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The World Cup is in full swing in Kansas City — and Blake and Marika are living in it. In this episode, the duo reflects on their most memorable moments so far (Messi's hat trick, the Algerian fan takeover, the Netherlands orange parade), ranks their favorite fan bases of the tournament, and heads back out to Soccer Capital Summer watch party to hear from fans soaking up the World Cup atmosphere.
Then, Sporting Kansas City's Jayden Reid joins Off the Pitch to talk his journey from the Red Bull Academy to UConn to KC, his thoughts on the World Cup's impact on American soccer, the upcoming St. Louis CITY rivalry he's already fired up for — and yes, the Valentine's Day song he quietly dropped. Hear it all on this episode!
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The FIFA World Cup™ has arrived in Kansas City — and Blake and Marika are right in the middle of it. In this episode, Marika reveals her role as in-stadium host for all six FIFA World Cup™ matches in KC, while Blake shares his experience as the voice of FIFA Fan Fest. The duo head live to Soccer Capital Summer to soak in the atmosphere and chat with fans during Mexico vs. South Korea.
Then, Sporting Kansas City midfielder Lasse Berg-Johnsen joins Off the Pitch to talk life in KC, watching Norway compete in the World Cup, what it was like playing alongside Erling Haaland, and settling into life as a newlywed in a brand new city.
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Saknas det avsnitt?
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We are locked in World Cup mode. In this episode, we cover Big Slick's big return, Sporting KC's back half bundle deal, and gets into the Soccer Capital Summer hype — including predictions on which teams will go far and a full draft of the best kits at the 2026 FIFA World Cup™.
Then, Alicia Lawson, Sporting KC's Senior Director of Events, joins Off the Pitch to pull back the curtain on Soccer Capital Summer — from the intentionally curated lineup (Third Eye Blind, Coco & Breezy, Gym Class Heroes and more!) to flash tattoos in the player locker room. Plus, KC-born artist The Royal Chief stops by to talk grinding his way from living out of his car in Atlanta to performing on the biggest stage his hometown has ever seen.
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We're back with a summer full of things to do in KC — from the KC Monarchs' opening day and the Mavericks' playoff run to Power and Light's Hot Country Nights kicking off at Sporting Park. Plus, Star Wars™ Night is coming May 23rd, and the duo blind ranks their favorite characters before the big game.
Then, Sporting Kansas City's Calvin Harris joins to talk about growing up across four continents — England, Malaysia, Hong Kong, and New Zealand — before landing in KC, his full darts setup at home, his distant connection to darts star Stephen Bunting, and what life looks like off the pitch.
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In this episode, we cover Kansas City's buzzing art scene, the Victory Run 5K benefiting The Victory Project, and Kid’s Day at Sporting Park, before Blake and Marika draft their ultimate childhood halftime snack lineup.
Then, Mallory Cage and Chris Haghirian from KC2026 join us to talk all things FIFA Fan Festival™ Kansas City— a free, all-ages event at the National World War I Memorial featuring live games, 40+ local artists, and a lineup as uniquely Kansas City as it gets. Plus, Sporting KC's Mental Performance Coach Becky Wiseman stops by to talk Mental Health Awareness Month, her journey into sports psychology, and what it really means to train your mind like an athlete. Enjoy!
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Summer is coming fast! In this episode, we cover NASCAR at Kansas Speedway, the official launch of Soccer Capital Summer at Sporting Park — KC's free FIFA World Cup watch party events— and settles the debate on the best rides at Worlds of Fun now that the Timberwolf is back.
Then, Sporting Kansas City's Stephen Afrifa and Zorhan Bassong join Off the Pitch for a hilarious conversation about their unlikely friendship, life as Canadians in KC, karaoke trauma, and the great poutine debate. Plus, NASCAR driver Ross Chastain stops by to talk smashing watermelons, winning at Kansas, and why this track feels like home.
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Say hello to our new studio! We’re talking all things Kansas City, from the Parade of Hearts to upcoming FIFA World Cup™ fan events at Sporting Park, before settling the most important debate in KC: who can draft the perfect barbecue plate?
Then, Sporting Kansas City midfielder Manu Garcia joins Off the Pitch to talk life in KC, his love of rodeos, bagpipes, espresso, and how a Spanish kid from Oviedo found a home in the Midwest. Plus, Sporting KC's eMLS player, Gustavo Nascimento, stops by to share his incredible journey to representing Sporting KC competitively in FIFA.
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Blake and Marika are back—and with spring here, the MLS season is officially underway. In this episode, the duo breaks down their all-time favorite retro Sporting KC kits ahead of Retro Night (3/21/2026 at Sporting Park) and dives into the growing FIFA World Cup™ excitement coming to Kansas City.
Then, Sporting Kansas City’s Jansen Miller joins the show to talk downtown KC life, his famous cat Hank, new teammates, and why Kansas City already feels like home—with a little trash talk thrown in for good measure.
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Welcome to Off the Pitch — the official Sporting Kansas City podcast and your go-to source for everything Sporting KC, MLS, soccer, and Kansas City culture. In our very first episode, we're keeping it real: meet your hosts, Blake Aerni (the voice of Sporting KC) and Marika Davis (in-stadium host at Sporting Park), two Kansas City natives who are bringing their group chat energy straight to your earbuds.
We're talking about why we built this show, what makes KC unlike any other city in America, and what's coming up this season — because there is a lot. Whether you're a die-hard Sporting KC season ticket holder or you're just discovering soccer ahead of the FIFA World Cup this summer (less than 100 days away!), this podcast is for you. We'll bring you behind-the-scenes access, KC culture deep dives, player interviews, and the stories that never make the highlight reel.
New episodes drop every other week. Hit subscribe so you never miss a thing. ⚽🏙️
