The Free Kick
The Free Kick
Todd Lewis
Maryland's Number One Philadelphia Union Podcast! The Free Kick is a weekly podcast hosted by Todd Lewis and José Nuñez, in which they are joined by weekly guests that include MLS commentators and journalists from around the league. Each week consists of match previews, reviews, and news and rumors from around the league!
Episode 449 - Thank You Alejandro Bedoya
The Philadelphia Union ended decision day with a 4-1 win over Toronto FC, with both Quinn and Cavan Sullivan scoring in the victory. Todd and José discuss their thoughts of the game with topics including: the Sullivan brothers dominance and injury updates. They also talk about Alejandro Bedoya's last regular season game and his legacy as a Philadelphia Union player.   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/   Photo Credit: Don Robson (Philadelphia Soccer Now)  
Nov 9
1 hr 39 min
Episode 448 - Union Look To Lock Up The Six Seed Against Toronto (feat. Dax McCarty)
The Philadelphia Union look to lock up the six seed in the East with a win over Toronto FC. Joining Todd to help preview the match is former longtime MLS midfielder and current Apple TV color commentator Dax McCarty. They discuss Alejandro Bedoya's announcement of his retirement after the 2026 season, approaching the game against a non playoff team, and can the Union make noise in the playoffs as a lower seed?   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/   Dax's Social Media: Twitter: @DaxMcCarty11 Instagram: @daxmccarty
Nov 6
40 min
Episode 447 - Should There Be Concern That Union Are Winless in Their Last Three
The Philadelphia Union have now gone three consecutive games without a win after falling 1-0 to FC Cincinnati, a result that guarantees the Union can finish no higher than sixth place in the Eastern Conference. Todd and José discuss the latest Union news, including a New York Times article on Holden Trent, Neil Pierre's new contract, and Jack McGlynn's continued success in the English Championship with Stoke City. They also share their thoughts on the loss to Cincinnati, with topics including whether there is reason for concern about the Union's recent form and which players took advantage of the opportunities created by the team's injuries and suspensions. Finally, Todd hands out Blunder of the Week to Ramses Sandoval and Miguel Gallardo for their comments about Kai Wagner.   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/   www.goal13foundation.org The extraordinary life of Holden Trent, who defied the odds to play the sport he loved
Nov 2
1 hr 16 min
Episode 446 - Union Pick Up Surprising  Point Against Nashville (feat. Nate Bukaty)
In what many would consider a shock result, the Philadelphia Union picked up a point against Supporters' Shield winners Nashville SC on a night that saw the Union officially clinch a playoff spot. Todd discusses his thoughts on the game with topics including: Ezekiel Alladoh and Malik Jakupovic partnership, the Union's strong defensive performance, and clinching a playoff spot with two games to go. MLS play-by-play commentator Nate Bukaty joins to help preview Saturday's FC Cincinnati v Philadelphia Union game. Nashville v Philadelphia Union Ezekiel Alladoh and Malik Jakupovic partnership: [8:52] Union's strong defensive performance: [35:05] FC Cincinnati v Philadelphia Union Preview: Union's turnaround under Ryan Richter: [55:54]   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/   Nate's Social Media: Twitter: @nate_bukaty Instagram: @natebukaty Perfect-Pitch-Kansas-Became-American
Oct 30
1 hr 18 min
Episode 445 - Union Suffer First Loss Since May 24 in 2-1 Loss to New England
The Philadelphia Union's 15 game unbeaten run has finally come to an end with a 2-1 loss to New England Revolution. Todd discusses the latest MLS news that includes MLS' 2026 22 Under 22 and Bruno Damiani named to Uruguay's preliminary roster. Todd also gives his thought's on the Union's loss with topics including: Chance creation without Cavan Sullivan, Union's lack of depth, and Kai Wagner calls out teammates. Finally, Blunder of the week goes to the dumpster fire that is Manchester United.   News: MLS 22 Under 22: [3:30] Bruno Damiani named to Uruguay preliminary roster: [8:30] Philadelphia Union v New England Revolution: Andre Blake makes six saves: [16:18] Union concede preventable goes again: [19:07] Union's chance creation without Cavan Sullivan: [26:22] Union's lack of depth: [36:42] Kai Wagner calls out teammates: [51:36] Blunder of The Week: Manchester United are a dumpster fire: [1:01:54]     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/
Oct 27
1 hr 13 min
Episode 444 - Union Extend Unbeaten Streak to 15 with 2-2 Draw Against Charlotte
Philadelphia Union drew against Charlotte 2-2, which sees there 8-game winning run come to an end, but their unbeaten run continues to 15. Todd and José discuss their thoughts from the game including: playoff like atmosphere, Union concede preventable goals, should Bruno Damiani have come off with his prior head injury. And finally, Todd discuss Blunder of The Week which goes to maybe the worst penalty kick ever?   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/  
Oct 19
1 hr 20 min
Episode 443 - Bruno Damiani & Milan Iloski Lead Union to  3-1 Win Over Chicago (feat. Jessica Charman)
The Philadelphia Union continue to roll, defeating the Chicago Fire by a score of 3–1 behind a brace from Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski's 18th goal of the season. The Union extended their unbeaten streak to 14 games, including a current eight-game winning streak. Todd and José discuss their takeaways from the game, including Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski's continued success, whether Iloski should be a DP, injury updates on Danley Jean Jacques, and Ryan Richter's tactics against a 10-man team. Finally, MLS play-by-play commentator Jessica Charman joins the show to preview Saturday's match against Charlotte FC.   Chicago Fire v Philadelphia Union: Danley Jean Jacques injury update: [7:20] Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski can't stop scoring: [15:12] Should Milan Iloski be a designated player: [29:03] Ryan Richter's tactics against 10-man Chicago Fire: [1:04:38] Philadelphia Union v Charlotte FC Preview: Charlotte's 2026 form: [41:27]   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/   Jess' Social Media: Twitter: @JessTalksFootie Instagram: @jesstalksfootie
Oct 16
1 hr 13 min
Episode 442 - Union Extend Unbeaten Run to 13 with 2-1 Win Over Real Salt Lake
Philadelphia Union extended their unbeaten run to 13 with a 2-1 win over Real Salt Lake with goals from Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski. Todd and José share their thoughts from the game with topics including: the chemistry between Bruno Damiani and Milan Iloski, Union's defensive efforts, and how much longer could this streak go on for? Finally, Todd discusses Blunder of The Week which goes to Manuel Neuer and Matt Freese.   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/  
Oct 12
1 hr 24 min
Episode 441 - What Kind of Impact Will USMNT Call Up Have on Union Trio (feat. Chris Wittyngham)
After recently returning to Philadelphia Union will their time away with the USMNT, Cavan Sullivan, Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre look to continue to build on their impressive seasons as the Philadelphia Union host Real Salt Lake on Saturday. Todd is joined by MLS commentator Chris Wittyngham to talk about Cavan Sullivan's form since post World Cup, when did Chris realize the Union were a good team, would it be best for the Union to lose now before the playoffs and previewing Saturday's game against RSL. What will USMNT do for Cavan's confidence: [5:45] What moment did Chris realize the Union are a good team: [8:26] Would it be best if Union lost a game now before playoffs: [13:56] Real Salt Lakes form: [17:15] What will USMNT do for Frankie Westfield and Neil Pierre: [22:33] Will the Union play down to their opponent: [30:33]   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/   Chris' Social Media: Twitter: @ChrisWittyngham Instagram: @chriswittyngham    
Oct 9
43 min
Episode 440 - Philadelphia Union Acquire Mark McKenzie
The Philadelphia Union announced that they have re-acquired defender Mark McKenzie, with the deal taking effect in January 2027. Todd and José discuss their thoughts on the deal and what exactly could the Union's team look like next season with the 27-year-old in the prime of his career. Philadelphia Union acquire Mark McKenize: [6:48] How can Union lineup next year: [16:05] Union's options with DPs: [42:27] Why would a player want to sign when there is uncertainty with the head coach: [58:40]   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/
Oct 2
1 hr 6 min
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