Spirit breaks another attendance record, La Liga comes to the US, and more: Tuesday Freedom Kicks
I don’t know about you guys, but I loathe international breaks. Especially early in the nascent season; it just kills any momentum teams have. My only consolation is that it is getting to crunch time for many international sides so there’s much on the line for teams. How do you all feel about international breaks? Love them or loathe them? Sound off in the comments!
NWSL’s Spirit break franchise attendance record with one match remaining (Washington Times)
More than 181,000 Spirit fans have attended Spirit matches through 12 games this season which is a new high for the team. Considering that in 2022 the Spirit split time between the Maryland SoccerPlex, AudiField and Segra Field and averaged just 6,222 fans per game (heavily skewed up by the few games at Audi), this is beyond impressive. They also beat DCU’s attendance for the second time this season when both were playing at Audi Field on the same weekend (17,422 compared to 17,003).
Speaking of the Spirit, Trin spoke her mind (via social media) about the referee performance this weekend. Won’t be surprised if she gets a finger wag from the commish.
UEFA gives green light to Villarreal vs Barcelona in Miami (Marca)
UEFA reluctantly agreed to a deal that would allow the first ever La Liga game to be played outside of Spain. The European football governing body also approved Milan vs Como to be played in Perth, Australia as well. Pulisic is going down under!
The Women’s Champions League is now easier to watch with the league phase being broadcast here in the US on Paramount+! Matchday 1 serves up a treat with reigning champions, Arsenal, facing record 8 times winners, OL Lyonnes.
Allegri: Pulisic will keep AC Milan penalty duties despite miss (PSW)
Pulisic appears to keep the trust of the Milan coach after his flub this weekend. You can view it yourself below:
2026 World Cup price jumps kick in early, with FIFA raising costs amid high demand (NYT$)
“By Monday evening, none were available for the Round of 16, quarterfinals, semifinals or final.” Welp.
Why do footballers spit? (NYT$)
I don’t usually put two articles that are behind a paywall in my Freedom Kicks, but this is a topic my new-to-soccer-fandom girlfriend has asked me about and I really never had an answer…until now!
In case you missed it, the biggest pop star in the world just named dropped the biggest club side in the world on her latest album. I won’t lie, this song is a bop.
Finally, here are some great pictures from the Spirit win thanks to our guy, Jason Taylor! Check them out!
Apparently NWSL refs come out of PRO2 (tier 2) rather than PRO1 (tier 1) like MLS refs.
https://prosoccerwire.usatoday.com/story/sports/nwsl/2025/10/06/rodman-slams-nwsl-referees-after-spirit-wave-match/86550558007/
Regarding Trin:
That was a damning indictment. I like the savvy that no one individual is being targeted.
If anything, I think the distribution of international windows is the issue. There’s always like 3 of them shoved into September/October and March/April, and essentially nothing throughout the rest of the year (except whatever the summer competition is at the time, which does not include all teams)
Round of big retirements at the end of the year. Busquets, Alba, and Nagbe are all hanging it up. The last of those is really the most significant in terms of this league. Nagbe has been a, and sometimes *the* cog in so many championship engines. Columbus is already struggling to replace many lost pieces since their last trophy and this isn’t going to make it any easier for them
Nagbe was selected second in the 2011 SuperDraft, just ahead of DC picking Perry Kitchen at 3rd.
Legendary Perry and his Kitchen Sink.
Herrera has apparently picked up an additional undisclosed fine for failing to leave the field in a timely manner following his red card.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/toronto-fc-s-richie-laryea-fined-by-mls-disciplinary-committee
Posted on Old Glory DC’s Facebook page is the fact that the team is leaving the Maryland SoccerPlex as its home field after 2 years. This continues their pattern of changing venues every 2 years. No word yet on where home games will be played in the spring.
I watched replay of OL Lyoness v Arsenal and then Barcelona v Bayern live. OL Lyoness 2 Arsenal 1 but Lyoness totally dominated.
Barcelona 7 Bayern 1 but also totally dominated with relentless high press and scoring most goals from within 12 yards.
I can say with confidence that neither loser will win Champions League this year. Lyoness and Barcelona are just too good.