Washington Spirit players called to international duty, Loudoun Pegasus naming, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks
Happy Friday, everyone! I’m looking forward to another busy weekend of soccer-watching, especially one in which I can enjoy the Spirit game instead of running around Audi Field like a chicken with my head cut off. (Pro tip: don’t try to watch a game from both your season ticket seat and the press box.)
Six Washington Spirit players have been named to National Team rosters for the upcoming April FIFA window. We have the usual suspects on the USWNT roster – Ashley Hatch, Trinity Rodman, Ashley Sanchez, and Andi Sullivan – and two new Spirit players: Gabrielle Carle, who will join the Canadian National Team and Riley Tanner, who will play for Panama. The window lasts from April 3 through April 11, when the NWSL is on a short break, so the players may not miss any league games.
My favorite story of the season continues, as the Loudoun Pegasus made a visit to team training this week. The mascot’s name will be announced at tomorrow’s game, so get your votes in while you still can!
After emerging at Wolfsburg, Paredes hopes to make international breakthrough this summer (American Soccer News)
Kevin Paredes on his growth in Bundesliga and hopes to play in the U-20 Men’s World Cup this May. He also plans to attend a D.C. United game this summer, so keep your eyes peeled.
Washington Spirit away games to air on NBC Sports Washington (The DP)
For those of you still on the fence about signing up for Paramount+ and becoming a full-time Spirit fan. Also makes it easier to plan a District Press Watch Party.
Well, well, well. Look who’s number 4 on chances created in MLS:
Numbers Only: DCU’s early returns (The DP)
For some more statistics, check out Blasian’s break-down of how the Black-and-Red are performing this season. I look forward to read more of these as the season goes on (and as we get some Spirit stats)!
Snacks, the podcast hosted by NWSL and USWNT players Lynn Williams and Sam Mewis, has returned with a new episode featuring Kelley O’Hara. O’Hara didn’t give many details about her decision to leave the Washington Spirit, but our own André Carlisle did get a shout-out in the episode!
That’s all the links I have for you this week. Here’s your schedule of games for the weekend. Enjoy!
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
| Washington Spirit vs. Racing Louisville FC | Saturday, April 1 at 3 p.m. | Lynn Family Stadium | Paramount+, NBCSW |
| Loudoun United FC vs. Colorado Springs Switchbacks | Saturday, April 1 at 4 p.m. | Segra Field | ESPN+ |
| D.C. United vs. Chicago Fire FC | Saturday, April 1 at 8:30 p.m. | Soldier Field | Apple TV |
| D.C. Defenders vs. Orlando Guardians | Saturday, April 1 at 6 p.m. | Camping World Stadium | ESPN+ |
| Old Glory DC vs. San Diego Legion | Sunday, April 2 at 4 p.m. | Snapdragon Stadium | MASN, TRN |
If Loudoun can’t rally for the Pegasus, they have no soul! So cute!!!!
Speaking of mascots, Hennes the GOAT of Cologne is in a pickle. Apparently, Cologne is being docked for a one year transfer ban per FIFA on some meddling with a 17 year old target. I spilled my Koelsch……..
Be sure to tune in on Bayern vs Dortmund tomorrow on ABC! A nice warm up for some Spirited and United games.
I’m blown away by the games I could watch from 7:30 AM to 9:30 PM, but I’ll probably just start with Dortmund and do the Spirit United run. The Man City vs Liverpool and Arsenal vs Leeds games are hard to pass up, though.
Like an idiot, I signed up for a golf tourney at my club tomorrow morning. What’s not to like? Rain. Winds up to 50 mph. But at least my cart has a charger, so I can stream soccer……
That’s useful data on Klich and “chances created.”
Maybe I’m optimistic, but I think Taxi helps turn those chances into assists.
Looks like someone wants to get coach Rooney into a fight.
https://twitter.com/meninblazers/status/1641866789909848084
Never gonna happen, never gonna ha-pp-en