Gonzalez takes over Spirit, MLS transfer window needs, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks
Happy Friday! I am looking ahead to a busy weekend of Washington Spirit’s opening training session and a pair of USA Rugby matches at Audi Field, then going to see the new Superman movie.
Washington Spirit coach Adrian Gonzalez ‘dreaming’ after full-time appointment (Pro Soccer Wire)
The Spirit held a media event to commemorate Adrián González’s official start as head coach of the team yesterday. Personally, I think González has a great attitude and passion for the team, but as Jona Giráldez’s replacement, he still has a lot to prove on the field to fans surprised by the mid-season change.
Hey Spirits episode: The Blood Kit (with Jordan Small) (The DP)
We took the opportunity of an NWSL break to talk to Washington Spirit equipment manager Jordan Small about some of the most unexpected things she’s seen on the job.
England win dramatic shootout to beat Sweden and keep alive Euro 2025 hopes (The Guardian)
By dramatic, I’m afraid The Guardian does mean “bad.” In 14 penalty shots, these teams converted five total, but England eventually won, coming back from a 2-0 halftime deficit to Sweden. They’ll face Italy in the semifinals next week.
MLS transfers: What every Eastern Conference team needs this summer (MLS)
Nothing new here in MLS’s assessment of DCU, but it’s not very hopeful.
DC Power FC shared some photos from their preseason friendly against the North Carolina Courage yesterday. They’ll follow it up with a match against Washington Spirit this weekend that is, sadly, also closed to the public.
Argentine soccer to allow away fans again after 12-year ban (ESPN)
Supporter culture in other countries continues to astonish me. A 12 year ban of away fans that didn’t even stop the game-related deaths? Wild.
Where every team stands ahead of the USL Jägermeister Cup Knockout Draw (USL Championship)
Loudoun United lead their group, but need to stay on top with a win (outright or on penalties) to advance to the next round of the USL Cup.
2025 MLS Archive Collection kit reviews and rankings: ’90s vibes and orcas (The Athletic $)
Positive reviews for United’s classic-inspired kit and the announcement video! I learned through this article that the Columbus Crew are using their original (better) logo for these jerseys.
Finally, here’s the match schedule for the weekend. D.C. United have another quick turnaround and play almost at the same time as Loudoun United on Saturday night.
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loudoun United FC vs. Oakland Roots SC | Sat., July 19 at 7 p.m. ET | Leesburg, VA | ESPN+ |
| D.C. United vs. Columbus Crew | Sat., July 19 at 7:30 p.m. ET | Columbus, OH | Apple TV |
That’s all I have for you today. Have a good weekend, everyone!
I really wanted to go to the rugby matches this weekend too but headed to an engagement party up in Maryland instead. Enjoy!
Plus they are sold out.
We may have an extra ticket if anyone is interested…
I’d get there earlier than you think. Last summer when I went to USA vs Scotland. I got there at 5:50 and I didn’t get through security and to my seat till 6:40 about 35 minutes into the first half. Yeah I was running late, but damn the lines were long to get through the gates.
Also I wish, but my sister-in-law’s bridal shower is at 1 PM tomorrow qnd I have to get my 3 year old and 1 year old there.
I heard on DC 101 today that Snoop Dogg had bought a share of Swansea. And I was like, Oh, I know who else owns Swansea! Seems like they replicated the Yo Gotti move there.
Levien and Kaplan sold their stake in Swansea like last year, didn’t they?
I think the controlling stake. I believe they still have some ownership investment.
According to the Athletic at least (https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/5906617/2024/11/07/swansea-city-sale-kaplan-levien/) they seem to be fully out now
Ah. Well, so much for strange parallels, then. And I guess good for Snoop for waiting for them to be out of the picture before getting financially involved.
We are missing the USA games at Buzzard Point tomorrow in the list of games. In the sold out double header the US Women will face Fiji and the US Men will face England.
Here are the details:
USA Women’s Eagles XVs vs Fiji at Buzzard Point aka Audi Field at 2:05 PM
USA Men’s Eagles XVs vs England at Buzzard Point aka Audi Field at 5:05 PM
Both games will be televised on CBS Sports Network and streamed on Paramount+.
4 Old Glory DC players have been named to the starting XV for the US Men’s match against England tomorrow.
Jack Iscaro
Cory Daniel
Tevita Naqali
Jamason Faanana-Schultz
Beyond my interest as an ex-rugger, you captured my heart with your “at Buzzard Point aka Audi Field “, Will.
The PK shootout was crazy woeful. Sweden can only blame themselves, they had, like, four chances in the process to win it with a single PK conversion, and messed it up every time.
It reminds me of the Jordan Farr Game. Sure, he was legendary, but three of United’s guys took just godawful penalties too, allowing Charlotte to stay in it right untl the end.
I kind of think Gonzalez has less to prove with regards to the on field results than the Spirit do in finally getting a steady sporting staff together. He’s already had a successful spell, so I’d be surprised if we fall apart now that he’s the proper HC. Meanwhile, he’s shorthanded on assistants and Giraldez took some of the other support staff with him. I’m sure the Spirit will get good replacements in, hopefully sooner rather than later before the burden of holding multiple positions causes issues.
Also, sucks that he tore his Achilles while this is all going on.
A second Achilles injury in just over a year with the team! What is he doing at these practices!?
He’s involved! Reminds me of when Olsen would get in there with the team earlier in his tenure are United.
The latest episode of Pitch Pass is a good listen. Roche brings on Marc Machado to discuss DC’s roster and cap situation. There’s a lot of talk about U22s and what should actually be expected out of them, which is also really interesting
Kevin Cabral got waived by the Rapids today. Who’s ready for the next DCU signing!?
That seems way too depressingly plausible.
An under-performing, over-paid DP winger? For free? That’s right up our Ally.
Roche just said on Bluesky that Goff is leaving the Washington Post. That’s gonna be a huge hit to DCU coverage and reporting. Not sure yet if it’s a full retirement, or if he’s going somewhere else
I’ve had my irritation at the lack of in depth coverage of how shitty things are organizationally At United, but Goff has provided better than most would for a long, long time. This blows, in a year where good news is in short supply.
Steven Goff is taking a buy-out. His last official day working for the Post will be July 31st. He says he may do some contract work for the Post. He’s unsure of his plans but felt the buy-out offer was too good to pass up.
I can’t say I blame him for that. Where did he actually say this? I was looking around earlier and wasn’t able to find anything about it