Remembering Diogo Jota, DC Power signings, and more: Independence Day Freedom Kicks
Happy 4th of July, everyone! I hope you’re all able to take some time off and enjoy the day. I will be attending a cook-out with friends and baking some strawberry cupcakes!
Diogo Jota Passes Away Following Car Crash in Spain (The Liverpool Offside)
Portuguese player Diogo Jota and brother André Silva died in a car accident yesterday morning. Very sad news, especially as this article points out Diogo had just married his long-time partner and mother of his three children on June 22.
Remembering Diogo Jota, whose loss is felt beyond Liverpool (ESPN)
Some more on Diogo. Former coaches and teammates paid tribute to him yesterday, and the Portugal Women’s Team held a moment of silence in his honor before their Euro match against Spain.
D.C. United Announces Comprehensive Academy Restructure, Introducing Full-Time Residency Programs for Three Age Groups (D.C. United)
Will this improve D.C. United’s ability to develop and keep talented players early in their professional careers? I’m skeptical.
Adidas and MLS are teaming up for a new edition of the MLS Archive Collection. Each colorway is inspired by a retro third jersey that will be coming out for the selected teams later this year. There are quite a few cool-looking shoes in here, though I must confess to feeling underwhelmed by D.C.’s. What do you all think?
Diego Luna, USMNT’s Gold Cup hero, is ready to face Mexico (ESPN)
Everyone’s new favorite USMNT player is ready for this Sunday’s Gold Cup final.
How Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo execute a perfect free kick (Washington Post $)
A cool graphic insight into how two soccer greats take free kicks, including a look at how they plan their strikes, their approach to the ball, and how spin impacts its path.
DC Power Football Club Signs FTC-Telekom Midfielder Ellie Gilbert (DC Power FC)
In anticipation of the start of their second season, DC Power are on a signing blitz. They also signed Jaydah Bedoya and Margie Detrizio (previously an injury-replacement player with Washington Spirit) earlier this week.
Finally, the match schedule for the weekend. Have a good one!
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| D.C. United vs. Atlanta United FC | Sat., July 5 at 7:30 p.m. ET | Washington, DC | Apple TV |
I didn’t know a ton about Jota, but certainly admired him greatly as a player. He was so clutch for his teams. Good touch, great finisher. I’m sure there was a lot more to him, and it’s too cruel that this happened when he’d only been married a little over a week. He’ll he missed.
On a more snarky note, I’m old enough to remember when DC United was the Washington soccer team rigorously pursuing a summer impact player
Agree on the DCU version of the shop being a bit underwhelming. It doesn’t fill me with much hope for the third jersey. Considering DCU has the Cat in the Hat kit in it’s history, seems like a missed opportunity.
If anyone is interested. At the same time the DCU game kicks off the US Men Eagles XVs kick off their summer test series against Belgium in Charlotte, NC on Paramount+.
Will there be fireworks at Audi Field tonight? Either in the sky or on the field?