LAFC wins US Open Cup, Club América wins Campeones Cup, and more: Thursday Freedom Kicks
Happy Thursday, everyone. Last night was a night of championship matches across North America and every single match went at least 120 minutes, so let’s get started with those:
LAFC Claims First Lamar Hunt U.S. Open Cup Crown With 3-1 Win Over Sporting Kansas City (USSF)
It took extra time, but LAFC was able to win its first Open Cup.
Club América win 2024 Campeones Cup over Columbus Crew (MLS)
América wins the Campeones Cup on penalties over the Columbus Crew after the teams played to a 1-1 draw through 120 minutes.
Three-peat! Vancouver Whitecaps top Toronto FC to win Canadian Championship (MLS)
The match was scoreless through 120 minutes of play, but Vancouver was able to take out Toronto 4-2 on penalties to secure its third straight Canadian Championship.
FIFA issues re-sale site warning for 2026 World Cup tickets (ESPN)
People are already putting “tickets” up on third party resale sites. FIFA says caveat emptor and for once, I agree with them. FIFA’s ticket portal will be the only place where you can get tickets in 2026.
Former USMNT head coach Bob Bradley leaves Norwegian club Stabaek (The Athletic)
Bob Bradley is leaving Norway after departing from Stabeak. Who knows what’s next for him.
Kelley O’Hara is retiring, and U.S. Soccer will honor her at the USWNT match in Nashville on October 27th.
Concacaf announces host cities and stadiums for 2025 Gold Cup (Concacaf)
You’re gonna have to travel west of the Mississippi River to see the Gold Cup next year. Venues were announced, and with the Club World Cup expecting to take mostly East Coast venues, Gold Cup will be in the west.
Stay dry!
On The Women’s Game podcast, Sam Mewis and Lynn Williams talked about Kelley O’Hara with great admiration, crediting her with instilling intensity into every camp she was in, and demanding the same from others leading to positive outcomes. Absolute icon and a part of a great era for the team.
Cucho, Darlington Nagbe and the defense of the Crew all played 120 minutes, and Christian Ramirez and Diego Rossi played close to 90 minutes yesterday. So I’d expect some roster rotation on Saturday. As I mentioned the other day though, Columbus has been doing quite well with their roster depth, continuing to pick up three points without putting out their top lineup. So, yay?
Nah even their rotation is gonna cut us up like a hot knife through butter if this Past Sunday at Philly was any sign.
Sounds like all the normal people are still out injured, and Dajome might be out since his partner is in the hospital giving birth.
There’s an article in the Post today about how DC United has been involved with a project to help bring organized soccer to the DC Jail as a positive activity for inmates. Perhaps we can find ourselves a left back!
Ha, our disciplinary record on the field can’t get much worse
Kidding aside, it’s a good program for United to be involved in.
Oh, absolutely, just some light ribbing. Good thing to do- getting fresh air and exercise should be a part of it
The US Women 15s open WXV 1 play this Sunday as they face England. The game is at 3:30 PM EDT on RugbyPassTV (free account, https://rugbypass.tv/home). They then face France at 3:30 PM EDT on Saturday 5 October and wrap up play against Ireland on Friday 11 October at 3:30 PM EDT. All games will be streamed free on RugbyPassTV. The US is ranked 8th in the world currently in Women’s XVs. England is 1st, France is 4th, and Ireland is 7th. All 6 teams in WXV 1 this year are in the top 8. Canada is #3 and New Zealand is #2 who round out the 6 team field.
Steve Goff has a nice sit down with Russell Canouse, talking about his journey dealing with and moving past ulcerative colitis. I have often said that I think we’ve seen the last of Canouse in a United jersey, but with him regaining his health and Peltola and Enow not being overly convincing in the CDM role, I’m starting to come around on bringing him back. His contract is up, and I think Mackay will have some leverage. Canouse might be looking for a raise, but Mackay is in a pretty good position to just offer the current salary, and I’m not sure that any other team will come in for a raise.
Anyway, the chances of seeing Russ back seem higher to me.
The second he was off the injury list and able to contribute a few minutes, I started betting on him being back next season.
Donald, a correction: I watched the Campeones Cup on TV. It did NOT go 120 minutes. Columbus Crew and Club America went straight to penalty kicks after 90 minutes.