Sporting KC Offseason Roster Moves Reactions

For the Glory KC is back with the 62nd episode of the show!

On this week’s episode, Sporting Kansas City made a series of massive roster decisions likely ending the KC soccer careers of Roger Espinoza and Graham Zusi. Sheena and I commiserate, remember fond times and get some of the feels out about their departure. On top of that, we talk about if the moves make sense and how we wanted to see their careers end. Plus, could they end up on other clubs? There is a lot of Roger and Zusi talk to kick off the pod.

Then we move to the other moves on the roster. From Kortne Ford and the center back situation to our child’s proclamation that she has disowned the team over Cam Duke’s departure. We can’t skip Sheena’s favorite player Remi Walter, or the news Johnny Russell is coming back and what that means for roster spend and flexibility. There is still a fair amount to discuss around the rest of the roster including Gadi Kinda, Kendall McIntosh, Stephen Afrifa, Willy Agada and more.

Who Stays and Who Goes for Sporting KC?

Beyond that, Peter Vermes has already come out and said the team needs a backup goalkeeper, left back for the injured Ndenbe, another CB (they already have five), midfielders plural and help in the attack. With 24 roster spots filled and only six available, that’s six players right there. We give an early preview of what else we think this team needs to do this offseason.

Additionally, PV addresses the talk of a fourth Designated Player and changes to the current DP rules and we weigh in on that.

Peter Vermes says he hasn't been talked to about a fourth Designated Player but there is talk of the third DP not having to be TAM-able to have three U-22 Initiative players. (via @PlayFor90) #MLS #SportingKC pic.twitter.com/vZICVnuPxc

— KC Soccer Journal (@KCSoccerJournal) December 2, 2023

Then we speed through the handball that PRO got wrong, and the Sporting KC II roster moves.

Finally, we get to the Digital Crawl. We breeze through the following topics:

• The next USMNT friendly was announced
• Tim Howard is going into the soccer HOF
• Matt Miazga gets suspended
• And the MLS offseason calendar

Here is a quick rundown of topics (and approximate start times):

• Thank you, listeners! – 5:11
• Zusi and Espinoza are gone – 7:05
• Ford, Duke, McIntosh, Russel, Remi, other moves and PV’s needs – 28:20
• Is there going to be a 4th Designated Player? – 49:46
• PRO admits they got it wrong on the handball call – 55:55
• SKC II’s roster moves – 1:03:00
• Digital Crawl – 1:06:25

Spotify took away our ads, so we turned on “Listener Support.” Don’t feel obligated, but if you have a few spare bucks and a fan of the pod, we’d appreciate your donation.

Big thanks to Splitter Conspiracy (listen to them here) for our theme music made with the permission of the KC Cauldron.

You can find For the Glory KC wherever you get your podcasts. Just search “For the Glory KC” and be sure to subscribe! Here are some helpful links:

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