Andre Fontas, Robi Voloder, Robert Castellanos, Chris Rindov and Rosero. Of those, the team can literally move on from anyone but Rosero by simply letting their contract expire (Fontas) or not picking up their options (all the rest of them). So, what should they do? That part of the conversation picks up at 39:34 in the podcast. [Teaser for next week's pod: With no Sporting KC game, we're going to look at the whole roster and finally answer a prompt a fan asked us weeks ago about who we'd keep in a world without roster rules.] The KC Current did what they do and won both of their games this past week. They won their group in the Summer Cup and then won their semifinal matchup against the North Carolina Courage to make it to the finals (which are in October for some reason). Then we got into the roster movement the Current went through in the last week. Claire Lavogez is gone (though nothing has been officially announced), as is backup goalkeeper Hope Hisey. Then the team brought in a 33-year-old GK in Almuth Schult. What does it mean for AD Franch and Jordan Silkowitz? We give our thoughts. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: SKC II keep losing USMNT eliminated at Olympics My interview with Jake Reid A Sporting KC signing is coming Castellanos pronunciation Antoinne Griezmann isn't coming to KC Lots of KC Current stories Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC lose twice - 7:51 Who is Starter Quality of the SKC Center Backs? - 39:34 KC Current win two more times - 50:30 Three KC Current moves - 1:01:32 USWNT win the Olympics Gold - 1:13:00 Digital Crawl - 1:30:04 Upcoming Schedule: No Sporting KC games until August 24th (Orlando City) KC Current vs. Mamelodi Sundowns (Women's Cup) - Wednesday, August 14th @ 8:00PM CDT KC Current vs. either Atletico Madrid or Kobe (depending who wins/loses the first games) SKC II vs. Austin FC II, Sunday, August 18th @ 6:00PM (Rock Chalk Park) We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E29 - For the Glory KC is back with the 94th episode of the show!   Sporting Kansas City are back to their winning ways, even if it is against the lowly Chicago Fire. They thoroughly controlled the game, and despite going down 1-0 early, fought back for a 2-1 victory. Superman made its way into the show twice this week, including Willy's form on the diving header and a weird discussion about what Peter Vermes has tattooed under his shirt. It was a little For the Glory KC #AfterDark, but the lite version. The Chicago/Sporting KC game led to discussions about Stephen Afrifa starting to break out, how to pronounce Robert Castellanos (among other things about his goal), Remi Walter (and an over/under on how much he's discussed), and the four Sporting KC II loanees who are rostered for Leagues Cup. Sheena and I also had a debate about left back with Logan Ndenbe's return to the bench and who should still be around between him, Tim Leibold and Zorhan Bassong. Rubiel Vazquez from PRO made back-to-back appearances as the center ref and made a few, slightly less impactful, bad calls this week. The Alenis Vargas no-call felt the most shocking due to the sound it made when he hit the end boards. Marinos Tzionis was also sold this past week and we give our thoughts on his relatively brief stint at Sporting KC. The KC Current finally return to the podcast with their games and our recording schedule lining up. Breaking news: They are still really good at soccer, even shorthanded. They dominated Pachuca 3-0 and frankly could have scored more if they put their foot on the gas. That's despite missing Temwa Chawinga and nearly a dozen players total. And the KC Current surprised us again with another blockbuster trade, this time coming into KC, with Alana Cook coming to town from Seattle. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: SKC II keep struggling The USMNT and USWNT's Olympic performances And Canada cheating in a huge drone scandal Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC extinguish the Fire - 5:01 Marinos Tzionis is gone - 38:09 KC Current win again - 43:00 Current trade for Alana Cook - 48:43 Digital Crawl - 52:13 Upcoming Schedule: USMNT U-23s vs. Guinea - Tuesday, July 30th @ 12:00pm CDT USMNT U-20s vs. Guatemala - Tuesday, July 30th @ 4:06pm (CONCACAF Championship) USWNT vs. Australia - Wednesday, July 31st @ 12:00pm KC Current vs. Tigres - Thursday, August 1st @ 7:00pm SKC II vs. VWFC 2 - Friday, August 2nd @ 7:00pm  Sporting KC vs. Toluca - Monday, August 5th @ 8:00pm We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E28 - For the Glory KC is back with the 93rd episode of the show!  Sporting Kansas City played a lot of games since we last recorded a podcast. Five to be exact. And we just took off one week for our Canadian vacation! Sheena and I discuss our trip to the great white north, Banff, Vancouver, Albert, British Columbia and more. Then we get down to the soccer, starting with that 1-1 draw against rivals St. Louis City SC. To lead off the game, we had to discuss Thor getting away with a challenge that should have seen him sent off for a second yellow at the very least. Beyond the STL/SKC game, Sheena and I debated the future of Remi Walter with Sporting KC. His contract is up after the season, and he'll turn 30 early next year. With the emergence of Jake Davis in his natural midfield role, Memo Rodriguez being a stable backup, the impending signing of a TAM level midfielder and his $900,000 salary, does Remi still have a place on Sporting KC? In addition to the St. Louis game, we talk about our experience seeing the Vancouver Whitecaps game in person. Plus, we breeze through the two FC Dallas games and the San Jose Earthquakes game, which were all victories, from while the podcast was on its break. Are we the reason for the losing? Then we had to talk about those sweet, sweet retro kits and accessories! In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: USMNT fire Gregg Berhalter KC Current sign and loan out a player SKC II results A new youngest player in MLS history debuts Lots of United States youth National Team competition updates Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): We went to Canada - 2:16 SKC draw St. Louis - 10:45 Remi's KC future - 22:54 SKC lose to Vancouver in front of us - 46:11 A bunch of other SKC games - 54:41 Injury depletion and random midfield thoughts - 1:03:06 Retro Kits - 1:13:17 Digital Crawl - 1:22:55 Upcoming Schedule: SKC II vs. St. Louis City II - Sunday, July 21st at 6:00 PM CDT USMNT U-20s vs. Cuba - Monday, July 22nd at 9:00 PM USMNT U-23s vs. France - Wednesday, July 24th at 2:00 PM USWNT vs. Zambia - Thursday, July 25th at 2:00 PM USMNT U-20s vs. Costa Rica, Thursday, July 25th at 9:00 PM USMNT U-23s vs. New Zealand - Saturday, July 27th at 12:00 PM KC Current vs. Tigres - Saturday, July 27th at 7:00 PM (Summer Cup) Sporting KC vs. Chicago Fire - Sunday, July 28th at 8:00 PM (Leagues Cup) We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E27 - For the Glory KC is back with the 92nd episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City had a busy week both on and off the field. Primarily, this week's episode is focused on the off the field matters due to recording schedules. We're heading out of the country early in the week and may be taking a brief hiatus from podcasting, so be sure to subscribe to the podcast to catch when the next episode comes out. This week, Sporting KC introduced Mike Burns as their new Sporting Director and he and Peter Vermes covered a lot of interesting topics at the introductory press conference. There were budgets (the largest ever), staffing updates, player signing plans and more. Then things got really interesting when Sam McDowell of the KC Star sat down with managing owner Mike Illig and Peter Vermes to get deeper into the weeds. He has a must-read article outlining the utter lack of a budget since 2020. It sheds a new light into who is to blame for how things have worked around Sporting KC the last couple years. Vermes isn't guilt free, but Sheena and I go over the ways things have been handled that were beyond Peter's control. I'm personally thankful for this ownership group rescuing the Kansas City Wizards and doing an amazing rebrand, building a soccer specific stadium and all the success they've brought over the years. But that story Vermes told about ownership passing on a DP striker in 2018 because they were already in first place, makes me think there would be a third star about the crest if things were handled differently. The hope is, going forward, ownership gives the budget and gets out of the way and lets the soccer minds handle things. And if they are given a fair shot to fix some things they weren't given a fair shot at before, and they don't fix it, then ownership can step in and make a change. Listen in for all the details and quotes. We also briefly discuss Sporting KC's loss to the Colorado Rapids but move quickly to the Missouri side of the border to talk the Kansas City Current. Unfortunately, the losing on the Kansas side trickled over and the KC Current's unbeaten run came to a rather uninspiring end against the Orlando Pride. The fans in the stadium were lighting up the ref, but was it really the refs fault? Plus, a fun little Temwa Chawinga/Vlatko Andonovski story that is inspiring for KC's future. In the Digital Crawl, go quite a bit deeper than usual on a few topics, including: USMNT bombing out of Copa America Logan Ndenbe injury update! SKC II results and an all-star call-up CPKC stadium hosting the NWSL Championship Lots of little KC Current stories And Bradley Carnell is fired in St. Louis Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): KC Current Media Game - 2:18 Does Sporting KC have an ownership problem? - 8:29 SKC lose to the Rapids in Colorado - 46:33 KC Current's streak is over vs Orlando - 55:58 Digital Crawl - 1:17:48 Upcoming Schedule: Sporting KC vs. FC Dallas - Sunday, July 7th @ 7:30 PM SKC II at Tacoma Defiance - Sunday, July 7th @ 9:00 PM Sporting KC vs. FC Dallas (US Open Cup) - Wednesday, July 10th @ 8:00 PM Sporting KC at San Jose Earthquakes - Saturday, July 13th @ 9:30 PM SKC II at The Town - Sunday, July 14th @ 7:00 PM We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E24 - For the Glory KC is back with the 89th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City have returned to their losing ways, unfortunately. After a hopeful win at home against the Seattle Sounders, they dropped a result to the LA Galaxy 4-2 in California. There were some interesting lineup choices, lots of standing around on the first goal and lots of things to talk about that are pretty negative from the game. However, was there something to build on? The underlying numbers are actually not that bad. Sporting KC were creating chances, they just didn't finish them. That, sadly, feels like progress from all these games where it felt like they can't even get a decent shot off. The issue is, it's all too late as the season is in the back half and they just lost again. Unfortunately, we have to talk about the elephant in the room that is Felipe Hernandez. He was suspended for the second time for gambling related violations. It really feels like we'll never see Felipe in a Sporting KC uniform again. The question is, what sort of punishment is he in for? I'd assume he'll not be allowed to play in Major League Soccer, but how far or wide could a ban/suspension go? Then we talk about the Peter Vermes interview in the KC Star with Daniel Sperry about the upcoming transfer window. On the pod we try to look long-term since any move will come too late in the season if the team hasn't already gone on a great winning streak. Vermes mentions the need for an attacking midfielder, in somewhat of a contrast to what Mike Illig said last week about needing a winger and a central defender. The Kansas City Current unfortunately couldn't carry Kansas City soccer this weekend settling for a 2-2 draw to the Chicago Red Stars. It led to a discussion about rivalries in the NWSL. It sort of feels like the only rival the Current have right now, is the referees. In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few other topics, including: SKC II lose Camille Ashton found a new, very similar, NWSL job SKC injury updates for Salloi, Remi and Rosero A KC Current injury update for Vanessa DiBernardo Lots of US Soccer news and Pitchside Coffee by several KC Current players Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC lose again - 4:41 Felipe Hernandez suspended - 27:41 Vermes gives a transfer update - 44:01 KC Current draw at home - 58:05 Digital Crawl - 1:07:22 Upcoming Schedule: Sporting KC vs. Real Salt Lake - Wednesday, June 19th @ 7:30 PM CT Sporting KC at Columbus Crew - Saturday, June 22nd @ 6:30 PM KC Current at Portland Thorns - Sunday, June 23rd @ 3:00 PM Sporting KC II at St. Louis City II - Sunday, June 23rd @ 6:00 PM We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E23 - For the Glory KC is back with the 88th episode of the show!  Sporting Kansas City ended the streak! For the second straight season (let's not make it three, please) Sporting KC ended a 10-game winless run with a victory over the Seattle Sounders. This time, it was seven straight losses, so a win was a massive relief. The question is, can Sporting KC sustain this success? They got the game winning goal against a 10-man Seattle side and their expected goals (xG) was actually lower than Seattle's. Then again, confidence can do wonders. The release of emotions from the players both on and off the field showed how much it meant to all of them. The victory comes on the same day that Sam McDowell put out a fantastic story in the KC Star about a sit-down interview with managing owner Mike Illig. Mike, son of Cliff Illig, told Sam that he had no plans to fire Peter Vermes and wanted him to run a rebuild over the next three transfer windows (through the summer of 2025). Infamously, Peter Vermes signed a five-year contract extension after missing the playoffs in 2022 that just kicked in this year. He's signed through the 2028 season, and it always sort of felt like they wouldn't pay him for four-and-a-half years of nothing, plus pay another coach. Sheena and I weigh in on the story, Peter handling the rebuild, the targeted positions of center back and winger (no midfielders?) this summer. Fontas and Russell are probably approaching the end of their SKC careers, so replacing them makes sense. Ignoring the midfield is concerning though. Before listening, I encourage you to read the whole story over at the Star. We also address the rumor that Robert Castellanos has interest from Chivas (Liga MX). And the Kansas City Current just keep winning! This time 5-2 at home over the Seattle Reign to climb back to the top of the NWSL standings. There were new starters, new goal scorers, a testing of the team's depth and the return of orchestrated celebrations by captain Lo LaBonta. In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few other topics, including: SKC II keep winning Important moments for Pulskamp and Russell Gianluca Busio gets promoted Two more coaches are fired in MLS and an NWSL attendance record Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC defeated the Sounders(again) - 7:21 Vermes' job is safe - 25:16 Robert Castellanos Transfer Rumor - 47:47 KC Current crush the Reign - 55:43 Digital Crawl - 1:09:53 Upcoming Schedule: USA U-23s vs. Japan, Tuesday, June 11th @ 7:00 PM CT USMNT vs. Brazil, Wednesday, June 12th @ 6:00 PM Sporting KC II at Real Monarchs, Wednesday, June 12th @ 6:00 PM Euros 2024 Starts Friday at 2:00 PM - Germany vs. Scotland KC Current vs. Chicago Red Stars, Friday, June 14th @ 7:00 PM Sporting KC at LA Galaxy, Saturday, June 15th @ 9:30 PM We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E21 - For the Glory KC is back with the 86th episode of the show!  Sporting Kansas City have extended their losing streak to five games. But before we get to the bad results, they did have a good result this week. They did what a Major League Soccer team should have done and downed FC Tulsa, a second division foe, 4-0 in the US Open Cup. That sets Sporting KC up to play FC Dallas in the quarterfinal where they only need three more wins to lift a trophy in an otherwise abysmal year. While Sheena sneaks some negativity in that Open Cup conversation, we do eventually switch gears to talk about the 2-1 loss to the Portland Timbers on the road. The "starters" were all back except Remi Walter, who was replaced by the goal scorer Memo Rodriguez. The game went poor from a chance creation perspective, results perspective, and an injury perspective. Erik Thommy appeared to pull his hamstring and had to sub out early and then Memo Rodriguez picked up a suspension for yellow card accumulation. That led to a conversation of what the midfield could possibly look like against the Vancouver Whitecaps on Wednesday. I think it's time for an SKC II loan over playing someone out of position. The Kansas City Current did what they often do and kept winning! This time in the first ever meeting against the Utah Royals. Despite the win, it wasn't all good news as Gabby Robinson went down with an injury and we fear the worst. And of course, we have to talk about the surprise resignation of General Manager Camille Ashton from the KC Current. In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few topics, including: Gianluca Busio on the verge of Serie A again KC Current have so many international call ups SKC Academy have a couple as well And a clarification on pay "raises and cuts" Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC advance in the Open Cup - 7:23 But lose their 5th straight in MLS play - 24:16 Clarification on a new MLS rule - 53:43 KC Current win! - 55:01 Camille Ashton resigns - 1:02:32 Digital Crawl - 1:06:41 Upcoming Schedule: Sporting KC vs Vancouver Whitecaps, Wednesday, May 29th @ 7:30 PM CDT USWNT vs. South Korea, Saturday, June 1st @ 4:00 PM (TNT/Max/Peacock) Sporting KC at Minnesota United, Saturday, June 1st @ 7:30 PM SKC II at MNUFC 2, Sunday, June 2nd @ 6:00 PM The KC Current are off for the international break We recently turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link! Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E20 - For the Glory KC is back with the 85th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City keep disappointing us. This time, it was a 3-2 loss on the road against Austin FC. Peter Vermes made a big deal about "effort" and "mentality" after last week's loss against the Houston Dynamo, but the changes to the lineup were minimal. Sheena and I discuss what we thought was going to happen versus what happened and how things played out. Did the new starters play glorious or did the wrong people find their way to the bench? The only changes were Erik Thommy, Robert Castellanos and Zorhan Bassong staring while Willy Agada, Robert Volder and Tim Leibold found themselves benched. Peter thinks the effort is good though. Then we couldn't avoid our chance to play Fantasy Sporting Director as the salaries for Sporting KC were released and there are a lot of questionable contracts on the list. Sheena managed to limit the amount of blackmail accusations, but we both have strong opinions about who is being paid too much and just a little on who is underpaid.  The Kansas City Current couldn't lift us out of the doldrums as they gave up a late lead in an extended amount of stoppage time against Racing Louisville. 112 minutes were played in a 90-minute game, so we look at if that time was justified and what could have been done differently to hold on to the lead. But hey, at least the KC Current are still unbeaten! Plus, a ball almost got into the Missouri River. In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few topics, including: Nashville SC are the first in MLS to fire a coach SKC II update Another Marco Reus rumor Raquino!  and what is going on with the Tulsa Athletic Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC lose yet again - 6:19 SKC/MLS Salaries Released - 27:51 KC Current draw late - 1:05:09 Digital Crawl - 1:21:21 Upcoming Schedule: Sporting KC vs FC Tulsa, Tuesday, May 21st @ 7:30 PM CDT KC Current at Utah Royals, Saturday, May 25th @ 9:30 PM Sporting KC at Portland, Saturday, May 25th @ 9:30 PM  SKC II off this week Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E18 - For the Glory KC is back with the 83rd episode of the show!  Sporting Kansas City are now winless in five straight. Heading into the Real Salt Lake game, it never really felt like they were going to win, but they kept it close for a long time. There were six changes to the lineup, as well as four subs used. The offense wasn't clicking but John Pulskamp nearly came through with some hero ball. Sheena and I weigh in on that lineup choices, all the missing players for illness (Radoja) and injury (Rosero and Walter). Plus, is this the last we'll see of Marinos Tzionis? It felt like he was setup to fail playing out of position with zero minutes in MLS or MLS Next Pro this year. One of my favorites, Alenis Vargas, has some answering to do for that performance against RSL. I advocate for the 'kids' all the time, but this was a terrible shift from Vargas that might see him relegated back to SKC II or the proverbial Vermes 'doghouse.' And we absolutely can't avoid talking about this bizarre situation between Daniel Salloi and Brayan Vera. It wasn't all downer news around Sporting KC though. Jake Davis signed a long-term contract extension, which is a welcome addition. And it seems really likely that Alan Pulido took a pay cut, which is a big deal. The Kansas City Current nearly lifted our weekend up before a four-hour delay in the game and a fluky second half goal that allowed the Houston Dash to draw level. Despite the Current outshooting the Dash 29-8, including 14-3 with shots on goal, they couldn't pull off a win and find themselves at least temporarily out of first place looking up at the Orlando Pride. The way the rain delay was handled and the scheduling nightmare it has left the Current in was the ire of Vlatko Andonovski in the post-game press conference. We have thoughts! Included in the game discussion on the broadcast was the news that Gabby Robinson may be getting a look for the United States Women's National Team. Go Gabby! In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few topics, including: Sporting KC II fall short against North Texas, but win awards for April The 2027 Women's World Cup isn't coming to the US or Mexico Plus: The Columbus Crew advance in CCC, Kelley O'hara plans to retire and more Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC lose to RSL - 4:18 Jake Davis signs a new contract - 41:18 Alan Pulido may have taken a pay cut - 43:59 KC Current vs. the Houston Dash and the weather - 47:57 KC Comets come up just short - 1:16:54 Digital Crawl - 1:23:00 Upcoming Schedule: Sporting KC at Union Omaha - Wednesday, May 8th @ 7:00 PM CT KC Current at Seattle Reign - Wednesday, May 8th @ 9:00 PM  Sporting KC vs. Houston Dynamo - Saturday, May 11th @ 7:30 PM Sporting KC II vs. Colorado Rapids 2 - Sunday, May 12th @ 2:00 PM KC Current vs. North Carolina Courage - Sunday, May 12th @ 5:00 PM Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E16 - For the Glory KC is back with the 81st episode of the show! Sort of... [This is a weird request, but if this is the first time you've ever listened to the podcast, don't. There are some audio issues, and I wouldn't want to leave you with a bad impression. Sheena and I's audio tracks are out of sync and I'm responding to things she said, but she hasn't said them yet because of a delay. We recorded on Sunday night, and she hasn't had time to re-record. We polled Twitter and they said release it, so here you go!] Sporting Kansas City ended their homestand leaving us wanting more. We commiserated on what went wrong on the goals as well as what went right on the ones Sporting KC scored. But we simply can't avoid discussing Peter Vermes' somewhat stunning postgame comments after the draw against St. Louis City SC. He either thinks the media, or the fans, are too worried about not closing out games. But he isn't worried. Wild! We have thoughts! Then, much like PV snuck into his presser, Sporting KC were playing against more than just St. Louis City. He didn't say it, but he meant the referees. It was one of the worst officiated games in recent memory. Alan Chapman called ticky tack fouls early, nothing for a huge stretch, then back to the ticky tack at the end. Inconsistent. 21 fouls to St. Louis. No yellows during the run of play. No persistent infringement. Either let them be physical or don't. And Taylor Twellman, noted St. Louis native, and about everyone else who isn't a St. Louis mark thought this Klauss challenge on Willy Agada was a foul. But Chapman saw nothing in it, immediately calling it shoulder to shoulder, and a goal was scored right after. I will say, this gif some St. Louis fan made was pretty amazing. Thanks goodness there are other KC soccer teams though. The Kansas City Current continued their winning ways with a 5-2 thrashing of Bay FC. Sheena has found her favorite KC Current player and it's an embarrassment of riches on that talented team. In sad news from the game, Alex Loera announced she tore her ACL against her former club and will miss the rest of the season. In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few topics, including: When Sporting KC can sign players next SKC's trip to Union Omaha for the US Open Cup Ozzie Cisneros going out on loan SKC II's game and a signing Loera's ACL tear Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): I Refereed a game! - 2:08 SKC/St. Louis atmosphere, chants, tifos and a draw - 6:10 Peter Vermes thinks we're too worried about the blown leads - 22:49 PRO: Consistently Inconsistent - 34:34 Kortne Ford retires - 47:16 Thank God for the KC Current - 50:39 Competing KC soccer events - 1:04:26 What is the MLS Icon rule? - 1:10:24 Digital Crawl - 1:13:15 Upcoming Schedule: KC Current at Angel City FC - Friday, April 26th @ 9:00 PM Sporting KC at Minnesota United - Saturday, April 27th @ 7:30 PM KC Comets vs. Chihuahua Savage - Sunday, April 28th @ 4:05 PM Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E14 - For the Glory KC is back with the 79th episode of the show! Sheena and her casual takes are back! Two weeks of no regular co-host was weird. So, let's get weird in a different way with a late-night podcast recording session. We start the show with Sporting Kansas City who have found a way to drop nine points in just seven games from a winning position. It's definitely better than how 2023 started, but it feels like a lot of miss opportunities. The game started so good with a 3-0 Sporting KC lead that evaporated into a 3-3 draw. It feels like there is plenty of praise for how it started, but also plenty of blame for what went down. The game devolved into the second straight collapse in the second half at home. At least they didn't lose to the Portland Timbers like they did to the LA Galaxy. Peter Vermes didn't pull punches after the game saying the team did the exact opposite of what they discussed at halftime. But, how much of that is on Peter? We have some thoughts. Some of that blame ends up on Willy Agada for missing the net by a good yard on what may have been the game winning penalty kick. That said, he still scored twice, making it three goals this season in just 283 minutes compared to just one goal in 425 minutes for Designated Player Alan Pulido. Is it time for a change at center forward, even if Pulido is healthy? And it's almost time to retire a segment that Sheena hates, the "Messi Update." Inter Miami are coming to Kansas City in less than a week and the question remains if Lionel Messi will be on the field. Sporting KC have bet the house on it. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: SKC II win! Jake Davis and April Fools Day SKC Academy Roger Espinoza and the Des Moines Menace USWNT beat Japan! NWSL Expansion is coming KC Comets attendance records Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC Collapse again - 2:34 Is Willy Agada the Starting Striker? - 24:28 Messi is coming to KC? - 49:51 Digital Crawl - 59:46 Upcoming Schedule: USWNT vs Canada - Tuesday, April 9th at 6:00 PM CT Inter Miami vs. Monterrey - Wednesday, April 10th at 9:30 PM Sporting KC vs Miami - Saturday, April 13th at 7:30 PM KC Current vs Gotham - Sunday, April 14th at 5:00 PM --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E10 - For the Glory KC is back with the 75th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City are still undefeated, but three straight draws aren't exactly what most were hoping for to start the season. But hey, at least they didn't lose! Sheena and I break down the game and get into all sorts of details. We start on a new starting XI that was forced because Remi Walter was out dealing with his ankle injury he picked up against the Philadelphia Union. He was replaced by Memo Rodriguez who had an up and down game. In fact, the whole team had a bit of Jekyll and Hyde vibes. Pretty much every player on the team had at least a good moment or two mixed in with a potentially disastrous play or two. In some cases, it was a lot of good moments from one player (like Andreu Fontas or Tim Melia) but even they had really bad plays too. Of course, we have to address that weird indirect free kick. We talk about our best and worst players, but nearly everyone gets a comment or two in each direction. The conversation also turned to Dany Rosero, in Sheena's eyes, underperforming. It's fitting that she wants him to be more dangerous on set pieces because most of his teammates think he'll lead the team in defenders who score. After the LAFC versus Sporting KC discussion, we turn to news about now former SKC Academy player Ramiz Hamouda. The KC Star's Daniel Sperry put out a nice Twitter thread that broke down the whole situation. We weighed in on it and let the conversation take us back to the SKC/LAFC game a bit. And we can't ignore the KC Current and the start to their season this weekend! They added two more signings, locking down draft picks Ellie Wheeler and Hope Hisey, as well as recalling goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz from the Brisbane Roar. Plus, our expectations for the first home game both on and off the field. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: SKC II make two signings and wrap up preseason USWNT advance to the Gold Cup Finals Will Messi make it to Arrowhead? Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sheena has a request - 5:27 No Remi and Yes, it was a Problem - 8:26 Jekyll and Hyde - 15:48 That Weird Tim Melia Play - 20:39 Who Else Stood Out? - 25:00 Ramiz Hamouda/Youth Development - 33:32 KC Current - 46:21 Errors and Corrections - 56:58 Digital Crawl - 58:28 Upcoming Schedule: Inter Miami vs Nashville in CCC, Wednesday, March 13th at 7:15pm CST (winner plays midweek before the Arrowhead game) KC Current vs. Portland Thorns - Saturday, March 16th @ 12:00 PM Sporting KC vs. San Jose Earthquakes - Saturday, March 16th @ 7:30 PM Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E09 - For the Glory KC is back with the 74th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City played their home opener, and it went really well... for 94 minutes. We break down the end of the game, rate the replacement refs and make numerous other observations about the game. Peter Vermes was not very happy, but he didn't blame the replacement refs. Though he did get very fired up in the post-game press conference. Before we get to the soccer though, we have to take a detour to Sporting KC media day. I have a fantastic Remi Walter story to share (to Sheena's utter embarrassment), a few other things that stood out, including Sporting KC's use of analytics and more. We also learn how to pronounce Nemanja Radoja's name, talk about the new stadium upgrades and a lot of other things. Look at the run time! Plus, we have some league wide news around the US Open Cup (and Sporting KC's participation), the new rules that are coming in 2025 from the newly formed Sporting & Competition Committee, some silly Don Garber comments and finally we get to talk kits about both MLS and the NWSL. We also spend a little more time with the KC Current with updates on Nichelle Prince's health, a free shuttle to games and a tiny bit of preseason news. As for the Current's kits... why not just do teal? Olive and York did it for them if you are so inclined. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: SKC II make a signing and have another preseason game Hartzell is out as the ‘hype man' for SKC SKC Academy CB Ramiz Hamouda signed with the Birmingham Legion (USL) Along with a Carlos Vela rumor outside of LAFC, a PRO/PSRA deadline, Paul Pogba is suspended, no blue cards in 'elite' soccer and USWNT and USYNT updates Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC Media Day Insights - 4:34 Sporting KC vs. Philly - Part 1: The end of the game - 17:33 Replacement Refs - 27:58 SKC vs Philly - Part 2: Other Observations - 32:10 How do you say "Radoja?" - 49:39 US Open Cup is on, sorta - 53:28 Other MLS news - 58:06 Kit Conversations (MLS & NWSL) - 1:02:42 KC Current - 1:12:09 Digital Crawl - 1:18:43 Upcoming Schedule: Inter Miami at Nashville in CCC, Thursday, March 7th at 8:00pm CST (winner plays midweek before the Arrowhead game) Sporting KC at LAFC, Saturday, March 9th at 9:30pm Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E08 - For the Glory KC is back with the 73rd episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City got the 2024 season underway on Saturday night and it was more of a whimper than a bang, but it's early. While play was sloppy and the passes were often off target, it is only one game into the year and the team managed a draw despite not playing particularly well. Sheena returns to the podcast, and we break down the goals by both teams and a tactical wrinkle with Erik Thommy and Remi Walter. We also look at Peter's subbing patterns, the crappy Houston Dynamo fans booing Memo Rodriguez, a few player debuts and how the replacement refs did. Beyond the game, there was other news around Sporting KC this week. Peter Vermes gave an interview to the KC Star with some juicy information about four Designated Player targets that didn't work out, including Kellyn Acosta and four players to watch as breakout candidates this season. And SKC announced their roster designations including two surprise DPs (Salloi and Radoja) as well as green cards and some clues about new signing salaries. We even get a little behind the scenes from my trip to Swope Soccer Village to watch Sporting KC II play UMKC (they won 5-2). We also spend a little time with the KC Current and MLS at large. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: Who should be Sporting Legend A new SKC II signing A US Open Cup update (and it's not positive) SKC Academy and SPR player Tucker Lepley signs with the LA Galaxy A couple non-roster invitees of the KC Current, including the owners daughter And a US Soccer update on the full national team and the U-20 women Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC draw at Houston - 5:31 Peter Vermes Interview - 36:48 SKC II Behind the Scenes - 42:54 SKC Roster Updates - 49:32 Around MLS - 55:15 KC Current - 57:43 Errors and Corrections - 1:07:57 Digital Crawl - 1:08:14 Upcoming Schedule: USWNT in the CONCACAF W Gold Cup The Philadelphia Union play Deportivo Saprissa on Tue, Feb 27th at 7:15 Sporting KC host Philadelphia Union - Saturday, March 2nd at 7:30  KC Current play the Houston Dash in preseason next Sunday (March 3rd) Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E06 - For the Glory KC is back with the 71st episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City didn't have any huge news in the week, but there were a lot of little stories building towards the start of 2024. First, the roster seems set with the news that Kellyn Acosta would not be signing with Sporting KC and Peter Vermes confirming it's "highly unlikely" a Designated Player is signed before Week 1. Sheena and I share how we're feeling about the roster. Then we weigh in on Khiry Shelton's now serious injury and surgery, Daniel Salloi's injury situation and how preseason is going for Sporting KC and if it leaves us feeling optimistic or pessimistic. Plus, we have to talk about the possible advent of Blue Cards in soccer around the world. Blue cards -- they aren't just for indoor soccer anymore! IFAB is considering 10-minute "sin bin" penalties for dissent and cynical fouls that would leave a team down a man. Also, two blue cards equal a red, or a blue and a yellow equal a red (which is confusing because those are all primary colors). The KC Current don't get much love this week because I couldn't get to media day on super short notice. That said, Kristen Hamilton dropped some promising quotes in the KC Star, and we talk about the outlook for 2024. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: Benny Feilhaber's near departure SKC II's schedule is out Still no firm US Open Cup plans for MLS The USYNT U-17 girls are going to the U-17 World Cup! Plus: Diego Rubio, new SKC announcers, former players on the move and the USL Super League Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): The Super Bowl and Chad's "Super Bowl" - 1:38 No Acosta or any other DP - 9:19 Shelton injured - 22:25 SKC Preseason Win and Salloi Update - 25:04 Blue Cards? - 33:10 KC Current - 41:04 (NEW SEGMENT) Errors and Corrections - 44:24 Digital Crawl - 46:25 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S03E03 - For the Glory KC is back with the 68th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City, against everything I personally expected, did the right thing and moved on from Gavin Wilkinson. But somehow, they still got that wrong. From the non-apology given by Mike Illig to Peter Vermes' refusal to even entertain answering questions about the whole situation in Saturday's press conference. We have thoughts! We do get to actually talking soccer this time out though, getting into all the Sporting KC preseason news. From the roster to the schedule and the results of the first game. Plus, we catch up on that Kortne Ford signing that got lost last week. And did Roger Espinoza officially retire?  The KC Current are back in the news for many reasons. We catch up on their two trades and weigh in on yet another player being caught out by their trade. We also catch up on their rumored signings (Desiree Scott and Bia) as well as the 2024 NWSL College Draft. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: 2026 World Cup Final location Former KC players/coaches update (Busio, Nguyen) A couple smart MLS trades from rivals St. Louis City and Real Salt Lake KC Current staff announcements Sam Mewis retiring More NWSL Expansion for 2026 Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Wilkinson is gone - 5:09 New controversy from the Wilkinson hire - 13:38 Sporting KC Preseason - 36:12 Sheena wants signings! - 44:29 Espinoza officially retired? - 50:48 Kortne Ford to SKC II - 53:40 Gautrat and Kizer Trades - 57:12 A Rumored three Current signings - 1:08:32 The NWSL draft - 1:12:28 Digital Crawl - 1:16:46 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S2E55 - For the Glory KC is back with the 62nd episode of the show! On this week's episode, Sporting Kansas City made a series of massive roster decisions likely ending the KC soccer careers of Roger Espinoza and Graham Zusi. Sheena and I commiserate, remember fond times and get some of the feels out about their departure. On top of that, we talk about if the moves make sense and how we wanted to see their careers end. Plus, could they end up on other clubs? There is a lot of Roger and Zusi talk to kick off the pod. Then we move to the other moves on the roster. From Kortne Ford and the center back situation to our child's proclamation that she has disowned the team over Cam Duke's departure. We can't skip Sheena's favorite player Remi Walter, or the news Johnny Russell is coming back and what that means for roster spend and flexibility. There is still a fair amount to discuss around the rest of the roster including Gadi Kinda, Kendall McIntosh, Stephen Afrifa, Willy Agada and more. Beyond that, Peter Vermes has already come out and said the team needs a backup goalkeeper, left back for the injured Ndenbe, another CB (they already have five), midfielders plural and help in the attack. With 24 roster spots filled and only six available, that's six players right there. We give an early preview of what else we think this team needs to do this offseason. Additionally, PV addresses the talk of a fourth Designated Player and changes to the current DP rules and we weigh in on that. Then we speed through the handball that PRO got wrong, and the Sporting KC II roster moves. Finally, we get to the Digital Crawl. We breeze through the following topics: The next USMNT friendly was announced Tim Howard is going into the soccer HOF Matt Miazga gets suspended And the MLS offseason calendar Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Thank you, listeners! - 5:11 Zusi and Espinoza are gone - 7:05 Ford, Duke, McIntosh, Russel, Remi, other moves and PV's needs - 28:20 Is there going to be a 4th Designated Player? - 49:46 PRO admits they got it wrong on the handball call - 55:55 SKC II's roster moves - 1:03:00 Digital Crawl - 1:06:25 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S2E48 - For the Glory KC is back with the 55th episode of the show! On this week's episode, Sporting Kansas City don't play a game, so instead we take the opportunity to look at their roster and play Fantasy Sporting Director. Imagine if Sporting KC's ownership put us in charge of roster decisions. We decided who to re-sign, who to cut and who's option(s) to decline. Additionally, we both get the chance to buy out one Sporting KC player's contract to save the salary room and get them off the books (and the roster). And finally, we decide what positions are of the biggest need at this moment. There are a lot of easy choices on who to bring back but, but a couple of very tough decisions. Sheena has a bit more of a heart, but in the ruthless business of sports, I act accordingly.  You'll probably want to look at all the contracts and salaries to know if we made the right choices. We also talk about Sporting KC's season ending awards, who we voted for, and who actually won.  Not to be left out, the KC Current battled back to earn a 2-2 draw against NJ/NY Gotham and to secure the 4th overall pick in the 2024 NWSL College Draft. And of course, the Digital Crawl, y'all! We dive into the following topics: Gadi Kinda's International games were cancelled. The United States U-23s Won! MLS 22 Under 22 snubbed Jake Davis. Austin FC 2, who eliminated SKC II, are in the MLS Next Pro finals. And the San Diego Wave win the NWSL Shield! Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC Fantasy Sporting Director - 5:10 One buyout and a wish list for SKC - 52:14 SKC Award Winners - 1:05:48 KC Current Earn a Draw - 1:11:58 Digital Crawl - 1:18:36 Upcoming Games USMNT vs. Ghana - Tuesday, October 17th at 7:30 PM CST USA U-23s vs. Japan - Tues, Oct 17th at 9:30 PM (ussoccer.com) Sporting KC vs. Minnesota United - Saturday, October 21st at 8:00 PM Spotify took away our ads (which is a win for most, because they pay so little and annoyingly break up the podcast), so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you are a rich person and fan of the pod, we'll take your money. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S2E46 - For the Glory KC is back with the 53rd episode of the show... and it's a sad week in KC soccer. So. Much. Losing. On this week's episode, Sporting Kansas City lose the season series to St. Louis City SC. And it got ugly. We break down all four goals and what went wrong, ask some questions of the tactics on the day and more widely on the decision making of the club. After the game, Peter Vermes said it was poor decisions that led to the goals. One assumes he's speaking of the players, but maybe he was talking about him and his staff's inability to adjust to the changing state of the game. It also wouldn't be a podcast hosted by me if I didn't sneak in a little referee complaining. Jake Davis got crushed by Sam Adeniran and headbutted a bit after that. Obviously, Sporting KC have to win the game they are playing in, but of course these calls could change the game. Our conversation naturally evolved into a discussion on if Peter Vermes should be fired or not and Sheena thinks he needs to be more emotional. I said, if he's too emotional, he gets yellows (you see what I did there). If he comes out ranting and raving, fans won't be happy with that either. Winning fixes everything and KC forgot to win this weekend. And because our analysis went so long on the SKC/STL game, we keep the rest of the podcast brief (which is ironic to say on an episode this long). We dive into the following topics: Johnny Russell getting fined The KC Current are back in action and fail too! After getting an early lead against the Washington Spirit and being within inches of the playoffs, they fully collapsed and lose 2-1. The Digital Crawl (featuring playoff positioning, FC Cincy winning the Supporters Shield -- and Sheena learning what that is) and of course Messi to piss off Sheena. Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC are embarrassed by St. Louis - 5:47 Should St. Louis have been given red cards? - 32:55 Should Peter Vermes be Fired? - 47:10 Johnny Russell seeing red - 57:31 SKC II are sent packing from the playoffs - 1:01:31 The KC Current Bomb Against the Spirit - 1:07:46 Digital Crawl - 1:11:15 Upcoming Games KC Current vs CF Monterrey Feminil - Wednesday, October 4th @ 7:00 PM CST KC Current vs Chicago Red Stars -  Saturday, October 7th @ 7:00 PM Sporting KC at Real Salt Lake - Saturday, October 7th @ 8:30 PM Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S2E45 - For the Glory KC is back with the 52nd episode of the show! On this week's episode, Sporting Kansas City play twice and get two wildly different results. We spend way more time on the happier of the two results as Sporting KC stole all three points off the Houston Dynamo despite playing down a man. We give our thoughts and observations on the squad rotation, Johnny Russell's red card, Erik Thommy's hell of a night, Khiry Shelton's best game of the year and a bit of a stinker from my favorite, Nemanja Radoja. If you prefer your thoughts in video/Tweet form, I encourage you to check out this thread I did after the game if a podcast isn't your thing. It's got video and gifs of the red card, some questionable fouls and officiating and some downright scary plays. We can't avoid bringing the ugly Nashville SC game into it, although we keep that brief because to quote Sheena, she forgot about that game. The KC Current get the week off, so we instead do a mailbag of Sporting KC centered questions, including: How long is Pulido out and what does SKC do next weekend with Russell suspended? Sheena answers for her Tim Melia early season slander Is defense the problem or actually the offense? Is Vermes the man to lead (and build) this team into the future? The Digital Crawl does get some KC Current love as well as SKC II, the USWNT and USMNT and of course I annoy Sheena by updating her on Messi and briefly saying what's going on with him (he's hurt! -- probably). [Sorry for the delay getting the episode out. We recorded yesterday but my mic was all funky and it took a while to try to fix it.] Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC battle Houston for all three points - 1:33 They also lost ugly to Nashville - 28:02 Mini-mailbag - 40:16 Digital Crawl - 54:38 Upcoming Games KC Current @ Washington Spirit - Sat. Sept. 30th at 6:00 PM CST Sporting KC @ St. Louis City SC - Sat. Sept 30th at 7:30 PM SKC II will have a home playoff game where they pick their opponent (date and time coming Tuesday). Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S2E37 - For the Glory KC is back with the 44th episode of the show. On this week's episode, Sporting Kansas City give us all a brief moment of hope before snatching it away from us. Sheena and I discuss the exciting Sporting KC versus FC Cincinnati game. If you were a neutral, perhaps a Liga MX/Chivas fan scouting these teams, would it have been obvious who was by far the best team in the league and who was on the outside of the playoffs looking in? Not for the first 15 minutes I'm sure, but then it got a little squirrely. We talk the Alan Pulido red card, the multitude of handballs and own goals, a little Khiry Shelton of course and what needs to happen next week. Then, a special guest joins me to talk about the KC Current after months of begging to be on the podcast. You tell me how it went as we break down the Houston Dash game before transitioning to talk about new Brazilian center back Lauren joining the team after the 2023 Women's World Cup. Speaking of the World Cup, we work in a little USWNT talk and of course Messi makes an appearance or two.  Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC take us on a wild ride in Cincy - 3:48 USWNT win their World Cup Opener - 34:20 The KC Current smash the Dash - 42:02 Digital Crawl - 51:56 Upcoming Games USWNT versus Netherlands - Wed, July 26th @ 8pm CST KC Current @ Chicago Red Stars - Sat, July 29th @ 7pm SKC II vs. Colorado Rapids 2 - Sun, July 30th @ 6:00pm (Rock Chalk Park) Sporting KC vs. Chivas - Mon, July 31st @ 9pm USWNT vs. Portugal - Tues, August 1st, 2am (stay up after the SKC game!) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S2E34 - For the Glory KC is back with the 41st episode of the show! On this week's episode, Sporting Kansas City bounce back in a big way with a 3-0 win over the Vancouver Whitecaps. Sheena and I discuss her boy Remi's lovely goal (after an even better assist), MLS referees failing to protect goalkeepers and how steep the climb remains, despite only being one point below the playoff line. Beyond that, plenty of Sporting KC injury updates, locker room insights and takeaways from Jake Reid's town hall with season ticket members. The Kansas City Current get some love as both they and Sporting KC won on the same day for only the second time in history. Not only do we discuss said wins, but also new KC Current signing Stine Ballisager Pederson (sorry for the butchered pronunciation). Not to be left out, the United States Men's National Team have a big week, scoring 12 goals in two games with big contributions for former Sporting KC man, Gianluca Busio. We even sneak some SKC II talk into the middle of things (where you can sing the National Anthem if you are so inclined). Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC whip the Whitecaps - 2:16 SKC Long-term injury updates - 20:35 Jake Reid's meeting with STM - 36:45 More Pulido Rumors - 41:35 The KC Current win too! - 55:42 Digital Crawl - 1:08:35 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

Benny Feilhaber and Ike Opara join us to reminisce about the good ol' days for Sporting KC and talk about the second year of their regime leading SKC II in MLS Next Pro. And - as always - a lot of other nonsense. Is Sal Zizzo joining the coaching staff? They also tease the potential return of the BSI Podcast. We talked about exciting players who could make the jump to MLS, challenges & disagreements in their new coaching careers, and who does all the yelling. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2E23 - For the Glory KC is back with the 30th episode of the show! It gets a bit of an asterisk, but Sporting Kansas City technically won a game (though a league game still alludes them). Is the curse of our podcast (that Sheena says doesn't exist) over? On this week's second episode with talk about the victory of the Tulsa Athletic of the NPSL. We get excited, but only a reasonable amount of excitement considering the level of the opposition. We also do rapid fire previews of SKC hosting CF Montreal and the KC Current hosting NJ/NY Gotham. The biggest chunk of the episode is spent on user mailbag questions. Including questions about an SKC II breakout star, Ethan Bryant, the Stephen Afrifa signing, more on Dom Dwyer, the lack of accountability from Sporting Kansas City and more. Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC Win - 0:56 Rapid previews of SKC and KC Current - 12:03 Mailbag on Bryant, Dwyer, Afrifa, Mewis and more - 15:42 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S2E20 - For the Glory KC is back (though it is getting harder each episode) with the 27th episode of the show. On this week's first episode, Sheena and I once again are forced to discuss a Sporting Kansas City loss but this time, we get to talk about a KC Current loss too. We didn't get to watch the games live but luckily (or maybe unluckily) the games weren't spoiled for us during our social media blackout and we suffered through both games on Sunday morning. We give our thoughts, including on this new tactical wrinkle that saw Erik Thommy lineup on the right of the midfield (though he didn't stay there consistently) instead of the left (https://twitter.com/PlayFor90/status/1647695705056616452). Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC continue to implode -  6:13 The KC Current lose again - 30:13 SKC II at least are good! - 42:20 Digital Crawl - 45:52 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

As the bye week rolls on the fellas get together to recap the Austin FC II comeback victory over Dynamo Dos, preview the match against SKC II, talk about Bobosi Byaruhanga's start in Uganda's 1-0 win over Tanzania, some interesting midweek social media posts concerning Jhojan Romaña and other current Verde players before closing it out with the weekly Best Ball update and the Week 6 MLS picks.0:15 - Intro3:30 - Austin FC II recap20:40 - SKC II preview27:05 - Bobo overseas29:25 - Austin FC's bye week history32:55 - Olimpia fans weigh in on Romaña36:35 - Instagram is fun!48:05 - Best Ball update50:40 - Week 6 picksFollow the pod on YouTube and Twitter @TheNorthEndPod and now on Instagram @TheNorthEndPodcast!

S2E1 - New year, new season! This week we discuss how Sporting Kansas City can fit Cristiano Ronaldo into their budget (or any Designated Player for that matter). Even though he's not coming, another DP could be with a big European star having mutual interest from SKC. Plus, all this crazy controversy surrounding US Soccer and the USMNT with the whole Gregg Berhalter/Gio Reyna scandal. And we make our wishes for Sporting KC, SKC II, and the KC Current for 2023. More details on Ronaldo - 7:40 The roster complexities of signing another DP to Sporting KC - 25:48 The Gio Reyna/Gregg Berhalter controversy - 33:29 Our wish list for KC soccer in 2023 - 47:15 The Digital Crawl - 57:16 (Originally Published: January 5, 2023) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S1E5 - The Sporting KC schedule is out, what road trips are we all taking? Plus, Chad and Sheena address the controversy surrounding the Kansas City Current and their recent firing of former coach Huw Williams. Then there is a ton of other things that have happened in the last week, from new signings for the KC Current and SKC II, a rumored signing for Sporting KC's first team, as well as a couple of draft picks joining the team, and a little thing called the World Cup came to an end. We went to a KC Comets game! Sporting KC Schedule Release - 4:16 KC Current Controversies - 15:42 Del Fava and Mace Contracts - 31:42 SKC CB Rumor - Norbert Gyomber - 35:38 MLS Super Draft Results - 41:34 SKC Preseason - 49:05 World Cup!! - 51:24 (Originally Published: December 22, 2022) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S1E4 - For the Glory KC is back with the sad news of Grant Wahl's passing. Then we move to the big question of the week around SKC's offseason priorities (right center back and a third striker were mentioned by Vermes). Also up for discussion this week are some interesting quotes from Daniel Salloi (and his travel plans), an MLS schedule release rumor, SKC II's new signing, the USMNT drama around Gio Reyna, and our new segment, the Digital Crawl, where we run through a ton of news quickly, including some KC Current and USWNT news. Approximate topic locations: Grant Wahl - Beginning SKC's Offseason Priorities - 13:41 Matt Hedges Rumor - 22:30 Salloi on rejecting Europe - 26:01 MLS Schedule rumors - 32:00 SKC II Signing - 34:10 USMNT/Gio Reyna - 38:05 USMNT in Copa America - 44:43 MLS Linear TV Deal - 47:35 KC Current - 49:47 USWNT/She Believes Cup - 51:32 New NWSL Rule - 53:55 The UFC's Dana White and his silly soccer quote - 56:22 (Originally Published: December 14, 2022) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

Our second ever episode, but the first with our current hosts. For the Glory KC is back with a new co-host to give a more casual perspective on all things Kansas City soccer. Up for discussion this week of course if the United States Men's National Team advancing in the World Cup. Then we circle back to all the offseason roster moves from Sporting Kansas City, the KC Current and SKC II. Plus, we talk about the new Apple TV deal with MLS called MLS Season Pass. (Originally Published: November 30, 2022) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

This week we discuss how Sporting Kansas City can fit Cristiano Ronaldo into their budget (or any Designated Player for that matter). Plus, all this crazy controversy surrounding US Soccer and the USMNT with the whole Gregg Berhalter/Gio Reyna scandal. And we make our wishes for Sporting KC, SKC II and the KC Current for 2023. More details on Ronaldo - 7:40 The roster complexities of signing another DP to Sporting KC - 25:48 The Gio Reyna/Gregg Berhalter controversy - 33:29 Our wish list for KC soccer in 2023 - 47:15 The Digital Crawl - 57:16 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

For the Glory KC - S1E5 - The Sporting KC schedule is out, what road trips are we all taking? Plus, Chad and Sheena address the controversy surrounding the Kansas City Current and their recent firing of former coach Huw Williams. Then there is a ton of other things that have happened in the last week from new signings for the KC Current and SKC II, a rumored signing for Sporting KC's first team, as well as a couple draft picks joining the team and a little thing called the World Cup came to an end. We went to a KC Comets game Sporting KC Schedule Release - 4:16 KC Current Controversies - 15:42 Del Fava and Mace Contracts - 31:42 SKC CB Rumor - Norbert Gyomber - 35:38 MLS Super Draft Results - 41:34 SKC Preseason - 49:05 World Cup!! - 51:24 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E4 - For the Glory KC is back with the sad news of Grant Wahl's passing. Then we move to the big question of the week around SKC's offseason priorities (right center back and a third striker were mentioned by Vermes). Also, up for discussion this week are some interesting quotes from Daniel Salloi (and his travel plans), an MLS schedule release rumor, SKC II's new signing, the USMNT drama around Gio Reyna and our new segment the Digital Crawl where we run through a ton of news in a quick manner, including some KC Current and USWNT news. Approximate topic locations (ads bump these times around slightly): Grant Wahl - Beginning SKC's Offseason Priorities - 13:41 Matt Hedges Rumor - 22:30 Salloi on rejecting Europe - 26:01 MLS Schedule rumors - 32:00 SKC II Signing - 34:10 USMNT/Gio Reyna - 38:05 USMNT in Copa America - 44:43 MLS Linear TV Deal - 47:35 KC Current - 49:47 USWNT/She Believes Cup - 51:32 New NWSL Rule - 53:55 The UFC's Dana White and his silly soccer quote - 56:22 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E2 - For the Glory KC is back with a new co-host to give a more casual perspective on all things Kansas City soccer. Up for discussion this week of course if the United States Men's National Team advancing in the World Cup. Then we circle back to all the offseason roster moves from Sporting Kansas City, the KC Current and SKC II. Plus we talk about the new Apple TV deal with MLS. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

S1E1 - The debut episode of For the Glory KC, a new Kansas City soccer podcast. Chad Smith and David Greenwald discuss all things Sporting KC, KC Current and SKC II. In the debut episode we discuss the expansion draft and what the protected list means for Sporting Kansas City. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

It's the July 19th edition of Soapbox Standup. Soapbox Standup is a weekly podcast bringing you the latest headlines about Real Salt Lake in a 15 minute episode, published every Monday morning. This week, we cover: Real Monarchs defeat SKC II 1-0 in a stoppage time winner to get their second win of the season Real Salt Lake fell 2-1 against Atlanta in Georgia RSL snapped their winless streak with a 3-0 win over Sporting Kansas City Justen Glad's return was felt, Marcelo makes this 100th appearance for RSL and Meram hits 50+ goals and 50+ assists in MLS play Utah welcomes Wolverhampton Wanderers II and Chelsea II and will face the Monarchs Everton Luiz, Jony Menendez, and Chris Kablan have all moved off the RSL roster, which could be indicative of an incoming player RSL to host FC Dallas at the weekend Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Head Coach of SKC II and former Sporting Kansas City Midfielder Benny Feilhaber joins the show to talk about the Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup and previews the Advent Health-Korn Ferry Classic with PGA Golfer Luke Gutherie  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SKC II head coach Benny Feilhaber joined The Nutmeg podcast to discuss the transition to coaching SKC II. Plus, Rob breaks down the struggles from Sporting KC.

You heard that right! Reunited and it feels so good! Ahead of opening weekend for MLS Next Pro, The Call Up welcomes in former SKC teammates (and podcast hosts!), Benny Feilhaber and Ike Opara, as they prepare for their first season at the helm of SKC II. The duo discuss their coaching styles and influences, as well as what success looks like in year one. Plus, Benny's thoughts on the upcoming WCQ window and why this USMNT has what it takes to get the job done. A podcast reunion you don't want to miss!

Ike and Benny are back together again but this time coach Sporting KC II - Ike discusses why he decided to coach and what he expects from coaching with friend Benny Feilhaber. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

We made another one! This week we talk about the results from SKC II and Louisville as well as preview the next match against Memphis. Did you know they don't have the Confederations Cup? Enjoy the show!

The 3-match homestand comes to a close with a loss to SKC IIOne goal was the difference and Jarrett and Jon discuss the third match of the week for ATLUTD2

The 3-match homestand comes to a close with a loss to SKC IIOne goal was the difference and Jarrett and Jon discuss the third match of the week for ATLUTD2

It's a look back at the hard-fought draw between ATLUTD2 and SKC II as well as all the news and info you need for the weekend

It's a look back at the hard-fought draw between ATLUTD2 and SKC II as well as all the news and info you need for the weekend

Thad talks with SKC II head coach Paulo Nagamura about what to expect from Sporting Kansas City's second team as they are about to start the USL Championship regular season. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Graham Smith previews return to play and the match in Minnesota, while Jake Davis of SKC II talks about the USL season and the debut of the Bleacher Report series on the SKC Academy