It's a nice long episode for you this week as we find ourselves in the darkest days of our beloved team's history. Misery loves company, right?

We start off with postgame audio from Johnny Russell and the most ridiculous stat you've heard all year. Gadi Kinda made his MLS debut in a 2-0 home loss to CF Montreal. Is he going to save us?

As always, we try to make things fun during these troubling times. Cody has the Top 5 Jettisoned Players and we do some reminiscing in the wake of Ben Sweat's swift departure.

Peter Vermes responded to the "Vermes Out" chants from the Cauldron. The players on the field looked defeated and it begs the question... is it possible Vermes could lose the locker room?

The Cauldron has fallen to a really sad state. Saturday was the most lifeless and sad we've ever seen the section formerly known as The Blue Hell. Cauldron leadership has remained silent while the fans themselves are up in arms. It's time to let it be formally known that the current state of Sporting KC is unacceptable to the fans who love this club the most.

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It was more of the same for Sporting KC over the weekend in a 2-1 loss to the New England Revolution. They have no offensive firepower, no creativity in the midfield, and earned another red card as well. SKC is officially bottom of the table with three goals on the season, the same number of red cards.

Erik Thommy may have been better than his recent form, but as the attacking midfielder, his play is actively hindering SKC right now. Alan Pulido has still yet to go 90 minutes but he looks like the only source of creativity at times.

The heat is on Peter Vermes as players return from injury and the form doesn't seem to be improving. This show is Vermes Out curious, and we explore the various changes the club could make to appease fans.

Tuesday's US Open Cup match against Tulsa is a golden opportunity for SKC to right the ship and remember what winning feels like. But if they lose... could it be the end of Peter Vermes?

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Daniel Sperry from the Kansas City Star and Thad Bell from The Kansas City Soccer Journal got together in a coffee shop after the press conference with Kansas City Current GM Camille Ashton. There was a lot to discuss and this will not be the only pod where it is broken down but this was the first reaction from the two people who reliably cover the Current. Ashton read a statement that we play to lead into this episode. We also play the audio from our first two questions part-way through.

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We got Witty! Chris Wittyngham, formerly of The Dan Le Batard Show & Meadowlark Media, currently calling games for Apple and MLS Season Pass, is a leading voice in the US Soccer community. He joins us to offer up an objective, outsider's perspective on the problems with Sporting KC.

After a 3-0 beatdown at San Jose, Witty says it's officially time for SKC fans to panic. Does the current roster have the talent to turn things around and push for the playoffs?

The pressure is building for Peter Vermes. Witty weighs in on the Fire Vermes debate and the changing landscape of Major League Soccer.

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Daniel Sperry from the Kansas City Star and Thad Bell from The Kansas City Soccer Journal is joined by Jillian Carroll Letrinko from the Kansas City Current broadcast team. We welcome Jillian to our pod and plan on her being with us as often as time allows.

First, we talk about the Alex Loera news and how the team might adapt before taking a look at the loss to Portland (the Sophia Smith game). A quick preview of the Chicago match before Jillian had to sign off to get some rest before her morning job in local television.

Danial and Thad try to work through the potential options and formations that coach Matt Potter may use with the players he has available.

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The players knew it, the club knew it, and the fans knew it. The match against the Colorado Rapids was a massive chance to get the first win of the season and get things going in the right direction. And they failed.

It's a new low point for the club, which we had hoped was found last year. Sporting KC now sits in last place of MLS after a 1-0 loss at home.

The departure of Ben Sweat, and the first start of Alan Pulido, ended up as more of the same. The most loyal fans, including ourselves, are fed up. While there may be a handful of positives to hang your hat on, like Danny Rosero and the defense, there isn't much to inspire belief this season can be salvaged.

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Erik Bergrud from the Kansas City Comets broadcast team and Thad Bell from the Kansas City Soccer Journal have another episode of The Blue Turf. We recap the win in Harrisburg over the Heat and preview the first match of 2023 RON NEWMAN CUP PLAYOFFS. The Comets travel to face Uitica in their first meeting of the year.

We talk a little bit about who might play also break down the playoff paths for the Comets.

And betting...

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Erik Bergrud from the Kansas City Comets broadcast team and Thad Bell from the Kansas City Soccer Journal have another episode of The Blue Turf. We recap the win in Harrisburg over the Heat and preview the first match of 2023 RON NEWMAN CUP PLAYOFFS. The Comets travel to face Uitica in their first meeting of the year.

We talk a little bit about who might play also break down the playoff paths for the Comets.

And betting...

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Sporting KC fan favorite Daniel Salloi sat down with us ahead of an epic MLS Wooden Spoon battle against the Colorado Rapids. Salloi, who turns 27 this summer, has seen many highs and lows in his career already. So in spite of the early season struggles for SKC, he's keeping a level head and a strong mindset.

He weighs in on Vermes' and the "must win" comment, as well as the Soccer Capital of America dilemma and the budding rivalry with St. Louis. Daniel said he's "embarrassed" when he doesn't see any KC highlights on the weekly MLS Wrap-Up. He told us the time to start winning is now. "The fans deserve it," he said.

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The Blue Testament has rebranded to the KC Soccer Journal! We're excited for this new era. Now if only the teams could play better.

After sweeping changes and the return of Alan Pulido, Sporting KC grinded out a 0-0 draw in Philadelphia against the Union. While it was yet another match they failed to score, there are some reasons to be hopeful.

Willy Agada continues to struggle and the impact of Pulido was felt right away. It was the Mexican's first appearance in over a year, so he still working up to game speed. But his movement and ability to keep possession in tight spaces was on display.

Nemanja Radoja looked very strong in the holding midfield position, but he went down with an injury in the 34th minute. Because we aren't allowed to have nice things.

The heavily anticipated arrival of Dany Rosero was a success. The Colombian centerback was paired with another newcomer in Robert Castellanos, and they earned a shutout against a good team. Tim Melia also made his return and showed flashes of his old self.

What happened to Erik Thommy? After the first two matches, he has struggled. Set pieces have been ugly and his second half against the Union was dreadful. He may be trying to do too much, and we think it might be affecting Daniel Salloi as well.

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