Happy Thursday, everyone. I’m in Kansas City where it’s overcast, and heading back to DC today where hopefully it’s nicer weather. Here’s a bit of yesterday’s news:
Spirit’s First Challenge Cup Win of 2023- Recap (DP)
The Washington Spirit held on to beat the Orlando Pride 4-2 in 2023 NWSL Challenge Cup play. This match was full of bangers, so you gotta check out the highlights!
On the outskirts of town, Loudoun United hosted the Columbus Crew in U.S. Open Cup action. It was a cruel affair for Loudoun, falling 5-1 to Columbus in the Round of 32.
U.S. Soccer hires Oguchi Onyewu as Vice President of Sporting (SSFC)
Goooooch! The Olney native and USMNT legend will now move to U.S. Soccer headquarters to serve under new sporting director Matt Crocker as the federation’s VP of Sporting.
NYCFC stadium renderings: Willets Point plans before anticipated 2027 debut (MLS)
NYCFC revealed the first full renderings of their new stadium which is slated to open in 2027. We all know renderings don’t mean a thing until they’re actually built into reality, but these do look nice.
United States U-20 World Cup roster named (SSFC)
Former D.C. United Homegrown Kevin Paredes makes the roster as a forward, while Moses Nyeman will travel with the team to Argentina as an alternate.
Taty Castellanos looks to stay “in Europe” after NYCFC-Girona loan (MLS)
Taty Castellanos is looking to stay in Europe after he’s been super successful with his loan to Girona. He had 4 goals in one match against Real Madrid, and he’s beloved at the club, so I don’t see any scenario short of NYCFC being stingy that he returns to Yankee Stadium this summer.
CF Montreal closing visitors section after fan brawl in Toronto (ESPN)
Montreal and Toronto FC play again this weekend in Montreal after a Canadian Championship match on Tuesday that ended with some fights in the stands and between capos and players. Montreal is not allowing TFC supporters to make the trip to Stade Saputo for the match.
Barcelona’s historic 62-game winning streak ends with draw vs. Sevilla (ESPN)
FC Barcelona’s women had their 62-game winning streak abruptly end with a draw against Sevilla. Barca still leads Liga F with 82 points and a +106 goal differential (that’s not a typo).
Climate: How green are Premier League clubs in 2023? (BBC)
Tottenham Hotspur and Liverpool lead EPL sides in their sustainability rankings, while Nottingham Forest has a ton of work to do to get more green. They’re just trying to have the opportunity to do better next season and not have to be a part of the Championship’s sustainability rankings.
That’s it for today. Hope to see y’all at Audi Field on Saturday!
Went to the LU match last night, just awful. LU was overmatched from the first whistle and it was game, set and match when Samake got the DOGSO red in the 11th minute. Columbus were quicker, faster and better coached — a complete beatdown. My first time at Segra and not a good look for drawing repeat business. Segra itself is quite nice, pretty location, great sight lines. Terrible pitch though. I detest fake grass, but this was bad — little rubber chips making a roster tail behind the ball as it rolled and the field plays sloooow. Don’t see how you can properly weight a pass on that surface. Put in real turf and you have a little gem.
Nottingham Forest could bolster their green efforts by not putting Lewis O’Brien on a transatlantic flight.
Just saying.
They are preparing a replica of the Mayflower…..
And Donald, the weather is indeed nice here.
If anyone wants to checkout Old Glory DC. Their game this Sunday on Mother’s Day at 1:30 PM at Segra has a sale. The link is on their site: https://oldglorydc.com/ . $15/ticket for sets of 2-5 tickets. They are hosting the Eastern Conference leading New England Free Jacks in a battle of 1st place vs 2nd place. When they played earlier this season OGDC had a late 2nd half surge and almost came from behind for the upset win.
Wow, you weren’t kidding about bangers in the highlights of the challenge cup win! Statistically, goals from distance have gone way down with the advent of xG analytics and modern tactics, way to bring back some old school filth, Spirit!
They were some great shots. After taking 3 to the face, I don’t know how you leave someone like Sanchez completely open to curl it in.