The Free Kick

Somehow, someway things continue to seem to get worse and worse for the Philadelphia Union as they fall to Atlanta United FC 3-1 in the battle of two winless teams. This marks a four-game losing streak to start the season for the Union, the most losses in a row to start a season for the club. Todd and José discuss their thoughts from the game and discuss: missed opportunities once again, does Bradley Carnell know his best XI, Carnell on the players needing to get back to the basics, and players needing to step up.

Atlanta United v Philadelphia Union:

• Union too easy to break down: [4:48]

• Missed opportunities once again: [28:13]

• Does Bradley Carnell know his best XI: [43:46]

• Back to the basics: [1:01:11]

• Players needing to step up: [1:06:44]

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The Philadelphia Union fell to Club América by a score of 1-0 at Subaru Park in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup, marking the third straight loss for the Union in all competitions. Todd and José discuss their thoughts on the game, including the atmosphere created by América fans (with Union fans also not showing up), Bradley Carnell's unique lineup choice, switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation instead of the typical 4-2-2-2, and Carnell's halftime substitutions.

Philadelphia Union v Club América:

• Atmosphere by América fans, lack of atmosphere by Union fans: [2:18]

• Union's lineup: [18:50]

• Phillipe Ndinga debut: [28:58]

• Formation change: [33:17]

• Halftime subs: [41:15]

• Do the Union need more creativity: [52:03]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

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Starfinder Foundation

The Philadelphia Union fell to the San Jose Earthquakes by a score of 1–0, making it three straight losses to start the season for the club. It marks the first time since 2012 that they've opened a season 0–3. Todd and José share their thoughts on the match and discuss the continued lack of chances created for the forwards, the Union conceding yet another goal from the left back position, the absence of Cavan Sullivan last night, and how concerning the slow start is. Finally, Blunder of the Week goes to Brian Negro for his tackle vs. Independiente del Valle.

News:

• MLS releases GAM available: [3:22]

Philadelphia Union v San Jose Earthquakes:

• Union start 0-3: [8:52]

• Continued lack of chances created for the forwards: [18:50]

• Union conceding yet another goal from the left back position: [43:32]

• Absence of Cavan Sullivan last night: [53:04]

• How concerning is the slow start: [57:51]

Blunder of The Week:

Brian Negro for his tackle vs. Independiente del Valle: [1:09:03]

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 fell to the San Jose Earthquakes by a score of 1–0, making it three straight losses to start the season for the club. It marks the first time since 2012 that they've opened a season 0–3. Todd and José share their thoughts on the match and discuss the continued lack of chances created for the forwards, the Union conceding yet another goal from the left back position, the absence of Cavan Sullivan last night, and how concerning the slow start is. Finally, Blunder of the Week goes to Brian Negro for his tackle vs. Independiente del Valle.

News:

• MLS releases GAM available: [3:22]

Philadelphia Union v San Jose Earthquakes:

• Union start 0-3: [8:52]

• Continued lack of chances created for the forwards: [18:50]

• Union conceding yet another goal from the left back position: [43:32]

• Absence of Cavan Sullivan last night: [53:04]

• How concerning is the slow start: [57:51]

Blunder of The Week:

Brian Negro for his tackle vs. Independiente del Valle: [1:09:03]

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 lose their second straight game in MLS, falling 2–1 to NYCFC. The loss makes it four defeats in the last six meetings against the Pigeons for the Union. Todd and José discuss a variety of news topics, including Markus Anderson's move to Brooklyn FC and Philippe Ndinga joining the Union, both now official. They also break down MLS releasing each club's roster profiles for the spring of 2026. Todd and José then share their thoughts on the game, including the Union's inability to capitalize on transition moments, back-to-back weeks with a player sent off for dissent, and Union fans' frustration with Chris Penso's refereeing performanc. Finally, Blunder of the Week goes to MLS for not allowing monetization for reporters and creators who use snippets of press conferences in podcast episodes.

Roster & Transfer News:

• Markus Anderson's move to Brooklyn FC: [5:30]

• Philippe Ndinga joins Union: [9:04]

• MLS also released each club's roster profiles for Spring 2026: [17:23]

Philadelphia Union v NYCFC:

• Four losses in their last six games against NYCFC: [30:37]

• Referee Controversy: [37:02]

• Back-to-Back Red Cards for Dissent: [47:07]

• Missed Transition Moments: [55:59]

Blunder of the Week:

• MLS pulls podcast episode due to press conference clips: [1:07:15]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

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YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

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Transfers: Philadelphia Union Sign Young Left Back Philippe Ndinga from Degerfors IF

Philadelphia Union's 2026 Roster Breakdown

Brotherly Love Appearance on FOX 29

The Philadelphia Union dropped their MLS season opener to D.C. United by a score of 1–0, with former Union player Tai Baribo scoring the lone goal of the match. Todd and José discuss the latest news, including the Union finalizing a loan to send homegrown midfielder CJ Olney to USL Championship side Brooklyn FC, and the club nearing a deal to sign left back Philippe Ndinga from Degerfors IF in the Allsvenskan. Todd and José also share their thoughts from Saturday's match and discuss topics such as Bruno Damiani and Ezekiel Alladoh's lack of touches in the penalty area, Alladoh's red card, and the MLS debuts of Japhet Sery Larsen, Geiner Martínez, Alladoh, Agustín Anello, and Finn Sundstrom. They also debate whether Cavan Sullivan should have a bigger role after his first two games of the season. Finally, they hand out the first Blunder of the Week of the new season, which goes to Concacaf for its "great" press conference setup.

News:

• The Union finalized a loan deal sending homegrown midfielder CJ Olney to USL Championship side Brooklyn FC: [2:53]

• Philadelphia is closing in on a transfer to acquire left back Philippe Ndinga from Degerfors IF in Sweden's Allsvenskan: [12:37]

D.C. United v Philadelphia Union:

• Tai Baribo's impact: [16:53]

• Attacking Rust & Final Third Woes: [22:55]

• Ezekiel Alladoh Red Card: [38:12]

• MLS Debuts Across the Pitch: [45:15]

• Youth Spotlight: Cavan Sullivan: [53:19]

Blunder of The Week:

• Concacaf's media quality after Defence Force v Philadelphia Union: [1:02:10]

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 started their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup campaign against Defence Force with a bang, defeating them 5–0. The victory saw Ezekiel Alladoh score on his Union debut, while Bruno Damiani recorded a brace and Milan Iloski and Olwethu Makhanya also found the back of the net. Todd breaks down the match and discusses topics such as how to take positives from a game that was so lopsided, Milan Iloski earning "Superior Player of the Game," how high his ceiling is this season, and how to approach the second leg next Thursday. Todd also briefly previews this Saturday's MLS season opener against D.C. United and shares his predictions for where he believes the Philadelphia Union will finish the 2026 season.

Defence Force v Philadelphia Union:

• Lineup: [4:38]

• Match Breakdown: 5 Goals = Total Control: [14:28]

• How Do You Evaluate a Lopsided Game: [24:16]

• Milan Iloski's Ceiling in 2026: [35:50]

• Second Leg Approach: [50:12]

D.C. United v Philadelphia Union preview:

• Predictions: [53:50]

• Injury updates: [59:30]

• 2026 predictions: [1:03:24]

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 have continued to stay busy this offseason, signing Colombian center back Geiner Martínez from Uruguayan side Juventud and American-born forward Agustín Anello from Uruguayan club Boston River. Todd and José are joined by Daniel Solana, who covers Nacional for ARRIBA BOLSO! Daniel gives the rundown on both signings and what kind of impact Union fans can expect from their latest additions from Uruguay. Afterwards, Todd and José discuss Bradley Carnell's injury update on Indiana Vassilev, Finn Sundstrom, Eddy Davis and Milan Iloski, plus Bruno Damiani missing from last two games due to in the process of obtaining U.S. Green Card. Afterwards, Todd and José discuss Bradley Carnell's injury updates on Indiana Vassilev, Finn Sundstrom, Eddy Davis, and Milan Iloski, plus Bruno Damiani missing the last two games as he is in the process of obtaining his U.S. green card.

Geiner Martínez:

• Reputation in Liga AUF Uruguaya? -- play style? -- starter right away or more developmental: [5:07]

Agustín Anello:

• How was Anello received at Boston River? --

  Play style? -- Better suited as a 10 or second striker? -- Career path — Europe, Uruguay, MLS: [21:36]

• Uruguay to MLS pipeline: [36:25]

Jersey rankings:

• José's best and worse kits of MLS in 2026: [41:50]

Bradley Carnell presser updates:

• Bruno Damiani in process of obtaining U.S. Green Card: [55:00]

• Injury updates: [1:04:35]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

Solana's Social Media: Twitter: @DiceElDan https://www.arribabolso.com/

Jersey Ranker

The Philadelphia Union kicked off the first of two preseason games in Clearwater, Florida with a 2–0 win over the Tampa Bay Rowdies, with Alejandro Bedoya and Danley Jean Jacques getting on the scoresheet for the Boys in Blue. Todd and José discuss the Union II–heavy lineup in the first half of the match, as well as Geiner Martínez making his first-team debut after being announced last week as the Union's fourth signing of the offseason. They also talk about what they want to see in Tuesday's final preseason match against CF Montréal before the Union take on Defence Force in the Concacaf Champions Cup on February 18 in the first leg of a two-match series, and they discuss the Union kit leak believed to be the club's new primary kit.

Philadelphia Union Defeat Tampa Bay Rowdies 2-0:

• Starting XI very Union II heavy: [7:38]

• Andrew Rick saves yet again another penalty: [19:04]

Philadelphia Union v CF Montréal last preseason game:

• What do you want to see in last preseason game tomorrow against CF Montréal: [39:03]

Union kit leak:

• What do we think of the kit: [53:31]

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 have officially wrapped up their multi-week trip to Marbella, Spain, with matches against Sigma Olomouc, FC Nordsjælland, and FK Budućnost Podgorica as the team prepares for the 2026 MLS season. Todd and José recap the Union's trip to Spain and discuss the latest club news, including Neil Pierre being loaned to Lyngby, the Union finalizing a deal for Markus Anderson to join Brooklyn FC in the USL, and Stas Korzeniowski signing a first-team contract.

Union abroad:

• Training Camp in Spain: [4:22]

Loans:

• Neil Pierre Loan to Lyngby Boldklub: [22:09]

• Union finalizing a deal to loan Markus Anderson to Brooklyn FC: [32:30]

New signings:

• Union sign Stas Korzeniowski to first team deal: [39:55]

Blunder of The Week:

• MLS to cut a quarter of Spanish-language broadcast talent on Apple TV: [52:35]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/