Kick From The Spot

Listen : Listen here or subscribe on any podcast app Episode #82 - Trendlines Continue with the Best Yet to Come Host Memo is stuck in Washington DC defending our Capitol so Producer Jay flies solo in the Smokin Js podcast studio this week.  What a week of EPL action, with a sprinkle of FA Cup. Manchester United versus Liverpool in the FA Cup.  Trends continue, Klopp is still confused, and Manchester United maintain momentum. It was a mishmash of matchdays in the EPL this week.  Say mishmash of matchdays three times fast! Leicester City and Manchester City both dispatch clubs that hope to be in their position. Manchester United keeps the positive momentum moving forward against Fulham. Lovely Liverpool have turned into the ugly Klopps. Perhaps the best week of EPL soccer is this week starting Tuesday.  There are four great peer to peer matches in three days! Thank you for finding us and listening.  We hope to build a solid soccer community toget...

Listen : Listen here or subscribe on any podcast app Episode #80 - EPL Midterm Review and Starting 11 It's the midterm review show!  Matchday 17 is complete, well kind of.  It's mid season in the EPL, well kind of.  Don't worry about the details.  Memo and Jay run through the table as it currently sits.  What will the table look like at the end of the season, and how will we get there? Award time!  Memo and Jay give their starting 11 from the first half of the season.  Who made the grade, and who missed the cut? And finally the guys give their flops and positive surprises from the first half of the season.  It's a packed show of Premier League goodness you have missed this week. 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. Host:   Memo Producer:  Jay Fratt Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the...

Listen : Listen here or subscribe on any podcast app Episode #79 - Two Matchdays Paper Tigers Become Hunting Lions It is so very nice of Liverpool to slow down and allow chasing clubs to challenge.  Kudos to the big hearted Scoursers.  The Paper Tigers Manchester United have become Lions on the pitch, undefeated in their last 10 matches, and now they sit even with Liverpool on points.  Are Liverpool fans scared?  Is Man U legit? Arsenal has won three straight after Arteta discovered he had an actual #10 on his roster.  Say his name, Smith-Rowe!  In a compacted table, Arsenal could be top four challengers once again.  But if that is true, then where does that leave Frank Lampard and Chelsea.  "Tank the Frank" can be heard shouted in London. Finally ... City is back, or were they ever gone?  Tottenham scored all three points and a resounding victory versus Leeds.  Are they contenders once again. Thank you for finding us an...

Listen : Listen here or subscribe on any podcast app Episode #78 - EPL Matchday 15 Topsy Turvy Table Host Memo and Producer Jay are giving all they have in the middle of this exciting stretch of EPL matchdays.  This week was book ended by fantastic and entertaining matches.  First with Leicester City vs Manchester United, and finishing with Wolverhampton vs Tottenham.  And in the middle is a big argument over Arsenal and Chelsea ... who's manager is worse? This is an exciting year of EPL action because of how many clubs are performing well.  Aston Villa has impressed both Memo and Jay.  Are they here to stay near the top of the table?  Manchester City has become a perennial contender.  Is Pep just managing player turnover or are they out of contention this season? How can Memo spin the Liverpool draw against #19 West Brom in a positive way .... oh he does. Thank you for finding us and listening.  We hope to build a solid soccer co...

Listen : Listen here or subscribe on any podcast app Episode #76 - EPL Matchday 12 Leicester City Wins the Day Another impressive episode from host Memo.  Did you know you could be rich if you made bets based on the Kick from the Spot podcast Champions League Group Stage preview show.  Yup, Memo recaps the winners and losers of the UCL Group Stage. Who isn't in love with the EPL right now.  Sure, Manchester clubs played like close friends worried about hurting each other, but no club in the table is intimidated by any other club.  This makes for great matches and unexpected draws.  Memo and Jay give a great recap on all the EPL action from Matchday 12. Plus ... There has been a Yedlin sighting!  But one USMNT member really stood out this weekend in the EPL. Stay tuned until the very end.  You never know what you will miss from the guys! Thank you for finding us and listening.  We hope to build a solid soccer community together wit...

Listen : Listen here or subscribe on any podcast app Episode #74 - EPL Matchday 11 and Champions League The cream always rises to the top.  And now so to has the best teams in the EPL.  The guys run through all the important matches of the weekend, and discuss the shape of the top teams.  Liverpool may have won a more important match than it seems against Wolverhampton.  Tottenham were head and shoulders above Arsenal.  But some could say Chelsea or Manchester United were most impressive. Memo and Jay play a game of Contenders or Pretenders with 1-15 in the EPL table.  Who has the ability to win the league?  Who has the ability to finish in the top four? Champions League has moved to the final matchday of group play.  Memo and Jay outline the four matches you must watch.  Everything is on the line in Group B and Group H.  Will Manchester United win their group or head to Europa League? Thank you for finding us and listen...

Listen : Listen here or subscribe on any podcast app Episode #74 - EPL Matchday 10 - Dramatic Managers at the Top The home pitch losing percentage increased during matchday 10!  The Covid crowdless stadiums continue to be a theme for the beginning of the English Premier League season.  Leeds, Man U, and Wolverhampton all took advantage.  Memo and Jay break down all the matches on the weekend.  Unfortunately VAR continues to be a weekly theme.  Jay finally figured out what the problem is ... NERDS! Some tables are better than others.  Memo has been waiting for the 10th matchday to be completed before rushing to any conclusions about teams and the league.  Matchday 10 has nearly passed, so Memo and Jay take a look at the overall table.  Lots of surprises and stand out performances. The USMNT are back!  Well sort of.  Memo and Jay discuss the upcoming match with El Salvador.  Who will be playing? Thank you for finding ...

Episode #72 - US Mens National Team Euro Camp Special Finally USMNT fans got to see the Euro kids all play together.  First against Wales, and today against Panama.  Memo and Jay break down the matches and overall thoughts on the US Mens National Team. What players can we write into the World Cup lineup in pen, and what players still have more to prove? EPL league play is back this weekend, and so is Champions League.  After an hours of giddy USMNT talk, Memo breaks down when the UCL groups sit after 3 of 6 match days.  All the groups are discussed, but two groups in particular stand out as must see TV. 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. Host:   Memo Producer:  Jay Fratt Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the Spot Website Email: kickfromthespot@gmail.com Sponsor: Smokin Js Support the show, visit the store and...

Episode #70 - EPL Matchday 7 Counter Attacks Rule Has the bubble burst for some EPL clubs?  Champions know how to win; what does that mean for Man U?  Wolves back in the title chase.  Sneaky Jose and his expansive Mr. Everything are second in the table. Chelsea, Tottenham, and ??? only EPL clubs to go undefeated in the last five matches. All EPL clubs in Champions League are top of their groups after two match days.  Soccer is in full swing, and we are hitting that action with the laces on the half volley! 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. Host:   Memo Producer:  Jay Fratt Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the Spot Website Email: kickfromthespot@gmail.com Sponsor: Smokin Js Support the show, visit the store and find a great tool for your smokin lifestyle. Music Credit: Moody Beats Listen : Listen...

Episode #69 - EPL and Champions League - It's Getting Hot in Here It's peak soccer season in Europe as EPL and Champions League action hits with relentless pace.  And after Matchday One in Champions League group stage, it looks like there will be a lot of exciting soccer ahead. Memo and Jay break down the surprising results from Matchday One in Champions League with a lot of groups thrown into precarious positions only after one matchday. EPL Matchday Six wasn't as high scoring as we have become accustomed to, but there were exciting matches.  It's early!  But the EPL table is on fire with a wide swath of EPL clubs competing for meaningful positions. 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. Host:   Memo Producer:  Jay Fratt Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the Spot Website Email: kickfromthespot@gmail.com Sponsor: Smoki...

Listen : Listen here or subscribe on any podcast app Episode #67 - Champions League Group Stage Preview Group A has the returning champion Bayern Munich, and they are running on all cylinders. Atletico Madrid has Diego Costa and Luis Suarez. Will they be a Happy meal combo or a bloated sandwich?  Salzberg, aka FC Red Bull is in the group, but they lost Erling Haaland to Dortmund. How much energy do they have?  And will Lokomotiv Moskva be able to derail any of the competitors. Group B has an old club with old names with dominant experience in the past decade. Can Real Madrid continue in this decade without a striking star?  Shakhtar Donetsk and Monchengladbach like to press with high energy. Can either squad squeeze out a surprising result?  Inter Milan has an all star squad of big club rejects, perhaps they have the attitude to make big waves. Group C has perennial EPL title contender Manchester City with their much heralded coach Pep Guardi...

Episode #66 - EPL Matchday Four Bloody Sunday and USMNT Golden Age Aston Villa WHAT!!!  Matchday four could be a wake up call for a few teams, mortal wounds for others, and let the good times roll for some.  Host Memo and Producer Jay are here to analyze all the action from the weekend. Is that the worst 4-Nil victory for a club ever?  Chelsea continue looking confused. Brighton may have a lot of fight, but Everton is cruising top of the league! Leeds United continue to play with the big boys. Arsenal hang on, and Arteta seems to be on top of his game. Is it OGS or Pogba? Can we let Liverpool slide for this historic beat down? Memo gives us an update on notable USMNT players action abroad.  More good news! 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. Host:   Memo Producer:  Jay Fratt Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the S...

Episode #56 News : Manchester City has been banned for two years from European competition.  Huge news, but is it true?  What are deeper layers to this story, and what are the real impacts of this UEFA ruling?  Memo and Jay look into the ruling, the arbitration body that will make the final decision, the sovereign money and tactics behind the crack down, and the implications to the EPL beyond Man City. Matchday 26 Review : Did VAR ruin the match for Wolverhampton, and wreck an exciting weekend of EPL featurettes?  Within the vision of the Man City ban, how is the remainder of the table affected by a new Champions League position opening up?  Arsenal, Tottenham, and Sheffield United gain three crucial points while Chelsea see a desperate Man United club come visit on Monday Links : The Man Who Exposed Man City Timeline of Man City Financial Fair Play Sanctions Thank you for finding us and listening.  We hope to build a solid soccer community to...

Episode #49 Two Matchdays in one week!  There were plenty of winners and losers during the heavy Christmas EPL schedule.  Memo and Jay are here to sort it all out.  One thing is clear, Liverpool will be EPL Champions, but the story lines and battles below them have only just begun. Will Wolverhampton barge their way into the top six EPL high class society dinner parties?  The club looks every bit the part.  Will Arteta and Arsenal find their way back to the top, or will they even lose grasp on Europa League table positions?  Manchester United and Everton made big moves this week, but was it a matter of competition or fortitude? 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. Host:   Memo Producer:  Jay Fratt Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the Spot Website Email: kickfromthespot@gmail.com Sponsor: Smokin Js ...

Episode #47 Matchday 17 saw the glut in the middle of the EPL table grow into a blob.  Chelsea stumble, Tottenham leap, and Manchester United crawl.  Meanwhile the downward spiral of despair at The Emirates still only has them seven points out of 4th place.  Upstarts Sheffield United continue to surpass expectations.  Did the title race become a coronation for Liverpool? Weston McKennie suffers another injury.  Pep is out!  Chelsea transfer ban lifted!  Memo and Jay discuss it all. It's another fun and passionate show from the Kick from the Spot crew.  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. Host:   Memo Producer:  Jay Fratt Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the Spot Website Email: kickfromthespot@gmail.com Sponsor: Smokin Js Music Credit: Moody Beats Listen : Listen here or subsc...

Episode #44 Emery Out!  Arsenal fires their manager, and lots of seats around the league just got hotter.  But was the firing a solid decision?  Where does Pochettino?  Isn't Manchester United in the same boat as Arsenal?  Memo is here to breakdown the EPL matches from the weekend, and talk sweet hot seat action. Liverpool and Leicester City seem to be running away with the EPL title.  But position 5 through 14 in the table are only separated by 4 points!  Is all this manager hot seat talk hyperbole, or legitimate strategy and questions?  It's another packed show, buckle up and subscribe.  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. Host:   Memo Producer:  Jay Fratt Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the Spot Website Email: kickfromthespot@gmail.com Sponsor: Smokin Js Music Credit: Moody Bea...

Episode #42 Team USA with a strong win at home against Canada!  But did anybody see it, and did it matter?  Where is the USMNT at in the progression from World Cup qualifying failures to World Cup hopefuls? Memo is here to take a closer look at the entire USMNT team roster and the recent result.  How the current coaching strategy mixes with the play on the pitch and roster selections is always a fun conversation.  We want to know ... Is the young player audition time over?!?  When will the real team show up for a match? 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. Host:   Memo Producer:  Jay Fratt Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the Spot Website Email: kickfromthespot@gmail.com Sponsor: Smokin Js Music Credit: Moody Beats Listen : Listen here or subscribe on any podcast app Watch :

It's been an amazing World Cup. Who knew Russia could be so much fun! John is back in the Smokin Js podcast studio with Jay to break down each Round of 16 match-up. Stuck at work during the World Cup? There is a special training ground session in this pod just for you. We update the initial results of the Kick from the Spot Bracket Challenge after the group stage. We have one star and clear leader at this point. We have a fresh printable Round of 16 Bracket you can find here . Jay did not spank John for his birthday present. 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: kickfromthespot@gmail.com Sponsor: Smokin Js Moody Beats If you cannot see the audio controls, your browser does not support the audio element

World Cup action is living up to all expectations! We are through the meat of the Group Stage, and now stare at the Final Match Day this week. John is currently lost in the woods of work, chopping down trees and providing for his family. Jay flies solo on the mic for this special World Cup podcast. What are the best match-ups for the final match day in each group? What are the scenarios where your favorite team goes through to the Round of 16? We've got all the specifics for each group to answer these questions and more. Iceland and Australia called, "So you are telling me there's a chance?" There is a special training ground session during this pod explaining how the "yellow card accumulation" rules work in this World Cup. We hope to have John back in the Kick from the Spot attack on Thursday to go over the Final Match Day results and what to expect in the Round of 16. Listener bracket submissions will also be discussed. Neymar's feelings...