The Sporting KC Show, held throughout the season on Sports Radio 810 WHB, is now available on Spotify and iTunes. With Nate Bukaty and Carter Augustine hosting the weekly program, Sporting fans now have a place to go to catch up on club storylines, player achievements, guest interviews and more.
After a well-deserved weekend off, Sporting Kansas City returns to the pitch Saturday to host the Montreal Impact at Children's Mercy Park. Kickoff is set for 2 p.m. CT and tickets remain available at SeatGeek.com as Manager Peter Vermes' men look to collect three points in MLS action before shifting attention to the Concacaf Champions League Semifinals against Monterrey.
Despite the change of pace during FIFA's international break, Nate Bukaty and Carter Augustine provided no shortage of compelling talking points in the newest Sporting KC Show Podcast, which debuted Tuesday night. The duo recapped an international window that saw five Sporting players represent their countries, previewed Saturday's matchup with the Impact and welcomed two guests to the show in Brian Bliss and Krisztian Nemeth.
First up was Bliss, who serves as the Technical Director and Vice President of Player Personnel at Sporting. Bliss reflected on his background as a former U.S. Men's National Team player and provided a fascinating look at his day-to-day duties for the club, which includes the scouting of talent across the globe, the negotiation of transfers and oversight of the Sporting KC Academy and the Swope Park Rangers.
Nemeth highlighted the second segment of the episode, sharing his experience traveling abroad with Hungary teammate Botond Barath for UEFA Euro 2020 qualifying. The in-form striker, who is tied atop the Champions League Golden Boot race with four goals, also discussed how a full preseason has helped him regain sharpness as one of the tournament's most lethal finishers thus far.
Episode Summary
- 3:00 – Johnny Russell appeared in two matches for Scotland over the past week, scoring his first international goal in a 2-0 win over San Marino on Sunday, while Botond Barath played a huge role in Hungary's 2-1 upset win over Croatia.
- 5:30 – Seven Sporting players featured for the Swope Park Rangers in Saturday's 2-2 draw against Pittsburgh Riverhounds SC at Children's Mercy Park, including 16-year-olds Gianluca Busio and Tyler Freeman.
- 8:04 – Bliss joins the show and describes his day-to-day responsibilities for the club, also reflecting on his days as a national teamer who played under five different U.S. MNT coaches.
- 14:10 – Bliss describes the growing complexity and importance of international scouting for MLS clubs, also sharing a story about a memorable scouting trip to Ghana.
- 18:40 – Bliss explains that the international appeal of MLS is growing, which is making high-profile signings more attainable across the league.
- 24:58 – Bliss emphasizes the importance of cultivating young talent into first-team contributors, indicating that it may only be a matter of time before more players like Tyler Adams and Alphonso Davies are sold abroad.
- 27:33 – Nemeth joins the show to recap his whirlwind European trip with Barath and the Hungary Men's National Team.
- 32:13 – Nemeth explains how a strong preseason has helped him reach the level he was playing at for Sporting in 2015.
- 37:30 – Nemeth believes that Sporting's possession-based playing style suits his strengths as a striker and will continue to complement his individual qualities.
- 41:53 – Bukaty and Augustine preview Saturday's contest between Sporting and Montreal, with the Impact hoping to secure their third win in four away games to start this season.
Listen to the full podcast below.
