Ahead of Sporting Kansas City's matchup with the Portland Timbers on Sunday, forward Willy Agada chatted with Rob Brenton on 610 Sports Radio's Nutmeg Podcast. Agada joined Sporting KC during the summer transfer window and has provided instant offense, scoring three goals in his first three MLS starts.
- Listen: Agada on The Nutmeg Podcast
The first topic of discussion is the Sporting KC newcomer's ability to come in and adjust to a new league in the middle of the season. Agada says he already feels at home and it was easy to come in because of all the good guys on the team. He mentions that it is a big transition but he is just trying to do all he can to help the team and listen to the technical staff.
Agada joined Sporting after four years of professional soccer in Israel. Brenton asks about the culture shock and changes the forward has noticed and he talks about the higher level of intensity and aggression in Major League Soccer. Agada dives into the different styles of play that he has noticed from opposing defense as well.
Brenton wants Agada to expand on his three goals but he can only say nice things about his teammates and give them the credit. He shouts out Manager and Sporting Director Peter Vermes as well as his teammates Roger Espinoza and Daniel Salloi along with his family who continue to support him.
Didier Drogba, Agada's idol and the player he tries to emulate is the next topic of discussion as Brenton is a fan of his as well. Agada grew up watching Chelsea and was infatuated with Drogba's awareness and movement.
The final question Brenton asks investigates what went wrong on Agada's hug of Vermes and how it turned into one of the more memorable celebrations in recent Sporting KC history. He says that after scoring his first goal the feeling just overcame him and he had to run to Vermes and jump into his arms.
Sporting KC and Agada will be back in action Sunday night against the Portland Timbers. Tickets for the match can be purchased at SeatGeek.com, and a national broadcast of the contest can be found on FS1 with coverage beginning at 6:30 and kickoff at 6:55 p.m. CT.
Fans can find Agada's interview on The Nutmeg Podcast here. The Nutmeg Podcast with Rob Brenton airs every other Thursday with guests ranging from current Sporting KC players and coaches to various front office personnel.
