USMNT and USWNT Both Win, NWSL Scheduling, and More: Thursday Freedom Kicks
Greetings everyone! A quick introduction and we’ll get to stories from a busy day of soccer. I’m a long time reader of this site who grew up on the wrong side of the Atlantic Cup. I came to my senses when I moved to the DMV for school and attended my first DCU game at RFK. Along the way, I adopted the Spirit as well. Work and family took me out of the area, but I still follow both teams closely.
USMNT Hang On for 2-1 Win in Gold Cup Semis (SSFC)
The USMNT booked their spot in Sunday’s Gold Cup Final, defeating Guatemala 2-1 in St. Louis. Diego Luna bagged a brace in the first 15 minutes. The game ultimately ended up being much tighter than one would have thought after the first quarter hour. Guatemala pulled a goal back in the 80th minute. The US needed Matt Freese to come up with another big save at the end to keep from going to a shootout for the second straight game. DCU’s Aaron Herrera started at right back and played the full game for Guatemala.
The US will face Mexico in Houston after El Tri beat Honduras 1-0.
2025 June USWNT Friendlies: USA 3-0 Canada – The Continental Classico Comes Home (SSFC)
Emma Hayes, Naomi Girma, and company defeated rivals Canada 3-0 in the Continental Classico from our very own Buzzard Point. The stadium was sold out and the crowd sounded loud over the broadcast. Sam Coffey continued her fine run of form, with her third goal in her last 5 appearances. The US’s second goal was Claire Hutton’s first for the US. Tara McKeown entered in the 86th minute to an audible roar from the hometown crowd and provided the assist on the Yazmeen Ryan’s game sealing goal. Despite urging from the crowd Croix Bethune was an unused substitute. Gabby Carle played 88 minutes for Canada.
Aaron Herrera & Guatemala Ride “Incredibly Special” Gold Cup Run (MLS)
Prior to tonight’s game against the USMNT, MLS profiled Aaron Herrera. The article provided insight into how he went from having one cap for the USMNT to playing right back for the Guatemalan senior team, the mindset and mixed emotions prior to the playing the US, his hopes for Guatemalan soccer, and how he sees his role on the team.
NWSL Announces 2026 Schedule Footprint (NWSL)
NWSL announced what next year’s schedule footprint will look like. The big take away is the league will take a break in June due to overlap with the Men’s World Cup. From June 1, 2026 through June 28, 2026, the league will break as the home cities of seven of the 16 teams will also be hosting World Cup matches. There will be a three week overlap where NWSL and Men’s World Cup games are both occurring.
Outside of the World Cup, the NWSL will hold the Challenge Cup on February 20th. The season will start in earnest on Friday, March 13th. Decision Day will occur over the weekend of October 30 – November 1. The playoffs will conclude with the NWSL Championship on November 21st.
From the business side of soccer, The Athletic has an interesting, but slightly dense, look at a Premier league-specific oddity. Over the last two years, the Chealse and Aston Villa Women’s teams were sold to other entities within their corporate structure and/or the club’s parent company. Ostensibly, these moves were orchestrated to support the women’s teams and help them grow. The transactions also allowed both Chealse and Aston Villa claim a profit and better balance their books for Premier League profitability and sustainability (PSR) purposes. The deals look shady on the surface but are legal under Premier League rules. Interestingly, UEFA rules don’t allow these transactions and neither team included them in data provided to UEFA. It will be interesting to see if other Premier League teams follow suit and if these moves and if these are used to support the women’s or are just cynical PSR ploys.
Olivier Giroud: MLS Style of Play ‘Didn’t Necessarily Suit Me’ (ESPN)
During his introductory press conference with Lille, World Cup and Champions League champion Olivier Giroud explained his short tenure with LAFC stating the style of play didn’t necessarily suit him. The 38-year played 11 matches and tallied three goals and an assist. While not outright dismissive of MLS, its not exactly a ringing endorsement of the league from a high profile player.
Switzerland 1-2 Norway Highlights: Comeback Stuns Hosts on Opening Night of Women’s EURO 2025 (UEFA)
Day 1 of Women’s Euro 2025 is in the book. The hosts Switzerland lost to Norway 2-1 and the Boreal Owls knocked off Iceland 1-0. For those taking an early holiday, the Spirit’s Sofia Cantore and Italy take on Belgium at noon in Scion and then Spain and Portugal meet for an Iberian derby in Bern at 3PM.
Until next time. Have a safe and enjoyable long weekend.
Welcome! Several former NJers tend to be held in pretty high regard as far as DC goes (Lloyd Sam and De Rosario for starters) so no worries here.
Diego Luna is a monster. I was at one point advocating for Lucho to get a call up once his citizenship passed, but Luna is providing a lot of the same energy and skill, with more productive emotions. There was one particular long pass that he roped in and controlled so well- not the type of thing I expect from a US soccer player.
Patrick Agyemang though…he hustles and can get into great spots but does not pull the trigger fast enough on shooting or passing. Maybe that can improve. I don’t think we should stop looking for that CF just yet. Really hoping Pepi can get and stay healthy.
Luna and Tillman (likely) have played their way onto the World Cup roster.
The Reynas, infuriated by these midfield developments, have accused Ponch of not tipping a shoe-shine chap in Buenos Aires in 2003.
Sack Ponch, for the love of God and Country…..
Tillman has been putting in a hell of a shift too. De La Torre has been valuable in possession. Everyone was panicking when a Switzerland (who give the top dogs a run for their money routinely) trounced us, yet some guys have taken the experience to heart and are fighting.
Thanks for the welcome.
I agree on Luna. I saw him live at the Costa Rica match over the weekend, my first thought was along the lines of “He reminds me a bit of a football fullback, stature-wise.” The 5ish inches and 50lbs he has on Lucho are another advantage as it’s harder to maul him all day like I remember happening to Lucho.
Welcome to the team PJ!
Pretty wild to me that Croix got zero minutes in her home stadium.
Also, sad to hear about the passing of Liverpool player, Diogo Jota. RIP.
Jota’s death is gutting. So sad.
I hadn’t heard this, what a shocking tragedy
I interpret Giroud’s comment as just a diplomatic way of not answering the question. He just left a job for another one and really doesn’t care to talk about the old one because it’s impolite to air dirty laundry and he’s ready to move on anyway.
Definitely probably true. When I was reading the story, I was thinking of Zlatan’s Inter Miami comments and the uncorroborated Messi departure for a more competitive league before the World Cup rumor. Probably impacted how I perceived his comment.
Don’t forget the first MLS game of the weekend is tonight as NYCFC takes on Toronto. and update your fantasy teams.
Welcome PJ! The DP staff has been doing yeoman work and a lot of double-duty at times. More bodies who can write are welcome. And what a meaty first post you provided. Looking forward to more from you.