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Episode 418 - Anthony Fontana Returns to Subaru Park For First Time Since 2021 (feat. Anthony Fontana)
Description
On Monday, Philadelphia Union II took on Côte d'Ivoire at Subaru Park in the African nation's final tune-up before the start of its World Cup campaign. Philadelphia Union II welcomed Cavan Sullivan back to the second team for the first time since 2025. The match also saw former Union II players and current college standouts Jojo Elliott (Delaware), Henry Bernstein (Maryland), Gavin Wetsel (Pittsburgh), and Daniel Krueger (Wake Forest) return to the fold. Most notably, however, the match marked the return of former Philadelphia Union midfielder Anthony Fontana to Subaru Park for the first time since 2021, when the Union lost 2–1 to NYCFC in the Eastern Conference Final. Todd and José are joined by Anthony Fontana to discuss Jim Curtin to Austin FC, Fontana's experience training with Union II over the past few weeks, playing in his first match at Subaru Park since 2021, what he hopes his next move is in his career, and the 2026 World Cup.
Jim Curtin announced as next Austin FC coach: [4:07]
Union II vs Ivory Coast:
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How the opportunity came about for Fontana: [23:25]
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Impressions of Union II / mentoring the younger players: [29:24]
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Walking out onto the field for the first time since 2021: [38:24]
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Being a captain while on the field: [52:50]
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Reaction to the applause when subbing in: [56:42]
2026 World Cup:
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Four former Philadelphia Union players in World Cup squad: [1:09:52]
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People criticizing Paxten Aaronson's move back to MLS: [1:15:15]
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Difficulties of transfers: [1:21:57]
Fan appreciation for Fontana: [1:31:13]
https://thefreekick.substack.com/
Jose's Social Media:
José and Anthony's catch up last year
Anthony's social media:
Instagram: @fontana.99