Off the Pitch

Off the Pitch is Sporting KC’s culture-forward podcast that brings together soccer, Kansas City, and the personalities that make both special. Hosted by Blake Aerni, the voice of Sporting KC on gameday, and Marika Davis, our in-game host, the show takes fans beyond the field and into the stories, culture, and conversations that surround the team and the city.Each episode blends Sporting KC with Kansas City happenings and pop culture through a consistent format. The show that celebrates soccer while showcasing the people, stories, and culture that make Kansas City unique.

Off the Pitch is a news podcast hosted by Sporting KC, with 12 episodes on record and a Required Pod Score of 80. PitchCentric scores this show on Booking Probability, Listen Score, and live audience signals refreshed every 24 hours.

Sporting KC hosts Off the Pitch, a news show with 12 episodes published.

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  Episode #13

  The Victory Project | Feat. George, Anne & Adrianne | Ep. 13

  Sep 17, 202641 minS1

  On this episode we take a closer look at the heart of Sporting Kansas City and the work being done through The Victory Project, the philanthropic arm of Sporting KC dedicated to supporting children and families impacted by cancer. We sit down with Adrianne from The Victory Project to learn more about the organization’s mission, its gameday honoree program, Soccer Assist grants, Sporting Wishes, Special Olympics Unified, and the annual Kick Childhood Cancer game (9/19/2026). Adrianne also shares how the Victory Project has grown since its beginnings in 2017 and the lasting impact it has on Sporting KC players, families, and the Kansas City community. We’re also joined by George and his mom, Anne, to hear their personal Victory Project story. George talks about his experience with Sporting Kansas City, meeting players, visiting the training facility, receiving a special gift from John Pulskamp, his Make-A-Wish trip to Hawaii, and some of the unforgettable moments that came along the way. From the impact of The Victory Project to the people and stories that make Sporting KC more than a soccer club, this episode is a look at the community behind the crest.

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  Episode #12

  Behind the Scenes with Sporting’s Medical Staff & Kit Men | Ep. 13

  Sep 3, 202658 minS1

  Blake and Marika are back for another episode of Off The Pitch, going behind the scenes with the people who help make Sporting Kansas City what it is. First, Sporting KC’s medical staff, Kurt Andrews and Chris Wolbert, join the show to talk sports medicine, player injuries and recovery, game-day emergencies, and the relationships they’ve built with players and staff over the years. They share what it’s really like to care for professional athletes, the challenges of getting players safely back on the field, and some unforgettable stories from their time with the club. Then, the conversation continues behind the scenes with Sporting KC’s Kit Men, Mike Flaherty and Sam Jaksen, getting to know the people responsible for keeping the team’s kits and equipment ready to go. It’s a look at another side of Sporting Kansas City that fans don’t always get to see—and the personalities and traditions that help keep the club running off the pitch.

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  Episode #11

  Blue Hell Rivalry Week + Meet the New Signings | feat. Or Blorian & Emir Karić | Ep. 11

  Aug 18, 202635 minS1

  Rivalry week is here. With St. Louis coming to Sporting Park for Blue Hell rivalry night, Blake and Marika count down their top three SKC vs. STL moments - from Pulido's brace to Dejan Joveljić leaping into the Cauldron to that unforgettable 2023 playoff win. Plus, they catch up on everything happening around KC, from throwback concerts at Morton Amphitheater to the easiest airport run in America. Then, new signings Or Blorian and Emir Karić join to talk settling into Kansas City, the newest member of the family (a puppy named Waffle), the tight-knit locker room, and why they believe the best team, not the best players, is what wins. They also share how the KC rivalry stacks up against the derbies they've experienced across their former clubs.

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  Episode #9

  FIFA World Cup™ Continues + MLS is back with our St. Louis Rivalry | Jayden Reid | Ep. 9

  Jul 14, 202637 minS1

  The World Cup is in full swing in Kansas City — and Blake and Marika are living in it. In this episode, the duo reflects on their most memorable moments so far (Messi's hat trick, the Algerian fan takeover, the Netherlands orange parade), ranks their favorite fan bases of the tournament, and heads back out to Soccer Capital Summer watch party to hear from fans soaking up the World Cup atmosphere. Then, Sporting Kansas City's Jayden Reid joins Off the Pitch to talk his journey from the Red Bull Academy to UConn to KC, his thoughts on the World Cup's impact on American soccer, the upcoming St. Louis CITY rivalry he's already fired up for — and yes, the Valentine's Day song he quietly dropped. Hear it all on this episode!

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  Episode #8

  FIFA World Cup™ Kansas City is HERE | Lasse Berg-Johnsen | Ep. 8

  Jul 2, 202631 minS1

  <p>The FIFA World Cup™ has arrived in Kansas City — and Blake and Marika are right in the middle of it. In this episode, Marika reveals her role as in-stadium host for all six FIFA World Cup™ matches in KC, while Blake shares his experience as the voice of FIFA Fan Fest. The duo head live to Soccer Capital Summer to soak in the atmosphere and chat with fans during Mexico vs. South Korea.</p><p>Then, Sporting Kansas City midfielder Lasse Berg-Johnsen joins Off the Pitch to talk life in KC, watching Norway compete in the World Cup, what it was...

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