Kick From The Spot

A dichotomy of talent was on display in the Champions League Final. But weren't all the players supposed to be the pinnacle of world class? We discuss the jaw dropping amazing Bale bicycle kick as it was opposed by the miserable folly of Loris Karius in goal for Liverpool. Would VAR had made a difference? Was the ugly tackle/mugging by Sergio Ramos dirty? We enjoy putting a bow on the Champions League season, thanks for riding along with us. EFL news ... Fulham will join Wolverhampton and Cardiff City in the English Premier League next season. The USMNT has three friendlies in two weeks. We discuss where the youth movement is at, and the results of the first friendly. John talks Jay down off of the ledge. We end the podcast with A special Training Ground segment on supporter etiquette. New fans of the sport can expect to learn some common terms unique to soccer, and get a feel for the positivity of the beautiful game. Loris Karius was not physically harmed, but suff...

Are you the type of person who hears Laurel or Yanny? The guys get a little loose now that the EPL season has come to a close. John came into the podcast studio chest out with a broad smile as his Chelsea Football Club won yet another trophy. The guys break down the heavyweight match that officially ended the EPL season. Grandpa is moving on to a lower pressure managerial assignment, but who will replace Arsene Wenger? Currently the news is that Unai Emery has the job. CHAMPIONS! THE CHAMPIONS!! THE CHAMPIONS!!! Can Real Madrid really win three straight Champions League finals? Experience versus enthusiasm is the main narrative. The money line betting odds have Real Madrid as the favorite, but both the guys pick Liverpool, and they even agree on the score. So the guy who picked Wigan Athletic over Manchester City in the FA Cup, and the guy who picked Roma over Barcelona, even though they were down 3 in aggregate, both are picking underdog Liverpool. Get to the betting win...

Swansea City, West Brom, and Stoke City succumb to the bitter breeze of relegation. John and Jay discuss the relegation battle that was, and the opportunity for three new clubs to find strength in promotion into the EPL. With the end of the EPL season come and gone, the guys go through some highlights and low-lights that others might have missed. What a season it was in England, but it's time to put it to bed. Arsene Wenger is no longer the manager of Arsenal Football Club, but who is next. Jay has a short list to discuss. The Europa League Final and the FA Cup Final are this week. The guys take time to break down the match-ups and preview the events. No pocket gophers were injured during the recording of this podcast. Thank you for finding us and listening.  We hope to build a solid soccer community together with you based on fun, respect, and love for the beautiful game. Jay Fratt John Gonsalves Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the Spot Website Email: kickf...

The guys are in the new Smokin Js recording studio. The first 41 minutes of the pod are dedicated to Champions League and Europa League semifinal review. VAR (Video Assistant Referee) could have created a completely different outcome in both semifinal competitions. (41:15) NEWS! Is Mohamed Salah the future of Liverpool Football Club or the foundation of the future Spanish empire? What's more important, a domestic league title or Champions League title. Iniesta Says it's the league title that matters. John gives the low-down on the Championship clubs with the possibility of promotion to the EPL. (57:22) Relegation is here and now! Must watch match of the week pits Swansea City vs Southampton. John and Jay give all the relegation scenarios, including long shot possibilities for West Brom and Huddersfield Town. Jay must apologize to John once again for mistreatment of Chelsea Football Club, who have an opportunity to jump Tottenham and Liverpool for a Champions League...