Unfiltered Soccer with Landon Donovan and Tim Howard

Episode: Kansas City Current General Manager Caitlin Carducci

Date: October 7, 2025

Episode Overview

In this episode, Landon Donovan and Tim Howard interview Caitlin Carducci, General Manager of the Kansas City Current, holders of the 2025 NWSL Shield. The discussion dives deep into Carducci’s unconventional journey through the soccer industry, her role as GM, the club’s unprecedented success, the critical impact of ownership, the challenges of player movement (both in and out of the NWSL), and evolving dynamics between club and national team soccer. With candid insights and behind-the-scenes details, the episode offers an engaging look at what makes Kansas City Current a model NWSL franchise.

Key Discussion Points & Insights

Caitlin Carducci’s Journey in Soccer & Ascension to GM

[01:29] – [05:41]

• Carducci describes her unique trajectory:
  • Played D2 soccer at Ashland University; realized in law school her real passion was supporting the team, not practicing law.
  • Transitioned into NCAA compliance, then U.S. Soccer, focusing on player registration and international transfers.
  • “I vividly remember, I believe, Tim, waking up at midnight to request your ITC to go to Colorado.” (Carducci, 02:46)
  • Moved to the NWSL league office, writing many of the rules she now operates under, then went back to U.S. Soccer before joining Kansas City.
  • Her recruitment to Kansas City was catalyzed by connections made during World Cup friend and family programs.
• Took the GM role after the previous departure, embracing ‘next man up’ mentality:
  • “People don’t usually leave this job willingly, so we just need ... to be ready for that.” (Carducci, 07:35)

Difference Between League/National & Club Focus

[05:41] – [08:25]

• Carducci explains that running a single club brings different intensity and personal investment:
  • Success or failure is no longer abstract: “You live and die by the success of that team.” (Carducci, 06:55)
  • Describes the Kansas City Current’s turbulent early years (“yo-yoing” between bottom and championship) and the drive for stability.

Impact of Ownership & Organizational Success

[08:25] – [13:13]

• The huge role of owners Chris and Angie Long:
  • Their vision, passion, and willingness to invest in women’s soccer infrastructure (own training facilities, soccer-specific stadium).
  • “You now have highly capitalized owners ... but it’s the how [they invest] that is the difference maker.” (Carducci, 09:56)
  • Ownership style: They are deeply involved and informed yet trust the professionals to “let him cook,” referencing head coach Vlatko Andonovski.

Brand, Identity, & Community Connection

[13:13] – [15:08]

• Kansas City Current have successfully established their identity:
  • Equal branding alongside flagship teams like the Chiefs and Royals across the city.
  • “Our brand, our crest, our colors are everywhere ... there are four professional, you know, top-tier teams in this city and in this market.” (Carducci, 13:45)
• Players and fans alike feel the sense of pride and inclusion.

Player Acquisition in the NWSL & Building the Team

[18:06] – [22:23]

• The process of landing rising star Ally Sentiner:
  • Internal assessment of team needs, proactive rather than reactive.
  • The process often relies on direct club-to-club conversations: “Pretty much as you guys know, everyone’s available until you make the phone call.” (Carducci, 18:46)
  • Describes tense, “down to the wire” negotiations with Utah Royals, ultimately aided by Kansas City’s desirability as a player destination.
  • Player buy-in now comes easier: “Players want to come here ... it was a willing trade partner and a willing player.” (Carducci, 20:53)
  • Again credits ownership for backing every ambition.

Keeping Top Talent Amid European Interest

[22:23] – [25:31]

• Discusses NWSL vs European leagues:
  • For men, Europe is the ultimate draw; for women, the calculus includes Champions League, better pay, and facilities.
  • Kansas City's differentiators: top training facilities, always playing in a packed stadium, player-first scheduling (“your facilities are yours and you will always be the priority”).
  • "We will probably constantly be having those conversations [about Europe], but if we continue to differentiate the NWSL as ... very, very competitive top to bottom ... we can keep ourselves level.” (Carducci, 25:20)

Managing Club vs. Country—Player Releases & Prioritization

[25:31] – [32:56]

• On club/national team balance:
  • Carducci has perspective from both US Soccer and club sides.
  • Modern relationship is more balanced:
    • “It’s no longer ‘you must give in’ to federation ... now that the league is stable, you have a lot less of that.” (Carducci, 26:52)
  • Open, ongoing communication with USWNT staff and medicals.
  • Credit to Emma Hayes (USWNT coach) for understanding club priorities due to her club management background.
  • There’s now a growing culture of players balancing pride in club and country, rather than exclusively identifying by national team status.

Cultural Shift: National Team vs Club Identity

[30:54] – [32:56]

• Formerly, stars would prioritize national team even at the expense of their clubs.
• Now: “Less and less are people and players saying ... they’re basically identifying as a women’s national team player as much as they’re identifying as a club player.” (Carducci, 32:46)
• Landon notes the shift even on social media: more players proudly post about club, not just country.

Notable Quotes & Memorable Moments

• “I was happy to get a scholarship to go play D2 at Ashland University. And then in law school, I basically realized my favorite thing about law school was helping with the soccer team.”
  – Caitlin Carducci, [01:47]

• “You live and die by the success of that team.”
  – Caitlin Carducci, [06:55]

• “People don’t usually leave this job willingly, so we just need ... to be ready for that.”
  – Caitlin Carducci, [07:35]

• “You now have highly capitalized owners ... but it’s the how [they invest] that is the difference maker.”
  – Caitlin Carducci, [09:56]

• “Pretty much as you guys know, everyone’s available until you make the phone call.”
  – Caitlin Carducci, [18:46]

• “Players want to come here ... it was a willing trade partner and a willing player.”
  – Caitlin Carducci, [20:53]

• “Your facilities are yours and you will always be the priority.”
  – Caitlin Carducci, [24:18]

• “Less and less are people and players saying ... they’re basically identifying as a women’s national team player as much as they’re identifying as a club player.”
  – Caitlin Carducci, [32:46]

Timestamps for Key Segments

• [01:29] – [05:41]: Carducci’s personal journey through the soccer world
• [05:41] – [08:25]: Life as a GM vs league/national team
• [08:25] – [13:13]: What great ownership means and KC’s infrastructure boom
• [13:13] – [15:08]: The KC Current’s place in the city’s sports identity
• [18:06] – [22:23]: Landing Ally Sentiner and team-building strategy
• [22:23] – [25:31]: Keeping talent in NWSL amid European competition
• [25:31] – [32:56]: Club vs. national team—release policies and shifting priorities
• [32:56] – [End]: Closing reflections, continued shift toward club pride

Tone & Language

The tone is candid, conversational, and often humorous, with Landon and Tim frequently joking with Caitlin and riffing on their own experiences. Caitlin is relatable and forthright, giving clear, concrete examples and expressing strong pride in her team and colleagues.

Final Thoughts

This episode offers an inside look at the evolving world of women’s soccer in the U.S., revealing how leadership, vision, and culture intersect to drive both on-field and off-field success. With Carducci’s insights, listeners gain a new appreciation for the challenges and triumphs behind the Kansas City Current’s rise—and the shifting landscape of the NWSL as it heads into a new era.