About this episode

The episode discusses Kai Wagner's return to the Philadelphia Union and its implications for the team.

In a shocking turn of events, just six months after leaving the Philadelphia Union for Birmingham City in the English Football Championship, Kai Wagner has returned to the Union. He provides the team with much-needed stability in the backline, along with the leadership qualities it severely lacked in the first half of the MLS season. Todd and José share their thoughts on the news and discuss what could be next for the Philadelphia Union after sporting director Jon Scheer made his first major move. Kai Wagner is back: Philadelphia Union re-acquire Kai Wagner: [3:15] Is there an advantage of having Ryan Richter as interim head coach with the work he's had with Union II: [16:00] How vital will Wagner's arrival be for Alladoh: [20:56] Kai Wagner on not wanting to see the ship go down: [23:06] Jon Scheer on why Wagner made sense: [30:00] How much do you think it hurts Bradley Carnell to see Wagner back / will Quinn Sullivan play on Wednesday: [46:41] "We need stability. We need leadership. We need to drive competition within the group." - Jon Scheer: [52:24] Social Media: Twitter: @FreeKickPod Instagram: @FreeKickPod Facebook: @FreeKickPod YouTube: The Free Kick…

People in this episode

Host: Todd Lewis

Guest: José

Topics covered

• Kai Wagner's return
• Philadelphia Union
• MLS season
• team stability
• leadership in soccer
• coaching changes

Keywords

• Kai Wagner
• Philadelphia Union
• Birmingham City
• MLS
• Jon Scheer
• Ryan Richter
• leadership
• soccer
• team stability

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Philadelphia Union, Birmingham City, MLS

More episodes of The Free Kick

• Episode 421 - Recapping the 2026 Fifa World Cup · July 20, 2026 · 1h 8m
• Player Interviews: Kai Wagner, Nathan Harriel, Jon Scheer (7/18/26) · July 19, 2026 · 33 min
• Episode 419 - A Slew of Changes to Philadelphia Union's Coaching Staff · June 30, 2026 · 1h 20m
• Episode 418 - Anthony Fontana Returns to Subaru Park For First Time Since 2021 (feat. Anthony Fontana) · June 11, 2026 · 1h 41m
• Episode 417 - Philadelphia Union Fire Bradley Carnell, Name Jon Scheer As Sporting Director · May 29, 2026 · 1h 35m
• Episode 416 - Yet Again The Union Collapse on The Road in 6-4 Loss To Inter Miami · May 26, 2026 · 1h 28m

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