Home and Away - A Sporting KC Podcast

Drew VanderPloeg and Cody Welton
  • 4.3 (20)
  • SOCCER
  • UPDATED WEEKLY

A conversation on topics involving the MLS club Sporting Kansas City. Tactical breakdowns of match performances, discussion around personnel and their usage, and previews of upcoming matches. Some additional content around other USMNT and MLS news as appropriate. Want to participate in the discussion? Join us on the Podcast Discord: https://discord.gg/pkg4S85qR2

  1. 2D AGO

    Episode 172 - And so it begins...

    In this episode of Home and Away, Drew and Cody discuss the current state of Sporting Kansas City soccer, focusing on the lack of player acquisitions, management decisions, and the challenges faced by the coaching staff. They express frustration over the team's disorganization and the absence of communication from the club, while also reflecting on the fans' perspectives and the overall accountability of the management. The conversation highlights the complexities of roster building and the uncertain future of the team. In this conversation, Cody and Drew discuss the frustrations of fans regarding team performance, particularly in light of recent games and player signings. They delve into the tactical developments observed during preseason, evaluating player roles and the overall needs of the team. As they set expectations for the upcoming season, they emphasize the importance of focusing on positive developments and individual player growth amidst the challenges ahead. Music by The Spin Wires

    1h 25m

  2. FEB 12

    Episode 171 - Letting your tactical freak flag fly

    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

    2h 3m

  3. FEB 5

    Episode 170 - Trying to be Soccerwise-r than David Lee

    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

    2h 11m

  4. JAN 29

    Episode 169 - Patience is running thin

    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.

    1h 19m

  5. JAN 22

    Episode 168 - The Sporting KC Historical Draft

    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

    3h 10m

  6. JAN 15

    Episode 167 - Player rumors, Current announcements, and MLS news

    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

    1h 34m

  7. JAN 7

    Episode 166 - New year, new coach

    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

    1h 16m

  8. 12/24/2025

    Episode 165 - The SuperDraft happens, The Current hire a surprising head coach, and diving into positional play evolution.

    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

    2h 2m
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4.3
out of 5
20 Ratings

About

A conversation on topics involving the MLS club Sporting Kansas City. Tactical breakdowns of match performances, discussion around personnel and their usage, and previews of upcoming matches. Some additional content around other USMNT and MLS news as appropriate. Want to participate in the discussion? Join us on the Podcast Discord: https://discord.gg/pkg4S85qR2

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