Puro SAFC

One of our favorite episodes of the year! It’s Thanksgiving week, and what better time to give thanks to another year of SAFC soccer. First, we revisit our predictions for 2023. Then, we name our top players, top storylines, best and worst acquisitions, and more! We also welcome a new Sporting Director, cheers to our Puro Pick Four Winner, and then talk free kicks. Recorded live in the Shadpad during the USA’s game at Trinidad. Enjoy!

Ride like the wind… into the off-season. We’re back to discuss SAFC’s season ending 3-1 playoff loss at Sacramento Republic. What went wrong? What happened? Was the season a success? We discuss all that and more. We also look at playoff result around the league leading up to this Sunday’s USL Cup championship match. The Puro Pick Four has also been decided, we announce the winner. Finally, a plethora of Free Kicks. Enjoy!

A State of Texas intro… and then we talk SAFC’s 1-0 win over Colorado Switchbacks. A Vintage Performance, a throwback to last year’s 2022 title team. We talk tailgates (pre- and post-game), lineups, performances, and what stood out. Then, we go around the league to talk playoff results and the Puro Pick Four standings. Finally, a preview of FRIDAY’s road playoff game at Sacramento. Is this the real USL Cup? Listen to find out!

It’s playoff time! We review the last two SAFC games, a 1-0 loss at the OC and a wild 3-3 tie at home with Indy XI. That leaves us in fourth place and hosting Colorado Springs this Saturday night. What do we expect? Listen to find out. See you at the tailgates! Also, it’s crunch time in the Becker Vineyards Puro Pick Four, and a free kick of the USA’s Deutschland friendly. Enjoy!

SAFC (and Shaddock) traveled to Oakland last weekend for the exciting 2-2 tie at the CSU East Bay stadium. It was a pop-up party atmosphere, like a high school game with wild soccer, rowdy fans and $16 beers. We take you behind the scenes of the Oakland stadium scene and analyze the bizarre tie. Mentality Monsters, indeed. A quick free kick and we’re out. Enjoy!

A special interview on the ground in Oakland: Shaddock visited the Bay Area for the weekend’s SAFC game. I interviewed my hosts, a group of Roots fans (and owners): Izzy, River, Vivian, and Lord Grantham himself. It’s a before and after of the experience of visiting Oakland for a Roots game. A real roller coaster of a game: a disaster for SAFC at 2-0 to a comeback 2-2 tie. The Roots fans learned what a Mentality Minster is. Nobody cried, but much fun was had. Enjoy!

We talk SAFC’s last two home games: a wild 3-3 tie against Tampa Bay and a dominant 4-0 win over the OC. We ask and answer questions about goalkeeper, the formation, and Nathan. Then we preview the game Saturday at Oakland (spoiler: one of us will be at the game) and even start speculating about playoff opponents and scenarios. As always, free kicks about US Open Cup and the AHFSH Inferno. Enjoy!

Amidst Fall Trips, Fall Sports, and Fall Weather, we take a break to talk SAFC’s 1-1 tie at Colorado Springs. Missed Opportunity? Entertainment on Turf? Listen to find out. Then we preview the weekend’s tough home game vs Tampa Bay. Free Kicks: Oakland Roots and the Donuts. Finally: a special 10 minute segment with James K from the Tampa Bay podcast RBLR Sports to preview the visiting Rowdies. Enjoy!

For our very special 150th episode: We’re back from a busy start to the school year to review SAFC’s recent results. A run of 0-0 ties followed by a disappointing 2-1 loss at Tulsa. What’s wrong? We discuss. Then, we get into our summer reading book: Soccer Against the Enemy by Simon Kuper. How was it? What holds up well? What doesn’t? Does soccer really prop up dictators around the world? Plus, we answer listener questions about the book. Finally, a Free Kick: the USA plays twice this weekend against authoritarian regimes. What a coincidence! Enjoy,

School’s back in session and SAFC is back in town. We review the 2-1 win over RGV and a rather uneventful 0-0 tie with Monterrey Bay. Next, we preview this weekend’s game with Pittsburgh. Then, we talk former SAFC players, Puro Pick Four Fantasy, and Messi’s Miami in US Open Cup. Enjoy!

Momentum Is Building! First, we talk Puro Pick four fantasy standings. Then, we talk SAFC’s big 3-0 win at New Mexico. Three wonderful goals for the good guys in a comprehensive victory. Then, we preview the coming home stand. Finally: Free Kicks about soccer book club and the business of soccer. Shout out to our youngest listener and birthday boy Charlie!

We’re back and it’s impossible to ignore Leagues Cup starring Leo Messi in Miami. After that, we talk SAFC’s big 5-2 win at home vs Hartford and comeback 2-1 win on the road against 10 man Phoenix. Next up: we preview Saturdays opponent, New Mexico United at the Isotopes Park out in Oppenheimer-land. Finally, a quick thought on the Women’s World Cup. Enjoy!

We’re back in person in SA, and it’s hot in the city. It was also hot at SAFC’s dirty, gritty 1-0 loss to The Miami FC on Saturday night. We talk that disappointment in detail, drama in the Bunker, and preview Hartford. We also review scores Around the League, what’s happened in Women’s World Cup with Team USA, and also that other Miami team, the one with Messi on it. Enjoy!

Live from the Cottage, we are joined by special guests Caroline Stefko of N17 Women podcast and James Hope of the Crocketeers. First, we talk SAFC’s game against Sunderland last weekend: a great crowd, great goals, and a Men In Blazers approved PC banger. Then, at 20:00, we get into a special preview of the Women’s Wold Cup, kicking off Thursday morning and in earnest Friday night at 8:00pm with USA vs. Vietnam. We tell you where to watch, who to watch, what teams to watch, and, most importantly: Will the USA Three-Peat? Enjoy!

It’s two of our favorite things: Mid-Season Review of SAFC, and Sunderland coming to town! First, we discuss the first half of SAFC’s season, with a team grade, our Top 3 Players, and one disappointing player. Next, at 33:00, we preview Sunderland, the English Championship team coming to town for an exhibition this Saturday night. A Love Supreme, a Sunderland fan websites sent us some great questions about SAFC, and we answer them all. Enjoy!

After a discussion of Hulk Hogan, soccer, nationalism, communism, and immigration… we talk SAFC’s 3-1 win over Birmingham Legion. Fireworks! Also: bye bye Cristian Parano, and also hello Jorge H. We give you our preferences for SAFC’s Starting XI, along with listener suggestions. Next, it’s off to Memphis on a Friday night. We end with a Pick Four update, USL around the league, and USA free kicks on the men’s and women’s side. Enjoy!

Back from our Summer Break, we talk SAFC’s road trip: a 2-2 tie with San Diego and a 3-1 loss to first place Sacramento. Disorganized defense, lots of changes in player personnel, a Jordan Farr howler, Big Sam loan over… Is the sky falling? Are the Bad Old Days back? Listen to find out. Finally, we preview Saturdays home game vs Birmingham, talk USA national team, and also a Puro Pick Four Fantasy Update. Enjoy!

After an aside about la cerveza Superior,
we talk SAFC’s 2-2 tie at home last week vs El Paso: “Another Tie that Felt Like A Loss.” We dive into the small crowd, the officiating, the team’s bad habit of giving up leads at home, Jordan Farr’s error, and Luis Solignac’s goal after escaping punishment. This week the team plays on WEDNESDAY away to San Diego; note that there is no game Saturday night. We also go Around The USL and finally, in Free Kicks: Clayton’s upcoming epic trip to Vegas for USA vs Mexico. Enjoy!

Recorded in the Stim Bar on the night of US Open Cup Quarterfinals, it’s impossible to escape the breaking news that Messi is coming to MLS. Then we talk SAFC’s 3-3 tie to San Diego Loyal on Saturday night. It had a little bit of everything, from the good, the bad, and the unexplainable. After processing that, we preview this Saturday’s home game vs. red-hot El Paso. As always, a quick Becker Vineyard Puro Fantasy and summer book club updates. Finally, free kicks about Messi to MLS and the upcoming USA-Mexico game in Las Vegas. Enjoy!

SAFC is back home, and it was Almost Too Easy: a 2-1 win over New Mexico United. We talk tailgates, atmosphere, the Wave, Man of the Match Zouhir aka Z, the Scoring Play, and the Real Scoring Play. We also give an homage to departing GM Tim Holt for his fantastic job with SAFC. Then we talk this week’s game, tailgate, 8:00pm kickoff, and opponent San Diego. Finally: a fantasy update, scores around the league, and turf in USL. Don’t miss Free Kicks: our new Puro SA Summer Soccer Book Club and the USA’s Under 20 team. Enjoy!

We review SAFC’s disappointing 1-0 loss on the road at Detroit City FC by giving Thumbs Up/Thumbs Down to all kinds of things: Stroh’s beer, Keyworth Stadium, short goalkeepers, Astroturf, row housing, and more. We then talk results around the league and Puro Pick four fantasy before a free kick about the USA in the Under-20 World Cup. Enjoy! Somehow we forgot to talk about the departure of Tim Holt. We wish him the best and will make sure to sing his many praises next week.

After a Mother’s Day salute, we review SAFC’s historic 7-0 demolition of Charleston Battery last Saturday night. We look into all the factors that led to a nearly perfect scoreline. Taintor was back, Azocar debuted, and Tani O had a game making us wonder if he’ll head back to Minnesota soon. Then, we preview Saturday’s game at Detroit, look at eye-catching results around the league, and a free kick of the US U-20s. Enjoy!

First: what league do we watch the most? You’d be surprised. Next, we talk SAFC’s 2-1 win at Las Vegas Lights. An undeserved win, but we’ll take it. It’s the first of three straight road games. Big Sam was back, in a major way, and Tani O got a goal in his first game. Then, we talk the upcoming game at Charleston Battery. Finally: Puro Fantasy aka Beat the Pod guys highlighting Movers/Shakers and stories from around the league: the new USL president, USL coaches moving up, and the US Open Cup. Enjoy!

We talk SAFC’s two disappointing results: a 1-0 loss in Open Cup play to Nashville of MLS, and a 1-1 tie against Las Vegas. Coach Marcina says there’s no frustration in the locker room, but you can see it in the fan base. What’s going on, or what’s going wrong? We try to identify areas that need tweaking. This week it’s away to Vegas for a rematch, the first of three road games. As always, free kicks of local soccer (the Donuts!) and: Who would win a mythical SAFC-Wrexham match. Enjoy!

It’s Fiesta Week in San Antonio and the soccer schedule is packed. We talk SAFC’s 1-1 tie against their bogey team, Phoenix Rising, on Championship Night. A host of new signings have join the squad ahead of a busy week: US Open Cup at Nashville on Wednesday night, then back home vs. last place Las Vegas on Saturday. Finally, free kicks about two lower division soccer games across the pond. Enjoy!

First, we name our favorite Fiesta event. What’s yours? Then, we dive into SAFC’s 1-0 loss at Louisville. It’s the team’s first loss since last August… but it was a loss that felt like a tie. Next, we preview Phoenix Rising, Saturday’s opponent, and talk tailgates. Finally, Free Kicks about USA-Mexico and the fight for England’s top and bottom teams. Enjoy!

First, a quick US Open Cup update, as SAFC gets Nashville next round. Then, we talk SAFC’s 0-0 tie with Sacramento Republic with a makeshift lineup. The highlight of the scoreless draw? Yellow Card Kid. This Saturday, it up to Louisville for a rematch of last season’s USL championship game. We talk all that as well as a Puro Pick Four update and free kicks about FIFA and Wrexham. Also: a mystery listener joins us in studio to take it all in. Enjoy!

The starters were in the luxury box as the kids from the academy won SAFC’s opening US Open Cup game vs Lyon FC 2-1 in extra time. We recorded live from the Party Deck during the second half. We recap SAFC’s 2-1 win on the road in Monterey Bay, preview this Saturday’s home game against Sacramento in the battle for first place, and add some free kicks like Ted Lasso and HS Soccer. Don’t forget a Becker Fantasy Update and cheering to the boys 2-1 extra time comeback win. On to the next round! Enjoy,

We review SAFC’s dramatic 1-0 over rivals Colorado Springs in a playoff rematch. The atmosphere was electric as Jordan Farr’s walk-off PK save led to mass celebrations and even post game tailgate parties. Then we preview Saturdays road game at Monterrey Bay, the big movers in the Puro Pick Four, and Scotland and the USA over international break. Enjoy!

We dive into SAFC’s 1-1 tie in Leesburg, VA against Loudon United. The game gave off serious high school soccer vibes, from the loud fan to the cold wind. Was it a point to be proud of or cause for concern? Also, a Becker Vineyards standings update and free kicks: the US Open Cup and Team USA returns. See you at the tailgate Saturday!

Holiday Road: We talk SAFC’s 3-1 win in the home opener vs. Oakland Roots. First, we talk atmosphere in the stadium and on tv. At 20:00: the game review. It was a big night for new players,with some surprising scratches from the starting lineup. Finally, we preview Sundays game vs Loudoun United and update the Becker Vineyard Puro Pick Four. Also our free kick: dog eats soccer ball. Enjoy!

It’s our favorite episode of the year: the Season Preview! Ahead of SAFC’s home opener vs Oakland on Saturday night, we talk USL storylines and pick our long-awaited Becker Vineyards Puro Pick Four Fantasy Game. Next, we discuss SAFC’s Big Questions for 2023, the projected starting line-up, and our own Season Predictions. We finish with free kicks about MLS on Apple TV and the US Open Cup. Enjoy!

The Puro guys are joined by the voice of SAFC, color commentator and former SAFC midfielder Hayden Partain. We check in with his recent move to Dallas, talk SAFC off-season, and ask about what preseason is like. Does he miss playin? Does he like commentating? Is he going to watch MLS on Apple TV? We ask it all live from Monday’s team open practice at Toyota Field. Enjoy!

We talk to former SAFC captain Michael LaHoud about growing up in Sierra Leone, being a Wake Forest Demon Deacon, SAFC’s failed 2019 season, and playing against Yaya Toure. Really cool stories from a world spanning soccer career. He also answered all of your listener questions and got to play Michael LaHoud Trivia. Thanks again to Michael, super interesting conversation. Enjoy! We’ll be back next week with more special Puro Preseason Content,

Clayton and Shaddock celebrate a snow day with a special Puro episode on the first day of SAFC preseason. The full schedule is out, so we look at big games (5:00). The roster is taking shape, so we look at new and departing players (20:00). Finally, our new Puro USL Fantasy Challenge (40:00). We also get into the USA’s recent games (45:00), American transfer news (50:00), and Wrexham’s Made for Hollywood FA Cup run (55:00). Enjoy!

To celebrate the new year, we talk what’s trending in soccer for 2023: new World Cup hosts, women’s soccer, more subs, celebrity owners, a new order in England, USL’s elite teams, and, of course, USA drama. Also, we add in our New Years soccer resolutions. Enjoy!

To wrap up 2022, we give Christmas presents to soccer players, teams, and coaches around the world. From SAFC to Lionel Messi, Qatar to the EPL, and even each other. Enjoy! We’ll be back next week with some New Years resolutions.

In our final Boots on the Ground episode, we give you all the news from Qatar. The USA is through to the round of 16 after a deserved but nerve-wracking 1-0 over Iran. What was it like in the stadium? What about the pre-game drama and geo-political implications? All that and more. Enjoy!

Live from the FIFA Fan Tent Village, just 20km north of Doha, we talk World Cup 2022. Our Puro SAFC flag has been planted in the sparsely populated Moonscape/leper colony that is Qetaifan Island Tent City and Fan Fest Beach Party. What’s it like in the Tent Village? The showers? Restrooms? Wait: they have beer? Eventually we get to the heart of the matter: the USA’s 0-0 win [sic] against England on Friday night. Enjoy!

Boots on the Ground: Recorded in San Antonio (Clayton) and Doha, Qatar (Shaddock). Whats the scene on the ground amongst the supporters and fans at the World Cup. Cruise ship bars, hotel discos, and beer-less Fan Fests. Plus: USA-Wales from the stadium. Folks, it’s about to get weird! Enjoy,

Supporters of the World Unite!
It’s Puro SAFC combined with Royce from the SA Soccer Roundtable for your official San Antonio World Cup preview. We check in with the American Outlaws and Crocketeers LIVE at the official supporters bar for USA in Qatar 2022, Smoke/Sky Bar downtown. We preview the USA, Mexico, and all 8 groups (very quickly). Plus, we each pick the Finals, the Champion, Golden Boot, and our USA hero. It’s here and it’s real. Qatar 2022. Enjoy!

The Best Team Won: SAFC are the 2022 USL Champs! We tell you first-hand what happened and what we saw at the USL Final, from the pregame tailgate parties to Tuesday’s River Parade. SAFC had the Mo(mentum) and a great team performance. We break down each goal and key play, and also take a sneak peek to 2023. Finally, we finish up our Panini World Cup 2022 preview with the last two teams: Ecuador and the Netherlands. Keep your eye on the feed for Friday’s World Cup Preview Show and continuing Gonzo World Cup coverage as Shaddock goes Behind the Veil on the ground in Qatar. Enjoy!

It’s here! The Final! We recap SAFC’s huge 2-0 win over Colorado Springs on Sunday night. Sarge Maloney and Santi the Little Duck Patiño made sure it was Party Time at Toyota Field. Next, it’s on to host Louisville City in Sunday’s Sold Out USL Championship Game. We preview the players to watch and fill you in on Louisville’s club history. Finally: Qatar and Senegal in Group A of WC 2022 and a rapid fire free kick of St Mary’s soccer and USA MNT vs SAFC. Enjoy and see you Sunday!

We talk SAFC’s big 3-0 playoff win over Oakland Roots Friday night. A perfect night at the stadium: sunset, goals, cool weather, fireworks, and a win. Next, it’s on to the Western Conference Final this Sunday night against the Colorado Springs Switchbacks. We end with England’s chances in WC 2022 and a special announcement about our special live World Cup Preview show on Friday, November 18th!

It’s playoff time! We talk the USL playoff opening weekend, with three fun games out West. SAFC will now host Oakland Roots under the Friday Night Lights. We give our preferred starting XI and spotlight Oakland’s stars. Finally, Panini WC is controversial Irán and Free Kicks are back to MLS playoffs and the local Toilet Bowl. Enjoy!

Live from The Cottage: We talk SAFC’s season ending 2-2 tie to the OC at home. On a beautiful night: a great atmosphere, crowd, and experience. So: a tie that felt like a loss… then a win. The playoffs await, all at home until we lose. Panini preview of the USA, and a free kick about MLS Playoffs. Enjoy!

We talk the Greatest Sports Day of the Year, ACL music, and…. oh yeah, also SAFC’s 2-1 come from behind win at Birmingham United. More of the Same? Is it Destiny? Then we preview Saturday final home game in this historic season vs. the OC. It’s tailgate time! Finally, free kicks of Wales WC ‘22 preview, Wrexham on ESPN2, and Josh Cohen from USL to Champions League. Enjoy!

It’s been suggested that true champions can win in any condition, even a cold, rainy night in Stoke. That in mind, we talk SAFC’s dreary but, in the end, thrilling 1-0 win at Pittsburgh. USL regular season champs! Then we look forward to Sunday’s game at Birmingham, a Panini Argentina WC preview, and a free kick about the mess in NWSL womens soccer. Enjoy!

We talk SAFC’s undefeated homestand, which ended with a 1-0 win over potential playoff foe Sacramento. A workman-like performance, a tribute to the late coach, announcer, and soccer encyclopedia Tim Hankinson. Finally,this weekend’s must-watch game vs Pittsburgh, Mexico’s el Tri for World Cup 2022, and the USA’s disappointing friendly results. Enjoy!

En Vivo: Colorado Springs @ SAFC. Clayton and Shaddock recorded live from the SAFC home game versus Colorado Springs. We review Saturday nights 1-1 tie with New Mexico United, give live updates during the Colorado game, and preview Saturday’s home game with Sacramento. What up with that, we ask? Then, we preview Poland for World Cup 2022, and our Free Kick is dedicated to the USA’s upcoming games. Enjoy!