Happy Wednesday, folks. At the time of this writing, Saturday’s forecast is rain and thunderstorms. That needs to change, or else my wife, with plans to enjoy the Cherry Blossom Festival before the match, will be extremely cross. On that topic though, today is expected to be the first day of peak bloom!
Something I didn’t catch regarding Bill Hamid’s transfer to Memphis 901: there is no transfer fee should an MLS club or club from abroad seek to pick Hamid up.
Power Rankings: How high can Atlanta United, St. Louis City SC climb? (MLS): D.C. United’s Supporters’ Shield position is a fair bit better than these Power Rankings, so obviously, these Power Rankings are garbage, right?
Ben Olsen is a winner again, and that’s why he does this (Bayou City Soccer): I am a sponge for Ben Olsen good vibes… keep them coming.
CF Montréal stun Philadelphia Union after momentum-changing Video Review (MLS): For curious readers, the other ex-coach for D.C. United won his first match of the season as well, upsetting the Union in rather dramatic fashion.
Washington Spirit announce their opening day roster (The DP): The NWSL season begins anew this weekend, and thus, the Spirit’s roster is now certain!
San Diego Wave sign Melanie Barcenas, youngest player in NWSL history (Pro Soccer Wire): At 15 years and 138 days, San Diego’s Melanie Barcenas has already broken the record of Washington Spirit’s Chloe Ricketts, a record that lasted less than three weeks.
USL Championship Team of the Week – Week 2 (USL): It’s still very early of course in this season, but I’m getting some good feelings for Loudoun United this year.
That’s all for today. Get kicking in the comments!
Still kind of stunned at the length of the deal Samake got from DC.
The last two years are hardly real – if the team really likes him at Loudoun, they could take the next option, or even bring him back next year. But they have easy outs after this year.
I was down at the Tidal Basin shooting the cherry blossoms this morning. And who else should be down there but…the DC United Marketing Dept. They were shooting all of the new Cherry Blossom gear. Gotta say–it looks great in person. And the watch cap has got two little cherries on the back–nice detail. Anyway, if DCU’s marketing department gives me permission to share my photos, I’ll get them to Sarah to post here on the DP site if she and her team are so interested.
All Star Game tickets are on presale — and I’m gobsmacked that the prices allegedly reflect a 10% for STMs. Supporter stands are at 119, and other endline tickets are 134-150+. A handful of 200 level in the corner. for 149. Everything else along the touchlines start at $163. My $44 MLS match seats are going for $194. WTAF?
People will pay this, to see a half-assed version of Arsenal vs MLS ‘stars’?
Just maybe, If Falorin Balogun switches to USMNT and will be with Arsenal…but even then…absurd prices.
My sole interest would be the skills competition. I feel like it would be fun to see everybody with kind of a loose, kind of a competitive vibe.
As my seat is not guaranteed, even if I pay for it, I’ll let some random goober occupy it. Apparently, MLS controls who sits in my seat. Not interested. This will become a corporatefest….
According to the team’s social media: Andy Najar signed his homegrown contract 13 years ago today.
Ali Krieger is retiring at the end of the season: https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2023/03/former-uswnt-defender-ali-krieger-announces-retirement-from-pro-soccer-at-end-of-2023-nwsl-season