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 soccer
• USL Champions crowned
• Union Omaha announces their stadium
• Wild Vancouver Whitecaps vs. LAFC game

Here is a rundown of topics and start times:

• Sporting KC schedule release - 4:56
• KC Current Fantasy Sporting Director - 37:16
• Current news, including their first game of 2026 - 51:13
• The story of the Kansas Astras - 1:10:41
• Sheena's new segment - 1:22:54
• Digital Crawl - 1:41:27

Upcoming Games

• USWNT vs Italy, Friday, November 28th at 6:00 PM CST
• USWNT vs. Italy, Monday, December 1st at 6:00 PM
• More 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.