Kick From The Spot

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 #77 - EPL Matchday Week - 18 Matches in 6 Days Jay takes the reigns of the show to congratulate the host on winning another EPL title.  It's not too early!  Big game Bobby Firmino is back, and so is Liverpool at title holders.  The guys take some time to go through the top of the table to analyze the coming and going of so many clubs.  Will Manchester City ever wake up?  Have the paper tigers at Man U become the lions on the pitch?  Is Everton back and here to stay?  Is this only the beginning of the slide for Tottenham?   The table talk ends with a chat about relegation.  Can you bury Sheffield United yet?  Is Arsenal capable of mid table magic or are they close to a relegation battle? The Champions League knockout stage draw is complete, and the universe (or some guiding hand) provided excellent match-ups.  7 of the 8 draws will be competitive, and ...

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...

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 #71 - EPL Matchday 8 and USMNT November Lineup EPL Matchday Eight saw more movement in the table, titans clash, and foxes hunt.  VAR let the league down once again this week.  "What is a hand ball?" has not been joined by the question, "What is an offside?" Memo and Jay go in depth on Southampton's 48 hours of glory, the Man U roller coaster, fireworks from Crystal Palace vs Leeds, Lampard's lament, Mourinho's plan, Leicester top of the table, rain in Manchester, and Arsenal's dilemma. Tune in for the whole show!  The November roster for USMNT has been announced.  And it's something we have all been waiting for ... The European Edition!  All the stars you have wished to see are named in the 24 man roster, but who will be released by their clubs? US Men's National Team 24 players to roster - Euro Camp 11/12/20 - Wales 11:45am FS1 11/16/20 - Panama in Austria 11:45am FS1 GOALKEEPERS (3):  Ethan Horvath (Club Brugge/BEL; 4/0),  Chituru ...

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 #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 #61 Soccer Under Quarantine : Memo and Jay are back to give the details on what can now be expected from domestic football leagues and European competitions.  Deadlines have been set, but will they hold?  A plan is great, but contingency options should be on the table. Beyond domestic and European club competitions, the International European competition has already been set back a year.  But that places the men playing at the same time as the women.  Good luck to the professional scheduler working for all these leagues. 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 Bea...

Episode #60 Champions League Review : Just when Champions League really started to pop off, everything is postponed.  Jay and Memo take a look at the incredible matches from the Round of 16, and where Champions League goes from here.  And yes, Jay gets to press Memo on his Liverpool Reds getting bounced out from a home defeat.  Spoiler alert, God hates Liverpool. News :  - COVID-19 ruins sports across the globe!  We take time to listen to Jurgen Klopp.  - Diego Simeone is a Kick from the Spot fan!  He wants to change the away goal rule in extra time.  - EPL postponed.  Is the April 4th resumption realistic? This episode comes with a free soap box from Jay. 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: ...

Episode #58 Champions League Review : The final week of the first leg of the Round of 16 in Champions League is discussed by Memo and Jay. Chelsea was beat down by Bayern. Napoli drew at home, but was it enough going back to Barcelona? Lyon surprised Memo with a home result against the Juventus Ronaldos. Jay nailed the Manchester City match as they take two away goals and a lead in aggregate back to England. The second week of Champions League play was better than the first week. The guys are here to break it all down. Matchday 28 Review : More VAR controversy even has the guys split. Who was the loser in the Everton Man U draw? Liverpool finally lose, and Memo may have lost the most. Is Leicester in danger of losing the third and fourth position in the EPL Table? Wolves struck down the Tottenham Mourinhos, can they reach 5th or even 4th place? The EPL table is on fire as only three teams out of 20 don't have much to play for. Thank you for finding us and listen...

Episode #55 EPL Matchday 26: Too much action for one calendar week, Matchday 26 is split over two weekends.  Everton and Sheffield United continue strong play, but Wolves, Chelsea, and Tottenham still have something to say about Matchday 26. Champions League Preview : The time is here!  Maybe one of the best weeks of soccer in the calendar year.  With a long EPL weekend leading right into Champions League Round of 16 play.  Memo and Jay break down the entire field of 16, and discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each match-up. 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 :

Episode #53 Matchday 24 Review : Wolverhampton vs Liverpool - Raul Jimenez and Adama Traore shine, but can't match Big Ball Bobby and the Liverpool depth. Will Salah selfishness bite Liverpool in UCL? Chelsea vs Arsenal - London derby has it all with a red card, exciting play, and late goals. Memo dishes on where the two clubs are at, and where they are headed. Man U vs Burnley - We dismiss the hyperbolic week-to-week reaction to give the forest view of the Manchester United club. News : The coronavirus has hit EPL strikers as the injury bug creates needs. It's transfer window time, who will land the important piece to finish the season. Chelsea, Man U, and Tottenham all have striker needs. Arsenal make a signing that has Memo singing about a culture shift. 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 ...

Episode #45 Winners and losers from the mid week soccer schedule includes more than score lines.  Jay gets a little heated discussing Arsenal's performance and the underwear model currently in charge.  Memo beams, as usual, about his Liverpool squad.  Both guys try to draw comparisons and conclusions about the narrowly separated mid pack in the EPL table.  It's the heavy December schedule, and the Kick from the Spot boys are producing two pods a week to match! Forget hot seat!  Rogers and Lampard are top contenders for manager of the year.  Memo has his eye on the next manager to get the boot. 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: ki...

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...

On 19 November 2019, Mauricio  Pochettino  was  sacked  by Daniel Levy and Tottenham Hotspurs, with his side 14th in the Premier League table he was replaced only 12 hours later by none other than "the Special One"Jose Mourinho. In a shock dismissing and even more shocking appointing this move seemed on surface a radical one made of fear at missing out of European games. Mourinho who in 2015 said, he could never manage Tottenham, is known for his pragmatic "park the bus" style. A kind of soccer that Tottenham fans have not seen over the last 5 1/2 years. From the outside, this union looks like it could be over before it starts. Mourinho has spent more money in transfers (1 billion pounds overall) than any other manager in history. In contrast, of the "Big 6" Tottenham have spent the least on transfers in the last 5 years. How can this possibly work? Granted Mourinho's last managerial post was in many regards a failure at Manchester United. In the 3 ...

Episode #43 An exciting weekend of EPL action was kicked off with the announcement of the return of the "Special One."  Jose Mourinho has officially taken over the Tottenham Hotspurs.  Memo breaks down what this means for Tottenham, Jose, and all the current managers on the hot seat.  Is Paul Pogba going to return for Manchester United? The guys get deep discussing football culture and the state of Arsenal, Manchester United, Everton, and Tottenham.  Which club has the goods for trophies? All the exciting matches from the weekend are reviewed including another VAR controversy.  Memo explains what VAR was intended to accomplish, and why it hasn't hit that mark yet. 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@g...

First, this is awkward, but it must be addressed. Hector , it was several years ago I spotted you from across the pitch. It was preseason. Your youthful enthusiasm and talent lit up the pitch. Stretching runs forward from a wide position with an unexpected pace were finished off with precision crosses that peppered the opponent's 18 yard box. Your boyish charm and wide-eyed innocence were a delight. "He's going to start!" I exclaimed before a serious ball had been kicked for Arsenal. Since that time you have become a staple in the starting 11. Your boyish charm has been replaced by a mature metal of vigor and intensity. You've grown facial hair, presented the world with your version of a man bun, and even inked a full sleeve. Alas Hector, we've grown apart. You have amassed 1.5 million followers on Twitter. No longer are you the prospect I spotted on the side of the pitch, but a full blown soccer star. I must let you go, and share you with the wo...

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...