Home and Away - A Sporting KC Podcast

The international break brought no reprieve from soccer pain as the USMNT got fairly comprehensively beaten on the scoresheet by both Belgium and Portugal and the KC Current put in one of the more hapless performances we’ve seen from that club in recent memory.  In fact, the last time I remember them looking that listless they were playing home games in a minor league baseball stadium.Needless to say, there was a lack of joy in the soccer department for the proprietors of this podcast, nor most of its listeners.  But we soldier on undeterred!  There were at least noteworthy items in the games played by both teams to evaluate(and likely criticize), as well as a silver lining or two so it isn’t all doom and gloom.We’ll also catch up on a few news items as well as get ready for SKC to get back into action in Salt Lake City as they head on the road to a fairly difficult challenge against an RSL team that is playing quite well of late.Music by The Spin Wires

You can thank all of your positivity last week for the reversal that happened this weekend as Sporting KC got demolished by the Colorado Rapids in a game that might have felt even worse than the 4-1 scoreline. We praised John Pulskamp(gulp), diminished Paxten Aaronson(double gulp) and suggested KC could compete with Colorado(drown us in gulps).It was a pretty poor performance, and we of course do the deed and break down our opinions as to why, what potential corrections may exist, and look towards a likely fairly dire couple months til the summer transfer window.The KC Current did little to assuage our misery falling to the Chicago Stars 2-1 and being almost as sieve-like through the midfield as Sporting KC was the day prior. This was a fairly predictable predicament and that the club did nothing to address it is more than somewhat concerning.Finally we talk about things we enjoyed in MLS this weekend before having a quick chat about the USMNT as they gear up for their 2nd to last group of friendlies before the World Cup.Music by The Spin Wires.

Music by the Spin Wires

In this episode, Drew and Cody discuss the kickoff of the new season for Sporting Kansas City, reflecting on the initial performances and the recent player signings that have sparked conversations about the team's roster quality. They analyze the implications of Lasse Berg Johnsen's signing, the ongoing concerns regarding midfield depth, and the impact of Daniel Salloi's trade to Toronto FC. The hosts emphasize the importance of youth development and the need for higher quality talent to improve the team's performance. They also appreciate the transparency from club management regarding the current state of the team and the long-term strategy focused on sustainable growth and flexibility. In this conversation, the hosts discuss the ongoing transformation of a soccer team, focusing on the shift towards professionalism, the importance of communication with fans, and the tactical challenges faced in the past weekend's match. They highlight the impact of injuries on player performance and the need for a competent coaching staff. The discussion also touches on the significance of developing young talent and the expectations for upcoming matches, emphasizing the hope for improvement and a brighter future for the team.Music by The Spin Wires

In this episode, Drew and Cody delve into the latest happenings in the Kansas City soccer scene, focusing on player rumors, potential signings, and tactical changes as the season approaches. They analyze the profiles of rumored players like Lasse Berg Johnsen, Diego Borges, and Capita Capemba, discussing their potential impact on the team. The hosts also reflect on preseason performances and the tactical adjustments being made under coach Rapha Wicky, emphasizing the importance of midfield dynamics and player positioning. In this conversation, Drew and Cody discuss various aspects of soccer, focusing on coaching strategies, player performance, and fan engagement. They delve into the coaching style of Rapha Wicky, the importance of youth development, and the emotional investment fans have in their teams. The discussion also covers recent player trades in the NWSL, the launch of new soccer kits, and the tactical changes being implemented in the teams. The conversation highlights the complexities of team dynamics and the challenges faced by coaches and players alike.Music by The Spin Wires

Given the fairly depressing state of the roster, and on the heels of a very captivating conversation on the Soccerwise podcast led by Bobby Warshaw of Bloom Sports regarding club building philosophies, Drew and Cody discuss how they would go about building out Sporting KC based on their current state. It includes timeline objectives, explaining relative theses on why we expect success, and roster pillars and roster building philosophies. Hopefully next week the crew will have some fun news to discuss as David Lee and Co put their own methodologies to work.Music by The Spin Wires

In this episode, Drew and Cody discuss the preseason preparations for Sporting Kansas City, including roster updates and player rumors. They analyze potential signings and player profiles, delve into coaching changes and team philosophy, and highlight trialists and academy players. The conversation also touches on the Kansas City Current's coaching search and concerns over the team's direction and future signings. In this conversation, Drew and Cody delve into the current state of coaching controversies, player transactions, and team strategies within MLS. They discuss the implications of recent coaching changes, the dynamics of player movements, and the evolving landscape of youth development in soccer. The dialogue highlights the challenges teams face in building effective rosters and the impact of aggressive acquisitions on league competitiveness.Music by the Spin Wires

In this episode, Drew and Cody discuss the recent hiring of Raphael Wicky as the new head coach of Sporting Kansas City. They explore Wicky's coaching background, the expectations surrounding his appointment, and the critical role of David Lee as the Chief Soccer Officer in the decision-making process. The conversation delves into the importance of roster construction and player development, as well as the impact of coaching on team success. The hosts also reflect on fan reactions to the coaching change and the significance of the upcoming season for the club.Music by The Spin Wires

In this episode of the Home and Away podcast, Drew and Cody discuss the latest developments surrounding Sporting Kansas City, including the recent draft, ownership changes, and transfer drama involving player signings. They express concerns about the current state of the roster and the coaching staff, while also touching on the performance of the US Women's National Team and the ongoing youth soccer lawsuit. The hosts share their frustrations and hopes for the future of the club as they navigate a challenging offseason.Music by The Spin Wires.

This week we are doing something a little different. We are cribbing a format from one of Drew's favorite non-sports podcasts, The Big Picture, and drafting our favorite SKC players, moments, kits, and events and trying to put together the most complete roster of memories that exemplify the history of this club.This week Drew and Cody are joined by Mike Kuhn, noted SKC/Wizards historian, Chad Reynolds, long time employee of the club and former Senior Director of Brand, and Alexander Abnos, former Senior Editor at The Athletic and current Senior Editor at The Guardian with a focus on US Soccer.Music by The Spin Wires

In this episode of Home and Away, Drew and Cody discuss the latest developments in the world of Sporting Kansas City and the Kansas City Current. They delve into the recent SuperDraft, evaluating player selections and the unpredictability of draft success. The conversation shifts to the Kansas City Current's surprising coaching decision, the ambitious moves of Inter Miami, and the growing concerns surrounding Sporting Kansas City's roster as they approach the new season. The hosts express their frustrations and hopes for the future of both teams, emphasizing the need for strategic decisions and community engagement. In this conversation, Drew and Cody discuss the challenges faced by sports teams in capturing fan attention, particularly when performance is lacking. They delve into the implications of recent changes to the NWSL's salary cap rules and how these affect player contracts and team competitiveness. The discussion also touches on the impact of injuries on team dynamics, particularly focusing on key players like Tyler Adams and Chris Richards. Finally, they explore modernizing positional play in soccer, emphasizing the need for innovative tactics that can adapt to current player capabilities and enhance team performance.Music by The Spin Wires

In this episode of Home and Away, Drew and Cody discuss the offseason planning for Sporting Kansas City, focusing on tactical identity and player acquisitions. They analyze the recent MLS playoffs, highlighting the excitement and performances of various teams. The conversation shifts to coaching dynamics, emphasizing the impact of effective coaching on team performance. They also touch on the NWSL's salary cap issues and the potential for ownership changes within Sporting Kansas City, considering the implications for future investments and team success. In this conversation, Drew and Cody delve into the dynamics of ownership within the MLS, particularly focusing on rumors surrounding Peter Maluk's potential increased stake in a team. They discuss the implications of ownership changes on team competitiveness and fan engagement. The conversation then transitions into tactical discussions, exploring various playing styles and philosophies in soccer, emphasizing the importance of adapting strategies to player capabilities. Finally, they preview the upcoming MLS Cup Final, expressing excitement and analyzing the potential matchups, while reflecting on the broader implications for the league.Music by The Spin Wires

In this episode of Home and Away, Drew and Cody delve into the recent performances of the US Men's National Team, analyzing their matches against Paraguay and Uruguay. They discuss the significant vibe shift within the team under Pochettino's management, highlighting the importance of player performances, tactical evolution, and the depth of the squad as they prepare for the upcoming World Cup. The conversation also touches on individual players like Gio Reyna and Christian Roldan, as well as the team's ability to adapt tactically and maintain a competitive edge. In this conversation, Drew and Cody discuss the evolving landscape of soccer, particularly focusing on the impact of intimidation in matches, the growth of MLS players, and the strategic importance of set pieces. They analyze the current state of the US national team as they prepare for the World Cup, emphasizing the need for team cohesion and the significance of recent performances. The discussion also touches on Pochettino's coaching style, his reactions in press conferences, and the transition of Vlatko from coaching to a broader role within the organization. Finally, they explore the upcoming changes in the MLS schedule and the implications for the league's future.Music by The Spin Wires

In this episode, Drew and Cody discuss the offseason storylines surrounding Sporting Kansas City and the Kansas City Current, including injuries and coaching decisions. They analyze the Current's playoff performance and the tactical choices made by coach Vlatko Andonovski. The conversation shifts to the MLS playoffs, highlighting key matches and player performances. Finally, they delve into proposed changes to the MLS schedule, discussing the potential impact on the league and its players. In this conversation, Drew and Cody discuss various aspects of soccer, focusing on the impact of league participation on teams, player safety concerns, and the US Men's National Team (USMNT) roster selections. They delve into the role of players like Giovanni Reyna, evaluate the USMNT's prospects for the upcoming World Cup, and discuss the importance of upcoming friendlies. The conversation also touches on tactical approaches, player roles, and the future of Sporting Kansas City, including potential player acquisitions and the challenges of building a competitive team.Music by The Spin Wires

The offseason has well and truly begun for Sporting Kansas City as David Lee made his first official decisions as the new Chief Soccer Officer of the club moving on from at least 12 players from the 2025 roster, with one in negotiations to stay, leaving only 13 currently rostered players going into the 2026 season.  This leaves a mountain of work to accomplish over the next 10 weeks as he and his staff look to reload this roster with players before preseason training begins in early January.  While it is a significant endeavour, it is of course something we all expected and he certainly signed up for when taking on the job.  Lee met with the media not long after the decisions were made public, and spent a good 25 minutes discussing the opportunities that the team has this offseason, his thoughts on the players remaining on the roster, as well as his thought process for identifying new players and the manager meant to coach them.  There is a lot of work ahead, but Lee appeared to be a man not only aware of the task at hand, but also invigorated by potential it provided. We will dig into all of that information, adding our thoughts and context and what we hope for and expect to see from this offseason, as well as checking in on the beginning of the MLS Playoffs, as well as the USWNT as they gear up for their match in Kansas City against New Zealand.  Cody - we no longer have to make any predictions or provide any personal opinions on which players should stay or go, those decisions have been made, and they largely aligned with what we both have been suggesting likely would and should happen once the season ended. To do a quick recap, 6 players had their options declined, who were Tim Leibold, Nemanja Radoja, Khiry Shelton, Mason Toye, and Ryan Schewe, who has since re-signed to a new contract with the club(more on this later)Additionally, 7 more players’ contracts or loans expired and will not be returning, namely Joaquin Fernandez, Logan Ndenbe, Erik Thommy, Robert Voloder, Memo Rodriguez, Andrew Brody and Alan Montes.  Santi Munoz’ loan also expired but the club is looking into options for retaining his services.

In this episode, Drew and Cody reflect on the disappointing end of Sporting Kansas City's season, discussing the lackluster performance in their recent game against Houston and the implications for coaching and roster decisions moving forward. They highlight the importance of player performances and the need for significant changes in the offseason. The conversation shifts to the upcoming MLS playoffs, where they analyze key matchups and potential surprises, as well as updates on the women's national team and their upcoming games in Kansas City. The episode emphasizes the need for a strong midfield and the impact of injuries on playoff outcomes, while also acknowledging the crucial role of fan support in the team's success.Music by The Spin Wires

In this episode of Home and Away, Drew and Cody discuss the current state of Sporting Kansas City, focusing on player evaluations, potential roster changes, and the upcoming free agency period. They delve into the performance of key players, particularly the goalkeeping situation, and the need for significant upgrades across the roster. The conversation also touches on the U-22 initiative and its implications for player development. Additionally, they review the recent performances of the US Men's National Team, highlighting the team's tactical execution and overall improvement under new management. In this conversation, Cody and Drew discuss the performance and potential of the US Men's National Team as they prepare for the World Cup. They analyze the impact of players like Balagan and Pulisic, evaluate forward options, and address concerns in the center back position. The discussion also highlights the Kansas City Current's dominance in the league and the development of young players like Claire Hutton.Music by The Spin Wires

To begin this episode, Drew and Daniel Sperry discuss the recent appointment of David Lee as the new Chief Soccer Officer for Sporting Kansas City. They explore Lee's genuine approach, his understanding of the MLS landscape, and the importance of community identity in soccer. The conversation delves into Lee's intentionality in the coaching search, the need for transparency in communication, and the club's future plans regarding roster flexibility and academy development. The hosts emphasize the urgency of making player decisions and the expectations for Lee's impact on the team's performance.Later, Cody joins the pod and Drew and Cody discuss the recent press conference featuring David Lee, the new hire for Sporting Kansas City. They explore the implications of his hiring, emphasizing the shift towards competence and ambition in club management. The conversation delves into the importance of transparency, modernizing the club's structure, and the role of analytics in player recruitment. They also touch on the club's facilities, budgeting strategies, and the need for a proactive approach in the global transfer market. Overall, the hosts express optimism for the future of the club as it embarks on a new chapter under David Lee's leadership. In this conversation, Drew and Cody delve into the complexities of soccer performance metrics, coaching strategies, and the challenges of building a competitive team. They analyze player performances, discuss the implications of coaching decisions, and reflect on the current state of the team and its future prospects. The conversation also touches on the dynamics of the national team and the intensity required from players to succeed.Music by The Spin Wires

In this episode, Drew and Joe discuss the recent appointment of David Lee as the Chief Soccer Officer for Sporting Kansas City. They evaluate Lee's background with NYCFC, the influence of the City Football Group (CFG), and the potential challenges and opportunities that lie ahead for SKC. The conversation delves into the importance of youth development, the need for a strategic roster overhaul, and the excitement surrounding the blank slate that Lee has to work with. They also touch on the historical context of SKC's past successes and failures, and how this new era could reshape the club's future.Music by The Spin Wires

Sporting KC put in a pretty dire performance in against Vancouver on the weekend, leaving Cody and Drew apoplectic regarding the state of this roster and the direction of the team. We go over the performance in the game and how much it shows about the relative quality and depth of the team, which leads to a much deeper conversation about the upcoming offseason rebuild and who should remain to be rebuilt around. CSO chatter is heating up as it appears SKC may be closing in on a hire. News of finalist candidates is coming out through various media leaving Drew and Cody to try to sift through it all and come up with a consensus on the direction of the club, as well as play CSO themselves on what they'd like to see this person do once in role.Finally, the Current stay dominant and clinch the shield, Son Heung Min decodes MLS, and a preview of a Wooden Spoon 6-pointer in LA.Music by The Spin Wires