The Philadelphia Union started the Bradley Carnell era with a bang, defeating Orlando City 4-2 on the opening night of MLS. Four players made their Philadelphia Union debut, and Andre Blake appeared in his 300th game for the club across all competitions. Todd recaps the game and discusses the 4-2-2-2 formation and where the Union found success, Frankie Westfield's stellar debut, the three stars of the night, the Union's trade for Indiana Vassilev, and Blunder of the Week: believing faceless accounts spreading fake transfer rumors.

• News:

  • Official: Philadelphia Union Acquires Indiana Vassilev From St. Louis CITY For $1M in GAM: [4:03]

  Orlando City v Philadelphia Union:

  • Olwethu Makhanya, Frankie Westfield, Jovan Lukić and Ian Glavinovich Make Their Debut: [11:55]
  • Andre Blake Makes His 300th Appearance For The Club: [15:10]
  • Too Many Shots Concede / Breaking Down The Goals Conceded: [26:00]
  • 4-2-2-2 Formation / Union's Attack: [32:25]
  • Frankie Westfield Stars on His Debut: [45:30]
  • Three Stars: [54:00]

  Blunder of The Week:

  • The AP's glaring mistakes in their Union Review write up: [57:17]

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[Indiana Vassilev Thoughts on Bradley Carnell - KMOX Sports] YouTube Link

With the signing of Bruno Damiani now official, Todd and José Nuñez are joined by Daniel Solana of ARRIBA BOLSO to discuss what Damiani brings to the Philadelphia Union and MLS overall. Daniel brings a wealth of experience as part of the media covering Uruguay’s Nacional and discusses Bruno’s time with the Primera División giants, as well as his loan spell at Boston River last season. Todd and José also analyze the Union's overall roster and what moves need to be made to comply with MLS's February 21 deadline.

Bruno Damiani's playing style: [4:55]

Who's a good comparison in MLS to Damiani: [10:56]

Damiani's transfer market value compared to what the Union actually paid: [11:57]

Adjusting to stadium sizes in MLS: [20:50]

Damiani's rise through Nacional's academy: [22:57]

Union's squad age / getting roster compliant: [30:40]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

Daniel's Social Media:

Twitter: @danisolana5

https://www.arribabolso.com/

The Philadelphia Union are on the verge of signing Nacional forward Bruno Damiani for a club-record fee of $3.4 million, just a week before the start of their 2025 MLS season. Todd is joined by José Nuñez to discuss the club-record signing, as well as the Union officially announcing the Homegrown signings of Eddy Davis, Neil Pierre, and Frankie Westfield.

They also break down the Union's current roster situation: the team cannot sign any more players unless there are departures, and they still need to acquire an international roster slot. Additionally, they discuss the Union's 4-1 defeat to FC Cincinnati in their third preseason match.

Official: Philadelphia Union Sign Eddy Davis, Neil Pierre and Frankie Westfield to Homegrown Contracts: [2:54]

Philadelphia Union Finalizing Deal for Nacional 22-Year-Old Forward Bruno Damiani: [10:33]

Union's Roster: No More Signings Unless Departures / Acquiring an International Roster Slot: [25:50]

Preseason: Philadelphia Union v FC Cincinnati 4-1, Do Union Fans Have Right to Be Concerned with 0-3 Start: [51:35]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/