Ahead of Sporting Kansas City's weekend trip to Banc of California Stadium for a match with LAFC, defender Graham Zusi appeared on The Border Patrol on 810, while midfielder Roger Espinoza was a guest on The Blue Testament. Espinoza and Zusi both rank in the top five in minutes played in Sporting KC history and have appeared in every match this season.
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- Listen: Roger Espinoza on The Blue Testament
Nate Bukaty kicks the show off by asking Zusi about the season so far and the expectations going forward. Zusi mentions the team's work ethic and the drive to get things back on track. He and Bukaty discuss past MLS season where teams who start slow end up finishing the year hot and making deep runs in the MLS Cup Playoffs.
The duo then dove into the club's mentality. They talked about how that word had been floated around multiple times and what it means to the team. Zusi explained Sporting's manager and sporting director Peter Vermes' message around mentality and how the club is working to reach his goals and expectations.
The interview concluded with Zusi talking about facing LAFC this Sunday, and reuniting with former teammate Ilie Sanchez for the first time. Zusi explained that seeing Ilie will be nice, but once the whistle blows, it will be just like every other competitive match.
Espinoza begins his interview by talking about his growth within the club and how he inspires the younger players on the team. He speaks about his intensity as a younger player and if he would change anything about his game looking back at it.
The next topic of discussion was KC Current midfielder, and Espinoza's wife Lo'eau Labonta. The Sporting KC midfielder talked about their competitive nature and how soccer consumes much of their life, but they make time for things outside of the game. One thing Espinoza loves to do outside of soccer is travel and take photos of his travels.
After the small talk, the conversation shifted to talking about the current Sporting KC season and Espinoza's role with the club. He spoke on being slotted into the number 6 role, and adjusting throughout the season due to the club's early injury issues. The episode wraps up with Espinoza speaking on preparation, and how while playing for Vermes, you are always prepared.
Zusi, Espinoza and the rest of Sporting Kansas City will be back in action this Sunday when the club takes on LAFC on the road. The match is set for 3 p.m. CT and will air nationally on ESPN and ESPN Deportes.
