Kick From The Spot

Episode #65 - EPL Matchday Three Review and the Hand Ball Dilemma Today was the official Kick from the Spot Derby.  Arsenal vs Liverpool.  There can be only one happy host on the podcast today. Matchday two was set up to see who are the fakes and legitimate clubs in the EPL table.  What resulted were some fantastic matches, some lucky winners, and one very disgruntled Jose.  We cover it all in the Kick from the Spot podcast! So what is a hand ball anyway?  And why are there so many conflicted opinions?  Memo dives deep into the hand ball controversy. Week two may have been amazing, but week three sets up back to back scintillating weekends!  We have the matches to watch heading into next weekend.   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 Tw...

Episode #64 - EPL Matchday Two Review and USMNT Excitement Matchday two in the EPL saw a ton of goals, but can only the second week provide insight into the remainder of the season?  Memo and Jay are here to pick out the hidden story lines from the second week of action in the English Premier League. Who is excited about the USMNT?  WE ARE!  We take a look at 9 players with large roles on big European clubs, and then Memo surprises with a bonus baby that may play for Barcelona this weekend.  There is so much to be excited about if you are a United States Men's National Team fan.  - Weston McKennie Juventus  - Tyler Adams RB Leipzig  - John Brooks Wolfsburg  - Gio Reyna Dortmund  - Josh Sargent Werder Bremen  - Christian Pulisic Chelsea  - TimWeah Lille  - Sergino Dest Ajax  - DeAndre Yedlin - New Castle maybe Besiktas Thank you for finding us and listening.  We hope to build a solid soccer community together wi...

Episode #63 - Matchday One Exciting Surprises The EPL has official kicked off.  Already some of Memo and Jay's predictions are being challenged and proven.  Matchday One had a lot of exciting moments, and there is a lot of interesting stories to look forward to next 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 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 here or subscribe on any podcast app

Episode #62 And we are BACK!  Covid-19 can't keep us down.  As world football starts back up again so does the Kick from the Spot podcast.  So many interesting talking points with the English Premier League this season.  Memo and Jay are ready to talk on them all. Transfer News.  Who were the winners and losers of the Summer transfer window ... even though it now extends into the Fall?   Predictions!  Memo has it all figured out, and Jay reluctantly plays along.  Where will your favorite club finish this season? USMNT:  There are so many USMNT players with staring roles at big clubs this year.  We are going to follow them all. 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 Sp...

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 #59 Matchday 28 Review : Even though Liverpool is running away with the EPL title, there are so many intriguing story lines and matches left in the schedule.  In Reality 8 clubs are battling for the 4th place trophy.  Leicester has been pulled back into this top tier mid table battle, and 9th place Arsenal are only 8 points from 4th and 5 points from 5th place.  Manchester United completed the derby double this season.  What does that mean for the club, manager, and season?  Is City limping, or just disinterested?  Wolves dropped two points on the weekend, but are undefeated in their last five.  Can they leap frog Chelsea, Leicester, or Man U? Champions League Preview : The guys think there are 3 opportunities for Kicks from the Spot this week in Champions League play as three of the four matches are within one goal in aggregate.  Will RB Leipzig's home advantage being taken away by the Corona Virus?  Can the power of PSG at h...

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 #57 Champions League Review : The first half of the Round of 16 has been played.  Who were the winners and losers even if they weren't the actual winners and losers?  Memo and Jay break down the first legs of the first week. Matchday 27 Review : Wow!  Sex on fire in the EPL!  The EPL table may not have a competition at the top, but there are pockets of competition all over the remainder of the table.  With the Man City competition ban, even clubs like 10th place Arsenal and 11th place Burnley are still in the hunt for a Champions League spot. Champions League Preview : Expectations are back!  The second week of Champions League Round of 16 play is assuredly going to be better than the first week.  Both EPL clubs will be featured by BR Sports, and both matches have the potential to be special. 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 ...

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 #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 #54 Matchday 25 Review : The fourth place trophy chase is heating up with 4 clubs within 6 points of 4th place Chelsea. The guys take a look at Leicester vs Chelsea, Man U vs Wolverhampton, and Tottenham vs Manchester City. News : The transfer window has closed.  Who went where?  Which club won?  Who lost? USMNT January camp and friendly.  Memo and Jay discuss the current lot of players, and how they fit into Olympic and World Cup Qualification.  The amazing amount of young players NOT participating in this January camp is amazing, and a great point of optimism moving forward. 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 : ...

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 #52 Matchday 23 Review: Chelsea Disappointment.  Wolves the real deal.  Leicester in jeopardy? Liverpool vs Man U … Was it a good match?  Was it really? 5th - 12th separated by 5 points!  Only 2 of the 8 teams won, 1 loss, and 6 draws. Forbes List of 50 Most Valuable Sports Franchises: Here are soccer clubs rankings among professional franchises in all sports in the world: #45 Liverpool $2.18 Billion #42 Arsenal $2.27 Billion #32 Chelsea $2.58 Billion #25 Man City $2.69 Billion #17 Bayern Munich $3.02 Billion #6 Man U $3.81 Billion #4 Barca $4.02 Billion #3 Real Madrid $4.24 Billion UEFA Champions League Changes USMNT News Transfer News and Rumors 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: kickfromthespo...

Episode #51 Not all weeks in the EPL are created equal.  After a busy holiday rush, soccer gods provided a fairly mundane week of EPL action.  Host Memo and Producer Jay are here to grease the gears in this EPL grinder. A serial cat killer is on the loose in Olympia, Wa, but Memo and Jay are on the case. News!  It's January, time for the mid season transfer window hype.  What's fake news?  What's bound to happen?  Come speculate with us.  Some players are on the move, even if it's to the doctor's office like Christian Pulisic. 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. Show Notes: Harry Kane Injury Christian Pulisic Injury Sergino Dest Threats Brian McBride Savior ? Host:   Memo Producer:  Jay Fratt Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the Spot Website Email: kickfromthespot@gmail.com Sponsor: Sm...

Episode #50 It's a runaway! But even though Liverpool is running away with the EPL title, there are so many compelling story lines and competitions remaining within the EPL table. Chelsea cannot pull away from the mid-table glut, but the big names behind them can't seem to catch the Blues either. Jose Mourinho couldn't stay positive for long. His comedic one-man show is back on the road in England. Is Arsenal back under Arteta, or did Man U take a match off? The Christmas rush is over, and now we head into the January transfer window. Who is buying and who is selling? 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 podca...

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 #48 Going into the weekend all the talk was about Tottenham replacing Chelsea in the 4th place position within the EPL table; but instead it was Chelsea who thwarted Tottenham's advances. As Chelsea solidified their 4th place position, Tottenham dropped to 7th behind surging Sheffield United and Wolverhampton. Every matchday will see wild fluctuations like this as the mid table blob continues to grow. Arsenal and Everton hire managers. But is it too late this season for Arsenal and too late this decade for Everton? 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. News: Shoulder Not Leg Weston McKennie Liverpool win Club World Cup Arteta in at Arsenal Ancelotti in at Everton Host:   Memo Producer:  Jay Fratt Kick from the Spot Twitter Kick from the Spot Website Email: kickfromthespot@gmail.com Sponsor: Smokin Js Music Credit: ...

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 #46 Producer Jay and Host Memo discuss the weekend action in the EPL, and how it all fits within the table and European competitions. The Manchester Derby was lit.  What is the City weakness this year?  Has Manchester United turned a corner with table climbing ahead? Leicester City and Liverpool continue their amazing run of winning league matches.  But with a pressure packed Champions League match ahead this week, and Leicester City within shouting distance, is the league title within grasp, or still too early?  The two teams meet on Boxing Day, and a lot can change before that match. Chelsea snooze and lose.  Or did Everton receive the "temp manager" bump that Arsenal are still waiting for? Son and Kane Goals Best Goal of Suarez Career 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, respe...

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...

It's November!  Arsenal fire manager Emery due to a poor start.  But what's the plan?  Is there a plan?  Arsenal are down.  Worst start in decades.  Emery had only been at the club for one full season.  And it's November! Emery had the pedigree for this exact moment.  Arsenal are not competing for the top of the Premier League.  Arsenal are not in Champions League.  Emery, with his multiple Europa League titles at Sevilla, is a proven winner at the current level Arsenal find themselves at.  The big trophies are not to be had, but there are other trophies worth winning.  And this guy is/was the right tool for this moment in time for the club. It's culture that must be fired.  Emery didn't stand a chance within a stagnant culture.  He wanted to win, not debate who's cute, who's friends, and all the fun-time-happy-footballing that must accompany the millions of Euros or Pounds, or Kroenke Dollars.  He w...

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 ...