Loudoun United extend Santos, O’Hara speaks on Vlatko’s USWNT tenure, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks
Happy Friday, everyone! As you will see, all the local soccer games for this weekend are grouped-up, so we will all have plenty of time to fit in other activities. I am going to see Sinners tonight and might try to sneak in some time at Porchfest tomorrow if I get out of Buzzard Point at a reasonable hour.
Loudoun United Football Club sign Pedro Santos to one-year contract for 2025 season with option for 2026 (Loudoun United)
A smart decision by Loudoun, in my opinion. Santos has been a big part of their recent winning streak.
United Soccer League and Gainbridge® announce historic naming rights partnership of USL Super League (USL super League)
In case you missed this news from Tuesday, the USL Super League is now the Gainbridge Super League. What kind of company is Gainbridge? Why “an insurtech subsidiary of Group 1001 that empowers consumers to take control of their financial future with solutions that are accessible to everyone,” of course!
O’Hara hits out at ex-USWNT boss Andonovski: ‘I didn’t learn anything’ (Pro Soccer Wire)
Vlatko’s tenure as USWNT coach continues to come under criticism. I believe some of my thoughts on his decision not to take Ashley Hatch to the 2023 World Cup made their way onto yesterday’s Hey Spirits episode, and now Kelley O’Hara is sharing some criticism on her “Sports Are Fun!” podcast.
Eastern Conference: Grading every team’s Primary Transfer Window (MLS)
The transfer window is now closed, so here’s a handy round-up of the Eastern Conference moves to facilitate some discussion. Western Conference grades are here.
Loudoun President, GM talk present and future goals for team (The DP)
Steve Birnbaum and Nico Eckhart sat down with The District Press’s Ryan Keefer to talk about their new roles with Loudoun United, extending Pedro Santos, the future of Segra Field and more!
Boston-based Rev’d Fitness coming to DC “with Indoor Cycling and new modality Powerhouse” (POPville)
Though the company’s name evokes a different soccer team, Rev’d was founded by former D.C. United player Clyde Simms. (Yes, he played for NE Revolution after leaving DC.)
Finally, if you like Saturday soccer games, you’re in luck! We have so, so many coming up tomorrow.
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Washington Spirit vs. NJ/NY Gotham FC | Sat., Apr. 26 at 1 p.m. ET | Washington, DC | CBS |
| D.C. United vs. Philadelphia Union | Sat., Apr. 26 at 4:30 p.m. ET | Chester, PA | Apple TV |
| Loudoun United FC vs. Lexington SC | Sat., Apr. 26 at 6 p.m. ET | Lexington, KY | ESPN+ |
| DC Power FC vs. Brooklyn FC | Sat., Apr. 26 at 6 p.m. ET | Brooklyn, NY | Peacock |
| Old Glory DC vs. Houston SaberCats | Sat., Apr. 26 at 8 p.m. ET | Houston, TX | ESPN+ |
| DC Defenders vs. Arlington Renegades | Sun., Apr. 27 at 12 p.m. ET | Arlington, TX | ESPN |
MLS give us a D for our transfer window…….
Sigh…….
I’m kind of surprised it wasn’t an “F” myself.
A “D” seems generous.
Maybe it is a no-fail system?
It doesn’t look like anyone got an F, so no one “failed”, but if you got a D in school you’re not passing in my day. It’s a deserved grade (even though Enow shouldn’t have factored in for this window).
Can’t be relegated in MLS so maybe no-fail is an accurate representation. 😉
I really need some deep reporting on the Klich trade.
I still find it bizarre. There had to be friction. There was nothing in it for us, sending him to ATL. He could ride the bench here for all I care.
Great job on the list of games, times, and viewing options.
The last several years Philly has had our number and I think they’ll have it again. What do y’all say?
Gin and tonic at the ready.
If we can defeat NJRB, who can’t we beat?
Toronto? Montreal?
Ketel One on the rocks is also a good choice?
I do that too! Yum Yum. It dulls the pain of the match. Maybe post-game?
Well, tell you what, and this offer extends to all DCU fans, if you show up at Tampico Grill in Laurel, MD tomorrow for the match vs. Philly, your first beverage is on me.
A result is certainly going to be a surprise, but the fun thing about MLS is that surprises happen all the time.
Unfortunately I think we’re not committed/good enough at the press, and definitely not good enough at possession to have much hope. But there’s always the chance we can park the bus and just bully them with or without the ball. It’ll require a lot of sacrifice on everyone’s part…running them ragged, blocking shots, some playful shoves… I’ll try to have some hope.
Charlotte just waived Ben Bender. Bender was a former #1 draft pick, went to UMD, and is from Baltimore. He’s still just 24. I’m not sure that he’d be much of a difference maker, but our midfield can always use some help. Taking a flier on him wouldn’t be terrible.
Inter Miami told MLS that Bender is going to DCU. Nobody benders like Beckham…..
The View from Buenos Aires
Son Patrick and wife Becky have joined us for ten days. After four days in spectacularly beautiful Andean Bariloche, they went on a self-guided “Messi Tour”, covering many places with statues or wall art of Messi, including the sides of multistory buildings. If I ever learn how to do it, I’ll attach a photo or two.
From the Avenida 9 de Julio
Well shit Peglow is out, Benteke is questionable, and Jackson Hopkins is questionable.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/league-reports/player-availability-report/
Well, at least Owen Goal isn’t on the inactive list–he’s due for a score (or two or three).
At least we don’t have Houston’s injury list…ouch…
We did pretty well against NJRB without Benteke and Hopkins? Then again, if Peglow is out, that makes it more difficult, I would say. IAC, time to head out and watch the match at a fun place (Tampico Grill in Laurel).