Off the Pitch

In this episode, we cover Kansas City's buzzing art scene, the Victory Run 5K benefiting The Victory Project, and Kid’s Day at Sporting Park, before Blake and Marika draft their ultimate childhood halftime snack lineup. Then, Mallory Cage and Chris Haghirian from KC2026 join us to talk all things FIFA Fan Festival™ Kansas City— a free, all-ages event at the National World War I Memorial featuring live games, 40+ local artists, and a lineup as uniquely Kansas City as it gets. Plus, Sporting KC's Mental Performance Coach Becky Wiseman stops by to talk Mental Health Awareness Month, her journey into sports psychology, and what it really means to train your mind like an athlete. Enjoy!

Summer is coming fast! In this episode, we cover NASCAR at Kansas Speedway, the official launch of Soccer Capital Summer at Sporting Park — KC's free FIFA World Cup watch party events— and settles the debate on the best rides at Worlds of Fun now that the Timberwolf is back. Then, Sporting Kansas City's Stephen Afrifa and Zorhan Bassong join Off the Pitch for a hilarious conversation about their unlikely friendship, life as Canadians in KC, karaoke trauma, and the great poutine debate. Plus, NASCAR driver Ross Chastain stops by to talk smashing watermelons, winning at Kansas, and why this track feels like home. 

Say hello to our new studio! We’re talking all things Kansas City, from the Parade of Hearts to upcoming FIFA World Cup™ fan events at Sporting Park, before settling the most important debate in KC: who can draft the perfect barbecue plate? Then, Sporting Kansas City midfielder Manu Garcia joins Off the Pitch to talk life in KC, his love of rodeos, bagpipes, espresso, and how a Spanish kid from Oviedo found a home in the Midwest. Plus, Sporting KC's eMLS player, Gustavo Nascimento, stops by to share his incredible journey to representing Sporting KC competitively in FIFA. 

Blake and Marika are back—and with spring here, the MLS season is officially underway. In this episode, the duo breaks down their all-time favorite retro Sporting KC kits ahead of Retro Night (3/21/2026 at Sporting Park) and dives into the growing FIFA World Cup™ excitement coming to Kansas City.Then, Sporting Kansas City’s Jansen Miller joins the show to talk downtown KC life, his famous cat Hank, new teammates, and why Kansas City already feels like home—with a little trash talk thrown in for good measure.

Welcome to Off the Pitch — the official Sporting Kansas City podcast and your go-to source for everything Sporting KC, MLS, soccer, and Kansas City culture. In our very first episode, we're keeping it real: meet your hosts, Blake Aerni (the voice of Sporting KC) and Marika Davis (in-stadium host at Sporting Park), two Kansas City natives who are bringing their group chat energy straight to your earbuds. We're talking about why we built this show, what makes KC unlike any other city in America, and what's coming up this season — because there is a lot. Whether you're a die-hard Sporting KC season ticket holder or you're just discovering soccer ahead of the FIFA World Cup this summer (less than 100 days away!), this podcast is for you. We'll bring you behind-the-scenes access, KC culture deep dives, player interviews, and the stories that never make the highlight reel. New episodes drop every other week. Hit subscribe so you never miss a thing. ⚽🏙️