Happy Thursday everyone! For the first time in a bit, I am looking forward to a low key weekend of taking it easy watching the USMNT friendlies and the Spirit game.

Washington Spirit Stars Earn Three NWSL Weekly Awards (Washington Spirit)

After their great performances over the weekend, Rosemonde Kouassi and Deborah Abiodun, brought home three of NWSL’s four weekly performance awards. Kouassi won Player of the Week and Goal of the Week, while Abiodun provided the Assist of the Week. Kouassi is the fifth straight Spirit player and ninth(!) overall to win the award this season. No other team in the league has more than three Player of the Week Awards this season.

Dash Near $120M Sale to Group Led by Son of Disappeared Chinese Mogul (Sportico)

The Dash’s potential sale has many layers to it. A disappeared and imprisoned father. The potential for the youngest owner in American sports. Pickleball clubs. NBA superstar Giannis Antetokounmpo. For the Dash such a deal would result in a split from the Dynamo and a new start in Houston. For NWSL, it continues the spike in franchise values.

NWSL’s Jessica Berman: ‘Women’s football is a movement, not a moment’ (FT)

Commissioner Berman spoke with the Financial Times highlighted NWSL’s growth and expansion among other topics.

2025 22 Under 22 Rankings (MLS)

MLS released this year’s 22 Under 22 as voted on by a panel of “top people”. Among the 22 are 14 homegrown players and 7 U22 Initiative players. D.C. United did not have a player on this list, but Philadelphia was well represented with three players.

Sources: Argentina friendly relocated to Fort Lauderdale amid Chicago unrest (ESPN)

There is a long list of adjectives that describe the fact that moving the game was considered, let alone a reality, ranging from prudent to unfortunate to sad.

Holden calls on McKennie to show more leadership with USMNT (Pro Soccer Wire)

What would an international window be with out an older USMNT player commenting on a current squad member? This time feels different though. Holden’s comments seem more reasoned and complimentary of McKennie than some of the recent takes provided by other former members of the team.

USMNT’s ‘Jedi’ returns: Antonee Robinson rejoins squad after long injury layoff (Yahoo Sports)

Its good to Robinson return to the USMNT, both for the value he brings to the squad and because I am a fan of his Jedi nickname.

What teams are qualified for 2026 World Cup? Full list, latest updates (USA Today)

About 40% of the World Cup field is set with Egypt joining the 18 teams listed here.

Club World Cup has left an injury trail that is damaging football. But will anyone listen? (The Guardian)

The Club World Cup Final was played nearly three moths ago and its impact can still be felt in the major leagues of Europe.

Leicester City’s Premier League triumph, 10 years later (ESPN)

Leicester’s Premier League win seems so long ago. How long will it be until another team outside the Big Six is able to claim the title? I’m not sure it will be anytime soon.

What did I miss? Until next time