What could arguably be the most boring and chaotic game for the Philadelphia Union in 2025? Somehow, the Union came out of Houston with a point, tying the Dynamo 1-1 thanks to a goal from Alejandro Bedoya. Todd discusses the latest news, including CJ Olney's loan to Lexington SC of the USL Championship and Kai Wagner's selection for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game in Austin, Texas. Todd shares his thoughts on the game against Houston, covering topics such as Rosendo Mendoza's refereeing performance, Jack McGlynn scoring and kissing the Houston Dynamo badge, and why Bradley Carnell made seven changes. Finally, Todd discusses the Blunder of the Week, which goes to the PRO referees who selected Rosendo Mendoza as the center referee for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game.

News:

• CJ Olney loaned to Lexington SC: [3:03]

• Kai Wagner named to MLS All Star Team: [6:21]

Houston Dynamo v Philadelphia Union:

• Jesús Bueno concedes penalty/Alejandro Bedoya comes 17th different player to score for the Union/15th set piece goal of the season for the Union: [9:28]

• Union rotate seven players from team on Wednesday: [22:09]

• Jack McGlynn celebration (kisses Houston badge): [32:21]

• Rosendo Mendoza’s referee performance: [41:21]

Blunder of The Week:

• PRO Referees Announce Rosendo Mendoza As Head Referee For 2025 MLS All Star Game: [53:46]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Houston Dynamo Press Conference

Goal.com Interview With Jack McGlynn

PRO Review - Rosendo Mendoza's huge ego in NYCFC v Chicago Fire Match

The Philadelphia Union defeated CF Montréal 2-1 thanks to goals from Tai Baribo and Olwethu Makhanya, as the Union remain on top of the Supporters' Shield standings. Todd is joined by José Nuñez to discuss the match, with topics including Olwethu Makhanya's breakout season, Andre Blake continuing to prove he's an elite MLS goalkeeper, and the Union's continued dominance on set pieces.

News:

• Philadelphia Union officially open the WSFS Bank Sports complex: [9:21]

Philadelphia Union v CF Montreal:

• Union fortunate to get all three points/Prince Owusu was a problem all night/Danley Jean Jacques’ abilities/Nathan Harriel 100 appearances in MLS for Union: [21:00]

• Union continue to dominant set pieces: [36:18]

• Olwethu Makhanya’s breakout season: [50:51]

• Andre Blake proves he’s still an elite MLS goalkeeper: [1:00:31]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

Get to know Club President Tim McDermott | The DOOP pres by Subaru

Inside Philly’s set piece success | Coffee with Coach

The Philadelphia Union snapped a two-game losing streak with a 2-0 win over the New York Red Bulls, extending their unbeaten run against the Red Bulls to 15 games across all competitions. Todd discusses the latest news, including Olwethu Makhanya and Indiana Vassilev earning spots on the bench for Team of the Matchday 23 & 24. Todd also shares his thoughts on the match against the Red Bulls, covering topics such as the Union’s strong start to games, their unbeaten run against the Red Bulls, Sal Olivas’ impact, and the Union’s strong defensive effort. Todd ends the show with the Blunder of the Week, which goes to Nouhou Tolo of the Seattle Sounders and Luis Enrique of PSG.

News:

• Indiana Vassilev and Olwethu Makhanya named to Team of The Matchday For Weeks 23/24: [6:17]

Philadelphia Union v New York Red Bulls:

• Union extend MLS unbeaten streak to 12 against New York Red Bulls / Top of Supporters’ Shield Standings again / Bruno Damiani first goal from open play since April against D.C. United: [11:14]

• Union continue to start games well / undefeated streak against Red Bulls: [14:17]

• Sal Olivas’ impresses: [30:47]

• Union’s strong defensive effort: [39:44]

Blunder of The Week:

• Nouhou (Seattle Sounders) Throws Ball At SKC Fan, Gets Red Card / Luis Enrique Pushes Chelsea's João Pedro After Final Whistle In FIFA CWC: [50:09]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Nouhou Throws Ball At SKC Fan

Luis Enrique Pushes João Pedro

For the first time under head coach Bradley Carnell, the Philadelphia Union have lost back-to-back games, with their latest defeat a 1-0 loss to Nashville, thanks to a late penalty kick goal from Hany Mukhtar. Todd is joined by José Nuñez to discuss the game, covering topics including: Cavan Sullivan's first career Union start, the Union's lack of goals and chances in the last three games, and whether there is any concern regarding Bruno Damiani's goals and assists involvement.

Nashville v Philadelphia Union:

• Union up a man for over 30 minutes/Tai Baribo plays more than 30 minutes since Dallas/starting XI: [5:50]

• Cavan Sullivan’s first career start: [33:40]

• Union’s lack of goals/chances created the last three games: [49:12]

• Bruno Damiani’s production: [1:02:12]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

The Philadelphia Union fell to the Columbus Crew by a score of 1-0, thanks to a goal from Mo Farsi two minutes into first-half stoppage time. With the loss, the Union’s 11-game unbeaten streak has come to an end. Todd discusses the latest news, including the most recent MLSPA salary guide. He also shares his thoughts from the match and covers topics such as Jovan Lukić playing as a center back, the impact referee Filip Dujic had on the game, and what the recent stretch of matches tells us about the Union II players. Finally, Todd reveals the Blunder of the Week, which goes to what used to be a prominent podcast.

News:

• MLSPA release salary guide: [4:03]

Nelson Pierre transferred to Vancouver Whitecaps 2: [23:15]

Columbus Crew v Philadelphia Union:

• Union’s lack of chance creation + two chances on set pieces in second half: [25:53]

• Jovan Lukić at centerback: [31:52]

• Filip Dujic’s impact: [40:15]

• What have we learned from Union II players these last few games: [46:20]

Blunder of The Week:

• Men in Blazer’s social media calls Atlanta United fans “PSG fans”: [55:14]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

The Philadelphia Union continue to find ways to grind out results, defeating the Chicago Fire 1-0 thanks to a Bruno Damiani penalty kick in the 10th minute. Todd discusses the latest news, including Thomas Müller being offered to the Union and Tai Baribo and Jakob Glesnes being selected for the 2025 MLS All-Star Game. Todd also shares his thoughts on the game, covering topics such as Alejandro Bedoya's performance as the fourth-choice right back, Jakob Glesnes' best performance of the year, and the Union's ability to grind out results despite missing multiple players and having limited training days. Todd wraps up the show with the Blunder of the Week, which goes to Borussia Dortmund and Bayern Munich players for staying in the locker room during the FIFA Club World Cup due to heat.

News:

• Thomas Müller Union rumors: [9:50]

• Tai Baribo and Jakob Glesnes selected for 2025 MLS All Stars: [18:16]

Chicago Fire v Philadelphia Union:

• Bruno Damiani scores third goal of the season / Jeremy Rafanello’s first start of the season / Eddy Davis debut / Stats from the game: [23:11]

• Alejandro Bedoya shines as fourth choice right back: [35:48]

• Jakob Glesnes’ best performance of the season: [50:55]

• Union continue to grind results despite missing players and limited training time: [56:49]

• 3 Stars: [58:40]

Blunder of The Week:

• Dortmund and Bayern Munich bench players sit in locker room cause of heat during FIFA Club World Cup: [1:00:06]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jonathan Tannenwald Article on Thomas Müller links to Union

The Philadelphia Union continue to roll, this time with a 2-1 win over Charlotte FC, sealed by a 98th-minute game-winning goal from Markus Anderson! The Union set a club record with this victory, extending their unbeaten streak to 10 games. Despite seven players being out due to international duty or injuries, the Union got goals from two unlikely contributors: Jesús Bueno and Markus Anderson. Todd discusses his thoughts on the game, covering topics including Markus Anderson stepping up in his first first-team appearance in nearly a year, players rising to the occasion in the absence of others, Bradley Carnell's comments on fan support, and an update on Tai Baribo. Todd also wraps up the show by discussing Blunder of the Week, awarded to the cockiest player in MLS.

Philadelphia Union v Charlotte FC:

• Union struggle to create many meaningful chances (Damiani and Donovan misses)/Olivier Mbaizo clearly the third choice right back, and Ben Bender's strong game. Markus Anderson Steps Up in First Game Back With First Team In Almost A Year, Game Winning Goal in 98th Minute: [8:32]
• Players Stepping Up in Other's Absence: [31:38]
• Union's Celebration After The Match Felt Like A Playoff Celebration: [41:07]
• Tai Baribo Update: [51:30]

Blunder of The Week:

• Wilfried Zaha might be the most arrogant player in MLS: [56:32]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Philadelphia Union - 2025 Analytical Analysis (José Nuñez interview with Jamon Moore)

For the second time in four games, the Philadelphia Union completed a comeback, defeating Toronto FC 2-1 with late goals from Nathan Harriel and Kai Wagner. Todd and José discuss the latest MLS news, including Harriel and Wagner earning Team of the Matchday 16 honors for their performances in the Union's victory. They also share their thoughts on the game, covering topics such as the Union's performances in the final 15 minutes, their dominance on set pieces, and whether this team has the potential to do something special. Todd also discusses Blunder of the Week, which goes to the Union for charging $58 for a friendly against Atlas.

News:

• Nathan Harriel and Quinn Sullivan earn Team of The Matchday 16 honors: [3:45]
• Philadelphia Union II sign Malik Jakupovic to MLS Next Pro deal: [7:26]

Toronto FC v Philadelphia Union:

• Andre Blake starts in goal for first time since Cf Montréal: [12:30]
• Union's form in final 15 minutes: [19:00]
• Union's set piece dominance: [25:50]
• Are the Union building something special: [40:47]

Blunder of The Week:

• Philadelphia Union charging $58 for Atlas friendly: [57:00]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Ben Bender’s Homecoming: A Maryland Native Returns to Philadelphia Union

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/