The Free Kick

The Philadelphia Union are looming to extend their 10 game unbeaten streak as they face off against Sporting KC this Saturday on the road. Todd and José are joining by MLS play-by-play commentator Callum Williams to preview the upcoming game. They discuss the Union's current streak and the reliance on their homegrown talent, what are realistic expectations for a playoff spot, and Cavan Sullivan, Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield called up to the United States Men's National Team. Todd and José also discuss Jovan Lukic's contract extension with the Union through 2028-2029.

Philadelphia Union's season:

• Turnaround after Bradley Carnell was sacked: [7:13]

• Union's homegrown revelation: [13:53]

• Union trio called up to USMNT: [18:33]

• Sporting KC v Philadelphia Union preview: [22:40]

• Jovan Lukic extension: [30:50]

• Danley Jean Jacques call up to Haiti: [39:21]

• Philippe Ndinga call up to Gabon: [40:57]

• Cavan Sullivan, Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre first call up to USMNT: [44:24]

Photo Credit: Don Robson

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Twitter: @JoserNunez91

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Callum's Social Media:

Twitter: @CalWilliamsComm

Instagram: @calwilliamscomm

The Philadelphia continued their winning ways Sunday night as they defeated San Diego FC 5-0, to mark the clubs second consecutive 5-0 win. Todd and José discuss the latest bit of news that includes Anthony Fontana signing for Brooklyn FC of the USL Championship. They also discuss their thoughts from Sunday's game with topic's including: 10 straight games undefeated for interim head coach Ryan Richter and the homegrown takeover.

News:

• Anthony Fontana signs for Brooklyn FC: [6:24]

San Diego FC v Philadelphia Union:

• Standout performers / Jovan Lukic: [13:22]

• Where is Nathan Harriel's best position / what does his future look like: [24:35]

• Cavan Sullivan continues to make case for USMNT: [33:53]

• Cavan praise for Malik Jakupovic / could Malik play himself into a key role off the bench: [39:38]

• Could Manchester City send Cavan to Europe earlier: [46:09]

• Is this the best group of homegrown players ever for the Union: [54:33]

• Union unbeaten in 10 games / comparisons to 2022 team [1:02:11]

Blunder of The Week:

• Manchester derby controversial calls: [1:16:07]

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Philadelphia Union picked up their biggest thrashing under interim head coach Ryan Richter, as they defeated FC Cincinnati by a score of 5-0 with Bruno Damaini scoring his first career trick, and Quinn Sullivan and Milan Iloski scoring from the penalty spot. Todd and José discuss their thoughts on the game including: Bruno Damiani's performance, Ryan Richter's sub choices after being up 4-0, and the Sullivan takeover in Philadelphia.

Philadelphia Union v FC Cincinnati:

• Overall thoughts on red card, strong defensive effort, and Union one point off 6th place: [9:54]

• Bruno Damiani's performance: [23:06]

• Ryan Richter's sub choices after being up 4-0: [43:25]

• The Sullivan takeover in Philadelphia: [50:05]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

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https://nunezj.substack.com/

Philadelphia Union found a way to grind out a win over CF Montréal as Danley Jean Jacques and Cavan Sullivan scored in the 2-0 victory. Todd and José discuss the latest MLS news which includes: Markus Anderson loaned to Lyngby, Jack McGlynn sold to Stoke City and Union acquire GAM from LAFC and Real Salt Lake. They also discuss their thoughts from the game against Montréal with topics including: Union find a way to grind out a win, Cavan Sullivan's historic season, and Ryan Richter's faith in Bruno Damiani.

News:

• Markus Anderson loaned to Lyngby: [10:28]

• Jack McGlynn sold to Stoke City: [16:13]

• Union acquire GAM from LAFC and RSL: [24:30]

Philadelphia Union v CF Montréal:

• Why sports matter: [25:35]

• Union grind out a win: [32:08]

• Cavan Sullivan's historic season: [48:46]

• Mauricio Pochettino on Union players: [53:22]

• Ryan Richter's faith in Bruno Damiani: [1:08:55]

Blunder of The Week:

• Prince Owusu failed panenka: [1:13:44]

Photo Credit: Don Robson

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

Mauricio Pochettino praises the Union's young stars, and opens the door to USMNT call-ups

The Philadelphia Union play host to CF Montréal on Saturday, as the Union look to extend their unbeaten streak to eight games since the World Cup break. Todd and José are joined by MLS Spanish commentator Moisés Linares to preview the game.

The Spanish side of things for Apple TV / MLS:

• Calling games solo: [3:11]

• Incorporating English / Spanish style of commentary into your own: [9:20]

Philadelphia Union v CF Montréal:

• How surprising is it that the Union are one point of a playoff spot: [15:50]

• How big of a factor is Montréal's brutal travel scheduling going to play an affect: [22:43]

• How big of a signing will Alexis Sánchez turn out to be: [26:50]

• What will be key for a Union victory: [29:25]

• Nathan Harriel reaches over 10000 minutes in MLS for Union: [36:38]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

Moisés Social Media:

Twitter: @MlinaresDC

Instagram: @mlinaresdc

The Philadelphia Union continued their flying start under interim head coach Ryan Richter, defeating Red Bull New York 3-1 behind goals from Milan Iloski, Cavan Sullivan, and Neil Pierre. The victory moved the Union to within one point of a playoff spot. Todd and José discuss the latest news from around MLS, including Stas Korzeniowski's loan move to Rhode Island FC and Dániel Gazdag's transfer to the New England Revolution. They then break down the Union's victory on Saturday night, with topics including Cavan Sullivan's case for a USMNT call-up and have the Union emerged as a legitimate playoff threat? Finally, they wrap up with Blunder of the Week, an honor that goes to José's beloved Manchester City.

News:

• Stas Korzeniowski loaned to Rhode Island in USL Championship: [9:40]

• Dániel Gazdag to New England Revolution: [15:27]

Red Bull New York v Philadelphia Union:

• Danley Jean Jacques continues to impress / Andre Blake with a stellar performance: [24:57]

• Cavan Sullivan continues to make case for USMNT call-up in September: [39:10]

• Have the Union emerged as a legitimate playoff threat: [52:15]

Blunder of The Week:

• Manchester City use AI for their third kit: [1:14:55]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

The Philadelphia Union return to action on Saturday night as they face off against Red Bull New York, looking to keep their six-game unbeaten run intact. Todd and José are joined by MLS and CBS Sports commentator Chris Wittyngham to preview the match. They discuss topics such as the current homegrown wave in MLS, the differences in preparation for Bradley Carnell and Ryan Richter, the impact of Kai Wagner since his return, whether Cavan Sullivan should be called up during the next USMNT window, and Red Bull New York's current form. Todd and José wrap up the show with their thoughts on MLS' exit from the Leagues Cup and how close Agustín Anello is to earning more minutes.

Red Bull New York v Philadelphia Union:

• MLS Homegrown wave: [4:45]

• Difference in preparation between Bradley Carnell and Ryan Richter: [11:08]

• Impact of Kai Wagner since his return: [15:23]

• Is Cavan Sullivan playing with a chip on his shoulders: [20:00]

• Should Cavan Sullivan be called up in the next USMNT window: [24:10]

• Red Bull New York's current form: [27:26]

• Agustín Anello pushing for more minutes: [40:10]

Leagues Cup:

• MLS teams' eliminated from Leagues Cup: [34:54]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

Chris' Social Media:

Twitter: @ChrisWittyngham

Instagram: @chriswittyngham

The Philadelphia Union remain unbeaten through interim head coach Ryan Richter's first six MLS games, as the Union and Austin played to a 1-1 draw at Q2 Stadium. Todd is joined by Evan Konigsberg to discuss the game and topics such as Neil Pierre's strong defensive performance, Ryan Richter's first six games in MLS, and Richter using the same starting XI against Austin that faced Inter Miami three days ago. Finally, Todd talks about the Blunder of the Week, which involves Crew Alexandra and Northampton Town.

News:

• The Seattle Sounders have agreed to a deal to acquire star forward Dejan Joveljic from Sporting KC for $6M: [3:35]

• Sporting KC offered $25M for Nico Fernandez Mercau: [6:29]

• The San Jose Earthquakes agreed to a deal to acquire midfielder Eduard Löwen from St. Louis City: [13:00]

Austin FC v Philadelphia Union:

• Cavan Sullivan's second goal / Andre Blake saves: [18:01]

• Ryan Richter goes with same XI as he did against Miami: [28:38]

• Bench options: [36:26]

• Ryan Richter through six MLS games: [44:35]

• Neil Pierre's strong performance: [53:07]

Blunder of The Week:

• Crewe Alexandra's Josh March steals the ball coming from behind the Northampton goalkeeper to score the winner: [59:47]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

Evan's Social Media:

Twitter: @evanknowsball

https://philadelphiasoccernow.com/

Philadelphia Union and Inter Miami played to a 2-2 draw on Wednesday night, in a match where the Philadelphia Union looked the better side. In a game that should've been about the Union's strong performance, unfortunately got overshadowed by Inter Miami's antics throughout the game. Todd is joined by Evan Konigsberg to discuss the match, with topics including: Inter Miami's antics throughout the match + red cards to Yannick Bright and Cavan Sullivan, assessing Ryan Richter's first five MLS games, and missed opportunities for three points.

News:

• Neil Pierre named to MLS Team of The Matchday 21: [4:14]

• Mark McKenzie re-joining Philadelphia Union in 2027 of January: [8:11]

Philadelphia Union v Inter Miami:

• Overall atmosphere: [17:50]

• Big moments in the game / Indiana Vassilev / Nathan Harriel / Neil Pierre: [27:18]

• Miami antics over the years: [48:19]

• Ryan Richter deserves credit from national media: [52:00]

• Missed opportunities: [58:29]

• Miami antics / Cavan Sullivan and Yannick Bright situation: [1:09:30]

**Photo Credit: Carl Gulbish**

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

Evan's Social Media:

Twitter: @evanknowsball

https://philadelphiasoccernow.com/

The Philadelphia Union have made it back-back MLS games that they have comeback from 2-0 deficits in MLS, as they scored three goals in the second half with Danley Jean Jacques and Bruno Damiani to complete a 3-2 win over NYCFC. Todd and José give their thoughts on the win and discuss topics such as: Bruno Damiani's much needed performance, Sullivan brothers both shine, should Ryan Richter be given the first team job permanently because of his relationship with the Sullivan brothers, and Richter's second half changes prove key. Todd also gives his Blunder of the Week that involves high school soccer.

NYCFC v Philadelphia Union:

• Danley's performances under Richter and the cost of midfielders World Wide: [6:10]

• Controversial penalties given up: [18:06]

• Bruno Damiani's first MLS brace: [25:09]

• Sullivan brothers shine: [36:12]

• Should Ryan Richter be given the Union job permanently for his relationship with Sullivan brothers / Ryan Richter's second half changes: [58:53]

Blunder of The Week:

• Punches thrown in a High School soccer game in South Dakota between Rapid City Central vs. Brookings: [1:09:07]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/