Random Offerings for Hump Day, Including Gonzales on Abiodun: Wednesday Freedom Kicks
In lieu of a blurb hoping everyone greets the day properly (which, I still do), would like to remind people that The Women’s UEFA Champions League is on paramount+, which is a much more convenient platform for watching than the one they had before. It’s pretty fun, and opens up a whole new soccer fandom potentially. On to the news!
Washington Spirit coach Adrian Gonzales ‘not surprised’ by Deborah Abiodun’s impact on NWSL– ESPN
The Washington Spirit coach is not shocked (like many of us) by how amazingly complete Abiodun is for the Washington Spirit, and takes a bit of a victory lap for his evaluation when signing. No argument. (Note I didn’t list Abiodun’s position, cuz apparently it’s everywhere and anywhere).
Our dedicated Loudoun United writer, Ryan Keefer, breaks down the latest game for the club. Take a look!
Ex-USMNT midfielder, MLS great Darlington Nagbe set to retire– ESPN
Put some major respect on Darlington Nagbe’s name. I remember when Portland were eagerly anticipating him to become a genius as an attacking winger, which ended in some disappointment. His conversion to central midfield, however, utter devastation for many teams in the league. A player strikes fear into any league opponent, and earned the praise from Nigel De Jong when he was in the league, not with words, but with an evil tackle that should have snapped something. League legend, hope he enjoys retirement.
USA vs. Ecuador, 2025 USMNT Friendly: Scouting Ecuador– Stars and Stripes FC
This is coming up Friday night, and here’s who we’re playing.
Pochettino and USMNT players: Is it good to talk? Plus: Arsenal’s plane talking– The Athletic
I’m not actually subscribed, but I imagine some of you are, and this seems of interest.
In our family, there’s been zero doubt about Diego Luna’s USMNT identity– The Guardian
If you, like me, are developing an appreciation for Luna and his journey with the national team, in depth article about that very thing.
Malaysia to lodge immediate appeal after receiving full FIFA ban report: Timeline in full– ESPN
There’s been an undercurrent lately of FIFA coming down on countries that have played ineligible players, this being a very notable example.
FIFA’s Blockchain-Based Ticketing System for 2026 World Cup Faces Preliminary Probe– Bloomberg
Also behind a paywall, but interesting development that I’m sure others will pick up over time.
Power Rankings: Thomas Müller & Vancouver Whitecaps continue climb– MLS
The people that write these blurbs and rank the teams breathed a sigh of relief as they found cause to sink DC United to the bottom of the pool once again for the two red cards and the loss. For those who really enjoy these, there’s other stuff.
Orlando City eyed Tottenham’s Richarlison in summer – sources– ESPN
Yeah, that’s a crazy one.
Bill Simmons rips FloSports for nightmare streaming experiences– Awful Announcing
FloSports is still kicking, and apparently it’s doing so to those who try to use it, right in the teeth. Anecdote within.
For those who are not familiar, Vermont Green FC is an amateur women’s team that has a massive base of support in it’s community. The organization started with and includes a men’s team, but this article is about the women. Heartwarming development, and I’m sure they’ll make their supporters proud.
Finally, Ashley Hatch has an Instagram channel where she doles out her soccer knowledge to the younger generation. This one is a fun one where she delineates the personality differences between the various positions on the field. These have been a joy, so thought I’d share.
That’s all I’ve got! One-up me in the comments, and have a great sporting day!
Nagbe will always an MLS legend. I do love his story about how he came to the US from Liberia. Very inspirational.
A column from the league website that mentions something more than “lol United loses”! What do we think of Doyle’s preferred acquisitions? I’m definitely in favor of proven league vets in goal and at CB.
https://www.mlssoccer.com/news/midweek-mailbag-fc-dallas-resurgence-ryan-gauld-s-return-more
When the Free Agent list came out last week, Zimmerman stood out to me as an option, though there’s no doubt he would be expensive. If he’s available, I’d rather them take a stab at St. Clare over Coronel, but I suppose Coronel would be ok. Haak has also come a long way recently. I’m not as familiar with the two guys he suggested we get in trades, though. I’ve always thought trying to get Shaffleburg from Nashville could be worthwhile (Nashville, oddly, does not start him nearly as much as it seems like they should), or making a run for Alex Zendejas. Either would give us some needed pace and scoring potential on the wing.
I’d be surprised to see this Front Office do things that make sense…
I haven’t watched enough of either Coronel or St. Clair to know how they’d do in distribution and communication. It’s the two areas that are crippling to our defense even more than shot stopping, since Barraza has been fine at that. We just can’t let the ball end up back in our half after every save.
Zendejas would be amazing. I seriously doubt he’d jeopardize his chance at the WC roster by moving from a good team to a terrible one. If he agreed to a move, he shouldn’t do it til the summer. More than likely we’ll have to pay a lot for guys that aren’t really on their national team radars this coming year. I think someone mentioned Dybala?