The Free Kick

• Episode 352 - Philadelphia Union Win First US Open Cup Game Since 2018

  The Philadelphia Union hosted and won their first U.S. Open Cup game since 2018, defeating USL Championship side Indy Eleven 5-4 on penalties after regulation ended tied at 1-1, with Alejandro Bedoya scoring the Union's lone goal. Todd is joined by José Nuñez to discuss the Union's victory, covering topics including: the Union's starting XI, which featured Cavan Sullivan and David Vazquez making their first-ever starts for the first team; Alejandro Bedoya scoring his first goal since May 4, 2024; how to assess Cavan Sullivan's performance; and Andre Blake's latest injury, though Bradley Carnell doesn't seem too concerned. Philadelphia Union v Indy Eleven: Starting XI: [6:05] Alejandro Bedoya scores first goal since May 4, 2024: [21:30] Assessing Cavan Sullivan's first start: [30:13] Is MLS pulling away from USL Championship: [40:38] Andre Blake injury: [44:07]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/   Jose's Social Media: Twitter: @JoserNunez91 https://nunezj.substack.com/

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• Episode 351 - Philadelphia Union Defeat Montréal 2-1, Off To Best Start In Team History

  The Philadelphia Union defeated CF Montréal by a score of 2-1, earning their third straight win. With that victory, the Union are off to their best start through 11 games, with 22 points. Todd discusses the game and talks about the Union’s lack of chances but how they still found a way to grind out a win, Mikael Uhre’s numbers against Montréal, and three straight weeks of strikers coming off the bench and scoring. Todd also discusses the Blunder of the Week, which includes the Colorado Rapids not flying Chris Armas out for their game against D.C. United.   MLS News: Jakob Glesnes and Andre Blake named to MLS' Team of the Matchday 10 for their performance against D.C. United: [2:47] CF Montréal v Philadelphia Union: Union grind out the win, despite not creating a ton of chances: [4:36] Mikael Uhre five goals in six appearances against Montréal: [29:16] Three straight weeks a Union striker has scored off bench: [41:35] Blunder of The Week: Colorado Rapids don't pay for charter flight to get Head Coach Chris Armas to D.C. for Rapids Game. Was inducted in National Soccer Hall of Fame early in day: [49:41]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/

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• Episode 350 - Philadelphia Union Dominate D.C. United 3-0, Earn Back-Back Wins

  The Philadelphia Union took care of business, beating D.C. United by a score of 3-0 thanks to goals from Jakob Glesnes, Danley Jean Jacques, and Bruno Damiani. With the win, the Union end a two-game home stand against Atlanta United and D.C. United, collecting the maximum possible six points. Todd is joined by José Nuñez to talk about the win, and they discuss several topics: getting goals from players other than strikers, winning against teams they should beat, and whether there is any concern about a lack of chance creation. Philadelphia Union v D.C. United:  Any concern with lack of chance creation the last couple of games: [5:37] Getting goals from other players that aren't the forwards: [21:36] Union winning against teams they should beat: [36:44] Quinn Sullivan interest: [43:37]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/   Jose's Social Media: Twitter: @JoserNunez91 https://nunezj.substack.com/

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• Episode 349 - Philadelphia Union Cruise to 3-0 Win Over Atlanta United

  The Philadelphia Union ended a three-game winless streak with a 3-0 win over Atlanta United, with Quinn Sullivan, Danley Jean Jacques, and Tai Baribo scoring. Todd is joined by José Nuñez to discuss Quinn Sullivan's inclusion in MLS' Team of the Matchday for Week 9 and share their thoughts on the Atlanta game, with topics including Bradley Carnell's makeshift backline, Mikael Uhre starting over Tai Baribo, the Union's game plan against Atlanta, and Andre Blake picking up his 100th clean sheet for the Union. MLS News: Philadelphia Union to face Indy Eleven in US Open Cup: [6:55] Quinn Sullivan named to MLS Team of The Matchday 9: [16:25] Philadelphia Union v Atlanta United: Union backline - Westfield, Glesnes, Harriel, Wagner: [20:52] Andre Blake keeps third clean sheet of the season / 100th career Union career clean sheet: [28:19] Bradley Carnell starts Mikael Uhre over Tai Baribo: [39:06] Union’s Offensive Performance: [52:16] Three Stars: [1:00:47]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/   Jose's Social Media: Twitter: @JoserNunez91 https://nunezj.substack.com/ José Nuñez High School Playoff Goal VOYCENOW Foundation and the Goalies for Good Initiative - Andre Blake Jersey

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• Episode 348 - Philadelphia Union Fall 1-0 to NYCFC, Winless in Four of Last Five

  The Philadelphia Union fell to NYCFC by a score of 1-0, leaving the Union winless in four of their last five games. The biggest storyline from the game was Andre Blake's absence from the matchday squad due to an adductor injury, which meant Andrew Rick started his second game of the season. Todd discusses his thoughts on the game, covering topics including: the attack's recent struggles, a costly defensive mistake by another Union centerback, and the Union's current winless run. Finally, Todd ends the show with Blunder of the Week, awarded to Kylian Mbappé for his tackle on Alavés' Antonio Blanco.   NYCFC v Philadelphia Union: Andre Blake out of matchday squad due to adductor injury, should Union fans be concerned: [8:26] Olivier Mbaizo out of the matchday squad for first time this season with hamstring injury: [17:21] A draw would've been suitable: [22:09] What's happened to the Union's attack: [37:04] Another costly centerback mistake: [45:42]   Blunder of The Week: Mbappe challenge on Antonio Blanco: [51:36]   Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick https://thefreekick.substack.com/

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