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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 CupAnd 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 - 54:02Upcoming 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 @ 3:00PMWe 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 teamsHere 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 - 1:21:10Upcoming 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 @ 1:00PMWe 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 -
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S3E31 - For the Glory KC is back with the 96th episode of the show!
Sporting Kansas City didn't lose this week. Of course, they didn't play either. However, they did make some news. They finally made a signing, basically their first "big" signing of the year. We technically don't know how much new center back Joaquin Fernandez is making, but I'd guess he's on a Targeted Allocation Money (TAM) deal which is more than the four minimum contract guys that were signed in the offseason. It may be less, but it won't be the minimum.
After making guesses how Joaquin will fit in, Sheena and I took a listener question and basically did an entire podcast about it. If we didn't have to follow any roster rules and could ignore contract lengths, who would we actually keep on this team?
We didn't go through every single player on the roster, but we hit the vast majority of it. There were definitely a few surprised decisions and a few super on brand for us.
It's an interesting exercise because it reminds you it's hard to let go. There are only four players fully out of contract after the season and there was an argument to keep all but one of them in some capacity (though I personally took a harder stance).
Then most of the players that Sheena and I agreed we should move on from if the roster rules and contracts didn't apply, aren't out of contract and can't really be moved on from at all without a trade, transfer or the use of the single buyout. In other words, the 2025 edition of Sporting KC will probably look a lot like the 2024 version. It's important the changes that are made, are done to perfection.
The rebuild for Sporting KC may be long and hard.
Thankfully, we have the KC Current to lift us up in these dire times. They played in The Women's Cup this week and won the whole dang thing, lifting the first trophy in club history. Shame so little of you saw it, unless you happened to own a Vizio TV. Seriously, the channel was only available on a specific brand of TV in the United States. Wild choice by the organizers of this competition.
In addition to the two wins, we give the tiniest insights on new KC Current signing Jereko and where she may fit in.
In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a few topics, including:
FIFA Fan Fest coming to KC in 2026 Sporting KC's Academy rankings (eek!) A few KC Current transactions And potential new USMNT coach, Mauricio PochettinoHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):
Sporting KC finally make a signing - 5:29 No rules Sporting KC fantasy GM - 20:59 KC Current win two more! - 1:11:29 KC Current make another signing - 1:24:46 Digital Crawl - 1:27:21Upcoming Schedule:
SKC II vs. Austin FC II, Sunday, August 18th @ 6:00PM Sporting KC vs. Orlando City, Saturday, August 24th @ 7:30PM KC Current AT Washington Spirit, Sunday, August 25th @ 11:00AM SKC II have next weekend offWe 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 storiesHere 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 - 1:30:04Upcoming 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 scandalHere 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 - 52:13Upcoming 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 @ 8:00pmWe 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 updatesHere 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 - 1:22:55Upcoming 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. LouisHere 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 - 1:17:48Upcoming 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 PMWe 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 MVPHere 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 - 1:31:18Upcoming 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 PMWe 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 -
S3E25 - For the Glory KC is back with the 90th episode of the show! Things get weird as we recorded waaay after dark.
Sporting Kansas City had another rough week. So much, that my co-host preferred we "just get it over with" on Saturday night versus waiting to do a podcast on Sunday. Despite that, we have a lot of thoughts about the losses to Real Salt Lake and the Columbus Crew. I'd like to think it was more about the catharsis of getting some of these thoughts out, while they are fresh in our minds. For a deeper tactical breakdown, check out the Home and Away podcast.
Amazingly, it's not all bad. For years we've criticized when SKC just did the same thing over and over and expected different results. At least they tried some things.
There were massive lineup changes in both games including rolling out a 3-4-3/5-4-1 against the Crew. Andreu Fontas seemingly got benched (until an injury). Kayden Pierre made consecutive starts at right back (and may have broken a bone). Both goalkeepers got starts, allowed four goals, and stunningly were some of the better players in those games. Young players got extensive minutes at forward too.
This episode has some venting. It has some rants. It even has a bit of a plan for what we'd like to see from Sporting KC for the rest of 2024, since ownership made it clear Peter Vermes is safe.
We also had to learn a little bit about the Keepers of the Spoon. Sporting KC are dangerously close to the bottom of the table and fans will probably need to read up on how that Wooden Spoon 'trophy' works. Is it a trophy? Is there more than one of them? We have the answers, but until then, thankfully, the San Jose Earthquakes still exist.
The Kansas City Current have some nuggets, but we recorded before their game. Double coverage next week!
In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few other topics, including:
Failed Sporting KC transfer rumor SKC Injury Update KC Current Injury Update Failed KC Current transfer rumor SKC U-17s and MLS Next Cup Kei Kamara breaking records And we snuck in this storyHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):
Sporting KC lose to RSL - 7:06 What is the Wooden Spoon? - 28:42 Then SKC lose to Columbus - 32:09 My first rant of the podcast - 41:36 Second rant of the podcast - 55:05 A bit of a plan for the rest of 2024 - 1:08:27 Sheena wants you to boycott - 1:14:14 Digital Crawl - 1:27:08Upcoming Schedule:
KC Current at Portland Thorns - Sunday, June 23rd @ 3:00 PM CDT USMNT vs. Bolivia - Sunday, June 23rd @ 5:00 PM Sporting KC II at St. Louis City II - Sunday, June 23rd @ 6:00 PM USMNT vs. Panama - Thursday, June 27th @ 5:00 PM KC Current vs. Houston Dash - Friday, June 28th @ 7:00 PM Sporting KC vs. Austin FC - Saturday, June 29th @ 7:30 PM SKC II vs. Austin FC II - Sunday, June 30th @ 6:00 PMWe 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 playersHere 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 - 1:07:22Upcoming 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 PMWe 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 -
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 recordHere 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 - 1:09:53Upcoming 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 PMWe 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 -
S3E22 - For the Glory KC is back with the 87th episode of the show! And it's a controversial one.
Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):
Media Game - 3:46 Sporting KC Lose Two More Games - 10:54 Is it Time for Peter Vermes to Go? - 41:25 Digital Crawl - 1:35:25We 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.
Upcoming Schedule:
SKC II @ Minnesota United 2 - Sunday, June 2nd @ 6:00 PM CT USWNT vs. Korea Republic - Tuesday, June 4th @ 7:00 PM SKC II vs. Houston Dynamo 2 - Friday, June 7th @ 6:00 PM Sporting KC vs. Seattle Sounders - Saturday, June 8th @ 7:30 PM KC Current vs. Seattle Reign - Sunday, June 9th @ 5:00 PM--- 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 - 1:06:41Upcoming 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 breakWe 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 -
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 AthleticHere 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 - 1:21:21Upcoming 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 weekSpotify 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.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support -
S3E19 - For the Glory KC is back with the 84th episode of the show!
Sporting Kansas City just keep tumbling. They are down to 12th place in the Western Conference, just a single point ahead of 13th and 14th placed San Jose Earthquakes and the Portland Timbers. They got there with a 2-1 loss to the Houston Dynamo on Saturday night.
Sheena and I set out to try and figure out what is wrong. I have a theory that they actually need to go away from the 4-2-3-1 formation and back to the 4-3-3. Folks get tired of that formation, but the 4-2-3-1 is not working! They haven't won a single game in five tries rolling it out. Let's recap:
We first saw it against the LA Galaxy and blew a 2-0 lead to lose 3-2 Then again against Portland and blew a 3-0 lead to tie 3-3 Lost to Inter Miami in this formation Tied St. Louis 3-3 Lost to Minnesota UnitedWe talked about the outstanding performances of Memo Rodriguez and a lot of middling performances all around the roster. Peter Vermes agreed in his post-match press conference. There was a lot of discussion around a "change in mentality." Vermes said, "its' not all the guys, it's quite of few of the guys though." He also called the Houston goals "atrocious" and "amateur, at best." And above all else, he said a lot of players lacked effort. There was talk in benching players, suffering and so many other topics in a short seven-minute presser. Daniel Salloi gave some tough interviews in the locker room too.
We try to figure out who lacked effort and who is going to get benched, and there are a lot of potential candidates. We also discuss briefly the 120-minute win over Union Omaha to advance in the Lamar Hunt US Open Cup to face FC Tulsa in the Round of 16.
Thankfully, we still have the Kansas City Current. While they only mustered out a draw Wednesday on incredibly short rest and travel nightmares against Vlatko's former team, the Seattle Reign, they won again on Sunday against the North Carolina Courage.
In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few topics, including:
Espinoza and Zusi are back... sort of. SKC are the 41st most valuable franchise in the world And a bunch of other stuff covered in this story Bia, Chawinga and DiBernardo earn NWSL honors Neil McGuinness is the new LAFC Technical Director (but SKC only could find Gavin Wilkinson?) 14-year-old Cavan Sullivan is one to watchHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):
Northern Lights - 1:38 Sporting KC lost at home again - 5:20 Vermes post-game Presser after Houston - 21:59 SKC (barely) advance in the US Open Cup - 43:37 KC Current have another solid week - 50:11 Digital Crawl - 1:04:01Upcoming Schedule:
Sporting KC at Austin FC, Saturday, May 18th @ 7:30 PM CST KC Current vs. Racing Louisville, Saturday, May 18th @ 8:30 PMSpotify 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.
--- 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 moreHere 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 - 1:23:00Upcoming 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 PMSpotify 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.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support -
S3E17 - For the Glory KC is back with the 82nd episode of the show!
Sporting Kansas City are officially 10 games into their 2024 season and it's a benchmark that Peter Vermes likes to focus on. The team is 2-3-5 (11 points) and sitting in 10th place. It's better than last season, but that's an incredibly low bar to clear.
We asked Peter Vermes how he felt about where the team was, and his answers left something to be desired. My colleague Jimmy Mack Tweeted out the quotes.
Sheena and I weigh in the quotes, the play against Minnesota United FC in the 2-1 loss and the rumor from Taylor Twellman that signings are coming in the summer and where we'd like to see those signings. Oh, and we have to talk about this meme-worthy image and subsequent work from Offside Modeling that confirmed it was onside.
The Kansas City Current thankfully brought us happier things to talk about in their 3-1 come-from-behind win over Angel City FC in Los Angeles on Friday night. Plus, we went to Game One of the KC Comets attempt to win the Ron Newman Cup in the MASL Final on Sunday afternoon. Game two is Tuesday.
In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few topics, including:
The new KC Current development around the stadium Dom Dwyer signing with the Oakland Roots The Major of Indianapolis Talking MLS Expansion Former KC player signings in MLS and the USL Super LeagueHere is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):
Our Experience with the MASL Finals and the KC Comets - 2:03 Sporting KC lose to MIN - 8:28 Taylor Twellman says SKC signings are coming - 46:22 The KC Current make a Big Comeback - 53:03 It’s not all good news around the Current - 1:07:57 Errors and Corrections are back - 1:12:20 Digital Crawl - 1:17:19Upcoming Schedule:
KC Comets at Chihuahua Savage - Tuesday, April 30 @ 9:05 PM CT Sporting KC at Real Salt Lake - Saturday, May 4th @ 8:30 PM KC Current at Houston Dash - Sunday, May 5th @ 12:00 PM Sporting KC II host North Texas SC - Sunday, May 5th @ 6:00 PMSpotify 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.
--- 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 tearHere 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 - 1:13:15Upcoming 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 PMSpotify 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.
--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support -
S3E15 - For the Glory KC is back with the 80th episode of the show!
I'm not sure if you heard, but Sporting Kansas City were out here setting records last night. 72,610 fans were in attendance inside Arrowhead stadium to witness Sporting KC take on Lionel Messi and friends on Inter Miami CF. The end result was a loss, but were there 'wins' to be had?
On this week's episode, Sheena talks about her experience in the stands contrasting to my experience from behind the scenes and in the press box. From the atmosphere to the amount of pink/Messi jerseys, there were a lot of off the field items to discuss.
But it wouldn't be a For the Glory KC if we don't actually talk about the soccer. We get into the 'only three mistakes,' according to Peter Vermes that Sporting KC made, to the things that went very right and all the in between stuff.
There is talk about a goalkeeper change. A change at striker (Sheena wants to go pretty far here). Subpar refereeing from Victor Rivas. Remi Walter in a walking boot and an update on his status. Pitch invaders. And we can't avoid the problem with Sporting KC dropping points, particularly at home.
After the game, there is a bit rumor that came out this week from The Athletic. Fairly substantial rule changes could be coming to Major League Soccer. Weirdly the rules look to be changing this summer, mid-season. I'll explain what they are and start to get into out Sporting KC can potentially benefit. Come back to the KC Soccer Journal later this week for a deeper look at that possibility and a robust explainer if you are into that sort of thing.
Then we switch over to talk about the Kansas City Current's first non-win of the season as they held on for a draw against NJ/NY Gotham.
In the Digital Crawl, we go longer on fewer topics:
USWNT winning the SheBelieves Cup Could the Swope Park Rangers return? Did SKC handle the 'retro' aspect of the SKC/Miami game well?Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times):
Getting on Channel 5 News - 1:26 The Atmosphere - 3:33 Messi Jersey Exchanges - 17:18 Sporting KC drop all three against Miami - 20:54 Vermes Out? - 1:00:37 New, semi-large rules changes are coming to MLS - 1:01:57 KC Current’s perfect season ends - 1:12:26 Digital Crawl - 1:21:01Upcoming Schedule:
KC Comets @ Utica City FC, Monday, April 15th at 5:00 PM CT (CBS Sports Golazo Network) KC Current vs. Bay FC, Saturday, April 20th at 6:30 PM Sporting KC vs. St. Louis City, Saturday, April 20th at 7:30 PMSpotify 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.
--- 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 recordsHere 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 - 59:46Upcoming 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--- Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support - Visa fler
