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]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

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]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

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]

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