Happy Friday! It’s been a quick week for me, but I’m always glad when Friday finally rolls around. We have a fair amount of news to chat about, so let’s dive right in.
D.C. United name Black-and-Red legend Marco Etcheverry as new U-15 Academy Coach (DCU)
In addition to his illustrious career as a player, Etcheverry has coached youth teams including a previous stint at D.C. United Academy, Â Bolivia U-15, U-17, and U-23 national teams
Twila Kilgore named interim USWNT coach amid World Cup fallout (Washington Post)
Vlatko Andonovski is officially out, and the first American woman to earn a U.S. Soccer Pro Coaching License, Twila Kilgore, is in. Kilgore previously coached U-20 and U-23 national teams for short stints and has served as an assistant coach under Andonovski for several months, but is unlikely to become his permanent replacement.
Loudoun United FC announces CORAS, Inc. as new front-of-kit sponsor (Loudoun United)
Had a little trouble wading through the description of this company in the release, but it sounds like they make software for the Department of Defense? Someone who understands business-tech speak please let us know.
Mariana Speckmaier leaves Washington Spirit to join New Zealand club (The DP)
Sharing because this came out late in the day yesterday. I think this is a good opportunity for Speckmaier, whose National Team Replacement contract had ended and who faces very stiff competition for a roster spot on a team that tends to only field two forwards.
I don’t have a link for it, but the Spirit also announced that ticket sales for next season will be two years (2024 and 2025) for the price of one and 2024 single game tickets will be lowered as well. If you haven’t gone to a game yet, (or if you want to go to more) keep an eye out!
Taxi Fountas signed by Turkish team Trabzonspor (Trabzonspor)
My Turkish isn’t great, but Taxi Fountas seems to have already found a new club. His quick re-signing isn’t exactly surprising, but it does feel disappointing.
United States of Soccer Report (For Soccer)
Targeted at advertisers, but I found this demographics report about soccer fans in America very interesting. Sadly, none of our local teams rank among Americans’ favorites.
Finally all three of our teams are back in regular season play. Here’s when and how you can watch them.
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
| Loudoun United FC vs. Sacramento Republic FC | Sat., Aug. 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET | Segra Field | ESPN+ |
| Washington Spirit vs. Houston Dash | Sat., Aug. 19 at 8:30 p.m. ET | Shell Energy Stadium | Paramount+, NBC Sports Washington |
| D.C. United vs. NY Rd Bulls | Sun., Aug. 20 at 7:30 p.m. ET | Red Bull Arena | Apple TV |
Also, the World Cup Final is this weekend!! Not really sure who I’ll root for. Spain and England are not on my short-list of faves, but it’s the final, so I’ll be up at 5 a.m. Sunday morning regardless.
Ironic. A Greek goes to a Turkish club. Well, he can be on the receiving end of “dialogue” now.
Actually, it’s not that ironic to those familiar with both peoples. I had work that took me to Athens. So I asked the locals “where is the best baklava in Athens?” and the response I got was “Ugh! No good baklava in Athens–you must go to Turkey! That is the best baklava.” So a couple of years later I had work in Istanbul and I said “I’ve been told the best baklava is here in Turkey” and what they told me was “No! The only good baklava is in Athens–you must go there!”
The governments have some big differences. But the people (at least the ones I worked with) were pretty simpatico about each other.
We might see Pirani and Fajardo on Sunday, both are eligible according to Goff. And I had forgotten that Klich had picked up a suspension due to a red card. Great.
Yeah and it was really boneheaded, pointless, unneeded red card to…
KDP isn’t listed as out though. That should help fill the Taxi void.
MLS regular season play resumes on Sunday if you’re playing MLS Fantasy don’t forget to check your teams and update them as needed.
Also, DCU’s game is on “free” with Apple TV.
I’m positive we’ll see all of our new players, even if just as subs. That’s Rooney’s MO, he’ll want to give them a taste of MLS. Plus, August, playing energy-ball soccer against NYRB, there will be some tired legs out there.
And it’s very positive to see TKDP not on the injury list.
Kate Markgraf to leave as GM of USWNT at end of the month: https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/38216331/uswnt-gm-kate-markgraf-follow-coach-exit-sources
That’s partially a shame. I always felt she was very intelligent and willing to be critical of how the USWNT played rather than deify them (when she was doing commentary). But she also helped drive the hiring of Vlatko Andonovski.
Also that new rookie Messi is going with his team to Nashville for a game tomorrow night. Supposedly it’s some kind of Cup final. They’re probably hoping to win a stuffed armadilllo or something…