Spirit win, DC United draw, and more: St. Patrick’s Day Freedom Kicks
Happy Monday, everyone. It’s St. Patrick’s Day, and you should make sure you wear some lucky green today. But, also make sure you stay safe on the streets tonight and if you’re celebrating the holiday, do so responsibly.
Washington Spirit open season with 2-1 win over Houston Dash (DP)
The Spirit get the win on the season opener behind goals by Makenna Morris and Ashley Hatch, both off rebounds. Can’t wait for the home opener this weekend!
DC United battles to scoreless draw with CF Montreal (DP)
We thought Benteke had a goal, but VAR denies due to a handball as DC United settle for the 0-0 draw. Still, they remain unbeaten on the season.
DC Power loses 3-2 on last minute Spokane Zephyr free kick (DP)
A straight gut punch for DC Power as they lose via a free kick in minute 90+3.
Loudoun United was able to get the win down in Raleigh against North Carolina FC. Loudoun United move to 2-0-0 on the season.
The Fresh Prince of Concacaf: Smith to perform at Nations League final (PSW)
This is the first Nations League Finals that I’m not able to attend, and they get Will Smith to perform. I’m even more upset now than I already was.
Gotham FC forward Mak Whitham, 14, becomes youngest player in NWSL history (The Athletic)
Mak Whitham has set the record, becoming the youngest player in NWSL history. The 14-year-old debuted for Gotham FC over the weekend.
Adios Estadio Azteca, hola Estadio Banorte (PSW)
Sooo, it’s Azteca. It will always be Azteca. Congrats on the new corporate name, but everyone’s going to continue to call it Azteca.
Source: USA’s Christian Pulisic in talks over new AC Milan deal (ESPN)
Christian Pulisic appears to be working out a contract extension with AC Milan to keep him there for a long while.
Believe it: ‘Ted Lasso’ is coming back for Season 4 (PSW)
Jason Sudeikis has confirmed…there will be a season 4 of Ted Lasso. This time, Ted will be coaching a women’s team. Unclear where said team will be, but what do y’all think of another Ted Lasso season?
Sláinte, everyone!
First, I think 14 is too young, especially when the club doesn’t have a good academy. It’s one thing (still leery about it) to sign a contract at 14 but then go in to an academy or youth side. It’s another to be 14 and be among adults (men or women) and deal with just the physical differences.
Second, I think Ted Lasso coaching a women’s team has possibilities.
Third, yeah, it will always be Azteca. That’s a stadium name that is iconic in so many ways.
I already forgot the new name. Azteca it is…….siempre
That’s why our home pitch should be known as Buzzard Point.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44289193/mls-power-rankings-vancouver-whitecaps-overtake-lionel-messi-inter-miami-top-spot
Megan Swanick drops DCU from 17th to 21st in the ESPN FC power rankings after week 4.
USA Rugby is 50 years old this year.
https://usa.rugby/news/usa-rugby-to-celebrate-50th-anniversary-with-commemoration-of-the-unions-history-and-new-aspirations-in-2025-2025120
USA Rugby and Women’s Elite Rugby have formalized a sanctioning agreement ahead of the 2025 inaugural season for Women’s Elite Rugby. The US will now have a pro women’s 15s Rugby Union league with 6 teams: Bay Breakers (San Fran Bay area), Boston Banshees, Chicago Tempest, Denver Onyx, New York Exiles (NYC), and TC Gemini (Twin Cities area of Minnesota).
https://usa.rugby/news/usa-rugby-and-womens-elite-rugby-wer-formalize-sanctioning-agreement-ahead-of-historic-inaugural-season-2025317
Very busy, far-ranging soccer news day. Eyes on Mak Whitman going forward but maybe DC fans should have eyes on Abdellatif Aboukoura!! He’s shown skill before, and scored bangers, but maybe coming into his own at 20 years old? 2 goals and an assist in Loudoun’s first 2 games is a great start, anyway.
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Troy Lesesne does like his USL players.