USMNT progress in U20 World Cup, MacIver called up to Scotland NT, and more: Friday Freedom Kicks
Happy Friday! We are smack dab in the middle of a FIFA men’s window, so there’s more international news than league news today.
2025 USMNT October Friendlies – Previewing USA vs. Ecuador (SSFC)
How are people feeling about today’s game? I hope the US can figure some things out and start looking better, but I’m not too confident.
Pulisic named Serie A Player of the Month after dominant September (Pro Soccer Wire)
Maybe Christian Pulisic can bring some of his hot streak to his play for country?
U.S. cruises past Italy to reach U20 World Cup quarterfinals (ESPN)
Meanwhile, the youth USMNT are doing quite well in the U20 World Cup, beating Italy 3-0.
DC United’s Aaron Herrera embraces his Guatemala roots with his American identity (WTOP)
Aaron Herrara spoke with WTOP about his decision to play for Guatemala over the U.S. and his experience with the team so far.
Washington Spirit Goalkeeper Sandy MacIver Called Up to Scotland Women’s National Team (Washington Spirit)
The Spirit’s #2 keeper will be joining Scotland for friendlies against Morocco and Switzerland later this month.
Bethesda Soccer Club to join USL League 2 in 2026 (Bethesda Soccer)
The local soccer club is creating a new “pre-professional” men’s team in USL League 2, where they’ll compete against teams like Annapolis Blues FC and Virginia Beach United FC.
Looking ahead to this weekend, we’ve got some playoff clinching scenarios from Alison Gale. The Spirit have a few different routes to a home quarterfinal, but my preference would be “WAS win/draw.”
Club World Cup has left an injury trail that is damaging football. But will anyone listen? (The Guardian)
It sounds like player concerns about the Club World Cup adding to schedule congestion and thus posing a safety hazard were well-founded.
For some Friday… fun? The power went out during last night’s match between Nicaragua and Haiti, and I have the video for your enjoyment.
Finally, here’s the schedule of matches for the weekend. Only Loudoun United and Washington Spirit are playing and neither at home!
| Teams | When | Where | Watch |
|---|---|---|---|
| Loudoun United vs. Detroit City | Sat., Oct. 11 at 4 p.m. | Hamtramck, MI | ESPN+ |
| Washington Spirit vs. NC Courage | Sat., Oct. 11 at 7:30 p.m. | Cary, NC | Ion |
The USMYNT is on fire–really a tremendous run. Benjamin Cremeschi has been particularly “en fuego.”
And I seem to recall the Guatemalan NT really abusing Herrera–he came back injured once and another time they played him while he was injured.
I feel like the Herrera issue just comes from him being one of their best and most important players. They’re gonna play him essentially any chance they get, which can obviously negatively impact us
Big brain play to get red carded early so he wouldn’t get injured for a more important game…I kid, but he’s got more to play for internationally than with us at the moment.
Now, some coaches, like de la Fuente, are truly monsters and would rather risk permanently crippling their young stars than check their own ego (and allow any of a dozen other brilliant players to play).
I’m crazy dark times, I can’t help but be excited by US youth national teams outclassing European opposition. Soccer is part of the zeitgeist in a sports mad country, exposure means that our youth is soaking in some soccer IQ and understanding, skills coming online. Gotta have hope.
Btw, will have a USMNT game thread up later, for those who decide to watch.
https://thedistrictpress.com/2025/10/10/usmnt-vs-ecuador-october-friendly-preview-time-and-how-to-watch/
Major League Rugby has announced that there will be 2026 season and that roster rule changes are incoming. Going forward all teams must have a minimum of 16 US qualified and/or US qualification pathway players on the gameday roster going forward. This is after consulting with USA Rugby and World Rugby to help prepare for participating in Australia 2027 and hosting the Rugby World Cup in 2031.
LA Galaxy did it!! Despite having a man advantage since the 16th minute, the Galaxy were deadlocked after a 52nd minute goal by FC Dallas. For 35 minutes, it looked like the Galaxy might finish the night tied with DC United for the Wooden Spoon.
Of course, DC’s feckless offense would have meant DCU still had a grip on the Spoon, but a tie in the final week vs. ATL UTD and a Galaxy loss to Minnesota United would have given the honor to the LA side.
However, Gabriel Pec scored in the 87th minute to get 3 points for the Galaxy. Now, the only way DCU could fumble the Spoon away would be winning in Atlanta.