The 2023 Major League Soccer playoffs begin today with the 8th and 9th seed play-in games and even though Colorado Rapids and the Portland Timbers are out of the playoffs, there is plenty to talk about. Or, at least when you get Ben, Troy, and Brad together — there’s stuff to talk about.
On today’s episode of From the Touchline, the three MLS chaplains talk about some of the highlights from this past season with their teams and the clubs that they serve. Troy Ready takes his first ever shot at Crosses with Rev— and it goes horribly wrong, no thanks to spotty internet in the Pacific Northwest. Ben gets inspired and writes two songs through the power of AI. It’s a fun podcast so tune in and listen!
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-10-25 00:00:002024-07-08 23:47:342023 MLS Season Review and Playoff Preview with special guests Ben Dudley and Troy Ready
Major League Soccer, is set to start the league season this weekend and what a year it’s likely shaping up to be — a new deal with Apple TV+, rumors of an expanded playoff format, a new competition happening mid-year with Leagues Cup against all of the Mexican teams in the top division (Liga MX), extra competitions with US Open Cup and Champions Cup, and it’s promising to be a busy year.
If you don’t know by now, I am Rev Brad and this is the Soccer Chaplains United podcast, From the Touchline. Today, I am joined by a couple special guests as Ben Dudley and Troy Ready, volunteer co-chaplains with the Portland Timbers and part of Soccer Chaplains United, jump on the pod to talk about their team — there might be some friendly banter and there will be a season preview of our teams and the league through our chaplain eyes.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2023-02-22 00:00:002024-07-08 23:50:192023 MLS Preview with special guests Troy Ready and Ben Dudley
Last week saw more of the Major League Soccer (MLS) 2021 playoff picture come into focus. Ben Dudley and Troy Ready’s Portland Timbers took down my own Colorado Rapids on Thanksgiving Day. It was a heartbreaking loss as Colorado fans packed out the stadium in hopes of seeing the #1 seed in the West advance. But it wasn’t to be with a 90th minute scramble in the box and a Timbers team that displayed the urgency to come away with the win. Billy Cerveny’s Nashville SC took down Orlando City FC but fell in penalty kicks (2-0) on Sunday to the Philadelphia Union after a 1-1 draw.
Beyond following Portland, most teams will now scatter for the season. Some players and coaches may continue to stay in their respective cities, while many will return home to be with family across the U.S. and around the world. Front office staff will have lighter weeks but begin to promote next season which will start early due to World Cup and other soccer considerations. The MLS Next Academy teams will be playing in a number of tournaments throughout December and have a few weeks break before beginning again in January.
Please take a moment to pray for our chaplains as they continue to serve the athletes, coaches, and staff in the what remains of the season and into the offseason. Pray for rest and rejuvenation for the ministry to continuing serving these teams.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. You can text soccerchaplains to (833) 245-5091 to link through your mobile device or simply click the PushPay Logo on the bottom of the page below.
Portland advance to the Western Conference Finals
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/Portland-Timbers-cutting-wood-chainsaw-soccer-1377774962d.gif180320Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-11-30 10:36:072021-11-30 10:36:09And Then, There Was One…
Less than a month ago, a hefty majority of Soccer Chaplains United chaplains found that their teams were headed for playoffs in their perspective leagues. Hopes were high, but several teams stumbled in spite of achieving this pivotal milestone for a long season of soccer.
Of the teams that remain in the playoff hunt, Major League Soccer (MLS), Ben Dudley and Troy Ready’s Portland Timbers won against Minnesota United FC, 3-1. They will face my own Colorado Rapids this Thursday, on Thanksgiving Day in an MLS first — a national, televised match on Thanksgiving. Billy Cerveny’s Nashville SC play a home game this Tuesday night at 4:00 pm Eastern against Orlando City FC in a game televised on FS1 and Fox Deportes.
Below are the results of the other Soccer Chaplains United teams:
National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) Portland Thorns lost in a semifinal against Chicago Red Stars, 2-0.
United Soccer League – Championship (USL-C)
El Paso Locomotive quarterfinal loss to Oakland Roots, 1-0.
Colorado Springs Switchbacks FC quarterfinal loss to Orange County Blues, 1-0.
Rio Grande Valley Toros FC upset #1 Phoenix Rising in penalty kicks 4-3 in their quarterfinal match, but then lost in the semifinals to San Antonio, 3-1.
Memphis 901 FC quarterfinal loss to Charlotte Independence, 3-1.
In Colorado High School Soccer, Valor Christian lost in the second round to Denver East, 1-0.
Please take a moment to pray for our chaplains as they serve the athletes, coaches, and staff in the what remains of the season and into the offseason. Pray for rest and rejuvenation for the ministry to continuing serving these teams.
Soccer Chaplains United is non-profit, 501(c)3 and depends upon the financial support of our partners to carry out our work of developing chaplaincy across all levels of soccer. Please consider making a contribution today to help us continue growing our work. You can text soccerchaplains to (833) 245-5091 to link through your mobile device or simply click the PushPay Logo on the bottom of the page below.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2021/11/r-xkiemql34.jpg10671600Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-11-22 08:00:002021-11-22 08:15:23Soccer Chaplains United Team’s Playoff Update
Last week, the National Women’s Soccer League (NWSL) sprang back into action with the kickoff of the second annual Challenge Cup series. Major League Soccer (MLS) begins league play this weekend with its teams set to kick off across the US. With both leagues preparing to begin their respective seasons with what will, hopefully, be a bit of a return to normalcy for professional soccer in North America.
Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, Rev Brad is joined by Ben Dudley, co-chaplain of the Portland Timbers and Christina Garber, chaplain to the Portland Thorns. The three Soccer Chaplains United chaplains talk about the beginning of the season, contrast things with last year, and look ahead to the season in today’s podcast episode. Ben and Christina even share what the two professional soccer teams from Portland mean to the city and its people.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer.
Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2019/11/From-the-Touchline-Cover-Art.jpg15001500Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2021-04-14 00:00:002021-04-12 15:55:37NWSL AND MLS with Ben and Christina
There is a lot of talent amongst the folks that comprise the chaplain corps of Soccer Chaplains United. Today, on the From the Touchline podcast, I feature an original song composed and recorded by Benjamin Dudley, volunteer co-chaplain with the Portland Timbers of Major League Soccer.
Ben is the longest tenured chaplain with Soccer Chaplains United (going back to 2010) and part of his story and person involves a love and skill with music.
Ben’s song, Everything Is All Right With Me, with lyrics from friend Rob Grant, is a fitting song not only for a year that feels lost to a global pandemic, but in the difficult world of soccer where athletes and coaches and others in the game often put up a front, a farce — to get through and to get by.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/12/Everythings-All-Right-With-Me-Artwork.jpg10341098Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-12-16 00:00:002021-03-08 14:41:16Everything is All Right With Me — Featuring Benjamin Dudley
Of the three Major League Soccer (MLS) teams which have Soccer Chaplains United chaplains serving and supporting the organizations, only one team has pulled through the first round of the 2020 MLS playoffs. Nashville SC, a new, expansion team for 2020 won their first round playoff match last night to advance to the Eastern Conference Semifinals against the Columbus Crew.
Colorado Rapids the #5 seed in the Western Conference, on Sunday, lost 3-0 in an away trip against #4 seed, Minnesota United. The team started brightly, and looks dominate in many parts of the game, but ultimately injuries and lineup changes led to a few inconsistencies and unfinished chances and the Rapids quickly exited after having last been in the MLS playoffs in 2016. As volunteer chaplain for the Rapids, I shared with someone recently about the loss,
It really feels devastating in a number of ways — after watching the team face challenge after challenge this year — months away from families, starts and stops to the season, a COVID-19 outbreak amongst the team…and then there are a lot of unmet and unrealized hopes and expectations. To come this far and to achieve (for the team) a spot in the playoffs has been a tremendous feat, but I know to a person — from front office to the footballers to the equipment staff — everyone had hoped for so much more. I am super proud of each and everyone who gave their all and I pray that as we rest and get ready for next year there will be a looking back on a solid foundation laid for the future.
The Portland Timbers faced similar challenges this year, albeit a win in the MLS is Back bubble tournament earlier in the year might soften the early exit for the #3 seed in the West. Portland had a home match against #6 FC Dallas, and nearly advanced, but top man Diego Valeri’s chip-shot effort glanced the outside of the far-post. The teams, drawn, finally went to penalty kicks and FC Dallas came out on top. Timber co-chaplain, Ben Dudley, commented on the loss,
Ben Dudley, co-chaplain Portland Timbers posing during the team’s inaugural season
Always tough to lose a match, especially, on PK’s. Proud of the team and their resilience this season. 2020 MLS is Back Champs is something that we will uniquely claim! 2021 here we come!
Ben Dudley, volunteer co-chaplain Portland Timbers
For Nashville SC, 2020 is also a year and season full of trial and adversity. Beginning with the spring tornados which trashed East Nashville, the team being suspended from the MLS is Back bubble tournament in Orlando because of a COVID-19 outbreak, to even a “minor” early-season switch from the Western Conference to Eastern Conference, Nashville SC has also had its own challenges to face.
So when Nashville SC handily beat expansion-side Inter Miami FC 3-0 in the play-in game for the Eastern Conference Playoffs, that was one thing. But last night’s 1-0 win in extra time against perennial playoff contender and former MLS Cup winners (2017), the #2 seed in the East, Toronto FC meant a new level for this new Nashville team. Soccer Chaplains United volunteer chaplain, Rev Billy Cerveny expressed his emotions with me in a text exchange, last night:
Rev Billy stands with Nashville SC players helping cleanup after the early 2020 tornados which ripped through Nashville
For the teams that have finished, end-of-season meetings will inform players about team plans for next season. Some will end up moving on from their teams, some will stay. Some will have contract negotiations, offers from other teams. Some are preparing to welcome a new child to the family. Some will be getting married. The busyness of life will resume (briefly) until the pre-season begins again.
For Nashville SC and the other remaining MLS playoff teams, December 12 is what they are all striving for — the MLS Cup trophy match. There’s still football to be played!
https://soccerchaplainsunited.org/wp-content/uploads/2020/11/MLS-Playoff-Update.jpeg19201733Brad Kenney/wp-content/uploads/2022/11/SCU_Seal_Logo-300x300.pngBrad Kenney2020-11-25 10:00:232020-11-25 10:31:21Colorado Crashes Out; Portland Ponders What Might Have Been; Nashville Never Gives Up
The Portland Timbers won the MLS is Back Tournament and co-chaplains Ben Dudley and Troy Ready join me on today’s episode of From the Touchline to talk about the team, the tourney and what the remainder of the season might look like.
It’s Troy’s first time on the podcast so we will get to know him a little bit better and hear some of his background and story — including a difficult moment in a Latvian bathroom stall. You will definitely want to tune in for the whole episode and try to make sense of this (see the video below):
Portland Timbers co-chaplain, Ben Dudley almost lands the “big” one…
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
The Portland Timbers are set to try and advance in tonight’s matchup against the Philadelphia Union in the MLS is Back Tournament. On today’s From the Touchline podcast, we speak with Ben Dudley, volunteer co-chaplain with the Timbers and a Soccer Chaplains United original. Ben shares about what chaplaincy to the Timbers organization looks like, as well as how the team is received in the city of Portland and what it’s like for athletes from other countries to live in Portland during the political and social unrest we’ve recently seen and experienced.
From the Touchline is a short-feature (usually 10-15 min) podcast with Rev Brad Kenney, Founder and Executive Director of Soccer Chaplains United and Volunteer Chaplain to the Colorado Rapids of Major League Soccer. Rev Brad and occasional guests touch on various issues around the topics of faith, family, and football (soccer).
Also, don’t forget that you can listen in our app, SoccrChapUtd,in the Apple and Google store.
Today, it’s my privilege to announce that Portland Timbers Chaplains Ben Dudley and Troy Ready have officially joined Soccer Chaplains United. Ben and Troy have been working with the Timbers of Major League Soccer (MLS) since 2010 and 2014, respectively. They co-chaplain the MLS side which won its first league title in 2015.
Ben is no stranger to Soccer Chaplains United. He was part of CrossTraining back beginning in 2010 when he first moved to Portland and started working with the Timbers. He helped encourage me and the CrossTraining Board, at the time, to seek out becoming it’s own non-profit 501(c)3 entity. He recently shared with the board and other team members,
I’ve been in community with Brad for the past 8 seasons and it is really an honor to be able to officially join the Soccer Chaplains United team. I give Brad a hard time a lot, but he has done an amazing job of stewarding this ministry and I’m excited to see how God continues to use (all of us) to provide spiritual care, wise council, and meaningful service to the soccer community.
Troy has a special connection to the Timbers as he played for the club from 2006-2008 and had over 20 appearances. He continues to be involved with the organization as well by serving as an assistant coach with the U-23 team and as co-chaplain with Ben.
We are excited to have Ben and Troy part of Soccer Chaplains United and we look forward to sharing and collaborating to provide spiritual care, wise counsel, and meaningful service for the exciting soccer community in Portland, Oregon.
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