The Free Kick

The Philadelphia Union have now gone three consecutive games without a win after falling 1-0 to FC Cincinnati, a result that guarantees the Union can finish no higher than sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Todd and José discuss the latest Union news, including a New York Times article on Holden Trent, Neil Pierre's new contract, and Jack McGlynn's continued success in the English Championship with Stoke City. They also share their thoughts on the loss to Cincinnati, with topics including whether there is reason for concern about the Union's recent form and which players took advantage of the opportunities created by the team's injuries and suspensions. Finally, Todd hands out Blunder of the Week to Ramses Sandoval and Miguel Gallardo for their comments about Kai Wagner.

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The extraordinary life of Holden Trent, who defied the odds to play the sport he loved

In what many would consider a shock result, the Philadelphia Union picked up a point against Supporters' Shield winners Nashville SC on a night that saw the Union officially clinch a playoff spot. Todd discusses his thoughts on the game with topics including: Ezekiel Alladoh and Malik Jakupovic partnership, the Union's strong defensive performance, and clinching a playoff spot with two games to go. MLS play-by-play commentator Nate Bukaty joins to help preview Saturday's FC Cincinnati v Philadelphia Union game.

Nashville v Philadelphia Union

• Ezekiel Alladoh and Malik Jakupovic partnership: [8:52]

• Union's strong defensive performance: [35:05]

FC Cincinnati v Philadelphia Union Preview:

• Union's turnaround under Ryan Richter: [55:54]

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Perfect-Pitch-Kansas-Became-American

The Philadelphia Union's 15 game unbeaten run has finally come to an end with a 2-1 loss to New England Revolution. Todd discusses the latest MLS news that includes MLS' 2026 22 Under 22 and Bruno Damiani named to Uruguay's preliminary roster. Todd also gives his thought's on the Union's loss with topics including: Chance creation without Cavan Sullivan, Union's lack of depth, and Kai Wagner calls out teammates. Finally, Blunder of the week goes to the dumpster fire that is Manchester United.

News:

• MLS 22 Under 22: [3:30]

• Bruno Damiani named to Uruguay preliminary roster: [8:30]

Philadelphia Union v New England Revolution:

• Andre Blake makes six saves: [16:18]

• Union concede preventable goes again: [19:07]

• Union's chance creation without Cavan Sullivan: [26:22]

• Union's lack of depth: [36:42]

• Kai Wagner calls out teammates: [51:36]

Blunder of The Week:

• Manchester United are a dumpster fire: [1:01:54]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

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Philadelphia Union drew against Charlotte 2-2, which sees there 8-game winning run come to an end, but their unbeaten run continues to 15. Todd and José discuss their thoughts from the game including: playoff like atmosphere, Union concede preventable goals, should Bruno Damiani have come off with his prior head injury. And finally, Todd discuss Blunder of The Week which goes to maybe the worst penalty kick ever?

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The Philadelphia Union continue to roll, defeating the Chicago Fire by a score of 3–1 behind a brace from Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski's 18th goal of the season. The Union extended their unbeaten streak to 14 games, including a current eight-game winning streak. Todd and José discuss their takeaways from the game, including Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski's continued success, whether Iloski should be a DP, injury updates on Danley Jean Jacques, and Ryan Richter's tactics against a 10-man team. Finally, MLS play-by-play commentator Jessica Charman joins the show to preview Saturday's match against Charlotte FC.

Chicago Fire v Philadelphia Union:

• Danley Jean Jacques injury update: [7:20]

• Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski can't stop scoring: [15:12]

• Should Milan Iloski be a designated player: [29:03]

• Ryan Richter's tactics against 10-man Chicago Fire: [1:04:38]

Philadelphia Union v Charlotte FC Preview:

• Charlotte's 2026 form: [41:27]

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YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

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https://nunezj.substack.com/

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Instagram: @jesstalksfootie

Philadelphia Union extended their unbeaten run to 13 with a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake with goals from Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski. Todd and José share their thoughts from the game with topics including: the chemistry between Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski, Union's defensive efforts, and how much longer could this streak go on for? Finally, Todd discusses Blunder of The Week which goes to Manuel Neuer and Matt Freese.

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YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

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https://nunezj.substack.com/

After recently returning to Philadelphia Union will their time away with the USMNT, Cavan Sullivan, Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre look to continue to build on their impressive seasons as the Philadelphia Union host Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Todd is joined by MLS commentator Chris Wittyngham to talk about Cavan Sullivan's form since post World Cup, when did Chris realize the Union were a good team, would it be best for the Union to lose now before the playoffs and previewing Saturday's game against RSL.

• What will USMNT do for Cavan's confidence: [5:45]
• What moment did Chris realize the Union are a good team: [8:26]
• Would it be best if Union lost a game now before playoffs: [13:56]
• Real Salt Lakes form: [17:15]
• What will USMNT do for Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre: [22:33]
• Will the Union play down to their opponent: [30:33]

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Chris' Social Media:

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The Philadelphia Union announced that they have re-acquired defender Mark McKenzie, with the deal taking effect in January 2027. Todd and José discuss their thoughts on the deal and what exactly could the Union's team look like next season with the 27-year-old in the prime of his career.

Philadelphia Union acquire Mark McKenize: [6:48]

How can Union lineup next year: [16:05]

Union's options with DPs: [42:27]

Why would a player want to sign when there is uncertainty with the head coach: [58:40]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

Philadelphia Union continued their unbeaten streak on Saturday night with a 4-2 victory over Orlando City, which sees the Union sit comfortably in 6th place in the Eastern Conference, five points ahead of Orlando. Todd discusses the latest news which includes José Nuñez's report of Philadelphia Union turning down a deal for Malik Jakupovic from Borussia Dortmund and Cavan Sullivan, Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre all making their USMNT against Peru. Todd gives his thought's on the game against Orlando City with topics including: Depth stepping up, what similarities does Ryan Richter see to the 2022 Union team, and Milan Iloski's second hat trick this season. Finally, Todd discusses Blunder of The Week which goes to Manchester City for being found guilty of 114 financial charges.

News:

• Philadelphia Union turned down an offer from Borussia Dortmund for Malik Jakupovic during the most recent transfer window: [5:50]

• Cavan Sullivan, Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre all make debut with USMNT: [14:37]

Philadelphia Union v Orlando City:

• Union avoid conceding early penalty: [24:58]

• Depth steps up with five starters missing: [37:04]

• Milan Iloski scores second hat trick of the season: [47:23]

• Similarities Ryan Richter sees between 2022 team and this team: [56:03]

Blunder of the Week:

• Manchester City charged with 114 financial charges: [1:16:20]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

For the third time in 11 games, the Philadelphia Union once again overcame a 2+ goal deficit, defeating Sporting KC 4-3, which sees the Union move into 6th place in the Eastern Conference. Todd and José discuss their thoughts from the game including: the Union's disastrous start to the game, halftime adjustments, the teams mentality under Richter and the playoff picture ahead.

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/