With the Philadelphia Union getting knocked out of the CONCACAF Champions League by LAFC, that calls for an emergency pod to discuss thoughts from the game! And what better place to do that than Twitter Spaces? Joining the pod are Andrew Diehl, Kyle, and Jillian Almoney from The One Team We Agree On Podcast and Zach LoBasso from Doop By The River. They discuss: Jim Curtin's questionable sub choices, the squad depth, Leon Flach and Oliver Mbaizo's struggles, did the Union play too conservatively, and undisciplined challenges. 

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

thefreekick.net

Youtube: @The Free Kick

Andrew Social Media:

Twitter: @Real_Deihl

Kyle & Jillian Social Media:

Twitter: @CoachAlmoney

Twitter: @Silly__Jilly

Zach Social Media:

Twitter: @ZLOBO98

The Philadelphia Union and LAFC played to a 1-1 draw in the first leg of the CONCACAF Champions League on Wednesday, with LAFC scoring a late equalizer (again). Todd is joined by Andrew Deihl to discuss their thoughts on the game and discuss topics often discussed on Union Twitter that include: Any concern with the lack of playing time for Andres Perea and Joaquin Torres, three players that have stood out for the Union, and should the Union have added a striker at the deadline?

Andrew's soccer background:

• How Todd and Andrew first got connected: [2:00]
• How Andrew Got into Soccer: [7:06]
• Andrew's thoughts on MLS: [9:52]

Philadelphia Union v LAFC:

• Any concern that the Union can't close out games v LAFC: [17:49]
• Jim's sub choices: [21:56]
• Andres Perea and Joaquin Torres lack of playing time: [30:48]
• Has Jack McGlynn taken Leon's starting spot: [39:00]
• Three Union players that have stood out so far: [45:13]
• Should the Union have signed another striker: [51:07]
• Negatives against LAFC: [58:23]
• Positives against LAFC: [1:04:43]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

thefreekick.net

Youtube: @The Free Kick

Andrew's Social Media:

Twitter: @real_deihl

Make that three straight games in all competitions that the Philadelphia Union are undefeated in, with their latest coming Saturday against Toronto in a 4-2 victory! Todd discusses the Union getting back to that quick transition soccer that we saw last year, limiting Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne's chances, leading at halftime, Union making the most of their chances, and Jim Curtin's comments about Daniel Gazdag and Jose Martinez after the game.

 Philadelphia Union v Toronto FC:

• Closest Complete 90 Minutes of The Season: [3:32]
• Limiting Federico Bernardeschi and Lorenzo Insigne's chances: [9:03]
• Attacking Toronto's Right Side: [11:22]
• Clinical Finishing: [14:58]
• Mikael Uhre's big night: [22:40]
• Daniel Gazdag's character: [24:42]
• Jose Martinez Needs Chaos: [29:40]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

thefreekick.net

Youtube: @The Free Kick

The Philadelphia Union FINALLY pick up their first result on the road in MLS with a 2-2 draw against Chicago Fire, after going down by 2 goals! Todd gives his thoughts on the game and talks about the growth of the homegrown players as their roles become more defined in the team, why isn't Joaquin Torres and Andres Perea playing, and a fan breaks into the press conference?? Todd also discusses the latest news in MLS that includes, Eryk Williamson has suffers yet again another ACL injury for Portland Timbers, Inter Miami and CF Montreal agree to a HUGE trade, and FC Cincinnati agree to a sale of Brenner to Italian club Udinese. 

News:

• Eryk Williamson suffers ACL tear: [3:40]
• Inter Miami and CF Montreal HUGE trade involving three players + GAM: [7:05]
• FC Cincinnati agree to sell Brenner to Udinese: [13:07]

Chicago Fire v Philadelphia Union:

• Injury updates to Kai Wagner and Leon Flach: [17:21]
• Andre Blake and "believe" moment (was that the turning point): [19:20]
• Homegrown players step up: [27:11]
• Where is Joaquin Torres and Andres Perea: [32:13]
• Fan breaks into the press conference: [35:26]
• Keys to The Game: [38:26]
• 3 Stars: [39:56]
• Goal Breakdowns: [41:13]

Blunder of The Week (Year): 

• Dante Venzeir uses a "racial slur" in New York Red Bulls v San Jose Earthquakes match: [48:28]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

thefreekick.net

Youtube: @The Free Kick

Our first Twitter Spaces of the 2023 season sees us discuss Wednesday night's Atlas FC v Philadelphia Union game as the Union advances to face LAFC in the semi-finals! We discuss the chemistry between Julian Carranza and Mikael Uhre, too wide open of a game, Jim Curtin pushes the right buttons with Flach, McGlynn, Harriel, and Real, and is the LAFC match-up the one that will kick start the Union's season? We also preview this Saturday's Chicago Fire v Philadelphia Union match, and does it matter if the Union doesn't get a result? 

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

thefreekick.net

Youtube: @The Free Kick

The Philadelphia Union FINALLY deployed three centerback's to start a game this season, but the result still stayed the same with their fourth loss on the season. Todd gives his thoughts on Saturday's FC Cincinnati v Philadelphia Union as Pat Noonan is able to get the best of Jim Curtin once more. Todd discusses Pat Noonan's strong praise for the Union for the way they defended, Jim Curtin's praise for the starting XI and limiting Cincy's talented front three, Daniel Gazdag's thoughts on why he's dropping deeper into the field, and is there concern from Ale Bedoya on the Union's lack of goals. Todd also discussed the latest news from MLS, including Jack McGlynn, Daniel Gazdag, and Damion Lowe earning Best XI honors for the first leg of the CCL quarterfinals, Union's u15 and u17's making moves at the GA Cup, and Apple worried about MLS numbers? 

News:

• Jack McGlynn, Daniel Gazdag, and Damion Lowe earning Best XI honors for the first leg of the CCL quarterfinals: [7:28]
• Union U15 and U17's reach the final in the GA Cup: [4:32]
• Apple "worried" about MLS subscription numbers: [8:14]

FC Cincinnati v Philadelphia Union:

• Pat Noonan full of praise for the Union: [17:08]
• Jim Curtin is happy with the starting XI's performance + Damion Lowe update: [26:02]
• Daniel Gazdag dropping deeper into the midfield: [38:14]
• Any concern from Ale Bedoya for the lack of goals scored from the Union: [40:53]
• 3 Stars: [44:40]
• Goal Breakdown: [47:30]

Blunder of The Week:

• LA Galaxy are a total meme club: [51:31]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

thefreekick.net

Youtube: @The Free Kick

How many positives can you take away from a 0-0 draw at home? The answer is not many. Todd reviews Saturday's Philadelphia Union v Sporting Kansas City game and discusses fans concern with the Union's slow start, should they rotate their squad for Sporting KC or Atlas, the Union currently lacking confidence, playing too conservative at home, have teams figured out how to beat the Union, and what players impressed on the night. Todd also talks about Chelsea sacking Graham Potter and why he believes that should be Blunder of The Week.

Philadelphia Union v Sporting KC:

• Fans thoughts on starting slow in matches: [12:30]
• Union lacking confidence: [18:18]
• Playing conservative at home: [32:48]
• Have teams figured out how to beat the Union: [37:15]
• Should the Union rotate v Sporting KC or Atlas: [48:32]
• 3 Stars: [53:09]

Blunder of The Week:

• Chelsea sack Graham Potter: [55:28]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

thefreekick.net

Youtube: @FreeKickPod

The Philadelphia Union lost their first league game at home since their 1-0 loss to New England Revs on September 3, 2021. And just like most of the season, the Philadelphia Union started slow once again, though this time, they gave up 2 goals in the first 10 minutes of the game. Todd breaks down his thoughts from Saturday's Philadelphia Union v Orlando City game and why The Union missed Julian Carranza more than any other player on the night. Todd also discusses the latest MLS news, including LAFC finalizing a deal to sign Poland youth int'l midfielder Mateusz Bogusz, Austin FC has signed Serbian CB Aleksandar Radovanović, The LA Galaxy have signed highly-rated Argentine youth int'l LB Julián Aude, and Jakob Glesnes and Nate Harriel sign new contracts with Philadelphia Union. 

News:

• LAFC is finalizing a deal to sign Poland youth int'l midfielder Mateusz Bogusz from Leeds United: [6:08]
• Austin FC has signed Serbian CB Aleksandar Radovanović on loan from KV Kortrijk: [8:27]
• The LA Galaxy have signed highly-rated Argentine youth int'l LB Julián Aude: [9:37]
• D.C. United have signed midfielder Lewis O’Brien on loan from English Premier League side Nottingham Forest: [10:40]
• Jakob Glesnes and Nate Harriel sign new contracts with Philadelphia Union: [12:10]

Philadelphia Union v Orlando City:

• Slow start once again: [14:04]
• Jim Curtin got his tactics wrong: [27:30]
• Review Keys to The Game: [34:14]
• 3 Stars: [37:44]
• Goal Breakdowns: [40:51]

Blunder of The Week:

• Sporting KC threatens to sue a podcast: [47:58]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

thefreekick.net

Youtube: @FreeKickPod

Because MLS thought it would be a great idea to play soccer during a FIFA window, we get more Union soccer this weekend! Joining the podcast for the first time and helping preview Saturday's Philadelphia Union v Orlando City game is the other half of the State Side Soccer Show and City Beautiful Soccer, Logan Stump! Todd and Logan discuss Logan's first-year experience in the Orlando City pressbox and how Logan got into soccer. They also discuss Orlando City v Charlotte FC from this past weekend, and how Orlando is struggling to put shots on target, New signings/club losses Joao Moutinho/Junior Urso/Ruan, Andres Perea's time in Orlando, and the series history between these two clubs and Keys to The Game!

Logan's soccer background:

• Pressbox experience: [2:32]
• FIFA: [7:48]

Orlando City v Charlotte FC:

• Overall thoughts: [12:39]
• Fans interrupt Oscar Pareja's press conference: [18:39]
• Lack of shots on Target: [22:33]
• Jim Curtin on The Union's shots on target percentage: [27:40]

New signings:

• 10 new players brought into the club: [32:20]
• No more Junior Urso or Ruan: [36:41]

Andres Perea: 

• No room for Perea in Orlando: [39:20]

Philadelphia Union v Orlando City Preview:

• Series history/depth: [44:30]
• Keys to The Game: [52:54]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

thefreekick.net

Logan's Social Media:

Twitter: @StumphLogan

Twitter: @statesideshow

Twitter: @CityBeautiful13

https://linktr.ee/statesideshow

Have you ever seen anything like that? VAR overturns a VAR call in the CF Montreal v Philadelphia Union game! Todd breaks down all the action from that game and gives his thoughts on the production from the attacking third, Julian Carranza's red card, and why Joe Bendik wasn't to blame for the loss. Todd also talks about the latest MLS News, including Houston Dynamo signing FC Midtjylland captain Erik Sviatchenko, Minnesota United signing forward Jeong Sang-bin from Wolverhampton, and Damion Lowe and Andres Perea earn TOTW honors for their performance in CCL.

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

thefreekick.net