Podcast
For the Glory KC - A Sporting KC Podcast
Hosted by Chad and Sheena Smith · EN
A Kansas City Soccer podcast covering Sporting Kansas City, the KC Current, SKC II and more! Hosted by Chad and Sheena and co-published on KCSoccerJournal.com.
34episodes
Episodes
Newest firstAll episodes
A Massive Sporting KC Rumor and World Cup Fever
2w ago01:39:14Tap to summarizeFor the Glory KC is back with the 183rd episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City made news this week, despite being on their extended World Cup break. The Athletic reported that Sporting KC are interested in future Ivory Coast and current Toulouse winger, Yann Gboho. The French club is asking for $20 million for the left winger. We grind tape (for real this time) and learn more about Gboho. Plus, get into the newfound ambition of Sporting KC under new majority owner Peter Mallouk who confirmed the team is "doing everything [they] possible can during the break."Most of the rest of the podcast is dedicated to the 2026 FIFA World Cup. From the United States Men's National Team and their outstanding performance against Paraguay to all things Kansas City and the World Cup. We went to the Fan Fest, the Plaza, Crown Center, Union Station and a Netherlands watch party.The short version: go out and experience it! There is so much to do and see, even beyond the games. Make some new soccer friends! It was all beautifully run and organized.We also get into our play-by-play of the Kansas City World Cup Fan Fest. We have some tips for travel and to stay hydrated (for free), as well as other things you can do for cheap or free to take in this experience.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:The KC Current are looking to expand their stadiumHB Køge Women win another trophymore World Cup fever!Here is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro, World Cup and Meeting Listeners - 0:00Sporting KC - 13:04USMNT - 30:02Kansas City and the World Cup - 49:51Digital Crawl - 1:29:33Upcoming GamesArgentina vs. Algeria, TUE, June 16 at 8:00PM CST (in KC)England vs. Croatia, WED, Jun 17 at 3:00PMUSMNT vs Australia, FRI, June 19 at 2:00PMScotland vs. Morocco, FRI, June 19 at 5:00PMNetherlands vs. Sweden, SAT, June 20 at 12:00PMEcuador vs. Curacao, SAT, June 20 at 7:00PM (in KC)Full World Cup ScheduleAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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.
Transcribe →Nate Bukaty Joins For the Glory KC
2w ago01:22:40Tap to summarizeFor the Glory KC is back with the 182nd episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City and the KC Current didn't play matches this week because of the World Cup break, but we're doing something new for us. We interviewed Nate Bukaty on this week's podcast! It's our first ever interview and Nate was a great first ever guest.He was on to promote his new book that he co-authored with Rustin Dodd, "Perfect Pitch: How Kansas City became the Heart of American Soccer and Landed the World Cup."Nate was a delightful interview as we learned about how he got to the job he has today. He talked about the 70+ interviews he did and how he has caught the bug of writing and wants to keep writing. It sounds like he has the material for 10 books considering the folks he interviewed that didn't make it in.I got the chance to talk to Nate about being friends with a bunch of Sporting KC legends and future legends like Matt Besler, Benny Feilhaber, Graham Zusi (aka Uncle Graham - you've gotta listen to get that story), Roger Espinoza and more!We learned about Kansas City nearly as much as we learned about soccer. Go follow Nate on Twitter and Instagram. He's also on a mission to find everyone on the cover of his book and give out a copy, so if you recognize anyone above hit us or Nate up!Speaking of free copies of the book, we're going to give away a copy here in the coming weeks if you aren't lucky enough to be able to buy one on your own. Otherwise, hit up your local bookstore or anywhere books are sold and buy "Perfect Pitch" today! Or join the waitlist at the library!Here is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Nate Bukaty Interview - 2:55After Dark Nonsense - 50:00Upcoming GamesThe World Cup starts Thursday! (Full Schedule)As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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.
Transcribe →Where Should David Lee Look to Add to Sporting KC?
4w ago01:24:26Tap to summarizeFor the Glory KC is back with the 181st episode of the show!Before we got to the regularly scheduled podcast content, we had to talk about the KC Soccer Journal's collab with the Olathe Indian Creek Library. That also led into Sheena's impromptu review of Nate Bukaty's new book, "Perfect Pitch" about Kansas City bidding and getting the World Cup in 2026. Nate will be a guest on a future For the Glory KC!But before then, back to our regularly scheduled content.Sporting Kansas City aren't playing matches since it's the World Cup break, but that doesn't mean there wasn't news. David Lee made waves with rumors of "four to seven, starter-level" additions being his goal for the secondary transfer window. Not only did Lee weigh in, but new majority owner Peter Mallouk chimed in as well.We talk about our thoughts on their statements then where the additions should be made. According to reports, Lee said three defenders, three attackers and a midfielder. I tried to get specific with my needs and pushed my co-host to do the same. There are so many possibilities, despite the uptick in results recently. Sporting KC are still only one spot up from the bottom of the whole league, so almost no position is safe.Beyond the roster, there was plenty of international call-up news, including the unfortunate news that no Sporting KC players made a World Cup roster. Also, SKC II won again, in a wild one against the Real Monarchs.The KC Current did play soccer this week and gutted out at 1-0 win over expansion side Boston Legacy FC. It wasn't always pretty and it was downright violent, but Kansas City found a way. Not without some injuries along the way. We talked about Kayla Sharples and Ally Sentnor's injuries, some up and down performances and of course, Temwa Chawinga's game winning goal that had plenty of players (Bethune, LaBonta, Izzy) pitching in.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:The USMNT's win over Senegal in a World Cup tune-upand the arrival of Argentina in Kansas CityHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro, Our Library Event and a Book Review - 0:00Sporting KC - 18:56KC Current - 52:17Digital Crawl - 1:10:38Upcoming GamesUSMNT vs Germany - SAT, June 6th @ 1:30PM CSTSKC II vs. MNUFC2 - MON, June 8th @ 7:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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.
Transcribe →Down But Not Out: Sporting KC’s Late Surge Instills Hope Before the Break
May 2501:20:50Tap to summarizeFor the Glory KC is back with the 180th episode of the show!Before we get to the podcast, the KC Soccer Journal is having a free event at the Indian Creek Library in Olathe. Tickets are free and you can get them here!Sporting Kansas City couldn't string together three wins in a row for the first time since 2022. Perhaps after MLS returns from the 2026 FIFA World Cup break. Sporting KC nearly pulled off the comeback after a slow start against Red Bull New York on Saturday night.It was Star Wars night at Sporting Park and Sheena and I talk our off the field escapades, in addition to what happened on the pitch. After New York's quick start, Sporting KC generated numerous opportunities and nearly doubled RBNY's expected goal (xG) output, according to Fotmob (1.69 to 0.88).Though they had the greater chances, they failed to finish too consistently. Additionally, their mistakes were punished more readily. That doesn't even account for all the chances that didn't lead to a shot when a player took one too many touches or made a poor pass to kill an attack. Despite that, Kansas City remained in the game until the dying minutes. A welcome change after 5-0 and 6-0 blowouts just a few weeks back.We talk through all the highs and lows, as well as time spent on Capita, Berg Johnsen, Manu Garcia, Taylor Calheira, Shapi, Jake Davis and others. Sheena even breaks out a top-ranking list for SKC and the Current.In addition to the game, we talk through Austin FC firing their coach and Sporting Director after losing to Sporting KC, Or Blorian leaving his last club on a high, Zorhan Bassong's shot at a World Cup roster and Zamir Loyo Reynaga scoring in his latest international endeavor.The KC Current were up and down this week. They ended the week on a high, beating the then first place Portland Thorns. But their midweek road loss to Angel City FC soured the week a bit. Temwa Chawinga continued her Golden Boot climb and the ongoing Ally Sentnor/Haley Hopkins debate gets another chapter.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:SKC II resultsMessi injured?USMNT roster for the World Cup!Here is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 1:59KC Current - 54:18Digital Crawl - 1:14:41Upcoming GamesSKC II @ Real Monarchs, FRI, May 29th at 9:00PM CSTKC Current vs Boston Legacy, SAT, May 30th at 12:30PM As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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.
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Sporting KC has their Best Week in Years
May 1701:38:47Tap to summarizeFor the Glory KC is back with the 179th episode of the show!Before we get to the podcast, the KC Soccer Journal is having a free event at the Indian Creek Library in Olathe. Tickets are free and you can get them here!Sporting Kansas City went from one of their worst performances ever to an incredible bounce-back week. After losing to the Portland Timbers last weekend by an abysmal 6-0 scoreline, Sporting KC put together back-to-back MLS wins for the first time since the summer of 2024! First, they hosted the LA Galaxy and beat them 3-1 in a relatively dominant performance. Sheena was in attendance for the first time this season, so clearly, she and her friends are good luck. Or was it the atrocious media game I played in? Either way, the Galaxy are, for one reason or another, terrible against SKC. That was the second time they've played and at the time SKC's 2nd win of the season. We talk through all the events around the game, the media game and of course, the main event of Sporting KC putting up three for the first time this year and winning at home for the first time this year. Then, KC did the unlikely and won again three days later on the road against Austin FC. They were the better team for most of the game. Despite going down late in the first half, they fought back to tie and eventually win the game and break Austin's verde hearts. Overall, four players scored their first goal of the season this week. Sporting KC had their first comeback win of the season. And things generally went really well over that jam-packed week.Sheena and I also had to discuss the Sporting KC salary release from this week, including all the new player wages and salary changes. I also had to knock down some of those rants from folks I respect around the team when it came to how low the payroll is. The KC Current had an amazing couple of weeks too, with two, 3-0 wins. First over a pretty awful Chicago Stars team that had somehow managed to beat KC once and then against a Houston Dash side that made a series of gaffs early to let KC run away with things. In the process Temwa Chawinga went from zero goals to five in two games and moved into second in the Golden Boot race. Watch out Barbara Banda!In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:SKC II resultsMLS Next Pro schedule changesUS Soccer's new competition between NWSL, USL SL and WPSL ProHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro - 0:00Sporting KC - 1:24KC Current - 1:27:04Digital Crawl - 1:34:24Upcoming GamesKC Current @ Angel City FC - WED, May 20th at 9:00PM CSTSKC II vs. Austin FC II - FRI, May 22nd at 7:00PMSporting KC vs. NY Red Bulls - SAT, May 23rd at 7:30PM KC Current vs. Portland Thorns - SUN, May 24th at Noon As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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.
Transcribe →A Pretty Good Kansas City Soccer Weekend
May 601:14:41Tap to summarizeFor the Glory KC is back with the 178th episode of the show!Before we get to the podcast, the KC Soccer Journal is having a free event at the Indian Creek Library in Olathe. Tickets are free and you can get them here!Sporting Kansas City showed signs of life this past weekend. After dropping six straight results and falling to a .500 team historically for the first time in years, they surprised everyone and battled back for a draw against the Seattle Sounders. It's a sliver of the progress we've all been waiting for this season after a string of very bad results.There was lots to like but also lots to still improve on in the game. One of the biggest changes was Stefan Cleveland at goalkeeper, a job he'll apparently have for the foreseeable future. Sheena and I weigh in on Cleveland and what was differ and Sheena copes with John Pulskamp heading to the bench.We also talk through the other moments from the game, including other changes, Dejan Joveljic's clutch goal, Shapi Suleymanov's performance and more. We also chime in on the retirements of Kei Kamara and Krisztian Nemeth as well as some good news for former Sporting KC Homegrown, Gianluca Busio.The KC Current did one better and went ahead and won their game over the North Carolina Courage. It was an uneven performance against a team on short rest but there were a lot of 2026 firsts. It was the first time the KC Current didn't allow the first goal. And more importantly, it was their first road win of the season.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:SKC II resultsLas Vegas trying to steal the Vancouver Whitecaps (#SaveTheCaps)MLS Next Pro may be relocating and rebranding teamsUSL and the USLPA may have found labor peaceHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro & a Free Library KC Soccer Journal event - 0:00Sporting KC - 6:45KC Current - 45:10Digital Crawl - 58:27Upcoming GamesSKC II vs. Ventura County, WED, May 6th at 7:00PM CSTSporting KC @ Portland Timbers, SAT, May 9th at 9:30PMKC Current vs. Chicago Stars, SUN, May 10th at 11:30AM (Mother’s Day)SKC II @ Rapids 2, SUN, May 10th at 7:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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.
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For the Glory KC After Dark IV
Apr 2601:54:38Tap to summarizeFor the Glory KC is back with the 177th episode of the show! And it's an after dark special. Nothing too spicy, though Sheena does some mild cursing, but it's mainly that we recorded in the middle of the night.Sporting Kansas City showed a half of something to build on before the floor fell out from beneath them. After making it to halftime with a 0-0 score against the Chicago Fire, a first for the season in not giving up a first half goal, the second half was off the rails.It started with a penalty call that head coach Rapha Wicky said seemed "harsh." We break down the entire sequence, but we also have videos, gifs and stills if you need to watch it.That moment certainly changed the game. But who is to say it wouldn't have gone badly anyways? Most of the season has. In addition to the spiral, Sheena and I discuss Capita, some post-game quotes from Wicky and Jake Davis, the lineup, tactical choices and much more.The KC Current did nothing to lift KC soccer fan's hearts up with a brutal defeat of their own. They fell 4-0 to the Washington Spirit on Friday night in a game that showed early promise. Kansas City missed some chances, and the Spirit absolutely didn't miss most of theirs.Lorena had a particularly off night and had us wondering if she's hurt, which coach Chris Armas dispelled that rumor. What Armas wasn't able to quell was the calls for his job. With the team already having allowed as many goals as all of last season and having lost more games in far less tries, the outcry from the fans continues to grow. Armas said he isn't spending any energy on it though.We talk about our thoughts on that as well as another rant from me on Ally Sentnor as this team's starting striker.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:SKC II winningSheena Remembers to do her Hair TakesUSWNT friendliesNWSL expanding to ColumbusHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro & Early Hair Commentary - 0:00Sporting KC - 3:18KC Current (w/ SKC mixed in) - 54:01Digital Crawl - 1:44:43Upcoming GamesSKC II vs. Houston Dynamo 2, SUN, April 26th at 1:00PM CTSporting KC vs. Seattle Sounders, SAT, May 2nd at 1:30PM KC Current @ North Carolina Courage, SAT, May 2nd at 5:30PMSKC II vs. Tacoma Defiance, SUN, May 3rd at 7:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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.
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State of the Club: Sporting Kansas City
Apr 2001:25:14Tap to summarizeFor the Glory KC is back with the 176th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City had what was potentially the lowest moment on the field in club history. At the very least, in recent memory. So, a week after talking about expectations, Sheena and I are trying to align on the state of the team. Fans are rightfully upset with the performances of the week, particularly the showing in the US Open Cup against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks.Fans are calling for Raphel Wicky's job, David Lee's job, Peter Mallouk to (already) sell the team, and for the release or purge of almost every player on the roster. What is rational and what is irrational? We try to break it all down.Plus, we weave through the moments in the USOC game as well as the loss to the Vancouver Whitecaps on Friday night. We knew this season would start slow and have some lows, but I'm not sure anyone thought it would be quite this low. We also talk about quite the remarkable stat when it comes to losing and SKC in recent seasons and where it sits in history. Outside of the events on the field, there were also a couple notable moments off the field. Cavan Sullivan was apparently inquired about by Lee and Alan Pulido is out at Chivas.The KC Current lifted up the week with their Teal Rising Cup win last weekend over Palmeiras, but that feels like an eternity ago. We briefly relive that game, and I talk about Haley Hopkins ascent up the roster and perhaps into the starting lineup in an NWSL game.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:World Cup Fan Fest Lineup, Parking and BusesUSWNT resultsNWSL calendar flip -- Fall to Spring?Javier Mascherano out in MiamiHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Intro & World Cup Trophy - 0:00Sporting KC - 6:30KC Current - 1:08:08Digital Crawl - 1:14:04Upcoming GamesKC Current @ Washington Spirit, FRI, April 24th at 7:00PM CSTSporting KC @ Chicago Fire, SAT, April 25th at 7:30PMSKC II vs. Houston Dynamo 2, SUN, April 26th at 7:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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.
Transcribe →What Should the Expectations be for Sporting KC?
Apr 1201:16:53Tap to summarizeFor the Glory KC is back with the 175th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City have climbed to a three-game losing streak after their 3-1 loss to the San Jose Earthquakes on Saturday night. And that's after being up 1-0 early in the game off of Jacob Bartlett's first career goal.The joy on his face of scoring was quickly replaced with disappointed looks as Sporting were on the back foot for much of the last 15+ minutes of the half before finally conceding. But really, what should Sporting KC and their fans expect from this team?Sheena and I debate all the reasons things may be the way they are. From roster building to youthful inexperience and down to specific players and of course coaching and the front office.We also get into a few other SKC related stories, including Zorhan Bassong's new/old injury, Matt Besler and Cliff Illig being honored (and a Heart and Goal Podcast side conversation), SKC Academy news and the announcement of the "Soccer Capital Summer" watch parties at Sporting Park. Plus, I make the case Sporting KC should go for it with the US Open Cup on Tuesday.The KC Current are on an extended international break, but that just means it's Teal Rising Week. The Current attempted to defend the Teal Rising Cup with a victory over Corinthians to earn a spot in the finals. We also got an injury update on Lorena and Rocky Rodriguez earned another call-up and went ahead and scored a hat trick in the process.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:KC Comets playoffs endUSWNT winKansas City World Cup 2026 news and financialsNeymar to FC Cincinnati?CF Montreal has already fired another coachHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Sporting KC - 8:10KC Current - 1:00:40Digital Crawl - 1:03:23Upcoming GamesSporting KC @ Colorado Springs Switchbacks, TUES, April 14 @ 7:00PM CTUSWNT vs. Japan, TUES, April 14 @ 9:00PMUSWNT vs. Japan, FRI, April 17 @ 8:00PMSporting KC @ Vancouver Whitecaps, FRI, April 17 @ 9:30PMSporting KC II vs. Whitecaps 2, SUN, April 19th at 7:00PMAs a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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.
Transcribe →Sporting KC Continue to Struggle, but the KC Current Bounce Back
Apr 501:19:33Tap to summarizeFor the Glory KC is back with the 174th episode of the show!Sporting Kansas City had another down week after coming off the international break. They travelled to the elevation of Salt Lake City, where they consistently struggle, and they did not look good against Real Salt Lake. Sheena and I worked through the moments of the game, the lineup choices and changes, the goals (and that freakin' golazo from Gozo) and what Wicky may need to do as guys get healthy or continue to join the team.We also talked about Capita Capemba officially arriving, Zorhan Bassong's extension and the sudden departure of Mike Burns as Sporting Director. We reflect on his brief time with the team and if it can be deemed a success.The KC Current rescued the KC soccer weekend by looking more like the team we remember from that dominant 2025 season. They got a tiny bit of revenge on NJ/NY Gotham FC after they eliminated them from the playoffs last year. Temwa Chawinga returned and had an instant impact and Croix Bethune moved to a new position and immediately showed her quality.We also talk about the news from the Keeping Current podcast where KC Soccer Journal Editor, Thad Bell, shared some pretty interesting thoughts about Vlatko Andonovski's involvement (or lack thereof) in some recent roster moves.In the Digital Crawl, we hit on a few more topics, including:USMNT losing to PortugalSKC II fall to North Texas SCWorld Cup updates on Turkiye, Italy and ticket pricesHere is a rundown of sections and start times:Sporting KC - 6:02KC Current - 40:31Digital Crawl - 1:07:38Upcoming GamesKC Comets vs. St. Louis Ambush, MON, April 6 @ 7:00PM CTKC Comets @ St. Louis Ambush, WED, April 8 @ 7:05PMKC Current vs Corinthians SC, THUR, April 9 @ 8:00PM (Teal Rising Cup - ION)SKC II @ North Texas, FRI, April 10 @ 7:30PMUSWNT vs. Japan, SAT, April 11 @ 4:30PMUSA U-20s vs. Brazil U-20s, SAT, April 11 @ 6:30PM (CPKC Stadium)Sporting KC vs. San Jose Earthquakes, SAT, April 11 @ 7:30PM KC Current in the 3rd place or 1st place Teal Rising Game (depending on results Thursday)As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.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.
Transcribe →