How The Free Kick podcast began
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On March 14 of 2018, the podcast was officially started by Todd Lewis and Tyler Elliott under the name "Full Time Podcast", discussing the English Premier League and the Champions League. After the 2018 FIFA World Cup, the podcast underwent a name and logo change to what is now known as The Free Kick. It focused on the Premier League, Champions League, news from around the soccer world, and the London Underground Football League, with guest appearances from many podcasters and bloggers. Now, Todd is taking on The Free Kick as a solo host, covering the Philadelphia Union every week, as well as interviews with Non-League teams from around the World!
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Where did the fandom begin?
July 1, 2006, is the day I got HOOKED on soccer. Most people have no reason to remember that date, but if you're an England fan, you'll remember it well. I was sitting in the basement during my family's Fourth of July party, and someone had decided to put on the World Cup. England was facing Portugal in the Quarterfinals, and I remember not knowing a single player on either team. The first name I heard the commentator say was David Beckham, about Beckham playing in his glory days for Manchester United. At that moment, I decided England and Manchester United were the teams I would start following.
I decided to give MLS a go in 2007 when David Beckham got his move to LA Galaxy. I watched 6 or 7 games and decided, "Nope, this is enough; I'm never watching another MLS game again." At the time, the pace was too slow, and the level of play was so different compared to the Premier League. Fast forward 11 years, and my attitude towards MLS has softened. Instead of comparing MLS to European soccer, which you honestly cannot, I focus on how the game is played. I've been pleasantly surprised at how much the league has changed for the better.
Having found a new passion for MLS, it felt necessary to find a local team to support. Being from Maryland, it left me either DC United or Philadelphia Union, of which I chose the latter. Many people have asked me why I don't support DC United since I live in Maryland. It's quite simple really; mileage-wise, I live closer to DC, but time-wise I live closer to Philadelphia. So, if I ever decide to go to an MLS game in person, which team will take me the least bit of travel time? Philadelphia was the answer.
So, after the disappointing loss to NYCFC in the 2018 playoffs, I decided I MUST go to more games in person. And boy did I go to games in 2019! I missed only two games at Talon Energy Stadium. I had an absolute BLAST witnessing the first playoff win in team history, the comeback against NYRB, and the bloodbaths against Atlanta United and LAFC. It was a fantastic season. I became season a season ticket member along with my sister for the 2020 season, and I look forward to meeting so many fans at the games!!
Now that you have a bit about myself and how I got connected with soccer, let's hope that next season is as exciting as the 2019 season! With that said, COME ON YOU BOYS IN BLUE!
I decided to give MLS a go in 2007 when David Beckham got his move to LA Galaxy. I watched 6 or 7 games and decided, "Nope, this is enough; I'm never watching another MLS game again." At the time, the pace was too slow, and the level of play was so different compared to the Premier League. Fast forward 11 years, and my attitude towards MLS has softened. Instead of comparing MLS to European soccer, which you honestly cannot, I focus on how the game is played. I've been pleasantly surprised at how much the league has changed for the better.
Having found a new passion for MLS, it felt necessary to find a local team to support. Being from Maryland, it left me either DC United or Philadelphia Union, of which I chose the latter. Many people have asked me why I don't support DC United since I live in Maryland. It's quite simple really; mileage-wise, I live closer to DC, but time-wise I live closer to Philadelphia. So, if I ever decide to go to an MLS game in person, which team will take me the least bit of travel time? Philadelphia was the answer.
So, after the disappointing loss to NYCFC in the 2018 playoffs, I decided I MUST go to more games in person. And boy did I go to games in 2019! I missed only two games at Talon Energy Stadium. I had an absolute BLAST witnessing the first playoff win in team history, the comeback against NYRB, and the bloodbaths against Atlanta United and LAFC. It was a fantastic season. I became season a season ticket member along with my sister for the 2020 season, and I look forward to meeting so many fans at the games!!
Now that you have a bit about myself and how I got connected with soccer, let's hope that next season is as exciting as the 2019 season! With that said, COME ON YOU BOYS IN BLUE!