DCU win Atlantic Cup, Spirit beat Orlando, and more: Monday Freedom Kicks
Happy Monday. Hope everyone had a nice Easter that celebrates it. We will get right into the soccer cuz we had a nice Saturday for DC teams:
Beleaguered Washington Spirit nab tough road win against Orlando Pride (DP)
What a Gift of a goal to celebrate on this Monday! Gift Monday’s quick thinking and steal of a goal was the difference as the Spirit beat Orlando for the 2nd time in 6 weeks!
The Atlantic Cup is ours! DC United win on the road 2-1 against the Red Bulls behind 2 João Peglow goals, including one that has to be a goal of the year candidate. Take a look at this thing of beauty!
The concerning part of the match was Christian Benteke coming off injured after about 20 minutes. Hoping everything is okay there and he’s back healthy quickly.
Trinity Rodman was not on the roster for the match against Orlando, and it’s because of her back. Could we be looking at an extended absence? She was able to catch her boyfriend’s tennis match in Munich as a result.
Loudoun United, with all that has swirled about the inner turmoil at the club, and with new ownership and a new GM in Steve Birnbaum, was able to win again at home against the Pittsburgh Riverhounds.
DC Power’s playoff hopes all but dashed in heartbreaking loss to Tampa Bay Sun (DP)
It was another heartbreaking loss for DC Power on Friday night, who sees their slim playoff hopes all but dry up. They are 18 points under the playoff line with 6 matches to go.
LAFC Head Coach Steve Cherundolo To Step Down At End Of Season (LAFC)
Dolo and his family have opted to return to Germany, so he will leave his post as LAFC head coach at the end of the season.
Buzzard Point development site entitled for hotel, apartments hits the market (WBJ)
Looks like one of the developments by Audi Field is in search of a new owner.
2034 World Cup: Saudi Arabia ‘more than happy’ to host expanded 64-team tournament (The Athletic)
Saudi Arabia says bring on the 64 team World Cup. Still think that’s a terrible idea.
Enjoy the Easter Monday, y’all.
64-team World Cup tournament is silly. What is really the point if like half the eligible teams go.
A 64-team world cup in November again probably….that would cause all sorts of ruckus to leagues around the world.
We are fans of MLS…
There’s nothing wrong with a 64-team tournament — there’s a point to it for sure, but then it’s hard(er) to see the point of World Cup qualifying tournaments. As with the MLS regular season.
I went to the Loudoun United game. Solid win. I hope they right the ship (I did not read the Atlantic article, but it sounds like a frustrating situation.
Riverhounds had a solid supporter section FWIW (I was in their proximity). They had some funny chants as well regarding shower and laundry.
*Athletic
Cheers on that!
Assuming the merger goes well, I do wonder what becomes of Segra. It seems to be falling apart and it’s not at all what anyone would call “old.” I figure the team will start using Virginia Revolution’s resources more and not have to train on the crummy turf.
Well, it is modular in it’s construction. Decent seating. I would think that investing better turf should be the priority.
The site is nice and the parking lot empties fairly quickly even when its packed. I have to admit the shipping container bathrooms are a bit narrow walking between the stall doors and the wall. The seating isn’t bad either.
Wouldn’t the Atlantic Cup be pending the results of the game next month at Audi Field? Or am I misunderstanding that?
I think that you are correct.
Correct.
The View from Buenos Aires
Well, San Lorenzo Club Atletico lost its #1 hincha (fan) with the death of Pope Francis this morning. One of the three greatest popes of my lifetime (the others being John XXIII and John Paul Ii ).
Great wins for DC United and Spirit. Given injury list, attacking line vs Gotham FC may be Kouassi, Monday, and Ricketts. Unbelievable injury list.
Pope Francis was remarkable. I agree.
Is it too soon to request a Best XI?
Cherundolo: Could a Bundesliga position be in the works?
The timing might not be great, unless he’s taking a short break from being a first team manager. But it would make perfect sense given that he wants to go back to Germany. As much as LAFC supporters have complained about his tactics, he’s been very, very good with them and has handled some big names.
Getting out while the getting is still good.
I don’t know where I’d go, or what I’d do there, but I get the impulse.
Is Birnbaum still GM of DC Power as well as new GM of Loudoun?
Joao Peglow made team of the week: https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/team-of-the-matchday-inter-miami-remain-unbeaten-charlotte-make-a-statement
He’s also up for goal of the week: https://x.com/MLS/status/1914348431633469779
Damn that red card on Diego Luna in the RSL game…wasn’t even a foul….what the hell…
“However…” Referee Filip Dujic’s Viral Moment + Goal Drama in Chicago & Portland!