Ricketts called up to youth USWNT, Gold Cup USMNT projections and more: Friday Freedom Kicks
Happy Friday! It’s a bit of a short one today, due to low news and low time (for me). As always, please add more in the comments.
USMNT 2025 Gold Cup roster projection: Who makes Pochettino’s 23-man squad? (Pro Soccer Wire)
The US Men have just finished with one (disappointing) tournament, but another is just around the corner. Will Pochettino make some changes to his squad for the Gold Cup? Here are some early predictions.
Washington Spirit’s Chloe Ricketts called up to U.S. Under-18 Women’s Youth National Team (Washington Spirit)
A number of Spirit players have earned call-ups for next week’s international window, but I’m especially excited to see Chloe Ricketts get some national team attention. Signed by the Spirit at age 15, Ricketts didn’t see much field time last year, but she’s a fun, aggressive player and a fan favorite. She’s got a few starts this year under her belt, and I’m hoping we see a lot more of her.
How Loudoun United’s Ryan Martin carries his sister-in-law’s memory in every game (USL Championship)
An interview Loudoun United’s head coach, who’s been in that role since 2019 and talks about honoring his sister-in-law’s death from cancer at each match, in addition to changes on the team.
Barcelona vent anger over packed schedule as Dani Olmo injured (ESPN)
Are we getting… too much soccer? In my opinion, probably, yes.
Premier League confirms extra June transfer window for Club World Cup (The Guardian)
In addition to possibly causing more strain on players, the Club World Cup is leading the Premier League to make some changes in their offseason schedule.
Good for the ‘Burbs: Denver NWSL announces temporary stadium and training facility in Centennial (Burgundy Wave)
Imagine living somewhere with enough land that you can build a temporary stadium while waiting on your permanent stadium, as opposed to spending several years trying to find enough for a training facility like some teams I know.
Finally, your schedule of events for the weekend. The demands on Audi Field are increasing, with the UFL season starting this weekend. Let’s hope the grass can hold up to four teams using it as their home base.
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Spirit vs. Bay FC | Fri., Mar. 28 at 8 p.m. ET | Washington, DC | Prime Video |
| Loudoun United FC vs. Rhode Island FC | Sat., Mar. 29 at 4 p.m. ET | Leesburg, VA | ESPN+ |
| Old Glory DC vs. RFC Los Angeles | Sat., Mar. 29 at 6 p.m. ET | Los Angeles, CA | ESPN+ |
| D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew | Sat., Mar. 29 at 7:30 p.m. ET | Washington, DC | Apple TV |
| DC Defenders vs. Birmingham Stallions | Sun., Mar. 30 at 3 p.m. ET | Washington, DC | ESPN |
Glad to see Ricketts selected and I hope she gets a chance to shine.
I think Pochettino is facing a fork in the road. Given the limited number of competitive windows left, does he double down on the existing squad and figure they just need to be more cohesive, get more reps with each other? Or does he say “F*ck it–you guys have now had two windows where too many of you didn’t show desire and heart” and substantially turn over the squad, probably sacrificing talent and pedigree in a bunch of positions for hunger, humility, heart, and pride? He concludes some of his better players have shown they aren’t going to bring it when it counts and so he moves on?
I’m not saying a 100% turnover of the roster. But there needs to be a “come to Jesus” conversation with more than half the squad. Steffen probably gets the initial start as a message to Turner. The CBs probably change. A couple of midfielders probably change. The comments coming out from Donovan and Dempsey are just damning.
I do agree with something Donovan said that was quoting Arena–a national team coach doesn’t deal with motivation and drive–that’s up to the players.
Regarding Arena quote: ABSOLUTELY RIGHT.
These guys are on cruise control and it doesn’t cut it. We will be entirely embarrassed in the World Cup. I would assume FIFA will somehow pad our fixtures, but it wont be enough.
The view from Buenos Aires
Thanks, Annie. I can’t overemphasize how helpful DP is in staying abreast of my favorite soccer teams from 6,000 miles away.
Buzzards Point is gonna be busy this weekend with 3 games. Plus the Nats continue their first home stand of the season when they play the Phillies tomorrow as well with a 4:05 PM start time.
Also the Cherry Blossoms at the Tidal Basin are in peak bloom, so its gonna be bonkers going into DC at all this weekend.
I can’t remember if we posted this or not.
https://www.ussoccer.com/stories/2025/03/us-soccer-announces-matchups-second-round-2025-lamar-hunt-us-open-cup
Loudoun United will host Virginia Dream in the 2nd round at Segra next Wednesday night at 6:30 PM (strange start time for a week night).
The USA Men’s Eagles XVs match vs The Netherlands on July 5th in Charlotte has been changed for a match against Belgium at the same time and place. This is because the Belgians eliminated the Dutch from RWC 2027 qualification contention back on March 15th. They were playing for 5th place in the 2025 European Championship to qualify for the Final Qualifying Tournament (Repechage). So the time and cost no longer made sense for the Dutch to travel to play the US in July. The Belgians have taken their place.
https://eagles.rugby/news/belgium-to-replace-netherlands-for-july-5-mens-eagles-match-in-charlotte-2025326
http://usa.rugby/news/usa-mens-and-womens-eagles-confirm-2025-match-schedule-2025318
For the US to qualify for Australia 2027 RWC, they have to be one of the top 3 teams besides Japan and Fiji who’ve already qualified at this year’s Pacific Nations Cup. The finals for last year’s PNC were hosted by Japan this year’s PNC finals are hosted here in the US. If the US fails to be one of those top 3 they will get 2 more chances to qualify for Australia 2027. The first opportunity is in the playoff match against South America 2 as Pacific 4. Then if they lose that match they will be in the Repechage tournament with the Belgians along with South America 3 and the winner of the Africa 2 vs Asia 2 playoff. They would need to win that Repechage tournament which they came in 2nd place in the last go round after the Portuguese tied it 16-16 at the death of the final round robin match and qualified for the 2023 RWC on points differential over the US. That was also the first trip to the Men’s RWC for Portugal and only the 2nd time the US has missed out on going (the other time was South Africa 1995). The US has never advanced beyond pool play at the Men’s Rugby World Cup.
The US Women’s XVs have never missed a Women’s Rugby World Cup and have competed in all of them going back to the first one in 1991. They have also always made it out of pool play. They won it all in the first one in 1991 and came in 2nd in 1994 and 1998.
I spent part of today watching videos of Argentine men’s sevens crush USA sevens 52-5 and Australia sevens 31-5. In 14 minute matches, that’s Argentina scoring a “touchdown” every minute and a half against USA. Announcer brands Argentina “world’s best sevens.” (Argentina’s XV a side is ranked sixth in world.)
The US men’s 7s aren’t great right now. I suspect come May they will get themselves relegated down to the Challenger series.
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44448472/former-portland-timbers-gk-jake-gleeson-awarded-20m-medical-malpractice-lawsuit