Happy Thursday, everyone. We got to get a full night’s sleep last night since the Women’s World Cup final is set, but before we get to that, there was some big news from yesterday to start:
Report: Vlatko Andonovski to resign as USWNT head coach (SSFC)
Vlatko Andonovski reportedly has resigned before he could be fired. Expected news, but the search now begins for a new USWNT coach.
England reach first Women’s World Cup final (BBC)
England reaches the Women’s World Cup final after beating Australia 3-1. They will face Spain for the title on Sunday, while the co-hosts will settle for the 3rd place match on Saturday against Sweden.
That match however, did HUGE numbers in Australia. It’s great to see the entire country get behind the Matildas.
Man Utd in ‘final stages’ of making Mason Greenwood decision (ESPN)
Dunno why this is taking so long, but it looks like Manchester United is doing all it can to justify keeping Mason Greenwood.
Nashville SC way: Leagues Cup final brings “tremendous opportunity” vs. Messi (MLS)
Nashville SC booked their ticket to the Leagues Cup final on Saturday. They will host Inter Messi Miami, and ticket prices are through the roof.
USA Soccercast, Episode 113: USWNT Women’s World Cup postmortem (SSFC)
On my podcast, I do a postmortem of the USWNT’s run at the World Cup, and I answer some mailbag questions. Check it out!
Stay cool, y’all.
I’m not sure I’m prepared for the season ticket price hike we’re bound to get because Messi might play here.
We’ve regressed to Washington Bullets/Wizards marketing: come see visiting NBA star(s) at our next home game! secure your ticket now!
The Spirit have been doing a really good marketing campaign, trying to build on the awareness of the World Cup and letting people know about the team. I’d love to see DC United trying to raise their profile more throughout the city.
But that makes sense and this is DCU we’re talking about…
In addition to the marketing, they are pairing that with better pricing on tickets for next year, rather than what we would expect to be an increase if DC United did something similar. From Michelle Kang’s letter to fans I got in my inbox today:
“We know we can carry that excitement into our stadium, and are pleased to announce an unprecedented two-year season ticket membership for the price of one year, applicable on all our field and premium seats. In addition, we have lowered our per match ticket prices for all seats for 2024. “
The whole letter to fans is worth reading – I don’t know which mailing list I’m on to have gotten it today, but I’m glad I got it. Kudos to whoever at the Spirit helped put it together – it’s certainly marketing speak, etc., but it contained actions to go with the words.
I do wish DC United was in a position to send letters like that one instead of the more recent “Club Statement” variety.
Maybe United season ticket holders should copy & paste this into their cancellation notices at end of season (if we continue drifting down, that is). I don’t expect to be able to see much DC soccer over the next year, but there’s a good chance I try to make it to a Spirit game if I had to choose.
I’m supposed to get an intro call from my new season ticket rep soon, and I’m absolutely going to mention this.
I’m trying to figure out if you’re Canadian or a big Anthrax fan. Could be both, I guess.
Excellent question.
Ancestrally scottish, with relatives that came through both US and Canadian pathways. Long ago decided my username would reflect the Scotland in maps like this:
https://www.etsy.com/listing/914406869/anglia-scotia-et-hibernia-map-old
And the 42 is because that’s the answer, to life the universe and everything.
Having said all that, accidental Anthrax interpretations didn’t dissuade me from this username.
Tonight is the Major League Rugby Draft televised live on FS 2 at 6:30 PM.
https://www.americasrugbynews.com/2023/08/16/mlr-collegiate-draft-2023-preview/
OGDC have traded all three of their picks.
The new ownership of Rugby ATL in MLR is relocating the franchise to LA: https://www.americasrugbynews.com/2023/08/17/major-league-rugby-confirm-rugby-atl-to-los-angeles-move/
The US Men’s Rugby 7s start their final chances to qualify for the Olympics in Paris next summer: https://www.therugbynetwork.com/article/paris_or_bust.
You can watch the games for free with a free account on The Rugby Network.
They have 2 pathways left to qualify: