S3E16 - For the Glory KC is back with the 81st episode of the show! Sort of... [This is a weird request, but if this is the first time you've ever listened to the podcast, don't. There are some audio issues, and I wouldn't want to leave you with a bad impression. Sheena and I's audio tracks are out of sync and I'm responding to things she said, but she hasn't said them yet because of a delay. We recorded on Sunday night, and she hasn't had time to re-record. We polled Twitter and they said release it, so here you go!] Sporting Kansas City ended their homestand leaving us wanting more. We commiserated on what went wrong on the goals as well as what went right on the ones Sporting KC scored. But we simply can't avoid discussing Peter Vermes' somewhat stunning postgame comments after the draw against St. Louis City SC. He either thinks the media, or the fans, are too worried about not closing out games. But he isn't worried. Wild! We have thoughts! Then, much like PV snuck into his presser, Sporting KC were playing against more than just St. Louis City. He didn't say it, but he meant the referees. It was one of the worst officiated games in recent memory. Alan Chapman called ticky tack fouls early, nothing for a huge stretch, then back to the ticky tack at the end. Inconsistent. 21 fouls to St. Louis. No yellows during the run of play. No persistent infringement. Either let them be physical or don't. And Taylor Twellman, noted St. Louis native, and about everyone else who isn't a St. Louis mark thought this Klauss challenge on Willy Agada was a foul. But Chapman saw nothing in it, immediately calling it shoulder to shoulder, and a goal was scored right after. I will say, this gif some St. Louis fan made was pretty amazing. Thanks goodness there are other KC soccer teams though. The Kansas City Current continued their winning ways with a 5-2 thrashing of Bay FC. Sheena has found her favorite KC Current player and it's an embarrassment of riches on that talented team. In sad news from the game, Alex Loera announced she tore her ACL against her former club and will miss the rest of the season. In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few topics, including: When Sporting KC can sign players nextSKC's trip to Union Omaha for the US Open CupOzzie Cisneros going out on loanSKC II's game and a signingLoera's ACL tear Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): I Refereed a game! - 2:08SKC/St. Louis atmosphere, chants, tifos and a draw - 6:10Peter Vermes thinks we’re too worried about the blown leads - 22:49PRO: Consistently Inconsistent - 34:34Kortne Ford retires - 47:16Thank God for the KC Current - 50:39Competing KC soccer events - 1:04:26What is the MLS Icon rule? - 1:10:24Digital Crawl - 1:13:15 Upcoming Schedule: KC Current at Angel City FC - Friday, April 26th @ 9:00 PMSporting KC at Minnesota United - Saturday, April 27th @ 7:30 PMKC Comets vs. Chihuahua Savage - Sunday, April 28th @ 4:05 PM Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E15 - For the Glory KC is back with the 80th episode of the show! I'm not sure if you heard, but Sporting Kansas City were out here setting records last night. 72,610 fans were in attendance inside Arrowhead stadium to witness Sporting KC take on Lionel Messi and friends on Inter Miami CF. The end result was a loss, but were there 'wins' to be had? On this week's episode, Sheena talks about her experience in the stands contrasting to my experience from behind the scenes and in the press box. From the atmosphere to the amount of pink/Messi jerseys, there were a lot of off the field items to discuss. But it wouldn't be a For the Glory KC if we don't actually talk about the soccer. We get into the 'only three mistakes,' according to Peter Vermes that Sporting KC made, to the things that went very right and all the in between stuff. There is talk about a goalkeeper change. A change at striker (Sheena wants to go pretty far here). Subpar refereeing from Victor Rivas. Remi Walter in a walking boot and an update on his status. Pitch invaders. And we can't avoid the problem with Sporting KC dropping points, particularly at home. After the game, there is a bit rumor that came out this week from The Athletic. Fairly substantial rule changes could be coming to Major League Soccer. Weirdly the rules look to be changing this summer, mid-season. I'll explain what they are and start to get into out Sporting KC can potentially benefit. Come back to the KC Soccer Journal later this week for a deeper look at that possibility and a robust explainer if you are into that sort of thing. Then we switch over to talk about the Kansas City Current's first non-win of the season as they held on for a draw against NJ/NY Gotham. In the Digital Crawl, we go longer on fewer topics: USWNT winning the SheBelieves CupCould the Swope Park Rangers return?Did SKC handle the 'retro' aspect of the SKC/Miami game well? Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Getting on Channel 5 News - 1:26The Atmosphere - 3:33Messi Jersey Exchanges - 17:18Sporting KC drop all three against Miami - 20:54Vermes Out? - 1:00:37New, semi-large rules changes are coming to MLS - 1:01:57KC Current’s perfect season ends - 1:12:26Digital Crawl - 1:21:01 Upcoming Schedule: KC Comets @ Utica City FC, Monday, April 15th at 5:00 PM CT (CBS Sports Golazo Network)KC Current vs. Bay FC, Saturday, April 20th at 6:30 PMSporting KC vs. St. Louis City, Saturday, April 20th at 7:30 PM Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E14 - For the Glory KC is back with the 79th episode of the show! Sheena and her casual takes are back! Two weeks of no regular co-host was weird. So, let's get weird in a different way with a late-night podcast recording session. We start the show with Sporting Kansas City who have found a way to drop nine points in just seven games from a winning position. It's definitely better than how 2023 started, but it feels like a lot of miss opportunities. The game started so good with a 3-0 Sporting KC lead that evaporated into a 3-3 draw. It feels like there is plenty of praise for how it started, but also plenty of blame for what went down. The game devolved into the second straight collapse in the second half at home. At least they didn't lose to the Portland Timbers like they did to the LA Galaxy. Peter Vermes didn't pull punches after the game saying the team did the exact opposite of what they discussed at halftime. But, how much of that is on Peter? We have some thoughts. Some of that blame ends up on Willy Agada for missing the net by a good yard on what may have been the game winning penalty kick. That said, he still scored twice, making it three goals this season in just 283 minutes compared to just one goal in 425 minutes for Designated Player Alan Pulido. Is it time for a change at center forward, even if Pulido is healthy? And it's almost time to retire a segment that Sheena hates, the "Messi Update." Inter Miami are coming to Kansas City in less than a week and the question remains if Lionel Messi will be on the field. Sporting KC have bet the house on it. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: SKC II win!Jake Davis and April Fools DaySKC AcademyRoger Espinoza and the Des Moines MenaceUSWNT beat Japan!NWSL Expansion is comingKC Comets attendance records Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC Collapse again - 2:34Is Willy Agada the Starting Striker? - 24:28Messi is coming to KC? - 49:51Digital Crawl - 59:46 Upcoming Schedule: USWNT vs Canada - Tuesday, April 9th at 6:00 PM CTInter Miami vs. Monterrey - Wednesday, April 10th at 9:30 PMSporting KC vs Miami - Saturday, April 13th at 7:30 PMKC Current vs Gotham - Sunday, April 14th at 5:00 PM --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E13 - For the Glory KC is back with the 78th episode of the show! This week, we have a very special episode with not one, not two, but three hosts! I'm joined by some familiar names to those of you that read the KC Soccer Journal. Juan Cisneros and Xander Kennedy make their For the Glory KC debuts! Don't worry, Sheena will be back, but we just closed out an eight-day road trip with a seven-and-a-half-hour drive and only one of us was a soccer sicko enough to immediately make a podcast. We start the show with some Sporting Kansas City love as they picked up a huge three points on the road against Toronto FC. Sporting KC managed to pull off the win without the injured Alan Pulido (not to mention Johnny Russell and Andreu Fontas). It begs the question, is that a good or bad thing? Xander, Juan and I break down the lack of production from the forward line, but the goals still coming in elsewhere. We also get into the bangers scored by Remi Walter and Jake Davis, as well as the highly repeatable Alenis Vargas goal if Peter Vermes sticks with trusting his young and pacey backups. Plus, we can't avoid the goal at the death from Toronto, which was apparently over a half of a foot offside. In addition to all the goals scored, we dash around to various other topics including Memo Rodriguez stepping up his game, Sporting KC's propensity to shoot from distance, the return of Felipe Hernandez, Robert Voloder continuing to start and the return of the refs as PRO and the PSRA reached a new CBA. Before we fully move off of Sporting KC, we have to talk about Roger Espinoza returning for at least one game and it won't be too far from Kansas City. He will be joining the Des Moines Menace this Wednesday in the US Open Cup as they take on Union Omaha (in Nebraska). Which begs the question, who else should join Des Moines (or any other team) to try to make a cup run? The KC Current continued their strong form as well as they climbed to the top of the table off their third straight win. There were goals scored by Vanessa DiBernardo, Alexa Spaanstra, Temwa Chawinga and Bia, but it feels like they could have scored so many more. We also get into the level of their competition through the first three weeks and of course, the set piece defending. Plus, does the NWSL have a VAR problem? We've got some thoughts! In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: Kei Kamara to LAFCInternational call-ups for the KC CurrentInternational club soccer coming to CPKC StadiumUSMNT over Mexico in the Nations LeagueAnd the Messi/Arrowhead update Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Meet the Guest Hosts - 1:38Sporting KC win on the road! - 4:47Are these SKC goals sustainable? - 15:59Repeatable goals, Sporting KC youth and Toronto's offside goal - 23:00Roger Espinoza and the Des Moines Menace - 43:42KC Current win at home (again)! - 55:27Digital Crawl - 1:16:15 Upcoming Schedule: The KC Current have TWO weeks offInter Miami vs. CF Monterrey (CCC) - Wednesday, April 3rd at 7:00 PM CSTDes Moines Menace @ Union Omaha (US Open) - Wednesday, April 3rd at 7:30 PMUSWNT vs Japan - Saturday, April 6th at 11:30 AMSporting KC vs. Portland Timbers - Sunday, April 7th at 12:30 PM Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E12 - For the Glory KC is back with the 77th episode of the show! We start this week with Sporting Kansas City and their utter collapse against the LA Galaxy. Sadly, it was a game they utterly dominated if not for the eight minutes of terror. You simply cannot give up three goals in eight minutes and expect to win. You also can't go up 2-0 and lose games. I do a deliriously short podcast in the middle of the night after the ups and downs of Saturday night. A little For the Glory KC after dark, if you will. The KC Current were around to lift our spirits right after Sporting KC crushed them. They found a way to win on the road against the defending Shield winners, the San Diego Wave. The Current feel like they are going to be really good this year. They did it without two more players, Hailie Mace and Debinha, who showed up on the injury report. Their replacements did quite well! In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: SKC's MLS Cup OddsDany Rosero's Team of the Week winThe KC Current/Portland Thorns TV ratings from ABCThe NWSL/Liga MX Femenil Summer Camp announcementTwo KC Comets legends retireA brief discussion of that wild USMNT game against JamaicaA fun Sacha Kljestan story with the Des Moine MenacePlus, our usual Messi/Arrowhead update (it's sorta bleak) Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC collapse - 1:26The KC Current ride high - 20:34Digital Crawl - 28:49 Upcoming Schedule: KC Current vs Angel City FC, Saturday, March 30th @ 2:30 PM CSTSporting KC @ Toronto FC, Saturday, March 30th @ 6:30 PM Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E11 - For the Glory KC is back with the 76th episode of the show! This week, there is no place to start but with the KC Current and their historic opening of CPKC Stadium. 11,500 showed up for the sellout in an all too thrilling win over the Portland Thorns. The final score of 5-4 almost ruined an otherwise perfect opening day (well, that an Debinha getting injured). But they got the win! Sheena got the fan perspective and got tickets to opening day, and I brought the behind-the-scenes views from the media room, press box and elsewhere in the stadium. From fan experience, to atmosphere, to food and a well-run transportation system, opening day went off with minimal flaws. And of course we talk the thrilling soccer with five different goal scorers, including Vanessa DiBernardo who will forever be the first player to score in the stadium. She was joined by rookie Ellie Wheeler, new signing Bia, KC's returning champion Kristen Hamilton and another rookie, the youngest goal scorer in NWSL history, Alex Pfieffer! And while she didn't score, Temwa Chawinga had an immediate impact, Lo LaBonta was everywhere and 18-year-old rookie Claire Hutton really locked down the midfield. We can't avoid discussing the four goals that got in and look to see if it's a worrying trend or just world class play from a couple Portland superstars. Not to be left out of the amazing weekend are Sporting Kansas City who are undefeated. 'Winless' no longer applies as they got the monkey off their back against the San Jose Earthquakes. Robert Voloder got a surprise start for the injured Andreu Fontas. There were set piece goals in both directions, as well as the return of Remi Walter from injury and Alan Pulido from obscurity. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: Benny Feilhaber is a LegendSporting KC II win and make seven signingsThe KC Comets winThe USWNT win the first ever CONCACAF W Gold CupFormer SKC and KC Current players on the moveand will Messi make it to Arrowhead? Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sheena Learns What a "Celly" is - 2:04KC Current open their stadium - 4:24The Actual KC Current Game - 19:12Those Four Goals Allowed... - 33:09PSA From Sheena & Food Reviews - 38:44Sporting KC Win - 42:53Were the Fans Worn Out by Saturday Night? - 1:01:36Leagues Cup Schedule - 1:07:28Errors and Corrections - 1:09:08Digital Crawl - 1:09:43 Upcoming Schedule: USMNT vs Jamaica, Thurs, March 21st @ 6:00 pm CST (Nations League Semi-final)Sporting KC vs. LA Galaxy, Saturday, March 23rd @ 7:30 PMKC Current at San Diego Wave, Saturday, March 23rd @ 9:00 PM Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E10 - For the Glory KC is back with the 75th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City are still undefeated, but three straight draws aren't exactly what most were hoping for to start the season. But hey, at least they didn't lose! Sheena and I break down the game and get into all sorts of details. We start on a new starting XI that was forced because Remi Walter was out dealing with his ankle injury he picked up against the Philadelphia Union. He was replaced by Memo Rodriguez who had an up and down game. In fact, the whole team had a bit of Jekyll and Hyde vibes. Pretty much every player on the team had at least a good moment or two mixed in with a potentially disastrous play or two. In some cases, it was a lot of good moments from one player (like Andreu Fontas or Tim Melia) but even they had really bad plays too. Of course, we have to address that weird indirect free kick. We talk about our best and worst players, but nearly everyone gets a comment or two in each direction. The conversation also turned to Dany Rosero, in Sheena's eyes, underperforming. It's fitting that she wants him to be more dangerous on set pieces because most of his teammates think he'll lead the team in defenders who score. After the LAFC versus Sporting KC discussion, we turn to news about now former SKC Academy player Ramiz Hamouda. The KC Star's Daniel Sperry put out a nice Twitter thread that broke down the whole situation. We weighed in on it and let the conversation take us back to the SKC/LAFC game a bit. And we can't ignore the KC Current and the start to their season this weekend! They added two more signings, locking down draft picks Ellie Wheeler and Hope Hisey, as well as recalling goalkeeper Jordan Silkowitz from the Brisbane Roar. Plus, our expectations for the first home game both on and off the field. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: SKC II make two signings and wrap up preseasonUSWNT advance to the Gold Cup FinalsWill Messi make it to Arrowhead? Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sheena has a request - 5:27No Remi and Yes, it was a Problem - 8:26Jekyll and Hyde - 15:48That Weird Tim Melia Play - 20:39Who Else Stood Out? - 25:00Ramiz Hamouda/Youth Development - 33:32KC Current - 46:21Errors and Corrections - 56:58Digital Crawl - 58:28 Upcoming Schedule: Inter Miami vs Nashville in CCC, Wednesday, March 13th at 7:15pm CST (winner plays midweek before the Arrowhead game)KC Current vs. Portland Thorns - Saturday, March 16th @ 12:00 PMSporting KC vs. San Jose Earthquakes - Saturday, March 16th @ 7:30 PM Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and are a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E09 - For the Glory KC is back with the 74th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City played their home opener, and it went really well... for 94 minutes. We break down the end of the game, rate the replacement refs and make numerous other observations about the game. Peter Vermes was not very happy, but he didn't blame the replacement refs. Though he did get very fired up in the post-game press conference. Before we get to the soccer though, we have to take a detour to Sporting KC media day. I have a fantastic Remi Walter story to share (to Sheena's utter embarrassment), a few other things that stood out, including Sporting KC's use of analytics and more. We also learn how to pronounce Nemanja Radoja's name, talk about the new stadium upgrades and a lot of other things. Look at the run time! Plus, we have some league wide news around the US Open Cup (and Sporting KC's participation), the new rules that are coming in 2025 from the newly formed Sporting & Competition Committee, some silly Don Garber comments and finally we get to talk kits about both MLS and the NWSL. We also spend a little more time with the KC Current with updates on Nichelle Prince's health, a free shuttle to games and a tiny bit of preseason news. As for the Current's kits... why not just do teal? Olive and York did it for them if you are so inclined. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: SKC II make a signing and have another preseason gameHartzell is out as the ‘hype man’ for SKCSKC Academy CB Ramiz Hamouda signed with the Birmingham Legion (USL)Along with a Carlos Vela rumor outside of LAFC, a PRO/PSRA deadline, Paul Pogba is suspended, no blue cards in 'elite' soccer and USWNT and USYNT updates Here is a rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC Media Day Insights - 4:34Sporting KC vs. Philly - Part 1: The end of the game - 17:33Replacement Refs - 27:58SKC vs Philly - Part 2: Other Observations - 32:10How do you say "Radoja?" - 49:39US Open Cup is on, sorta - 53:28Other MLS news - 58:06Kit Conversations (MLS & NWSL) - 1:02:42KC Current - 1:12:09Digital Crawl - 1:18:43 Upcoming Schedule: Inter Miami at Nashville in CCC, Thursday, March 7th at 8:00pm CST (winner plays midweek before the Arrowhead game)Sporting KC at LAFC, Saturday, March 9th at 9:30pm Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E08 - For the Glory KC is back with the 73rd episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City got the 2024 season underway on Saturday night and it was more of a whimper than a bang, but it's early. While play was sloppy and the passes were often off target, it is only one game into the year and the team managed a draw despite not playing particularly well. Sheena returns to the podcast, and we break down the goals by both teams and a tactical wrinkle with Erik Thommy and Remi Walter. We also look at Peter's subbing patterns, the crappy Houston Dynamo fans booing Memo Rodriguez, a few player debuts and how the replacement refs did. Beyond the game, there was other news around Sporting KC this week. Peter Vermes gave an interview to the KC Star with some juicy information about four Designated Player targets that didn't work out, including Kellyn Acosta and four players to watch as breakout candidates this season. And SKC announced their roster designations including two surprise DPs (Salloi and Radoja) as well as green cards and some clues about new signing salaries. We even get a little behind the scenes from my trip to Swope Soccer Village to watch Sporting KC II play UMKC (they won 5-2). We also spend a little time with the KC Current and MLS at large. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: Who should be Sporting LegendA new SKC II signingA US Open Cup update (and it's not positive)SKC Academy and SPR player Tucker Lepley signs with the LA GalaxyA couple non-roster invitees of the KC Current, including the owners daughterAnd a US Soccer update on the full national team and the U-20 women Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC draw at Houston - 5:31Peter Vermes Interview - 36:48SKC II Behind the Scenes - 42:54SKC Roster Updates - 49:32Around MLS - 55:15KC Current - 57:43Errors and Corrections - 1:07:57Digital Crawl - 1:08:14 Upcoming Schedule: USWNT in the CONCACAF W Gold CupThe Philadelphia Union play Deportivo Saprissa on Tue, Feb 27th at 7:15Sporting KC host Philadelphia Union - Saturday, March 2nd at 7:30 KC Current play the Houston Dash in preseason next Sunday (March 3rd) Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E07 - For the Glory KC is back with the 72nd episode of the show! Before we get to the soccer, despite my efforts to mostly keep the podcast out of the political realm, we have to speak of the horrible tragedy at Union Station this week in Kansas City. It shouldn't be political, but it somehow is. I realize sports are an escape for many, myself included, but I can't sit idly by. There are time stamps below if you want to 'stick to the soccer.' Or if you don't want to listen, that's your right too. Speaking of the soccer, we get to that, but it's a little different this week. My co-host and wife, Sheena, is ill so I have a guest host! We talked about Sporting Kansas City playing their final preseason game and how they pulled off a 3-1 win over Atlanta United on Saturday. Plus, the resulting Peter Vermes quotes on Johnny Russell and Tim Leibold's injuries, how they approached preseason differently and of course all the goals. From there we preview the Sporting KC season, with a brief look back at the offseason. Then we move on to the opening day opponent, the Houston Dynamo. Not to be left out is the news that PRO referees are going on strike and replacement refs will be used to start the MLS season. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: Sporting KC II start preseason (and lose...)As do the KC Current (and win!)Updates on SKC connected folks, including Nate Bukaty, Cam Duke, Kendall McIntosh and Tyler FreemanAnd the Messi update returns, with good and bad news for Miami Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): A marred celebration in KC - 1:27Guest Host - 9:15SKC Preseason Win, Quotes and Possible Signings - 10:59SKC Season Preview - 18:49Houston Dynamo Preview - 30:11Referees on Strike - 41:17Errors and Corrections - 48:41Digital Crawl - 50:05 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E06 - For the Glory KC is back with the 71st episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City didn't have any huge news in the week, but there were a lot of little stories building towards the start of 2024. First, the roster seems set with the news that Kellyn Acosta would not be signing with Sporting KC and Peter Vermes confirming it's "highly unlikely" a Designated Player is signed before Week 1. Sheena and I share how we're feeling about the roster. Then we weigh in on Khiry Shelton's now serious injury and surgery, Daniel Salloi's injury situation and how preseason is going for Sporting KC and if it leaves us feeling optimistic or pessimistic. Plus, we have to talk about the possible advent of Blue Cards in soccer around the world. Blue cards -- they aren't just for indoor soccer anymore! IFAB is considering 10-minute "sin bin" penalties for dissent and cynical fouls that would leave a team down a man. Also, two blue cards equal a red, or a blue and a yellow equal a red (which is confusing because those are all primary colors). The KC Current don't get much love this week because I couldn't get to media day on super short notice. That said, Kristen Hamilton dropped some promising quotes in the KC Star, and we talk about the outlook for 2024. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: Benny Feilhaber's near departureSKC II's schedule is outStill no firm US Open Cup plans for MLSThe USYNT U-17 girls are going to the U-17 World Cup!Plus: Diego Rubio, new SKC announcers, former players on the move and the USL Super League Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): The Super Bowl and Chad's "Super Bowl" - 1:38No Acosta or any other DP - 9:19Shelton injured - 22:25SKC Preseason Win and Salloi Update - 25:04Blue Cards? - 33:10KC Current - 41:04(NEW SEGMENT) Errors and Corrections - 44:24Digital Crawl - 46:25 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S03E05 - For the Glory KC is back with the 70th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City had a relative active week, considering how slow the offseason has been. They played the final preseason game of leg one before coming to and from KC in the proceeding days. They'll be back in Miami by the time you read this. Outside of the preseason game itself, a 2-1 Nashville SC win, Peter Vermes gave updates on player performances, Khiry Shelton's injury and more. Then there were the transactions. Sporting KC made a trade that could open the door for a future move and added Memo Rodriguez as depth. I lay out my theory how the next few weeks and then summer transfer window may play out. My masterplan if you will (that's during segment two, timestamp below). Then we switched gears to talk about Sporting KC's youth development problem and its latest saga with Ramiz Hamouda leaving the SKC Academy without a contract and the team getting nothing for him. We also briefly talked Leagues Cup news too. The KC Current made a series of signings this week too (Mallory Weber, Regan Steigleder and Sophie Braun) as well as an extension for Lo LaBonta. Vlatko Andonovski also gave some training updates and let us know who is a full participant and who we'll still have to wait on. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: KC gets six (!) World Cup games.Daniel Salloi is changing numbers again.Several former KC Current players are on the move.KU football at Children's Mercy Park.and Kelyn Rowe retires. Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): SKC Preseason Results and News - 5:13SKC Make a Signing and Trade + My Masterplan - 12:25Sad SKC Academy News - 24:59Leagues Cup Opponents and Hosting - 36:35KC Current Signings and News - 40:50Digital Crawl - 48:50 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S03E04 - For the Glory KC is back with the 69th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City have a lot going on this week, considering real soccer is still nearly a month away. A topic to break Sheena's heart is if Kellyn Acosta, rumored to be joining KC, is being looked at to replace Remi Walter long-term. He primarily plays that same position and Remi is out of contract after the 2024 season. We take a look at the cost and fit of Acosta within Sporting KC. We also briefly discuss Memo Rodriguez being on trial, the 3-3 Sporting KC/Charlotte FC draw and all the Peter Vermes quotes that came out of the post-game presser. Plus, our takes on the leaked Sporting KC secondary kit, the other leaked MLS kits and Sheena does her first "bio" of 2024, covering Marinos Tzionis. Who else would you like to see a mini-bio on? The KC Current have a ton going on as well. We go over the schedule release, all the signings (Bia Zanaratto, Desiree Scott and Bayley Feist), the trialists and the departures (Cassie Miller, Mimmi Larsson). And I have a radical idea that the NWSL should adopt -- getting rid of trades. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: Felipe Gutierrez retiresChance Myers is the Technical Director in NashvillePRO may be going on strikeHector Herrera is out for the SKC openerThat bizarre Jesus Ferreira/FC Dallas/Russia sagaRylan Childers signs in DenmarkAnd Inter Miami players are dropping like flies Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): How do we feel about Kellyn Acosta on SKC? - 5:41Memo Rodriguez on Trial with Sporting - 18:53Preseason results and PV quotes - 22:28Leaked MLS kit thoughts - 38:58Sheena does a Marinos Tzionis Bio - 47:51KC Current Schedule - 52:26Lots of KC Current roster moves - 1:00:18Digital Crawl - 1:11:23 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S03E03 - For the Glory KC is back with the 68th episode of the show! Sporting Kansas City, against everything I personally expected, did the right thing and moved on from Gavin Wilkinson. But somehow, they still got that wrong. From the non-apology given by Mike Illig to Peter Vermes' refusal to even entertain answering questions about the whole situation in Saturday's press conference. We have thoughts! We do get to actually talking soccer this time out though, getting into all the Sporting KC preseason news. From the roster to the schedule and the results of the first game. Plus, we catch up on that Kortne Ford signing that got lost last week. And did Roger Espinoza officially retire?  The KC Current are back in the news for many reasons. We catch up on their two trades and weigh in on yet another player being caught out by their trade. We also catch up on their rumored signings (Desiree Scott and Bia) as well as the 2024 NWSL College Draft. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: 2026 World Cup Final locationFormer KC players/coaches update (Busio, Nguyen)A couple smart MLS trades from rivals St. Louis City and Real Salt LakeKC Current staff announcementsSam Mewis retiringMore NWSL Expansion for 2026 Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Wilkinson is gone - 5:09New controversy from the Wilkinson hire - 13:38Sporting KC Preseason - 36:12Sheena wants signings! - 44:29Espinoza officially retired? - 50:48Kortne Ford to SKC II - 53:40Gautrat and Kizer Trades - 57:12A Rumored three Current signings - 1:08:32The NWSL draft - 1:12:28Digital Crawl - 1:16:46 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E02 - For the Glory KC is back with the 67th episode of the podcast but it's going to be a little different than usual. Sporting Kansas City made headlines this week with the hiring of Gavin Wilkinson as the team's new Sporting Director. It's a search we didn't hear about until the hire was made. Peter Vermes gave up his title but got a new one -- Chief Soccer Officer. Wilkinson will report to Vermes, even though it's often the other way around with a coach/manager and the Sporting Director. For the podcast this week, instead of doing our cheery, usual thing, we've decided to dive deeper into the Wilkinson hire. No digital crawl. No KC Current news (why drag them into this). No news on other signings or happenings around the team or the league. That will come at another time (maybe). This is dedicated to Wilkinson's history that led us to this place today. Because not everyone wants to listen to us talk for an hour, I'll put a portion of the podcast details in writing, so they can live there forever. What I will tell you about myself is I'm an 'evidence guy.' While I wrote the initial 'news' piece of the report of Wilkinson's hire, I tried to minimize how much my opinion was in that story. After spending many hours reading the Yates Report and other sources, I feel confident in my final position. But you can decide for yourself. I will tell you this is by far the most research I've put into a podcast that is usually just a husband and wife talking about the teams they love. I'm tired, but I hope it was worth it! It's been a mentally draining four days since the announcement. Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Gavin Wilkinson - 02:33Timeline - 05:13Brief Andy Polo Summary - 23:29We weigh in - 26:55 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S3E01 - For the Glory KC is back with the 66th episode of the show and the first episode of season three. And waiting an extra day brought a lot of news! Sporting Kansas City made waves on Monday when they did something that I personally thought was just a fun op-ed I wrote. They moved the Sporting KC versus Inter Miami/Messi game to the Kansas City Chiefs Arrowhead Stadium. Sheena and I discuss the pros, the cons and the massive risks the team is taking. The potential for embarrassment, either by Messi not playing or Sporting KC simply losing, could be disastrous (except for the impact to their wallets). I'll also go ahead and place this poll here, so we see how it ends. The fanbase looks pretty divided on this one as of publication. Then we switch gears to a tease by Sporting KC of the return to Argyle Kits. It's not clear if it's for the secondary kit, which gets replaced this year, or the rumored third kits that may be returning. But this has to mean we're getting Argyle Kits, right? The KC Current don't want to be left out as they made an intriguing signing adding Malawi forward Temwa Chawinga. Plus, the NWSL made some mostly promising rule changes that kick in for 2024 that we go over. In the Digital Crawl, we touch on the following topics: Gadi Kinda's farewell and that bizarre signing videoSKC assistant, Ash Wallace, getting an extensionChardonnay Curran signs with the Chicago Red StarsCarline Sjoblom rejoins SwedenNJ/NY Gotham FC sign all the USWNT playersAnd big MLS moves from the Colorado Rapids and FC Cincinnati Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): They moved the SKC/Miami game to Arrowhead - 7:03Argyle Kits?!?! - 37:15KC Current sign Temwa Chawinga - 42:44NWSL Rule Changes - 48:53PRO work stoppage imminent - 53:24Digital Crawl - 56:44 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S2E58 - For the Glory KC is back with the 65th episode of the show and the final podcast of season two and 2023! We look back on 2023 and our favorite memories from Sporting Kansas City and the KC Current. Sadly, we have to talk about Gadi Kinda no longer being on Sporting KC, even if we've seen it coming for weeks. Then we break down the 2024 Sporting KC MLS schedule. The biggest dates, the possible road trips and of course, Messi. Which naturally led us to the debate about if the Inter Miami game should be moved from Children's Mercy Park to Arrowhead Stadium. The SKC preseason was also announced, meaning no more preseason trips to Arizona, but Florida is on the table. We give some new details on the three Sporting KC draft picks, some changes to the US Open Cup (again) and of course, the Digital Crawl, y'all. In the Digital Crawl, we breeze through the following topics: A possible third kit is being released for Sporting KCSKC II add 19-year-old Haris AlisahFormer KC Current players Addisyn Merrick and Elyse Bennett land in UtahLots of personal news for Cece Kizer, Erik Thommy and Kortne FordAnd the revelation today that Hugo Lloris is signing with LAFC Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Favorite memories of SKC/Current for 2023 - 4:33Gadi Kinda is officially gone - 14:00Sporting KC’s schedule is out - 20:02Should SKC move the Messi game to Arrowhead - 31:15Sporting KC preseason announced - 43:53SKC draft 3 players in the SuperDraft - 48:16US Open Cup update - 54:28Digital Crawl - 58:32 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S2E57 - For the Glory KC is back with the 64th episode of the show! On this week's episode we decide to do a "double episode" with Christmas coming next week and likely a slow news week with it. If you are only interested in certain teams/topics, be sure to check out the run down below. We start the show with Sporting Kansas City as they made some moves this week and a few more rumors rolled in. We get into the signings of left back Zorhan Bassong and forward Alenis Vargas. Sheena and I share our thoughts on the players and how the roster spending flexibility hasn't been impacted much by these moves. Sadly, that brought us to Gadi Kinda, who is "extremely unlikely" to return according to reporting from Paul Tenorio and Tom Bogert. Then we turned our attention to Major League Soccer at large. MLS took the extraordinarily (stupid) move of removing all MLS teams from the 2024 US Open Cup. We have thoughts! And then we get into a mostly positive set of rule changes, that certainly don't go far enough to capture the attention of the audience with Messi only in Miami for two more season. The spending isn't changing much but some of the time wasting may be a thing of the past. The KC Current also made some big moves this week, swinging an unpopular trade for expansion draft protection and signing two other players in other transactions. Izzy Rodriguez re-joins the team, and 17-year-old Claire Hutton will come over from New York. Finally, we get to the Digital Crawl. We breeze through the following topics: The Sporting KC U-19s got eliminated from the UPSL playoffsSeveral little KC Current news nuggetsThe KC Comets earn a mention (listen to Thad for way more on the Comets)The upcoming CONCACAF Champions Cupand Bruce Arena is reinstated to MLS Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Sporting KC Make Two Signings - 4:45Gadi Kinda almost certainly gone - 20:00MLS Teams out of the US Open Cup - 26:53MLS Rule Changes - 39:01The Current trade Kate Del Fava - 50:15KC Current make two signings - 1:01:12Our MLS Schedule wishes - 1:07:29How we got into Sporting KC - 1:13:34Digital Crawl (including the schedule) - 1:25:17 **Apologies in advance, there is a little crosstalk between us. We record on a website (Riverside) that captures our audio to our computers, so we were apparently cutting out live, but just talking over one another on the hard recording. It's not a ton, but it happens! Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S2E56 - For the Glory KC is back with the 63rd episode of the show! On this week's episode, Sporting Kansas City didn't do a darn thing this week, but we still found stuff to talk about. There was a minor rumor, already covered here on KCSJ, about Gadi Kinda. MLS Commissioner Don Garber gave his State of the League address, and he dropped a few nuggets: The MLS schedule is coming December 20th!!There is no break for Copa America in 2024No fourth Designated Player is coming, but rule changes areHow to deal with the 2026 World Cup scheduleMLS Expansion (Phoenix, Tampa and others mentioned)and more! Then we moved over and talked about the Twitter Mailbag. Next time we'll have to expand to Instagram and the comments on the KC Soccer Journal. We took a lot of questions on youth development, Peter Vermes, offseason moves that are done and are still to come, stadium experiences and more. Finally, we get to the Digital Crawl. We breeze through the following topics: US Soccer bidding on the 2027 Women's World CupOther US international resultsThe KC Current made a couple announcementsand Logan Ndenbe got engaged! Congratulations! Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Gadi Kinda Update - 5:58Don Garber’s State of the League - 13:02Sporting KC Mailbag - 23:22Digital Crawl - 1:08:02 The offseason picks up Monday, check the schedule! Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support

S2E55 - For the Glory KC is back with the 62nd episode of the show! On this week's episode, Sporting Kansas City made a series of massive roster decisions likely ending the KC soccer careers of Roger Espinoza and Graham Zusi. Sheena and I commiserate, remember fond times and get some of the feels out about their departure. On top of that, we talk about if the moves make sense and how we wanted to see their careers end. Plus, could they end up on other clubs? There is a lot of Roger and Zusi talk to kick off the pod. Then we move to the other moves on the roster. From Kortne Ford and the center back situation to our child's proclamation that she has disowned the team over Cam Duke's departure. We can't skip Sheena's favorite player Remi Walter, or the news Johnny Russell is coming back and what that means for roster spend and flexibility. There is still a fair amount to discuss around the rest of the roster including Gadi Kinda, Kendall McIntosh, Stephen Afrifa, Willy Agada and more. Beyond that, Peter Vermes has already come out and said the team needs a backup goalkeeper, left back for the injured Ndenbe, another CB (they already have five), midfielders plural and help in the attack. With 24 roster spots filled and only six available, that's six players right there. We give an early preview of what else we think this team needs to do this offseason. Additionally, PV addresses the talk of a fourth Designated Player and changes to the current DP rules and we weigh in on that. Then we speed through the handball that PRO got wrong, and the Sporting KC II roster moves. Finally, we get to the Digital Crawl. We breeze through the following topics: The next USMNT friendly was announcedTim Howard is going into the soccer HOFMatt Miazga gets suspendedAnd the MLS offseason calendar Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times): Thank you, listeners! - 5:11Zusi and Espinoza are gone - 7:05Ford, Duke, McIntosh, Russel, Remi, other moves and PV's needs - 28:20Is there going to be a 4th Designated Player? - 49:46PRO admits they got it wrong on the handball call - 55:55SKC II’s roster moves - 1:03:00Digital Crawl - 1:06:25 Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on "Listener Support." Don't feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we'd appreciate your donation. Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. --- Send in a voice message: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/message Support this podcast: https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/fortheglorykc/support