US likely to host 2031 World Cup, Power FC’s Gourley on Team of the Month, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks
Happy Friday, everyone!
United States set to receive 2031 Women’s World Cup hosting rights (Stars and Stripes FC)
With all the immigration, foreign policy, and infrastructure concerns surrounding the 2026 World Cup, I’m feeling a little trepidatious about another U.S. tournament. But I’m really not looking forward to hearing “It’s coming home” for the next ten years leading up to a UK World Cup.
USL Super League Team of the Month – March (USL Super League)
DC Power FC may be at the bottom of the USL Super League standings, but new signee Gianna Gourley made Team of the Month for March.
Meanwhile, Kim Joon Hong won Save of the Month in MLS for this pair of quick saves to prevent a free kick goal.
San Jose vs. DC United: Full-circle moment awaits MLS originals (MLS)
Looking back at the first game between DC United and San Jose before their match-up this weekend, apparently inspired by the involvement of Bruce Arena and John Harkes’s son, Ian.
Long before USL’s vote, U.S. Soccer had visions of promotion and relegation (The Athletic $)
Always good for an interesting foray into the history of American soccer, Pablo Iglesias Maurer brings us this look into a planned pro/rel league contemplated by U.S. Soccer in advance of the 1994 World Cup. The system would have involved a 32-team first division and four regional leagues of 12 teams each in the second division.
The flag-planting celebration and resulting drama that infected college football last year has made it’s way to soccer, specifically to Chattanooga in the US Open Cup.
U.S. Open Cup 2025 third round draw: Results and pairings (Pro Soccer Wire)
The third round of that Cup is now set. After their win Wednesday night, Loudoun United will advance and play Louisville City SC in Louisville on April 15.
Finally, here’s your schedule of events for the weekend. Creating it alerted me to the existence of a delightful team name that I was previously unaware of: the Memphis Showboats.
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loudoun United FC vs. Hartford Athletic | Sat., Apr. 5 at 4:30 p.m. ET | Leesburg, VA | ESPN+ |
| Old Glory DC vs. Seattle Seawolves | Sat., Apr. 5 at 5 p.m. ET | Boyds, MD | ESPN+ |
| DC Defenders vs. Memphis Showboats | Sat., Apr. 5 at 8 p.m. ET | Washington, DC | ABC |
| D.C. United vs. San Jose Earthquakes | Sun., Apr. 6 at 5 p.m. ET | San Jose, CA | Apple TV |
Have a good weekend!
Well the timing of the DCU game sucks….I have a ministry commitment from 4:30 PM – 7:00 PM on Sundays…..oh well…
The view from Buenos Aires
I hope that DP gives us a thread for USWNT v Brazil on Saturday.
It’s on my calendar!
Tom Bogert is reporting that Kevin DeBruyne is going to leave Manchester City in the summer, and that that San Diego FC do NOT have him in their plans. Some other MLS team currently holds his discovery rights.
United has an open DP slot, has had their best success with older Premier League signings, needs a creative midfielder, and also has a prominent Belgian on the team. Hey, why not?
If he cared and had the stamina for Lesesne’s demands, he’d be an immense upgrade over Klich and whatever we’re doing now.
DeBruyne ranging over the dusty plains of Audi Field this summer? Love it.
Why not is his ability to stay fit. If no one’s been paying attention, he’s very much wanted to be available for Man City, and is usually not.
I honestly don’t get why anyone would think he’s a pillar you should build around, unless you want occasional spectacular performances and don’t care how well we do overall.
Since DCU isn’t playing tomorrow. If you use the code ‘Police10’ or ‘Fire10’ you can get a $10 ticket to the Old Glory Game tomorrow afternoon.
https://x.com/OldGloryDC/status/1908159793262395529
Match Day 23 for OGDC tomorrow against the Seattle Sea Wolves.
https://x.com/OldGloryDC/status/1908203080291594673
Staring XV: Calixto Martinez, Facundo Gattas, Joe Rees, Rob Harley (Team Captain), Billy Whiteside, Collin Grosse, Brady/Cory Daniel (brothers I don’t know which will be starting), Bavaro, Connor Buckley, Jason Emery, Axel Muller, Grigg, Hughes, Rizzo, Jason Robertson
Reserves: KoiKoi Nelligan, Jack Iscaro, Sam Davies, Tevita Naqali, Logan Weidner, Ethan McVeigh , Owen Sheehy, Tommaso Boni
https://www.espn.com/soccer/story/_/id/44529486/spirit-michele-kang-invests-25m-womens-soccer