The Free Kick

Todd Lewis
  • 4.9 (73)
  • SOCCER
  • UPDATED BIWEEKLY

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!

  1. MAR 23

    Episode 400 - Union's Nightmare Start Continues With 2-1 Loss to Chicago Fire

    The Philadelphia Union's historically bad start to the 2026 MLS season continued Saturday afternoon against the Chicago Fire with a 2–1 loss, marking five straight losses to open the season. During this stretch, the Union have lost their first three home games—a first in team history. Todd is joined by The Philadelphia Inquirer's Owen Hewitt to discuss their thoughts from the match, including the Union continuing to hurt themselves, how important this international break is for the team, what lessons Bradley Carnell can take from year two with St. Louis CITY, and the Union's two most veteran leaders being "stunned" by the horrible start. Philadelphia Union v Chicago Fire: Historic bad run continues with open play chances lacking against Chicago: [4:40] Union continuing to hurt themselves (poor giveaways): [11:41] Importance of the international break: [28:06] Lessons from Bradley Carnell's second year season in St. Louis: [38:25] Veteran leaders "stunned" by the start: [52:05]   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/   Owen's Social Media: BlueSky: oyounothing.bsky.social https://www.inquirer.com/author/hewitt_owen/ Twitter: oyounothing

    1h 3m

  2. MAR 16

    Episode 399 - How Much Worse Can it Get For The Union?

    Somehow, someway things continue to seem to get worse and worse for the Philadelphia Union as they fall to Atlanta United FC 3-1 in the battle of two winless teams. This marks a four-game losing streak to start the season for the Union, the most losses in a row to start a season for the club. Todd and José discuss their thoughts from the game and discuss: missed opportunities once again, does Bradley Carnell know his best XI, Carnell on the players needing to get back to the basics, and players needing to step up. Atlanta United v Philadelphia Union: Union too easy to break down: [4:48] Missed opportunities once again: [28:13] Does Bradley Carnell know his best XI: [43:46] Back to the basics: [1:01:11] Players needing to step up: [1:06:44]   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/

    1h 20m

  3. MAR 12

    Episode 398 - First Loss in CCC as Union Fall to Club América 1-0

    The Philadelphia Union fell to Club América by a score of 1-0 at Subaru Park in the first leg of the Round of 16 in the Concacaf Champions Cup, marking the third straight loss for the Union in all competitions. Todd and José discuss their thoughts on the game, including the atmosphere created by América fans (with Union fans also not showing up), Bradley Carnell's unique lineup choice, switching to a 4-2-3-1 formation instead of the typical 4-2-2-2, and Carnell's halftime substitutions. Philadelphia Union v Club América: Atmosphere by América fans, lack of atmosphere by Union fans: [2:18] Union's lineup: [18:50] Phillipe Ndinga debut: [28:58] Formation change: [33:17] Halftime subs: [41:15] Do the Union need more creativity: [52:03]   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/ Starfinder Foundation

    59 min

  4. MAR 9

    Episode 397 - Union Start 0-3, First Time Since 2012

    The Philadelphia Union fell to the San Jose Earthquakes by a score of 1–0, making it three straight losses to start the season for the club. It marks the first time since 2012 that they've opened a season 0–3. Todd and José share their thoughts on the match and discuss the continued lack of chances created for the forwards, the Union conceding yet another goal from the left back position, the absence of Cavan Sullivan last night, and how concerning the slow start is. Finally, Blunder of the Week goes to Brian Negro for his tackle vs. Independiente del Valle. News: MLS releases GAM available: [3:22] Philadelphia Union v San Jose Earthquakes: Union start 0-3: [8:52] Continued lack of chances created for the forwards: [18:50] Union conceding yet another goal from the left back position: [43:32] Absence of Cavan Sullivan last night: [53:04] How concerning is the slow start: [57:51] Blunder of The Week: Brian Negro for his tackle vs. Independiente del Valle: [1:09:03]   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/

    1h 19m

  5. MAR 3

    Episode 396 - Union Make it Four Losses in Last Six Against NYCFC

    The Philadelphia Union lose their second straight game in MLS, falling 2–1 to NYCFC. The loss makes it four defeats in the last six meetings against the Pigeons for the Union. Todd and José discuss a variety of news topics, including Markus Anderson's move to Brooklyn FC and Philippe Ndinga joining the Union, both now official. They also break down MLS releasing each club's roster profiles for the spring of 2026. Todd and José then share their thoughts on the game, including the Union's inability to capitalize on transition moments, back-to-back weeks with a player sent off for dissent, and Union fans' frustration with Chris Penso's refereeing performanc. Finally, Blunder of the Week goes to MLS for not allowing monetization for reporters and creators who use snippets of press conferences in podcast episodes. Roster & Transfer News: Markus Anderson's move to Brooklyn FC: [5:30] Philippe Ndinga joins Union: [9:04] MLS also released each club's roster profiles for Spring 2026: [17:23] Philadelphia Union v NYCFC: Four losses in their last six games against NYCFC: [30:37] Referee Controversy: [37:02] Back-to-Back Red Cards for Dissent: [47:07] Missed Transition Moments: [55:59] Blunder of the Week: MLS pulls podcast episode due to press conference clips: [1:07:15]   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/ Transfers: Philadelphia Union Sign Young Left Back Philippe Ndinga from Degerfors IF Philadelphia Union's 2026 Roster Breakdown Brotherly Love Appearance on FOX 29

    1h 23m

  6. FEB 23

    Episode 395 - Union Fall 1-0 to D.C. United As Baribo Gets Revenge

    The Philadelphia Union dropped their MLS season opener to D.C. United by a score of 1–0, with former Union player Tai Baribo scoring the lone goal of the match. Todd and José discuss the latest news, including the Union finalizing a loan to send homegrown midfielder CJ Olney to USL Championship side Brooklyn FC, and the club nearing a deal to sign left back Philippe Ndinga from Degerfors IF in the Allsvenskan. Todd and José also share their thoughts from Saturday's match and discuss topics such as Bruno Damiani and Ezekiel Alladoh's lack of touches in the penalty area, Alladoh's red card, and the MLS debuts of Japhet Sery Larsen, Geiner Martínez, Alladoh, Agustín Anello, and Finn Sundstrom. They also debate whether Cavan Sullivan should have a bigger role after his first two games of the season. Finally, they hand out the first Blunder of the Week of the new season, which goes to Concacaf for its "great" press conference setup. News: The Union finalized a loan deal sending homegrown midfielder CJ Olney to USL Championship side Brooklyn FC: [2:53] Philadelphia is closing in on a transfer to acquire left back Philippe Ndinga from Degerfors IF in Sweden's Allsvenskan: [12:37] D.C. United v Philadelphia Union: Tai Baribo's impact: [16:53] Attacking Rust & Final Third Woes: [22:55] Ezekiel Alladoh Red Card: [38:12] MLS Debuts Across the Pitch: [45:15] Youth Spotlight: Cavan Sullivan: [53:19] Blunder of The Week: Concacaf's media quality after Defence Force v Philadelphia Union: [1:02:10]   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/

    1h 14m

  7. FEB 20

    Episode 394 - Philadelphia Union Explode For Five Goals Against Defence Force

    The Philadelphia Union started their 2026 Concacaf Champions Cup campaign against Defence Force with a bang, defeating them 5–0. The victory saw Ezekiel Alladoh score on his Union debut, while Bruno Damiani recorded a brace and Milan Iloski and Olwethu Makhanya also found the back of the net. Todd breaks down the match and discusses topics such as how to take positives from a game that was so lopsided, Milan Iloski earning "Superior Player of the Game," how high his ceiling is this season, and how to approach the second leg next Thursday. Todd also briefly previews this Saturday's MLS season opener against D.C. United and shares his predictions for where he believes the Philadelphia Union will finish the 2026 season. Defence Force v Philadelphia Union: Lineup: [4:38] Match Breakdown: 5 Goals = Total Control: [14:28] How Do You Evaluate a Lopsided Game: [24:16] Milan Iloski's Ceiling in 2026: [35:50] Second Leg Approach: [50:12] D.C. United v Philadelphia Union preview: Predictions: [53:50] Injury updates: [59:30] 2026 predictions: [1:03:24]   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/

    1h 16m

  8. FEB 16

    Episode 393 - Philadelphia Union Sign Geiner Martínez & Agustín Anello

    The Philadelphia Union have continued to stay busy this offseason, signing Colombian center back Geiner Martínez from Uruguayan side Juventud and American-born forward Agustín Anello from Uruguayan club Boston River. Todd and José are joined by Daniel Solana, who covers Nacional for ARRIBA BOLSO! Daniel gives the rundown on both signings and what kind of impact Union fans can expect from their latest additions from Uruguay. Afterwards, Todd and José discuss Bradley Carnell's injury update on Indiana Vassilev, Finn Sundstrom, Eddy Davis and Milan Iloski, plus Bruno Damiani missing from last two games due to in the process of obtaining U.S. Green Card. Afterwards, Todd and José discuss Bradley Carnell's injury updates on Indiana Vassilev, Finn Sundstrom, Eddy Davis, and Milan Iloski, plus Bruno Damiani missing the last two games as he is in the process of obtaining his U.S. green card.   Geiner Martínez: Reputation in Liga AUF Uruguaya? -- play style? -- starter right away or more developmental: [5:07] Agustín Anello: How was Anello received at Boston River? -- Play style? -- Better suited as a 10 or second striker? -- Career path — Europe, Uruguay, MLS: [21:36] Uruguay to MLS pipeline: [36:25] Jersey rankings: José's best and worse kits of MLS in 2026: [41:50] Bradley Carnell presser updates: Bruno Damiani in process of obtaining U.S. Green Card: [55:00] Injury updates: [1:04:35]   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/   Solana's Social Media: Twitter: @DiceElDan https://www.arribabolso.com/   Jersey Ranker

    1h 16m
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4.9
out of 5
73 Ratings

About

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!

Information

  • Creator
    Todd Lewis
  • Years Active
    2019 - 2026
  • Episodes
    414
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    The Free Kick

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