After almost two weeks since the last podcast, Todd is back to discuss The Philadelphia Union's first 14 games of the season with Kyle Almoney. Todd and Kyle look at The Union's most surprising players, and what players have put up the case for Union MVP so far. Todd and Kyle also look at potential departures and some offensive and defensive stats that have set The Union apart from the other teams around the league.

Union after 14 games:

• MLS Standings: [5:13-17:42]
• Most surprising Union player: [17:43-25:10]
• Top 3 Union players on the season: [25:11-34:15]
• Potential departures: [34:16-47:21]
• Biggest surprise of the season: [1:00:23-1:03:33]
• Expectations the rest of the season: [1:03:34-1:13:07]

Stats:

• Offensive numbers: [47:22-56:37]
• Defensive numbers: [56:38-1:00:22]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

Kyle's Social Media:

Twitter: @CoachAlmoney

Instagram: @kylealmoney

After 5 straight draws for The Philadelphia Union, they finally win a game, with their 2-0 defeat of Portland Timbers! Todd goes over the latest MLS news that includes another injury for Atlanta United, Kai Wagner, and Ale Bedoya earn team of the week honors, and Brenden Aaronson on his way to Leeds United. Todd discusses The Union's victory over Portland and talks about how set-pieces help make all the difference for The Union and how The Union are tied for the most goals in the first 15 minutes of a match. Todd also talks about Blunder of The Week, which includes Manchester City fans assaulting Aston Villa's goalkeeper.

News:

• Andrew Gutman out 8-12 weeks with quad injury: [
• Kai Wagner and Ale Bedoya earn ToTW honors for week 13: [
• Brenden Aaronson to Leeds United: [

Portland Timbers v Philadelphia Union:

• Overall thoughts: [
• 3-stars: [

Blunder of The Week:

• Manchester City fans assault Robin Olsen: [

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

After a few days to sit on it, Todd gives his thoughts on Wednesdays (5/18) Philadelphia Union v Inter Miami game. Todd discusses the latest rumors linking Kai Wagner to England and does Jim Curtin feel confident he has a replacement on his current roster if that were to happen. Todd discusses how The Union are missing Pat Noonan and what is different between this year's team and last year's, and what is making FC Cincinnati find a lot of success. Also discussed is reviewing Key's to a Union victory, New York Red Bulls earning Blunder of The Week, and an injury update on Mikael Uhre.

News:

• Kai Wagner linked to England: [6:58-19:06

Philadelphia Union v Inter Miami:

• Overall thoughts: [19:07-36:16]
• Not having Pat Noonan hurts The Union: [36:17-45:01]
• Reviewing 3-Keys to the game: [45:02-50:11]
• 3-Stars: [50:12-53:00]

Blunder of The Week:

• New York Red Bulls move game for a friendly: [53:01-56:18]

Mikael Uhre injury update:

• "Too many minutes" fake news: [56:19-1:01:38]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

The last home game of May for The Philadelphia Union sees Inter Miami come to town. The Union are looking for their first win in 7 games, while Inter Miami is looking to build on their strong performance against DC United over the weekend. Todd is joined by Inter Miami PxP, Andres Cordero, to discuss Leonardo Campana's strong start to the MLS season, Inter Miami's form, key players that have made a difference for Miami, and the series history between these two clubs.

Inter Miami v DC United:

• Overall thoughts: [6:23-11:11]

Leonardo Campana:

• Fast start in MLS: [11:12-17:17]

Inter Miami's season:

• Form in last 8 games: [17:18-22:47]

Inter Miami linked to Messi:

• Is it an annoyance being linked with European players: [22:48-28:48]

Inter Miami's new roster:

• Mota, Lowe, McKey, and Lassiter making the difference: [28:49-33:01]

Philadelphia Union v Inter Miami:

• Series history: [33:02-34:46]
• Union formation: [34:47-41:11]
• Keys to the game: [41:12-45:18]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

Andres' Social Media:

Twitter: @DreCordero

Instagram: @drecordero

With The Philadelphia Union drawing against New York Red Bulls, that makes it 5-games in a row now for The Union that they've given up the lead. Todd talks about the latest MLS news, including Giorgio Chiellini close to LAFC, and Austin FC gives head coach Josh Wolff a 3-year contract extension. Todd discusses Saturday's 1-1 draw against Red Bull and how The Union arent finishing their chances, along with their history the last two years with playing up a man.

MLS News

• LAFC has offered a contract to Giorgio Chiellini: [
• Austin FC gives head coach Josh Wolff a 3-year contract extension: [

Philadelphia Union v New York Red Bulls:

• Overall thoughts: [
• Reviewing Keys to The Game: [
• 3-Star players: [
• Breaking down The Goals: [

Blunder of The Week:

• Fanatics messing up again: [

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

After a long road trip through different time zones, The Philadelphia Union are back home this Saturday to take on New York Red Bulls! Joining Todd to help preview this upcoming match-up is New York Red Bulls Spanish PxP Stefano Fusaro! Todd and Stefano talk about his career at Univision and ESPN, which eventually led him to New Jersey to call games for The Red Bulls. They talk about Lewis Morgan's impact and the hot form on the road. Finally, Todd and Stefano discuss their keys to the game and how Red Bulls have relied on their depth!

Offseason moves:

• Lewis Morgan's impact: [4:34-12:11]

New York Red Bulls Away Form:

• Why they've been able to find success: [12:12-14:42]
• Multiple players can hurt you: [14:43-17:39]

Philadelphia Union v New York Red Bulls:

• Dealing with injuries: [17:40-20:50]
• Shooting stats: [20:51-23:11]
• 3 Keys to victory: [23:12-27:00]

US Open Cup:

• Overall thoughts: [27:57-37:05]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

Stefano's Social Media:

Twitter: @S_Fusaro

Instagram: @stefanofusaro_

The Philadelphia Union's rough May schedule sees them pick up another point on the road, this time against LAFC in a trilling 2-2 game. Todd gives his thoughts on Saturday's game and how big of a concern is it that The Union continues to blow leads? Todd also gives his Union MVPs through the first 10 games of the season and looks at MLS news that includes: Miles Robinson injured v Chicago Fire, CF Montreal to have a logo change, Chris Mueller is back in MLS, and Chase Gasper is heading back West.

MLS News:

• Miles Robinson injured: [2:52-6:04]
• CF Montreal is to change their team logo for the 2023 season: [6:05-8:17]
• Chase Gasper to LA Galaxy: [8:18-10:19]
• Chris Mueller to Chicago Fire: [10:20-11:55]

LAFC v Philadelphia Union:

• Union blowing leads: [11:56-19:01]
• Overall thoughts: [19:02-26:42]
• Breaking down the goals: [26:43-38:17]
• 3-star players: [38:18-39:29]
• Union's MVPs: [39:30-46:36]

Blunder of The Week:

• Mamadou Fall: [46:37-48:11]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

Todd is joined by Philadelphia Union assistant coach Frank Leicht in this very special episode! Frank discusses his career in Germany before making the move to the US and joining Jim Curtin's coaching staff. Frank also talks about his relationship with Ernst Tanner and how a meeting with Jim Curtin brought him to Philadelphia. Finally, Todd and Frank look at The Union's set-piece stats since Frank took over set-pieces and discusses The Union's performance against Nashville over the weekend!

Franks time in Germany:

• Coaching at VfB Stuttgart, Eintracht Frankfurt, and RB Leipzig: [1:25-11:02]

Joining The Union:

• Frank's relationship with Ernst Tanner: [11:03-14:54]
• Prior knowledge of MLS: [14:55-16:40]

Set-Pieces:

• Set pieces finally getting recognized: [16:41-22:16]
• Switching to a hybrid system: [22:17-24:20]
• The Union's offensive corners: [24:21-27:25]
• Nate Harriel's progression: [27:26-29:01]
• Defending v Nashville: [29:02-30:43]
• Is a penalty kick a set-piece: [30:44-32:12]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

The Philadelphia Union head down to Geodis Park and spoil the home opener against Nashville SC in a 1-1 draw! Todd discusses all his thoughts on the Nashville game, including his 3-star players, breaking down the goals, and reviewing his keys to the game. Todd also discusses this week's MLS news that includes: Charlotte FC has a deal in place to bring Colorado Rapids forward Andre Shinyashiki to the club, Real Salt Lake is bringing back Jefferson Sarvino, and Hany Mukhtar and Walker Zimmerman sign new DP deals with Nashville!

MLS News:

• Andre Shinyashiki to Charlotte FC: [
• Jefferson Sarvino back to Real Salt Lake: [
• Hany Mukhtar and Walker Zimmerman sign new DP contracts: [

Nashville v Philadelphia Union:

• Overall thoughts: [
• Reviewing Keys to the game: [
• 3-star players: [
• Breaking down the goals: [

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

Week 9 in MLS sees The Philadelphia Union head south to take on Nashville SC in their brand new stadium Geodis Park. Todd is joined by Drake Hills, who covers Nashville SC for The Tennessean. Todd and Drake take a look at Nashville's season so far, and how they've faired so far playing in the Western Conference and all of their games on the road. They also discuss last year's playoff meeting between these two teams, as The Union won the match on penalties, and discuss how Nashville continues to struggle with defending set-pieces.

LA Galaxy v Nashville SC:

• Overall thoughts: [7:07-12:16]

Nashville's season so far:

• How they've faired on the road and the Western Conference: [12:17-16:39]

Trades and acquisitions:

• Alistair Johnston traded to Montreal/Teal Bunbury and Sean Davis signed as free agents: [16:40-25:39]

Nashville v Philadelphia Union:

• Will Nashville be more attacking at home: [25:40-30:12]
• Keys to the game: [30:13-35:20]

Random thoughts:

• Is a penalty kick a "set-piece": [36:04-41:37]
• What formation to start v Nashville: [41:38-46:00]

Social Media:

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

Drake's Social Media:

Twitter: @LiveLifeDrake

Instagram: @drakehillssoccer

www.tennessean.com

Philadelphia Union Interviews