The Free Kick

This is a two-parter interview with Bearfight FC co-founder Jeremy Sharpe. Todd and Jeremy spend the first part of the episode talking about how Jeremy got into Philadelphia Union and how that fandom led to the creation of non-league club Bearfight FC!    Philadelphia Union: How Jeremy got into Philadelphia Union:  [2:43] Was 2022 a success:  [10:50] Creation of Bearfight FC: Stachebash: [13:10] P...

In a very special episode, Todd is joined by longtime Piccadilly FC manager Cem Toygar to talk about the importance of grassroots soccer. Todd and Cem speak about their relationship, how they got to meet, and how Cem got involved with the London Underground Football League. They also take a look at Cem's first MLS match that involved Nashville SC and Portland Timbers and how MLS compares to Englis...

With Philadelphia Union's End of The Season Press Conference on Friday, that marks the end of the 2022 season! Todd discusses his five biggest takeaways from the press conference that includes: Union's roster next season will have 27-28 players, tactical flexibility, Union will replace any players that leave in the January transfer window, Union won't stop players from going to Europe, and the num...

And after battling back twice against LAFC, it wasn't enough for Philadelphia Union as they lose to LAFC in penalties in the MLS Cup. Todd records his thoughts straight after the game on Saturday, and after sleeping on the result gives an update on how he feels the game went. Todd talks about how he thought the Union dominated this game, but how unprecedented mistakes on set pieces cost the Union,...

The 2022 MLS Cup Final between LAFC and Philadelphia Union is finally here! Todd goes live on Twitter Spaces for this special episode and is joined by the Spaces regulars to talk all things Union and MLS. With MLS announcing the best XI, Todd and his Twitter Spaces guests take a look at the list and discuss who was snubbed and who shouldn't have been on the list? They also discuss how the Union go...

THE PHILADELPHIA UNION ARE EASTERN CONFERENCE CHAMPIONS! Todd discusses Sunday's Philadelphia Union v NYCFC Eastern Conference Final and talks about what stood out the most to him. Todd discusses the relationship between Union players and fans, and why it's not just some PR gimmick like in Europe. Todd also gives his thoughts on the latest MLS news that includes: Ben Olsen to be named Houston Dyna...

In a game that was always going to force someone unusual to step up, Leon Flach steps up in the most significant moment, delivering the game-winning goal as Philadelphia Union overcame FC Cincinnati in their first-ever MLS playoff run. Todd discusses his overall thoughts on the game and how the Union was able to get the decisive goal. Todd also looks at his keys to the game, and discusses his bigg...

With the first round of the 2022 MLS Playoffs complete, the Philadelphia Union will see FC Cincinnati for a third time this second (second at Subaru Park). Once again Todd is joined by FC Cincinnati Play by Play, Tom Gelehrter (Tommy G)! Todd and Tommy discuss Cincinnati's historic regular season, and how Pat Noonan, Chris Albright, and Kyle McCarthy were able to turn things around so quickly in C...

With the MLS regular season over and the playoffs about to start, what better time to go over some season awards? Todd is joined by Philly Union Nation's, Skyler Hoffner to discuss their Philadelphia Union and MLS awards. Categories include: Defender, Goalkeeper, Newcomer, Young Player, and MVP of the year, as well as most memorable/disappointing memory from the 2022 Union regular season. Todd and...

And just like that, the 2022 regular season is finally over! Todd discusses Sunday's Philadelphia Union victory over Toronto FC, as the Union broke yet again MORE records on MLS decision day. Todd also takes a look at MLS' Playoff schedule and who the Union will play on October 20th, should JP Dellacamera be included in the Union Ring of Honor, and choosing what MLS broadcasters get brought on boa...

When you're bad, you're bad, and after a 4-0 trashing, there's not many ways to analyze a game. It's been a little while since we've had a proper news segment, this time with three topics that include: United Soccer Coaches Convention in Philadelphia, MLS End of Season Nominees, and the MLS Expansion Draft. Todd discusses his thoughts from Charlotte's beat down of Philadelphia Union on Saturday, a...

Unfortunately, no midweek preview of this Saturday's Charlotte FC v Philadelphia Union match, but we do have a midweek Twitter Spaces episode! Todd is joined by Ricky Zellefrow and Kyle and Jillian Almoney to discuss MLS' 22u22 list that sees three Union players on the list (Jack McGlynn, Paxten Aaronson, and Leon Flach), favorite moments in the BY|U (21-22 Away) jerseys, and best away trips they...

Unfortunately, no midweek preview of this Saturday's Charlotte FC v Philadelphia Union match, but we do have a midweek Twitter Spaces episode! Todd is joined by Ricky Zellefrow and Kyle and Jillian Almoney to discuss MLS' 22u22 list that sees three Union players on the list (Jack McGlynn, Paxten Aaronson, and Leon Flach), favorite moments in the BY|U (21-22 Away) jerseys, and best away trips they...

What a special episode in store for Union fans! Philadelphia Union goalkeeping coach Phil Wheddon joins the show to discuss his coaching career and how he ended up with the Union! Phil talks about coaching with the MetroStars and both the USMNT and USWMNT and getting the chance to work with some of the best goalkeepers in US history including Kasey Keller, Tim Howard, Brianna Scurry, and Hope Solo...

Make that 5 consecutive home matches that The Philadelphia Union has scored 4+ goals, outscoring opponents 25-3! Todd talks about Saturday night's Philadelphia Union v Orlando City game and takes a look at The Union's home record since last September's CCL loss to Club America at home. Todd discusses: The Union finding multiple ways to beat teams, The Union's desire to always pass forward, and Nat...

Another history-breaking weekend this week for Philadelphia Union as they defeated New York Red Bulls on Saturday. This weekend The Union broke their wins record on the road (7), most wins in a season (17), most points in a season (60), most shutouts in a season (13), and most goals in the regular season (63), all of that with 4 games remaining! Todd discusses his overall thoughts from the game, h...

Another home match and another home victory for Philadelphia Union as they defeat Atlanta United Wednesday night! Todd breaks down the game and discusses what stood out to him on the night, including the horrible goalkeeping on display against The Union, and why The 2022 Union team will go down as one of the best in MLS history. Todd also talks about a play-play club soccer team whining about "mon...

WOW, who would've thought we would reach 200 episodes of The Free Kick Podcast?! For this very special episode, Todd decided to go live on Twitter Spaces to talk about all things Philadelphia Union that includes: Philadelphia Union v Colorado Rapids, Lack of Center Back Depth for The Union, Union not getting the recognition they deserve from National Media, Ernst Tanner's impact, FiveThirtyEight's...

The Philadelphia Union continues to write history, with 4 six-goal wins in MLS history, which is a new record! Todd discusses the latest MLS news that includes: Philadelphia Union sign Jeremy Rafanello to a homegrown contract, LAFC announce the signing of Cristian Tello, and the loan of Mamadou Fall to Villareal. Todd also discusses Saturday night's Philadelphia Union v Colorado Rapids match and h...

With Philadelphia Union taking on Colorado Rapids this Saturday, Todd looks ahead of this match for what Union fans should be aware of. Todd discusses William Yarbrough's struggles in goal this season, Colorado offensively and defensively compared to last season and the series history between these two clubs!   Colorado v Houston Dynamo:  [ William Yarbrough's struggles:  [ Colorado defensively: ...

With Philadelphia Union taking on Colorado Rapids this Saturday, Todd looks ahead of this match for what Union fans should be aware of. Todd discusses William Yarbrough's struggles in goal this season, Colorado offensively and defensively compared to last season and the series history between these two clubs!   Colorado v Houston Dynamo:  [ William Yarbrough's struggles:  [ Colorado defensively: ...

Two games against DC United, and two 6+ goal games from Philadelphia Union! On a night that looked like DC would strike first, The Union hung in there and weathered the storm against an energetic DC United team. Todd discusses his thoughts from the match, and how Julian Carranza might not be long for MLS or The Union as he notches his second hat trick of the season. Todd also discusses the latest...

The wait continues for Philadelphia Union as they continue to look for their first-ever win at Toyota Stadium, as they fall 1-0 to FC Dallas Wednesday night. Todd discusses the updated player values for The Union, as Transfer Market has updated the value of MLS players for the first time since 2021. Todd also discussed his thoughts on Wednesday night's game, which was a lackluster attacking perfor...

After a disappointing loss to FC Cincinnati the previous week, The Philadelphia Union bounce back Saturday night against visiting Chicago Fire! Todd discusses his experience Saturday night at the game, looks at the latest Kai Wagner rumors to Leeds United, and why it isn't okay to wear other teams' jerseys to Union games. He also gives his thoughts from Saturday's game and looks at what The Union...

Saturday night sees The Philadelphia Union lose for the third time this season, as they fall to FC Cincinnati by a score of 3-1. Todd discusses his thoughts from this game, and how Jack Elliott, Jakob Glesnes, and Jose Martinez all played their worst game in a Philadelphia Union uniform. Todd discusses how Pat Noonan was able to get the best of Jim Curtin and his squad. Todd also discusses the lat...