Sporting KC’s Wicky Says It’s Not a Tactics or System Problem

For the Glory KC is back with the 202nd episode of the show!

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Sporting Kansas City managed to only pick up one point in a three-game in eight-day stretch. They blew a lead on Wednesday on the road at Minnesota United. Taylor Calheira put the team up early on what was one of the few moments of first half offense. Then, as has been the case all season, Sporting KC collapsed with two goals in four minutes to lose (plus a third in a 16-minute stretch). SKC also set a record for futility giving up more goals in a season than any team in MLS history.

Sheena and I break down the good, bad and ugly from that game, including the post-game press conference with Rapha Wicky, where he said, “I don’t think the system is a problem. I don’t think it’s a tactical problem.” Hard disagree. 

Things went a little better at the home finale where Sporting KC fought back to earn a 1-1 draw against FC Dallas, who are way up in second place in the Western Conference. It came down to a penalty kick save by Stefan Cleveland after a questionable handball call on Jansen Miller.

It wasn’t the only bad officiating on the night. There was a possible missed DOGSO on Dallas and two horrible challenges suffered by Jacob Bartlett, including this one where he gets a yellow despite winning the ball and Romero missing it and crushing him.

And frankly, I can’t believe this second challenge isn’t a red. The force is ridiculous and Bartlett is probably done for the year and out for the finale in San Diego.

Speaking of San Diego, Sporting KC remain alive to avoid the Wooden Spoon if everything goes right on Saturday. CF Montreal need to lose at home to the Vancouver Whitecaps and SKC need to win in Cali. That, plus news on Erik Palmer-Brown, Zamir Loyo Reynaga, SKC II’s potential move to Iowa and the 2027 Sprint Season schedule is out!

The Kansas City Current ended their season strong with their fifth straight win. They are the hottest team in the NWSL and did what they were supposed to in their 2-0 victory over Racing Louisville on the road. That sets them up for a home playoff game against Ally Sentnor and Angel City FC this coming Saturday.

In the Digital Crawl, we touch on a couple more topics:

• A confusing new tournament from the MASL for women, despite having a women’s league, none of those teams are in it, including the Astras
• UMKC will host the Summit League Tourney semifinal and final
• Kansas City World Cup data
• and the US U-17 Women knock off Spain before losing to North Korea

Here is a rundown of sections and start times:

• Intro – 0:00
• Sporting KC – 7:47
• KC Current – 1:09:46
• Digital Crawl – 1:15:57

Upcoming Games

• KC Current vs. Angel City, SAT, Nov 7th at 11AM CT
• Sporting KC @ San Diego FC, SAT, Nov 7th at 6:00PM (Decision Day)

As a special gift to For the Glory KC listeners and KC Soccer Journal readers, Backheeled.com is giving away 30 days of their amazing, independent American soccer coverage for free. If you decide you want to turn that into a paid membership, they’ll give you 10 percent off too. Just follow this link!

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

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