Podcast appearances and mentions of Tim Melia

A collective euphoric release of literal months of pent up energy was finally able to be expelled at Children's Mercy Park on Saturday night as Dejan Joveljic slotted home two goals in the 2nd half of what had otherwise been a pretty cagey derby match with Pink Dog Food SC, meaning the good guys came away with a much needed 2-0 victory, and Kerry Zavagnin got an undefeated start to his time on the SKC sideline as interim head coach.  It was a match that did feel different in the stadium, both in atmosphere as well as the tactics on the field.  While the changes were far from wholesale, Kerry did put his imprint on the match and the team in this game, and by and large the decisions he made seemed to work effectively, and addressed areas of need that we've highlighted a bit recently.There were a number of standout performances, especially the two Designated Players that were brought here to help create goals, and we got to see them make good on that promise, additionally getting into combination areas centrally with each other, and giving all of us some sense of optimism about the potential of their partnership that was candidly hard to see before this match.We will get into all of that and more this week, as well as discuss Tim Melia's retirement, some more big moves in MLS, and what we thought of the USWNT's performance in two friendlies against Brazil this week before doing a preview of this Sunday's brunch match against the Portland Timbers.

For the Glory KC is back with the 127th episode of the show!Our long national nightmare is over! Sporting Kansas City have finally won a game. New interim coach Kerry Zavagnin is a perfect 1-0-0 and he got the best of Sporting KC's rival, St. Louis City SC. It put an exclamation point at the end of a tumultuous and emotional week for anyone in and around Sporting KC.Sheena and I work through the big moments of the game. From our pre-game emotions and expectations to Dejan Joveljic's breakout performance. We also talked about John Pulskamp stepping up on the night Tim Melia retired. There were post-game antics with Jake Davis and the St. Louis players as well as Jansen Miller shushing the road support. Considering he's from STL, it's even more endearing to local fans.The week wouldn't be complete without going back and reflecting on all the change and the news we got from Mike Illig and Kerry Zavagnin's pressers. Weaved into that conversation is a mini dive into my editorial about how ownership may have still botched the Peter Vermes firing.We honor Tim Melia on the week of his retirement (listen to Thad's exclusive podcast with Melia) and discuss a trade that snuck under the radar potentially for Sporting KC fans.Finally, the KC Current had the week off, but still made a bit of news on the international front and with five (!!) of the 11 players of the month coming from KC: LaBonta, Temwa, Cook, Debinha and Lorena.In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including:The future of the Women's World Cup (USA & UK)The Des Moines Menace being bounced from the US Open CupAnd FC 25 jersey updates for SKC and the CurrentHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):Sporting KC finally win, and soccer is fun again! - 6:46Mike Illig and Kerry Zavagnin pressers - 40:19SKC Round-up - 1:08:33KC Current Round-up - 1:13:44Digital Crawl - 1:16:04Upcoming GamesUSA vs. Brazil, Tues. April 8th at 9:30PM CDTSKC II vs. Minnesota United 2, Wed. April 9th at 6:00PMKC Current @ San Diego Wave, Sat. April 12th at 9:00PMSporting KC vs. Portland Timbers, Sun. April 13th at 1:15PMAs 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 113th episode of the show and the first one of Season Four! Sporting Kansas City lead off the show, as is almost always the case. Just like the last episode two weeks ago, there are no signings but there is actually news. The biggest of the stories broke today with the rumor that Alan Pulido may be departing Sporting KC to head back to Chivas in Liga MX. There are now three separate sources saying Pulido is leaving for Mexico, with the latest pegging the transfer fee (yes, they are paying for him) at $1.5 million. It may seem like a fleecing of SKC, who paid a reported $6 million after the 2019 season, but considering I think most fans just want Pulido's salary off the books, making $1.5m in the process would be wild. Sheena and I get our hopes up about a potential move and discuss the ramification of him leaving (if it were to happen). What it means for the team's roster flexibility. Where we'd like a new Designated Player to be signed. If Agada can be the starting center forward if Alan isn't around. Plus, a slew of other topics with a random reading of a Remi Walter farewell post snuck into the middle as we scoured the web live during the podcast looking for more Pulido news. The Pulido conversation nicely transitioned into the title of this week's podcast. Counting Pulido, SKC have just 20 players signed for 2025 of a possible 30. They'll surely leave a few spots open, but they are missing about one-third of their roster. They are down Johnny Russell, Tim Melia, Walter and others and the question has to be asked, "is it time to panic?" For some context, here are the month and day of several of the higher priced signings over the last few seasons: Radoja: 10/26 Pulido: 12/10 Walter: 12/22 Leibold: 1/12 Ilie: 1/13 Ndenbe: 1/14 Voloder: 1/19 Kinda: 1/23 Russell: 1/31 Rosero: 3/2 Contrast that with the season starting earlier than ever, not to mention the Inter Miami CCC game on February 18th, and there is some concern. Pushing back against the concern slightly is the transfer windows in many European and South American countries just opened which could make teams more willing to sell since they can go out and find replacement players. Beyond the roster discussion, we get into the leaked Sporting KC jersey (images here), SKC moving on from assistant coach Zoran Savic, Andreu Fontas possibly retiring and some choice Russell quotes from a recent podcast appearance. The KC Current were a bit quieter, which is weird to say, considering they actually made a signing. They brought in 27-year-old Brazilian goalkeeper, Lorena, as we said they would on the last pod. Plus, the NWSL outlined their schedule for 2025, including March 14th as the first league game. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few more topics, including: Ilie signs in Austin Nicole Barnhart retires KC Comets All-Stars Ethan Bryant finds a new home Denver is the 16th NWSL team and more! Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Is Pulido being sold? - 4:32 Should we panic about the Sporting KC roster build? - 26:18 2025 SKC Jersey Leak - 43:50 Fontas, Russell, Savic and Preseason Changes - 48:02 KC Current and NWSL Schedule News - 1:03:52 Digital Crawl - 1:09:36 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.

This week, Steeeve and Logan break down the MLS Cup tournament and LA Galaxy's road to a championship. We also take our time to discuss the moving on of club legends, Johnny Russell, and Tim Melia. Like and Sub!!! youtube.com/@PTW_Pod twitter.com/PTW_POD twitter.com/SteeevePerry14 twitter.com/LVolrath paintthewallpodcast@gmail.com https://open.spotify.com/show/2zyqV8kcFwhu4rfZJPO66f?si=055f852d09ba4ff6

For the Glory KC is back with the 108th episode of the show. Finally, Sheena has returned to the podcast! After two weeks off, the casual perspective returns. Sheena weighs in on Sporting Kansas City's offseason roster moves, since she missed a chance to do it last week. [If you missed that episode, Juan, Josh and I all gave our thoughts in greater depth]. We also answer listener questions about where we might see the likes of Johnny Russell, Tim Melia, Remi Walter and others. Will it be inside MLS? Elsewhere? Retirement? Plus, Sheena commiserates on Benny Feilhaber leaving Sporting KC II and where he might land. Since the KC Current season came to an end, it's time to play Fantasy Sporting Director/General Manager for them as well. While there are some sentimental favorites out of contract, nearly the entire starting lineup is signed for 2025 already. We also catch up on the NWSL, including our experience at the NWSL Championship game, the various award winners around the league and the three finalists (Denver, Cleveland and Cincinnati) for NWSL Expansion. And Sheena gets reminded the MLS season is still going and we're down to just four teams vying for the title. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: A flimsy Sporting KC rumor MLS Next Pro teams potential moving out of market Jaylin Lindsay is out in Charlotte USMNT and US U-20 results Local college soccer in the College Cup (Missouri State, UMKC and SLU) And drama in the USL Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sheena weighs in on SKC's Roster Moves - 3:19 Fantasy Sporting Director for KC Current - 36:42 NWSL Update & Expansion - 47:56 MLS Update - 1:06:26 Digital Crawl - 1:13:21 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

Send us a textOn this episode of the MLS Aces Podcast, Tom Sweezy & Jason Vevang chat:-Previewing LAFC vs Seattle Sounders, LA Galaxy vs Minnesota United, Orlando City vs Atlanta United, & NYCFC vs New York Red Bulls-Looking back at all of the Round 1 game 3s, especially taking a look at Atlanta United's historic win over Inter Miami-Tata Martino OUT as Manager of Inter Miami CF-FC Dallas hiring Eric Quill as Manager of FC Dallas-USMNT pick up two wins over Jamaica in CONCACAF Nations League-MLS year end roster decisions; Tim Melia, Johnny Russell, & Hector Herrera moving on-Michele Kang's donation to U.S. Soccer-And much more!!!Make sure to follow us on all platforms below:Twitter: @MLSAces, @TomSweez, @JasonVevangYouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@mlsacesWebsite/Articles: mlsaces.comSupport the show

Jimmy Mack and Daniel Kooser react to Sporting Kansas City announcing major changes to the active roster. The guys discuss Johnny Russell and Tim Melia departing, whether the front office is actually going to be aggressive this offseason, and how the current roster fits together. — The best Kansas City sports coverage in one place. Download our app now! Apple: https://apps.apple.com/us/app/kcsn/id6443568374 Google Play: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.kcsn&hl=en — Subscribe to the KCSN Daily substack for film reviews, exclusive podcasts, KC Draft guide, discounts and access, giveaways, merch drops and more at https://kcsn.substack.com/subscribe FOLLOW US ON: Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/KCSportsNetwork Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/kcsports.network/ Twitter - https://twitter.com/KCSportsNetwork Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

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

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

Looking to continue the end of season success, LAFC heads to "Blue Hell" to take on Sporting KC. The Black and Gold would score early, threaten often, and keep another sheet clean, still in the hunt for the Western Conference crown. It's all here on Episode 332!Denis Bouanga earned his 11th shot a goal from the penalty spot early in the match. This one, however, would be his first saved attempt, as Tim Melia stayed put enough to both save Denis' penalty and watch the rebound whiz past him into the back of the goal, courtesy of David Martinez! In stoppage, Kike Olivera got on the end of a beautiful pass from Bouanga to double the lead heading into the half. After halftime, LAFC kept the pedal down, and the effort would pay off in the form of a beautiful, top bins goal by... Aaron Long? Yes! Aaron Long, in his 73rd appearance for LAFC, would finally get on the score sheet! The lesson learned? Don't leave Aaron long open! Hugo would do everything needed to keep the clean sheet, saving 4 shots but facing little danger, en route to his LAFC-record 11th shutout of the season. Also on this episode, Filly gets a quarterback while the Tyler Miller count rises by a few. Enjoy 332, and a much needed break until we head to Vancouver!

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

S3E33 - For the Glory KC is back with the 98th episode of the show! (Our 100th episode is coming up, should we do something special?)  Sporting Kansas City keep the momentum going with a huge semifinal win over Indy Eleven to book a place in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup finals against LAFC. They got there on goals by Johnny Russell and Dany Rosero. It wasn't always smooth sailing for Sporting KC though, as Indy Eleven gave them all they could handle in the second half, but Tim Melia repeatedly came up big to keep a clean sheet. The game also marked the return of Logan Ndenbe to the starting lineup and overall had a unique lineup that looked a lot more like 2023 than 2024 (with the exceptions of right back Khiry Shelton and midfielder Jake Davis). The game came to an end with an ultimately meaningless penalty kick that was missed by Alan Pulido. It made us wonder who should have taken the PK instead of Pulido based on who was on the field, as well as who would have gone if a game came to penalties. The KC Current continued to faulter as they lost their third straight NWSL game. This time it was the North Carolina Courage who got the better of them. It made us wonder if it's simply a slump, them running into tougher teams, or if they aren't as good as we thought they were. The team also made a series of transactions this week trading away Hanna Glas and Jordan Silkowitz while bringing in Kayla Sharples (formerly of Bay FC) and signing a few extensions. The NWSLPA also announced their list of free agents, which were loaded with KC players, including: Elizabeth Ball, Kristen Hamilton, Vanessa DiBernardo, AD Franch, Nichelle Prince, Almuth Schult, Desiree Scott and Mallory Weber. Who should Vlatko prioritize to keep?  In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including: An update on Kayden Pierre's transfer Vermes hitting a milestone Stephen Afrifa getting a call-up from Canada SKC II finally winning and the USWNT U-20s start to the World Cup And there is no good way to talk about this, but a Sporting KC fan tragically lost her life as a result of injuries suffered in an auto accident outside the US Open Cup game on Tuesday night. If you'd like to donate to the family of Summer Lynn, they have a Go Fund Me setup. Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC advance to the US Open Cup finals - 4:54 Who Should have Taken the PK that Pulido Missed? - 11:36 SKC qualified for CCC? - 18:10 KC Current lose a 3rd straight - 27:41 A bunch of KC Current transactions - 38:03 Errors and Corrections - 52:41 Digital Crawl - 54:02 Upcoming Schedule: USWNT U-20s vs. Morocco, Wednesday, Sept. 4th @ 8:00PM CDT USMNT vs. Canada, Saturday, Sept 7th @ 3:00PM (at Children's Mercy Park) USWNT U-20s vs. Paraguay, Saturday, Sept. 7th @ 6:00PM  Sporting KC at New York Red Bulls, Saturday, Sept 7th @ 6:30PM KC Current vs. Utah Royals, Saturday, Sept 7th @ 6:30PM SKC II at LAFC2, Sunday, Sept. 8th @ 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

S3E26 - For the Glory KC is back with the 91st episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City got themselves back in the win column this week for just the fourth time this season. On Saturday night, they shut out Austin FC 2-0, just their second shutout in 21 tries this season. The victory was picked up by quality finishing and even better defense. It also feels like someone over at Sporting KC in the technical staff may be listening to the podcast. Last week, we put out a loose plan for going forward in 2024. Stop playing guys that'll be gone after the year, unless you are trying to see if you need to bring them back. It wasn't perfect, as Andreu Fontas found the bench, but Johnny Russell and Tim Melia still started. Russell played lights out and Melia had very little to do since Austin only mustered two shots. SKC also played the midfield trio of Nemanja Radoja, Erik Thommy and Jake Davis, a group I've personally been clamoring to see together more. Davis did well to make up that ground coverage that Remi Walter supplies and a touch of physicality in the midfield this team doesn't have outside of Memo Rodriguez. The game also saw the return of Alan Pulido and Tim Leibold from injury, with Leibold scoring the game winner. Walter, Daniel Salloi and Robert Castellanos were all listed as questionable, but they all sat out the game. Speaking of physicality, it reminds us immediately of the retirement of Roger Espinoza. He was honored before the game and spoke to the media at halftime and a little in the locker room. The conversation wouldn't be complete without all the front office movement from the week. Brian Bliss is out, and Mike Burns is in, though not in exactly the same job. We'll have a better understanding of Burns' role after the Tuesday press conference as Peter Vermes asked we avoid asking about Burns in the post-game presser. Sheena and I give our initial impressions on the hiring and firing, knowing more information is coming down the line. The Kansas City Current continue to set records and hold back the opposition. In the past week they went to the Portland Thorns and won 4-1 and then returned home for a 2-0 win over the Houston Dash. We share our thoughts on those games, Temwa Chawinga, the river 'goal' and so much more. In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few other topics, including: Two NWSL coaching firings, both with KC ties A Memo Rodriguez transfer rumor The USMNT's up and down week at Copa America USWNT Olympic Roster is out and Kamron Habibullah is midseason MLS Next Pro MVP Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC win! - 6:44 SKC do some hiring and firing in the front office - 45:58 KC Current win twice! - 1:14:15 Digital Crawl - 1:31:18 Upcoming Schedule: SKC II vs. Austin FC II - Sunday, June 30th @ 6:00 PM CDT USMNT vs. Uruguay - Monday, July 1st @ 8:00 PM Sporting KC at Colorado Rapids - Thursday, July 4th @ 8:30 PM KC Current vs. Orlando Pride - Saturday, July 6th @ 6:30 PM Sporting KC vs. FC Dallas - Sunday, July 7th @ 7:30 PM SKC II at Tacoma Defiance - Sunday, July 7th @ 9:00 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

UNLEASH THE POWER OF THE SUN(FLOWER STATE FC) It's our annual Midsummer classic as Sunflower State FC Co-Vice President and UWSL General Manager, Salvatore Sesti, returns to the podcast! The garden continues to grow as the club carries over from a strong 2023 campaign, and continues to see success from both the men's and women's teams. Join in we talk beer, soccer, and even some Chiefs in episode that's always a good time! EPISODE HIGHLIGHTS •Sal Sesti from Sunflower State FC (00:00) •Who is Sunflower State FC (2:20) •Sal gives us house and life updates (5:28) •Social media shoutout and donate on Patreon.com (http://Patreon.com)  (9:45)  •NPSL Sunflower State FC season summary (11:28) •Des Moines United is a tough squad (12:25) •Some Sunflower Standouts (15:10) •The Boys talk about their beers (17:04) •Sal talks Sunflower State FC vs. Kansas City Sol (19:19) •Sal's take on the rise of popularity since KC Current's new stadium (25:03) •Sal highlights more NPSL games of note (28:56) •Sal breaks down the entire NPSL roster (35:15) •Recruiting process for SSFC (39:04) •Sal breaks down WPSL SSFC 2024 season (44:49) •The pitch for Paramount Plus (54:25) •Rhys' take on Bally Sports (56:52) •The case for Tim Melia (58:42) •Hot Take Mando almost gets Thomas Hasal on the podcast (1:00:25) •FCSM continues breaking down the WPSL (1:03:07) •Ending the podcast with some Chiefs talk (1:08:12)

Wednesday's Program started off with our reaction to last night's Royals loss to the Guardians and whether or not Brady Singer can be a stopper. Then we went down a bit of a rabbit hole before talking with SKC Goalkeeper Tim Melia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

LAFC heads back to the friendly confines of BMO Stadium for a matchup against Peter Vermes-led Sporting Kansas City, the only club to beat LAFC twice at home in the regular season in our club's first 6 years. What we hoped would be a high-scoring match for the Black and GOld quickly turned into a battle of keepers. Former MLS Pool keeper and longtime SKC player Tim Melia was outstanding, making huge save after huge save over the course of 90 minutes to keep LAFC off the board. Our best chance likely came in the 84th minute, as David Martinez shook his man, raced up the left side, and... fired his shot high and deep into the 3252 instead of passing it to Denis Bouanga for an absolute sitter and potential game-winning goal. Ugh. Sporting had their opportunities, but nothing really troubling for Hugo Lloris, as he is able to make all 6 necessary stops en route to his first clean sheet.  Also on this episode, we chat briefly about the re-signing of Bouanga, ponder our squad's depth, and Scarf gets a little too excited about a Dio sighting in Los Angeles. This is Defenders of the Banc, and we hope you enjoy Episode 291!

2-23-24 The Border Patrol talks college hoops with Gabe DeArmond on Mizzou, Missy Heidrick on K-State and Nick Springer on Kansas.  Plus Sporting KC Goalkeeper Tim Melia joins as Sporting opens their season Saturday.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

The Program opened Tuesday's show talking about Mizzou and what their program's ceiling is and how far they are from it. We also talked some Chiefs and how they once again find themselves at the top of the AFC. Then we took your calls before talking with Sporting KC Goalkeeper Tim Melia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Sporting KC had two consecutive playoff "wins" this week after winning the PK shootout against San Jose after a fairly uninteresting 0-0 draw on Wednesday and then took the wood to St Louis in their park on Sunday night. The former being everything we have come to expect from this team on short rest against a team that didn't want to play soccer, and the latter being the exact opposite. Luchi Gonzalez seemed to be banking on his best odds being waiting for an SKC defensive mistake(fair, but it didn't happen) or going against Tim Melia in penalty kicks(LOL). Things worked out as expected setting up the match we all have been waiting for in St Louis. Peter Vermes brought out a very pragmatic and well coached and thought out tactical shift in St Louis in both style and personnel, and it worked impeccably to a 4-1 rout of the Pink Dog Food club in their park. Now the question is how much of that style does he bring back to KC next Sunday and what makes the most sense to ensure SKC are able to win and move on. We spend Tactical Corner this week evaluating the difference in Erik Thommy and Gadi Kinda's games, and whether they are actually that different materially at all. Finally Potpurri corner focuses on #playthekids and what appears to be a directionless USWNT at the moment. Music by The Spin Wires

In this special bonus episode, Steeeve and Logan break down our victory over SJ in PK's and talk about this first round match up we get with our bitter rivals, STLSC.

Susannah Collins, Nico Cantor, Jimmy Conrad, and Alexis Guerreros kick off the show by recapping the results of yesterday's Champions League matches Newcastle vs Dortmond and PSG vs AC Milan and discuss whether PSG has finally found its identity (6:09). Then, the group discuss the emergence of USMNT player Johnny Cardoso and his move to Real Betis in LaLiga (19:56). And finally, the MF crew dive deep into MLS Wild Card action with Tolkin impressing yet again and Tim Melia's knack for saving PKs (26:49). The group recap more UCL matches in Part Two of the Morning Footy podcast! Morning Footy is available for free on the Audacy app as well as Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher and wherever else you listen to podcasts.  Follow the Morning Footy podcast on Twitter: @CBSSportsGolazo, @susannahcollins, @nicocantor1, @NotAlexis, @CharlieDavies9 For more soccer coverage from CBS Sports, visit https://www.cbssports.com/soccer/ To hear more from the CBS Sports Podcast Network, visit https://www.cbssports.com/podcasts/ Watch UEFA Champions League, UEFA Europa League, UEFA Europa Conference League, Serie A, Coppa Italia, CONCACAF, NWSL, Scottish Premiership, the Brasileiro, Argentine Primera División by subscribing Paramount Plus: https://www.paramountplus.com/home/ To learn more about listener data and our privacy practices visit: https://www.audacyinc.com/privacy-policy Learn more about your ad choices. Visit https://podcastchoices.com/adchoices

The Zone celebrates Sporting KC's big penalty kick shootout win over San Jose last night and discusses how Tim Melia was a brick wall in PKs once again. Plus, could Chiefs-Broncos be a trap game?See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

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

Sporting KC kept themselves in the MLS playoff race with a hard fought 2-1 win over the Houston Dynamo. Nobody was perfect, but everyone played a part in securing all three points while down a man. Jake Davis, Logan Ndenbe, & Tim Melia all came up big. Surprisingly, Khiry Shelton also put in a good shift in place of Daniel Salloi. Did Johnny Russell deserve a red card? Did Peter Vermes get a yellow card for showing emotion? SKC can beat anyone... but they can lose to anyone. This is an absolutely maddening team to follow and we never know which team will show up each game. However, this also means they could be a handful in the postseason. S6:E46 Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We opened Thursday's Program giving our picks for Mizzou's football season as well as the standings in the SEC. Then we spoke with Sporting KC Goalkeeper Tim Melia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

SKC is back and it was a comprehensive 3-0 win vs San Jose. While the score may have flattered SKC somewhat, it was a deserved win regardless. Drew and Cody discuss the quintessential JFR game(including the injury), the tactical personnel choices, Tim Melia doing his thing, and what we will be calling "The Full Fontas". Tactical Corner is focused on building out of pressure, for reasons that should be pretty obvious. This is less of a structural discussion and more of a fluid one highlighting ideas and adaptive philosophies that work best against a quality pressing team like St Louis. The RFEF are making the news for all the wrong reasons, and it is taking the shine away from an exceptional performance by the Spanish Women in Australia/New Zealand last month. It's a story that gets more unbelievable and ridiculous by the hour, and it is an unfortunate yet all too common circumstance when it comes to women's sports. Finally, a quick preview of what should be a really fun atmosphere on Saturday vs. St Louis. Music by The Spin Wires

Sporting KC smashed San Jose with a three-goal shutout and get a massive confidence boost. Which they need badly with St. Louis City coming to town this weekend. Plus we talk KC Current and the increasingly gross situation with the Royal Spanish Football Federation. When Johnny Russell officially becomes a Sporting KC Legend, that spot of the wall should have nothing more than three letters emblazoned up on it. J F R Who will play if Johnny is out? Plus we cover Tim Melia's amazing return, and enjoy all the highs from the win. The Current dropped much needed points and have made their room for error is nearly gone. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2E38 - For the Glory KC is back with the 45th episode of the show and it's a weird one. No co-host, just me talking to myself. If that sounds like something you'd like to listen to, give it a go. On this week's episode, Sporting Kansas City beat the best team in Mexico in the Leagues Cup (and were a 96th minute handball away from beating the best team in MLS). That said, how much of that was the schedule finally favoring Sporting KC for the first time in a long time? I definitely think it was a factor with the short rest for Chivas, which was compounded by their game against FC Cincinnati being delayed the better part of a day due to the weather. But it's not all pessimism (I think it was a resounding performance overall). Plus, injury updates on Tim Melia, Willy Agada and Graham Zusi are forthcoming. The ladies can't be left out though! The KC Current were back in action and their injury woes continue. They had a chance to almost lock down a spot in the semi-finals of the UKG Challenge Cup but instead give the Chicago Red Stars their first point of the whole tournament (here is that chart I referenced). Plus, the United States squeak their way out of the group stage, and I give a first-hand account of the action in Auckland, New Zealand. Don't worry y'all, Sheena will be back next week. Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC control and defeat Chivas - 2:10 KC Current draw Chicago - 15:30 USWNT Survive and Advance - 20:05 Digital Crawl - 28:01 Upcoming Games Sporting KC vs. Toluca - Fri, August 4th @ 8:00PM CST USWNT vs. Unknown (but Probably Sweden) - Sun, August 6th @ 5:00AM SKC II @ Houston Dynamo 2 - Sun, Aug, 6th @ 6:00PM KC Current vs. Racing Louisville - Sun, Aug, 6th @ 7:00PM (CMP) --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

The Blue Testament has rebranded to the KC Soccer Journal! We're excited for this new era. Now if only the teams could play better. After sweeping changes and the return of Alan Pulido, Sporting KC grinded out a 0-0 draw in Philadelphia against the Union. While it was yet another match they failed to score, there are some reasons to be hopeful. Willy Agada continues to struggle and the impact of Pulido was felt right away. It was the Mexican's first appearance in over a year, so he still working up to game speed. But his movement and ability to keep possession in tight spaces was on display. Nemanja Radoja looked very strong in the holding midfield position, but he went down with an injury in the 34th minute. Because we aren't allowed to have nice things. The heavily anticipated arrival of Dany Rosero was a success. The Colombian centerback was paired with another newcomer in Robert Castellanos, and they earned a shutout against a good team. Tim Melia also made his return and showed flashes of his old self. What happened to Erik Thommy? After the first two matches, he has struggled. Set pieces have been ugly and his second half against the Union was dreadful. He may be trying to do too much, and we think it might be affecting Daniel Salloi as well. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

S2E9 - On this week's episode Sheena and Chad discuss the unfortunate but not world ending 1-0 loss by Sporting Kansas City on the road at the Portland Timbers. We also preview the Colorado Rapids game. The show also includes injury updates for Johnny Russell, Alan Pulido, Nemanja Radoja and Tim Melia. Perhaps most importantly, there is a new signing (probably) coming and it's to help the defense. Here is a quick rundown of topics and their start times: Sporting KC vs. Portland Thoughts - 3:50 SKC CB Rumor - 23:37 Vermes new Contract - 28:09 MLS Season Pass Week 1 - 34:01 Colorado Rapids Preview - 41:19 Digital Crawl - 51:00 --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

We're joined by Zachary Cobb (@ZachIsHere) and talking about Sporting KC's 8-0 preseason scrimmage, battles for starting spots, and the current state of the Cauldron. John Pulskamp saw a lot of time in goal last season. Is the job his to lose? The Big Bear is often thought of as the future for the team, but costly mistakes have plagued him in the past. The youngster and Tim Melia have a battle on their hands, and the competition should up the standard. The KC Cauldron was, at one time, the toast of the league. But it's become a bit stagnant. What can each of us do to help bring back the former glory of the Cauldron and ensure our boys are playing in a true Blue Hell? Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

After witnessing a phenomenal, acrobatic, double save right in front of them, the Cauldron began chanting "That's Our Keeper!" 21-year-old John Pulskamp has been in goal far more than he expected this season, so he says hearing that level of support from the fans "is hard to describe exactly." Tim Melia has been out with a hamstring injury, and his contract is up this year. Pulskamp, however, signed an extension earlier this year through 2025 with an option for 2026. Therefore, Peter Vermes and Co. are getting a nice long look at the potential heir to the throne. The Cauldron let their feelings be known as Pulskamp shut down any hope the Portland Timbers had of making a comeback. The task at hand for the young is not lost on him. The competition is fierce, and only getting more challenging. Pulskamp explains the importance of looking inward and always working to find that next level. "There's a lot of guys on the roster. There's a lot of guys in the league," he says. "Those guys are constantly getting better, they're making themselves better." He's a California kid and thought he had an idea about what Kansas City might be like, but he's since grown to love it. And brings his family & friends in town to enjoy it as well. From the LA Galaxy academy, to trials overseas, he shares with us his path to landing at Sporting. Pulskamp reveals the best cities in US Soccer for getting heckled. He misses the feisty fans of the USL. We also learned why Tim Melia started calling him The Big Bear. It's hard to avoid with paws like that. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

On Episode 204, we find the Black and Gold in Kansas City, at potential World Cup venue Children's Mercy Park, set to take on Sporting KC. It's a battle of worst versus first, as the only thing hot in Sporting's world is the climate, and this one would play out exactly according to plan. It was another slow start for LAFC, dodging an early bullet from Erik Thommy in the 15th minute. Sporting had a bit of a moment themselves, needing Logan Ndenbe to save one off the line to keep us scoreless into the half. Would LAFC respond with their typical hot second half performance? Yes. LAFC started out hot, manufacturing several opportunities just 5 minutes in. The momentum, however, seemed to really shift in the 50th minute, as Tim Melia, SKC's stalwart keeper since 2015, grabbed the back of his hamstring as he raced back to cover goal. He knew it wasn't great almost immediately, and on came seldom-used backup John Pulskamp. It took LAFC just minutes to strike, as Carlos Vela found Mahala who found Chicho for a beautiful ticky-taki goal. Chicho scores for LAFC yet again, and there aren't many hotter players in all of MLS than LAFC's number 9. LAFC would score a second goal in the 83rd minute, and it's fair to say this one was felt around the world. Chicho found a streaking Gareth Bale, who had checked in about 18 minutes earlier, and, in yet another #PinchMeMoment, the Welsh superstar opened his LAFC account by slipping one past the backup Pulskamp. Despite 10 minutes of stoppage time and near-100 degree weather, LAFC sees this one out 2-0 to remain “Best in the West and Best in MLS.”Also on this episode, shenanigans. Imagine that. Filly unknowingly challenges Eric “Badlands” Booker to a chugging contest with his New York accent in full effect. Filly learns what hamentashen are. Filly also rants not once, but twice, thanks to technical difficulties during today's match. Scarf was also part of the podcast.In honor of our 15th goal scorer, Gareth Bale, the Defenders have a neat idea: Please go to the link in our Instagram bio, and if you can, donate $15 to the fundraising effort for the Mauricio Fascio Fustal Field in Southeast LA. We can't think of a better reason to donate, or a better cause to contribute to. We'll see you next weekend for Episode 205.  

Two SKC wins in one week? In this economy? Drew and Cody discuss both the (albeit somewhat lucky)away win at Nashville and the 6-0 drubbing of Union Omaha in the Open Cup quarterfinals. Drew professes his love for Felipe Hernandez(again), and we hope that PV agrees with the assessment that the Walter-Hernandez-Duke midfield is the most functional one that SKC has at the moment. We also discuss the new player additions that are now official, and whether Tim Melia might be losing a step. Graham Zusi appears to not age, and DS20 steals souls. That and a bunch more...I mean it's an hour and 45 minutes so buckle up. Music by The Spin Wires

Nate Bukaty, Aly Trost and Jacob Peterson open the show by recapping Sporting's 1-0 loss to Vancouver on the road last week & discuss the USMNT's World Cup draw. In segment two, Nate and Aly are joined by goalkeeper Tim Melia & close out the show previewing Saturday's match against Nashville SC at Children's Mercy Park.

Tonight on The Sporting KC Show, Nate Bukaty, Aly Trost and Jacob Pederson are joined by goalkeeper Tim Melia. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Steven and Nate stoke the twitter beef between Marc Boerigter and Tyrann Mathieu, and Sporting KC Goalkeeper Tim Melia joins the show to discuss SKC's 1-0 win over Houston in their home opener over the weekend.  See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

On this week's episode of AFP Devang and Nick are joined by Vancouver Whitecaps reporter Sarita Patel (@SaritaReports) to discuss how the Whitecaps have risen through the standings in the West and a behind the scenes look at what's going on in Vancouver. Then the guys discuss Jozy Altidore's swan song at TFC, dissect Jonathan Osorio's walk off interview and Tim Melia's suplex on Cristian Roldon while David is away soaking up the sun in Portugal. Have you joined Patreon? Get ad-free episodes, access to discord and our all-new weekly Euro Round Up: https://www.patreon.com/afootballpodcastFollow @AFootballPod on Twitter! While you're there say hello to @DesaiDevang, @EmpireGass and @nickandrade89.If you enjoyed today's show, please rate A Football Podcast 5-Stars on Apple Podcasts.See you again next week for an all new AFP.

Riley and Dave are on their own this week, but they have plenty of Sporting action to discuss! Dániel Sallói's MVP campaign gained steam this week after he rescued a point against Portland with a stoppage time strike. We also debate whether Rémi Walter really deserved his first career red card and marvel at yet another week of Tim Melia's heroics. Join us as we discuss all the latest plus Venezia FC's unorthodox transfer strategies, the importance of drawstrings, and Riley's new status as family soccer expert. Join the conversation! Instagram: @1SportingWayPod Email: 1SportingWayPod@gmail.com What were we drinking? Riley: Palmetto Brewing Co. Mango IPA Dave: Shiner Hill Country Peach Wheat

Following his great performance against Colorado, Sporting KC Goalkeeper Tim Melia joined The Nutmeg podcast.

This week Sporting KC picked up four points from two tough road games. Join us as we bask in the 4-1 win over LAFC that saw Peter Vermes earn his 200th win as manager, and discuss how in the world Tim Melia isn't an all-star after another standout performance in the 0-0 draw against Colorado. With Busio officially gone it's time to welcome new signing Jose Mauri, but more importantly what is Riley planning on doing with his crowdsourced transfer fee now that Venezia out bid him? Join the conversation on Instagram @1SportingWayPod or email us at 1SportingWayPod@gmail.com! What were we drinking this week? Riley: Copper River Brewing Company Golden Ale Remi: Golden Road Brewing Company Mango Cart Dave: Boulevard Ginger-Lemon Radler

6-5-20 - Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia, the team's rep with the MLS players union, joins the show to discuss the deal made to get the MLS back in action. And Mick Shaffer joins as well discussing the NFL players video supporting Black Lives Matter. Also, Cory's Cuts finishes off the week.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

3-10-20 the Program is joined by Sporting Kansas City goalkeeper Tim Melia to talk about the squads hot start, about the NFL teams proposed rules changes, and about the reports about former Michigan State assistant coach involving cheating in sports.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Kling catches up w/Tim Melia as the offseason ends & local product Christian Duke on his return to KC

August 23, 2019 Steven and Nate talk to Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Carter Augustine hosts the SKC show and talks everything Sporting and brings in goalkeeper Tim Melia to talk the latest as well. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

September 6, 2017 Steven and Nate talk to Sporting KC goalkeeper Tim Melia.See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

May 2nd, 2017 Sporting KC Goalkeeper Tim Melia joined the Program to discuss the recent of success. And looked ahead to SKC midweek matchup with New York Red Bulls. See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.