For the Glory KC - A Sporting KC Podcast

For the Glory KC is back with the 194th episode of the show!Before we get to the podcast, if you'd like to support us, we talked at the very end of the episode about Upside. It's an app you can use to buy gas, eat out and in some cities buy groceries and get cash back for buying what you are going to buy anyways. If you want to support the podcast by doing what you are already doing, join Upside with our affiliate link.***Sporting Kansas City played soccer this week, but the focus was mostly on the transfer window. Sadly, it was more about what didn't get done than what did. Can we take back what we said last week about how the transfer rumors were more fun than the games? When it all falls through, it's quite disappointing.Sheena and I talked about what did get done (two loans for teenagers within MLS) and what didn't (Yann Gboho and Paulos Abraham, among others). Plus, the fallout and the press conference from David Lee. It was a robust discussion about the state of the team with a real mix of casual perspective and deeper analysis.Sporting KC also played a thrilling 4-3 game against FC Dallas that was unfortunately a loss. Taylor Calheira had a breakout performance and Capita found new life on the left side of the attack. There was lots to like, including a statistically dominant performance and a lot to dislike with four goals going into SKC's net. Is it he defense? Is it goalkeeping? Sporting KC just taking their foot off the gas of their attack and press? Something else?We also work through the long list of injured players for Sporting KC, which now includes Jake Davis, Zorhan Bassong, Ian James, Calvin Harris and a positive update for Owen Wolff.In more positive news, the KC Current won another game! 2-1 over Bay FC on the road. The trouble is no one is talking about that since the team "mutually parted ways" with Vlatko Andonovski. What does it mean? Is he getting a new job? (Does he want to coach Sporting KC?) Sheena and I work through all the possibilities.In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:MLS is back in the US Open Cup in full!Here is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 4:36KC Current - 50:12Digital Crawl - 1:36:43Upcoming GamesKC Current vs. Orlando Pride, FRI, Sept 11 at 7:00PM CSTSporting KC vs. LAFC, SAT, Sept 12 at 7:30PM CSTSKC II vs. LAFC 2, SUN, Sept 13 at 7:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 193rd episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City had another eventful week and maybe they'll do a lot more business in the next three days before the transfer window closes.We start off the podcast with the record U22 Initiative signing of Owen Wolff from Austin FC. The 21-year-old midfielder/left winger/forward will hopefully help what ails Sporting KC. As soon as he recovers from his ankle injury. SKC have one remaining U22 spot they can fill and it'll be intriguing to see if they spend big again.Then we found out the details around Dejan Joveljic and Manu Garcia's departures. Why sell Dejan in conference? Why buyout Manu instead of selling him if Aris made an offer? Sheena and I break down the details and then spend a lot of time on the state of the team. We work in some David Lee press conference news of adding two more DPs, hopefully sooner than later.Also, there was the rumor of the 24-year-old Swedish striker, Paulos Abraham and a lot of national attention to Sporting KC's recent player movement and promises of future transactions. It's going to be an interesting close to the transfer window, hopefully.Unfortunately, Sporting KC played two soccer games too. For Sheena's birthday I joined her and watched the Vancouver Whitecaps win 3-0 over SKC. There were lots of missing players for injury (Jake Davis and Zorhan Bassong) and perhaps another injury in game to Capita Capemba. There was a new captain (Lasse Berg Johnsen) and the debut of Sporting KC's newest Designated Player, Andre Luiz. They also played and lost to Atlanta United a week ago, right after our emergency Dejan Joveljic podcast.There was news for Zamir Loyo Reynaga, Andreu Fontas and Jaylin Lindsey also this week!In more positive news, the KC Current won a game! It was their first win in August, just in time for the month to end. They absolutely dominated the North Carolina Courage but only managed a 3-2 win. We get into the big moments taken and missed.In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:St. Louis City SC rumored transferMLS Next Pro schedule changeHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 6:00KC Current - 1:27:40Digital Crawl - 1:32:31Upcoming GamesKC Current @ Bay FC, FRI, Sept 4th at 9:00PM CSTSKC II vs. St. Louis City SC 2, SAT, Sept 5th at 7:00PMSporting KC @ FC Dallas, SAT, Sept 5th at 7:30PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 192nd episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City have had an incredibly busy week. The last six days has seen the departure of fan favorite and Designated Player, Manu Garcia. The arrival of the fourth most expensive player in MLS history in Andre Luiz. A rumored even more expensive transfer of Nico Fernandez Mercau.But Saturday night may be the biggest news yet. Fabrizio Romano and Tom Bogert are reporting that Dejan Joveljic is moving within the conference to the Seattle Sounders! You'd think it'd be a massive transfer fee, but instead it's only $6 million for one of the best goal scorers in Major League Soccer. Yes, it's a 50 percent profit after only 18 months, but it's a stunner.We go through all the reasons this could be happening and try to make sense of the news. Did Dejan want out? Did he not like how the Manu saga went down this week? Sheena did live sleuthing on the podcast and noticed he'd been absent from their social media all week. When David Lee told us midweek that teams are calling about their players, it seems clear Dejan was always the answer, and he may have already been negotiating at that time.Beyond that, is Dejan just not a system fit for Lee and Rapha Wicky? Or perhaps Lee just wants his guys. The typical starting lineup only has two players that were around more than 11 months ago in Jake Davis and Zorhan Bassong. Is the General Allocation Money (GAM) just too much to pass up?We go through all the permutations. And we talk about what comes next. More Designated Players have to be arriving, right? We also went through all the big points from David Lee's press conference and tried to figure out what DPs Lee could sign. I threw out Cucho Hernandez as a former player who did great in MLS and Sheena went a lot more out of left field with USA-loving Erling Haaland. It's nonsense, but it least it was fun nonsense.Speaking of DPs, we talk about new signing Andre Luiz, the rumored transfer for Nico Fernandez and all the other fallout of the week for Sporting KC. It's weird to record a day before a game, but the news just became too much. Be sure to subscribe to the podcast, who knows when we'll have to record again with the transfer window closing in 11 days on September 2nd.We also talked about the game against St. Louis City SC, that SKC dominated but only got a draw out of. Taylor Calheira was one of the stars of the night and I guess is this team's starting striker now? What a wild week!The KC Current also earned a draw, but it felt more disappointing considering the quality of the two teams. Kansas City seemed to have all the advantages on the Seattle Reign but their comeback, like Sporting's, ended with only a tie.In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:SKC IIMLS Playoff Expansion... again?!?!UEFA, Concacaf and InfantinoArgentina punishedHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 2:03KC Current - 1:23:46Digital Crawl - 1:33:07Upcoming GamesSporting KC @ Atlanta United, SUN, August 23rd at 6:00PM CST (Wooden Spoon Battle)SKC II @ Tacoma Defiance, MON, August 24th at 9:00PMKC Current vs. North Carolina Courage, SAT, August 29th at 5:30PMSporting KC vs. Vancouver Whitecaps, SAT, August 29th at 7:30PMSKC II @ Whitecaps 2, SUN, August 30th at 6:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 191st episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City had another terrible weekend, but before we get to the on-field shenanigans, we have to talk about Manu Garcia. After the loss to the Colorado Rapids, the KC Soccer Journal got a surprisingly candid quote out of manager Rapha Wicky on why Manu Garcia wasn't playing.“Manu was available for selection, but we had some discussions with him about his future in recent days, and so I decided it was best not to involve him in the game tonight,” said Wicky. “That’s all I can say. Everything else I refer to David [Lee].”Sheena and I work through all the feelings around this move. Plus, some fan reactions. Does it make sense? Could it actually be a good thing? We talk through all the sides. And not only is he potentially leaving, but a landing spot has emerged overnight in Greece at his old club Aris.Of course, we also had to talk about the 2-0 loss to the Rapids. As well as some more positive news around Graham Zusi's return, an Andre Luiz update and a potentially big front office hire for Sporting KC. Sheena also picks on poor Ethan Bartlow as he heads out the door. Nobody tell him!The KC Current continued their road struggles on Friday night in a 2-1 loss to Gotham FC. After taking an early lead, the team fell apart. They had a moment or two, but the New Jersey side was the better team. Sheena and I discuss how VAR handled key moments, lineup choices, including Lorena not starting, team health and more. Plus, Temwa Chawinga and Malawi's amazing World Cup qualification!In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:SKC IIBig MLS movesMessi and Ronaldo both retiring?Here is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 4:45KC Current - 1:06:53Digital Crawl - 1:21:52Upcoming GamesSporting KC vs. St. Louis City, WED, August 19th at 7:00PM CSTSKC II @ LAFC 2, THUR, August 20th at 9:00PMKC Current vs. Seattle Reign, SAT, August 22nd at 5:30PMSporting KC @ Atlanta United, SUN, August 23rd at 6:00PM (Wooden Spoon Battle)SKC II @ Tacoma Defiance, MON, August 24th at 9:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 190th episode of the show!Ted Lasso's "love letter to Kansas City" leads the podcast this week. The first episode of season four was filled with KC easter eggs and has a lot of the world talking about Kansas City. We talked about what we loved and what it could mean for the world's understanding of KC.Sporting Kansas City had the week off, but there is plenty swirling around the team still. Mo Salah officially spurned Sporting KC in favor of signing in Turkiye. Andre Luiz didn't sign with SKC this week, at least not officially. But there are more clues that move is on the horizon. And Manu Garcia posted to Instagram in a way that was misinterpreted by some as a goodbye. Luckily Manu cleared it up for us.The KC Current hit the road and earned a draw that felt like a loss after they led for a great deal of their game against the Houston Dash. It felt like a tactical failure of Chris Armas and his coaching staff to go into a shell for the entire second half. A semi-controversial penalty call on Elizabeth Ball let Houston tie it up and that's how it ended, 1-1.In happier news, Debinha broke the all-time NWSL goal scoring record. Croix Bethune was honored on the NWSL team of the month and there were several positive injury updates for the depleted Current. Plus, Malawi and Temwa Chawinga are on the verge of history.In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:All that FIFA dramaRacing Louisville could be relocatedNew MLS Commissioner and his inherited projectsHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Ted Lasso - 3:31Sporting KC - 16:04KC Current - 35:48Digital Crawl - 51:41Upcoming GamesSKC II @ Austin FC II, SUN, Aug 9th at 7:30PM CSTKC Current @ Gotham, FRI, Aug 14th at 7:00PMSKC II vs. Rapids 2, SAT, Aug 15th at 7:00PMSporting KC @ Colorado Rapids, SAT, Aug 15th at 8:30PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 189th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City returned home only to have a handful of mistakes derail any sort of opportunity to bounce back. They welcomed the Houston Dynamo to town and changed up their gameplan to some positive effect before Lasse Berg Johnsen got a red card and fumbled the plan.From there, Stefan Cleveland and Calvin Harris mistakes took away any chance to claw out some points in the MLS standings. It left us questioning if it's time for John Pulskamp to take back over in goal. Along with Rapha Wicky's job security a mere 18 games into the season. Also, what's up with Manu Garcia not starting?But there were bright spots. The defense looked good in this back four's first start together and the mistakes could hardly be pinned on them. Moises Mosquera got his first start, and Jake Davis had a good night. Plus, it was Harry Potter night, so that brought some interesting conversation. And there were injury updates on Zorhan Bassong, Taylor Calheira, Justin Reynolds and Diego Borges.In other Sporting KC news, there were rumor updates on Andre Luiz and Mo Salah, as well as a loan for Cielo Tschantret and Tim Leibold finds a new home. In news that came out after recording, another rumor, with even more detail, that the Andre Luiz deal is just pending a medical.The KC Current knocked out two home games and came away with four points. First, a 5-1 win over Racing Louisville followed by a 1-1 draw against Angel City FC. Why doesn't it feel like enough? Are we just super spoiled from the 2025 Kansas City Current's regular season? Probably.We talk through Haley Hopkins finally slotting in at center forward and going off for three goals and an assist over two games. Plus, all the missing players and the news that Michelle Cooper and Lorena are still "a few weeks away."In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:FIFA tries and fails to sell the World CupSKC II resultsMLS rule changesSave the Caps!NWSL 2027 calendarHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 10:25KC Current - 49:31Digital Crawl - 1:08:41Upcoming GamesKC Current @ Houston Dash, SAT, Aug. 8th at 7:45PM CSTSKC II @ Austin FC II, SUN, Aug 9th at 7:30PMNo Sporting KC -- it's the Leagues Cup and they aren't in itAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 188th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City had a very busy week. They played two more games, which we'll get to, but they also were much more firmly linked to Brazilian winger Andre Luiz (sorry for calling him David on the podcast over and over before getting my act together).Tom Bogert is reporting the deal isn't done yet, but "it is getting closer."He and Globo (Brazil) are both reporting an $18 million transfer fee with up to $4m in add-ons. Other outlets have it even higher. Sheena and I work through all the feelings on this. Is it too much money? Does it matter if Peter Mallouk will keep spending? Will he make this team better? And we can't forget to talk about Mo Salah more as well and if that deal remains a possibility.Then we work our way through the highest of highs and the lowest of lows in a week. Sporting KC played their first home game in two months and defeated Minnesota United. But then they went on the road and laid an egg in a 4-0 loss to LAFC.It had quite a few people calling for Raphael Wicky's job, just 17 games into the season. With 17 to go, is it too early to pull the plug?Plus, we talk briefly about the blown call that PRO admitted to around the St. Louis City SC game and some big Gianluca Busio news.In KC Current news, they lost. Again. They are an abysmal 1-3-1 since returning from their World Cup break. It makes that world's best team slogan come off really silly. This time they lost to the Boston Legacy, who are way down the table.In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:Kansas City World Cup ratings (we're #1 baby!)Casemiro's deal with Inter MiamiAnd a huge transfer fee for a 15-year-old, Benji Flowers, out of FC DallasHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 7:07KC Current - 1:07:48Digital Crawl - 1:19:51Upcoming GamesKC Current vs. Racing Louisville - WED, July 29th at 7:00PM CSTKC Current vs. Angel City FC - SAT, Aug. 1st at 5:30PM Sporting KC vs. Houston Dynamo - SAT, Aug. 1st at 7:30PM As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 187th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City returned to action in Major League Soccer after a seven-week break and it didn't go great. They were on the road, for some reason playing a rivalry game midweek, against St. Louis City SC. They fell behind 2-0 before tying it up and giving up a penalty late to lose it.We break down the biggest moments from the game, if there was progress and of course, we have to talk about the questionable officiating. At least games are close enough for the officials to influence for a change?In other Sporting KC news, David Lee gave a press conference last week where he touched on a wide range of subjects. He didn't want to speak about any player specifically (Mo Salah, Andre Luiz, Yann Gboho, etc.). But he did talk about how the budget has changed and they are chasing big fees and big salaries. The team is targeting two to four more signings, including one more defender and the rest being focused in the attack. Plus, the team made a couple trades this week that will facilitate a future move.In KC Current news, their perfect home record evaporated in the 90th minute against the San Diego Wave. I quickly break down the game as Sheena's best friend was in town and they did not watch. Plus, Debinha signs a new deal, Temwa Chawinga is going to miss a bunch of games and Desiree Scott is bringing an expansion team to Canadian women's soccer.And for one last week, "we're a World Cup podcast." The semifinals, third place and championship games all went down since we last spoke and we've got some thoughts!In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:Mauricio Pochettino may be returning to the USMNTMLS ads are suddenly running during the World CupAnd MLS is getting a new commissionerPlus, SKC II and KC Current II updatesHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 4:03KC Current - 43:30World Cup - 52:05Digital Crawl - 1:10:41Upcoming GamesSporting KC vs. Minnesota United, WED, July 22nd at 7:30PM CSTKC Current @ Boston Legacy, SAT, July 25th at 4:00PMSporting KC @ LAFC, SAT, July 25th at 9:30PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 186th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City had a massive week, and they haven't even started playing soccer (officially) yet. The headlines are all around Egyptian and former Liverpool star, Mo Salah, potentially coming to Sporting KC. Sheena and I give our thoughts.But that wasn't the only rumor of the week. Another "$18-20 million" signing was rumored for Brazilian winger Andre Luiz. That's the second player with a fee around $20m tied to Kansas City and the third very expensive move that has been rumored.We talk about the possibility of one of those moves happening, how much Sporting KC have already spent and how long they have to get things done this summer. The team also played a scrimmage against Atlanta United that was live streamed and a few other updates, like the visa status of Emir Karic and Moises Mosquera.In KC Current news, it was one step forward and two steps back. They team faltered badly on the road again. This time against the Orlando Pride. They were short-handed with Michelle Cooper likely being out a few weeks and Temwa Chawinga suffering from an illness that limited her effectiveness. But hey, at least Vanessa DiBernardo is back!Also, if you missed it, Michelle Cooper was fined by the NWSL for wearing New Balance cleats. It's a must-read story from the Athletic (gift link). And the World Cup is over in Kansas City and a week away from crowning a world champion. Four games to go, but let's discuss how we got there. Mostly it was a focus on Argentina and Switzerland (and that Breel Embolo red card), as well as Norway versus England. Sheena also promised you an article about how Norway develops their youth athletes to set them up to be professionals.And here is Sheena embarrassing herself with her USMNT roster knowledge. Sargento? Ricardo Peepee?? Baltano? Chris Williams? Chris Robinson? (How do you think Sheena would do with Sporting KC players?)In the Digital Crawl, we hit a few more topics:The KS Astras are moving to MissouriSKC II get dominatedHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 9:55KC Current - 56:24Kansas City and the World Cup - 1:08:32Digital Crawl - 1:40:43Upcoming GamesFrance vs. Spain, TUES, July 14th at 2:00PM CSTEngland vs. Argentina, WED, July 15th at 2:00PMSporting KC @ St. Louis City, THUR, July 16th at 7:30PMKC Current vs. San Diego Wave, FRI, July 17th at 7:00PM (back home finally!)WC 3rd place, SAT, July 18th at 4:00PMWorld Cup Final, SUN, July 19th at 2:00PMSKC II vs. MNUFC2, SUN, July 19th at 7:00PM (back home!)As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 185th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City have less going on, so we quickly cover their streamed scrimmage and signing for the future, but mostly focus on how the World Cup may impact the future of Sporting KC.In KC Current news, they bounced back from their bad Challenge Cup loss to win the first ever meeting against the Denver Summit. We also get into our thoughts on the potential stadium expansion to 18,000 seats.But For the Glory KC is a "World Cup podcast" now according to Sheena. So, we spend a lot of time on the disappointing results of the USMNT vs Belgium game from Monday night (including a watch party review of Current Landing).We ask a lot of questions of this team and it's future. Can the United States ever win anything at the World Cup? Is this a success? Did the President's involvement in the Balogun red card situation taint the games? Does it ruin all the goodwill of the 2026 FIFA World Cup?Plus, we talk about our favorite games of the tournament, many of which happened in the last few days. Cape Verde magic coming up short. England going into the Azteca and pulling off a victory over Mexico. So much soccer and so little time. What will we do with our lives when the World Cup is over in just 12 days? There are no games today, so listen to our nearly two hour podcast instead!Here is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro & a New Puppy - 0:00Sporting KC - 7:06KC Current - 27:46USMNT, Kansas City and the World Cup - 41:08Upcoming GamesSporting KC vs. Atlanta United (scrimmage), THUR, July 9th at 8:30AM CSTKC Current @ Orlando Pride, FRI, July 10th at 7:00PMArgentina vs. Switzerland, SAT, July 11th at 8:00PMSporting KC vs. St. Louis City, THUR, July 16th at 7:30PMKC Current vs. San Diego Wave, FRI, July 17th at 7:00PMFull World Cup ScheduleAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 184th episode of the show!The podcast returns after its longest hiatus in nearly four years after an unexpected tragedy in the Smith household a few weeks ago. So much has happened, so it's a plus-sized podcast this week.Sporting Kansas City signed not one, but two players during our absence. The backline rebuild may be complete with the additions of left back Emir Karic and center back Moises Mosquera. That's two of the four to seven rumored signings coming for Sporting KC during this summer transfer window.We also talk about the Sporting KC friendlies against England and the Des Moines Menace, Logan Ndenbe's new club and an all-star team for Luca Antongirolami from the SKC Academy and SKC II.In KC Current news, they return to play in the NWSL Challenge Cup and left a lot to be desired. Their form away from home continued to suffer in a 2-0 loss to defending NWSL Champions, Gotham FC. It was a tale of missed chances for the Current, and unforced errors on the other end of the pitch.That wasn't the only Kansas City Current news though, as the team made a series of roster moves in the last few weeks. Ally Sentnor has been traded, Temwa Chawinga is sticking around longer, and seven other players find themselves as free agents.But no soccer podcast would be complete without talking about the World Cup. We've been all over the city taking in watch parties and we even talk a little soccer, including the red card discussion for Folarin Balogun in the USMNT's 2-0 win over Bosnia and Herzegovina.This article doesn't do it justice; you'll just need to listen to the pod to get into the multitude of topics we discuss!In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:Neymar not going to FC Cincinnati but maybe going to another MLS teamRobert Lewandowski going to the Chicago FireHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro, Absence Update and Watch Parties - 0:00Sporting KC - 11:03KC Current - 30:52USMNT, Kansas City and the World Cup - 54:45Digital Crawl - 1:38:55Upcoming GamesColombia vs. Ghana, FRI, July 3rd at 8:30PM CST (in KC)KC Current @ Denver Summit, FRI, July 3rd at 8:30PMUSMNT vs Belgium, MON, July 6th at 7:00PMFull World Cup ScheduleAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 183rd episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City made news this week, despite being on their extended World Cup break. The Athletic reported that Sporting KC are interested in future Ivory Coast and current Toulouse winger, Yann Gboho. The French club is asking for $20 million for the left winger. We grind tape (for real this time) and learn more about Gboho. Plus, get into the newfound ambition of Sporting KC under new majority owner Peter Mallouk who confirmed the team is "doing everything [they] possible can during the break."Most of the rest of the podcast is dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From the United States Men's National Team and their outstanding performance against Paraguay to all things Kansas City and the World Cup. We went to the Fan Fest, the Plaza, Crown Center, Union Station and a Netherlands watch party.The short version: go out and experience it! There is so much to do and see, even beyond the games. Make some new soccer friends! It was all beautifully run and organized.We also get into our play-by-play of the Kansas City World Cup Fan Fest. We have some tips for travel and to stay hydrated (for free), as well as other things you can do for cheap or free to take in this experience.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:The KC Current are looking to expand their stadiumHB Køge Women win another trophymore World Cup fever!Here is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro, World Cup and Meeting Listeners - 0:00Sporting KC - 13:04USMNT - 30:02Kansas City and the World Cup - 49:51Digital Crawl - 1:29:33Upcoming GamesArgentina vs. Algeria, TUE, June 16 at 8:00PM CST (in KC)England vs. Croatia, WED, Jun 17 at 3:00PMUSMNT vs Australia, FRI, June 19 at 2:00PMScotland vs. Morocco, FRI, June 19 at 5:00PMNetherlands vs. Sweden, SAT, June 20 at 12:00PMEcuador vs. Curacao, SAT, June 20 at 7:00PM (in KC)Full World Cup ScheduleAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 182nd episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City and the KC Current didn't play matches this week because of the World Cup break, but we're doing something new for us. We interviewed Nate Bukaty on this week's podcast! It's our first ever interview and Nate was a great first ever guest.He was on to promote his new book that he co-authored with Rustin Dodd, "Perfect Pitch: How Kansas City became the Heart of American Soccer and Landed the World Cup."Nate was a delightful interview as we learned about how he got to the job he has today. He talked about the 70+ interviews he did and how he has caught the bug of writing and wants to keep writing. It sounds like he has the material for 10 books considering the folks he interviewed that didn't make it in.I got the chance to talk to Nate about being friends with a bunch of Sporting KC legends and future legends like Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber, Graham Zusi (aka Uncle Graham - you've gotta listen to get that story), Roger Espinoza and more!We learned about Kansas City nearly as much as we learned about soccer. Go follow Nate on Twitter and Instagram. He's also on a mission to find everyone on the cover of his book and give out a copy, so if you recognize anyone above hit us or Nate up!Speaking of free copies of the book, we're going to give away a copy here in the coming weeks if you aren't lucky enough to be able to buy one on your own. Otherwise, hit up your local bookstore or anywhere books are sold and buy "Perfect Pitch" today! Or join the waitlist at the library!Here is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Nate Bukaty Interview - 2:55After Dark Nonsense - 50:00Upcoming GamesThe World Cup starts Thursday! (Full Schedule)As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 181st episode of the show!Before we got to the regularly scheduled podcast content, we had to talk about the KC Soccer Journal's collab with the Olathe Indian Creek Library. That also led into Sheena's impromptu review of Nate Bukaty's new book, "Perfect Pitch" about Kansas City bidding and getting the World Cup in 2026. Nate will be a guest on a future For the Glory KC!But before then, back to our regularly scheduled content.Sporting Kansas City aren't playing matches since it's the World Cup break, but that doesn't mean there wasn't news. David Lee made waves with rumors of "four to seven, starter-level" additions being his goal for the secondary transfer window. Not only did Lee weigh in, but new majority owner Peter Mallouk chimed in as well.We talk about our thoughts on their statements then where the additions should be made. According to reports, Lee said three defenders, three attackers and a midfielder. I tried to get specific with my needs and pushed my co-host to do the same. There are so many possibilities, despite the uptick in results recently. Sporting KC are still only one spot up from the bottom of the whole league, so almost no position is safe.Beyond the roster, there was plenty of international call-up news, including the unfortunate news that no Sporting KC players made a World Cup roster. Also, SKC II won again, in a wild one against the Real Monarchs.The KC Current did play soccer this week and gutted out at 1-0 win over expansion side Boston Legacy FC. It wasn't always pretty and it was downright violent, but Kansas City found a way. Not without some injuries along the way. We talked about Kayla Sharples and Ally Sentnor's injuries, some up and down performances and of course, Temwa Chawinga's game winning goal that had plenty of players (Bethune, LaBonta, Izzy) pitching in.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:The USMNT's win over Senegal in a World Cup tune-upand the arrival of Argentina in Kansas CityHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro, Our Library Event and a Book Review - 0:00Sporting KC - 18:56KC Current - 52:17Digital Crawl - 1:10:38Upcoming GamesUSMNT vs Germany - SAT, June 6th @ 1:30PM CSTSKC II vs. MNUFC2 - MON, June 8th @ 7:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 180th episode of the show!Before we get to the podcast, the KC Soccer Journal is having a free event at the Indian Creek Library in Olathe. Tickets are free and you can get them here!Sporting Kansas City couldn't string together three wins in a row for the first time since 2022. Perhaps after MLS returns from the 2026 FIFA World Cup break. Sporting KC nearly pulled off the comeback after a slow start against Red Bull New York on Saturday night.It was Star Wars night at Sporting Park and Sheena and I talk our off the field escapades, in addition to what happened on the pitch. After New York's quick start, Sporting KC generated numerous opportunities and nearly doubled RBNY's expected goal (xG) output, according to Fotmob (1.69 to 0.88).Though they had the greater chances, they failed to finish too consistently. Additionally, their mistakes were punished more readily. That doesn't even account for all the chances that didn't lead to a shot when a player took one too many touches or made a poor pass to kill an attack. Despite that, Kansas City remained in the game until the dying minutes. A welcome change after 5-0 and 6-0 blowouts just a few weeks back.We talk through all the highs and lows, as well as time spent on Capita, Berg Johnsen, Manu Garcia, Taylor Calheira, Shapi, Jake Davis and others. Sheena even breaks out a top-ranking list for SKC and the Current.In addition to the game, we talk through Austin FC firing their coach and Sporting Director after losing to Sporting KC, Or Blorian leaving his last club on a high, Zorhan Bassong's shot at a World Cup roster and Zamir Loyo Reynaga scoring in his latest international endeavor.The KC Current were up and down this week. They ended the week on a high, beating the then first place Portland Thorns. But their midweek road loss to Angel City FC soured the week a bit. Temwa Chawinga continued her Golden Boot climb and the ongoing Ally Sentnor/Haley Hopkins debate gets another chapter.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:SKC II resultsMessi injured?USMNT roster for the World Cup!Here is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 1:59KC Current - 54:18Digital Crawl - 1:14:41Upcoming GamesSKC II @ Real Monarchs, FRI, May 29th at 9:00PM CSTKC Current vs Boston Legacy, SAT, May 30th at 12:30PM As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 179th episode of the show!Before we get to the podcast, the KC Soccer Journal is having a free event at the Indian Creek Library in Olathe. Tickets are free and you can get them here!Sporting Kansas City went from one of their worst performances ever to an incredible bounce-back week. After losing to the Portland Timbers last weekend by an abysmal 6-0 scoreline, Sporting KC put together back-to-back MLS wins for the first time since the summer of 2024! First, they hosted the LA Galaxy and beat them 3-1 in a relatively dominant performance. Sheena was in attendance for the first time this season, so clearly, she and her friends are good luck. Or was it the atrocious media game I played in? Either way, the Galaxy are, for one reason or another, terrible against SKC. That was the second time they've played and at the time SKC's 2nd win of the season. We talk through all the events around the game, the media game and of course, the main event of Sporting KC putting up three for the first time this year and winning at home for the first time this year. Then, KC did the unlikely and won again three days later on the road against Austin FC. They were the better team for most of the game. Despite going down late in the first half, they fought back to tie and eventually win the game and break Austin's verde hearts. Overall, four players scored their first goal of the season this week. Sporting KC had their first comeback win of the season. And things generally went really well over that jam-packed week.Sheena and I also had to discuss the Sporting KC salary release from this week, including all the new player wages and salary changes. I also had to knock down some of those rants from folks I respect around the team when it came to how low the payroll is. The KC Current had an amazing couple of weeks too, with two, 3-0 wins. First over a pretty awful Chicago Stars team that had somehow managed to beat KC once and then against a Houston Dash side that made a series of gaffs early to let KC run away with things. In the process Temwa Chawinga went from zero goals to five in two games and moved into second in the Golden Boot race. Watch out Barbara Banda!In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:SKC II resultsMLS Next Pro schedule changesUS Soccer's new competition between NWSL, USL SL and WPSL ProHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 1:24KC Current - 1:27:04Digital Crawl - 1:34:24Upcoming GamesKC Current @ Angel City FC - WED, May 20th at 9:00PM CSTSKC II vs. Austin FC II - FRI, May 22nd at 7:00PMSporting KC vs. NY Red Bulls - SAT, May 23rd at 7:30PM KC Current vs. Portland Thorns - SUN, May 24th at Noon As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 178th episode of the show!Before we get to the podcast, the KC Soccer Journal is having a free event at the Indian Creek Library in Olathe. Tickets are free and you can get them here!Sporting Kansas City showed signs of life this past weekend. After dropping six straight results and falling to a .500 team historically for the first time in years, they surprised everyone and battled back for a draw against the Seattle Sounders. It's a sliver of the progress we've all been waiting for this season after a string of very bad results.There was lots to like but also lots to still improve on in the game. One of the biggest changes was Stefan Cleveland at goalkeeper, a job he'll apparently have for the foreseeable future. Sheena and I weigh in on Cleveland and what was differ and Sheena copes with John Pulskamp heading to the bench.We also talk through the other moments from the game, including other changes, Dejan Joveljic's clutch goal, Shapi Suleymanov's performance and more. We also chime in on the retirements of Kei Kamara and Krisztian Nemeth as well as some good news for former Sporting KC Homegrown, Gianluca Busio.The KC Current did one better and went ahead and won their game over the North Carolina Courage. It was an uneven performance against a team on short rest but there were a lot of 2026 firsts. It was the first time the KC Current didn't allow the first goal. And more importantly, it was their first road win of the season.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:SKC II resultsLas Vegas trying to steal the Vancouver Whitecaps (#SaveTheCaps)MLS Next Pro may be relocating and rebranding teamsUSL and the USLPA may have found labor peaceHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro & a Free Library KC Soccer Journal event - 0:00Sporting KC - 6:45KC Current - 45:10Digital Crawl - 58:27Upcoming GamesSKC II vs. Ventura County, WED, May 6th at 7:00PM CSTSporting KC @ Portland Timbers, SAT, May 9th at 9:30PMKC Current vs. Chicago Stars, SUN, May 10th at 11:30AM (Mother’s Day)SKC II @ Rapids 2, SUN, May 10th at 7:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 177th episode of the show! And it's an after dark special. Nothing too spicy, though Sheena does some mild cursing, but it's mainly that we recorded in the middle of the night.Sporting Kansas City showed a half of something to build on before the floor fell out from beneath them. After making it to halftime with a 0-0 score against the Chicago Fire, a first for the season in not giving up a first half goal, the second half was off the rails.It started with a penalty call that head coach Rapha Wicky said seemed "harsh." We break down the entire sequence, but we also have videos, gifs and stills if you need to watch it.That moment certainly changed the game. But who is to say it wouldn't have gone badly anyways? Most of the season has. In addition to the spiral, Sheena and I discuss Capita, some post-game quotes from Wicky and Jake Davis, the lineup, tactical choices and much more.The KC Current did nothing to lift KC soccer fan's hearts up with a brutal defeat of their own. They fell 4-0 to the Washington Spirit on Friday night in a game that showed early promise. Kansas City missed some chances, and the Spirit absolutely didn't miss most of theirs.Lorena had a particularly off night and had us wondering if she's hurt, which coach Chris Armas dispelled that rumor. What Armas wasn't able to quell was the calls for his job. With the team already having allowed as many goals as all of last season and having lost more games in far less tries, the outcry from the fans continues to grow. Armas said he isn't spending any energy on it though.We talk about our thoughts on that as well as another rant from me on Ally Sentnor as this team's starting striker.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:SKC II winningSheena Remembers to do her Hair TakesUSWNT friendliesNWSL expanding to ColumbusHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro & Early Hair Commentary - 0:00Sporting KC - 3:18KC Current (w/ SKC mixed in) - 54:01Digital Crawl - 1:44:43Upcoming GamesSKC II vs. Houston Dynamo 2, SUN, April 26th at 1:00PM CTSporting KC vs. Seattle Sounders, SAT, May 2nd at 1:30PM KC Current @ North Carolina Courage, SAT, May 2nd at 5:30PMSKC II vs. Tacoma Defiance, SUN, May 3rd at 7:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 176th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City had what was potentially the lowest moment on the field in club history. At the very least, in recent memory. So, a week after talking about expectations, Sheena and I are trying to align on the state of the team. Fans are rightfully upset with the performances of the week, particularly the showing in the US Open Cup against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.Fans are calling for Raphel Wicky's job, David Lee's job, Peter Mallouk to (already) sell the team, and for the release or purge of almost every player on the roster. What is rational and what is irrational? We try to break it all down.Plus, we weave through the moments in the USOC game as well as the loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps on Friday night. We knew this season would start slow and have some lows, but I'm not sure anyone thought it would be quite this low. We also talk about quite the remarkable stat when it comes to losing and SKC in recent seasons and where it sits in history. Outside of the events on the field, there were also a couple notable moments off the field. Cavan Sullivan was apparently inquired about by Lee and Alan Pulido is out at Chivas.The KC Current lifted up the week with their Teal Rising Cup win last weekend over Palmeiras, but that feels like an eternity ago. We briefly relive that game, and I talk about Haley Hopkins ascent up the roster and perhaps into the starting lineup in an NWSL game.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:World Cup Fan Fest Lineup, Parking and BusesUSWNT resultsNWSL calendar flip -- Fall to Spring?Javier Mascherano out in MiamiHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro & World Cup Trophy - 0:00Sporting KC - 6:30KC Current - 1:08:08Digital Crawl - 1:14:04Upcoming GamesKC Current @ Washington Spirit, FRI, April 24th at 7:00PM CSTSporting KC @ Chicago Fire, SAT, April 25th at 7:30PMSKC II vs. Houston Dynamo 2, SUN, April 26th at 7:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron. 

For the Glory KC is back with the 175th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City have climbed to a three-game losing streak after their 3-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night. And that's after being up 1-0 early in the game off of Jacob Bartlett's first career goal.The joy on his face of scoring was quickly replaced with disappointed looks as Sporting were on the back foot for much of the last 15+ minutes of the half before finally conceding. But really, what should Sporting KC and their fans expect from this team?Sheena and I debate all the reasons things may be the way they are. From roster building to youthful inexperience and down to specific players and of course coaching and the front office.We also get into a few other SKC related stories, including Zorhan Bassong's new/old injury, Matt Besler and Cliff Illig being honored (and a Heart and Goal Podcast side conversation), SKC Academy news and the announcement of the "Soccer Capital Summer" watch parties at Sporting Park. Plus, I make the case Sporting KC should go for it with the US Open Cup on Tuesday.The KC Current are on an extended international break, but that just means it's Teal Rising Week. The Current attempted to defend the Teal Rising Cup with a victory over Corinthians to earn a spot in the finals. We also got an injury update on Lorena and Rocky Rodriguez earned another call-up and went ahead and scored a hat trick in the process.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:KC Comets playoffs endUSWNT winKansas City World Cup 2026 news and financialsNeymar to FC Cincinnati?CF Montreal has already fired another coachHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Sporting KC - 8:10KC Current - 1:00:40Digital Crawl - 1:03:23Upcoming GamesSporting KC @ Colorado Springs Switchbacks, TUES, April 14 @ 7:00PM CTUSWNT vs. Japan, TUES, April 14 @ 9:00PMUSWNT vs. Japan, FRI, April 17 @ 8:00PMSporting KC @ Vancouver Whitecaps, FRI, April 17 @ 9:30PMSporting KC II vs. Whitecaps 2, SUN, April 19th at 7:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 174th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City had another down week after coming off the international break. They travelled to the elevation of Salt Lake City, where they consistently struggle, and they did not look good against Real Salt Lake. Sheena and I worked through the moments of the game, the lineup choices and changes, the goals (and that freakin' golazo from Gozo) and what Wicky may need to do as guys get healthy or continue to join the team.We also talked about Capita Capemba officially arriving, Zorhan Bassong's extension and the sudden departure of Mike Burns as Sporting Director. We reflect on his brief time with the team and if it can be deemed a success.The KC Current rescued the KC soccer weekend by looking more like the team we remember from that dominant 2025 season. They got a tiny bit of revenge on NJ/NY Gotham FC after they eliminated them from the playoffs last year. Temwa Chawinga returned and had an instant impact and Croix Bethune moved to a new position and immediately showed her quality.We also talk about the news from the Keeping Current podcast where KC Soccer Journal Editor, Thad Bell, shared some pretty interesting thoughts about Vlatko Andonovski's involvement (or lack thereof) in some recent roster moves.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:USMNT losing to PortugalSKC II fall to North Texas SCWorld Cup updates on Turkiye, Italy and ticket pricesHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Sporting KC - 6:02KC Current - 40:31Digital Crawl - 1:07:38Upcoming GamesKC Comets vs. St. Louis Ambush, MON, April 6 @ 7:00PM CTKC Comets @ St. Louis Ambush, WED, April 8 @ 7:05PMKC Current vs Corinthians SC, THUR, April 9 @ 8:00PM (Teal Rising Cup - ION)SKC II @ North Texas, FRI, April 10 @ 7:30PMUSWNT vs. Japan, SAT, April 11 @ 4:30PMUSA U-20s vs. Brazil U-20s, SAT, April 11 @ 6:30PM (CPKC Stadium)Sporting KC vs. San Jose Earthquakes, SAT, April 11 @ 7:30PM KC Current in the 3rd place or 1st place Teal Rising Game (depending on results Thursday)As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 173rd episode of the show!Before we get to the Kansas City Current and the safety (or lack thereof) of Chris Armas' job, there is a little bit of other KC soccer news to handle.Sporting Kansas City had the week off, but new owner Peter Mallouk kept them in the headlines with a response that he plays to spend "a lot" on the SKC roster. We delve into that. We also have to talk about the rough 5-2 loss the United States Men's National Team experienced against Belgium. Is it a wakeup call or a sign of things to come at the 2026 World Cup?Then we get to the main event of this week's podcast. While Sporting KC were resting, the KC Current had no rest and one of their worst weeks in recent memory. They piled up two more losses, bringing their total to three in four tries. Their third loss came on March 28th this season, when it took until October 18th in 2025. That's almost a seven-month swing!I brought in guest host and regular KC Soccer Journal contributor, Xander Kennedy, to help me break down what the heck is going wrong with the Current. Sure, they are a little banged up and missing back-to-back NWSL MVP in Temwa Chawinga, but the roster is still absolutely loaded with talent.We have to ask, is Chris Armas on the hot seat?We delve into what we know about how the team is performing and try to discern what is coaching versus what is on the players, the NWSL schedule makers, etc. That means we have to analyze the two brutal losses to the Seattle Reign and the Portland Thorns from this past week.Xander and I also try to answer a few extra questions I have about the team:Is Ally Sentnor a bad fit for KC?Is Armas misusing Croix Bethune?In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:KC Comets come up short on the ShieldSKC II drop another resultDenver Summit are breaking recordsHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Sporting KC - 1:57USMNT/Belgium - 17:03KC Current - 27:16Digital Crawl - 1:35:15Upcoming GamesKosovo vs. Turkiye - TUES, March 31st @ 2:45PM CTUSMNT vs Portugal - TUES, March 31st @ 6:00PM KC Current vs. Gotham - SAT, April 4th @ 3:00PMSporting KC @ Real Salt Lake - SAT, April 4th @ 3:30PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 172nd episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City returned home and right back down to earth after picking up a win last week in Los Angeles. The Colorado Rapids, who lost to Sporting KC in both meetings last year, crushed KC in a 4-1 outcome at Sporting Park. The internet was aflame with John Pulskamp slander, so we get into how much was him and how much was others (after all, there is plenty of blame to go around).We also talked about the lineup changes (and if they were the right ones), the rash of injuries on the team and of course -- the brutal night of officiating from Fotis Bazakos.After the game, Jake Davis pulled me aside in the locker room with a message for the fans, so Sheena and I talk through our thoughts on his words.Outside of the game, Sporting KC had other things going on in the week, including the addition of Brazilian center back Diego Borges as their newest (and David Lee's first) U22 Initiative signing. Plus, there was a spattering of other news around the team, including their games being aired for free over the air on tape delay.To make matters worse, the KC Current also lost this weekend. That's something that only happened three times during the entire 2025 NWSL regular season and it's already happened just two games into the 2026 season. To make matters worse, it was against the Mallory Swanson-less Chicago Stars, who had just gotten shellacked 4-0 the week prior. I break down what I saw from that game.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:KC Comets making the playoffs!SKC II win a shootout but then lose the next gameMLS 2026 playoffs and 2027 schedule formats revealedAnd Antoine Griezman and Catarina Macaro are coming to MLS and NWSL respectivelyHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Sporting KC - 10:06KC Current - 1:01:46Digital Crawl - 1:15:09Upcoming GamesKC Current @ Seattle Reign - WED, March 25 at 8:00PM CTSKC II vs. St. Louis City 2 - SAT, March 28 at 2:00PMUSMNT vs Belgium - SAT, March 28 at 2:30PMKC Current @ Portland Thorns - SAT, March 28 at 3:00PM As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 171st episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City did what it took much longer to do in the prior three seasons. They won a game. Sporting KC earned a 2-1 win over the LA Galaxy on the road last night in California. And they did it on the back of their superstar striker Dejan Joveljic and their newest players, Lasse Berg Johnsen.Dejan was the first on the scoreboard, after missing a golden chance to assist Calvin Harris on a goal just minutes earlier. On the game winning goal in the second half, Dejan was also involved. He first found Stephen Afrifa on a nice pace and then had eyes in the back of his head to dummy the ball to Berg Johnsen for the game winner.Lasse was making his debut, cleaned up a lot of the midfield and found a way to score. It was a quality start for a player looked at to be a big addition to the roster.Sheena and I talk through those moments, the 5-2-3 shape the team was in with Shapi Suleymanov at left wingback (!!!) and the other positions changes needed to make that move work. We also talk culture, Rapha Wicky, and the team starting to believe.We also discuss Sporting KC signing Capita Capemba and David Lee's promise to add at least one more player in the transfer window.The KC Current started the 2026 season with something they rarely had to do in 2025; come from behind. They pulled off a 2-1 victory as well, but they needed a comeback to pull it off. It also took a debut goal from Croix Bethune and Ally Sentnor scoring for the first time in KC Current colors.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:SKC II with an inauspicious start to the seasonNWSL's 18th team expected this yearHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sheena's CPKC Experience - 1:11Sporting KC - 13:17KC Current - 52:12Digital Crawl - 1:07:31Upcoming GamesSporting KC vs Colorado Rapids, Saturday, March 21st at 7:30PM CTKC Current @ Chicago Stars, Sunday, March 22nd at 1:00PMSKC II vs. MNUFC2, Sunday, March 22nd at 7:00PM As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 170th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City came up short against San Diego FC on Saturday, but it was a game full of promise. Sheena and I break down the beats of the game that stood out to us, starting with the stellar goalkeeping of John Pulskamp.We also went over the lineup (Jansen Miller was the only change with Ian James popping up on the injury report), including the loans from SKC II (that thankfully didn't prevent those guys from playing against the Real Monarchs on Sunday).We also talked about the chippy, card-heavy nature of the game. San Diego were flopping like dead fish, and the ref was buying everything. However, it was SD that got the most cards though they did keep all 11 guys on the field despite a dicey foul against Manu Garcia that had Dejan Joveljic coming to his aid.We also did SKC tidbits on the Capita transfer rumors, Johnny Russell's new landing spot and the immense amount of GAM in Sporting KC's coffers.The KC Current made news this week with an unfortunate update on the health of Lo LaBonta, the team adding two players on short-term deals and being the 2nd most valuable NWSL team in the league according to Sportico.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:KS AstrasUSWNT Win the SheBelieves CupColumbus NWSL ExpansionSophia Wilson returnsHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC -KC Current -Digital Crawl -Upcoming Games:KC Current vs. Utah Royals, SAT March 14 at 4:00PM CTSporting KC @ LA Galaxy, SAT March 14 at 9:30PM CTAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 169th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City nearly sell out their home opener in a fun game with the Columbus Crew. Sheena and I give our thoughts on the game including thoughts of the goals and formations. Rapha Wicky keeps setting the team up different and other teams don't know what to expect. We're not even sure what that formation was, or where certain players were playing. So how would opponents know?We talk about John Pulskamp's mistake in goal that cost a, and his draw saving penalty save. Dejan dominates with a brace and many other standout moments from the game.We also talked through some other Sporting KC news like this week's media day, David Lee and Rapha Wicky spoke, we talked to many players, and we learned the team has three captains: Dejan, Manu Garcia and Zohran Bassong. We give our opinions on those choices.SKC signed a CB, Or Blorian this week, SKC II lost their season opener and news around another SKC rumor.The KC Current unveiled a new kit, and the team opened a new training center and second stadium.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:KS AstrasUSWNT WinCleveland NWSL ExpansionAntoine Griezmann to Orlando CityHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC - 5:15KC Current - 46:21Digital Crawl - 54:50As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 168th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City kicked off the 2026 Major League Soccer season and for 38 minute it was going pretty well.Then Justin Reynolds went down with a "soft tissue" injury, and everything had to be shuffled around and the team collapsed. While the team put out, and the broadcast mimicked, that it was a 4-3-3, the team was definitely in their 4-4-2 defensive shape we talked about earlier this week. Jake Davis took the Daniel Salloi role and played quite well until he was forced to move to right back.We talk through all the beats of the game and what stood out to us. And the gif of the season.Speaking of Salloi, we discussed that trade and the additions to the team since our last episode of the podcast. We also get into David Lee's press conference promising "three to six" additions to the roster before the primary transfer window closes on March 26th.The KC Current basically were radio silent this week. We did sneak in some former players appearance at the SKC/SJ game into the podcast.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:Toronto FC's splash transfer of Josh SargentSheena wants to handle the Messi update?!?Here is a rundown of topics and start times:Former KC Current Player Sightings - 5:39Sporting KC trade Salloi and add two signings - 8:25SKC versus San Jose - 28:25David Lee presser and SKC round-up - 59:21Coachella Valley Invitational - 1:20:24Digital Crawl - 1:31:25As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 167th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City finally did it! They made a signing that everyone expects to be a starter. Lasse Berg Johnsen joins from Malmo in Sweden and should immediately be penciled into the defensive midfielder role when his P-1 visa arrives. We break down the signing and how he'll fit next to Manu Garcia.The majority of this week's episode is focused on the two big preseason wins for Sporting KC. They finished 3-3-0 in preseason, a three game and five goal improvement over the 2025 preseason. Sure, against NYCFC it was a win over backups, but that Austin FC game was a starting lineup that got beaten on before some late red cards let the game get out of hand. Rapha Wicky seemed none too happy with Austin's violent fouls that led to cards either.The results of the games made it look like Wicky's system just needed a little more time to take hold (or maybe they just needed to not be playing Minnesota United). Regardless, there were plenty of positives to take away and I even took a shot at predicting who should start this weekend against the Quakes.In this episode I also spent time on the multiple rumors for Sporting KC this past week, SKC adding to their front office, Forbes' MLS valuations, Nemanja Radoja's new landing spot, SKC II signings and some former KC player updates.The KC Current made big headlines this week too. Some for good reasons and others that weren't quite so good. The team traded Claire Hutton, one of the best young players in the world. Then they immediately added another young star in Croix Bethune. That, plus the 1-1 draw against San Diego in preseason.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:KS Astras keep winningCatarina Macario to the San Diego Wave?Here is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC - 0:00KC Current - 33:44Digital Crawl - 41:57As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 166th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City actually made signings this week, the problem is they are signings we essentially knew about already. Jayden Reid and Wyatt Meyer formally signed, with Ethan Bartlow remaining on trial for the second leg of preseason. Sporting KC II also made a notable signing, bringing in 15-year-old Zamir Loyo Reynaga, who moves to the first team next season.Those moves still leave Sporting KC precariously thin at nearly every position on the roster and the media had a chance to ask Raphael Wicky about that. He mostly said all the things he's supposed to say, so we try to dive into those topics.That naturally led us to the 3-0 beating Sporting KC took at the hands of Minnesota United in their fourth preseason game of 2026. We look at the formation, the way the teams played and how tough the season looks to be, at least at the beginning.Sheena and I also dive into number changes, Sporting KC's theme nights and the new SKC II coaching staff.The KC Current made some more news this week. First, they re-signed Bailey Feist in a move that certainly bolsters their midfield depth. They also announced Teal Rising Week, with a new Teal Rising Cup schedule, youth tournaments and a pair of games between USWNT U-20s and the Brazil's U-20s. The Long's also opened an academy in Brazil.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:KS Astras win!Argentina officially doing base camp at Sporting KC's facilities2028 Olympic Soccer hostsJames Rodriguez to Minnesota UnitedHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC signings, preseason and Wicky press availability - 5:11KC Current round-up - 49:19Digital Crawl - 55:05As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 165th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City had another quiet week where they didn't make any more signings. They added just one player during the month of January.Sheena and I worked through the lack of news and the state of the roster with just 20 days to go until the first MLS game kicks off. There was the rumor of signing Israeli CB, Or Blorian and the news that Rapha Wicky got his P-1 visa and coached the preseason game over the weekend.We also probably looked a little too closely at who played and who didn't in that 1-0 loss to Charlotte FC. Calvin Harris started over Shapi Suleymanov, maybe implying there is at least competition at one position in the starting lineup. The team is still without a single left back on the roster and Zorhan Bassong didn't play, so we don't know if he maybe would get those minutes if he was available or if they are going to sign Jayden Reid, who is on trial. Stephen Afrifa also sat out this latest preseason game. Sheena and I take a stab at who may have earned a spot in the first phase of preseason with the limited info we have. There are three preseason games to go, which may be streamed for the Coachella Valley Invitational.At the end of the Sporting KC segment, we also talked about Erik Thommy signing with the LA Galaxy, Willy Agada and Joaquin Fernandez finding homes in the Spanish second division and Zoran Savic suing SKC.The KC Current had a pretty quiet week too. They played a scrimmage against Denver Summit, but neither team said who played or who won. We do know Kyra Carusa scored for Kansas City. She isn't on their roster and is listed as "non-rostered training player" on their preseason announcement. We also got injury updates on Temwa Chawinga and Michelle Cooper and the exciting news that Vanessa DiBernardo had her baby.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:Kansas Astras win again!The World Cup trophy is coming to KC (and a lot of other places)Here is a rundown of topics and start times:Round-up of Sporting KC news - 5:32A tiny bit of KC Current news - 46:04Digital Crawl - 53:24As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 164th episode of the show!Trigger warning, we get mildly political in the opening three minutes. Skip ahead or stop listening if it's too much for you. Time stamps, as always, towards the bottom of these show notes.Sporting Kansas City had almost nothing officially happen this week. That said, unofficially, there was still a lot going on. First, the rumor from Marca.com is that Robert Lewendowski, one of the greatest strikers in the world, may have interest from Sporting KC. Sure, the story says that the Chicago Fire are in the lead (and the article uses a Fire II graphic in error), but it is still something at least worth talking about. Along with the Fire and SKC, LAFC are mentioned as a possible destination.With new owner Peter Mallouk, all things are possible. That said, this one seems unlikely.Sheena and I break down that rumor, the ongoing Cesar Inga rumors (which appears to finally be dead), the preseason loss to the Fire, and the actual news of a new coaching staff for Sporting KC. But we have to discuss the rumored Footy Headlines kit leak from Sporting KC for their new secondary jersey.It says, "recreated" right on the image, but is it a recreation of a real leak? It does have a variation on the argyle/diamond thing that SKC have been doing. Also, Sporting KC updated their profile pic to neon right after the leak and posted this little video.This may not be the exact kit, but I bet it's pretty close and I like the bold choice. It's a secondary kit, have fun with it! Before we finish with the Sporting KC news, Sheena does a bio of SKC's newest signing, Calvin Harris.The KC Current didn't have much this week, but they did have all four of their USWNT players start in the 6-0 win over Paraguay and announced a couple more preseason games:Sat. JAN 31 - Denver SummitSat. FEB 7 - Angel City FCIn the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:Four countries doing their basecamp in KC: Argentina, Netherlands, England and AlgeriaMLS rule changesTrinity Rodman's record deal to stay in the NWSLA weird LA Galaxy/St. Louis City trade rumorHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC rumors and a coaching staff announcement - 7:42KC Current update - 50:47Digital Crawl - 56:19As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 163rd episode of the show and the second show of 2026!Sporting Kansas City had a pretty big week. No, they didn't do much to fill out their miniscule roster, but it's almost certainly bigger than that. On Friday, news broke that Sporting KC minority owner Peter Mallouk was taking over as majority owner, holding an estimated 80 percent of the team. Sheena and I get into what this means for the team this season and beyond. Sam McDowell from the KC Star got an interview with Mallouk and we discussed several of his big quotes:“What you’re going to see next season is a big, big financial commitment,” he said, “to do whatever it takes to build upon what we’re building upon this season. ""I really would say 99.5% of the metric I’m going to care about is winning. And 0.5% will be everything else.”“The fans are incredible,” Mallouk said. “They deserve a competitor all the time.”There was actual movement on the roster with the signing of Calvin Harris. We got an inside take from the Burgundy Wave's Matt Pollard who has covered the Colorado Rapids for years. Sheena and I discuss the rumor that Cesar Inga is on his way to Kansas City. And we can't leave out the weird and wild Rogers Mato story. It doesn't stop there though, as SKC won their first preseason game and we have updates on Roger Espinoza, Willy Agada, Robert Voloder, Mason Toye, Paulo Nagamura, Alenis Vargas and Ramiz Hamouda.The KC Current also had a fairly big week with the announcement of their schedule, the trade of Nichelle Prince and some unfortunate injury new for Michelle Cooper and Temwa Chawinga.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:England, Netherlands and Argentina are all rumored to want to do World Cup base camp in KCLindsey Heaps is coming to the NWSLKC Comets pick up two big winsHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC sold! - 9:14SKC Sign a Player and lots of other stories - 25:11KC Current Schedule, Prince trade and more - 54:16Digital Crawl - 1:11:58As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 162nd episode of the show and the second show of 2026!On this week's episode of For the Glory KC, we discuss the official hire of Sporting Kansas City coach, Rapha Wicky. On Tuesday, he completed his first press conference with the media, and we unpack the details. Topics covered are the length of his contract, how many more players need to be signed by CSO David Lee, and the style of soccer Wicky and Lee want Sporting KC to play. We also learn some fun facts about Wicky, most importantly (for Sheena) we uncover his hair regimen.The topic of Sporting KC's youth development was also discussed at the press conference. Will SKC Academy players have their best opportunity for a starting position on Sporting KC or SKC II since the roster is bleak? There are a lot of them coming to preseason.31 players total will be traveling for preseason, which has kicked off in Florida. There are three trialists, two SKC II players, one draft pick, and eight Academy Players who will be joining the team. The first game is on Saturday, January 17th against FIU at 9:00AM CT.We wrap up the Sporting KC conversations with 'breaking news' about Daniel Salloi and his mustache, Santi Munoz giving his farewell to Kansas City, an update regarding a rumor from last week, and exciting news regarding Zohran Basson and Jacob Molinaro.The KC Current also had a busy week with the announcement of head coach, Chris Armas. Sheena and I discussed the press conference along with the ESPN and KC Star articles around the hire and give our thoughts. Highlights include the decision-making process and all the qualified candidates the Longs apparently turned down to stick with Armas. On top of that, the news that Canadian Men's National Team coach and apparently Chris Long's college friend, Jesse Marsch made the recommendation to hire Armas.In the KC Current round-up we say farewell to Bia, hello to forward Ameilia White, and give an update regarding Clare Gagne. Plus, we have updates on Alex Pfeiffer, Regan Steigleder, and some exciting USWNT call ups.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:KS AstrasRumored nations doing base camps in Kansas City for the World CupA massive FA Cup upsetand Chucky Lozano and Sam Coffey being on the moveHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC’s Coach Announcement presser - 1:27SKC’s Preseason Roster - 37:49Sporting KC round-up - 40:28KC Current have a coach presser too - 53:58Current round-up - 1:13:14Digital Crawl - 1:21:15As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 160th episode of the show and the first of 2026!Sporting Kansas City officially had a relatively quiet week. Unofficially, they have a coach they are set to announce on Monday. Tom Bogert is reporting it, and the team was already teasing an announcement before he broke the story. It looks like it's long rumored Raphael Wicky, who we learned about over a month ago. We give our initial reactions to the news.While that's unofficial, the team did make one official move this week. Sporting KC traded with the Chicago Fire for 21-year-old right back Justin Reynolds. Couple that with the rumored transfer for Cesar Inga and suddenly Sporting KC nearly have enough defenders to actually play a soccer match.Sheena and I weigh in on all the news with preseason set to start next weekend. We recap the offseason and the state of the roster, coaching staff and all things Sporting KC headed into the 2026 season. There is still a lot of work to be done and hopefully it's a very busy week of announcements and press conferences to come.The KC Current got only bad news this week with the announcement that Mary Long tore her ACL. It makes the departure of Alex Pfeiffer even more stunning since the forward depth is nonexistent for the Current. That said, Bia Zaneratto remains available to sign according to her agent. Plus, we talk about happy news for several players who got married or engaged recently.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:The Columbus Crew hired a coach (only SKC are unofficially left without one)LA Galaxy's Puig has another knee surgeryUSL Championship have labor problemsHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC have their coach, right? - 4:53SKC signing and rumor - 15:51Where do things stand with SKC? - 26:59KC Current injury - 54:02Digital Crawl - 1:04:57As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 159th episode of the show and the final episode of season four unless we need an emergency new coach podcast this week!Sporting Kansas City had another quiet week. We try not to rehash the silence (though it's unavoidable to a certain extent) but instead focus on the one rumor that trickled out. Sporting KC were tied to Albanian midfielder Juljan Shehu. If you want some complaining about the lack of a coach or player signings, check out last week's episode since nothing changed. Something has to happen this week, right? Preseason is in 13 days.The KC Current got most of the attention for the week and a lot of it for some bad reasons. First, the Current are hiring Chris Armas as their next coach. Sheena and I are underwhelmed. Maybe he'll prove everyone wrong.The other Kansas City Current news is around the stunning departure of 18-year-old Alex Pfeiffer. We get into our feelings about it, her teammate's feelings, her comments and her family's comments. And a bit of conspiracy theory corner as well.In more positive news, the KC Current proved teams can work during the week of Christmas as they added two more players in Meila Brewer and Gianna Paul.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:A look at the NWSL High Impact Player ruleKC Streetcar updateHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC finally have a rumor - 9:07KC Current hire a coach and fire a player? - 29:34Other KC Current moves - 53:58Digital Crawl - 56:52As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 158th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City made a little noise this week with their four selections in the MLS SuperDraft, including Kwaku Agyebeng, who was signed a contract as a part of his selection. But the biggest question of the week is, are Sporting KC taking too long to hire a coach and build a roster?Sheena and I debate it, and it is a subject that really got her fired up! Sporting KC remain one of just two teams without a head coach. The Columbus Crew recently announced the departure of Wilfried Nancy to Celtic in Scotland (and he's already on thin ice there, which did leave me wondering if he got fired if he could get the SKC job). But with St. Louis City filling their vacancy this week, it's just Sporting KC and the Crew trying to firm up plans for 2026.And it's not just the lack of the coach, but it's also the roster. Sporting KC sent most of the team packing and entered the offseason with 13 players. They've since added a Homegrown signing (Cielo Tschantret), traded for a career backup goalkeeper (Stefan Cleveland) and added the aforementioned Agyebeng in the draft. There is a ton of work to do all over the roster and not a ton of time to do it before preseason.Speaking of preseason, Sporting KC unveiled all six of their games which start in January. They will play five MLS teams and one game against a college (FIU) that is intended as a warm-up. It's a preseason trip that could be worth making as the Kansas City Current play the same weekend as the last SKC game. (Sheena and I are going if you happen to be there!)Also, in the SKC round-up, we cover the rumored five divisions that will come to MLS when the calendar flips in the 2027-28 season.The KC Current didn't sit idly by this week as they made two more signings. They added CB Kolo Suliafu and RB Laney Rouse. We also talked through the state of the roster and the impact of the NWSLPA shooting down the proposed High Impact Player rule. The KC Current also announced the newly rebranded "Current Landing" and release some cool renderings of the ongoing construction.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:USMNT midfielder Tyler Adams tears his MCLMore MLS expansion rumors for Phoenix, Vegas, Sacramento, Detroit and IndianapolisFIFA World Cup prize moneyand the Washington Huskies winning the Men's College CupHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC add four draft picks - 1:30Is it time to worry about the lack of a coach/roster? - 15:16SKC Round-Up (Preseason schedule and more) - 50:22KC Current signings and round-up - 1:04:27Digital Crawl - 1:18:37As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 157th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City and the KC Current didn't have a ton going on this week, so instead we did a mailbag episode of the podcast. Apologies to those who asked questions we didn't get to, weren't equipped to answer or who we took so long to answer news has come out on your questions.For a decent junk of the mailbag, we played a game from listener Spencer. He asked us to go back to the end of 2024 and revisit our roster decisions. Knowing what we know now, would we change our mind on players or even regarding Peter Vermes. There was a surprising amount of disagreement!We also took questions about the active coaching search underway by David Lee, if we should have a For the Glory KC watch party, what the new stadium sponsor should be for Sporting KC, along with some KC Current (and NWSL wages) and World Cup questions.In the SKC roundup we talked about the Stefan Cleveland trade, the lack of signings this week, the new Saint Luke's sponsorship and the announced preseason dates and schedule. For the KC Current's roundup, we covered their trade and the re-signing of Rocky Rodriguez.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:New NWSL rule proposals (aka the Trinity Rodman rule)MLS Cup final ratingsVancouver Whitecaps stadium progressand KS Astras and KC Comets results and scheduleHere is a rundown of topics and start times:MAILBAG - 07:04SKC Roundup - 54:29KC Current Roundup - 1:03:20Digital Crawl - 1:05:15As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 156th episode of the show!The headline for Kansas City soccer this week is the World Cup! The FIFA World Cup draw went down last Friday with games announced on Saturday. Kansas City get six games in the 2026 World Cup, and the first four matchups are now known:1st: Argentina vs. Algeria on June 16th at 8PM 2nd: Ecuador vs Curacao, June 20th at 7PM3rd: Tunisia vs. Netherlands, June 25th at 6PM4th: Algeria vs. Austria, June 27th at 9PMKC also host a July 3rd round of 32 game and a July 11th quarterfinal, that could feature Messi vs. Ronaldo. If Argentina and Portugal win their groups and their first two knockout games then the biggest game in the world (before the final) will be in Kansas City. That's all assuming Messi even plays. And that they are both healthy. It's a long-shot, but it could happen!The United States Men's National team also found out their group, and it's quite winnable. They start off against Paraguay and also play Australia and the winner of the UEFA playoff between Turkiye, Slovakia, Romania and Kosovo. The USMNT could even play in Kansas City if everything falls the right way, but part of that is them ending up third in their group, which would be a disappointment. Sporting Kansas City are still top of mind with a few big moments this week. First, Kerry Zavagnin officially parted ways with the club after 26 years. Sheena and I give our thoughts and then we share the rumor of two potential replacement coaching candidates. Raphael Wicky, who is a rumored finalist, is who we know the most about after this time with the Chicago Fire.In other Sporting KC news, they have a rumored goalkeeper trade. It'll be the team's fourth keeper if Stefan Cleveland officially arrives from Austin FC. He's never been a long-term starter, but at 31-years-old he can push John Pulskamp and share what he's learned behind some of the best keepers in the league while playing for the Seattle Sounders and Austin FC.In KC Current news, the team signed new two-year contracts with Mary Long and Katie Scott, officially said goodbye to goalkeeper Laurel Ivory and saw their former star defender, Hailie Mace, sign with the Orlando Pride.They also had a less than stellar showing in the World Sevens Football competition over the weekend.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:Trinity Rodman possible leaving the NWSLMLS Cup between Inter Miami and the Vancouver WhitecapsKS Astras win their MASLW openerFormer Swope Park Rangers coach, Marc dos Santos, gets a big upgradeHere is a rundown of topics and start times:World Cup and Kansas City - Sporting KC Coaching Update - SKC Round-Up including a rumored trade - KC Current World Sevens and more - She Scores - Digital Crawl - Upcoming GameKS Astras vs. Iowa Raptors, Sat. Dec. 13th @ 4:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 155th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City and the KC Current did literally nothing this week, so we are filling in with offseason content!Sheena and I did our first ever "For the Glory KC Awards" and gave out many fake prizes to players on both teams. From MVP to Newcomer of the year to strange categories like best hair and best personality. There are the awards you'd expect and everything in between.We also asked the question, which is more shocking? Peter Vermes getting fired with nearly four years left on his contract or Vlatko Andonovski stepping down unexpectedly after the greatest regular season in NWSL history?Speaking of Vermes, he was reported to be up for the Atlanta United job that ultimately went to Tata Martino. Which left the question, where should Peter land if he stays in MLS? There are only a few jobs left open and the New York Red Bulls one looks like it's going to Michael Bradley (according to Tom Bogert of the Athletic). So that only left open the Colorado Rapids, Columbus Crew (soon enough), St. Louis City and of course Sporting KC.In addition to picking Vermes' landing spot, we ponder the question of how nervous should we be that Sporting KC still only have 14 signed players and no coach with preseason set to start in just over five weeks on January 10th?We also cover the news about Kansas City and the 2031 Women's World Cup, Bia Zaneratto possibly heading to Brazil and a lot of USWNT news for the full team, U-23s and U-20s.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:MLS Cup where everyone is rooting for Vancouver over MiamiThe 2028 Copa America maybe coming to the USAPhoenix possibly landing MLS and NWSL expansion teamsand UMKC's NCAA Tournament fateHere is a rundown of topics and start times:End of Year Awards - 3:22Sporting KC roster, coach and Vermes' fate - 47:222031 WWC Update - 56:28KC Current roundup - 1:04:12She Scores - 1:06:35Digital Crawl - 1:17:31Upcoming GamesMLS Cup: Vancouver Whitecaps vs Inter Miami, Saturday, Dec. 6th at 1:30PM CSTWorld Sevens Football TourneyWomen’s College Cup (CPKC Stadium)As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 154th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City were back in the news with the earliest schedule release in recent memory. And it's a compressed schedule with the 2026 World Cup causing a nearly two-month break. Sheena and I give our thoughts on the all the midweek games, particularly the two St. Louis City SC games being midweek.We also try to figure out the best road trips for us and for everyone else. It's the last full year of the schedule under the current system, before the sprint season in 2027 and the full schedule change for the 2027-28 season. We have some concerns based on how this one was built. The KC Current didn't make quite as much news (but there was some). Before that though, we pretend to be the Sporting Director and try to decide on just eight roster moves. Move aside Vlatko (j/k). Most of the team is back in 2026 and the team should be quite good. The standouts we have to decide on are Bia and Elizabeth Ball since Hailie Mace already announced her departure. Everyone else is further down the depth chart or a young player looking to break through.In other Kansas City Current news, we talk about their first game of 2026 (it's before Sporting KC's), the wins and snubs at the NWSL awards and about a bunch of international call-ups.Perhaps the biggest story of the week is that of the Kansas Astras, formerly the KC Astras. Due to a decision either by the KC Comets or the MASLW, they will not be allowed to play in KC or use "Kansas City" in their name. We give all the details we know about the unfolding situation.Finally, Sheena introduces a new, as of yet untitled segment on women's sports, even beyond soccer (though there is plenty of soccer). It'll probably exist outside this podcast in the future, but in what form is unclear. We're open to your suggestions!In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:UMKC men's soccerUSL Champions crownedUnion Omaha announces their stadiumWild Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC gameHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC schedule release - 4:56KC Current Fantasy Sporting Director - 37:16Current news, including their first game of 2026 - 51:13The story of the Kansas Astras - 1:10:41Sheena's new segment - 1:22:54Digital Crawl - 1:41:27Upcoming GamesUSWNT vs Italy, Friday, November 28th at 6:00PM CSTUSWNT vs. Italy, Monday, December 1st at 6:00PMMore MLS Cup Playoff games!As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 153rd episode of the show!Before you do anything else, can you take our Sporting KC and MLS fan survey? Thanks!The main event, for the second straight week, are the KC Current who shook up the soccer world. First, Vlatko Andonovski is out as the coach but is promoted? It felt weird to us as well. Sheena and I talk through the sudden change and shed some light on the move and all the other front office changes around the Kansas City Current.Then we can't avoid the pain of discussing the premature end to the season for KC, as NJ/NY Gotham bounced them from the playoffs unexpectedly late in extra time. We break down the injuries, the decisions that led to those, the games highs and lows and everything in between.And before the sadness ends, we have to discuss the departure of Hailie Mace from the Current. And another KC Current player is on the move too. Plus, the KC Current are up for nearly all the awards.Sporting Kansas City were less in the news, but Major League Soccer on the whole made massive waves this week. First, they announced a schedule change to a "winter" schedule in 2027. In between there will be one more "regular" season, then a mini season they are calling a "sprint" to start 2027 before the full switch to the summer to spring move in July of 2027. We break down our feelings on the moves and try to capture each side of the equation (for more depth, check out my Op-Ed on the subject).The league also confirmed big changes with the Apple TV deal, including the end of MLS Season Pass.Beyond that, there are rumors of more changes, including the elimination of conferences and a new five division MLS setup. Sheena was very upset at my proposed divisions from nearly a year ago! And of course, MLS may change their playoffs again too.Before we depart, Ike Opara and Sporting KC II made news too, and SKC even signed a player, Cielo Tschantret. If only every week of the offseason was as busy as this one! It's a long episode, but maybe there won't be anything that happens this week?In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:NWSL expanding to Atlanta and another city in 2028USMNT and US U-17 updatesFIFA is raising ticket prices again for the World CupMissouri State comes up short in the CUSA finalHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Vlatko is out as the KC Current coach - 9:37KC Current vs. Gotham playoff stunner - 34:30Hailie Mace departs KC - 1:09:27MLS “Winter” Schedule & other big changes - 1:23:20SKC Round-up - 2:01:48Digital Crawl - 2:07:12Upcoming GamesUSMNT vs. Uruguay, Tues, Nov 18th at 6:00PM CSTMLS playoffs resume Saturday As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 152nd episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City's 2025 MLS season is over and we're in that news lull where it's unclear if anything major is going to happen anytime soon. That said, we have a ton of tiny Sporting KC stories that could easily fall through the cracks if you aren't on social media.Before we get to that, if you haven't yet, please take our survey on the Sporting KC 2025 MLS season! Thanks!On today's episode, Sheena and I discuss the rumored opening day of the 2026 MLS season, rumors around Santiago Munoz staying in Kansas City, new salary information, Ryan Schewe re-signing, an analysis of SKC, Benny Feilhaber news, another coach moving on and Zorhan Bassong getting another call-up.The real main even though is the KC Current who bounced back from their first loss in 17 games to earn a come from behind victory, without Temwa Chawinga, over the San Diego Wave. They also basically did it without Bia, who went down injured as well. We have updates on both of those injuries and a preview of the opening playoff series with Gotham FC.Beyond that, we look back at the Kansas City Current's remarkable season, talk about Temwa lifting another Golden Boot trophy, share out thoughts on Lo LaBonta re-signing with the team and her time with the USWNT and much more.It's an episode of many, many tiny stories about SKC and the Current. We also briefly talk about a lovely bio of KC Current owners Chris and Angie Long that you should go read in the Kansas City Star.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:Kansas City hosting a free fan fest for the World CupUSMNT, US U-17s (men and women) resultsSKC's rival, St. Louis City, hires a Sporting Director KC passed overHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC news and tidbits - 10:33KC Current Get Right! - 34:43KC Current Playoff Preview - 50:15Digital Crawl - 1:15:16Upcoming GamesMO State Women's Bears vs. Liberty (CUSA Championship), Fri. Nov 7th at 11:00AM CSTUSMNT U17s vs. Tajikistan (World Cup), Sat, Nov 8th at 8:45AMKC Current vs. Gotham FC (NWSL Playoffs), Sun, Nov 9th at 11:30AMUSMNT U17s vs. Czech Republic (World Cup), Wed, Nov 11th at 8:45AMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 151st episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City's 2025 MLS season has mercifully come to an end. On a points per game basis, it was the worst season in team history. This past week brought about the biggest series of offseason changes in recent memory. Of the 17 players David Lee and his staff had to decide on, only four are guaranteed to be back in 2026 (with ongoing negotiations with two more). As things stand today, there are just 12 players on the roster.Sheena and I work our way through all of the Sporting KC players whose options were declined, whose loans were not picked up and who are simply out of contract and not in negotiations to return. There were some names, like Erik Thommy and Logan Ndenbe, that fans took harder than others. All of this should lead to a busy offseason since Lee has room to add up to 18 players to the roster.Beyond the roster moves and subsequent press conference, Sporting KC made other news around the US Open Cup, the MLS SuperDraft, coaching moves and an international call-up. We even spend a few minutes on the Decision Day snoozer between SKC and the Houston Dynamo and the upcoming MLS offseason schedule.The KC Current had a pretty terrible week too, primarily because of the injury to Temwa Chawinga. They also happened to lose a meaningless game to the Houston Dash, but that paled in comparison to the injury news. There was some positive news around the Current with numerous international call-ups and the expansion of their Academy setup.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:KC Comets newsThe United States are bidding to co-host the 2031 Women's World CupLots of USMNT/USWNT results and newsand a big overall of Men's College soccerHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC are down to just 12 players after cuts - 7:31David Lee gives insight into the next couple months - 56:23SKC Round-up (including US Open Cup & finale results) - 1:14:15MLS and SKC Offseason Schedule - 1:32:55Bad news for the KC Current - 1:37:33Digital Crawl - 1:50:49Upcoming GamesUSWNT vs. Portugal, Sun. Oct 26th at 3:00PM CTUSWNT U17s vs. Netherlands, Mon. Oct 27th USWNT vs. New Zealand, Wed. Oct 29th at 7:00PM (CPKC Stadium)KC Current vs. San Diego Wave, Sun. Nov 2nd at 2:00PMUSMNT U17s vs. Burkina Faso (Western Africa), Tues. Nov 4th at 11:00PMUSMNT U17s vs. Tajikistan, Fri, Nov 7th at 11:00PMUSMNT U17s vs. Czech Republic, Mon, Nov 10th at 11:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 150th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City didn't play, so they can't break our hearts this week. In fact, it's pretty optimistic with Wednesday's press conference with new President of Soccer Operations, David Lee. He introduced himself to the fanbase and media and made a strong first impression. For a deeper dive on that press conference, we've got that in article form, but we'll take you through the big notes.Even though Sporting KC have a CSO hired, it won't stop Sheena and I from thinking we know best and deciding the fate of the 17 players who are out of contract, on options years or have loans that include a purchase option. If you prefer nearly 6,000 written words instead of listening to us talk, I joined six other KCSJ colleagues in the written word earlier this week. Sheena did call this "some of her best work," so you should probably listen. It was fun!As a bonus, even though there are only eight guys on guaranteed contracts, Sheena and I discuss who of those we'd actually like to keep too, with Daniel Salloi and Shapi Suleymanov getting the most attention.In the Sporting KC round-up we spread that good word that SKC cannot win the Wooden Spoon, Mike Burns is sticking around and vent a little about that silly SKC/Minnesota United game we never talked about.The KC Current just keep winning. A record-breaking number of wins in fact! And points. And shutouts. They've vanquished a quality Gotham FC squad and Angel City FC since we last spoke, so we catch up on all things Kansas City Current.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:AI writing on MLSsoccer.comPhiladelphia Union win the ShieldUSMNT U-20 World Cup updateFull USMNT squad looking betterKei Kamara retires from international soccerHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Insights on SKC CSO David Lee - 6:45We Pretend we’re CSO for a Day - 32:08Would you cut any of the eight guaranteed players - 1:38:34MLS Wooden Spoon Update - 1:44:32KC Current win two more times - 1:49:15Digital Crawl - Upcoming GamesUSMNT vs. Australia, Tues. Oct 14th at 8:00PM CDTKC Current @ Houston Dash, Sat. Oct 18th at 6:30PMSporting KC vs. Houston Dynamo, Sat. Oct 18th at 8:00PM (Decision Day)As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 149th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City did what we've been asking for and hired a new President of Soccer Operations. David Lee is in charge of all things soccer over at Sporting KC, and he'll report directly to ownership. That's actually the first (serious) subject on the pod. CSO? PoSO? General Manager? Sporting Director? Technical Director? To quote the former King of the Seven Kingdoms, Robert Baratheon, "titles, titles, titles."On today's, not quite an emergency podcast, we learn about David Lee's professional past, his time with NYCFC and his track record of success.He also comes out of the City Football Group (CFG) empire, so we tell you what the heck that means and what impact that likely had on the resources he had at his disposal and how it could both be benefiting him and limiting him at other times.Sheena and I also weigh in on Lee's history of youth development and a knack for signing young talent. A lot of that is CFG related, but it also could be the direction he decides to take with Sporting KC. There is so much to talk about with Lee, you should probably just download the episode already!As a tease, here are some of the quotes from the media we'll cite around the excitement of the David Lee hire:David Gass: "This is probably better than what I would have guessed is a best-case scenario for SKC.”Tom Bogert: "David Lee joining Sporting KC from NYCFC as CSO is a big move. Impressive by SKC to court and land Lee, as it's rare for a CSO to leave for another CSO role. Lee one of league’s respected sporting executives. Gets to rebuild SKC around Dejan Joveljic, Manu Garcia and more."Joe Lowery: "SKC fans should be pleased with the David Lee hire. While it's hard to know how much of NYCFC's success during Lee's time there stemmed from his roster-building vs. CFG's resources, he's got real experience in a recruiting machine."Taylor Twellman: "Smart. Clever. Great Hire from Sporting KC. David Lee is someone who can really get SKC over the hump and his experience with NYCFC in MLS will be invaluable in turning around the franchise in Kansas."Andrew Weibe: "This is truly a great get for Kansas City. Lee has repeatedly hit at every roster designation with his signings (not all HRs, of course, before you get in the mentions). Pascal Jansen has been an A+ managerial hire. NYCFC has been consistently good to excellent under his watch."In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:MLS Offseason scheduleSKC International call-upsA new job for Peter Vermes?World Cup Ticket Pricesand more!Here is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC hire a CSO - 2:50Digital Crawl - 59:59Upcoming GamesSporting KC @ Minnesota United, Sat. Oct 4th at 7:30PM CDTSKC II @ MNUFC2, Sun. Oct 5th at 3:00PMUSMNT U-20s vs. South Africa, Sun. Oct 5th at 3:00PMKC Current @ Angel City FC, Mon. Oct 6th at 9:30PMKC Current vs. Gotham FC, Sat. Oct 11th at 4:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 148th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City put up one of the worst performances in recent memory when they went on the road and lost 4-1 to the LA Galaxy. The dead-last-in-all-of-MLS Galaxy. They gave up a hattrick in the first half to Designated Player, Joseph Paintsil, and he frankly could have scored four or five goals on the night. It's a worrying trend with how they start games and how they end the first half of games.Despite it being bad, and it was very bad, it wasn't all bad. Dejan Joveljic scored again, this time against his former team leaving him 4th in the Golden Boot standings. There were positive moments for new starters Memo Rodriguez and Stephen Afrifa (and bad ones but let us have this). Robert Voloder came off the bench and made his case to still be on this roster.Sheena and I also discuss all the follies and how much of the blame should be heaped onto John Pulskamp (spoiler: not much in my eyes). And we have to discuss that Shapi Suleymanov red card.Unfortunately, we also have to update the "race to the bottom" by Sporting KC. They are dangerously closer to 'winning' the Wooden Spoon for the first time in club history. The only hope may be that other teams also play bad, which D.C. United and St. Louis City did their part this weekend.In the SKC Round-up we also cover how much General Allocation Money the new Chief Soccer Officer (CSO) is going to have to work with and some good and bad moments from the final SKC II home game.The KC Current lifted us up a bit on Friday though, with their dominant 4-1 win with a heavily rotated lineup. There were brilliant moments, debuts, firsts and more. And we have to talk about how Temwa Chawinga was placed ridiculously low on the Ballon d'Or voting.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:Chicago Fire's new Stadium being approvedA further expanded World Cup in 2030Desi Scott set to retire (again)Here is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC get embarrassed against the Galaxy - 9:39SKC Wooden Spoon Update - 40:23KC Current reverses the SKC score for another win - 50:46Digital Crawl - 1:09:59Upcoming GamesUSMNT U-20s vs. New Caledonia, Mon. Sept. 29th at 6:00PM CDTUSMNT U-20s vs. France, Thur., Oct 2nd at 3:00PMSporting KC @ Minnesota United, Sat. Oct 4th at 7:30PM SKC II @ MNUFC2, Sun. Oct 5th at 3:00PMUSMNT U-20s vs. South Africa, Sun. Oct 5th at 3:00PMKC Current @ Angel City FC, Mon. Oct 6th at 9:30PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 147th episode of the show!The KC Current are the headliners this week, and probably should be each week, because they had themselves a marvelous weekend! After the Washington Spirit dropped points to Angel City FC on Thursday night, that opened the door for the Kansas City Current to lift the shield on Saturday night. All they had to do was win.And of course they did! They defeated the Seattle Reign 2-0, lifted the NWSL Shield as the best record in the league, with five games remaining. It's the fastest ever shield win in league history, breaking the previous record set by the 2014 Seattle Reign.But that Reign team ultimately didn't win the NWSL Championship. They lost the final to FC Kansas City, coached by Vlatko Andonovski. Sheena and I work through all the emotions and moments from the night and how the KC Current can't let that happen to them. Across town, things were much worse for Sporting Kansas City. They lost, yet again, this time to the Vancouver Whitecaps. And it was a depleted Whitecaps side who were missing most of their stars. It didn't matter as SKC fell behind just over a minute into the game and never recovered.Then again, they did play some kids and try some different things for next year. So, I supposed we sort of got what we were asking for last week. But losing sucks. And St. Louis City won, so Sporting KC are closer to the Wooden Spoon (for the worst record in MLS) than anything else and now behind their cross-state rivals.On one night, the KC Current proclaim themselves one of the best teams in the world and Sporting KC get eliminated from playoff contention. What a weird night for Kansas City soccer.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:Messi extends contract with Inter Miami and will retire in MLSUS Open Cup and Canadian Championship finals setHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Premier League Morning Live! - 1:11KC Current win the Shield! - 11:35Sporting KC may have quit - 45:10Digital Crawl - 1:11:45Upcoming GamesKC Current vs. Chicago Stars - Fri. Sept 26th at 7:00PM CDTSporting KC @ LA Galaxy - Sat. Sept. 27th at 9:30PMSKC II vs. Ventura County - Sun. Sept 28th at 12:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 146th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City really wasted our time this weekend. Sure, the game was close, only losing 2-1 to Real Salt Lake. But any idiot could see this lineup wasn't going to work. A midfield three of Nemanja Radoja, Jacob Bartlett and Jake Davis. Where is the offense coming from? Why is Radoja playing the 8? He has a single position, being a defensive midfielder in a single pivot. A role he's spent almost no time playing in 2025. Which is fine, let Barlett get those minutes. Or even better, let Davis and Zorhan Bassong play in a double pivot (Bassong was suspended for this game).And why is Joaquin Fernandez playing any minutes for this team? He has shown he hasn't done enough to earn a new contract. His deal runs out at the end of 2025 and his exorbitant salary has not been earned. Ian James picked up a concussion, so he wasn't available. But new loanee Alan Montes is. See if he has enough talent to keep around beyond the expiration of his loan this season. They have a purchase option. I have a dream formation he'd fit right into.Worst of all, the game was so conservative, and Kerry Zavagnin didn't go offensive until the team was down 2-0. It felt like a wasted game. We'll get into that, and other thoughts from the RSL game before moving on to other topics like the KC Cauldron "Hot Seat," an injury update for SKC and England possibly coming to KC for the World Cup.Finally, the KC Current couldn't pull off yet another win. They played to a 0-0 draw with the Washington Spirit without the injured Temwa Chawinga. Temwa should be fine according to Vlatko Andonovski.The game was another hot one, featured a red card and the Spirit showed why they are the 2nd place team in the NWSL.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:USMNT bounce back versus JapanSt. Louis City owners battle with their supportersWooden Spoon race updateHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC waste a week of our lives against RSL - 10:04SKC injury news and Cauldron Hot Seat - 34:08No Temwa, no winning for the Current - 43:06Digital Crawl - 57:23Upcoming GamesSKC II @ North Texas SC, Sun. Sept 14th at 7:30PMSKC II vs. Whitecaps 2, Fri, Sept 19th at 6:00PM CDTKC Current vs. Seattle Reign, Sat. Sept 20th at 6:30PM Sporting KC vs. Vancouver, Sat. Sept 20th at 7:30PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 145th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City failed once again to do what they haven't been able to do all season. String together back-to-back wins. That leaves them all but eliminated from the 2025 playoffs, simply seeking to avoid a slide that puts them at the bottom of the table. We spend just a little time on the Austin FC game (but we still had a few thoughts) and move to more pressing matters.Both of our next conversations were triggered by a simple tweet from Andrew Weibe.First, we talk through that Chief Soccer Officer (CSO) search update, including that it'll happen before the season is over, they are in final interviews, and the move will come from outside the organization (so no Mike Burns as CSO).Then the last paragraph sparked a bit of a discussion online."CSO could make wholesale changes. Seventeen players out of contract. Two of three DP spots could be opened, all three U22."First, the two DPs Sporting KC have, cannot be bought down. So, the implication is that Dejan Joveljic or Manu Garcia could be sold, and Weibe went on to confirm that's what he meant. So, should Joveljic be sold? If so, how much will that cost a team to pry him away? He's just 26-years-old. He's at 17 goals and counting this year. Sheena and I get into the discussion and the fan reaction around that idea. I try to break down why it might financially make some sense, but also assess the risk involved in such a move.Finally, the KC Current continued their winning ways with their 12th straight game without a loss, including only a single draw. The game was their 9th road win of the season, an NWSL record. With the Washington Spirit also winning, they remain only 14 points clear of second place. That won't allow next weekend to end in them winning the shield, but if they beat the Spirit, it'll all but lock up the trophy.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:Sounders and Miami's wild Leagues Cup finalMLS launching 'ref cam'Alyssa Thompson leaves NWSL for ChelseaJaedyn Shaw getting traded during the podcastUSMNT losing to South KoreaHere is a rundown of topics and start times:KC Cauldron Town Hall this Thursday!! - 4:00Sporting KC blow a lead Against Austin FC - 4:41A big update on the CSO hiring process - 29:26Should Sporting KC Sell Dejan for the Right Price? - 33:00Former SKC Player Movement - 44:35KC Current inch closer to the Shield - 46:16Digital Crawl - 59:05Upcoming GamesUSMNT vs. Japan, Tues. Sept 9th at 6:30PM CDTKC Current vs. Washington Spirit, Sat. Sept 13th at 6:30PMSporting KC @ Real Salt Lake, Sat. Sept 13th at 8:30PMSKC II @ North Texas SC, Sun. Sept 14th at 7:30PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

For the Glory KC is back with the 144th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City broke a nearly two-month winless streak on Saturday night against the Colorado Rapids. The streak went back to their last win, also against the Rapids, on July 4th in Commerce City. And while "winless" is technically right, it was worse than that. Between victories over Colorado, Sporting KC were 0-5-1, with just a single draw against NYCFC.The defense was still flawed, and defense often starts further up the field, so there is blame to go around. Colorado should have scored far more than the two goals they put in, if not for outstanding individual efforts from John Pulskamp, Robert Voloder and Ian James. But it was something else that stood out on Saturday.With Manu Garcia still unavailable due to injury, Kerry Zavagnin finally used Santiago Munoz as a straight up #10. You could call it a second striker, but he was floating all over creating opportunities. He was involved in so many attacking sequences and seemed to unlock Sporting KC's creativity. Not every sequence ended with a shot, but there was so much promise.Another move I've been asking for is not starting all three strikers together. It leaves no impact subs on the bench to play forward. With Mason Toye starting on the bench, it was a combination of him subbing on and Santi unlocking the midfield that led to the game winning goal. Munoz played a perfect ball to Toye to finished with precision to push SKC over the line for their seventh win of the season.Of course, Sheena and I talked about a lot more Sporting KC happenings in this episode, including:Our favorite goal of the night (there were so many good candidates)Pulskamp heroicsThat James save off the line!Daniel Salloi showing man strengthInternational callups and so much moreThe KC Current did what we basically expect them to do at this point. Just keep winning. They've won twice since our last podcast and clinched a playoff spot. They aren't that far away from locking up the NWSL Shield. But ultimately, the season will be defined by what they do in the playoffs. Before we get there though, we talk through the victories over the Portland Thorns and North Carolina Courage.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:St. Louis fire their Sporting DirectorBarbra Banda done for the yearThe USWNT game at CPKC StadiumHere is a rundown of topics and start times:Sporting KC’s big comeback victory - 8:22SKC make moves and Intl. Call-ups in the SKC roundup - 54:24KC Current keep winning - 1:01:03Strife between ownership & the NWSL in the Current roundup - 1:18:32Digital Crawl - 1:26:47Upcoming GamesSKC II vs. Real Monarchs, Sat. Sept 6th at 12:00PM CDTUSMNT vs. South Korea, Sat. Sept 6th at 4:00 PMKC Current @ Bay FC, Sat. Sept 6th at 9:00PMSporting KC vs. Austin FC, Sun. Sept. 7th at 6:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled dot com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they'll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.