For the Glory KC is back with the 188th episode of the show!

Sporting Kansas City had a very busy week. They played two more games, which we'll get to, but they also were much more firmly linked to Brazilian winger Andre Luiz (sorry for calling him David on the podcast over and over before getting my act together).

Tom Bogert is reporting the deal isn't done yet, but "it is getting closer."

He and Globo (Brazil) are both reporting an $18 million transfer fee with up to $4m in add-ons. Other outlets have it even higher. Sheena and I work through all the feelings on this. Is it too much money? Does it matter if Peter Mallouk will keep spending? Will he make this team better? And we can't forget to talk about Mo Salah more as well and if that deal remains a possibility.

Then we work our way through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in a week. Sporting KC played their first home game in two months and defeated Minnesota United. But then they went on the road and laid an egg in a 4-0 loss to LAFC.

It had quite a few people calling for Raphael Wicky's job, just 17 games into the season. With 17 to go, is it too early to pull the plug?

Plus, we talk briefly about the blown call that PRO admitted to around the St. Louis City SC game and some big Gianluca Busio news.

In KC Current news, they lost. Again. They are an abysmal 1-3-1 since returning from their World Cup break. It makes that world's best team slogan come off really silly. This time they lost to the Boston Legacy, who are way down the table.

In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:

• Kansas City World Cup ratings (we're #1 baby!)
• Casemiro's deal with Inter Miami
• And a huge transfer fee for a 15-year-old, Benji Flowers, out of FC Dallas

Here is a rundown of sections and start times:

• Intro - 0:00
• Sporting KC - 7:07
• KC Current - 1:07:48
• Digital Crawl - 1:19:51

Upcoming Games

• KC Current vs. Racing Louisville - WED, July 29th at 7:00PM CST
• KC Current vs. Angel City FC - SAT, Aug. 1st at 5:30PM 
• Sporting KC vs. Houston Dynamo - SAT, Aug. 1st at 7:30PM

As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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 187th episode of the show!

Sporting Kansas City returned to action in Major League Soccer after a seven-week break and it didn't go great. They were on the road, for some reason playing a rivalry game midweek, against St. Louis City SC. They fell behind 2-0 before tying it up and giving up a penalty late to lose it.

We break down the biggest moments from the game, if there was progress and of course, we have to talk about the questionable officiating. At least games are close enough for the officials to influence for a change?

In other Sporting KC news, David Lee gave a press conference last week where he touched on a wide range of subjects. He didn't want to speak about any player specifically (Mo Salah, Andre Luiz, Yann Gboho, etc.). But he did talk about how the budget has changed and they are chasing big fees and big salaries. The team is targeting two to four more signings, including one more defender and the rest being focused in the attack. Plus, the team made a couple trades this week that will facilitate a future move.

In KC Current news, their perfect home record evaporated in the 90th minute against the San Diego Wave. I quickly break down the game as Sheena's best friend was in town and they did not watch. Plus, Debinha signs a new deal, Temwa Chawinga is going to miss a bunch of games and Desiree Scott is bringing an expansion team to Canadian women's soccer.

And for one last week, "we're a World Cup podcast." The semifinals, third place and championship games all went down since we last spoke and we've got some thoughts!

In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:

• Mauricio Pochettino may be returning to the USMNT
• MLS ads are suddenly running during the World Cup
• And MLS is getting a new commissioner
• Plus, SKC II and KC Current II updates

Here is a rundown of sections and start times:

• Intro - 0:00
• Sporting KC - 4:03
• KC Current - 43:30
• World Cup - 52:05
• Digital Crawl - 1:10:41

Upcoming Games

• Sporting KC vs. Minnesota United, WED, July 22nd at 7:30PM CST
• KC Current @ Boston Legacy, SAT, July 25th at 4:00PM
• Sporting KC @ LAFC, SAT, July 25th at 9:30PM

As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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 186th episode of the show!

Sporting Kansas City had a massive week, and they haven't even started playing soccer (officially) yet. The headlines are all around Egyptian and former Liverpool star, Mo Salah, potentially coming to Sporting KC. Sheena and I give our thoughts.

But that wasn't the only rumor of the week. Another "$18-20 million" signing was rumored for Brazilian winger Andre Luiz. That's the second player with a fee around $20m tied to Kansas City and the third very expensive move that has been rumored.

We talk about the possibility of one of those moves happening, how much Sporting KC have already spent and how long they have to get things done this summer. The team also played a scrimmage against Atlanta United that was live streamed and a few other updates, like the visa status of Emir Karic and Moises Mosquera.

In KC Current news, it was one step forward and two steps back. They team faltered badly on the road again. This time against the Orlando Pride. They were short-handed with Michelle Cooper likely being out a few weeks and Temwa Chawinga suffering from an illness that limited her effectiveness. But hey, at least Vanessa DiBernardo is back!

Also, if you missed it, Michelle Cooper was fined by the NWSL for wearing New Balance cleats. It's a must-read story from the Athletic (gift link). 

And the World Cup is over in Kansas City and a week away from crowning a world champion. Four games to go, but let's discuss how we got there. Mostly it was a focus on Argentina and Switzerland (and that Breel Embolo red card), as well as Norway versus England. Sheena also promised you an article about how Norway develops their youth athletes to set them up to be professionals.

And here is Sheena embarrassing herself with her USMNT roster knowledge. Sargento? Ricardo Peepee?? Baltano? Chris Williams? Chris Robinson? (How do you think Sheena would do with Sporting KC players?)

In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:

• The KS Astras are moving to Missouri
• SKC II get dominated

Here is a rundown of sections and start times:

• Intro - 0:00
• Sporting KC - 9:55
• KC Current - 56:24
• Kansas City and the World Cup - 1:08:32
• Digital Crawl - 1:40:43

Upcoming Games

• France vs. Spain, TUES, July 14th at 2:00PM CST
• England vs. Argentina, WED, July 15th at 2:00PM
• Sporting KC @ St. Louis City, THUR, July 16th at 7:30PM
• KC Current vs. San Diego Wave, FRI, July 17th at 7:00PM (back home finally!)
• WC 3rd place, SAT, July 18th at 4:00PM
• World Cup Final, SUN, July 19th at 2:00PM
• SKC II vs. MNUFC2, SUN, July 19th at 7:00PM (back home!)

As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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 185th episode of the show!

Sporting Kansas City have less going on, so we quickly cover their streamed scrimmage and signing for the future, but mostly focus on how the World Cup may impact the future of Sporting KC.

In KC Current news, they bounced back from their bad Challenge Cup loss to win the first ever meeting against the Denver Summit. We also get into our thoughts on the potential stadium expansion to 18,000 seats.

But For the Glory KC is a "World Cup podcast" now according to Sheena. So, we spend a lot of time on the disappointing results of the USMNT vs Belgium game from Monday night (including a watch party review of Current Landing).

We ask a lot of questions of this team and it's future. Can the United States ever win anything at the World Cup? Is this a success? Did the President's involvement in the Balogun red card situation taint the games? Does it ruin all the goodwill of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?

Plus, we talk about our favorite games of the tournament, many of which happened in the last few days. Cape Verde magic coming up short. England going into the Azteca and pulling off a victory over Mexico. So much soccer and so little time. What will we do with our lives when the World Cup is over in just 12 days? There are no games today, so listen to our nearly two hour podcast instead!

Here is a rundown of sections and start times:

• Intro & a New Puppy - 0:00
• Sporting KC - 7:06
• KC Current - 27:46
• USMNT, Kansas City and the World Cup - 41:08

Upcoming Games

• Sporting KC vs. Atlanta United (scrimmage), THUR, July 9th at 8:30AM CST
• KC Current @ Orlando Pride, FRI, July 10th at 7:00PM
• Argentina vs. Switzerland, SAT, July 11th at 8:00PM
• Sporting KC vs. St. Louis City, THUR, July 16th at 7:30PM
• KC Current vs. San Diego Wave, FRI, July 17th at 7:00PM
• Full World Cup Schedule

As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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 184th episode of the show!

The podcast returns after its longest hiatus in nearly four years after an unexpected tragedy in the Smith household a few weeks ago. So much has happened, so it's a plus-sized podcast this week.

Sporting Kansas City signed not one, but two players during our absence. The backline rebuild may be complete with the additions of left back Emir Karic and center back Moises Mosquera. That's two of the four to seven rumored signings coming for Sporting KC during this summer transfer window.

We also talk about the Sporting KC friendlies against England and the Des Moines Menace, Logan Ndenbe's new club and an all-star team for Luca Antongirolami from the SKC Academy and SKC II.

In KC Current news, they return to play in the NWSL Challenge Cup and left a lot to be desired. Their form away from home continued to suffer in a 2-0 loss to defending NWSL Champions, Gotham FC. It was a tale of missed chances for the Current, and unforced errors on the other end of the pitch.

That wasn't the only Kansas City Current news though, as the team made a series of roster moves in the last few weeks. Ally Sentnor has been traded, Temwa Chawinga is sticking around longer, and seven other players find themselves as free agents.

But no soccer podcast would be complete without talking about the World Cup. We've been all over the city taking in watch parties and we even talk a little soccer, including the red card discussion for Folarin Balogun in the USMNT's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.

This article doesn't do it justice; you'll just need to listen to the pod to get into the multitude of topics we discuss!

In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:

• Neymar not going to FC Cincinnati but maybe going to another MLS team
• Robert Lewandowski going to the Chicago Fire

Here is a rundown of sections and start times:

• Intro, Absence Update and Watch Parties - 0:00
• Sporting KC - 11:03
• KC Current - 30:52
• USMNT, Kansas City and the World Cup - 54:45
• Digital Crawl - 1:38:55

Upcoming Games

• Colombia vs. Ghana, FRI, July 3rd at 8:30PM CST (in KC)
• KC Current @ Denver Summit, FRI, July 3rd at 8:30PM
• USMNT vs Belgium, MON, July 6th at 7:00PM
• Full World Cup Schedule

As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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 183rd episode of the show!

Sporting Kansas City made news this week, despite being on their extended World Cup break. The Athletic reported that Sporting KC are interested in future Ivory Coast and current Toulouse winger, Yann Gboho. The French club is asking for $20 million for the left winger. We grind tape (for real this time) and learn more about Gboho. Plus, get into the newfound ambition of Sporting KC under new majority owner Peter Mallouk who confirmed the team is "doing everything [they] possible can during the break."

Most of the rest of the podcast is dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From the United States Men's National Team and their outstanding performance against Paraguay to all things Kansas City and the World Cup. We went to the Fan Fest, the Plaza, Crown Center, Union Station and a Netherlands watch party.

The short version: go out and experience it! There is so much to do and see, even beyond the games. Make some new soccer friends! It was all beautifully run and organized.

We also get into our play-by-play of the Kansas City World Cup Fan Fest. We have some tips for travel and to stay hydrated (for free), as well as other things you can do for cheap or free to take in this experience.

In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:

• The KC Current are looking to expand their stadium
• HB Køge Women win another trophy
• more World Cup fever!

Here is a rundown of sections and start times:

• Intro, World Cup and Meeting Listeners - 0:00
• Sporting KC - 13:04
• USMNT - 30:02
• Kansas City and the World Cup - 49:51
• Digital Crawl - 1:29:33

Upcoming Games

• Argentina vs. Algeria, TUE, June 16 at 8:00PM CST (in KC)
• England vs. Croatia, WED, Jun 17 at 3:00PM
• USMNT vs Australia, FRI, June 19 at 2:00PM
• Scotland vs. Morocco, FRI, June 19 at 5:00PM
• Netherlands vs. Sweden, SAT, June 20 at 12:00PM
• Ecuador vs. Curacao, SAT, June 20 at 7:00PM (in KC)
• Full World Cup Schedule

As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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 182nd episode of the show!

Sporting Kansas City and the KC Current didn't play matches this week because of the World Cup break, but we're doing something new for us. We interviewed Nate Bukaty on this week's podcast! It's our first ever interview and Nate was a great first ever guest.

He was on to promote his new book that he co-authored with Rustin Dodd, "Perfect Pitch: How Kansas City became the Heart of American Soccer and Landed the World Cup."

Nate was a delightful interview as we learned about how he got to the job he has today. He talked about the 70+ interviews he did and how he has caught the bug of writing and wants to keep writing. It sounds like he has the material for 10 books considering the folks he interviewed that didn't make it in.

I got the chance to talk to Nate about being friends with a bunch of Sporting KC legends and future legends like Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber, Graham Zusi (aka Uncle Graham - you've gotta listen to get that story), Roger Espinoza and more!

We learned about Kansas City nearly as much as we learned about soccer. Go follow Nate on Twitter and Instagram. He's also on a mission to find everyone on the cover of his book and give out a copy, so if you recognize anyone above hit us or Nate up!

Speaking of free copies of the book, we're going to give away a copy here in the coming weeks if you aren't lucky enough to be able to buy one on your own. Otherwise, hit up your local bookstore or anywhere books are sold and buy "Perfect Pitch" today! Or join the waitlist at the library!

Here is a rundown of sections and start times:

• Intro - 0:00
• Nate Bukaty Interview - 2:55
• After Dark Nonsense - 50:00

Upcoming Games

• The World Cup starts Thursday! (Full Schedule)

As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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 181st episode of the show!

Before we got to the regularly scheduled podcast content, we had to talk about the KC Soccer Journal's collab with the Olathe Indian Creek Library. That also led into Sheena's impromptu review of Nate Bukaty's new book, "Perfect Pitch" about Kansas City bidding and getting the World Cup in 2026. Nate will be a guest on a future For the Glory KC!

But before then, back to our regularly scheduled content.

Sporting Kansas City aren't playing matches since it's the World Cup break, but that doesn't mean there wasn't news. David Lee made waves with rumors of "four to seven, starter-level" additions being his goal for the secondary transfer window. Not only did Lee weigh in, but new majority owner Peter Mallouk chimed in as well.

We talk about our thoughts on their statements then where the additions should be made. According to reports, Lee said three defenders, three attackers and a midfielder. I tried to get specific with my needs and pushed my co-host to do the same. There are so many possibilities, despite the uptick in results recently. Sporting KC are still only one spot up from the bottom of the whole league, so almost no position is safe.

Beyond the roster, there was plenty of international call-up news, including the unfortunate news that no Sporting KC players made a World Cup roster. Also, SKC II won again, in a wild one against the Real Monarchs.

The KC Current did play soccer this week and gutted out at 1-0 win over expansion side Boston Legacy FC. It wasn't always pretty and it was downright violent, but Kansas City found a way. Not without some injuries along the way. We talked about Kayla Sharples and Ally Sentnor's injuries, some up and down performances and of course, Temwa Chawinga's game winning goal that had plenty of players (Bethune, LaBonta, Izzy) pitching in.

In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:

• The USMNT's win over Senegal in a World Cup tune-up
• and the arrival of Argentina in Kansas City

Here is a rundown of sections and start times:

• Intro, Our Library Event and a Book Review - 0:00
• Sporting KC - 18:56
• KC Current - 52:17
• Digital Crawl - 1:10:38

Upcoming Games

• USMNT vs Germany - SAT, June 6th @ 1:30PM CST
• SKC II vs. MNUFC2 - MON, June 8th @ 7:00PM

As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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 180th episode of the show!

Before we get to the podcast, the KC Soccer Journal is having a free event at the Indian Creek Library in Olathe. Tickets are free and you can get them here!

Sporting Kansas City couldn't string together three wins in a row for the first time since 2022. Perhaps after MLS returns from the 2026 FIFA World Cup break. Sporting KC nearly pulled off the comeback after a slow start against Red Bull New York on Saturday night.

It was Star Wars night at Sporting Park and Sheena and I talk our off the field escapades, in addition to what happened on the pitch. After New York's quick start, Sporting KC generated numerous opportunities and nearly doubled RBNY's expected goal (xG) output, according to Fotmob (1.69 to 0.88).

Though they had the greater chances, they failed to finish too consistently. Additionally, their mistakes were punished more readily. That doesn't even account for all the chances that didn't lead to a shot when a player took one too many touches or made a poor pass to kill an attack. Despite that, Kansas City remained in the game until the dying minutes. A welcome change after 5-0 and 6-0 blowouts just a few weeks back.

We talk through all the highs and lows, as well as time spent on Capita, Berg Johnsen, Manu Garcia, Taylor Calheira, Shapi, Jake Davis and others. Sheena even breaks out a top-ranking list for SKC and the Current.

In addition to the game, we talk through Austin FC firing their coach and Sporting Director after losing to Sporting KC, Or Blorian leaving his last club on a high, Zorhan Bassong's shot at a World Cup roster and Zamir Loyo Reynaga scoring in his latest international endeavor.

The KC Current were up and down this week. They ended the week on a high, beating the then first place Portland Thorns. But their midweek road loss to Angel City FC soured the week a bit. Temwa Chawinga continued her Golden Boot climb and the ongoing Ally Sentnor/Haley Hopkins debate gets another chapter.

In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:

• SKC II results
• Messi injured?
• USMNT roster for the World Cup!

Here is a rundown of sections and start times:

• Intro - 0:00
• Sporting KC - 1:59
• KC Current - 54:18
• Digital Crawl - 1:14:41

Upcoming Games

• SKC II @ Real Monarchs, FRI, May 29th at 9:00PM CST
• KC Current vs Boston Legacy, SAT, May 30th at 12:30PM 

As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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 179th episode of the show!

Before we get to the podcast, the KC Soccer Journal is having a free event at the Indian Creek Library in Olathe. Tickets are free and you can get them here!

Sporting Kansas City went from one of their worst performances ever to an incredible bounce-back week. After losing to the Portland Timbers last weekend by an abysmal 6-0 scoreline, Sporting KC put together back-to-back MLS wins for the first time since the summer of 2024! 

First, they hosted the LA Galaxy and beat them 3-1 in a relatively dominant performance. Sheena was in attendance for the first time this season, so clearly, she and her friends are good luck. Or was it the atrocious media game I played in? Either way, the Galaxy are, for one reason or another, terrible against SKC. That was the second time they've played and at the time SKC's 2nd win of the season. We talk through all the events around the game, the media game and of course, the main event of Sporting KC putting up three for the first time this year and winning at home for the first time this year. 

Then, KC did the unlikely and won again three days later on the road against Austin FC. They were the better team for most of the game. Despite going down late in the first half, they fought back to tie and eventually win the game and break Austin's verde hearts. 

Overall, four players scored their first goal of the season this week. Sporting KC had their first comeback win of the season. And things generally went really well over that jam-packed week.

Sheena and I also had to discuss the Sporting KC salary release from this week, including all the new player wages and salary changes. I also had to knock down some of those rants from folks I respect around the team when it came to how low the payroll is. 

The KC Current had an amazing couple of weeks too, with two, 3-0 wins. First over a pretty awful Chicago Stars team that had somehow managed to beat KC once and then against a Houston Dash side that made a series of gaffs early to let KC run away with things. In the process Temwa Chawinga went from zero goals to five in two games and moved into second in the Golden Boot race. Watch out Barbara Banda!

In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:

• SKC II results
• MLS Next Pro schedule changes
• US Soccer's new competition between NWSL, USL SL and WPSL Pro

Here is a rundown of sections and start times:

• Intro - 0:00
• Sporting KC - 1:24
• KC Current - 1:27:04
• Digital Crawl - 1:34:24

Upcoming Games

• KC Current @ Angel City FC - WED, May 20th at 9:00PM CST
• SKC II vs. Austin FC II - FRI, May 22nd at 7:00PM
• Sporting KC vs. NY Red Bulls - SAT, May 23rd at 7:30PM 
• KC Current vs. Portland Thorns - SUN, May 24th at Noon

As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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.