The Free Kick

Because MLS thought it would be a great idea to play soccer during a FIFA window, we get more Union soccer this weekend! Joining the podcast for the first time and helping preview Saturday's Philadelphia Union v Orlando City game is the other half of the State Side Soccer Show and City Beautiful Soccer, Logan Stump! Todd and Logan discuss Logan's first-year experience in the Orlando City pressbox...

Have you ever seen anything like that? VAR overturns a VAR call in the CF Montreal v Philadelphia Union game! Todd breaks down all the action from that game and gives his thoughts on the production from the attacking third, Julian Carranza's red card, and why Joe Bendik wasn't to blame for the loss. Todd also talks about the latest MLS News, including Houston Dynamo signing FC Midtjylland captain...

Three days is all you needed to see a completely different Philadelphia Union side from the team that took on Chicago Fire last Saturday. Todd breaks down the Chicago Fire match from (3/11) and gives his thoughts on Tuesday's (3/14) CONCACAF Champions League v Alianza. Todd goes over the latest MLS news that includes: FC Cincinnati signing Nick Hagglund to a contract extension, MLS propose a tempo...

After The Philadelphia Union's 2-0 loss last weekend against Inter Miami and their 0-0 draw against Alianza FC in CONCACAF Champions League, the Union returns to Subaru Park to face Chicago Fire. Returning to the podcast is former Chicago Fire PxP and current MLS commentator Tyler Terens! Tyler discusses his thoughts on the Apple/MLS deal and how it feels to work with Devon Kerr once again. Todd a...

First away match of the season for Philadelphia Union's first loss, as they fall to Inter Miami 2-0. Todd gives his thoughts on the game and why it's not time to overreact or panic yet, Union fans. Todd discusses MLS Matchday 1, "Team of Matchday," and talks about how Inter Miami dominated this game through their midfield and how hopefully, this was a humbling experience for the Union. He also rev...

Joining the podcast to help preview Saturday's Inter Miami v Philadelphia Union match is long-time MLS writer Franco Panizo. Franco talks about his backstory and how he got involved in covering soccer with Ives Galarcep, and how Franco got a red card in a media soccer game?! Franco also gives his thoughts on Miami's game against CF Montreal from last week, the offseason Inter Miami has had, bringi...

The first game of 2023 is official in the books for the Philadelphia Union as they defeat Columbus Crew on opening day by a score of 4-1! Todd discussed the latest MLS news that includes: Philadelphia Union signing Nelson Pierre, MLS and Adidas new contract, MLS confirms playoff changes, and Ernst Tanner turns down USMNT Sporting director role. Todd then discusses Saturday's game against the Colum...

It's finally here; the start of the 2023 MLS season is only ONE day away, which sees the Philadelphia Union open at home v Columbus Crew! Todd breaks down Columbus's offseason and discusses how there are a few similarities between how Columbus played last season under Caleb Porter and how CF Montreal played under Wilfried Nancy.    Columbus Crew: The Crew's offseason:  [5:19] Key players for Colum...

It's everyone's favorite time of the year, prediction time! Todd discusses who will be the Union's top goal scorer, assister, best defender, best newcomer, best homegrown, and team MVP. On top of that, he also takes a look at the Union schedules and discusses how he sees the Union fairing with all their games/competitions and how he sees the Eastern and Western Conferences playing out!    Union Pr...

With some recent news breaking about Jack McGlynn signing a new contract, Abasa Aremeyaw having his contract terminated, and MLS proposing a 9-team per conference playoffs, that made for a good podcast recording! Todd discusses Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin's press conference from this past week and discusses: Playing different formations v New England and the depth the Union has, Jesus...

Part two of the crossover pod between Its Always Soccer In Philadelphia and The Free Kick. Kevin Kinkead joins the podcast to talk about how he got involved with soccer and the media landscape + continuing the conversation of VOX Media axing their MLS Coverage on SB Nation; MLS still won't stream preseason games; how realistic is it that the Union will win a trophy this year; what former Union pla...

With the end of our United Soccer Coaches Convention mini-series, we turn our attention to the 2023 Philadelphia Union season! The Philadelphia Union have made quite a bit of moves this offseason, trading for Andres Perea, Damion Lowe, and Joaquin Torres. On top of those moves, the Union has acquired to trade homegrown goalkeeper Matt Freese to NCYCFC. Finally, Todd takes a look at the English bro...

Our final interview from the United Soccer Coaches Convention sees Absalom Solorio join the pod! Absalom serves as the Digital Marketing Specialist for United Soccer Coaches and the guy in charge of setting up podcast row at the convention! Absalom is a former soccer player at Niagara and Drake Universities, as well as MASL side KC Comets. Todd and Absalom talk about how Absalom first got into soc...

Our second to latest podcast episode sees Author Tim Schum join the podcast to talk about his connection to the sport of soccer. Tim also discusses the connection Pennsylvania, and in particular, Philadelphia, had on growing the sport of soccer here in America. With the likes of Robert W. Robinson, Lower Merion High School (PA), Walter Chyzowych, Philadelphia Textile University, Wake Forest Univer...

Live from the Philadelphia Convention center; it's United Soccer Coaches Convention week! Returning to the podcast is Philadelphia Union goalkeeper coach Phil Wheddon! Todd and Phil discuss a wide variety of topics that include: Sharing information with others, playing down in Charlotte during a hurricane, LAFC v Philadelphia Union final, fan atmosphere, drafting Holden Trent, Andrew Rick's future...

Live from the Philadelphia Convention center; it's United Soccer Coaches Convention week! Joining the podcast for the first time since his appearance on Full Time Podcast is Kevin Pettit of LADS (Loud Americans Discussing Soccer)! Todd and Kevin talk EA Sports FIFA, LADS Podcast, MLS, the Union, and supporting local soccer!       Social Media: Twitter: @ FreeKickPod Instagram: @ FreeKickPod Facebo...

Live from the Philadelphia Convention center; it's United Soccer Coaches Convention week! Joining the podcast is legendary US commentator JP Dellacamera!    Why MISL:  [1:00] Could MASL reach the MISL glory days:  [2:42] Potential for Philadelphia Kixx to be back:  [4:23] Should Baltimore Blast change stadiums:  [4:56] Supporters culture in MASL:  [6:23] Potential partnerships:  [7:49] Player move...

Live from the Philadelphia Convention center; it's United Soccer Coaches Convention week! Joining the podcast is legendary US commentator JP Dellacamera!    Why MISL:  [1:00] Could MASL reach the MISL glory days:  [2:42] Potential for Philadelphia Kixx to be back:  [4:23] Should Baltimore Blast change stadiums:  [4:56] Supporters culture in MASL:  [6:23] Potential partnerships:  [7:49] Player move...

Live from the Philadelphia Convention center; it's United Soccer Coaches Convention week! Joining the podcast is USMNT Legend Alexi Lalas! We discuss how Alexi got into soccer, the 2022 MLS season, where MLS will be in 10-20 years, excitement around the 2023 Women's World Cup, Greg Berhalter v Reyna's, and Pique's 7v7 league!   2022 Philadelphia Union season:  [0:50] MLS Cup Final:  [1:49] MLS/App...

Live from the Philadelphia Convention center; it's United Soccer Coaches Convention week! Joining the podcast is MLS Insider, Tom Bogert! Tom joins the podcast to discuss his college soccer playing days, how he started working for MLS, building connections, any stories he regretting breaking, where MLS can be in 10-20 years, will Brenner start the season with FC Cincinnati, Union linked with Joaqu...

Live from the Philadelphia Convention center; it's United Soccer Coaches Convention week! Joining the podcast is former Maryland University and Philadelphia Union goalkeeper Thorne Holder. Thorne discusses playing soccer at the University of Maryland, signing for Philadelphia Union in 201, and memories from that team, including the Everton friendly!     Social Media: Twitter: @ FreeKickPod Instagr...

Live from the Philadelphia Convention center; it's United Soccer Coaches Convention week! Joining the podcast for the very first time is Philadelphia Union head coach Jim Curtin! Jim discusses what the preseason has looked like so far for the Union, how Andres Perea is fitting in with the team, the plan with Jose Riasco, switching to a three-in-the-back formation, Jim's ability to develop coaches,...

Live from the Philadelphia Convention center; it's United Soccer Coaches Convention week! Joining the podcast for the very first time is Brotherly Games, Greg Oldfield! Todd, Greg, and Billy take a look at the 2022 Philadelphia Union season and discuss if it was a failure or not? Greg gives his thoughts on the atmosphere at Banc of California Stadium as he went out to cover MLS Cup. The guys also...

Live from the Philadelphia Convention center; it's United Soccer Coaches Convention week! Billy Myers joins Todd to discuss the Philadelphia Union's greatest 10 players and the best Union XI!   Top 10 Greatest Union Players: [4:26] Best Union XI: [18:18]   Social Media: Twitter: @ FreeKickPod Instagram: @ FreeKickPod Facebook: @ FreeKickPod thefreekick.net   Billy's Social Media: Twitter: @ Sanjay...

This is a two-parter interview with Bearfight FC co-founder Jeremy Sharpe. Todd and Jeremy spend the second part of the episode talking about the future of Bearfight FC!         Social Media: Twitter: @ FreeKickPod Instagram: @ FreeKickPod Facebook: @ FreeKickPod thefreekick.net   Jeremy Social Media: Twitter: @ Jersha Instagram: @ jersha Twitter: @ BearfightFC