Rodman sounds off on no-call, Seattle Reign finally sold, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks
Happy Tuesday! There is just so much soccer going on this summer, and I’m excited to be working from home the rest of this week to catch some games. Lots to talk about too, so let’s get into it.
As often, we have some local players nominated for goal of the week. First, it’s Loudoun United’s Tommy McCabe:
Next up is Croix Bethune’s buzzer-beating equalizer:
Spirit star Rodman slams NWSL referees in social media post (Pro Soccer Wire)
The Spirit’s star player could have a fine coming her way, in addition to the yellow card she received this weekend for dissent. I have to say, the stud-to-foot contact she complained about online bears some similarity to the contact that got her booted from last season’s Decision Day game, so she may have a point.
Maya Mendoza-Exstrom ready to take Reign into new era (Sounder at Heart)
After a long delay, the sale of Seattle Reign FC to Seattle Sounders FC and Carlyle Group has been completed. Our friends at Sounder at Heart talked to the new Chief Business Operator about the future of the club.
2024 Copa America: Group B Preview (SSFC)
Keeping the hype for Copa America going with Donald’s second preview. This one looks at Mexico, Ecuador, Jamaica, and Venezuela in Group B.
Analyzing USWNT newcomer Hal Hershfelt, a box-to-box threat in the Sam Mewis mold (Backheeled, $)
A comparison to Sam Mewis is high praise for the Spirit rookie.
Euro 2024: France star Kylian Mbappé to avoid nose surgery (ESPN)
Mbappé will likely need to wear a mask when he returns to play after an injury in yesterday’s Euro game against Austria.
The magic and mania of Messi (Washington Post, $)
Sharing mostly for the good work by the photographer and graphic design crew at The Post, who put together this piece on Messi fandom at Argentina’s game in the DMV.
There are a few Wednesday night matches this week, including a D.C. United one, so here’s your schedule of events:
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alexandria Reds vs. FC Frederick | Wed., June 19 at 7 p.m. ET | Alexandria, VA | – |
| D.C. United vs. Atlanta United FC | Wed., June 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET | Washington, DC | Apple TV |
| Virginia Dream vs. VB City FC | Wed., June 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET | Falls Church, VA | – |
Finally, for some random fun: why on earth would he do this?
Have a good day! Hopefully for many of you it’s the last work day before a short Juneteenth break.
That is a funny penalty call. I actually had that happen to one of the youth teams that I coached–my CB wasn’t paying attention and he handled a pass from his GK in the penalty area.
I get that Rodman is criticizing the refs, but she’s doing so indirectly. Maybe she can dodge a fine.
I love Bethune’s goal. But I have to go with Swanson’s in this case.
Swanson goal was a sick assist and execution. Lovely.
Sounds like Jackson Hopkins will be out against Atlanta as well. Gabriel Pirani should be back in DC, but also hasn’t trained with the team for awhile. One of his career MLS goals is against Atlanta, so, that could actually be a bit of a blow.
An interesting piece on FIFA ranks from The Athletic today. ($ wall): https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5571906/2024/06/18/fifa-world-rankings-how-important/