The Philadelphia Union have officially wrapped up their multi-week trip to Marbella, Spain, with matches against Sigma Olomouc, FC Nordsjælland, and FK Budućnost Podgorica as the team prepares for the 2026 MLS season. Todd and José recap the Union's trip to Spain and discuss the latest club news, including Neil Pierre being loaned to Lyngby, the Union finalizing a deal for Markus Anderson to join Brooklyn FC in the USL, and Stas Korzeniowski signing a first-team contract.

Union abroad:

• Training Camp in Spain: [4:22]

Loans:

• Neil Pierre Loan to Lyngby Boldklub: [22:09]

• Union finalizing a deal to loan Markus Anderson to Brooklyn FC: [32:30]

New signings:

• Union sign Stas Korzeniowski to first team deal: [39:55]

Blunder of The Week:

• MLS to cut a quarter of Spanish-language broadcast talent on Apple TV: [52:35]

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There is no linear path in soccer, as each journey is unique and different from the others, and that's no different for former Philadelphia Union midfielder and current Louisville City head coach Danny Cruz. José sits down with Danny to discuss a wide variety of topics, including his time in Philadelphia, what made Sébastien Le Toux and Andre Blake so special, being surrounded by up-and-coming coaches like BJ Callaghan, Jim Curtin, Brenden Burke, and Mike Sorber, the 2025 season for Louisville City, and the overall state of the club.

• Louisville City's preseason plans against MLS opponents: [4:15]

• Danny Cruz on the early stages of the Union: [7:02]

• Could Danny Cruz sense Le Toux and Bedoya would have the career's they had: [10:57]

• What was it like to go from John Hackworth to Jim Curtin during the season: [13:37]

• Playing under up and coming coaches: [17:07]

• Has MLS Next Pro hurt or helped USL Championship: [21:57]

• Building through the academy: [27:47]

• How has being a coach changed Danny: [30:17]

• Not dwelling too much on the lows: [31:56]

• What is Danny most proud of during his time in USL: [33:40]

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In this episode, Todd and José reflect on their recent interview with Kai Wagner and share their biggest takeaways from the conversation. They then discuss the Union's preseason plans abroad in Spain, before shifting focus back to Clearwater, Florida, where the Union will face SK Sigma Olomouc, FC Nordsjælland, FK Budućnost, Tampa Bay Rowdies, and CF Montréal. The conversation includes what fans should be watching for as the team moves closer to the start of the MLS season. Finally, they break down the Union's first press conference of 2026, where the recurring theme was clear: more signings are coming. What does that messaging actually mean, and how does it fit into the broader picture of this preseason?

Kai Wagner Interview Takeaways: [2:24]

Preseason Preview: Spain & Florida: [15:10]

Overall theme from Union first press conference of 2026: [25:33]

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YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

In this episode, Todd and José sit down with Kai Wagner to reflect on his seven seasons with the Philadelphia Union — from his arrival as a relatively unknown player in 2019 to becoming a key part of the squad. Kai opens up about the challenges of the MLS Is Back Tournament, the highs and near-misses of the 2022 season, and the drama surrounding contract negotiations and coaching transitions. We also discuss fan speculation, life in Birmingham, and the moments he's most proud of during his time in Philly. A must-listen for Union fans and anyone curious about the inside story of one of MLS's most consistent performers.

• Arrival in Philadelphia: Signing in 2019: [3:26]

• MLS Is Back Tournament: Challenges as a new player: [6:20]

• 2022 Season: Reflections on near-success: [11:32]

• 2023 Contract Negotiations: "Pay Kai" and fan influence: [15:12]

• European Rumors: Staying focused amid speculation: [19:29]

• Coaching Changes: Jim Curtin to Bradley Carnell: [21:58]

• Early 2025 Transition: Teammate departures and team mood: [32:45]

• Life in Birmingham: On and off the field: [39:34]

• Legacy in Philly: Favorite moments: [49:23]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

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Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

In this episode, Todd and José break down the Philadelphia Union's latest roster news which includes: Alejandro Bedoya re-signing through 2026, Ben Bender earning a contract extension, and Mikael Uhre officially departs for FC Midtjylland. We dive into what these moves mean for the Union's strategy, culture, and direction heading into the 2026 season.

News:

• Ben Bender re-signs through June 2027, with an option for 2028: [2:33]

• Alejandro Bedoya returns for year 11: [9:10]

• Mikael Uhre signs for FC Midtjylland: [21:35]

• Development is an ecosystem rather than a straight line: [31:42]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

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Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

After years of rumors linking clubs with Kai Wagner, he finally gets his move back to Europe, with the Philadelphia Union selling him to English Championship side Birmingham City. Todd and José discuss the deal and Wagner's legacy after seven years in Philadelphia, as he'll go down as one of the best players ever for the Union and one of the best left backs in MLS history. They also discuss the Union finalizing a deal for center back Japhet Sery Larsen, who plays for Norwegian top-flight club Brann, and how the Union's roster is shaping up ahead of the 2026 season, which begins in February.

• Kai Wagner Transferred to Birmingham City: [5:44]

• What Is Wagner's Legacy with the Philadelphia Union: [26:06]

• Wagner's Birmingham Debut: [37:22]

• Union Finalizing Deal for Japhet Sery Larsen: [50:18]

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YouTube: The Free Kick

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Jose's Social Media:

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https://nunezj.substack.com/

The Philadelphia Union announced the signing of 19-year-old center back Finn Sundstrom from USL Championship side North Carolina FC. Todd shares his thoughts on the move and why it is not only a signing for the future, but one that can impact the present as well. Finally, Todd shares what he was thankful for in 2025.

News:

• Philadelphia Union sign Finn Sundstrom: [1:38]

• What are we thankful for in 2025: [19:34]

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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 traded away two major pieces of their 2025 Supporters' Shield–winning team, sending Tai Baribo to D.C. United for $4 million and Jakob Glesnes to the LA Galaxy for $1.1 million in General Allocation Money. Todd and José discuss both deals and take a look at what the Union's depth chart looks like as of December 22.

Philadelphia Union acquire a guaranteed $4,000,000 from D.C. United in exchange for forward Tai Baribo: [2:57]

Philadelphia Union acquire a guaranteed $1,100,000 in General Allocation Money (GAM) from LA Galaxy in exchange for defender Jakob Glesnes and the Homegrown Priority of Union Academy forward, Jamir Johnson: [31:45]

Big Picture — What The Union are telling us with these moves: [52:21]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/