D.C. United’s jailhouse soccer program, Kilgore leaves U.S. Soccer, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks
Happy Friday, everyone! I am very ready for this weekend. Cloudy weather makes the work week even longer!
D.C. Jail inmates take up soccer in new program with D.C. United (Washington Post $)
Under this program, based on one in the UK, D.C. United is providing coaches to train inmates in soccer for 8 weeks.
Russell Canouse emerges from suffering and surgery with a return to soccer (Washington Post $)
Doubling down on the Washington Post to share this story, in which Russell Canouse and his wife Erika speak about the impacts of his ulcerative colitis, his surgeries this year, and his recent return to soccer.
USWNT star Rodman to miss Washington Spirit match with injury (Pro Soccer Wire)
A somewhat unfortunate preview of today’s match preview. The Spirit will be pretty short-handed tonight, but if there’s a good time to rest players, it’s now.
LAFC player Kei Kamara had some words for Don Garber on decision to keep MLS largely out of the Open Cup this year:
Twila Kilgore leaves USWNT to ‘pursue other coaching opportunities’ (The Athletic)
Kilgore saw the USWNT fairly safely through the transition from Vlatko to Hayes, and I can think of quite a few NWSL teams who’d be happy to have her.
Fast and furious: this is the best version of Christian Pulisic we’ve ever seen (The Guardian)
The Guardian takes a look at “Captain America’s” recent form, for both club and country, to argue that he’s playing better than ever.
USMNT and Real Betis midfielder Johnny Cardoso reportedly linked with a transfer to AC Milan (SSFC)
Speaking of Pulisic, there are rumors he’ll be joined at AC Milan by another US Men’s player soon.
FA charges Preston North End’s Milutin Osmajic for allegedly biting Blackburn’s Owen Beck (CBS Sports)
If there’s one clear rule in football, it’s No Biting.
Finally, here’s the schedule of events for the weekend. Hope it’s a good one!
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Spirit vs. Angel City FC | Fri., Sep. 27 at 10 p.m. ET | Los Angeles, CA | Prime Video |
| D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew | Sat., Sep. 28 at 7:30 p.m. ET | Washington, DC | Apple TV |
| Loudoun United vs. Colorado Swings Switchbacks | Sat., Sep. 28 at 8 p.m. ET | Colorado Springs, CO | Paramount+ |
| DC Power FC vs. Spokane Zephyr FC | Sun., Sep. 29 at 2 p.m. ET | Washington, DC | Peacock |
Lot of news here, but gotta say, Cardoso’s performance against Canada was so horrendous and unprofessional that I find it hard to root for his professional promotion to AC Milan. I know that’s more than a bit irrational, but I’m still livid at him.
Glad Trin’s situation doesn’t appear to be really bad. Glad Kamara called out Garber and the league. Great article about Canouse and I hope he can regain his starting spot–we’ll see.
There’s rumblings of progress being made toward greater MLS inclusion in the Open Cup next year. I don’t know what form that would take, but it would be a good thing. Also looking forward to the time when United finds itself competing for trophies again.
I know it won’t happen, but I’d rather ditch the Liga MX tournament to spare the players from overwork. US Open Cup, I think we all agree, shouldn’t have been ditched, but Apple should also absolutely show it on their platform
I forgot until I was watching the highlights just now that Lewis O’Brien was playing for LAFC. Congrats to the DC alum on winning the US Open Cup.
He also got a red card in league play sometime in the past couple weeks.