On Monday, Philadelphia Union II took on Côte d'Ivoire at Subaru Park in the African nation's final tune-up before the start of its World Cup campaign. Philadelphia Union II welcomed Cavan Sullivan back to the second team for the first time since 2025. The match also saw former Union II players and current college standouts Jojo Elliott (Delaware), Henry Bernstein (Maryland), Gavin Wetsel (Pittsburgh), and Daniel Krueger (Wake Forest) return to the fold. Most notably, however, the match marked the return of former Philadelphia Union midfielder Anthony Fontana to Subaru Park for the first time since 2021, when the Union lost 2–1 to NYCFC in the Eastern Conference Final. Todd and José are joined by Anthony Fontana to discuss Jim Curtin to Austin FC, Fontana's experience training with Union II over the past few weeks, playing in his first match at Subaru Park since 2021, what he hopes his next move is in his career, and the 2026 World Cup.

Jim Curtin announced as next Austin FC coach: [4:07]

Union II vs Ivory Coast:

• How the opportunity came about for Fontana: [23:25]

• Impressions of Union II / mentoring the younger players: [29:24]

• Walking out onto the field for the first time since 2021: [38:24]

• Being a captain while on the field: [52:50]

• Reaction to the applause when subbing in: [56:42]

2026 World Cup:

• Four former Philadelphia Union players in World Cup squad: [1:09:52]

• People criticizing Paxten Aaronson's move back to MLS: [1:15:15]

• Difficulties of transfers: [1:21:57]

Fan appreciation for Fontana: [1:31:13]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

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https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

José and Anthony's catch up last year

Anthony's social media:

Instagram: @fontana.99

The Philadelphia Union announced on Wednesday that they have parted ways with head coach Bradley Carnell after a 1-10-4 start in MLS this season. The club announced that Philadelphia Union II head coach Ryan Richter will serve as the interim head coach. The club also announced that Jon Scheer will serve as the clubs new Sporting Director after serving as the interim since March. Todd and José give their thoughts on all the news, as well as their thoughts on Principal Owner Jay Sugarman and Jon Scheer's Thursday press conference with the media.

News:

• Olwethu Makhanya named to South Africa World Cup squad: [5:07]

Philadelphia Union make sporting changes:

• Bradley Carnell fired after 1-10-4 start to season: [14:17]

• Ryan Richter named interim head coach of first team: [35:30]

• Jon Scheer Named as Sporting Director: [49:38]

• Ernst Tanner updates: [54:28]

• Upcoming transfer window: [ 1:15:55]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/

The first half of the MLS season has come to an end, with the Philadelphia Union losing to Inter Miami 6–4 after blowing a two-goal lead. Todd and José discuss their thoughts on the match, with topics including Bradley Carnell's clear frustrations over the lack of depth on the Union roster, Carnell's second-half changes, and what the second half of the MLS season could look like for both Carnell and the Philadelphia Union organization as a whole.

News:

• Danley Jean Jacques named to Haiti squad for World Cup: [5:39]

• Olwethu Makhanya named to South Africa Preliminary squad: [9:10]

• Jovan Lukic linked to Leeds United and Celta Vigo: [15:58]

Inter Miami v Philadelphia Union:

• Goals scored / goals conceded: [20:12]

• Bradley Carnell frustrated with lack of depth: [36:34]

• What does the second half of the season look like for Carnell, Union organization as a whole: [1:02:17]

• Best Union players in first half of season: [1:16:19]

Twitter: @FreeKickPod

Instagram: @FreeKickPod

Facebook: @FreeKickPod

YouTube: The Free Kick

https://thefreekick.substack.com/

Jose's Social Media:

Twitter: @JoserNunez91

https://nunezj.substack.com/